The Muses, Neptune, Mars, and Mercury  
Have set their rests up in low Germany.   
A GENERAL HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS: With the genealogy and memorable acts of the Earls of Holland, Zeeland, and west-Friseland, from Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earl, successively unto Philip the third King of Spain: Continued unto this present year of our Lord 1608, out of the best authors that have written of that subject: By ED. GRIMESTON.  
LONDON, Printed by A. Islip, and G. Eld. Anno Dom. 1608.    

TO THE RIGHT NOBLE, AND MOST WORTHY OF ALL HONOUR'S, AND ALL TITLES,  
ROBERT Earl of Salisbury, Lord High Treasurer of England, etc. THOMAS Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain to his Maiest●…e.  
MY most Honoured Lords, The same form of Inscription wherewith once, and first, I have sacred your Altars, I make it a Religion now to alter, since there is nothing required in an Act of Piety, above Constancy; and with that study I come now, to offer my second devotions. Your Honour's indulgent acceptance of my travels, in the French Story, hath lent prosperous winds to this my course in that of the Netherlands; wherein I have chiefly followed john Francis Petit, an Author yet living, and residing in our London. What I have added out of others (who respect the same Centre) for the more perfection, let it be your LL. prerogative, and theirs, that are experienced to pronounce: I, that know, too much boasting a man's own pains, may spend prodigally, both of his merit and modesty, am willingly silent. The reason of my undertaking this work, is the same with the former, for that of France, want of being employed in more fruitful services: In which I would rather it should be understood my Fortune's fault, than mine, where the world must see, how contented I am to labour in the hard and rough quarries. But your Honours, when you please, may redeem me, not to a course of more ease (I affect it not) but of more use. To which, since I have vowed myself your LL. already, I will not now iterate the vow, as if I thought not myself then believed; but with honest perseverance of my duty, expect your favour. And for your Honours, since nothing can be added to things perfect, and at their height, my next wish is, That Heaven will ratify them, and make what he hath given to you, most particular and lasting.  
Your LL. devoted in all duty and service, EDWARD GRIMESTON.   

john Francis Petit to the courteous Reader.  
POlibius a Greek writer (courteous reader) saith, that such as think a private history sufficient for the knowledge of the general, do no less (in his opinion) err from the truth, than he which seeing the members of a goodly creature divided, doth thereby judge of his perfection: but if you take these distinct and divided parts, and make it a perfect creature, giving it life and form, and then show it him again, without doubt he will confess his own error, and say he was like unto them that dream. True it is, we may have an apprehension of the whole by the parts, but it is impossible to have any certain knowledge. For my part, I do herein concur with Polybius: and say moreover, that he which thinks to understand perfectly the modern story of any country or state, without knowledge of the ancient, drawn from the spring, manners, and gests of their ancestors, whose actions he pretends to write, is like unto him, that says he knows a man, for that he hath seen him, or heard him speak, and yet cannot say of whence he is, what his parents were, nor from whence he is descended: even so, whosoever reads the history of any nation, without knowledge of their beginning, can never be fully satisfied, seeing he hath not laid a true foundation upon antiquity; for by the comparison and resemblance of ancient deeds with the modern, and conferring one with another, it is impossible but they should find out the truth, and reap a singular content and profit by the history. So it falls out with me, who, for my own delight, and to avoid idleness, having (in the heat of our wars, and other domestic employments) undertaken to write the history of these provinces, I did think I could not be well satisfied with the knowledge of la●…e accidents which have happened since my time, for these sixty years (whereof I have learned something from my deceased parents, and have been myself an eye witness, for these forty years; and as the Poet saith, Quaeque ipsa miserrima vidi, & quorum pars magna fui:  
Which miseries I wretch did see,  
And bore a share in each degree)  
if I had not endeavoured to recover what I could of the antiquity of the said provinces, both out of their own ancient chronicles, and from their neighbours. If I have herein used a ha●…sh style, it is no wonder▪ having not therein laboured to please the French, whose ears are something delicate; but remembering the manliness of the nation to whom I write, I have left this womanish niceness, seeking only those things which are proper and profitable for the story. And in these latter times, I have been forced in many things to follow the rough style of them of Arthois, Henaut, and of the court at Brussels, in many declarations which I have been forced to insert, although they differ much from the manner of French writers. Who so writes a history should not (labouring to adorn his style) always strive to move men's affections: neither is it fit to pursue with a continued style the miseries of the time, by invectives or otherwise, the which is more proper for tragical Poets; but he must make a true relation of men's words and actions: for a history and a tragedy have contrary ends. In a tragedy (if the truth be not apparent) we must strive to move the auditors, to hope, fear, care, anger, joy, and such like passions, by conjectures: but in history, we must endeavour by all means to relate sincerely whatsoever we will write of men, and of their actions; for conjectures may serve the one, to entertain and abuse the audience; and truth the other, for the reader's instruction and profit. I must confess it is a commendable thing in an honest man, to affect his friends and his country, and to hate their enemies; but he that undertakes to write a history, must moderate those passions with discretion, sometimes commending his enemies when their deeds deserve it, and blaming his friends and neighbours when their faults do merit it, lest he be reproached with Paulus iovius, of whom it is written:  
Dum patriam laudat, damnat dum iovius hosts,  
Nec malus est Civis, nec bonns Historicus.  
iovius in praising Italy, and baiting of her foes,  
Against the laws of history (though not of duty) goes.  
Believe me, as the body of any creature (when the eyes are out) is unprofitable, even so, if truth wants in a history, the discourse is fruitless: and therefore, when occasion is offered, they must not forbear to blame their friends, nor to commend their enemies, neither yet think it light or dishonest to praise them (upon good occasion) whom in some places they have justly blamed; for it is not credible, that they of whom we write have always done well, nor continually erred; we must therefore in our censures judge gravely and uprightly of men's actions, seeing that truth is the life and soul of a history, without the which (how goodly a gloss soever it carries) it is but a fable. To comprehend then the modern with the ancient they shall find here (not that I will put antiquity out of question, being impossible) for the better understanding of the history of these provinces, a particular deduction, wherein we entreat of all things (as far as we could recover) that have passed in the said provinces, whereby they shall receive a great contentment, comparing the ancient with the modern times. I have begun with the first institution of the earls of Holland, by king Charles the bald, where we will set down orderly the genealogy and acts of the said earls, since Thierry or Theodoric of Aquitaine, the first earl, instituted in the year 863, unto john of Henaut; the race of which Thierry having successively continued from father to son, for the space of 563 years, ending with john of Holland, the twentieth earl, son to that Floris, who was slain by Gerard van Velsen: to which john of Holland, dying without issue, succeeded the said john earl of Henaut his cousin, son to Alix, sister to William king of Romans, great aunt to the said john of Holland, who died in the year, 1300.  
And from the said john of Henaut unto cont William of Bavaria, the fifth of that name, surnamed the frantic, son to the emperor Lewis of Bavaria, and to Marguerite of Henaut, sister to William the fourth, who died without children; which house of Henaut ending in the said Marguerite, it fell to that of Bavaria, and had but four heads; all which together, ruled the said countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Henant, but fifty and one years. In which family of Bavaria (comprehending the said William the frantic, and the countess jacoba or jaquelyne who died also without children) there were five heads, which governed in all 82 years, unto Philip (called the good) duke of Burgoignie, cousin to the said jaquelyne; whose government, with duke Charles the warlike his son, and that of Marie daughter to Charles, wife to Maximilian archduke of Austria, continued but forty five years. After which, that of the said Maximilian then emperor (as father and guardian to Philip of Austria his son) of the said Philip having married jane Queen of Castille, of Charles the fifth emperor, and of Philip king of Spain last deceased, unto the year 1582, when as Philip (for the causes specified in this history) was declared by the general Estates of the united provinces, to be fallen from the sovereignty and government of the said earldoms and countries of the union, are ninety three years: and since the said year 1582, unto this year 1608 (Arthois, Henaut, and other provinces, being voluntarily fallen from the general union) the said provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and others, have governed under the authority of the said general Estates and the private governments (having united unto them Gueldres, Zutphen, Vtrecht, etc.) of William of Nassau prince of Orange, etc. and of prince Maurice his son. All which work, we have proportionably divided into sixteen books, and continued it unto these times, as you may see by the course of the history; from out of which (besides the contentment thereof) the reader may gather good instructions, as well for matter of religion and government, as for exploits of war, and most necessary for all sorts of men to know at this present time, especially for such men as are employed in the managing of any of these three estates: For seeing that men do judge of all things, either by rules and precepts which are taught in schools, or by examples and precedents, which histories do furnish, precepts without examples making no deep impression, nor moving the affections, it shall be always good, yea and very necessary, to confer (in the managing of affairs) the examples of things passed with the present time, that we may learn by others, what we are to do, or not to do, to embrace or avoid in the whole course of our lives. For as the poet saith,  
Happy is he that learns to gather wit  
By others harm, yet never feeleth it.  
For this consideration a history was called by the ancients, The testimony of time, the light of truth, and the mistress and mirror of man's life; for that in the person of another, she gives instructions to all those that will vuderstand how to govern themselves well. They are well worthy of commendation, which have endeavoured to register the memorable acts of time, and to impart them to posterity. And although that this age hath much restrained the liberty of writing, which did shine in the ancient Chroniclers, Froisart, Monstrelet, Comines, etc. yet will I never abandon myself to flattery, nor fear (two plagues in a history, and torments to the mind) but will make my discourse free and true. I must confess, that in some actions which are to be blamed, I give my censure, as in like manner I spare not to commend those actions, whereas virtue, religion, and valour, do shine: but in matters which are indifferent, I suspend my judgement, rather than to engage myself among so many difficulties, for there must needs be a confusion; whereas passion rules. Truth is my North star (and yet it may be, that some now living, and posterity hereafter, will not give credit to some things which we write, the which in another age (better I hope than ours) will be held too cruel, barbarous and inhuman; the which notwithstanding were most true, yea more execrable and abominable than we have described them: desiring rather to moderate with modesty, than to aggravat any thing. In the progress of this history, I do not follow the Dutch Chronicle, the difference of the stile, and the manner of writing French in matter of history (disagreeing much from the Dutch) will not allow it: besides, there are so many idle and ridiculous things in it, more like the Romant of the Rose, or the Legend of Lies, than a true history, as I have purposely omitted them, and as I hear they are razed out of the last impression of the ancient Dutch Chronicle. And whereas they shall find the deeds of so many brave old warriors, earls of Holland, with other noblemen, and knights, so barely related, in regard of those at this day, and as the modern French writers describe them; they must not accuse our diligence, who have searched for them as curiously as we could; but the negligence & ignorance of ancient writers, who have showed themselves idle, and too too careless: or else the injury of the time which hath suppressed them; or it may be the wars, which have wasted and consumed them. And for that in these later times, since the emperor Charles the 5 there have been so many writers of divers religions, every one writing according to his passion, or according to the affection which he bore to them of his religion, I have endeavoured to hold a mean. I will not say, but such as are most passionate, may sometimes discover what religion I hold most pure (for I neither can nor aught to deny it before men, no more than before God) yet hath it not (in matter of truth) made me to incline more to one part than to another, to publish or suppress the virtues and vices, the honour and disgrace of one or other. And for that the ground of our civil wars is written too partially (or rather invectively) by some; as by Surius the Chartrous monk, by Ersingerus, vander Haec, jansonius Documensus, & others, built upon a mere accusation of rebellion and disobedience to the king of Spain, and his edicts, touching matters of religion, and the Inquisition; as those words of rebellion and disobedience comprehend much in them, and have a large interpretation. But the better to inform posterity, who (it may be) will not be so partial, as to interpret all things past, to rebellion and disobedience, as these partial men have done. I have been very large in the description of the original and first spring, together with the causes and motives of our troubles, and of the wars which have followed against the Spaniards, and their adherents, by the insertion of many declarations, which I have thought very necessary for this subject, for the explaining thereof. I have also of purpose extended myself (to serve for an instruction and direction to posterity) in the description of the most remarkable sieges of towns of either part, as of Harlem, Leyden, Alcmar, Hulst, and Bomel, by the Spaniards; of Middlebourg, Gheertruydenbergh, Steenwic, Groningue, and others, by the Estates: in which sieges have b●…ene seen the dexterity, diligence, industry, directions, errors, and omissions of the commanders of either army. I would also entreat the courteous Reader, not to stumble, nor take exception at the terms of Roman Catholics and Protestants, which I use, speaking of the one or the other: Persuading myself, that the Catholics will not except against this epithet Roman: as also they of the Religion (who pretend it to be reform) will not reject the name o●… Protestants, seeing they not only pretend it to be reform, but protest and maintain with all vehemency, that it is so, be they of the confession of Ausbourg, or others, howsoever they will call them, be they Luthe●…ans, Caluinists, or zwinglians, as well of Germany, France, England, the Netherlands, as of other places, disagreeing from the Romish Religion: all which indifferently, for the above named reason, we call Protestants. As for that which concerns the war, armies, exploits, enterprises, surprises stratag●…ms, encounters, embasies, sieges of towns, battles, victories, and routs (although I have seen and learned something, as well in France as in these parts) I leave the censure of the stile and phrase (which I have used to describe them) to commanders, colonels, captains, and other soldiers, who haply know them better, and have a better military method to write them, than myself, who I hope will courteously supply my defects.   

THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER.  
COurteous Reader, it is now almost two years since I published to your view the Inventory of the French History: I must confess, it had been more safe to have made that work the period of my labours, and not to have undergone a new task of greater difficulty. But by the entreaty of some (whom I much respect) and mine own desire to give my countrymen some more contentment, and to acquaint them (that have not read it in the French) with the whole history of the netherlands wars, as well as with the estate of France, I have thus venturously once again put forth from a safe port, into an ocean of dangers, and undertaken the translation of this history of the Netherlands. Whereunto I was the more encouraged, by the gracious reception of my noble patrons, and the kind testimonies of approbation of many courteous and well minded gentlemen, who have been content to wink at my weakness and defects in that work, and to allow of mine endeavours: yet will I not arrogate any thing that was praise worthy in that story unto myself, nor attribute the worthiness of those authors to mine own merit, who could both grace themselves in writing French, and me in teaching them to speak English. I doubt not but some will think it a great indiscretion to meddle with this subject, whereas the sovereignty and prerogative of a mighty monarch in those united provinces is called in question. I confess it were so, if it were originally done by me; but being written in the French, Italian, Latin, and Dutch, I thought I might without any imputation impart it to our own nation, which hath had so great a share in those warr●…s. I assure myself it will be diversly censured, as men stand affected to the cause; some (I doubt not) will read it, to be satisfied of the true causes and proceedings of this long and bloody war; some I presume, will curiously search out but for matter of exception, and not instruction; and I fear some will be so transported with passion, and out of charity, as whereas before they would have exchanged a friendly good morrow with me, they will now shun my company, and take me for a capital enemy to their cause. But good God, how are they abused in their conceptions? I would entreat those men to remember, that I neither take upon me to be an advocate to plead the cause, nor a champion, to defend it by arms; but am only a bare translator, who am tied to my teacher, and cannot exceed the limits prescribed me by mine author. There is nothing of mine own in this work; neither have I added nor kept back anything that was material for the subject: and I may lawfully protest, that I have been free from passion, without aggravation or detraction, having used all the moderation I could in the relating of any thing, where there might appear either spleen or affection. As for the truth of the history, and the integrity of mine author, I must refer you to john Francis Petit, who must plead for himself: and therefore I have planted his own preface or apology in the front of this book; where you may both see his reasons for the course of the history, beginning with the earls of Holland and Zeeland, and read his protestations for his sincerity, in the faithful relating of all things that have passed during the wars. If this may not suffice for his justification, he himself is yet living here in London, and ready to satisfy any doubt that may arise. I must advertise the reader, that to make this history more perfect, and to continue it unto these times, I have been forced to use some other helps, and especially of Emanuel Demetrius, who hath been very careful and industrious to congest all things which concern this subject; for the effecting whereof, he hath had very good and great intelligence. I have also been beholding to monsieur Hottoman, a french gentleman, who at my late being in France, did furnish me with sundry excellent discourses, concerning this history: And I have had some observations in written hand, by the means of that worthy knight, sir Peter Manwood, the which were gathered by sir Roger Williams, when he first bore arms under julian Romero, a Spaniard in the great Commanders time: all which I have presumed to insert, knowing they will be a grace and beauty to the story, and a benefit to the reader: And therefore I hope I shall be excused, if I have borrowed a little of the laws of translation, seeing it belongs unto the subject, and is but a supply of that which my author wanted. My design was, to make it a particular History of the Netherlands, wherein I have not willingly inserted any thing, which doth not directly concern the prince or the provinces. If you shall find any thing related here, which you have formerly read in the French Inventory, as the donation of the Netherlands to the Infanta, the death of the king of Spain, the combat of Briaute, etc. I pray you consider, that they do chiefly belong unto this subject, and were drawn out of this original.  
But leaving the subject and the author, I must be a suitor unto you for myself and the Printers: my first suit shall be, That in reading of this history, you will not expect the succinct stile of john de Seres, nor the fluent discourses of Peter Matthew, but (being written by a soldier, and, as he himself confesseth, in harsh unpolished Wallon French) you will accept thereof in this course English habit, being bare, and without ornaments of Rhetoric; my chiefest care and study having always been, to enrich it with good matter, for their better instruction which are desirous to learn. I must confess my stile is harsh and plain, for so is my authors: Besides, I have been forced to use the help of a harsh translator, for some things, out of the Dutch tongue, the which (being surprised with the shortness of time) I have been constrained to insert, being not so exactly reform as I could have wished. Which defects of mine, with all others committed at the press (the which must needs be many in so great a volume) I must entreat you to supply with your judicious reading, & to censure favourably. I must also crave your patience for a misprision in the Titles: for being myself at court, and absent from the press, the Printer hath continued the earl of Leicester's name in the Title, long after his death; and hath forgotten to set prince Maurice his picture in his due place: the which is but an offence to the eye, but no alteration in the subject. My last suit unto you is, in respect of the verses under every picture, I must confess, they were out of my element, neither was I willing to trouble myself therewith, being oppressed with the shortness of time, and the greatness of this work: I referred them to the Printers care, who (being no good poets themselves) have employed one, which hath scarce made good rhyme of many of them. Our joint suit is, That if the rhyme please you not, you would be satisfied with the reason: or at the least (being not pertinent to the matter) pass them over as blanks. And so, wishing you as much content in the reading, as I have had care to give you contentment in the writing, I rest,  
Yours ever, E. G.   

A CHRONOLOGIE OF THE Earls of Holland and Zeeland, their number, descent, and genealogy; together with their governors, regents, and rulers of their common weals.  
First, of the beginning of the inhabitants, the situations, greatness, and ancient manners of those provinces.  
THe Bataviens or Hollanders had their first beginning from the Hermodures, 
The first beginning of the Bataviens.  a people which dwelled in ancient time beyond the great forest Hercinie, threescore days journey beyond Hongarie, near unto the Scithyans, and in that country from whence are first issued the Catthes; Cerusiens', and Ligiens; against whom the Hermodures (afterwards Bataviens) had great quarrels, by reason whereof, they were chased out of their ancient habitation: so as in the end leaving the Catthes, they cast themselves upon the confines of the Gauls country, which they found unhabited, occupying this island of the Rhine, with the rivers, woods and marshes; the which hath before it the river of Meuse, behind it the Ocean sea, and on all other sides the river of Rhine.  
The chief cause why these Hermodures Bataviens were chased from their first country and habitation, was, that in the country where they did first use to inhabit there was a river which is at this day called Sala (not that Sala which is in Saxony) with the water whereof they did make salt, as they do at this day in the Bay, and in the pits of Lunebourg: and for that there was not any one of all the neighbours but would willingly have appropriated unto himself the use and sole possession of these salt pits, the Bataviens and Catthes had great wars against them, with whom they could never agree; by reason whereof, and to live more in quiet (seeing they could not be in peace) they retired themselves from thence, and came to inhabit in the country of the Catthes, the which hath since changed his name, and is now called Hessen, whereof a part at this day retains the name of Catsenell bogen; which is an earldom in Germany, the which the house of Nassau doth challenge, but the Land: grave of Hessen doth enjoy it. Afterwards Battus or Batton, and his brother Zelandus (according unto some, others calling him Mattion, whereupon the Zeelanders are called Mattiaques) sons to the king of Catthes, being fallen into the hatred of their mother in law, who (by their father's sufferance) did them all the disgraces she could, yea sought to poison or murder them; to avoid these ambushes, they left their father's country, and came down unto this island within the Rhine, the which prince Battus called Battavia, of his own name the which is Holland. His brother Zelandus or Mattion, passed on with his train, and retired himself into the extremities of the islands of the Rhine, the which in like manner he called Zeeland, of his own name, or else of his other name, the Mattique land, the which is the county of Zeeland: in which quarter he continued his triffique to seethe and make salt, as they do yet use at this day in all the islands of Zeeland: In one of the which islands, since called Walchrens, he caused a castle to be built (then called Bourg) in remembrance of king Metellus his father, the which 
The foundation of Middlebourg.  he called Metell●burgum, which is the famous town of Middlebourg in Zeeland, and the chief of the county.  
We find that there were two other Battons', one a German, & the other of Dalmatia. The first was duke of the Brusses, now Prusians in the lower Hongarie: and the other was called Batton Desidtate, who moved the people of Dalmatia to rebel against the Romans, seeing them too much oppressed with tributes and exactions; making such sharp war against them, as Tiberius the emperor asked him on a time, why he had caused the people to take arms? to whom he answered boldly, that the Romans were the cause thereof, for that in stead of sending them shepherds with good dogs to preserve them, they had sent them wolves which devoured them.  
As for Batton the Hollander, although he did inhabit the country which lies betwixt the rivers of Rhine, Wahal, Lecke, and Issel, yet (as it commonly falls out in all barbarous nations) we cannot rightly describe his successors, no more than of Mattion or Zelandus his brother. Being probable that whatsoever was left in writing hath been defaced, burnt, or otherwise lost by the invasions of the Danes or Normans, and for that the inhabitants of those countries have been often chased from their dwellings.  
Prince Battus having settled his abode in Batavia, he began to build a town, which in succession of time was grown great and mighty; the which by his name he called Batavodurum, 
The foundation of Wyckterduyrstede.  at this present Wyckterduyrstede, three leagues from Vtrecht, and of that diocese. Since in the time of Hungerus the 11 bishop of Vtrecht, it was quite destroyed by the Danes and Normans. It is at this day but a small town, whereas in auncieut times it was wont to be 3 miles in circuit, and to have six and thirty parish churches: there is a goodly castle, whereas the bishops of Vtrecht were wont to keep their court. The river of Rhine was wont to pass through the town of Wycke, and from thence took her course by the towns of Vtrecht, 
The Rhine.  Woerden, Bodegrave, and Leyden, unto Rhinbourg and Catwycke, whereas it enters into the British ocean: but eight hundred years since (as it sometimes happens) a strong northwest wind, drove the river backward; so as the countries of Holland, Vtrecht, and a good part of Gueldres (especially the Betuve) were subject to inundation. The inhabitants of these countries did agree together to give it a more oblique or crooked course, turning it from Wycke, and causing it to enter into the Lecke (being then but a small river, but by the flowing in of the Rhine, it is now grown great and spacious, as it is at this day) bounding it in on every side with great banks or ramparts, which they call dikes, unto the town of Schoonhoven in Holland, entering a little farther off, at Crempen, into the old river of Meuse, two leagues beneath Dordrecht falling (beyond the island of Bryel) into the same British sea: so as the gulf of the Rhine, which was wont to be at Catwyck, remaining dry at every low water, is in tract of time stopped up, by the sands and downs cast up by the violent sea winds; so as thereby they of Leyden, to their great loss and prejudice, have no more any passage to the sea.  
The river of Wahal, the first point of the Rhine (which separates itself at the fort of G●…uensweerd) 
The Wahal.  hath from that place, the towns of Nymeghen, Tyel, Bomel, and many goodly castles, unto Louvesteyn, whereas it joins with the Meuse, passing by the towns of Gorrichom and Vandrichom, one opposite unto another; which two rivers fortify themselves at Gorrichom, with the river of Linghen, which comes out of the Betuve, washing, as it passeth, the small towns of Asprens, Henkelom, and Leederdam, and a little lower swallowing up the river of Meruve, extending itself, and making in a manner a sea of fresh water, which environeth the town of Dordrecht, and makes it an island: before the which, on the north side, 
The Meruve.  growing straighter, it takes the only name of the Meuse, passing before Rotterdam, Delfshaven, Schiedam, Vlaerdinghen, and Bryel, all good towns, having goodly and rich havens, entering that way into the great ocean. All which quarter, unto the towns of Gonderino & Delf, with the Sturmers & Maeslanders, is called south Holland. There begins another part of Holland, which generally are called Catthes, whereas the Rhine (as we have said) was wont to have his right course, and to enter into the sea at Catwyck; in the which are seated the towns of Woerden, and Oudwater, the Rhinelanders, and their chief town Leyden, of the which the lords of Wassenare and Catwyck were wont to be viconts, and at this present, the earl of Ligny, who carries the title at this day.  
In this island of the Rhine, after the Hollanders, Bataviens, and Catwyckers, are the Kennemers, Cananifates, taking their beginning from the torrent of Kennemer (which they call Kennemers beek) near unto Graven-mey, and extends along to Harlem, which is the chief town, being fair, great, and spacious, Beverwick & Alcmar, towards the islands of Texel and Wyringhen, and so forward into the Fly Maers-diep, Heerf-diep, Schelling, and Amelandt, the which is also a pretty island.  
After the Kennemers are the North Hollanders, or West-Frisons, beginning on the North side, at Amsterdam, whereas in old time was the great town of Veronna, the ruins whereof are yet to be seen, and near unto it is Alcmar, a fair and pleasant town, than the Merchant Tornes of Horn, Enchuysen, Medenblick, Eedam, Monikendam, and Purmerende; all lying upon the sea, with a great number of good boroughs and villages. In which quarter the men are great, mighty, strong; and hardy; as the Spaniards have sufficiently tried, in the wars of the first troubles of the Netherlands, where they have been often beaten, and could never get any footing, as they have often done in other places.  
All that we have spoken in general of Batavia, or Holland being well examined, we shall 
How Holland is divided.  find five nations; that is, the Bataviens, lying beneath and above Gorrichom: the Wilthes, under Dordrecht, with South-Holland: the Catwyckers, and Rhinelanders, under Leyden: the Kennemers, or Cananifates, under Harlem: and the West-Frisons, with the Waterlanders, which they call North-Hollanders: The which notwithstanding are all of one name, and are generally called Hollanders: and all these pieces and portions joined together in one body of an estate, make the country of Holland.  
Seeing we have discoursed somewhat of Holland, it shall not be impertinent to speak somewhat 
Definition & properties of the river of Rhine.  of the Rhine also, which doth embrace Holland, as it were betwixt her two arms. We find that the river of Rhine hath been so called by the Germane word Rein, which signifies pure and neat; not for the pureness and clearness of her water, but as some will say, for the purity of the nuptial bed, whereof the Heathens have made her judge: For such was their superstition, as if they doubted a child was not lawfully borne, they did use to lay it upon a target, and suffered it to drive down the stream; if it were adulterous, it sunk, if lawful, it did float. The which julian writing to Maximus the philosopher, describeth thus. Rhenus' Germanus 
The Rhine in old time the judge of Bastards.  iniurius non est, qui nothos infantes subsidere mergique aquis patitur, veluti illiciti thori justus ar●…ter: quos verò legitimo conceptos semine cognoverit, fluctuantes ●…ndis offered, pavidaeque matrirestituit, reddens illi sospitem prolem, ceu indubitatum casti atque integri connubij testimonium: the which Galen, Naziansene, N●…nius, and the poet Claudian do witness.  
And although that the ancients before julius Caesar's time, have known but one gulf of the Rhine, which is that which was wont to be at Catwyck; yet after that, Germani●…us (going to fight against the Frisons) caused the channel to be digged as far as Doesbourg in Gueldres, the which did fall into the river of Issel: there is yet another, which runs near unto Campen, into the Zuydersee, beginning his course at Issel-cort, betwixt the which and the gulf, are the the towns of Doesbourg, Zutphen, Deventer, Hattem, Campen, and many goodly castles: for before they had cut off her course at Wickter-duyrsted, she had two gulfs, the one which ran directly to Catwick, the other by one of her branches, called the river of Wahal, the which joins with the Meuse at Lovestein, & so mingled together falls into the Meruve before Dordrecht, as we have said, and runs into the British sea, near unto Bryele. And the third of this second branch, named Issel, falls into the Zuydersee at Campen.  
Some learned men make a question, whether Holland (for that it is environed by the three 
A question, whether Holland be of Germany or of the Gauls.  gulfs of the Rhine, a Germane river) be a member of Germany, or of Gaul Belgike. Among others, Raymond Marlian puts the Hollanders in the number of the Belg●…ke nations, yea he will have Batavodurum, which is Wyckter-duyrsted, to be of Gaul Belgike. Doctor Adrian le jeune, of Horn, using the testimony of the ancients, of the limits of Rhine, doth appropriate it unto Germany, according unto the authority of Pliny, who doth expressly number the Bataviens among the Vbiens, Gurgemiens, and other islands of the Rhine, all people of Germany. plutarch in Otho's life, saith, That the Bataviens, among all the Germans, are the most excellent in horsemanship, and doth attribute the island which they inhabit unto Germany, being compassed in by the river of Rhine, comprehending that which is betwixt the rivers of Wahal and Leck, and then betwixt Leck and the river of Issel: the other bank whereof, is neither Holland nor Gueldre, but Ouerissel, beginning at the town of Deventer. Cornelius Tacitus, in the twentieth book of his history, saith, Batavi dum trans Rhenum agebant, pars Catthorum, seditione pulsi, extrema Gallicae orae vacua 
Cornelius Tacitus his opinion.  cultoribus, simulque insulam Rher Rheni inter vada sitam, occupavere. Whereby he frees that doubt, when he says, That the Bataviens did occupy the frontiers of Gaul Belgike, being watered by the Rhine, and unpeopled: He means the frontiers of Germany towards Belgia; for he adds, the Rhine (which is a river of Germany) comprehending this island in her circuit. He saith moreover, That the Catthes which came out of Germany, have enjoyed this island, not by the right of arms, but by a long and quiet possession. If Tacitus then, in his book of the manners of the Germans, puts the Mattiaques, which be the Zeelanders in the number of the Germans, how much more than should the Hollanders be reputed of the appurtenances of the Rhine, and by consequence of Germany: Of which controversy, that flood must needs be judge, according to the words of Vibius Sequester, in his book of floods and rivers, where he saith, Rhenus Belgas à Germanis separate. Tacitus doth aver the same, placing the Wahal, which is the other branch of the Rhine, towards the South, upon the limits of the Belgike coast: whereby we may see, that the frontiers of Belgia do not extend any further than the Rhine: The which the author Panegerike to Maximion Augustus doth also teach, in these words, Rhenum videtur ipsa sic natura duxisse, ut eo limit Roman a provinciae ab imanitate Barbarorum vindicarentur. Saint Ambrose saith also in one place, Rhenus memorandi Romani Imperij murus 
S. Ambrose his opinion.  adver sum feras gentes. Pliny saith also, That the soundest part of Batavia hath been cut off from Germany, by Drusus army (called, according unto Tacitus, Cysrhenane, that is to say, beyond the Rhine) namely the Veluve, and all the diocese of Vtrecht. Hereupon there may be some scruple made of the words of Claudius Civilis, a great captain of the Bataviens, issued from the blood royal, speaking to Alpinus Montanus, being come to persuade him to forbear to make war against the Romans, when he said unto him in these words; En ego praesectus unius cohortis, & Cananifates Batavique exigua Gallorum portio, vanailla castrorum spacia excidimus. Whereby, at the first sight, some one would say, that the Bataviens and Cananifates, were a small portion of the Gauls: But you must understand, that Montanus being known to Civilis to be a man apt to all innovations, being a Gaul, who might assist him much in his designs, to draw him to his party, knowing him to be a man of great authority among the Gauls, he used this kind of speech; as if he would say, If I, who am chief of a colony with the Bataviens and Cananifates (who in respect of the Gauls are but a handful of men) have defeated the Romans camp, what would become of them, if the Gauls, having shaken off their yoke, would join themselves and their forces with ours, and that we jointly fall upon them? Besides, we may say, that he calls the Bataviens a part of the Gauls, that he might the more easily persuade the Gauls to revolt; and, as being all of one nation, to move them the sooner to take arms with them against the Romans, than if they were strangers: neither doth it avail to say (to make the Hollanders merely Gauls) that the emperor Charles the bald, king of France, had erected that country into a county, and given it to Thierry, son to the duke of Acquitaine, seeing that the said Charles was also emperor of Germany: And it is also most certain, that the emperor Lewis his son, gave unto the said cont Thierry the carledome of Zeeland: neither can it be read, that the earls of Holland and Zeeland, did ever homage for their countries, unto the French king. Wherefore we will rather hold the opinion of doctor Arian le jeune of Horn.  
As there are two chief and principal means to lead a man to honour, and to make 
Two principal means to win honour.  him famous; that is to say, eloquence, and prowess, or experience in wars: reaping by the first the ornaments of peace, and by the second, avoiding the dangers which grow by war. By the first point the Hollanders have never gotten any glory, being heavy and dull among men of spirit: wherefore they must attain unto this degree of honour (the gift of the tongue failing them) and purchase it by the force of their arms, joined to their wisdom and loyalty: for which cause they were admitted into the fraternity of the Roman empire: and by the same means having made themselves to be redoubted and feared, they purchased unto themselves the renown of invincible virtue, by the which they 
The virtue of the old Hollanders.  have sought the way to honour. For proof whereof the Romans in old time did so much honour the Bataviens, as they not only received them for companions (as they have done other nations) but for their brethren and friends: the which they did witness by marble tables set up in their honour. Tacitus in his book of the manners of the Germans, saith, Omnium harungentium praecipui Batavi, insulant Rheni amnis colunt, Catthorum quondam populus & seditione domesticain eas sedes 
Tacitus testimony of the Bataviens.  transgressus, in quibus pars Romani imperij fierent. Manet honos & antiquae societatis ensign: nam nec tributis contunduntur, nec publicanus atterit; exempti oneribus & collationibus, tantumque in usu praeliorum sepositi, velut tela ac arma bellis reseruantur.  
julius Caesar was the first that did employ the Batavien horsemen, whom for their valour and great force, he thought to be fit for the wars, whereof he raised some bands, as he saith in the 7 book of his French wars. Labour antibus iam suis Germanorum circiter quadring entoes submittit, quos ab initto secum habere instituer at, horum impetum Galli sustinere non potuerunt, atque in fugam coniecti, multis amissis se ad agmen receperunt. Behold how Caesar calls the Bataviens Germans. But to the end there be no abuse in this word Germanos (seeing the Saxons have been always enemies to the Roman emperor, until that Charlemagne did subdue them) this should not be referred to the Bataviens only, but to the Frisons, Esterlings, and other people lying upon the sea coast, as far as the river of Elbe, whom to avoid the confusion of the diversity of names, Caesar did generally name Almains; for we must not doubt but in these german horsemen of the Romans, there were some of Cleves and Gueldres also (the which were called Sicambres) confining also upon the Rhin. As for the Frisons there is no difficulty, but they were so, being ordinarily taken for Bataviens, as well as the Bataviens for Frisons, by reason of their proximity and neighbourhood; and that all of them in that time did not acknowledge any one but the empire: for Strabo saith, That the Northern people, and those which inhabit the 
Strabo.  coasts of that sea, are more warlike and stronger in horse, than any other that did serve the Romans: the which is confirmed by Dion Niceus, when he saith, That Augustus Caesar had a 
Dion Niceus.  choice band of horsemen (which were called Bataviens) the which he employed against Marc Anthony, whereof he made squadrons apart, whom he did allow in sign of honour, and for their merits, to carry riding rods in their hands, after the manner of captains. Orosus in his sixth book doth witness that with the help of these Batavien horsemen (which by a general term he calls Germane) he subdued the Gauls, which were conspired against the Romans. Plutarch in Othoes' life, 
Plutarch,  saith, That Varus Alphenus captain of the Bataviens (the which were these excellent german horsemen) brought them to serve this emperor. And by the laws and military orders of the emperor Adrian, the old and new Batavien horsemen were put in the rank of the ensigns Palatins, appointed for the guard of Caesar's person, as also the Mattique Zeelanders, both old and new, were reputed among the Palatin aids. Tacitus reports, that Domitius Corbulo led the light horsemen of Batavia into Capadocia against the Persians. Suetonius in the life of Sergius Galba saith, that the Germans (by which word he would generally call the Bataviens, Cananifates, Frisabones, 
Suetonius.  Mattiaques, and others of their confines) were appointed as archers to guard the first emperors; whereof there is an old epitaph found. Hilarius Neronis Caesaris corporis custos, natione Friso, vixit annos trigintatres.  
Tranquillus describes how well the emperor Galba entreated the Batavien army which was sent into Alexandria by Nero, to pacify some troubles, showing thereby howmuch he did esteem them, and how curious he was of their health. Germanicus Caesar committed the rearward of his army unto the Bataviens in that troublesome war which he had against the Cherusques; in the which Cariovalde a Batavien captain made his valour apparent above all the rest, dying after his horse had been killed under him, having his body covered with arrows.  
Tacitus in his 17 book writes, That Vitellius, having caused Claudius Civilis to be put in prison (being one of the Batavien captains) for some mutiny, suffered him to depart free, fearing, that if he should have punished him, this nation would have risen against him, being then 
The brave exploits of the Bataviens.  eight cohorts or bands. He saith also that the Bataviens with their squadrons, had always the point in those battles which the Romans had against the English men and Tongres, to the end that by their example the rest of the army might be encouraged to fight well: and that the Bataviens drew their enemies to fight by skirmishes: yea, near unto Plaisance, when as at the winning of a little Island, the sword players (who were held to be desperate men) being in a galley, advanced with rowing, the Bataviens casting themselves into the water, swimming through got thither before them, fight both against the violence of the stream and the enemies altogether, whom they put to rout, before the sword-players could arrive.  
The Bataviens were excellent swimmers, making no difficulty, either armed or unarmed, to swim through the swiftest streams: whereupon Tacitus saith, Batavorum auxiliariorum 
The Bataviens good swimmers.  open, julius Agricola, tentatam antea (sedinfoelicitèr) Monam Britanniae insulam in deditione accepit: quando non class aut navibus insulam ingressi, sed patrio nandi usu, quo se paritèr & equos & arma regunt, difficultatem omnem superavere, depositis in littore sarcinis, quum obstupefacti hostes mentem oculosque in classem navesque intenderent.  
Dion Niceus saith, in another place, That the Bataviens horsemen, which served the emperor Adrian against the Hongarians, were armed with all pieces, and that having past the river of Istra, they did so terrify them, as they were forced to submit themselves, & to acknowledge the emperor. Tacitus saith moreover, That the Romans being put once to rout, Claudius Civilis being known (for that he was blind of one eye) being assailed of all sides with their arrows, leaving his horse, he cast himself into the Rhine, and so swum over from his enemies. And the Bataviens did so rely upon their art of swimming, as they were sometimes deceived. For whereas Drusus making war against the Cherusques, had at a low water past the straight of the river of Ems (at this present called the Dullard) the Bataviens making the rearward, swimming over during the ebb, could not retire in time, but that many of them were carried away with the violence of the stream, and drowned. Some will say, That the Bataviens made themselves fearful, by reason of the brightness of their arms (as in truth it is a commendable thing in a soldier) whereas chose, by reason of the waters which they did usually pass armed, they were more rusty than any others, not caring to keep them clean, desiring rather to be valiant indeed, than to make a show with the brightness of their arms.  
The Roman writers, as Tacitus, Orosius, Suetonius, and others, write, That among all the nations of Germany, the Bataviens (by the which was meant the Hollanders and Frisons) have always been the most strong and able men, the most valiant, courageous, and apt to arms; more vigilant, active, laborious, and moderate in all their actions, than any other of their soldiers: whereof the emperors, Otho, Galba, and Vitellius, had made trial, and had well observed, when as they had them in their armies. They say also, That the emperor Caligula, and Claudius (who built the castle of Britt●…n, near unto Catwick upon the sea (for there are two Catwicks') to serve as a lantern for such as did sail from the river of Rhine into England) had most commonly the Bataviens near unto his person, as the archers of his guard: Which emperors would not assail England, without the Bataviens, for that julius Caesar had been infortunate in that enterprise, having lost in a manner all his horsemen, many of his footmen, and a great number of his ships. And whensoever there grew any mutinies or factions against the Roman emperors or princes, they were assured that he was victor, and prevailed, which had the Bataviens & Frisons on his side: as Vitellius did, when he made war against Otho, for when Varus Alphenus, commander of the Bataviens (of that place which at this day they call Alphen in Holland) went to succour him with his Hollanders he defeated Otho, and put his army to rout. And in succession of time, the Bataviens were so practised in arms, so famous, and in such credit, as they persuaded themselves, that they had power to create a Roman emperor, or to displace him. Once the Batavien horsemen did vaunt, That they had done more at the last battle, than any other nation, that did serve the Romans, having overthrown fourteen legions, and taken the chiefest part of Italy from Nero, vaunting, That all the fortune of the battle had been in their hands, and consisted in their forces: as if they would say, That hereafter whosoever were on their side, should be sure to prevail. These proud presumptuous speeches were troublesome to hear, and hard to digest for the captains and soldiers of other nations, which were in the camp. Whereupon Flaccus Valens, general of all the Roman army, resolved to ●…perat the Bataviens (being such bold speakers) from the rest, to avoid all jealousy and tumult: The which they of the army hearing, the legions began to mutiny, and to be discontented; for that they would take from them, the aid and support of their valiant men (meaning the Bataviens) whom they could in no sort want, seeing that whensoever there were any matter of danger to be put in execution, they were still the first that presented themselves (whereof there were three hundred of them on horseback, very heavily armed, whereof forty or fifty with their horses barded, and all their arms did swim through any rivers) who having won so mady goodly victories, by their industry, dexterity, and valour, now (said the other Roman soldiers) being so near the enemies, there were no reason disjoin them, and to withdraw them from their company: wherefore, if their general did love the safety of the Roman empire, he should not separate that generous and valiant nation from the body of their army. By which speeches we may well conceive, that the Bataviens have always been great defenders of the Roman empire: For which consideration, and for their fidelities, they have always been free and exempt from all tributes and taxations 
The Bataviens exempt from tributes.  of the Romans, being only received to serve them in the wars with their persons, arms, and horses, at the charge of the emperors, or the Roman commonweal. So as this province of Batavia, and the rest adjoining, did serve the Romans as a storehouse for men of war, in all occurrents, when they had need; finding them both ready and resolute (as we may see at this day of the Switsers) when as there was any cause to levy men, and that the Romans demanded succours from all places under their obedience. Writing to the Gauls, Germans, English, and others, they did signify what pay they should receive monthly: but writing unto the Bataviens and Frisons, they made no mention of pay, for that, coming to the army, they gave them what they demanded.  
That the Bataviens, by reason of their fierce count●…nance, strange manner of habits, and arms, were terrible, not only unto strange nations, but also unto the Romans themselves, it appears by these verses of Martial, in the time of the emperor Domitian.  
MARTIAL. Sum figuli lusus ruffi persona Batavi,  
Quae tu derides, haec tim●…t ora pater.  
This potter's clay presents the Dutch; and know,  
Your fathers feared them, though you scorn them now.  
This was spoken by the image of a Hollander, made of potter's earth, the which a citizen of Rome had caused to be set before his house, whereat the children in the street did make a jest, and yet their fathers were afraid to look on them. He did paint him red, for that the Bataviens as well as the Germans, were delighted in that colour; the poets (among others, Silius Italicus) giving them the epithet of Auricomes, that is to say, golden locks. And if by nature they had not their hair somewhat red or flaxen (the which Pliny, in his 2 book and 78 chapter, saith, doth happen by reason of the temperature of the air, and that their children, both sons and daughters, do usually go, even unto this day, bore headed) they made them red, or yellow, of purpose, with lie▪ which the Mattiaque Zeelanders were accustomed also to use, with certain little pills, which they dissolved in vinegar; the which the Romans called pilas Mattiacas, and the lie, spumam Batavam, as the said Martial says in his Epigrams. 
MARTIAL. Et mutat Latias spuma Batava comas.  
The Dutchmans' ointments die the Italian locks:   
And by reason of the fiery force which is in the ashes, whereof the lie is made, they gave it an epithet of Caustique, that is to say, burning, by these verses. 
MARTIAL. Caustica Teutonicos accendit spuma capillos.  
With Caustique drugs the Dutchmen scald their hairs.   
The which the Romans did so imitat, after the example of the Bataviens, as the emperor Antonius was not ashamed to put on a periwig ofred hair, to imitat the colour of the Germans, according to the saying of Herodian, as in like manner Domitian did, as Martial writes. Tacitus writes, That the Germans and Bataviens had blue eyes, and shining or flaming hair, as I●…al doth witness.  
IWENAL. Cerulaquis stupuit Germani lumina, flavam  
Caesariem, & ●…adido torquentem cornua cirro.  
Who wonders at the Germans when he sees  
Their dank flame-coloured curls, and blew died eyes.  
And withal, they did bind up their hair in trusses like horns. Vitellius being general of the army to the emperor Nero in Germany, the Bataviens and Cananifates being in Gaul, being sent for to go to Rome, their great captain Civilis writ unto them, and countermanded them. And as in marching they came near unto the troops of Flaccus Ordeonius (one of the commanders of the Roman army) they gave them to understand, That for certain reasons they were resolved not to serve the Romans any more, or else they would have double pay, demanding a supply of horsemen, the which they said were much diminished in subduing the Bourgognons and Awergnacs; and above that, the honourable reward which Vitellius had promised them, else they would never go any more to Rome, nor serve the Romans: the which they spoke at the instigation of their captain Civilis, that they might have some occasion to return home, having served above twenty years continually, without seeing of their houses and families. Ordeonius refusing to give them leave, would have them to serve still. But the Bataviens not respecting his command, retired themselves to their captain Civilis, to do as he should command them: the which Ordeonius seeing, he writ unto Herenius Gallus, governor of Bonne, lying upon the Rhine, in the country of the Vbiens (which now is the diocese of Cologne, being within four leagues of it) that he should cut off the Bataviens' passage, and that he would charge them behind, so as not any one of them should return into his country. The Bataviens, Catthes, Cananifates, & their associates, had already sent an embassage unto Bonne, with letters of this substance.  
To captain Herenius Gallus health: We Bataviens, and our companions, require you to 
The Bataviens letter to the governor of Bonne.  give us free passage to return into our country: we have no war nor hatred against the Romans, for whose service we have so often shed our blood, and exposed our lives: wherefore now that we are weary of the wars, and of carrying of arms, we desire to go and see our dear country, and hereafter to live in rest, if no man hinder us; in which case we must make our way by force.  
Those of Bonne having a desire to charge them, and to stop their passage, Herenius their governor, 
The Bataviens get a great victory.  sent forth a legion of three thousand men, with a great number of peasants of the country of Treves, trained up in arms. Those like men greedy of spoil, sallied out by all the ports of the town, to affront the Bataviens, being very few in number, in regard of them that came to assail them (the Bataviens showing their ancient courage and valour, joining so closely together, as they could not force them in any part) but the Bataviens, without fear, and with a wonderful resolution, charged this great multitude of Bonne, with their small troop, whom they defeated and put to rout, chase this legion even into their ports, the Bataviens pursuing them still; of whom they slew so great a number, as the town ditches near unto the port, were filled, one falling upon another, the press was so great in flying to get into the town. Having gotten this victory, they passed on their way, without doing harm to any one, leaving Cologne on the one side; having excused this defeat before Bonne, for that they seeking peace & friendship with all men, had demanded passage, the which being denied them, they were forced to help themselves as well as they could, and to make their passage by the sword. This happened about 70 years after the birth of Christ: whereof we have made mention, to make known the virtue, valour, and chivalry, which the Bataviens, Hollanders, and Frisons, have heretofore showed in the Romans service above all the nations of the world: which ancient Hollanders, in respect of their valour & virtue, seem to be revived in those of our time, whereof they have made good proof in the furious wars which they have maintained for the space of 40 years, both by sea & by land, against all the power of the king of Spain, their ancestors not knowing what it was to fight by sea: wherein at this day they exceed all others. According to the testimony of some ancient writers, the Batavien men and women were attired almost alike: they did 
The Bataviens habits.  use to wear a cassock, and a cloak upon it, made fast with a great button of gold or silver, the cassock being close to the body, & a thin pair of breeches, being plain down unto the knee, so as under the cloak you might see the proportion of all the members of their bodies. Those which did inhabit along the sea coast, were covered with the skins of wild beasts, wherewith the country at that time (being full of woods) did abound: but the women wore linen kerchiefs, 
The women's habits.  party coloured chequer wise, white and purple: they had no hanging sleeves like the men: their habits were cut away behind to the shoulders, & before to the breast, showing their bare breasts, & yet they were exceeding modest, & very chaste in marriage, every one contenting himself with his wife. The maidens (the which is wonderful above all other nations) 
The Virgin's estate.  did not marry if they were not pure virgins; and if any one were corrupted, how rich, fair, or young soever she were, no man would marry with her: when as they did marry, they took their husbands to be one body, one soul, one life, and did not think him otherwise, in their mere simplicity. They were not accustomed to say, where is my husband? but where is my 
The manner of their marrying.  loyal. The day of their marriage, the husband was wont to offer a yoke of oxen to plough withal, a horse bridled and saddled, a target and a sword for the wars; with which gifts the marriage was confirmed in presence of the father, mother, kinsfolks, and friends. The bridd did learn thereby, that she must bear and endure with her husband whatsoever happened, and that she came unto him to be an aid and companion in all travels, voyages, and dangers, and to live and die with him, if need were in war; yea in battle. The mothers did nurse their babes with their own breasts, being a great reproach unto them to put them forth to nurse, if necessity did not constrain them. They did not marry their children until they came to ripe age, to the end their children might be strong and lusty. The young men might not paul their heads, nor shave their beards, until they had slain some one of their enemies, or taken his arms forcibly from him, to the end that they might know that their natural reward consisted in the defence of their country, and in the honour of their ancestors. Their feeding was simple and plain, without any spice, sauces, or other delicacy: their ordinary diet was fruit, cheese, butter, eggs, milk, cream, and some pulses, wherewith they did only satisfy their hunger, and quench their thirst. Their drink was made of barley or oats boiled in fair water, like here or ale; the peasants were content (as they are at this day) with whey: but those that did live near unto the sea were wont to have wine. It was no 
The Batauien●… great drinkers  disgrace among them to drink a whole day and a night together: when as they went unto the tavern, they carried their arms with them, as if it were to do some exploit of war.  
They were accustomed to assemble once a month to hold a council touching the affairs of the country, where every one might speak his mind freely; whereof the prince or governor, with the nobility and wise men gave resolution, not by authority or sovereign command, but only by persuading the people with good and lively reasons: if the action or resolution did please, they would presently lift their swords above their heads, flourishing and slashing one against another: if it did not please them, their exclamations and murmurings did witness their disavow. In this assembly every one might make his complaint, and call his adverse party, to have it concluded there, were it to life or death, or otherwise civilly or criminally. They were very wary and discreet in matter of punishments and fines: but such as were traitors and renigadoes were hanged upon trees, without any sentence or mercy. In their battles for their country and liberty, they would have their nearest kinsmen, wives, and 
Their manner of fight for their liberty and country,  children spectators, to be witnesses of their valours, for that they held them to be their best witnesses; from whom they received most honour. After the battle they did run unto their mothers and wives, to show their wounds, & to suck out the blood with their mouths, rejoicing that their children and husbands had fought so valiantly. The wives would stand by their husbands during the battle, exhorting and encouraging them to fight well for their liberty and country: so as many times they did win goodly battles, which otherwise it may be they had lost, if the women had not animated them with words. And for this cause 
The estimation of the women in Holland.  the women were in old time so much esteemed in Holland (and at this day they retain some marks of respect, drawn from the old custom) for as much as by the treaties and accords which they made with any neighbour towns or common weals, they were wont to comprehend them in their bonds of assurance; namely, the noble women, and the virgins ready to marry: neither did they reject nor contemn the counsels, advice, and resolutions of women, especially of notable widows.  
The sumptuousness & wealth of the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Vtrecht, Oueryssel, 
The commodities and traffic of these countries.  & Groningue, all which in old time were reputed Bataviens or Mattiaques, witness sufficiently their pleasant situation, and the great commodities which do daily arise by their commerce and traffic, which makes them so to prosper. First, there are in them many little hills and valleys, full of pasture, many forests and under woods, full of dear and other game: they are not much given to rob nor steal, whereas the passenger or merchant may at all times travel safely without any danger, and with small charge, be it by the rivers or channels which are very ordinary, in ships, barks, or boats, either sailing, or drawn by horses or men: else they may travel in summer by waggon, and in winter in sleds on the ice, from one town unto another. There are also many flowing streams, according unto the tides, many spacious rivers, standing lakes, and little seas, (as they call them) all which have store of fish in them, 
The rivers and fishing.  as salmon, trout, eels, and other sorts; the which they powder up in barrels, and send into foreign countries. These provinces have goodly, great, strong, and well peopled towns, well walled, flanked and fortified to endure great sieges, many borough towns (whereof the Hage where the court of Holland is resident, excels) villages, castles and forts. The people are very neat and cleanly in their apparel, be it woollen cloth, linen, or silk, the which is now more frequent there than ever: there is not any petty clerk of aband, but he wears velvet, satin, taffeta, and silk stockings (but all at the poor soldiers charge.) The houses within are decked and trimmed with all sorts of movables, so as you shall not see them more neatly drestup, nor better accommodated in any country of the world. They are also very curious to have their meat and drink very neat and cleanly, and all implements belonging thereunto. There may you recover all things that man's heart can desire, at a reasonable rate brought thither from sundry countries, both near and far off in great abundance; for that there wants neither gold nor silver, which causeth all things to come from all parts. True it is, that some countries have mines of gold, silver, tin, copper, iron, and other metals, but the charge of refining is so great, as they yield small profit. The provinces have three mines 
The provinces have there mines richer than any other. Herrings and other fish. Horses and other cattle. Butter and cheese.  of another sort, and of greater revenue, the which exceeds all other traffic and commerce: out of the which there riseth such a great gain, as it is not to be valued. The first is the exceeding gain, they make of herrings, and of all sorts of fish dry and salt, which they send into all parts of the world. Secondly, they make a wonderful revenue of their pastures, their horse races, their oxen, kine, and sheep, the which are sold twice a year at certain fairs with great profit. Thirdly, they make an infinite quantity of butter, cheese and other white meats, the which is transported unto the east and west Indies, and to the new discovered islands. They have also great traffic of wood, (although they themselves have none growing) of deal boards, fir trees, and oak for shipping, and to make piles and foundations for houses; and for other uses. I omit to speak of silks, serges, linen cloth, pitch, tar, rosin, and all other forts of merchandise; and will remember but the least commodity, which are conie-skinnes, which they take in their downs and warrens, and are eaten there, amounting yearly to above 12000 gulderns, and yet the skins do not cost above a farthing a piece: what then should the bodies which are eaten there come unto? There is little fire wood in all the country, but they make their fires of turfs which are of three sorts. The first which are hardest and best, making a good solid coal is drawn from the bottom of ditches, in certain parts of the country, 
Their firing.  the which is nothing but mud, they cast them upon the land, and having cut them in equal proportions, they let them dry, treading upon them with boards, until they be very firm; then cutting them four square, they lay them upon high heaps like a pyramids, packed in such sort as the sun may pierce from the top to the bottom, and the wind through them on all sides, which makes them to dry, and then they lay them in garrets, and barns which lie open to the wind and sun; after which they are carried by boats through all Holland, Zeeland, and into Brabant. They have another kind of turf, which they dig out of the earth in some places, seven or eight foot deep, in some less, the which being cut square or long, they dry upon heaps as the rest, with little labour. A third kind of turf is drawn from the superficies of the earth in the heat of summer, out of quagmiers and moorish places, and dried with the heat of the sun, the which they cut long, thick, and large: the two last sorts are in a manner alike in goodness, but not like unto the first. They make another kind of turf of their cattle's dung, mixed with straw, or reeds, which they dry and cut like the first.  
The nuptial chastity was in old time so strictly observed there, as if a woman were found in adultery, they did not put her to death (as at this day, how great soever the crime be, they 
Nuptial chastity of the ancient Hollanders and Frisons.  put not any woman to death in some parts of Friesland, but keep them in perpetual prison) but (in sign of ignominy and reproach) they did cut of the tresses of their hair, which the women carry at this day under their kerchiefs on their foreheads, and the virgins bare in great rolls. To entertain this nuptial chastity in old time the priests were forced to marry, lest they should defile another's bed, they thinking it impossible that any one could live chastened without a wife.  
Having described Batavia, according to Petit, and set dowee the manners and customs of the ancient Bataviens, let us speak something of the situation of Holland, and of the present estate thereof, as Emanuel Demetrius hath set it down in his History.  
Holland is little, for that in length from Marsdiepe to the Meuse, it is but eighteen Dutch 
The description Holland, of as now it is. Emanuel Demetrius.  miles, but if you should reckon from Heusden to the lands end, called Texel, there is not any province in the Netherlands so long; and it is so narrow, as wheresoever you be, you may go to the confines in half a day. A third part of it is water, for that within the land it hath five great waters, or seas, as Harlem sea, Scheermeer, Bemster, the Waert, and Purmeer, being all full of fish. This little country (being most part meadow ground) is preserved by many great ditches, dams, sluices, and water mills, besides the downs and sands on the shore, which have been cast up by the waves of the sea. The cost and charges to make and entertain these ditches, sluices, and mills, is thought to be more than the ground itself is worth: for in some places the land lieth much lower than the sea: yet notwithstanding, although it be well defenced from the sea, yet would the country be overflown with the rain water which falleth, for that (as we have said) in many places it lieth lower than the sea; and therefore it can have no passage away, if it were not by chargeable water-mills, the which by motion of the wind carrieth 
Costly water mills.  the water forcibly up, and casteth it through divers sluices into the sea. These sluices are made in the ditches, and have double doors, which, when the sea ebbs, do open of themselves, and when it begins to flow, than they shut again, either by the sea water, or of themselves: the charge whereof is so great, as being set down, no man would believe, that such a country could be able to maintain so great wars.  
This province of Holland hath above 30 walled towns, and 400 villages in it, full of people, 
Their manner of living.  all living by sea faring, fishing, trade of merchandise, seething of salt, making of ships, ditches, nets, and all necessaries for sea faring and fishing; besides building, which is great and costly, & cutting of turfs, whereby many thousand get their living. They have the sweetest meadows, and fruitfullest cattle in the world, all kinds of wildfowl, and great store of coneys, hares, and dear. They have not corn enough growing to suffice the fourth part of the inhabitants. The superfluity of their store they send into all other countries. The butter and 
The revenues of butter and cheese.  cheese only which they send abroad, besides their own store, amounteth yearly to above an hundred thousand pounds sterling. The women (being many in regard of the men, who are much cousumed by the wars, and at sea) are so industrious, as by their spinning and weaving of Holland cloth, and making of nets, they are spoken of throughout all the world: and besides, the women are so politic, diligent, and careful; as they can buy and sell, keep accounts, 
The commendation of the women of Holland.  traffic and travel from place to place, as well as their husbands, in their absence, without any touch of lightness or dishonesty. The like of them are not to be found in any country, being for the most part big, tall, fair, and well proportioned, and so active, as they are more respected than women in other countries, whereas jealousy, lightness, and pride, reigneth, more than simple honesty.  
The Rhine runneth through Holland and Zeeland, the which divideth itself into two 
The rivers of Holland and Zeeland.  great arms, the Wahal and Leck, which run into the sea, and the rivers of Meuse and Scheld, which come out of France: all which rivers these provinces can shut up and open when they please, with their great number of ships, which brings them great profit, by the transportation up and down of all sorts of wares and merchandise, by the said rivers.  
In time of war they bring in great revenues for convoy and licence money, so as those 
Their abundance of shipping:  provinces have almost as many ships and barks, great and small, as there are houses; by the traffic whereof they make their towns as it were sellers, packhouses, warehouses, spice chambers, and staples for all kinds of wares, which they transport in Summer towards the East, and in Winter to the West.  
The great number of their ships, and sea faring men, may partly be guessed by this, that in the year 1587. there were above 600 Holland and Zeeland ships arrested in the Sont, by the king of Denmark, besides others which went on the Vly for Norway, and others that sailed into England, Scotland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, the Indies, and other countries and islands. And in the year 1588., when as the Spanish fleet came, it appeared true by information, that within fourteen days they were able to set out an hundred good ships of war, to lie in the English channel: and that in Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, there were found to be 27 hundred great ships, from two hundred to eight hundred tuns burden a piece, which 
An incredible number of ships in Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland.  without doubt may seem an incredible number; beside the great number of Buisses, dogboats and crabbers, so called in their country, the which go out to the common fishing into the ocean, under Norway, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and never put into any haven until they return from whence they went; and afterwards the fish and herrings are transported in other ships into divers places, yea into those countries under which they fished it. And although the ships which trade in merchandise, and the number of fishermen which set forth together, be exceeding great, yet the country remaineth still full of ships and sailors, which sail within the land in small meers or seas, streams and rivers, with smacks, carvels, hoys, waterships, cromsters, plaits, and such like boats, the which are many thousands, all getting their livings by the water; and yet the towns are continually built and beautified with goodly houses, and war maintained against the mightiest enemy in Christendom, and most of their towns kept and defended by their own inhabitants, without any great store of foreign garrisons.  
It is well known, that every year (although there be no timber growing in the country) 
The great number of ships that are yearly made.  there are above a thousand ships great and small built, fit to sail into the ocean; the which one with another, some more, some less, cost betwixt a hundred and two hundred pounds a piece: all which valued, with those that are already made, would breed wonder and admiration in any man, and persuade him, that this little country may well be able to withstand so potent an enemy; and that Spain may well assure himself, never to bring this country under his subjection again, being able to aid themselves against any power entering by land, by letting in the water, as they did about Leyden: and in the greatest extremity they have such multitudes of ships, as they may ship away the greatest part of their people, cattle, and goods, and defend themselves in certain islands against their enemy's forces, burning their houses and towns, or letting them stand empty, and so unprofitable to the enemy, in that they should not be able to defend the same against the sea.  
You have now understood, the beginning, description, and situation of the country of Holland, and of the inhabitants, Bataviens, Wilthes, Cathwyckers, Kennemers, Frisons, and Waterlanders; of their valour, virtues, and manners, commodities, and traffic, which they used in old time, and of the estate of the province at this day: let us now discourse of Zeelan●…, which is also a county apart, and yet it hath been ever under the earls of Holland.  
As for the definition or ●…tymologie of this word, it is very manifest, seeing that this earldom consists of many islands, whereof those of Walchrens, Schoven, and Suytbevelandt, are 
Descri●…tion of Zeeland.  the chief among the rest, and the richest; wherefore they are rightly called Zeelands, that is to say, countries of the sea: to give it the name of Zeeland, who they say was brother to Batton, in my opinion is not allowable, being doubtful whether there were any such Zeeland, if it were not he which gave name to that quarter of Oueryssel, which is called Saland, from whence are issued the old Saliens, and the town of Oldenzeel; and from the which some (but without any ground) say that the Salic law of the French was derived; which opinion is ridiculous. Besides, these three principal islands above named, there are four more, as Tolen, Northbevelandt, Woolfaertsdyke, and Philipsland, which lie betwixt Holland, Flanders, and Brabant.  
Speaking in general of the county of Zeeland, we say, that it lies upon that part of the ocean which is to the west and southwest, and behind, it lies open to the northwest. This country hath certain gulfs of the sea▪ as if they were channels; and namely that of Flackee which divides Zeeland from Holland: to the south is the left arm of the river of Escaut, called the Hondt, which parts this country from Flanders: and eastward is the right arm of the same river of Escaut, the which retains her name still, and parts Zeeland from Brabant: towards the west is the British ocean, which looks towards England.  
Some writers have held opinion, that these islands are part of those which Caesar saith were made by the Rhine, when it fell into the ocean; others say, that when as this country was firm land, the river of Escau●… (which doth divide it from Flanders and Brabant) went besides the said islands, and cast itself (as Caesar doth testify) into the Meuse, where at this day that part of the Escaut enters into the Meruve: Cornellis Batten saith, that he hath seen manuscripts of great antiquity, which affirm, that about the first year of our salvation, and sometime after, Zeeland was nothing but a number of small Islands, one separated from another by little channels, in the which there were no dwellers. john Reygersberg, who hath written a little chronicle of Zeeland, & other authors, show that some of these Islands, at the least those that are nearest together, were in old time united, & made a firm body of a province (as it is likely) with 
Zeeland some times ●…oyned to Flander.  Flanders, but they were separated by the fury and violence of the sea, which made a new way or passage, in the year of Christ 938. Some have said that there was but a little bridge of wood, yea, a plank to pass from Walchrens into Flanders.  
That the Zeelanders be those which were called Mattiaques, Tacitus doth witness by these words, in his book of the manners of the Germans: Est in e●…dem obsequio Mattiacorum gens Batavis similis, nisi quod terrae suae solo ●…c coelo acriùs animantur: (and in truth the air is much sharper in Zeeland, than in Holland) although that Lewis Guichardin in his Belgic description, seems to maintain, that the Mattiaques are not Zeelanders, but that they were a certain people in the country of Hessen made noble, for that they had hot fountains which they used for baths. We have already confessed▪ that the Bataviens and Mattiaques are descended from the Catthes in Hessen; but Guichardin deceives himself, interpreting these words, Mattiacas pilas, to agree with hot baths; for (as we have said before) these Mattiaque pills or balls, were used to make the Zeelanders hair read, as Spuma Batava, which was a lie made of ashes by the Hollanders. It were an absurd thing to say, that the Mattiaques, neighbours unto the Bataviens, should dwell so far off, as in Hessen; unless that Guichardin did suppose that the Mattiaques did remain still among the Catthes, when as Battus and his brother Mattion, left the country to come and dwell in Holland and Zeeland. But we have spoken sufficiently both of the one, and the other, at the coming down of the Bataviens.  
For the better understanding of the continent of the country of Zeeland, it shall be needful 
Many islands in Zeeland.  to describe all these islands particularly one after another, for that most of them have been transported by the tempest and inundation of the sea, from one place unto another, and have changed their beds, sometimes one increasing, and another diminishing, one was swallowed up, and another laid bare by the water; as it happened in the year 1598., that they have recovered all the island of Noortbevelandt (in the which there were two towns, Cats and Cortgeen, and seven or eight villages) the which was drowned in the year 1515, and hath remained under water, until the said year 1598., but now they have made up the banks, and it is fertile ground: but within these three years it suffered much in April, by a great tempest having their banks broken, and much cattle drowned.  
We will therefore discourse of those which hold firm, and are for the most part discovered, whereof we find, that there are seven divided by an arm of the river of Escaut, near unto 
Seven chief islands in Zeeland, and their towns.  her gulf, where it enters into the sea, and are divided into 2 branches, that is, the 3 which are Schoven, Duyvelandt, and Tolen, the which looking towards the East, are called the East islands; and the other four, with another arm which in old time was firm land, and joined unto the others and the island of Walchrens, for that they look towards the west, are called the Western islands, the which are Walchrens, Suytbevelandt, Noortbevelandt, and Volfersdyke. In all these islands there are eight good towns, whereof six have their deputies at the Estates for the county of Zeeland. Middlebourg, Flessingue, and Campuere in Walchrens, with Arnmuyden (which was wont to be of the jurisdiction of Middlebourg) when it was walled; but it hath no voice in the assembly of the Estates. Then in the island of Schoven, Ziricxee, and Brouwershaven, the which hath no voice. In Zuytbevelandt, which is the greatest and most fertile of all the islands, the town of Tergoes. The towns of Tolen and Saint Martins-dyke (the which hath no voice) in the island of Tertolen. There are small islands belonging merely to Zeeland, as Duyvelandt joining to Schoven, Stavenisse, Meggerschil, and Philips-landt joining to Tertolen, & Byerulyet, which were wont to be of the jurisdiction of Flanders. Since these last troubles in the Netherlands, a good part of the island of Zuytbevelandt hath been drowned, in the which there was a part of the town of Romerswael, which was sometimes of good traffic, being situated upon the river of Escaut: of 17 villages which were drowned, they have recovered some part, and there is hope, that if there were peace in those countries, within short time they would recover all; as they might do in Flanders, where there is so much land drowned and lost about Hulst, Axel, and Sluice.  
All theso islands above named towards the sea, are defended and preserved by the downs, which are hills of sand which the wind and tides cast up, the which do increase and grow greater daily; so as if they did not prevent it, in planting certain little reeds sharp at the end, which stays the flying of the sand, all the country should be covered therewith. Towards the south, and other places, where there are no downs, they are defended with good dykes and banks, which they of the country by their industry and diligence make so high and thick, as the sea cannot hurt them, nor pass over them, at any tempest, or spring tied.  
These banks (which we may rightly call ramparts against the assaults of the sea) are made 
How they make their d●…kes or banks  of fat earth, or flags, mingled with timber and great stones; on the outside they are covered with great wispes of straw made fast in the fat earth; so as a man would say, those dikes or banks are matted (like unto the chambers and studies in Paris) which makes them exceeding strong: besides, the sea doth not beat directly upon them, but as it were sliding along by them.  
The charge to make these dikes is very great, for that every rod of twelve foot, doth commonly cost six pounds' starling, which for every mile is eight thousand and four hundred pounds; so as the outward dikes of Zeeland, being forty miles in compass, amount to fifty six thousand pounds starling, besides the yearly charges for the maintaining thereof: for the which they take so good order, and with such proportion, as the proprietaries which owe the land or pasture adjoining to those banks, are charged and taxed for the entertaining thereof, which money must be speedily levied. For the preservation of which banks, there are officers appointed, which have their jurisdictions separated from others; whereof, the chief, or bailiff, is called Dikegrave, who hath his assistants, a register, and sergeants, to determine of controversies which fall out betwixt party and party; or to force them to pay the money wherewith they are charged for the reparations, after they have visited them, the which they do twice or thrice a year. The same Dikegrave and his iurats, have like jurisdiction over all the ditches and streets, where they receive the amerciaments, if there be any fault committed, and see them repaired and amended.  
The country of Zeeland is very fat and fertile for all kind of tillage, more than for pasture, 
Zeeland fitter for tillage than fo●… pasture.  the which is nothing so ordinary there, as in Holland and Friesland: above all, it yields good corn, especially the island of Zuytbevelandt, where there is very fair white wheat. They have also in the island of Schoven, and in some others, great store of garences, a kind of grain fit for dyers, the which they send into all parts of Europe. They go much to sea for to fish for herring and cod, especially the towns of ●…lessingue, Campvere, Ziricxee, and Brouwershaven, who do every year send forth a great number of Buisses. They have also great store of fruit trees of all sorts which bear very good fruit, as apples, pears, cherries, and others in great abundance. They have a certain kind of turf there, which they dig two or three spade deep out of the ground, they call it dairy or darinck; the which the poor people only use, and may not be burnt in towns, for that it hath a more stinking piercing smoke, than those which are made of cow dongue, which the country people in Holland do commonly use.  
It is prohibited to cut out this darinck within a certain distance of the dikes or banks, lest that the country should in the end turn into ditches and quagmires, but in certain places, whereas the ground is higher than in others, where it is necessary to be taken; for that through the acrimony and sharpness of the mould, it kills any good thing that grows upon the superfic●…es of the earth, and the trees which are planted there, when as the root comes to that soil, prosper not: but being taken away, and by that means the ground made lower, the soil proves good for pasture, tillage, or planting.  
At the convocation of the ●…states of this earldom, in times passed there was but one which did represent the whole nobility of the country, which is at this present the marquess of la Vere and Flessingue, the inheritance of prince Maurice of Nassau, governor of the said county, with Holland, Gueldres, Vtrecht, & Oueryssel, lieutenant general, & admiral of the united provinces. There was also but one only prelate, which did appear in the said Estates, for the colleges, chapters, abbeys, cloisters, and generally for all the clergy of the earldom, which was the abbot of S. Martin's in the town of Middlebourg, a goodly rich abbey; in the which at this present is the court of Zeeland, and prince Maurice his lodging when he comes there. The third member of the said Estates (which at this day is the chiefest of all) is comprehended in the commonalties of the towns of Middlebourg, Flessingue, la Vere, Ziricxee, Tergoes, and Tertolen, which are the principal, the rest having no voice.  
For the government of justice, and the revenues of this county, there are two sovereign 
The chief for justice in all Zeeland.  officers, who are as it were lieutenants to the earl, called rent-masters; that is to say, receivers, who have proportionably great authority and pre-eminence: one of the which is to reside (as he doth) in the town of Middlebourg, and is rent-master of the chief part of the west quarter, which they call Bewersterscheldt. The other hath his abode in Ziricxee, and hath charge of the east part, which is called Beoosterscheldt. These two in their several jurisdictions, receive the rights, fees, and revenues of all the earldom: they are honoured with the title of the prince's counsellors; and all orders, sentences, and decrees are directed to them, to see them published and observed.  
They have also authority in all the villages and places of their jurisdictions, to apprehend or cause to be apprehended (for the execution whereof, they have their lieutenants and sergeants) all delinquents and malefactors, whom they are to represent in the two chief towns of the islands of Walchrens and Schoven, that is Middlebourg and Ziricxee, and there to demand justice; be they to be punished or absolved.  
The chief trade of the inhabitants of this country, bordering upon the sea, is navigation 
Their course of living.  and fishing both far and near, sailing and trafficking at this day to the islands, to the east and west Indies, and to all parts of the world. Those which dwell within the land, give themselves to tillage, and to feed catte●…. Moreover, they boil and refine salt, the which they do wonderfully augment, boiling it with sea water. The salt which comes from Spain they do increase five and forty in a hundred, that of Portugal about thirty five, and that of Brovage or other parts of France, five and twenty for a hundred.  
In all the towns of the island of Walchrens, especially at Middlebourg and Flessingue, they do daily build goodly great ships, which go to the Indies and to all parts of the world, for that they are very commodiously seated for navigation: and these towns of Walchrens (especially Middlebourg) since the wars began, have much increased, both in people, wealth, and trade of merchandise, for that their traffic is far greater since that antwerp fell into the Spaniards hands; so as they have been forced to make their town greater, and to beautify and fortify it with new havens, bulwarks, and ports, with other great and extraordinary buildings. Flessingue likewise is much bettered both in wealth and buildings, being also amplified, fortified, and beautified with a fair town house, and a new church. Camphor and Arnemuyden do also prosper well; and the rest of the towns in the other island, as Ziricxee, Tergoes, and Tertolen, have likewise recovered a great part of their forepast losses.  
Having described the earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, their beginning, situation, and 
Henaut joined to Holland & Zeeland.  manners, we will hereafter set down the number of their princes, who had but the titles of earls; whereunto in continuance of time, by right of succession, according to the alliances of marriage was added the earldom of Henaut, or at the least the counties of Holland and Zeeland were united to the earldom of Henaut, the race of Thierry of Aquitaine the first earl of Henaut, failing in john son to cont Floris the ninth, to whom john d'Auesnes earl of Henaut his cousin succeeded; which three signiories of Henaut, Holland, & Zeeland, although they have no other title but of earl, are richer, better peopled, and more mighty, either of them apart, than many dukedoms, principalities, or marquesates, in Germany, France, and Italy: for there is no common weal, how mighty soever (no not Venice itself) that can put so many ships to sea, and entertain them continually, either for war or trade of merchandise, adventuring themselves in long voyages, as the Hollanders and Zeelanders do at this day; which makes them so mighty, as all the forces of the king of Spain, nor of all the princes of the house of Austria, could not for these forty years greatly hurt them, nor restrain their command at sea.  
To enter therefore into this subject, we will first show how that Holland and Zeeland, in ancient time being much and often tormented by the daily incursions of the Goths, Danes, Normans, Saxons, Sicambres (which were they of Gueldres and Cleves) and other their neighbours, (being freed some thousand years since from the subjection of the Roman empire) did govern themselves in form of an Aristocratical common weal, by the nobility, and the most apparent men among the people (among the which, the viconts of Leyden, and the lords of Wassenare were the most eminent in credit and authority in Holland, and the lords of Borselle in Zeeland; which two families are at this present extinct) until that the emperors Charleses the bald, king of France, and Lewis king of Germany (desirous to provide for the spoil and ruin of these two provinces) gave them a prince and lord, which was Thierry of Aquitaine.   

A HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, OR SEVENTEEN PROVINCES.  
Containing the Descents, Genealogies, and memorable acts of the Earls and Princes of the said Provinces, from THIERRY of Aquitaine, the first Earl of Holland and Zeeland, successively to PHILIP the third of that name, king of Spain, and last Earl of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, etc.  
¶ The Argument of the first Book.  
HOlland erected into an Earldom, and who was the first Earl. The Viount of Leiden and the 〈◊〉. of Wassenare oppose themsel●…es against Thierry of Aquitaine the first earl of Holland. The earldom of Zeeland given also to Thierry. The Normans and Danes make great spoils in Holland. ¶ Thierry 2, earl of Holland and Zeeland, succeeds his father: he makes war and ranquisheth the Frisons ¶ Arnulph or Arnould son to Thierry the second, the third earl of Holland & Zealand, this earl was vanquished and slain by the Frisons. ¶ Thierry the third, the fourth earl of Holland, and son to Arnulph. The Bishop of Virecht riseth against him, he defeats the Bishop and tak●…s him prisoner. The death and ●…pitaph of the three Thierries. ¶ Thierry the fourth, the ●…ft earl of Holland: he s●…e the bishop of Collogns brother at a tourney. The Germans to revenge it come into Holland, take Dordrecht, the which he recovers, and being victor 〈◊〉 slain from a window with an arrow. ¶ Floris the first, the sixth Farl, brother to Thierry the 4. The bishop, of ●…ollogne and Liege invades Holland ●…he defeats them twice, and being a conqueror he is slainely the earl of Cuycke, who was also slain there. ¶ Gertrude of Saxony his Widow, Governess to young Cont Thierry the fifth, her son, being yet a child. She marries again with Robert the Frison▪ son to the earl of Flanders. They are chased out of Holland by Godf●…ey the Crookebacke, duke of Lorraine, called in by William bishop of Vtrecht. ¶ Godfrey is the ninth Earl of Holland, accounting Gertrude and Robert for two heads: he vanquished the Frisons, built the town of Delf, and was slain in▪ antwerp, easing of himself. ¶ Robert the Frison being earl of ●…landers, restores Cont Thierry to Holland and Zeeland, who vanquished the bishop of Vtrecht and took him prisoner. He made war against the Frisons who would be free under the Empire, and defeats them: his death. ¶ Floris the Fat, the sonn●… of Thierry the fifth, the eleventh earl of Holland; etc. he makes war against the Frisons, subdues them and dies, having reigned 30 years. ¶ Thierry the sixth, of that name, the twelfth Earl, he makes war against the Frisons, with whom Floris the Black his brother joins: these brethren being afterwards reconciled, the earl of Cuycke kills Floris: Thierry revengeth his death and besiegeth Vtrecht The Frisons defeated by him in Holland, and then he dies, having reigned forty years. ¶ Floris the third, the 13 earl, son to Thierry the sixth. War against the Frisons. War betwixt the earls of Holland and Flanders for the island of Walchrens. The prow●…sse of the Hollanders at the siege of Damiette, in which voyage the Earl died. ¶ Thierry the seventh, the 14 earl, succeeded his father: he was in quarrel with William of Holland his brother, who joined with the Frisons, but they were afterwards reconciled. Dying, he left one only daughter. ¶ Ada, daughter to Thierry the seventh, the 15 commanding in Holland: she governed but one year, and died without children. During her life she was still in war against the earl of Eastfriseland her uncle, who succeeded her, and was ¶ William the first of that name, the sixteenth earl of Holland: the crown of Scotland fell unto him by his mother, but he neglected it. Dying he had ruled 19 years in Holland, and 26 in Friesland. ¶ Floris the fourth succeeded William his father, the seventeenth Earl. Strange war with the bishop of Vtrecht. He is slain at a tourney at Clermont. ¶ William the second succeeded Floris his father, being yet a child under the guard of his uncle the B●…shop of Vtrecht. He was crowned king of Romans. He went against the Frisons where he was slain. ¶ Floris the fifth, the nineteenth Earl, he had great war against the Frisons, whom he vanquished, and brought back his father's bones: he was sl●…ne by Gerard van Velsen knight. ¶ john the first of that name succeeded his father Floris, the 20 Earl of Holland. Being returned out of England where he had married the king's daughter, he revenged his father's death. He died without children, and in him failed the race of Earls descended from Thierry of Aquitaine.  
THE year of our Redemption 863, Charles the Bald, king of 
How Holland was erected to an Earldom, and who was the first Earl.  France, being in Brabant in the Province of Campeigne, at a town called Bladell, he called a general assembly of his Princes and Barons, to consult of the best means to repel the Normans and Danes, who made daily incursions into Germany, Friesland, Holland, Zealand, and into the realm of France. Thither came many Princes and great Noblemen, both Spiritual and Temporal, from all parts: whether in like sort the Pope (being then at Mentz upon the Rhin) sent his Legates. Among other Princes and Noblemen there present, came Cont Haghen of little Troy (which at this present is the town of Zanthen 
Zanthen in Cleveland called little Troy.  upon the Rhin, betwixt the towns of Nuys and Cleefe) bringing with him his sister Mathild, wife of Sigebert duke of Aquitaine, with her two sons; the eldest was called Walger, whom king Charles did then make Earl of Teysterbaudt, the which did at that instant and long after contain and comprehend the towns of Tyel, bommel, Arkell, Heusden, Altem, Vianen, Culembourg, Buren, Leederdam, Aspren, and Henckelom, with a great circuit of country, unto the river of Meuse. The youngest was Thierry, who as yet had no signory nor command, but was a valiant and hardy knight, who with his father Sigibert▪ had done many valiant exploits both in Provence and Aquitaine, against the S●…rasins, who made many incursions into those countries: so as for his valour and prowess●… he was much esteemed in Court, and well favoured of king Charles.  

THIERRY of Aquitaine, the first Earl of Holland.  
King Charles surnamed the Bald, first made me Earl by name  
O●… Holland, 〈◊〉 his brother Lewis of Zeeland did the same:  
‛ But troubles manifold soon 〈◊〉 my honour ●…ent  
down to the grave, if the Emperor had me no succour lent.  
Twice twenty years I held the Danes still in alarms,  
And did abate thou pride of heart by valour and by arms,  
Of Aquitame I was surnamed, borne, and bred,  
Gune my wife, and in Egmont my corpt lies buried.  
At this assembly of Bladell, the earl Haghen (his uncle) besought the king to remember Thierry his nephew, and to advance and invest him in some part of the country which the Normans and Danes had lately spoiled and destroyed, knowing him (as that was well known to all men) to be valiant, strong, able to endure travel, wise, temperate, and discreet to keep that which should be given him in charge: besides, he was honourably descended, issued from the blood of France, by the ancient Troyans'. King Charles hearing so many good testimonies of this young knight, at the request of the Pope's Legates, and the instance of the 
Holland and ●…eland given to T●…erry of Aquitaine.  Earl Haghen his uncle, gave unto Thierry of Aquitaine all the country of Holland, with a part of East-Frizeland, from Dockum to the river of Lanuers (as the Chronicles of Holland do maintain, which the Frizelanders seemed to dislike and impugn, saying that Charles, who was then but king of France, and not Emperor, could not dispose nor give away Frizeland, the which maintained itself under the Roman Empire) to defend and protect them by his valour from the invasions and spoils of the Danes and Normans: who even at that time held and enjoyed the town of Vtrecht, the Bishop and all his Prebends (to avoid their fury) being fled to the town of Deventer in the country of Oueryssel, the which was subject both to the Temporal and Spiritual jurisdiction of the said Bishop of Vtrecht.  
This assembly at Bladell being ended, king Charles went with this knight Thierry into Holland, to put him in possission of the country by force of arms: the viscount of Leyden, and the lord of Wassenare his cousin (these two houses being since united in that of the viscounts) gathered together what forces they could, to make head against king Charles, and to hinder Thierry in the possession of that which was given him, refusing absolutely to receive Thierry 
Opponents to Thierry.  for their lord and earl, desiring rather to join with them of Friesland, and to remain subjects to the empire. The king and Cont Thierry marched against them and gave them battle, 
Hollanders & Friselanders defeated and subdued.  whe●…in there was great effusion of blood of either side, and those two noblemen of Leyden and Wassenare were both slain. After this defeat all the people of the country submitted themselves to the king's obedience, & (as he commanded them) did acknowledge Thierry for their ●…ege lord and earl of Holland. The king and cont Thierry marching on, forced them of Friesland to the like obedience, and to acknowledge Thierry for their lord, taking an oath of fealty to remain for ever under the obedience of the earls of Holland. This done, Charles returned into France, leaving the new earl Thierry in full possession of these provinces of Holland and Friesland, where he lived for a time in peace.  
Some years after, the Friselanders impatient of a new lord commanding over their magistrates and rulers, seeing earl Thierry remaining alone in Holland living in peace and rest, they 
The Hollanders and Friselanders rebel.  took counsel with the Hollanders, how they might with their common forces expel him out of their countries. The earl having discovered this conspiracy, and fully informed of all their practice, he went speedily into France to king Charles, complaining of the rebellion of his subjects of Holland and Friesland. The king did write unto the Pope, ask his advise in this action (for at that time the Hollanders and Friselanders were good Christians, yet free:) the Pope having read the king's demand, he took the same letters, the which he did cut into long lab●…ls, and then he cut off the tops of them. At night walking in his garden with the king's ambassadors, with his knife he cut off the tops of the highest plants, & of some smaller. The next day the ambassadors requiring an answer of the king's letters; the Pope said unto them, Report only unto the king what you have seen me do unto his letters and unto the 
The pope doth covertly advise the king to subdue the Hollanders.  plants. Whereof the ambassadors having made relation unto the king, he presently conceived what the Pope meant,  
Having therefore levied a goodly army, he returned into Holland with Thierry to see who durst presume to oppose himself: where being arrived, every man shrunk; but the king having intelligence who had been the authors of this conspiracy, tending to a general revolt, without making any great bruit in the beginning, seeing there was no rising nor taking arms, 
Those of Holland and Friesland punished.  he sent to seize upon some of the chief & greatest personages among them, as also of some of the common sort of Holland & Friesland, whom he knew to be guilty of this practice, whose heads he caused to be cut off the next day in the presence of the people: the rest terrified with this example and seeing the king & earl had respected the greater no more than the less, nor spared the less more than the greater, they cast themselves at the king's feet, & at the earls their prince & lord, crying for pardon & mercy: who received them into grace, upon a new promise 
The rest reconciled.  and oath taken to continue for ever faithful and obedient to cont Thierry. Thus was Thierry invested the second time and put in possession of the county of Holland and Friesland, the which was confirmed unto him by the king's letters patents, as followeth.  
In the name of the holy Trinity. Charles by the grace of God king of France, As it is well befitting 
Letters of donation of the county of Holland.  our royal greatness, to honour and advance our well-beloved and faithful servants, we give all men to understand both present & to come, that our well-beloved and faithful the earl Haghen of Zanthen, hath presented himself before us, and humbly entreated us to advance our well-beloved and faithful knight Thierry, to the signory of Egmont, and the appurtenances depending thereon, with all the country which is from Suydherders-haye unto the Fortrappe and Kumen. Whereunto being favourably inclined, we have given, and do give by these presents unto our said faithful knight Thierry all the country above mentioned, with the vassals and homages therein contained, or that may be hereafter, with all the woods, marshes, waters, rivers, pastures, and all that depends of them. Inioining all men to obey him, and not to give him any let or hindrance, but to suffer him and his successors for ever freely to enjoy, use, and possess the same, by this title of donation which we have made unto him, as of all his other goods, lands, and siegneories of inheritance. And for that our pleasure is that these present Letters patents shall remain firm and stable for ever, We have sealed them with our royal accustomed scale. Given at Bladell in the year of our Lord 863, the 17 of the Kalends of june, on S. Vits' day. The Archbishop Rutger high Chancellor hath seen and allowed it.  
By the tenor of these letters it is manifest that the earldom of Holland was not given to Thierry by king Charles the Bald at the Pope's request, as some write, to maintain the Christian faith, which S. Willevord bishop of Vtrecht had planted there; but at the especial instance and suit of Haghen earl of Zanthen uncle to cont Thierry, to defend and preserve it from the invasions of the Danes, Normans, & other enemies. We must understand that Suydherders-haye is now Hillegums Meerbeeck; the Fortrappe was near unto Casant in Flanders; and the Kumen is a stream of water betwixt Al●…mar and the old cloister of the Carmes, where West-Friseland begins, the which they call North-Holland. Cont Thierry being by virtue of these letters of Donation, invested and confirmed as well by force as by love, in the quiet possession of the county of Holland, his aunt lady Emme wife to Lewis king of Germany, brother to king Charles the Bald, caused the forest of Waelsdael to be given him by her husband, 
W●…lsdael, or the county of Z●…land given to Thierry.  the which at this present is the county of Zeeland, and at that time consisted of many islands, divided by rivers. Of which donation mention is made in these letters following.  
In the name of the holy Trinity Amen. Lewis by the grace of God king of Germany, to all those 
868  to whom these present letters shall come, greeting, We give them to understand, that our dear and well-beloved spouse and companion, hath entreated us to give unto our dear and faithful nephew Cont 
Letters of donation of Zeeland.  Thierry of Holland, son to her sister, the forest of Waelsdael, joining unto his earldom, with all the fields and land that was usually laboured and fed, together with the waters & rivers as well within as without, wood's, heath, and forest, and all that depends thereon. Being favourably inclined to the suit and request of our said Spouse, and being desirous to gratify her therein, We have given and do give by these presents, unto the said earl Thierry our nephew, the said forest of Waelsdael, with all the appurtenances depending thereon: to possess, hold, and quietly enjoy, for him and his heirs, or for any other to whom he would sell or engage them; for ever, without any contradiction. And for that our will and pleasure is, that this donation shall remain firm and stable for ever, We have sealed it with our royal seal. Given in the year of our Lord at Engelshem, 868, the 13 of April. Gezo vicechancellor in the absence of the archbishop Othelrie, high chancellor, hath seen, allowed, and subsigned it.  
Hereby we may understand that from Tournay, and higher, unto Vtrecht, all that did lie betwixt the two branches of the river of Rhine, which Ptolemy calls Navalia, for that the ships must of necessity pass there and pay tribute: the which since hath been called Traiectum (that is to say, a Travers, of traijciendo) was nothing but a thick and fearful forest, which they called The forest without mercy. By these Letters we may also see, that Holland 
The forest without mer●…e.  and Zeeland were the furthest limits and frontiers of Germany (the which did extend unto the British sea) towards Brabant and Flanders: the one being held of the Empire, and the other of the crown of France; and that of forests, woods, and deserts, they are by succession of time become good and fertile countries, and both erected into Earldoms by the donators themselves.  
Thierry of Aquitaine being then by the bounty of the kings of France and Germany become earl of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friesland (although the Friselanders will not absolutely confess it, by reason whereof they had great wars against the earls of Holland, of whom they ●…ue three or four in battle) was issued from a most noble and ancient race, that is, from the old kings of France, descended from the Troyans', that is to say, from the first race of the kings of Franconia, issued from Marcomir, Pharamont, and others their successors, kings of France, whose descent may thus be reckoned: for this Priam come from Troy (being so called by the name of his great grandfather, king of Phrygia and of Troy) was the first king of Franconia, who had to son Marcomir, that first came into France: he had Pharamont, Pharamont had Clodion, Clodion had Merouë, Merouë had Childeric, Childeric had Clovis the first 
The Genealogy of Thierry.  Christian king, Clovis had Childebert, Childebert had Clotaire the first, Clotaire had Cherebert, Cherebert had Chilperic, Chilperic had Clotaire the second, Clotaire had Dagobert the first, Dagobert had Clovis the second, Clovis had Clotaire the third, Clotaire had Childeric the third, Childeric had Theodoric or Thierry, Theodoric had besides Clovis the third king of France, another son called Chilperic or Childebert, this Childebert had Diedericke duke of Aquitaine, Diedericke had Lothaire, Lothaire had Didier, Didier had Engelrim who died a martyr, Engelrim had Sigisbert, Sigisbert had of his wife Mathild sister to Cont Haghen of Zanthen and lady Emme queen of Germany, two sons, that is to say Walger earl of Teisterbaudt, and Thierry of Aquitaine earl of Holland and Zeeland lord of Friesland.  
This Cont Thierry carried the arms of his ancestors: and for that king Pepin would not have any but himself and those of his blood carry the arms of France, he therefore gave unto Diederic or Thierry duke of Aquitaine, other different arms, which some say were those of Hector of Troy, that is A Lion rampant Gueules in a field Or, armed and lampassed Azure. And 
The blazon or arms of Cont Thierry.  for that the said Cont Thierry drew his original in the right masculine line from the said Diederic duke of Aquitaine, he might by right carry the same arms. He was also honourably married to Genna or jenna daughter to Pepin the Bald, king of Italy, son to the emperor 
His wife.  Charlemain, who died before his father, to whom king Charles the Bald was uncle by the father's side, and she his niece, daughter to his brother, a very wise and virtuous princess.  
This Thierry did valiantly suppress and vanquish the Danes, who at that time did possess the town of Vtrecht, the Wiltes and the Slaves; who seeing they could no more set footing in Holland, through the valiant resistance which they found in Cont Thierry, they made an incursion into Zeeland upon the coast of Arnmuyden. Lewis king of Germany having intelligence of the great spoil which the Danes made in Zeeland, sent Lupold thither (a brave Franconian knight, the son of Vrancke duke of Suawbe, & grandchild to that Lupold which was driven out of his country by Nicephorus emperor of Greece) to succour Cont Thierry his nephew, who jointly together made good proof of their valour and forces against the Danes, in many a gallant encounter. Of this first Lupold are descended those of the last house of Borssele in Zealand: for he had to wife Elizabeth daughter to the great Maroth king of Hungary, by whom he had three sons, that is to say, Lupold who was earl of high Hungary, and Fredrick duke of Austria, from whom are descended those of Walchi, which is the noblest house in Austria: the third was Vrancke, father to the second Lupold, whom king Lewis made Lieutenant general of his army in Zeeland; from whence having expelled the Danes, 
The beginning of the house of Borssele.  he married an heir of the first house of Borssele, and was the founder of the town of Borssele, at this time drowned.  
After this victory Cont Thierry lived in peace and rest, studying to beautify his countries, and to furnish them with good laws: so as having reigned forty years, he died very old, to whom his son succeeded.   

THIERRY THE SECOND OF THAT name, peaceable Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland.  
Theodoricus Secundus.  
THIERRY the second Earl of Holland, by degree  
I was, and twice in two years space obtained victory  
'Gainst Frisons, that my father's bones did take out of his grave,  
And all the silly virgin Nuns out of their cloisters drove:  
The which my father first for maids did make and frame,  
Of Wood, and I of Lime and Stone for men new built the same.  
King Joys daughter, Hill named, I had to wife,  
And at full foureskore years and eight, did end my mortal life.  
THierry the second of that name, by the decease of Cont Thierry of Aquitaine his father, was Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friesland. But the Friselanders at the first would not acknowledge him for their lord, but rebelled against him and would live free, under the liberties which the Emperor Charlemain had granted them. This Cont Thierry had to wife Hildegard daughter to Lewis the stuttering king of France, and sister to king Charles the Simple: by whom he had Egbert his eldest son, a devout man, who was Archbishop of Treves, and Arnulph or Arnoult, who succeeded him in the said Counties, and one daughter called Alix or Erlinde.  
Cont Thierry seeing the wilfulness and obstinacy of his subjects of Friesland, levied a strong and mighty army of the best soldiers he could recover, as well in his own territories as of his friends and allies; with the which he entered into the country of Friesland and began to forage, spoil, burn, and destroy it. The Frisons knowing themselves unable at this 
The Frison●… subdued.  time to resist so mighty an army, making of necessity virtue, and yielding to the time and force, they submitted themselves to the Earl's mercy, who received them into grace. And then without any loss of his men, being laden with spoil, he returned into Holland. But the year following they revolted again, and came with great troops into West-Friseland (the 
They rebel again.  which obeyed the Earl, and therefore it was called North-Holland) besieging the town of Alcmar; the which they did with such speed, as the Earl could not have his army ready in 
Ruin Alcmar and burn the Abbey of Egmont.  time to hinder them, before they had forced the town, and slain all that they found within it, burning it, and rasing it to the ground, caring away with them the best of their wealth, many prisoners, and all their cattle. Then marching on, they came into the country of Kennemers, spoiling burning and killing all that made any resistance. From thence they marched as far as Egmont, where they burned the Abbey: and descending lower, committing daily a thousand insolencies, they came to besiege the town and castle of Leiden, thinking to carry it at their first approach, as they had done Alcmar; but the viscount of Leiden, a valiant knight, with the help of the inhabitants made head against them, sending to Cont Thierry that he should come speedily to succour them, else they should not possibly hold out long. The Earl who had no need of any persuasions to hasten his resolution, hearing in what danger those of Leiden were, flies thither with his army, being assisted by the lord of Borssell and other great personages, appointing the Frisons a day and place for battle, to attend him in open field. But the Frisons refusing a limited day, desired to fight presently, assuring themselves of the victory, relying upon their multitudes of men. The Earl having united all his forces together, although the Frisons had double his number yet he issued out of Leiden, and went to charge them. At the first encounter the battle was very furious and doubtful, the Hollanders fight for their lives, wives, children, houses and goods; and the Frisons for honour and victory. In the end, the Frisons not able any longer to endure the furious charges of the Hollanders, seeing so many of their men slain, and their brethren, kinsfolks and friends lying dead before them, they began to faint and to fly away for their own safeties, in the which slight there was so great a slaughter made of the Frisons, as very few returned to their own houses: 
A great defeat of the Frisons.  for they were slain every where as they fled, and there was no pity had of them, by reason of the great spoils which they had committed in all the country where they had past. This battle was fought upon the same place where as since the abbey of Rhinsburg near unto Leiden was built. Thus the Earl subdued the Frisons, with great effusion of blood, forcing them to yield unto the yoke, and to submit themselves under his obedience: in such sort as he 
Their punishment.  constrained them to make their doors and the entries into their houses so low, as they must bend their backs and stoop very much, in sign of humility, before they could enter. Then they took a new oath of fealty, as to their liege lord and Sovereign, with all such honour and respect as the case required. The year following the Earl caused a Temple to be built in the place where the defeat had been given, the which he dedicated unto S. Laurence, where since the lady Petronelle Countess of Holland did erect a convent of religious virgins, of the order of S. Benet.  
Cont Thierry having been thus revenged of the Frisons, he caused the Abbey of Egmont to be re-edified at leisure: his father did at the first build it of wood, but he caused it all to be made of masons work: and in steed of Religious women, he placed monks of the same Order, translating the nuns unto a place called Bennenbroeck, in the village of Hemsteed, near unto the town of Harlem, commanding they should not receive any n●…w into their society, to the end that when they were all dead, the goods, possessions and revenues of their foundation should return unto the monks of the abbey of Egmont, whereof Monebaldus was the first abbot. This earl Thierry the second having reigned a long time peaceably after his subduing of the Frisons, left the counties of Holland and Zeeland more flourishing than ever, so as being fourskore and eight years old, after that he had reigned about fifty years, he gave up his soul to God, leaving two sons, Egbert the eldest, and Arnold who succeeded his father, for some reasons that I will presently specify.  
3 Arnoldus Hollandiae  
I was as you me see. when I espoused my wife,  
The G●…ecian Emperor Thophans' child, the s●…lace of my li●…:  
The lands of Brederode to her I did assure,  
And 〈◊〉 one of my youngest 〈◊〉 f●…r ●…uer to indur●….  
Th●… 〈◊〉 sals●…, pro●…d 〈◊〉 come,  
And though lie valour I had put them to extremity,  
Yet ●…dst of 〈◊〉 it was my cruel cha●…ce to die,  
And in the Abbey of Egmont my corpt ●…e c●…d doth lie.   

ARNULPH OR ARNOLD, THIRD Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland.  
ARNOLD after the death of Cont Thierry his father, the second of that name, succeeded in the countries of Holland and Zeeland, as also in the signory of Friesland. He had to wife the lady Lutgard, daughter to Theophanes emperor of Greece, of whom he had one son, called as his grandfather, Thierry the third of that name, who succeeded him. This Cont Arnold had an elder brother, called Egbert, who having been sent in 
Egbert eldest son to Cont Thierty the second, becomes a monk.  embassage by his father to the archbishop of Treves, touched with zeal to religion and moved with devotion, he professed himself a monk of the order of S. Benet: and sending back unto his father the dispatches of his embassage, by the noblemen that did accompany him, he remained in the cloister. Afterwards by the decease of the said archbishop of Treves, he was chosen archbishop, where he governed some years: and having repaired the churches which the Danes had ruined and profaned, he died, and was interred in the church which he had built and dedicated to S. Andrew.  
Cont Arnold obtained of the emperor Otho the third, to hold the earldoms of Holland 
Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland made subject to the Empire.  and Zeeland with the signory of Friesland in fee of the Empire, and no more of the crown of France. In his time there appeared a very fearful comet, & there were great eclipses both of sun and moon red as blood, with horrible earthquakes: there fell a fire from heaven as big as a great tower, the which burned long; then followed so great and violent a plague, as the living died in burying of the dead. This earl had all the time of his reign continual war 
Horrible Prodigies.  with the Frisons, refusing to submit themselves under his obedience: the fifth year of his reign he levied a great army of his subjects in Holland, to subdue the Frisons and force them to obedience, as he had done the first year of his reign. The two armies approaching one unto the other in open field, near unto Winckell, a furious battle was fought, wherein the Hollanders 
The Hollanders defeated by the Frisons, and their earl slain,  having the worst, cont Arnold with a great number of the chief of his nobility were slain, in the year 993, the day after S. Lambert, which was the eighteenth of October; having governed Holland and Zeeland five years after the decease of his father: he is interred in the abbey of Egmont by his father and grandfather, leaving his eldest son Thierry the third for his successor in the said earldoms. He had also another son called Ziffrid (the 
993  Frisons call him Sicco) who being fallen in disgrace with his father, to avoid his displeasure, went voluntarily into exile into the country of Friesland, where he was courteously received by Gosso Ludingama then Potestat or governor of the Frisons, with whose daughter he fell in love, and married her without the privity of the earl his brother: of whom he had two sons, the eldest he called Thierry by his grandfathers name, and Simon. Afterward Ziffrid being reconciled to his father, was made his lieutenant in the quarter of Kennemerland, and 
The beginning of the house of Breederoed,  had for his part a portion of land measured with the great yard (the word of Breede-roede signifying a Great Yard) so as ever since the signory of the said Ziffrid hath retained the name of Brederode unto this day.  
His father did also give him the castle of Theylingen, the which Ziffrid did give and bequeath 
And of the family of Theylingen.  unto Simon his youngest son: from whom descended the family of Theylingen, at this present quite extinct by the death of two brethren which remained, the which were both slain in battle by the Frisons, with Cont William of Hainalt the fourth of that name, their prince, as we shall hereafter see, and how that also by the like accident of war we have seen die (without leaving any issue) four brave knights of the house of Brederode, being yet in the flower of their youth, not any one remaining of that house at this day, but three brethren; the eldst Walraven lord of BREDERODE, baron of Vianen and of Ameyden: Florent the second brother lately deceased, left one son, lord of Cloetinghen, heir apparent of the whole house; and Maximilian the youngest, who lives in Brabant. There are many of the same house bearing the same surname, and arms, (but broken) gentlemen come of bastards. The Epitaph of this earl Arnold preserved with many others in the ruins of the said abbey of Egmont (whereas most of the earls of Holland have been interred) having been recovered by me, although it be but grossly composed (as also the rest that follow) yet could I not omit them, for that they showed their antiquity, the which is not wholly to be rejected. Such was the Epitaph of the said earl and the lady Lutgard his wife.  
Gloria carnalis pernicibus evolat alis,  
Et quasi non fuerit, cum moriente perit.  
Hic Comes Arnulphus patrioe tutela sepultus,  
Expectat requiem, judicijque diem.  
Iste venustavit hac sancta locumque beavit,  
Terris, mancipijs, oedibus, Ecclesijs.  
Qui bis septenas Octobre rotante Calendas,  
Hostili gladio transijté medio.  
Laudibus & meritò, similis Lutgarda marito,  
Complexu fedei, consepelitur ei.  
Per tauri sydus ternas Maius regit Idus,  
Dum Comitissa pijs fungitur exequijs.  
This Countess Lutgarda wife to Cont Arnold, and daughter to Theophanes Emperor of Constantinople and of Greece, died in the month of May, but I find not in what year. She lies by her husband in the abbey that was of Egmont.   

THIERRY THE THIRD OF THAT name, son to Cont ARNOLD, was fourth Earl of Holland, Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland.  
4 Theodoricus Tertius.  
This THIERRY to revenge his father's death, in haste  
With forces great to Friesland marched, and laid the country waist,  
Sa●…ked the towns, and slew the townsmen cruelly,  
And made the bishop of Vtrecht his prisoner valiantly.  
On pilgrimage he went unto the Holy land,  
And there the Turks in Palestine did mightily withstand,  
And being home returned unto his spouse most true,  
At six and forty years of age did yield to death his due.  
THIERRY the third of that name, after the death of Cont Arnold his father, was in number the fourth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friesland. Being come unto the Principality, he demanded homage of the Frisons; the which being denied him, dissembling the discontent and the desire of revenge he had for his father's death, he then surceased to make any further question, attending some fitter opportunity. He took to wife in his father's life time Withild, daughter to the emperor Otho the second, duke of Saxe, whom he 
His wife and children.  had of his second wife, daughter to the Marquis of Austria. Of which Withild, Cont Thierry had two sons, the eldest was called as his father, and the fourth of that name, earl of Holland: the second was Floris, earl of East-Friseland, who after the death of his brother without children, succeeded in the said counties of Holland, Zeeland, and signory of Friesland. After the death of Anfrid the 18 bishop of Vtrecht, issued from the race of Charlemain, Adelbold descended from Manson a nobleman of the country of Friesland, was chosen Bishop, for his great knowledge as well in Divinity as in other liberal arts: he had been Councillor to the emperor Henry the second, he was the first bishop that began to advance himself, and to 
The first warlike bishop of Vtrecht.  make war against the Hollanders. For when as Thierry the third, earl of Holland, had lived some time in rest and peace; and that Walbold deane of the Cathedral church of Vtrecht was made bishop of Liege, who before had been chief chancellor to Adelbold, dissuading him still from all attempts of war: this Walbold being thus retired to his bishopric, Adelbold desirous of alterations, would needs without any colour make war against the Earl and the Hollanders. The causes and motives of this war were, That Adelbold had animated the Frisons and fortified them to rise & rebel against Cont Thierry their natural lord: moreover, this bishop had advanced a gentleman called Didier Bruno to be earl of Bodegraven and of Suvamerdam, 
The Earl of Bodegraven.  who did greatly wrong and oppress the Hollanders his neighbours: whereupon Cont Thierry went with his troops to assail him, and having defeated him in battle, he expelled him by force out of his signory.  
The bishop bearing it impatiently to see his vassal thus expelled, levied an army, with an intent to restore him by force: so the 9 of june in the year 1018 the bishop having brought his men to field betwixt Bodegrave & Suvamerdam, the earl Thierry went to charge them, being accompanied by his brother Ziffrid lieutenant of Kennemerland, by john lord of Arkel, the siegneor john of Persin, the viscount of Leyden, and many other brave knights and gentlemen. But this encounter proved unfortunate for the bishop, wherein he was defeated and put to 
The bishop of Vtrecht defeated in battle by the Hollanders.  rout. There died on his side among the most remarkable, Wyger, Aduoe, that is to say, Advocate general of the diocese of Vtrecht, Wickin and Gadezo earls, Lazo, Alger, and Zuveer (that is to say Asuerus) knights, with a great number of squires and gentlemen, besides the men at arms and common soldiers, which were very many.  
The bishop Adelbold was much perplexed for this defeat, yet he fainted not, but gathering together his dispersed troops, would make a second proof and hazard another battle, the which was more prejudicial and fatal unto him than the first: for not only his army was defeated, but himself was taken prisoner, having lost among the men of mark, Volckert a priest 
Defeated the second time a 〈◊〉 taken prisoner.  and canon, Bertold a deacon, john and Godfrey earls, Hiddo, Halmeric, Wabtelin, Hubert, and Hildebold knights Zidfrid and Heyman barons, with a great number of brave soldiers. Cont Thierry after these two victories, his men being laden with spoil and good prisoners, returned into Holland, leading his bishop with him, whom he entreated very courteously, seeking to comfort him and to moderate his passions in this his adversity, being much troubled for his overthrow and imprisonment.  
One day among the rest, Cont Thierry asked of him by way of familiar discourse, What had moved him so to malice the Hollanders, and to make war against them, seeing that neyth●…r 
Familiar talk betwixt the earl & bishop  they nor he himself had ever wronged him or don him injury? The bishop answered, Sir, I confess that I never received any wrong from yourself nor your subjects, neither yet from any of your predecessors; but that which moved me to attempt war against you, and to oppress and molest your subjects, was only for that I was given to understand that the country of Holland did anciently hold of my bishopric of Vtrecht: for proof whereof, we read in Histories, that Vtrecht was in old time the chief and capital town of Holland, and that at this day it is so held; and therefore in my opinion Holland in former times did belong to my predecessors: for this cause I did move and incite the Frisons to rebel, that by the help of their forces and succours, I might expel you out of your country, and join it unto my signiory. But seeing I have taken a wrong course, and am taken in the snare which I prepared for you, I will foretell you by way of prophesy, That there shall never be any p●…rtect love and friendship, betwixt them of Vtrecht and the Hollanders: and that in future ages they shall much vex one another, by war, robberies, oppression, and spoils; sometimes one being victor, sometimes the other. Whereunto Cont Thierry answered: Gods will be done in all things, both in my countries and elsewhere, according to his good pleasure: yet I would have my lord bishop understand, that the princes of Holland do little esteem the town of Vtrecht: but I grieve for the poor commons, who endure much through the spoils and insolencies of men of war: Yet if you will promise me under your hand and seal, never to stir up nor 
The Earls kind offer to the bishop.  encourage my Frisons to rebel, I will suffer you to depart free, and will give you leave to do what you can; for that I do not much apprehend what you and yours can do unto me. To whom the bishop said: Although I do it unwillingly, yet necessity will force me unto it. Whereupon the Earl replied, If my lord bishop will not accept nor effect that which I have propounded, he may remain here with me, and I will take order for his charges, and for all other things necessary: yet my lord must understand, that neither he nor any of his predecessors had ever any right of propriety or temporal jurisdiction upon Holland, nor on the dependences thereof, in any sort whatsoever. Neither shall it be found in any writings and evidences, That the bishops of Vtrecht were ever entitled Earls of Holland: seeing that Charles the Bald, king of France, and afterwards Emperor, having succeeded by the death of his father Lewis the Gentle (son to Charlemaigne) in the countries of Holland and Zeeland, as well as in the realm of France, and other countries of his inheritance, after that he had defeated the normans, gave them to my great grandfather, Cont Thierry the first, son to Sigehert Duke of Aquitaine. And for the better assurance and confirmation of the said grant, at the instance of Pope john the 9 he himself in person, put the said Count Thierry in full possession of the said Earldoms, and subjecteth them unto him by force of arms; instituting him, as his royal letters patents make mention, the first Earl, to protect and defend them against the incursions of the Danes, and by good and mild courses, to draw this rough and uncivil people to his devotion; as he hath done. The like I may affirm and prove by good testimonies, that Friesland is of the jurisdiction of Holland, for that Lewis king of Germany, brother to Charles the Bald, gave all that country to the said Cont Thierry, unto the river of Lanuvers, and beyond it, bending towards the East. Charles the Great, king of France and Emperor, gave it unto Godefroy king of Denmark, in dowry with his wife, upon condition, That he should be baptized, who afterwards was slain. And therefore if Godefroy hath made any session or gift unto the bishop of Vtrecht, I am well pleased therewith, and will not pretend any interest to that which lies beyond the said river of Lanuvers. My lord must also understand the great ingratitude of them of Vtrecht, for the benefits which they received of my great grandfather: for he and his brother Walger Earl of Teysterbaudt, remaining at Anezaet, near unto Tyl, made so long war against the Danes, which did then possess the town of Vtrecht, as they forced them to abandon the place, and restored the bishop Rabod (who as an exiled prelate kept at Deventer) to his episcopal seat. These be the thanks we receive now from them of Vtrecht, who require me evil for good. I therefore conclude with the truth, That neither my lord bishop, nor any of his predecessors, had ever any right, interest, nor title of temporal jurisdiction in the countries of Holland, nor of Friesland, for as much as is contained within the river of Lanuvers: unless your lordship can show & produce some sale, transport, or donation, which my predecessors have made unto the bishop of Vtrecht, as they had the power and means to do, the which doth appear by the letters granted by Emperors & kings their benefactors. Bishop Adelbold having well & duly considered of all Cont Thierries' reasons, confessed his error, 
The bishop yields to the Earls reasons  and that being ill advised, he had first attempted war against him: and that in all the lands and signiories of the said Earl he had no other jurisdiction but spiritual, in that which concerns the administration and government of the church only: as it had been given from Emperors and kings, to Willebrord the first bishop, as far as it may extend unto this day. It is true, said the Earl, and we acknowledge you for our spiritual father, commander in divine things, and which concern the salvation of our souls. And we do also confess, that by reason of your bishopric, you have much land, and many rents, tithes, possessions, and other revenues, which have been given by my ancestors, unto the church of Vtrecht, for the honour of God, and the entertainment of divine service, the which I would be very loath any way to impeach or hinder: As I also would entreat your lordship, & your subjects, to use the like moderation towards me and my vassals: and so he ended his discourse.  
After these two goodly victories, which Cont Thierry had gotten against Adelbold bishop of Vtrecht, he resolved to revenge the death of his father in Friesland; for the effecting whereof, he was assisted by the Emperor Henry the 2, who sent Godefroy with the great beard, duke 
The Emperor sends succours to the ●…arle to subdue them o●… Friesland.  of Lorraine, unto him, with goodly succours of soldiers. The Earl having also levied a goodly army of his own subjects, leading the bishop prisoner with him, entered into the country of Friesland; where going to affront the Frisons army, a sudden terror and fear seized upon the Hollanders, without any apparent cause, which made them suddenly to disband & fly, as if they had been chased and followed at the heels by their enemies, so as it was not possible to stay them to fight, every one seeking his own safety. The Frisons seeing this unexpected rout, pursued them at their ease; in which pursuit the Duke of Lorraine was taken, and 
The Duke of Lorraine prisoner to the Frisons, and the bishop escaped  the bishop escaped from the Hollanders, retiring himself unto the Frisons, incensing them more and more against Cont Thierry: who having made his retreat to Harlem, he speedily gathered together his scattered army, with the which he marched directly to Heyligerlee, where he met the Frisons, with the bishop, who came boldly and resolutely to charge him, having forced the Duke of Lorraine to accompany them to the battle, the which was fierce and very 
The Frisons defeated, the duke of Lorraine escapes.  bloody, whereas the Earl had the victory, with great slaughter of the Frisons: the Duke being freed from their hands, and joined with the Earl (after that the bishop being wounded, had saved himself with great danger of his life) they both together with their united 
The bishop being wounded ●…ues himself.  troops, fell upon the country of Friesland, putting all to fire & sword, & destroying the whole country, unpeopling it of men and cattle, taking and carrying away all they could find. And thus the Earl reduced all the country of Friesland under his obedience, the which he gave to his younger son Floris, and forced the inhabitants which remained, to acknowledge him for their lord and to take an oath of fealty, holding the said signiory notwithstanding in fee of the Earl his father, who returned victorious into Holland. Floris remained in Friesland, the which he governed with power and authority all his life-time. 
Friesland given to Cont Flor●….   
Cont Thierry finding himself at rest from all his wars, & having subdued all his enemies, he went accompanied with the lord of Arckel, his faithful subject, and a great train of gentlemen, 
The Earl goes ●…rimage to jerusalem.  to jerusalem, where the said lord of Arckel died of sickness, and was honourably interred there by Cont Thierry: who being returned into Holland, after that he had finished his pilgrimage, lived some years interest and quietness, with his wife and children: then having ended the course of his life, he died in the year 1039. having reigned 46 years, and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Egmont, by his fathers. The lady Withilde his widow, 
The Earl's death, Anno 1039.  returned into her country of Saxony, where she died four years after.  
In the said Abbey of Egmont, there was found preserved from ruin, the Epitaph of these three Earls, Thierry the 1. 2 and 3. Earls of Holland and Zeeland, Lords of Friesland; of the lady Gena, wife to the first, and of the lady Hildegarde, wife to the second, as we have extracted and inserted them here, for the reverence of antiquity.  
The odericorum tria corpora magnific●…rum,  
Hic sita sunt, titulis quaeque not at a suis.  
Hi funda●…rant loca nostra, Patresque fuerunt,  
Istsus ornatus, ordinis, atque status.  
Hic Comitissarum sociantur membraduarum,  
Virtus est quarum non celebrandaparum.  
Genna prior dicta, tum pracipue benedicta,  
Hild●… garda suo digna legititulo:  
Auropraecl●… am tabulam quae struxit ad aram,  
Multi●…dis donis iure sequendabonis.  
Progenies borum, mores imitare tuorum,  
Quos coeliregio sumpsit ab exilio.  
In the said Abbey is also found, the Epitaph of Sicco, or Ziffrid of Holland, first lord of Brederode, son to Arnould, & brother to Thierry the 3. Earls of Holland, as followeth.  
Status sepe morum statu immutatur honorum,  
Quod Comes exegst, quem lapis iste tegit.  
Siccog●…nus Comitum, Comitatum ponit avitum,  
Dum quod amat sequitur, sic minor efficitur.  
Sed fundis, servis, aerisque nitebat aceruis,  
Inferior solo Principe fratre suo.  
Qui dum perpendit, quo mundi gloria tendit,  
juris multa suitradit huic domui.  
St●…rps de Siccane processit in hac regione,  
florence divitijs, viribus, ingenijs.  
julius in N●…nis tulit hunc, ut conditionis,  
Cui vera sit quies, perpet●…sque dies.   

THIERRY THE FOURTH OF THAT name, and fifth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
5 Theodoricus Quartus  
Nine years I lived Earl of Holland fortunate,  
Not knowing, nor yes caring what belonged to marriage state.  
The Germans I compelled the town of Dort to leave,  
That sought by all the means they could my life for to bereave;  
Who being overcome, and put unto the flight,  
Turned back, and shot a shaft at me, which in my thigh did light.  
The names of three of my forefathers I did bear,  
And with them in their sepulchre my bones interred were.  
THIERRY the 4. of that name, after the decease of Thierry the 3. his father, was the fifth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland. He was never married, and therefore he left not any children to succeed him. On a time a torney being appointed in the city of Liege, whither came many Princes and Noble men; Cont Thierry went thither in like sort, accompanied with many Noble men and Barons, his vassals. As the Princes & Noble men were at the torney, it happened by an unfortunate blow, that the Earl slew the brother of the bishops of Cologne and Liege: so as the noble men of Germany sought to revenge the death of this young knight. Thierry unable to make his party good, retired secretly with all his train out of the city. The Germans advertised of his retreat, pursued him, and having overtaken the last of his train, they slew some, among the which were two knights. Cont Thierry having recovered Holland without danger, went to Dordrecht, and caused all the ships of Cologne and Liege to be burnt; took all the german merchants prisoners, and put them to great ransoms, to revenge the death of his two knights, and of his other servants. The bishops of Liege and Cologne bearing this indignity impatiently, sent an army under 
The bishops of Liege and Cologne, assail the Earl, and take Dordrecht.  the command of the Marquis of Brandebourg their cousin; who coming down the Rhine, entered into Holland, and by treason, (some say by a popular tumult) surprised the town of Dordrecht.  
Cont Thierry being somewhat amazed at this loss, was advised by the signior Gerard of Putten, to make an adventure to enter the town by night with his men; the which succeeded happily. Sounding his trumpets, and with a fearful cry, at midnight, he began to spoil 
The Earl recovers the town, and expels the Germans.  all the Germans he could encounter: so as after some resistance, the Germans were forced to leave the town, and to fly, or to save themselves in holes, until the fury of the fight were passed: in the which there died above 400. german gentlemen.  
The next day in the morning, the Earl being weary of the night's fight, being disarmed, and desirous to refresh himself, walked up and down, and passing by a narrow street, was shot in the thigh with a poisoned dart, by one of the enemies which lay hidden in a garret; so as ever since unto this day that street is called Grave street, that is to say, the Earl's street: of 
The Earl slain.  which wound he died two days after, which was the 15. of May 1048, having governed his Countries nine years. He was interred with his father in the Abbey of Egmont During the life of this Earl, was built the first Fort in the Island of Schauven at Ziricxee: and the Island of Walchrens in Zeeland was conquered by Baldwin of l' Isle de Buc, Earl of Flanders, assisted by Robert his youngest son. Then began the ships of the East Countries to frequent the seas of the Netherlanders, and not before.   

FLORIS THE FIRST OF THAT name, the sixth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
6 Florentius Primus  
My brother's heir I was, and sixth Earl by degree,  
And married with a Saxon dame, of great nobility:  
The Liegios I subdued, and valiantly did take  
The Earl of Loven in the field, and him my prisoner make.  
Twice did the Prince of Collen feel my force and might,  
Between the rivers Wale and Mase: but to my great despite,  
(As all things subject are to change) myself being ta'en,  
When I had ruled 14. years, in cruel wise was slain.  
FLORIS the first of that name, was before Earl of West Friesland, who after the death of Cont Thierry the fourth his brother, was the sixth Earl of Holland and Zeeland. He had to wife the lady Gertrude, daughter to Heyman Duke of Saxony, son to the Emperor Henry the second; of 
Cont Floris his wife & children  whom he had four sons: Thierry his successor in the said Earledoms, Albert, Floris, and Peter, which were Canons at Liege; and one daughter; called Mathilde, or Mahault, who was married to Philip the first of that name, king of France.  
The bishops of Cologne and Liege, who had not yet forgotten the death of their brother, slain at a tourney, by Cont Thierry the fourth, the burning of their ships, the ransoming of their merchants, and the defeat of their men, at the enterprise of Dordrecht; to be revenged 
The bishops of Cologne & Liege, assail the ●…le of Holland.  of Cont Floris, brother to Thierry, made a league with the Marquis of Brandebourg, the Cont Albert of Loose, or of Louvaine, Wichard Advocate general of Gueldres, and Herman Earl of Cuicke, who gathering what forces they could together, resolved to set upon Cont Floris & the Hollanders. The Earl having intelligence of their design, sent for all his knights, gentlemen, and vassals, commanding them to bring what troops they could, either of his subjects, or strangers: the which they did, making a g●…odly army to oppose against his enemies, and went to lodge in the town of Dordrecht: causing (during his abode there) many ditches 
The Earl attends them at Do●…drecht.  to be made in South-Holland, and pitfalls covered with straw and grass, which could not be discovered. He had also sent for succours out of Friesland, from whence there were sent him a troop of the most valiant soldiers, that were in all the country.  
The Earl attending his enemies in his town of Dordrecht, the Germans marching in the country, thinking to besiege him there, being entered into South-Holland, there lost a great 
1058.  number of their men, which were smothered and drowned in these ditches, thus covered and hidden, the which they could not discern in the night, neither knew they which way to march, for thinking to avoid one danger, they fell into another by heaps, so as very many were slain. And withal, the Earl (who knew all the passages of the country) pursuing them, made them to fall into these ditches; which they could not avoid, unless they would be subject to the enemy's sword, who attended them on every side. There was a furious battle, where the Earl was victor, in the which there were forty thousand men slain, and twenty six 
A bloody battle won by the ●…rle. The bishop of Liege slain.  thousand drowned and smothered in those ditches, and all this great army of Germans was put to rout, every one saving himself as he could by the meadows. In which defeat was slain the bishop of Liege; the Earl of Henault, the Earl of Loose, and the Advocate general of Gueldres, were prisoners, every one paying two thousand marks of fine silver, for his ransom, besides a great number of other knights and gentlemen, that were prisoners. Cont Floris got this victory on S. Adolphs' day, in the year 1058.  
Four years after, in the year 1062, the bishop of Cologne, the Marquis of Brandebourg Cont Herman of Cuicke, and other noble men, their allies, levied a new army, of the which the 
1062.  Marquis was General. These noblemen being entered into Holland, their men began to spoil 
The bishop of Cologne levies another ar●…e.  and burn the country. Cont Floris, who was never daunted for a small loss, like a valiant and hardy knight, went to encounter them with his army, and charged them furiously: the fight was fierce, every one showing his valour: the Germans fought for honour and spoil, and the Hollanders for their lives and goods. In the end, the Hollanders having broken the Germans ranks, & disordered them, they put them to flight, and the Earl remained victor. The 
The Germans defeated again.  Hollanders laden with spoil, and a great number of prisoners, returned to their houses. This battle was on S. Martin's day in Summer.  
After this victory, Cont Floris marching with his army, & making his retreat, resting himself under an elm, in the village of Hemert, betwixt the rivers of Meuse and Wasal, Cont Herman of Cuick (who before had fled) rallying his men together, came and charged the Earl and his troops, whom he surprised unawares and in disorder, being disarmed to refresh themselves, so as having no leisure to arm themselves again they were defeated, and Cont Floris with two thousand six hundred of his men. Those of Dordrecht, which had the rear, made haste to succour them, but it was too late for the Earl: yet they did quite defeat the Earl of Cuicke & his troops, whereas the Earl was also slain. Cont Floris had after his brother's death reigned 14 years in Holland, & in Friesland 21 years. He was interred at Egmont.  
The Epitaphs of these two Earls, brethren, Thierry the fourth, and Floris the first, are found in the Church of the Abbey of Egmont, as followeth:  
Ecce jacent fratres, Regni spes, gloria, Patres,  
Regum stirpe sati, vermibus aesca dati.  
Bello magnificus prior horum Theodoricus,  
Hostibus in Patriam iure negando viam.  
Per Caprae sydus dum janus volueret Idus,  
Caesar erat foams, quo cadit iste Comes.  
florence flos florum, Florentius alter eorum,  
Splendidus eloquio, viribus, ingenio.  
Cui Troiae rector bellanti cederet Hector,  
Dum nimis emicuit, host latente ruit.  
Morte viri, flendas, quarto decimoque Calendas,  
junius axe gerit, cum Comes iste perit.  
Destructor mortis, vitae reparatio fortis,  
Raptos valle soli, collocet arce Poli.   

GERTRUDE, WIDOW TO CONT FLORIS, Mother and Guardian to young Cont Thierry, son to Floris.  

7 Gertrudis Saxoniae   
I was by blood and line of Prince hems house,  
And to the first Earl FLORIS was his first and only spouse:  
In widowhood I ruled the Country full a year,  
With care for my young infant's weal, as plainly did appear:  
The Frison sought of me a second marriage state,  
Which I accepted: but such was my hard and cruel fate,  
That death restored me unto my former love,  
To lie with him in earthly tomb, my soul in Heaven above.   

ROBERT CALLED THE FRISON, Advocate General to young Cont THIERRY, second husband to the Countess Gertrude.  
Robertus Cognomento Frisius,  
Like Hector valiantly, my Country's defence  
I sought, resisting th'emperor, and drove the German thence.  
Becoming amorous, I married FLORIS wife,  
And did defend her son and her, in bloody war and strife:  
Protecting them eight years by my victorious hand.  
Cypress, Salamine, Amathont, I won in Heathen Land:  
But shunning of my foe within my native soil,  
At Cassel death encountered me, and put me to the soil.  
AFter the death of Cont Floris the first of that name, and the sixth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland successively, being slain in battle near unto Heusden (as we have formerly related) the lady Gertrude his widow, daughter to Heyman duke of Saxony, governed these four Countries in the name of Thierry her eldest son, being in his nonage. Afterwards, in the year 1063. (with the consent of all the Nobility and the Estates of the Country) she married again with Robert 
1063  the Frison, a wise and valiant knight, son to Baldwin of Lisle de Bucke, earl of Flanders: who 
The lady Gertrude ●…es again with the Earl of Fland●…s.  by the valour of this Robert his son, overthrew the Emperor Henry the fourth in battle: and for his virtues, was by the Estates of Holland and Zeeland made guardian of young Cont Thierry, son of the Earl Floris, and of the said Lady Gertrude; who in this second marriage had three sons by Robert, that is, Robert the young (who went with Godefroy of Bovillon to the conquest of the holy Land, and after the decease of his father was Earl of Flanders: then 
The children of Robert and 〈◊〉 Lady Gertrude.  Philip, who was father to William of Ixre: and the third was Baldwin, bishop of Teroanne. She had also three daughters by him: the eldest was called Alix or Alice, married to Canutus, king of Denmark and of Norwey, by whom she had Charles, which was Earl of Flanders: the second Gertrude, who was Countess of Louvain, and afterwards married to a Landtgraue of Elsatia, mother to Thierry of Elsatia, who was also in his time Earl of Flanders.  
This Robert the Frison was not so called, as if he had been borne in Friesland: but (as the Chronicle of Holland says) for that he was strong, big, and courageous, as a Frison borne (in 
Why Cont Robert was 〈◊〉 the Frison.  such esteem and reputation of valour those of Friesland have always been, as when they would speak of a strong man, or commend him for his force, they said, Strong as a Frison) the Chronicles of Flanders say, that he was so called, for that he subdued the Frisons: imitating the ancient Romans, who called Scipio the African, and others by the names of the Provinces which they had conquered and subdued. This Robert was a valiant and a virtuous Prince, and who had liberality in singular recommendation, the which moved the Nobles of Holl●…nd & Zeeland to choose him for their governor, during the minority of their prince Thierry; wherein he carried himself both wisely and valiantly for the space of eight years.  
Having at his coming to the government subdued them of Friesland, hearing of the death of Baldwin de Mons his brother, Earl of Flanders, he demanded to be admitted to the Earldom grounding his pretensions upon a certain division, the which he said, Baldwin de Lisle his father had made among his children, at Audenarde: by the which he had decreed, that the said Robert the Frison should succeed in the said County to Robert de Mons, notwithstanding any lawful heirs that he should leave. But he found so great opposition, made by the Countess Richild, widow to Baldwin de Mons, and by her two sons, being favoured by the Nobles and Commons of the Country, as for a time he did forbear to attempt any thing. Afterwards the said Richild behaved herself so insupportably in her government, as she became 
R●…ert ouerc●…mes the French, and re●…aines Earl 〈◊〉 Flanders.  odious to all the Flemings, so as they sent secretly to call in Robert the Frison, who came and overthrew the king of France in a great battle: so as there was an accord made betwixt the said Robert, and the Countess Richild, and her son Baldwin, who remained satisfied with the County of Henault; so as Robert remained peaceable Earl of Holland: where having 
●…bert goes in ●…mage to jerusalem. His death.  settled a good order for his affairs, he was desirous to go in pilgrimage to the holy Sepulchre, and to Mount Sinai, from whence being returned into Flanders, he died in the year 1077. at Wyendael, and was interred in the Cannon's Church of cassel, the which he had founded. 
1077    

GODFREY THE CROOKED, DUKE of Lorraine, the ninth in number of the Earls of Holland, the which he usurped for a time.  
9 Gothiphredus Lotharīgae Gibbus.  
I am (if you will know) that crooke-backt GODFERY,  
That by the favour of Vtrecht wan Holland valiantly:  
Whereas, in four years space, to show my great renown,  
I built the goodly Town of Delft, in the Septentrion:  
The Frisons I subdued, that could me not withstand,  
And manfully maintained war, both on the sea and land:  
Till I in Antwerp traitorously my death did get,  
And left no issue; but now serve to crawling worms for meat.  
THe quarrel of them of Vtrecht against Holland (as Bishop Adelbold, prisoner to Cont Thierry the third, had prophesied unto him) not able to be reconciled; William son to Widikind, prince of Gelderland, the 21. bishop of Vtrecht, mindful of the taking of his father, in a battle which the bishops of Cologne and Liege, together with other german princes, had against Cont Floris, father to the Infant Thierry Earl of Holland, thrust on by ambition, and an insatiable desire to augment his estate (although it were but too great for the maintenance of a Churchman, and one that made profession of sanctity) went to the Emperor Henry the fourth, to whom he made great complaints, and suggested falsely, that Thierry of Aquitaine, the first Earl of Holland, and his successors, 
The bishop of Vtrechts' false suggest one to the Emperor against the Earl of Holland  had violently taken away from Odibaldus, the twelfth bishop of Vtrecht, and his successors afterwards from Adelbold, and forcibly usurped the Earldom of Holland; which the Emperor Henry the second, Conrade the second, and Henry the third, had confirmed to the bishops of Vtrecht: And by these abusive and slanderous suggestions, he did secretly obtain letters of a reiterated donation from the said Henry the fourth, under his seal.  
This reverent bishop seeing that he should never find a better opportunity to seize upon Holland, than during the minority of Cont Thierry the fifth, having called all his friends to his succour, and among other, Godfrey the Crooked, Duke of Lorraine (the which at that time was called Lothier) of Brabantand of Ardennes, made a mighty Army under the command 
Godfrey duke of Lorraine, invades Holland in the bishop's name.  of the said Godfrey, with the which he went to invade Holland in the year 1071. in the country of Rhynland, near unto the Town of Leyden. The Earl Robert the Frison governor of Holland, and father in law to young Cont Thierry, having gathered together what men he could, went to encounter these two invading princes, where there was a battle fought, and the charge was furious on both sides: but in the end, Robert thus suddenly surprised, being otherwise employed about his affairs of Flanders, and not able to levy sufficient forces to encounter his enemies, who were twice as strong the loss fell upon the Hollanders, 
The bishop a conqueror, & Robert retires himself.  and the bishop remained victor Robert taking his wife and children speedily with him, saves himself in Flanders in the Town of Gand, as the Chronicles of Holland say, but those of Flanders write, that he fled into Saxony to his wives father, from whence he was called back by the Flemings against the Countess Richild, as we have before noted, speaking of the said Robert.  
After this victory, bishop William caused Godfrey the Crooke-backe to take possession of all the Towns of Holland, and to hold the whole Earldom in fee and homage of his 
Duke Godfrey poss●…eth Holland.  Bishopric of Vtrecht; the which he possessed and governed five whole years after that donation, during the absence of Robert, who was busied in Flanders. This Prelate of Vtrecht caused all the frontier Towns to be manned with good garrisons: among the rest he built a strong Castle at Isselmonde, upon the river of Maeuse, betwixt Dordrecht and Rotterdam, the which he fortified with a good garrison. Duke Godfrey for a perpetual memory to posterity, caused a new Town to be built, betwixt the villages of Auverschyer and 
Foundation of the Town of Delft.  Risuvicke, the which is at this present the goodly Town of Delft, and without it a Castle, where he made his residence during his government.  
This Duke seeing all things succeed so happily, and that nothing did cross his designs, he resolved to make war against the Frisons, making a road into the country, and bringing a great booty, with many prisoners into the Town of Alcmar. The East-Frisons, 
Godfrey makes war in Friesland.  neighbours to them that were thus spoiled, came down like men half mad with a mighty Army, and besieged Godfrey in the said Town of Alcmar, for the space of nine weeks. Seeing himself thus besieged, he called the bishop of Vtrecht to his succour, who posted thither with all his forces, and compelled them to raise the siege: he gave battle to the Frisons, whom he defeated, and put to rout, where there were slain above eight thousand upon the place, besides prisoners: the rest were all scattered and put to flight. So Duke Godfrey, 
The Frisons defeated with the help of the bishop of Vtrecht.  with the help of the said bishop, got possession of both Friselands, East and West, the which he also enjoyed four years together, upon condition, that he should hold them likewise in fee of the said bishop, and of his Bishopric of Vtrecht.  
Afterwards, in the year 1075. Duke Godfrey being in Andwerpe (some Authors say in Friesland) easing his body in a low chamber which was over the ditch of his lodging, he was discovered by one called Ghisbrecht, servant to young Cont Thierry, who thrust him in at the fundament with a javeline. Godfrey being thus wounded, desirous to return into his Country of Lorraine, he caused himself to be transported into the Town of Maestrecht, whereas he died in the month of March, leaving no children of his body, nor any other 
The death of Godfrey the Crooke-back, without heirs.  heir, but one only sister, wife to Eustace, Earl of Blois, by whom she had three sons; Godfrey of Bovillon, Baldwin and Eustace. After which Godfrey the Crooke-backe, his nephew Godfrey of Bovillon, succeeded in the duchies of Lorraine and Brabant, although at that time 
Godfrey of Bovillon succeeds Godfrey the Crooke-backe.  the Dukes of Lorraine did not write themselves Dukes of Brabant. But since in the year 1251. Henry the third of that name, Duke of Lorraine, began to entitle himself Duke of Lothier and of Brabant: the which the Dukes of Brabant (although they have no pretension unto Lorraine) have continued unto this day. This Duke Godfrey of Bovillon, with many great Princes of Christendom, among others, Hugh the great, brother to the King of France: Robert, brother 
Godfrey of Bovillon General to the Holyland.  to the Duke of Normandy: Robert the young, son to our Robert the Frison, before mentioned, Earl of Flanders: Raymond, Earl of S. giles: Steven, Earl of Blois: Brunamond or Baymond, Prince of Appulia: Eustace and Baldwin, brothers to Duke Godfrey of Bovillon: Anselm of Ribemont, and some Noblemen of the house of Borsele in Zeeland. Among the Gentlemen of Friesland, were Tiepko Fortman, jarich Ludingama, Epo Hardtman, Igo Galama, Frederick Botnia, Eelcko and Sicco Liaucama, cousins, and Obbo Hermana, with 300000. which were marked with the sign of the Cross, and therefore this voyage was called, the Croisadoe: in which expedition they recovered the holy Land, and the said Godfrey of Bovillon 
He is crowned King of jerusalem.  was crowned King of jerusalem, to whom succeeded his brother Baldwin.   

THIERRY THE FIFTH OF THAT name, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
〈◊〉 Theodoricus Quintus,  
THIERRY attained to years, his valour for to show,  
Found means to cross the Priest that sought his utter overthrow:  
Man oftentimes doth win great honour, wealth, and fame,  
But by industry and by force he must preserve the same.  
The Frisons he subdued by valour and by might,  
That secretly conspired had, to work him some despite:  
His wife WITHILD was, and as full seventeen years  
His Earldom he assigned to death, as by record appears.  
THIERRY the fifth of that name, son to Cont Floris, the first of that name, Earl of Holland, Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland. After the death 
1077  of Godfrey the Crooke-backe, Duke of Lorraine, who (as we have said) by the instigation, support, and favour of William of Geldre, bishop of Vtrecht, had dispossessed him, being yet in his minority, of all his country of Holland and Friesland; he levied a mighty Army, with the help of 
Cont Thierry prepares to recover Holland  Robert the Frison, his father in law, and his other kinsfolks and friends, to recover his Country and ancient Inheritance.  
At the same time (which was in the year 1077.) died the said William, bishop of Vtrecht, having governed his bishopric in bloody wars (in the which he was often victor) for the space of two and twenty years, carrying himself more like a Captain than a Pastor: to whom succeeded Conrard, issued from the Dukes of Suaube, who was installed in the said bishopric, the better to defend the Conquest of Holland and Zeeland, which his predecessor William had made. This Conrard took great delight in the Castle of Isselmond, whether the Earls Thierry and Robert the Frison marched with their Army, knowing his usual residence 
Conrard besieged in his castle at Isselmond.  to be there. The bishop Conrard hearing that they came to besiege him, and seeing his said Castle invested, sent to his subjects of his bishopric of Vtrecht to come to succour him, and to free him from this siege. Whereupon great numbers of soldiers came to him from all parts: so as there was a furious battle fought, betwixt the bishops Traiectins, and the Hollanders and Flemings of Cont Thierry and Cont Robert, the which was long in suspense, to whether part the victory would incline: but in the end the bishop's men were broken and 
The bishop's men defeated by Cont Thierry.  put to flight, of whom there was a great slaughter made, being pursued unto their ships, where many were drowned in the press, striving to get in. There died many Nobles of the bishop's side, among others, Garlar Earl of Zutphen, Lambert Provost Cathedral of Deventer, Volckmar Priest of S. Boniface, Chisbrecht and Warembault, knights. And of Cont Thierries' side, john of Arckel, Euerard of Bockhorst, with many other Gentlemen and brave soldiers.  
The bishop having lost this battle, and seeing his men quite defeated, and without any means to rally them again together, sought to fortify himself in the dungeon of the Castle of Isselmond, rampiering up the base Court: But Cont Thierry by the advice of his Hollanders, having won the said base Court, forced the bishop to yield both himself and 
The bishop forced to yield himself prisoner, and to restore Holland.  the place to his mercy, and in the end for his liberty to restore unto him all his country of Holland: which done, the Earl sent him home honourably to Vtrecht.  
After this triumphant victory, and before that he dismissed his Army, Cont Thierry having recovered his inheritance, entered into Holland, from the which he had been long expelled, and was there received with great joy and pomp, and acknowledged for their Prince, Earl, and natural Lord: But the Frisons, who had so often rebelled, were restic, and refused the homage which they ought him, seeking to remain free Imperialists: although that Egbert, competitor to the Emperor Henry the fourth, having subdued them from the Fly to the river of Lanuvers, had made them his vassals, and given them to the bishop of Vtrecht; and the said Egbert being vanquished and slain in a mill by the said emperors men, all the Country of Friesland was given to bishop William of Geldre, and annexed unto his bishopric by the said Emperor Henry. The Frisons therefore seeing the said Conrard vanquished, would not acknowledge the one nor the other, but only the 
The Frisons will neither acknowledge the bishop, nor the Earl of Holland.  Emperor and the Empire, relying upon their ancient privileges. Thierry seeing their obstinacy, attended the opportunity of a sharp and violent Winter, with some hard frosts, which made the foul ways, waters, marshes, and quagge mires firm and hard as stone. Then he marched with all his forces to assail them; the Frisons attended him upon the ye, where a furious battle was fought: But in the end, the Frisons (not able any longer to endure the force of the Hollanders and Flemings) were put to rout, and above forty thousand slain upon the place. Yet the Frisons fainted not for this defeat: but having 
The Frisons defeated by Cont Thierry.  gathered together their dispersed troops, and being succoured with fresh and great supplies, they present themselves to a second battle. The Earl being well accompanied, after that he had encouraged his men, went to charge them: The encounter was great and fierce, either party contending for the victory; the Hollanders fight for honour and spoil, and the Frisons for their liberties, lives, and goods; yet they were charged so furiously by the Hollanders, as, not able any longer to endure the shock, they began by 
A second battail●…, and the Frisons defeated.  little and little to recoil and give back, and in the end fled, so as the slaughter was very great: for the Earl was much incensed against them, commanding all to be slain, so as there died above six thousand in this second battle: And marching into the Country, he took men, women, and children prisoners, that were under the age of twelve years; putting all that could be taken in the fury, to the sword, that exceeded this age, being resolved to ruin and unpeople the whole Country. Then he went to besiege the Town of Staveren, and the inhabitants were forced to compound, to have their lives and goods saved, paying thirteen 
Staveren besieged, & yielded to the earl  hundred Crowns of gold for a ransom, and leading with him forty of the inhabitants of the Town for hostages, causing all strange soldiers that were found in it, to be stripped and spoiled.  
Thus Cont Thierry recovered all the Country of Friesland, and returned a Conqueror into his Country of Zeeland: where, soon after he married Withild, daughter to Frederick, 
Cont Thierries' wife.  Duke of Saxony, by whom he had one son called Floris, who was Earl after his death, and one daughter named Mathild, the which was married to the Duke of Orleans. The said Cont Thierry confirmed by letters of State, the donations made by the Earls his predecessors, to the Abbey of Egmont.  
Conrard bishop of Vtrecht, being (as we have said) freed from prison, having yielded up unto Cont Thierry his Earldom of Holland, was not well satisfied, that the said Thierry had conquered Friesland, the which he maintained did belong unto him; but with such informations as bishop William of Geldre his predecessor, had made unto the Emperor Henry the 
The bishop of Vtrecht obtains a grant of Friesland from the Emperor by a false totle.  fourth, he obtained by letters patents, bearing date the Ides of February in the year 1088. a grant of the said Country of Friesland: in the which are specially named the quarters of Oostergoe and Westergoe, unto the river of Lanuvers, the which the said bishop Conrard did afterwards give in the year 1092. to Adolph of Fornenburch, to hold them in fee of his bishopric of Vtrecht. This knight Adolph had to wife Anne, daughter to the Lord of Ameland, by the which he had no children.  
In the same year Cont Thierry being fallen sick, died the fifteenth of the Calends of july, 
The death of Cont Thierry.  after that, the Lady Gertrude of Saxony his mother, from the decease of Cont Floris her husband, father to Thierry, had governed the Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, two years, Robert the Frison, his father in law, eight years, Godfrey the Crooked, duke of Lorraine, four, William bishop of Vtrecht one year, and he himself fifteen, making in all thirty years, from the death of the said Cont Floris his father. He was interred in the Abbey of Egmont, by whom also doth lie the Countess Withild his wife.  
In his time there were many brave knights in Holland, besides his brethren, and among others, William Lord of Brederode, Gerard Lord of Theilinghen, Baldwin Lord of Heusden, Fox 
The chief nobility of Holland in those times.  Lord of Arckell, Dodo Lord of Leederdam, the Signior of Lerke, of Putten, of Polevanen, of Streven, of Altena, Vernard of Buchorst, john of Persin, Aleuvin of Wassenare, the Vicont of Leyden, Scha●…aloth and Trusing his brethren, Dodo of Riswicke, the Signior Ysbrant Gruytwater, with many other Gentlemen of mark.  
The Epitaph of this Cont Thierry the fifth, was found in the Abbey of Egmont, after this manner:  
Viribus haud modicus situs est hic Theodoricus,  
Qui pulsus Patria, viredit in propria:  
Nam Dux gibbosus, puer●… fuit insidiosus,  
Sed Ducis interitus, fit Iweni reditus.  
Vibs Traiectensis, fulmen tremit ipsius ensis,  
Mortes multorum dum gen●…it omne forum.  
Capto Pontifice, Comes inclitus egit anicè,  
Non quod vi poterat, sed quod honoris erat.  
Hostibus iste gravis, patriae tutissima clavis,  
Quem decuere benè, verba, statura, genae.  
juli, quindenas ●…eproducente Calendas,  
Qua Comitem rapuit, mors lachrimosa fuit.   

FLORIS, SURNAMED THE FAT, THE second of that name, and eleventh Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
11 Florentius Cognom Pinguis.  
Inbountie and in piety 'twas I that did surpass,  
As likewise in great store of wealth, the Princes of my race,  
My wife was daughter to the Emperor LOTHARIE,  
And in Rhynsburg a cloister new for N●…nes did edify.  
Full thirty six years time my Earldoms I possessed,  
And forced the Frisons unto peace, that seemed it to detest:  
At last, as God ordained hath, that man shall die,  
To death I yielded, and my bones in Egmont Church do lie.  
FLORIS the second of that name, and eleventh Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, son to Cont Thierry the fifth, was commonly called the Fat, or the Gross, an active man, well membered, and of a tall stature, a politic Prince, inclining to peace, and liberal in giving, ready to pleasure every man, and to hurt no man: He had to wife Petronelle or Parnel, daughter to Didier Duke of Saxony, sister to the Emperor Lothaire, of whom he had three sons, Thierry the sixth, his 
Cont Floris wife.  successor, the twelfth Earl of Holland, Floris the Black Prince of Kenemerlandt, and Simon; with one daughter named Hadewicke, which was Countess of Geldre, a very beautiful Lady. He was much given to favour Churchmen, by reason whereof, he gave great revenues to the Abbey of Egmont.  
In the year 1119. Cont Floris had a quarrel with a knight of Friesland, called Galonges of Galama, by reason of hunting in the forest of Creyl, whether the Earl lying at Ten●…kelhuysen 
1119  (now called Tuchuysen) or at Medernblyck, went usually for his recreation. On a certain time among the rest, he took from Galamas servants three of his Greyhounds, and two Hares, which they had taken; whereof the said Galama (according to the threats of the country) swore to take a bloody revenge. The Earl making no account of his threats, coming 
A quarrel betwixt the earl and a knight of Friesland.  after his accustomed manner to hunt in this Wood, Galama met him, being accompanied with a good troop of his friends and partisans: At their first encounter he audaciously demanded of the Earl reparation of the wrong he had done him, in taking away his dogs and venison, or else he would take it with his own hands, using withal many proud and haughty speeches. The Earl meaning to blame him for his presumptuous rashness: Galama passing from words to blows, thrust at the Earl with his rapier, thinking to have passed it through his body: but he slipping a little on the one side, the Earl was hurt in the arm, and was rescued by his Gentlemen, of whom, Galama overthrew two, before they parted. The Earl thirsted after revenge, but to avoid effusion of blood, and the ruin of their subjects, this quarrel was compromitted to Godfrey Duke of Brabant, who dying soon after, it was left in suspense until the year 1165. that the Emperor Frederick Barbarousse reconciled 
The Emperor compounds this quarrel.  these two houses of Holland and Galama: by the which accord it was said, that joub Galama and his heirs should hunt freely in the Forest of Creyl, and enjoy a moiety thereof for them and their heirs for ever.  
At the same time, Staveren, the chief town of all Friesland, rich and abounding in all wealth, the which had been the only Staple for all Merchandise, whether ships came from all parts, whose inhabitants through ease knew not what to do, nor desire; showing themselves in all things excessive and licentious, not only in their apparel, but also in the furniture of their houses, gild the seats before their lodgings: so as they were commonly called, The debauched children of Staveren. As it is in the common course of this world, when as 
The declining of the town of Staveren in Friesland.  things are at the highest, or that men are at the height of their prosperity, to decline and fall again: even so it happened to this town of Staveren, by a wonderful or rather miraculous accident, proceeding from the providence of God, enemy to all pride and contempt; which was in this manner: There was in the said town a widow, who knew no end of her wealth, the which made her proud and insolent: She did freight out a ship for Danswicke, giving the Master charge to return her in exchange of her merchandise, the rarest stuff he could find. The Master of the ship finding no better commodity than good 
The pride of a widow of Friesland.  Wheat, freighted his ship therewith, with the which he returned to Staveren: the which did so discontent this foolish and glorious widow, as she said unto the Master, That if he had laden the said Corn on the starre-boord side, he should cast it into the Sea on the lar●…boord, the which was done, and all the Wheat powered into the Sea. But note the wonders of Gods just judgement, the whole town, yea all the Province did smart for one woman's error: for presently, in the same place where as the mariners had cast the Corn into the Sea, there grew a great bar of sand, wherewith the Haven was so stopped, as no great ship could enter: and at this day the smallest vessels that will anchor there, must be very careful, lest they strike against this flat or sand: the which since hath been called Vrawe-landt, that is to say, the Woman's Sand: Whereby the Town (losing their Staple and traffic of merchandise by little and little) came to decline: and by the intestine wars which have since happened in Friesland, the inhabitants, by reason of their wealth and pride, being grown intolerable to the Nobility, who in sumptuousness could not endure to be braved by them, the said town is now become one of the poorest of the Province, although it be at this day, one that hath the greatest privileges among all the Hans towns.  
Cont Floris having lived long in peace (as he was a man of a quiet spirit) the Frisons began 
The Frisens' rebel.  to rebel again, and being jealous of their liberty, would no longer obey his lieutenants, and officers of justice, nor receive any commandments from them. The Earl being much moved at this contempt, went with an army to reduce them unto reason. Being entered into the country, some young gentlemen of his army, being lodged in a village, called Schoerle, went with some few soldiers, to discover their enemies. The Frisons lying in ambush, broke forth, and having compassed them in on every side, they slew many: the most apparent of them were Simon of Anuers, William of Voorhout, Baldwin of Harlem, Floris Roesschen, Gerard Drossart, Allard of Egmont, Bruyn of Castrichom, Euert of Noortwick, Gerard of Monster, all 
Gentlemen of Holland defeared in Friesland.  knights; the which were drawn from among the dead, and buried in the Abbey of Egmont.  
After this unfortunate skirmish, Cont Floris having fortified his army, he went himself in person against the Frisons, whom he did wonderfully destroy, to revenge the death of his 
The Frisons subdued.  knights, his soldiers killing all they could encounter, both men and women. The Frisons seeing their own misery, submitted themselves to his mercy, and promised under their hands and seals, never to rebel against him, nor his successors, the which they held not long. Being thus reduced unto reason, the Earl returned into Holland, where he lived the remainder of his days in peace.  
In the year 1131, the regular Monks of Middelbourg in Zeeland, were for their disordered 
1131  life, expelled their Covent, by Gombault bishop of Vtrecht, who placed other Monks there, that came from antwerp (which was to change a pour-blind man, for one that had no sight) the said town of Middelbourg being then but a village, with a castle, which they called Burcht: but by little and little they began to wall it in, by reason of the ordinary incursions which the Flemings made into the isle of Walchrens, And the other islands began to erect signiories, among the which, that of the family of Borssele, as the most ancient of all, was the most advanced, and rich in lands.  
In the year 1133, Prince Floris, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, having 
The death of Cont Floris.  governed his countries in peace (except the troubles of Friesland) for the space of 31 years, died the sixth of the Nones of March, leaving three sons and one daughter, as we have said. This Prince exceeded all his predecessors in wealth, state, and liberality: above all, he was a great giver of alms, of a quiet disposition, and very considerate, before he entered into any war. For (said he) that Prince which loveth his subjects, will not rashly undertake a war, if he be not forced. He is buried in the Abbey of Egmont, by his fathers, whose Epitaph was found, as followeth.  
O florence species, lege, cerne quid citò fies,  
Quod tears tumuli, forma decet tituli.  
Floruit ut palma serie Florentius alma,  
Cultor justitiae, iura tuendo piae.  
Duxerat uxorem claram, Regisque sororem,  
Ambo praeclari, parbenè juncta pari.  
Larga manus dantis, altar sacrum venerantis,  
Donis non minimis, praecipuè decimis.  
Tempus ei pacis: labour est victoria Patris,  
Attulit, optato suppede mart dato.  
Quum senas nonas Sol, martis tempore donas,  
Contigit hanc lucem morte mutare ducem.   

THIERRY THE sixth OF THAT name, and twelfth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
THIERRY espoused the daughter of the Earl PALATINE,  
SOPHIA called, that travailed with him in Palestine,  
Where wearied with long ●…yle it was 〈◊〉 to die.  
Twice in one day the Frisons he subdued valiantly.  
Vtrecht he did besiege, and ruled forty year:  
And in the Abbey of 〈◊〉 his bones ●…rred 〈◊〉;  
Entombed with a diadem of thorns, the which the King  
Of Idumeas ensign was, which he from thence did bring.  
THIERRY the sixth of that name, son to Floris the second, was twelfth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland, who took to wife the lady Sophia, daughter to Otho Palatin of Rhin, of whom he had four sons; Floris the 3. that succeeded him, Otto Earl of Benthem, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, 
The wife and children of Cont Thierry 6  and Peregrin Vicont of Montfort: with three daughters, Sophia, that was abbess of Fontenelle, Hedewic, that was a religious woman there and Petronelle, who was a fair and lovely lady, but I know not to whom she was married. He had also one bastard, called Robert of Holland.  
We have formerly said, That in the year 1086, the Emperor Henry the 4. upon slight suggestions, had given the counties of Oostergoe and Westergoe, in Friesland, to Conrard bishop of Vtrecht, which Marquis Egbers had given to the bishopric of Vtrecht, to hold them of the empire, during the time that he was competitor with the Emperor Henry: but Lothaire, 
Friesland given by the emperor Lothaire, to the Earl of Holland.  uncle by the mother's side to this cont Thierry the 6, revoked this donation, as soon as he came to the empire after Henry, as purchased unlawfully & by stealth, restoring those two quarters of Oostergoc & Westergoe, with the seven Forests (in the which three parts consists all Friesland) unto Cont Thierry his nephew, annexing them to the estate of the Earls of Holland. Who so desires to know the limits of these three jurisdictions, of Oostergoe, Westergoc, and the seven Forests, let him read our particular description of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Friesland, Oueryssell, and Gronningue, which are six Provinces of the united Estates of the Netherlands, governed by Prince Maurice of Nssaau, and Cont William of Nassau his cousin.  
In the year 1132, the Frisons rebelled again against Cont Thierry; whom he suffered in 
The Frisons rebel against the Earl of Holland.  the beginning, but the Winter following, during the sharpest frosts, when as the ice did serve as a bridge, to pass over all rivers and maris●…es, where with that country doth abound, the Earl went with an army to reduce them unto reason. The Frisons being nothing amazed, went to encounter him with all their forces, & had in one day two battles against the Hollanders, 
Two battles in one day, in the which the Frisons were defeated.  in both which they were defeated, with such loss of their men, as the number of the dead could not be known. After this victory the Earl returned triumphing into his country of Holland, and his men laden with spoil and prisoners.  
The said Cont Thierry (as we have said) had one brother, called Floris the black, a bold man 
Hatred betwixt Cont Thierry and Floru his brother.  and proud, who, whether that he envied the estate and prosperity of his brother, or for some other private and domestic quarrel, the which is easily kindled among great men, through jealousy, or otherwise, falling into difference one with another, he retired himself out of Holland, to the Frisons, who complained of the excessive impositions and charges, that they were forced to bear: to whom Floris was very welcome, hearing of the hatred that was betwixt his brother and him, making him their General; with whom he entered into Holland, ruining 
Floris retires to the Frisons, & makes war against his brother.  all the Castles, and places of strength, in the earldom, even unto Harlem he spoilt the town of Alcmar, and all the villages round about; the which they did daily, and at night they returned laden with spoil into Friesland, being not above five or six leagues distance. And the said Floris had yet done worse unto his brother and the Hollanders, if the Emperor Lothaire, 
The Emperor reconciles the two brethren.  their uncle (having intelligence of the quarrel of these two brethren, his sister's sons) had not reconciled them together, as they were soon after.  
The emperor had a great desire to be revenged of the Frisons, who had rebelled against cont Thierry, by reason of the donation, which he had made unto him of the countries of Oostergoe, Westergoe, & the seven Forests: but having great wars in Germany & Italy, he could not pursue his intent, & therefore this grant did not greatly advance him nor his successors. Besides Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, brother to the Earl of Cuick, found himself grieved: saying, That those jurisdictions belonged unto him, by the gift of former Emperors whereupon he 
A new quarrel against the bishop of Vtrecht, for Friesland.  went to Conrard, competitor to Lothaire in the empire, who dis●…lled that which Lothaire had given to Thierry; and confirmed that which the Emperors their predecessors had granted to former bishops. And withal, bishop Herbert, successor to Andrew, after the death of the Emperor Lothaire (to whom Conrard was forced to give place) obtained of the said Conrard (being confirmed in the empire, after the death of Lothaire) a new ●…tification of the said grant. But as all those which had been made, were but in paper, or p●…ment, either party wanting force to take possession thereof; the Frisons maintaining themselves in their ancient freedoms and liberties, by force of arms: which liberties had been given them by ancient Emperors, and namely by Charlemaigne, and which they had purchased with the dear price of their lives and blood: Neither had the Earls of Holland, nor bishop of Vtrecht, any great authority nor command, in the said jurisdictions of Friesland; except the bishop of Vtrecht, who for a time did quietly enjoy the town and country of Gronninghen, by the like grant from Emperors.  
The quarrel of the two brethren, Cont Thierry, and Floris the Black, being pacified, and 
A greatquarrel betwixt Floris of Holland, & two Earls, brethren.  they reconciled, the said Floris had another with the Earls Govard of Arlisberg, & Herman of Cuick, brethren. These two Earls had one niece, the daughter of Arnoult van I●…ochem, a knight, and of Alice their sister: who after the decease of her father and mother, lived with Cont Herman of Cuick, her uncle. Some of the friends & servants of this young gentlewoman, to whom the valour and merits of Floris were well known, did greatly wish and desire a marriage betwixt them two: but these two Earls would by no means yield thereunto, devising all the traverses and crosses they could. Those of Vtrecht, as well for fear of the Emperor Lothaire, his uncle, as for the love of the Earl of Holland, his brother, received the lord Floris into their town, giving him free egress and regress, when he pleased, with all his train. He being much moved and discontented, that the Earls of Arlisberg and Cuick, with Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, all three brethren, had refused him this gentlewoman their niece, resolved to be revenged of the said bishop, and to do him all the injury he could, for that he hated him most: whereupon entering with an army into his diocese of Vtrecht, he burned the town of Lermeude. Cont Herman knowing well, that by open force he could not avoid him, by reason of the great aid and support that he had from the Emperor, his uncle, and from the Earl his brother; he laid an ambush to surprise and take him prisoner. One morning, attending Floris coming out of the town, with ten or twelve gentlemen to hunt, issuing out of his ambush 
Floris of Holland, ●…reacherously slain by the Earl of Cuick.  he went to charge him: Floris meaning to save himself, turned his horse head, and fled towards the town, with such haste, as both he and his horse were overthrown. Cont Herman pursuing him, and overtaking him, slew him, before he could recover himself. The Emperor hearing of his nephew's death, called Cont Herman by proclamation of the empire and for his contumacy, and not appearing, deprived him of his signiory, and degraded him of all arms and honour, for so soul a murder. On the other side; the Earl of Holland entered with a great 
A revenge for this murder.  army into the Earl of Cuicks country, burning all the castles, and chase Cont Herman and Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, his brother, out of their te●…ories. Notwithstanding after the death of the Emperor Lothaire, by the intercession of some noblemen, Herman was reconciled to the Earl, doing him homage, and taking an oath of fealty: and the bishop was likewise restored to his bishopric. Among those which had pur●…d Floris, when he was slain, there 
●…lerman & the bishop his brother, reconciled to the Earl of Holland.  was a knight, called Herolt of Barn: he being on a time chased by Cont Thierryes' men, leapt with his horse into the Meuse, and so escaped, swimming over to the other bank. At that time Cont Otto of Benthem, son to Otto Palatin of Rhin, brother to Sophia Contesse of Holland, brother in law to Cont Thierry, upon an old quarrel entered into the country of Tuvent, and upon the bishop of Vtrechts' territories who presently levied some small troops of horse 
The Earl of Benthem defeated, & prisoner.  and foot, under the command of Hugh Butterman, lord of Buttersloot, Botslandt, and Spicke, who went to encounter the Earl of Benthem in the open field, defeated him, and took him prisoner: in which encounter, the Earl Otto of Biel was slain, with many gentlemen. Cont Thierry hearing of this defeat, & of the taking of his brother in law, went to besiege the town of Vtrecht. Bishop Herebert, successor to Andrew, finding himself unable to resist, and to preserve the town from ruin, sought to relieve himself by spiritual arms: and going out of 
The bishop's policy, to avoid the ruin of the town.  the town with all his Clergy, crosses, and banners, as if it had been to a general Procession, carrying a book in his hand, went to excommunicate him. Cont Thierry and his Hollanders seeing them come a far off, thinking it had been a sally made by the besieged, fell to arms. Approaching near unto them, the Earl seeing the bishop and his clergy thus attired in their Ecclesiastical ornaments, goes from his horse, and bare headed goes to crave for mercy of the bishop, that he might not excommunicate him, as he had determined: The bishop taking him up with a kiss of peace, they were reconciled together, and Cont Otto Palatin of Rhin set at liberty; who in regard thereof, promised to hold his Earldom of Benthem, of the bishop of Vtrecht, and his successors, in fee to do him homage. A while after, the said Cont Otto was 
The Earl of ●…hem slain.  slain by Cont Herman van Staelwyck, to whom there succeeded in the earldom of Benthem, Otto of Holland, his nephew, son to Cont Thierry the 6, and to the lady Sophia, for that Floris their eldest son, who was to inherit and succeed in the county of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, etc.  
In the year 1155 the Frisons upon Drent made a road into Holland, with an army, where 
The Frisons invade Holland  they did spoil and sack the town of Zande. The nobility and inhabitants of the town of Harlem, with the countrymen of Exdorp, fell upon them, and slew 900 upon the place, recovering their booties, and taking many prisoners, with the which they returned victors to the town of Harlem.  
Cont Thierry, after that he had governed his countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland 
Th●… death of Cont Th●…rry 6  40 years, died in the year 1163. He had much war against the Frisons, the Vltraiectins, or them of Vtrecht, and his other neighbours. The principal and most memorable noblemen of his time, being his vassals, were Floris the Black (who was slain, as we have said) and Simon, 
The nobility of Holland, and his other vassals.  his two brethren, sons to Cont Floris the Fat: then his eldest son Floris 3, who succeeded him: after him Otto Earl of Benthem, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, Thierry, and Peregrin lieutenant of Holland; all four his sons, and Robert his bastard: then William lord of Brederode, and Floris his son: Gerard lord of Telnigen, Hugh lord of Leck, William signior of Heusden, john lord of Arckell, Folpert signior of Lederdam, Didier lord of Altena, of Putten, and of Strenen, Hugh signior of Bottersloot, brother to the lord of Arckel, Gerard signior of Asprens, son to the lord of Lederdam, Floris signior of Voerne, Thierry his son, Adelwyn Vicont of Leyden, Didier of Persin, Baldwin of Harlem: these were held in the rank of barons. Then jeams Vanden, Vuode, Gerard of Poelgeest, Albert Baviard, Ghisbrecht Porckyn, john of Croonenburch, Floris of Woert, Ogier of Reyswick, all Knights. After those Berthoul Spysdrager, Berthould advocate of Egmont (who was the first of the house of Egmont, the which was since erected to an earldom) with Dodo, Allard, Didier, Berthoult, and Wermbold, his sons; Godefrey of Harnesbergh, Herbert of Liethen, Thierry of Schoten, Ludolph of Adrichone, Vastardt of Reynigem by Leyden, Ysbrandt the Frison, and Berthould his brother: Hugh of Arckersloot, Bruyn of Castrichom, Hugh of Monster, Didier of Ween, john Heereman, Hellnick van Doornick, Philip of Bloot, William of Voorhout, Henry of Heylygerlee, Gerebrandt of Alcmar; all squires: and many other brave gentlemen.  
And this was the Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry, as we found it in the Abbey of Egmont.  
Collige, vide Civis, quam sit caro plena ruinis,  
Quid sit, & ad quid eat, quam cito dispereat.  
Pandit honorifici Comitis caro Theodorici,  
Quis tibi sit finis, incinerande Civis.  
Hic Comitumnonus, Patriae Pater, atque Patronus,  
Ingenio vigui●…, victor ubique fuit.  
Augustinonis, signo current Leonis,  
Deposuit quod erat, esse quod est videras.  
There was also the Epitaph of his son Peregrin, who was his Lieutenant in the government of Holland, written in this manner.  
Pompas mundanas animaduertens homo vanas,  
Quaere quod est & erit, nam status iste perit.  
En caro glorifici duodenis Theodorici,  
Instar abit fumi, & tabida puiet humi.  
Hunc Comitum nonus nostrorum Theodoricus,  
Spem patriae genuit spe●… s●…ulisque ruit.  
Iste Calendar●… Ia●…, lachrimar●…,  
Extractus pu●…eo, 〈◊〉 in aethre De●….   

FLORIS THE THIRD OF THAT name, the thirteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
13 Florentius ●…ius  
In youthful years I set my lo●… upon a danie  
Of Scotland (and did her espouse) that ADA had to name.  
The proud rebellious Frisons, that did scor●… 〈◊〉 yield  
Subjection unto me, by force I conquered in the field.  
And valiantly won towns and forts in Syriae,  
And in the land of Palestine, did pass my days away.  
For ere I could return out of that country  
I died, and in S. Peter's church in Antioch do lie.  
FLORIS the 3 of that name, eldest son to Cont Thierry the 6, after the death of his father, was the 12 Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland. He had to wife the lady Ada, daughter to the king of Scotland, 
Cont Floris wife and children.  by whom he had many children: first, Thierry, who succeeded him in the said Earldoms; William Earl of Friesland, Floris Cathedral Provost of Vtrecht, Robert Precedent of Kenemerlandt: & four daughters, Marguerite Contesse of Cleves, Beatrix, Elizabeth, and Alix. This Floris had great troubles in his time, whereof we will discourse succinctly.  
In the year 1163, Cont Floris having succoured Godefrey of Rhemen, bishop of Vtrecht, 
1163  against the Earl of Cleves, and the Baron of Batenbourgh, being besieged in the town of Gronninghen (whereunto he pretended an interest) the which the Emperor Frederic did pacify: for a requital of all his courtesy, the said bishop revived the question for the Earledoms of Oostergoe and Westergoe in Friesland, whereof we have formerly made mention, grown betwixt the bishops of Vtrecht, and the Earls of Holland; this Godefrey (like unto the rest of his predecessors) building upon the grants unduly purchased and obtained from Emperors. But as the Earls of Holland had the more ancient grants, and had been longest seized thereof, Cont Floris was then fully resolved to dispossess the bishop thereof, once for all; seeing that having so lately, and so willingly succoured him, and freed him from his enemies, he now provoked him to arms, by his unkind usage. The bishop entreated the Emperor Frederic, to succour him, and to maintain him in the rights which his predecessors had granted to the bishops of Vtrecht: the emperor went himself in person, and reconciled them; so as they should jointly by a common consent, appoint one Lieutenant, or judge of the country, who should take an oath, to maintain the rights of these two lords equally, either of them for his moiety: for the receiving of which portions, they should go once a year, either of them, being accompanied with thirty knights or gentlemen, and no more: and that the said Earl should use his best means, to recover the castle of Benthem: the which done, he should hold in fee of the said bishop, who should have a chamber, a kitchen, and a chapel, reserved for him therein, with free egress and regress, when it pleased him. Which accord was put in writing by the emperors command. But these treaties and accords, were of small continuance, the Frisons standing always upon their freedoms and imperial liberties.  
In the year 1166, the West Frisons knowing that Cont Floris had other lets, came with great numbers of men, and past the river of Ockevoort, near unto Alcmar, meaning to spoil 
1166  that quarter of Kennemerlandt; they took Alcmar by force, where they slew four bourgesses, and burned the whole town, except the church, which they laboured to preserve from fire. Cont Floris forbore to take revenge, until the year 1168, in the dead of Winter; at what time he led his army into Scoerle, where being camped, some of his knights and gentlemen (notwithstanding the defence of their Prince) would go to the war: and being come as far as Schagen, they spoilt and burnt it, carrying away a great spoil. The Frisons lying in ambush, 
Hollanders slain by the Frisons.  and expecting their return, charge them, and spoil them in a manner all, rescuing the booty. Among the which there was slain Simon of antwerp, William of Voorhout, Baldwin of Harlem, Gerard Spisdraeger, Floris Ruysch, Allard of Egmont, Bruyn of Castrichom, Gerard of Monster, the younger, and Euerard of Nortwick, all knights, who were buried at Egmont.  
The year following 1169, the Frisons returned again to Alcmar; but the Earls garrisons, with the countrymen of Kennemerlandt, pursued them by water and by land, and slew 
The West Frisons half vanquished.  some thirty of them, & the rest retired, for that the Earl sent his Flemish forces against them. Soon after the Earl marched himself in person with an army: he burned Winckell and Nieuvoort, and subjecteth under his obedience, the islands of Texel, Wyernighe, and Fly, the inhabitants whereof he did ransom at four thousand marks of silver: and then he returned a conqueror into his country of Holland.  
About the same time that the Frisons were reduced unto reason, Cont Floris demanded 
A controversy betwixt the Earls of Holland and Flanders, for the ●…sle of Walchrens.  the isle of Walchrens in Zeeland, of Philip Earl of Flanders, the which his predecessors had detained some years unjustly, and without any lawful title: Philip answered, That he would defend and keep that by force, which his fathers had left him, and whatsoever he held coming from them. Cont Floris called to his succour, the Earls of Cleves, Geldre, and Bergh, who came to assist him in this quarrel, with ten thousand men, the which being joined unto his army, they entered the country of Alost in Flanders, which they spoilt: and from thence went to besiege the town of Armentiers, the which they did assault with such fury, as the besieged were at the last gasp, sending unto their prince, That if he came not presently to succour them, they should be forced to yield up the place. Cont Philip being assisted by Matthew earl of Bologne, his brother, levied an army of Piccards, Artesiens', Hannuiers, & Flemings, with the which he went to charge the Earl of Holland's camp, where there was a very sharp and hard encounter: but in the end these three earls were defeated, & their army put to rout. Cont Floris much grieved at this defeat, fought still, and would not yield, until that he found himself wounded almost to the death. The earl of Flanders having taken him prisoner, received him with all courtesy and humanity, as his cousin germane and nearest kinsman: and causing his wounds to be dressed, he led him with him into Flanders. The news of this defeat being divulged in all places, the archbishop of Cologne, and the bishop of Liege, came into Flanders, to reconcile these two great princes: so as remaining good friends for ever, it was 
An accord betwixt these two princes.  concluded, That Cont Philip should enjoy to him and to his heirs, for ever, the land of Waes' (which is one of the best quarters of Flanders, the which the Earls of Holland had▪ formerly held) and that Cont Floris, besides his liberty, should be restored to his island of Walchrens: and moreover, he should send unto Cont Philip, a thousand men expert in making of ditches, to stop the hole which had been made near unto Dam or the Sluice, whereby the country was drowned round about at every high sea, the which the Flemings could by no means fill up, neither with wood, nor any other matter, for that all sunk as in a gulf without any bottom: whereby in succession of time, Bruges and all that jurisdiction, had been in danger to have been lost by inundation, and to become all sea, if it were not speedily repaired. Cont Floris having taken possession of the isle of Walchrens, returned into Holland, from whence he sent the best workmen he could find in all his countries, into Flanders, to make dikes and causeys, and to stop the hole near unto this Dam, or Sluice, and to recover the drowned land. These diggers being come to the place, they found at the entry of this bottomless hole a Sea-dog, the which for six days together, did nothing but cry out and howl very fearfully. They not knowing what it might signify, having consulted of this accident, they resolved to cast this dog into the hole. There was a madheaded Hollander among the rest, who going into the bottom of the dike, took the dog by the tail, and cast him into the midst of the gulf; then speedily they cast earth and torfe into it, so as they found a bottom, and by little and little filled it up. And for that many workmen came to the repairing of this dike, who for that they would not be far from their work, couched in Cabins, which seemed to be a pretty town, Cont Philip gave unto all these Hollanders, Zeelanders, and others, that would inhabit there, as much land as they could recover from Dam to Ardenbourg, for them and their successors, for ever, with many other immunities and freedoms: By reason whereof many planted themselves there, and in succession of time, made a good town there, the which by reason of this dog, which they had cast into the hole, they named Hondtsdam, that is to say, a Dog's Sluice; Damn in Flemish signifying a Sluice, and Hondt a dog●… and therefore at this day, the said town (the which is simply called Dam) carrieth a dog in their a●…es and blazon.  
About the same time, the emperor Frederic, Philip king of France, Richard king of England, 
The Christians besiege Damiette.  with many dukes, earls, and Christian princes, went to besiege Damiette in Soria, that they might have a port at sea, and a safe harbour for the Christians ships but at the entry of the haven there were two great towers, the which having great chains of iron drawn across, stopped the entry, so as no ship might enter. William son to Cont Floris of Holland, concluded with his Hollanders of the town of Harlem, to arm the forepart of his ship, with a long and strong saw of steel, made of purpose, expecting the first strong gale of wind that should blow into the haven: the which they effected upon the first occasion, so as through the violence of the wind, the force of the ship, and the cutting of this saw, they broke the chains in pieces; and gave entry to all the whole fleet of the Christians, into the haven of the city of Damiette, by 
The prows of the earl of Ho●…lands son.  which only means it was taken. The emperor Frederic knowing, that through the Valour and wisdom of young Cont William and his Hollanders, he had conquered this city, which was almost invincible, he made William knight, honoured him, with his royal bounty, and received him with the other princes, under the imperial standard. And for a testimony of the virtue of those burgesses of Harlem, betwixt the four stars which they carried in their ensign, being the arms of the town, he added a sword, and the Patriarch of jerusalem, a cross above it, for that they had fought so valiantly for the faith, in Palestina, at the taking of this city: Which arms the town of Harlem carries unto this day; the which before was a withered tree of a russettish colour, in a field argent, as is to be seen in a portrait lately cut in copper, of their enterprise and success.  
In the time of this Cont Floris, they began to fish for herrings at the mouth of the river of 
The first fishing for Herring.  Meuse, and in the British sea, along the coast of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland: the first fishing, was about the island of Bryele, where as they did fish with small barks, called Sabards. Those of Zirixee were the first that did fish, and packed them up in barrels. Those of Bierulyet, a small island upon the coast of Flanders, the better to preserve them being salted, invented the means to gill them, and to pull out the garbage, or else they would soon corrupt.  
In the year 1190, the emperor Frederic being in Nicaea, a city of Bythynia, having extreme 
1190  heat, he went into a river to bathe him, but the violence of the stream carried him away, & he was drowned in the presence of all his people, who could not help him. About which time 
Death of the Emperor Frederic, and of the Earl of Holland.  Floris the third, Earl of Holland, fell sick in the army, died in this voyage, and was interred by the emperor Frederic, having governed his provinces seven and twenty years. Ada his his wife did survive him eighteen years, and died in the year 1208, being interred in the abbey of Middlebourg in Zeeland. William their son having accompanied his father (as we have said) at his return, passing through Germany, he married the daughter of Frederic duke of Suabe, whom he enjoyed not long.   

THIERRY THE SEVENTH OF THAT name, fourteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
14 Theodoricus Septimus.  
In peace I was most mild, in war both stout and bold,  
And did my brother overthrow, and Frisons pride controlled.  
In Flanders, Gelder, and Brabant victoriously  
I overcame my enemies, and Boisleduke valiantly  
Did enter: but by chance there prisoner I was made,  
My wife that was a lady fair, to name ALLIED had.  
Iruled full thirteen years, and did much feared of many,  
For that for courage in my time, like me there was not any.  
THIERRY the seventh of that name, and fourteenth Earl of Holland, after the decease of Cont Floris his father, in Palestina, succeeded in all 
The wife and children of Cont Tbierry.  his earldoms. He had to wife Aleyd●…, Alix or Adella, daughter to Didier earl of Cleve, by whom he had notany sons, but two daughters, excreding fair: whereof the first, called Adella, was married to Henry of Gueldre, and died without children, there Ada, whom the mother, after the decease of her father, against the liking and consent of all t●…e noblemen of Holland, married to Cont Lewis of Loose, who was but of mean calling, she being Contesse of Holland.  
This Cont Thierry having after the decease of his father governed his countries quietly, for the space of five years, the lord William of Holland being returned from Palestina (where he had buried Cont Floris their father) upon some false reports entered into contention with him. By reason whereof, William retired himself into Friesland, to the Dreuthers: with whom being entered into league, he made many roads into Holland. On the other side, Baldwin earl of Flanders entered with an army into the isle of Walchrens, which lay near unto him. Cont Thierry seeing himself assaulted on two sides, levied all the men he could, and divided them into two armies: the one he took with himself, and the other he left to the Contesse Adella, his wife, to lead against William his brother, and to suppress the Frisons. Cont Thierry embarked 
Cont Thierry chaseth the Flemings.  with his army, and landed in Zeeland, from whence, after a great battle, he chased the Flemings. His wife with her troops went from Egmont towards Alcmar, to fight with the Frisons. The lord William of Holland came to encounter her with his men, and presented himself in battle: but as they of Winckel and Nieudorp, having retired themselves on the one side, refusing to fight against their princess, being corrupted with money, the Kennemers did chase the Frisons unto a certain strait, which was a marish ground, full of reeds: William seeing his Frisons waver, and ready to Break, encouraged them so wi●…words, and behaved himself so valiantly in his own person, as having long defended themselves, in the end he carried them back into their own country, with small loss. The Frisons seeing his endeavours, and how faithfully William of Holland had assisted them, they trusted him more than before, making him their head, their podestate, and their captain general. Cont Thierry having successfully ended the wars in Zeeland, returned with his army into Holland, into the quarter of Kennemerlandt, to make more violent war against the Frisons, and his brother William. But to the end these two brethren should not pollute themselves any more, with the blood of their subjects by their civil wars, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, Didier cathedral provost of the said bishopric, and Otto earl of Benthem, uncles to these two brethren, laboured all they could to reconcile them: by whom it was concluded, That Thierry, as the elder brother, should remain Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and that William should hold of his brother in fee, the country of East and West Friesland, on either side the river of Fly, unto that of Lanuvers: and moreover, should receive for an annual pension out of the custom of Ghoerulyet, the sum of eighteen hundred livres. The Frisons understand not how, nor by what title, this division of Friesland was made, whereof there is not any mention made in their Annals: yet some writers confess, that they yielded hereunto in favour of William of Holland: but they deny, that it was upon condition to hold it in fee of Cont Thierry, and to do him homage, or to any other prince: seeing there was never any thing more odious unto them, than to be subject to any other superiority, than the empire: according to their ancient liberties & freedoms, by privileges 
The Frisons will acknowledge no other sovereign, but the empire.  given them by ancient emperors, whereof they have always been very jealous, and strict observers, even unto the death. This peace made betwixt the two brethren, William returned into Friesland, where he was honourably received, and from that time during his life, acknowledged for their prince, where he built a castle, called Osterzee, in the which he made his ordinary abode and residence.  
After the death of Baldwin of Holland, bishop of Vtrecht, uncle to Cont Thierry, being ready to proceed to the election of a new bishop, Thierry Earl of Holland, & Otto earl of Gueldre, came both armed into the city of Vtrecht, which was the cause of great jealousy and discord, betwixt the chanoims and chapter, for that some did choose Didier cathedral provost of Vtrecht, brother unto Baldwin the last bishop, and uncle to the Earl of Holland: others had chosen Arnould of Isenbourgh, provost collegiall of Deventer, who was supported by the earl of Gueldre, and by all those of the country of Ouerissel, The emperor placed Didier of Holland there, by provision (until it were judicially determined by the Roman sea) ●…o administer the goods of the said bishopric, as he did, but that the earl of Gueldre h●…ndred him from the recei●… of any thing in the province of Ouerissell: By ●…eason whereof Cont Thierry entered the Veluve with an army, destroying and burning wheresoever he came so at the carried 
Wars betwixt the Earls of Holland and Geldres.  away a great spoil. Cont Otto did also l●…nic what men he could following. Con●… Thierry as far as Heymens' bergh, to rescue the prey; wherethere was a sharp encounter: but the Gueldrois seeing his men slip away, he saved himself through the swiftness of his horse Cont Thierry pursuing them that fled, took many prisoners, among the which were some gentlemen. William earl of East-Friseland, hearing of the victory which his brother had gotten, ●…ame to him to the castle of Horst, to congratulate with him, for this his happy success. Cont Thierry remembering the quarrels past, and the love his brother had borne unto the earl of Gueldre, 
A new quarrel betwixt the two brethren of Holland.  imagining that he came now to attempt something against him, he commanded an officer of his, called Henry Craen, to seize upon his brother, and commit him to prison, the which was done. But soon after, William having broken prison, he retired himself secretly to the earl of Gueldre, to be supported by him against the earl of Holland, his brother, where he remained some time. Otto earl of Gueldre knowing him to be very valiant, having seen good proof thereof in Palestina, against the Sarracens, considering also the goodly portion which he had in Friesland, gave him his daughter Alix in marriage; by whom he had one son, named Floris (who was afterwards Earl of Holland) Otto, William, and two daughters, Ada who was abbess of Rhinsburgh (the which was an abbey of noble women) and Ryckwyf, who was a religious woman in the same cloister. After the marriage of William and Alix, celebrated in the town of Staveren, Otto of Gueldre returned into his country, and William was honourably received with his wife, and acknowledged throughout all the country of Friesland for their lord. Soon after, and the same year, the Earls of Holland and Gueldre were reconciled together, 
The Earls of Holland and Geldre reconciled.  upon condition, That Adella, eldest daughter to Cont Thierry, should marry with Henry, son to Cont Otto; but he lived not long, and died without children.  
In the year 1198, Didier of Holland, & Arnould of Isenburgh, both elect bishops of Vtrecht, pleading their cause at Rome, the pope adjudged the said bishopric, through the favour of 
1198  some courtiers in Rome, and the advantage of his election, to Arnould, where he was consectated the 30 bishop of Vtrecht. But as he died soon after, and was buried at Rome, pope Innocent the 3, gave the said bishopric to Didier of Holland, who had been his competitor, & was in like sort consecrated at Rome. At his return to take possession of his bishopric, he fell sick at Padova in Italy, where he died, and was there buried: To whom succeeded Didier vander Are, collegiall provost of Nydrecht upon Meuse, being in commission in the realm of Sicily; who after the death of these two bishops, was sent for to come and take possession of the said bishopric, the which at his first entrance, he found very much charged with debts: so as by the advice of his barons, nobles, towns, and chapters, he went into. Friesland, to demand some aid or gratuity, to free himself of debt. William earl of East-Friseland, would not suffer his subjects to be charged with any imposition, or extraordinary subsidy: for the preventing 
Trouble in Frizeland.  whereof, he went to Staveren, whither the bishop was come unto the abbey, of whom he laid hold at the end of mass, thinking to carry him away to his castle of Osterzee: but the monks, with the help of some Frisons, fearing if they should suffer it, the bishop would excommunicate them, took him away from him by force. Afterwards Thierry Earl of Holland, and Otto earl 
The Earls of Holland and Geldre fall upon the bishop.  of Gueldre, father in law to Cont William of East Friesland (being reconciled to his brother, and freed him from any bad conceit of him) banded themselves jointly against the bishop. The earl of Gueldre, seized upon all the country of Ouerissel for his part, chased away all the bishop's officers, and puta garrison of Gueldres into the town of Deventer. The Earl of Holland spoiled the whole country, on this side the river of Yssel, and besieged the bishop in his city of Vtrecht: during the which time, the earl of Gueldre going with a safeconduct towards the emperor Otto the 4. (competitor to the emperor Philip) he was stayed by the way, by the duke of Brabant's people. The Earl of Holland hearing of these news, raised his siege from before Vtrecht, marching with his troops towards Boisleduke, where he entered by force, and there took prisoners, the lords William of parvis; and Henry of Cuyck, brethren to the duke of Brabant. The Earl thinking to retire with his prisoners into Holland, the duke being assisted by the Archbishop of Cologne, the bishop of Liege, the Duke of Lembourg, and the Earl of Flanders, pursued him with all speed to rescue his two brethren. Cont Thierry finding himself overcharged at a passage, after that he had long defended himself, being uriable to resist so great forces, was in the end taken: and so the Duke of Brabant had the two Earls of Geldre and Holland his prisoners. The bishop of Vtrecht seeing these two provinces without Lords to defend them, entered the country of Holland with all the forces he could gather together, 
The bishop revengeth himself of the Earl of Holland.  as well of his own, as from his allies, from whence he carried a great spoil: the Nobility and Commons of Holland pursued after to rescue it, and defeated some knights and soldiers of Vtrecht in the rearward, burning in their return some villages of his jurisdiction. The next day the bishop entered into the Veluve, the which he spoiled, took the town of Zutphen, & went to Deventer, which yielded unto him, so as he recovered great store of treasure. Soon after a peace was made betwixt the Earl of Holland and the Duke of Brabant, whereby the Earl paid unto the Duke two thousand marks of silver for his ransom: and so did the Earl 
An accord betwixt the two Earls, the duke of Brabant, & the bishop.  of Geldre, both which were afterwards reconciled with the bishop of Vtrecht, whereby all quarrels were ended.  
In the year 1203, Thierry Earl of Holland fell sick at Dordrecht, lamenting much the absence of his brother William, Earl of East-Friseland (although there had still remained some 
1203  small seeds of hatred) to recommend his daughter Ada unto him (being yet to marry) and her 
Cont Thierry sick.  countries of Holland and Zeeland. Alix wife to the said Cont Thierry, even before the death of her husband, and during his sickness, without the council or advice of any one, of her own proper motion, desirous to marry her daughter, had contracted her secretly to Lewis Earl of Loose, to the end, the Country during her widowhood, might be governed at her pleasure: so desirous was this woman of rule, thinking, that Lewis being far inferior in quality to her daughter, would not dare to oppose himself against her, not caring in the mean time if her daughter were well or ill married. In the mean time Cont Thierry died, having governed his 
The death of Cont Thierry.  countries thirteen whole years in continual wars. In his time there flourished in Holland Didier bishop of Vtrecht, Otto Earl of Benthem, and Peregrin, Lieutenant of the County of 
The Nobility of his time.  Holland, all three his uncles, brethren to Cont Floris, who was father to Cont Thierry, and Robert also his bastard uncle; then William Earl of East-Friseland, Floris Provost of Vtrecht, and Robert Earl of Kennemerlandt his brethren, Henry of Geldre, husband to Adella, the eldest daughter to Cont Thierry, William Lord of Brederode, Hugue Lord of Teylingen, and William his son Signior of Leck, Robert of Heusden and Altena, issued from the Earls of Holland, with a great number of knights & squires. This Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry, the seventh of that name, was found in the Abbey of Egmont.  
Terricus jacet hic, peperit quem filia Regis  
Ada: Comes Comitem genuit Florentius istum.  
Quiclausus tumulo virtutum pondere micans,  
Siccatur, merit●…que doles Hollandia tantum  
Amisisse virum, per quem suffulta, labores,  
Insidias, rabidos sopisti tuta tumultus.  
Quem pietas, quem ver a fides probit are magistra,  
Virtutumque cohors tutum seruavit inermem.  
Soluitur in cineres corpus, soluitque tributum  
Carnis, & antiquae redit ad primordia matris.  
Hic binas nonas voluente Novembre, relinquens  
Exilium mundi, sanctis conregnat in astris.  
And upon his Tomb were graven these four verses:  
Hic Terrice iaces Comes & care regia, ●…stus  
Mortetua populus, largus, discretus, honestus,  
Et fortis bellat●…r er as, victorque m●…destus  
Milite pro tanto fundantur cum prece quaestus.   

ADA, CONTESSE OF HOLLAND and Zeeland, the fifteenth in the government of the said Earldoms.  
Ada Theodorici Septimi Filia.  
This ADA did possess her predecessors wealth,  
But'gainst her father's will did matchin marriage by stealth,  
With one v●…worthie her (though mother was content)  
But as it after did appear God seemed discontent,  
And did within one year bereave her of her life:  
Who dead, her husband sought to claim th'inheritance of his wife:  
But the Cont WILLIAM with great power did him withstand,  
(As heir unto his niece deceased) and drove him out the land.  
ADA, daughter to Cont Thierry the seventh, succeeded her father, and was the fifteenth, commanding in Holland and Zeeland as Contesse, but she governed these Countries but one year, and died without children. During the sickness of Cont Thierry the father, Lewis Earl of Loos (to whom Ada had been promised in marriage by the mother) was in the castle of Altena, where he attended news of the father's death. The Contesse Adella presently after the decease of her husband, sent to Lewis to come to Dordrecht with all speed, the which she did, and there he gave him her daughter in 
The Contesse of Holland married.  marriage, and in steed of a funeral pomp, there were feasts and nuptial banquets, deferring the obsequies till after the marriage: which being consummated, and all the feasts ended, the body of Cont Thierry was with small pomp and ceremony carried and interred in the abbey of Egmont.  
William Earl of East-Friseland having intelligence of the death of his brother, came unto Zipe with an intent to assist and mour●…●…e funeral, yet would he not pass on before he had demanded a safe conduct from the Contesse, and those of her Council: the which was denied him, yet he stayed in that place until the funerals were ended: which done, he returned into Friesland. His kinsfolks and good friends in Holland, as Floris Provost Cathedral of Vtrecht his brother, Otto Earl of Benthem, and his son jeams, Chastelain of Leyden, Philip of Wassenare, William of Theylinghen, john of Ryswicke, Gualther of Egmont, and Albert Baviart, knights, and other gentlemen well affected unto him, showed themselves discontented, that they should be governed by a woman and a poor Earl, to whom they held themselves nothing inferior: they therefore made a league among themselves, not to endure the government of her nor her husband. This done, they secretly sent a man of mark on their behalfs into Friesland to Cont William, giving him to understand of their resolution and alliance; 
Cont William sent for to undertake the government of Holland  and that without all fear he should come and join with them at the abbey of Egmont, where they would attend him. Cont William departed out of Friesland as covertly as he could, but for want of a good wind to carry him into Holland (or it may be, the better to inform and assure himself of their intentions) he put to land in Zeeland at Zirixee in the Island of Schouven: where he was received and embraced by them of the country, and by the Lords of Borsele, of Croningen, and others, who acknowledged him for their prince and Earl of Zeeland. In the mean time, Gualther of Egmont, and Albert Baviart, accompanied with the Kennemers, entered the town of Harlem, and took arms against the Earl of Loose & the lady Adella widow, do wager to Cont Thierry, whom they forced, with M. Ghysbrecht of Amstell, to fly by night, and to retire themselves to Vtrecht. The young Contesse Ada remained there a while; but in the end she retired also, being accompanied by Roger Ʋander Mere, Otto van venzen, and many other knights and gentlemen of the Earl of Loose his train: coming all amazed to the town of Leyden, there to maintain themselves against their enemies, as in a place of refuge and safety, the Kennemers being in arms, with Gualther of Egmont their Commander, pursued the young Contesse and those of her train even into the said town, where also was Philip of Wassenarewho; with his Rhynlanders (over whom he was captain) besieged the Bourg so straightly, as the besieged were constrained to yield for want of victuals. Cont William, who was then in Zeeland, hearing that the Earl of Loose and the Contesse Dowager had saved themselves in Vtrecht, and that the young Contesse Ada was 
Cont William comes into Holland.  stayed in Leyden, he came speedily into Holland, the which by the assistance of his friends he took wholly unto himself, disposing of their goods that had been opposite unto his will: then he caused the young Contesse his niece to be conducted with an honourable train and 
He puts the young Contesse in guard, and becomes master of the country.  good entreaty into the Isle of Texel, under his jurisdiction of Friesland. The Earl of Loos being thus chased away, meditating of the means to be revenged, he invited to his succour the bishop of Liege his brother, john duke of Lembourg, and the Earl of Flanders his kinsmen, relying much upon the bishop of Vtrecht, whom he won with 2000 marks of silver, and a promise, that (if he remained victor and in quiet possession) he would hold the Earldom of Holland in fee of the bishopric of Vtrecht; the bishop of Liege being his caution for the performance thereof.  
Cont William having notice of the forces which the Earl of Loose prepared to recover Holland, he appointed Gualther of Egmont and Albert Baviart to be chief of the Kennemers, and Philip of Wassenare, and the Signior of Theylinghen to command the Rhynlanders, and he himself went into Zeeland, all which he reduced to his devotion. The Lords of Wassenare 
Cont William conquereth Zeeland.  and Theylinghen provided carefully for all things, causing two blockhouses or forts to be made, the one within the town of Leyden (the defence whereof was committed to Floris of Holland, Provost Cathedral of Vtrecht) and the other at Zuvamerdam, which Cont Otto of Benthem had in charge. The Lords of ●…gmont and Baviart came with their ships to Amstel, where they cut through the ditch, and drowned all the country of Amsterlandt: the Kennemers boarding the Amsterlanders barks, drew out all the spoil, and then fired them.  
The bishop of Vtrecht on the other side to be revenged, went himself into Holland, and passing by Mydrecht, he chased the earl of Benthem out of his fort of Zuvamerdam, & burned many villages in Holland: the which having succeeded happily, marching on, he commanded his soldiers to take out of every village the best hostages, & so went to besiege Leyden, whereas the Provost Floris was, whom he forced with small loss, for that they within protested, that they would not defend it against the said bishop: the Provost was taken prisoner, & led to the castle of Horst. The next day the bishop entered into Leyden, whether the earl of Loos came also, with such men as he had brought out of South-Holland (which is the country about Dordrecht) they of Leyden did him homage, and did acknowledge him for earl of Holland in the right of the contesse Ada his wife. Among the chief of the nobility of North-Holland there joined with him the Lord john of Persin, john and Isbrand of Harlem, Arnold and Henry of Ryswick, and Vuouter van Rymen. These sent unto the Earl of Loose to come boldly upon their faith to Harlem, whether he went, & reduced all the villages thereabouts under his obedience. The Kennemers fearing this storm would fall upon them, went to arms to defend themselves, and to stop the Earl of Loose his passage, no●…withstanding any faith given them by the said Noblemen, who holding the Earls party, knowing the forces of these Kennemers, desired rather to win them by mild and gentle means, than by arms: wherein they wrought so effectually, as in the end they were reconciled to the earl of Loose, paying unto him and to the bishop 
The Kennemer●… pacified.  500 pounds great, for the damages which they had done in cutting the ditch, & burning in Amsterlandt: and so every one returned to his own home. This done, the bishop & earl feared not any other enemies, but taking their way towards Egmont, in passing, they burned the village of S. Agathe, the which at this present is the town of Beverswike & the castle of Brederode. And thus they reduced all Holland, before divided into South and North; South-Holland holding for the earl of Loose, and North-Holland or West-Friseland for Cont William: but this sudden change continued not long.  
Soon after the earl of Namur entered the Isle of Walchrens in Zeeland, pretending to subject it under the earl of Flanders, but seeing his attempts to prove unfortunate, he returned as he came. Hugh of Voorn was then in Zeeland, who reduced all those Islands under the earl of Loose, and chased away Cont William, who with great difficulty retired himself, for having lain long hidden, in the end he saved himself in a small boat, causing himself to be covered with fisher's nets. The earl of Loos had made the said Hugh Van Voorn governor with great authority and power: who carried himself so insupportably in all his actions, that in the end the Zeelanders would no more endure, nor obey him, but against the will of the earl of Loose put him from his place, sending to Cont William of Holland, and entreating him to return 
The Zeelanders call back Cont William  unto them, who willingly embraced this occasion, giving notice thereof first to Gualther of Egmont, Albert Baviart, William van Theylinghen, and Philip of Wassenare, entreating them to come unto him with all the forces they could levy, in the town of Leyden, and that they should do no act of hostility against the earl of Loose, until that he himself were present: and then he went into Zeeland. The earl of Loose hearing of the Zeelanders revolt, and that the Kennemers were in arms to fight with him, he entered with all his forces into the town of Leyden, to make head against them, for that they made all the hast they could to seize thereon, marching without order, or any warlike discipline. Having prevented them in the said town, he attended them, and then went to charge them, so as they were much disordered: Some being in their ships (thinking to join with the foremost) found the ways cut off by the Earl's men: & as they would have passed at Catwick by a bridge over the Rhine, marching close together, the bridge broke, & a great number were drowned, Philip of Wassenare, Gualther of Egmont and Albert Baviart escaped, but William of They linghen was taken prisoner. The Earl of Loos having had this good success, went & camped with all his army at Voorschoten, to keep his men together, for that he doubted much the coming of Cont William, lest he should surprise him. In the mean time Cont William arrived with his forces of Zeeland: being come into Holland, he planted his camp in the ditch of Ryswicke: from thence he went to lodge near the Wood of la hay, meaning to give the Earl of Loose battle the next day: who knowing him to be so near, and that he had a desire to fight, he sent john duke of Lembourg speedily unto him, to entreat him to enter into some accord with him; but cont William would give no ear unto it, finding himself (by the death of the Contesse Ada) the true and only heir of Holland and Zeeland. The said duke having made his report, took up his tents and pavilions, being loath to attend the danger of a doubtful battle. The Earl of Loose much amazed, seeing himself abandoned by the duke, who was his chief support, forsaking his camp and all his carriages, he fled with all speed to Vtrecht; yielding unto the bishop for his entertainment in that he had assisted him, all the Hollanders that he had taken prisoners. The disorder and confusion was so great in the flight of the Earl of Loose his men, as the women chased them with their distaves, and in flying, did massacre them with staves: Many cast away their arms for lightness, that they might save themselves by the ditches that were full of water, whereas many were drowned, and a great number taken prisoners: All th●… Earl of Loose pavilions, tents, movables, plate, jewels, and munition, was taken & divided among the Hollanders. And thus the Earl of Loos was chased out of Holland, and never returned more. The South-Hollanders of Dordrecht having no more cause of revolt, through the death of the Contesse Ada, Cont William remained absolute Prince of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland.   

WILLIAM THE FIRST OF THAT name, the sixteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
16 Guilielmus Primus.  
This WILLIAM by great policy did break the chain,  
Which cross the Haven of Damiet, the Saracens had lain:  
Whereby the Harlemers great honour did obtain,  
Record whereof within their Town as yet doth still remain.  
Two wives he had, whereof one out of Geldre came,  
The second MARY called was a princely English dame:  
Full nineteen years he ruled, and peaceably possessed  
His countries, and in Rhynsburgh died, whereas his bones do rest.  
WILLIAM the sixteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland having (as we have said) in the time of the Contesse Ada expelled the earl of Loose, remained in quiet possession of the said provinces. He had by his wife Alix, daughter to the earl of Gueldre, Floris who succeeded him in 
Count William's children.  the said Earldoms, Otto bishop of Vtrecht, and William who was lieutenant of Holland (the which was father to the lady Alix, married to Didier lord of Brederode) and two daughters, whereof the one was Abbess at Rhynsbourg, and the other at Delft. This Cont William did homage to the Emperor Frederic the second, for his Counties of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. Afterwards, upon a private quarrel he went and besieged the castle of Asprens, & having taken it, he razed it to the ground. 
The castle of Asprens razed.  Cont Gerard vander Are, brother to Didier bishop of Vtrecht, in revenge thereof went and besieged the town of Dordrecht, into the which he cast wild fire, which burned almost half of it. Soon after Cont William and the bishop were reconciled together, and they made an accord, by the which Cont William should pay unto the bishop a thousand pounds, and restore unto Henry of Craen all that he had taken from him, for that (as we have said before) he had once put him in prison by the commandment of Cont Thierry his master, brother to the said Cont William. Item, that all the Earls subjects being in the bishopric of Vtrecht, should from that time forth be vassals to the bishop as well as all his vassals, remaining in Holland. Item, that Cont William with a hundred knights, attired only in linen cloth, and barefooted, should present themselves before the Cathedral church of Vtrecht, and being there, the Earl should ask him forgiveness, for that he had before laid hands upon him, and taken him prisoner (although he were rescued) in the Abbey of Staveren. All which articles the Earl did accomplish, fearing his excommunication, and from that time the Earl and the bishop continued good friends. Behold the simplicity of Princes, and the pride of prelates in those days, braving all the world with their thundering threats. At that time died Henry king of Scotland, uncle by the mother's side to cont William of Holland, leaving no children. There was a great nobleman in Scotland, who with the help of the king of England got possession of the realm. The Earl of Holland pretending a title to the Crown, as the nearest kinsman, son to the deceased kings sister, employed all his friends for the obtaining thereof: and to bring it to effect, being embarked with a goodly army, he landed in Scotland, where at the first he took many towns and castles. In the mean time Lewis earl of Loose knowing Cont William to be absent, and that he could not easily come out of Scotland, although he had wholly conquered it, levied men secretly, to make a new conquest of the Earldom of Holland: but Cont William being advertised thereof, desiring rather safely to enjoy his own inheritance, which he had gotten with much pain, than to strive to make a doubtful conquest in a strange country, and far off, he returned speedily into Holland. The earl of Loose hearing of his return, proceeded no further, for he feared him much, having made so good trial of him, who afterwards governed his countries peaceably, during the remainder of his days.  
In the year 1218, the lady Alix, wife to Cont William, died, having left the children above 
1218  named, and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Rhynsbourg. Afterwards the said earl 
The Contesse of Holland dies.  married with Mary, daughter to Edmond of Lancaster, son to Henry the third, king of England, by whom he had no children. About that time the inhabitants of Ziricxee in the Island of Shouven in Zeeland, began to build great ships for merchandise, to traffic throughout all seas, as well North as South, and to make their town famous (as it was for a time) by reason of their navigation, having fit and convenient havens and roads, the which have since been much stopped with bars of sand, so as of late the inhabitants of that town have made a new haven, going directly to the sea before Noortbevelandt. The Earls of Zeeland (who were also Earls of Holland) had a palace in the town of Ziricxee, the ruins whereof are to be seen at this day. It is the second town of Zeeland.  
We have in the life of Cont Thier●… the seventh, and of his daughter Ada, rela●…ed briefly the deeds of this Cont William, the first of that name.   

FLORIS THE FOURTH OF THAT name, the seventeenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
Florentius Quartus.  
My daughter in one day as many children bare,  
As days within a year complete, by us accounted are:  
Twelve years I lived Earl, Mars durst me not defy,  
But jealous love was cause that I was murdered cruelly.  
My wife grieved at my death, and her so hard fortune,  
At her own charge for women built, the cloister of Losdune:  
Without the town of Delft my sister edified  
Another, which le champ royal she named, wherein she died.  
FLORIS the fourth of that name, by the death of Cont William, was the seventeenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, his brother Otto was made Earl of Friesland in his father's life, and William the youngest was hereditary governor of Kennemerlandt: this William had one daughter called Alix, the which was married to Didier lord of Brederode, who had by 
His wife and children.  her Alfart, father to William of Brederode, who was General of the Horse to the king of the Romans, the eighteenth Earl of Holland. Cont Floris had to wife Mathilda, daughter to Henry duke of Lothier and Brabant, by whom he had the said king William his successor, and Floris, who was governor of Holland, than Alix which was Contesse of Henault, and Marguerite wife to Herman earl of Henneberg, who had that great number of children, whereof we shall speak by and by.  
In the time of this Earl Floris, there was near unto the town of Arckel a little castle, upon 
The beginning of the town of Gorrichom in Holland.  the place of Wolfard, belonging to john lord of Arckel, about the which there lived some poor fishermen, at which place the river of Meruve began to ebb and flow, for that the rivers of Meuse and Wahal (the which, before the town of Tyel in Gelderland, was very narrow, and could not enter into that of Linge) fell into it. These poor fishermen called themselves Gorreckens, whereof the town of Gorrekom (now Gorrichom) took the name. This lord of Arckel caused all the houses of the place of Wolfard to be pulled down, and to be built again near unto this little castle, in the form of a small town: then with stone and other materials of the church of Wolfard, he caused the parish church of Gorrichom to be built. The said lord of Arckel did afterwards cause this new town to be environed with rampires, walls, and some towers, and there he built a strong castle, which he called the Burcht (that is to say, Castle, or Palace) of Arckel, for that the lords of Arckel, who were rich and mighty, and allied to the Earls of Holland, did usually make their residence, and kept their court there.  
Cont Floris was a Prince which took great delight in iousts and tourneys, as well within 
Cont Floris a lover of iousts and tourneys.  as without his own countries, from whence he usually returned with hononr and praise, through the knightly prowess he showed in his person. The Contesse of Clermont had a great desire to see this Earl of Holland, of whom she had heard so much good spoken: once, among the rest she entreated her husband to keep open court, and to appoint a tourney for all comers, Princes, Barons, Lords and Knights, causing it to be proclaimed in the courts of all the Princes of France, Germany, and other places. Cont Floris having notice thereof would not fail to make one; and taking with him the earl of Cleves for his companion in arms, they went well accompanied with a rich and goodly equipage. Cont Floris was in this tourney made captain of the german Knights, and the earl of Needle captain of the French Knights. The kings at arms having caused all the Knights on either part to enter within the lists, and placed them in ●…heir ranks, they fell to the tourney, every one doing his best devoir, where there was many a lance broken, and many a brave blow given. Cont Floris carrying himself most valiantly of all others, the Contesse of Clermont being at a window near unto her husband, hearing them cry often for joy, Holland, Holland, Holland, she entreated her husband to show her which of all those knights was that Earl of Holland: The earl of Clermont taking hold of his wives words, said unto her: I see well, that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and that the Earl of Holland makes love unto thee: Behold thy friend; it is he which carries that Scutcheon of gold, with a Lion gules, whom with a burning love thou hast aspired to see; but (by the living God) thou shalt see him dead before night. The Contesse knowing her husband's treacherous mind, thought to advertise him secretly thereof; but the earl of Clermont prevented her: for although he were old, yet he armed himself, and went suddenly to horse, thrusting himself into the midst of the tourney, where having called the earl of Needle and his French knights unto him, they compassed in Cont Floris of all sides, charging him in good earnest. Cont Floris (who at the first doubted not this treason) defended himself as courageously as he could, and repulsed them that had forced him out of the tourney, yet notwithstanding any resistance that he could make, he was there slain. The earl of Cleves hearing that his cousin had been thus treacherously murdered, 
Cont Floris slain.  rushed furiously with all his german knights into the midst of the French troop, whereas he overthrew the earl of Clermont, and slew him, and made the earl of Needle to 
The earl of Clermont slain.  fly, forcing the rest to leave the tourney. Thus this feast of pleasure was turned into a mortal combat, and their joy into tears. The Contesse seeing this unfortunate event, like a desperate woman, would have cast herself headlong out of a tower, but being restrained, she fell into a grievous sickness, whereof she died soon after. The earl of Cleves, and other Noblemen which had accompanied them, carried back the dead body of Cont Floris into Holland, where he was interred in the abbey of Rhy●…sbourg, after that he had governed his countries honourably and virtuously twelve years. He was esteemed in his time the most valiant and worthy prince of all Germany: he left one son but six years old, called William, whom Otto bishop of Vtrecht his uncle took into his guard and protection, governing the countries of Holland, 
The bishop of Vtrecht guardian to the young Earl of Holland.  Zeeland and Friesland wisely and faithfully, during the minority of his nephew, reducing them of Drent and Covoerden unto reason. The Lady Mathilde, widow to Cont Floris, continued a widow all her life long, and was founder of an Abbey ●…t Losdunen, of religious women, of the order of Cisteaux, whereas she died, being threescore and seven years old, and is there buried.  
We have formerly said, that this Cont Floris had among his other children, one daughter called Mathilde (some say Marguerite) married to Cont Herman of Henneberg; William king of the Romans and Earl of Holland was her brother, Otto bishop of Vtrecht her uncle by the father, & Henry duke of Brabant her uncle by the mother's side, Alix Contesse of Henault her aunt Otto earl of Geldres, and Henry bishop of Liege, her cousins. To describe the monstrous childbirth or delivery of this Lady, you must understand, that on a time this Contesse of Henneberg did see a poor widow woman begging her bread for God's sake, having in either 
A wonderful del 〈◊〉 of 365 children.  ar●…a child both which she had had at one birth: This poor woman craving her alms, the Contesse rejected her with reproachful words: whereupon this poor woman, having her heart full of discontent, for her bitter speeches, lifted up her eyes to heaven, and said: O great and mighty God, I beseech thee for a testimony of mine innocency, that it will please thee to send unto this Lady as many children as there be days in the year. A while after this Contesse was big with child by her husband; and for her lying in, she went into Holland to see the Earl of Holland her nephew, lodging in the Abbey of religious women of Losdunen: whereas she grew so exceeding great, as the like was never seen. Her time being come, the friday before Palme-sunday, in the year 1276. she was delivered of three hundred sixty and five children, half sons and half daughters the odd one being found a Hermaphrodite, all complete and well fashioned with their little members: the which were laid in two basins and baptised by Guidon, Suffragan to the bishop of Vtrecht, who named the sons john and the daughters Elizabeth. As soon as they had been baptised, they died all, and their mother with them. The two basins are yet to be seen in the said church of Losdunen, with their Epitaph both in Latin and Dutch: the Latin was as followeth:  
Margareta Comitis Henneberg ae uxor & Florentij Comitis Hollandiae & Zeelandiae filia; cuius matter fuit Mathilda, filia Henrici Du●…s Brabantiae, fratrem quoque habuit Allemaniae regem. Haec praefata 
An Epltaph of the Contesse of Henneberg, mother to so many children  domina Margareta, Anno salutis 1276. ipso die Parasceve▪ hora nonae ●…nte meridiem, peperit infantes vivos promiscui sexus numero trecentos sexaginta q●…inque: qui past quam per venerabilem Dom. Guidonem, Suffragan. Episcopi Traiectensis, praesentibus nonnull●…s. proceribus & magnatibus in peluibus duabus ex aere, baptismum percepissent, & masculis johannes, foemellis vero Elizabeth nomina imposita fuissent, simul omnes cum matre uno eodemque die fatis concesserunt, in hoc Lodunensi temploiacent. Quod quidem accidit ob pauperculam quandam foeminam, quae ex uno partu gemellos in ulnis gestabat pueros: quam rem admirans ipsa Comitissa dicebat, id per vni●…m virum fieri non posse, ipsamque contumeliose reiecit: unde haec paupercula animo turhata & perculsa, prolium tantum numerum ac multitudinem ex uno part●… ei imprecabatur, quod veltotius anni dies numerentur. Quod quidem praeter naturae cursum, obstupenda quadam rationeita factum est, si●… in hac tabula in perpetuam rei memoriam, ex vetustis, tum manuscriptis, quam typis excusis Chronicis, breviter positum & narratum est. Deus ille ter maximus hac de re suspiciendus, honorandus, & laudibus extollendus in sempiterna saecula. Amen.  
And underneath it were these two verses:  
En tibt monstrosum & memorabile factum,  
Quale nec a mundi conditione datum.  
At that time there were in Holland and Zeeland five hundred knights, whereof those that 
The chief Nobility of Holland.  follow, were the chief: Otto brother to Cont Floris, William Lieutenant of Holland, their brother, Didier Lord of Brederode, Bailiff of Holland, Albert his son, who was afterwards Lord of Brederode, William Lord of Theylingen and of Leck (These two houses are descended from the ancient Earls of Holland) than john Lord of Heusden, john de Veen his son, john Lord of Arckel, Herbert Lord of Botersloot, Hugh his son, the Lord of Altena, the Lord of Lederdam, the Lord of Asprens, the Lord of Putten and of Streymen, Henry Lord of Vorn, jeams Vicont of Leyden, Didier Lord of Wassenare, Ghysbrecht Lord of Amstel, Henry Lord of Woerden, William & Didier of Theylingen, brethren, Simon of Harlem, Isbrand of Harlem, Nicholas Persin, Gualther of Egmond, Gerard of Egmond his son, Wouter of Egmond, Gualther of Egmond, Arnould of Egmond, and Nicholas of Egmond, all brethren William of Heeckhuysen, Korstant of Raphorst, jeams van ●…uoud, Hugh of Craelingen, Didier of Good, Roger Bockel, Hugh of Ackersloot, all renowned knights, Goeselin of Ryswicke, Albert Vuitten Hague, Didier van Velson, Paul of Brigdam, Bouven or Bauldwin van Ziburch, Floris van Woert, and many other Squires.   

WILLIAM, THE SECOND OF THAT name, eighteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, and afterwards king of Romans.  
18. Guilielmus Secundus.  
Leyden first brought thee forth, thy race did make thee great,  
Within the Country Holland, thou didst hold thy sovereign seat:  
Thy wife ELIZA was, Rome did thee king elect:  
The Hage thou mad'st chief place for laws, thy people to protect:  
In Harlem at thy charge, a Cloister thou didst make:  
In Friesland fight in thine arms, death life from thee did take.  
Twice ten years thou wast Earl, and seven years a King:  
Death neither spareth Potentate, nor any living thing.  
WILLIAM the second of that name, after the decease of Cont Floris his father, was the 18 Earl of Holland, Zeeland, etc. being only six years old when his father died; he was therefore under the guard and keeping of his uncle Otto, bishop of Vtrecht. He was borne in the Chamber of Holland, for at that time the town of Leyden was so called. Being come to man's age, he married Eliza, or Elizabeth, daughter to the duke of Brunswike, 
The wife and children of Cont William  by whom he had one son, named Floris the 5, who was the 19 Earl of Holland, etc. He loved arms and virtue more, than to gather riches.  
The pope's, who had been always in grateful to emperors and king's, their benefactors, having degraded Frederic the 2, and Conrard his son, from the empire, and made Henry Landtgraue of Turinge to be chosen, who died soon after: the prince's electors seeing the pope's 
How Cont William was chosen king of Romans.  hatred against Frederic the emperor increased daily, and that there would never be an end: they gave the government of the empire, in the year 1247, to William Earl of Holland, etc. who at the instance of Henry 2, duke of Brabant, by the recommendation of his father in law, Otto duke of Brunswike, and by the promotion of pope Innocent, was chosen king of Romans; for that there was no prince in Germany, that, for fear of the emperor Frederic, and Conrard his son, durst accept of the empire. Being chosen, he was solemnly received, and crowned at Aix-la-chapelle, the 1. day of November: having first forced the said town (the which until that day, had always held Frederics part) to yield unto him, and to administer unto him the first imperial crown: and after the death of the emperor Frederic, he was by the same pope Innocent proclaimed emperor in the city of Lion, four years after his election. The said Cont William, king of Romans, after that he had been crowned at Aix, by Conrard bishop of Cologne, being then but 20 years old, he went to Liege, whereas he granted unto Otto earl of Gueldres, brother to the said bishop of Liege, the imperial town and castle of Nymeghen, with all the rights, revenues, and jurisdictions belonging and depending thereon, to hold it in fee for ever of the empire, paying therefore one and twenty thousand marks of pure silver: upon condition, That it should be always lawful for the emperor, or king of Romans, to redeem it again, paying the said sum of 21000 marks of silver: and that if afterwards they would engage it again, the earls of Gueldres should be always preferred, and have the choice to take or leave it: The which was afterwards confirmed by the successors of the said king William.  
From Liege king William would go to visit all his chasteleines, or castles, along the river of Rhin, the which were all open unto him, with offer of service, except kaiser Weert, where the captain denied him the entry: the king besieged it, and held his camp before it above a year; in the end, victuals and other provision failing, he sued for mercy. The king having received the captain into grace, seeing his generosity and valour, after he had taken ●…n oath of fealty, he gave him in marriage Catherine his cousin, daughter to Alsard of Brederode, and for her dowry the chasteleine of Keyser Weert, with the town and castle, for him and castle for ever, to hold of the empire. This done, he marched towards Holland, passing by the town of Vtrecht, where, at the request of the bishop Otto his uncle, he ratified the privileges, given by 
The king comes to Vtrecht, and ratifies their privileges.  former emperors to the said town and bishopric of Vtrecht; yea he augmented them much, and gave them letters patents. Being returned into his country of Holland, and making some stay there, he built the palace of the Earls of Holland, in the village of la hay, commonly called the Hague, whereas it is at this day, the great hall whereof is built of Irish wood, which is of such a property, as there are never any cobwebs, or spiders, to be seen. There he also built the chapel of the court. Then he did transport the provincial counsel, which was wont to be at Gravesande, to the said palace of la hay, where it yet remains; and there are held the general estates of the united provinces, where as prince Maurice their governor, general, and admiral, makes his ordinary residence, when he is not in the army, or otherwise employed. He also caused the castle of Heemskerke to be built, whereas he made one Gerard of Heemskerke chastelaine, giving him charge to keep the Frisons in awe and subjection, and never to suffer them in rest, until they had acknowledged him their prince, in the quality of Earl of Holland simply: and for the effecting thereof, he put a good number of soldiers in garrison in the said castle, for the payment whereof he assigned three hundred pounds by the year. He made him also bailiff of kennemerlandt, to make use at need of the inhabitants of that quarter, whom he should have always at commandment, if they were rebellious. Otto bishop of Vtrecht, made his complaint to king William, of the wrong which the Earl of Ghoer did him, keeping from him some part of his jurisdiction. The king being in the city of Vtrecht, caused the earl to be adjourned to appear personally before him, to purge himself, or maintain his right. But this earl contemning this adiournement, went another way at his pleasure. The king displeased at his contempt, went to assail him, took him prisoner, and spoiled all his country, and taking from him the title of an earl, he delivered him into the bishop's hands, and reduced him to the estate of a mean and simple gentleman.  
In the year 1253, Marguerite countess of Flanders, pretending a quarrel to the country of Walchrens (as many earls had done before in vain) as depending of the county of Flanders, 
1253  sent the earls of Guise and Beaumond, with her two sons, john, and Guy of Dampierre, 
The contesse of Flanders pretends to conquer the isle of Walchrens by arms  into France, Bourgoigne, Picardy, and Brabant, to levy men for pay, with the which she might conquer the isle of Walchrens. And ask the advice of her chief noble men and barons, upon this business, she was first advised to write to William king of Romans, and Earl of Holland, summoning him to do that, whereunto she said he was bound; which was, to yield unto her, or at the least to hold the fees of Zeeland of her by homage. The king answered her modestly, That it was not fit the lord should be subject to his vassal: meaning, that this countess held her signiories and counties of Henault, Alost, and the land of Waas, of the empire. She who was a proud woman, and of a turbulent spirit, took this answer very disdainfully, sending for all her commanders and captains to come unto her to Waterduynen upon the sea, there to make an army. King William, who knew nothing of this practice, was in antwerp, at an assembly with the countesses counsel, touching their controversies, from the which assembly he could not free himself so soon as he desired: yet in the mean time he did write unto Floris his brother, That he was well advertised of the countesses intentions, & that she intended to invade the isle of Walchrens: and therefore he should with all speed gather together what men he could, and go presently into Walchrens, whither he would come with all his troops; that they two jointly together, might make head, and abate her pride. The duke of Brabant being sorry for this quarrel, laboured to reconcile them, so as he stayed the countesses departure, for the space of three days. To whom those of her counsel, that were at the assembly in antwerp, did write, That she should hast to effect what she designed, thinking to stay the king with devices and delays, until the enterprise were finished. She therefore sent Guy her son presently, into the isle of Walchrens, with a hundred and fifty thousand men: charging him expressly, not to return into Flanders, until he had reduced the whole island under his obedience; the which he promised his mother to do, or to die in the attempt: with which resolution he departed with his army, the which he led as well by land as by water (for the isle of Walchrens was, at that time so near unto Flanders, as they had but a small passage to make by water) and came to Westcapell, where he expected no resistance. But Floris the king's brother, being arrived there with his troops of Holland and Zeeland before him, had put himself into ambush until that Guy was landed with part of his army: who taking his opportunity, showed himself in good order of battle, and after that he had received the order of knighthood, went courageously to charge the Flemings. The combat was fierce, and continued long: for as fast as they landed, they were slain; and the more hast they made to succour them that were first on land, the greater was the slaughter. There was so much Flemish blood 
A great deseat of the Flemings.  spilled, as the Hollanders marched up to the ankles. This battle happened on Saint Martin's day in Summer.  
The king of Romans being in antwerp, advertised by post that the countesses army was at sea, to pass into the isle of Walchrens, departed presently, caused his horse to be embarked, and landing in the island, came even as the Flemings fled, and were put to rout, whereof some recovered their ships before they were discovered. Cont Guy, and other noble men Flemings, made long resistance against the Hollanders, but in the end they were defeated and taken prisoners. Guy was wounded, of the which he could never be cured. There were slain above fifty thousand men upon the place, and few less drowned, besides a great number of prisoners, whom they chased before them like a troop of sheep, who seeing the king, cried unto him for mercy. The king thinking of the 〈◊〉 which God had showed him by this goodly victory, gave them their lives, and suffered them to return free without ransorne, after that the soldiers and peasants of Zeeland had stripped them naked: and in this manner they sent them into Flanders; except the commanders, and chief of the army. The king led Cont Guy, and john his brother, with him into Holland, with the earls of Guise and Beaumond, and a great number of knights and gentlemen, whom he caused to be safely kept in the castle of Waternighe. The common soldiers which were sent back all naked, being in the territories of Flanders, gathered green grass, pease leaves, and other green things, to cover their privy parts, until they came in place where they might find better, and that some took pity of them.  
The contesse being much troubled for the imprisonment of her two sons, of so many barons 
The contesse goes ●…o succours into France.  and knights; of the chief of her nobility, and of so many brave soldiers; studied of nothing, but of the means of revenge: she went unto the lady Blanch, mother to S. Lewis king of France, and to Charles duke of Anjou, his brother, whom she solicited to come to succour her with an army, and to write unto king William, That his intent was to revenge the ou●…rage she had received of him: and that he had a desire to fight with him, if he would attend him only three days upon the plains of Ashen: in regard whereof, she promised the county of Henault unto the said duke of Anjou, whereof she would disinherit john d' Auesnes, her eldest son, and all the children which he had had of the lady Alix sister to king William; to the end this county of Henault might never fall (as it did soon after) into the house of Holland; or Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, into that of Henault: upon these goodly promies; the 
The duke of Aiou comes to succour the contesse.  duke of Anjou entered Henault with a goodly army, whereas the contesse Marguerite made him to take possession of the town of Valenciennes, and of other towns and castles, as earl of the country, meaning to have the pay of his hire, before he had done his service, or had merited any reward; vaunting with great vanity and overweening, that if he could encounter that king of the water (for so he called the Earl of Holland, being king of Romans) upon the land in an open field, he would handle him in such sort, and so free Flanders from him, as the memory thereof should remain for ever. Afterwards the duke went to visit the king S. Lewis his brother, being returned from prison, out of Syria; giving him to understand of all that he had treated with the contesse Marguerite of Flanders, and that by provision he was in possession of the county of Henault, requiring his aid and favour therein. I have not yet understood 
The wise answer of the king S. Lewis to the duke his brother.  (answered the king) that William king of Romans hath attempted any thing against us, and therefore we will not attempt any thing against him, so long as he shall contain himself within those terms and limits, and that he shall do nothing that may be prejudicial to our subjects: neither will I undertake a quarrel for the pleasure of a proud passionate woman, transported with the desire of revenge against him. The duke having received this answer, from the king his brother, returned to the contesse Marguerite, and acquainted her therewith, persuading her with pertinent and forcible reasons, not to make a new attempt against king William, but to content herself with her first losses. She persisting in the haughtiness of her courage, with a resolution and eloquent words, would needs persuade him, That if he lay camped seven years upon the plains of Ashen, king William would never show himself: For (said she) I protest before God, that john d' Auesnes my son, nor any of his children, or of the blood of Holland (from whence this irreparable loss hath come unto me) shall ever inherit the earldom of Henault: whereupon she disinherited the said john d' Auesnes her son, to the end, that those which were issued from the house of Holland, should never inherit any thing that was hers.  
The lady Alix, sister to king William, and wife to john d' Auesnes, being discontented with her mother in laws courses, went to Aix, to the king her brother, to impart unto him her griefs and to let him understand, that the contesse pretended to deprive her husband, and all his children, of their inheritance, to advance the duke of Anjou, being a stranger, to whom she had already transported his inheritance of Henault, to frustrate the house of Holland thereof in time to come. King William hearing the complaints and reasons of his sister, was soon resolved to succour and assist her; writing unto the said duke of Anjou, that he should leave the county of Henault, whereunto he had no right, the which he would take in good part: Whereunto the duke answered proudly, That neither for love, nor any fear of him, he would forsake it: and if he had so much courage, as to attend him on the plains of Asshen, there he would fight with him; and revenge the wrong he had done unto the Flemings. The said duke laboured in the mean time, to seize upon all the towns of Henault, and to have them at his devotion. The town of Aath only made resistance, the which he besieged, for that it held the party of john d' Auesnes. King William writ again unto the duke, That if he were so valiant as he vaunted himself to be, he would go and attend him three whole days upon the plains of Asshen, as he desired. The duke returned him an answer, That he would not fail him: whereof he advertised the contesse Marguerite, who assured him confidently, that the king would never come to fight with him at land; and therefore he should not fear any thing, but go and camp boldly two or three days there. The duke smiling, answered her, That he would do so, sending word unto the king, That if he came to ashen, he should find him there. The king seeing him thus brave, having drawn his army together, promising unto his nobles an honourable reward, and to his soldiers good pay, he marched through the country of Brabant, and never rested day nor night, until he came to the plains of Asshen, where he camped, attending there three days more, for the duke of Anjou, than had been limited.  
The duke was all this time in camp before the town of Aath, who hearing that the king 
The duke of Anjou retires.  was come thither, raised his siege suddenly, and retires himself into Valenciennes, to avoid the fury of the Hollanders, whom he had so much braved and threatened before. The king followed him, and went to besiege him in the said town: but the duke slipping secretly out at a postern gate, passed over the river of Escault, and retired into France. The inhabitants of Valenciennes (seeing the duke thus retired, had abandoned them at need) could take no better course, than to yield to the king's mercy, upon good conditions, who received them, causing them to swear unto john d' Auesnes their lord. During the treaty of their accord, news came unto the king, That the Queen his wife was brought in bed of a son, 
The birth of Cont Floris 5.  whereof he was wonderfully joyful, the which was Earl of Holland after him, called Floris the fifth.  
The chronicles of Flanders report this great defeat of the Flemings, in the isle of Walchrens otherwise, as also the calling in of duke Charles of Anjou, by the contesse Marguerite; where it is said, That king William had given the islands of Zeeland, to Cont john of Auesnes, his brother in law, to the which the said contesse pretended a right, sending an army to conquer it: the which the said Flemish chronicles confess, was defeated; and that in revenge thereof, she had called in the duke of Anjou, and deprived her said son of Auesnes of the county of Henault. But under correction of the chronicles of Flanders, there is no appearance, that king William, Earl of Holland and Zeeland (the which are two goodly earldoms, neighbours, and necessary one unto the other, as well for navigation, as commerce) would so dismember his estate, to gratify his sister, wife to the said Auesnes. And if he had had any disposition to dismember it from Holland, it had been more reasonable to give it to his brother Floris, to hold it in fee of his county of Holland, as his portion, than to give it in dowry to his sister: And therefore we will hold the opinion of the chronicle of Holland, more true in that point, than that of Flanders.  
The contesse Marguerite seeing that the duke of Anjou fled before king William, and that 
The contesse labours to be reconciled.  all her men were defeated and disbanded, she was much perplexed, and knew not how to resolve: in the end she found no better course, than to employ many princes, and great noble men, yea S. Lewis king of France, to reconcile her to the king of Romans favour, upon such conditions as she could with reason bear. Although the said king William had been too much wronged and incensed by her, as well by contempt and injuries, as otherwise, yet presuming that his courage would never oppose itself against a silly weak woman, nor seek revenge of her; using his clemency, he received her into grace, upon certain conditions specified: namely, That she should absolutely quit her county of Henault, the country of Alost, and the four chasteleines of the country of Waes', whereof she should give full possession to Cont john d' Auesnes, her eldest son, and pass it by authentic letters under her great seal: the which was done. And so the said john d' Auesnes, and Baldwin his brother, were reconciled to the contesse Marguerite of Flanders, their mother: the which being well finished and ended, king William returned into Holland.  
Pope Innocent hearing of the death of Conrard, king of Germany, son to the emperor Frederic, and that William Earl of Holland had been long before chosen king of Romans; he sent for him by letters to come to Rome, to receive the Crown, the ornaments, and all the marks of the Empire. King William having no trust in many princes of Germany and Italy, 
The pope sends for the king of Romans, to come to Rome.  through whose territories he must pass, went disguised in a pilgrim's weed, being accompanied with twelve of his most trusty and confident servants, and so passed into Italy, finding the Pope at Genoa or Genes, by whom he was honourably received. And as he came in a strange and disguised habit, only to confer with the Pope, he returned in the same manner through Lombardie and Germany: where having been well received in some places whereas he made himself known, and there treated of the affairs of the empire; he was advertised, That the West-Frisons were revolted, and according to their ancient manner invaded the frontiers of Holland, from whence they daily carried away great spoils, having no man to make head against them, he being so far off at that instant. The said king being ready to return into Italy, with forces, and a royal train, to be crowned at Rome, he thought it more expedient to preserve his own inheritance, and to settle peace and quietness in his countries, and among his subjects, than to go far off to purchase a title of honour, without profit: he therefore left off this voyage of Italy, and led his army to Vtrecht; where being with the prelates and noble men at a banquet, there was some traitor, which hit him on the head with a stone, wherewith 
The king being in Vtrecht is traitorously wounded with a stone.  he was sore wounded, and yet no man could perceive whence the blow came: the which did much perplex and trouble the prelates, for that they had invited him to this feast. The king having the stone in his hand, said: See what an affront and despite, those of Vtrecht do me, seeking to beat me down with stones, having never deserved ill at their hands; but have ever assisted them, and subdued their enemies at mine own charge; but by the living God, this affront shall not pass unpunished, if I live but one year in health: and with those words he departed from thence, and went to horse, not without great reason, being much moved, and threatening the whole city, which he resolved to ruin quite. The magistrates and best bourgesses of Vtrecht, were very sad for this wicked and unfortunate accident: and having obtained a passport to send unto him, they dispatched their bourgmasters to the court at la Hay, to see if they could any way pacify his choler and displeasure against them. The king answered them in few words, That he had sworn, the which he would never call back again, but would utterly destroy the town, if they delivered not into his hands, him that had cast the stone. With this answre they returned, and having assembled their counsel, they made diligent search for him that had given the blow. This remained thus in suspense, for the king made haste to go into Friesland, whereof the city of Vtrecht had great cause to thank God: for at his return (if he had lived any time) it was to be feared, he would have made a pitiful spoil, and the Traiectins, or those of Vtrecht, should have endured much, if he had returned victor out of Friesland.  
The king being gone with his army into West-Friseland, at his entrance he subdued some of the first, that would have opposed themselves, and stopped his passage: causing a castle to be built near Alcmar, the which he called Tornenburg, which is to say, the castle of Wrath. And marching on in the month of February, he went to Alcmar, from whence passing upon the ice at Vroven, he made all the hast he could, to surprise his rebels suddenly: But it succeeded not so happily for him, as for his army: for as the lord of Brederode, who led one of the battalions, had encountered and vanquished the Drechters, the king mounted upon a mighty courser, leading the other battalion, seeking the shortest way to Hoochtwonde, which he meant to burn, marched before all alone, upon the ice, far from his troops, as if he had been upon the firm land: it happened that the ice broke, and his horse sunk in, and was almost drowned, having no man near him, to help him in time. The Frisons, who lay in ambush in the reeds 
The king miserably slain, being sunk into the ice.  and oziers', seeing a horseman thus mired, ran thither, and beat him down with clubs & staves, not knowing that it was the king: but when they had seen his target, they imagined it should be some great noble man. There were in that quarter some Hollanders, that were fugitives, and banished for crimes, who came also running thither, and knew the arms and blazon of their king, which was an Eagle sables, and a Lion rampant gules, in a field party par pale or: saying unto the Frisons that were there present, That they had done very ill, to have thus murdered the king, their lord and natural prince. When as they understood that it was king William, Earl of Holland, there was not any one, man nor woman, young nor old, that was not very heavy and sorrowful: then having consulted together upon this accident, they resolved to 
They bury him secretly in a country house.  bury him secretly in a house in the said village of Hoochtwonde, to the end, that in time the memory and the revenge thereof might be forgotten. It was a strange thing, that never a man, neither on foot nor horseback, of the whole army came thither to succour him, and that the Hollanders did not pursue their first victory, although they knew their king to be dead: For without doubt, they had that day conquered all that quarter, by the defeat of these West-Frisons, if they had proceeded: but they were so strooken and amazed, for the death of the king their prince, as they lost all judgement and courage, so as the commanders retired with their army into Holland. Behold how king William died miserably, after that he had governed his inheritance of Holland and Zeeland one and twenty years, and the empire seven. His body being found in this village of Hoochtwonde, was carried and interred in the abbey of Middlebourg, 
The king's body found, and interred at Middlebourg in Zeeland.  in the isle of Walchrens, in the year 1255: then was accomplished the prophesy, which said, That one William king of Romans, should be slain by the Frisons. The same day there died in a battle, which they fought in their retreat, all the inhabitants of Dordrecht, except three hundred, and their standard was taken; and most part of those of Delft, after they had slain many of these Frisons. The lady Elizabeth his wife died in the year 1265, and lies buried by her husband. This king of Romans, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, gave unto the said town of Middlebourg, their principal privileges: and among others, he granted that in all the Beweterscheldt, none should have high justice, and judge of life and death, but the said town; and that all the criminal causes of the country, should be decided there, and that offenders should be kept in the Earl's prisons there, causing this town to be repaired and fortified.   

FLORIS THE FIFTH OF THAT name, the nineteenth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
19 Florentius Quintus.  
In just revenge of father's death thou splid'st the blood  
Of Frisons, that had him destroyed, and thee withstood:  
And having taken his body from the place where't lay,  
Intombedst it in Middleburgh, from whence thou took'st thy way  
To Flanders, to abate their pride, that quietly  
Gave thee their princess for thy spouse, and for her dower  
Whole Flanders: but when thou to hunt in woods wast gone,  
Thy foes thee slew, when thou hadst ruled full forty years and one.  
AFter the lamentable death of William king of Romans, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, his son Floris being but six months old, succeeded him, and was the to Earl. Floris his uncle, brother to the king, governor of Holland, was his tutor who discharged it faithfully for the space of four years. It was he which made laws and customs in Zeeland, the which they observe at this day. Floris being one day at a tourney in the city of antwerp, was very sore hurt, whereof he died, and was buried by the king his brother, in the abbey of Middlebourg, in the year 1258. Then Henry duke of Brabant, son to this infants great uncle, took upon him the guardianship, the which he did administer for a time; till in the end, through the dissolutions, exactions, and concussions of his officers, he was chased out of Holland. He being displaced, the barons, lords, nobles, with the estates of this county, did with one consent choose Otto earl of Gueldre, to undertake the government: against whom those of Holland did choose the lady Alix contesse of Henault, aunt 
Factions for the government of the Earl's person and of the country.  to young Cont Floris, to be his governess, and viceregent: Which partiality was afterwards the cause of a great battle at Voerwoetzee, whereas many were slain on either part: but the Hollandser won the battle, and the earl of Gueldres remained sole governor and guardian to the young Earl.  
In the year 1268 there were strange apparitions seen in the air; as armed men fight, and other strange and prodigious things, after which there followed great calamities: for the commons of Holland did rise against the nobles; and Cont Floris being yet very young, those 
Great trouble an Holland.  of Kennemerlandt did rise and bandy themselves against the nobles of the country, destroying and pulling down their castles, houses in the country, and places of pleasure: the knights and gentlemen were forced for their better safety, to retire themselves into the town of Harlem, to be freed from this rabble of rascals, who had resolved to expel all the nobility of the country of Vtrecht, to raze their castles and houses, and to make all the country common. The Frisons and Waterlanders did join with them, so as all together made a huge body of an army, with the which they fell upon the quarter of Amsterlandt. Ghysbrecht signior of Amstel, seeing that he could not make head against so great a multitude of madmen, resolved to join with them, promising them all fidelity and assistance. Having therefore made choice of him for their leader, he with his people joined with this mutinous troop. Being made their captain general, he thought to revenge himself of all his enemies about Vtrecht, and to ruin them, beating down their castles and houses. For his first exploit, he went to besiege the castle of Vredelandt, the which had been expressly built by the bishop of Vtrecht, against him and the signior of Woerden, his cousin: but he found it so well fortified with a good garrison, and of all other things necessary for defence, as he was glad to leave it. And finding that this troop did eat and waste all his territory of Amsterlandt, he persuaded them in a fair night, to make an enterprise upon the town of Vtrecht, the which they resolved: and meaning to make a present proof thereof, before that it was day, they had invested the said city round about. The bourgesses, and those of the guard of Vtrecht, knew not what it might be, thinking they had been Scythians, or Tartarians, or some other strange nation, that came to assail them: being in arms upon their walls, and in their towers, they demanded what they were, and what they required: Whereupon one of these Kennemers, a man well spoken, said unto them: You bourgesses and inhabitants of Vtrecht, our good friends, know that the frank Kennemers salute you, and send you word, that you chase away all the noblemen and gentlemen, which oppress and overcharge the people; and that you divide their goods and riches among the poor in common. He had no sooner ended this speech, but presently there grew a tumult among the people of the town, encouraging one another with the persuasions of this Kennemer: and so taking arms, they chased away all the nobles, and men of knowledge and authority in the city, or that were of the counsel, and did administer justice, with forty gentlemen of name. Then they created a new magistrate, aldermen, and ancients, one out of every company or trade, to govern the commonweal. Having chased away the mightiest, they made a league with the Kennemers, to whom in like sort joined those of Amersfort and Emmelandt.  
john of Nassau, bishop of Vtrecht, did on the other side ally himself with Otto earl of Gueldres, and they two together having made a good army, came to Zyest, to restore the nobles, and the magistrates that were chased away. The Kennemers having notice of their coming, put their men in battle, meaning to fight with them. The earl of Gueldres, an old knight, and well experienced in arms, would not with so few men expose himself to the hazard of a doubtful battle, against so great a multitude of desperate men, that were half mad; retiring a little back towards the Veluve, to gather together more forces, and then to charge them. Ghysbrecht lord of Amstel, seeing himself a great commander, and captain of this great confused troop, did beat down the castles of Ghysbrecht of Abconde, of William of Risenburch, and of Hebert of Vyanen, his enemies: which done, he spoke unto the Kennemers in this manner; Companions and valiant soldiers, you have seen, how that this year we have reduced all the country of Vtrecht under our obedience, chased away the nobles, and burned their castles, ruined their forts, and spoiled them of their goods & possessions: the next year we must go and assail the earl of Gueldres, who is banded against us, we must spoil his country, and chase him away in like sort: but as Autumn draws near, it shall be necessary for every one to retire himself to his own home, to gather in his harvest, and to provide for that which shall be needful for every man's family in particular. Upon this persuasion the Kennemers being assembled all together, retired into Kennemerlandt: and passing near unto Harlem, they besieged it, and did hasten all they could to batter and shake it with their rams, and other engines. The inhabitants and gentlemen thereabouts (which were retired into the same town) defended themselves valiantly with arrows, slings, & stones. john of Persin, a brave knight, made a sally by night, and fell upon a number of carts, laden with victuals and munition, then passing into Kennemerlandt, he burned some of their chief villages. The Kennemers seeing fire in their country, raised their siege from before Harlem, and made haste to return to their houses. Those of the town seeing them march away, issued forth, and charging them in the ●…ere, defeated a great number, and brought back a good booty, the which these mutines had spoiled here and there. The bishop of Vtrecht, and the earl of Gueldres hearing of the retreat of the Kennemers, went to besiege the town of Vtrecht: but four days after, seeing they could not take it without loss, and that they daily lost many of their best men, they did rise from thence, and went to besiege Amersfort, for that they had joined themselves unto the Kennemers: in the end they yielded by composition unto the earl of Gueldres, who (for certain injurious speeches they had used against him, during the siege) ruined a part of it: then he retired into his country, and the bishop to his town of Deventer, in the country of Ouerissel. About two years after Asuerus of Bosichom, a knight, came with all the banished men before the town of Vtrecht, and having secretly made a scaladoe, entered it. At the first he was hotly encountered; but in the end Asuerus became master, chased away the magistrate, and many of the bourgesses of the town, and restored the bourgmasters and aldermen, which had been displaced. Soon after all the banished men returned, and there was great fight betwixt the inhabitants one against another, and much blood spilled. During these hurly burlies, Nicholas de Cats, a knight of Zeeland (having the young Cont Floris then in his guard and keeping) broke the gates of the said town with axes and hammers, and entered it with five hundred horse: then sitting in the seat of justice in the midst of the town, he banished a thousand and forty of the bourgesses, and restored all things to a good estate, and made the town in quiet.  
Floris Earl of Holland, being seventeen years old, levied a good army, to make war upon 
Cont Floris takes arms against the Frisons.  the West Frisons, & to reduce them under his obedience, & to bring away his father's bones, who had been slain there, to bury them in Zeeland. The Frisons hearing of his approach went to arms, and came to encounter him at Verone, upon the Gheest, near unto Alomar, where there was a battle, in the which there died ●…00 Hollanders, among the which were some men of mark. The Hollanders having received this first disgrace, retired themselves to Heyligerlee, where they camped in the open field, & received a new supply of men. The Frisons grown proud with their first victory, went to charge them: but the Hollanders, who attended them, had now their revenge, for they put the Frisons to flight, and slew above 800 upon the place. Afterwards Cont Floris having caused the strong castle of Wideness to be built against the Frisons he marched with his army into Friesland, to fight with them, and to subject them to their duties and obedience: a battle was fought, and he defeated them in a village, called 
The Frisons defened.  Schellinckhout: then passing to Hoochtwonde, there was another battle, in the which he was also victorious; there were 600 Frisons slain, and many other taken prisoners, among the which there was an old man, which showed Cont Floris the place where king William his father was buried, the which he caused to be opened, and his bones to be taken up, causing them to be put in a hearse, and to be transported to Middlebourg in Zeeland, whereas he built a royal tomb, worthy of his greatness.  
In the year 1285, there was such a tempest of wind and storms, as many dikes and causeys in Friesland, Holland and Zeeland, were broken and carried away, so as much of the ●…untrey was overflown, and many men, and much cattle drowned. Didier lord of Brederode, called the Gentle, had charge from Cont Floris, to go with an army both by sea and land, to make war against the Frisons; the which he did: and for that (by reason of these inundations) those of the champain country of Friesland, could not succour one another, he entered into divers parts of the country, the which he dispeopled, leading them all away prisoners, without striking stroke; and by this means reduced Friesland under the Earl's obedience. The waters of this inundation being fallen away, and the causeyes repaired, the Earl caused four 
Four e●…es ●…lt by the Earl to subdue the Frisons.  strong castles to be built in Friesland; that of Medemblyck, of Enigemburch, Middelburch, and Nieuburch, to restrain the Frisons, and keep them in their obedience. The Frisons seeing themselves thus subdued, and that of necessity they must yield unto the yoke, came unto him, those of the bailywike of Hoochtwonde, of Nieudorp, Winckel, Bersingenshorn, Costinauroe, Vrolen, Kuytdorp, Brock, Zuydsterwoude, Noortsterwoude, Oudherspel, Waermenhuysen, Nyeulandt, Duringhersorn, Emgebroerk, Oeterleeck, Veenhuysin, and Medemblyck: All which above named having made their peace with Cont Floris, took their oath of fealty, and did him homage, as well for himself, as his successors for ever, yielding, that in their country he might divide the ways at his own good pleasure: for the performance whereof, they granted him the tenth of all kind of grain. In recompense whereof the Earl granted them many privileges, such as those of Vrolen and Oudtorp had obtained from king William his father. This reconciliation and accord, was made upon Saint Agnes eve, in the year 1288. The Earl being still jealous of the loyalty of the West-Frisons; notwithstanding all their oaths and homages, not trusting them but upon good assurance, caused the castle of Medemblyck to be finished, and to that end camped with his army at Meloorde, until it was ended. He caused also the fortneere to Ve●…a, upon the Gheest, on the frontiers of Friesland, to be new built again, to the end they might pass fr●…ly from Alcmar whither they would. And he built the fort of Middlebourg along the dike, to keep them from breaking it in that place: the castle of Tornenburch (which the king his father had built there) was here unto it: The which he did, to the end they should not easily besiege neither the one nor the other, for that they were within two or three bows shoot one of another. He also built the castle of Nyendoern, which since the Frisons ruined. Cont Floris having bridled the West-Frisons, went to Staveren: those of that quarter, knowing how he had subdued them of West-Friseland, by the means of so many castles, being loath 
Friesland wholly subdued.  to make trial of the like rigour, submitted themselves willingly unto him, with an oath of obedience, as to their lord and prince, as well to himself, as to his successors hereafter, Earls of Holland; who seeing their readiness and willingness, gave them many thanks, and granted them freedoms and immunities, which were too long to repeat. Having thus pacified all, and settled a good order in Friesland, he parted from Staveren, being followed by the best and chief noble men of that country, unto Albrechts-bergh, soliciting the confirmation of their privileges, the which were dispatched in due form under his seal, in the year of our Lord God 1292.  
Cont Floris having made all Friesland quiet, Guy of Dompierre, earl of Flanders, entered again with an army into Zeeland, pretending to conquer the isle of Walchrens: Cont Floris posted presently thither with all his forces, to chase him away, or to give him battle. Ioh●… dukel of Brabant, desirous to prevent this mischief, came into Zeeland, by whose good 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace was concluded betwixt these two princes of Flanders and Holland, upon condition, 
The Earls of Flanders and Holland reconciled.  That Cont Floris should take to wife the lady Beatrix, daughter to Cont Guy, by means of which marriage they continued good friends, and every one retired to his own home. Cont Floris had by this lady his wife many children; john, Thierry, Floris, William, Otto, William and Floris, Beatrix, Mathilda, Elizabeth, and Marguerite, the which died all young, except john the eldest, who succeeded his father in the counties of Holland and Zeeland, etc. He had also two bastard sons, Witten the chief lord of Hamstede in Zeeland, and William, both of them brave knights. He caused many goodly buildings to be made, as the castle of Vogelsanck in the wood of Harlem, where he often held his court, by reason of hunting and hawking, and other pleasures of justs and tourneys: he did also greatly enlarge his court at la Hay.  
The bishop of the clergy of Vtrecht, complained to Cont Floris, of the wrongs the lords 
The Earl makes war against the lord of Amstel and Woerden.  of Amstel and Woerden (being cousin germans) did unto them, demanding his help against them: The Earl went and besieged the castle of Vredelandt, planting his rams and other engines of battery, whither he sent the signior Costin of Renesse knight, with a supply of soldiers out of Zeeland. The lord of Amstel having knowledge of his coming, sallied forth, and went to encounter them near unto Loen: but he was repulsed and defeated by the said signior of Renesse, whereas the lord of Amstel was taken prisoner, with a great number of his subjects. Arnould of Amstel, who remained in the castle, hearing of his brother's imprisonment, fearing the Earl's power, yielded himself and the place unto his mercy, who having received it, caused it to be manned with a strong garrison. And for that Herman of Woerden had assisted the lord of Amstel, against the bishop, the Earl went likewise against him, to spoil all his lands. Herman knowing well that he was unable to resist so powerful a prince, having fortified his castle of Montfort, and manned it with a good garrison, and all things else requisite for a long siege, leaving a good captain therein, whom he trusted, absented himself out of the country. The Earl unwilling to desist, notwithstanding his absence, besieged the castle a whole year together, giving many assaults, so as in the end he forced it, causing all their heads that he found within it, to be cut off, two only reserved: then having manned the place with soldiers, and made hot war for a time against the said Herman, in the end there was a peace concluded betwixt them, by the which these two noblemen of Amstel and Woerden, did swear fealty and obedience unto the Earl of Holland, and the bishop of Vtrecht, upon pain of confiscation of all their goods, and never to rise nor rebel against him, restoring to the bishop of Vtrehct his castles: by means whereof all quarrels were ended. The Earl having pardoned what was past, held them for his most familiar counsellors, which proved hurtful unto him, as we shall presently show.  
In the year 1290, Cont Floris, and Thierry of Cleves met at la hay in Holland, there to recreate themselves together, Cont Floris keeping open court: during which time the earl 
1290  of Cleves did resign and absolutely yield up unto the Earl of Holland, his cousin, the sovereignties and homages of the towns and castles of Heusden, Vandrichom, and Altena, quitting and discharging all his vassals; and freed men of their oath of fealty, which they ought unto him mediately, or immediately: and that afterwards they should hold and depend of the county of Holland, in the like manner as they were wont to hold of the earldom of Cleves. So john of Heusden received of Floris Earl of Holland, by right of relief, his fees and signiories of Heusden, Altena, and Vandrichom, which from that time were of the jurisdiction of the county of Holland, and so continue unto this day. Cont Floris seeing himself at rest, having thus augmented his signiories and revenues, he prepared a goodly fleet of ships, and accompanied with a great number of barons, knights, and gentlemen, went into England, to king Edward the first of that name, to demand advice and succours to get the possession of the 
Cont Floris his voyage into England, and why.  realm of Scotland, which was fallen unto him by the decease of his great great grandmother Ada, daughter to the king of Scotland (who died without heirs male) wife to Floris the third of that name, and thirteenth Earl of Holland, which Cont William the first, by the death of Henry king of Scotland, his uncle by the mother's side, did not prosecute, by reason of the rebellion of some noblemen of his country, which hindered him, besides the Frisons were revolted, and the earl of Loose (during his absence) thought to reconquer Holland, as we have said before. Cont Floris being then with king Edward (who dissuaded him from this war of Scotland, for the great difficulties he should find there) they concluded an alliance together, which was, That john son to Cont Floris (being then but young) shall marry Elizabeth the 
A marriage betwixt Cont Floris eldest son, and the king of England's daughter  king's daughter: by which marriage they should remain for ever good friends and allies, as since England hath always been, and is at this present well affected to Holland and Zeeland, and to the other united provinces of the Netherlands.  
Guy of Dompierre, earl of Flanders, repining at this friendship and alliance betwixt the king of England, and Earl of Holland, levied an arm●… in the country of Catsand, to invade 
The earl of Flanders pretends to assail Zeeland.  the isle of Walchrens, during the absence of Cont Floris: but Didier lord of Brederode, and john of Renesse knights, the one in Holland, the other in Zeeland, made haste to levy men, to oppose against him. Cont Floris having hews thereof, embarked without any delay, and came to land at Flessingue. Cont Guy staying too long upon his passage, the signior of Renesse by commandment from Cont Floris, passed into Flanders, burned the town of Scluce, and spoiled the whole country about. This done, the lords of Brederode and Renesse, enter jointly with their troops into the isle of Catsand, which they destroyed also. The Flemings (who were not fair from them) being about 4000 men, thought to compass in the Hollanders but the signior of Renesse, who had but 300 Zeelanders, choice men, and he a brave and hardy knight, went first to charge them, and put them to rout, so as there were a great number slain and drowned besides prisoners, and the booty which he carried into Holland, returning a victor to the Earl his Prince. This happened on Simon and judes day, in the year 1296. The Flemings being retired after this defeat, Cont Floris fortified his country of Zeeland with good garrisons, against their invasions and spoils, than he returned into Holland to his court at la Hay. One day among the rest he bethought himself, that in the great wars which he had had against the Frisons Flemings, and others, he had lost a good number of his knights, and of his best noblemen; besides many were dead of the plague, the which had been very violent in his countries, so as (to his great grief) he was then very destitute: whereupon he resolved to send for, one day in Christmas, to his court at la Hay, forty of the chiefest and most substantial of all his subjects, that were not noble, the which had good means, and great revenues, to entertain the train and estate of a knight. With these forty good men, specially chosen, he held open court, made them knights, and gave them arms and blasons. In this sort did he honour his good and virtuous subjects, who by their wealth might well maintain their estate in the service of their prince. Withal he did repeople his country with nobles, and did beautify his train and court: for the more noblemen a prince hath, the more is he honoured and feared. True it is, that in the beginning the ancient nobility did scorn and hate these new knights (it may be for that they had not so great means) but in succession of time, their sons, grandchildren, and great grand children, were taken for good gentlemen.  
The chief knights and gentlemen issued from ancient nobiline and knighthood, in the time 
The chief nobility.  of this Earl Floris, were these that follow: john of Holland his son, Herman earl of Heneberg, husband to Marguerite his aunt, who had so many children; Didier the Gentle, lord of Brederode, William lord of Theylinghen, john lord of Heusden, john lord of Heesben, Arnoult lord of Escluse, brother to the lord of Heusden, john lord of Arckel, Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot, john lord of Heucklom, Otto signior of Asprens and of Abkoy, Peregrin signior of Lederdam his brother, jeams lord of Wassenare, Didier of Theylinghen, Nicholas Persin signior of Waterlandt, Simon of Harlem, Ghysbrecht lord of Amstel, Arnould of Amstel, his brother, Herman of Woerden, john of Leck, lord of Polnen, Hugh of Vianen, Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn, Wolfard lord of Vere, john of Renesse, Witten, bastard to Cont Floris, the first lord of Hamstede, and William his brother, Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen, William of Egmond, Gerard of Egmond, his son, Baldwin of Nueldwick, jeams Ʋander Vuoude, Arnould of Heemskerke, Henry of Heemskerke, his brother, Didier vander Goude, Gerard van Velson, Gerard of Heemskerke, Didier of Raephorst, Gerard of Raephorst, his brother, Hugh of Craelinghen, Werembault Witten Hage, Albert his son, Gerard of Harlem, john Dortoghe and Floris of Duynen, all knights. And in Zeeland the chief noblemen, were the lords of Borssele, of Brigdam, of Zandtwick, of la Vere, of Cats, of Cortgoen, of Mourmont, of Renesse, and of Ornyninghe, all which carried the Earl's order, which was a collar of gold, interlaced with cockle shells, and the image of S. james hanging at it.  
There was in the Earls court a valiant knight (put in the rank of these nobles) named Gerard van Velson, whom the Earl held a whole year in prison, after that he had caused his brother's 
A history of the death of Cont Floris the 5.  head to be cut off, through the false reports, and pernicious counsel of some that hated them. The Earl being afterwards better informed of the truth, and of their innocency, having set Gerard at liberty, he sought by all means to repair the wrongs that had been done him, and to honour and advance him among all the rest: and to make him the more affectionate to his service (the Earl thinking therein to do him honour and savour) would have given him his minion in marriage, the which was a fair gentlewoman. But Gerard disdaining her like a generous man, would none of her. The Earl insisting still to have him m●…ie her, in the end Gerard, angry at his importunities, answered him plainly, That he was not so abject not base minded (using a common Dutch phrase) as to put his feet in his old shoes, which is as much to say, as to marry his leavings, or strumpet. The Earl displeased at this answer, said unto him; And truly thou shalt have my leavings. Gerard, who regarded not the Ea●…ls words, goes from court, and a while after maries the daughter of Herman, signior of Woerden, niece to Ghysbrecht of Amstel. Cont Floris hearing afterwards that Gerard was married, and that he came no more to court, by the persuasion of his minion he sent for him: being come, he sent him in commission out of the country, for some business of importance, wherein Gerard held himself much honoured: during his absence the Earl went with a small train to the castle of Croonenbruch (where as Gerard made his ordinary residence) as if he would refresh himself there. The lady, Gerard's wife, received him honourably, and courteously, as her lord & prince. The Earl making show, that he had some private matter to treat with her in secret, he willed her to lead him into some private chamber, where there might not be any present, but they two that he might the more freely deliver what he had to say unto her. The good lady doubting no harm led him into her own bed chamber. The Earl having made the door fast, forced her to his will, and then presently departed. She being exceeding sorrowful for this violence, which had been offered unto her by her own prince, who above all things should have maintained the honour of ladies, especially of his vassals of her quality, she cast off her rich attire, and precious ornaments, and put on the plainest and simplest mourning weed she could. Gerard being returned from his commission, and having made his report unto the Earl, took his leave, and returned to his house; where coming, he found his wife all desolate and having understood the occasion, he did comfort her, seeming to the world, as if he knew nothing, and commanded his wife to go unto the house of the signior of Woerden, her father, and to let him understand the whole fact: the which she did, craving pardon for that which had happened forcibly unto her, under a colour of hospitality. Gerard of Velson demanded of the signior of Woerden, his father in law, how he should best govern himself in this fowl fact, and withal swore by his knighthood, never to suffer it to pass unrevenged: after which time he never came to court, but did meditate day and night upon revenge. On the other side Herman of Woerden could not forget the wrong and dishonour which had been done unto his daughter, for the which he became a mortal enemy unto the Earl. These two knights being thus discontented with the Earl, drew unto their party Ghysbrecht of Amstel, their kinsman, to conspire against the Earl: And by the counsel of the said signior of Amstel and Woerden, Gerard did secretly call unto the town of cambray, the bishop of Duras for the king of England, the earl of Cuyck, in the name of the duke of Brabant, & two counsellors for the earl of Flanders: before all which being assembled, Gerard made his complaints of the base treachery of Cont Floris, with an aggravation of the foulness of the fact, proceeding from a heart full of bitterness, despite, and choler, desirous of revenge: where it was concluded among them, to attempt all means to seize upon the Earls person, and to send him into England, to the king, who should retain him, and make him end his days in prison; and in the mean time should send john of Holland, son to Cont Floris, his son in law, husband to his daughter Elizabeth (who kept then in England) to take possession of the earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, by the civil death of his father, the which he had worthily deserved, for an expiation of so fowl and villainous a fact.  
In the same year 1296. Cont Floris being ignorant of this conspiracy and resolution, taken against him at cambray, by the deputies of the king of England, the duke of Brabant, the earl of Flanders, and the lords of Amstel & Woerden, at the instance and suit of Gerard van Velson, went to Vtrecht, to end a certain difference, grown betwixt the lord of Zuylen, and some of his counsellors, whereof the said signior of Amstel and Woerden were. The Earl going to the church with his knights and household servants, there came a woman, which delivered him a little note, the which he caused his secretary to read, containing these 4 verses of the Psalm.  
My dearest friend whom I did trust,  
With me did use deceit:  
Who at my Table eat my bread,  
The same for me laid wait.  
My lord (said she) remember it well, and mark this prophecy of David. The earl contemning this advertisement, went to make good cheer with the noblemen & prelates of Vtrecht: after dinner being laid down to rest a little, thinking to spend the remainder of the day in sport and pleasure, the lord of Amstel went to wake him, inviting him to ride abroad with his hawks, saying, that they had found a goodly flight of Herons and other wildfowl (but they were such fowl as no hawk could take, and were lodged there to take the Earl himself) who loving hawking exceedingly, went to horse with a Merlin on his fist, being very slenderly accompanied of his followers: riding about half a mile out of Vtrecht, he was led into the midst of the ambush of these conspirators, when as suddenly the Signors of Woerden, of Amstel, of Velsen, of Beuscop, of Crayenhorst, of Theylingen and Van Zanthen, with many horsemen, who knew nothing of this enterprise, issuing forth of their ambush, environed the Earl on all sides. Gerard van Velsen (who held himself much wronged) was the first that offered to lay hold upon him: but like a courageous Prince (casting away his Merlin which he carried) he laid hold on his sword, to defend himself, desiring rather to die than to yield: but not able to make resistance, he was taken, meaning to carry him secretly that night to the castle of Muyden, and from thence send him into England by the river of fly.  
The bruit of this prize was suddenly dispersed over all, the which moved the hearts of many: The Kennemers and Waterlanders, with the West-Frisons, took arms presently in their barks and shaloupes to deliver their lord: but the conspirators being advertised of their coming, departed suddenly, leading the Earl through marshes and unknown places. Those of Naerden, who first went in search of him, encountered them full in the teeth: they being much perplexed, knowing that the Kennemers pursued them, were doubtful what way to take. The Earl's horse, whereon he was mounted and bound, was little and weak, so as not being able to leap like unto the rest, he fell into a ditch; where they laboured to get him forth, but could not, having no leisure, by reason of the pursuit of them that followed. Gerard van Velsen full of fury and rage, seeking nothing but revenge, seeing that they must of necessity abandon their prey, not able to carry him any further (his other companions being already fled) & not knowing how to vanquish his courage; rather than to leave him without revenge of the wrong which he had done him, he played the part of a desperate man, giving him one and twenty 
The violent death of Cont Floris the fifth  wounds with his sword, most of the which were mortal: then mounting upon a good horse, he saved himself in his castle of Croonenbruch. In the mean time the Kennemers arrive, who find their Earl half dead in this ditch, speechless, drawing only his breath. There were some of these conspirators servants taken, whom in the Earl's presence they cut in pieces, and having drawn him forth of the ditch, they carried him upon the Mount of Muyden, whereas he breathed out his last gasp, after that he had governed Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, as well by himself as by his tutors, two and forty years. He was a generous prince, of a goodly stature and lovely countenance, gracious and eloquent in his speech, a good physician, stately and liberal: To conclude, he had all that might be desired in a prince, except this vice of incontinency, and the villainous adultery, which he committed with violence, which was the cause of this sudden death. His body was carried by boat to Alcmar, where his bowels were buried in the church, and his body being embalm, was laid in the Quire, until that Cont john his son were returned out of England. Cont Floris had two greyhounds, the which had always followed him, going in and coming out of the castle 
The wonderful love of 〈◊〉. grey hounds  of Muyden, and which were found lying by him in the ditch where he was slain: carrying him into the boat, they followed, and leapt into it, and would never eat nor drink, although it were offered them; yea, they would have starved themselves, if they had not been drawn away from the Earls dead body. Amongst those that had assisted at this murder, many fled out of the Country, and among the rest, the Signior of Woerden went up and down like a vagabond, and died poorly and miserably in a strange country. The lord of Amstell, who was a good old man, and had suffered himself to be suborned by the Signior of Woerden and Velsen, after that all his goods had been confiscated, was entertained 
The end of the conspirators  by his friends in a far country. All Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, and the neighbour countries were troubled for this fact, the which was taken so grievously, as the Hollanders, to begin the revenge by him that had been the author of this conspiracy, and actor of the murder, went to besiege the castle of Croonenbruch; they within were quiet, as if the Signior of Velson had not been there, and yet he was. The news of this murder was written to all Cont Floris friends and allies, but especially to john d'Auesnes, earl of Henault, and to Cont john his son, who came before the castle of Croonenbruch, whereas they planted their engines of battery. The 
The revenge of Cont Floris death.  earl of Cuycke hearing that the Signior of Velson was straightly besieged in his castle (as the said earl had been present at the resolution of the taking of Cont Floris, in the name of the duke of Brabant) did write unto the earl of Cleves, being at that siege, entreating him to be a means that the besieged might depart at the least with their lives saved, the which he promised him to do: whereupon he sent for his men about him, that he might at need preserve them, as he might well have done. But the Hollanders having some notice thereof, were much discontented, and advertised the lord of Loef, brother to the earl of Cleves, thereof, who came himself to tell him, that if he meant to save the life of the besieged, it was certain the Hollanders would fall upon them, besides the scandal and reproach wherewith they should be taxed for ever; and therefore he advised him to let the Hollanders and Zeelanders alone, and if he were otherwise resolved, he with his men would retire, being loath to incur dishonour and the danger of his life. The earl seeing how ill it was taken, and that he should avail little, caused the castle to be attempted both by scaladoe, and otherwise; the which he did force and take by assault, and all the prisoners that remained alive, were taken, and put into safe keeping. In ●…e mean time it was bruited abroad, that the earl of Cleves meant to save the Signior of Velson & his companions that were prisoners. Whereupon the Kennemers running to arms, cried out, That if there were any one that would carry away the murderers of their prince, or save their lives, that they themselves should first die by their hands: whereupon the earl was forced to deliver them the prisoners. Those of Dordrecht had Hugh of Baerlandt, the Kennemers had William of They lingen, and two others: those of Harlem had William van Zaenden: those of Delft had Arnold van Bienschop: the earl of Cleves had Gerard of Craenhorst, & four others: all which were beheaded and laid upon wheels: those of Leyden had Gerard van Velson, the author of this conspiracy, and the murderer of Cont Floris, whom they tormented more than any other: 
Too cruel a revenge  for they put him stark naked into a pipe full of sharp nails, and so was rolled up and down throughout all the streets of Leyden; then after all these torments, they cut off his head and laid him upon a wheel: all his kindred unto the ninth degree that could be taken, were put to death, and set upon wheels: many being only suspected that they were ready to serve their lords and masters, and not knowing the cause, were banished for ever out of Holland; whereof some meaning to retire themselves into Denmark, mistaking their course, were driven beyond the strait of Weygat, and not knowing whether they went, coasting along Tartary, they entered into the river of Oby, from whence they came into Persia, and by the king's consent did inhabit a marish part of the country, after the manner of Holland, where they have continued in their ancient language, manner of life and labour, unto this day. As in like sort we may say that within these 70 years, the Hollanders that fled for religion, have through the grace of Christian the third king of Denmark, planted themselves in a little Island right against Coppenhaghen, called Amack, the which they do labour & dress after the manner of Holland: so as this little Island (which is not above two French leagues in circuit) is called the garden of Coppenhaghen, in the which the chief market of the town is called Amacker-markt. And thus much for them. The Hollanders did raze the castle of Croonenbruch to the ground: from thence they went to do as much to that of Muyden: but finding the place abandoned, and no man in it, all being fled, they gave it in guard to Didier of Harlem, who took it into his charge on the country's behalf, and is at this day a good Chasteleine. After which time, the Nobility, Towns, and Commons of Holland, made an agreement jointly together, confirming it by a solemn oath, whereof public letters were drawn, never to receive into grace those of the houses of Amstel, Woerden, and Welsen, nor any of their kindred nor allies, whom they sought to root out by all means, or to chase them out of the country, by which means there were many persons banished and vagabonds: so as there remained not any one of these families in Holland: and if any were left, they durst not show themselves, but kept in holes, or led a rustic country life: neither after that day durst any man carry the arms of any of those three houses.  
The Emperor Rodulphus, the first of that name, had in the year 1290 given East-Friseland unto the river of Lanuvers, unto the earl of Gueldres, to hold it in fee of the Empire: but by reason of the ferocity of the Frisons, and their heat and resolution to maintain their ancient liberties, granted them by the Emperor Charlemaigne and other precedent Emperors; knowing also, that the Earl of Holland pretended an interest thereunto, he durst not adventure to take possession thereof by force. Besides, Cont Floris having (as we have said before) subdued West-Friseland, and taken the town of Staveren, did much annoy the East-Frisons (and withal the bishops of Vtrecht would never quit their part) who to free themselves from so many lords, sent their ambassadors to the king of Denmark, desiring him, that he would take them 
The Frisons send to the king of Denmark to be their protector  and their country into his protection. The king being loath to let slip this goodly occasion, received them, and sent one of his noblemen to govern the country in his name, and to be his lieutenant: and to the end he should be the more respected, and have the greater authority, he gave him his sister in marriage. A while after he came himself into Friesland, making many laws and ordinances, and imposing a certain tribute which was reasonably tolerable. This done, he returned into Denmark: but before six months were expired, this lieutenant began to oppress them, and to use them tyrannously, contrary to their accord: the which did so incense the Frisons against him, as they slew him, sending his wifebacke, being with child to the king her brother in the year 1295, who was soon after brought in bed of a son, who revenged his father's death, as we shall see hereafter.   

JOHN THE FIRST OF THAT name, the twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
20 Joannes Hollandiae.  
This JOHN the King of England's daughter had to wife,  
In whose short time, the town of Delft happening to fall in strife  
With him, attempted for to kill two of his counsellors:  
Accompanied with WOLPHAR, he did enter into wars  
Against the Frisons, and subdued them in short space:  
But death when he had ruled four years, his conquest did deface,  
And without heirs it was his chance to die,  
Whose bones entombed with his valiant ancestors do lie.  
COnt Floris the fifth being thus murdered, as we have said by Gerard van Velsen, john of Holland his only son succeeded him, and was the twentieth Earl: He being absent in England with the king his father in law, Didier earl of Cleves took upon him the government of the quarter of North-Holland. On the other side, Guy brother to the earl of Henault, Treasurer Cathedral of the bishopric of Liege, came and took upon him the government of South-Holland, & made his residence at Gheertruydenbergh. 
The government of Holland divided during the absence of Cont john.  By the divisions and factions of these two noblemen, there happened great troubles in Holland, the subjects being divided, during the absence of their prince. Cont john of Henault and Guy his brother were sons to the deceased cont john d' Auesnes, and the lady Alix sister to William king of Romans, and Earl of Holland, who was father unto the last Cont Floris, and so were cousin germans to Cont john of Holland, his nearest kinsmen, and more apparent heirs than the earl of Cleves: and therefore Guy maintained, that the government was due to him, rather than to the earl of Cleves; but Cont john's return from England ended all these quarrels.  
William Bertold, subrogated in the place of john Zirich (chosen bishop of Toul in Lorraine) to the bishopric of Vtrecht, having an active and stirring spirit, revived the ancient quarrels of them of Vtrecht against the Hollanders, & went to besiege the castle of Muyden, the which he maintained to be part of his revenues; the which in the end he forced, and constrained Didier of Harlem to yield it up to have their lives saved, he remaining his prisoner. The bishop puffed up with this happy success, went into West-Friseland, after that he had caused his pardons to be preached, for all such as would carry arms against the Hollanders. The Frisons according to their ancient manner of doing, being still ready to reject the yoke of the Earls of Holland, by the persuasion and encouragement of this bishop besieged the castle of Wideness, which they battered, and gave many assaults: so as in the end, Baldwin of Naeldwyke, for want of victuals and munition of war was forced to yield it up by composition, to depart with bag and baggage, and to return freely into Holland; which done, they razed it: the like they did also to the castle of Euigenburch: then passing on, they besieged the castle of Medemblycke, having burnt the base town. Floris of Egmont, and other gentlemen that were within it, defended themselves valiantly, making many brave sallies and skirmishes upon their enemies: they were so long besieged in this manner, as for want of victuals they were forced to eat their horses. Cont john of Henault having news thereof, and that the Frisons, with the said bishop of Vtrecht, did what they pleased, without any or very small resistance, took upon him (during the absence of his cousin) the government of Holland, and with an Army of Hannuyers, Hollanders and Zeelanders, went into Friesland, where he defeated the Frisons, raised the siege from before Medemblycke, and relieved it with all things necessary. The Signior john of Arckel, and Nicholas of Putten knights of Holland, took the town of Enchuysen, whence they carried away a great spoil, and in their retreat burned it.  
During the divisions and partialities betwixt the earl of Cleves and Guy of Henault, the which increased more and more in Holland, the lords Didier of Brederode, Floris Regal Abbot of Egmond, Henry Vicont of Leyden, and William of Egmond, accompanied with some gentlemen of mark, embarked to go and fetch their prince Cont john out of England, and for a strange and new thing they led with them Claes van Keyten; where they were graciously received by king Edward, who having rigged forth a goodly Fleet of ships, sent away the Earl his son in law with his daughter Elizabeth, recommending unto the lord of Brederode the government of the said Earl his prince, being then very young. Being at sea, the wind turned contrary, so as they were forced to land in Zeeland, whereas Wolfart of Borssele, lord of la Vere, rejecting and contemning the Noblemen of Holland, did cunningly seize upon the guard and government of the young Earl, chase from him all the Nobility of Holland, to whom the king of England had so much recommended him. The Earl being one day at Romerswael, by the persuasion of the said lord of Vere, sent the lord of Brederode (who was a plain dealing man, and nothing malicious) to Ziricxee, to treat of some affairs; and in the mean time the said lord of Vere caused the Earl to embark, and so led him to his castle of Zandenburch, near to his town of la Vere; where being, he put all the Noblemen and gentlemen of Holland from the Earl's person.  
john Earl of Henault hearing, that Cont john of Holland his cousin was returned out of England, departed from Harlem, and came to la Hay, where he resigned the government of Holland into his hands, causing him to be received and acknowledged the twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and then he returned into Henault.  
In the year 1297 Cont john of Holland levied a mighty army, with the which he went into Friesland, to reduce them to their obedience by force, and first he came to Alcmar. The Frisons were also in arms, and ready to encounter him. The two armies being well ordered, either of them in two battalions, they charged one another resolutely: the fight was sharp and furious, but in the end the Frisons were put to rout, and there were slain about four 
The Frisons defeared.  thousand upon the place, the rest saving themselves here and there through the marshes and ditches. Among the Hollanders there died john lord of Arckel, a brave knight, john of 〈◊〉, and two other gentlemen. This battle was fought the sixth of the Calends of April in the plain of Verona, near unto Alcmar. Cont john for the first fruits of this happy success, returning into Holland after this goodly victory, he took up the body of Cont Floris his father, the which did lie in the Quire of the church at Alcmar, the which with a stately funeral pomp he caused to be interred in the abbey of Rhynsbourg by the lady Beatrix of Flanders his wife mother to the said Cont john.  
The bishop of Vtrecht hearing of this great defeat, went into East-Friseland, whereas he caused pardons to be preached again against the Hollanders. The Frisons promised all possible assistance unto the bishop, and with a great number of ships came to the town of Monickendam in Waterlandt. The inhabitants of Harlem and the Waterlanders being gathered 
The Frisons joined to the bishop of Vtrecht, are defeated.  together in arms, went against the Frisons at their landing, whom they charged with such fury, as they presently put them to rout, flying towards their ships in great disorder, whom the Hollanders pursued, and slew in great numbers: many were drowned and smothered in the marshes. The bishop abandoning his great and stately ship, saved himself in a small boat, and with shame and loss landed in the country of Oueryssel. The Earl of Holland considering that this bishop of Vtrecht had taken arms twice against him, and that he was in the upper part of his diocese (which is the country of Oueryssel) to levy a third Army, he sent to Ghisbrecht of Iselstein, to have him open his castle of Iselstein freely and of his own accord, into the which he would put a garrison, to bridle the bishop on that side. But Ghisbrecht being liege man and vassal to the bishop, and made his lieutenant on that part of his jurisdiction, knowing well, that in so doing he should make war against his lord, he refused the Earl of his demand. The Earl seeing himself contemned, laid ambushes, and took him prisoner, and then he went to besiege his castle. The lady Bartract, wife to Ghisbrecht, defended it valiantly with her men almost a whole year, but in the end for want of victuals and munitions, she was forced to yield it, upon condition, that half her men should have their lives saved, and that the Earl should dispose of the other moiety at his pleasure, the which (upon whom the chance fell) were all beheaded. Cont john having taken this place of Iselstein, gave it with all the jurisdiction and dependences unto Wolphard Signior of la Vere, to hold of him as Earl of Holland in fee, and doing him homage, that by this means he might always keep the bishop in awe on that part.  
In the year 1299, the West-Frisons noting the prosperity and happy success of this young Earl against the bishop of Vtrecht (who was their firebrand) and that he knew well how to defend himself, and to maintain his subjects, they began to think of their affairs, and made suit that he would receive them into grace, offering to make reparation for their faults. The Earl desiring rather to win them by mildness and love, than by arms, went to Alcmar, whither he sent for the chief of the country, who swore fealty and obedience unto him, whereof an instrument was drawn under their hands and seals.  
We the Consuls, Bourgmasters, Sheriffs, and Commons of West-Friseland, make 
The te●…or of the letters of reparation & submission made by the Frisons.  known to whom it shall appertain, That for the offences committed by us against the high and mighty prince john Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, our liege Lord and Sovereign, as well in the battle given at Vroven, as for that we have ruined his castles, and committed other offences unto this day: For reparation whereof, we promise to submit ourselves to the judgement and arbitrement of the high and mighty prince john Earl of Henault, both for corporal and pecuniary punishments, servitude, duties, and obedience in all sorts: The which we Frisons do promise for ourselves and our successors to effect and accomplish in every point, without any contradiction whatsoever. In witness whereof, those of Hoochtwouder-ambacht, Nien werdorper-ambacht, Drechtigher-ambacht, and Gheestman-ambacht have sealed these present letters with their public. Seals in the year 1299, with the hands of some of the Bailiffs, Bourgmasters and Officers set thereunto.  
A while after the Earl of Holland having some affairs to treat of with the duke of Brabant, went to Romerswael in Zeeland, and the duke to Berghen upon Soom, being distant about two leagues one from another. john de Renesse a wise and discreet knight was sent from the Earl unto the duke. At his return, as he was going to make report of his embassage unto the Earl, and to give an account of his actions; the Earl was maliciously advised by some that were enemies to the said Renesse, to look unto himself, for that (as they made him believe) it had been resolved betwixt the duke and the said Renesse, That if he went into Brabant, they would retain him prisoner, and that Renesse had conspired to deliver him unto the Brabancons. The Earl being retired from thence to the castle of Lodycke, sent for his garrisons of Holland to set upon Renesse, who seeing himself thus wrongfully slandered, and that the course of justice was denied him, unless he would yield himself prisoner, being loath to be at the mercy of his enemies, he retired himself to his castle of Mourmont, the which he did man with a good garrison, and victual. The Earl sent for him to come to la Vere, to justify himself: but being denied a safeconduct, he durst not appear, and therefore he was banished for contumacy out of the Countries of Holland and Zeeland, and the castle of Mourmont was besieged, battered, and in the end taken and razed to the 
Mourmont taken and razed.  ground.  
There happened afterwards another garboil in South-Holland, which was, that Allant bailiff of Dordrecht, meaning to make some secret informations of some crimes committed 
Troubles at Dordrecht.  in the town, he required the Sheriffs to assist, and to sit with him in judgement. Whereunto it was answered him, That it was against the laws and privileges of the town, if in any thing great or small, they should appear in justice without their Escoutette, yet without prejudice to their authority and rights, that in favour of justice they would assist, not as judges, but as Commissaries and Informers. The information being begun, Cont john arrived with Wolphard of la Vere, who demanded the names of the offenders, to do justice as he should think good. The bourgesses answered, that by their privileges, all offences committed in the town, should be also punished there. The Earl discontented at this answer, departed suddenly to la Hay. The magistrates of Dordrecht hearing of his discontent, sent some of the chief of the town unto him, with offer to yield him a reason of the answer they had made him: whereupon the Earl appointed them a day in the town of Delft: where being assembled, the lord of la Vere speaking for the Earl, made a discourse of what was passed: The Sheriffs of Dordrecht answered, That it had been decreed with the bailiff, that any thing which happened within the town, should be ended by the Sheriffs and the Escoutette, & by no other judges. Whereupon the bailiff said, That they had lied, and that if there were any one that would maintain it, he would fight with him. At these words one of the magistrates of 
A foolish answer of the magistrate of Dord●…echr.  Delft stepped up and said, That it was not fit to expose the rights and privileges of any town to the hazard of a single combat, thereby to make them fruitless, and of no force. Whereunto the lord of la Vere replied: You my masters of Delft, trouble not yourselves with my lord the Earls affairs, he knows best what he is to do: and without any other conclusion every one retired discontented. Soon after the Earl proscribed the town of Dordrecht (which is as much as to declare them guilty of high treason) & as Witten of Hamstede, bastard of Holland, was in the castle of Putten, and Nicholas de Cats at Ablasserdam, Allant bailiff of Dordrecht went to Slydrecht with many men, and built a fort upon the ditch, that nothing might pass. They of Dordrecht made choice of four men among them, that were valiant, wise, and temperate, whom they made their captains, to whom they committed all the charge and conduct of this apparent war: writing to all the towns of Holland and Zeeland, & entreating them not to make too much hast to oppress them, seeing that the like might one day happen unto them, through the great liberty of some, who (abusing the youth and bounty of their prince) did attribute unto themselves the whole government.  
Whilst that Wolphard of la Vere, a violent and severe man, would have surcharged the Hollanders with some new imposition and extraordinary customs, disposing moreover of all things at his pleasure, he became odious ●…o many. Once among the rest, the Earl being at 〈◊〉 Haye●… as also the lord of la Vere was, there happened a tumult betwixt the said lord ●…f la Ver●…, and so●… noblemen and gentlemen of Holland, running up and down the strcets and 〈◊〉; Where is our enemy? How long shall we suffer ourselves to be braved and ill ●…ted by him? Let us go and spoil him, and let us see what all those practices which he ●…ath made ●…oppresse us, will avail him, L●… Vere hearing this rumour, kept himself close, and the 〈◊〉 morning by the break of day departed from la hay with Cont john, & went to S●…dam, there to embarked, and to pass by the river of Meuse into Zeeland: but the Hollanders pe●… it, pursued him and forced him to return, the respect of the Prince's presence rest●…g them 〈◊〉 offering him any further violence: then they led their Earl and the said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Delft, o●… here fearing that they would 〈◊〉 ●…ther him, he fled into a high house, built of free stone, at the corner of a st●…ect called Choorstroet▪ before the which there presently gathered together a multitude of people, crying confusedly, that they should deliver Wolphard, else they would burn the house, and all that were within it. They that were within the house with him, fearing their lives, took Wolphard (who was not armed) and cast him out from the highest windows into the street, where he was presently murdered and cut in pieces, the which afterwards bred great quarrels betwixt the Nobility of Holland and Zeeland.  
At the same time the bailiff Allant having fear of them of Dordrecht, had fled into the castle of Crayensteyn, and having lost the lord of la Vere (who was his chief support) the commons of the town went to besiege them, seeing no means to escape them, he went willingly to yield himself into his enemy's hands, who after they had reviled him, they put him into a bark, and carried him to Dordrecht: but he had no sooner set foot on land, but he was murdered by the people, and his brother with him.  
In the year 1300 Cont john of Holland being at Harlem, fell sick, whereof he died the 
The death of the Earl of Holland.  fourth of the Calends of November, after that he had governed his Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland about four years. He was the first of all the Earls of Holland that died without children, and had not received the order of Knighthood: in whom failed the line of Earls, issued from the masculine line of the dukes of Acquitaine, the which from Thierry the first Earl had continued 437 years. He was interred in the abbey of Rhinsburg, and by his death those Countries fell to the Earls of Henault, issued by the mother's side from the Earls of Holland. The Lady Elizabeth his widow was carried back into England, and afterwards married to the Earl of Oxford. After the death of Cont john, Ghisbrecht of Amstel returned into Holland, and did again possess the village of Amsterdam, which he began to fortify, and to build many bridges and towers about the walls: those of Harlem and the Waterlanders went thither with an army, chased away Ghisbrecht, set fire on the town, burned all the bridges and towers of wood, and then ruined the rest.  
We have said before, that when as the lord of Brederode and the noblemen of Holland went to fetch Cont john out of England, they led with them the giant Klaes' van Knyten, as a strange and monstrous thing. You must understand, that this giant was borne in a village called 
Who the giant Claes van Knyten was.  Sparenwonde, near to Harlem: his father and mother were of an ordinary stature, yet no man might be compared unto him, for the tallest men of all Holland might stand under his arm, and not touch him (and yet there are commonly seen even at this day very tall men in that country) he would cover four ordinary soles of shoes with his foot. He tertified little children to behold him, and yet there was not any roughness nor malice in him, but was gentle and mild as a lamb: for if he had been fierce and cruel, answerable to his greatness and proportion, he might have chased a whole army before him.  
In those days there sprung up in the country of Friesland the factions of Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers', the which from a small beginning, unworthy to be written (the which notwithstanding 
The beginning of two wicked factions in Friesland.  we have related in our description of the united provinces of the low countries) was the cause of great effusion of blood, destruction of the country, ruin of good families & murders among all sorts in general. As in like sort the partialities of Hooks and Cabillaux in Holland, and those of Guelphs and Gibilins in Italy: the diversity of coloured hoods in Flanders, and other like factions in France, were the causes of great miseries in those times: also according unto some opinions it seems, that all these factions began almost at one instant: that of the Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers' having continued in Friesland, until that the Emperor Maximilian the first sent Albert duke of Saxony thither to suppress them (for that the Commissioners which he had formerly sent to pacify and reconcile them, had prevailed nothing) making him his lieutenant and governor hereditary, yet with small profit, for he was slain there; and his two sons the dukes, Henry and George (as we shall show hereafter) did not avail much, so as they left all: so great lovers have the Frisons always been of their franchises and liberties. But under the government of the said princes of Saxony, these factions ceased to oppose themselves with their joint forces against the rule of strangers, as they had done often before, when any stranger came to assail them: and having chased them away, they returned to their first spleen and hatred: but the Saxons brought them to so great poverty, and their quarrel continued so long, as they forgot their factions.   

JOHN EARL OF HENAULT, THE second of that name, one and twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of West-Friseland.  

21 Joannes Hannon●…   
Five years I lived Earl of Holland, by descent  
Of blood, and for my comfort God three noble sons me sent:  
Whose valours did enfranchise me from all my fear,  
Whilst Brabant and the Emperor against me great malice bare:  
By them I overcame GVIDO DOMPIERRE in fight,  
And freed the town of Zirickxee from all their enemies might:  
The Flemings I subdued, that were my enemies,  
And in Valencia deep entombed my bones and ashes lies.    

THE SECOND BOOK.  
¶ The Argument.  
IOhn Earl of Henault, son to john of Auesnes, and the Lady Alix sister to king William Earl of Holland, was the second of that name, and one and twentieth Earl of Holland. War betwixt them of Vtrecht and their Bishop. john de Renesse provokes the Earl of Flanders against the Earl of Holland, which was the cause of great wars. ¶ William called the Good, the third of that name, the two and twentieth Earl of Holland. Guy of Holland his brother, bishop of Vtrecht, had great wars against the Frisons. Cont William subdued the East-Frisons. justice done upon a bailiff of South-Holland, for a cow, whom the Earl caused to be executed, lying on his death bed. ¶ William the fourth, son to the good Earl William, the three and twentieth Earl of Holland: He makes war against the Russians, them of Vtrecht, and the Frisons, by whom he was slain in battle, leaving no children. ¶ Marguerite wife to the Emperor Lewis of Baviere, daughter to the good Earl William, the four and twentieth Commander in Holland and Zeeland, where she appointed duke William of Baviere, her eldest son, Governor in her absence. He had war against them of Vtrecht. The faction of the Cabillaux rise in Vtrecht, which bandy duke William against his mother, after the death of the Emperor Lewis, whereof followed two cruel battles: in the first the Empress was victor, in the second duke William, & after much blood spilled, they agreed, ¶ William remaining the five and twentieth Earl of Holland. Vtrecht had war against their bishop, and the bishop against the Earl of Holland, who was distract of his wits, and the government put into the hands of duke Albert of Baviere, his brother, notwithstanding the factions which grew betwixt the Hoocks and the Cabillaux. William, called the Frantic, being dead, ¶ Albert of Baviere was the six and twentieth Earl of Holland. Delft rebelled against the Earl: he besieged it, and forceth them to obedience. The bishop of Vtrecht in war against the Earl of Holland. Anne of Poelgeest, minion to Cont Albert, murdered in the night, which bred a great quarrel betwixt the Earl of Ostrenant and Cont Albert his father. An affront done to the Earl of Ostrevant at the French kings table, which caused war against the Frisons, who were often subdued, and rebelled as often, War betwixt the Earl of Holland and the Lord of Arckel. The history of a seawoman taken in Holland. ¶ William the sixth of that name, the seven and twentieth Earl of Holland, succeeded his father Albert, he had great wars against the bishop of Vtrecht and the Lord of Arckel. The Liegeois make war against their bishop, brother to the Earl of Holland: the Earl goes to succour him, and defeats the Liegeois. War betwixt the Earl of Holland and the duke of Gueldres. Cont William leaving one only heir, ¶ jacoba or jaquelina, the eight and twentieth commanding in Holland etc. she married first with the Dauphin of France, son to Charles the sixth, who died at one and twenty years of age, without children: then she married with john duke of Brabant. john of Baviere, bishop of Vtrecht, troubles her estate, to make himself Earl. The Lady jaqueline separated from the duke her husband, by reason of nearness of blood: she espouseth the duke of Gloucester, who after leaves her. She had great wars and troubles against the duke of Brabant, against her uncle, and against the duke of Bourgoigne: she marries Franc of Borsele secretly: the duke Philip of Bourgoigne puts him in prison, and for his liberty, she resigns all her Countries unto the duke.  
JOHN Earl of Holland, son to Cont Floris the fifth, being dead without heirs, the Earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, with the Signiory of Friesland, came by succession to john Earl of Henault, son to Cont john of Auesnes, and the Lady Alix, sister to William king of Romans, and Earl of Holland, and so son to Cont john's great aunt. john of Henault was the one and twentieth Earl of Holland, for which he quartered his Arms, the Lion sables of Henault, and the Lion gules of Holland in fields or. This Earl had four brethren, Botzard bishop of Metz, john bishop of Cambray, Guy canon of Cambray, and Floris, who was prince of Morienne. At his coming to 
The Earl of Henaults brethren.  this succession of Holland and Zeeland, he gave unto his brother Guy the signiories of Amsterdam and Woerden, to hold them in fee of the county of Holland, with all their rights and dependences, the homage and right of heronie only excepted, the which he reserved for himself: which signiories he should enjoy but during his life, or until he were advanced to a bishopric, or to some ecclesiastical dignity equivalent to a bishopric; & that then they should return to the revenues of the Earl of Holland, whereof Guy past a covenant in writing, to the Earl his brother. This Guy gave unto Amsterdam, many freedoms, rights, liberties, statutes & ordinances, for the government of the town, and administration of justice. Afterwards he was bishop of Vtrecht, and after his death these two signiories returned to the Earl of Holland, 
john's wife and children.  as we shall show hereafter. This Earl john of Henault, had to wife Philip, daughter to the earl of Luxenbourg by whom he had his eldest son, called john without mercy, earl of Ostrevant, who was slain at the battle of Groeninghen, near unto Courtray, William, who was Earl after him, called the Good, john of Beaumond, earl of Blois, Henry, canon of Cambray, Marguerite contesse of Arthois, Adella contesse of Clermont, Marry contesse of Bourbonois, and Mathilda lady of Needle.  
In the year 1301 Cont john of Henault, levied great forces, with the which he came into 
1301 The Earl seeks to ruin john de Renesse.  Zeeland, with an intent to reduce the signior john the Renesse unto reason, by arms, who being banished his country, went to the emperor Albert for succour; showing that the earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, by the decease of the last Earl john of Holland without hei●…s, should return unto the empire: whereupon the said emperor did write to all the countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland, what right he pretended unto them, and that his intention was, to annex them unto the empire, as Charles the Bald, emperor of Romans, had given them in fee and homage unto Thierry of Acquitaine, the first Earl of Holland. So the emperor came down the same year as far as Nymegen, to receive possession thereof, being accompanied by the archbishops, and princes electors, of Mentz, Treves, and Cologne, and with many other princes and barons of Germany. Cont john of Henault prepared a goodly army for to encounter him, and to stop his passage and entry into his countries, planting his camp at Bonswaerd, upon the mouth of the river of Wahal, searching a ford to pass unto the other side, to charge the emperors army: who having caused the Earl's forces to be viewed, and hearing that he was resolved to charge him, he then thought that john de Renesse had abused him, he therefore retired his army unto Cranenbourg, with an intent to depart the next day, and to return into Austria. But the bishop of Cologne (jealous of the emperor's honour) laboured to treat a peace with Cont john, the which was concluded, upon condition, That the Earl shall take an oath, and do homage unto the emperor, and should hold his earldoms of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland, of the empire, he and his successors for ever. This done, they returned good friends every one to his home. Some Zeelanders being come down with john de Renesse to the emperors service, came too late, and leaving their ships at Heusden, went into Brabant: Cont john followed them at the heels, and burned all their ships: which done, he banished the signior of Renesse, and confisked all his goods, the which he gave unto some gentlemen, that had served him faithfully in that voyage: yet would not the said Renesse with his small troop, forbear to make war against the Hollanders, entering upon the lands of Berghen upon Soom, whereas the lord of Berghen went to fight with him, and defeated 500 of his men at one encounter, who being escaped with the rest, fled into the castle of Puydroyen. Cont john was then in the town of Dordrecht, sending his eldest son, john without mercy, earl of Ostrevant, to besiege him in this castle: Renesse having intelligence of his coming, and being well acquainted with his cruelty, fearing lest he should be entreated like unto them of the castle of Berendorp, where he put all that he found within it to the sword, without any respect or mercy (for the which he was since called john without mercy) he resolved with his men to retire himself into Flanders, and to abandon the place. Being come into Flanders, he made a league with the Flemings, against the Hollanders & Zeelanders, and with a small army of their soldiers, entered into the island of Zuytbevelandt, presuming to surprise the town and castle Tergoes. Those of Romerswael took arms against him, and having charged them with all their forces, slew about 800 of those Flemings upon the place, and the rest were put to flight, among the which the signior of Renesse escaped, with great difficulty.  
The same year William Bertold, bishop of Vtrecht a busy man, seeking to bring in many 
The bishop of Vtrecht taken prisoner by his own people.  innovations upon his subjects, was taken prisoner by M. Asuerus of Montfort, Hubert of Vianen, john of Linschoten, and john of Lichtenbourg, Bourgmasters of the town, and was detained about a year in the house of the said Lichtenbourg within Vtrecht: in the end, by the help of some of his partisans he escaped out of prison: yet could he never re-enter into the town, but remained banished, retiring himself unto his friends in Oueryssel, where he was honourably received, as their ghostly father and temporal prince. A while after he went to Rome to resign his bishopric into the Pope's hands, that he might spend the remainder of his days in peace and rest: But the Pope refusing to accept thereof, commanded the bishop of Munster to assist his brother and companion, to restore him to his bishopr●… and town of Vtrecht by force, and to subdue his rebellious subjects.  
Hereupon at his return from Rome he levied men in the country of Oueryssel (being the upper part of the diocese of Vtrecht) to seek to recover his town. Some noblemen and 
The bishop goes to arms.  gentlemen of Holland, among other, Henry Vicont of Leyden, Didier of Wassenare, Philip of Montfort, Simon of Benthem, Floris of Dunen, and jeams vanden Vouden, all knights, enemies to the bishop, and friends to jeams of Lichtenbourg, with a good number of soldiers, being called by the citizens of Vtrecht, and with the consent of the Earl of Holland their prince, went to succour the said Lichtenbourg, & to chase away the bishop. Being come into a goodly champion country, near unto Hooch-woord, the bishop was twice as strong in men as they, and went to charge them first, he defeated some countrymen that were out of their camp, and fought valiantly against the Hollanders. During the fight, Asuerus of Montfort arrived with some troops, to succour these noblemen of Holland, and then the skirmish was more violent than before. The bishop being well mounted, passed and repassed through the Hollanders army three times, without any harm: for that no man durst touch him, knowing him to be their spiritual father: but thinking to charge through again, he was beaten 
The bishop slain in battle, being overbold.  from his horse, and slain by some soldiers that knew him not. This happened in the year 1301. on S. Martin's day in Summer. In this defeat there were a great number slain, especially of the bishop's men, whose body was taken up by the knights of the Hospital of Saint john, 
1301  and buried afterwards in the Cathedral church of Vtrecht, after he had governed his bishopric in continual troubles, five years only: and this was his Epitaph:  
Huic dedit agnomen celebris Meeklinia, victo:  
Occiduam foelix perdomuit Frisiam. 
The Epitaph of this bishop.   
Omnia mors mutat, caesus cum certat iniquo  
mart, suis subtus turribus occubuit.  
Bishop William having been thus slain, john of Henault Earl of Holland, came to Vtrecht, and required the Chapter to choose Guy of Henault his brother, being treasurer of the church at Liege, and canon at Cambray, who was chosen by one part of the said Chapter, and Rodolphus or Ralph their Cathedral provost by the other: notwithstanding, Guy of Henault with the assistance of his brother, the Earl got possession of the town, and of the lower diocese of Vtrecht, and Rodulphus retired into the country of Ouerissel, and so Guy remained peaceable bishop. This done, Cont john returned into his country of Henault, leaving his son john without mercy, earl of Ostrevant, goveruor of Zeeland, by reason of the wars against the Flemings, and William his second son, lieutenant in Holland, and West-Friseland, having resolved to lay aside all cares, and to spend the remainder of his days in rest, in his natural country of Henault. Afterward the said john without mercy, being in the service of Philip the fair, king of France, was with many princes and noblemen, slain at the great battle which the Flemings won against the French, in the year 1302, at Groeninghen, near unto Courtray in Flanders: 
john without mercy slain.  so his brother William was earl of Ostrevant, with the consont of Cont john of Henault, his father. 
1302   
In the year 1303, john earl of Namur, and his brother, being come to succour the Flemings, having joined with some troops, with the forces of john of Renesse, did run over all the frontiers 
1303  of Flanders, spoiling and burning all that had held the French party in the late wars: from thence they entered into Holland and Zeeland, where they did much mischief: but the Hollanders and Zeelanders having taken arms, chased them away, and went into Flanders, to revenge the death of the earl of Ostrevant, eldest son to their prince.  
In the year 1304, Guy son to the earl of Flanders, grown insolent by reason of his former victories, and through the persuasion of john de Renesse, levied a new army, which he led 
1304 The Earl of Flanders pretends to land in Walchrens.  into the country of Catsandt, attending a prosperous wind there, to sail into the isle of Walchrens. William earl of Ostrevant, son to the Earl of Holland and Henault, by the commandment of his father, levied also a goodly army of Hannuyers, Hollanders, Zeelanders, & Frisons, with the which he landed suddenly in Catsandt, and defeated the Flemings. Guy having levied new forces entered into Zeeland: Cont William of Ostrevant went to encounter him, but through treason and secret intelligences, which the signior of Renesse had there, he was twice put to rout, once before Arnemuyden, and the other near unto la Vere, saving himself at Ziricxee, in the isle of Schowen, there to gather together new forces. Guy pursued him, and in passing took the town of Middlebourg; from thence he went to besiege Ziricxee. Cont William being within it, went forth secretly in the night, by one of the gates, and made a brave sally upon the Flemings, so as there were 1500 slain, drowned, and prisoners. Afterwards they made a truce for a month, upon condition, That they should not fortify the said town otherwise than it was; during the which, Cont William went into Holland, to levy new supplies. The truce being ended, those of Ziricxee recovered the town of Middlebourg by force, and chased away the Flemings, returning with honour and triumph unto their town, although it were besieged. Having advertised Cont William thereof, he returned unto them, and in passing, defeated the troops which john of ●…enesse had in those parts, and chased them quite out of Zeeland. During this war, and siege of Ziricxee, Cont William was made knight, and eight and forty gentlemen with him. We may well say, that in those times they made not knights so lightly as they do at this day, for that they must have first deserved it, seeing that the sons of earls themselves (as the last Earl john of Holland) were never knighted.  
After that the said Cont William returned into Holland, where with the help of Guy bishop of Vtrecht his uncle, he raised a goodly army of Hannuyers, Hollanders, Zeelanders, & of other countries under their obedience, to encounter the Flemings, that were entered into the isle of Duyvelandt: where being landed, some young gentlemen, being disimbarked first, went to skirmish with the banished men of Zeeland, that were there. The Hollanders and Traiectins, seeing that it was late, pitched their tents and pavilions upon the causey, but the Frisons began to spoil the inhabitants of Duyvelandt, from whence they brought good booty into their quarter. The Flemings and Duyvelanders pursued them, and at one instant assailed the Hollanders and Traiectins in their tents, whom they surprised suddenly, awaking them with loud and fearful cries, and great blows. The alarm being given, they armed as fast as they could, to repulse the Flemings, and to chase them out of their camp: but the night being exceeding dark, and not able to distinguish one from another, they slew their friends as well as their enemies: and so in this confusion, there died many brave men, who in the day time would have given good testimonies of their valour and prowess. So as the Hollanders army was during 
The Hollanders army defeated.  the obscurity and darkness of the night, so disordered, as the greatest part thereof was defeated, and many of their best men died there: among the rest William of Horn, provost cathedral of Vtrecht, Nicholas of Persin, Didier of Harlem, Didier of Zuylen, Asuerus of Benewaert, all brave knights, with many citizens and vassals of the country of Vtrecht: but the greatest loss was, that Guy of Henault their bishop, was taken prisoner, with many brave knights, all which were sent into Flanders, under good guard. Cont William of Ostrevant fled into a ship, and with great difficulty came to Ziricxee. This unfortunate defeat happened about mid-lent, in the year 1304.  
After this victory, Guy of Flanders fortified his army, and returned to besiege Ziricxee, on 
The earl●… of Flanders wins a good part of Holland.  Palm Sunday until the Wednesday after Easter: but seeing he prevailed nothing, he raised his camp, passed the river of Meuse with john de Renesse, and conquers all North-Holland, unto Harlem: he took some burgesses of Delft and Leyden prisoners, the which he carried to the town of Goude, and made M. Nicholas de Cats Chasteleine or Governor of Shoonhoven. On the other side, john duke of Brabant (who was embarked in this quarrel with the Flemings) won the town of Gertruydenberg, with all South-Holland, except the town of Dordrecht, which he besieged ten days, gave many assaults unto it, and cast in fire; the inhabitants behaved themselves valiantly, both in repulsing his attempts, and in quenching the fire; making a brave sally with Nicholas of Putten, their leader, upon the Brabancons, whom they chased with their duke out of their quarters, pursuing them at the heels, and spoiling many good villages, even to Boisleduc, into the which in despite of the duke, they cast fire, and burned a good part of the town, and so returned laden with spoils unto Gertruydenberg, having first chased away the Brabancons, than they came back to their own town of Dordrecht. This done, they got a new supply of men, and under the command of the said Signior of Putten, did fight with Guy of Flanders near unto Isselmond, whereas there were slain above two thousand Flemings, so as Guy saved himself with great difficulty.  
During the time that Guy of Henault, bishop of Vtrecht, was prisoner in Flanders, there were two contrary factions in the town, the which had been enemies one to another a long time: but hearing that their prince and bishop was taken prisoner, they reconciled themselves each to other, both parties swearing faithfully to preserve and maintain the city in good estate, so long as their lord should remain prisoner: but one of the parties did not long keep their oath, for soon after Gerard of Brucken a knight was slain, standing before his door, the murderers going on, seized upon the persons of jeams of Lichtenbourg, & of the signior of Weruher, 
Great alteration in Vtrecht.  whom they shut up in the castle of Vreeseburch, and soon after brought them to S. Katherins place, at midnight, and there put them to death; which was the cause afterwards of great murders, calamities, and miseries, in the said town of Vtrecht. Guy of Flanders hearing of these alterations in Vtrecht, entered with his forces, displaceth the magistrates by his own authority, and chooseth others in their places; persuading the chapter to depose their bishop Guy, who was in prison, and to receive in his place William of juilliers: the which haply he had obtained, if Witten, bastard of Holland, lord of Hamstede, had not come speedily from Ziricxee to Stanfort, near Harlem. This lord of Hamstede being entered into Harlem, with a small troop of soldiers, displayed his banner with the arms of Holland, whereat the Kennemers, Waterlanders, and Frisons, both East and West, rejoiced much, praising God, that they had yet one captain descended from the right line and stock of Holland. He then seeing all this people well resolved to follow him, goes out of the town in arms, to fight with the Flemings. Coming to the village of Hillegom, they had before them the governor of Flanders, with 
The lord of Hamstede defeats the Flemings.  his army, the which they quite defeated. The Frisons stripped them that were slain, and laid them on a heap one upon another, and so left them like unto a mount of joy, for a mark or remembrance unto the Flemings, when they should have any desire to return, how they had been entreated there; which place is at this day remarkable, by the name of Outdt-manne-pat. The news of this defeat were presently spread over all Holland. There was in the town of Delft a valiant gentleman, named Ockenburch, who hearing of this victory, took a banner with the arms of Holland in his hand, and went crying through the streets, Holland, Holland, etc. At which cry all the commons did rise in arms, chase the Flemings out of their town, and spoiled a good number of them: this done, the Delfois went to Leyden, where they did the like, and with them of Leyden went to la Goude, which they surprised, chased away the Flemings, and rescued their bourgesses that were prisoners there. In the mean time the lord of Hamstede arrived with his troops, who chased away the rest of the Flemings, that were about Leyden, who thinking to save themselves in Delft, were poorly received, and miserably cut in pieces; so as in one street there were 〈◊〉 Fleming found dead upon the pavement: which street is at this day called Flemings street: some to save their lives, cast themselves from the top of the wall into the town ditches, where they were drowned. And thus the lord of Hamstede recovered all Holland in a short time, to his great honour, and an irrecoverable loss 
The lord of Hamstede chaseth ●…he Flemings out of Holland.  to the Flemings, from whom both he and his soldiers took a great and rich spoil. At the same time Nicholas de Cats, who as we have said, had been appointed by Guy of Flanders, governor of Schoonhoven, came from the castle to see and hear what was done or said in the town: but the inhabitants laid presently hold upon him, & sent him to the lord of Hamstede, entreating him to come unto them, the which he did presently, with some troops, and besieged the castle, the which in the end he forced to yield, and the Flemings were in like sort chased from thence.  
Guy of Flanders being advertised of the good success of the lord of Hamstede, and of the loss of his men in so many places, aised a great & mighty army, with the which he marched towards Vtrecht, and from thence came the third time to besiege the town of Ziricxee, the which he straightly begirt with many trenches, blockhouses, & mounts, and battered it with his rams, crossbows, and other engines, the which did cast stones of an exceeding greatness. It happened that during this siege, the Flemings cast one great stone into the town, in the which place there was a mechanike man, the which was very expert in casting of stones, who said, Give me this stony messenger, I will send it from whence it came: and having banded his engine, delivered it so cunningly, as it fell upon the engine that had first sent it, broke it all in pieces, and crushed the hand of the engineer that governed it. Guy of Flanders resolved to carry the town by assault, commanding his soldiers to bring as much straw, reeds, and bavins, as they could carry on their backs, to fill up the ditch: which being done, he caused his men to approach near the walls; but the besieged presented themselves courageously, repulsing them as well with handy blows, as with stones. The youngest and most able defended the assault at the breach; the elder were in the towers, casting stones incessantly, and shooting arrows as thick as hail; the women and maids brought them stones by heaps, that they might not fail in their defence, for want of offensive arms. If the enemy did cast fire upon any house, they ran speedily to quench it. To conclude, this furious assault was so manfully defended, and the enemies so valiantly repulsed, as Guy was forced to leave the assault, with loss of his men, very many being hurt, who of a long time were not able to fight: and finding that by this assault he had prevailed nothing; he caused an high cavalier or mount, to be made on the North side, from the which they might discover and see any thing that was done in the town, & whereby the Flemings did much annoy the besieged: through the favour whereof Guy gave another assault, which continued from morning until night, where the Flemings were so valiantly repulsed, as having lost almost 2000 men, they were forced to retire. The inhabitants finding that they were retired, went down into their ditches, and carried away the straw, reeds, and wood they found there; with the which straw they fed their cattle, as long as the siege continued. There was a smith within the town, who found the means to set fire on this high cavalier, that was made of wood: the Flemings running to quench this fire, were charged so thick by the besieged, with stones and arrows, as there was no means to save it; and the flame thereof mounted up so high, as it was seen at Schiedam in Holland, whereby some did conjecture, that the town of Ziricxee had been taken and fired. During this siege William earl of Ostrevant prepared an army of Hollanders and Frisons, to raise the Flemings from thence. He had before written to Philip the Fair, king of France, and craved succours from him against the Flemings, the which he granted, sending him 350 ships rigged at Calais, with men and all other equipage for war; the which being conducted by the admiral of France, arrived on S. Laurence day, and joined with Cont William's ships, being resolved to go and fight with the Flemings, and to dislodge them from Ziricxee.  
The Flemings (to trouble these two armies at sea, being joined together) filled a great hulk full of faggots, mixed with pitch, rozine, saltpeter, brimstone, and oil, the which having set on fire, they let it float with the tide, that it might fall among the French and Hollanders, that by the means of this unquenchable fire, it might burn them, or at the least disorder & disperse them: but the wind turning contrary, it was carried by the tide into the midst of the Flemish ships. The French and Hollanders seeing this, went to charge them, and this furious combat continued both at sea and at land, a whole day and a night, with such obstinacy & violence, as they heard the fearful cries of men fight, wounded, drowning, and dying, three leagues off. In the end the Flemings were so wearied and tired, as of themselves they fled, and the Hollanders pursued them with all violence, killing and casting over board as many as they could encounter. Guy of Flanders was taken there, and sent by the admiral into France, to keep Guy of Dompierre, earl of Flanders, and his other brethren, that were prisoners, company. There died in this battle, of them that were slain and drowned, a hundred thousand Flemings, 
A great defeat of the Flemings.  besides the prisoners. The earl of Ostrevant sent eleven hundred of their ships, and ninety very rich tents and pavilions into Holland. Then, after an absolute and assured victory he entered into Ziricxee, where having intelligence, that there were yet six thousand Flemings remaining in the downs, he sent the inhabitants of the town, which had not been at the great battle, to encounter them: but the Flemings seeing them approach, lifting up their hands, made a sign that they would yield, and not fight, neither had they had ships to carry them out of this island: so they were all taken prisoners, and carried to Ziricxee, with the which they recovered all the Hollanders, which the Flemings had taken in Holland during the wars, and by this exchange they were sent back into Flanders. They were wont to make an annual▪ commemoration in the town of Ziricxee, of this notable and famous victory against the Flemings. Those of Ziricxee, for that they had carried themselves so valiantly during the siege, obtained goodly privileges from their prince. The very day of this victory, there appeared in heaven a great cross of a purple colour, which they held as a presage of the said victory. The Hollanders having thus freed Ziricxee, and won this goodly and famous victory against the Flemings, by the which they did free all Holland & Zeeland; being returned into their country, they made haste to go and besiege john de Renesse, within the town of Vtrecht, whom 
The Hollanders besiege john de Renesse in Vtrecht.  they provoked all they could, burning certain mills in the suburbs, thinking that Renesse would make some sally forth upon them: but he fearing in the end to be betrayed, went secretly out of the town, to pass the river of Lecke; and fearing to be pursued, having for his shorter way put himself and his train into a little boat, the weight of their arms, and the great number of them that were in it, made it to sink, and so they were all drowned. This signior 
The death of john de Renesse.  of Renesse being valiant of his person, wise & judicious, did much harm unto his prince, for that he had refused him a passport, with the which he might have gone and justified himself of the accusations that were falsely suggested against him, he which Cont john of Holland, by the instigation of his enemies refused him: wherein he was very ill advised, for the which both himself his successors, and all their countries have smarted. It is a question which hath even at this day been debated, Whether an absolute prince, without diminution of his greatness and honour, may give a safeconduct to his vassal, to come unto him, to justify himself, which otherwise he durst not do, by reason of the malice of his enemies. In my opinion he may, how mean of quality soever the vassal be: for by that safeconduct, and secret conference of the vassal with his prince, great affairs may sometimes be discovered, which may be the cause of great good, or the prevention of great mischief: for those that possess the ears of princes, and that make the greatest show of their faith and loyalty, are not always the most faithful. And therein the prince ought not by the persuasion of some private persons, envying (it may be) and malicing him that demands the safeconduct, against whom it may be they themselves have suggested something, use severity and rigour: for hereby he shall assure himself of the party accused, by mildness and gentleness; and not as king Lewis the 11 of France, and Charles' duke of Bourgoigne, did unto the earl of S. Pol, nor the emperor Sigismond to john Hus, and jerosme of Prague, whose safeconducts were but to entrap them: neither can they be held other than fraudulent and deceitful, impugning and blemishing the honour and greatness of a prince: yea a prince ought not to make difficulty to hear any subject, were he a poor handicrafts man, in private, or any one that were guilty of any crime, although it were to sue for grace: for by that means oftentimes great secrets are discovered. As for example (I will omit the safeconduct which ought to be of greater consideration) if the duke Charles of Bourgoigne, would have heard Cyffron a gentleman of Provence, who was condemned to be hanged, being privy to the earl Campobachios treacherous practices, and not caused him to be suddenly executed, at the instance of this traitor, he might have prevented his own death, and the ruin of his estate, which the said Campobachio had plotted with the duke of Lorraine, to the great content of Lewis the 11. And it is frivolous to say, that in such cases, prisoners condemned make such suits to prolong their lives: for no advertisements in matter of war, how small soever (from whence they may draw great conjectures, and from conjectures come unto the proof) are to be rejected. And therefore we may not wonder, if things succeed not well with that prince, that relies too much on the passions of his counsellors, whom he should always suspect to be enemies, or to malice and hate him, to whom they dissuade him to give audience: and the prince ought herein (being well assured of his person) use his own wisdom. But let us return to our history.  
To pacify these great quarrels, betwixt Philip the Fair, king of France, john of Henault, earl of Holland, Guy bishop of Vtrecht, and Guy of Dompierre, earl of Flanders, and his three sons; the duke of Bourgoigne, and some other princes, were intercessors and mediators on either side; so as in the end an accord was made betwixt them: by the which it was concluded, That Guy bishop of Vtrecht should be set at liberty, & should be restored to the possession of his bishopric, the which was done. That the earl of Flanders, with his threesons, some princes and noblemen, with forty Flemish gentlemen, should be set at liberty, by the king, the which returned joyfully into Flanders, every one to his own home. But the earl after his enlargement, grew so sick, as he died, the 20 of March 1305, and was buried at Scluce, near unto the 
1305 Death of the earl of Flanders.  contesse Marguerite, his mother. Some chronicles of Flanders say, that he died at Campeigne in France, being yet a prisoner.  
john of Henault, Earlé of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of West-Friseland, having advertisement of the victory which God had given unto William earl of Ostrevant, his son, was very joyful, and soon after, the second day of the ides of September 1305, departed this world 
The death of the Earl of Holland.  in peace and rest, after that he had governed Henault 30 years, and Holland and Zeeland etc. 5 years, and was interred at Valenciennes. The lady Philip of Luxembourg, his wife, died soon after, and was buried by her husband. At the time of the death of the said Cont john there were many noblemen, barons, knights, and squires, that were renowned in the countries of Holland and Zeeland: amongst the which, the most famous were Guy of Henault, lord of 
The chief nobility.  Amstel and of Woerden, afterwards bishop of Vtrecht, brother to the said Cont john, john without mercy, earl of Ostrevant, who was slain before the death of his father, at the battle of Courtray, William who succeeded him in the said earldom of Ostrevant, his second son, afterwards Earl of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, etc. john of Beaumond, earl of Blois and of Soissons, all three brethren, sons to the said Cont john of Henault, Didier the Gentle, lord of Brederode, William and Thierry his brethren, Didier lord of Theylinghen, john of Heusden, john lord of Arckel, Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot, Albert lord of Voorne, Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen, john lord of Leck and Polanen, john lord of Hencklom, Otto lord of of Asprens and Abkoy, Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn, Henry vicont of Leyden, Didier lord of Wassenare, Henry lord of Vianen, Nicholas of Persin, Didier of Harlem, Witten bastard of Holland, lord of Hamstede in Zeeland, Nicholas of Cats, Peregrin lord of Lederdam and of Haestrecht, William of Egmond, john lord of Elshaut john signior of Drongelon, Didier signior of Lyenburch, jeams vander Wuoude, Gerard of Heemskerke, Gerard of Polgeest, signior of Almade, Simon of Benthem, Wolwin of Sasse, Adam●… Escosse, Baldwin of Naeldwick, Floris van Duynen, Floris van Tol, all knights: Among the squires William of Harlem, William of Assendelf, john van Zil, Nicholas of Adrichom, Wouter of Wyck, were the most markable, with an infinite number of gentlemen of name and arms.  
The year before the death of Cont john of Henault, there were so great tempests, and such tides on a S. Katherine's day, as many banks and dikes were broken, and carried away, in Zeeland; and the isle of Walchrens was so overflown, as the country men were out of all hope to recover their banks: and if William Earl of Ostrevant (who made his usual residence in Zeeland) and the lord of Borssele, had not prevented it at their own charge, this island had been lost.  

WILLIAM THE THIRD OF THAT name, the two and twentieth Earl of Holland, Zeeland, and Henault, Lord of Friesland.  
22 Guile ielmus 3 Hanoniae Cogn. Bonus.  
JOAN daughter to king CHARLES de Valois was thy spouse,  
That brought thee children worthy thy degree and noble house;  
Whereof one did his valour great and virtue show,  
By mounting thee again, when as thy foes did overthrow  
Thee from thy horse, whereby at last God did thee send  
The victory, to honour of the French as then thy friend.  
Thou punishedst a bailiff, that a poor man's Cow did take,  
And ruling thirty years and one, this life thou didst forsake.  
WILLIAM the third of that name, before Earl of Ostrevant, after the decease of Cont john of Henault, his father, succeeded, and was the 22 Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, united to his county of Henault, for his mildness, gentleness, equity, and good life, he was called The good Earl William. He was generally beloved of all knights, princes, & noblemen, and greatly honoured of all men: for his valour he was surnamed, The Master of Knights, & Lord of Princes. He had to wife joan the daughter of Charles of Valois, brother to Philip the Fair, king of France, by whom he 
The wife and children of Cont William  had john his eldest son, who died young, William earl of Ostrevant, who was his successor, and Lewis, who died also young; Marguerite wife to Lewis duke of Baviere, & emperor, who after the decease of her brother William, was contesse of Henault, Holland & Zeeland, and lady of Friesland; joan who was married to the earl of juilliers, & another joan, who was queen of England, and the fourth Elizabeth. At his coming to these earldoms and signiories, he kept open court, whither came 20 earls, 100 barons, 1000 knights, and an infinite number of gentlemen, ladies, and gentlewomen, coming from all parts. This feast continued eight days in all kind of sports and pastimes: afterwards the princes of Germany did choose him vicar of the empire. He was much renowned throughout all Germany, in respect of two strong castles which he did win near unto Cologne, that is Bruile & Wolmestein. He was founder of the chanory of Middlebourg in Zeeland, & walled in the town, & fortified it. This Cont William had one brother, as we have said, called john of Beaumond, who married the daughter of the earl of Blois and of Soissons, and who by the death of his father in law, was in the right of his wife earl of Blois and of Soissons; by which lady he had john which succeeded him, father to the earls john and Guy of Blois. This earl john of Beaumond, obtained of the Earl of Holland, his brother, the town of la Goude & Schoonhoven, with all rights, duties, and appurtenances, the which he repaired, and fortified the castles, to make them his residence.  
In the year 1311, Guy of Henault, bishop of Vtrecht, uncle to Cont William the Good, intending to make a fort at Schellinkwerff, to bridle the Frisons; for the effecting whereof he 
1311  sought some firm foundation, but being sent for to assist the counsel of Vienna, he was interrupted in this work. Being at this counsel, pope Clement the fifth, at the request of Philip the Fair, king of France, would have made him cardinal, but he refused it, desiring rather to live quietly in his bishopric of Vtrecht, than to be a courtier at Rome. After this counsel the king led him with him into France, where he assigned him five hundred livers of rent, to entertain him in his friendship and good alliance. Being with the king at Pontoise, he did mediate an accord, and reconciliation, betwixt the Earls of Flanders and Holland, the which succeeded well, and these two princes were by the king's authority made good friends. Whilst that bishop Guy was in France, it was bruited abroad, that he was dead: and therefore the Frisons of Schellinkwerff, having taken arms, for that the said bishop had pretended to build a fort upon their limits, they went to besiege his castle of Vollenhoven, in the country of Oueryssel, and did press it all they could, with divers kinds of batteries. The besieged (who wanted neither men nor munition) defended themselves valiantly with arrows and slings, so as they chased the Frisons out of their suburbs; who made a high tower of wood, of three stages, the which they manned with their best soldiers, that from the top of it they might cast and shoot more easily into the fort, approaching it within five foot of the wall. This great tower was covered on the outside with raw hides, and by that means armed against the fire: and below covered with an enclosure, against their rams, crossbows, and other engines of battery: with this they laboured to beat down the chief tower of the castle, and to keep the besieged from the walls, thinking by that means to come easily to the scalado. Herman provost collegiall of Deventer, hearing in what danger his brother the chastelaine of Vollenhoven was, went speedily into France, to advertise the bishop, into what necessity the besieged were brought by the Frisons.  
The bishop having taken his leave of the king, made no delay, until he were returned into Holland, where having gathered together some troops, he barked to pass into Friesland. The besieged of Vollenhoven, seeing from their highest tower, this fleet of ships at sea, knew well that they were succours, which came to free them from this siege, so as growing more courageous, they filled a barrel full of flax, mixed with lard, pitch, oil, rosin, brimstone, & saltpetre, all together, the which being kindled, they cast into the tower, upon that part that was nearest unto the wall, which was the middle stage; the wind driving it inward, did kindle it more and more, and dispersed the flames in such sort, as the fire did first burn the higher stage, then going downward, it consumed all this great building, with fifty Frisons in it, the fire preventing them: and such as thought to save themselves in leaping out of it, broke their arms and legs. The captain of the castle, who slept not in the mean time, sallied forth, and fell upon the Frisons camp, the which he put to rout, every man saving himself as he could: in the pursuit he slew five hundred, and then returned to his fort. This done the Hollanders army began to approach, joining to that of the bishops. Floris provost cathedral of Vtrecht, john of Arckel, first counsellor to the bishop, Didier lord of Brederode, and Nicholas Putten, barons, and of the chief of the Earl of Holland's counsel, having prepared their tents and pavilions, they resolved to land the next day in Friesland, and to give battle unto the Frisons: but the night following there happened so violent a tempest, and such storms of wind and rain, as their pavilions were carried away, and their soldiers wonderfully tormented and tired with the fowl weather. The next day, the tempest being ceased, and the sky grown clear, about noon these noblemen, seeing that the ways being full of water; were not passable, and that Winter approaching; they could not march far into the country, and much less do any worthy exploit, they raised their camp, embarked again, and returned every man to his home. But they had no sooner weighed anchor, but the people of Friesland sent unto them, to demand peace, offering to repair the faults that had been committed by them in this war, and presenting hostages for assurance of their reparation. The bishop seeing that they submitted themselves unto his mercy, sent back the said hostages free, after that he had made an accord with them, the which was set down in writing.  
In the year 1316 there was so great a famine in Holland, that the poor people died for hunger, as they went in the streets; and going to seek herbs and roots in the woods & fields, 
1316 An extreme famine in Holland.  they remained statke dead in the ways: they were grown so weak and feeble, as they were not able to stand upon their legs: little children were found dead sucking of their mother's breasts; neither could there be a greater pity, if the mothers had not devoured their children. During this famine, there was a woman in the town of Leyden, who being greatly priest with hunger, desired her own sister, to lend her some bread, who answered her, That she had none in her house; the other insisting that she had▪ and entreating her to lend her some: If I have any (said she) I am content, that God shall turn it to a stone. She having made this execration, lying unto God and to her sister, going soon after to her cupboard, to reach some bread, she found that by a just judgement of God, all was turned into stone. It is not long since that one of these stones was to be seen in S. Peter's church, in the said town of Leyden. After the death of Guy bishop of Vtrecht, who died suddenly, not without suspicion of poison, Cont William the Good united the signiories of Amstel and Woerden, to the revenues of Holland, where he placed bailiffs, and other officers, for the government of justice: Saying, That what the 
Amstel & W●…▪ erden united to Holland.  bishop had enjoyed, was only by toleration for his life, in recompense of his patrimonial portion: and that the said signiories were fallen before to the earldom of Holland, for the felonies and contempt of Ghysbrecht of Amstel, and Herman of Woerden, having not satisfied and performed the reparation agreed upon▪ for the murder of Cont Floris.  
In the year 1323, Charles the Fair, king of France, married the daughter of the emperor Henry the seventh, inviting many princes, both in France, and other neighbour countries, to the 
1323  solemnity of his marriage: whither also Cont William of Holland went, with the lady joan of Valois, his wife, and many barons, knights, gentlemen, ladies and gentlewomen, of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland. The feast was stately, and honoured with many plays, tilts, tourneys, and all kind of sports: but in all that, there was nothing found more admirable, nor more pleasing to the sight▪ than a giantess, which the contesse of Holland had brought with her, borne in Zeeland, the which was so great and mighty, as the tallest men seemed but children in respect of her: and so strong of her body and members, as she did lift up in either hand a barrel full of Hamboro beer, as lightly as if they had been empty casks. She herself would carry a burden whither you would have her, which eight men could not carry: and that which was most admirable in her, was that her father and mother were of a small stature, and but slender, in respect of her exceeding greatness.  
In the year 1327 the emperor Lewis of Baviere, being at Rome to be crowned, he sent for the good Cont William of Holland, as vicar of the empire, to be there, and to assist at his coronation: 
1327  whereupon the Earl presented himself, with the earls of Gueldres, Cleves, juilliers, and Monts, and eight hundred choice knights, making haste to pass the alpes into Lombardy, to aid the emperor against the Guelphs, who opposed themselves against him. These noble men being upon the way, the good Earl resolved to go himself in person to pope john, who lay then at avignon, and to labour (if it were possible) to reconcile the emperor unto him: but the pope hearing of his coming, caused all the bridges upon the river of Rhosne to be broken, to hinder his passage, commanding him upon pain of an eternal curse, to return into his country, and not to go with Lewis to Rome, nor into Italy. So the Earl diverted of his way, and of the good will he bore unto the emperor, returned through France, where he stayed sometime with the king, and made a strict league with him, against the Flemings, who stirred up new troubles against the king.  
In the year 1328 Charles the Fair, king of France, entered into Flanders with an army: the good Cont William was there also with his troops, and did lodge, joining unto the king, near 
1328  unto the mount of cassel; the said Earl hoping well (as it was his usual custom) to mediate a good peace, betwixt the king and the earl of Flanders. But the Flemings being within the town, and upon the said mount, came down, thinking to surprise the king suddenly. The Earl William perceiving it, went to encounter them, charging them with such fury, that falling from a skirmish to a battle, both armies joining, the Earl was overthrown from his horse, and in danger of his life, or to be taken prisoner, had he not been succoured by the earl of Ostrevant, 
The Earl overthrown from his horse  his son, by Didier of Brederode, john of Arckel, the vicont of Leyden, the lord of Wassenare, john of Beaumond, Walter his son, Arnould of Cruyninghen, john of Polanen, john of Hamstede, and john of Duyvenworde, all brave knights, by whose valour and prowess Cont William was remounted again, and the Flemings quite defeated. There died in this battle about eight thousand men, the which happened the 14 of August 1328. Before this battle the earl of Ostrevant received the order of knighthood, whereof he afterwards made a good and glorious proof. Cont William his father, knowing him to be a wise and valiant knight (the better to make trial of his arms) sent him with an honourable company of knights of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, and Friesland, into the country of Prussia, to make wars against the Russians, and other Infidels, with the Teuton knights, where he carried himself so valiantly, that he was feared as the lightning.  
In the year 1332, Henry chastelaine, or governor of Hagensteyn, did often pass the river of Lecke, taking all he could find, and robbing and spoiling the country of Vtrecht. john of Diest, 
1332  bishop of Vtrecht, entreated the good Cont William, to assist him to take revenge of him, for that of himself he had not forces sufficient to constrain him to make reparation of the wrongs which his men had done in his countries. The Earl sent Kusen, bailiff of Rhinlandt thither, who with a troop of Waterlanders, and of Amsterdam, joined with the bishop's men, and having past the river of Leck together, they fell upon the lands of the said Hagensteyn, spoiling and burning the houses of his subjects, and of his other companions of his thefts and robberies, of whom being revenged, they returned home laden with spoil.  
In the year 1336, there was a country man in South-Holland, who had an exceeding fair and good cow, with the which he maintained his wife and children (as there are some found 
1336 A history of a bailiff of South Holland, for a cow  in that country, which give twenty pottles of milk and more, in one day) the bailiff of that quarter desiring this cow, would gladly have bought it of the good man: but as it was all his substance and means to live by, he would never be drawn to sell it. The bailiff seeing himself refused, caused the cow to be taken out of the pasture, and another to be put in the place▪ the which was nothing comparable unto it. Wherewith the country man being discontented, and seeing that he could not have his own, by the advice of his friends, he went to complain to the good Cont William, of this violence, being then at Valenciennes, grievously sick. The Earl having heard him, took pity of him, and presently caused letters to be written to the escoutette of Dordrecht, That all other affairs set aside, he should come presently unto him, and bring with him his cousin▪ the bailiff of South-Holland. This escoutette having viewed the letters, demanded of the bailiff, if he had offended the Earl in any thing; the other answered no, and that he knew not any thing, if it were not for a cow which he had exchanged with a country man. But making no account thereof, they went together to Valenciennes. The escoutette presented himself first before the Earl, to know the cause of his sending for him. The Earl having received him courteously, asked where the bailiff his cousin was; who answered, That he was also come: whereupon the Earl commanded him to enter: being entered, the Earl asked him, If he were bailiff of South-Holland. He answered with great humility, So long as it shall please you my lord. The Earl asked him how all things did in Holland, and if justice were duly administered: Very well (said the bailiff) and all things are in quiet. If all things go well, and are in quiet (said the Earl) how comes it, that thou bailiff, and judge of thy quarter, hast used force and violence against a poor country man, that is my subject, taking away his cow out of his pasture in despite of him: then calling for the poor man, he asked him, if he knew him, and what he could say for his cow. The bailiff answered, That he had given him another. Yea, said the Earl, but if it were not so good as his, dost thou think to have satisfied him therewith? no, no, not so, I will take the cause in hand, and be the judge. The bailiff and the country man, referred themselves willingly, to what it should please the Earl to decree. Whereupon the Earl appointed the escoutette of Dordrecht, that as soon as he should return to his house, he should presently without delay, pay unto the country man a hundred crowns of good gold, to be levied upon the bailiffs goods, and that he should never after molest the country man, neither in word nor deed. This sentence thus pronounced, both parties were satisfied; which done, the Earl said unto the bailiff, Thou hast now agreed with the poor man, but not yet with me: then he commanded the escoutette to retire himself, and to fulfil what he had enjoined him, but the bailiff should remain by him, to make reparation of his fault: and having sent for a ghostly father, and the executioner, he condemned the bailiff to lose his head, to serve for an example to others: then being confessed, 
A memorable example of justice.  the Earl caused him to come before his bed, and he himself drawing out the sword, gave it to the executioner, who cut off the bailiffs head in the Earl's presence, being thus sick in bed; who having called the escoutette, said unto him, Take your cousin with you, and beware of such facts, lest the like happen unto you. The escoutette returning to Dordrecht, carried back the bailiff in two parts, and paid the country man his hundred crowns.  
Soon after this good Earl William, worn with years, and with sickness, called for the earl of Ostrevant, his eldest son, to whom he gave many godly and fatherly admonitions; first of the love and fear of God, then of the administering justice equally to all men, to entertain his subjects in peace and rest, not to surcharge his people with extraordinary impositions and taxes, to reverence church men. and not to be offensive unto them; with many other goodly exhortations to live well. Having ended his speech, he gave up the ghost, the 9 of june 1337, 
The death of good Cont William.  after that he had governed the provinces of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, 32 years. He was a very virtuous prince, victorious in war, a good man at arms, well spoken, judicious, a great lover of peace, gracious to all men, and well beloved in all courts of princes. He was interred with great pomp, in his town of Valenciennes. After his death, the contesse his widow went and lived among the religious women at Fontenelles, where she died five years after her husband.  
We have before made mention, how that the Frisons slew the governor whom the king of Denmark had given them, whose wife was delivered six months after of a son, the which was bred up in the court of the king his uncle. This son being grown great, and desirous to be revenged of the Frisons, having no means nor power of himself, he entreated the king to give him only one ship well appointed, to see if by policy he could exploit any thing against the Frisons: with this ship he entered into the river of Ems, where he understood, that the judges and officers of the country of Friesland, were assembled about Groningue, he resolved therefore to cast anchor there, thinking that if he stayed any time, they would come and demand what he was, and what he did, the which fell out accordingly: for the officers seeing this goodly ship in the road, went to see it, and to hear somenewes: coming near, they demanded (according to their custom) of whence the ship was, what commodities he carried, & whither he was bound. This young man showing himself upon the hatches, saluted them honourably, and answered them modestly, That he had no great merchandise in his ship, that he was a rich merchants son, and that he was desirous to see havens and port towns, and especially the country of Friesland, requesting them to come aboard, and taste his wine, and he would do the like on land with them. They doubting nothing, went aboard: the young man received them courteously, presenting them a banquet, whereas they drank so well, as most of them were drunk, and fell asleep. He finding so fit an opportunity, weighed anchor, & sailed directly towards Denmark with these drunkards, who having digested their wine, found that they were cozened. This young gentleman coming into Denmark, presented them unto the king, who blamed their disloyalty much, having murdered his lieutenant: they excusing themselves, that it was not done by them, nor in their time, besought the king to save their lives. The king answered, although I have good reason to put you all to death, yet I will give you all your lives, if you can settle me in Friesland as I was before: The which they promised. In the end, the Frisons by the persuasion of one of these judges that was sent unto them, were content to acknowledge the king of Denmark for their lord, and to receive a lieutenant in his name, with whom the judges and Officers were sent home. The governor having received the homages of fealty of the Frisons, carried himself modestly enough for a good time, but in the end seeking to bring in the Danish laws, and to entreat them extraordinarily beyond their privileges, they revolted again, as the Dutch Chronicle saith, Vel odio servitutis, vel amore libertatis, and expelled their governor out of their country.  
In the life of good Cont William, the chief noblemen in Holland and Zeeland were William 
The chief nobility in Holland and Zeeland.  earl of Ostrevant, eldest son to good Cont William, john of Beaumond earl of Blois his brother, Henry and Didier of Brederode, brethren, Simon and Didier of They lingen, brethren also, john lord of Heusden, john lord of Drongelen his uncle, john lord of Arckel, Didier Signior of Valkenburch, Monjoye brother to the wife of the lord of Brederode, lady of Voorne, Nicholas lord of Putten and Streyen, Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Wassenare, john Signior of Leck and Polanen, john Signior of Henckelom, Otto Signior of Asprens, john Signior of Egmont, Walter his son, Ghisbrecht Signior of Iselstein, Henry Signior of Vianen, john of Persin, Signior of Waterlandt, Guy of Holland Signior of Hamstede, Arnold Signior of Cruyningen, William Signior of Naeldwick, Floris of Spyck, jeams vanden Vowed, Floris Merwen, Didier and Herman Zwieten, brethren, Gerard of Hemskerke, Gerard of Raphorst, Gerard of Polgeest, Floris vanden Tol, Ogier van Spanghen, William Kuser bailiff of Rhinlandt, Didier of Sassenhem, Daniel of mateness, and Didier his brother, Mathieu vanderburcht, William Osthorne, Adam van Schotlandt, Didier of Assendelf, Nicholas Oom, and Floris of Adrichom, all knights: Frederic of Seuenter, William of Assendelf, Gerard Schoten, jeams of Bakenesse, and Floris of Bockhorst, all squires, and many other gentlemen.  
Among the chief families of Friesland were these of Laminga, Helbada, Roopta Ockinga, Eysinga, 
The chief families of Friesland in those days.  Decama, Tyebinga, Martena, Beyma, Offinga-huysen, Aylewa, Hiddama, Hittinga, Botnia, Roorda, Hottinga, Mamiga, Herema, Hannia, Wiarda, Hanniama, Oustema, Ripperda, joppama, Simada, Gerbranda, Grattinga, Reynalda, Wybalda, Gronstins', Douwa, Harweysma, Calama, Hiddama, jeppama. Their Podestat or Governor at that time, which made head against the normans and Danes, was Regnerus Hayo à Camminga.   

WILLIAM THE FOURTH OF THAT name, the three and twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, and Earl of Henault.  
●…3. Guilielmus Hanonia.  
I am the selfsame man that with a courage bold  
Within Numidia ventured my ensigns to unfold,  
And did besiege and take the strong and mighty town  
Of Vtrecht, by the which I won great honour and renown:  
For which good fortune I ordained once in every year  
Procession to be made, the same in memory to bear:  
In Friesland I was slain in face of th'enemy,  
And by Bolsweert in Fleurchamp my corpse entombed doth lie.  
WILLIAM Earl of Ostrevant and of Henault, after the death of the good Cont William his father, was the three and twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland. He had to wife in his father's life, 
The wife of this Cont William.  the lady joan, eldest daughter to the duke of Lothier, Brabant, and Lembourg, by whom he had not any children. He was a hardy and warlike man, much given to arms, making his high chivalry famous at his first coming to these Earldoms and signiories. This Earl hearing that the Spaniards had great wanes against the Saracens and Moors in the Realm of Grenado, caused a great number of ships to be rigged in the year 1338. and went into Spain, where having made an alliance with the king, they went with their united 
1338  forces to assail the Moors, and to besiege the town of Grenado, the which they battered, and in the end took by assault, putting all to the sword that would not be baptized, and embrace the faith of jesus Christ: then passing farther into the country, they spoilt and burnt all they encountered. From thence Cont William having taken leave of the king of Spain (of whom he received by way of courtesy many rich presents) bent his course towards jerusalem; where, having visited the holy Sepulchre of our Lord, he returned into his country.  
Afterwards, he went with the Emperor Lewis of Baviere, his brother in law, being accompanied with the Earls of Gueldres, of Zutphen, of Cleves, of juilliers, of Blois his brother, of Monts, of Mark, and of many other Princes and Barons, with a goodly Army, to succour Edward the third, king of England, his other brother in law, and to make war against the king of France, the which the said Edward pretended to belong unto him: but both Armies being ready, and prepared to fight, an agreement was made betwixt the two kings, by the mediation of some, and every one retired to his own home.  
In the year 1342 Cont William held open Court at la Hay in Holland, whither he invited 
1342  all Princes, Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen that would come. The feast being spent in many goodly exercises of Chivalry, in jousts, Tourneys, and other sports: which done and ended, the Earl went with a goodly train of his Nobility, to a Tourney that was proclaimed in the town of Beawois, in Beawoisin, whereas he purchased great honour above all other knights. Returning from thence into his countries, he prepared to go into Prussia, to make war with the Teuton knights against the Infidels Russians: where he behaved himself so valiantly, as there was no speech but of his prowess and valour: And after that he had run over all Lithuania, Livonia, and the frontiers of the Russians, he returned into Holland, his men being laden with the wealth and spoils of these Barbarians. Passing by Cologne, being followed by four hundred horse, he kept open Court there for all the princes of Germany, by whom he was also very honourably entertained; yea, they would have chosen him Emperor, notwithstanding, that Lewis duke of Baviere, his brother in law, was possessed thereof (but it was by reason of the thundering excommunications of Pope Clement) the which he flatly refused, saying, That he was not capable of such a charge, neither would he do that wrong unto Lewis.  
In the year 1345 Cont William prepared a mighty Army to subdue the East-Frisons. 
1345  Whilst that they made this preparation for war, there past some bitter speeches betwixt them of Holland and Vtrecht, for the which the Earl defied them. They seeing themselves thus defied, a●…ed and went to field, daring to attend the Earl in battle, where he defeated them twice: the last was at Marendyck, betwixt Vtrecht and Montfort, where there died many of the Traiectins, the rest fled confusedly into their town of Vtrecht. The Earl being victor and master of the field, went presently with a hundred and fifty thousand men to besiege the town of Vtrecht, with an intent to ruin and destroy it. There were in his army the duke of Lembourg, thirteen Earls, two and fifty Barons, two thousand eight hundred knights, and much Nobility of the country of Vtrecht itself, who being discontented with the bishop and temporal prince, had taken arms against him: among others, Asuerus of Aibconde, and Ghisbrecht his son, Arnold Signior of Iselstein, john Vicont of Montfort, Henry Signior of Vianen, Ghisbrecht Signior of Starkenburch, Arnold Signior of Woluen, and Frederic of ham. The Earl began to invest the town on S. Odolphes day, and did batter it continually with great fury six weeks together: but seeing that such 
Vtrecht besieged by the Hollanders.  a town with such strong and high walls, was not easily won by assault, meaning one night to sound the depth of the town ditch, he was shot with an arrow in the muscle of the thumb, and was carried back into his Tent, whereof notwithstanding he was soon cured.  
Robert of Arckel, Governor of the Town, Country, and Diocese of Vtrecht, in the absence of the bishop his brother, being out of the country for the causes before mentioned, writ unto the said bishop, in what sort he was besieged by the Earl of Holland in the town of Vtrecht, and the necessity he was in, praying him to make haste to succour him. Hereupon the bishop posteth thither, and by the assistance and persuasion of john of Beaumond, earl of Blois, uncle to Cont William, he obtained a peace, by the which it was said: That five hundred of the chief bourgesses of Vtrecht should come bare headed and bore 
Those of Vtrecht reconciled to the Earl●….  footed before the Earl of Holland's Tent, and cry him mercy for the injuries and infamous speeches which they had used against him and against his honour: and when it should please him to call them of Vtrecht to his service, they should be bound to send him five hundred soldiers at their own charge: That there should be a breach made in the wall of twenty foot, by the which he should enter into the town as a Conqueror; and that he should have one street in the said town at his commandment; the which is at this day called the Hollanders street: first, a truce was concluded until Saint Martin's: during which time, the above recited conditions of peace were set down: but they were not effected; for that Cont William, during the said truce, went to make war in East-Friseland; where, being entered without order, and not knowing the passages of the country, john of Henault son to the Earl of Blois, came to the Cloister of Saint Odolphe, where he planted his camp in a fair plain, called Zuytbever, on the sea side: a part of his Hollanders not staying until the rest of the army were landed▪ went to skirmish with the Frisons, chase part of them into Staveren, and the rest into Saint Odolphes; where, going to set upon them in their trenches, the Frisons defended themselves so courageously, that many of the Hollanders lost their lives there. Cont William knowing nothing of this skirmish, landed on the North side of the Cloister, and advancing with five hundred men, burned the first village he found, and at the first charge he gave against the Frisons, with his own hand he slew a gentleman that was a captain, who had valiantly defended himself unto the death, and would never yield to be a prisoner. The other bands of Frisons seeing this captain dead, and the villages burn, fell like mad men with great fury upon this small troop of Hollanders, whom they defeated: and there Cont William was slain unknown, before 
Cont William slain, and leaves no lawful heirs.  the rest of the army could advance; who marching in disorder, were likewise charged. The Frisons encouraged the more by the defeat of the first five hundred Hollanders, and of the Earl their General, did fight with such great fury and courage, as they did put the Army to rout, with such confusion, that many were slain before they could recover their ships, and there were as many drowned through haste, as that saved themselves. This unfortunate encounter happened in the year 1346, upon the four and twentieth of 
1346  September, in the same place whereas the Earls of Holland were usually accustomed to hold their seat of justice, when they came into East-Friseland. It was the eight year of the reign of the said Earl. Renauld the black, earl of Gueldres, had foretold his death, as he held him at the Font to be christened, by uttering these words: This child shall be one day slain by the Frisons. There were slain in this defeat of the Hollanders about eighteen thousand men, and almost as many drowned, with some five hundred knights, the most apparent whereof were these: The Lords of Horn, Lygny, Walcourt, Manin, Antoin the Signior of la Vere, Floris of Borssele, the Signors of Cruningen, Romerswael, Hamstede, Merwede, all Barons: Gerard with the great beard, William of Naeldwyck, Simon and Didier of Meylingen, Guido of Asprens, john Regnier, William of Montfort, Didier of Sandtfort, Herman of Zwieten, Floris of Merwe, Oger of Spangen, Gerard Ever, Alfert of Bergerhorst, Nicholas Oom, William of Drongen, Didier of Valewort, and Gerard Florinuille, all choice knights, with a great number of other Nobles, Knights, and Gentlemen. Ten days after this defeat, Martin Commander of the knights of Saint john in Harlem, went into Friesland, and sought for the Earl's body: the which being known by some marks, he caused it with eight other dead bodies of Noblemen, to be brought to the cloister of Fleurchamp, near unto Boswaert. The Contesse joan of Brabant his widow went to her father, and was married to Wenselin duke of Luxembourg, second son to john king of Bohemia, of whom we have formerly spoken.  
Cont William the fourth left one bastard called Daniel vanden Poel, the which he had of a Gentlewoman called Alix vander Merwe of Ghertruydenbergh, leaving no other lawful child that might succeed him, the Empress his sister remaining his sole heir.   

MARGVERITE EMPRESS, THE 24. commanding in Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, Contesse of Henault.  

24 Margarita Imperatrix.   
Earl WILLIAMS sister, MARGVERIT●…, the Emperor's wife,  
In Holland caused contention, and much debate and strife:  
For though unto her son her right she had assigned,  
With him she still contended for't, nothing could please her mind.  
Her state was great, her honour much, n●… need her drove,  
With him in Holland such continual strife to have:  
Which in five years she was constrained for to leave  
To him, for that death (end of all) did her of life bereave.   

MARGVERITE EMPRESS, THE 24. commanding in Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, Countess of Henault.  
LEWIS of Bavaria Emperor of Romans, hearing of the death of Cont William of Holland, slain in war by the Frisons, whose eldest sister he had married, and had left no children, caused the Princes of the Empire to assemble, to whom he declared, that the Earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, and the signory of Friesland, for want of heirs lawfully begotten of the said William, were fallen unto the Empire. Whereupon the Emperor interposing his authority, (for that the Empress his wife pretended an interest, as sole heir to her Brother, saying, that those fees were as well Feminine as Masculine, as it did appear by 
The Earldoms of Holland, and Zeeland, ad●…dged to the Empresle, sister to cont William.  the succession which john Earl of Henault had after the death 〈◊〉 john Earl of Holland, son to Cont Floris the 5.) adjudged the said Earldoms an●… siegneories to the Lady Marguerite his wife. This being done, the same year 1346. the said Empress being well accompanied with Princes, Earls, Barons, Knights, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, went down by the Rhine into Holland, where she was honourably received in all places with great pomp; and acknowledged Lady and Princess of the said Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. Having received their homages and fealties, she did greatly increase their liberties and freedoms, and made a truce for two years with the Bishop 
She takes possessió of those countries.  of Vtrecht. She did make forfeit all the goods which the Frisons might have in her Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland (whereof the Earls had been long in quiet possession) aswell Ecclesiastical as Temporal; the which she sold to divers persons, without any future hope of recovery or restitution, by reason of the death of Cont William her Brother. Among other Clergy goods, there was sold the Village and signory 
Confiscation of ●…cclesiasticall good●….  of Mark, belonging to the abbey of Marien-garde, of the order of Premonstrez, situated in Friesland, which the Abbot and Covent had bought of Nicholas of Pers●… Lord of Waterlandt.  
This Empress Marguerite had by the Emperor Lewis of Bauraia her husband, one son called William which was the eldest; Albert the second, and Lewis the youngest, called 
The empero●… children by the empress 〈◊〉.  the Roman, for that he was borne at Rome, during the time of her husband's coronation: which three sons were all entitled Dukes of Bavaria; not that they were proprietaries in possession, but for that they were issued from the right stock of a Duke of Bavaria: for the Emperor Lewis was but second son to Lewis Duke of Bavaria, Palatin ofRhine. The Duchy of Bavaria hath always had that privilege, that all those which were descended of the blood of Dukes, might also entitle themselves Dukes, although they had not a foot of land. The which is at this day used in all the families of the Princes of Germanic, yea among Earls and Barons. This William the Emperor's eldest son, was at the beginning made Earl of Oesteruant; and Albert was siegneor of Nubingen. 
William of B●…uaria the empress son governor of Holland.  The said Lady Empress having taken possession of all these Countrie●…, before her return into Germany to the Emperor her husband; she appointed the said Cont William her Son and successor in the said Countries, Regent of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, upon condition that he should pay unto her yearly ten thousand French Crowns, or for want of payment, that she might resume and take unto her again all the profit of the said siegneories as before, of which resignation letters Patent; were drawn, and promises made in the presence of many Princes and Prelates. Yet a while after through ill council the Earl would not hold nor perform any thing, touching the pension, carrying himself like an absolute Prince, as we will presently show.  
The Bishop of Vtrecht, after the death of Robert of Arckel, his Brother and Lieutenant 
The bishop of Vtrecht goes to live privately in France.  temporal being siaine in Battle near unto Liege, finding himself greatly indebted, to spare and to pay his debts, he retired himself to Tours in France, meaning to live there as a man unknown with a small train, during the truce which he had with the Empress, Countess of Holland, leaving in this diocese six Noblemen or Knights to govern, during his absence. In the year 1348. the Bishop finding the truce to be well near ended, returned into his countries, and found his debts rather increased then diminished through the ill husbandry of the said six Governors. Eight days after the expiration of the truce, on Saint Marguerites day, the Bishop went out of Vtrecht with a great number of his Bourgesses in arms, and camped in the open 
The bishop of Vtrecht goes to field.  plain near unto the great Village of Emenesse. The Hollanders being not far of, went to fight with them, so as this skirmish turned into a battle, in the which those of Vtrecht had the better, the Hollanders were put to rout, and many of the inhabitants of Emenesse 
He defeate●… the Hollande●…s.  slain upon the place. Melis of Muyden commander of the Hollanders troop, was taken prisoner and put to a great ransom. Those of the said Village of Emenesse (which hath not less than a good French league in length) were forced to leave their new title which they had given themselves, calling themselves East-Hollanders, to resume their ancient name of Emenesse, and to subject themselves under the obedience of the Bishop, and of the Diocese of Vtrecht, as they be yet at this day. 
The empress resume●… again the government of Holland.   
After the death of the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria, the Empress Marguerite his widow came into Holland, to Dordrecht, whither she sent for Duke William her son: who being come, resigned unto the said Lady his Mother, the government and possession of her Counties of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, the which before she had delivered into his hands for an annual pension of ten thousand Crowns, of the which he had not 
The Earl her son retires into Holland.  to that day paid any thing. This reintegration made, William retired into Henault, his mother remaining sole Lady & regent of her countries, the which she governed but loosely.  
In the year 1349. the Bishop of Vtrecht gathered together a great number of soldiers, 
1349. The bishop of Vtrecht makes war in Holland.  with the which he entered into Holland, and besieged the town of Oudewater, the which he took by force, burned a part of it, and carried away many prisoners, besides other spoil: at which siege there died of the Bishop's men, john of Rysenburch, two brothers of Lichtenburch, jeames, John and Euerard of Dryel, three brethren all Knights, with many Gentlemen and good Bourgesses of Vtrecht. The Hollanders moved with the loss of this town, levied an Army to enter into the Bishop's country. He on the other side gathered together all the soldiers and Bourgesses he could, with the which he went and camped before Schoonhoven, where there was a furious charge and a hard encounter: but in the end the Hollanders were put to rout; the Bishop's men remaining masters 
The Hollanders de●…eated A truce betwixt t●…e Hollanders and Vtrecht.  of the field. There were prisoners among others Ghysbrecht of Langerack. Herpert of Lyesuelt and Conrade of Oosterwyke knights, with many squires & soldiers, who were put to ransom, the which yielded a good sum of money unto the Bishop. Soon after by the means of some Noblemen, a truce was made unto Saint Martin in the year 1350. 
1350.   
In that year there sprung up two most dangerous factions in the country of Holland, whereby they were long afflicted with great miseries and calamities, almost to their total 
〈◊〉 in Holland of Cabill●…ux and Hoe●…ks.  ruin. Those of the one party were called Cabillaux or Merlus, the which is a devouring fish in the Sea: by which term they meant, that those of this party should swallow up their adversaries. Those of the other faction termed themselves Hoecks, with the which they catch fish; as if they would say. If you think to swallow us up we will first take you with a hook. The chief of the Cabillautin faction were john Lord of Arckel, father to the Bishop of Vtrecht; john Lord of Egmond, Gerard Seigneor of Hemskerke, with many other Noblemen and Knights of the Hoecketins party. Didier Lord of Brederode, Philip Vicont of Leyden Lord of Wassenarie, john Lord of Leck and of Polarien, jeames Lord of Binckhorst, and many other both Knights and Gentlemen. It was a cursed plague which Satan had powered into the hearts of the Hollanders: the which brought forth nothing but hatred, quarrels, rancour, hostillities, rapines, violence, detraction, false reports, deadly foods, ruin, and desolation over all the country. In which two factions, the chief Noblemen and Barons were engaged, seeking nothing but to ruin and destroy one an other. For as our Lord JESUS CHRIST saith. Every Realm divided in itself shall be desolate. And Sallust in his History of the jugurthin war: Small things increase by concord, but by discord great things come to ruin. Cicero in his Book of Friendship saith; What house is so strongly builded, what City so surely seated, the which by hatred and discord may not perish? As we may see by the destruction of Rome at divers times: of Bologne, of Genoa, and of many others, the which have been ruined by division, from the which God by his grace preserve all estates and commonweals that flourish at this day.  
The factions increasing more and more in Holland, and the consuming fire of this intestine discord kindling more daily, not only in the hearts of Noblemen, but also in the commons, was the cause of great murders, spoils, robberies & burnings of either side. These heart-burnings increasing, the Cabillautins sent their deputies to duke William 
The fruits 〈◊〉 factions, to stir the sonn●… against the mother.  of Bavaria Earl of Osteruant, the empress eldest son, being then resident in Henault; entreating him to come into Holland, to under-take the government of the country; having decreed among them, no longer to endure the Mother's rule. At the first he refused it; but they did so importune him, as in the end he came secretly to the town of Gorrichom. Those of Delf hearing of his coming, went unto him, and carried him by force into their town, making him their head and Captain general, with whom, or by his commandment they issued often forth, spoiling the Villages and country houses belonging to the Hoeketins. In the end the Towns of North-Holland, the Kennemers, and the West-Frisons, received him for their Lord and Prince, doing the homage and taking the oath due unto the Earls of Holland, in despite of the 
Cont Willia●… received in Holland.  Empress their natural Princess his Mother. The Hoeketins seeing themselves thus ill entreated by the Cabillautins, had their recourse & refuge unto the Empress, whose party they held, and began to furnish their towns, Castles, and Forts, with men, victuals & munition of war. On the other side the Cabillautins went to befiege their places, and to batter and beat down their Castles, whereof they did ruin seventeen in less than a year. The Empress writ unto her Son, that she wondered at his presumption, that he would intermeddle with her authority and command, seeming to be very much incensed against the towns of Holland. The Earl answered, that the country did belong unto him by right of donation, which she had made unto him. And refusing to give over his course begun, the Empress with the succours which the Queen of England her sister had sent her, made a goodly army, with the which she embarked, and went and landed at La Vere in Zeeland. Earl William landed with his troops in the same Island, whereas both armies of the Mother and the Son being entered into 
A battle betwixt the mother and the son.  fight one against an other, the combat was furious and bloody, great numbers being slain and drowned on either side. In the end God gave the victory to the Mother, so as the Son escaped with great difficulty, and fled into Holland. This battle was in the year 1351. 
1351.   
William of Bavaria being safely returned into Holland, made haste to levy new forces, and to raise a greater army than the first: the which consisted of Hollanders, Kennemers 
The son raiseth a 〈◊〉 army.  and Frisons, with the succours of many Lords and Knights; of john Lord of Arckel, john Lord of Calenbourg, john Lord of Egmont, the Lady Mathilda van Voorne, widow to the Lord of Walckenbourg; Gerard of Heemskerke, Gerard of Harler, and many other Knights, Gentlemen, and good soldiers, which came unto him out of the countries of Cleves, Geldres and Germany, with the which army he gave a day, and appointed a place unto his mother, to have his revenge in open battle betwixt Bryele and Gravesand. The Empress had her army composed of good soldiers, English, Hennivers, Zelanders & Walcharins', & accompanied with a great number of Barons, 
The son d●… fines his moth●… to battle.  Knights and Gentlemen. She like a courageous and noble minded Princess, making no doubt of a second victory, marched against her son, and caused her men to begin the charge. The two armies at the first encounter, charged one another with such animosity and fury, as there was nothing to be seen but glaives, broken lances, a thick 
A second battle.  shower of Arrows in the air, breaking of harness, cutting in sunder of targets, and bucklers, and heads, arms and legs falling to the ground; there was nothing to be heard but the cries, with the lamentable and fearful groans of men wounded and dying, the blood ran over the field like a violent stream: to conclude, there was such murder and spoil on either part, with such obstinacy and continual fury, as they could hardly judge of the issue of the battle, until that the empress troops oppressed and tired with the great numbers of the Hollanders army, to save themselves ran into 
The mother defeated.  ditches and rivers, where they were drowned, so as all the empress army was put to rout, and she fled in a small Bark into England. The General of the English troops was slain, and lies buried in the Church of Losdanen, where as his tombels yet to be seen in black Marble. Costin of Renesse, Floris of Hamstede, and many other Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen were also slain there, with an infinite number of good soldiers. There was in this battle (which was in the same year 1351) so much blood spilled, as for three days after, the old river of Meuse at a full sea was all red in 
1351.  that place. Finally after that so many valiant men had lost their lives there, and whereas the Lord Didier of Brederode, and many Knights on the empress part were taken prisoners: there was an accord made betwixt the mother and the son. By the which it was agreed that the Empress should hold the County of Henault during her life, and 
An accord betwixt the mother and the son.  Duke William should have the quiet possession of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland. After this battle the Empress lived yet five years, and died at Valenciennes in her country of Henault, where she was interred.  
Notwithstanding this accord made betwixt the Mother and the Son (yea after her death, when as Duke William was sole and absolute Lord of the Counties of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland) the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks were 
The factions cease not.  not mortified, but did continue their hatred above a hundred and fifty years after, until that time of Maxmilian the first, as we shall show in its place.   

WILLIAM OF BAVARIA, THE 5. OF that name, the 25▪ Earl of Holland, and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, and Earl of Henault, called the mad.  
25. Guilielmus Quintus.  
This William did obtain in nuptial state,  
Mathilda of the house of Lancaster.  
A husband Childless, and unfortunate,  
Attempted Vtrecht, and did factions stir,  
Under the names of Hamocons and Merlus,  
Distracted in his flower of youth he grew,  
Since in his age he was undutious  
To his grave Mother, whom ●…e did pursue  
With many troubles; though she had defects,  
Yet children to their parents, still must owe  
Remission of their faults; and 〈◊〉 respects;  
But death doth on his life, his rest bestow.  
AFter this cruel and bloody battle fought upon the banks of the old river of Meuse, as we have said, William Duke of Bavaria Palatin of Rhine, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friesland (according to the accord whereof we have made mention) was absolute Prince of the said Provinces: Then after the decease of the Empress his Mother, did also inherit the county of Henault. He had to wife the Lady Mathilda daughter to 
Cont William's wife had no 〈◊〉.  Henry Duke of Lancaster in England, by whom he had not any children.  
In the year 1355. this Earl by the bad advise of some of his council, thrust on by 
135●…. The Earl de▪ fies the bishop of Vtrecht.  their private passions, sent about S. Martin's time in winter, to defy the Bishop of Vtrecht, being seconded by many Noblemen, Knights and Gentlemen of the country of Vtrecht itself, who joining with the Earl for some discontent, did also defy him: among the which were Arnold of Yselstein, john of Culenbourg, Ghysbrecht of Vianen, john of Culenbourg, son to john lord of Woudenbourg, john of Haerlaer: john seigneor of Langerack, Ghysbrecht of Nyeuwenrood Knights, than the siegneors john of Blomstein, Zouthin Vanden Rhin, Hubert van Schoonhoven, Zuveer van Nesse, Gerard van Vlyet & the siegniors of Sleydon, and of Dyckelen strangers, came to succour the Earl, which 2. strangers being entered into the territories of Vtrecht, thinking to go to Oudwater, being unskilful in the passages and ways, they approached too near the town of Montfort, which was of the Bishop's party and well affected unto him, as their sovereign Lord, and depending on him. The Bourgesses of Montfort having discovered them (although that Assuerus Vicont of the said town was not there, being then at 
Two strange knights ●…aken p●…oners.  Vtrecht) went out in Arms, and fell upon these two Knights and their train, whom they defeated and took prisoners. Cont William having a goodly army ready, accompanied with a good number of Princes, great Noblemen, Barons and Knights of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland and Henault, entered with ensigns displayed into the territories of Vtrecht to forage and destroy it. Approaching near unto the Town of 
The Ea●…le enters the country o●… Vtrecht with ●…n army.  Wiickter-duyrstede, he went and lodged joining to the village of Motten, where he camped eight days, to see if the Bishop (who was a soldier) would come forth to give him battle, during which time his men spoiled all the villages about. The Bishop would willingly have hazarded a battle, if the inhabitants would have gone forth and followed him to the field. But the Lords of Yselstein, Culenbourg and Vianen, were so well beloved, and had such good correspondency with the chief of the town, as they would not take arms against Cont William. And withal, those of the great Bourg of Emenesse, were again revolted from the Bishop, and joined to the Hollanders, causing 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f●…om the bishop.  themselves to be written among the members of Holland. During the Earls stay in this village of Motten, john of Egmond marched with a troop of Hollanders towards Bunschoten, those of the town sallied forth upon them, coming to skirmish with them, but they were so well entertained, as they had no better leisure then to seek for their town gates, leaving some seventy men behind them. This done the Earl returned with his army laden with good booty. The Bishop much grieved and discontented to see his country ruined even under his nose, sought all the means he 
The bishop take●… W●…p by assault and then Muyden.  could to be revenged of the Hollanders: And the year following 1356. having levied a small army, went and campt before the Town of Wesep, the which he battered in such sort, as having made a great breach, the fourth day of the siege he took it by assault, the inhabitants leaping over the walls into the ditches to save themselves: then he took the town and castle of Muyden, a quarter of a league from Wesep, and then returned to Vtrecht half revenged, carrying with him great spoils and many good prisoners. The same year Assuerus Vicont of Montfort (then marshal of the camp 
The 〈◊〉 of Mont●…ort 〈◊〉 from the bishop.  to the Bishop) by the means of Arnold of Yselstein, treated an accord with the Earl of Holland: and revolting from the Bishop to gratify the said Earl, he freed out of prison the siegneors of Sleyden and of Dyckelen, with their squires and all their train, sending them free unto the earl, the which the bishop took very impatiently, for that he maintained the said prisoners to be his, the said Vicont being his marshal, whereof until that time he had never given him any account.  
A while after Ghysbrecht of Nyenroode, a Knight and a brave Captain, by the commandment of the Earl of Holland, gathered together a good troup of men, both of foot and horseback, of the country itself, (to take revenge for Wesep and Muyden) having drawn them to Naerden, he marched directl to the town of Zoest, the which he spoiled and burnt: Otto of Lare then Marshal to the Bishop, went forth with all his forces to Emelandt, meaning to fight with Ghysbrecht and his Hollanders. These two Captains having joined in fight together, the siegneor of Nyenroode, was wounded 
A comb●…te betwixt two commander●….  almost to the death, and carried speedily out of the press. Those of the town of Amersfort, who were with the Marshal Otto, were so roughly charged by the Hollanders, as they began to waver, and there the said Marshal was slain with 36. Amersfordins, in the end the Hollanders remained Masters of the field: then having put the siegneor of Nyenroode (being wounded) in a safe place, they retired by the marshes & Fens, and entered safe into Naerden. The bishop marching to succour his Marshal with fresh men, arrived too late.  
In the year 1357. Cont William rejoicing at the victory which his men had gotten against them of Amersfort, entered himself in person with his army into the country 
1357. Cont Willi●… himself enters into the country of Vtrecht.  of Vtrecht, he camped at Hooghewoert, destroying all that was thereabouts, sending john of Egmond with some troops, to besiege the Castle of Stephen of Nyevelt, the which he battered for the space of six weeks with great and mighty Engines, wherewith he broke down the walls: and although the said siegneor of Nyevelt were well provided and furnished of all things, yet he yielded up the place by composition to the Earl's mercy. The Hollanders having it in their power, set fire of it, and ruined it to the ground, having received no such command from the Earl their Prince.  
After all these petty wars and spoiling one of another, in the end by the mediation of some good Noblemen, there was a peace concluded betwixt the Earl and the bishop 
A final accord betwixt the Earl and bishop.  of Vtrecht, by the which it was ordered, that either of them should return to his own home, laying aside arms. That those of the Bourg of Emenesse should return (as they had been accustomed) under the Bishop's obedience. That the Lord of Vianen with the assistance of the town of Vtrecht, should build again his Castle of Ghoreel. That all prisoners on either part should be set free without ransom: and especially that the seven Gunterlins banished out of the town of Vtrecht, should re-enter freely, that was Henry Vanden-Rhine Provost of the collegiate church of Saint John in Vtrecht: Pelerin his brother, john of Woerden: Ghysbrecht Gunter Hoogue-land; Gerard and Didier Bowl brethren: john Witten son to Rodolphe, and Peter Kanmaker, all which had been to succour the Lord of Vianen at the siege of Ghoreel, with many others. After this john of Arckel bishop of Vtrecht lived two years in rest, without any wars, the which he had not done during all the time that he had governed his bishopric.  
In the year 1358. on Saint George's day, Edward the third King of England kept a 
1358.  solemn feast and open Court for all comers, Princes, Barons, Knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen, whether William of Bavaria Earl of Holland was also invited, both by the King and the Queen his Ant, of whom he was honourably received with great shows of love. At his return from this voyage into Holland, this poor Prince (I know not by what unknown accident) was distempered of his senses and understanding, so as (being very big and strong of all his members) he slew Gerard of Wateringhen 
The Ea●…le of Holland becomes mad.  a Knight with one blow with his fist, so as they were forced to shut him up, and to set good guard upon him, where he was ke●…t for the space of nineteen years, until he died. Having before his distemperature governed his countries of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland seven years, and Henault two. Four years after him died also the Lady Mathilda his wife, who lies interred in the abbey of Rhynsbourg by Leyden.   

ALBERT OF BAVARIA 26. EARL of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, and Palatin of Henault.  
Adelbertus Bavariae.  
I had two wives, both which one name did bear,  
The one a Polonois, the other was  
Marguerite of Cleves; the Frisons stood in fear  
Of my strong hand, that did their strength surpass,  
And oft subdued their proud rebellions;  
Delfe taken by me, I demantled it,  
At t'Hage i●… Holland I appointed Canons,  
Good men I choosd, and for their places sit.  
Hage Castle in the Chapel now contains  
My body freed from all his e●…thly pains.  
Duke William of Bavaria, Earl of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, Lord of Friesland, being as we have said distracted of his senses, & put into safe keeping: the faction of the Hoecks & Cabillaux revived: for the Cabillautins would have the lady Mathilda wife to the 
Division betwixt the two factions for the government.  said Cont William to be governess of the said Countries; but for that the said lady had no children, the Hoeketins did choose Albert of Bavaria, Palatin of Rhine, siegneor of Nubingen, brother to the said Cont William. The Nobles of the Contie of Henault, consented for their parts to this election, and sent a notable embassage unto him into Bavaria, 
Albert duke of Bavaria called by the Hoeketins.  beseeching him that he would take upon him in his brother's place (who was distempered in his brain) the government of the said countries. Albert understanding the just request of the Estates by their Ambassador, went well accompanied with many Barons, 
He is received for governor.  Knights and Gentlemen, going down by the river of Rhine into Holland, where he was honourably received of both parties, as well Cabellaux as Hoekes, and acknowledged as Tutor to the Earl his brother, and governor of his countries and siegneories. Then it was agreed that he should pay yearly unto the Countess Mathilda his sister in law, the sum of twelve thousand French crowns, and no more: by means of which accord 
He agrees with his sister in law.  both parties were content, and continued good friends, but not long.  
This Prince Albert of Bavaria, had received the order of Knighthood before, making war in the country of Granado against the Moors and Saracens. At the first he was married unto Marguerit daughter to the Duke of Briga in Polonia, by whom he had three sons and four daughters: the eldest was called William Earl of Osteruant, who 
Albert's wives and children.  was borne in the year 1365. the second named Albert siegnior of Nubingen who died young: the third was john chosen bishop of Liege, borne in the year 1374. The eldest daughter Katherine was first married to Edward Duke of Gelder's, and Earl of Zutphen: after whose decease being yet a virgin, she married with Duke William of juilliers and of Geldres, but she had not any children. The other daughter named joan, had to husband Venceslaus King of romans, and of Bohemia, son to the Emperor Charles the 4. who also had not any children; Marguerite the 3. daughter, married with john Duke of Bourgongne, 
By this Marguerite, the earldom of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, came to the house of Bourgongne.  Earl of Flanders and Arthois, son to Duke Philip the hardy, by whom she had Philip Duke of Bourgongne, called the good (and afterwards Duke of Brabant, Lembourg and Luxembourg, Earl of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Holland, Zeeland and Namur, Lord of Friesland) and four daughters: the first jolente Countess of Poitiers: the second Anne Countess of Bedford: the third Agnes Duchess of Bourbon, and the fourth joan, wife to Duke Albert of Austria, by whom she had one son called Albert, who married the daughter of Sigismond King of Hongarie, who afterwards was Emperor of the romans: after whose decease this Duke Albert did inherit all these realms in the right of his wife, and was afterwards chosen Emperor, but he reigned not long, for he died in the flower of his age: his wife was brought in bed soon after his death of a son named Lancelot, who died at two and twenty years of age, leaving no children. This Albert had one cousin germane, son to his father's brother, named Frederick, who afterwards was also Emperor, the third of that name; and had to wife the daughter of the King of Portugal, by whom he had Maximilian Archduke of Austria, who was also Emperor, the first of that name, who had to wife Mary, the daughter and sole heir of Charles the Warlike, Duke of Bourgongne, who was slain before Nancie, by whom he had one son named Philip, and a daughter named Marguerite▪ Philip married with joan daughter to Ferdinand King of Arragon, and to Elizabeth Queen of Castille. Marguerite was married to john Prince of Castille and of Arragon, who died young, and after married again to the Duke of Savoy. Philip had by the said Lady joan his wife two sons, Charles the ●…ift, and Ferdinand, both Emperors; and four daughters, Elinor, joan, Mary and Elizabeth. The Emperor Charles the sift had one only son, Philip king of Spain, Lord of the Low-countries, father to King Philip the third, now reigning. Behold in brief the genealogy of the Kings of Spain, and of four or five Emperors issued from the houses of Holland, Bourgongne and Austria. As for the second wife of Duke Albert of Bavaria Earl of Holland, of whom we now entreat, we will speak of her hereafter. The said Cont Albert displaced john of Blauwestein from the Baylewike of Kermerlandt, investing Renald the eldest son to the Lord of Brederode in his place: the which those of the faction of the Cabillautins took in very ill part, and 
The Cabillautins seek to kill the young lord of Brederode.  laid ambushes near unto the village of Castrichom to kill him when he should pass that way. One day this young Nobleman doubting no harm, riding towards Castrichom, he encountered them that lay in ambush for him, but having discovered them a good way of, he saved himself by flight; they pursued him, and slew three of his servants. Those of the village of Castrichom seeing it, went to arms to defend their new Bailiff, so as they were forced to retire. Some of them saved themselves in the Castle of Walter of Hemskerke, the rest fled to Delf, where they were received, for that the said town was of the Cabillautins' faction.  
Cont Albert hearing of these news, did presently levy some troops, and marched towards Kermerlandt, where he besieged the Castle of Hemskerke, for that Walter who 
The castle of Hemskerke besieged for Cont Albert.  was Lord thereof, had received those way-layers; at which siege he left for chief commander the Lord of Polaven, who was afterwards also Lord of Asprene, and from thence he went into Zeeland, for some affairs of importance. The siegneor of Hemskerke a valiant and resolute Knight, having furnished his castle with all things necessary to maintain a siege, was resolved to defend himself, wherein he carried himself valiantly for a long time: but the Lord of Polaven, besieged it so straightly, and battered it so furiously for the space of eleven weeks, that he was forced to yield his Castle, himself, and all his men prisoners unto the Earl, to attend how he would dispose of him, for reparation of his fault; yet some years after he was received again into favour, and his castle restored unto him. But when he died, for that he left no children, this castle of Hemskerke was united to the revenues of the Earldom of Holland, yet some of his kinsmen have since enjoyed it in propriety, with the downs, warrens, and other rights.  
Those of Delfe, friends to Walter of Hemskerke and the besieged, seeing into what extremity they were reduced, did rise against Cont Albert (to whom they had sworn fealty) 
The Delfoi; revolt.  and levied men under the command of john Nyen●…de. john siegneor of Keruene bastard of Arckil knights, with Henry of Woerden and Gerard Wis squires, and a number of bourgesses, went out of the town to besiege the castle of Polaven and Binkhorst, the which they took and fired. This done, they went to the Hage and broke open the prisons, and drew out all the prisoners of the castle of Hemskerke, whom they led with them into their town; all this was done whilst that the Earl was busied in Zeeland: who having news of this rebellion, made haste to return into Holland, with an intent to punish them: he came to the Hage, whether he sent for all his Nobility and men at arms, with all the inhabitants of Towns that he could gather together; besides the succours he had from some neighbour Princes, who offered him men for pay: with all those forces he went to besiege Delfe; he held his siege before it ten weeks and two days, causing it to 
Cont Albert besiegeth Delf.  be battered and assaulted in divers places. The siegneors of Nyenroede, of Keruene, Van Woerden and Wis, maintained themselves valiantly a long time. But this resistance did avail them little, for the Earl caused four great Engines of battery to be approached, with the which he did continually beat the walls of the town, the which did so amaze and perplex the inhabitants, as on Whitsun eve they began to speak of an accord, in time, rather than being forced to make a composition which might be dishonest and 
The inhabitants speak of a composition.  prejudicial. The Captains hearing that the inhabitants began to speak of a treaty, being assembled in the old church, they let them understand, that they held it the best course to try their fortunes, and the next night to attempt something upon the enemy's camp, 
The captains oppose.  whereby happily they might put them in disorder, the which succeeding well they should be freed; if otherwise, they should have means to make a fair retreat, and then parley of a composition. The inhabitants being loath to hazard any thing, answered; that they had no assurance of victory, and if they were vanquished, they were in danger to be at the mercy of a victorious Prince, who was much incensed against them; the which they would not attend. Whereupon the Captains said unto them; God council you better: but read first this writing which you have given us, which shows, that when you would treat without our liking or consents, that eight days before, it should be lawful for us to depart with our men, to provide for our safeties. The inhabitants not able to contradict them, the said siegneors of Nyenroede and of Keruene, with their men, went out 
The captains retire in the night. The town of Delf yielded.  of the town secretly in the night: then by the intercession of Walraven of Born knight, those of Delfe yielded, to have their lives and goods saved, upon certain conditions. First that they should ask mercy of the Earl for their offence, and for a time should pay him 40000. French crowns; and for an honourable reparation should demantell the greatest part of the town walls. In this accord the soldiers and strangers which remained were not comprehended. Hereupon Cont Albert entered into Delfe, whereas he presently caused the gates to be taken off, and the walls to be beaten down. Henry of Woerden one of the Captains, had saved himself upon the tower of the church, but he was drawn from thence, and had his head cut off. As for the Siegneors of Nyenroede and Keruene, who were gone forth with their soldiers before the treaty, they retired themselves into the Castle of Heusden, where they were besieged a whole year, but by the mediation of Otto Lord of Arckel, they were taken to mercy, and reconciled to the Earl, upon condition that they should yield him the place, and that within two years they should go to jerusalem to visit the holy Sepulchre. Upon these conditions these two brave Knights were received into favour by Cont Albert, and so the wars ceased. A while after they not only went to jerusalem, but even unto Saint Katherins Mount, which they call Synay.  
Edward Duke of Geldres, having put his brother Renould in prison, chased away those that had held and followed his brother's party: ruining their Castles and country houses. The Gentlemen Geldrois of that party, seeing themselves chased away and so ill entreated, had their recourse unto Albert of Bavaria Earl of Holland, who took them into his protection, and entertained them in his train. Duke Edward being discontented 
The duke of Gelder's defies the Earl of Holland.  that he supported them, sent to defy him; appointing a day and the place of battle upon Heymansberch. Albert seeing himself defied without any just occasion, sent for all his Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Captains and Soldiers, and with Enseignes displayed, went and planted his camp upon the mount of Heymansberch, there to attend the Duke of Geldres, as he had sent him word. The Hollanders seeing that he came not, went and made a road into his country, burning many villages, from whence they brought all the cattle and other booty, and so returned to their Prince's army, who went back with them into Holland. A while after a peace was made betwixt them, 
The war ended by marriage.  by which treaty Duke Edward should marry Katherine Cont Albert's eldest daughter, being come to a competent age, the which happened in the year 1362.  
In the year 1365. Cont Albert went with a noble and stately train into France, to 
1365.  King Charles the Wise, where he had an honourable reception made him in Paris, and having finished the business for the which he went, he returned to Valenciennes in his country of Henault. In the year 1367. the said Earl upon some false reports and 
1367. The Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault, which caused great troubles.  bad persuasions, had caused the Baron of Enghien in Henault to be put in prison, (which barony doth at this day belong unto the Dukes of Vendosine) and his head to be cut off: for that he had been informed that this baron had many engines in his Castle, and other instruments, as ladders of ropes, & other provision to surprise places, the which he would have used against certain castles in the country of Henault. There happened great troubles in that country through the death of this Noble man: for he had six bre●…hren, all valiant Gentlemen, who to revenge this ignominious death of their innocent brother, did overrun and spoil the champain country. Cont Albert levied men, and went to besiege the said town of Enghien. During which siege he created many knights: among the which were Didier of Lecke, and Bartholomew of Raphorst, Hollanders. In the end this war was pacified by the means of Lewis de Male Earl of Flanders. These six brethren were reconciled unto the Earl, and they did pardon him their brother's death: for expiation whereof he founded the Chanoinry of the Chapel, at the Court at the Hage, in the year 1368.  
In the year 1373. the town of Vtrecht caused a river or channel to be cut or digged, 
1373.  from their gate unto the river of Lecke, which is a long French league, and at the end thereof two great Sluices to hold the water, at a village which is called at this day Nyeuvaert, (that is to say, new river) and upon the banks of Lecke they caused a great tower of freestone to be built, with defences and barricadoes in form of a castle, to descend and preserve the said sluices, against any that should come and attempt to break them, which tower or castle they called Ghildenburch, (that is to say, the castle of the 
The castle of Ghildenburch 〈◊〉 to def●…d the sluices.  Brotherhood,) for that the sworn companies of the said town of Vtrecht, had built it at their own charge, and had the guard thereof by turns. Ghysbrecht lord of Vianen was nothing well contented therewith, fearing that in succession of time, by means of this fort and the sluices, they would attempt something against his town and jurisdiction of Vianen, which is opposite unto Nyeuvaert, and therefore he went unto Duke Albert Earl of Holland, and gave him to understand, that this fort of Ghildenburch had been built to the prejudice of the Hollanders, and the rather, for that it 
The lord of Vianen and those of Dordre●…ht discontented for the sluices.  was seated and built upon the territory and bailiwick of Vreeswick, in the jurisdiction of Holland, and not of Vtrecht. On the other side, they of Dordrecht, judging that these sluices and fort were made to their disadvantage, to hinder their navigation (which had great privileges) they joined with the lord of Vianen, and concluded to break these sluices, and to ruin the fort, as we will presently show. The same year 
Cont ●…ert spoils the Fr●…sons.  William of Naeldwicke marshal of Holland, by the commandment of Cont Albert, went into Friesland with a great number of ships, and landed on Saint Laurence day in the Island of Snellinck, the which he spoilt and burnt, carrying away a great booty and many prisoners, by reason of their rebellion, and then returned into Holland.  
In the year 1374. the deputies of Vtrecht came to Cont Albert to the Hage, for the 
1374.  payment of a certain sum of money, and the redemption of the castle of Vredelant, but the Earl found great difficulty in their coins of gold and silver: whereupon these deputies returned much discontented, and made their report unto the three estates of the country of Vtrecht; who resolved to have their revenge, and going to arms, they 
They of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 Woerden ●…n v●…e.  marched forth of their town, and went to besiege Woerden, thinking to carry it at the first, but finding great resistance, and not able to take it; they burned the suburbs, and some barricadoes thereabouts, carrying away some poor prisoners, and from thence they went to besiege the castle of Croonenburch. The besieged despairing of all means to defend it, gave it over by composition, the which they presently razed to the ground. This done, they went to Wesep, Muyden, Wtermeer and Loosdrecht, where they took some bourgesses, whom they ransomed. Approaching near unto the castle of Vredelandt, Asuerus of Gaesbeke with the Hollanders of his garrison, went to skirmish with them as they passed that way, to spoil Bodegrave, Ameyden, Lexmonde and jaersuelt, which they ransomed.  
Cont Albert hearing these news, levied men with all speed, to make war against them, and being accompanied by john Earl of Blois his cousin, Adolph Earl of Cleves 
Cont Albert 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghyldenburch.  and a great number of barons and knights, Hollanders, Henyvers, Zelanders, Geldrois and Clevois, he went up the river of Leck, and besieged the castle of Ghyldenburch, where he planted two great and mighty engines of battery, the one upon the East, and the other upon the South. The besieged were furnished of all things necessary for defence, and with great stones made the engine of the Southside unprofitable. Eight days after that the army was lodged before it, Ghysbrecht of Vianen, Henry of Ameyden, and Ghysbrecht of Nievenroode knights, with certain troops, presented themselves before the castle, to see if they could draw out the besieged to skirmish. The captains of the castle, namely Peter Doel and Arnold Preaux, seeing a good occasion offered, opened their gates, and lodged themselves in certain houses near adjoining, from whence they did assail the Hollanders: the skirmish continued a good space, but in the end the lord of Nyenroede, the lord of Naeldwycke marshal of Holland; William of Cheerulyet, a certain knight of Henault, and eight and twenty soldiers were taken prisoners, and lead into the Castle. Cont Albert to hasten the siege, caused two engines more to be made; one of the side of Vianen upon the bank of Leck, and the other at the soot of the dike, so as by that means he won the base court of the castle: the which the besieged seeing, and by the persuasion of the said siegneor of Nyenroede, fearing to be forced, they yielded by composition to have their lives and goods saved, the first day of june 1374. with a safe conduit to retire into the town of Vtrecht, carrying 
Ghyld●…burch yielded by composition.  with them nine dead bodies, whom they would have buried in the churchyard within the town. The Earl having this castle in his power, gave it to the lord of Vianen to keep, and then returned into Holland. The Traiectins troubled for the yielding up of this place, came on Saint Timothy's eve in the night, with a great number of men, to attempt it by scalado, and with their shot, spending a whole day and a night, whereof in the end they set fire, which they within being not able to quench, (being 
The for●… taken again by them of Vtrecht.  but three and twenty soldiers, and most of them wounded, and two dead,) they were forced to yield it.  
Fifteen days after, Cont Albert advancing up the river of Leck, went again to besiege it, with an intent to raze it. Those of Vtrecht foreseeing his coming, did furnish and victual it for a long time, manning it with good captains and soldiers: that is, the siegnior of Schoonhawen, William Leets, and Goswin of Wandric. The Earl seeing 
Cont Albert makes sharp wars against the Traiectins.  that through the good order that was in it, he should profit little, retired from thence, and went to besiege the castle of Wlenhorst, the which he forced: then he marched before Hollenstein, the which yielded by composition, to have their goods and lives saved: from thence he drew towards Heermalen, the which he burned. In the end after all these petty wars, a peace was concluded betwixt the Hollanders and Traiectins, by the which they of Vtrecht should pay unto the Earl 4000 crowns 
An accord betwixt the Hollanders and Vtrecht.  for his charges in the war. And as for the siegneurie of Vreeswike, it was said, That if the bishop and seven of the chief of the town of Vtrecht did affirm by oath, that it did rightly belong unto the church of Saint martin's in Vtrecht, that then the Earl nor any of his successors should for ever pretend any interest thereunto. As the bishop and the seven personages did lift up their hands to take the said oath, Cont Albert not suffering them to swear, but contenting himself with their bare affirmation, delivered them up the siegneurie of Vreeswik, and made them letters under his seal, and so all quarrels were ended.  
In the year 1377. Duke William of Bavaria the mad Earl of Holland, died at 
1377. The death of Cont Willi●… the mad.  Que sn●…y in Henault; his body was carried and interred at Valenciennes: he left not any children. His funerals being finished, the lords, barons, knights, and all the nobility, with the towns of Holland, Zeeland, Henault, and Friesland, received Duke Albert of Bavaria absolutely, who before had been but Tutor unto the said William his brother, 
Cont Albert received for Earl of Holland.  and did acknowledge him for their Lord and Sovereign Prince, and so was the 26. Earl of Holland, etc.  
In the year 1386. about Shrovetide died the lady Marguerite of Briga, wife to Cont Albert of Bavaria, and was buried in the chapel of the court at the Hage, at the 
1386.  great altar towards the North. After her death the Earl continued five years unmarried, entertaining a Gentlewoman called Anne of Poelgheest, for his minion, of whom shall be hereafter spoken, who being dead, the Earl married with Marguerite the daughter of Adolph Earl of Cleves, by whom he had no children.  
In the year 1389. died Arnold of Horn bishop of Liege, his body was transported 
1389. john of Bavaria, son to Cont Albert made bishop of Liege.  to Horn, and buried with his fathers. After whose death the Chapter did choose Thierry of the Mark, who refused it; and therefore john of Bavaria, son to Cont Albert of Holland, being but sixteen years old, and at that time Chanoine of Cambray, was chosen in his place, and in the year 1390. he was conducted to Liege by his father, and William Earl of Osteruant his elder brother, with many Princes and Noblemen, accompanied with about 1200. horse, where he was honourably received by the Dean and Chapter.  
In the year 1392. on Saint Maurice eve, Anne of Poelgeest, daughter to the siegnior 
1392. The murder of Cont Albert's concubine and of his Steward.  john of Poelgeest a squire, minion to Cont Albert, was slain at the Hage. William Kuyser Steward to the Earl (seeking to defend and preserve her,) was also slain with her by the same murderers, who fled presently after out of the country. Of which murder there did rise great scandal and trouble in Holland, for the siegneor Conrard Kuyser father to the said William, made great instance and pursuit unto the Earl, demanding justice of them that had murdered his son, or caused him to be murdered or slain treacherously, in the night, with an intended purpose, without striking stroke, in the open Court, and doing his Prince service. Of which murder he did blame (as the 
Noblemen 〈◊〉 for th●…●…ther.  chief the lord Philip Vicont of Leyden, Didier lord of Asprens & his son. Two young ge●…lemē brethren of Leck. Henry Vicont of Montfort, john sieignior of Heemsted, john of Vlyet, Philip of Pola●…en, the siegneor of Duyvenwoord, the siegnior of Warmount and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen, to the number of 54. The Earl sitting in justice with them of his privy council, granted a personal adiournment against all the said lord●…; and for not appearing they should be banished out of the county of Holland. And for their contumacy, not daring appear, they were condemned to have forfeited body and good, and for this occasion they retired to Cont William of Osteruant, 
Th●… 〈◊〉 ●…men 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  eldest son to Cont Albert, who loved them, and held them in great esteem, which made him to seek all the means to purge them of these murders, and to reconcile them to hi●… father, who would by no means give ear unto it. The son●…e (discontented at this repulse hearing also that his father would seize upon him (departed from the Hage, being accompanied by all the said noblemen, and came to the castle of Altena in South-Holland, which castle Cont Albert had before of the lord of Horn, and had given it unto the Earl of Osteruant his son. The other noblemen which remained at the Hage with the Earl, instead of moderating things, and pacifying his wrath, did incense him more and more, by bad reports and false sug●…estions, animating the father all they could against the son, among the which, one of the principal was, john of Arckell lieutena●…t and treasurer general of Holland. The Earl being resolute to chase his son, with these other noblemen (that were already banished) out of his countries ●…ied a great number of men in Holland Zeeland, and Friesland, of all qualities, and of his ordinary ga●…sons: with the which he sent the siegnior Conrade Kuyser, to ruin all the caste's and country-houses of the banished noblemen, Conrade thrust on with a re●…enging spirit, did willingly undertake this charge, and first of all he destroyed 
The mu●…her revenged.  Heemstede, Warmont and Paddenpoel by Leyden; all belonging to the said vicont of ●…e den, (who afterward, was called Nonnenpoel.) The Earl marched with the rest of his forces up the river of Merwede, and arrived on Saint Peter's day the same year 1●…93 at Gortichom, where he was honourably received by the lord ●…co of Arckel: the next day he passed by Wandichom, and so went to Altena, the which he 
〈◊〉 Co●…●…bert 〈◊〉 Alte●….  did invest round about, and besieged it very straightly. The Earl of Osteruant his son, understanding of his coming, was retired, but before his departure, he had well furnished the place of all things necessary for a siege, as well for defence, as to offend; with the which he hoped the said lords with their people might well defend the place. The Earl did all he could to batter it, break down, and overthrow the towers and walls, doing great harm, and annoying the besieged very much. During this siege 
Th●… Earl his son 〈◊〉.  john of Bavaria, chosen bishop of Liege, son to the Earl, with those of his council, and some noblemen, and councillors of the country of Henault, came to the camp before Altena where the said bishop did mediate an accord betwixt his father and his 
The bishop of L●…ge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 t●…e fa●…her and the son.  brother, comprehending the noblemen that were besieged; by the which it was said, that the said besieged should yield up the place, and have their lives and goods saved, with liberty to go freely to the town of Boisleduc to the Earl, who attended them there. Cont Albert having this castle, caused it to be ruined all, but the two great towers: and Cont William giving place to his father's indignation, retired himself into 
The Earl of 〈◊〉 re●…s into 〈◊〉.  France to king Charles the sixth: where being in the year 1395. set at the king's table with many Princes and Barons, there came a Herald or King at Arms, who cut the cloth before him, sa●…ing, that it did not belong to any one, (how great a prince soever) to sit at the King's table, if he had not arms and a scutcheon. The Earl answered 
An affront done to the 〈◊〉 of Oste●…t the King's 〈◊〉.  that he had them as well as any other. Then there was an old Herald by which said; pardon me sir, for Cont William your great uncle, was not only vanquished by the Frisons, but lies yet (without any revenge taken) buried among his enemies. The Earl being ashamed thereat, from that time forward did nothing but dream by what me●…es he might repair this disgrace, and so retiring out of France much troubled, he came into Henault. And for that he durst not show himself boldly before his father, he writ secretly unto him of the affront that had been done him in France, beseeching him most humbly that he would be pleased to advise, how he might revenge himself and all his race of such a disgrace. Cont Albert hearing these news, said; This dishonour shall never be more reproached to me, nor to my children: for I will (if it please God) go myself in person the next year into Friesland, and demand the body of Cont William 
The son & all the noblemen reconciled to Cont Albert.  mine uncle, bring back his arms, and revenge his death. Soon after the son was reconciled to the father, and all the Noblemen that were with him, who went all together to the court of Holland at the Hage.  
The year following 1396. Cont Albert having resolved to make war against the 
1396.  Frisons, levied a mighty army, as well out of his own provinces, as out of France, England, and Germany, in the which there were many Princes, Earls, and Barons, and a goodly troup of choice men at arms. The chief of his hereditary provinces were William Earl of Osteruant, his eldest son, john bishop of Liege his youngest son, and Albert 
The chief of the Earls ar●…e.  lord of Nubingen his middle son: the chief of the French troops were the Earl of Saint Pol, the Earl of Namur, and the Admiral of France: of the English, the lord Scales, and of the Germans the Earl of Solms. The Noblemen of Holland, Zeeland, and Westfriseland, were Guy Earl of Blois, john Lord of Arckell, lieutenant of Holland, john of Brederode, Philip vicont of Leyden, Lord of Wassenare, the siegniors of Asprens, Sevenberghe, Drongelon, Henckelom, Leydenburch and Waerdenburch, with many other Knights and Gentlemen. Their rendezvous was at the Hage, where all these nobles attending the preparation of the army, spent the time in iousts, tourneys, and other goodly exercises of war, to address themselves in arms, and to harden themselves to labour.  
On Sunday after the feast of the Ascension, Cont Albert arrived with all his forces at 
Cont Albert enters into Friesland with a mighty army.  Enchuysen, where 3000. ships, and 4000 barks did attend him to pass into Friesland, where there is but four or five leagues to cross. In this voyage the Earl made many knights, among others Floris of Alcmada, and Gerard of Voort, Hollanders. He had 180000. men well armed, with the which he entered by Cuindert into Friesland. The Frisons of Stellingwerf hearing him to approach, gathered together all the men they could out of their own villages, and from their neighbours, and with a valiant resolution went to encounter him, the day that Saint john Baptist was beheaded. The Earl charged them, the encounter was furious, and the combat cruel and bloody, when they came to join: There was many a man overthrown, many heads, arms, ears, and legs cut off, targets 
A crue●… ba●…taile.  head-pieces broken, with the weight of battleaxes; with hideous and fearful cries of men wounded and dying. In the end the Frisons not able to withstand so great a multitude, were broken and put to flight, some here, some there, so many men, so many ways, 
The Frisons defeated.  who thinking to save themselves by the marshes and quagmiers, many were smothered and drowned there. Others flying by the ordinary highways, were pursued and taken, whereof there were fourteen hundred prisoners.  
After this first victory Cont Albert sent Peter Beets son to Didier Beets a Knight with them of Amsterdam, of Westfrisland, of Kennemer and Waterlandt, up the river of Lanwere, to assail the Frisons on that side, and give them another battle: The which being discovered by them, they planted themselves in such great numbers upon the sea shore, to hinder the Hollanders landing, as no man durst offer to go to land: but they lay still at anchor to keep the Frisons from putting to sea. In the mean time the Earl marched with the body of his army towards Staveren, and from thence through Gheesterlandt, to Saint Odolphus cloister, to advise which way he might best assail and subdue the Frisons; who (notwithstanding that they lamented their first losses) gathered together new troops, being resolved to hazard a second battle against the Hollanders. The Earl 
A second battle, and the Frisons defeated.  seeing his enemy ready to fight, having put his army in good order, went first to the charge, and there was a second battle given which the Frisons lost. The Earl remaining master of the field, caused his tents and Pavilions to be pitched, and stayed there ten days, to see if the enemy would come to seek him. During which time not any one presented himself, every man redoubting his power. During this abode, there were certain Englishmen (notwithstanding the Earls express defence) which would go and discover and skirmish with the enemy. Being two leagues from the camp, they set fire on certain villages, and laded themselves with booty, thinking to return to their quarter: the Frisons lying close in their ambushes, seeing them approach, discovered themselves of all 
A brave skirmish betwixt the ●…nglish & the Frisons.  sides. The English men being not much amazed, put themselves in good order, retiring gently, fight with their arrows and slings: but the multitude of Frisons was so great (for that their numbers increased continually) as the English began to defend themselves, casting themselves into a near fort, which they made good against the Frisons, 
The English besieged by the Frisons.  who held them there besieged all the rest of the day and the night following. The Earl understanding the danger in which the Englishmen were, entreated the towns of Holland to go thither, and to ungage them: some of them answered, That if their Prince went with them, and marched before, they would follow him. The Earl hearing this answer, said to them of Delse. Go you and ungage them. At this commandment the Delphois made him a modest answer. My Lord although you have heretofore destroyed us, yet for the 
A brave answer of the Delph●… to Cont Albert  love of you we will willingly goc and succour them, or die all in the enterprise: beseeching you to remember this service, when any good occasion is offered. Hereupon they marched directly towards the Frisons. The English seeing that succours came unto them, issued out of their fort, and came to charge them on the one side, and those of Delfe on the other with such fury, as in a short time there were 400. Frisons slain upon the place, the rest flying away, fearing lest the whole army should come upon them. After this rout, the Delfois 
The English degaged by the Delphois.  and English entered farther into the country, spoiling and burning all they encountered, and killing all that came against them. The Earl seeing these fires, was assured of the victory, for the which he greatly commended them of Delfe. Then he caused a mighty Block-house in form of a citadel to be built in the town of Staveren, the which he did furnish with all kind of munition and instruments for war, and having manned it with a good garrison and provision of victuals, he divided his army into divers parts, to set upon the remainder of the Frisons in divers places, and by that means to subdue 
The Frisons subd●…ed.  them, ●…s he did soon after, forcing them to sue for mercy, to submit themselves under his obedience, and to acknowledge him for their sovereign Lord.  
After that the Frisons had promised and sworn to entertain the articles and conditions that the Earl should impose upon them, and that they had made him authentical letters thereof. The Earl sent one of his chief Knights, with many Nobles and Gentlemen to the abbey of Fleurchamps (since called Oudeclooster) to bring away the body 
The body of cont William fetch●… out of Friesland, and buried at Valenciennes.  of Cont William, sometimes Earl of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, Lord of Friesland, the which they brought with his arms and blazon. This done he retired into Holland, from whence he sent the said body to Valenciennes in Henault, where it lies with his ancestors.  
Soon after in the year 1398. the Frisons having broken the peace and accord made 
1398. 〈◊〉 Frisons rebel again.  betwixt them and the Earl of Holland; having rebelled again, and chased the garrison of Hollanders out of Staveren, and out of all places thereabouts: Cont Albert levied an army, with the which he went to Horn and to Enchuysen, being resolved to return into Friesland, and there to stay until he had wholly subdued them. But he was advised not to go himself in person, but rather to give the charge of his army to Cont William of Osteruant his son, making him his Lieutenant and General, with john of Arckel, john of Brederode, Arnold of Egmond, with many other Barons for his Captains, followed 
The Earl sends his son against the Frisons.  by many Knights and Gentlemen of Holland. Cont William being entered into Friesland passed by Geesterland with his troops, and as they approached to Hindeloopen, the Frisons advanced to charge them, and the Hollanders received them so valiantly, as at the first encounter they slew 300. upon the place, the rest seeing their companions so ill entreated, turned their backs and fled. After this happy encounter, the Hollanders overrunning the country, spoiled and burnt many villages and gentlemen's houses: then they went and camped before Staveren, the which they besieged so by land and by water, as nothing 
Staveren besieged and yielded to the Earl of Osteruant.  could go in nor pass out, and they did batter it in such sort, as in the end they were forced to yield to the Earl's mercy, delivering unto him the chief men of the town for Hostages and assurance of their treaty. This town being thus yielded, all the Frisons both in towns and country, fearing their ruin, came to Staveren to the Earl to sue for mercy, offering to make reparations for what was passed. The Earl ask the opinion of his Noblemen, made a peace with them, upon condition to acknowledge the Earl of 
The Frisons subdued.  Holland for their Prince and natural Lord: and that every house of the country of Friesland should pay yearly unto the Earl of Holland for ever, six solz Tournois, nor to be 
Seven pence fa●…thing o●… thereabo●…s English money.  redeemed for ever for reparation of their rebellion. The which was sworn and confirmed by letters. This done, he appointed Bailiffs and other officers in his father's name, and his successors Earls of Holland, to administer justice unto them for ever. Then he returned a conqueror into Holland. But it was mere folly to think that this treaty could continue long: so impatient are the Frisons of all servitude, or to be commanded by any other than their own nation; it was therefore soon broken: for the year following 1399. they returned to their accustomed rebellion, refusing to entertain the said 
A new revolt of the Frisons.  accord, (for they still found some pretended cause of exception) chase away the officers which had been established by the Earl of Osteruant: fortified the village of Mol●…kenhuyse (now called Molckweer) where they made some barricadoes and blockhouses against them of Staveren, who for their parts would entertain their accord. Some other Frisons besieged the town of Dockum, to chase away the Hollanders.  
Cont Albert of Holland hearing of this reiterated rebellion, levied men from all parts, both out of his own countries, and from his neighbours and strangers to make an army; of the which he made the Earl of Osteruant his son, general, being accompanied with these lords, john of Bavaria bishop of Liege his second son: john lord of Arckel: Arnold of Egmond, lord of Yselstein. Philip vicont of Leyden: Walraven lord of Brederode, and many other Noblemen, Barons and Knights, with the which and his whole army he arrived at Amsterdam the first day of May the same year, where they did embark and went to land at the town of Staveren, in the which town and thereabouts he lay camped six weeks together. The Frisons (knowing that this mighty army was so near 
The Frisons submit themselves again.  them) were much troubled, and sent to the Earl of Osteruant to sue for mercy, promising unto him in his father's name, all obedience, fealty and homage. The Earl with his Noblemen past a water which they called Opt-wat, and from thence with the ships and barks which they had at Staveren, they came the same night to Sesbyrum, and to Bolswaert, where they lodged that night and refreshed themselves. There fell out a quarrel betwixt Floris of Alcmade, and Gerard Boel of Heemskerke, both Knights. Floris hurt 
A private quarrel betwixt two Knights of Holland.  Gerard in the forehead with his dagger, in the presence of all the Princes and Noblemen: yet to avoid a greater inconvenience, by the commandment of the two Princes brethren, they were forced to agree, and to drink one unto another the same night: for that at the same instant there came a knight of Friesland called Gerard of Cammega, who did secretly advertise the Earl of Osteruant, that the Frisons were resolved to come the same night and charge the Hollanders suddenly in their quarter, as it happened about an hour before the break of day. The Frisons coming with fearful and terrible cries to charge them; Cont William and john of Bavaria had before put their men in good order of battle, and marched bravely to encounter them. Day being come, both armies 
A battle wherein the Frisons were defeated.  charge, and in the beginning the combat was very fierce, but in the end the Frisons were quite defeated, with great loss of their men, the rest saved themselves as well as they could.  
After this victory, the Earl raised his camp, and came the same day with all his army to Dockingen, the which he did furnish with victuals, munition for war, and a good 
The Earl of Esteruant proceeds against the Frisons, many s●… for mercy.  garrison, against the Frisons thereabouts. Two days after he went with his troops to Lanen, where he lodged five weeks, to see what the Frisons would do. During which abode, many of them came unto him and sued for mercy: who after they had taken the oath of fealty and obedience, he received them into grace; causing all the villages that would not do the like, to be spoiled and burnt, whereby his soldiers got great spoil. Then came they of Groninghen, who did promise to him and swear in the name of the Earl of Holland his father, fealty and homage, acknowledging him for their sovereign 
The Groeningeois acknowledge him for prince  Lord. But they kept not long their faith nor promise: for soon after with the other Frisons they set upon the Hollanders, even whilst that Cont William was yet in Friesland, and laid ambushes to surprise him, using all the means they could to break and ruin his army. About that time a great number of Frisons being in field, in a certain place, where there was but a little water to cross betwixt their camp and the Earls, they laboured to fill it up in the night with faggots, bavins, hay, straw and turf, that 
The Frisons think to surprise the earl but in vain.  they might pass through it, and so assail the Hollanders camp: but this work being discovered, the English with some Frisons of the Earl's part, went and charged them in another place, which disappointed their work, so as they could not pass. There was among the English a Captain called Panthere, which did wonders, putting the enemies to slight, with the loss of ten of his men only. This done, Cont William of Osteruant, made Floris of Alcmada (one of his chief Captains) his lieutenant in Friesland, and Gerard of Egmond siegnior of Wateringhe, brother to the Lord of Egmond, Governor of Staveren, and then he returned a conqueror into Holland.  
In the year 1400. the Frisons seeing the Earl of Osteruant retired with all his 
1400. The Frisons rebel again.  army out of their country, and that by his father's commandment he was gone into Henault; notwithstanding all their accords and oaths; they rebelled the third time. And as part of their country and the town of Staveren were maintained under the guard of the said siegneors of Alcmada and Egmond, having at that time a garrison of Hollanders in the said town: The Frisons being armed and in field, went to besiege them. Albert Earl of Holland, father to Cont William, wondering at this ordinary rebellion 
They besiege the town of Staveren.  of the Frisons (enemies to all sovereign command) levied a new army of choice men, giving the charge and command thereof to Arnold of Egmond Lord of Yselstein, and to Walraven Lord of Brederode, whom he sent into Friesland, to free the town of Staveren from siege, assoon as these Noblemen had passed the seas with their troops, the Frisons fled, and vanished away like smoke; every one saving himself as 
They fly at the coming of the Earl's army.  he could. The siege being thus raised, the Hollanders returned into their country, except the Lord of Brederode who stayed in Friesland with his horsemen. Soon after the garrison of Hollanders that was in Staveren, would make an enterprise in the night upon the fort which the Frisons held at Molckweer near unto their town, but they could not effect it, for that the Lord of Brederode was sore hurt there and taken 
The Lord of Brederode hurt and priso●…r.  prisoner, whereof being half cured, and having no great guard about him, he found means to escape without danger.  
In the year 1401. Cont Albert would have john of Arckel (who had been his lieutenant 
1401.  and treasurer general of Holland) to give an account as well of the government which he had dealt in, as of the treasure which he had managed. The Lord of Arckel (a proud man, and relying upon his forces) refused to do it. Whereat Cont Albert being much displeased, referred the matter to the Earl of Osteruant his son: who 
A great contention betwixt Cont Alo●… & the lord of Arckel  presently caused all the lands and siegneuries of the said Lord of Arckel to be forfeited, as Haestrecht, Vlyest, Stolwyk, and many other villages, causing him to be adjourned to appear in person, and for contumacy to banish him the country of Holland. The which did so much transport the Lord of Arckell, as he durst presume to send a cartel of defiance unto Cont Albert, the which he received at the castle of Nyenbourg 
He defies Cont Albert.  near unto Alcmar. And soon after the said lord of Arckel entered suddenly with an army into Holland, thinking to surprise the town of Oudewater, but his enterprise was discovered in time by the Bourgesses. Having failed of this, he went to besiege the castle of Ghissenburch, the which he forced and spoiled. Then he came to Werckendam into the which he shot fire, and burned it, passing on he went to Ablasserdam, where he burned some poor men's houses. Having done all this, he sent another Cartel of defiance to the Earl of Osteruant, the which was presented unto him in the 
He defies the Earl of Osteruant.  presence of Philip the Hardy Duke of Bourgongne. The Earl received this cartel with a cheerful countenance, made the messenger or Herald good cheer, and gave him some crowns, commanding him expressly to say unto his master; That it was in his power to defy him, but it would be one day in his power to pardon him, or not. Soon after the Earl went to his father at the Hage. The year following the Lord of Arckel past the river of Leck with his troops, and entered into Krimpen-waert, the which he spoiled and burnt, carrying away a great booty. But thinking to enter with all this pillage into his town of Gorrichom: those of Dordrecht and Schoonhoven being advertised, went to arms, as also all the villages of that quarter, came to Nyeuport to rescue the prey. Those of Arckel having no other passage, were charged by the Hollanders, who making a stand there were 24. peasants overthrown at the first, and Gerard of Lyesuelt 
The Lord of Arckel braves the Hollanders.  Knight, Water Simons, Adrian Wittens, Gerard Mobbout, Hugh l' Imager, Bourgeses of Dordrecht, Bourchard and john Robrechts', Bourgesses of Schoonhoven, seven rich countrymen of Leckerkercke, and five of Scheruelandt, were taken prisoners, who notwithstanding any resistance were carried into Gorrichom.  
Seven or eight days after, those of Rotterdam and Schyedam took arms, and went into the Lord of Arckels country, spoiling and burning all where they passed, and so returned 
The Hollanders take ●…r revenge.  home laden with spoil. Afterwards the Earl of Osteruant put in arms the citizens of Harlem with the Kennemers, those of Leyden and the Rhynlanders; those of Amsterdam with the Waterlanders and Goylanders, the which he sent under the command of Henry of Wassenare Vicont of Leyden, into the territory of Arckel, commanding him to spoil and burn it. These troops spoilng the country thus, came before the town of Hagenstein, the which they did batter and assail, but they could no other thing, but ruin the suburbs, and a Mill joining unto the town, and then returned with their prey through the jurisdiction of the Lord of Vianen. The Lord of Arckel mad with rage to see his country so destroyed, to have his revenge, 
The Lord of Arckel burns Nyeuport in Holland.  went to besiege the town of Nyeuport on the opposite bank to Schoonhoven, the which he took by force, and burnt to the ground.  
After that the Earl of Osteruant had in many places spoiled the lands and signiories of the Lord of Arckel, the Earl of Holland to make a final end, resolved to go 
The Earl of Osteruent besiegeth Gorrichom.  and besiege the town of Gorrichom, the ordinary residence of the Lord of Arckel, and from whence he so much braved the Hollanders. And in the year 1403. he levied an army out of his countries of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, Friesland, England, and many other nations, from whence he drew a great number of soldiers. Adolph Duke of Cleves; the Bishop and those of Vtrecht, did also defy the lord of Arckel; who seeing so many enemies ready to assail him, he called to his succours the Earl of Vernenburch, and the Earl of Dalhem, the siegniors of Steenwoerde, of Rheyda and of Hoemoel, brethren to the Earl of Catzenellebogen, the signors of Vrericke, of Berghen, and of Dyckelen, the signors of Cryekenbeeck, of Boetselaer, of Ranst, and his brethren of Ysendoorn, of Zeelen, and his brethren, of Schonhauwen, of Lyenden, of Vayrick, of Nyenstein, Bastard of the house of Arckel, of Soelen, of Auesart, of Myllinck, and of Vueren, all Knights, and many other Gentlemen of the countries of juilliers and Geldres.  
Cont Albert pursuing his first resolution, caused his army to march into the country of Arckel, and to besiege the town of Gorrichom, where he took his quarter upon 
Cont Albert comes in person to the siege of Gorrichom.  the north dike, betwixt the village of Arckel and the town. Adolph Duke of Cleves, with Walraven of Brederode, and those of the towns of Holland, and some English, camped on the East side of the town and Castle. Those of Vtrecht planted themselves towards the North, in a place called Tuistschild: The Hannyvers and South-Hollanders lay lodged upon the South: the Zelanders and Frisons had their quarter upon the West, dispersed here and there. The camp being thus divided, the Engines of battery were planted against the Castle, the which was battered in such sort, as the greatest tower was beaten down, and the besieged were much annoyed with arrows, which came as thick as hail into the town: many houses were beaten down with the violence of their engines of battery, shooting confusedly to breed a terror among the inhabitants. The Noblemen, Gentlemen, and soldiers, defended themselves valiantly at all assaults, repulsing their enemies, and doing their best endeavours to repair their walls, and fortify themselves within. One night among the rest the siegniors of Reyda and Hoemet, with some Gentlemen and choice soldiers, made a sally upon the Zelanders and Frisons, whom they charged so suddenly and so furiously, as they disordered 
A brave sally of the besieged upon the Zelanders & Frisons.  them, and troubled all their quarter, at which charge there was taken of the Zelanders and Hannyvers, Floris of Borssele, Floris of Aubeau, Nicholas Reytwyinck of Romerswael, the siegniors of Lodyke, of Bauduin, and Floris of Borssele brethren, William of Reynts, Philip of Eueringhen, and john bastard of Borssele, with ninety soldiers, and William of Romerswael was sore wounded, whereof he died soon after, and was buried in the church of Gorrichom. Soon after, some Captains, Gentlemen and soldiers, made another sally upon the Duke of Cleves quarter, where there was a furious fight, and many died on either side: yet they of the town carried away with them Walraven of Brederod, and giles Schenck Knights: Steven of Berenbrooke, jacob Schicker, Peter Potter, Hugh Post, and many other Gentlemen and soldiers.  
another time there issued forth William of Ysendorne, and Arnold of Schoonhauven Knights: John Hopper, Thomas Westerdale, john Croextough, David Carmerdin, and Thomas Herfort Captains, with many Gentlemen & soldiers, who on Saints john's day, fell upon the Hannyvers quarter; but they were bravely received and withstood, so as they were forced to retire, and were pursued into their Ports. During this siege the Earl of Osteruant sent some troops into the jurisdiction of Schoonrevoert, the which the more to vex the Lord of Arckel, he caused to be burnt, & carried away many peasant's prisoners. This siege having continued three months, john of Bavaria bishop of Liege, son to 
An accord made betwixt the Earl of Holland and the Lord of Arckel.  the Earl of Holland, Arnold of Leydenburch, and Haeke of Outheusden Knights, came to the Earl's camp, the which did mediate an accord betwixt him and the Lord of Arckell; by the which it was said, that Albert Earl of Holland, and Cont William of Osteruant his son, should enter into the town, and the Lord of Arckel should kneel down before them and ask them forgiveness: besides that the Banner of Holland should be planted a whole day upon the castle of Gorrichom, which conditions being fulfilled, the camp did rise, and every man went to his own home.  
At that time there was a great tempest at Sea, with exceeding high tides, the which 
A seawoman found in Holland.  did drown many villages in Friesland and Holland; by which tempest there came a Seawoman swimming in the Zuyderzee betwixt the towns of Campen and Edam, the which passing by the Putmerie entered into the strait of a broken Dike in the Purmermer, where she remained a long time, and could not find the hole by which she entered, for that the breach had been stopped after that the tempest had seized. Some country-women and their servants, who with Barks of Edam, did daily pass the Pourmery to milk their Kine in the next pastures, did often see this woman swimming upon the water, whereof at the first they were much afraid: but in the end being accustomed to see it often, they viewed it nearer: and at last they resolved to take it if they could. Having discovered it; they rowed towards it, and drew it out of the water by force, carrying it in one of their Barks unto the town of Edam. When she had been well washed and cleansed from the sea Moss which was grown about her, she was like unto another woman, she was appareled, and began to accustom herself to ordinary meats like unto any other, yet she sought still means to escape & to get into the water, but she was straightly guarded. They came from far to see her. Those of Harlem made great suit to them of Edam to have this woman, by reason of the strangeness thereof. In the end they obtained her, where she did learn to spin, and lived many years (some say fifteen) and for the reverence which she bore unto the sign of the Cross, whereunto she had been accustomed, she was buried in the churchyard. Many persons worthy of credit have justified in their writings, that they had seen her in the said town of Harlem. For the rareness whereof, & for that the Chronicle of Holland doth also make mention thereof, we would not here omit it. About this time through these tempests & swellings of the sea, the entries of the rivers of Tessel & the Fly were enlarged, the which before were but small channels, so as since the navigation hath grown easy betwixt the Island of Tessel and Wyernighe, and the towns of Medenblike and Euchuysen, and so by the Zuyderzee to sail into the North sea, as they do at this day.  
In the year 1404. on S. Paul's day in winter, the most famous Prince Albert duke of Bavaria 
1404. Duke Albert of Bavaria Earl of Holland dies.  Earl of Holland, Henault & Zealand, and Lord of Friesland died, after that he had governed the said countries 46. years, that is 19 as Tutor to his brother Cont William that was mad, and 27. years as his heir, Prince & Lord of the said conntries. He was interred at the Hage in Holland, by the lady Marguerit his first wife, on the side of the great Altar, under one tomb. Besides his lawful children he had two bastards, Andrew which was borne at Papendrecht, and William siegneor of Schagen a Knight. From whom are issued the late Lords of Schagen.   

WILLIAM THE 6. OF THAT NAME, the 27 Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, and Earl of Henault.  
27 Guilielmus Bavarice.  
I wasted Friesland, and despoiled Liege,  
I troubled Gelder's, both with camp and siege,  
Helped of the Delphois, my great uncles bones,  
Is rescued out of foreign Rhegions,  
My first wife was the Daughter of a King,  
My second from the Burgundy Throne did spring;  
At Ualenciennes I died thirteen years reigning,  
My predecessors Tomb, my bones containing.  
WILLIAM of Bavaria, Earl of Osteruant, after the decease of Duke Albert of Bavaria his father, was the 27. Earl of Holland, etc. Being but young, he took to wife the daughter of Charles the fifth King of France, who made him Knight before Dam in Flanders, this wife died young. Afterwards he married the daughter of john, son to Philip the hardy, Duke of Bourgongne, Earl of 
Cont William's wives & children.  Flanders and Arthois, by whom he had one only daughter named jaqueline, (whom the Dutch call Iacoba●…) who was borne in the year 1401. on Saint james his day. This Prince was warlike and much feared, of a tall stature, a goodly parsonage, wise, discreet in war, victorious, a great justicer, and a giver of alms.  
In the year 1404. john of Bavaria bishop of Liege, brother to William Earl of Holland, etc. being chased out of the town of Liege, for that he would not be a Priest: 
1404. The town of Liege ●…ned for their Bishop's pleasure  employed the succours of john Duke of Bourgongne, who had married his sister, against the Liegeois, which Duke came in person, and burned the City of Liege, with the Churches and Monasteries, and slew Priests, men, women and children, to the number of 36000. souls, according to the Chronicles of Germany.  
In the year 1405. William of Y sendorn levied men in the Lord of Arckels name, 
1405. The Lord of Arckel breaks the pe●…ce.  with a part whereof (being disguised in the habit of merchants,) he went on a Shrove-twesday to the town of Wandrichom, where making a shewto ask leave of the Tollgatherer to pass with their ship and goods, they seized upon a gate, and slew the master of the Toll. This done, they spoilt the town, burned it, and returned into Gorrichom 
His men spoil Wandrichom.  (being distant but a quarter of a league) with a good number of prisoners of the best of the town. The Earl of Holland being displeased that the Lord of Arckel had thus broken the peace, which had been concluded a little before at the instance of the Bishop of Liege his brother, thought to be revenged. He first renewed his league with the bishop of Vtrecht; then he levied an army of Hollanders, Zeelanders, Hannyvers, Frisons and Traiectins, with the which he went and besieged the towns and Castles of Gasprens, Hagenstein, and Euerstein, being one distant from another about a quarter of a league, whereof that of Euerstein is now fallen into the river of Leck. On the other 
The Earl make●…●…rre ●…nst the lord of Arckel  side the Lord of Arckel manned the town of Gasprens and the Castle of Hagenstein with good garrisons, putting into them john vander Hoenne, Allard Pufflyet, Lucas of Botselaer, William of Lyenden, john of Arckel siegnior of Soelen, and john bastard of Arckel. In the Castle of Euerstein were the siegneors of Bronkhuysten and Hoochstraeten, William Banst, and Henry of Nyenstein bastard brother to the said Lord of Arckel, with a good garrison of soldiers. Cont William made three Bulwarks or Blockhouses, the one above the Castle of Euerstein, towards the river of Leck, the which he caused to be compassed in with a Palissadoe, so as no victuals could pass that way: and the other two were built on either side of the town of Gasprens and Hagenstein, causing a 
The Earl ●…esiegeth Hagenstein.  deep and large trench to be made from the one unto the other, to keep them off the town from succouring of the Castle, and to hinder them of the Castle from salleying forth. These two Bulwarks or forts, being finished and furnished with good Commanders and soldiers, and with all sorts of munition of war, and provision of victuals, the Earl returned into Holland. A while after, the Earl and bishop of Vtrecht concluded together, to force this town and castle: for the effecting whereof, the Earl went and camped there in person, and having planted three great engines of battery, he did strangely tear and ruin the town and castle of Hagenstein. The bishop with his 
The Bishop joins with the Earl and besiegeth Euerstein.  men besieged the castle of Euerstein, the which he annoyed with wonderful great stones, that were shot continually from his huge Crossbows. The Earl had environed the town with Bavins and Reeds mingled close together, so as no man could pass over nor under it. And as the winter was very sharp, and the ditches frozen and very thick with Ice; the Earl knowing that there was no great store of victuals in the town, prepared to pass over the Ice, and to attempt it by scaladoe, the which was 
An assault given to Hagenstein.  done, and the assault well defended. But john of Arckel, siegneor of Soelen, nephew to the Lord of Arckel, being slain with an arrow, they of the town fearing some greater inconvenience, yielded it up by composition to the Earl of Holland, who fired 
The town yielded and burnt to ashes.  both town and Castle, and would not depart until the last house was consumed to ashes, which they of Euerstein seeing, who in like sort were straightly besieged (their victuals beginning to fail them, so as they were forced to eat their horses) they did yield the same day to the Bishop's mercy, who in like sort caused it to be ruined to the 
Euerstein ruinated.  ground: the which (as they say) are now in the river of Leck.  
The Earl having done these exploits against the Lord of Arckel, returned to the Hage, his men being laden with the spoils of these Towns & Castles. Then there was a truce concluded betwixt the Earl and the bishop of the one part, and William of Arckel of the other, by the which john Lord of Arckel his father, was excluded. As 
A truce betwixt the lord of Arckels son and the Earl of Holland.  this war betwixt the Earl of Holland and the Lord of Arckel could not be appeased; the richest and most apparent persons of the country of Arckel, who were daily impoverished, could not forbear to murmur against their Lord; and the rather for that it was commonly reported among them, that the Earl had sworn never to pardon their Lord. William of Arckel his son was much troubled, to see his father oppose himself so obstinately against so mighty a Prince, persuading him often with lively reasons to reconcile himself with such great and mighty enemies, such as the Earl, the bishop of Vtrecht, and the Lord of Vianen were. This young Nobleman, seeing that he prevailed nothing, and that he could not mollify his father's hart, had pity of his subjects, who were so pitifully ruined without cause, through the obstinate wilfulness of their Lord; he parted discontented from his Father, and came to Gorrichom, where he laboured to draw the chief and richest of the town to be at his devotion, and to swear faith and loyalty unto him: among other john Gerrits Provost of 
The young lord of Arckel will make his peace with the Earl.  the town, Conrard, john, Arnold and Gerard of Haerlaer, four breth●…en, Ambrose Wouters and john van Donck, issued from a bastard of Arckel, being joined and united to their young lord, they concluded together, to treat a peace with the Earl, and to exclude the ●…d of Arckel his father, seeing he would so obstinately seek his own and his subjects ruin, without cause.  
At the same time the lord of Arckel was gone to Renald Duke of juilliers & Geldres 
The young lord of Arckel makes himself master of Gorrichom.  his wiue●… brother: during his absence, the young lord of Arckel his son, by the advice of the above named Gentlemen, deposed all the Magistrates, Councillors, and Officers of the town of Gorrichom, which his father had made, establishing a new Baylisse and judge, in the place of the old: the like he did at Lederdam, and in the castle. The Lord of Arckel (who knew nothing of all these practices) returning out of the country of juilliers, thinking to enter into Gorrichom, found the gates shut against him, refusing to give him entrance, the like was done unto him at the castle, From thence he ●…ent to Lederdam, where he had the same entertainment. Being in 
The Lord of Arckel shut out of the town and ●…stell of Gorrichom and Lederdam.  this perplexi●…ie the Lord of Arckel returned presently the same way he came into the country of Gelder's, without eating or drinking. But soon after he did write secretly unto his son by men of good judgement, of his council, who could handle this young Nobleman in such sort, as without taking any advice and council of the above named, and of the chief of the town, he went to Boisleduc, to reconcile himself unto his father. Whe●…evpon those chief men being discontented that he had made an accord 
The son reconciled to the father.  without their privity or advice, and that he would leave them engaged: at his return from Boisleduc, thinking to re-enter into Gorrichom, the gates were shut against him. This young Nobleman, finding himself debarred from entering into the town, turned 
The young Lord of Arckel excluded ou●… of Gorrichom.  head, and went to the Duke of juilliers his uncle. Being gone, those seven men sent certain deputies of quality unto the Earl of Holland, to require his aid and protection against the Lord of Arckel, in regard whereof they offered him all duty of homage and ●…ealty. The Earl being glad to win such a town and country without striki●…g stroke, and therewithal subdue his enemy with little labour, he came about Whitsuntide to Wandrichom, where he was received and feasted in the Castle, and acknowledged for lord of Arckel, confirming and ratifying the●…r privileges as well old as new. From thence he went to Gorrichom, and into the Castle, and into Leederdam, where he was likewise received for Lord of Arckel, and generally invested in all the country.  
The Lord of Asprens hearing that the Earl was at Gorrichom, came to meet him near unto Leederdam, doing him all honour and reverence: and seeing Conrard, john, 
The Lord of Aspren acknowledgeth the Earl of Holland.  Arnold, and Gerard van Haerlaer brethren, Ambrose Woutsersen & john Van Donck, whom the Earl had newly made Knights, with their collars of gold, wondering much, he said: My Lord, beware of these new Knights, for what they have done this day unto their Lord, they may do to morrow unto you. The Earl smiling made much of him, raising him up under the arm, he lead him to his lodging, where having feasted him, he returned into Holland. The Lord of Arckel and his son, devised by what means they might recover their inheritance. The Earl to preserve it, sent Philip van Dorp a Knight, with 500 men to guard Gorrichom. The young Lord of Arckel having with the help of his friends gathered some men together, came in the end of harvest, and attempted to pass the walls of Gorrichom near unto a Tower called the Tower Robert, (by scalado,) 
The young Lord of Arckel t●…s Gor●…hom by scaladoe.  which having effected, those of the guard hearing that it was their young Lord, leaving the rampart, fled here and there. This young Nobleman passing on, broke open the gate on the East side, and drew in his men with their colours flying, making great and fearful cries. The Burgesses that were affected unto him, turned presently on his side, and in this enterprise there was not any man hurt, but Henry Vander-streat, that was slain at the first entrance. The next day Didier le Cocque near kinsman to Ambrose Woutersen, had his head cut off. The rest that were opposite to the Lord of Arckel, leaping over the walls, escaped. This young Nobleman went presently to besiege the Castle of 
He ●…geth the ●…ell of Arckell.  Arckel, where the besieged expecting succours from the Earl of Holland, defended themselves valiantly.  
The Earl hearing of these surprises, levied men in all haste, and went to besiege Gorrichom; chase the young Lord first from his siege, and forcing him to retire into 
The Earl of Holland besiegeth Gorrichom.  Gorrichom. The Earl being fully resolved to force this town, called all the Gentlemen of his Provinces and Seigneuries, and required them of Vtrecht to assist him: On the other side Renold Duke of juilliers and Geldres, a man of a turbulent spirit, demanded 
The duke of Gelder's defies the Earl.  nothing more than some occasion to quarrel with the Earl, whom he sent to defy by a Herald with open letters, as he had presumed before to defy the French King: where the bishop of Liege brother to the Earl of Holland, employed his credit happily to make his peace with the said King, who else had ruined him. This Duke than came with an army, and camped not far from the town of Gorrichom. The inhabitants went forth in the night, & drew the victuals and munition which he had brought them into the town. The Earl hearing of the Duke's coming, raised his siege, and went and planted himself before the Chapel of Dalem upon the dike, right against the Geldrois, to offer them battle, the which was deferred for that night, in the which 
The duke re●… into his country.  the Geldrois did rise, and retired himself into his country. The Earl seeing him gone, went to continue his siege before Gorrichom, and after that he had well furnished the castle of Arckel and the places thereabouts, he returned into his country.  
A while after the Lord of Arckel and his son did transport unto Duke Renold of Gelder's, all the right and interest which they had to the town of Gorrichom, upon 
The father and son of Arckel transport their signory to the duke of Gelder's.  condition that it should never be dismembered from the Duchy of Geldres: for that the young Lord of Arckel was by his mother the only and sole heir apparent of the Dukedoms of juilliers and Geldres, and of the county of Zutphen: for that Duke Renold brother to his Mother, had not any children: and so the signory of Gorrichom was united to the Duchy of Geldres, which was the cause of great and continual wars betwixt the Hollanders and the Geldrois, foraging, spoiling, and burning one another. During the which the Hollanders did over run at one time as far as Brakel, Beets, Thieler-waert, Bomunelerwaert, and other places thereabouts. The Geldrois to have their revenge, came unto Heckhuysen. john of Croenenburch governor of Heusden, knowing them to be there, went with such men as he could get together, to encounter them, and did charge the Geldrois, although they were three for one, and at the first with great shouting, and fearful cries, (the fog and mist being so thick as they could 
〈◊〉 strange ●…oute.  not possibly discern them) he struck such a fear and amazement into them, as they fled, and with such speed, as they thought all the Hollanders had been at their heels. The Governor pursued them far, and brought home more prisoners Geldrois, than himself had lead soldiers to the field. This rout of the Geldrois, was strange and accidental, for many that thought to save themselves through the river, were drowned there: Among the rest there was one thing worthy of laughter: which was, that seven Geldrois, 
An Act worthy of laughter.  transported with fear, knowing not which way to fly in this thick fog, came in the end to the same village of Heeckhuysen, which before they had burnt, where they did hide themselves in a Hogsty: at night the Sow which had been wandering abroad all day, returning to her lodging, thrust and gronted at the door to enter: These hardy soldiers, thinking it had been their enemies that pursued them, began to cry out, we yield, we yield, kill us not, but take us prisoners; some countrymen, lamenting their precedent losses, hearing the cries, ran thither, and took them prisoners.  
The year following in Lent, the Earl of Holland caused a Fort to be made at Dalhem, beyond Lovestein, on the other bank of the river of Wahal, the which he manned 
1408  witha good garrison: yet before it was fully finished, the Duke of Geldres came with an Army, meaning to build one in the same place, but seeing that that of the Hollanders was in defence, he battered it and sought to source it: The Hollanders defended it valiantly, and notwithstanding all his attempts, finished their Fort: during this time john of Bavaria Bishop of Liege came into holland, and did mediate a Truce betwixt the 
Truce betwixt the Earl of Holland and the duke of Gelder's. Great war of the Liegeois against their bishop.  Earl of holland his brother, and the Duke of Gelder's for three years, the which con●…inued unto the year 1411.  
The Liegeois (as we have begun to show before) having chased away john of Bavaria their Bishop, did choose Henry of Parwis, for Governor of their Country, and for their Prince and Bishop, Henry of Parwis his son, expelling all the Chanoins, Curates and Priests, that would not acknowledge this new Prelate. john of Bavaria was then in Maestricht, whereas the Liegeois with their Governor and new elected Bishop went to besiege him, meaning to take him if they could. The Earl of Holland hearing of these news, went speedily to seek succours of the Duke of Bourgongne, his father in law, against the Liegeois. These two mighty Princes made an Army out of their Countries of Flaunders, Arthois, Henault, Holland, Zealand, Friesland and Vtrecht, with many strangers that came for pay, with the which they marched directly towards the country of Liege, to ungage the said bishop john out of Maestricht. The Earl of Holland, the Duke of Bourgongne, the Duke of Brabant his Brother, the Earl of Namur, and some other Noblemen and Barons, sent to defy the Lord of Parwis, and the elect Bishop his son, which done, they entered into the Country of Liege. There was a general Proclamation made, that all men that were able to bear Arms, were they Noble or ignoble, Clergy or Laymen, Masters or servants, should upon pain of death arm, to give battle to these Princes, upon a Sunday, the 23 of September. With this multitude (not to be numbered) the Lord of Parwis went to field, to go and encounter his enemies. Coming near unto the Village of Othey, they discovered the Colours and Standards of the Princes; who had the night before camped along the river jecoure, to march towards Maestricht, not thinking that the Liegeois had raised their Campe. The Princes seeing their enemies in front, disposed all their army in three Battalions. In the forward marched the Earl of Holland: The battle was led by the Duke of Burgongne: and the Earl of Namures commanded the Rearward. The Liegeois made but one body of their whole army. The two armies being thus in front one of another, ready to join, the 
A battle betwixt the Liegeois and the princes allied to the bishop.  lord of Parwis marking the earl of Holland by his arms in the head of the forward, said unto his men: Do you see the mount of Gold, if we can overthrow it, the poorest amongst us shall be clad in cloth of gold: but I fear we shall not. The Liegeois hearing this speech, asked him; If he who had brought them thither were afraid? No (answered he) I will march first, he that loves me, let him follow me. For this day we must either vanquish, or die.  
When thy approached, the arrows and stones slew thicker in the air, than hail; but it continued not long, before they came to handy blows and to join with their pikes, halberds, axes, masses, swords and courtelasses: the battle was exceeding furious. The Liegeois maintained it valiantly at the first charge, making a great sla●…ghter of the Hollanders. The Earl of Namur advancing with his reerward, charged the enemy in flank, and opened them, and yet they held together so close, as many were smothered. The Liegeois being thus opened upon the flanks, and charged in front and of every side, were pitifully entreated, and a great butchery made of them. There Henry of Parwis and the new elected Bishop his son were slain, with above 
A great defeat of the Liegeois. A revenge upon the mot●…s of this war.  40000. men, and a great number of prisoners. Among the which those laymen which had been the motives to expel their Bishop, john of Bavaria, were executed by the sword, and the Clergy men were put in sacks and cast into the river of Meuse. On the Earl of Holland's side, their died a very ancient Knight, called William Ʋander Poel, Bastard to Cont William, brother to the Empress Marguerit who was slain by the Frisons. The Bishop john of Bavaria was then at Maestricht, and had the same night news of this victory, whereof being exceeding joyful, he came the next day to his brother and the other Princes, and thanked them.  
Those of Tongres were also in arms; but they came to too late, and were defeated, and a great number slain: The Bishop and the Earl of Holland his brother, sent some Captains into the City of Liege, who in revenge of the injury done unto the Bishop, put to death many of the Chanoins, Priests and other Officers, which the elect Bishop had placed, the which were cast from the top of the bridge. Those from whom any Prebends and Benefices had been taken, for that they had held john of Bavarias' part, were restored to their dignities and offices: many notable Burgesses were executed. All their ancient Privileges, Rights, Freedoms and Statutes were burnt. Their Banners, Enseignes and Standards were first ignominiously torn in pieces, and then burnt, and beside the Liegeois were taxed at 200. thousand crowns of the sun for a fine, by means whereof (and acknowledging their old Bishop) the wars ceased in the country of Liege.  
In the year 1409. after this great victory, the Earl of Holland, went to the French kings Court, and did mediate a peace for john Duke of Burgongne, his father 
1409. The Earl of Holland reconciles the Duke of Bourgondie with the French king.  in law with the King, by reason of the homicide committed upon the person of Lewis Duke of Orleans, the king's brother: and so a peace was concluded betwixt them, whereat all France rejoiced and commended the Earl of Holland for so good a work.  
In the year 1410. the Truce between the Earl of Holland and the Duke of Gelder's, being expired, the Earl sent some ships of war into the Zuyderzee, to keep 
1410. The duke of Geldres and the Earl of Holland return●… to war.  them of Herderwyk and Elburch from going to sea. The Earl had also drawn into his league the town of Amersfort in the country o●… Vtrecht, to which town he gave many good Privileges and Immunities, for that it was always open unto him, and at his command; and did serve him as a place of arms, to enter by it into the Veluwe, and the country of Gelder's: On the other side, the Lord john of Arckel Captain of the Duke of Gelder's horse, by the Dukes command seized upon the castle of Hofeslaeken, & near unto it caused a Fort to be built against them of Amersfort, the which he manned with a good Garrison to defend the said Castle. One day among the rest, Hubert of Culenbourgh, john of Vianen, and Arnold of Eienburch, knights and captains of the Hollanders, issued forth with their men out of the town of Amersfort, to go and skirmish with them of the town and castle of Hoefslaeken. But the garrison of the one and the other knowing of their coming, abandoned both places. These Captains finding them empty and forsaken razed them: from thence they went to Nyekerke, the which they spoiled and fired, and so returned with their spoil into Amersfort.  
In the year, 1412. there was a peace made betwixt these two Princes, William of Bavaria Earl of Holland, and Renold Duke of Gelder's. By the which it was said: That 
1412. A peace betwixt these two Princes.  the Duke should yield unto the Earl the town of Gorrichom, with all the appurtenances that depended thereon and that he should cause the young Lord of Arckel, his cousin to do the like. Moreover it Was agreed, that the Earl should pay unto the Duke for the charges he had been at in the said Town, 100000. Crowns, and that the Duke should resign unto the said 
The Articles of peace.  young Lord of Arckel, the signory of Bron, the castle of Oyen, and seven villages depending thereon, with five thousand Florins of the Rhine of yearly pension, assigned him upon the towll or custom of Loebeck: the which was thus concluded, in the Town of Wyck-terduyr-sted: which done, William of Arckell transported unto the Earl of Holland, for himself and his heirs for ever, the town of Gorrichom, with all the country and Seigneorie of Arckell. And by that means the said Town and country, hath remained 
Gorrichom annexed to Holland. The duke of Gelder's and the Earl of Holland meet. An advertisement given unto the Earl.  annexed unto the Conty of Holland unto this day.  
These two Princes being by the means of this peace become good friends, the Duke of Gelder's accompanied with his chief Nobility, went to visit the Earl of Holland, who received him courteously and with great state, staying there some time and disporting themselves together in all sorts of mirth, feasts & pastimes. During this time there came one unto the Earl, that was a secret servant unto the Duke, advising him (in all duty) to beware of his secret enemies, which he had in his country, and of his own Vassals, who sought to attempt not only against his State, but also against his person. The which did somewhat trouble and perplex the Earl, not knowing who wished him so much evil.  
The Duke being returned into his country, Cont William of Holland had a like desire to go and visit him: the which he did, being well accompanied. The Duke knowing of his coming, went to meet him as far as the Velue, and received him with inestimable courtesies and welcomes, entertaining one another with great signs of love: his interview continued eight days. These Princes being once among the rest, feasting and drinking together, the Duke of Gelder's having his head full of wine, he said unto the Earl. Dear Cousin, it falls out now happily for you that we are so well reconciled 
The Duke's speeches confirm the former advertisement.  and good friends together. Why? (said the Earl) For, said he, if it were not so, you had been now my prisoner. The other answered: I cannot believe it. Without doubt, Cousin, said he of Gelder's, it had been so, and wonder not at it, for you have some of your chief vassals had been actors in it. These speeches being past, the Earl casting up his head, they ended the banquet merrily. The Earl (being returned into Holland) was still pensive, and wondered 
The Earl grows jealous of them of Egmond.  much who those might be, that would, or durst attempt any such thing against him, being their Prince. And as he called to mind, that in these last wars, john of Egmond had not served him, neither with his person, nor with his subjects, having refused to be enemy to the Duke of Gelder's, and that in five years space he had not come to the Court, but upon good warrants: the which the other Noblemen and knights had never demanded, he began to suspect and to have a bad conceit of him, and of the Lord of Yselsteyn his brother: yet at that time he made no show thereof, concealing it in his breast, until he had made some trial thereof, without attempting any thing rashly against them, that it might not be said, he had done them wrong.  
In the year 1414. the Frisons revolted again from the Earl of Holland, levied 
1414. The Frisons reuoult.  some men covertly, and came secretly by night and surprised the Town of Staveren, those that were in guard performing their duties ill, where they took many Hollanders, whom they put to ransom: which Town had been 13. years under the quiet command of the Earl of Holland. This revolt made the Frisons so odious unto Cont William as he resolved to suppress them in such sort, as they should never have more means to rise against him, nor against any others. But as at that time there fell out affairs of greater importance, he deferred the making of war against them until a better opportunity and season.  
In the year 1415. On Saint Katherine's day, as john Lord of Arckel returned from the funeral of Anthony of Burgongne, Duke of Brabant, passing by Arpenburgge he 
1415. The old lord of Arkel taken prisoner.  was surprised in a certain Ambuscado, which Didier vander Merwen, Lord of Sevenbergen, and Philip of Leck●… had laid for him, leading him into Holland, covered with a white cloak, of the Order of the Dutch Knights, to disguise him the better. Cont William was very glad of this prize, & came to the Hage, whether they said Lord was brought unto him: who sent him prisoner from thence to the Castle of la Goude, who afterwards was brought to Sevenberghe with a strait guard, where he was ten years a prisoner. Those of Brussels hearing that the said Lord of Arckell, (who was their Bourgeois) had been e●… taken up on the jurisdiction of Brabant, would with the help of other towns of the country (from whence they drew some men) go and take him away by force, out of his prison at Sevenberghe: but Duke john of Burgongne their Prince would not suffer it, nor enter into quarrel with the Earl of Holland, his son in law for that Lord's sake: during the time that the said Lord of Arckel was a prisoner, he was sometimes carried before Cont William and his Council, before 
The Lord of Arckel discovers who they were that practised against the Earl of Holland. The kinssolke of the Lord of Egmond offer to justify themselves.  whom he did protest it to be true; and declared by what means and by whom the Earl should have been delivered prisoner, unto Duke William of Geldres. The which the Earl dissembled for some reasons, keeping it secret in his breast, until it was time to discover it. As it was a common brute who should deliver him during the time that the Earl and Duke were in war, one against another: the kinsfolk and friends of the Lords of Egmond and Yselstein, hearing that this imputation was laid upon them, & upon all their house, would for the preservation of their honours, purge them from so foul an infamy, as a thing that touched them near, both in body and goods. john Lord of Egmond complained that therein they did him great wrong, knowing himself innocent of that wherewith he was generally taxed. Yet he protested to be always ready to justify himself, before the Earl of Holland, his Prince, so as he might have access unto him under safe conduit. The Earl being returned from a voyage which he had made into England with the Emperor Sigismonde, to mediate a peace betwixt the Kings of France and England: the kinsmen of the 
The Lord of Egmond adjourned to appear in person.  said Lord of Egmond, entreat him that he would grant the said safe conduit, that he might purge himself of those crimes in his presence, and before his Council. The which the Earl would have him do, and therefore commanded that he should be adjourned to appear in person within forty five days, to justify himself of such matters as should be laid against him. The Lord of Egmond, being thrice lawfully 
For not appearing he is banished, and his goods forfeited.  adjourned, and appearing not, was upon the third default for his contumacy, condemned by the Earl's council, to be attainted and convicted of treason, for the crimes and attempts objected against him, and to forfeit body and goods. According to which sentence all his goods, lands, and signiories were seized on, to the use and profit of the Earl, and of the County of Holland, an attachment granted for his person, and in case they could not find him, to be then banished for ever, out of the countries and jurisdictions of the Earldoms.  
This Lord of Egmond seeing himself thus entreated, retired unto his brother William of Egmond into his town or castle of Yselstein, with some soldiers which he had at his devotion. Soon after the Earl sent some Deputies of his Council to 
Iselsteyn summoned, and  summon the said town and castle, to yield unto his obedience: the which being refused, he presently caused a small army to be levied, whereof he sent the one half before Yselstein, and with the rest he went over towards Schonhoven, from whence he went to join with the other part, that he might besiege the castle on the other side: but the Lords, james of Gaesbeck, Hubert of Culemburch, and john of Vianen, nearly allied unto the house of Egmond, fearing that they would be the cause of the 
Yielded by them of Egmond.  ruin of their house, did labour for their reconciliation with the Earl, the which they obtained upon condition: that the said Lords of Egmond should depart with their goods out of Yselstein, and out of the Counties of Holland and Zeeland, whether they might neither go, nor come without the Earls express leave; which town and castle of Yselstein they did yield unto him absolutely with the Seigneorie, appurtenances and dependences. In consideration whereof, the Earl should pay yearly unto the said William of Egmond, six hundred Crowns of the Sun, and to the Lady Yoland their mother 800. crowns more yearly, the payments to remain to their heirs for ever, of the which authentical letters were drawn. And so Cont William was disposest of the said town, castle and Seigneorie of Yselstein. But since it was restored 
Iselsteyn restored since to them of Egmond.  to the said house of Egmond, of the which Maxmilian of Egmond Earl of Buren, was the last Lord of that name, whose daughter and sole heir, William of Nassau Prince of Orange took to his first wife, by whom he had Charles Philip of Nassau, now Prince of Orange, Earl of Buren, Cont of Iselstein, Saint Anneland, Saint martin's Dick, etc. and the Lady Anne of Nassau his sister, Contesse dowager of Hohenloo, 
To whom it doth now belong.  sister by the father's side to Prince Maurice of Nassau, at this day Governor, General and Admiral of the united Provinces of the Netherlands.  
Cont William of Holland, considering that being two and fitie years old, having 
The Earl causeth the Lady jaqueline, to be acknowled●…ed for hi●… only heir in his life time.  no heir but one only daughter, called jacoba or jaqueline, married to the Dolphin, son to Charles the sixth, King of France: assembled the Estates, Governors, Bailiffs and Officers of all his Provinces, lands and Seigneoris, of whom he required a promise & oath, that in case he should die without heirs male, that they should not acknowledge any other, but the said Lady jaqueline for their Princess and sovereign lady, whom they should defend & maintain in this quality against all. The which the Barons, Nobles, Knights, and all the Estates in general of his Countries did promise and swear, whereof an ●…nsturment was drawn in writing, with the seals of some of 
1417  the chief Noblemen and Towns, in the year, 1417.  
The Dolphin of France, husband to the lady jaqueline of Bavaria, was sent for by the 
The Dolphin of France, husband to the Lady jaqueline po●…soned and dies.  King his father, to come to Paris; the Earl of Holland his father in law, convoyed him into Henault, where he should attend the king's men to conduct him to the Court. But before he went he was poisoned, and died soon after. Some hold that it was in putting on a shirt of Male, which had been given him. He was 20. years old, and jaquiline his wife 19 when he died the fourth of April. 1417. his body was carried to Paris.  
Soon after the last day of May in the said year 1417. died William of Bavaria, Earl 
Death of William the 6. Earl of Holland.  of Holland, Zealand, Henault, and Lord of Friesland, of a sore he had in his leg, which came with the biting of a mad dog, the which being opened by his chirurgeon, did so impair, as it was the cause of his death. The said Lady jaquiline, widow to the Dolphin of France, succeeded him in all his siegniories. Her father recommending her before his death to his most faithful servants; requiring them to marry her again to john Duke of Brabant. He was interred at Valenciennes in Henault, after he had governed his countries the space of 13. years. The lady Marguerite of Bourgongne his wife, daughter to duke john of Bourgongne lived long after him, and was interred at Quesnoy in Henault. This Cont William was a severe man against his rebels and enemies, and very courteous, affable and kind unto his friends; a just and bountiful Prince. He had two bastard brethren, Albert, and William of Bavaria, the which was Lord of Schagen. This William was twice at jerusalem to see the holy Sepulchre, and once at Mount Synay, or Saint Catherines Mount, in which voyages he was knighted, and at his return made Chastelain or Governor of Medemblyck: Afterwards the good Duke Philip of Burgongne, become Earl of Holland, gave him in West Friesland the seigneories of Schagen, 
The first particular Lord of Schagen.  Bersinghorne and Harynckhuysen, which William caused a goodly castle to be built in the said village of Schagen, and made a great circuit of the country to be dicked in, and recovered from the sea near unto Sype and the village S. Martin, calling it Nyelant. he had to wife Alix the daughter of john of Hodenpil, by whom he had (besides daughters) three sons: Albert Signior of Schagen, a knight; john Escoutette of Harlem, and William. He was a very famous and renowned knight all his life time, for his virtues and valiant deeds, he died old in the year 1473. His eldest son Albert of Schagen, had to wife Adrian, daughter to the Lord of Nyenrode and Velson, by whom he had one only daughter named jasine, who was first married to Walter of Egmond Lord of Soetermeer, and afterward to josse of Borssele.  
Count William, had also three Bastards, two sons and one daughter, Lewis and 
Cont William's bastards.  Euerard knights, and Beatrix van Vlyet. Euerard was the first seigneor of Hoochtwoud in West Friesland, where he caused a goodly house in form of a castle to be built: and had to wife the daughter of Flores van Kyesweck: by whom he had Anthony, signior of Hoochtwoud. This Anthony had to wife Sophia, the daughter of john seigneor of Polgeest, who bore him five sons, Baldwyn signior of Hoochtwoud, a knight, William, Gerard, Cornellis, and Euerard, who was a Monk in the Abbey of Egmond, and one daughter named judeth, who was a Nun in the covent of Poel by Leyden. This Baldwyn sold the said signiory of Hoochtwood (for that he had no children) to john the first Earl of Egmond. B●…atrix the bastard daughter of count William, was first married to Philip van 〈◊〉 a knight, by whom she had no children: afterwards she married again to john of Woerden, siegnior of Vlyet, by whom she had Ger●…ard of Vlyet Esquire.  
At that time their flourished among the chie●…e of the Nobility of Holland and Zeeland, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 N●… 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…nd 〈◊〉 ●…n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Willi●…m lord of Arckell, Wallerand Lord of ●…ederode, Earl of Genap: William of Brederode, james lord of Gaesbeck, Abcoude, Wy●…k, Putten and Streven. Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Wassenare, john and Henry ●…is sons. john of Egmond, and William of Yselstein his brother. Philip of Leck. W●…lsart of l●… Vere, Henry of Vianen & Ameiden, Floris of Borssele lord of Sevenbergh, Zuylen and S. Martin's dyc●…, Fa●…er to Fran●… of Borssele the last husband of jaqueline countess of Holland, james of Borss●…le lord of Brigdam and D●…yuelandt, Costin of Hemestede and 〈◊〉 of Hemestede, john of Cruninghen, john of Renesse, Hubert of Culenburch, Didier of Merwe; john of La●…geraeck, Didier lord of Henckelom, john vicont of Montfort, Arnold of Lyenburch, Henry of Naeldwyck, and his two sons, william and Albert squires: Didier of Leck, john of Hodenpil, William bastard of Holland, first siegnior of Schagen and his brother Adrian, both sons to count Albert of Bavaria: ●…rard bastard to count William, the first lord of Hoochtwoode, and Lewis a knight his brother: john of Treslon, bastard to Guy Earl of Blois, john of Vianen, siegni●…r of Noordeloos'. john of Woud●…, lord of Warmo●…t and Alemada, james of Would his sons, Daniel of Poele, Cl●…wer governor of S. Ghertru●…denbergh 〈◊〉 of Poelgee●…t, and his brother Gerrard, Bartholomew of Raphorst, john of Hemisted, siegnior of Be●…thusen, john of Vlyet: Philip of Dorp, john, Henry and Ghysbreecht of Croenenburch brethren. Flores of Al●…mada, Gerard of Woert, Gerard of Zyl Giles of Cralingen, Gerrard of Lyesuelt. Floris of Abeele: Gerard, Conrade, john and Arnold brethren of Haerla●…r, Frederik of Seuenter; Berthold of Assendolse, Did●…er of Beets. all knights. Then john of Egmond, siegnior of So●…termeer, an other john of Egmond, siegnior of Wateringh, Albert of Egmond of Maremsteyn▪ ●…ugh of Al●…mada, Herpert of Forest, Didier of Assendelf, Simon of Burcht, Floris of Adricom. Gerard vuytten Hage. Gerard Potter, Baldwin of Wietten, Floris of Tol. Herpert of Bossche, William Egger, first lord and founder of the town of Pourmereinde, john his son. Floris of Kye●…oeck, john vander Myer, Arnold Spyerinck, Nicholas of Waterlandt, William Nagle, with many other squires and gentlemen, which were to long to number: and most of all these noble Famylies are at this day extinct.   

JAQVELINE OF BAVARIA, THE 28▪ Governess in Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, and Contesse of Henault.  
2●…. ●…acoba Bauari●…▪  
Four times in marriage I my fruit did try,  
Yet could I not increase my Progeny;  
Gorrichom I won, 'gainst William of Arckel,  
In which Exploit three hundred English fell  
Beneath my Conduct: while one day did shine,  
My husband's ransom, made me to resign  
My countries to the Duke of Burgundy:  
Ten years with pain, I sat in sovereignty;  
And now in one Grave with my Grandfather.  
Peace did my body to his rest confer.  
THE Lady jaqueline (or jacoba as the Hollanders term her) the daughter and only heir of William of Bavaria, Earl of Holland etc. succeeded after the death of her father in all his Earldoms and signiories. She was then widow (as we have said) to the Dolphin of France, being 17. years old, keeping with her mother, the Lady Marguerite daughter to john duke of Bourgongne, father to Philip. Her father's obsequies and funeral pomp being ended, she was conducted throughout all the towns of Henault, whereof she took possession and received the homages of her subjects and vassals. By reason of her widowhood and her youth she had much trouble in the government of her 
The factions revive again in Holland.  countries, especially of Holland: for that the two factions revived again, the Hoeckins holding the Countess' party: and the Cabillautins a contrary one: by reason whereof, all the time of her government she was much disquieted.  
As soon as the Ear●…e her father was dead, all the banished men, and those whom in his life time he had oppressed, rejoiced: amongst others, john Lord of Egmond, and William 
Those of Egmond return into Hol●…nd. The Lord of 〈◊〉 recovers his town.  Lord of Iselstein brethren: who consulted how they might recover their Lands which the Earl had forfeited. The Lord of Iselstein with some troops having intellegence in his town, found the means to have a port opened, and entered secretly in the night, without any discovery or opposition, yet he could not at that time get the Castle. The Lady jaqueline being then with her mother in Henault, during her absence, some Noblemen affectionate to her service, prevailed so with the succours of them of Vtrecht and of Amerssord, as they came and besieged the said Town of Iselstein: At which siege there commanded Walraven of Brederode, and john Vicont of Montfort. 
And the Castl●… into w●…ch the bre●…hren put themselves.  Befo●…e they could be ready for the siege, the two brethren of Egmond found meaens to get the castle, into the which they shut themselves. Those of Vtrecht did much affect this siege, knowing that Herman of Lochorst, and john vanden Spiegel, were also within it, and therefore they built certain Bastillions, Cavaliers, and other places for battery, four days after that the Camp was planted there, almost all the towns of holland came with their colours flying, to conquer it. john of Bavaria bishop of Liege, uncle to the Countess jaqueline, came thither also with good troops; so as the Town was besieged on all sides. These brethren of Egmond seeing so mighty an army before them, consulted of their affairs: so as by the means and intercession of john of Heemskerk, there was an agreement made with them, by the which it was said, that the said Lords of Egmond, and the banished of Vtrecht should depart out of the town and castle of Iselstein with bag and baggage, the which they should deliver into the hands of the Lieutenant and deputies of the Countess of Holland; and that all the inhabitants of 
The town and c●…tle of 〈◊〉 yielded to t●…e Countess.  the town above thirteen years old, should take the oath of fealty, and submit themselves under her obedience; which being done the army entered into the town. Soon after the lady jaqueline came out of Henault into Holland, who hearing of this victory obtained under her authority, and in her name, thanked her friends, who had been careful of her good. Those of Vtrecht desired that the town might be given unto them to dispose thereof at their pleasure: which being too lightly granted (not thinking they would use it in that sort) they demanteled the Ports, towers, and walls, and ruined the 
Those of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 Iselstein.  castle unto the ground: the which did much displease the Nobility of Holland. And for that those of Vtrecht thought it was two near a neighbour unto them, the same year they had leave to burn the whole town, except the Church and Monasteries. This ruin of Iselstein happened during the Consulate of Wolpert of Amerongen, and Didier of Houdam, Bourgmasters of Vtrecht. Which town remained thus desolate and ruined without walls, unto the time of Charles the warlike Duke of Burgongne, Earl of Holland etc. Of whom Frederik of Iselstein, afterwards Earl of Buren obtained leave to repair it, and to build a new castle.  
In the said year 1417. the Contesse jaqueline was in like sort received, and took 
The Contesse jaqueline rece●…ed in Holland, etc.  possession of her inheritance of Holland, Zealand, and Friesland, as she had been before in Henault. To fulfil the will of Cont William her father, having desired, before his death, that she should marry again with john duke of Brabant, although he were her cousin germane. The said duke having intelligence of the death of Cont William, went to Gaunt to Duke john of Bourgongne his uncle; to whom he used some speech of this marriage. Whereupon there was a meeting appointed at Byerulyet, whether came the said Duke john, Philip Earl of Charolois, son to Duke john of Bourgongne, and many other great Noblemen and Barons; The Lady jaqueline came also with the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne her mother, Aunt to Duke john of Brabant, and 
Anthony father to john duke of Brabant was brother to Marguerite, who was mother to jaqueline. A marriage concluded betwixt the Contesse of Holland and the duke of Brabant, the 1. of August; 1417.  john of Bavaria bishop of Liege, uncle by the father's side to the said Lady, all accompanied with great trains of Noblemen. There it was determined, that the Will of Cont William the father, should be fulfilled; whereupon a marriage was concluded betwixt the Duke of Brabant, and the Countess of Holland, and there they were made sure; if the Court of Rome would consent thereunto: whereof their were mutual promises, the first day of August the same year 1417. and there were letters drawn, with a penalty to be paid by any of the parties that should repent, or oppose with other conditions: among the which john of Bavaria, bishop of Liege should enjoy all that which Cont Albert his father, and Cont William his brother, together with the Lady jaqueline his Niece, had given and confirmed unto him: in consideration whereof they Bishop did consent unto the marriage: and thereupon the Assembly at Byerulyet was dissolved. Presently there was a notable Embassage, sent in the name of the Duke of Brabant, and the Countess of Holland his spouse, to the Council of Constance, to obtain a dispensation for their marriage, notwithstanding the proximity of blood, the which was denied them: for that the Emperor Sigismond, and this bishop of 
The bishop desirous to spoil his Niece.  Liege crossed it all they could: for this bishop had such a conceit, and so great a desire to be Earl of Holland, as the same year, in September, he went out of Liege (and never after returned more) came to Dordrecht in Holland, and sent his deputies to the said council, with an ample Procuration to resign into the Pope's hands his bishopric of Liege, the which he had governed 27. years, and also to hinder the dispensation of the marriage: whereof the Duke of Brabant was secretly advertised by some friends which he had in the said council of Constance.  
This john of Bavaria having left his bishopric of Liege, and being at Dordrecht, writ to all the towns of Holland that they should receive him, and acknowledge him 
john of Bavaria seeks to make himself Barle of Holland.  for Governor, and Tutor of the Contesse, his Niece, being a widow, who could not be dispensed withal by the Council, for her marriage; showing, that he did only seek the advancement and greatness of his Niece, with the preservation of her Estate. But God knows, that he had a contrary intent to dispossess her. And to that end, he caused an assembly to be held at Schonhoven, where he made this proposition; but it was denied him by the said Lady his Niece: who notwithstanding offered to confirm unto him what had been concluded at the foresaid treaty of marriage. john of Bavaria seeing himself thus refused, returned to Dordrecht much discontented: where he made a league with the Cabillautin faction, of the which those of Egmond werethe chief; and was acknowledged in the said town of Dordrecht, for Tutor and Governor of Holland and Zeeland. Upon which support he sent to summon the said Lady, to submit herself under his charge: else he would denounce war against her. He had drawn unto his faction William of Arckell, john of Egmond, William of Yselstein; by whose favour and assistance he thought to do wonders, promising them also to restore them to their lands that were forfeited to Cont William, father to the Contesse. Afterwards john of Egmond found means to surprise the Town of Gorrichom, 
Egmond surpriseth Gorrichom  in the name of john of Arckel his cousin. The Lord of Brederode, and other Barons which held the Contesses' party, seeing the town thus surprised, retired themselves presently into the castle, which Cont William had caused to be built. William of Arckell arrived soon after, being accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen, where he was restored to his signory; but the castle held good againg him. john of Bavaria went secretly to Gorrichom, conferred with the said noblemen, & then returned to Dordrecht. The Contesse being advertised hereof, drew what forces she could together, out of all her countries: and with the assistance of them of Vtrecht and of Amersfort, accompanied by her mother, sailed up the river of Merwe, and went before 
Contesse jaqueline besiegeth Gorrichom.  Gorrichom. The chief of her army were Walraven of Brederode, than Lieutenant to the said Lady in Holland, Zeeland and Friesland. Where the said Princesses being arrived, they were welcomed into the castle, and their army camped round about. The night following their men went to the sap, and made a breach betwixt the castle and the town, the which was so great as they might enter with their army in battle. The Lord of Arckel seeing this breach, put his men suddenly in order, being about 4000 The Lord of Brederode having disposed of his troops, advanced to enter; but the Lord of Arckel had suddenly cast up a trench betwixt the Town and the Castle, so as they could not pass, nor easily approach. Notwithstanding they of Vtrecht and Amersfort having leapt over the ditch, marched bravely in battle into the town. The Lord of Arckel having his troops very resolute, went boldly to encounter them: the charge was furious and very bloody, the one striving to conquer, the other to defend. 
Gorrichom taken again.  But in the end, the Lord of Arckels men beginning to faint, having no hope of any supplies, and seeing the Contesses' forces to increase hourly, they turned their backs and fled: there was the lord of Arckel slain, and with him the Earl of Osburch, the siegnior 
The lord of Arckle with many others ●…ne.  of Pettersen. Henry, bastard of Arckell, Allard of Buren, Splinter the bastard of Nyenrood, Otto of Gelechom, Otto of Ghemmen, William of Appeldorn, & about a 1000 other gentlemen, Bourgeses and soldiers. Amongst the prisoners were William Earl of Vernenburch, the Earl of Hulberch, Henry of Hoemoet, the baron of Batenburch, Didier of Lyenden. Arnold of Ordange and Raes his brother, Didier of Heumen. The siegnior of Orflot, Arnold of Egmond sieignior of Marestein, Otto of Buren, john of Heteren, john of Oyen. Arnold of Craenhem, and Arnold of Haerlaer, all Knights. Those of Vtrecht had the Lord john of Egmond, and above a 1000 prisoners of all sorts.  
Of the Contesse jaquelines side, their died Walraven Lord of Brederode, her lieutenant, 
The Lord of Brederode slain.  through the negligence of his servants, the which was a great loss for that Princess, which caused her to mourn: This battle was given in the town of Gorrichom, the first of December. The lord of Brederode left two sons, Renold lord of Brederode, and Ghysbrecht cathedral Deane, and afterwards elect bishop of Vtrecht, of whom we shall speak hereafter. Pope Martin by his bulls of the 22. of November, of his own authority notwithstanding the refusal of the council of Constance, dispensed with the marriage of john Duke of Brabant, with the Lady jaqueline, Contesse of Holland, without 
The Pope dispenseth with the marriage of the Duke of Brab●…nt, with the lady jaqueline. The Pope revoketh his dispensation.  ●…ny respect to the proximity of blood: sending the Bull secretly to the Duke by his Ambassadors. The which being come to the knowledge of john of Bavaria her uncle, he made his complaint to the Emperor Sigismonde: who taking it ill, sent to the Pope, letting him understand what quarrels and Factions might grow thereby among Christian Princes: the which did move the Pope to revooke this dispensation, of which revocation john of Bavaria, sent an authentical Copy to the Duke of Brabant, thinking to terrify him therewith, that he should not proceed any further in this marriage. But the Duke seeming not to know anything, the 13. of januarie, 
1418.  1418. sent cont Engelbert of Nassau, Lord of Leck and Breda, with Henry lord of Berghe upon some, to the Lady jaqueline, being then at the Hage in Holland, with his Bull.  
The 8. of March following, the Duke accompanied with many Earls, barons, knights, and Nobles his friends and vassals, came to the said lady Countess at the Hage, to advise of their marriage. The bishop of Tournay, with other Noble men, Ambassadors to Duke john of Bourgongne were there present, with the chief of the council to the Countess, the Duke of Brabant, and the Deputies of the Towns of Holland, Zeeland, Henault and Frezeland: where they did view and examine the Bull of dispensation, and the copy of the revocation, the which not being found authentical, all well considered, they concluded to proceed in the consummation of the marriage, according to the ordinances of the church: and so were accordingly married, the fourth of April, by 
The marriage consummated be●…wixt the duke of Brabant, and the Contesse of Holland.  the Dean of the chapel at the Hage, in the presence of the old Lady her mother, of Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Waesenare, Henry of Leck, and many ladies and gentlewomen, among others, the lady of Saint martin's Dyke, the lady of Ameyden, the lady of Steenbergen and others. The Duke of Brabant was 16. years old, and the contesse jaqueline about 18. when as they were married, by the which their patrimonial inheritances were greatly fortified one by another.  
A while after, Pope Martin did write unto the duke giving him to understand, that the 
The Pope confirms his dispensation again.  revocation which he had made of the dispensation, came through fear of the Emperor, and the importunity of john of Bavaria, and for no other cause & that without any scruple of conscience, they might live freely in that state of marriage. The which the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Cardinal of Ostia, confirmed by their Bulls. And so john Duke of Brabant was received and acknowledged in the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Henault, Friesland etc. for their prince, as husband to the said lady their princess: except in the Town of Dordretcht, and the Island of Bryele. As also the said Contesse jaqueline was received with great honour in the Towns of the Duchy of Brabant. And for that john of Bavaria through the treachery of them of Dordrecht, would not only attribute unto himself the government of Holland, but did also take upon him the title of Earl and procured great troubles to the Contesse his Niece, the Histories of Holland, have put him in the number (but without rank) of their Earls, the which we follow; and will describe his government as succinntly as we can, and the disasters of the said Contesse unto the death.   

JOHN OF BAVARIA, CARRYING himself as Governor, than Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland.  
28 Dns johannes Bavariae  
Thy faith of Dordrect, force, and thy faith's loss●…,  
Made thee resign thy Bishopric and Cross;  
By Merlus aid, thy greedy chests to fill  
With great revenues of thy Niece, a Pupil:  
At Luxenbrough, thou took'st unto thy spouse  
Elisa, careless of her blood, or House;  
In thy Church Order long thou didst not liu●…  
An Earl, nor married; One black day did give  
End to all slipp●…rie t●…ares let fall for thee,  
And to thy short unstable memory.  
JOHN OF BAVARIA having governed his Bishopric of Liege 27. years, for whose sake (as we have said before) so much blood had been spilled, and so many good men lost their lives; having resigned his Bishopric into the Pope's hands, notwithstanding that he was a Deacon, obtained a dispenspation to marry; taking to wife the lady Elizabeth, widow to Anthony duke of Brabant, father to duke john, and 
john of Bavaria gets a dispensation fr●… the Pope to marry.  Duchess of Luxembourgh his Gossip, having been Godfather to a son of hers. He carried himself at the first, as Tutor to the contesse jaqueline his niece, and then Governor of Holland, etc. Then he obtained of the Emperor Sigismond, his wives uncle, the Earldoms of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, & the lordship of Frizeland, in fealty and homage, as fallen unto the Emperor by the death of cont William his brother, for want of heirs male, excluding the contesse jaqueline his niece. 
He obtains the 〈◊〉 of Holland, etc. of the Emperor.  The which the Emperor being at Constance, did intimate unto the Duke of Brabant his vassal, with a prohibition not to challenge any thing to himself in the said countries. According to the which john of Bavaria did press the chief towns of the said Provinces, to receive him for their Lord and Prince. The towns of Holland and Zealand, made him answer; that they had acknowledged, and did acknowledge the said Lady 
The answer of the Provinces to john of Bavaria.  for their princess, as the only daughter & sole heir to cont William the 6. their deceased prince: and that the said john her uncle had also acknowledged her for such, and taken up certain fees and signiories of her, so as they could nor ought not to leave her. Moreover they said, that the said Provinces had fallen twice before to the female kind, whereof they had imperial letters; and therefore they entreated him to desist. Those of Henault sent him their answer, and among other points, they laid open this more pertinently than the other Provinces: maintaining absolutely, that the country of Henault did no way hold of the Empire, in the which the daughters had often succeeded. 
john of Bavaria takes upon him the title of Earl of Holland, etc.  Yet john of Bavaria, took upon him the title of Earl of Henault, Holland and Zealand, and lord of Frizland: and was so acknowledged at Dordrecht, and at Bryele, notwithstanding the promise they had made under their oaths and seals, with the other towns of Holland unto Cont William, father to the contesse jaqueline; whereupon john of Bavaria was proclaimed enemy to Holland and Zealand. He therefore gathers together all the men he could, of what conditio soever, with the which he made war in Holland. 
He makes war in Holland.  Those of Dordrecht and of Bryele, doing all the harm they could unto their neighbours that held the Princess part.  
The duke of Brabant seeing this revolt; defied john of Bavaria, and came with his wife 
The Duke of Brabant def●… john of Bavaria.  into Holland, where with his Brabansons he went to besiege the Town of Dordrecht, lodging his Hollanders upon the dyke of Papendrecht. But this siege was unfortunate. john of Bavaria being then in Dordrecht, & very glad of their delivery, seized soon after on the town of Rotterdam, whether he went & caused himself to be acknowledged Earl of Holland; staying there some time, he sought to be master of Delfe and of Goude. Whereof the countess being advertised, she fortified them, & the town of Schyedam with good Garrisons. In the mean time john of Bavaria, ceased not day and night to molest the Hollanders, and to hinder their Navigation to the sea, by the River of 
A treaty ●…etwixt the duke of Brabant, & john of Bavaria.  Meuse. And for that during this war many places and castles were daily ruined, the country made waste, and the mischief increasing daily, there was an assembly appointed in the town of Wandrechom, whether came for chief mediators betwixt both parties. Philip Earl of Charolois, son to john duke of Burgongne, Lewis of Luxembourg, Bishop of Teroagne, and Peter of Luxenbourg his brother: during which treaty, a truce was made; there also came john duke of Brabant, and the lady jaqueline his wife, with the lady Marguerite Dovager, her mother. john of Bavaria sent his Commissioners, in the company of a Baron of Bavaria, Gerrard of Boel lord of Hemskerke, and some others. There was an accord made, by the which it was said, that john of Bavaria should remain lord of Dordrecht with the appurtenances, of the town of Gorrichom, the country of Arkel, of Lederdam, Schoonwert, of Bryele, of the country 
The articles of the treaty.  of Voern, of the town of Rotterdam, and the signory of Waerden, and enjoy them for him and his heirs for ever; the which he should hold by fee and homage of the duke of Brabant, in the right of the lady jaqueline Contesse of Holland, his wife. And moreover he should pay unto him within a year a hundred thousand English Nobles: remaining Lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland and Frizeland, for the space of three years, with authority to dispose of half the officers and magistrates, and the Contesse his Niece of the other half. These conditions were confirmed reciprocally under their seals, the 19 of july, in the year 1419.  
Those of Vtrecht and Amersfort were also reconciled, and all acts of hostility laid 
1419.  aside, both in Holland, Zeeland, and the Diocese of Vtrecht: yet in all these treaties of peace, john of Egmond, nor his brother of Yselstein were comprehended nor spoken of. About the end of the said year 1419. there sprung up new wars in Holland, and the D●…ocesse of Vtrecht, by reason of great robberies and spoils committed by john lord of Egmond; who took all he could find upon the river of Leck, coming out of Brabant or Flanders, sinking their ships, and taking their men prisoners. Those of Vtrecht write unto john of Bavaria, entreating him to do them reason & justice of the wrongs which this said lord of Egmond had done them; but he regarded them not. They considering therefore in what estate their affairs were, and that they must expect no good from john of Bavaria, sent unto john duke of Brabant and the Contesse his wife, to acquaint them with the wrongs which had been done, notwithstanding the league which was betwixt Holland and Vtrecht. The duke made no account of it, and the Contesse (being desirous to assist and help them) had no means: they therefore addressed themselves to 
New wa●…re be●…wixt them o●… Vtrecht and Holland.  Frederic of Blankenhein, their Prince and Bishop, and to the Towns of the high diocese, which is the country of Oueryssel. They seeing there would never be any end of these spoils and thefts, which the Hollanders of the Cabillautin faction (holding the part of john of Bavaria) did commit upon their friends of Vtrecht and Amersfort; they held it their best course to make open war, and to that end, they allied themselves to these Lords; William of Brederode, Philip vicont of Leyden, the vicont of Montfort, john of 
The Cabill●… and Ho●…ckins ●…ke ●…rmes again.  Heemstede, & with all the rest of the Hoackins faction that were chased out of Holland, against the lords of Egmond, and Gerrard Boel, lord of Hemskerke, chief counsellors to john of Bavaria, and against all their Allies.  
The year following john of Bavaria and his faction, did ruin many of their adversaries 
1420. Sund●…y ex ploits o●… war.  castles, in the quarter of Woerden, Suylen, Houthorst and Nessen. On the other side, the lord of Broderode, the vicont and the siegnior of Hemsted, joined to them of Leyden did also burn some of the Cabillautins castles, as Zuyck, Raphorst, Rhinburch, & others: running as far as the Hage, but they only spoilt it, sparing the fire in respect of the Prince's court & palace, & the honour of the earls that had built it. In the same year, john of Bavaria took the castle of Poelgeest, situated in the village of Coekerke by assault, causing all their heads to be cut off that were within it, from thence he 
The ●…king of ●…s castles by ●…n of Baua●…a.  went to the castle of Does, the which was yielded unto him: then he besieged the castle of Waert in the village of Leyrdorp, the which he battered and took by force, killing most of the besieged, & then razed it to the ground: he in like sort won that of Zyl by Leyden, whereas there died many men, and then he ruined it. Having taken all these castles, and gathered together greater troops, he went and besieged the town of Leyden, the space of nine weeks, so as in the end he forced them to yield upon composition, 
Leyden besieged and yielded upon composition.  by the which it was agreed: that all soldiers, strangers (and namely they of Vtretch,) should depart with bag and baggage; and that john of Bavaria should be received into the town, without the oppression of any man. The which being thus concluded, the vicont Philip and the inhabitants did only acknowledge him, as Governor of Holland. The soldiers of Vtrecht thinking to retire safely unto their town, the lord of Egmond 
The accord 〈◊〉 by the ●…d of ●…gmond.  lay in wait for them at a passage, and pursued them unto their gates. On the other side, john of Bavaria (against the said Accord) forced the vicont of Leyden to resign, and yield up his viconty unto him, and not to retain any thing for himself, nor his successors, but the castle, the Toll and the Gruytte: whereas before a vicont of Leyden had a great command and prerogative in the Town, as the placing of a Bailiff, four Bourghemasters, and seeven Sheriffs. Henry the viconts eldest son held at this siege 
The vicont forced to resign his vico●…ty of Leyden, to o●… of Bavaria  the part of john of Bavaria against his father, who also made session of the said Viconty. This town being thus yielded to john of Bavaria, they went with them of Dordrecht, to besiege the Town and castle of Gheertruydenbergh: whereof Didier vander Merwen was Chastelaine or Governor; whom in the end he forced to yield, to have their lives and goods saved.  
That year 1420. john Duke of Brabant came from Antwerp into Zeeland, at the request of john of Bavaria, and landed at saint Martensdyk, whereat the pursuit of the 
1420. The Duke of Brab●…nt comes into zeeland without the privity of the Contesse jaqueline.  siegnior of Aschen, they assembled (without the privity of the Contesse jaqueline) in the house of Floris of Borssele, where the duke of Brabant did ratify and confirm, unto john of Bavaria, the government of Holland, Zeeland and Frizeland, for seven years longer: and moreover did yield up unto him the town of Antwerp, and Marquisat of Herentael. The duke of Brabant being returned to Antwerp, by the advice of Euerard Tserclaes his steward, discharged and put away all the Contesse jaquelines ladies of honour and maids, and quite altered and changed her estate and train; giving her the contesse of Moeurs, the lady of Weesmael, Asschen, and others to attend on her. The which did wonderfully displease the lady Marguerite of Burgongne, Dovager of Holland, 
Contesse jaqueline goes from the duke of Brabant her husband.  mother to the Countess, who departed presently with her daughter towards Brussels, and coming to the court to the Duke and his council, she sought to persuade him to dissolve this new estate or train. The which not able to obtain, she departed discontented, and went to her Inn, called the Looking glass. The Contesse her daughter followed her weeping, with one only Page; the which did breed admiration and pity in all that beheld her. The next day the mother and the daughter retired themselves into Henault, where they lived at Quesnoy le Conte.  
Whilst these things were acting, the barons, nobles and towns of Brabant held 
The Earl of S. Pol sent 〈◊〉 into Brabant.  an assembly in the town of Lowaine, where it was decreed to displace Euerard of Tserclaes, steward to the Duke, and the siegneor of Asschen; whereunto the Duke opposed firmly, for that they were his two mignons and chief councillors. Whereupon the Estates of Brabant sent to Paris to Philip Earl of S. Pol, brother to duke john, entreating him to come into Brabant to govern the country, and to rule his father's inheritance, complaining that Duke john suffered himself to be ruled and governed by a company of flatterers and pickthanks, who sought nothing else but to set division betwixt the Nobles and towns of the countries, and their Lord and Prince. Although the Earl were loath to undertake this charge: yet at the entreatance of the king himself, he went into Brabant, where having saluted the duke his brother at Brussels, he went to Louvain: there he understood the causes of the complaints made by the state, and the reasons of either party: which being heard, he went to Quesnoy, from whence he brought the Contesse jaqueline, and her mother to Louvaine. Then he appointed an other assembly of the States, on the 29. of September, at Vilvoord: whereas the said 
An assembly of the states of Brabant.  Earl being present, with the two ladies Princesses, mother and daughter, and all the Deputies of the Estates of Brabant, they attended the Duke only, who counterfeited himself to be sick: having expected him there some space, hearing that he went from Town to town to avoid this Assembly: the States by the advice of the Ambassadors of the King of France and duke of Bourgongne, resolved to create the Earl of S. Poll Reuward of Brabant; which election was made the first of October. 
Th●… Earl of S. Pol made Reuward of Brabant.   
Duke john of Brabant having been persuaded by William lord of Bergen upon some, his chief councillor, and Euerard of Tferclaes to make john of Bavaria, governor of Holland and Frizeland, having also been the cause of the changing of the Contesse jaqueline his wives train. The Bastards of Holland being incensed, for this cause slew the lord of Bergen, in the Duke his master's chamber. On the other side, the 
The Lord of Berghen slain in the Duke's chamber.  Duke hearing that Cont Philip his brother, had the title of Reuwart of Brabant, and had displased and changed the magistrates of Brussels, came before the town, accompanied with the Earl of Moeurs, and the Earl of Heynsbergh, and john his son, the lord of B●…ren, Provost of Aiz, and about 300. horse; besides his ordinary train. The Duke attended at the Port, the Bourgeoises hearing thereof held a council; where it was agreed; that the Duke should enter with his ordinary train of 120, horse, and no more. Seven of the Bourgesses went unto him, who having opened the Port, the first entered, and the rest thrust forward in a press, the Duke entering with the last into the town. The Reuward went with him to the court: the next day the Duke came unto the townhouse, and let the council vnderstan●… that his coming thither was to to entreat some good accord, with his brother and the Barons. But the Reuward was gone to Louvaine, to the Assembly of the Nobles. The Duke fearing that he should return with him into Brussels, and seize upon his person; demanded of the magistrates, that if it should so happen, whe●…her they would open him the gate or not? They to assure him said; that if he had any doubt thereof, they would deliver up the Keys of the gates into his hands, wherewith he remained satisfied. But the inhabitants were not in quiet, to see those strange soldiers bragging in Taverns, with their swords in their hands, that they should be all rich before they went out of Brabant: so as the night following they assembled in Arms upon the market place; being advertised of some dissein of the Earl of Heynsberg and others, who should seize upon the Market place, that night, at the sound of a bell, and then of the whole town: some soldiers were also found armed upon their beds. The inhabitants therefore sent in all haste for the Reuward, who came posting from Louvaine with all the Nobility, and Deputies of towns. Entering into Brussels he thanked the Bourgesses, for that they had so constantly preserved the town: and day being come, he went to the Court to the Duke, where he caused most of his household servants to be apprehended, dismissing others that were not prisoners: and soon after he suffered them to depart that were come into the town with the gentlemen strangers: but the masters, as the Earls of Moeure and Heynsbergh, with other gentlemen, to the number of 150. were detained prisoners. The lord Reuward seized upon all the horse and arms of the Earl of 
Many of the duke o●… 〈◊〉 servants apprehended.  Heynsberg and others, and disposed of them to whom he pleased.  
The Emperor Sigismond writ for these Noblemen that were prisoners, to the states of Brabant, for their libe●…ties, threatening them with a proscription of the Empire. The like letters were written by the Prince's Electors to the Reuward: to whom he made no 
The Emperor an●…●…ce Elector write into B●…abant so the prisoners. The prisoners set a liberty.  other answer, but that he had caused them to be justly stayed, according to the custom of the Country, as they themselves had required: and therefore their cause remained doubtful; until they had won the favour of Gerrard vand Zype, chief counsellor and most familiar with the Reuward: who by the persuasion of the said Vande Zype, freed them out of prison, upon certain conditions. All things being thus past, and the troubles ended, the Earl of S. Pol, Lord Reuward, resigned up his office of Reuward (which 
Wh●…t the office of Reuw●…rd ●…s.  is a dignity, which the States of Brabant have power, according to their Privileges, to give unto whom they please, to reduce their Dukes unto reason, when they stray from their duties) into the hands of duke john his brother, who was by the said Estates, confirmed in the government of his Country. Before that the Earl of S. Pol went out of Brabant, there were beheaded Euerard of Tserclaes, knight, Steward to the duke, Adolph of Coudenbergh, William of Pipenpois, and some 14. of the chief of 
Many beheaded at Brussels.  Brussels, who had been the cause, or at the least had winked, at the designed treason and trouble of Brusseles: and there were 600. Crowns promised to him, that should bring in the signor of Asschen alive or dead, for that he had been the motive of the unkindness and quarrel betwixt the Duke and his wife. Then the Earl of S. Pol retired into France: the Contesse and her mother remaining still at Quesnoy, discontented still with duke john: for some of the said ladies council, found not the Bull of her marriage lawful, having not been allowed, but held it to be fraudulent and of no force. By reason whereof, in the year 1423. she went into England, from whence she sent to 
The Contesse jaqueline causeth the D●…ke of Brabant her husband to be cited to Rome.  city duke john to the court of Rome, to hear his marriage declared void according to the Canons. Pope Martin referred this business to two Cardinals, to determine thereof; who assigned a day for the Duke to appear before them, and he appointed certain Proctors at Rome to defend his cause. The Countess jaqueline, hearing that the Process would be teedious and long, without attending a definitive sentence, allied herself by a promise of marriage to the Duke of Gloucester, uncle to King Henry the sixth of England then reigning, upon condition, that the marriage with the Duke john being declared unlawful, she should obtain a dispensation from the Pope to marry again.  
Soon after the duke of Gloucester, came with the Contesse jaqueline, his betrothed 
The Contesse jaqueline made ●…re to the duke of Gloce●…r. He come●… with an Army into Henault.  Spouse, unto Calais, with a great Army marching toward Henault; and therefore he divided his Army into three battailions. The Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, mother to the Countess requested the Nobility of Henault to accompany her, and to go and meet them: and so by assistance and favour of the lord of Haures, Lieutenant to Duke john, they entered into Henault. The duke of Brabant demanded succours from the duke of Bourgongne, and john of Bavaria, who promised him all assistance. The Duke of Bourgongne sent him the lords of Croy, Lisle-dam, and Mailly, with good troops of soldiers.  
In the year 1423. john van Vlyet, had his head cut off at the Hage in Holland, being accused by some of the Cabillautin faction, that he had poisoned john of Bavaria, 
1423. john van Vlyer beheaded at the Hage.  (whereof he had been sick and recovered) for the which he was quartered, and his quarters hung at the entrance of four of the chief towns in Holland. john of Bavaria having received letters from the duke of Brabant demanding succours, sent him word, that if his health would give him leave, he would come unto him with good Troops within three weeks. But having his army ready to march, he fell suddenly sick (it may be the poison had not been well purged) and died at the Hage on Twelffe 
john of Bavaria governor of Holland dies.  day, and was buried there in the jacobins Cloister. He being dead, all the Noblemen that had been of his faction, called in john duke of Brabant, and received him for their prince; notwithstanding that jaqueline their Contesse was married again to the duke of Gloucester; who hearing how he had been received, held a counsel with her 
The Duke of Brabant acknowledge●… Earl of Holland in the right of his wife.  friends, by what means she might seize upon some towns and castles in Holland: and to that end, she sent Floris of Kifhoeck with men, to surprise the town of Schoonhoven, the which he effected happily, through the assistance of some townsmen, well affected to the said Lady: but he could not recover the castle, without a siege of six weeks, at the end whereof he forced them to yield, to have their goods & lives saved: only Albert Beyllinck, one of the captains was reserved to be at the Contesse discretion: who notwithstanding had leave given him to go and visit his friends, having past his word and oath to return to prison within a month, the which having performed 
Captain Albert Beyllinc●… bu●…ied alive.  according to his promise, he was in the night buried alive, under one of the platforms of the castle.  
In the year 1425. the siegnior of Gaesbeck, appointed Governor in Holland for the duke of Brabant, banished all those which had, or did hold the party of the Contesse 
1425. Schoonhoven besieged.  jaqueline, and went and besieged the town of Schoonhoven, for the space of 24. weeks, battering it furiously with his great artillery (for then Rames and crossbows were no more in use, gonpoulder being newly invented by a Monk) there were in the town, five Knights and twenty Squires, who defended themselves valiantly, making many sallies forth, upon their neighbour towns that were enemy, bringing great spoils into their Town, although it were besieged: the which did much grieve the Towns & Noblemen of Holland, seeing that in so long a time they had advanced nothing at this siege: but by the mediation of the Duke of Cleves, and the Earl of Meurs, a truce was made for six weeks. During this siege at Schoonhoven, there 
A Truce made at Schoonhoven  was a certain Bull published in Vtrecht, Liege, Cambrey, Holland, Zeeland, Frizland and Henault, by the which Pope Martin the fifth, did separate from their marriage, john duke of Brabant, and jaqueline Contesse of Holland, etc. The which notwithstanding the Pope did afterwards disavow, and sent Euerard of Eindoven to the duke; excusing himself, and promising that he should have a speedy end of this business. 
The duke of Brabant bebesiegeth the Contesse his wife in Mons.  Heereuppon the duke went to besiege Mons in Henault, whereas the said Lady was: during this siege the duke of Bourgongne (who did wonderfully affect and gape after the countries of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, etc.) prevailed so much as the Duke went to Dovay; whether the Contesse (fearing to be taken by force) sent some of her counsellors: where it was resolved; That the said Lady should continue in one of the Duke of Bourgongnes towns, vutill the suit were fully ended, betwixt her and the Duke; or that one of them should die. That Duke john should be restored to the Country of Henault, the government whereof should be sequestered, until a definitive sentence. That 
A treaty made by the duke of Bourgongne to atteme unto the Countess' country.  throughout all the Country, there should be abolution of crimes, committed by reason of the troubles: and all confiscations disannulled. That for the maintenance of justice in the Country of Henault, there should be four judges appointed; whereof two were to be chosen by the Duke of Brabant, and two by the Duke of Bourgondie: and that they should assign for the said Lady Contesse, a competent provision for her maintenance, according to her estate, upon the revenues of Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Freezland. That the said Duke Philip should be Aduoe or Governor of Holland, Zeeland and Freezland: as nearest of the blood, and at that time next heir to the said Lady.  
This accord being thus concluded at Dovay, Duke john came to Valenciennes, 
The Contesse laq●…e is delivered into the Duke of Hourgongnes hands.  and three days after returned to his camp before Mons: the which he priest so long, as the Contesse came and yielded herself into the hands of the Deputies of the duke of Burgongne, who went thither to receive her: being in the Brabansons Camp, she desired to speak with Cont Engelbert of Nassau, and Henry of Leek, whom she entreated (with tears in her eyes) to work so with the duke of Brabant, that she might be committed to some town or castle in Brabant, where it should please him, and not to deliver her intothe power of the Barguignon whom she feared more than the duke her husband: 
The Contesse of Holland led against her will unto Gant.  but it was denied her, & she was conducted unto Gant, there to remain according to the Treaty. The duke of Brabant caused all the goods, yea the Dourie of the lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, mother to the Contesse, to be seized on, for that she maintained her daughter's party. Whilst that the Lady jaqueline was thus guarded in the town of Gant, with a very small estate, there were some Noblemen of Holland (her enemies) which advised the duke of Bourgongne to send her to the Castle of Lille in Flanders, and their to keep her during her life. She having some intelligence thereof, sent presently to advertise her most secret and trusty friends in Holland: who were taking counsel together how they might deliver their Princess, out of the duke of Bourgongnes power: There were two Gentlemen, Arnold Spyerinck, and one of the 
The Contesse it freed out of the duke of Burgongnes hands.  house of Aelburch, who offered to hazard their lives to set her free. These two came to Gant, and having their horses ready in a certain place, carrying a man's apparel with them, they came unto the said Lady, who having speedily changed her habit, went away with them thus disguised, not discovered by any of her guard, and took horse, travailing all night, until they came to Wandrichom, and from thence to Vianen. The lord of Vianen received her joyfully: appareled her in his wives clothes, and so went together to Schoonhoven, where as all the Town rejoiced at her coming.  
The next day she went to Goude, then to Vadewater, where she was generally welcomed, much made of, and acknowledged for their Lady and Contesse of Holland: 
The Contesse comes into Holland.  being accompanined in all places by the lord of Vianen, and the vicont of Montfort. Those of Vtrecht came to visit her, and made a League with her. After that time there were great and tedious wars throughout all Holland: for the Nobles, and Towns of the Cabillautin faction, seeing the happy success of their Princess, to whom they were professed enemies, gathering together in great troops, they drew towards La Goude, to stop the passage of them of that Town, from entering further into Holland, whereas a little before they had received the Duke of Bourgongne, for their Aduoe or Governor: as the duke of Brabant had in like sort been received in Henault: although that their natural Lady and Princess were within the Country, to whom they had showed fealty, as I have formerly showed. These partisans of the Cabillautin faction, marching in field with their Ensigns displayed, being come as far as Alphen, those of Goude went forth with all their forces to encounter them 
The battle of Alphen whereas the Coneesse was victor.  in the village itself, whereas they fought valiantly; but in the end the Partisans fled towards Leyden, whether they were hotly pursued, and many taken prisoners, and the Banners of Leyden, Harlem, and Amsterdam taken and carried to Goude, the inhabitants returning like Conquerors, laden with spoils.  
The Duke of Gloucester having news that the Countess jaqueline, his betrothed, was in Holland, and had some Towns there at her devotion, he sent the Lord Fitzwater, 
The English and Zeelanders defeated, by the Duke of Bourgongne, at Brouwersh●…. Anno 1424. The Cardinal's sentenc●… touching the duke of Brabant's marriage with the Contesse of Holland.  with good English troops to go unto her, who landed at Brouwer shaven in Zeeland, with whom there joined certain Noblemen of Zeeland; whom the duke of Bourgongne defeated in battle.  
The 27. of january in the yeeare 1426. the Cardinals of Venice and Vrsine: judges delegated in the cause betwixt the Duke of Brabant, and the Lady jaqueline, Contesse of Holland his wife: having had the advice of other Cardinals therein, pronounced their sentence; by the which they declared, that the said Lady had wrongfully separated her see fe from the Duke her husband: and although that she ought to be ioyn●…d again to the said duke: yet for some special reasons moving them, they did ordain she should be safely kept, until the definitive sentence, and at her own charge, with Amedee, duke of Savoy, allied unto her and the duke her husband in the third degree; and by affinity in the second. The duke of Gloucester hearing of this sentence, retired himself; and having abandoned the said lady, he married another in England. Duke john 
The Duke of Gloucester abandons the Contesse jaqueline.  of Brabant having these news, was much quieted in conscience, & the said lady much discontented: for that she would not by any means come into the hands of the duke of Savoy, but would rather have gone to the duke of Brabant, but he would none of her, saying, that he must obey the sentence: & so she remained at Schonhoven & at Goude. And yet notwithstanding the duke of Bourgongne held still the government of Holland, Zeeland & Friesland. This duke of Bourgongne seeing his affairs successful, to the end he 
The Duke of Bourgongnes ambitious desugne.  might one day attain to that whereunto he did aspire (which was to swallow up the country of the said Lady, who was his cousin German) resolved to make violent war against her, and to sub due all them that were opposite unto him. And for that the Lord of Sevenberghe did then hold with the Contesse, he went soon after the defeat of the 
Scuenberghe besieged.  English at Brouwershaven, to besiege him in his town, both by Sea and Land, in the the depth of winter, where he lay fourteen weeks; at the end whereof, the friends of the said lord did mediate a small truce, the which being expired, the duke besieged it so straightly, as no thing could enter in, nor get out. The inhabitants of the Town, considering on the one side, the great charges and oppressions which they were forced to bear during the siege; and on the other side, the goodly offers that were made unto their Lord: and that through his wilfulness, the end of so many miseries which they endured, would be but their utter ruin: for the avoiding whereof, they resolved (as they 
And yielded up in despite of the Lord.  did) to yield up the town to the duke of Bourgongue, in despite of him, who took possession thereof, and in the end, the Lord of Sevenberghe, was forced to yield him also his castle, with all his land and signory, living himself in exile, as a vagabond, where he died for want.  
The 4. of April in the said year 1426. the Contesse jaqueline, gathered together some troops out of the country of Vtrecht, and from the towns of Goude, Schoonhoven 
1426. Harlem besieged by the contesse.  and Ondewater, and went by water to Hemestede near unto Harlem; besieging the said Town. The lord of Brederode came thither to assist her with the Kennemers & them of Alomar. The magistrates of Harlem had had a little before some intelligence of this siege, and therefore they sent for the Lord of Gaesbeeke, Lieutenant of Holland for the Duke of Bourgongne, and Roland of Vtkerk to come to succour them. The suburbs of the town were burnt, and all the wood about it cut down. They did often shoot fire into the town, but it was still quenched: many assaults were given and they were valiantly repulsed. The duke levied men in all his territories, to succour the besieged: whereof he made the siegneors of Litelltenveld and Vtkerke commanders, having many brave captains, the which he sent into Holland. Being come to Leyden, they resolved the next day to assail the Countess: and first of all they sent a spy, clothed like a Leper, carrying in his wallet a white loaf, in the which there was a letter sealed to carry into the town, when he should find his best opportunity. This Spy being come to Hamstede, begging in the Camp, was suspected, and apprehended, examined, searched and the letter found. By the which they did write, that they were come near unto Alphen, and that the next day they would stop the Sluse of Goude, to cut off the Contesses' return with her Army into the said town of Goude, the which they thought to effect easily, and having performed it, they would go and succour them.  
The Contesse having heard this letter read, caused the bearer to be hanged upon a Tree: and the night following raised her camp, and embarked her army, the which came at the break of day to Alphen, she being there in person. The Signior of Vtkerke 
A second battle at Alphé where the Contesse is victorious.  finding her to be so near, had no other leisure but to encourage his men to fight well, where there was a furious charge, and it continued long. In the end the signior of Vtkerke (seeing the desaster falling upon his side, and so many men overthrown,) retired himself out of the press, the Contesse remaining victoresse: in which battle all the Picards were slain, 500 other soldiers, and 80. Bourgeses of Leyden. After the victory, the Contesse created these Knights, john of Waessenare, second son to Philip who was Vicont of Leyden: Henry of Croenenburch, Euerard 
The Contesse makes knights  of Hoochtwoude, bastard to Cont William of Bavaria, father to the Countess. john of Langerack, signior of Asprens. Didier vander-Merwen, Gerard of Poelgeest, signior of Homade, and Arnold of Gant a Geldrois.  
After this defeat, the Kennemers under the Contesse jaquelins' authority, made 
William Nagel Captain of the Kennemers.  William Nagel their Captain, and went to destroy the castle of Hemskerke, to be revenged, for that they of Harlem had before ruined the castles of Brederode, Heemstede and Assendolph. At the same time they also destroyed the castles of Heiligersberge, Cralingen and Spangen in Schicland. This done, the Kennemers went into Waterlandt, where they took the towns of Monikendam, Pumerende, and Edam: from thence they drew towards Medemblyk and Enchuysen, then to Horn, out of the which the inhabitants issued forth in arms to skirmish with them: but at the first encounter their Bailiff was slain with many rich Bourgesses, and the rest were beaten back even into their ports: so as there were many prisoners, and among them four of the chief of the town. Captain William Nagel causing his men to approach, and to advise how to force them: those of the town put all their women and maids in order of battle, with their white kerchers, and white smocks upon their garments, to make them seem a troup of men all in white armour: the which succeeded happily for them: for the Kennemers seeing them a far off, thought no otherwise, but that they had been the Bourgesses armed, which attended to fight with them, whereupon they returned. In the mean time the Hornois sent to crave succours from the Duke of Bourgongne; Captain Nagell knowing afterwards that they had been deceived by these womanish soldiers, approached with his troops nearer unto the walls, carrying those four principal prisoners with him, and telling them of the town, that if they would not open their gates, he would cut off their heads before their faces: yet they refused to do any thing, hoping and expecting succours which the Duke had promised them: who soon after sent Lisle-dam unto them with forces; who being entered into the town, caused the Northgate to be set open, by the which he made a sally upon Captain Nagell and his men, who endured very 
Captain Nam gel by the Kennemers defeated.  much: for the troops of Amsterdam were arrived at the same instant. The skirmish continued long, and was very furious: Captain Nagel was slain with a great number of Kennemers: those that were swift in flying, were pursued to the village of Wongom, where as there were many slain. The Signior of Lisle-dam had two wounds in this skirmish, the which were very dangerous, so as he remained a long time in the surgeons hands at Horn, whether the Duke came soon after in person, and was honourably received, aswell there, as in all the other towns of Waterland.  
In the year 1427. on Easter Tuesday died john Duke of Brabant, son to Anthony 
1427. The death of john Duke of Brabant.  of Bourgongne, Cousin Germany to Duke Philip, and husband to the Lady jaqueline Countess of Holland. He was interred by his father. And for that he died without issue, all his lands and Seigneuries went to Philip Eatle of S. Pol, his brother. This Duke john, being married so young (as we have said) by the lewd Council and private ambition of some of his Councillors) was entertained in perpetual jealousy of his wife, and in trouble without rest: besides they of Bourgongne which did gape after Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, were the chief motives thereof. After the death of the Duke of Brabant, the Hollanders holding the party of the Contesse jaqueline, raised a good army, being resolved to recover all the country of Holland for her; of the which the Lord of Brederode was made General, who embarked with his troops, sailing towards Wyeringhen and Texel. Those of Amsterdam, Horn, Enchuysen, and other 
A s●…a battle fought near to Wyeringhen.  sea towns, having gathered together a great number of ships, followed them at sea. The Lord of Brederode seeing them come a far of, landed with his army in the said Island of Weyringhen, the which he reduced for a time under the Contesses' obedience. And being there, the enemies drew towards them, either to shut them in, or to draw them to fight at sea. The Lord of Brederode seeing that they had no desire to land, commanded his men to embark again, and to be ready to fight presently. It was then allow water, so as the great ships could not be well governed to fight, and the said Lord had a greater number of boats fit for the combat, the which notwithstanding (to his great disadvantage and loss) he did not join together in one body, a great part remaining still, to see how the first would behave themselves, and then to second them at need, or 
The Lord of Brederode defeat●…d and taken prisone●…  be more ready to fly. The charge was with extreme rowing on either side, and the combat was furious and fearful, in the which the Lord of Brederode had the worst: and a great number were slain and drowned. The which those of the rearward seeing, having stood still during the fight, they began to be amazed, and to fly, but they could not escape, for they were speedily followed, so as they had their shares in the loss aswell as the first. The which had not happened if all their forces had been joined together. The slaughter was great, but there were more cast overboard, besides the prisoners, among the which the Lord of Brederode was one: all which were carried to Enchuysen, whether all the ships after the victory retired, and then held a Council what they should do with the prisoners; of the which they did behead 80. some would have done as much to the Lord of Brederode, but by reason of his Nobility, (being descended from the Earls of Holland) he had no harm. After the which there was not for a long time, any civil wars in Holland.  
The 4. of May, at the instance and suit of some noble and wisemen, Duke Philip of 
An accord betwixt Duke Philip and the Contesse jaqueline.  Bourgongne, and the Contesse jaqueline met together, and did agree, that the Duke should be acknowledged for Governor and next heir to the said Lady, in the succession of Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Friesland. This done, the Duke appointed Franc of Borsselle for his Lieutenant, being son unto Floris Lord of Borsselle, of Zuylen, and of Saint Martins-dike; and the same year the Duke condemned them of Al●…mar, the Kennemers and the Lord of Brederode in certain pecuniary fines, for that they had taken arms against him.  
In the year 1429. Duke Philip of Bourgongne bought of Thierry Earl of Namur (with the aid and help of the Town of Gand) the said Contie of Namur: In the 
1429. Philip of Bourgonge buys the County of Namur.  which the said Thierry did invest him in his life time, and died soon after, leaving no children. Since the said Earldom hath continued in the houses of Bourgongne and Austria unto this day, making one of the seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands. Of which Earldom the Duke made john of Croy governor.  
In the year 1430. the fourth of August, Philip Duke of Brabant and Luxembourg, Earl of Saint Pol, (after that he had governed the said Duchies three years) died in 
1430. Philip Duke of Brabant dies.  the Castle of Louvain. There was great contention for the succession, betwixt the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, dowager of Holland, widow of Cont William of Bavaria, and mother to the Contesse jaqueline, on the one part, (being Ant to the said deceased Duke, and sister to Duke Anthony his father,) and Philip Duke of Bourgongne his cousin germane on the other part: the which was in the end decided to the benefit of the said Duke Philip. The deputies of the States of Brabant and Lembourg, with the Ambassadors of duke Philip, treated together of the rights, immunities, freedoms, 
Philip of Bourgongne makes his entry as duke of Brabant.  privileges, customs, statutes and ordinances of the said countries; which they required to have confirmed and sworn by the Duke, of the which they sent him a form in writing to Macklyn. The which being granted, the 5. day of October was appointed for him to take possession, and to make his entry into the town of Louvain, as duke of Brabant and Lembourg, the which was done: and the third day after the funerals of the deceased duke Philip were solemnised, whose body was interred by duke Anthony his father, his mother, and duke john his brother. Lewis of Luxembourg, son to Peter Earl of Couversan, and Lord of Engien in Henault, did inherit the Earldom of S. Pol.  
Four yea●…es passed in peace and concord, betwixt the Lady jaqueline Contesse of 
The Lady jaqueline Cont●… of Holland 〈◊〉 th●… four●…h ti●…e.  Holland, and duke Philip of B●…urgongne; among the rest, there was a condition that she might not marry again, without his liking and consent, if she would remain Lady of all her countries, of the which notwithstanding, the duke should be Governor. It happened in the year 1432. that the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne her mother, sent her by some Gentlemen, goodly and rich jewels, and some horses. The Contesse jaqueline finding herself bare of money; having no means to honour her Mother's servants, with presents or any gra●…uitie; being destitute of money through the last war to preserve her honour, she sent secretly to the Vicont of Montfort (having been made Lieutenant of Holland, by her before) entreating him to assist her with a certain sum of money, to preserve her reputation with those gentlemen, whom her mother had sent unto her; and to make them some honest presents, according to their qualities. The Vicont excused himself, saying, that he had spent all his means 
The Contesse denied money by her servants.  in her service, during the wars. The said Lady being much perplexed and troubled, sent unto an other, by whom she was denied in like sort: for the which she was so grieved, as weeping she retired herself into her chamber, complaining of the ingratitude of her frie●…ds and servants, and of the dishonour which she feared to purchase if she suffered her mother's servants to return empty handed. whereupon one of her household servants, called William of Buy, seeing his Mistress so desolate, being careful of her honour, and pitying her, said unto her; to●…ranc ●…ranc of Borsselle, Lieutenant of Zeeland, and acquaint him with your present necessity, I hope he will do you some good. The said Lady (being full of tears) answered him. How? he is one of our enemies, and never received any good nor favour from us: I fear he will refuse us, and then my disgrace will be greater than before. Notwithstanding if it please you Madam, said William, I will try him by some means. I fear, said the Contesse, we shall not prevail; yet go, and let him understand how the case stands, and tell him that I will acknowledge it in time and place, and will satisfy him soon. William went into Zeeland, and performed that which he had in charge. whereupon the Lord of Brossele 
Reasós which moved the Con●…esse jaqueline to lou●…●…ranc of Borsselle.  answered him; Tell my Lady, that not at this time only, but during my life, she may dispose of me and all my means at her pleasure: and having delivered him the money which he demanded, William re●…urned to his Mistress, who was wonderfully glad. From that day after she ever held the Lord of Borsselle in great esteem: yea she did so affect him, as she desired to have him to her husband, the which was afterwards secretly performed in her chamber, in the presence of her servants. 
●…he mar●…yes him secretly.   
The year following this secret marriage was divulged and spread over all Holland, and the news came unto duke Philip of Bourgongne, being then at the wars in France with the King of England, who left that business, and recommended his army to his Captains, and went into Holland: (seeming not to know any thing, and yet much discontented in mind, fearing that by this marriage he should be excluded from the Provinces of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, and Friesland,) and came to the Hage in july; where af●…er many conferences and treaties of divers things, he caused 
The Lord of Borsselle app●…ended by the Duke of Bourgongne.  the Lord of Borsselle to be apprehended, in the presence of the Contesse jaqueline his wife, and to be presently embarked and conveyed to Ruppelmonde in Flanders. The Contesse (following the Duke where-so-ever he went) did press him to have her hu●…band again, the which he refused, unless she would resign all her countries. Some say, that during the imprisonment of the lord of Borsselle, they gave him a refrigerative drink; others have spoken of a more violent course to hinder the act of generation. In the end, by the means of Frederic Earl of Maeurs, he was set at liberty, 
The Contesse resigns a●…l he●… Co●…ntries to the Duk●… for her husband's liberty.  upon condition that the Contesse should resign and transport unto the said Duke her cousin, all her countries of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland; and so she should marry the said lord of Borsselle solemnly, and enjoy him quietly for her husband: provided always, that if they had any children, all the said Provinces should return unto them. Moreover that the Duke should give unto the lord of Borsselle, for him and his for ever, the Earledom of Osteruant, and to the said lady, the signory of Voorne, with the Bryel, the Island of Zuy●…beuelant, and the country of Tertolen: with all the customs of Holland and Zeeland. By this accord this marriage 
The Duke of Bou●…gongne takes possession of Holland etc.  was confirmed, and the siegnior of Borsselle made Earl of Osteruant. Soon after the Duke with the Contesse and her husband, went into the countries of Holland, Henault, Zeeland and Friesland, whereof she gave him real possession, in the chief towns thereof: then the Duke held his Order of the golden Fleece (whereof he was founder) at the Hage, and among others he made the Earl of Osteruant one of his Knights.  
In the year 1436. on S. Denis Eve, died this Princess the Lady jaqueline, in the castle of Theilinghen, for grief to see herself thus spoiled of her estate, through the ambition 
1436. The death of the Con●…esse Iaque●…ine.  of the Duke of Burgongne, (and it may be, for that she found not her husband as he had been before his imprisonment) after that she had been Lady and true heir of the Earldoms of Holland, Zeeland, Henault and Friesland, in great troubles and continual vexations, for the space of 19 year, She died at the age of 36. years, and lies at the Hage, in the Chapel of the Court of Holland.  
The most renowned in Holland & Zeeland, in the time of the Contesse jaqueline, were 
Nobl●…men in the time of the Contesse jaqueline.  these noblemen that follow. Franc of Borsselle, Earl of Osteruant husband to the Contesse: Hugh of Lanoy, lord of Xaintes, Lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland and Freezland, both Knights of the golden Fleece. Reynold lord of Brederode, of Vianen and Ameyden Baronies, Ghysbrecht of Brederode Provost, Cathedral, and afterwards elect bishop of Vtrect: William of Brederode their uncle who was lieutenant to the Contesse jaqueline in Holland, james of Gaesbeeke, lord of Abcoud, Wyk, Putten and Streyen, john lord of Egmond, William of Egmond his Brother lord of Iselstein, Who were restored by john of Bavaria, and afterwards confirmed by Philip duke of Bourgongne, Henry lord of Wassenare (who without the resignation which he made unto john of Bavaria was vicont of Leyden) & john of Wassenare siegneor of Woorburch his brother; Henry of Borsselle, lord of la Vere, Arnold lord of Sevenberghe, & of Hemsted in Zeeland, john lord of Cruyninghen; Henry vicont of Montfort: Adrian of Borsselle, lord of Brigdam; james of Borsselle his brother; William lord of Naeldwyk & of Wateringhen, Albert of Naeldwick his brother; Philip of Cortgeen, Rutger lord of Boeaslaer & of Asprens, Didier lord of Henckelom; Lewis of Treslon; William of Holland, bastard son to duke Albert; to whom duke Philip gave in Friesland; the villages Schagen; Baninghen & Harinchuysen; and was the first sieigneor of Schagen; Euerard of Holland, bastard to Cont William, father to the Contesse jaqueline, first lord of Hoochtwoode, and his brother Lewis, john of Vianen siegneor of Noordeloos'; Didier vander Merwin; Gerrard of Poelgeest; siegneor of Homede, governor of Schoonhoven; Gerrard of Poelgeest his cousin; Giles of Cralinghen. Gerrard van Zyl, Berthould of Assendelph, almost all Knights: john vander Leck. William of Egmond siegneor of Soetermeer, Otto of Egmond lord of Merensteyn, Gerrard of Hemsted, & Benthuseyn; john of Hodenpyl, William of Langerack; james vanden Wood, Siegnior of Warment and Alcmada, Adrien of Raphorst, Gerrard van Vlyet, Wouter of Mattenesse. Herpert van Foreest, Ghysbrecht van Swieten, john van Swieten, Baliefe of Leyden, Gerrard witten-Hage, Frederick of Seuenter, and Floris of Kishoek, whereof some were Knights, the rest squires, and many Gentlemen, which were too long to specify here; all valiant soldiers, whereof many died in the service of their Prince, as we shall see in the course of this History. Among the chief families and nobles of Friesland were Otto of Broek, Aurick and Emden, Sicco Syaerda, Wybrandt Hermana, Sicco 
The chief Nobility of Friesland.  Liaucama, Peter Campstra, Aelko Campstra brethren, sons to Tako, Douwe Tyessama, Ie●…mer op Adeleen, Sybrandt Tyaerda, Wybet Walta, Pibo Eelcxima, Wopke, In die stead, Gerrit and Tyaert jongama. Herman Dowwema, with an infinite number of other Gentlemen, whom in their language they call Hovelinghen, which is as much to say, as Courtiers.   
An end of the 2. Book.   


30 Philippus Burgund Cogn. Bonus.  
PHILIP DUKE OF BOURGONGNE, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, lord of Friesland, Duke of Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxemburg, Earl of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, and Namur, Lord of Salins and Macklyn.  
The first wife I espoused was Lady Michael,  
The second, lady Bonne; the third Isabella,  
When the false Ganthois, and the Brugeois ●…re  
Rebellious arms, a peace with France I swore:  
The golden Fleece I first of all devised,  
Laid siege at Calais, Luxembrough surprised.  
Subdued Liege: In Holland, I oppressed  
The league of Hamecons: four and thirty years  
I reigned, and Dijeon drunk my funeral tears.   
The Argument of the third Book.  
PHILIP the first of that name, called the good Duke of Bourgongne, (accounting John of Bavaria Uncle to the Contesse jaqueline) was the 30. Earl of Holland, etc. the which he wrested 〈◊〉 the said Lady in her life time: he takes revenge of the Ganthois for abandoning him before Calais: he was in great danger in Bruge●…, who in the end were reconciled. War betwixt the Hollanders, Zelanders, and the Esterlings. The factions of Sceringers and Uetcoopers' in Friesland. Those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux revived in Holland: war betwixt the Duke and the Ganthois. He disgraceth the two brothers of Brederode wrongfully, to advance David his bastard to the Bishopric of Utrecht. Lewis Dauphin of France comes to the Duke for refuge, who afterwards conducts him into France to be crowned King. A quarrel betwixt Arnold Duke of Geldres and Adolph his son, who deals impiously with his father. The Lord of Croy and Launoy hated of the Earl of Charolois. john of Koesteyn having undertaken to poison the Earl of Charolois, is convicted and executed. A division betwixt the Duke and the Earl of Charolois his son, by reason of them of Croy, but in the end reconciled. King Lewis the 11. dissembles with the Duke of Bourgongne: he sends Ambassadors to him which accuse the Earl of Charolois, who answers them bravely. A new dislike betwixt the Duke and the Earl for them of Croy. Civil war in France, called the war of the Commonweal. The French King and the Liegeois in league against the Duke of Bourgongne. The Earl of Charolois goes with an army against the Liegeois: a peace is made. Dissembling, betwixt the French King and the Earl. Those of Santroin and Dynant in the country of Liege break the peace. Dynant besieged by the Duke of Bourgongne, taken and punished. A second peace made betwixt the Duke and the Liegeois. The Earl of Charolois marries the lady Marguerite sister to the King of England: the death of Duke Philip. The art of Printing invented at Harlem in Holland, and stol●…e away to Mentz.  
PHILIP the first of that name, the 30. Earl of Holland and Zeeland, 
1437.  and Lord of Friesland: son to john Duke of Bourgongne, slain at Montereau faut-yonne, was at the first Governor of those Provinces (as we have said) then by the death of the Lady jaqueline, Countess of the said Provinces, he was right heir and lawful successor, both by 
Duke Philip right heir to Holland, zeeland and Friesland.  father and mother. And so was Duke of Bourgongne, Brabant and Lembourg; Earl of Flanders, Artois, Bourgongne, Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Namur; Marquis of the holy Empire, and Lord of Friesland, Salins and Macklyn. He did afterwards purchase (having conquered it by arms in the name of the widow of the deceased duke) the duchy of Luxembourg, & other siegneories, so as he was the mightiest Prince of all his Predecessors in the said countries: He had to his first wife Michelle, daugh●…er to Charles the sixth, king of France, who died without children, in the year 1422. and lies buried at Gant. Then he married Bonne, or Olande, daughter to the Earl of Eu, by a dispensation from the Pope, for that she had been 
His wives and children.  formerly married to Philip Earl of Nevers his Uncle, the which was a wonderful fair lady, and died also without children. For his last wife he had Isabella, daughter to john King of Portugal, Aunt to the lady Elinor, who was wife to the Emperor Frederick the third. This Isabella was brought by sea into Flanders, and landed at Scluse, in the year 1430. by whom he had three sons; the eldest at Brussels in the year 1431. called Anthony: who lived not long. Then in the year 1433. an other son called josse, who died also very young. The year following 1434, she was brought in bed, at Digeon in Bourgongne, on S. Martin's Eve, of her third son, called Charles Martin, for that he was borne the said day. There was in this Princess (as some say) some thing worthy of observation, which was, that when she took her leave of her father, to go into Flanders to the Duke her spouse, the father having given her his blessing, said unto her, that she should have three sons, whereof two (which she should not nurse herself) should be short lived, as it happened to the two first; and therefore she her self gave suck unto the last son Charles: who after that he was baptised, was made Knight of the golden Fleece, and his father gave unto him, the Earldom of Charlois, the siegneories of Bethune in Artois, Chasteau-Bellam in Bourgongne, and Arkell in Holland. This Duke had some bastards; among others David bishop of Teroan●… 
Duke Philip's ●…ards.  and afterwards of Vtretch, who did much mischief to them of Brederode. Cornellis who died in his youth, being slain at the defeat of the Gantois, before Ripelmond. Anthony Earl of Steenbergh. Baldwin a Knight, Philip his Admiral at sea, and john. Then Anne, wife to Adrian of Borssele, signor of Brigdam, who was afterwards married to Adolfe of Cleves, Lord of Ravestein, brother to the duke of Cleves.  
In the year 1438. the Esterlins envying the sprosperitie of the Navigations of the 
1438. War betwixt the Esterlins & the Hollanders, & zelanders.  Hollanders, and Zeelanders, trafficking in all places at sea, as well as themselves; sought to take and spoil them; the which bred a great war at sea betwixt them: In the which the Hollanders, (with the consent of their Duke) grew so strong in shipping, as after they had recovered more than their losses, they chased the Easterlins out of the sea, until an agreement was made betwixt them. In sign whereof they did bear (as they do at this day) a little be some at the top of their main mast, to show they had once cleansed the Sea from these Esterlins: whereof they were a long time masters.  
In the year 1444. the faction of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers', being somewhat 
1444. The factions revived in Holland.  pacified in Friesland: new troubles grew in Holland by the factions of the Hoocks and Cabillaux, upon this occasion, especially in the towns of Harlem, and Amsterdam, but chiefly at Leyden; in the which the Magistrates had granted a Subsidy unto the duke, which was so great and burdensome, as it was not possible to furnish it, without oppression to the Commons. The Magistrates were for the most part of the faction of the Hoeckins, yet the better part of the Cabillautin faction had consented to the raising of this extraordinary imposition. The people being thus over charged, joined with the Cabillautin faction, which was the cause of great mischief: for on a Saint Peter's day, there was a great insurrection in the Town of Amsterdam: the 
A tumult at Amsterdam by the factions.  Hoeckins chase away all the Cabillautins, and their adherents, who made their retreat unto Harlem, being of their faction. The Duke keeping his court at Brussels, hearing of this disorder, sent the Lady Isabella his wife, with some of his counsel to redress it, and to pacify their quarrels. Hereupon the like tumult happened in Harlem, by reason of these heavy impositions, the two factions arming one against another, and coming to handy strokes, so that some were hurt, and others slain. The Duchess 
The Duchess comes into Holland, to pacify the troubles.  was presently advertised thereof, and sent a gentleman of her Household, with Gerard van Zyl thither; who being arrived, commanded the people in the Prince's name, to lay aside their arms, the which was done, but yet the troubles seized not: for they were much incensed against the lord of Lalain, Governor of Holland, to whom they did impute the cause of these Impositions; so as if they could have once gotten him, they would without all doubt have murdered him, The Duchess went to Harlem, whereas the next day after her arrival, the Cabillautines chased away all the Hoeckins, so as she was greatly troubled to preserve them from spoil: causing all the Cabillautins to return into the Town, which had been before expelled. She commanded them of Amsterdam, and the partisans of the Hoeckin faction, that were expelled Harlem, to carry themselves discretely, and to keep well their town.  
In the end leaving the affairs of Holland in this confusion, and not able to pacify them, she returned to Brussels, where having informed the Duke her husband, of the 
She returns without any effect The Duke sends for the heads of both factions.  estate of the country, he sent for all the Lords, Knights and Deputies of the towns of Holland, of both factions, to come before him at Brussels, upon great penalties: and with them the Lord of Lalain. The duke having heard both parties, he dismissed the Lord of Lalain, from his place of Lieutenant, instituting in his place, a worthy and wise man of Flanders; called Gosswin of wild. And to the end he should not more carry his Predecessors title, the which seemed odious to all the Nobility; he would have him called Precedent of Holland, Zeeland, and west Freezland. If William 
Institution of the 〈◊〉 Precedent in Holland.  of Lalain did carry himself ill in his place of Lieutenant, this Goswin behaved himself much worse; for he afterwards lost his head, for his wicked life.  
At this time there happened a great tumult in the town of Leyden: so as they fell 
A tumult at Leyden.  to arms: the Cabillautins charged the Hoeckins in such sort, as they were forced to recoil unto Saint Pancratts Church, whereas many of the Hoeckin faction were slain, wounded, and taken Prisoners, to the number of six score, whereof three of the chief that were the motives of this trouble lost their heads: and there had been more executed, if the Earl of Osteruant had not saved them: the rest were put to great fines.  
The Duke hearing what had passed at Leyden, resouled to go into Holland, to pacify 
The Duke comes into Holland.  these troubles and reconcile his subjects. Whether he came accompanied with john Earl of Nassau, Lord of Breda, and many Barons and knights. Whether likewise came john of Hensberg, bishop of Liege, at the request of Ghysbrecht of Brederode, Pro●…ost Cathedral of Vtrech his cousin, to reconcile the Hoeckins with their Prince. The 
He reconciles the two factions.  Duke sent the Earl of Nasau before him to Harlem, to let them understand the cause of his coming, and his intention. This Ghysbrecht of Brederode was there also. And being of the Hoeckin faction, the Earl of Nassau and the bishop of Liege made his peace with the duke to the great discontent of his enemies the Cabillautins. From thence the duke went to Amsterdam, where he restored all them that had been banished & expelled: renewed the ●…aw of Sheriffs, appointing two Bourgomasters of either faction, and the Sheriffs, equally commanding them to lay aside all factions and partialties, and to live brotherlike together in all love & amity, imposing great punishments upon them, that should break his commandments in that regard, and for the authors of any troubles; how mean so ever they were. This done, after that he had reduced all to a good order, he departed out of Holland and returned into Brabant.  
The duke having the year before besieged Calais, pretending it to be of the limits 
War betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and the Ganthois.  of Flanders, as part of the county of Guynes, which came unto him by Session from Charles the 7. King of France, was abandoned by the Flemings at this siege. He remembering the affront which they had done him (having punished them of Bruges before) he resolved in the year 1452. to do as much to the Ganthois, to begin and to 
1452.  satisfy himself of the great loss and charge he had been at, by reason of the raising of this siege: he laid a new imposition upon all the Country of Flanders, of six patters 
The cause of this warre●…  upon every sack of Salt, coming from France, Spain, or elsewhere. Whereunto the Ganthois would by no means yield. The Duke seeing their obstinacy and wilfulness, caused them to be taken and ransomed throughout all his other countries as his sworn enemies. The Ganthois did the like unto the Duke's men, or to such as did any way affect his party. Hereupon they went to arms: the Ganthois drew many towns into their faction, and forced some; marching in field with their colours flying, in form of an army. The Duke had also his army in field, of the which the Earl of Estampes was general, who made sharp wars against the Ganthois, in the which they were sometimes beaten, and did sometimes beat the Duke's troops. In the end after a great ruin of towns, and destruction of the country of Flanders, the Ganthois having received a great defeat by the succours which the Hollanders sent unto the duke and afterwards an other, where there were slain 6000. of them upon the place, which was the 23. of july 1453. They sent their deputies the 26. of the said month unto the 
1453. The Ganthois submit themselves unto the Duke, and are re●…onciled.  Duke, to ask him forgiveness in the name of all the people, and the 30. following, by the prayers and intercessions of some Noblemen, both clergy and secular, they were reconciled unto the duke upon certain conditions, who received them into grace: the war having continued five years. The conditions of this reconciliation (by the which the greatness of the Ganthois was much impaired, and the duke assured for the remainder of his life from their mutinies, and all the wars which the Ganthois had had at that time) are written at large in the Chronicle of Flanders. At that time Adrian of Borsselle, Lord of Brigdam, Duyvelant, Galmeade, Somersdyk and Zuyburch, married Anne the bastard daughter of duke Philip of Bourgongne, by whom he had one son called Cornellis, who died young, and two daughters, Agnes and Anne. The Lord of Brigdam was then great Chamberlain to Duke Philip, and afterwards to duke Charles his son. The 4. of March 1455. died Rodoph of Diephont bishop of Vtrecht, having governed his 
1455. The death of the Bishop of Vtrecht.  Bishopric about 23. years. After whose death duke Philip sent Cont John of Nassau, to the Chapter of Vtrecht, entreating them to choose his bastard son the bishop of Teroane. Arnold Duke of Geldres came in person to sue for Stephen of Bavaria Chanoine of Cologne. The Chapter without any respect of the entreaty of two mighty Princes, nor 
Great competitors for the bishopric.  of these two competitors, chose Ghysbrecht of Brederod their Provost Cathedral, a wise and a virtuous man. This election was made jointly by them all, except Gerard vanden Massche, & john of Wittenhurst Chanoins, who gave their voice to Stephen of Bavaria: yet seeing all the rest were of one mind, they yielded and consented to their election.  
This election did not much please them of the Cabillautin faction in Holland, for 
Sugiestions by the ●…oeckin faction against the bishop of Vtrecht.  that those of Brederode were of the Hoekins, seeking all means to hinder it, and sending some of the chief among them to Brussels to the Duke of Bourgongne, giving him to understand, that if this election were of force, and that Ghysbrecht of Brederode remained absolute bishop, he was in danger to lose his Earldom of Holland, if he did not prevent it by his wisdom. For that (said they) Renowld Lord of Brederode his brother, would (with his aid) attempt to conquer it, under a colour that he vaunts himself to be issued from the ancient and first Earls of Holland, having already purchased many friends in the diocese of Vtrecht, and in East Friesland, by whose favour he might easily seize upon the country.  
The Duke giving ear to these false reports, believed them; although that the lord of Brederode was well known to be a mild and quiet man, who would never have 
The duke bel●… 〈◊〉 ●…ports against them of Brederode.  entertained such a thought, having made it sufficiently known unto his Prince with what loyalty he had served him in his last war against the Ganthois. Upon these advertisements, the Duke sent the Bishop of Arras to the Pope, to press him to have the provision of this Bishopric of Vtrecht, for David his bastard, for whom Alphonso King of Arr●…gon did also solicit. Ghysbrecht the elect bishop, had also sent his Ambassadors to desire confirmation thereof, whom the Pope held in suspense, yet receiving his 
The duke of Bourgongne means to make his bastard son bishop of Vtrecht by force  annuat or first fruits, which was 4000 ducats, but he made them no other dispatch. Whilst that these Ambassadors were at Rome, the Duke and the Earl of Charolois his son came into Holland, being resolved to install David bastard of Bourgongne in the bishopric of Vtrecht, by force: being at the Hage the Duke kept open court, & did solemnize the order of the Golden Fleece, of the which he created 26. Knights, himself making the 27. The Lord of Brederode meant to come unto this feast, but having some other lets, he went not, the which was happy for him, for his enemies had laid two ambushes in several places to kill him: but his stay disappointed them. Another time being come unexpected to the Duke's court at the Hage, his adversaries laid three ambuscadoes more for him with 500 men: but he departed suddenly, and so well accompanied, as they durst not attempt any thing, returning safe to Vtrecht to his brother that was chosen bishop.  
Those of Vtrecht hearing that the Duke meant to bring his base Son into the Bishoprik by force: sent him word that their previledges and ecclesiastical orders, did not admit a bastard to that dignity. The Duke (to avoid and make frustrate that objection) obtained a dispensation from the Pope, for his bastardise, making him legitimate. Those of Vtrecht being discontented, fortified themselves with men and with all things necessary to resist any attempt: Notwithstanding (in despite of them and 
David the duke of Bourgongnes bastard made bishop of Vtrecht.  those of the house of Brederode, having obtained from the Pope provision of the said Bishopric for David his bastard) he forced Gysbrecht that was chosen Bishop to compound with him, and to yield up his bishopric to David: Upon condition that he should remain Provost Cathedral, and Provost of Oudt Minster in Vtrecht, and Provost of Donas in Bruges, and that yearly during his life he should have an Annual pension of 4200. florins of gold, out of the bishopric of Vtrecht: and for the charges he had been at by reason of his election 50000. Lions of gold. For the performance of all which conditions, the duke of Cleves stood bound in the name of the duke of Burgongne, who by reason of this accord, entered with his base son David into the town of Vtrecht, and put him in possession. But those of Deventer and other towns of the country of Oueryssel, which is the high diocese of Vtrecht, opposed themselves, and would not acknowledge David for their prince & pastor, until the duke besieging Deventer, forced them thereunto. Whilst that the Duke held the said town of Deventer besieged, Lewis Dauphin of France fell in disgrace with King Charles the 7. his Father, being much perplexed, and doubtful for a time whether he should retire himself to the King of 
Lewis Dauphin of France comes to Brusseles to the Duke of Bourgongne.  England or not. But he thought it best to go unto his couzin Duke Philippe of Bourgongne, taking his way towards Brussels with a small train, which made the duke yield to a composition suddenly with them of Deventer that he might go and receive him. This Prince was so honourably entertained, feasted and treated, as he remained five years in the Duke's Court, until the death of the King his Father: having an estate and train appointed him, as if he had been the Dukes own Son.  
In the year 1460. died the said French King Charles the seventh called the Gentle. The Duke of Bourgongne being advertised thereof, assembled all his Barons and 
1460. Death of king Charles of France.  chief Nobility to conduct Lewis Dauphin of France, and to see him take possession, as the eldest Son of the deceased King, of the Realm and Crown of France. The King being crowned by the help of the Duke of Bourgongne, being desirous to show himself thankful for so great a service, having as it were led him by the hand unto the Crown, gave him great thanks, and to recompense him in some sort, he gave unto 
Lewis King of France falls in dislike with the Duke of Bourgongne.  the Earl of Charolois his Son certain towns and castles in France, with a yearly pension. The King would have make an exchange with the Duke of some towns, but they could not agree, so as many years after, the King discovered a spleen and dislike which he had conceived against the Duke, and that before he had confirmed the donation made unto the Earl of Charolois of the said towns and castles.  
The Earl of Charolois besides his seigneuries of Bethune, Chasteau-Bellain, Archel, Putten, Streyen, and the Country of Goyelandt, received in the year. 1461. by 
1461. Certain signtories come to the Earl of Charolois.  Adrian of Borselle his Atorney in that behalf, the possession of the moeity of the signory town and castle of Asprens, by reason of a certain murder committed by one William van Buren, upon Rutger of Boetselaer lord of the other moeity. And in the year 1462. the said Earl was received lord of the town of Henkelom, being but a 
1462.  quarter of a league from Asprens, by the forfeiture of john of Henkelom and Otto his Son, who in the end did resign it unto him by agreement. And so this signory of Henkelom returned to that of Arckel, from whence it issued at the first. At that time there fell out great troubles in the Duke of Bourgongnes Court, for the causes which follow. john lord of Croy had in his youth bred up a poor boy in his house, named john of Koestein, whom he advanced to be first an assistant and then a groom 
What john of Koesteine was.  of the Duke's chamber, who carried himself so loyally and virtuously, as the duke esteemed him very much, giving him great means, and having made him knight, he was his taster for his drink. By which advancements both in goods and honours, he grew so proud and arrogant, as he began to contemn others, yea Barons, so gracious he was in the Duke his masters favour, as he seemed to be the only man to manage his most important affairs. At the same season john of Croy and john of Lanoy Governor of Holland, conceived a secret hatred against the Earl of Charolois the duke's Son their Prince, for that he had obtained of his Father the country of Arckel, the which the Duke had given a little before unto the said lord of Lanoy: and the government of Namur and Boulenois to the lord of Croy: who had enjoyed it many years: for which gifts the Earl had grown in hatred of these two Noblemen: who notwithstanding did wholly govern and possess the duke's person, who by their means showed his Son the Earl of Charolois no good countenance. The Earl finding it left the duke his Father's Court and retired himself into Holland, hoping that this dislike would pass and die. Some of the chief Noblemen of Brabant and Flanders came unto him, and furnished him with all that he had need of. These two Noblemen of Croy and Lanoy, full of spite, to see his train so great, 
Croy lanoy & Koestein conspire against the Earl of Charolois.  and the chief Noblemen run after him: consulted (for the better maintenance of themselves) how they might supplant and ruin the Earl: the which they did impart unto john of Koestein, who fearing likewise to be disgraced and put from his Offices, after the duke's death, (being also wholly bound unto the lord of Croy, for his advancement) gave ●…are willingly unto them: and took the charge upon him, corrupting a poor younger brother a Bourguignon, with the promise of a great sum of money, and sending him into Piedmont to buy poison, descouring unto him to 
They seek to poison him.  what end it was. This gentleman called john d'Iuy having performed his voyage, and brought this poison to Koestein, demanded that which he had promised him: the which he not only refused to pay him, but also abused him with injurious words ●…Iuy discontented at this answer, complained to an other gentleman of Bourgongne, called Arguenbant, and discovered unto him the whole secret. This Arguenbant (being wonderfully amazed) advised ivy to go speedily and discover the whole truth of this matter unto the Earl of Charolois, saying, that if he went not he himself would go and accuse him. john of ivy without any farther stay, went unto the Earl, and casting 
The practice discovered unto the earl.  himself on his knees before him, he beseeched him humbly to pardon him the offence which he would reveal unto him, and then laid open the whole truth of the matter. The Earl being much amazed thereat, went presently to the Duke his Father, to descover unto him all that he had heard of this villainous practice; craving justice of the Author thereof, naming john of Koestein. The duke having promised to do him justice, the Earl went unto his lodging, commanding john of ivy to go unto Rupelmond, and to attend him there as he did.  
The next day morning, john of Koestein being a hunting in the Park at Brussels, the duke called him, commanding him to go with the lords of Aussy and Creveceur to Ruppelmond, to make answer to a gentleman that did greatly tax his honour. Koestein answered him proudly, after his accustomed manner: that he feared no man living, whereupon he pulled on his boots, and went to horseback with five servants: and so went to the lord of Aussy, whom he found on horseback, with the lord of Crevecaeur, with fifteen or sixteen Archers of the Duke's guard. Being come to Ruppelmond, soon after arrived Anthony bastard of Bourgongne, the Bishop of Tournay, with the lords of Croy and Goulx. The Earl of Charolois came also, and caused Koestein to be put into a Tower, of the which he himself kept the keys, so as no man 
Koestein committed to prison.  might speak unto him but in his presence. These four Noblemen made the process of the said Koestein, after that he had been confronted with john of ivy, declaring him guilty, and condemning him to lose his head, and his body to be cut in four 
He is condemned to lose his head.  quarters. Being brought to the place of execution, which was upon one of the highest Towers of the castle, he disired to speak with the Earl of Charolois, who went unto him, and heard him long in secret, which made them presume that he accused some one (namely the said lords of Croy and Lanoy) the which the Earl dissembled. He entreated that his body might not be quartered, the which being granted him, he lost his head. This done john of ivy was called, of whom the Earl demanded, if Koestein had kept his promise with him, and paid him 
john of ivy ●…hat accused Koestein beheaded also.  the some as he agreed upon, whether he would then have revealed the fact: the poor fool answered no, and therefore he presently caused his head to be cut off.  
About that time Lewis the leaventh King of France, made a proclamation throughout the Earldoms of Flanders and Arthois, that none should presume to inrowle himself in the service of Edward King of England, nor any way assist him. He would also have raised an impost upon the salt in Bourgongne, the which had never been practised before. But the duke would not admit of the one nor the other: for he was a 
Causes of dislike betwixt the king of France and the duke of Bourgongne.  friend and had made a truce with the King of England. Whereupon he sent the lord of Chimay to the French King, to show him the causes why he could not allow of such innovations in his countries, and to entreat him to forbear. But the said lord was long at Court before he could have audience. Seeing one day that they fed him still with delays: he attended so long before the King's chamber, as in the end he came forth. When the King had seen him: he asked him what manner of man the duke of Bourgongne was: Is he of an other metal than the rest of the Princess of my Realm? yea my Liege (answered Chimay) being a bold man and of great courage) the Duke of Bourgongne my Master, is of an other stuff than the Princes of France, or of all the Countries about: for he hath kept you, nourished 
The answer of the Lord of Chymay to the French King.  and supported you against the will and liking of the King your father, and all others, whom it did displease, the which no other Prince would nor durst do. At these words the King held his peace, and returned into his chamber. Afterwards the said Lord of Chymay returned, making his report unto the Duke.  
The French King being resolved to pay unto the duke of Bourgongne 450000. crowns, and redeem the towns which were engaged unto him in Picardy, on this side the river of Some, by the treaty of Arras, he gathered together great store of treasure from all parts of his kingdom: for there was no abbey, Chanonlerie, nor rich Merchant that was esteemed to have money throughout all France, but did either give or lend him. And having recovered the said sum, he sent it to Abbeville to the Duke of Bourgongne, from whence the Duke caused it to be brought to Hesdin, where he than kept his court. Soon after in the year 1463. the king came thither in person, the Duke went to meet him, and received him with 
1463. The Fre●…ch King comes to 〈◊〉 to the Duk●… of Bourgongne.  great honour and state, and lodged him in his own lodging in the Castle, where he promised to accomplish all that remained of the Treaty of Arras: but he failed afterwards in some points. During his abode at Hesdin, the duke sent divers messengers to the Earl of Charolois his son, being then in Holland, to come and do his duty unto the king. But he refused to come, saying: That so long as John of Bourgongne Earl of Estampes, and the Lords of Croy and Lanoy, should be about the King, he would not come, holding them for his mortal enemies, (for these Noblemen had left the Duke's Court, and retired them to the king's service) for he knew well they were of his secret council, charging them with the practice of John of Koesteyn, and to have counseled the Duke his father to accept of the money for the redeeming of the above named towns. The Duke was wonderfully discontented 
The Earl of Charolois 〈◊〉 to come to the King which discontents his 〈◊〉.  at his sons refusal, and would not for a long time after see him. The King parting from Hesdin, the Duke entreated him to confirm those servants (which he had placed in the redeemed Towns) in their offices: He granted it, but he performed little: changing all the Governors, Captains, Provosts and Magistrates thereof, appointing and committing in their places, such as he thought were not greatly affected unto the duke, as the Lords of Lanoy, Croy and Estampes.  
The discontentment betwixt the Duke and the Earl of Charolois his son, continued 
The duke of Bourgongne and his son reconciled.  so long, until the States of the Netherlands (to whom the Earl had made his complaints, especially of the lord of Croy) had reconciled them together: according to whose advice, the Earl accompanied with many Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, and the chief Deputies of the said States, came to Bruges, where the Duke was. All the chief Noblemen of the Court, and the Magistrates of the Town went to meet him: conducting him to the Duke his father's lodging, where he lighted, and went 
The Earl comes to his fath●…r 〈◊〉 speech unto the Duke his father.  up unto his chamber, as soon as he saw him, he kneeled down three times, and at the third time he said; My most honoured Lord and Father, I have understood that you are offended against me for three things (declaring the same three points, which he had made known unto the deputies of the States) whereof he excused himself: Notwithstanding (said he) if I have in any other thing moved you to anger, I most humbly cry you mercy. As for all your excuses (answered the Duke) I know the truth, speak no more of 
The Duke of Bourgo●…gne reconciled to his son.  them: but seeing you are come to ask forgiveness, be you a good son, and I will be a good father to you: then he took him by the hand, raised him up, and pardoned him all. This done, the Deputies took their leave of the Father and the Son, being glad to have performed so good a work. The same day that this reconciliation was made, the Lord of Croy parted early in the morning from Bruges, and retired to Tournay to the French King, who was there then.  
In the month of june 1464. the French King came to Amiens, and from thence 
1464.  to Saint Pol: where he found the Duke of Bourgongne. The Earl of S. Pol feasted them with great state, than they went together to Hesdin, whereas the king required him to yield unto him the government of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, satisfying him the sum of two hundred thousand Livers, and paying him 10000 Livers of yearly pension, for which sums of money he said the said Government had been engaged by a 
Which is 20000. pound starling.  King of France long since to an Earl of Flanders. Whereunto the duke answered; that when his Grandfather duke Philip called the Hardy, son to john King of France, took to wife the Lady Marguerite, daughter and only heir to Lewis of Male Earl of 
Certain demands made by the French King unto the duke of Bourgongne.  Flanders, the said Chastelenies were given to him and his heirs males for ever by the King: and in case he had not any, then to return unto the Crown, for the said sum and yearly rent. The King made certain other demands unto the duke, but he would not hearken unto them, for that they were unreasonable. The duke for his part made three requests unto the King: the first was, that he would receive the Earl of Charolois 
The Duke's requests unto the King.  his son into his grace and favour, for that he heard the King had been displeased with him. The second was that he would not force the Gentlemen his subjects and resident in his countries, holding any fees of land of his Majesty, to take any other oath then Gentlemen were accustomed to take: for that the King would have forced some to swear, to serve him indifferently against all men. The third was to accomplish all that remained to be accomplished of the treaty of Arras, the which he had promised and sworn, when as he redeemed the towns that were engaged. To which requests the King lent a deaf ear, and parted the next day from Hesdin.  
During the Kings stay at Hesdin, the bastard of Rubempre had charge to enter into 
The bastard of Rubempre sent into Holland to surprise the Earl of Charolois.  Crotoye, with a great ship called the Ballevier, and forty choice soldiers with him, to go into Holland, whereas the Earl of Charolois then remained, who coming into a Port of Holland, the bastard went to the Hage (whereas the Earl was) as secretly as he could: but being drinking at a Tavern he was known, and discovered unto the Earl, who caused him and his companions to be apprehended and put in 
Rubempre & his companions apprehended.  prison: Soon after his companions were delivered, and the bastard remained still in prison, with one other. They had sent to seize upon the Ship, but hearing of the captains apprehension, it put to Sea, and returned to Crottoy. The common fame was then, that the French King had given charge by letters written and signed with his own hand to this Bastard of Rubempre, to take the Earl of Charolois alive or dead. After which done, being ready with a great army near unto Hesdin (which they said was prepared for England) to set upon the Duke of Bourgongne, (who doubted nothing,) whom he would have taken prisoner, and led with him, as he did the Duke of Savoye his brother in law, then to marry the Earl 
The King's intention touching Rubempres act.  of Charolois daughter at his pleasure, (being then but eight years old) and to have divided the Duke's countries, the Duchy of Brabant to the Earl of Nevers, and his other Provinces to whom he had pleased. But GOD disposed otherwise.  
As soon as the bastard was taken, and had confessed the matter unto the Earl of Saint Pol, who kept then in Holland: the Earl of Charolois sent letters presently to the Duke his father, being yet at Hesdin whether the King had appointed him to come: and that he should attend him there. But at the same instant the Duke received letters about dinner time from his son, acquainting him with the bastard's attempt, and advertising him that he was not safe at Hesdin: whereupon he 
The duke of Bourgongne re●…res in haste from Hesdin.  went presently after dinner to horseback, and retired with a small train to Saint Pol to his bed, whether every man followed presently, leaving Adolph of Cleves his cousin, and the Lord of Crequi, to guard the town, enjoining them notwithstanding, that if the King would come, to open him the Town and Castle. As soon as the King was advertised that the Duke was gone so suddenly from Hesdin, he went to Rovan: and the Duke of Bourbon came to Lille, to see the Duke of Bourgongne his Uncle, and from thence to Gaunt, to the Earl of Charolois his Cousin.  
The fourth of November the same year 1464. the Earl of Charolois came to Lille, with about a hundred Knights and Gentlemen, and some six hundredth 
1464. The ●…rench king sends Ambassadors to the duke of Bourgongne.  horse in his train. All the people were very joyful at his coming: being alighted from his horse, he went to do his duty to his father. The next day there came into the same town of Lille the Earl of Eu, Moruillier Chancellor of France, and the Archbishop of Narbone, Ambassadors from the king: the next day they had a public audience, in the presence of the Duke and Earl his son: insisting upon three points; The first was, that they demanded the Bastard of Rubempre, 
The French kings demands.  who was detained prisoner in Holland. The second was, that reparation were made unto the King, for the imputations which had been laid upon him since the imprisonment of the said Bastard. The third, that the Duke should send unto the King, one of the Earl of Charolois household, called Oliver de la March, a knight of Bourgongne, who had first published those scandals to the King's dishonour: the which a Preacher had afterwards preached in the Town of Bruges, requiring also to have the said Preacher sent, to do justice of them according to their merits: Alleging for the King's excuse, that the said Bastard of Rubempre, had been sent into Holland to take the Vicechancellor of Britain in his return from England; and therefore he said that the Earl of Charolois had greatly offended the King too, having hindered the Bastard's charge, in causing him to be taken. The Duke having given an attentive ear unto his speech, and suffered him to speak what he would: he himself answered to every point. Afterwards the Chancellor began again, laying foul and dishonest charges upon Francis Duke of Britain, whereunto the Earl entreated his father to give him leave to answer. But the Duke said unto him, I have answered for thee as much (in mine opinion) as a father ought to do for his son, yet if thou hast so great desire, think of it against to morrow.  
The next day the Ambassadors were called again before the Duke, and there 
The Earl of Charolois answer.  in the presence of the whole Assembly, the Earl of Charolois answered from point to point to that wherewith he or the Duke of Brittany his friend had been charged: the which he did couldly, without any show of passion or choler, and that so eloquently, as all men did admire him.  
In the end the father was very humble and wise in his conclusion, beseeching the King that he would not lightly believe any thing against him nor his son, but to continue them still in his good grace and favour. After which, wine and some confections being brought, the Ambassadors took their leave both of father and son.  
When as the Earl of Eu and the Chancellor had taken their leaves of the Earl of Charolois, (who was a good way off from his father) he said unto the Archbishop of Narborne, who was the last: Recommend me most humbly unto the King's good favour, and tell him that he hath disgraced me here by his Chancellor, 
The Earl of Charolois sends a message unto the King. The Duke of Bourgongne falls sick.  but before that the year pass he will repent it: The Archbishop did not fail to do this message, the which bred great hatred betwixt the King and the Earl.  
Soon after the Duke fell grievously sick at Brussels, so as they did in a manner despair of his health: the Earl of Charolois was then with him, who seeing that the Lord of Croy and his adherents, had in a manner the whole government of his father's countries, holding the best and strongest places: knowing that above fifteen days before the said Lord of Croy, was retired to the French King: he caused in his name all the Towns, castles and forts in the countries of Luxemburg, Lembourg, Namur, Henault, Bollenois, and other places to be seized on: placing new Captains in them. The Duke being recovered made his son Governor of all his countries, The Earl seeing himself in this authority, called the chief Noblemen to court: among others, 
The Earl of Charolois made Governor of his father's countries. Hi●… speech unto his friends.  the Earl of Saint Pol, Anthony and Baldwine his bastard brethren, brave Knights, and the most of the Duke his father's counsel; to whom he said: My masters and friends, I cannot nor will not conceal from you any longer my hearts discontent: but will presently deliver unto you that which I have kept long secret. I would have you know, that the Lord of Croy, with his kinsmen and Allies are (and so I repute them for) my greatest and most mortal enemies: Then he made known the causes unto them, the which he sent in writing to all the good Towns of his father's countries. Having spoken thus unto his friends, he gave notice unto the Siegneor of Quivarin (who was chief Chamberlain to the Duke his father) by two, or three Knights, that he should retire himself from the Duke his father's service, and that he should be packing with as little brute as he could, without advertising of his Father, lest he should be disquieted. The signor of Quieurain was much perplexed at these news, being loath to leave so good a house, whereas all his kindred had grown great and rich; but he feared to offend the Earl; He therefore without taking advice of any one, went the next day in the morning to the Duke, and falling down upon his knees before him, thanked him most humbly for the good and honour he had received from his greatness: beseeching him to take his poor service in good part, craving leave to depart; seeing that the Earl his Son had sent him word that he would kill him if he retired not. The Duke hearing him speak in this sort, was exceeding wroth, and having commanded him to stay, he took a boarspeere in his hand and went out of his chamber full of rage, saying to them that were about him: that he would go see if his Son, would kill his servants. Those that were present seeing him in that estate, caused the gates to 
A new quarrel betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and his Son.  be shut and the Porter to be hidden, so as the Duke could not get forth: whilst they sought for the keys, the duchess of Bourbon his Sister and many ladies of his house came, with Anthony of Bourgongne his bastard, who used such mild persuasions as they did some what pacify his rage, and he returned into his chamber. During this trouble the signor of Quieurain got out of the Court, and departed with one with him as secretly as he could.  
The Earl knowing that his Father was much displeased with him, was every day in counsel, as well with his own, as with the Duke's chief Councillors, seeking all means to pacify him, every man employing himself all he could in that good service. In the end it was thought good that the Earl should write unto all the good towns 
The Earl of Charolois writs to all the Towns.  of his Father's Countries, what his heart thought, and the reasons which moved him, to discharge them of Croy from the service of his house, which letter should be red publicly in all places, that every man might be advertised thereof. The like letters were sent unto all the chief of the Nobility, the tenor whereof is to be red at large in my great chronicle the which I omit here for brevities sake, they were dated the two and twenty of March 1464. The same month of March the signor of Roubais 
1446.  with good troops, went by the Earls command, to seize upon the town and castle of Lanoy, thinking to find the lord of the place there: being Nephew to the lord of Croy, who was then Governor of Lille and bailiff of Amiens: but they neither found him, nor his wife nor children there: for being advertised of Roubais 
The town & castle of Lanoy taken taken.  coming, he had retired himself with all his gold, silver and richest movables, into the town of Tournay, two leagues from thence, then held by the French. The Earl gave the said town and castle of Lanoy to james of Luxembourg, brother to the Earl of Saint Pol, withal the provision that was found within it, the which was very great, both in powdered flesh, meal and other provisions and munition of war.  
At that time Charles duke of Berry, brother to Lewis the leaventh the French King, being about eighteen years old, whom the King kept in his Court simplier and in meaner estate, than he had been in the time of their Father Charles the seventh; one day he made show to go a hunting with ten men only, and fled for refuge to the Duke of Britain, the discourse of all the troubles which followed after in France, being called the war of the commonweal, is written at large in the Inventory of the History of France, to the which I will refer the Reader, for that it doth not properly belong unto our subject. The Earl of Charolois writ letters to them of Arras, 
Letters from the Earl of Charolois to them of Arras.  sending them word that he was advertised that the lord of Croy and his friends, did levy men, to lead them out of the duke his Father's countries: & that the Earl of Nevers was gone with the lord of Croy to molest the said countries, the which he meant to prevent; and therefore he commanded them to make public proclamations in all their jurisdictions, that none should presume to serve his couzin of Nevers, nor them of Croy, without the duke his Father's leave, upon pain of confiscation of body and goods.  
The twelfth day of April 1465. which was the day of our Redeemers passion, a 
1465.  great divine preached at Busselles in the chapel of the Court, in the presence of the duke and of a great and noble assembly. In his sermon he discoursed at large, what clemency and mercy was, that he might move the duke to remit the discontent he had against his Son by reason of the lord of Chimay, the which until that day he would not do. The sermon being ended many knights of the golden Fleece, went unto the Duke, and beseeched him humbly, that according to the Preachers exhortation, 
The Earl of Charolois reconciled to his father.  he would pardon his son the offence which he had committed. The next day about noon the Earl went to present himself before his Father, upon his knee, saying. My most redoubted lord and father, I beseech you for the honour of the passion of our Lord jesus Christ that it would please you to pardon me that which I have misdone, for what I have done hath been to preserve you and myself also from death: and for the preservation of all your Countries and subjects, as I will give you to understand at large hereafter. And having spoken other words, wisely and humbly, to the great satisfaction of all the hearers: The duke holding him by the elbow, and looking still in his face, said unto him. Charles my Son, all that ever you have misdone unto this day, I pardon, be a good Son unto me, and I willbe a good father unto thee. In speaking of which words the tears stood in the duke's eyes, the which moved the hearts of all the company, so as some could not forbear weeping.  
This reconciliation made betwixt the Father and the Son, and the feast of Easter past, in the year 1465. the duke sent for the three estates of all his Provinces to come to Brussels, to whom he showed letters written from the duke of Berry brother to the French King, to him, making known the great desire he had to succour him, being resolved to levy a greater army than he had ever done: of the which he would make the Earl his Son general, and therefore it was needful that all his subjects should aid him with some extraordinary subsidy, the which was granted: every Province 
The duke of Bourgongne levies an army to succour the duke of Berry.  according to their estate. In the mean time the army was preparing, in the which were Lewis Earl of Saint Pol, and his three Sons, james his brother: the lord of Ravestein Nephew to the duke. Anthony and Baldwyn of Bourgongne, the duke's bastards, and almost all the Barones, Knights, squires and Gentlemen of his countries, unto the number of 14000. fight men, that is to say 1400. lances 8000. Archers, and the rest Harquebusiers, pikes and corselets. Those of high Bourgongne were not of this troop, who made an army apart to join with the Earl of Charolois 
The Earl of Charolois forces.  in his march, being 600. lances, and about 6000. foot, whereof the Prince of Orange, the Marshal of Bourgongne, the lords of Argevil, Charny and Toulongeon were the chief.  
The 15. of May the Earl of Charolois having his army ready, beginning to march with his Artillery, towards Quesnoy the Conte in Henalt. It was necessary he should take his leave of the duke his Father, being at Brussels. At his parting, the 
The duke's speech to his Son at his parting.  duke said unto him. My Son go: do your best endeavour, die rather than fly, if you be in danger, you shall not be forsaken, though I employ a hundred thousand men. The Earl entering into Piccardie many towns opened their gates, others he forced calling himself still the duke of Berry's lieutenant, promising in the said duke's name to abolish all exactions and impositions wherewith the people were wonderfully oppressed, whereupon it was called the war of the commonweal: after followed the battle of Montleherry betwixt Lewis the French King, and the Earl of Charolois, where they ran away on both sides, yet in the end the Earl kept the field: after the which the Princes of the league being joined together, they marhed with their army before Paris, where at last a Peace was concluded betwixt the King and the Princes, all which you may read at large in the French History. A little before the battle of Montleherry, the French King had made a league with the Liegeois, ancient 
The French King makes a league with them of Liege. The Liegeois in arms against the duke of Bourgongne.  and mortal enemies to the house of Bougongne, who were so presumptuous and rash as to defy the duke of Bourgongne and his Son the Earl of Charolois: then marching out of their city of Liege they went to spoil the duke's country, whereas they burned some villages, than they went to besiege the town of Kembourg. The duke advertised of this bravadoe of the Liegeois, raised all the forces he could, and with the Duke of Cleves and other his friends, resolved to go fight with them in person. But the Liegeois understanding that he was at Namur, with a greater Army then that which his son had led into France, seeing that the King had failed to send them such troops of horses as he had promised, they raised their siege from Lembourg, and returned to their Town of Liege.  
The 25. of September the same year, their died at Brussels, the countess of 
The death of the Contesse of Charolois.  Charolois, daughter to the Duke of Bourbon, a virtuous and very religious Lady, leaving one only daughter called Marie: she fell into such distemperature and alteration, when she heard the news, that her husband had been defeated at Montleherry, (for so it was reported in the beginning) as she fell sick, and languished some two Months, until she died, for the which there was great heaviness and mourning at the court.  
The 3. day of October, the siegnior of Roubay assisted by Fromelles and Arguembaut a Gentleman of Bourgongne, surprised the castle of Peronne by Scaladoe, whereas 
Peronne surprised for the Duke of Bourgongne.  they found the Earl of Nevers, the Siegneor of Sailly and some others in bed. He presently won the Town, which was opened unto him, and so it was subjecteth under the Duke of Bourgongnes obedience. The Earl of Nevers was carried prisoner to the castle of Bethune, and Arguembaut remained Governor of Peronne, for that he had been Author of this enterprise.  
During these broils in France, the Liegeois were mad, and especially those of Dynant, trusting in the strength of their Town (vaunting that they had endured seaventeen sieges, and had never been conquered) and in their wealth; still robbing and spoiling their neighbours, especially the subjects of the duke of Bourgongne, whose Image 
The insolency of them of Dynant.  they made, to the which (in despite of him and of his son) they did a thousand villainies before the gates of Bouvines in the county of Namur, belonging unto the Duke, with the foulest reproach that any man could utter, yea or think, against the said Princes and their wives that were dead. These outrageous injuries came to the knowledge of the duke and his son, the which did so incense them, as the Earl swore he would be revenged, as it fell out afterwards. The Earl of Charolois, being still at Constans before Paris, received several letters from the Duke his father, commanding him to send him five or six thousand men, to join with his army which he had against the Liegeois, and that his intention was to fight with them in person: which 
The Earl prepa●…res an army against the Liegeois.  made the Earl to haste out of France, to be revenged of the indignities of them of Dynant. And notwithstanding that after the conclusion of the peace in France, many of his men were retired: yet he speedily gathered together about Maziere, a greate●… army than he had in France; for the good towns of the Duke's country, sent their sworn Bands of crossbow-men and Archers: whether also went many Knights and Gentlemen of Picardy, and of the countries that were restored by the peace: and of those that had served the King against the Earl.  
The Liegeois advertised of the Treaty of peace, thought they had been comprehended 
The Liegeois sue for peace.  in it, but hearing the contrary; and that the Earl approached with a great are mie, the Duke being at Brussels, offering to make great reparations, and entreating to be reconciled to him and to the Earl his son. In the end they obtained a truce for 15. days, to advise upon the said reparations, and the conditions of the reconcilyation. In the mean time the Earl went before S. Truden, a Town of the country of Liege, the which was yielded as soon as he came before it. The 15. days of truce being expired; they were divers times prolonged unto the 12. of january, in the year 1465. The Earl seeing the delays of the Liegeois, and that they performed nothing which 
1465.  they promised, he caused his army to march, and writ to the Duke his father, entreating him to send him such forces as he had; being resolved without any further delay, to fight with the Liegeois. The Duke sent the Lord of Saveuse unto him, with his Troops, commanding him not to fight until he himself were there in person. But being some days after ready to go, although he were but weak of his last sickness: the Earl writ unto him; that those of Liege were come unto him, bringing the 
A peace concluded with the Liegeois.  Treaty of peace, such as he had set down, sealed, with the great Seal of the city of Liege, and that the Liegeois craved pardon: which treaty he had accepted with th●… good liking of his Lord and father. The which the Duke understanding, he remained still at Brussels.  
The treaty was seen by the Earl and accepted, upon amendable & profitable reparations, the which being performed, the Earl did pardon them. The profitable reparation they should make, was to pay unto the Duke 600. thousand florins of the Rhine, in 6. years; by equal portions. And that the Earl when he should be Duke of Brabant, and all other Dukes after him, should be Mombours, that is to say, Gardiens, and Captains of all the Country of Liege, & have 2000 florins of the Rhine yearly pension. And that the Liegeois might not after that time attempt nor begin any thing of Importance, either of war or peace, without the leave and liking of the said Curator. There were many other conditions in the said Treaty, which for bevities' sake I omit, and the rather, for that the Liegeois soon broke it, and would not perform any thing. The treaty being thus concluded, the Earl caused the peace to be proclaimed in his Camp, and made a revewe of his army, in the presence of the Ambassadors of Liege: he went from squadron to squadron to thank his Capatines, excusing himself for the small pay they had received, and promising 
The Liegeois offer an affront to the Earls men.  better satisfaction; and so he departed from them, and went to the town of Saintron; whereas the Liegeois did an affront to his men, unto their cost; so as if the Eale had not arrived in time the town had been spoiled, and many inhabitants slain.  
Soon after the Earl went to Brussels, where he was joyfully received by the duke his father; having stayed there some days, he went te visit his towns of Picardy. Passing by Bethune, the Earl of Nevers came unto him, and asked him forgiveness 
The Earl of Nevers reconciles himself to the Earl of Charolois.  for the wrong he had done him; who pardoned him all, and they lived for a time good friends. The Earl of Charolois went from Bethune to Peronne, where he was advertised that the French King had levied a mighty Army, and yet by his letters he still entertained the Earl with kind words, and all shows of love: yet he gave no great credit unto them, doubting still the King's inconstancy: and therefore he made himself strong, and stood upon his guard; knowing that the King did deal with the English by the Bastard of Bourbon, the which he sought to prevent by Anthony of Bourgongne, his bastard brother.  
In the year 1466. Those of Dynant (being weary of the peace which they and 
1466. The Dynandois 〈◊〉 the peace.  the Liegeois had bought dearly of the Duke of Bourgongne and his son, the Earl of Charolois:) began to make roads into Henault and Namur, firing villages, forcing Churches, and doing all the mischief they could. The Duke went thither in person with the Earl his son. The Dinandois scorning them and their army, offered them many indignities. Whereat the Princes, father and son, being justly insenced, besieged 
Dinant besieged.  them straightly; made great Bridges over the Meuse, near unto Bovines, battered it furiously, and resolved to give a general assault. The besieged seeing their towers and walls beaten down, sent eight of their principal men to sue for mercy, but they prevailed not: for the next day the Town was taken by assault, and all that were found armed, put to the sword. The Duke caused 800. prisoners to be drowned before Bovines. The town being taken, the Earl caused the gates and walls to be beaten down, than he sired the town, and razed it to the ground. The same day that Dynant was taken, 
Dinant taken and razed.  the Liegeois came in great troops to succour it, Duke Philip (for that he was very old) retired himself: but the Earl marched towards him with his Army. Then came the Deputies unto him, beseeching him to take pity of that people. The soldiers of Liege in a bravery, would not avow the words of their Ambassadors: yet after two or three messages, it was agreed that they should pay a certain sum of money presently, 
The Liegeoi●… reconcile themselves again to the Earl of Charol●…is.  promising for an assurance of the said accord, to deliver 300. Hostages, named in a Roll by the bishop of Liege, by 8. of the clock the next day: but it was Noon before the Hostages came: the Earl & his counsel, disputed whether they should charge them as they retired confusedly in disorder: some said I, others no. The conclusion was, that they should send a Trumpet unto them, who going, met with the Hostages, so as all that difficulty was ended, whereupon they sent the Deputies presently to Liege, to confirm this peace. The scum of the people, (apt to speak ill) reported unto them that they durst not fight, using other insolent speeches. The accord being made and signed, the Earl returned into Flanders.  
In the year 1467. the Duke of Bourgongne being in his castle of Scluse in Flanders, 
1467.  sent for all the Noblemen and Barons of his Countries▪ inviting many of his kinsfolk, friends and Allies, where as they treated of divers matters, the Duke labouring to reconcile them, and to make them good friends before his death. At the same time, the marriage of the Earl of Charolois with the Lady Marguerite, sister to Edward the 
The Earl of Charolois marries Marguerite sister to the King of England.  fourth, King of England, was concluded; and Anthony Bastard of Bourgongne deputed with 400. gentlemen to fetch her: who conducted her to Scluse to the Earl her husband, and from thence to Bruges to the Duke of Bourgongne, who received her very lovingly, as well for his sons sake, as for the King of England's her brother.  
Soon after, the Duke being aged and weak, fell into a new disease, whereunto in his latter days he was much inclined. The Noblemen that were about him hoping that he should recover as he had formerly done, did not presently advertise the earl his son, being then resident at Gaunt, but the third day following seeing that he declined more and more, and that the Physicians despaired of his recovery, they advertised the Earl of the Estate of his sickness, desiring him to come speedily to Bruges. The Earl came in post, where being arrived, he found his father labouring for life, who within a short 
The death of duke Philip of Bourgongne.  time gave up the ghost, the fifth of june 1467. being 73. years old, after that he had governed the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland and Henault, as well with the title of Earl and Lord, as Governor about forty years.  
He was a valiant Prince and of great courage, feared generally of his enemies: he was of a tall stature, and of a good representation, sweet in his speech, and yet subject 
Duke Philip's qualities.  to choler, high minded, and not willing to be braved of any how great soever, as he did often show to King Charles the 7. and Lewis the 11. of France: he was very curious to entertain peace with his subjects, whom he loved, and sought their quiet: so in his time all his countries flourished in wealth and abundance▪ He was a wiseman, discreet, charitable and a great Almes-giver, by reason whereof he was called the good; but full of revenge and very ambitious: desiring to make himself great by what means soever, as appeared by so many false bounds which he played to the contesse of Holland, his cousin. He exceeded all his Predecessors, Dukes of Bourgongne in riches, Seigneories▪ greatness of state and pomp: so as in his time there was no Christian Prince, that for his quality might be compared unto him. He took pleasure to breed up and nourish sundry strange and wild beasts. He had a Giant and many Turks among his household servants, which he had caused to be baptised.  
The Duke being dead, the Earl of Charolois, his only son and sole heir, called for the Seals, the which he presently broke. This done, after that he had given order for the dead body until his return: he took post and went to Lille, where he sealed up the chamber and the coffers of his father's treasure; appointing guards that none might touch them: then he returned presently to Bruges, where he performed the funerals of his father with great pomp and state: his heart was buried in the Church of Arras, and his body was laid in a coffin of lead, and left in the Church, until that it should be transported from thence to jerusalem, and interred near to the holy Sepulchre: having given great gifts to the Covent of Friars of the said Sepulchre. The Lady Isabel his wife died the 17. of December in the year 1471. in the town of Air, and was interred in the cloister of Nuns at Gouvay by Bethune: afterwards her body and the duke her husbands, were carried to the Chartreux by Digeon in Bourgongne, where as they lie under a stately tomb of brass guilt, richly & curiously wrought. About that time, the art of Printing was invented, whereof those of Harlem in Holland, 
Printing first ●…uented.  challenge the first honour: yet afterwards it was brought to perfection at Mentz, by one that had been servant to Laurence janson of Harlem, the first inventor: and ran from him to Mentz with his tools; they write his name was john Faustus, as they of Harlem do constantly affirm.   


Carolus Dux Burgund.  
CHARLES' THE WARLIKE, THE 1. OF that Name, the 31. Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Frizeland, Duke of Bourgongne, Brabant, Lembourg. Luxemburg, Earl of Flanders, Arthois, Henault and Namur, Lord of Salins and Macklyn.  
Of so many goodly Country's successor to my father,  
Of three wives I had but one only heir.  
At Montlehery I defeyted the French bravely,  
At Macklyn I erected my heigh Parliament.  
Being incensed I made the Liegeois feel my spleen,  
If against the Cantons I had not taken Arms,  
I had been more happy, and cruel death  
Had not showed his force against me at Nancy.   
The Argument of the fourth Book.  
CHARLES' Duke of Bourgongne, in the life of his father the good Duke Philip, was called Earl of Charolois, the 31. Earl of Holland, etc. At his first entry into Gant, the Inhabitants maintained against him, but he brought them under. The Liegeois break the peace, and entered into war against the Duke; he defeats them in Battle, whereupon the Town of Liege yielded. The Duke of Bourgongne makes a peace with the French king, who comes to the Duke to Peronne: he was in fear there lest the Duke should have detained him. The Liegeois arm a new against the Duke of Bourgongne: he forceth King Lewis to go with him to the siege of their Town, the which he ruins, practices to ruin the house of Brederode. The Duke makes war against the Frisons. He entertains many Princes with the hope of marrying with his daughter. The french king & the Duke of Bourgongne, seek to deceive one another. The Constable of S. Poll grows odious to them both, & they resolute to ruin him. He seeks to reconcile the duke of Gelder's & his son, & besiegeth Neuse. The motive of the war against the Swisses. A truce for nine years betwixt the Duke and the French king: they swear the Constable's death, who in the end is beheaded at Paris. The duke makes war against the Swisses: he is defeated by them, first at Granson, then at Morat; wherewith the Swisses were enriched: the Duke besiegeth Nancy, where he was slain in battle, by the treason of the Earl of Campobachio, an Italian. Marry of Bourgongne his only daughter succeeds him and was the 32. commanding in Holland, etc.: The French Long seizeth upon the towns of Piccardie and Arthois, with an intent to ruin her: this Princess being in the Ganthois power, suffers much, putting her chiefest servants and Councillors to death: the Flemings defeated, and the young Duke of Gellers slain. A marriage betwixt Maximilian of Austria, the Emperor frederick's son, and the Lady Marie of Bourgongne.  
CHARLES' of Bourgongne, called the Warlike, for that he had been so great a Warrior; succeeded unto Duke Philip of Bourgongne his father, in all his Estates, & Siegneories; & was Duke of Bourgongne, Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxembourg, Earl of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Holland, Zeeland and Namur, Marquis of the 
Duke Charles pourchaseth the County of Ferrette.  holy Empire, and Lord of Friesland, Salins and Macklyn. His father having left him great treasures of Gold and Silver, he bought (or as some write had in mortgage) of Sigismond Archduke of Austria, the Earldom of Ferret, in the Country of Elsatia, near unto Basill in Switzerland, upon the Rhin, somewhat near to the Duchy of Bourgongne, and too far from Sigismond to defend it from the incursions of neighbour Princes. He was 33. year old when he succeeded all these 
His wives.  goodly Estates. Katherine the daughter of King Charles the 7. of France, was first promised him to wife, but she died young, before she was married. Afterwards he married Elizabeth daughter to the Duke of Bourbon, his cousin, by whom he had one daughter and only heir, called Marie. This Duchess Elizabeth being dead, he married Marguerite daughter to Richard Duke of York, and sister to Edward the fourth, King of England, by whom he had not any children. His father gave him in his youth to maintain his estate the Earldom of Charolois (which is in the Contie of Bourgongne, otherwise called Franch Contie) with the Siegniors of Bethune, Arckel and Bellain. In his father's life time he wan from the Sea, a great circuit of country, opposite to Rotterdam, causing a Village to be built there, the which he called (with the whole country) by his name Charolois, and so it continues unto this day. He had begun a great fort in the town of Gorrichom, upon the River of Wahal, but it remained during his life imperfect.  
This Duke Charles, Earl of Holland, Zeeland, etc. His father's funerals being 
Duke Charles takes posse●…on of his countries.  finished, having settled his estate, and the affairs of his house; went in person to take possession of all his Countries and Siegneories. Frist at Gaunt, to be invested in the Earldom of Flanders. The Regent's and chief of the town went to meet him, receiving him with great honour and state, acknowledging him for their Prince and natural Lord & Earl of Flanders. Entering into the town, he was followed by about 800. banished men, whom he took into his protection, and remitted their banishment. Having received the possession of the town, the next day the people did mutiny both against him and the Magistrate; pressing to have a certain imposition 
The Ganthois mutiny against their Duke.  upon the corn freed, and to have their privileges restored, which the Duke his father had taken from them, with other demands: coming armed unto the market place with their Enseignes, crying out that they would not part from thence, until the Duke had granted what they demanded. Duke Charles seeing this, and knowing with what people he had to deal, after he had spoken unto them, seeing they departed not, he struck sail, and yielded to all that they demanded, dissembling his conceptions, until he was freed from them. This trouble thus pacified, the Duke parted from 
The Duke yields to the Ganthois,  Gaunt, and went to take possession of his other Provinces: then he came to Brussels, whether the deputies of the mutinous Ganthois came unto him, craving pardon for the excess committed by them against his greatness, carrying him back the letters which they had forced from him, and offering to make any reparation he should please. The Duke pardoned the offence, and would advise of the reparation. The deputies 
The Ganthois submit themselves unto the Duke.  departed with this provisional pardon. Two years after, the duke did intimate unto them, that for a reparation of their offence, the Ganthois should tear in pieces all the Enseignes, Banners, and Standards of their companies and trades, the which was put in execution in the town of Brussels, whether they were brought. And as for their Immunities and freedoms, having perused and examined them according unto reason, some were abrogated, others confirmed, and some moderated, granting them some new, according to his good pleasure.  
A while after, those of Macklyn rebelled against their Governor and Magistrates, whom they chased out of the Town. The duke went thither, with a resolution to ruin 
A tumult at Macklyn.  the town, if the Nobility and best Bourgeses had not sued for mercy, and obtained it; upon condition that they should deliver up all their privileges into his hands: repair the house of john Muse Knight, which they had ruined, and restore that which they had taken: and moreover to pay him for a fine thirty thousand Lions of gold, whereby the duke was pacified. The Liegeois broke the peace, notwithstanding the 300. Hostages delivered to the duke of Bourgongne the last year, taking a small town called Ligny, and chase away all the inhabitants; after they had utterly spoiled 
The Liegeois break the peace.  it. In the mean time Lewis the eleventh the French King, laboured all he could by goodly offers and promises, to draw the duke of Bourgongne from the alliance of Francis duke of Britain, and in that respect he would abandon the Liegeois that were newly revolted: the which duke Charles refused. The King insisting still upon the same demand, sent the Earl of Saint Pol Constable of France, and the Cardinal of Balue his Ambassadors unto him. To whom the duke made short dispatch; telling them plainly that he would not do any thing: and in the presence of the said Ambassadors went to horseback, to go and make war against the Liegeois: marching 
The Duke goes with an army against the Liegeois.  directly with his army before Saintron. A little before they were in council to determine what should be done with the 300. hostages, whether they should put them to death or not. Some among others gave their opinions, that they should die. But the lord of Humbercourt, giving a more modest, mild, and wise censure, to preserve the duke's honour and reputation, and for some other respects, said, that the best course was to send them back; and at their departure to let them understand what grace the duke had done them, having their lives in his power: & that they should labour to draw the 
The Duke sends back the 300, hostages.  people to a good peace: and in case the Liegeois would not yield unto it, yet at the least (acknowledging the grace which he had done them) they should promise never to carry arms against the duke, nor against their bishop his cousin, who was in his company. This advise of the lord of Humbercourt was followed, and the hostages did promise at their delivery. To whom it was said, that if ever any one of them was prisoner in the war, that without any mercy he should lose his head. And so they departed joyfully to have made so fair an escape. The duke being camped before Saintron ready to batter it, in the which there were 300. soldiers Liegeois, and one Knight their captain. Those of the town of Liege, to the number of 30000. men good and bad, five 
The Liege ois came to raise the ●…eege at Saintron  hundred horse, and great store of Artillery, advanced to raise the siege: and about two of the clock in the morning came unto a village that was strong of itself, and partly enclosed with marish grounds, called Bretan. The camp was advertised thereof, having a general alarm given them. The duke knowing them to be so near him, put his army in battle, and after that he had disposed of them that should guard the camp, he placed 1200. men on either side of the village of Bretan, and he himself stood right against them with about eight hundred. The lord of Ravestein leading the 
A battle betwixt the duke and the L●…geois.  vanguard, with some men at arms and Archers, and certain pieces of Artillery, marched unto the foot of their trenches. But he was so valiantly repulsed, as he lost about 500 men, and his Artillery; all the vanguard wavering, as if it had been half defeated. But the duke advancing with his battle, led by the lord of Creveceur, he had soon put the Liegeois to rout, and defeated them, whereas their died some 9000. men, and if night had not approached as many more had been slain, for the flight was confused, 
The Liegeois defeated.  being pursued by the duke's horse, but the darkness of the night saved them.  
The duke being a conqueror, returned the same night unto his camp, before Saintron, with his whole army, two days after this battle, the Liegeois babbling was well cowled: for the besieged, imagining that the defeat had been much greater than it 
Saintron yielded.  was, yeedled the town, leaving their arms, they delivered ten men at the duke's pleasure, such as he would choose, whose heads he caused to be cut of, among the which there were six which had been of the Hostages. This town being yielded he went to besiege Tongres (an ancient town sometimes the chief of the Realm of Tongres, which comprehended the Country of Liege, Lembourg Valkenbourg etc.) the which at the first made show of resistance: yet being not very strong, the besieged without any battery, made the like composition to them of Saintron, and gave ten men, who had 
Tongres yielded.  also their heads cut off, among the which there were five Hostages. From thence the duke marched with his army before Liege, the which did much trouble the inhabytants, some desiring to hold good, and to defend the City, saying that they had men enough, especially a hardy knight, called Rasse de Lattre, others seeing their country destroyed and burnt, demanded a peace at what rate soever: The duke approaching near the town, there was an Overture of peace, by the solicitation of the Hostages. Who acknowledging the favour that had been done then, were mediators of this business. Finally they persuaded them of the town to yield: and brought three hundred of the chief of the City, in their shirts, with their heads, legs and feet bare, who brought the keys of their town and City of Liege unto the duke, yielding 
Liege yields unto the duke.  themselves to his mercy, except from fire and spoil. At the which there was present the lord of Money Ambassador for the French King, and john Prevost his Secretary, who were come to make the like demand and charge unto the duke, as the Constable had done a little before. But they prevailed no more than he had done.  
The day of the reduction, the duke thinking to make his entry, sent first the lord of Humbercourt, for that he had good acquaintance there: but the entry was forbidden him that day, the mutineers opposing all they could against the peace. The lord of Humbercourt remained in an abbey in the suburbs, where he wrought so politicly, as 
The Liegeois in doubt to deliver the town.  early the next day, many Hostages came unto him entreating him to come unto the Palace, whereas the people were assembled, and that he would there swear two points, whereof they were in doubt, which was that they should be free from fire and spoil, and that presently after, they would deliver him the ports. He presently advertised the duke thereof: from whom having received commandment so to do: he went and swore for their better assurance, which done the Liegeois commanded their men to come away that were at the gates, suffering the lord of Humbercourt to place the duke's guards there, and to plant four Enseignes upon the four gates. And so the duke 
The duke enters into Liege ●…ke a conqueror.  was Master of the said town and City of Liege, into the which he entered the day following, in great triumph: causing twenty fathoms of the wall to be beaten down in his presence, and the ditch to be filled up against the breach. There entered with him two thousand men at arms, in complete arms, they and their horses, and two thousand Archers, the rest remaining at the camp. He went first to Saint Laurence Church. He stayed some days in the city, during the which he caused six score to be executed, of those which had been. Hostages, and with them the messenger of the town whom he hated extremely (it may be for his bad tongue) he made some new laws and customs and charged them with great sums of money, the which he said were due unto him for the breach of the peace. He carried away all their Artillery and arms, and razed all the Towers of the town walls. Then he returned into his countries whereas he was received with great triumph, especially in the town of 
The duke returns into his countries.  Gand, who with some other towns had begun to rebel. But now they received him like a victorious Prince. Here by we may see how much a victory doth import, not only with enemies but also with neighbours and friends, and how dangerous a thing it is to be vanquished. For if the duke had been beaten in the country of Liege, the Ganthois had continued in their rebellion, with the other Flemings: which they did now forbear seeing him return a conqueror. A Prince ought therefore to be very careful to hazard a battle, if he be not forced thereunto: and before he attempt it, he must propound all doubts and dangers that may happen, for that those that do balance and peize the benefit or loss that may rise thereby, do most commonly prosper better then those that rashly and with a vain presumption, run on headlong to fight, as it hath happened thrice to this duke Charles, as we shall show hereafter. But all the good councils, and all the best endeavours in the world, are of no force when God hath a work to do, whereof we must not to curiously search into the first causes and motives.  
The duke being at Gand the French King sent many Ambassadors unto him to persuade him to abandon the duke of Britain: and he on the other side sent unto the King to excuse himself, saying plainly, that he could not do it. This refusal did much displease the King, but especially the victory which he had had against the Liegeois his allies (whom notwithstanding he had least engaged). In the end summer being come, the King burning with desire to ruin the duke of Britain, caused his army to enter into his country. The duke of Bourgongne having intelligence thereof, writ unto the King, entreating him to forbear seeing that the dukes of Normandy and Britain were comprehended in the treaty of peace. But receiving no pleasing answer from the King, he caused his army to march towards Peronne. The Cardinal Balue came thither to him, but stayed not long, having made some overture of a treaty, (the King tending to no other end but to divide him from the other Princes) telling him that the dukes of Normandy and Britain, would accord 
Duke Charles marcheth with an army to succour the duke of Britain.  with the King without him. Duke Charles made him a short answer, which was, that he was not come to field to make war against this King, but to succour his Allies. Presently after the cardinals departure, there came a Herald called Britain, to the duke, bringing letters from the dukes of Normandy and Britain, containing that they had made an accord with the King, renouncing all other alliance, namely his. The duke of Bourgongne was much amazed at these news, seeing that he was come armed to field only to succour them; he was in some doubt that they had been counterfeit letters, but this suspicion was soon taken away by other letters which did confirm it: Messengers posted from the king to the duke & from the duke to the King: in the end the King gave unto the duke 120000. crowns, whereof the moiety should be presently paid, before he raised his camp, for his charges in leaving of that army. The duke sent a groom of his chamber that was very familiar with him unto the King, 
King Lewis the leaventh desires to speak with Charles duke of Bourgongne.  whose name was Frobisser. The king trusting his secrets very much unto this man, told him that he desired much to speak with the duke, hoping to win him: considering the bad offices which these two dukes had played him, and the great sum of money which he had now given him. To whom the King sent the Cardinal of Balue to persuade him thereunto, who found the duke at Peronne, but he made no great show to desire it: for that it seemed the Liegeois would rebel again, by the persuasions of the King's Ambassadors which he had sent unto them: who notwithstanding answered, that they durst not, seeing the duke had vanquished them the last year, and beaten down their walls. And if they should 
The French Ambassadors persuade the Liegeois to rebel.  have any such desire the accord made betwixt the King and the duke, would distaste them. Yet notwithstanding all these difficulties the King resolved to come to Peronne, having received a safe conduit from the duke's hand.  
In the mean time the duke desirous to settle things in good order in the country of Liege, sent their bishop his couzin (for whom all these broils had happened) with the lord of Humbercourt his Lieutenant in that country, with soldiers. The King coming to Peronne brought no guard, relying in the safeguard which the duke 
An en●…eruewe at Peronne be twixt the king and duke.  had given him: commanding the lord of cords captain of the duke's guards to march before him, only to conduct him. The King approaching near unto Peronne, the duke went forth to meet him, conducted him into the town, and lodged him in the Receyvors house, which was a fair lodging, for that his was to little for them both. Before this Enterueiwe or any speech thereof, the Duke had sent for the army of Bourgongne, (being then full of Noblemen) with the which came the lord of Bresse, the Earl of ●…omont and the bishop of Geneva three brethren, of the house of Savoy, with some Germans, bordering upon Bourgongne and Savoy, of the country of Ferrette, whom the King loved not greatly, and among others the said lord of Bresse, (whom the King had detained prisoner) with whom there was also the signor of Lac, whom the King had also kept prisoner.  
These four Noblemen entered into the town wearing red Bourgongne crosses, thinking to come time enough to go and meet the King: but they came a little to late. They went all to salute the duke: the lord of Bresse speaking for the rest, beseeched him to take them into his protection, notwithstanding the Kings coming, as it had been assured them in Bourgongne, promising him to be faithful, and to serve him against all men. The duke granted their request by word only, and thanked them. The Marshal of Bourgongne of the house Neufchastell, who hated the King no less than the other Noblemen, (by reason of the town of Espinal in Lorraine which the King had sometimes given unto him, and afterwards taken it away to give it to the duke of Calabria) was lodged abroad in the country, as it had been appointed by the duke. The King being advertised of the coming of these Noblemen, and of the crosses of 
The King jealous of some Noblemen of Bourgongne.  Bourgongne which they carried, grew amazed and fearful, (you may see what the remorse of a guilty conscience may do in a man (how mighty soever) that hath wronged an other) and sent to entreat the duke to lodge him in the castle: saying that all those that were then arrived, were his enemies: The duke was very glad, and caused the lodging which he demanded to be prepared, assuring him upon his word. The duke's army was come about Peronne, almost as soon as the King; the which the duke could not countermand, being already come into Champagne, when they treated of this interview. Yet these Princes treated, as lovingly of their affairs as might be. Having spent three or four days in this treaty, there came great news from Liege.  
The King coming to Peronne had forgotten those two Ambassadors which he had 
The Liegeois rebel again.  sent to Liege to stir them up against the duke wherein they wrought so well, as the Liegeois having gathered together a great number of soldiers, went and surprised Tongree, in the which they took their bishop and the lord of Humbercourt, although they had a 1000 men to guard them, whereof some were slain, others saving themselves by flight left all they had there. The lord of Humbercourt yielded himself 
The cruelty of them of Liege.  to a knight called William of Wild, who promised to save his life, but he could not do it, for presently after he was slain. The people joyful to have their Prince prisoner, and some Chanoins whom they hated, put five of them to death, and among the rest one named Robert, very familiar with their bishop, whom they did cut into many morsels, casting them one at an others head, in derision, in the presence of their Prelate, (you may imagine in what fear he was of this mad enraged multitude) marching to field they slew sixteen, as well Chanoins as others, that were faithful servants to the bishop.  
These news were soon brought unto the duke, by some that had seen the lord 
〈◊〉 ●…uke transpo●…ted w●…th the news of Liege.  of Humbercourt and the Chanoins slain, saying also that they knew no other wise but that the bishop was dead: and that they had seen the French Kings Ambassadors, naming them by their names. The duke giving credit to their words, fell into a great rage, and crying out that the King was come thither to deceive him, whereupon he presently commanded the gates of the town and castle to be shut.  
The King seeing himself cooped up in this little castle and many Archers at the port, was not without fear: and that which did more terrify him, he was lodged 
Lewis the II. in great fear and perplexity.  near unto a great Tower whereas the Earl of Vermandois had caused one of his Predecessors Kings of France to die. The duke having thus caused the gates to be shut, complained among his familiars, among the which was Philip of Commines' lord of Argenton, Charles of Voisin a groom of his chamber and others: without whose comfort, and the counsel which they gave him, it was likely he would have played some bad part with the King, or at the least have lodged him in that great Tower. These news were presently dispersed throughout the whole town, and castle, so as in the end they came unto the King's ears, who then was in greater perplexity than ever, for he saw no means to escape from thence: the castle gates were thus shut and guarded three days together, during the which the duke never came unto the King. The first day there was nothing but terror and amazement in the town, the second the duke was somewhat pacified, and the third day he held a council most part of the day and night. The King caused some to be dealt withal, who he thought might assist him, neither did he fail to promise largely: for he feared those four Noblemen which had served him, and whom he had ill entreated, being come with the army of Bourgongne.  
Most of the duke's council were of opinion, that he must keep the savety which he had given unto the King inviolable: others maintained flatly that they must detain him prisoner, without any ceremony. Others advised him to send speedily for the duke his brother, and to make a beneficial Peace for the Princes of France. The King caused an offer to be made that he would give Hostage, the duke of Bourbon, 
The French King os●…ers Hostages to have h●…s l●…berty.  the Cardinal his brother, the Constable and divers others, to the end that after the peace concluded he might go to Compiegne, and that he would cause the Liegeois to make reparation of the wrongs which they had done; if not, that he would declare himself against them. This night which was the third the duke never unclothed himself, but only laid himself down twice or thrice, then rise again and walked up and down his chamber, as he was accustomed to do being in choler. In the morning he seemed more transported then ever: using threats, as if he had been ready to execute some great design. Yet he came again to himself and grew more calm, saying, that if the King would swear the peace, and go with him into the country of Liege, to aid him and the bishop his couzin 
The Duke's resolutions.  to be revenged of the wrongs and affronts which the Liegeois had done them, he would rest satisfied. And so parted presently from them and went to the King's chamber, to say as much unto him. The King had some friend, (who they say was the lord of Argenton) that gave him present intelligence of the duke's resolution, assuring him that if he did yield unto those two points he should have no harm: else he should run into the greatest danger might happen unto him. When as the duke came into the King's presence, his voice trembled, he was so moved and full of discontent. He made an humble reverence, but his carriage and his speech were louder and harsh: demanding of the King if he would hold the treaty of peace, which had been written and concluded and if he would swear it. Who answered I, (for there was nothing altered of the treaty of Conflans, in regard of the Duke of Bourgongne). Then the Duke asked him if he would not go along with him to Liege, for the causes above mentioned; alleging the proximity of blood that was betwixt them two and the bishop of Liege who was of the house of Bourbon. Whereunto the King answered that when the peace was sworn (which he said he desired) he was content to go with him and to carry as many men and as few as he pleased. This answer did much please the 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lewis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 duke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Duke: and the Treaty of peace was presently brought, the which was solemnly sworn; then the bells did ring, and all the Town rejoiced.  
This peace thus made, the next day the King and the Duke parted from Peronne, towards Cambray, and so into the country of Liege. It was then entering into Winter, and a very bad season: yet the Duke burning with a desire of revenge, having called a counsel, made his army to advance, and commanded the Marshal of Bourgongne, to go and lodge in the city of Liege with all his Troops, and if they refused him the entry, that he should force them if he could. The people went out armed to 
The dukes A●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  encounter him, but they were soon defeated, their Bishop during the combat escaped, and retired to the Duke's camp.  
There was within the town a Legate from the Pope, to pacify the troubles and to examine the controversy, betwixt the Bishop & the people, who stood yet upon terms of excommunication. This Legate in stead of pacifying them, (hoping thereby to make himself bishop) provoked them to arms, and to commit stranger follies. But seeing this siege approach, and the apparent danger into the which he was like to fall, thinking to fly away, was taken with 25. of his men well mounted. The Duke being advertised 
The ●…opes Legate taken p●…soner.  thereof, willed them that had taken him prisoner, to make their profit of him, as of a simple merchant, without making any show that the Duke knew it. But when as they which guarded him were grown into some question, for his spoil and ransom, and that they came to him to be judge betwixt them, being at dinner he sent for him, doing him great honour, and causing them to restore all that they had taken from him.  
The Dukes Forward marched directly towards the city, thinking to enter: but thrust on by covetousness they desired the spoil rather, then to accept of the composition that was offered them: thinking it needless to attend either King or Duke, who were 8. leagues behind them. They advanced so fast, as they arrived confusedly at night in one of the suburbs joining to the Port, which was somewhat repaired. john of Ʋilet, a knight, and some other Captains of the town seeing their disorder, issued forth by their ruined walls and other places upon them, killing about 800. men at arms, and had done them much more harm, if the Bourgongnons had not had four pieces of Artillery, making three or four vollees into the street, by the which the Liegeois came forth to skirmish. Vyllette was slain there, and three other of their Captains. The Duke hearing of this disorder, which was made greater unto him than it had been: posted thither with a part of his army, forbidding them to say any thing unto the King, and approaching near the Town, he went to lodge in another of the suburbs, The King followed and lodged near the Duke, which put him in some jealousy, either 
The Duke of Brou●…ne 〈◊〉 sus●…ous o●… the king before Le●…ge.  that he would enter into the city, or else that he would fly away before it were taken: or being lodged so near him, he would do him some wrong. For the preventing of all mischief, he laid 300. men in a●…great Barn that was betwixt both houses. Those of the Town gave them some Alarms, but they were nothing: till in the end, seeing how straightly they were besieged, they resolved to make a desperate adventure once for all: which was the 600. Franchimontois, led by the Host himself of the Duke's lodging, should issue forth and come upon the back side of the Duke's lodging: about ten of the clock at night they charged his quarter, slew some Scouts and Sentinels 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 o●… the L●…egeois.  with their net, and went directly to them that were in the guard at the King and Duke's lodgings, who never were in greater danger: yet the resistance was so great, that the Host of the Duke's lodging, and other leaders of these Franchimonts were slain; and those of the town which issued forth to succour them, beaten beacke into their Ports. The King and the Duke having escaped this danger not foreseen, held Council the next day, what was to be done touching the assault whereon they had resolved. The which did much trouble the King, fearing that if the Duke should fail to take it, all the mischief should fall upon him, and he should be detained prisoner. On the other side, the Duke was jealous of the King, fearing that he should depart & make war against him in some other place. Whereby we may discover the miserable estate of Princes, who can never be sufficiently assured one of another. These two Princes had made afinall peace not 15▪ days before, yet they could not trust one another.  
The duke having resolved to give a general assault the next day, the King propounded many great doubts and discreet considerations, very pleasing to the Duke's counsel, for every one feared this assault, for the great multitude of people that was within the oittie, and for their great courage. All which difficulties they reported to the Duke, from the King's mouth. The which he took in ill part; saying, that the King did it to save them: but he would not fail to give an assault in the morning, as he had resolved, foding the King word: That if it pleased him to go to Namur, until the Town were taken, he was contented: but for his part he would not go from thence until he had seen the and of it. The King answered, That he would not go to Namur, but would be present the next day with the rest: for without doubt, where there was honour to be gotten, he would not 〈◊〉 taxed of Cowardice. Every man rested himself a little being armed: day being come, and drawing near to eight of the clock,, the Duke caused a Canon and 2. Serpentins to be discharged, to advertise them of the Vanguard, who were quartered on the other side far from him: they heard the warning, and prepared themselves for the assault. The Duke's trumpets began to sound, and the Colours approached the wall. The King was in the street well accompanied. When they came to join they found no resistance, and there were but 2. or 3. men in guard: every man being gone to his home, not thinking they would give an Assault on the Sunday: they found in every house the cloth laid, 
Liege taken.  and the table covered. There was as little resistance whereas the Forewarde charged, who entered first. All the people being retired beyond the bridge of the River of Meuse, towards the Forest of Ardenne, and other places where they thought to be safe. In all there died not above 2. hundred men, every man hiding himself in Churches or houses,. The King marched softly (for he saw well there was no resistance) the whole army▪ entered into the town on 2. sides: being in all 40000. men. The Duke being far advanced into the City, turned suddenly to meet the King, whom he conducted to the Palace, & then presently retired and went to the great Cathedral Church of saint Lambert, where his soldiers would have entered by force to spoil it, under a colour to take prisoners. And although he had set some Gentlemen of his household to guard it, 
The Duke saves the great church from spoil.  yet could they not be masters, but they offered to force the 2. doors. The Duke seeing this outrage, slew one of his household servants with his own hands, the which kept the said Church from spoil: yet they drew forth certain Burgesses that were fled into it with their goods. The most part of the other Churches were spoiled, in seeking for the Towns: men that were fled into them. The town being thus taken about Noon, the Duke went to the Palace to the King (who had dined) showing great signs of joy for this prize, and commending highly the duke's great courage and resolution, thinking that those words would be reported unto him. After dinner the King and Duke were seen very joyfully together: and if the King commended his valour, behind his back, he extolled him more to his face, wherewith the Duke was much pleased. The King being very desirous to retire himself spoke unto the Duke, saying, that there was no more to be done, and if he had any use of him that he should not spare him: but he had a desire to go to Paris to cause the accord betwixt them to be published in the Court of Parliament. The duke consented (but somewhat unwillingly) upon condition that the treati●… of peace betwixt them, should be read and ratified again 
The king d●…parts from Liege.  by the King, the which he did: whereupon the King took his leave of the Duke, and he conducted him half a League.  
The King being gone, the Duke commanded the town to be burnt, reserving only the Churches and the Chanoins houses, in the which there were 4000 of the Country of Luxembourg employed. He caused a great number of poor prisoners to be cast into the River of Meuse, this done, they went to ruin the Country of Franchimont, (whence are drawn the bravest soldiers of all the Country of Liege) and was no sooner out of the City but it was fired all along the River. He lodged that 
The gre●…t misery of th●… Liegeois.  day 4. Leagues from thence, where they might hear the cries and lamentations of poor people, as if they had been within the City. The desolation continued the next day, until it was quite burnt, except the Churches and some 300. houses of Chanoins and Priests, which was the cause it was so soon re-edified, for the people returned with the Priests and other Churchmen. The country of Franchimont being spoiled and burnt, hunger forced the Duke's troops to retire, who went to Namur, and from thence into Brabant, where he was received as a victorious Prince. Those of the town of Aix la Chapelle (within eight leagues of the city of Liege) had during 
Aix la Chapelle submit themselves to the duke of Bourgongne.  these wars given some aid and assistance unto the Liegeois, the duke meaning to be revenged, threatened them. But the Regent's of the town went to him to Maestricht, to ask him forgiveness, offering him all service in time to come, and promising to pay him 80000. florins of the Rhine in three years, and so the duke was pacified.  
In the year 1469. at the suit of the bishop and Chanoins, the duke consented to the restoration of the town of Liege: whereas he placed for Governor Guy of Brymeux, 
1469. Liege re-edified.  lord of Humbercourt kinsman to him whom the Liegeois had slain at Tongres: and the signor of Wit-hem for his Lieutenant. The duke having stayed some time in Brabant, came into Zeeland, and from thence he went to the Hage in Holland, 
Great Princes come to h●… duke of Bourgongne.  whether many great Princes and Ambassadors came to visit him. Among others Sygismonde duke of Austria Brother to the Emperor Frederic. The Prince of Trebisonde in Greece, the Palatin of Rhine; the Marquis of Ferrara. The duke of Cleves and the lord of Ravestein his brother: the duke of Somerset an Englishman and many other great Noblemen Barons and Knights. The bishop of Liege, Vtrecht, Tournay, Poville and Salerne the duke's confessor. The Pope's Ambassador, which was his Nephew his Sister's Son, accompanied with the duke of Mantova: one from the Venetians and an other from the Archbishop of Cologne. Duke Charles accompanied with all these Princes, writ unto Adolph Prince of Geldres (who kept his own father in prison) entreating him that all excuses set aside, he would come and honour that Noble company with his presence, hoping to persuade him to deliver his father out of prison. But this Prince doubting the worst: excused himself upon his Nobility and 
Adolph Prince of Geldres refuseth to come to the Hage.  towns, entreating the duke not to take it in ill part, if he came not, for certain special causes.  
At that time there fell great contention betwixt the duke of Bourgongne and them of Vtrecht; the duke demanding of them the country of Goyland and all the goods, 
A controversy betwixt the duke of Bourgongne and them of Vtrecht.  lands and signeuries belonging unto the deceased james of Gaesbeke, the which quarrel was not of a long time ended. He had also some controversy with the Islands of Amelande in Friesland, refusing to pay the tribute which they did owe unto the Earls of Holland, unto whom the duke did send Gerard Ensem, a famous man borne at Enchuysen: who was well received by the States of the country, sending unto the duke the Abbots of Lidlum, Staverea and Florencampe, with some of their Nobles and deputies of towns to the Hage and there accorded with him. The which was done and the troubles ended by the wisdom of these deputies, who were mediators betwixt the duke and the commons of Friesland. In those times the lord of Brederode, and Ghysbrecht his brother Provost Cathedral of Vtrecht, were in great credit with 
The lord of Brederode in great credit with the Bishop of Vtrecht.  the bishop, and governed the whole city: so as by their means the bishop did what he would with them of Vtrecht, renewing the Magistrate of the town, contrary to their previledges: the which having renewed, he sent for them all into his chamber, in the presence of the two brethren of Brederode and of Reynier his councillors, and said unto them: that his intent was, that if happily in the administration of their charges under his obedience, there happened any difficulties, they should have recourse unto those two lords of Brederode, and that without any opposition they should do what they commanded, which they promised to do.  
In the year 1470. those whom the two brethren of Brederode and their Allies, 
1470. The brethren of Brederode falsely accused.  had of a long time banished out of Vtrecht, seeking to be revenged, and to be restored to the town, made many false reports unto the duke of Bourgongne, and the Bishop of Vtrecht against them, the which were lightly believed, especially in that which concerned the person of the said Bishop: whom they had given to understand, that the said lord of Brederode and his partisans, had conspired to expel him, and to restore the Provost Cathedral his brother, who had been formerly chosen. But although these two brethren were exceedingly well beloved in the town of Vtrecht and throughout the whole country, yet this practice, was managed so secretly, as they could not discover any thing, until the mischief fell upon them. In the meantime the Lord of Brederode being sent by the superintendentes of the town and country of Vtrecht to treat of some business with their Bishop, being come to the town of Wyke to the bishops Palace, not doubting any thing, he was apprehended as a prisoner, with five of his base Sons, that is Walrad Drossort of Hagenstein, Renold Bailiff of Vosholl, Henry, Hans and john the younger. This done 
The Lord of Brederode & his brother taken prisoner by the bishop.  the Bishop went to Vtrecht, and seized the same day of Ghysbercht his brother whom he carried likewise to Wyke: releasing four of his bastards and retaining only Walrad.  
The enemies of these Lords of Brederode, gave it out generally that they were Traitors, and that if the Bishop had not committed them to prison, within three days they had expelled him his Bishopric; the which they spoke, the more to incense the Bishop and the duke of Bourgongne against them. But they were held to be their 
Practices to ruin the house of Breberode.  own practices, to have some colour to ruin this house of Brederode, by these slanderous and false reports. For what colour or likelehood was there, that these two brethren (who knew they had private enemies within the country) would have attemped any thing against the duke of Bourgongne, (for what touched the Bishop touched him) whom they knew to be mighty: who had even newly forced the French King, and ruined the Liegeois: who were ten times as powerful, as all those of the house of Brederode, and their Allies: without doubt there was no reason to believe it. They must then pick some quarrel against them to ruin them.  
Informations were sought for in all places at the bishops charge, to ruin them. The Bishop did also cast into prison john of Amerongen Bailiff of Vtrecht. He would also willingly have laid hold of the Vicont of Montfort, but he retired himself. Walrad bastard to the Lord of Brederode was tortured, having it given him 
The bastard of Brederode put to the torture.  four times most cruelly: but he would never confess any thing of that which they demanded, persisting still in the negative. They did also put john of Amerongen to the rack upon the like interrogatories, who confessed something with the torments: whose confession was sent to the duke of Bourgongne, who grew into such great anger and choler, as he would not any more hear nor see the Lady 
The Bailiff of Vtrecht tortured.  Yolante wife to the lord of Brederode, who by the intercession of the Lady Isabella of Portugal, the duke's mother, and some Noblemen, was a suitor unto him, that it would please him to take some knowledge of her husband's cause, and that (being a Noble knight of the Golden fleece) his process might be adjudged and ended by other knights and his Noble Peers, and according to the Articles of the said order, the which was denied her: whereby it appears that they began betimes to infringe them, and made way for the Spaniards, who have broken them since.  
Walrad bastard of Brederode having been so cruelly tortured, yet confessed nothing, 
The Bastard of Brederode escapesout of to prison.  nine weeks after his imprisonment he found means to escape. The which did so vex the Bishop and his council, as without any respect to the rank or age of the said lord of Brederode, they condemned him to have the extraordinary Rack, to force that from his own mouth, which his bastard would not confess, and which the Bailiff of Vtrecht through the violence of the torture had but partly confessed. Four men of account went unto the prison to the affore said Lord of Brederode, whereof the one was Marshal to the Duke, who had certain Articles written, the which he read unto him, saying, That Walrad his Bastard and john of Amerongen had confessed them, and upon this confession suffered death by the sword, and that he must confess them in like sort, and in so doing he should have grace. The Lord of Brederode answered resolutlie, That he could not say any thing to those Articles: and that if Walrad and Amerongen had confessed them, they should have been confronted with him before their death. These four commissioners, (judges 
The lord of Berderode put to the racks.  picked out to seek the ruin of this poor Noble Gentleman) not content with this answer caused him to be laid upon the Rack, stretching him in such sort thrice together, as at every time they were forced to take him of, thinking he had been dead: being somewhat revived, he said unto them. You may cause me to die in this martyrdom, but you can never force me to say any thing but the truth. The duke of Bourgongne hearing what had been done unto him (for the knights of the order made great complaints unto him) having seen his confessions and denials: he appointed that his process should be viewed and examined by the knights of the order, and he himself heard verbally in his defences: there were therefore sent 
He is sent for to the duke to be tried by his Peers.  john of Berghes' knight and john Halewyn conseller, to bring him to the duke. These two came to Wyke for the lord of Brederode and the Bailiff Amerongen: before they were delivered, the bishop would have the lord of Brederode put again to the Rack, in the presence of Noblemen: and that before he was laid upon it, he should take a solemn oath, to answer the truth to that which should be demanded him, whereupon a Notary and certain witnesses were called: this proceeding continued 
He is tortured before he goes.  two whole days; he was once stripped and laid upon the bank: but seeing they could draw nothing from him without greater torments, nor from Amerongen, they suffered them to go with the said Commissioners, who led them to Berghen upon Some to the duke, but they found him not there, being gone to the siege of Amiens, so as they conducted them to Ruppelmond in Flanders, whereas they were detained almost a whole year.  
At the dukes return the process being referred to the judgements of the knights of the golden fleece, to hear the said lord in his justifications, his Accusers were cited, to bring proof of their accusations: seeing that by tortures he did not confess any of those crimes, wherewith he was charged. But none of his Accusers appearing, the duke sitting in his seat of justice, with the knights of the order, among the which were Engelbert Earl of Nassau Barron of Breda, the lords of Crequy, Lalain and 
The lord of Brederode freed by his Pe●…res.  others, to the number of twelve Barons, the said lord of Brederode was adjudged free and absolved of all crimes imposed upon him, and was restored to all his Estates, goods and honours, to the great content of all these Noblemen and knights, who complained much of the great wrong that had been done him: and he was honourably received of all men. He lived not above two years after, he died in the year 1473. and was interred at Vianen: let us hereby consider of what force envy is, which spareth neither great not small.  
Two years after john of Amerongen was found innocent of the crimes that were objected against him, notwithstanding his confession upon the Rack, and in like sort 
Am●…ongen Bailiff of Vt recht ●…eed.  absolved, enlarged and restored to his Office of Bailiff, to the great content of the Bourgeses of Vtrecht. As for Ghysbrecht Provost Cathedral, brother to the lord of Brederode, before he could recover his liberty, he was forced to resign his Provostship to an other, and to swear never to keep his residence in Vtrecht: the which having performed, he was set at liberty in the year 1470. and went to live 
Ghysbrecht Provost of Vtrecht delivered.  at Breda, where he died a year after, and was buried at the Chartreux by Geertruydenbergh. Duke Charles' not satisfied with the annual contribution or tribute, which the Frisons paid him according to the last appointment, writ unto them that they should send their deputies to the town of Enchuysen the seventh of April 1470. to hear what should be propounded unto them on his behalf. They sent their Deputies. But the duke being troubled with the wars of France, came not in person, but 
A meeting a●… Enchuysen with the 〈◊〉.  sent Philip of Wassenare lord of Woerburch and others his commissioners. There were many things ambiguously and doubtfully propounded and debated, and so many cavillations found out to entrap the Frisons, as it did much displease the Noblemen of Friesland, who retired themselves, and would not treat in that fashion, desiring to go plainly and roundly to work. Yet the Clergy and Deputies of towns remained, who willing to have a final end, desired to know what the duke's demand was. It was said unto them that he demanded a silver penny of his coin upon every chimney, for all the country of Friesland in generalll. The Deputies demanding of what valour this penny should be, for that they had no charge from the Estates to yield to above three Liards or a sou at the most: the 
The Frisons mean to defend themselves aga●… their 〈◊〉.  which the duke's commissionars would have referred to the duke's discretion. The Frisons in like sort demanded a day of advise, to make report thereof unto the Estates. The report made, they would no ways yield unto it, but concluded that if the duke would force them, they would defend themselves, and hinder his entry into the country. The duke at his return into France, came into Holland, & having heard by his Deputies the intention of the Frisons, he resolved to force them to his will by arms; and thereupon caused a great fleet of ships to be prepared, to embark his men at 
Duke Charl●…s resolves to force the Frisons.  arms, and to land in Friesland. But it fell out happily for the Frisons, that Edward the forth, King of England, being expelled his realm, came into Zeeland, to the duke his brother in law, to demand succours of him against the Earl of Warwick who had chased him out of his Kingdom. The which the duke promised, sending this fleet (appointed for the ruin of the Frisons) to succour the said King Edward, the which carried him back into England. Afterwards the duke had so great wars against the French, Swisses and Lorrains' (in the which in the end he was slain,) as the Frisons remained in peace without any further disturbance.  
In the year 1470. Lewis the leaventh the French King, had a great desire to be revenged 
1470.  of the bravary which the duke of Bourgongne had done him at Peronne, practising under hand to have the towns upon the River of Some revolt: the which being hard to effect by secret practice, he must attempt it by open war, true it is that he had just cause to apprehend the duke's affronts at Peronne, who had forced him to make 
War begun betwixt ●…wis of ●…ance an●…●…he duke o●…●…gongne.  a peace, and to go against the Liegeois that were before his friends: yet he began it some what fearfully, although he had a great desire to it. The Earl of Saint Pol Constable of France and the duke of Guiennes people, desired war rather than peace betwixt these two Princes: for two considerations, the first was for fear to lose their Estates: the other was, they persuaded the King, that if he had not some foreign war, he should have civil dissension at home: The Constable offered the town of Saint Quentin, pretending that he had great intelligences in Flanders and Brabant, where he would cause many towns to rebel. The duke of Guienne offered for his part to serve the King with five hundred men at arms. The King meaning to begin this war with solemnity, called a Parliament at Tours, whereas many judges assisted: there it was concluded according to the King's intention, that the duke should be adjourned to appear in the open Parliament at Paris. The King assuring himself that he would answer proudly, or that he would do something contrary to the authority of the court, he should therefore have more just cause to make war 
Th●… duke of Bourgongne adjourned to appear at Pa●…s.  against him. An Usher of the Parliament went to Gand, to adjourn him (being under the sovereignty of the crown of France) which he did at his coming from the mass: whereat he was much amazed and discontented: having caused the Usher to be put in prison, yet soon after he suffered him to depart without any further harm.  
The duke being advertised that the King came to assail him, levied a great number of men giving them half a pay, to have them ready at all hours, mustering them every month, and yet never employing them. But growing weary of this charge, he cassierd them, casting away all fear, and went into Holland to spend sometime, leaving no garrison in the fronter towns. Being there, he was advertised by the duke of Bourbon, that shortly the King would make war against him both in Bourgongne, and in Piccardie, where as he had great intelligences, whereat being amazed, he went presently to Hesdin: whereas he began to enter into ●…elousie of the practices they had in his towns, yet he was something long before he could arm. And at the same instant Baldwyn of Bourgongne his bastard brother, and some of his household servants, leaving him, went to serve the French King, this did amaze him more, fearing it had been of some greater consequence, for at that time the Constable put Saint Quentin 
The towns of Picardy revolt from the duke.  into the King's hands. Amiens yielded (by his own fault, for that he would not enter into it being sent for from dourlan's) from dourlan's he retired to Arras, fearing the like inconveniences.  
These two chief towns of Amiens and Saint Quentin being yielded: there was an other practice: the Constable labouring to make a marriage betwixt the duke of Guienne and the duke of Bourgongnes daughter, saying that otherwise he was not likely to have any end of the wars. The duke receiving this answer knew well that the Constable did not love him, and that he was the chief Instrument of this war, whereupon the duke grew to hate him in such sort, as he never left, until he had ruined and brought him to his end.  
Fifteen days after the yielding up of Amiens, the duke of Bourgongne went to field near unto Arras, and notwithstanding any resistance, having past the river of Some at Pygneur, where he did beat the King's Archers, he went and lodged about Amiens, where he made three camps, saying, that he would see if the King would 
The duke of Bourgongne comes before Amiens.  come and fight with him, and in the end he approached so near to it, as his Cannon shot at random into the town and over it: where he lay in camp about six weeks. In the mean time the duke writ six lines unto the King, humbling himself very much, and complaining that for the appetite of an other he had assailed him: beeleeving that if his Majesty had been duly informed of all things, that he would not have attempted it. The King having read these lines was very joyful, for that he did not credit his intelligences much, and besides all long attempts, were tedious and troublesome unto him. Having sent an answer unto the duke, there was a small truce, but in the end there was one concluded for a whole year. Whereat the Constable seemed discontented. The which being confirmed, both armies 
A ●…ruce betwixt the King and the duke.  were dismissed; the King retiring into Touraine: the Earl of Guienne into his country, and the duke of Bourgongne into his also: where he assembled the States, who granted him the some of 120000. crowns, the which increased above 500000. and did greatly augment the number of his warlike men at arms. The duke of Guienne did still press the marriage of his daughter, who led him with great hope, as he did all others that demanded her: as the duke of Calabria: the Archduke 
The duke of Bourgongne entertains many Princes with the hope of his daughter.  Maximilian of Austria, Son to the Emperor Frederick and others. But during the treaty of this great and Noble marriage with the duke of Guienne, there was still some new enterprise made by him against the King his brother, to blind the duke of Bourgongnes eyes.  
During all those dissimulations betwixt the King, the duke of Guienne, the Constable and the duke of Bourgongne, intermixed with some petty wars betwixt the French and the Bourgongnons. Charles duke of Guienne brother to the French King, died, the which broke the peace betwixt the King and the duke of Bourgongne, having been 
They fall again to arms.  sworn, by the means of Peter Dariole Chancellor of France, and the lord of Cràan: but the King hearing of the death of his brother, refused to swear it. Whereupon the duke to recover these two principal towns of Amiens & S. Quintin, entered with an army into Piccardie, and took Nesle, Roye and Montdidier: then he marched with his army into Normandy, thinking to take Beauvois in Beauvoisin, against the which he did all 
The duke of Bourgongne takes Nesle, Roye and Montdidier.  he could to force it, but prevailed not: from thence he came to Eu and Saint Vallery, both which were yielded unto him, setting fire of all the quarter, even unto the gates of Deep. He took Neufchastell, which he caused to be burnt and all the country of Caux, at the least the greatest part, even unto Roven, before the which he went himself in person.  
It was an usual custom betwixt the King and the duke of Bourgongne, ever when as winter approached, to make a truce for six months: according to which custom they made one, which the Chancellor of Bourgongne, with his Adjuncts did negotiate 
A truce betwixt the king and the duke of Bourgongne.  and treat. During which treaty they did murmur on both sides against the Earl of Saint Poll, the King and the chief of his council grew in hatred of him, and the duke of Bourgongne much more: for he had been the cause of the taking of Amiens and S. Quintin during the time of peace, and did think him to be the firebrand of all the division and war betwixt the King and him. For in the time of truce he entertained him with the best words that might be: but when the wars 
The Constable ●…owes odious to both parties.  began he was his capital enemy. Moreover he would in a manner have forced him to marry his daughter to the duke of Guienne.  
He had yet an other cause of spleen against him, for whilst the duke was before Amiens, the Constable made a road into Henalt and burned the castle of Seure, belonging unto Baldwyn of Lanoy Knight of the order of the golden fleece: for it was not then the manner to use burning on either side, which made the duke to set fire on some parts of Picardy and Normandy. They divised therefore some mean to be rid of the Constable of Saint Poll. On the King's behalf there was an overture made by some that addressed themselves to some serving the duke, that were the Constable's enemies, and who hated him no less than their Master, every one exclaiming on him as the Author of the wars. Then they began to make a collection of all that he had said against these two Princes: they examined his actions, descovered his practices and sought his ruin. All that year during the truce, was spent in practices against the Constable, for the which there was a meeting appointed at Bovines in the country of Namur: whether came for the King the lord of Courton Governor of Lymosin, and john Hoberge 
The assembly at Bovines against the Constable.  afterwards Bishop of Eureux, and for the duke of Bourgongne came the chancellor of Bourgongne and the lord of Humbercourt, the last hated him mortally, for a lie which the Constable had given him in a conference of State betwixt the King and the duke's men, the which did afterwards cost him his head.  
This assembly of Bovines was in the year 1474. In the which it was concluded by both their deputies, that the Constable for certain reasons set down in writing, was 
1474.  guilty of high treason against both these Princes: and all that should serve or assist him. Moreover the King should give unto the duke the town of S. Quentin withal his treasure and movables that should be found in the Realm of France, with all the lands and Seigneuries which he had held of the duke. Among others Ham and Bohain strong places and well appointed. And at a certain day prefixed the King and the duke should have their armies ready, to go and besiege the Constable in Ham. But he flattered the King in such sort, as all that was disappointed, for afterwards there was an entervewe betwixt the King and him, the Constable coming armed, conferring together at a bar, where he was reconciled to the King and to the Earl of Dompmartin, making his excuse 
The King and the Constable talk together.  that he came armed for the hatred and fear of him, from thence the Constable went to lodge at Noion, and the next day at Saint Quentin, well reconciled as he said and thought. The King hearing what the world said of this his conference with the Constable, he excused himself for his folly and baseness, to have treated with his subject and servant, accompanied with 400. men at arms, all his own subjects and entertained at his charge, having a bar betwixt them. From that time the King's hatred increased daily against the Constable. Herein the King's baseness is excused, for if he had not done it, the duke of Bourgongne would easily have received him yielding up Saint Quentin. We have said before that Prince Adolph of Geldres detained his father Duke Arnold in prison in the year 1464. which was the cause of great wars. The Duke of Bourgongne did often seek to reconcile them, but he could not: in the end 
The duke of Bourgongne seeks ●…o reconcile the duke of Geldres and his son.  the Pope and the Emperor dealt in it, commanding the Duke of Bourgongne to draw Duke Arnold out of prison: the which he did upon a summons made to Prince Adoph, the which he durst not refuse, seeing so many Potentates to deal in the cause, and fearing the duke's forces: so the duke of Geldres was brought to dourlan's to the duke of Bourgongne, at such time as the French King was about Amiens. Prince Adolph his Son appeared also upon the same adiournement. Once among the rest, being called into the duke's chamber, thinking to reconcile them in a great assembly of his councillors, where they pleaded their cause: the good old duke presented his gage of battle unto his Son. The duke of Bourgongne (for the alliance, which Prince Adolph had 
The old ' duke of Geldres offers the combat to his Son.  made in his house, and through the recommendations of the deceased duke Philip his Father) desired much to reconcile them, yet he favoured the young Prince most, offering unto him the title of governor of Bourgongne, and the country of Gelder's withal the revenues, except the town of Grave situated in Brabant, the which should remain to the father with the title of duke, & the Son should be called M●…bour, Gardien or Regent of the country. The lord of Argenton in his memorial writs, that he was commanded by the duke of Bourgongne to deliver this message unto Prince Adolph who answered, That he had rather have cast his Father headlong into a well, and himself after, 
The cruel & foolish answer of the duke of Geldres.  then make such an agreement. That his Father had been duke forty four years, and that it was now time he were in his turn, but he would willingly yield him 3000. florins a year upon condition that he should never come into the Country of Geldres, with many more wicked, and impious speeches. The Duke of Bourgongne hearing the villainous speeches of this young Prince, was very much moved, and would force him to make an end with his Father. But as the duke (after the taking of Amiens) parted to go to Hesdin, this Prince attired himself like a Frenchman, and escaped away with one man in his company to go into his country; passing a bridge near unto Namur, where there was a certain Toll to be paid, he paid a Florin for his passage. But a Priest knowing him, discovered him to the Tolgatherer, who stayed him, and caused 
Prince Adolph of Geldres prisoner.  him to be led to Namur, from thence he was carried to Gand, where he remained prisoner until the death of the duke of Bourgongne, duke Arnold his Father was very joyful of his imprisonment: who to revenge the injury and outrage that 
Duke Arnold resign●… his duchy of Gel dres to the duke of Bourgongne.  had been done him, resigned his Duchy of Geldres to the duke of Bourgongne, who kept his son prisoner: who took possession thereof, notwithstanding the great resistance he found there, and enjoyed it until his death.  
The duke of Bourgongne after the investiture of this Duchy of Geldres, returned into his country, having his heart swollen with pride, to have enlarged his territories and increased his revenues, with this goodly Province. He began to have some taste in these matters of Germany; for that the Emperor Frederic was a quiet still man, who suffered much to avoid charge, and who of himself without the Princes of Germany had no great power. Having a desire to take something from the Germans he prolonged the truce with the French. For the effecting whereof, there fell out happily for him a quarrel betwixt two Noblemen, competitors for the bishopric of Cologne, 
Two Competitors for the bishopric of Cologne.  the one was brother to the Landtgraue of Hessen, the other kinsman to the Palatin of Rhine. The duke of Bourgongne would hold the Palatins party, and undertook to put him into possession by force, hoping to get some share. And in the same year 1474. he went to besiege Nuys five leagues from Cologne, and of that Diocese; a strong Town, in the which the Landtgraue of Hessen himself was, and many of his Kinsmen and friends, to the number of 1800. horse. The duke had never such 
Nuys bes●…eged by the duke of Bourgongne.  goodly troops of Cavalerie, and among the rest 1000 Italian lances which the Earl of Campobachio a Neapolitan, led, who afterwards betrayed him, and was the cause of his death. Those of Cologne did their best endeavours to succour the town. The Emperor and the Princes of Germany assembled about this business, and resolved to raise an army. The French King had sent to solicit them under hand. The Princes sent an Ambassador unto him, entreating him that (as soon as the Emperor should go to field,) he would strait gather him with 20000 men, the which he promised under the command of the lords of Craen and Salezard.  
This german army was great: for all the Princes both spiritual and temporal, 
An army of Germans to 〈◊〉 Nuys.  with the Bishops and Towns had sent their forces. The Emperor was seven months in raising of this army, with the which he went and campt within half a league of the duke of Bourgongne, beyond that of Collogne, which was on the other side of the river of Rhine, towards Duisseldorp, to cut of the Duke's vittells. The Emperor being planted before Nuys, he presently sent to the French King, to require him to keep his promise, and to send the 20000. men. But the King fearing the English would invade France, laboured to make a peace with the duke of Bourgongne brother in law to the King of England, or at the least to prolong the truce. The King of England on the other side, did what he could to draw the duke from Nuys, and press him to keep his word, and to make war against the French King. But the duke excused himself upon his honour, which he said should be interessed, if he should rise. There was an apostolic legate with the Emperor, who went every day from one 
Mediators for a peace at Nuys.  camp unto an other to mediate a peace. The King of Denmark came also himself in person and lodged at Grevenbrooke in the country of juilliers, who laboured what he could. But the duke would give no ear to any, continuing still obstinate at this siege, doing what he could to take it. The Duke being thus obstinate, there was war attempted against him in two or three places. One was by the duke of Lorraine, who had sent to defy him at the siege of Nuse, and did him much spoil in the Duchy of Luxembourg: but by the other side, duke Sigismond of Austria, with the help of the 
divers make war against the duke of Bourgongne.  Swissee and those of Strausbourg, took the contie of Ferret, & made war in Bourgongne, took Blaumont and besieged the castle of Hericourt belonging to the Marshal of Bourgongne, of the house of Neufchastel. The Bourgongnons went to succour it, but they were defeated, and the Swisses returned into their country laden with spoils.  
In the beginning of the year 1475. the Duke holding yet his siege before Nurse, the truce ended betwixt him and the French King, the which the King would willingly 
The French king makes war in Picardy.  have prolonged, but seeing it could not be, he made open war in Picardy, took the town of Roye, Montdidier, & Corbie, the which after that he had spoiled, he caused to be burnt, as he did many other places betwixt Abbeville & Arras. Those of the garrison of Arras made a sally upon the French, but they were repulsed even into their ports; there were many slain, and of their chief men taken prisoners, as james of S. Pol, Brother to the Constable of France; the siegnior of Contay, heir to the old Lord of Contay, the Lord of Carenchy and other Gentlemen.  
The French King had entreated the Emperor to make a mutual promise, not to make a peace with the Duke of Bourgongne, one without another, counseling him to seize upon all his lands, which held of the Empire: as Brabant, Gelder's, Lembourg, Luxembourg, and that he would seize upon those that are held of the Crown of France: as Flanders, Arthois, Bourgongne and others. Whereupon the Emperor 
A wise an swear of the Emperor.  answered wisely to his Ambassadors: telling a Tale of two companions which sold the bears skin to their Host, before the beast was taken; as if he would say, come as you have promised, we will take the man, and then divide his goods. The Constable was much grieved for the taking of james of S. Pol his brother: but this mischance came not alone; for at the same instant the Earl of Roussy his son, Governor of 
Great mischances fallen to the Constable.  Bourgongne for the Duke was taken: and there withal died the Constable's wife, a virtuous lady and sister to the Queen of France, who had been a great support to him. After these three mischances he was never assured, living in continual fear, & swimming betwixt two streams, to entertain himself equally in the King and Duke's favour, which these Princes could easily discover.  
The Duke having continued his siege a whole year before Nurse. 2. things priest him extremely to rise: the first was the war, which the French King made against him in Picardy; the second was the goodly and great army the King of England made 
The reason●… why the duke of Bourgongne did raise his siege from before Nurse.  at his request, having always persuaded him to come into France, and could never induce him unto it until that time: and now the King of England and his Nobles were much discontented, for that the Duke stayed so long before Nurse, and came not to join with them, using threats unto them, considering their great expenses and the approaching winter. The Duke of Bourgongne held it for a great glory, that this great army of the Emperor, and the Princes of Germany, (which was the greatest that had been seen in the memory of man, or long before) could not raise him from this siege. The Legate past daily from one Camp to another, until in the end he made a 
A peace betwixt the Emperor and the Duke of Bourgongne.  peace betwixt the Emperor & the Duke of Bourgongne: the Town of Nurse was delivered into the Legates hands, to dispose thereof as the Court of Rome should decree: the which had yielded to his mercy through famine, if he had continued but ten days longer, but he was forced by the threatenings of the English, to make composion, and to raise his Campe.  
In the mean time the Constable of France was much perplexed, thinking of the wrong he had done to the Duke of Bourgongne, touching S. Quintin, and he was out of hope of the King, who priest him to come unto him, which he would not do, unless the King would swear upon the cross of S. Loup of Angiers for his safety, which he refused to do: which drove him into despair. At this time the King of England passed at Calais with his army, and the Duke of Bourgongne raised his siege from before Nuys, and went to the English with a small company, sending his Army to refresh itself, and to be revenged of the Duke of Lorraine, in the country of Barrois. what happened during the abode of the English army in France, unto the conclusion of the peace of Piqueny, and their return into England, I leave to the History of France, who relates it at large, for it concerns not our subject.  
After the English being repast the Seas; the French King retired to Veruins, upon the fronters of Henault. The Duke of Bourgongnes Chancellor and other his Ambassadors were at arms in Henault. The King desired now to have peace with the Duke; and upon some difficulties that were propounded, would himself treat personally with the said Ambassadors: in the end a peace was concluded for nine years. But the Ambassadors beseeched the King, that it might not 
A peace betwixt the French king and the Duke of Bourgongne.  be so soon proclaimed, to save the Duke's oath: and that it might not seem that he had accepted the same Truce which the King of England had made. This Truce being made, the conclusions of Bouvines betwixt the French King and the Duke of Bourgongne against the Constable were revived: where it was resolved, that he that could first lay hold on him, should execute him within eight days, or deliver him to his companion. Those which followed the Constable, fearing these practices, forsook him. The Constable being well advertised that all his designs and practices had been discovered, and that his enemies had been negotiators in the Truce, he 
Resolutions against the Constable.  begun to be much amazed, sending to the Duke of Bourgongne, to beseech him to send him his letters of safeguard, to go and confer with him of some matters of importance, which touched him very near, whereat the Duke making some difficulty, in the end he sent them.  
This man who was wont to be great in credit and authority, did then study which might be his best course to fly and save himself: holding many consultations with his friends upon this point: in the end, he resolved to go to the Duke of Bourgongne, and went to Mons in Henault with some twenty horse, whereas the siegnior of Aymeries 
The Constable flies into Henault.  (his dear friend) was great Baliffe, and stayed there, attending news from the Duke, who was then in war against the duke of Lorraine, for the causes before mentioned. The King advertised that the Constable was gone into Henault, seized upon Saint Quintin, to prevent all reconciliation with the Duke: who hearing of these news, sent to the Siegnior of Aymeries to appoint a good guard in Mons, that he might not go forth,, and that commandment might be given him, not to depart out of his Inn, the which was done. Then the King sent the Lord of Bouchages, and other Ambassadors to the Duke, to press him to deliver the Constable, or to perform 
The Constable delivered to the King's men, and beheaded.  the contens of his letter and promises; the which he delayed until he might see an end of the siege of Nancy, yet fearing lest the King should hinder him in his enterprise of Lorraine, he writ unto his Chancellor, and to the Lord of Humbercourt (both mortal enemies to the Constable) that they should go unto Peronne, and at a certain day, deliverer the Constable, to such as should be sent by the King: commanding the Siegnior of Aymeries to deliver him to them. The Constable (according to the commandment given by the Duke of Bourgongne) was delivered at the gate of Peronne, to the Bastard of Bourbon Admiral of France, and to the Lord of S. Pierre, who carried him to Paris, where he lost his head. This delivery was held dishonourable in a great Prince, that had given him his safe conduit, but he soon after reaped the fruits of his treachery, in the same place where he had falsified his word to ruin him: God sending him an enemy that was young, weak, and of small experience, with a servant of his own in whom he trusted most, who became a traitor: besides being grown suspicious of his subjects and good servants, which were all preparatives of a ruinous change; yet he never fainted.  
The Duke of Bourgongne leaving Lorraine, being angry, went to be revenged of 
The Duke of Bourgongne goes against the Swisses.  the Swisses, for that they had headed Duke Sigismond of Austria to recover the Earldom of Ferrette: executed the siegnior of Hagenbach (otherwise called Arquembault) in the Town of Basill: taken much land from the Earl of Romont, and the Town of Granson from the Lord of Chasteau-Guyon. The Swisses hearing that he came to assail them, sent twice unto them to make great offers of submission, the which he rejected, and being resolutely determined to ruin them, went to besiege Granson, the which having battered furiously, they yielded simply to his mercy, whom he put all to death. The Swisses (being in arms, but in no great numbers, for they made haste to succour this place) marching in field, they were advertised that the town was yielded, and that all their men had been slain.  
The Duke contrary to the opinion of his counsel at war, resolved to go and meet them at the entry of the mountains, being in a place of great advantage for him. He sent a 100 Archars to guard a certain passage of these mountains, and he himself advancing, encountered the Swisses, the greatest part of his army being in the plain. The first rank of his Troops, meaning to retire and join with the body of his Army, 
The Duke defeated at Granson.  the footmen which followed, thinking they had recoiled, began to fly. In the end the Swisses marched still on, came to the Bourgognons' Camp, where they made no resistance, but all fled. The Swisses took their camp, the artillery and all the Duke's Tents and Pavilions, with other infinite wealth; for they saved nothing but their persons: the Duke having lost all his great jewels and plate, but there were few prisoners taken, for that both he & his whole army fled. This was the first disgrace which the Duke of Bourgongne ever had: for in his other enterprises he always reaped honour and profit. This happened through his own wilfulness, contemning the advice of his Counsel. Such as the day before temporised with him, and seemed to be his friends, became suddenly his open enemies. And all this quarrel grew for a poor cart-load of sheep-skinnes, which the Earl of Romont took from a Swiss, passing through his country. Without doubt, if God had not deprived the Duke of Bourgongne of sense, he would not for so small a matter, have run into so great a danger, against so poor a nation: whereas there was neither honour, nor profit to be gotten. One of their Ambassadors 
Switzerland a very poor country in those times.  making suit unto the Duke to divert him from this war, said unto him: That there was nothing to he gotten from them, their country being most poor and barren: that he should have no good prisoners there; and that he did think the bits of his horses and the spurs of his army were of more value, than all the goods of the Inhabitants of the Country, or the ransom of them all in general (if they were prisoners) could amount unto.  
After this defeat, the Duke was careful to gather together his scattered Army, so as in 3. weeks he recovered a great number of those that had been dispersed, the day of battle: remaining at that time in Losanne in Savoy, where he fell sick, for grief of his disgrace and loss. Having recovered his army (and growing obstinate as before) he went and planted his camp before Morat (a small town near unto Berne, belonging unto the Earl of Romont.) The Cantons of Swisses with the forces of Germany, went and lodged near unto him, being come to fight with him, or to raise the siege. They were 11000. pikes, 10000 halberds, and 10000 harquebusiers, and 4000 horse: the Duke of Lorraine was there also with some small troops, coming before the battle, and both armies were in field, ready to join: the Cantons being weary 
The Duke of Bourgongne defeated at Morat.  with lying three days so near the Duke idly, for that he kept himself in a place of strength. But in the end a battle was given, and the Duke again defeated, and put to flight, he saving himself by swimming on horseback through the Lake; the which is as broad as the River before Antwerp. But it fell not out with him here, as at the battle of Granson, whereas he lost but seven men at Arms: the reason was, for that the Swisses had then no horsemen: but in the defeat near unto Morat the 4000 horse which the Confederates had brought, pursued the Duke's men far, and slew many, besides those that were drowned in the Lake. In the year 1564. I passed by the place where the said battle was given, where I did see a Chapel, cross barred with square timber, full of dead men's bones, that were slain at this battle, the heads and other bones laid orderly in ranks: & over the doors of the said Chapel, was this Epitaph. Caroli illustrissimi Burgundionum Ducis Exercitus Moratum obsidens ab Heluetiis fusus, 
An Epitaphe of the duke of Bourgongnes Army.  hic sui monumentum reliquit: Anno Domini, 1476. Before this Chapel there was a Ditch great and spacious, upon the Lakes side, (which had at the least, a hundredth foot in circomference) where as by the report of those which be near 
1467.  dwellers had been buried all those that had been drowned in the Lake, that number whereof they made so great as I dare not write it, some Authors writ, that there died in all on both sides, eighteeene thousand, but very few on the Victor's part. This second overthrow and disgrace, thrust the Duke of Bourgongne almost into despair, thinking that all his friends and Allies would abandon him, by the experience which he had of his first defeat at Granson, but three weeks before.  
The Duke having lost these two famous battles, in the year 1476. in less than 3. weeks, he retired himself into Bourgongne, to a place of pleasure, called Riviere, where he remained above six weeks, having a desire to raise a new army: yet he went slowly to work, and continued there in a manner solitary. During which abode, many places were recovered from him in Lorraine, as Vandemont, Espinal and others, every one being now ready to set upon him, as it is usual in adversity, for Cowards to seem most hardy. At these news the Duke of Lorraine levied men, gathering together some troops of the Commons, and went and camped before Nancy. Most of 
N●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 o●… Lo●…e.  the small towns thereabouts yielded unto him: yet the Duke of Bourgongne held Pont a Mouson still, which is within four leagues of it. In the end, though the duke of Lorraines army before Nancy were very weak, yet through the imporunitie of the soldiers that were within the Town, the siegnior of Bieures, a brave Knight, of the house of Croy, was forced to yield it, upon composition to depart with bag and baggage. Two days after the yielding up of the Town, the duke of Bourgongne came well accompanied, having received new Supplies from Luxembourg and his other countries of the netherlands. He had some small skirmishes with the Lorraine, but nothing memorable.  
The Duke of Bourgongne went again to besiege Nancy, whereas he grew obstinate 
Nancy besieged by the duke of Bourg●…ne.  again, as in all his former enterprises: during this miserable and wretched siege, (for so might it well be called, both for himself, his daughter and his subjects) many of his own men began to practise against him, his enemies being increased of every side, and his friends grown cold: & among others, Nicholas of Campobachio, borne in the realm of Naples, and banished (for that he had been of the Angevin faction) one of his chief Captains, who had great command and credit in the Army: this Earl (from the duke his masters first siege before Nancy) had had intelligence with the duke of Lorraine, a near kinsman, and next heir to the house of Anjou, after the death of king Rene, his granfather by the mother, promising to work so at the siege, 
The E●…le of 〈◊〉 ●…yes 〈◊〉 ●…ster.  as there should want victuals, and other necessary provisions in the Duke of Bourgongnes camp: which he might well effect, considering the credit he had in the Duke's Army. The discourses of all whose practices and treasons, I omit for brevities sake, being written at large in the French Inventory.  
The duke of Lorraine having treated with the Cantons, for men to fight with the duke of Bourgongne before Nancy, all the Towns were inclined to assist him; but there wanted nothing but money. The French King did comfort him by his Ambassadors which he se●…t to the Swisses, and did furnish him with 40000. Frankes to pay the Germans. So as the duke of Lorraine with the favour of his friends and the king's money, leivied great troops of Germans, both of foot and horse, for besides those 
4000 Pounds ste●…ling.  which he paid, the towns did furnish him, some at their own charge, besides he had a great number of voluntary french Gentlemen: with all which Troops he made a goodly Army, and went to lodge at Saint Nicholas of Orenuille, near unto Nancy, where they camped some few days.  
The 5. of januarie 1477. the Duke of Lorraine dislodged with his army, to go 
1477.  and fight with the Duke of Bourgongne. The same day the Earl of Campobachio, came and met them to finish his interprize, and joined with the Duke of Lorraines Army, having about a 150. men at arms with him: being much discontented, that he could do no worse unto his master. Those of Nancy were well advertised of the practices of Campobachio, the which did encourage them much: besides there was one that passed through the ditches and entered into the Town, who assured them of speedy succours, without the which they were ready to yield▪ and without the practices and treasons of Campobachio, it could not have held out so long.  
The Duke of Bourgongne being advertised that the Duke of Lorraine, the Germans and the Swisses marched, held a small Counsel, although it were not his custom, but to do all things of his own head. Many advised him to retire to Pont at Mouson, not far from thence, and that he should lodge his Troops in such places as he held about Nancy: saying that as soon as the Germans had victualled 
Good counce●…l given to the Duke, but not followed.  this Town they would retire, and the Duke of Lorraines money would be spent (who should not be able in a long time to gather so many men again together) neither could their victualling be so great, but they would want before that half the winter were spent: and in the mean time, the Duke of Bourgongne should raise new forces, having no want of money (for at that time he had not ten thousand men, and he had in his Castle of Luxembourg, 45000. Crowns to levy men in the Country there abouts. This counsel was good, but God blinded his understanding, for he would neither believe, nor follow this wise counsel, nor understand what enemies he had about him; but chose the worse party, resolving to try the adventure, notwithstanding any advertisement they gave him, of the great number of Germans, and of the King's army, that was not far off: resolving to give battle with those men which he had, half amazed,  
The Earl of Campobachio being come to the Duke of Lorraine, the Swisses and Germans sent him word, that he should retire; and that they would not have any Traitors in their company: he therefore retired to a Village, called Conde, where he stopped all the passages with carts and other impediments, hoping that the Duke being defeated, and flying; there would some fall to his share, as there did many. The Germans marched in good order, having good store of french horse, whom the King had suffered to go to those wars: many lay in Ambush near unto the place where the battle should be fought, to see if the Duke were defeated, or to get some good prisoners or other booty. You may see into what a wretched estate the Duke had thrust himself, in neglecting of good counsel.  
The two Armies coming to join, the Duke of Bourgongnes army (which 
The battle of Nancy where the Duke of Bourgongne was defeated and slain.  had been lately twice defeated) being few in number and ill appointed, was presently put to rout and flight; many saved themselves, the rest were slain or prisoners, among the which the Duke himself was slain in the field, being overthrown by a great troop of lancers, and not able to be relieved of his followers for that they were prisoners. He had three wounds, the one on the head, the other in the thigh, and the third in the fundament. The Bourgognons would not believe that he was slain, but that he was fled into Germany, and that he had vowed to do seven years penance. There were some among the Bourguinons which sold jewels, horses and other things to be paid when he should return: and at Burchselles in the Diocese of Spierre in Germany, a poor man begging, they thought him to be the Duke, who did penance: every man desired to see him, and he received good alms. Naucler writes that he had seen the said man.  
The French King was well advertised of the defeat, whereof they did hourly expect some news. The Lord of Lude (who lay without Plessis, where the King then was) heard the first news by the Post, which the Lord of Craon and others had sent, but no man did assure the Duke's death: but only the defeat before Nancy, and that he was fled. The King at the first was sole transported with joy at these news, as he knew not how to contain himself; yet he did think that if he were taken by the Germans, they would compound with him for some great sum of money, which he would easily pay them. On the other side he was in great care, if the Duke were defeated & escaped, whether he should seize on the Duchy of Bourgongne, or not: being so easy to take, seeing that all his best men and his chief Commanders were almost dead in these three battles, whereupon it was resolved that although the Duke were in health, yet he would send his Army into Bourgongne: and seize upon the Country in this amazement; which being done, he should advertise the duke that he did it with an intent to preserve it, that the Germans might not destroy it: for that the said Duchy did hold of the Sovereignty of the crown of France, the which he would not have fallen into the hands of the Germans, & that what soever he should take, he would yield unto him again, which few men would believe.  
Duke Charles had been a Noble and valiant Prince, well bred up in his youth, and 
The disposition of the duke of Bourgongne.  instructed in the tongues and liberal Arts, yea in Astronomy and Music, a man well spoken and of a good grace, exceeding chaste, but very high minded, who would not endure any injury of his equal, nor of any greater Prince than himself, exceeding choleric froward and wilful: he left one only daughter and heir.  
〈◊〉 Maria Charlesia.  
My father being deceased I was young left,  
A Pupil to the Clevoys for a while  
But though of father I was quite bereft  
Me, Maximilian, gave the marriage stile:  
I him, my faith and dowry: In years five  
I became Mother of three Children fair,  
But being twenty six I left to live,  
My soul unto her Maker did repair:  
Bruges reserved my bones, my corpse lay there.  

MARY DUCHESS OF BOVRGONgne, Countess 32. ruling in Holland and Zeeland, Duchess of Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Geldres, Countess of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Namur, and of Zutphen, Lady of Sallins and Macklin, Marquis of the holy Empire.  
MARY the daughter and only heir to Charles duke of Bourgongne, (called the Warlike) succeeded unto her father in all his countries, lands and Seigneuries, she was eighteen years old, when her Father was slain before Nancy, and remained under the care and charge of the duke of Cleves and the Lord of Ravestein his brother.  
After that Lewis the leaventh, the French King had certain news of the duke's death, he sent the bastard of Bourbon, Admiral of France, and Philip of 
The French King seizeth of the towns of Piccardy and Arthois.  Comines lord of Argenton, into Piccardie, with commission to receive all those that would submit themselves under his obedience. These two Noblemen went to Abeville, which was one of the towns given to duke Philip (called the good) at the peace of Arras, by King Charles the seventh, the which for want of heirs Mas●…e should returno to the crown of France. At their arrival, they found that the Inhabitants were in treaty with the lord of Torcy, to whom (after that they were freed of four hundred lances that were there in garrison) they opened the gates. From thence the Admiral and the lord of Argenton went to dourlan's, from thence they sent to summon Arras the Metropolitaine town of Arthois, and the ancient patrimony of the Earls of Flanders, in the which (time out of mind) the daughters did succeed as well as the Sons. The lords of Ravestein and cords being in Arras went to speak with them in the Abbey of Saint Eloy, two leagues from thence, and with them john de la Vacquery first Precedent of the Court of Parliament at Paris. These Noblemen entering into conference, the Frenchmen demanded to have the city opened for the King, and to be received in his name, being that the King pretended it to be his by right of confiscation, with all the country of Arthois, and if they did refuse it, they were in danger to be forced, considering that their Prince was dead, and their chief commanders slain in these three battles whereby all the country was unfurnished of defence. The Bourgognons answered by Vacquerie that the country of Arthois, belonged to the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, daughter to their deceased Prince, who was lawfully descended from the Lady Marguerite of Flanders, her great great Grandmother, who was Countess of Flanders and Arthois etc. the which was married to Philip the Hardy duke of Bourgongne, son to King john of France, and brother to King Charles the fifth: Beseeching the King to entertain the truce, which continued yet betwixt him and their deceased Prince. The conference of these Noblemen was not long, for the French expected no other answer. The Low-countries were much amazed, and not without cause, for in eight days they could not gather together fifty men at arms, & as for other martial men there were but 1500, in the countries of Henault and Namur that were escaped from the defeat of Nancy.  
The French King marched with his army towards Picardy, joyful by the death of the duke of Bourgongne,) to see himself victorious over all his enemies, whereof the duke was the mightiest, who with his father duke Philippe had been in war with him and King Charles the seventh his Father for the space of 32. years, having all his lands and Seigneuries joining upon France, and his subjects disposed and accustomed to war: and therefore the duke's death was a greater content unto him, than the death of the duke of Guienne his Brother, the Constable of Saint Poll; of Rene King of Sicily, of duke john and Nicholas of Calabria, of the Earls of Provence and Mary their Cousins, and of the Earl of Armaignac, who had been slain at Estore, of all which the King had enjoyed their goods and possessions, both movables and immoovables, presupposing now that during his life he should never find any opposition in his kingdom. And although he were thus freed from all fear, yet God would not suffer him to take the right course, to unite these great seigneuries to his crown, the which he should have done, by some treaty of marriage, or drawn them unto him by love and friendship which he might have easily done, seeing the great desolation into the which those Provinces were brought, whereby he should have freed them from great wars, miseries and calamities, where into they have since fallen, and should have fortified his Real●…e, and enriched both countries by the means of so long and durable a peace. The chief means to attain unto it was to marry his Son (who was afterwards King of France called Charles the eight) to the Lady Marie Princess of Bourgongne, daughter and only heir to the deceased duke, although he were then but fifteen years old, and she eighteen. But when he did see the father dead, all his thoughts and cogitations were only to spoil this Orphan Princess of her father's inheritance: wherein God did not bless his actions nor his designs, the which were for the most part overthrown by the marriage which the said Princess made with Maximilian Archduke of Austria, Son to the Emperor Frederic, as you shall presently hear.  
The King being entered in Piccardie with his army, the towns of Peronne, Ham, 
Lew●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. enters into Picardy with an a●…my.  and Bohain were yielded unto him. He sent his Barber, called Oliver le Dain unto Gand, and Robinet of Audensort unto Saint O●…er, where they had friends, to put men into them. The good success which he had in the beginning in Piccardie, made him to hope that all would yield unto him, and he was advised by some (whereunto he was of his own disposition inclined) to ruin the house of Bourgongne, and to divide the Provinces to many: even naming those to whom he meant to give the Earldoms of Henault and Namur, and the duchies of Lembourg and Luxembourg, lying upon the frontiers. As for the other great Provinces of Brabant, Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, he would make use of them to win some Princes of Germany, which should be his friends, and help him to execute his designs.  
Oliver the King's Barber, who termed himself Earl of Meulan (a little town near unto Paris, whereof he was captain) carried letters of credit to the Princess of 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comm●…on by t●…e ●…ing to 〈◊〉.  Bourgongne, and had commission to confer with her secretly, and to persuade her to put herself into the King's hands: but this was not his chief charge, but to mutiny the people, whom he knew to be sufficiently inclined thereunto, by reason of their Previledges which duke Philippe and Charles had taken from them. Having remained at Gand some time, he was sent for to deliver his charge: he went and delivered his letters of credit to the Princess, being set betwixt the duke of Cleves and the Bishop of Liege, and accompanied by a great number of Noblemen. She read his letter, and Master Oliver was commanded to deliver his charge openly, who answered, that he had no commission but to speak privately unto the Princess. They said unto him, that it was not the custom especially to so young a Princess: yet he persisted in his first speech, and they answered him, that he should be forced ●…o deliver, whereupon he grew fearful: making some excuse, and so departed without delivering of his charge.  
Some of this council scorned him by reason of his old age: and for the speeches he used, especially the Bourgesses of Gand, who knew him to well, being borne in a near Village, and did him some affronts and disgraces, threatening to cast him into 
●…he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of Gand.  the River, the which they would have done, if he had not speedily fled. At his departure from Gand he went to Tournay, being then a Neuter town, but much affected to the French. He knew the said town to be near to both countries, and fit to annoy either party, so as they might draw in any soldiers, (the which the 〈◊〉 would not have yielded unto, having never showed themselves Partisans, but Neuters to both the Noble Princes) but Master Oliver sent secretly for the Lord of Mour (whose Son was Bailiff of the aforesaid Town, but was not resident there) 〈◊〉 he should come at a certain time appointed, and bring with him his company of men at arms, which were at Saint Quintin's and some other soldiers out of those parts, who failed not to come at the prefixed hour to the town 
Tournay brought under the King's obedience.  gate, where he found master Oliver with forty men, who partly by love, and partly by force, caused the Bar to be opened, and so gave entrance to the men at arms; wherewith the people were somewhat content, but the Magistrate nothing at all; of the which he sent seven or eight prisoners to Paris; where they remained during the King's life. Thus was Tournay put into the King's hands by the dexterity of his Barber; wherein a wiser or a greater parsonage than himself might have failed.  
The King being at Peronne, there came unto him from the Princess, certain Ambassadors, which were of the principal men about her: whereof the chief were William 
Ambassadors from the Princess of Bourgongne to the King.  Huguenot her Chancellor, the Lord of Humbercourt, the Lord of Gruythuyse Governor of Holland, and the Lord of Vere of Zealand, and many Prelates and Deputies of Towns. The King before their audience, laboured all he could to win them, as well in general, as in particular; from whom he received nothing but humble and reverend words, as from men that were in fear: yet such as had their lands lying whereas they thought the King could not annoy them, would in no sort bind themselves unto him, but in making the marriage of the dolphin his son with their Princess. The Chancellor, and the Lord of Humbercourt (who had been bred and brought up in great authority with the deceased Duke) desiring to continue so still, having their lands lying in the King's dominions, that is to say, the Chancellor in Bourgongne, and the Lord of Humbercourt in Picardy and Arthois, gave ear unto the King and his offers, and did in a manner consent to serve him in making of this marriage, and to retire themselves wholly under his obedience, the marriage being accomplished. And although that this were the best and most honourable course for the King, yet was it not pleasing unto him, but he would have all, either by love or force, to impoverish this Princess. But in these great actions, God disposeth of the hearts of Kings and Princes, to take those ways by the which he will afterwards work. For without all question, 
The King regards not the marriage of the Dauphin with the Princess of Bourgongne.  if the King had taken this course (which he himself had sought and desired before the death of the Duke of Bourgongne) the wars and ruins which have been since, and continue even unto this day in the Netherlands, had not happened, and the said Provinces had been successively under the Crown of France, and had never felt the furies of Spain: but we were not worthy to receive so great a benefit from the hand of God, the which this perpetual peace would have brought by the uniting of these two great estates into one body; who happily would have prescribed a law to all their neighbours. And it seems God had so appointed it, that the one might serve as a bridle and a restraint unto the other; he did also foresee the dissolution of the one and the other, such as we have seen it, whom he would chastise by such means in their due season.  
The King had good intelligence with the Lord of cords Governor of Arras, whose name was Philip of Crevecaeur, brother to the Lord of Crevecaeur, who had all his living in Picardy, lying along the river of Some. The King required the Ambassadors, that they should cause the City of Arras to be opened unto him: for at that time there were walls and ditches betwixt the Town and the City, and a gate shutting against the said City, and now it is contrary, for the City shuts against the Town. After many admonitions and propositions made unto the Ambassadors, what were the best course, and that they should more easily attain unto a peace in showing this obedience to the King, they consented, especially the Chancellor, and the Lord of Humbercourt; and gave their letters of consent (the which afterwards cost both their lives,) to deliver the City of Arras unto the King, with a discharge 
Arras yielded to the King by consent.  to the Lords. The which he did willingly, retiring out of the town, and drawing forth his men at arms. Then holding himself discharged of the Princess' service by this consent, he took an oath unto the King, and became his servant, for that his name, his arms, and his lands, were beyond the river of Some, near unto Beawois in Beawoisin. He was made Governor of Picardy for the King, Seneschal of Pontheiure, Captain of Crotoy, Governor in parcicular of Peronne, Roye and Montdider, and captain of Bologne and Hesdin, as he had held them in the time of Duke Charles of Bourgongne. After that the King had disposed of the City of Arras, he went from thence to besiege Hesdein, whether he led the Lord of cords, who was Captain and Governor, whom the besieged hearing to speak, making some 
Hesdin yielded ●…o the King and Bologne.  show as if they would preserve it for their Princess, in the end they yielded the place. From thence the King went before Boulogne, the which did the like, after that they had made some show of defence for the space of five days. Whilst the King stayed before Bologne, those of the Town of Arras found that they had been deceived, being shut upon every side, and a great number of soldiers and Artillery about them: they did therefore what they could to furnish their town with men at Arms: and to that end did write unto their neighbour towns, as to Bethune, Dovay and Lille. There were in Dovay some few horsemen, among others the siegnior of Vergy, who had escaped from the battle of Nancie, the which horsemen resolved to go and succour the town of Arras, gathering together about 300. horse, and five or 600. foot. Those of Dovay (who were at that time somewhat proud, as they be at this day) priest them whether they would or not, to depart at noon day, the which succeeded unhappily for them. For as betwixt Arras and Dovay, (being but four leagues,) it is an open champion Country, if they had stayed until night, they might easily have effected their design. But marching in the open day, the Frenchmen that were in the City went and encountered 
The succours going to Arras defeated.  them in the way, charged and quite defeated them, most of them were slain, the rest were taken prisoners, among the which was the Lord of Vergy. The King came the next day into the City, being very glad of this defeat: he caused many footmen that were prisoners to be put to death, to terrify those few soldiers that remained in those quarters. He caused the Lord of Vergy to be a long time straightly kept in prison, until in the end (by the persuasion of his Mother,) he took an oath to the King, who caused all his goods to be restored him, giving him moreover 1000 pounds a year rend and goodly offices. Such as escaped from this defeat being very few) saved themselves in Arras: whether the King caused his Artillery to approach, and battered it, the Bourgesses seeing themselves unfurnished of soldiers, and their walls beaten down, and their ditches filled up by the fury of the Canon, yielded upon composition, the 
Arras yields by composition, the which is 〈◊〉 kept.  which was not well observed and kept: for the Lord of Lude put many good Citizens and other men of quality to death, to have their goods: and besides the City was taxed at 60000. Crowns to the King. During this siege of Arras, the Princess of Bourgongne was in Gaunt, detained by the inhabitants, to her great prejudice, and the King's profit. For the Ganthois hearing of the death of the Duke her father, their Lord and Prince, it seemed unto them as if they had esca●…ed out of some prison, attributing unto themselves all the authority, not only of the town, but of the whole County of Flanders. They took all them of the law prisoners, to the number of six and twenty, whereof they put most of them to death: upon a colour that the day before they had caused a man to be beheaded, who (although he had well deserved death) the Magistrate (as they said) could not put to death: seeing their power and authority ceased by the death of the Prince which had created them. They did also put to death many good men, who had been servants and friends to the Duke: although that some of them had before time dissuaded the Duke, meaning to destroy a great part of the town for their rebellion. They forced their Princess to restore and confirm their ancient privileges, which they had forfeited, the which had been taken from them by Duke Philip and Charles: which privilege (to speak truly and properly,) served them to no other end, but to make occasion to pick quarrels with their Princes.  
The King thinking that all things had been to his mind, assured himself, that he should see them more successful than they proved, knowing the factious disposition of the Ganthois, who would not fail to attempt some new thing against their Princess, and sti●…re up some sedition in her Estate, knowing how they had always carried themselves to their Princes and Lords, whilst that the King was before Arras: there came certain Ambassadors unto him from the three Estates of the said 
〈◊〉 se●…t 〈◊〉 the States to 〈◊〉 King.  Princess' countries, who were then assembled in the city of Gand: for whom the Ganthois did not much care, doing all things after their own minds, and overruling their Princess, whom they detained: among these Ambassadors there were also some deputies of the town of Gand.  
The King heard them, among other speeches, they said: that what they had propounded to his Majesty touching a peace, did proceed from the motion and will of their Princess: who in all things was resolved to govern herself by the advice and council of her States: desiring his Majesty to desist from making of war as well in Bourgongne as in Arthois: and that it would please him to choose a day for a friendly treaty, and that in the mean time there might be assurance of arms. The King took hold only of that which they had said. That their Princess would not do any thing without the council and advise of the three Estates of there countries, and answered them, that they were ill informed, for he was well assured that she would govern her affairs by private persons, who desired not any peace: and that they should be disavowed. Whereat the Ambassadors were much perplexed, and like indiscreet men answered suddenly: that they were very well assured of what they said, and that they could show their instruction if need were. Whereunto some replied, that if it pleased the King, he could show them letters written by such a hand as they would believe it: the which did import, that the Princess would not govern her affairs but by four special persons: they answered, that they were assured to the contrary. Then the King showed them a writing which the chancellor of Bourgongne and the Lord of Humbercourt had the time before brought unto Peronne, whereof part was written by the Princess, and part by the Duchess Dovager of Bourgongne, widow to duke Charles deceased, and Sister to King Edward of England then reigning: and part of it by the hand of the lord of Ravestein, brother to the duke of Cleves near kinsman to the said Princess. So this letter was written by three sundry hands, although it went in the Princess' name only: the which had been done expressly, to have the more credit. It was a letter of credit for the Chancellor and the lord of Humbercourt. And moreover the Princess did declare, that her intention was, that all her affairs should be governed by four persons. The said Lady Dovager, her mother in law, the Lord of Ravestein, and the said Chancellor and lord of Humbercourt: beseeching the King that whatsoever he should please to have managed with her, might be by their hands, and that he would be pleased to direct himself unto them and not to confer with any other,  
When the Ambassadors had seen this letter, they were wonderfully troubled and 
The king incenseth the Ambassadors against the Princess.  perplexed, being incensed more & more by such as treated with them for the King. In the end the same letter was given them, and they had no other dispatch of importance. Whereupon they returned directly to Gand, whereas they found their Princess, accompanied with the bishop of Liege and the duke of Cleves. There was also William of la Mark a valiant & goodly Knight, but cruel & il conditioned: whom the bishop had taken into favour, although he had always been enemy to him, and to the House of Bourgongne, holding the party of the Liegeois, to whom the Princess had given 150000. Florins of the Rhin, in favour of the Bishop, to reconcile him. But soon after he banded against her, and against the Bishop his prince, having attempted by force and the favour of the French King, to make his son Bishop of Liege. Afterwards 
William of la Mark.  he defeated the said Bishop in battle, slew him with his own hand, and caused him to be cast into the River, where he remained three days. The Duke of Cleves was nearest unto the Princess, hoping to make a marriage betwixt his son and her, which seemed very fit and convenient for many respects: but his humours were not pleasing to her, nor her servants, and much less to her Ladies; for he had been bred up in that house: and it may be the ordinary sight of him, and the long knowledge they had had of him did him that harm.  
The Ambassadors from the States of the Netherlands, being returned out of France to Gaunt, a Counsel was held, and the Princess set in her seat, with these Noblemen about her, to hear their report. They began to charge her touching the letter above mentioned: wherewith being suddenly moved and in choler, She answered; That it was not so: thinking assuredly the said letter had not been seen. Then presently the Pensioner, or Orator of Gaunt (who made the speech) drew the said letter out of his 
A disgrace done unto the Princess by the Ganthois.  bosom▪ before all the world) and gave it her: wherein he played the part of a simple and uncivil man, to do this public disgrace unto his Princess, in the presence of the Duchess Dowager, the Lord of Ravesteyn, the Chancellor, and the Lord of Humbercourt. They had before had some speech with the Duke of Cleves touching the marriage of his son, which bred an alteration in them all, and they began to enter into great division. The Duke of Cleves had been always in hope until that time, that the Lord of Humbercourt had favoured this marriage. But seeing this letter he found himself deceived, and became his enemy. The Bishop of Liege loved him not, nor William of la Mark, for those things which had passed in the city of Liege, whereof the Lord of Humbercourt had been Governor. The Earl of S. Pol, son to the Constable of France (of whom we have spoken sufficiently before) hated the Chancellor, and Humbercourt to the death, for that they delivered his father at Peronne into the King's servants hands. Those of Gaunt hated them, not for any offence they had done them, but only envying their great authority and credit.  
Finally, the night following, after that this letter had been shown in the morning, 
The Chancellor and Humbercourt prisoners.  the Chancellor Huguenot and the lord of Humbercourt were committed to prison, by the Ganthois, notwithstanding that they were sufficiently advertised thereof before, yet could they not (with all their wisdom) avoid their own miseries, as many others did, who retired themselves in time out of the Town. They might well presume that their enemies above mentioned, would help them forward. There was taken with them William of Clugny, bishop of Teroane (who died afterwards bishop of Poitiers) all three were put together in prison. Those of Gaunt observed a certain form of proceeding against them, (the which they had not accustomed to do in their revenges) and appointed some of their magistrates to examine them, giving them an assistant, of the house of La Mark, a mortal enemy to the Lord of Humbercourt. In the beginning they examined them; Why they had caused the Lord of cords to deliver up the city of Arras unto the King? but they stuck but little upon that point, although 
Commissiooners appo●…nted for their trial.  they could not have convinced them of any other: their passions were not busied about the notable loss of such a City, neither did they care ●…o see their Princess grow weak, nor were the capable to comprehend and judge, how prejudicial the loss of that Town might be hereafter. The Commissioners or judges of the Ganthois, stood only upon two points: the one was, upon certain gifts and presents, 
Objections against the Chancellor and Humbercourt.  which they objected, they had received, and especially for a suit which the City of Gaunt had lately gotten by their se●…tence, and pronounced by the Chancellor, against a private person: wherein they accused him; To have sold justice, and to have taken a bribe of them to have their right. Whereunto the accused answered; That in that they had obtained their suit, it was according to equity and justice, that they had judged it: and as for the money which they had received, they demanded it not, but took it when it was offered. The second matter wherewith the Commissioners did charge them, was; That during the time they were in service with Duke Charles their Master (and in his absence his Lieutenants) they had done many things against the Privileges and Statutes of their Town: and that any man that attempted any thing against their Privileges, must lose his life. Hereunto the accused answered; That therein there was no matter to charge them withal, being neither Bourgesses of the Town, nor any way subject unto it, and therefore they could not break their Privileges. That if Duke Charles, or his father had taken any from them, it was by a composition made betwixt them, after many wars and rebellions: but those that had been left them, had been well observed. Notwithstanding all the excuses and justifications of these famous and worthy men, unto those two crimes objected, after they had tormented them cruelly, without all order of Law, the Magistrates of 
The Chancellor and Humber●…ourt condem●…ed to die.  Gaunt condemned them to die. They hearing this cruel sentence, were much amazed, and not without cause, seeing themselves in their hands, whereas reason had no place: notwithstanding for that the sovereignty of Flanders depended on the crown of France, they did appeal to the Parliament at Paris, hoping at the least that it might give some delay to the execution of the sentence; and in the mean time, their friends might help to save their lives. There Process continued but six days, and notwithstanding the said appellation, being condemned, they gave them but three hours liberty, to consider of their affairs, and to dispose themselves to death.  
This short time being expired, they led them to the Marketplace, upon a Scaffold, 
The Princess comes to the place of execu●…ion; and ●…ues for them.  to execute them by the sword. The Princess hearing of this condemnation, went to the townhouse, to sue and entreat for these two Noblemen, but it prevailed not: from thence she went into the Marketplace, whereas all the people being in arms, she saw these two Noblemen that were condemned, upon the Scaffold: she was in a mourning weed, and a plain kerchief on her head, which should have moved them to pity: Being there she beseeched the people, with tears in her eyes, and her hair hanging about her ears, to take pity of her two servants, and deliver them unto her. Some of the people would have had her will fulfilled, and that they should not die: others would have the contrary, and began to bend their Pikes one against another, and were ready for murder: but those that would have them die, were the greatest number: who cried out unto the Officers that were upon the Scaffold, that they 
The Chancellor and Humbercourt executed.  should dispatch them, whereupon they lost their heads: and this poor Princess returned desolate to her house.  
After that the Ganthois had done this execution, they did sequester from their Princess, the Duchess Dowager of Bourgongne, her mother in law, and the Lord of Ravensteyn her kinsman, for that they had set their hands to the Letter, which the Chancellor and Humbercourt had carried to the King, & was the cause of their death and did seize absolutely of the authority and government of this poor Princess: She might well be termed poor, not only for the loss of many good Towns, 
The Princess restrained of her liberty by the Ganthois.  which the King had taken from her by force; but to see herself in the power and subjection of ancient Rebels, and very persecutors of her house: and that which was the greatest misery of all, was to see herself so deprived of her liberty, & sequestered from her most familiar friends.  
They of Gaunt, having forcibly seized upon the government of State, and of their Princess person: put two Noblemen to death, chased whom they pleased out of their Town, and spoiled all the ancient servants of the House of Bourgongne of their goods. Now they began to study of alteration: first they drew the young Duke of Gelder's out of prison (who had been taken near unto Namur, and then sent to Gaunt) and made him head of an Army, which they raised among themselves and their neighbours of Bruges, Ypre, and other places, and sent it before Tournay, where he only burned the Suburbs without any profit. There was within the Town four hundred men at Arms, who sallied forth, and charged these Flemings in the Rear, as they made their retreat: who presently fled with disorder. The young duke of Geldres (who was a valiant Prince,) made head against them that pursued, that his people might have the better means to retire: but being ill seconded, he 
The Duke of Gelder's slain.  was slain, with a good number of his people. The Princess of Bourgongne and those that loved her were glad of this defeat, and of the death of the Prince of Geldres: for it was said that the Ganthois intended to force her to marry with him, else she would never have done it with her own good liking, for his great disloyalty and cruelty against his father.  
In the mean time there was a speech of divers marriages for the Princess of Bourgongne, all men concluding generally that she must have a husband to defend all the rest of her Seigneories: or else that she should marry the Dauphin of France, that she might enjoy all in peace. Some did much affect that Royal marriage, especially she herself, before that her letters carried by the Chancellor and Humbercourt had been discovered. Others took exception at the Daulphins' young and tender age, and the marriage of him promised wi●…h the daughter of England.  
There were others that laboured for the prince of Cleves: Others for Maxmilian, Archduke of Austria, the only son to the Emperor Frederick.  
This Princess had conceived an extreme hatred against the French King, for the discovery of her letters, for she imagined that he had been the cause (in giving 
The Princess hates the ●…rench king.  them to the Ambassadors of Gaunt) of the death of these two good men, and of the disgrace she received, when as they produced them before so great a multitude: and that it had given the Ganthois such liberty, as they had presumed to chase away her old servants, and to separate her mother in law and the lord of Ravestein from her, and had struck such a fear into her Ladies and Gentlewomen, that neither she nor they durst receive nor open a letter, without showing it to them, nor yet talk together in private. See what a liberty, a rascal multitude will take, when as they have usurped any authority over their Prince. Then also she began to estrange herself to the bishop of Liege, (being of the house of Bourbon) who laboured the marriage of the Dolphin, whereof she would hear no more spoken: wherefore every man held his peace from that time, and the bishop retired himself into his Country of Liege.  
They had before held a counsel about that matter, whereas the Lady of Halwin, the first lady of honour to the Princess was present, who hearing speak of the Dolphin, said; That they had need of a man and not of a child; that her Mistress was a woman able to bear children, whereof the country had most need. All were of this opinion. Some would blame the said Lady for speaking so freely: others commended her, saying That she spoke but of marriage, and of that the Country had most need. The question was now, to find out this man? If the French King would have been content, she should have married with the Earl of Angoulesme, it may be she would have consented, she had so great a desire to be allied to the house of France. The Duke of Cleves laboured for his son, but she had no disposition to it.  
The Emperor sent his Ambassadors to Gaunt, to the Princess, to entreat a marriage, 
The Emperor sends to the 〈◊〉 of Bourgongne to 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉.  who being first arrived at Bruxelles, they were requested to stay there a while, and they should be sent for: the which the Duke of Cieves did, having no delight in their coming, and practising to make them return discontented. But the Ambassadors, (who had good intelligence in the Princess court, especially with the Duchess Dowager of Bourgongne, her mother in law) passed on: for she did advise them to come forward notwithstanding any letter to the contrary, She did also advertise them what they should do at their coming to Gaunt, and that the Princess with many of her friends and Counsel, were disposed to their intention. The Ambassadors followed her advice, and came directly to Gaunt, notwithstanding any message that was sent them; whereat the Duke of Cleves was much discontented: for he was not yet privy to the Princess will and disposition.  
It was resolved on in Counsel that they should have audience, and the Princess was put in mind to say (after that they had delivered their charge) That they were very welcome, and that she would consider of their propositions, and that at that present she would 
Audience given to the Em●…erors Ambassadors.  say no more unto them, but that they should have an answer given them. The Ambassadors being entered into the place of audience, whereas the Princess was set in the midst of her Counsel, presented their letters when they were appointed; and delivered their charge: which was; That whereas a marriage had been concluded and agreed upon, beewixt the Emperor and the Duke of Bourgongne her father, with her own privity and consent as did appear by Letters written with her own hand, which they did produce: with a Diamond, ●…hich they said; h●…d been sent, and given in sign of marriage: desiring earnestly in the behalf of of the Emperor their Master, and the Archduke his son; That it would please the Princess to accomplish this marriage, which was conformable both to her father 〈◊〉 and h●…r own: Summoning her moreover; to declare openly, if she had written the s●…id Letter or no, and if she had any desire to perform her promise. Whereunto without demanding further counsel, she answered; That she had written the said Letters, by the 〈◊〉 of the Duke her Lord and father, and had sent the Diamond, avowing all. Whereupon the Ambassadors did thank her most humbly, and returned joyfully to their lodgings. The Duke of Cleves was discontented with this answer; which was contrary to that which had been decreed in Counsel, telling the Princess, that she had spoken very ill (but this Counsel knew not what this Commission was, nor what the ambassadors speech would be) whereunto she answered; That she could not otherwise do: that it was a thing promised and passed, the which she could not recall, nor gainsay. Which answer being heard, and knowing well that the greatest part were of the Princess mind, the Duke of Cleves held his peace, and resolved to give over his pursuit for his son, and to return into his own Country: and the Ambassadors well satisfied to the Emperor and the Arch duke their Masters, to make their report to hasten their young Prince to come. Who soon after their return came to Cologne, whereas some of the Noblemen and Barons, (servants to the Princess;) went to meet him, and was by them conducted unto Gaunt, having eight hundred horse in his train.    


〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Austrius  
MAXIMILIAN ARCHDUKE OF Austria, son to the Emperor Frederick, by the Lady Marie of Bourgongne his wife the 33. Earl of Holland Zeeland, and Lord of Freezland.  
Nor am I Heir, nor Earl, but countable  
Unto my son, and for his good I hold it,  
I only twelve years kept the Dukedom stable,  
To render it to him at years ●…'vphold it,  
What I possess is his, for him I keep.  
My Empire me contents, no more I thirst,  
Two wives I had, but now with death I sleep,  
At Newstad with my Mother, I lie Herst,   
The Argument of the fifth Book.  
THE good parts of the Archduke Maximilian: the knowledge of Tongues revived: the archdukes marriage with the Princess of Bourgongne: the order of the Golden Fleece given to the Archduke. The birth of Prince Philip of Austria: the Geldrois revolts from the house of Bourgongne: the battle of Guinegate, whereas the Archduke is Victor. Tourney yielded to the Archduke: Truce betwixt the French King and the Archduke: war betwixt the Geldrois and Hollanders. New tumults in Holland by the two Factions, which the Archduke doth pacify. Dordrecht surpized by the young Lord of Egmond. Many towns in Gelder's yielded to the Archduke. The factions revived in Freezland. War betwixt the Hollanders and them of Vtrecht: the death of the Archdutchesse: the Flemings take upon them the government of the Country, and fall to their old mutinies. Petty wars in Freezland: the Lady Marguerite carried into France after the peace, to be married to the Dolphin. New troubles at Vtrecht, and the Bishop prisoner afterwards restored by the Archduke. Engelbert Earl of Nassau, made governor of the netherlands, by the Archduke Maximilian and Philip his son. The Archduke creat●…d King of Romans: the Factions revived and great troubles in Freezland: the Ganthois and Brugeois mutinue again, and keep the King of romans prisoner: to whose succour the Emperor Frederick his father came: against whom, and against the Frisons he made Albert Duke of Saxony his general: a private war in Holland: a peace betwixt the Flemings and the Archduke: divers Factions armed in Freezland. Duke Albert seeks a quarrel against them both: a peace betwixt the Archduke Philip of Austria and Charles the 8. the French King: the Archduke takes possession of the netherlands: war betwixt the Duke of Gelder's & the Archduke: the Estates of Freezland held at Sn●…cke, whereof followed great wars: Duke Albert obtains of the Emperor the hereditary government of Freezland: the continuance of the war in Freezland: Duke Albert slain before Groningen: the Archduke inherits the Realms of Spain by his wife: Duke George of Saxony after the death of Albert, his father, conti●…ues the war in Freezland: the Duke of Gelder's reconciled to the King of Castille: the death of the said King: war renewed betwixt the Geldrois and the Bourgognons.  
MAXIMILIAN Archduke of Austria, son to the Emperor Frederick, was borne the 12. of March 1459. from his infancy until he came to be fourteen or fifteen years old, he was of a heavy disposition, and slow in speech, for he grew somewhat big before he could pronounce his words; but being come to age he recompensed that defect by wisdom and readiness of speech, especially in the Latin tongue: Nature and the bounty of God did adorn and enrich him with so many virtues, for the good of the Empire, as by the judgement of every man, he did exceed all 
His disposition and virtues.  the Christian Princes of his time, in vigour, vivacity and quickness of spirit; in domestic, public, politic and military virtues: in zeal to religion, in bounty worthy of such a Prince, and of an invincible courage as well in prosperity as in adversity.  
He was about 20. years old when he married his first wife Marie, Duchess of Bourgongne, Countess of Holland, Zeeland, etc. By whom he had the first year of 
His wife and children.  their marriage one son, named Philip (who was father to Charles the fifth) the second year he had one daughter, named Marquerite, the which in her infancy was betrothed to Charles Dolphin of France, son to King Lewis the 11. The third year he had a son named Francis, so named by Francis Duke of Britain. The fourth year he died as we will show in the deduction of this History.  
This virtuous Prince marrying this Princess of Bourgongne, was withal wedded to great wars, which we will describe hear, for that which shall concern the netherlands, as succinctly as we can, referring those of Italy and Germany, to Paulus iovius, Francis Guichardin, and others that have written of that subject.  
The French King had no care but how he should devour all the siegneories of this Princess, but hearing of her marriage (whereon he thought lest) he did somewhat moderate the least of his greedy covetousness. He had already (notwithstanding the Truce made with the Duke, father to the said Lady) wrested away violently all the Towns of Picardy, on this side the River of Some, the country of Arthois with Tournay and Tournesis; practising all he could the Town of Gaunt, and the Flemings, being easy to move, and which since gave many crosses to the Archduke Maximilian: It was therefore needful for this Prince to crave the succours and means of his father, and his friends in Germany, for the Neitherlandes were much unpeopled, both of their Nobility, and of their best Commanders in war, and of common soldiers, which had been lost in those three defeats, and those few which had remained in Picardy (as the Lord of cords and others of the country of Arthois) had embraced the French Kings party: some for that their livings lay in those Countries; and others being drawn away by gifts, and goodly promises.  
The Arch duke having visited all the Provinces of the Duchess his wife, where 
The Archduke makes a general Assembly at Bruges.  he was well entertained, and having received the oaths and hostages, returned to Bruges; where he called an Assembly of all the Princes, Earls, Barons, Knights and chief Gentlemen of the said Countries, with the general Estates, to resolve of the best means and course that was to be taken, to resist the attempts of the French king, who did daily seize upon some piece of his estate. But for that he was not yet Knighted, his desire was (before he undertook any war against the French) to receive the order of Knighthood of the golden Fleece, with the solemnities and Ceremonies accustomed, as the good Duke Philip (his wives grandfather) had instituted 
The Archduke made Knight of the golden Fl●…e.  it. Having therefore received the choler from Adolph of Cleves, Lord of Ravesteyn; he held a general Chapter of the said Order, which he renewed and added some other Knights. Among the which were William of Egmond, brother to Arnold Duke of Gelder's, father to Prince Adolph. The feasts and triumphs of this Ceremony being ended, the Archduke began to levy men of all sides to expel the French out of his Territories, who had already taken many places in Henault. But hearing of this preparation for war, and of so great a levy of men, they left all and abandoned the country: whether the Archduke went in person, & in a short time reduced all the country under his obedience and subjection, after some light skirmishes and encounters which he had often against the French, in the which for the most part he was victor.  
The 22. of june in the year 1478. was borne in the city of Bruges, Philip of Austria, first child to the Archduke and the Lady Marie of Bourgongne, which brought 
1478. Philip of Austria bo●…ne.  great joy to all the netherlands, giving thanks unto GOD that had given them a Prince, who in time to come might govern them in peace, and defend them against the French, their natural enemies.  
We have formerly said that Duke Arnold of Gelder's, had sold the Duchy to Duke Charles of Bourgongne, by reason of the great wrong which Prince Adolph, his son had done him by his imprisonment: whereof Duke Charles had taken possession in the life time of Duke Arnold. But after the death of Duke Charles, & of Prince Adolph (who was slain as we have said before Tournay) the Geldrois did revolt, especially the Towns of Numeghen and Zutphen, with their dependences. The children of Prince Adolph were at that time bred up in the Court of Bourgongne: whereupon the 
The Geldrois revolt from the house of Bourgongne.  Geldrois sent for the Lady Katherine of Gelder's, sister to prince Adolph, to come and govern the country, the which she did, which was the cause of great war betwixt the house of Bourgongne and the Geldrois. The Archduke Maximilian having reconquered the Country of Henault, he marched with his troops towards the country 
The Archduke marched into Gelderland.  of Gelder's, he came to Ruremond, where he was received, and at Venlo also, and in all the quarters there abouts: then he returned into Flanders, & went to Gaunt, to set things in order. In the Mean time Duke Frederick of Brunswick (whom the revolted Geldrois had chosen for their Governor) fell sick, and so retired into his country. Then the Geldrois took Henry of Swartsenbourg, Bishop of Munster for their new Governor, who took upon him the charge, and came well accompanied.  
About the end of the same year, 1478. the Archduke went from Brussels with all his Nobility of Brabant and Flanders, leading with him a goodly army and marched into the Country of Arthois, being resolved to recover the towns and places which the French King had taken from the Duchess his wife. He went and camped at Pont a vendin, which is a small town betwixt Lille and Arras, The King was far of besieging the town of Lens in Arthois. These two armies were there for a time fronting one an other, during the which there were divers messages passed on either side, so as in the end a truce was made, and they retired every one to his home.  
The truce being expired in August. 1479. the Earl of Romont, Governor of 
1479. Cambray and Bohain surprised.  Arthois, surprised Cambray and Bohain, a little town three leagues from thence. The Earl of Saint Pol, brother in law to the said Earl of Romont, having married his sister was made Governor of Flanders for the Archduke, although he were much tormented with the gout, yet he was a wise and valiant knight. The Archduke accompanied by the Earl of Romont and Saint Pol, by Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Philip of Cleves son to the Lord of Ravesteyn, the Lords of Fiennes, Beveren, Lalain and other Noblemen of the Netherlands, being followed by a goodly army went and camped near unto Teroanne, being resolved to besiege it. The French, namely the Lord of cords coming out of Picardy with 1800. pikes, and 14000. Archers, thought to fight with the Archdukes army, and to charge them in their camp, But the Archduke being advertised thereof in time, having left some troops of soot with 800. horse under the command of Philip of Cleves, to guard the camp the vittelers and the baggage, he went himself in person, to meet them in the open field. The Earl of Romont Martial of the army having ordered the Battalyons with the pikes in 
The battle of Esguinegate.  the forward: and the Earl of Nassau commanded the reerward. The French men coming down from the mont of Esguinegate charged the forward of the Bourgognons, the Earl of Romont with his Flemings stood firm and maintained the fight valiantly against the French archers. In the mean time the garrison of Teroanne, meaning to charge the reerward, fell upon the camp, where they grew amazed, and made so small resistance, as they did what they would, so as the horsemen that were there ingard, having been defeated and put to rout, were pursued even into the suburbs of the town of Air. The French whom the Earl of Romont had in front (noting them that fled being greedy of spoil) left their places and fell upon the baggage. The Archduke seeing that the French had forsaken their ranks of themselves, to run after Pillage, he went and charged them so furiously, as he put the Archers to rout, so as 
The Archduke wines the victory.  there were about 5000. slain upon the place, and a great number of prisoners, he remaining master of the field, with a memorable victory which GOD gave him on the seventh of August. 1491.  
After the Battle the Archduke returned victorious into the town of Air, and the Earl of Romont with part of his troops went to besiege the castle of Malonoy, near to the abbey of Han, belonging to the house of Croy, in the which there was 
The Castle of Malonoy taken and the Captain with 50. soldiers hanged.  a French garrison, from whence he brought Captain Cadet a gentleman Gascon prisoner, to the Archduke, who for his presumption and bravery caused him with 50. of his soldiers to be hanged. The French King much displeased for this fact, in revenge there of caused 50. men to be chosen out of those which the garrison of Tournay had taken in the archdukes camp, and commanded his provost general to go and hang them, giving him for his guard a thousand horse, and six thousand foot which was in the very place whereas Captain Cadet had been hanged ten, before the gates of Arras ten, at the Port of Dovay ten, before Saint Omers ten, and at 
Tournay taken by the Archduke.  the gates of Lille the last ten. After this victory of Esguinegate, the Archduke led his army before Tournay, the which he besieged so straightly, as in the end necessity forced them to yield upon composition, with a condition that if they did ever rebel any more against him, they should forfeit all the rents and fees that they had in Flanders and for reparation of the death of Duke Adolph of Geldres they should build up a Chapel in perpetual memory thereof. The French King seeing the happy success of the Archduke Maximilian, and that he had a son borne, sent a notable embassage unto him with rich presents, betwixt whom there was a truce made for a time. At that time there revived in Holland the factions of Hoecks and Cabillaux, for that one Martin of Velaere Bailiff of the town of Horn the which was of the Hoeckin 
The factions revive in Holland.  faction and he a Cabillautin having been expelled the town without any hope of return, resigned his Office to the young Lord of Egmond, promising to give entrance to him and all the Cabillautin faction into the Town, they laid two plots to surprise it but both failed: whereupon the town of Horn allied itself with Enchuysen, Eedam, Monick, Endam-Metemblick, & other villages there abouts. These factions were the cause of great troubles at that time in Harlem Rotterdam, Leyden and else where; one party chase an other out of these towns. The Cabillautines surprised Oudwater, seized upon the court at the Hage, from whence they chased away the servants, and spoiled the movables, plate and jewels of the Lord of La Vere Governor of Holland, who had his revenge in chase away the Cabillautines, against whom the Hoekins committed great insolencies.  
A while after the Governor went to Rotterdam, to remain there for his better safety, but few of the Council went with him, for the most of the town were of the Cabellautin faction: when the Noble men of that faction which had fled from the Hage, heard that the Governor was retired with his followers, they returned, forced the Hoekins lodgings, and broke down all they found, as they had done to them before. And they were not content therewith, until they had drawn the Archduke into their quarrels, who to please them, put the Lord of La Vere from his government of 
The Lord of Vere put from his government of Holland.  Holland, for whom the Cabillautins laid ambushes to kill him at his return to La-Vere in Zealand, whereof he was advertised at Gorrichom whether the Archduke was come to settle the affairs of Gelder's, and to subdue Ghysbrecht Pyecht Lord of half the town of Asprens, against Wessel of Boerslaer Lord of another moeity and of an other Castle; this holding of Holland and the other of Gelder's, which castle the Archdukes men took by assault, the siegeior Pyecke being fled before. The Archduke having 
The Castle of Pyecke taken by assault.  during his abode at Gorrichom, settled the estate of Gelder's, he went to Dordrecht carrying with him all of the Cabillautin faction that had been expelled that town to restore them again to their houses. But the magistrates and Superintendents of the same town did give the Archduke such reasons as they entered not for that time; whether came the Prince of Orange, Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Wolfart of Lavere, john Vicont of Momfort, Walraven Lord of Brederode and many other gentlemen of the Hoeckin faction, where having treated awhile of business the Archduke went to Rotterdam, accompanied with many of Rotterdam and la Goud, as it were for his convoie, where there was much trouble betwixt the noblemen of both factions, the which notwithstanding was pacified without any effusion of blood; so as in the end, to avoid all factions and partialities, the Archduke made one Governor of Holland, that was a neutral 
A new Governor to Holland  and not borne in the country, which was Simon of Lalain, Lord of Montigny Saints and Knight of the order of the golden fleece, appointing new councelors in the Provincial council. This done he went to Leyden, leading with him many of the Hoeckin faction, that had been expelled the town but they could not all enter, by reason of the violent opposition of the contrary party; And therefore such as remained without, entered an action of the restitution before the provincial council, against the magistrate of Leyden, who opposed himself against them.  
In the same year 1480. the Archduke having been sick some time at the Hage, and recovered his health, having taken the advice of his privy Council, to make 
1480.  the navigation of the river of Rhine free; he sent john of Cleves with john of Egmond, and all his Cavalerie to besiege the town of Wageningen in the Duchy of Gelder's; the garrison whereof stopped the passage of the Rhine into Holland, which town 
Wageningen taken.  in the end they forced to yield upon composition to have their lives and goods saved. Soon after the Geldrois surprised Venlo, and did incite the towns of Nimeghen and Zutphen to revolt against the Archduke whom they would not acknowledge but by force. After that the Archduke had stayed long in Holland and laboured in vain to suppress the factions of the Cabillaux and Hoecks he returned into Brabant and Flanders ●…o levy an army, with the which he would make head against the French, which did greatly molest his country of Luxembourg whether he went; being in the chief City, and hearing that there was a practice against his person, by some that were susspected to have had an intent to deliver him unto the French without any longer stay, he retired into Flanders, leaving his army in the country of Luxembourg, to stop the course and spoils of the French.  
The Lord of Lalain Governor of Holland, etc. to discharge his duty, began with the new Council to moderate and pacify the factions. For the effecting whereof, he 
The new Governor of ●…olland 〈◊〉 ●…o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  went first to Horn, being accompanied by Nicholas van Adrichom Abbot of Egmont, whether he led all those of the Cabillautin faction that had been expelled the town, except Martin of Velaere, the Bailiff who had resigned his place to the young Lord of Egmont. All these banished men being re-entered into the Town, did promise and swear never to pretend to any Magistracy, nor to any place of government within the Town, whereupon they were admitted and received into favour with the rest. The Governor did the like in the town of Goude: but he could not prevail so much with them of Dordrecht nor Leyden, whereupon he returned to the Hage. At the same time they of Amersfort, chased all them of the Cabillautin faction out of their town. Those of the Hoekin faction of the town of Leyden, having obtained of the Provincial council, a sentence of re-establishment in the said town, notwithstanding the which, they could not be admitted to enter: whereupon these banished men resolved jointly together to surprise the Town of Leyden, with some of their Partisans, being in all 135. having taken for their leaders and Captains Reyer van Bronkhuysen a Geldrois, and Henry van Nyevelt a Hollander: who found the means in the hardest time of winter, when the ditches were all frozen, to surprise the Town by scaladoe, and took the chief of the Cabillautins prisoners, namely the Magistrate of the town, in whose place they appointed six men, who during the troubles should have the government of the town, to administer justice, with some Captains and Centeniers for the guard thereof. The other towns of Holland, as Harlem, Delfe, and Amsterdam, hearing that the Hoekin faction (the which two years before had been expelled the town of Leyden) had now seized thereon, and that the Magistrate and the chief of the Cabillautin faction were prisoners, they sent●…some of the chief men among them to complain unto the Archduke their Prince; that a Captain of the Geldrois, with many soldiers of Geldres, Vtrecht, and other strangers, with the banished men of Leyden had traitorously surprised the said town, having resolved to do the like unto all the towns of Holland: being to be feared that in the end the Geldrois would cease upon all Holland, if he did not prevent it. The Archduke hearing these news, sent the lord of Lalain Governor of the Country thither, with what men he could speedily gather together, to expel the said Bronckhuysen and all his adherents, out of the said Town of Leyden, joining for an assistant john van Ranst Marckgrave or Governor 
Leyden surprised by the Hoeckins.  of Antwerp, with his company. The above named Towns sent also some troops under the command of Philip Bastard of Brabant, all which were lodged in Rotterdam, fearing the affronts of them of Dordrecht and Goude, of the Hoeckin faction. Before that the Governor went to besiege Leyden, he sent conditions unto them, which they found not tolerable, and therefore they sent unto the Prince to make 
Leyden besie●…d by the Governor.  their complaint of the Magistrate that was prisoner. Notwithstanding all this, the Archduke commanded the Governor to besiege them, so as in the end, after many skirmishes, and taking of Castles on either side: the Leydois by the intercession of them of Dordrecht, Goude and Schoonhoven, were reconciled.  
At the same time the young Lord of Egmont, remaining as Chastelaine or captain in the Town of Gorrichom, accompanied with some banished men of the Cabillautin faction, meaning to be revenged of an injury which the Bailiff of Dordrecht had 
Dordrecht surprised by the young lord of Egmont.  done him, found means to surprise the said Town. In which surprise the Bourgmaister and the Bailiffs Lieutenant were slain, and about two hundred Bourgesses of the Hoeckin faction prisoners, among the which was the Escoutette or Bailiff. This victory gave courage and comfort to the Cabillautin faction, and daunted the Hoeckins and Geldrois, who afterwards were not so busy, having also lost the Town of Leederdam, which the Archduke gave to Gasper of Culenbourg, in recompense of his losses by his imprisonment in France, the which he sold afterwards to the Lord of Egmont.  
During the time that the young Prince of Gelder's, son to Adolph, was brought up in the house of Bourgongne, (as much to say as a prisoner)▪ the Duke of Cleves seized upon many towns in Gelder's, for which cause the Geldrois made sharp war against the Clevois and Brabansons, & growing daily more obstinate, they did ●…strange and withdraw themselves wholly from the house of Bourgongne: whereupon the Archduke resouled to make war against them. Those of Numeghen, Thyel, and Bomel (having some intelligence thereof) went to him to Boisledu●…, where they submitted 
〈◊〉 towns 〈…〉  themselves unto him, and acknowledged him for their Prince. Whereupon he went to Numeghen, whither many Deputies of other towns came unto him to do the like. This done he went to Ruremont to bridle Venlo: but the Inhabitants did little regard it▪ being resolved to defend themselves. Whilst that the Archduke carried himself in this sort in the Country of Gelder's: David of Bourgongne bishop of Vtrecht, being expelled the town by the vicont of Montfort, made an enterprise with his Partisans 
〈…〉  upon the said town: the which succeeding not happily, the Archduke having disposed of his affairs in Gelder's, came to Wyck-ter-duyrsted to him, where they had much conference: from thence the Archduke returned into Brabant, the Duchess his wife being ready to be brought in bed, & was delivered of a son, whom the Duke of Brittany christened, and named him Francis, by his own name, but he lived not long.  
If in Holland the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks tormented one another, in Friesland the partialities of Vetcoopers' and Scyringers did no less, the Country being so divided there, as not only the Nobility and towns made war one against another with all violence: but also the villages, peasants & other private persons, which had any power or means: yea the Abbeys, Cloisters and Monasteries, as well with their Provost Monks as with their lay Friars; whereof there followed great ruins, desolations and burning of villages, castles, and other possessions, as well Ecclesiastical as Secular. All this time there was sharp war betwixt the Hollanders that succoured the Bishop of Vtrecht, and them of the town of Vtrecht and Amersfort: of whom john vicont of Montfort and Reyer van Brouckhevysen were the chief, and the Lord of Lalaine for the Hollanders: who once among the rest, were well 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bi●…op and the Town of Vtrecht.  beaten by them of Vtrecht, near unto the fort of Waert, which the Hollanders did besiege, lost their artillery, and left the banners of their chief towns behind them: the Lord of Lalain saved himself being much amazed in Schoonhoven: and those of Vtrecht returned victors with many prisoners into their Town, who having afterwards surprised the Town of Naerden in Holland, but seeing they could not keep it, they spoiled it, and so left it. The Lord of Lalain sent the Markgrave of Antwerp thither, and little Salezard a Knight of Gasconie (whom the French King had despoiled of his means, which made him to come and serve the Archduke, with a good troop of brave soldiers Gascons) to lie in Garrison there, with a good number of horse and foot, who continually made roads even to the every gates of Vtrecht, and one day among the rest, went and charged the great Bourg of Emenesse, (which is a french league long) where there were some of Vtrecht & Amersfort in Garrison: the which (notwithstanding any resistance) they forced, & slew all that could not fly, and save themselves through the Marshes and Quagmires: and after they had spoiled it and laden themselves with the booty, they set fire of it, and burned it to the ground.  
This war betwixt the Diocese of Vtrecht and the Hollanders, increasing and growing more violent by sundry wrongs, they did one unto another: the Traiectins having no Protector, sent their Ambassadors to john Duke of Cleves, beseeching 
Thos●… of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Duke of 〈◊〉 to help 〈◊〉  him that he would be their Protector, and to send them his brother Englebert of Cleves, to be his Lieutenant, and General there. The which the Duke accepted, and sent his brother, where he was well received and lodged in the bishops Palace: whom the Taiectins did acknowledge for their Protector, making an oath of fealty unto him, as is accustomed in the like cases. Afterwards the Hollanders defeated the Traiectins and slew 1000 upon the place, pursuing them even into their Ports, and if they had followed them close, and had not been too busy in spoiling of the dead, they might have entered pel mel with them, and won the City.  
In the year 1482. in Lent, the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Archdutchesse of Austria, 
1482. Death of the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Contesse of Holland.  Countess of Holland, and Zeeland, Lady of Friesland, etc. wife to the Archduke Maximilian, being a hunting, mounted upon an ambling Gelding, fell (some write for the fear which her horse had of a wild Boar, which ran betwixt his legs) wherewith she was so bruised in her body, as the 27. of March she died, to the great grief of her husband, who loved her entirely: she was buried with a funeral pomp worthy of her greatness, in the Quire of Saint Donas Church at Bruges, after that she had been married four years and a half, leaving one Son named Philip about three years old, and one Daughter but two years old, who by the treaty of peace was made sure to King Charles the eight, son to Lewis the 11. the French King. But this marriage being broken, she was married to the only son of Dom Fernando of Arragon, and of Isabella King and Queen of Castille, called also Dom Fernando, by whom she had one son, who died within the year with the father: afterwards she married with Philebert the 8. Duke of Savoy, who died after he had been seven years married. The said Lady Mary of Bourgongne being dead, the Archduke her husband took upon him the title of Tutor to her children, that with this quality he might preserve, maintain; 
The Archduke calls himself Tutor.  and defend them against the French King, Lewis the eleventh, who had done so much harm and wrong unto their Mother after the death of Duke Charles her father. This quality of Tutor did not greatly please many of the Netherlanders, especially the Flemings. Those of Gaunt, Bruges, Fran●… and Ypre, (which make the four members of Flanders,) appointed by their private authority certain commissioners, to govern the country of Flanders jointly with the Archduke, until it were otherwise ordered. By reason whereof the States were assembled in the city of Gaunt, where it was concluded that they should not receive the said Governor, but for a certain time limited, upon certain conditions, and with an oath to keep them: refusing to admit any particular Governors or Captains, if they were not chosen 
A new order set down by the Flemings touching the government.  and placed by the Archduke and their commissioners jointly, for that (said they) the Archduke was yet young, and that such as were about him did govern him at their pleasures, and did with him what they pleased: also the money that was levied of the people was ill governed: that justice was not duly executed: and that many oppressions, extortions, and violences, were committed in the country with all impunity. This new order set down by the Flemings, did much displease the Archduke, who went to Bruges and to Ypre, but they would no more acknowledge him for their Prince, nor allow of the Magistrates and Officers that were made by him. The Ganthois did banish Robert of Halewin great Bailiff of Bruges, out of Flanders for fifty years, and put many Gentlemen of good account from their places and Offices, so as in those times the Nobility was very much oppressed i●… Flanders.  
The Lord of cords Governor of Teroane for the French King, made ordinary courses then into Flanders, and spoiling the country. For the preventing whereof, these Commissioners appointed for the government, gave commission to Charles of Savoy, and the Lords of Bevere and Merwede, to go with some good troops of men which the Ganthois did furnish. And at the same time the Bastard of Hennin had an encounter near unto Bethune against the French, whom he put to rout, and slew many of them. At the same time there were many ships of war put to 
Affronts do●… unto the French.  Sea, both Flemings, Hollanders, Zelanders and Frisons, which came along the coast, so as the French durst not boldly put to Sea. The Signior of Chanteraine going out of Saint Omer with his company to seek some adventure, met a convoy near unto Teroane, which carried the Soldiers pay thither, the which he defeated and carried the silver and the spoil into Saint Omer. Whilst that matters were thus handled in Flanders, and upon the frontiers of Picardy and Arthois, the Archduke was in Holland, where he was acknowledged by the States of the Country, for 
The Archduke acknowledged in Holland, zeeland and ●…seland for Gardien.  Gardien to his son Philip of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, being then but four years old; the like was done in Zeeland and Westfriseland. But the Flemings naturally inclined to innovations and mutinies, especially the Ganthois, did greatly cross him.  
The Factions of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers' in Frizeland, were then as violent as ever (as those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux in Holland) the which were no sooner pacified and reconciled in one part of Friesland, but they kindled again in another, and continued so long in that estate, before they were quite suppressed that the country was made a prey to Strangers, and quite ruined, as we shall hereafter show.  
In the year 1482. the Duke of Cleves made a levy of above 10000 men, horse and foot, the which he sent into the Diocese of Vtretcht, to make war against the Hollanders. The Traiectins and Clevois joined together, making a great body of 
The Traiectins besiege Iselstein.  an army, presumed they might conquer all Holland, and went to camp before Iselstein. On the other side the Lord of Lalain, Governor of Holland, with many Noblemen went to field, with all the forces he could get, and camped just by them, being resolved to charge them in their Trenches, and to raze the siege. Hereupon the Clevois mutining against the Traiectins fearing they should be surpized during their division, whereupon they dislodged from thence, leaving a part of their Artillery and carriages behind them, which those of Iselsteyn took and carried into their town. The Hollanders not content with this, did run over the Country of Vtrecht, and passing by Intfaes, they took the Castle of Wronesteyn, and a great Tower which they ruined. From thence they besieged took and razed the two Forts of Vae●…t, upon the river of Lecke, and broke the Scluses, by the which they pass from Vtrecht into that river, which done, winter approaching they retired: the Traiectins making no show to hinder them.  
In june the same year, there arrived in Flanders a Herald from Lewis the 11. the French King, bringing a safeconduit for 60. of the Neitherlanders, which should go & treat with him of a peace, the which were chosen by the 2. Estates, Secular & Clergy. This Treaty had been begun in November, the year before in the City of Arras. Of the Archdukes Deputies were the States of Brabant, of Arthois, of Henault, and the four members of Flanders, with the King's Commissioners, who at this time was very sick, seeking remedy both by physic, offerings, and pilgrimages, so fearful was 
A peace concluded betw●…t the French, and the Bourgognons.  he of death. In the end a peace was concluded betwixt these Deputies, whereof a treaty was made, containing a hundred & one Articles. Among others: That the Dolphin of France should marry with the Lady Marguerite of Austria, daughter to the said Archduke Maximilian, and the deceased Lady Marie of Bourgongne, being about four years old. With many other Articles, which for brevities sake we omit. The Deputies of the netherlands went to confirm them at Tours where the King was, who received them courteously, ratified the peace, and confirmed the marriage of his son: and after that he had honoured them with rich presents, he thanked them and gave them leave to return to their Prince. During the time of this Treaty at Arras, Philip of Crevecaeur, Lord of cords slept not, but went to besiege the town of Air in 
air y●…led to the French.  Arthois, betwixt Bethune and S. Omer; the which made some show of resistance, but it was soon yielded, or (to speak truly) sold, for the Captain had 3000. crowns. The Inhabitants that would not stay, to the number of 500 retired themselves to Bethune and S. Omer; being ill affected to the French.  
A peace being concluded betwixt the Archduke and the French King, and the marriage agreed upon betwixt the Dolphin his son and the Lady Marguerite the Archdukes daughter, about Easter in 1483. The Earl of Beavieu (afterwards Duke 
1483. The Lady Marguerite of Austria deli●…ed to the 〈◊〉.  of Bourbon, the King's son in law, came into Arthois to receive her, where she was delivered unto him, who led her to Paris, and from thence to Amboise to the King. There was great joy of her coming, as a pledge and faithful confirmation of the peace: the which had been proclaimed before in Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, to the great contentment of the people, who by that means recovered their traffic of merchandise in France. And although that this peace and marriage had been concluded for that good and quiet of both nations, yet some gave bad impressions thereof to the Archduke, who seemed not much to regard it: saying that he had never given his consent to it: and therefore many that had dealt in it were suspected, and not favoured in Court: and some Captains of the Netherlands practised to surprise some places in Arthois and Picardy upon the French, whereby they might have occasion to break the peace.  
The Archduke had in those times for the pleasure of David of Bourgongne Bishop of Vtrecht, great war against the Traiectins and Clevois; he besieged Vtrecht, 
Vtrecht taken by the Archduke.  battered it, and in the end (after some assaults) forced them to yield by composition, upon condition (among others) that they should beat down a part of their wall, and fill up their ditch, by the which the Archduke might enter with his army into the Town, after that the soldiers of the garrison were retired. The which was performed, and the Archduke entered in good order and triumph, the 6. of September, pardoning the Inhabitants, and remitting both their lives and goods, the which he did also to the Vicont of Montfort. Those of Amersfort hearing of the yielding of Vtrecht, sent their Deputies to the Archduke, unto whom they were reconciled, and to their Bishop, whom they conducted with a good convoy to his Town of Vtrecht, being glad to be restored. The Archduke appointed the Lord of Iselsteyn Governor there for him, with 1000 men in garrison, at the charges of the Coun●…e of Holland. The Hollanders were resolved to keep it, to serve them as a frontier 
The Hollanders put a garrison in Vtrecht.  and Bulwark on that side, fortifying Saint Katherins Port towards Holland, and placing some men there in garrison. The 1●…. of October, the Archduke, having ordered all things in those quarters of Holland and Vtrecht, returned into Brabant: for that the Bishop of Cambray, the Prince of Orange, and the Lord of Croye were come thither to advertise him of the death of King Lewis the 11. who died the 13. of August the same year 1483. and of what was presently to be done. 
1483.   
At the reception of the Princess of Austria in the Court of France, the King desired that Prince Philip of Austria might be put in possession of the Estates and Seigneuries that were fallen unto him by the death of the Duchess his Mother. whereupon those of Gaunt, Bruges, Franc, and Ipre, required the Archduke to come into Flanders, to satisfy the Kings will touching these inheritances: but being then at Antwerp ready to go and besiege Vtrecht, he referred it to his return. This siege continued long, the Flemings boiling, (as they be in all their first motions very violent, yea without discretion) took their young Prince, being then but five years old and two months, and put him in possession of the said County, and of all the towns in the Province; appointing for Tutors and Gardiens, the Earl of Romont, Adolph of Cleves 
The Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldom  Lord of Ravesteyn. joos of la Vere Lord of Groovelt, and Philip of Bourgongne Lord of Beveron. joos Lord of Lalain having been slain at the siege of Vtrecht, the Hollanders entreated the Archduke to give them a Governor, who according to their last privileges, was borne in the Country. According to the which john of Egmont was appointed the Prince's Lieutenant in Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland: who in the month of May following married Magdeline of Wardenburch, daughter to the Earl of Wardenburch a german.  
The Flemings having according to the will of the French King, put young Prince Philip of Austria in possession of his inheritance, without attending the Archduke his Father, and having appointed him those four Tutors to govern both him and his 
The Archduke deprived of the government of his Son and of Flanders.  Country, during his minority, did greatly discontent the Archduke therewith; who seeing himself deprived of his only Son, and of the government of Flanders, held diverse Counsels with his most familiars, to know how he might bring them unto reason: whereunto the Earl of Nassau, and the Lord of Goesbeeke persuaded him most, with such as had been expelled and banished out of Gaunt and Bruges. And withal there fell out a quarrel betwixt the Flemings, (especially them of Bruges) and the Towns of Antwerp and Berghen upon Soom, by reason of their Fairs and Markets, the Brugeois complaining that their town lost their trade, by their means, whereupon the Flemings built a fort upon 
A quarrel betwixt the Bu●…geois and them of Antwerp.  Flanders side at Cloppesdike, upon the river of Escault, the which they did man with a good garrison and Artillery, to keep the ships of Holland, Zeeland and the East-countries from passing up to Antwerp, and by that means to hinder the traffic of the said town, spoiling oftentimes under this colour, good Merchants, and doing them great outrages. Those of Antwerp on the other side did furnish forth some few Ships of war, to be a convoie for merchants going up and down the River, and to defend them from the pilferies of the Flemings, the which did the more incense 
The outrag●… of the Brugeois.  the Archduke against the Brugeois: whereupon he makes an enterprise to surprise them, the which being discovered, the Brugeois stood so upon their guard, as for that time he could not effect any thing, and many Bourgeses of the said town were committed to prison, being suspected to have had intelligence with the Archduke whereof eight were beheaded and quartered, terming them traitors: the which did incense the Archduke the more against them. In the same year after Easter, there came out of France Anthony of Bourgongne Earl of Steenberghen, bastard to the good Duke Philip of Bourgongne, a wise and an ancient knight, governor to Charles the 8. the French King, sent by the King and his council, to devise of the means to reconcile all controversies betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, but their spleens were so great on either side, as he prevailed nothing, either party remaining obstinate in his opinions. A while after the Archduke seized of the town of Deudermonde by surqrise; and then began sharp wars betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, to the ruin of the countries of Flanders and Brabant. The Margrave of Antwerp entered with good troops into the land of Waes' (which is the fattest quarter of all Flanders) where he committed great spoils and burnt the country. The Flemings did no less in Brabant, even unto the gates of Brussels, whereas the Archduke then was. The lord of Ravestein did cunningly seize upon Audenarde for the Archduke. A captain of Boisleduc called Martin Swart, (a Shoemaker by his trade, whom the Archduke for his prows had made a knight) entered with his company into 
Deudermond Audenarde and Nienhoven surprised for the Archduke.  Flanders, surprised the town of Nienhoven, spoiled the French garrison that was in it, ransomed the town, and they left it. They of Antwerp besieged, battered and forced the fort of Cloppersdyke, near unto Saffringhen upon the river of Escault, the which they razed.  
Anthony of Bourgongne Earl of Sevenberghen continuing still to mediate an accord betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, used such good means with them of Bruges, as they were content to humble themselves unto the Archduke, with whom he reconciled them in such sort, as the 21. of julie he entered the town, being accompanied by the Earl of Nassau, and the greatest part of his army: where he punished some mutinous rebels, and renewed the law, the Magistrate and the Officers 
Bruges reconciled to the Archduke and Gand.  of the town at his pleasure. The Ganthois hearing what the Brugeois had done, were by the intercession of the Earl of Steenbergeen reconciled in like sort, whether the Archduke went about fifteen days after, with goodly troops of horse and foot, for his safety, knowing with what kind of people he had to deal. The said Earl of Steenberghen came to meet him, bringing with him his Son, the young Prince Philip, whom he had not seen of a long time, and was then very joyful to behold him. The Archduke entering into the town, pardoned all that was passed: yet at night some unquiet mutineers stirred up some of the Bourgeses against their Prince, so as the Archduke had been in danger of his person, if his men had not speedily gone to arms, 
A new tumult in Gand.  and chased away these rascals, whereof many were committed to prison and executed: Then had he occasion to take from them their previledges and freedoms, the which he canceled and disanuilled, and took Prince Philip his Son, and carried him to Macklyn, to his grandmother in law, the Dovager of Bourgongne. Soon after there came to reconcile themselves unto him Adolph of Cleves lord of Ravestein, the Earl of Romont, the lord of Vere and the lord of Baveren, who soon after married with the daughter of the said lord of Vere. About that time the Emperor Frederic came to Cologne, where he stayed eight days, the Archduke Maximilian his Son went to him to Aix, who had not seen him of a long time, and from thence they went 
The Emperor Frederic comes to Cologne.  together about Lent to Cologne. All difficulties and quarrels pacified betwixt duke john of Cleves and the Diocese of Cologne in the which the Emperor had invested Herman Landtgraue of Hessen, together with the Duchy of Westphalen and the county of Arensbourg. The Emperor, the Archduke his Son, and all the Princes that were with them parted on Saint Agathes day from Cologne, towards Francfort to choose a King of the Romans, where the 16. of February by a common consent of all 
Maximilian made King of the Romans.  the Prince's Electors, Maximilian of Austria was chosen and proclaimed King of Romans. And the Thursday after Easter following, they returned all to Aix, where he was crowned in our Lady's Church with all the accustomed Ceremonies: where as the said King did knight many Princes and Noblemen, among the which were Philippe of Bavaria Palatin of Rhine, Arnold duke of Saxony both Prince's Electors, the duke 
New knghits made by the King of the Romans.  Gaspar of Bavaria: William duke of juliers, William Landgrave of Hessen. Albert, Marquis of Baden, William Lord of Egmont and many others to the number of 200. The feast of his coronation being ended, the Princes retired every one to his home: the Emperor into Austria and the King of Romans into Brabant. Before that the Archduke went unto the Emperor his Father, he made Engelbert Earl of Nassau Governor of all the Netherlands in his absence, by virtue of a commission given him at Boisleduc in that year 1485. whom we will place for the first Governor made by 
1485.  the Prince.  

ENGELBERT EARL OF NASSAV, the first Governor, Lieutenant and Captain general for the Prince, in the Low Countries.  
ENGELBERTUS COMES NASSAVIUS GUBERNAT: BELGII.  
I did first Govern of the Nasovien blood,  
True to my lord of these Low-countries good.  
Where Maximilian of the Romans King,  
Of Austria Duke, and the Archduke his son:  
Taking fair note of me, did forthwith bring  
Me unto place and Eminence, but 'twas done,  
With a proviso, only for a space:  
Through which occasion I did tame the rage,  
Of the tumultuous Brugeois, which to my Grace,  
Nassau our house at Court, can give good gage.  
IN the year 1491. Engelbert Earl of Nassau was by Maximilian the first King of Romans going into Hungary, made Governor of the County of Flanders, and the Baylewiks of Lille, Dovay, Orchies and Saint Omer. And afterwards in the year 1501. the Archduke Philip going into Spain, he was appointed by him governor general of the Netherlands. All this while the factions of Vetcoopers' and Schieringers, raged in Friesland, one against an other. In the which the Monks and religious men dealt, with their thundering excommunications, among others Aggo Albert of Heenlon did excomunicat Iga Galama and his brethren, which was the cause of great mischief and ruin. For the said brethren of the faction of Vetcoopers', drew 
The 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 deal 〈◊〉 factions.  unto their succours john of Egmont governor of Holland, who sent them strange soldiers, with the which and some Gentlemen Frisons their Partisans, they went and besieged the Abbey of Heenlon, which the Monks had fortified: the which brought destruction to the said Abbey and to many Villages there abouts. These factions brought great miseries and calamities unto Friesland, for the Vetcoopers' allied themselves to the town of Groninghen, and the Schyeringers called the duke of Saxony into their country, which caused the total ruin of both parties as we will relate succinctly hereafter, during the government of Albert and George dukes of Saxony. Soon after that Maximilian King of Romans was returned out of german into the Netherlands, the Ganthois and Brugeois did mutiny again: And therefore the King had levied 20000. horse and foot for his guard, the which being lodged and disperse in the the country, did much mischief to the poor countrymen, who seemed to be worse entreated by 
The Ganthois and Brugeois mutiny again.  them, then by their enemies: being all high Bourgognons or Hannivers, besides the country was daily surcharged with new impositions, more than they could bear: all by the persuasion (said they) of Peter Lanchals knight, his treasurer, Bailiff of Bruges, whom the Ganthois and Brugeois would not obey, whereupon the King came in February, withal his nobility into the town of Bruges, leaving the horsemen of his guard without: reserving some which he held by him with some Landtsknets: he made certain demands unto the Magistrate which they would not accept. He being displeased at this refusal, by the advice of the said Lanchals, marched in arms withal his train unto the market place. The sworn bands not knowing what this might pretend, doubted some treasons and therefore a great number of the Bourgeses went to arms, to appose themselves against the King and his followers, so as they could not advance. Some Noblemen of his council persuaded him to retire to his Palace the which he did: and in this sort was kept under good guard by the inhabitans: who took some Noblemen and gentlemen of his household prisoners, yea they kept the King so straightly in his Palace, as he could neither write nor receive any letters without their privity and consent. Peter Lanchals seeing this disorder, being well acquainted with the disposition of this people, went and hid himself. The companies which did hate him to the death, sought him in all places, but not finding him, they promised a great sum of money to him that should discover him. In the mean time they put many of those prisoners to death, terming them Traitors and rebels to the city. Afterwards 
The Siegnio Lanchals beheaded.  they made a third proclamation, by the which it was said, That if any one had concealed him till that time, in bringing him forth, they should be pardoned, if not, all those that had so long kept and concealed him in their houses, should themselves and all their family be hanged before their doors, the which did so terrify them, as he was discovered, and presently led unto a scaffold that was made ready, whereas after they had tormented them strangely in the presence of all the people, they caused his head to be cut off.  
The King of Romans being thus restrained like a very prisoner in the town of Bruges: some towns of Flanders, as Alost, Deudermonde, Oudenarde, Hulst & others, instead of liking, and approving the folly of the Ganthois & Brugeois did them chose much mischief, by spoiling and burning even unto their very Ports, making them to taste of the wrong they did unto their Princess father; holding him so treacherously and presumptuosly prisoner. The which imprisonment was no sooner come to the knowledge of the Emperor Frederic the King's father, but he made his move to the Princes of the Empire, complaining of the presumption and treachery of the Ganthois and Brugeois: requiring them that (all affairs and excuses set aside, (every one would come with his forces according to his estate, to the Rendezvous that he should assign them: and so with their untited forces march towards Flanders, and deliver the King his son. Many Princes, Earls, and Barons, came about mid-May: others sent their Lieutenants with forces; and so did the Imperial towns. The Pope was also entreated to interpose his authority: wherein Herman of Hessen, Archbishop 
The Emperor g●…es with an army ●…gainst 〈◊〉 Flemings.  of Cologne, was employed: to persuade them of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, by threats, and ecclesiastical censures, to set at liberty the King, his Officers, and household servants, within a certain time limited: or that otherwise he would proceed against them by way of excommunication. These Flemings not so much for fear of the Pope's thundering, as of the storm which approached by the Emperor, set the King at liberty, suffering him to go where he pleased, yea they made means unto him to pardon them, and that he would be reconciled unto the four members of Flanders. Whereunto the King did not refuse to give ear. The which did much discontent the great Council of Macklyn, and the Provinces of Holland and Zeeland, who by the Emperors coming, (whom they did expect) would gladly have seen these mutinous Flemings punished. Notwithstanding some deputies of Brabant and Zeeland, assisted by Adolph of Cleves Lord of Ravesteyn, came to Bruges, to the States of Flanders. 
The Flemings accorded with the King of the Romans.  Whereas matters were so handled, as it was concluded, that the King should be contented for certain thousands of Crowns, to renounce the government of Flanders; where there should be appointed certain Curators, until the Prince Philip were come to age. But the States of Brabant, Holland, Zeeland and West-Frisland, would not have nor acknowledge in their Provinces any other Curator or head, than the King of romans, father to their Prince: wherein they had reason. There were also in this conference many points agreed upon, which seemed to be profitable for the country, the King and their Prince, according to the which the King was delivered, but not his servants. Yet he pardoned them all, and took a solemn oath to entertain this accord, for assurance whereof he left Philip of Cleves, son to the Lord of Ravesteyn in hostage. In the mean time (the which was cause of great war and miseries which followed) the Archbishop of Cologne proceeding to the execution of his 
The ●…mings are 〈◊〉.  Commission (the Flemings having not enlarged the King by the day limited) pronounced the sentence of excommunication against the towns of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, the which made them odious to all the world, calling them excommunicated and damned persons, no man being willing to converse, nor to have to do with them. Yet afterwards by the intercession of the French king, sovereign Lord of Flanders (held immediately of the Crown of France) they so purged themselves to the Pope, as he absolved them from the Archbishop's curse.  
Whilst that matters were thus handled in Flanders, the Emperor Frederic advanuanced still with his army, and that of the Princes and Imperial Towns; until he came to Macklin, whereas Maximilian King of the romans his son, went to meet him, and to receive him, being accompanied with the Princes, Barons, Noblemen, Knights, and chief Captains of his train, whom having thanked for the great pains they had taken to come and succour him, coming before the Emperor his father, he cast himself upon his knees, beseeching him most humbly to pardon them, as he had 
The Emperor ●…kes the a●…ord made with the ●…mings.  done them of Bruges: if it were but in respect of the oath which he had made, and the faith which he had given them; whereunto the Emperor would by no means yield: some Prelates persuading the King, that his oath did not bind him, to people that were excommunicated. The Ganthois knowing that the Emperor came in Arms against them, entreated Philip of Ravestein to be their general, as it had been agreed at the treaty of Bruges, the which he accepted. There were with him in the City of Gaunt the Earl of Vendosine, and many Noblemen & Captains come out of France to succour them. (You may see how the French Kings council, notwithstanding the peace, sought all means to annoy the King of the romans, and the estate of Prince Philip his son.) The Lord of Ravesteyn being in field with his Ganthois, surprised by policy the Town of Scluse in Flanders, which is the only Sea Port, by the which the Brugeois have access into the British Seas. The Emperor and the Noblemen of Germany, marched with their Army, until they came about Gant and Bruges, spoiling the champain country only, without any other memorable exploit. They encountered sometimes with the Flemings, but they never came unto a battle, neither did they take any Towns one from another. The Germans thought once to surprise Dam (where there is a stay of the Sea-water betwixt Scluse and Bruges) but their enterprise succeeding not, they were repulsed with great loss, among others, a brother of the Marquis of Brandenbourgs was slain.  
The 21. of May thinking to do as much at Gaunt, many of their men being entered, marching in the street that was before them, thinking that they had won the town, the Ganthois having suffered as many to enter as they thought good, and might easily master, they cut down the Portcullis of the gate, where they were taken likewise in a trap, and were all slain or drowned. In the end the Emperor seeing that he should with great difficulty prevail over these mighty Towns of Gant, Bruges and Ypre; his horsemen having ruined all the country of Flanders, and eaten all that was to be found, so as there was nothing left: having done no memorable act worthy the writing, and the hard time of winter approaching: the Germans loving their Stoves too well, after that they had furnished the Towns of Alost, Oudenard, Deudermonde, Hulst, and other Towns with good garrisons, the Emperor retired into Germany, leaving with the Archduke Maximilian his son, king of romans, Albert Duke of Saxony, Landtgraue of Misnia: whom he made Governor of the Netherlands, to make war as well against the Flemings, as the Frisons, as we will briefly show.   

ALBERT DUKE OF SAXONY, LAND●… grave of Misnia, second Governor, Lieutenant and General for the Prince in his Netherlands.  
ALBERTUS DUX SAXONI●… GVBER●… BELGI●…  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Flemings and the Frison race,  
The which the King of Rom●…ins had good cause  
Then to supplant, I had the governors place,  
Being also Prince and head o'er Saxon Laws,  
But Freezlands' government hariditarie  
Was given then to me: he cruel foe●…  
At Groninghen reached me a deadly blow,  
My friends to Misnia-house my corpse did carry.  
AFter the Emperor's retreat, the Flemings by virtue of their treaty of Bruges, drew unto their party against Duke Albert, the 
The Flemings al●…e th●…m selves with the Brabansones against the Duke of Saxony.  towns of Brussels, Lovuaine, Tillemont and other small towns of Brabant, who had their shares in this war as also they of Arthois, Henanult and Namur did, by means of the French, who were allied to the Flemings. All this faction was but a ruin and a general destruction of all the Netherlands, one town making war against another: some town was taken one day for one party, and recovered again the next by the other. During this war the Flemings made themselves strong at sea, employing many banished men of holland and other (that might not drink of all waters) with the which they did much harm unto the Hollanders, especially to them of Leyden. With which Flemings Francis Brederod, brother to the Lord of Brederod did join, with certain banished men of Rotterdam and of some other towns. This Gentleman was made one of their Captains at sea, to make war against the Hollanders, who were his own Countrymen, so as being embarked in Flanders, he landed at Delfshaven, and so marched to Rotterdam, the which he surprised, (passing over to the ditch upon the Ice) without striking stroke, which town was at that time full of merchandise, the which they could not then ship, by reason of the great abundance, of Ice which floats in winter in that river unto the sea. The flemings not being contented to set the fire of dessention, by their rebellion in their own country, but they presently kindled it in Brabant and Holland sedusing the goodsubiects of both countries, to join with them in their villainies. 
The King of the romans comes into Hollands.   
In the year 1489. the King of Romans came into Holland, where he went throughout all the towns, to show them that by reason of the alterations in Flanders, they should be careful to stand upon their guards; entreating them to continue in their accustomed loyalty, to the Prince his Son and to him, and toreceive no strange forces: doing this, being in the town of Harlem, their were other towns in Holland, which came to complain of the Harlemois, which had been the cause of great troubles, if the King had not wisely prevented it. Yet not with standing there was some war by reason of the surprise of Rotterdam the which did much annoy their neighbours, having drawn the vicont of Montfort to their party, who also made violent wars for his 
Rotterdam yielded to the King of romans.  part: until that in the end the 22. of june the signior Francis of Brederode, Superintendant in the town of Rotterdam, began to treat with the Squire of the King of romans, as in the end an Agreement was made by the which a Proclamation was made at the town house, that whosoever would depart the town with the signior of Brederode, they might freely do it without any let, and in like sort all that would remain might do it boldly without fear or search. According to which agreement Francis of Brederode and the other Captains with their soldiers, departed the town, and the Squire entered with his men, but all this did not pacific the troubles in Holland, nor with the Vicont of Montfort.  
In November following Albert Duke of Saxony arrived in Holland, he came first to Leyden, and from thence to lafoy Goud, to advise of the means to treat an accord with them and with the Vicont of Montfort. For the effecting whereof there was an assembly of the states in the said town of Leyden: But by reason of the Duke's sudden departure, who went towards Brabant for matters of greater importance, which near concerned him it remained for a time in suspense, In the mean time the Vicont being at Worden continued his spoils upon the Hollanders. This cruel devouring ●…arre of the flemings against the King of Romans, being thus strangely inflamed to the ruin and desolation of all the neighbour countries, in the end both parties 
A peace concluded betwixt the King of romans and the Flemings.  yielded to a peace submitting themselves to the arbitrement of the French King, (who should be son in law to the King of Romans) and to his council: who (after many conferencee and deliberations) gave an arbitracie sentence, which was very beneficial to the King of romans, and prejudicial to the Flemings, concluding to an accord and reconciliation, in the which Philip of Cloves was not comprehended, who kept at that time in the Castle of Scluse, but afterwards he was received into grace. This peace was proclaimed throughout all the Netherlands, to the incredible joy of all the people, being tired with the forepassed miseries. Afterwards by reason of the abatement of coins, (which during the war had been exceeding heigh, in respect of that they had been before) there was a mutiny in the Town of Bruges, for the suppressing whereof, 
The Brugeois 〈◊〉 again  Engelbert of Nassau was sent, who (as well for this cause, as for that they kept their Prince prisoner) did so pinch the town, as they continued poor a long time after, and the Brugeois were constrained by the allowance of the King of romans, to build unto the said earl of Nassau, that goodly house which the Princes of Orange, have at this day in the town of Bruges. Duke Albert of Saxony being returned out of Brabant into Holland, after the assembly of the estates held at Leyden, seeing that the Vicont of Montfort did not forbear to do all the Injuries he could unto the Hollanders, it was resolved by the said duke, and by the towns of Holland to go & ●…besiege him, appointing the Rendezvous 
Montfort be●… by the Duke of Saxony.  for their army betwixt Worden and Montfort. And about the end of May in the year 1490. the said Duke, accompanied with john of Egmond Governor of Holland, and of many other noblemen, went & planted his camp before the town and castle of Montfort 
1490.  the which he did batter furioufly, and overthrew the ports, towers, & walls, giving many assaults the which were well defended, the besieged making many brave sallies, in which, and during the siege there died many of either side. So as in the end the Earl of Nassau & of Chimay arriving in Holland prevailed so by their good means & persuasions, with the Duke of Saxony, to avoid a greater effusion of blood as there was an accord made betwixt the Duke & the Hollanders of the one part, & the Vicont of Montfort on the other, by the which the Vicont should restore to the Hollanders the town 
An accord betwixt the duke o●… Saxony and 〈◊〉 Vicont of Montfort.  and castle of Woerden, departing with his family & all that was in it, in regard whereof the Duke should raise his camp from before Montfort the which was performed of either side. Then the Vicont took an oath of fealty to the King of Romans and to Prince Philip his son in the hands of duke Albert: so the said Nobleman was reconciled, and all the rivers, ways & passages made free, as before this last war. Francis of Brederode, having left the town of Rotterdam, to the King of Romans Squire; retired to S●…luse, to Philip of Cleves, to whom there joined many banished men of Holland and other places: the signor of Naeldwyk having paid his ransom to the Squire, was there also: whilst that the camp lay before Montfort, these two Noblemen of Brederode & Naeldw●…ke, (having 1800. men) embarked at Scluse, and landed in the Island of Walchrens, where having made a great spoil they went towards Dordrecht, burnt certain mills at Suyndreckt, and one mill joining to the town, and then thy returns to the Island and town of Goedereed, with an intention to spoil it. The Lord of Egmont Governor of Holland having news thereof at the camp at Monfort, parted secretly, with many gentlemen and came to Dordrecht, from whence he sent for men out of Zealand, and from Bergeen upon Some, with the which he did embark and pursued them of Scluse, having found them, he charged them resolutely; the fight was furious; at the first encounter the seignor of Brederode finding himself not strong enough to resist long, began to retire and presently went to land. The lord of Egmont pursuing him, there was a new fight, in the which Brederode was very sore wounded, & being taken prisoner, was carried unto the ship and so conducted to Dordrecht, where he died soon after. The seignor of Naeldwick, seeing that all was lost, fled with his men towards Ziricxze from whence he went safely to Scluse. At the same time the Bourgeses of Bruges did rise again against their Superiors by reason of the base prizes of money, which they said were out of reason, and 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…umult 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  had not been so agreed upon by the States of the country. Besides in the payments which they made in France, Spain, Portugal and England, coins were at a higher rate than in the low countries: So as they feared that the traffic of their town would fail. On the other side, as they of Scluse did much harm, by their courses and roads, the duke of Saxony put a good garrison into the town of Dam, who did no less in Flanders. In the mean time Gaunt, Y●…re and other towns were quiet, and did not much care for the coins: and had rated them at their own pleasure, ever a third part higher than in other provinces, whereas the abatement of coins was strictly observed: the which was the cause of great contention among all the Inhabitants of the said Country: wherein the Artisan and the Merchant suffered much: as in deed every one complained and not without cause, for the time was never so miserable as then. There was not a p●…nnie to be earned, no money to be taken up: every man keeping that which he had in his coffer, upon hope that it would rise: and the best merchandise of return which merchant strangers made in Antwerp and Berghen upon Soom, was money, not caring to exchange or to buy any other commodities for theirs, seeing there was so great gain upon the pieces of gold and silver: yet the Earl of Nassau wrought so with the 〈◊〉 and the duke of Saxony, as that matter was pacified, and the coins rated as at Gand, Ypre and other towns of Flanders, and after the same value as it went in the neighbour Provinces of the Netherlands. But those of Scluse did not cease to rob and spoil at sea, so as none could pass from the East countries into Spain, nor go into the East-countries without very great danger, which caused a great and general dearth throughout all the Netherlands, especially of come.  
At that time the French King made war in Arthois, pretending that it had been given him in marriage with the Lady Marguerite, sister to Philip of Austria and daughter 
The French King makes war in Arthois:  to the King of Romans. In the mean time petty Salezart surprised the town of Teroane, the which he kept a while for the Bourgognons' party. But as the Earl of Nassau and some other Noblemen went to besiege Bethune, the lord of cords, encountering them with all the forces of Piccardie, gave them battle, in the village of Hinges, and had the victory, whereas the Earl of Nassau and Charles of Egmont duke of Geldres were taken: the Earl redeemed himself soon, and paid his 
The battle of Hinges.  ransom: but the duke was kept long as a prisoner with the French King. At this defeat the French recovered Teroane, the which they held since unto the year 1554. the which the Emperor Charles the fifth took by assault, and caused it be razed, as it is to this day, the soil remaining to the French. All this time Holland was much afflicted by the extreme dearth, especially of corn: through the want of money, by new impositions and burdens, and above all, through the robberies and spoils done both at sea and land by them of S●…e, having surprised the Islands of tessel and Wyering, where they made their retreats robbing and spoiling the ships coming out of Ostland. There was a great tumult twice in the town of Alcmar, by the countrymen, for the said impositions: the which they were forced to surcease for a time. There was a great assembly in the town of Horn (the which the said peasants had seized upon for their assurance) of all the Villages and Boroughs of the countries of Kennemerlandt, North-holland and Waterland, in the which they resolved jointly, rather to die all, even to the last man, then to pay such exactions, seeing that the misery of the time would not bear it.  
On the other side the Ganthois (having received some small affront from the King 
The Ganthois revolt.  of Romans people) revolted again, and joined with them of Scluse. The first of julie they surprised the town of Hulst, although there were a garrison. Then began all things to decline & go to ruin in Flanders. Many Ganthois that were well affected to 
Hulst surprised by the Ganthois.  the King of Romans, abandoned the town betimes, of their own freewill: many were expelled and banished. The Flemings robbing and spoiling at sea, continued still and increased daily: the navigation into the west parts being in a manner defended, at the least not without danger. The which increased the dearth in Holland, Zeeland and Barbant, so as the common people did live a vetie poor and languishing life. The Ganthois did not hold this town of Hulst long: for the Earl of Nassau sent petty Salezart his Lieutenant thither with his troops, the which he recovered by force, in the which many of the town were slain, among other captain Wittenhorst, who having left the service of the King of Romans in Holland, retired himself to S●…luse, from whence he did afterwards much mischief unto the Hollanders. The Signior of Naeldwyke being in the said town of Hulst, notwithstanding any watch they laid for him both by sea and land, escaped in a disguised habit, and returned to Scluse, where Bee began to make more violent war against the Hollanders then ever. The captains of West Flanders which held the King of Romans party, went to besiege the town of Dixmuyden (which the Ganthois had taken a little before) the 
Dixmuyden taken from the Ganthois.  which for want succours was forced to yield, to have their lives & goods saved. Charles of Egmont duke of Gelder's, son to Prince Adolph (who as we have said, was slain before Tourney, in service of the Ganthois) was yet prisoner at the French Kings court, going and coming upon his faith, ever since that he was taken near unto Bethune, by the Lord of cords, with the Earl of Nassau: some of his friends, (among the which was the Earl of Moeurs, and other Noblemen Geldrois) did work his delivery for money, and conducted him with a goodly troop of soldiers, French and Germans through the country of Liege, into his Duchy of Gelder's, where he was welcome to all men, and acknowledged for their Duke and Earl of Zutphen. 
Charles duke of Gelder's delivered out of prison. 1492.   
The 30. of May 1492. the fury of the Peasants in Holland revived again of those whom they called Kasenbroots-volck, that is to say, men of bread and cheese: as if one would say, poor men that sought for meat to eat, who went in great troops before the town of Harlem, where by the help of poor handicrafts men they entered and spoiled all the rich men, beating and breaking down doors, windows, coffers and cubberts; tearing in pieces papers, bonds and instruments, pulling of the seals, and carrying away what was fittest for them, and doing other villainies, which did nothing 
The fury of the Peasants at Harlem.  avail them, yet could not be appeased. And not content herewith, thinking to do as much to Leyden, they advanced even to the gates, but they were chased away by the Canon, so as every one was glad to get him to his home.  
During these alterations, the Duke of Saxony, sent men into Holland to subdue these Peasants. Those of Harlem, who were not guilty of these troubles smarted notwithstanding for it, by reason of the spoils which the soldiers committed in those parts, even at their gates. Soon after the Duke came in person into Holland, unto whom the Magistrate sent to excuse himself of all that had passed, fearing they should be accused as if they had been culpable: and in the mean time the troops did the 
The Duke of Saxony comes into Holland.  worst they could. Duke Abert of Saxony coming to Harlem, the Clergy & the magistrate went to meet him in form of a procession, & presented the keys of the town unto him, but the most mutinous fled away: being entered, he caused a gibbet & a scaffold to be set up, to punish such as remained: many good Bourgesses, which during the troubles had absented themselves, were called for. And although that the Magistrate and the chief of the Town were not guilty of the breaking down of the gate, and that those that were guilty were fled, yet for that they had given a passport to such as would depart, (he must needs find some colour, as strange Governors do commonly to entrapped them) the town was taxed at 17000. of S. Andrew's florins, so as the Inhabitants were forced to bring their Plate and jewels to the townhouse, to furnish the sum, for that there was not so much coined money in all the town, it had been so exhauste by the wars and troubles past.  
This Duke did also punish the Kennemers by fines and reparations: and not yet satisfied 
He punished Harlem and Alcmar.  with them of Harlem, he commanded their Banner to be brought unto his lodging, and the Charter of their Privilege, the which he declared to be forfeited: causing a fort to be built to keep them in awe. Those of the town of Alcmar sent their deputies unto him to crave pardon: they were received bringing their Banner, the which in like sort he adjudged forfeited, and that they might never carry any more, for that they had served in the last enterprise upon Leyden, condemning them to pay 6600. Florins for a fine. The Duke having punished these two towns, and reduced the Country to his will; he created new Magistrates in Harlem, for that they had forfeited their Privileges. The eight of june he went from thence, carrying away all their artillery, both great and small; for he would not enter into the town, before that all had been brought into the Marketplace before the townhouse, and that the Bourgesses had brought in all their arms: but presently after his departure they fetched them again. From thence he went down into Zeeland, & surpized Zericzee, where he lodged all his army meaning to fleece them as he had done the rest●… for that during all these Flemish wars, they had borne more affection to them, then to their Prince: A proud people, and trafficking daily with them of Slcuse. There he also built a Block-house in form of a Citadel, and taxed them at 3600. Florins of Germany, wherewith he pardoned them, which being done, pres●…ng to have some good and assured intelligences upon the town of Gaunt, he marched thither withal his army to surprise it: but being discovered, the Ganthois let go their Scluses, and drowned the whole country, where he should pass, so as he could not approach any nearer, but was forced to retire. Those that were suspected to be assistants to the duke in this enterprise were taken and executed. Among others Coppen Gheel (otherwise called Holl) one of their chief captains, who had in a manner alone governed the whole town, of whom it is at this day spoken for a common proverb, when as any one presumes over much. Thou shalt be like Coppen Holl, that is to say, thou shalt lose thy head.  
From thence the duke went before Scluse, the which he besieged straightly both by sea and land, during which siege there arrived many ships in the Low-countries 
The duke besieged Scluse.  laden with corn, the which did abate the prices of all things, especially of bread, the summer season being very fair and temperate promising a plentiful and rich harvest, the like was never seen in the memory of man. It seemed that with the season which had been a long time troublesome, men would also grow more moderate and 
Gand submits to the duke.  gentle, for in the month of july, those of Gaunt sent their Deputies to Hulst, to duke Albert to be received into favour, repairing their faults passed with a great sum of money which they promised and paid: by means whereof all was pardoned, and their forepassed rebellions forgotten. In the mean time the duke did furiously batter the town and castle of Scluse, the besieged made many brave Sallies upon his camp, bringing still away some prisoners: the Artillery of the castle was not idle, shooting through the ships that did besiege them at sea, and through the Tents and pavilions that were at land, both parts remaining in this sort a long time. In the end the 10. of October an accord was made betwixt the duke and Philippe of Cleves Lord of Ravestein. By the which it was said, that the soldiers that were in the great and little Castle of Scluse, should depart, that the town and little Castle should be open to his men. But the lord of Ravestein should remain with his family above in the great Castle, the which he should keep during his life, for the service of Prince Philip Archduke of Austria.  
The King of Romans visiting the towns of Holland one after an other, being at Harlem, the five chief towns of the country, that is to say, Dordrecht, Leyden, Delf; Amsterdam and Goude, came with their complaints unto him, for that the Harlemois during all the wars against the Flemings would never assist them, nor contribute any thing to the charges. But they so excused themselves, as he remained satisfied, so as for a good sum of money which they did furnish, he gave them an Act of exemption of his hand, for that which the other towns complained of them, who being discontented with this grant, bore it patiently until that duke●… Albert came to Harlem, where they renewed their former complaints, but for that the duke had made an accord with them and with the town of Alcmar, they prevailed nothing at that time. Yet for that they would not desist to molest the said town of Harlem, seeking to wrest from them the sum of three score and ten thousand Florins. In the end this town and the other five, submitted themselves to the arbitrement of certain worthy men, promising upon certain pennalties, to perform what they should decree and set down, which Arbitrators for all the pretensions of the demanders, did tax the town of Harlem at 20000. florines▪ to be paid in three years, at three equal paiements. Whereunto they yielded although it were very hard for all them to bear: and to great bitterness in the rest to have priest them so far, besides all their former losses by their intestine and civil wars, and the tumults of the Kennemers. But this sum did little profit the rest. For the duke of Saxony did suck them in such sort, as holland did never suffer the like in the time of any of their Earls. Wherein he took delight, to 
The duke ruins the factions in Holland and zeeland.  teach them not to be so cruel and, bitter one against an other, nor to entertain factions and partialities amongst themselves, as they had done many years under the titles of Hoecks & Cabillaux, the which it was impossible to root out, but by reducing both Factions to extremity. The like he did under the authority of the King of romans in Freezland, to the Schieringers & Vetcoopers', factions that were as pernicious as those of Holland. The which after that they had wasted one an other, burnt, beaten down, ruined and spoiled houses and castles, yea whole Towns they were in the end overthrown by the same Duke of Saxony, and his successors for many years. But the said Duke made no great profit of all the gold and silver he had extorted generally from the netherlands, neither did he purchase any lands or siegneories therewith for his children, but wasted it wholly in those wars against the Frisons and Groningeois, and in the end lost his own life and his son Henry's, so as George his youngest son, was forced to abandon all, as we shall show in the following course of this History.  
In the mean time there was great heartburning in Freezeland, betwixt the Nobles 
The Duke of Saxony seeks an occasion to oppress the F●…sons.  of both factions. Duke Albert to seek some occasion of quarrel against them, (after he had ended the troubles of the Netherlanders and Kennemers) writ unto them, commanding them to send him a certain some of money, by way of loan, exaction, imposition, or how they pleased to call it. Whereupon the Frisons, having conferred together what were best to be done, and how to answer their Duke: they writ unto him resolutely; That he had no right nor authority over them, to make any such demand, the which they were in no sort willing to grant him: and if any had otherwise informed him they had abused him: Offering, that if it pleased him to come or to send his Deputies to Staveren or to Workom, that they should find them to confer with them. And if it were found that the Emperor or the Earls of Holland, had ever had any such right and power as he pretended, that they would submit themselves, and do that which belonged to good subjects and vassals.  
About the end of jaunary in the year 1493. the german troops of Duke Albert, 
1493. The Duke's troops spoil Gelder's.  which was called Dye groote gaerde, (that is to say, the great rod, or the great whip.) entered into the country of Gelder's, spoiling and destroying all where they passed, specially at the Abbey of Marie-wert; then after they had burnt many villages, in the end of February they came before Vtrecht, lodging in the suburbs committing a 1000 insolencies, and keeping the gates so straightly besieged, as nothing could get in, nor out. The Lord of Iselstein had drawn them together to be revenged of them of Vtrecht, who had taken from him the Fort of S. Katherins gate (whereof he was Captain) and first executed, then quartered some of his men. The Traiectins seeing the great spoils these german soldiers made about this town, and fearing some greater inconvenience (by the favour of some friends) they made an Accord for a good sum of money, with the Lord of Iselstein: upon condition; That they should take down the quarters and heads from the gates, of those that bade been executed, and bury them in the Churchyard. Whereupon the horses retired.  
The Emperor Frederick the third, died at Vienna in Austria, the 3. of August, for 
The Emperor Frederic dies.  that (as they said) he had eaten too many Melons, after that he had reigned 44. years, being 73. years old, he was buried in S. Stevens Church in the said Town. To whom his son Maximilian King of the Romans, Archduke of Austria, succeeded in the Empire: who was borne the 12. of March 1459. He had been crowned King of the romans the sixth of February 1486. by the consent of all the Prince's Electors. About that time, and before the death of the Emperor Frederick, the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers' in Friesland tormented one another daily, the Groningeois being joined 
The Emperor sends to pacify the troubles of Friesland.  to the Schyeringers, holding the town of Leeuwarden, and all the Country of Ostergoe, which was the cause of great effusion of blood. So as Duke Albert seeing some occasion of quarrel against the Frisons, advertised the Emperor Frederick, who being loath to attempt any thing rashly, sent Otto van Langen, one of his Counsel, to inform himself of all the estate of Friesland, and to pacify the troubles and intestine wars if it might be. The said Commissioner being come into Swoll in the country of Ouerysel, sent for them of Groninghen and of Snecke to come unto him, being then in war one with another. But after that he had heard all their grieuanc●… and could not reconcile them, he returned back to the Emperor. Afterwards the siegnior Douwe Curate of Itens, being returned from the Emperor's court, brought letters of Committimus to Herman Archbishop of Cologue, and to Henry bishop of Munster, to take information of the attempts of them of Groninghen, who De facto, (for so the Text said) had without the emperors knowledge seized upon, and reduced under their obedience many towns and baylewicks (which they call Grittemes) in the country of Freezland, to the prejudice and contempt of the imperial Majesty, and of the whole Empire. with other Letters of Inhibition to the Groningeois, not to attempt any thing further: but repair all new attempts and innovations, restoring the said towns and baylewicks, unto their first estate, notwithstanding any voluntary consent: upon pain of proscription by the Empire, and confiscation of all their goods; privileges and freedoms. The said Letter dated the 5. of july. 1493. At Lins in Austria, where intimated by an Usher of the Imperial chamber, to the Superintendents of the town of Groninghen: who to purge themselves, and to procure a revocation of the last Letters, sent their letters to the Emperor: but by reason of his death, they could not obtain any thing: besides the Sneckois and others of the Schyringers factions, had their Agents in Court, who crossed them all they could.  
A while after the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, sent the same Commissioner van Langen into Freezland, to reconcile them: who being come to the town of Sneck, sent to the States of Ostergoe, Westergoe, & to the seven forests, which are the three members of Freezland, giving them an Assignation, to come by the first of january 1494. to the said town of Sneck, to hear the causes of his coming, & to understand 
The Groningeois sent to the Emperor. The same Commissioner sent into Friesland by the Emperor Maximilian.  the tenor of his Commission; and that the 18. of the said month, he went to Groninghen, to acquaint them with the Emperor's pleasure, for the better execution whereof according to his Commission, he made a truce betwixt the Groningeois and the Frisons unto the first day of May following, hoping in that time to find some means to reconcile both parties: but he found the Groningeois too wilful and obstinate, and therefore he returned into Friesland.  
The States being assembled in the emperors name, by the Commissioner Otto 
1494. An Assembly of the States of Friesland.  van Langen, the Prelates, Nobles, Towns and commonalties of Westergoe, Ostergoe, and the seven Forests, that were not allied to the Groningeois came thither. There in the presence of them all, the said Commissioner having showed his Commission, and declared his charge by mouth. Which was; To ratify and confirm their ancient Privileges in paying the arrearages of the annual tribute due unto the Empire. He did also counsel them, in the Emperor's name, (according to their Privileges and ancient customs) To choose some one of their own Nation, some worthy man endued with good parts, and well affected to the good of his Country, to be their Potestate (as they had been in old time governed) who might be careful and vigilant to preserve their Liberties and Freedoms. Else the Emperor (without doubt) would himself make choice of one of these Noblemen. Of Albert Duke of Saxony, of Philip Lord of Ravesteyn, or of the Earl of Emden. Wherefore he advised them to follow his counsel, and; That they should do well to choose one that were not partial: amiable, courteous and tractable, well acquainted with the humours and disposition of men, and the estate of the Country. The States having heard this proposition, after some private conference among themselves, judging that if they did it not, the Emperor might appoint one by his authority, the which would derogate much from their Privileges: they resolved therein to follow the Emperors will, and the advice of his Commissioner. Having therefore appointed certain Prelates and a Notary, to set down their suffrages and voices in the election, they went to choose one of the chief of their Nobility: in the end by the plurality of voices, the office of Potestate was laid upon juwde Roma van Baret, a Gentleman both virtuous and honourable, that was nothing partial, nor factious, quiet and gentle, having married 
A new Potestate chosen in Friesland.  the sister of juwe Hero; and jarich Hottinga, who were the chief of the faction of Schyeringers. So as Deka●…a was pleasing to all the assembly of States. The which did also wonderfully content the said Commissioner. Then the said States during the Assembly, made choice of 24. men to be judges and Assistants to the said Potestate, wherall together, three or four times in the year should treat of affairs concerning the good of their Commonweal. This new Potestate did present the Commissioner for a remembrance of his love with two new pieces of gold, the one of Harald Camego: in the year 794. and the other of Wibo Reynalda of the year 812. the which had been in their time Potestates of Friesland. The siegneor juw Hottinga did also give him two that were forged at Franyker, in the year 1419. by Sycko Syaera, which the Commissioner received thankfully, promising to give them unto the Emperor, the which he knew would be pleasing unto him. This Election of a Potestate thus made in the Town of Snecke, where did not assist the Siegneors juw jongama of Bolswaert. Tyerck-walta, those of Calama of Roarda, of Herema, nor their alleys: the Commissioner thought it fit to make the like Assembly in the town of Bolswaert, that he might (by their approbation of the said Election) settle the whole Country in concord, love and quiet, appointing them the fourteenth day following for that Assembly. At what time the Commissioner parted from Snecke, with the Nobles and Prelates that had been at the first Assembly, and went toward Bolswaert, entering into the Town, the children and Boys in the street began to cry and sing: Here Otto van Langen, is vohyer gevanghen, morgen sal ●…y hangen. That is to say; Otto of Langen is now a prisoner, and to morrow will be hanged. The Commissioner heard them and understood them well, but dissembling it, he passed on for that he would not discontent any, hoping to do some great good. Being come to the Franciscans, in the presence of I●…w jangama, Tyarck-wal and 
An Assembly at Bolswaert.  other Gentlemen: the Commissioner made the like proposition unto them, that he had done at Sneck, requesting them that they would approve and confirm the election of the said Potestate; or if they refused it, the Emperor would provide in an other fashion. Whereupon juw jangama answering in the name of all his Partisans said; That neither he nor any of his would hear speak of such a Potestate, until that the 
They refuse to allow of the new Potestate.  whole Country of Friesland were united into one body. And as for him that had been chosen at Sneck, that they would never consent unto it, for that he was allied to the Family of Hottinga, which had beenalwayes enemy unto them: & therefore they would not have any one that was allied to that Family to be advanced to any command, or to be in greater credit than themselves. Whereunto juw Hero and jarich Hottinga brethren, hearing that for their causes their brother in law was rejected. juw speaking for the rest of his brethren, said; That he see well that juw jongama with his friends and Allies, did little regard the good of their Country, nor the preservation of their Privileges & Freedoms, but rather through ambition, their own private profits, & to the suppression of their rights and ancient Statutes. Which words drew them on to proud & bitter terms: The common people of the party of jongama and Walta, (being stronger than the rest) would have taken Arms against the Nobles of the other party; whereupon some great inconvenience would have grown, if the Commissioner had not cunningly pacified them●… entreating them to retire for that time every man to his lodging, to consider better thereof at leisure: summoning them to come thither the next day at two of the clock in the afternoon, and whosoever did fail to forfeit a quart of wine; the which pleased all the company, and so by that means they departed. The which the Commissioner did very discretely to draw himself and the Nobles that were come with him out of danger, into the which they were fallen by this confused multitude of base people. That night he went with Peter Camstra and the Hottingas to lodge in the castle of jongama, and the next day (early in the morning) they returned to Snecke, being assured that he should do no good at Bolswaert, and that it was dangerous to stay there, it might be with effusion of blood, the which he sought to avoid, for he see in the rest nothing but hatred and spleen.  
The next day juw jongama, Tyarck-walta, the Galamas and their Partisans, came at the appointed hour to the Friars, where finding neither the Commissioner, nor the other Nobles, they were almost mad with spite, not knowing how to take it, exclaiming against the Hottingas and their Allies. And so this Convocation proved ●…lesse. The reason why jongama the Galamas and their Partisans had showed themselves so obstinate, was; for that they relied much upon the Groningeois, who through their too great pride and presumption made no account neither of the Commissioner, nor of any commandment from the Imperial chamber, no not of the Emperor himself. Otto of Langen (the Emperor's Commissioner) seeing that by their factions and bitter partialities, and by the instigation of the Groningeois he should profit nothing, departed from Sneck and went to Deventer, whither he sent again for the parties, and them of Groninghen to come unto him the 4. of February; but being there, they were so incensed one against another with such bitterness, as they departed without doing any thing: and the said Commissioner took his way towards the Emperor. Afterwards that which he had foretold them came to pass: That if they would not consent to the election of a Potestate, within a short time other strangers would come, and force them unto obedience. The which happened, for they themselves digged a pi●…, into the which they fell. There were yet other Commissioners sent by the Emperor to them of Groningen, with Letters of Inhibition not to attempt any more, but to restore Friesland to her first rights and Privileges: but nothing availed, for the partialities and Factions, as well of them that were allied to the Groningeois as of the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers' continued as violently as before, so as there followed at di●…ers times, yea in one Family of the jongamas, divers factions and great effusion of blood. Those of Harinxima and Galama did no less one unto another. The Towns, abbeys and Monasteries did the like, calling in forces and in so great numbers to their succours, as they could not be freed of them, until they had paid them the last farthing, to the great oppression of the people. The which was no sooner dismissed and gone out of the Country, but Duke Albert of Saxony entertained them, and came into Friesland to make them to lay aside their factions, being forced thereunto by poverty. And these were the fruits of their wilful obstinacy.   

PHILIP OF AUSTRIA THE 2. OF that name, the 34. Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland: Duke of Bourgongne, etc. Earl of Flanders, etc. Marquis of the holy Empire.  
Philippus 2. Austrius.  
My fat●…er with my goods gave me a wife  
A pe●…rlesse Princess of the Arrago●… blood,  
From her six children, Kings and Queens took life,  
By 〈◊〉 tw●…e years Helland from danger stood:  
And by my wife I did inherit Spain,  
But my death proved my wives, who with grief werryed,  
Wa●…ng ●…y corpses in tears that streamed amain,  
My ●…s at Burgos in a Tomb interred.  
PHILIP the second of that name, Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, the only son of the Archduke Maximilian of Austria (afterwards Emperor) and of Mary Duchess of Bourgongne, daughter to Duke Charles the warlike, was borne in Bruges the 20. day of june in the year 1470. he was four year old when his mother died. Sense whose death the Archduke, king of romans, his father, in quality of Regent, Tutor or Curator, governed his wives Inheritance with great troubles and vexation, by reason of the great factions and partialities, which reigned then both in Holland and Flanders unto the year 1494. that 
1494.  the King of Romans by the death of the Emperor Frederick his father, was crowned Emperor: Prince Philip his son being then 16. years old, was entitled, Archduke 
Philip of Austria's titles.  of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, Lothier, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Gelder's; Earl of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Bourgongne, Ferrette, and Kiburch; Palatin of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namur and Zuphen. Marquis of the Holy Empire and of Bourgau: Landtgraue of Elsaten, Lord of Windismark, Portenau, Salines and Macklyn.  
The 16. of March, the same year, the Emperor Maximilian married in the town of Inspruch, the Lady Blanch Maria, daughter to Galeas Duke of Milan, and sister to 
Maxim●…lians second marriage.  Duke john Galeas Maria. This marriage discontented some Princes of the Empire, and many of the Emperor's friends, for that she was not of so noble a House as they desired, for of the Viscontes side (who then governed at Milan) there was little Nobility, and of the Sforces side less. A while after he brought his wife into the Low-countries, being accompanied by many Princes of Germany. The Archduke Philip his son, 
The Archduke Philip put in possession of the Netherland●….  and the Lady Marguerite his sister (who had been sent back out of France, after the marriage of King Charles the 8. (to whom she was promised) with the Duchess of Britain) went to meet them with the chief Nobility of the netherlands, at Maestricht, from thence they came to Louvain, whereas the Archduke was with great Ceremonies and pomp put into possession of the Duchy of Brabant, and soon after in Antwerp of the Marquisate of the holy Empire. The 12. of December in the Town of S. Gheertrudenbergh of the Earldom of Holland; and soon after at Romerswael of the County of Zeeland. From thence he went into ●…landers, Arthois and Henault, where he received the like: whither the Deputies of every Province came who did him homage, and took an oath of fealty.  
In the same month of December, Charles Duke of Gelder's returned out of Lorraine, whither he was retired for fear of the Emperor Maximilan, who then held almost all the Duchy of Gelder's: who by the intercession of the Empress and his other good friends, was suffered to remain in Brabant, and to dispute the right which he pretended to the said duchy, before the 4. Electors of the Rhine, which were, the Cont Palatin, vicary of the Empire, and the Archbishops of Mentz, Cologne and Treves, whereupon a day was assigned in the Town of Maestricht, where a sentence was given by the said Princes: That Charles & his Predecessors from Duke Renold, in the year 1423. were fallen from the Duchy: for that the said Duke Renold dying without heirs 
A sentence given by 4. Electors, against Char●…es duke of Geld●…  male, the race of the Dukes of Gelder died with him. Besides that in fifty years his grandfather Arnold and his father Adolph had neglected to take up the said Duchy of the Empire and to do their homage, and therefore being now returned again to the Empire, he could no more pretend any interest unto it, and that from henceforth he should call himself Charles of Egmont, and not of Gelder's. Notwithstanding this sentence, Charles remained in Gelder's, and called himself Duke; all the Towns acknowledging him so, and loved him better than the Emperor, or the Archduke his son, who might pretend some interest unto it, by the transport which Duke Arnold had made (excluding prince Adolph his son father to this Charles) to the Duke of Bourgongne, (as we have said before.) To which Charles the Geldrois inclined the more willingly, for that they demanded a Prince of the blood of their old Dukes, expelling the Emperor's men out of their Limits: whereupon the Germans and Prince Philip's forces went to besiege Ruremond, but they redeemed themselves from this siege: from thence they went before Nymeghen, the which was well assaulted, and better defended by a good Garrison 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Archduke 〈◊〉.  both of horse and foot, that was within it, the which did great spoil unto the enemy's camp, by many brave sallies, so as in the end seeing they could prevail nothing: being forced, they raised their camp, leaving part of their Attilerie, which they could not draw away in time. Soon after the Emperor returned into Germany, to an imperial diet, which should be held at Worms: leaving in the mean time in the Country of Gelder's, the troops of Duke Albert of Saxony, (the which were called the great scourge) robbing, burning and spoiling every where as they went: having seized upon Niekerke, which they fortified, serving them as a retreat for their thefts and spoils. Charles Duke of Gelder's went and besieged them, and shot fire into it, which burned all their munition and victuals, so as after they had endured 3. assaults, they yielded the place to have their goods and lives saved, the which the Duke caused to be razed.  
Whilst that the factions of the Scheringers and Vetcoopers in Friesland (after the rejection of their new chosen Potestate, according to the Emperor's Commission) were in their greatest heat and fury: Goslic jongama cousin to juw jongama, and Hero 
The f●…ctions o●… F●…seland de●…d suc●… of the Du●…e of Saxony.  Hottinga were in the Town of Harlem in Holland with duke Albert of Saxony, to demand succours, who gave them good hope, when he should see how the quarrel betwixt the Town of Mastricht, and the Lord of Aremberg would be decided, keeping them with him sometime, and entertaining them with such shows of love and kindness as they promised him, that having Commission from the Emperor they would prevail so with their friends and partisans, as he should be received for Potestate or Governor of all Friesland, the which he aspired unto: so as the third of October the said Goslic jongama and Hero Hottinga returned into Friesland, with 8. hundred soldiers with which duke Albert had furnished them, whereof Colonel Nythrad Fokx was chief commander: who notwithstanding all the opposition of the Groningeois, of them of Leiu-warden and of Bolswaert, and of all other Gentlemen and partisans Vetcoopers', they landed, and came to charge them with such fury (although the other were thrice as many in number) as they made them recoil, leave their Artillery, and retire for their safety to Lieu-warden. Thereupon Goslic jongama, Hero Hottinga, with these foreign forces and some gentlemen Schyeringers, went the 4. of October (by the break of day) to assail the town of Bols●…aert. At the first the I●…habitants did valiantly resist them, but in the end they were forced, and the Town taken, with the loss of twelve Bourgesses only, and of many prisoners, among the which the chief were juw jongama, Thyark Walta, and Sybrand Roorda, the chief of the Vetcoopers' faction. jongama made offer unto the soldiers that had taken him of 600. 
A crue●…l murder of a ki●…sman.  Florins of gold to save hislife, the which thinking to do, they hid him in a poor man's house: but Goslic his cousin having discovered him, went thither, drew him forth, and slew him. He offered 200. florins of gold to the same soldiers, to have Tyarck walta, but they seeing how he had murdered the other, deceiving them of the ransom which they expected, they refused him, which done, the town was abandoned to the spoil. The Schyeringers triumphing over the Veetcoopers' their enemies, having recovered many places, desired to be discharged from the troops of Golonell Foc●…s. For the effecting whereof, they charged the quarter of Westergoe, with a certain imposition, the which some paid willingly, others by constraint. They borrowed also the chalices and silver vessel of the town of Bolswaert, & of the Churches in villages thereabouts so as money being found & the soldiers paid, Colonel Focks retired with his men out of the country, leading with him Tyack Walta, and Sybrand Ro●…rda prisoners, chief of the faction of the Vetcoopers'. In the year 1497. the Lord of Iselsteyn, in the name of 
1497.  the Archduke Philip Earl of Holland, was gone to make a road into the Country of Gelder's, about Tyel, where he spoiled and burnt some Villages. The Geldrois went to Arms, especially the inhabitants of Nymeghen: where there was a great encounter, in the which by reason of the Ambushes which the said Lord had laid, there died many of either part, but most of those of Numeghen. In Autumn following the Geldrois (to have their revenge) surprised the Town and castle of Leederdam in the country of Arckell, two leagues from Gorrichom, from whence they greatly avoided them that held the Hollanders part. Albert Duke of Saxony posted thither, to suppress them, putting good Garrisons into the towns of Henkelon and Aspren (the which with Leederdam make a Triangle, not above a quarter of a league one from the the other) and so cooped them up, as of the one side they could neither go in nor out: so as in the end being reduced to extremity, they were forced to yield up unto the Duke, to have their lives and goods saved. A while afterward the Geldrois overrun all the Country of Boisleduke from whence they brought great spoil, and many prisoners. Duke Albert meaning to do as much in Gelder's, cast a floating bridge over the River of Meuze, whereas ten horse might pass in Front, and so they had their revenge of the Geldrois. He took the Town of Batenbourch by Scalado, the Inhabitants seeing themselves so surprised fled into the castle, the which he besieged. 
Batenburch surpri●…d by Duke Albert.  Those within it defending themselves valiantly, were in the end forced to yield, after that their walls had been beaten down, the which the Duke caused to be repaired, and placed a garrison there, wherewith he might annoy the Geldrois. Presently after there was a truce made betwixt the Archduke Philip, and the duke of Gelder's.  
Duke Albert of Saxony being at that time at Al●…mar in Holland, sent his Commissioners 
The Duke of Saxony made here ditarie governot of F●…iseland.  to Franicker in Friesland, to let the Frisons understand that the Emperor Maximilian had given him the Government hereditary of all Friesland. The States of the country being assembled, having heard the charge of these Commissioners, and the tenor of the Imperial Letters Patents of the said provision, would in no sort give ear unto it, nor receive any Lord nor Prince, against their ancient liberties and freedoms. This report made unto the Duke, he threatens to enter into their Country with an army, as Colonel Nythard Focks had done in his behalf, the year before, being accompanied by Goslick jongama, and Hero Hottinga, who had put the said hereditary government into his head: presuming to put him into peaceable possession thereof. For the effecting whereof they secretly laboured their friends, and the towns in Westergoe, to make them yield unto it: thinking it sufficient to cause him to be received in that quarter, whereof being assured, the doubted not of Ostergoe, and much less of the seven Forests. But seeing that in private they profited little, they durst not move it in public: wherefore this acceptance remained for a time in suspense, the Duke sending no Troops in his name, but did wonderfully afflict the Country underhand. He in the mean time made show as if he knew not any thing, till in the end they were glad to seek for succours from him, the which was the thing he expected, as we shall presently show.  
But before we proceed, we will first relate for what cause the Emperor did advance Duke Albert to the hereditary government of Friesland. You must understand that Duke Albert was son to the Emperor frederick's sister, who was father to Maximilian, and so cousin German to the said Emperor Maximilian, not that he was Duke of Saxony (for he was a younger brother to Duke Arnold, Prince Elector and true duke of Saxony) and for that he was known to be a great captain, and well experienced both in warlike and politic affairs. The Emperor Maximilian (when he was yet but King of romans, and Gardien to his son the Archduke Philip) made him his Lieutenant in the government general of the netherlands: where he did many exploits of war, with his Germans that he had sent for out of his country of Misnia and other places By reason whereof there was so great sums of money due to him, his Colonels and Captains for their entertainments, as for the assurance thereof, there were divers castles put into his hand●…, as Vilvoerden in Brabant, Scluse in Flanders, Woerden and H●…lem in Holland, Louvesteyn in the country of Arckell, Medemblick 
Many 〈◊〉 engaged to the Duke of Saxony for his ent●…taynment.  in west Friesland, & Ziriczee in Zeeland. The engaging of all these castles, (by the which Duke Albert might keep all these Provinces subject and in awe) did in the end trouble the States of the netherlands, who consulted how they might tetire them out of his hands finding none more expedient nor less chargeable than to transport unto him the hereditary government of Friesland, wherein they were much assisted by the coming of Otto van Langen out of Friesland, during the time that they treated with the duke, who giving an account of his Commission, made known the great partialities, quarrels, factions, and civil wars that were generally over all the country of Friesland, from whence sprung great murders, robbing, spoiling, burning, with the ruin & overthrow of towns, castles & countrie-houses, the which it was not possible to moderate nor pacify, without using of some severe means, proceeding from a high & sovereign hand, so bitterly they were incensed one against another. And although said he, that he had advised them to choose (according to their ancient Imperial privileges and customs) a Potestate that might govern them in peace: yet could they not agree, but fell to contention and quarrel, so as he thought it fittest to come away without bidding them farewell, to avoid the danger of his person, and of such as were in his company, which affected the good and quiet of their Country. And therefore the Emperor with the Counsel of the Prince's Electors, and the advice of the States of the netherlands, to force the Frisons unto Peace & concord, seeing that no mediators could prevail, was persuaded to give them a Potestate or Governor, the which he would have hereditary; & held of the Empire; which the Frison fearing lest by their divisions, they should (in giving themselves to some other neighbour Prince, as to the King of Denmark, or to the duke of Holsteyn) withdraw themselves from the obedience and sovereignty of the Empire, appointing duke Albert for their hereditary Governor, in consideration whereof he restored all the castles and other places of the Netherlands which had been given him in pawn, except the castle of Medemblyke which he desired might be left him, to serve for a Rendezvous and easy passage to sail into Friesland when he pleased. By virtue of this donation, duke Albert required to be received of the Frisons, for their Governor, or Potestate hereditary, writing divers letters unto them, to draw them to consent thereunto by mildness, before that he would use any force; to avoid effusion of blood, and their greater ruin, making many fair promises to be a good Prince unto them. But they 
The Frisons refuse Duke Albert for their governor.  would by no means give ear unto it, always relying upon their Privileges and Freedoms, the which had been given unto them by the ancient Roman Emperors; and confirmed by Charlemagne and other Predecessors to the Emperor Maximilian, the which they might not break; and therefore neither he, nor the Prince's Electors, nor the Imperial chamber, had any right to make such a donation, from the which they did appeal as void and unjust.  
Duke Albert having understood by the relation of the Commissioner van Langen, what the factions of the Schyringers and Vetcoopers' in Friesland were, and with 
The Duke will make use of the ●…ctions 〈◊〉 ●…iseland.  what violence and fury they did massacre and ruin one another: and those of the faction of the Schyeringers had given him an honourable reception, he resolved to make use of these partialities, and to show more love to the Schyeringers (whom he had known better by the means of Goslick jongama and Hero Hottinga, who came unto him to Harlem, and who had persuaded him much unto it) then unto the Vetcoopers', and therefore he began to show them the least countenance he could possibly. Sometimes when he came to think of the obstynacie of the Frisons, whereas so many Earls of Holland seeking to subdue them, had lost their lives: and how that many other great Princes, such as the King of Denmark and others, which would have vanquished them, and had subdued them for a time, had been chased away with shame and loss, he did half repent him that he had ever thought of it. Whereupon Edsard Earl of Emden came to comfort and encourage him, promising all favour and succour to reduce them that were obstinate. The which fell out happily for Edsard to settle his new estate of the Earldom of East-Friselande, where Vlrick his father had been the first Earl, by usurpation over many noble men and private gentlemen of the said Country. On Saint Martin's day, the Groningeois with those of Ostergoe and Westergoe, held an Assembly of State at Donrip, whereas a truce was made until the 11. of April. 1498. by the which they did swear to succour one another with all their powers to repulse the rule & command of strangers, as well of the duke of Saxony, as of any other, that should seek to enter into their country by force of arms.  
Notwithstanding the truce above mentioned betwixt the Frisons and Gro●…eois, after that the troop of Landisknechts' (whom they termed the great scuorge) had been defeated by the duke of Geldres and the Bishop of Vtrecht, there was yet remaining some 1500. such soldiers about Harderwyck, without any lord or master yet they were countenanced and supported by the duke of Saxony, who would gladly have had them in Friesland. Some captains pensioners to the duke, set on vnder●…and by him (to the end it should not seem that he would employ these men without occasion) did treat with Thyark Walta and other Vetcoopers' banished from Woorckum, and fled into the town of Suolle, offering to restore and settle them without any charge in Bolswaert, contenting, themselves only with the hazard of the pillage. This pleased Thyarck, who without any delay came with these troops into Friesland over the Ice: Every man thinking they had been Thyarcks' followers, until that it appeared otherwise. But good God, what spoils, what burning, what ruins 
The Vetcoopers' draw strange 〈◊〉 ●…to Friesland.  of houses and castles, how many Gentlemen taken prisoners, what ransoming, what exactions oppressions and violences, did these strange soldiers commit, not in one quarter only, but over a Friesland? and yet in the mean time nothing could mollify the hearts of the factions, to reconcile themselves together. If at any time they made some small truce or agreement, suddenly the overweening pride of the one seeking to oppress the other broke it, before they had seen or tasted the fruies thereof. In the end Bocko Harincxima, Hero Hottinga, juw-decama, Edo jongama, Epo ●…elua Syurdt Beyma, with many other Gentlemen and the towns of Sneck, Franyker, with the Baylewiks holding the party of the Schyringers, seeing that the spoils, which these strange soldiers, (which Thyarck Walta had brought in) had no end in the quarter of Wester gooe, & that their neighbours of Oster-gooe & the seven forests, did in no sort aid them; they did certainly believe that all this was procured by Walta, and that they were his men: in which opinion they Groningeois did confirm them the more saying, that they had no fear that Walta would do them any harm. After many conferences together, as well in the towns of Franiker and Sneck as else where, to advise what were most expedient and profitable for them, in the end they resolved, to send and entreat duke Albert to be their Protector and defender: by whose means and power, they might once be delivered from these thieves and robbers. And that under his protection the country of Wester-gooe might from thence forth live in quiet and rest. This was the mark whereat the duke aimed: that having weakened one party, and so reduced it to his devotion that he might dispose of them at his pleasure: the other faction might with less difficulty be brought to reason, as he did. This resolution taken, those of Wester-gooe, sent the chief of their Nobility, to the duke of Saxony, being then at Medemblick, to offer him the country and their obedience 
They c●…l 〈◊〉 duke of Saxony into F●…sland.  and to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord, upon the conditions that were set down in the contract which had passed betwixt him and them. The duke to take possession of that which was offered him, and which he had so much affected, sent the siegnior Willebrord of Schooneburch a knight, his councillor and treasurer general, with an ample commission to treat with them; joining with him the Colonel Nythard Focx & Bernard Mets with their Regiments, to chase away those troops which Thyarck Walta had brought in: with whom the said councillor and Colonel dealt in such sort (for they were the duke their masters men) as they drew them out of Bolsweart: And after that the duke's commissionars had taken possession in his name of all the quarter of Wester-gooe, all these troops went together into Oster-gooe, & seized upon the town of Dockom, robbing and spoiling all the country.  
The Groningeois felt of it likewise, who seeing that they meant to set upon them, agreed in good time with the commissionars▪ It would be tedious to describe the war, miseries and desolation which happened in this country of Friesland, which we leave to our great Chronicle. For the duke having half done in Friesland, would besiege the town of Groningen, for the which he came with duke Henry his Son to Harlinghen, 
The duke makes an excessive demand.  and demanded the forth man over all the country of Friesland, or the twelfth penny of all their goods and revenues: in consideration whereof they should be free from serving him in the war. This demand was afterwards the cause why the whole country revolted from him. The same day that the Duke arrived at Harlengen, Colonel Focks went with 350. men to meet with Edsard Earl of Emden, being in the Town of Dam in the country of Groningen, & to receive the said town of the Earl 
●…nell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  in duke Albert's name. The Groningeois, knowing well of what importance it was for them, and whereunto the duke pretended, which was to cut off the passage of the sea behind them; they sent a thousand men, and taking him at an advantage defeated him, where he was slain, for that he refused to yield: his body was carried into Groninghe and buried in the Franciscans Church. The Bishop of Vtrecht laboured to make an accord betwixt the duke and the Groningeois, but nothing succeeded; wherupppon the duke and Cont Edsard went to Emden and from thence he returned into his Country of Misnia, leaving duke Henry his son in Friesland for his Lieutenant, who held his court at Franicker, and there seated the Parliament of Friesland.  
In the year 1500. Duke Henry Lieutenant to his father in Friesland, seeking to exact too much upon the Frisons, made them to rise in arms against him, & to besiege him in Franicker Duke Albert his father came posting out of Germany, to the Earl of 
The Duke ty●…s over the Frisons.  Emden with a new army to ungage his son, and from thence he went into Friesland, where he made such a pitiful spoil, as all both noble and base, rich and poor, Priests, Monks, Nuns and Nou●…ces fled out of the Country, none remaining but the poor peasants of the seven Forests, who would see what the end might be of all there miseries. Duke Henry would gladly they had ruined all Friesland, not being satisfied with the revenge his father had taken. But the father with a better consideration (being of a deeper judgement than his son) would not consent unto it. But writ his letters freely unto all the Villages; That the Peasants should return freely every man 
The fruits of their 〈◊〉.  to his house, and that for a certain sum of money (which they should contribute every one according to his ability) he would receive them again into favour. Whereupon they returned, redeeming themselves of the Duke; some Village at a 100 200. 300. 400. 500 florins according to their wealth. Then commandment was given to bring all their Arms into the Citadel of Lewarden, and above all for a reparation, they should come bareheaded and barefooted, without girdles, to sue for pardon upon their knees, and to promise all future obedience to him and his heirs. This was in regard of the countrymen and peasants; as for the Nobility, gentry and Churchmen, they were forced to purchase letters of grace and pardon at a dear rate. Behold what miseries their factions caused, having nourished them so long among them, with so great obstinacy and rancour as some would rather have lost their country, liberty, freedoms and Privileges, goods, ●…insfolkes and friends, then to give ear to any reconciliation, calling in a strange Prince, rough and austere, with two sons of the same humour: burning themselves to scald another. For without doubt if they had lived united under one Potestate, as they had been wont in old time, and as the emperors Commissioner Otto van Langen had well advised them, and that if they had chosen him, the Emperor would never have been moved to remedy their civil wars by a sovereign authority. And there would not have been any Prince so presumptuous that would have dared to trouble their quiet, much less to have arrogated any right of superiority or command over them. But this strange Prince being called in by themselves, having one party which was the moiety of the country at his devotion, and many of the other party shaken: it was easy for him to humble them, as Duke Albert of Saxony did, remaining by that means Lord of Friesland.  
The Duke foreseeing that if he did not in like sort subject the town of Groningen and the country there abouts, he should never enjoy Friesland quietly: he went the last of july 1500. to besiege it, he planted his Camp in Auwert, Seewert, and of the side of the Port of Bottoringhe, he battered it furiously, as well the walls and Ramparts with his Cannon, as the houses in ruin with his great mortars. The in habitants had a good garrison of soldiers, who made many brave sallies upon his camp. One day as he himself was taking a mark with a Cannon, a shot of artillery came from the town, who although he were not touched with the bollet; yet was he sore wounded with the splinters of the carriage & the gabions, & was carried to his lodging. In the mean season by reason of his wounds, at the intercession of the Bishop of Vtrecht (whom they of Groningen had entreated) and of the Earl of Emden, after that he had besieged it six weeks; the plague also being very hot in his camp, and having yet prevailed little, he made a suspension of arms, and raised his camp, and then caused himself to be transported to Emden, where he died the twelfth of September: 
He dies at Emden.  having before his retreat from Groningen left Cont Hugh van Lynsenack, to be his Lieutenant over all Friesland, during his absence and his Sons, giving charge to Willebrord of Schoonenburch, to enter into Friesland with 2500 men, and to punish the rebels which remained, reducing them under his obedience: who marched with his troops unto the seven Forests and to Schellingwerff, who never unto that time would acknowledge duke Albert for their Lord, he camped in Oldebercoop, sending for them of Schellingwerf to come unto him, who being loath to be ruined by their own obstinacy, sent their deputies to reconcile them unto the duke, and to acknowledge him for their Lord: whereupon they were received, in paying three florins of gold upon every house for a reparation. Duke Henry of Saxony sent his Father's body into his country of Misnia, and he himself went to Brussels to his couzin the Archduke Philip, 
Duke Henry leaves Friesland to his younger brother.  never returning more into Friesland: for that (as they said) being besieged in Franicker, he had vowed unto God, that if he might get safely out, he would never return. So afterwards he resigned all his right to duke George his younger brother.   

GEORGE DUKE OF SAXONY Governor of the Netherlands, for the Archduke Philip of Austria Prince and Lord of the said Country.  
GEORGIUS DUX SAXONI●… GUBER BELGII,  
,  
;  
 
 
The Groningers, and Frisons that to me  
He left the place and sway, but their bold ●…ight  
Driving to danger and dispense: I f●…e  
●…o Emperor Charles surr●…ndred all my Right.  
GEORGE duke of Saxony son to duke Albert having by the death of his Father, and the resignation of duke Henry his elder brother, obtained the government of the country of Friesland & Groningen, by the title of donation which the Emperor had made unto duke Albert: had also since after the decease of the Archduke Philip of Austria, King of Castille by his wife, the government of the Netherlands for a time, in the absence of the Emperor Maximilian, busied in the wars of Italy. He was great grandfather to Prince Mary of Nassau by the mother's side.  
About that time the banished men of Friesland, which could obtain no pardon from the dukes of Saxony father and son: hearing that about Harderwyke in Geldres, there were certain troops of soldiers, that were not entertained by any: some gentlemen Frisons that were fled out of their country, went unto them to draw them unto their service, the which (for money and fair promises) marched with them towards Friesland. But as they oppressed the poor countrymen to much, where they passed; they began to rise upon them, so as this troop vanished and came to nothing.  
Afterwards all these banished men, with one common consent, sent their deputies to Antwerp, to the Archduke Philip and to duke Henry of Saxony: for the Nobles there 
The Frisons complain to the Archduke Philip.  went Edo jongama, Edo Gerbranda, Douwe Galama, Tyark Walta, juw Roorda, jan Roorda, Rienick Campstra, Ritsk juckama, Sasker Heringa, Wattie Harinxma, Douwe Hiddama, and Agge Lankama of Mackom, for the clergy, Herman Pastor of Foswaert, Albert Pastor of Styens, Gello Pastor of Vollega, & some others of their Clergy. These deputies being in the presence of the Archduke Philip, and of duke Henry, deploring the miserable estate of their country, made a long speech of the causes & motives of the alteration which had happened, whereof ensued the siege of Franicker, which had not been, but through the excessive and insupportable exactions and taxes, which were daily laid upon them, without intermission, wherewith the country was not only exhausted of money, but made poor miserable and desolate: and all through the horseleeches of governors and officers which the duke had placed there: the which thrust them into such despair, as the miseries and calamities which followed, took their spring and beginning from thence. They therefore beseeched him, that it would please duke Henry of Saxony, in regard of a certain sum of money (although by reason of the extortions past it would be heavy and burdensome) such as should be agreed upon, from that time forward to relinquish and give over the signory of the country of Friesland, the which had been always wont to remain free: or else to resign it to the Archduke Philip his couzin, their nearest neighbour, either by sale, transport, or otherwise: to whom they would promise and swear all fealty, governing them according to their ancient previledges, and preserving them from all wrongs and oppressions of all other fortaine Princes, or enemies that would invade them: as duke Albert had promised and sworn unto them at his reception, the which his Lieutenants and officers had broken in sundry sorts, whereof all their miseries have grown. Answer was made to this petition, that they would send some of them of quality and judgement: two of the quarter of Oster-gooe; two of 
An answer to the Frisons.  Wester-gooe, and two of the seven Forests; the which should go into the said quarters, to understand from the Inhabitants, whom they would more willingly obey, the Archduke Philip or the Duke of Saxony: and by what means for the greater good of the country, the might be treated of and accorded. According to the which, there were on the Suppliants behalf, deputed Edo jongama, and Syurd Wybes for the quarter of Oster-gooe: Aggo Lanckam●… and Baldwin Lattiens for Wester-gooe: Sires Hyl●…ko and Vlbe Igles for the Seven Forests. These six being arrived at Cuinder, sent unto Cont Hugh of Linsenach, the duke of Saxonies' lieutenant, to crave a Passport at his hands, the which he sent them, but in such obscure and doubtful terms, as they durst not trust unto it. For in truth this resignation of the siegneury of Friesland unto the Archduke Philip, which was then in question, did nothing please the said Lieutenant, the council, nor the Nobles of Friesland that were partisans, to the Saxons: whereupon they sent them this defective passport, meaning to entrap them. For chose, instead of giving ear to this resignation, they forced all the country of Frieseland, from Staveren unto the river of Lauwers, to swear unto the dukes Henry and George of Saxony Brethren, sons to the deceased duke Albert, exacting upon all the towns and villages of the country, a years contribution of advance, except the Clergy whom they did free for that time. Moreover they raised certain new Impostes upon the Wine, Beer, and Cloth: Whereof they made an estate, the which they sent unto these two dukes Brethren: that seeing the great revenues, and the profit which did arrive yearly unto them from those countries, they should be the less inclined to resign them. But it was not the profit of these Princes that did so much rule them, as their o●…ne private interest, without any respect to the public good.  
We have said before that Ferdinand Prince or Infant of Castille the onelio son of the King Don Fernand of Arragon and of Queen Isabella, had married the Lady Marguerite of Austria and sister to the Archduke Philip: which Prince died within a year after his marriage, leaving his wife with child, who was delivered of a son, the which lived not long after: so as there was none nearer to succeed in the realms of Castille, Arragon, Naples, Sicily and others, than the Lady Isabella, eldest daughter to the King Don Fernando, who was married to Don Emanuel King of Portugal, and then the Lady jane wife to the Archduke Philip: the Lady Isabella Queen of Portugal died, leaving one only son, named Michael, who lived not long. All which being dead: that is to say, the Prince Don Ferdinand, and his son, that was borne after his death, the Queen of Portugal & Prince Michael her son, there remained only to succeed in the said Realms, the Lady jane Archduchesse of Austria, duchess of Bourgongne, mother to Charles & Ferdinand Emperors in their times. Wherefore the Archduke and his wife were advised and counseled by the Bishop of Besanson, to go into Spain, before that the King Don Ferdinando of Arragon, and Queen Isabella of Castille, father and mother 
The ●…chduke 〈◊〉 an●… his w●…e go●… into Sp●…ne.  to the said Lady jane Archduchesse should die, to prepare themselves to the succession of the said Realms: and to take their way through France. And the rather for that Lewis the twelfth the French King, & the duke of Bourbon Uncle to the Archduke had a great desire to see him. Coming into France with a stately train of Princes and Noblemen, as well Germains as Netherlanders, they were honourably received in all towns by the King's commandment, with power to pardon prisoners for 
They are ho●… 〈◊〉 enter 〈◊〉 by the French King  crimes. The King and Queen attended them at Blois, being accompanied by the Princes of the blood, dukes, Earls, Barons, Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, where they stayed six days, then having taken their leaves, they went on in their vo●…age, until they arrived in Spain, where they were welcome to the King and Queen, who were joyful to see their daughter, and then their only heir. The Archduke having stayed sometime in Spain, took his leave of the King and Queen, to go unto the Emperor his father in Germany, and there take possession of his estates and siegneuries, for 
The Archduke 〈◊〉 into Germany.  which cause the Emperor had sent for him. He returned as he went by France (leaving his wife in Spain) where there fell out a quarrel in Court betwixt the French and the Spaniards, in the which the duke of Nemours was slain, whereof the Archduke purged himself unto the King: yet he was so terrified, as he fell into so violent a fever, as for a time they doubted of his health: yet through the care of the King and the duke of Bourbon, with the help of good Physicians he was soon recovered, and so departed, taking his way towards Germany, where the Princes attended him upon the Rhine, who received him very honourably.  
All this time the war continued betwixt the duke of Saxony, by the conduct of Cont Hugh of Lynsenach, and the Groningeois, by many prizes and reprises of either side, as of dam, of Delfziel and other places: The exiled Frisons were reconciled to the duke of Saxony, who chose rather to receive them into grace, then to enter into contention with the Archduke his couzin. In the year 1503. died that virtuous Princess, the Lady Maguerite of York, duchess Dovager of Bourgongne, who was 
1503. D●…h ●…o the D●…e Dou●…ger of Bourgongne.  buried at the Franciscan friars in Macklyn: she was wonderfully lamented of the poor, for her great alms deeds, and of all good and virtuous men: for she was a wise and virtuous Princess, and had pacified many quarrels, she was sister to Edward the forth King of England.  
The year 1502. and 1503. were spent without any war in the netherlands, at the least that was memorable, by reason of the peace which was betwixt the said countries and the French, of the truce betwixt Gronninghen and the Duke of Saxony, and that the Frisons (without seeking any quarrels after their accustomed manner) had work enough to repair their Sea walls and banks which the last violent tempests had broken and carried away.  
In the same year 1503, the Lady Marguerite of Austria, sister to the Archduke 
Marguerite of Austria marred to the Duke of Savoy.  Philip, widow to prince Don Fernando of Castille, married again to Philibert the 8. duke of Savoy; a valiant & virtuous Prince, full of such manly beauty, as he was called Philibert the fair; he was also amiable and courteous to all men: he succeeded to his father Philip in the said Duchy, and Principality of Piedmont in the year 1495. After that he had done many things worthy of memory, he died, leaving no issue of his body: & therefore Charles his brother succeeded him. The Lady Marguerite his widow, in testimony of the love she bore him (although she were young) would never marry again, but continued the rest of her life a widow, & was afterwards Governess of the Low-countrieses, for Prince Charles, son to the Archduke Philip of Austria, King of Castille, in the right of his wife, and her Nephew.  
In the month of May 1504 the Lady jane of Castille, Archdutchesse of Austria, 
1504 The war revived betwixt the Archduke Philip and the duke of Gelder's.  returned out of Spain, and came to the Archduke her husband, who received her with great joy. Then the Archduke according unto that which he had promised the Emperor his father, being in Germany, prepared to make hot wars against the duke of Gelder's, to whom he sent a Herald to summon him to yield him up his Duthchie of Gelder's, and County of Zutphen, else he did defy him and all his subjects and allies, and denounced war against them, with fire and sword. He made also a Proclamation throughout all his Provinces, inhibitting all men to carry any victuals or munition of war into the countries of Gelder's, Zutphen and Ouerissell, and he sent some ships of war into Zuyderzee, under the command of an Admiral who should guard those seas, that nothing might enter into the River of yssel, of Ee, and other channels; nor into the Havens of Harderwyck and Elburch: then he sent all his army to Boisleduke, where he was entreated by his Noblemen, and the Commanders of the army, not to go himself to field in person; and therefore he gave charge to the Lord of Vergy, a Bourguignon, to Cornellis of Berghen, lord of Sevenberghen, and to Floris of Iselsteyn, to march with the whole army into the country of Gelder's, where at the first they besieged the castle of Hameiden, the which they took, from thence they went before Midele, where the Bastard of Gelder's was, the which after battery and an assault given, was yielded by accord; he himself remaining 
The exploi●… of both armies.  prisoner and was sent into Brabant. Then they took the castle of Trecele, and spoiled the Champion country; but winter approaching they retired again to Bosleduke. The Geldrois (on the other side) lay not idle, making many roads into Barbant and into other near places, belonging to the enemy, from whence they also carried great spoil. In the same month duke George of Saxony, made his first entry into the country of Friesland, he arrived first at Harlingen, from thence he came to Franiker to the castle of Syardama, where he caused all the States of Friesland to be assembled, to whom there were certain Articles propounded on the Duke's behalf, 
Duke George of Saxony co●…s into Friesland.  the which he would have entertained and kept by them. One among the rest was; That all Noblemen or Gentlemen that had held any Siegneories or other fees, should come and take them up of him, as of their Sovereign and absolute Prince. Whereunto the States would by no means yield, seeming unto them neither just nor reasonable, to subject themselves unto a thing whereof God and nature had made them in all ages free, to make themselves slaves, and to subject them and their children for ever. The duke being fully instructed of the reasons of their denial, fearing some greater inconvenience, gave over that point, upon condition, that they should pay him yearly the 21. penny 
He makes a composition with the Frisons.  of all their goods, rents, and revenues, enjoying all the surplusage quietly without any further demands, and never to impose any further charges hereafter upon them. The which was granted by a general consent of all the Nobles and towns.  
This Accord thus made and agreed upon, he also called together all the Clergy of the said country to the town of Franiker, to whom he made the like demand of the 21. penn●…e. But as there was great disputing about it, the assembly broke up, and would not yield to any thing. Yet the. 7. of july they were sent for again, where after m●…ch co●…ention, in the end they yielded, upon condition, that it should be paid by Chapt●…rs and Prebends whereunto the goods which they held in propriety or by 〈◊〉, should not be bound. Ever since that Duke Albert took first possession of the 〈◊〉 of Friesland, unto the year. 1505. the country had been always governed 
〈◊〉 D●… of 〈…〉.  by Licutenants under the authority of the Dukes of Saxony: but this year Duke George▪ c●…itted six worthy men, both in wealth, wisdom and experience, to the government of affairs: three Germains, William Tru●…xes and Syurdt Lutsing, Knights, with h●… Chancellor doctor of the laws, the three other were Frisons, Bucho Pastor of Wyrdom, He●…el Martu●… and Francis Minnama▪ over whom Tru●…xes was superintendant; to whom the duke having given their comissions & instructions how they should govern themselves, after that he had settled the court or Parliament of Frieseland at Leeuwarden, and built the Chance●…y before the Citadel, the which he did furnish (as he did all other forts of the country with good garrisons, and sufficientmunition, he parted out of Friesland, and went to Emden where before that he returned into his country of Misnia, he made Edsard Earl of East Friesland, his Lieutenant and captain General of his army, when he should begin war against them of Groningen, which done he retired. At that time the war was very violent betwxt the Bourgognons and Geldrois wasting and spoiling one an other both by Sea and Land, at which time the Emperor Maximilian sent the Earl of Anholt with a 1000 foot and 500 horse to succour the Archduke Philip his son against the Geldrois. who went to lodge in a cl●…ister of regular monks, near unto Bomell, the which he fortified, from whence he did much annoy the Geldrois within the circuit of Tyel and Bomel by spoils and ransoms, and among others he ruined the great village of Dryell. On the other side Robert of Aremberghe being in garrison at Naerden, as Governor of the country of Goylandt, did no less upon the Velawe and country there abouts. To conclude all this war was nothing but the ruin of the Contryman and of some private Gentlemen.  
In the year 1505. the truce betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Groningeois expired and not being able to agree, the war revived. The Regent's (for so we will call, 
1505.  those six men which duke George had lef●… for the Government of the Country of Fresland, did presently put 400. men into the fort of Au●…ert: The Duke sent them also for a supply the signior Vit van 〈◊〉 with some troops, who did also lodge in Auwert. And then the Earl of Emden in the Duke's absence, took upon him the charge of Gene●…all of all the army, and of the camp which he planted before Groningen, willing the Regent's to send him 600. men well armed, wherein he was presently obeyed. He caused a fo●…t to be built upon the territor●… o●… Ouerissell, to keep all succours from entering into Groningen on that side, whereof the towns of the said country of Ouerissel, which are of the D●…ocese of Vtrecht, complained unto their Bishop, for otherwise they would willingl●… have succoured them: but the Bishop pacified them, and touching the succo●…s, he divided the Towns, some desiring it, others not; so as in the mean time the fort was finished, the which was called W●…ert d●…n bras, whereby the Groningeois were frustrate of the succours which they expected from them of Oueryssell. The Emperor Maximili●… being then in the country of Gelder's, the town of Groningen and the Towns of Ouerissel, sent their deputies unto him, to make their complaints of the duke of Saxony, and of the Regent's which he had committed for the government of Friesland, whereupon there was a day appointed in the town of Hatem in Gelder's whether came the sa●…d d●…puties on the one part, and the Ear●…e of Emden with some of the 
〈…〉 of 〈◊〉.  〈◊〉 on the other part. Every one delivered his reasons, which were well heard. B●…t the ●…mperour favouring the d●…ke more than the rest, the Groningeois and those of 〈◊〉 prevailed nothing. In the same year died the Lady Isabella Queen of Castil●…e 
〈…〉  〈◊〉 to the King Don Fernando of Arragon, mother to the Lady jane, Arch-du●…hesse of Austria, wife to the Archduke Philip remaining their only daughter: so as now she was their only heir, and succeeded in the realms of Castille, Leon, Granado. etc. Whereof she and her husband were crowned King and Queen in Brussels, whither the Crown was sent them out of Spain.  
Cont Englebert of Nassau had always dissuaded the Archduke from making of war against the duke of Gelder's▪ for being a wise Nobleman, and knowing whereon he grounded his right, he did foresee what the issue would be after his death. Some of the Archdukes counsel (newly King of Castille) persuaded him, that before he went into▪ Spain with his wife to take possession of her Kingdoms, he should conquer all the Duchy of Gelder's, and the County of Zutphen: whereupon having 
〈◊〉 b●…sieged by the Archduke.  made a great preparation, he went and besieged Bommel, the which he battered for a time, then having but two Forts to keep them in, he marched with his army towards Arnhem, the chief Town and Chancery of the Duchy; the which having besieged long, and battered until it could endure no more, in the end it was yielded, paying to the soldiers to redeem the assaults, 8000. Florins. That of Harderwyck (which is a sea Town belonging to the duke of Gelder's) yielded in the like 
〈◊〉 tak●…n in 〈◊〉.  manner: then the Town and castle of Hattem upon the River of yssel, (where as the Earl of Suffolk, an Englishman was taken.) Then the Towns of Elburch, Doesburch, Dotecom, Grolle, Tyell, Bommel, Lochem, and other small towns yielded. There was also many Gentlemen Geldrois, which took the Bourguinons' party, (for so the Archdukes men were called) Among others the siegnior of Bronckhorst, Wisch, Scheeren berghe, Otto Scenck of Wachtendonck, a brave knight, who did much annoy the Geldrois, with some others who went to serve the Archduke. The duke of Gelder's affairs were then reduced to that estate, as if the Bourgognons had then pursued their victory, they had wholly conquered all the duke of Gelder's country.  
During the Earl of Emdens' siege before Groninghen, there grew some division betwixt him and the german Colonels, and other chief Officers of the duke of 
Division in the Duke of 〈◊〉 camp before 〈◊〉  Saxonies, wherewith the Earl was so discontented as without speaking of any word, he retired to Dam, the which his men held 3. leagues from Groninghen: which the Germans did little regard, assuring themselves of the taking of Groninghen, which was then brought to extremity, and could not long hold out, having been besieged almost a whole year, so as they not only had need of victuals, but of all other provisions, and munitions for war. Whereupon the Groningeois, both gentlemen and Bourgesses assembled upon the place, before the Counsel house to advise of that which should be most expedient for them to do, for the avoiding of the total ruin of their Town, and that they might not be ●…orced to yield unto the mercy of the Germans. In the end it was resolved, to call Vytt van Draecksdor●…, one of the chief commanders of the duke of Saxonyes' army, next unto the Farl of Emden, and to capitulate alone with him of their redition, hoping that in offering him that honour, (seeing that he had the chief command over the Saxons and Germans) they should have the better composition. But as this was thus decre●…d, and that they were ready to send their deputies to him to Auwert; Behold there came into the town a Bourgeois and his wife (whilst the inhabitants were yet together) so villanosly entreated and dissigured, as all men had horror to behold them; for being prisoners, and having no means to pay the ra●…some which they demanded, Colonel Vytt caused their noses and ears to be cut off, sending them back thus dissigured to the Town, who by their ●…ryes and lamentations did move all the citizens to pity, and fury against Vytt, and all the Germans, resolving to set fire on the Town, and consume it to ashes, rather than to field to such tyrants: and so they entertained themselves in their poverty for a while. But hearing afterwards of the dislike that was betwixt the Earl of Emden & Colonel Vytt, the●… writ secretly unto the Earl, to know his mind; If he would not receive them vnd●…r his hereditary protection, as well for him as for 
The Gr●…geois treat with the 〈◊〉 of ●…mden.  his successors. These Letters did wonderfully please the Earl, who sent the Messenger back with an answer as pleasing to them of the Town: which was; That they should send their Deputies with full power and ample commission to treat with him. The which they did, upon condition, that he should leave them in the same estate, and under the same Privileges that he should find them at his entry. The which the Earl promised, so as he might build a Citadel there as great as he pleased. The deputies of the Groningeois returned to the Town, having made their report of that which they had treated, and concluded with the Earl of East-Friseland. The Magistrate and 
The E●… of 〈◊〉 ●…de Pr●… of 〈◊〉.  Counsel did presently remit the Impositions and Customs which they had taken before, that they might live under the Earl in the like liberty. According to this Accord, the first of May the Earl entered into Groninghen with 2000 men, leaving a sufficient garrison in Dam, approaching near the high Bridge they went to meet him; the Priests and Monks going in procession with their Crosses and Banners, receiving him with great triumph and state, and having brought him to the Statehouse, they took the oath and did him homage, acknowledging him for their Lord, Deliverer and Protector. A strange alteration and sudden change; the Groningeois never had a greater enemy than this Earl, yet suddenly they except of him for their Protector and defender: he whom a little before they so much blamed, cursed and detested, (as the man whom they held to be the only cause of all their miseries) they now receive him for their Prince; yea, the little children rejoiced that they were not fallen into the Saxons hands, nor master Vytts, singing in the streets; Here vyt is Groningen quit. Master Vytt hath lost Groningen. Behold the fruits of this Colonels cruelty. But it is no new thing in the Germans, no more then in the Spaniards to use the like barbarous 
The Earl of Emden Builds acittadel at Groninghen.  inhumanity, if they do but think that they have vanquished their enemies. Soon after that the Earl was entered into the town, he built a Citadel on the Southside at Heereport, well slanked with great Bulwarks, deep ditches, and goodly gates, both within and without the Town.  
These news of the yielding up of Groningen into the Earl of West-Freezlands hand, being come into Misnia to duke George's ears, he went unto the Earl to know in whose name he had received the Town of Groningen into his protection: whereunto he presently answered: That what he had done, was in the name of the Empire, by reason of the controversy that was betwixt the Duke of Saxony, and the high Diocese of Vtrecht (which is the country of Oueryssel) for the jurisdiction of Groningen, which being decided, he would yield it to whom it should appertain. And although the Duke's deputies knew the contrary, yet they took these excuses for payment, fearing to incense him more, and that he should draw in the other troops, the which being joined unto his, and with the help of the Frisons, he might easily chase the Saxons out of all Friesland, and quite dispossess the duke. The which had been easy for him to do, if he had then attempted it. Afterwards the Duke sent his Marshal into Friesland with a great sum of money to the Germans Camp, lying yet about Groningen, to pay them, and to thank them. The Colonel's, Captains and Gentlemen before their departure (having served long there) would gladly have seen the Town, but the Earl would not suffer them. This Marshal and the Duke's counsel (to keep the Earl still in breath, and at the duke's devotion) gave him the title of Lieutenant and General in the duke's name, of the Town and County of Groningen, with an honourable 
The Earl of Emden receives entertainment from the duke of Saxony.  yearly entertainment, taken out of the duke's coffers, with a promise, that when he should be discharged thereof, to pay him 30000. florins of gold at one entire payment, with many other things which they granted unto him. The Earl accepted of all by provision, and made his profit thereof; knowing very well whereto they tended, the which notwithstanding he dissembled, seeming always to be at his service: and in this sort the state of Groningen was maintained unto the year 1512. being doubtful whither the Earl held it for himself, or for the duke of Saxony: until that some gentlemen Frisons, who he disavowed, were for his sake beheaded in the Town of Leeuwarden. Yet notwithstanding the Frisons and Groningeois lived in peace, unto the year 1514.  
In the mean time the six Regent's Saxons, during the hard frosts of winter, did still put garrisons into their Towns, fearing the Earls surprises, holding still the two Forts which they had in the country of Groningen: that is Winsom and Werdenbrasse: the which they had continually well manned with good soldiers at the duke of Saxonies' devotion. The duke had a conceit, that during his absence, the six Regent's which he had appointed to govern Friesland, had but negligently executed their charge, or otherwise through envy and jealousy one of another, had neglected their duties, & that the government of one alone with the counsel was more lawful, more befitting, and of greater authority: whereupon the Marshal of Saxony, assembled the States of Friesland, in the Town of Leuwarden, the 6. of july, where the said 6. Regent's were discharged, and in their place was instituted Count Henry of Stalburch, a wise 
The Earl of St●…lburche made the Duke's Lieutenant in F●…eland.  and discreet noble man, and one that feared God, to be the Duke's Lieutenant general throughout all Freezland. Which being done, the Marshal and the Earl went to Dam, whither they sent for the Commonalties of the country of Groninghen in the Duke's name, to take the oath of fealty as his Vassals, but not any one appeared; desiring rather to acknowledge the Earl of East-Friseland, who the same year caused money to be coined in the town of Groningen, with this Inscription Edsardus Comes & Senator Groningensis. In the years 1506. 1507. and 1508. there was no memorable thing done in Friesland that doth merit the writing.  
After that the town of Arnhem and other places of the Duchy of Gelder's and county of Zutphen, were thus reduced (as we have said) under the obedience of the Archduke, King of Castille: he stayed sometime without the said town of Arnhem in the castle of Roossendael. Thither came the bishop of Vtrecht, the vicont of Montfort, and many other Noblemen, who laboured so unto the King to reconcile the 
The Duke of G●…ldres reconcil●…d to the King of Castille.  duke of Gelder's as in the end he was sent for to come unto him, being accompanied with some Noblemen. Coming before the King, he kneeled down: but the King took him up presently with great courtesy, and so they went together into the castle, where as they remained some time. And as the King and many of his Princes and Noblemen were very desirous to go into Spain, it was concluded betwixt the King and the duke; That either of them should hold what they had in the Duchy and county of Zutphen: and that the Duke should accompany the King in this voyage: but afterwards the duke excused himself with a good and available reasons.  
The King having recovered money, made his preparations with his wife to go by sea (whereof William of Croy Lord of Cheurees had the charge: and before their 
The King and Queen of Cast●… g●…e into Spain.  departure was made Governor of all the netherlands in the King's absence) and recommended his sons Charles and Ferdinand, to the Lady Marguerite his sister, Douwager of Savoy. The French King hearing that they took their way by Sea, and would not pass through France, he sent Philip of Cleves, Earl of Nevers and the bishop of Paris unto them in embassage: requiring first; That the marriage which had been concluded betwixt Prince Charles their son, and the Lady claud of France, 
An 〈◊〉 from the ●…nch kin●… to the King of Ca●…ille.  the King's daughter, should be diasnulled and made void, for that the Princes of the blood, and the Parliament did not think it convenient. And for the second point; That the King of Castille should not attempt any thing upon the Sovereign jurisdiction of Flanders in civil causes, and in Arthois touching Appellations, both in Civil and criminal causes. The which was wholly granted. These Ambassadors dispatched away, King Philip and Queen jane of Castille his wife, accompanied with a goodly train of Princes, Noblemen, Princesses and great Ladies parted in the end of the year 1505. from Antwerp, and came into Zeeland, where weighing anchor at Arnmuyden, the day after tweft day 1506▪ they went to Sea with a rich and mighty Fleet of ships: but they had not been long at Sea before that there did 
1506.  rise a great tempest of wind, snow, and such mists, as being long before they knew 
The King & Queen of Castill in 〈◊〉 at Sea go●… into ●…aine.  what course they went, they were hourly in great danger to perish in the Sea. Every man wondered that in the depth of winter, they would commit themselves to the danger and peril of the Sea, GOD letting them for to understand that the greatest Kings and Princes, are subject unto these dangers, as well as the poorest, Mariners: but he preserved them, and they put to land at Weymouth in the West part of England, all the rest of the fleet was so dispersed, as they knew not what was become of them, whereof some ships were cast away. Henry the seventh King of 
They put to land in England.  England, hearing of their being in the Harbour, sent some of his Princes to receive them in his name, and to entreat them to come on land and refresh themselves: whether he himself went and entertained them very lovingly, showing them all the delights he could, and giving them many goodly presents, to make them forget their troubles passed at sea. At one time King Henry entreated King Philip, that he would deliver him the Earl of Suffolk, who (as we have said,) was taken with the bastard of Geldres in the Castle of Hattem. King Philip after great importunity, upon promise that King Henry should not touch his life, consented that the Earl of Suffolk should be brought into England: the which did much discontent many good men. He was kept in the Castle of Namur, from whence he was brought and delivered to the King of England, who caused him to be lodged in the Tower of London. Af●…er that King Philip and the Queen his wife had stayed for a fair season, from their landing which was in january, unto the 24. of March, they put to sea, and having a prosperous wind, they arrived soon after at the Groin, from whence they went to visit the r●…licks of Saint james in Compostella, going from thence towards Castille, where they were royally received by all the Princes and Noblemen of Spain. The King of Castille had 
The duke of Gelder's begins wa●…re.  no sooner left the Netherlands, but the Geldrois went to horseback against the treaty made at Roosendael, falling upon those towns and places, which by the said treaty remained to the King of Castille, among the rest, upon Groll and Waganengen, the which they took: running from them into Holland and Brabant. The lord of Cheures, having levied an army, went and besieged the said town of Wagenengen, but it was furnished with such good men, which made continual sallies upon his camp, as in the end, seeing that he prevailed nothing, he retired his army.  
In August the same year 1506. there appeared a Comet which did rise at the 
A Comet.  northeast, and did set in the Northwest, drawing the tail (which was great and large in form of a rod) towards the West, the which was seen eighteen days together. In the same month there was a poor woman in Holland, betwixt the villages of Beverwic and Vyc upon the sea, great with child and ready to be delivered. Fifteen days before her lying down the fruit that was in her won be, ●…as heard almost continually to cry and lament. The which many worthy men, for a greater approbation of the 
A child in Holland crying in the mother's be●…y.  truth went daily to hear it, and since have certified it. Whereof some learned men in Philosophy and the Mathematiks have diversly written, inferring that the crying of this child with the Comet did prognosticate the death of the ●…ing of Castille P●…ince of the Netherlands, and the great miseries which have since happened in Holland and other of the said Provinces. The King and Queen of Castille, being arrived in Spain, went from one Realm unto an other and from o●…e city unto an other, to take possession, according to the Previledges and customs of places. Although that the King Don Fernando of Arragon father to the Q●…eene offered to King Philip 500000. ducats a year, to remain in the low countries, and not to come into Spain, yet he and his wife would go, and themselves in person end the controversy that was (by reason of the succession of the deceased Queen Isabella) betwixt them and the King Don Ferdinando their father. The which they did, and Philip in the right of his wife, was 
Philip King o●… C●…stille dies suddenly.  acknowledged King of Castille, Leon, Grenado etc. But he enjoyed it not long, for the 27 of September in the same year 1506. he died suddenly in the city of Bourgos, not without suspicion of poison, being but 28. years old. He desired before his death that his heart might be carried and buried at jerusalem, joining to that of the d●…ke of Bourgongnes his great grandfather, the which was done. His bowels were carried to Bruges in Flanders, and his body was interred in a Covent of Chartreux Monks called Ames●…ur, upon a mountain, without the city of Bourgos. The Lady jane his widoe was with child of a daughter, whereof she was afterwards delivered. The news of the death of this Prince, caused great mourning and heaviness throughout all the Netherlands, fearing other troubles and revolts, by reason of the war betwixt the duke of Geldres and them. Those which at that time pretended to know the affairs of State, said, that the marriage which the Archduke Philip made with the Lady jane of Castille, was unhappy for the Netherlands, not for the miseries which the Spaniards have of late years brought in, and which the countries have suffered (for they could not foresee these things so long before) but for the great charges wherewith they were burdened to enter into those realms of Spain, with a rich and stately pomp; the which he did by the council of his wife, to impoverish the said countries. ●…or besides that which he sold, alienated and surcharged, yea engaged his revenues: this lady carried with her all the goodly jewels, rich tapistry, massy plate both of gold and silver, that great and famous Flower de Lys of Diamonds, one of the nails wherewith our Lord JESUS CHRIST (●…eredere fas●…est) was nailed unto the cross, and the great Bosom of Flanders. To conclude, she left not any thing, causing all to be packed up, all which was in those days esteemed at nine Millions of gold. After the death of 
The Earl of N●…u brings some ●…wels out of Spain's  ●…ing Philip, all the Noblemen of the Netherlands were sent out of Spain, neither were they very welcome there: so as the greatest part of these rich movables, plate and jewels, was stolen and lost, only some little which john Earl of Nassau Lord of Breda, recovered with great diligence and care, and brought them with him into the Lowe-countries.  
In the year 1507. the Duchess of Bourbon Ant to the Duke of Gelder's by the 
1507.  mother's side, sent (as it was reported) certain troops of Frenchmen unto her Nephew, 
The Duke of Gelder's 〈◊〉 into Brabant.  the which being come to Ruremonde, the Duke lead them (being joined wi●…h his own forces) to Tournhoult in Brabant, to spoil it: then he went before Diest, pretending to surprise it; but Cont john of Nassau made such resistance as he got nothing but blower. From thence the Duke went to Tillemont, which he took by assault, where he lost a german Earl, the which (having spoiled and taken many good prisoners) he abandoned, carrying all the booty to Ruremonde, and putting his men into Garrisons. The Frenchmen passing by the country of Liege, to return into France with their prey, being in the Forest of Ardennes, lodge●… about Saint Hubert, and making good cheer upon the poor country men, and (as they say) sleeping after the French fashion, some Namurois, Hovilliers and Bocquillons, to the number of 600. men, under john Despontin their Captain, came early in a morning to wake them; they first slew their Sentinels and corpse de guard, then entered into their quarter and surprised them in bed, whereof there were many slain: who thought (but too late) to take arms; there were many prisoners, especially of Gentlemen; to conclude, all were defeated, and happy was he that losing his horse, arms, and baggage, could sane himself on foot in the Forest. So as these Namurois by this hard enterprise, won much honour, and a rich spoil both of horses, arms, gold, silver, plate, silks and velvets, which the French had gotten in Brabant, cas●…ng up all at once which they had gotten in the divers towns which they had spoiled: Soon after the Geldrois burned that goodly great village of Bodegrave, betwixt the towns of Woerden and Leyden in Holland. john of Egmont Governor of Holland, to be revenged of the Geldrois, we●… at the Hollanders charge and of them of Boisleduc, to besiege the strong pla●…e and Castle of Puydroyen, whereas then the Signior of Seewint Martial of Gelder's did much harm unto the Merchants, to whom the said Marshal was a capital enemy. But the Duke of Gelder's came himself in person, forcing the Lord of Egmont to dislodge. After the death of the King of Castille, the Emperor Maximilian took upon him the government of the Netherlands, as gardien to Charles and Ferdinand his grandchildren: and by the means of the French King, and the King of Arragon, a peace was concluded at Cambray, betwixt the Emperor in quality of gardien, and the Duke of Gelder's, the which was of no long continuance: the war kindling again soon after, by some occasions offered by the Lord of ●…selsteyn.    


CAROLUS 5 IMPERATOR  
CHARLES OF AUSTRIA THE 2, of that name, the 35. Earl of Holland and Zeeland, the first Temporal Lord of the Town and Diocese of Vtrecht, of Friesland, Oueryseel and Groninghen. The fifth Emperor of that name.  
England, France, afric, Turkey, Germany,  
Have felt my spirit to their several losses,  
Beyond Gibraltar are my pillars planted,  
My wife a Portugaise, and Philip's daughter  
Through my victorious powers fair Italy  
Hath seemed to tremble, when n●…re Pavia  
I plotted against the French, and took as Captive,  
Francis the first, their famous warlike King.  
Then with fresh Soldiers being from Spain supplied,  
I quite did tame the haughty Germans pride;  
I call to witness prisoners that were Princes,  
As Saxony and the Lansgrave: the rich Ransoms,  
Engines of war, with which (as gifts constrained)  
They made peace with my fury; great and small  
Were ransomed as I pleased, my Spanish Forces  
took holy Rome, the Italians greatest Terror,  
There three days was their Pillage, in no place  
The Pope found succour, but his powers and he  
Lay in their Forts besieged, not Issuing forth  
Until their Ransoms bought them a free way,  
From which the Almain army received pay:  
Was it not I with blows as quick as lightning,  
Conquered Golletto, Tunis, and Argier?  
And made the famous Pirate Barbarosa,  
At Ariaden shrink under my sinew?  
Who bade farewell to Africa by flight,  
Which also stooped and sunk under my might?  
Did not I Muly-assen then erect,  
When I Barbarians and the Moors had tamed?  
Was it not I that with my Camp of Almains  
From Austria chased the great Turk Solyman?  
With which the noble conquests that I held  
In the West-Indyes, may be paralleled.  
Were not my men the first that did find out,  
Those mines of Peru-gold? and made bold way  
Through sandy bounds of rich America?  
Under the obedience of the Spanish laws  
Bringing their Kings? what though at first affront  
They Kingly strove, being vanquished, there my slaves;  
Nor ought the world forget my soldiers deeds  
That two and twenty millions put to sword  
Of rebel Indians, forcing the remains  
Like brutish beasts to undergo base pains?  
Am not I CHARLES fifth Emperor of that name,  
Throughout the universal Globe the Terror?  
But when I thought me firme-under my stroke  
The Spaniard touched, the Almains left my yoke,  
And a new Trouble near conceived before  
Did unawares beset me, german Princes,  
Confederates came unexpected Foes  
And forest me fly from Inspruck all unfurnished:  
I that was wont Foes with a whip to chase,  
Was forced to work my safety by my flight,  
Death to my pride, and fury of my Sword;  
Yet all I wrought either by force or Law,  
When I to narrow straits the Clevoys forest  
That Gelder's, Freezeland, Vtrecht, in the end  
And beyond Island all the wealth was mine:  
Under my Laws stooped Groninghen and Cambray:  
Fifty two years I Holland did possess  
Then to my Son all titles I resigned,  
My flesh lies at Granado, my soul fares  
Like her eternal self, from humane ears.   
The Argument of the sixth Book.  
THe birth of the Emperor Charles the fifth: war betwixt the Esterlings, Danes, and Hollanders. The Duke of Geldres makes war against the Bishop of Vtrecht and the Hollanders. The state of Friesland A quarrel betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Earl of Emden for the siegmory of Groningen. Henry Duke of Brunswyke slain there. The Groningeois give themselves to the Duke of Geldres. Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands. George duke of Saxony resigns his interest of Friesland to Prince Charles: He holds the feast of the golden s●…ce at Brussels. Philip Bastard of Bougongne Bishop of Vtrecht: Ma●…ten van Rossen, Governor in Friesland, Prince Charles crowned King of Spain: the death of the Emperor Maximilian. Charles the ●…ift chosen Emperor: the Lady Marguerite Duchess of 〈◊〉 Governess of the Netherlands. Troubles in Spain the King being absent: war in Friesland: war betwixt the French and the Bourgognons: the Peasant's war in Germany: the Groningeois re●…ing the Duke of Geldres give themsselues to the Emperor: the second bloody Ed●… made by the Emperor a●…st the Protestants of the Netherlands. A tumult at Vtrecht, who call in the Geldrois against their Bishop. William van Enke●…oort 59 Bishop of Vtrecht: the Coronation of the Emperor Charles by the Pope. An Imp●…iall diet at Ausbourg, whereas the Protestant Princes present a confession of their faith: A wonderful deuo●… rin●… Inundation in the Netherlands: Mary of Austria Queen Dovager of Hongarie succeeds in the government of the Netherlands after the death of the Lady Marguerite her Aun●…: war betwixt them of Lub●…c and Holland: An Imperial diet held at Ratisbone concerning religion. A pea●… betwixt the Emperor and the Duke of Geldres: war betwixt the French and the Bourgognons. The towns of Geldres mutiny against their duke: the Emperor comes out of Spain through France, to punish the Ganthois: war betwixt the Emperor and the French King. A peace concluded.  
CHARLES' the second of that name, the 35. Earl of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friesland, eldest son to the Archduke Philip of Austria, and of Lady jane Queen of Castille, was borne at Gand in Flanders the 24 of February 1500. After the death of his Father, he 
Charles his Inheritance.  did inherit over and above the counties of Holland, Zeeland & Westfrisland, the duchies of Bourgongne, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Geldres. The counties of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Ferrete, Kyburg, Namur and Zutphen, the Landtgraveship of Elsaten, the Marquisate of Burgau, and of the holy Empire, the Principality of Suave, and the Seigneuries of Windismark, Portenau, Salins and Macklin. Afterwards he conquered the Duchy of Milan, and did incorporate the country of Friesland, Vtrecht, Oueryssel, Groningen, Cambray and Cambresis, all holding of the Empire. The Emperor Maximilian having (as we have said) taken upon him the gardianship of his Nephews and Nieces, retiring out of the Netherlands to go into Germany about the affairs of the Empire, he appointed his daughter, the Lady Marguerite 
1508.  Dovager of Savoy, Aunt to the Princes Charles and Ferdinand, Regent of the low-countries, 
The duchess of Savoy gouerne●…e of the Netherlands.  in the name of the Prince her Nephew, who meaning to come out of Flanders into Zeeland, she embarked at Nyeuwerhaven, right against Flesingue: Philip of Bourgongne, lord of Somersdike, Admiral, & Adolphe of Bourgongne lord of Beveren, with the Noblemen and deputies of the states of Zealand, went with a good number of flie-boates, shaloups, & other light boats to receive her at the said place of Nyeuwerhaven. Whilst that the said Noblemen were gone to land to entertain the said Princess, the ships of war lying before the haven shooting off their great Ordinance in sign of honour, it happened that fire fell into the powder of the Admiral, so as many were slain, drowned and wounded: but there were not any of these Noblemen in her, all being gone to land in their long boats to salute the Governess. At that time died the virtuous Lady Anne bastard of Bourgongne, Lady of Ravestein (of whom we have formerly spoken) after that she had recovered and walled in many Islands that were 
The death of A●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bourgong●….  drowned in Zeeland. To whose goods succeeded Baldwyn and Philip of Bourgongne, her brethren, except the Island of Duyveland, the which returned to them of the house of Borssele, from whence it first came.  
William of Egmont Lord of Iselstein, with the consent and commission of the Emperor Maximillan and of his council, went to take and ransom some Inhabitants about Bommel, for that they said they were of the jurisdiction of Geldres, and contrariwise the said Lord of Iselstein would have them of his Prince's jurisdiction, whereupon the Duke of Geldres took occasion to revive the wars. Saying that the Bourgognons had first of all broken the peace, whereupon the Geldrois lay in wait for the merchants of the Netherlands at their return from Francfort Mart, whom they spoilt and carried away prisoners to the town of Gelder, setting them at great ransoms, besides their losses which they had taken from them.  
In the same year 1508. Raoul Prince of Anhault, of the noble and ancient house of Ascag●…e, chief of Maximilian the Emperor's Army in the Netherlands ●…nt again to besiege the castle of Puydroyen in the month of March, from whence the duke of Geldres had forced john of Egmont to raise his siege, who having battered it and given divers assaults (in the which the marshal Seewint was slain) in the end it was yielded to his mercy, which was, that the besieged should depart every one with a white wand, retaining twelve to dispose of at his pleasure, whom he caused to be presently hanged before the port: then he caused both castle and fort to be ruied and razed, 
Puydroien tatak●… and raz●…d.  In the mean time the duke of Geldres thought to surprise the town of Harderwick which the Bourgognons held yet, but he failed, from thence the Prince of Anhalt went to besiege the town of Wesep and the Castle of Muyden both together, being but a quarter of a League one from an other. The French king sent an ambassador to the Prince's camp who did mediate the yielding up of the said two places by some good accord to the said Prince in the Emperor's name, after that the Geldrois had first been chased from the Block-house of Amsterdam, and the Lord of Aymeries with his walons defeated upon the mont of Muyden, where the Lord of Iselstein was slain.  
In the year, 1509. there died in the city of Cologne Cont Henry of Stolburch 
1509.  Governor for the Duke of Saxony in the country of Friesland; he was much lamented 
The governor of Fre●…eland dies.  of the Frisons for his mild government being a good justicer, an upright man, & fearing God, after whose death, Duke George's Mareshall came into Friesland bringing with him Euerwin earl of Benthem, with the duke's Commission to be governor of the said country. In the year 1510. there fell out great war betwixt the King of Denmark and the towns of the East countries as Lubeck, Wismare. Rostwicke and others: Theyof Lubeck did write into Holland, Zeeland and Friesland for-bidding them to sail into Denmark, but they would not forbear: for that the greatest profit of those countries consists in navigation, whereupon the Lubeckers took some of their ships at two several times: their second loss was by the default of the Danes, who did not succour them as they ought. The year following the Esterlings came with some of those ships which they had taken into Zealand and Flanders where the Hollanders arrested them and called them into the Admiralty court, where they had restitution granted them. But the Hollanders had their revenge afterwards after an other manner, as you shall hear. The duke of Gelder's not able to live at rest caused 2000 men to come out of Denmark, 
The Duke of Gelder's makes war against them of Ouery●…sel.  the which did land at Geelmuyden, with an intent to do some exploit upon the town of Campen, and other places in the country of Oueryssel, but his enterprise being descovered, the Colonel of his troops was taken by the Campenois with 40. of his men, whereof four of the chief well known in the country, lost their heads wherewith the duke being much incensed, marched with this troop and the rest of his soldiers towards Deventer, thinking to do them some affr●…nt. But the Bourgeses and some 600. scholars hindered him, from thence he went and took certain small towns as 
War betwixt the Duke of Gelder's and the Bishop of Vtrecht.  Goer Dyepenheus and Oldenseel: the which Frederic of Baden bishop of Vtrecht (of whose iurisdict●…n they are) recovered soon after, and in revenge thereof spoiled the duke's country about the Velawe under the conduct of the Lord of Iselstein General of his army, taking many forts and castles from him in the conty of Zutphen, and after they had done the worst they could one unto an other, in the end they must come to a composition. During this petty war betwixt the bishop & the duke, the Traiectins had not given any succours unto their Bishop, to recover those places which the Geldrois had taken from him in the country of Ouerissel: but had a secret enterprise upon the town of Iselstein, the Lord whereof was in their bishops service, the which not succeeding, the said Lord of Iselsteyn (meaning to be revenged) went with some troops to spoil round about their town burning some houses in their suburbs and taking certain Bourgeses, the which he put to ransom. Notwithstanding the Traiectins growing resolute against the said town, having allied themselves with the Duke of Geldres, went 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…n.  to besiege it. The Lord of it with the help of his cousin the Governor of Holland, and of many other Noblemen and Knights, caused them to rise from thence after they had camped before it almost three months: forcing them to save themselves in the town of Iselstein, so as in the end after all their fight they made an agreement. During this 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…f 〈…〉  time the Geldrois recovered the town of Bommel, which was held by the Bourguig●…on Philip van Zemeren did also yield unto the duke the castle of Hattem and Greb●…, than he took the town of Vandrichom. The remainder of this year and the next following, by reason of the truce and peace of either part, passed without any memorable thing done in the Netherlands, that merits to be written. In the year 1512. 
1512.  the war betwixt the duke of Gelder's, the Hollanders, and those of Boisleduc began again. The Earl of Serberen Colonel in the duke's service, on Candlemas day early in the morning, took the sort of Tuylle. Those of Boisleduc meaning to spoil the Island of Bommel were woore beaten by the said Earl, and by captain Michael van Pomeren, where they took many prisoners. They would have had their revenge, going to besiege bommel but they were forced to rise, & leave it. The Lord of I selstein entered into Gelder's and took the fort of Roodentoren, where he slew all he found within it, and then razed the place. The like he did to Persicke and Hoeman: ten days after the town of Tyel was taken again by the Geldrois who burned the Bourg of Bodegrave the second time: they went with 1200. men before Amsterdam, where they burned many ships; from thence they retired one half of them to Bilt by Vtrecht, and the other moiety to the Chartreux without the town. The Lord of Wassenare having gathered together some 4000 men went on Christmas even at night to skirmish with the Geldrois that were lodged in the Chartreux, whom he chased from thence and lodged there himself: Those that were chased away, having joined with their companions that were at Bilt returned on Christmas day early in the morning, to charge the said Lord of wassenare and his men in the Cloister, the which they forced, and took the Lord Wassenare and many of his men prisoners.  
In the year 1513. the Geldrois went and burnt certain houses before Schoonehoven 
1513.  the which captain john van Delfe seeking to hinder, he was well beaten, from thence they entered into the circuit of Dordrecht, Alblas' and Alblasserdam, from whence they carried a great booty and many prisoners. Duke George of Saxony (finding well that the Earl 
A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…or 〈…〉  of Emden kept the town & country of Groninghen, although in the beginning he took upon him but the title of his Lieutenant); sought all means he could to have the Earl relinquish that Seigneurie, and to deliver it into his hands, but the Earl (who found it pleasing as well as the Duke) would not hearken to it, whereof the Duke complained to the En●…erour, who deputed the Bishop of Cologne and the Duke of Cleves to reconcile them: but seeing they could not prevail, they remitted the business again to the will of his Imperial Majesty, and of his council, who sent a commandment to the Earl of Emden, that upon pain of incurring the indignation of the Empire he should leave the possession of the said town & country, & deliver it into the hands of his cousin duke George by the 17. day of january in the year 1514. The Earl received many other charges and threats from the Imperial chamber and there were divers conferences betwixt the deputies of these two Noblemen; But they could never agree so as there were great likelehood●…s of war. The which notwithstanding the Saxons feared much knowing what friends the Earl had in Freesland, among the gentlemen of the Ve●…coopers saction, of the which he was, whom they had incensed, by the death of the two gentlem●…n of their party, whom the year before they had executed at Leeuwarden. The ●…7. day of january 1514. being come & passed the Earl of East Frislande having not 
〈◊〉 D●… of 〈…〉.  obeyed the Emperor's commandment, the troops which the duke of Saxonies' Lieutenant had in Frieseland marched towards East Friesland, duke George came in person to Leuwarden, where he wintered, the dukes Erick and Henry of Brunswick brethren, came to succour the Saxon with 1200. horse and 3000. foot, the which came also into East Friesland, and took the castle of Wredeburch, thither came also 5000. Landtsknechts', which they called the black troop, which the duke sent by the seven Forests into Reiderlandt, the which joined with the troops of Brunswick. Then the duke of Saxony went to invest Groninghen with a mighty Army. The Saxons had a little before taken the fort of Deelszyel. The Earl of Emden going out of Groninghen passed the river of Eems, and chased the Saxons out of Fermsam & Otterdom, and then he recovered Deelfziel. The Saxons camp which was at Essens, hearing what the Earl had done at Deelszyel and in other places, durst not attend him, retiring to the forts of Weedenbras and Auwert. The Groningeois notwithstanding the siege, made many gallant sallies, and attempted their enemy's forts. The duke of Saxony assembled the states of Friesland demanding an aid or imposition of seven solz of the Florine in rent, 
The duke of Saxony mak●…s an unreasonable d●…mand of th●… F●…ons.  of him only that was the owner of the land, which demand the Nobility found very unreasonable, for that the winter before they had camped before Auwert at their own charge, and therefore nothing was concluded. In the mean time the duke of Brunswick was spoiling of East Friesland, (which is the country of Emden) where he took the castle of Knysohousen, belonging to a gentleman of the country: from thence he went to Merhuysen, the which he assaulted four times with great loss of his men. The Earl of Emden came & succoured it, and defeated 600. of the duke's men, yet being to weak, he was forced to retire. He being gone, the duke besieged this castle afresh, so as in the end he forced it, killing all that he found armed, being not above 80. men. Then he went to Styckhuisen, which he also won. On the other side 3000. Saxons marched to Delfziel, which the captain left upon their approach, & the fort was presently razed, they won Hoogherkerke also. During these losses, the Earl was not idle, he had his ships at sea, which took upon the Norderwat three ships belonging to the duke, laden with powder, boullets and a great some of money, which served him well. Upon the demand which the duke of Saxony had made to the Frisons, of 7. solz only upon the Florine in rent, the Nobles being again assembled in Friesland, did grant unto him in lief thereof, to serve him two months at their own charge, with 500 men, upon condition to be discharged of the twentieth penny, the which he accepted, whereupon the duke approached with his camp nearer unto Groninghen, to Selwerd, his men and the Groningeois being every day at blows, not without loss of either side, but most of the Saxons: who were often surprised in their Corpse de guard. Duke Henry of Brunswick was then before the sort of Dam, called Oordt: the Earls men were on the other side of the river of Eems, in a small fort which played upon the duke's men when they went to the assault, 
Henry duke of B●… sl●…ne at an assault.  so as at the last which they gave, the duke of Brunswick being there in person, a Gonners' boy but 15. or. 16. years old, discharged a culuerine, with the which he took away half the duke's head, whereupon Duke Erike his brother raised his Camp, and retired to Auwert. Duke Henry's son, called also Henry, took up his father's body, the which he kept until that his mother came to fetch it, and that this death was revenged. During these attempts, the Earl of Emden went to the duke of Geldres to Zutphen, to crave succours of him: from whom he carried 400. horse and 300 foot, with the which he entered into Groninghen. The 14. of july, the duchesses' of Saxony and Brunswick came unto the camp: the duchess of Brunswick would gladly have retired her son, and carried back her husband's body, but the son would not depart, until he had revenged his father's death, wherefore duke George of Saxony having well fortified Selwert, Auwert, Winsom and Weerdenbras, with the rest of his camp about Groninghen, he went the two and twenty of the said month with the dukes of Brunswick before Dam which was then held by the Earl of Emdens' garrisons, the which after they had battered, in the end they forced it with a furious 
Dam taken by assault.  and continual assault, killing all they met, except Churchmen, women and children: the which the duke of Brunswick (to satisfy his revenge) would also have had massakred, if the duke of Saxony had not stayed him.  
Notwithstanding the cruelty was exceeding great, and there was much blood spilled, even with in the churches, and upon the Altars. Wherewith the duke of brunswick's Uncle and Nephew, thinking themselves well revenged, retired into their country, and the Duke of Saxony to his camp before Groningen, the which he did besiege more straightly than before: whereof the inhabitants began to grow weary, so as in the end they resolved to receive and acknowledge him for their Prince: and to that end they sent the Pastor Will●…, and some others to treat with him in the town of Leeuwarden, upon certain Articles which they propounded, among others, to beat down and raze the Citadel which the Earl of Emden had built. The Duke accepted of these conditions, and making good cheer unto the Pastor and to his companions, he sent them back to their lodging, saying, that the next day he: would dispatch them. But the next day the Pastor going to receive his answer, he found the Duke of an other mind, and that his Counce●…l had dissuaded him from this accord, unless the Citadel might remain entire and whole: whereupon they returned without any conclusion. The Groningeois seeing that they could not long continue in that manner; had some conference with the Earl of Emden, showing him their poor estate. He (who knew it as well as themselves,) was content they should seek for succours of some other Prince, & give themselves unto him, advising them to choose the Duke of Geldres unto whom they 
The Groning●…ois 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to th●… Duke of G●…ldres.  sent; offering themselves upon the same conditions, which they had presented unto the Duke of Saxony, and to take upon him their protection and government: whereunto he yielded presently; being glad to enlarge his estate by that means: and thereupon he sent them 4000 men for a supply, under the command of his Marshal William van Ogen and Werner Spi●…ghel. Euerwin Earl of Benthem would gladly have charged these 〈◊〉 Geldrois with his black troope●… but his soldiers knowing what they were, would not fight against ●…hem. So as they passed without any danger under the wall, and unto the gates of Groningen, whereas they made a stand; until that their commander had been in the Town, a●…d taken directions what was to be done. At their arrival the Earl of Emden discharged the Groningeois of their oath of fealty which they had made unto him, when as they received him for their Lord, thanking them for the love and honour they had showed unto him until that day, promising at all times to acknowledge it, as their good neighbour and ally: and thereupon the said Marshal of Geldres was received & acknowledg●…d in the name of the Duke his Prince. The Earl of Emden retiring the next day, delivered the Citadel into the Magistrates hands, the which the Bourgesses having in their power, did presently beat down to the ground. The lord of Oven witho●…t any other exploit, retired with his men towards Geldres, promising the Groningeois to come and raise the siege before Saint Nicholas day. In his retreat the Duke of Saxony with the Frisons, and this black troup fell upon the Geldrois rear; but not without loss of either side. This done the Frisons returned home, and the Duke to his camp before Groningen. The Duke of Saxony growing bare of money, had not so many voluntary soldiers as he was accustomed, (for money only works with the Germaine●… 
The duke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plexed for 〈◊〉 of money.  and there was no means to get any Frisons, for they were too much wasted and consumed: neither would they contribute any thing, whereupon he was forced to borrow much money of Abbeys, yea of private persons, whom he knew to have money. He also made a demand to the States, who required a day to advise, and in the meantime the Geldrois returned with great forces into Friesland, and made themselves masters of the seven Forests, Gheester-land, Staveren, Sloten, 〈◊〉, Bolswea●…t, Winbridseradeel, 
The Geld●…ois enter 〈◊〉 with an army.  and Oonseradel: So as the duke's demand was made frustrate: and afterwards the Frisons paid him no impositions whatsoever, beginning to lean to the Geld●…ois party, who promised them liberty and freedoms which wo●…ds the Frisons do willingly give ear unto. Notwithstanding the Saxons did still hold D●…m, Leeuwarden, Dockom, Franicker & Harlingen, whereby they did for a long time torment the Frisons.  
Without doubt Friesland was at that time wonderfully tormented, with the Geldrois on the one side, and the black troup on the other: by the taking of towns, burning of villages and mills, ruining of castles, murders, thefts and robberies of either side. If the 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 o●… 〈◊〉.  soldiers entered into any to une, either by surprise or otherwise, they would not depart before they were paid; which all lay upon the inhabitants: and when they were paid in one place, they went unto another to do the like. The Sea was not free from thieves and robbers which hindered the trade and commerce of merchandise and navigation so as nothing could come into the country which caused a great dearth. If there were any provision of vittells in towns, they kept that for themselves, not suffering any to go forth, so as the poor of the villages died for hunger: for if they had a bit to eat the soldiers pulled it from them.  
In the year 1515. Prince Charles of Austria, having taken possession of his countries of 
1515.  Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Namur, Lembourg, Luxembourg. etc. fallen unto 
Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands.  him by the death of King Philip his father: he arrived at Midelbourg in Zeeland, & from thence went to Ziricxee, in which 2. towns he took possession of the country of Zeeland, where he was honourably entertained by the noblemen of the country, from thence he went into Holland, where he did likewise inherit the same County and west Friesland. The 16. of january in the year 1515. died Don Fernando king of Arragon, who was in the right of Isabella his wise King of Castille, Leon, Granado. etc. in whom failed the race of the Kings of Arragon descended from the Berengers Earls of Barcelona which 
The Death of the King of Arragon.  race reigned in Spain 470. years & in Sicily, 230. He had for his heir Prince Charles of Austria, son to the Lady jane of Arragon and Castill, his daughter and only heir: Duke George of Saxony seeing that it was impossible for him to maintain himself any longer in Friesland, where he had wasted so much of his own and of other men's; and that the end was worse than the beginning, having this word ordinary in his mouth, that he called the country of Friesland, in steed of Fryeslandt, Freslandt that is to say, a devouring country: for that it had devoured most of his means but he did not confess that he was never satified, and that they had no sooner granted him one Imposition or subsidy, but he exacted an other, and that the bad government of his officers, gave them still occasions to revolt: the which doth fall out ordinarily, where as strangers command. He resolved to resign over the interest which he had to some mightier Prince, who by his forces should have means to reduce them to his obedience; for he did well foresee that the duke of Gelder's in like sort would not long hold it. He therefore resolved to resign the said country unto Charles of Austria Prince of Spain: and this resignation was concluded 
Duke George of Saxony resigns Friesland, to Prince Charles.  in manner as followeth. That Prince Charles should pay presently unto the Duke of Saxony, 70000. Florins: fifty thousand in ready money, and 20000. in cloth for his soldiers: and besides that the sum of 30000. Florins at three paiements in consideration whereof the duke should pay his soldiers and retire them all out of the country of Friesland. The which duke Henry his eldest brother should also ratify, and renounce all the right which he might pretend to the said country of Friesland, for the assurance of which resignation, to be made by the said duke Henry, the countries of Misnia and Turingen should stand bound. And in this manner the rule of the Saxons ended in Friesland. This resignation made and concluded, the Burguignons (that is to say the subjects of Prince Charles) made a truce for four months with the Geldrois: the Saxons notwithstanding holding the towns & fortresses, until they were delivered into the Prince's power. For the performance whereof Floris of Iselsteyn arrived the 3. of june, 1515. 
The Lord of Iselsteyn takes possession of Friesland for prince Charles.  with the Duke of Saxons commissioners in the town of Harlingen, whereas the fort was delivered him, and he received it in his Prince's name, taking an oath of the Bourgeses. The like was done at Leeuwarden the chief town and Parliament of the country) touching the Citadel. But they made some difficulty both there and in other places concerning the oath. But the Lord of Iselsteyn keeping them in awe with this Black troop which was yet in the country, staying for pay in the end they yielded unto it: and the said Prince was proclaimed in the town of Leeuwarden, with great solemnity and acclamations of the people, and acknowledged Lord of Freesland, the Lord of Iselsteyn accepting it, and causing pieces of Gold and silver to be cast about, coined with Prince Charles his name. In whose name he made some Gentlemen Frisons Knights, promising to suffer them to enjoy all their Previledges such as they had had in the times of the dukes of Saxony. This was the forth time that the Frisons in less than twenty years did change their Lord and Prince. The Lord of Iselsteyn having paid the 70000. Florins in silver and cloth to the soldiers of the black troop thanked them, and then they were presently entertained by the French King, by one of his Colonels, who led them out of Friesland, the which by this means was happily discharged, This done the Lord of Iselstein being in the Castle of Leeuwarden he sent for Bernard B●…chodita, Hessel Martua, Doctor Kempo Martua, Goslic jongama, Tyard Bourinania, T●…llinck Botin●…, Reinick Camminga, Reinick Campstra and Gerold Herama. To 
T●…e gouern●…nt of 〈◊〉 committed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  whom in Prince Charles his name he did commit the government of justice, for the which they took an oath. He did also write unto the Earl of Emdéns, being at Dockom, that he should leave the said town, and retire with all his men out of the country of Friesland, whereunto he obeyed, fearing the power of this Prince more than the dukes of Saxony. The country of Friesland, being delivered into the hands of the Lord of Iselstein, all the Artillery, which belonged to the duke of Saxony, remained one whole year in the castles and forts, the which was delivered by Inventory, with a condition to deliver them, or to pay the value of them within the year. The Saxons did also yield up the castle of Medemblyck in West-Friseland: then all the duke's officers went out of Friesland, the which remained for a while in some rest, by reason of the truce which was betwixt Prince Charles and the duke of Geldres, which was prolonged for three years, but twice broken by the Geldrois. In the beginning of the year 1516. Prince Charles being in Holland, Ambassadors came unto him from Francis the first the French King, to wit, the duke of Vendosme and the bishop of Paris, well accompanied, to congratulate his coming to the crown of the realms of Spain: and to so many goodly estates which he did inherit by the death of his Grandfather Don Ferdinando of 
〈◊〉 〈…〉 Ch●…les.  Arragon. The Prince being at the Hage, there was speech of a marriage betwixt Prince Ferdinand of Austria, brother to Prince Charles, with the sister of Lewis King of Hungary, wherein there was great diversity of opinions. There was also concluded by the advice of the Emperor Maximilian, the marriage of Christerne the 2. King of Denmark, & Lady Isabella, sister to the Princess of Austria. For which effect the Bishop of Dronten was sent Ambassador for the King of Denmark into Holland, with a great convoy of ships, being accompanied with the chief Nobility of the Realm, to receive the said Princess in their name, according to the treaty of marriage, and to conduct her to the King her spouse. And to attend on her, there were appointed on the behalf of Prince Charles, the Lady of Chymay with a goodly train of ladies and gentlewomen: and for their convoy at sea, Philip of Bourgongne Admiral of the Netherlands, the Lords of Faleze, Cortgeene & Chasteau, and other noblemen and gentlemen, with a great number of ships o●… Holland and Zealand. This Princess with all her fleet had great tempests and a dangerous passage. Prince Charles desirous to imitate the ancient custom of his Predecessors dukes of Bourgongne in the convocation of a general chapter of the order of the golden fleece, wherewith the greatest Kings and Princes of Christendom are commonly honoured, (if they be observers of the religious ceremonies thereof) and the most worthy and valiant noblemen, as well vassals of the house of Bourgongne as others. And to hold a solemn feast of the order in the same manner that the good duke Philip of Bourgongne his great great grandfather had instituted it, continued by his other Predecessors unto his time. He began to hold this feast the 26. of October in his Palace at Brussels, continuing three days together in divers habits: Frederic of Baden 
The bishop of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉.  bishop of Vtrecht finding himself sick, and very weak of all his members so as he could no more govern his estate, nor defend his subjects from the Invasions of their enemies the Geldrois and others, after that he had governed his bishopric about 20. years. He was persuaded to resign it, (as well by the motion of the Emperor Maximilian, as of Prince Charles his council) to some one of the house of Bourgongne, pretending in time to make the temporal jurisdiction of Vtrecht to fall into the house of Austria, as it did. The which he did unto Phillippe of Bourgongne, bastard Son to the good duke Philippe of Bourgongne, and brother unto David, who had been Bishop of Vtrecht before Frederic of Baden. He was now grown so old being Admiral at the sea, as he left it to be admitted in the said Bishopric, whereof he took possession and made his entry in the year 1516. where he was honourably received as well by the Clergy as the temporalty of the said Town and Country of Vtrecht. He was much respected of them and beloved for his peaceable government, he like unto his brother David, very curious to adorn the Temles and to repair the castles.  
The truce being broken by the Geldrois, the spoils of the Bourgognons were not less in those times in the country of Geldros, than those of the Geldrois in Freezland, 
1527.  doing what mischief they could. But soon after the Geldrois found themselves 
The Duke of Gelde●…s besieged in 〈◊〉.  so oppressed in their own country, even the town of Arnhem the Metropolitaine of the Duchy. In th●…●…hich the Duke was straightly besieged, and so tormented by the Bourgognons, as they could not long have subsisted, if the French King had not been a mediator and procured them a ●…ce, the which was granted for six months, but it 
A truc●… concluded.  lasted no●… long for when as they 〈◊〉 to proclaim it in such places as the Duke held in Freezland, the Captains Geldrois, did not only reject it but committed strange outrage●… 〈◊〉 the Captain of the cas●…l of Rhee●…stick caused him that had brought this treat●… to be put into a 〈◊〉, and ●…st ●…to the water. Arkelens' chief of the men of war 
Outrages done by the Geldrois to break the truce.  in the town of S●…ke, cast the ●…essenger in prison that came unto him, and would have entreated him in this same manner, if his father had not been a dweller in Sneeke, and if the inhabitants ●…d not s●…ed fo●… him, Goldsteyn captain of the town of Dockom forced the messenger to eat and swallow down the writing of the accord of this truce, th●… which contained above six sheets of paper, the which the said Captains did, for that they would not yield to any peace no●… truce. The Geldrois having absolutely refused the truce; employed all their best means, to draw the Frisons to the obedience of the Duke of Geldres. And thereupon Arkelens' the Duke's Lieutenant caused the deputies of the towns of Freezland to be assembled the tenth of November. 1517. producing a certain letter written by his master letting them understand that it was never 
The Duke writes unto the Frisons.  his intention to abandon the country of Freezland, nor the good inhabitans thereof; neither at the instant would he lea●…e them, but rather hazard body and goods to maintain and preserve them; and that whatsoever concerning them had been given out, and affirmed by the Bourgognons was a mere lie to distract his good subjects by such false practices; and that so long as they should remain faithful unto him, they should find him well affected unto them. The Citizens, answered that so the●…e would, and desired to live his most faithful subjects even unto the last breath. The Lieutenant was exceeding glad of this answer; and that he had persuaded them thereunto: for that he did greatly doubt, that the commons would join with the Bourguignon party. The Geldrois having twice broken the truce, oppressing and molesting the subjects of Prince Charles, both by sea and land, without any respect; who durst not revenge themselves in Freezeland. Those that held the Prince's party, were forced to send for deputies to Vtrecht, to an assembly that was held there, Doctor Kempo Martua, and Thyart Bo●…ma made knights and councelors to Prince Charles, to show unto the ambassadors 
Deputies of the ●…risons of the Bourgongne party ●…ent ●…o Vtrecht.  and deputies of princes, the rebellion and obstinacy of the Geldrois perfidious br●…akers of the truce. Entreating that noble assembly, to take some course in that behalf that the Geldrois might obey, or else that order might be taken, such as they should think fittest for their better security. In the mean time Arkelens went into Geldres to the Duke his master where having stayed sometime, he was dismissed from his charge; & Martin van Rosse●… Signior of Puydroyen being substituted in his place. They came both together into Freezeland, being arrived there, Rosse●… called an assembly in the town of Sneeke, of the states which held the duke of Geldres party; to appear there the second of August, where among other points he propounded, that the imposts of wine, beer▪ & such other like things should be taken away, as they were already in those towns which h●…ld the Bourguignon party: for that the commodities which did pay a custom to the Geldrois, were transported into the towns of the Bourguignon faction, to be freed, to the great prejudice of the duke and the towns under his 
Demands of the Duke of Gelder's to the Frisons.  obedience. That the said imposts being taken away, they should find some means, to entertain their troops, and to defray other charges of the country. Upon which proposition after long consultation, it was resolved that the imposts should be taken away, and that they should agree to give him a yearly sum of money, towards the maintenance of his house and state. There were also certain articles propounded by the said states, which they required to have confirmed by the Duke; the which Arkelens carried with him, promising to make a good report, and to do his best indaevour to procure the Duke to ratify them.  
There was a certain Pirate at sea called Grand-Pierre or great Peter, with the Duke 
A notable 〈◊〉.  of Geldres commission who made as great spoils at sea as the Geldrois did at land, for there were not any ships which passed him, from North or South, Esterlins or others, but they were all good prize. But above all, he did seek to ruin the Hollanders; for as many as he took he threw them overboard with out pity or mercy. The 28 of September, after many great spoils which this Grand-Pierre had done at sea, being 25. ships strong; in the which he had 1200. men, giving it out that he went to Harderwycke to the duke, he directed his course towards Horn, having landed his men covertly for want of good guard he surprised the town by Scaladoe, having spoiled it, and his men laden with pillage, he retired presently to his ships. At his return, he 
Ho●…ne surprised by a Pitat and spoilt.  met with a ship of Enchuysen, the which he boarded himself, and cast the master and his servant over into the sea, for that they were Hollanders. After the death of Don Fernando of Arragon King of Spain, Prince Charles of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne etc. Earl of Holland, Zeeland etc. received letters from Pope Leo the 10. and the Emperor Maxmilian his grandfather. With others written unto Cardinal Pimero, and the Council of Spain; by the which they required them to receive and invest Prince Charles in the realms of Castille, Leon, Arragon etc. These letters being red in Spain, some would have opposed; and among others Don Piedro Giron eldest son 
Prince Charles sent for to receive the Crown of Castille, Ar●…agon. etc.  to the Earl of Vrenate; who by descent and genealogy pretended to show that he was the nearest (after Queen jane, who was ben●…med of her members) to the crown of the said realms; thinking this occasion to be happily fallen out for him, by the death of Don Fernando father to jane. Cardinal Pimero seeing this beginning of an alteration (which might have turned into a civil war) by the advice of the deceased King's Council, sent presently for Prince Charles: who was then in the Netherlands; to come with all speed and receive the possession of the said realms. These letters being come to the Court at Brussels it was decreed, that before his departure out of the said country he should make choice of some one to govern those countries in his absence. For the which the Emperor Maxmilian his Grandfather, was appointed as Curator, but for that he was for the most part absent out of those Countries, and at that time busied in Germany and in the wars of Italy, he appointed the Lady Marguerit his daughter widow dovager to the duke of Savoye, aunt to Prince Charles to be Regent and Governess of the Netherlands, as she had been in the year 1508. The Lord of Cheures his governor, remaining near his person. The which being thus appointed and all his equipage ready, the Prince accompanied with the knights of the order and the states of the Netherlands, with many Princes, Ba rons Knights and 
Prince Charles goes into Spain.  gentlemen, parted from Brabant and arrived in june, 1517. at Middelbourg in Zeeland, where he stayed till the twelve of August, and then with a prosperous wind he had a short and happy passage, coming to the coast of Spain about the town of Tassone in the country of Asturia. The countrymen of the quarter seeing so great an army at sea, feared they had been the French or some other pirates and enemies: so as having hidden their wives and children in the mountains, they presented themselves in arms, upon the sea-shoare. Prince Charles rejoiced to see them, & having commanded to put forth their standards, ensigns, banderolls and flags with his arms, he caused 
Prince Charles arrives in Spain.  them to cry Spain Spain, where-at casting down their arms, they fell upon their knees, receiving him with great joy: being landed in Spain, he marched by land from one town to an other, where he was honourably received by the chief nobility of the realm, having attended his coming at Valiodolit; where he made his entry with a royal and stately pomp.  
The Prince having stayed there about six months, in February, 1518. They began his coronation in Saint Paul's Church. To this solemnity came many great 
1518  Princes strangers: the Ambassadors of Kings, Princes, and Christian Potentates; 
The Coronation of the King of Spa●…ne.  the c●…iefe officers of the crown of Castille, the Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, and the greatest of all Spain were there, every man in his rank and degree. The chief Noblemen of the Netherlands had followed the Prince to show themselves at this coronation: among others those of the house of Melun, of Croy, Lalain, Egmont, Bossu, Berghen, Lygnel, Horn, Lanoy, and many other Barons and Knights, every one richly attired, in emulation of the Noblemen of Spain, both in their own apparel, and in their liveries, and the furniture of their horses: Wherein they did not only equal the Spaniards, but exceeded them.  
On the 7. of February Prince Charles was crowned with the solemnities and ceremonies accustomed at the coronation of the Kings of Castille. This done, the King and the Queen his Mother, sitting in their Throne, Don Garcia did read the oath with a loud voice (the which was great and solemn) the which the Prelates, Princes, and Governors of Provinces and Towns, were accustomed to take to his Predecessors Kings of Castille. Wherefore all those that were bound to that oath drew near and presented themselves, every one swearing upon the holy Evangelist, and then they kissed the King's hand. The first was Prince Ferdinand the King's Brother, than the Lady Elinor his sister, and after came the Prelates, as Archbishops, Bishops, and other Clergy men. This oath being taken, Don Garcia did read with a loud voice, the homage of a loyal vassal, the which the Princes and Noblemen were to do: The first of the which also was Prince Ferdinand and his Sister, who did their homage, in the hands of William of Croy, Lord of Cheures, Governor to the King: either of them putting their hands joined into the said Lords hands, who received them in the King's name. This homage done, the King caused Prince Ferdinand to sit down by him, in a seat appointed for that purpose, where sitting bareheaded, he received (in the King his Brother's name) the homages of all the Princes and Noblemen of the realm, who after they had delivered their hands into Prince Ferdinand's, kissed the King's hands: This ceremony being ended, Te deum was song, and the Trumpets and clarions sounded. Then the King retired to his Palace, being always accompanied by the Princes and Noblemen on foot, none being on horseback but Prince Ferdinand, and the Ambassadors to the Emperor, Pope, Kings of France, England, and of Portugal, and of the Seigneurie of Venice. The remainder of the days of this feast were spent in Tilt, Tourney, Dancing and other sports, and so the feast ended with all joy and content. From that time the King's affairs began to prosper more and more, all his subjects of his Realms of Spain coming to yield him obedience and fealty.  
We have before made mention of that Black troop, which (the Duke of Saxony having paid) were sent out of Friesland, and that a French Colonel had entertained them; but having neither money nor means to employ them, they continued eating and spoiling in the high diocese of Vtrecht, about Deventer; from thence they went into the country of Geldres, from whence the Duke caused them to dislodge, whereupon they thrust themselves into the country of Cleves. These gallants without care or fear of any man, continued there so long, until that the Dukes of Cleves and Geldres, the Bishop of Cologne, and the Earl of Nassau, (having gathered together three thousand horse, and some good troops of foot) went to 
The black troup defeated.  seek them. They had made some accord with the Earl of Nassau; but the Walloons having defeated 1200. at one charge, the commons seeing this, fell upon the great troup, being yet in their trenches, who were so amazed, as abandoning arms and all, every man sought how to save himself, and so these insolent soldiers which had done so much mischief, were defeated and dispersed: a great number of them were slain by the peasants, and afterwards many of them were taken and executed by the hand of justice: especially all those that were known to have been at the sack of the town of Asprens; the blood of Innocent's crying up to heaven for vengeance against those execrable murderers.  
The Emperor Maximilian being discharged of the Gardienship of Prince Charles his grandchild; he took his leave of him and of the Noblemen of the Netherlands, taking his way towards Germany, where after that he had disposed of his affairs, returning from an Imperial diet at Ausbourg, he fell sick a●… Inspruck of a ●…ux, which grew by weakness, from whence for his ease he was transported to the town of Velse, whereas his infirmity did so increase daily, as the Physicians despaired ●…f his health.  
There he made his last will and testament: by the which among other things he did expressly forbid them to imbalm his body, but they should find out a coffin of oak, in the which he would be buried, saying, that therein they should find all things necessary for a dead body, which was a course canvas sheet, wherein his body should be sowed: ordaining that they should fill his ears, eyes and mouth full of lime, and so put his body into this coffin of oak, and cause it to be interred. Above three years before his death he had always carried this coffin about with 
The Empero●…s will for the b●…rying of his body.  him, wheresoever he went, locked up in an other coffer of iron, whereof he himself had the key, the which he would every night have carefully carried into his chamber: which made many to conjecture that there was some great treasure in it. His sickness increasing, he disposed himself to die, remitting himself under the Standard of faith, with a full confidence in the merits and satisfaction made by the blood and passion of JESUS CHRIST our Lord: and recommending his soul unto GOD, he gave up the Ghost, the twelfth of February 1519. being fifty nine years old, one month and one day, having been Emperor 32. years and a leaven months. Then being laid in this coffin, according to this decree, he was carried to Nyeustadt, and 
The death of the Emperor Maximilian.  buried by his mother the Lady Elinor daughter of Portugal. He was a Prince endued with singular virtues: he spent one part of his life privately among learned 
1519.  men: with whom he discoursed familiarly of divinity; of all parts of Philosophy, but especially of Physic, of the Mathematics and of the Histories of all ages: quickening his wit daily with the reading and meditation of these things: so as by his example; his exhortations, and the recompenses which he promised, the knowledge 
His course & life.  of histories in Germany was revived, being then buried in Barbarism, and ignorant of the pinciples of true and solid learning, so as before him there was not any Prince, that either privately or publicly did enrich Germany with more excellent gifts than he did. He was a great lover of Physic. And for that he was very curious in the search of Antiquities, he caused Cuspinian, Nauclerus, Conrade Putinger and james Manlius to write general histories from the beg●…nning of the world. He did incite certain others, as Ladislas, Suntheius and Stabius to search out and write without flattery or corruption, the ancient families of Germany, the Nobility whereof he knew in old time to have been very great, wherein he spent great sums of money. The other Noble Princes of Germany moved by the example of this Emperor, began to show themselves in the like zeal and affection to the knowledge of histories and learning. And then they began to erect many universities.  
After the death of this Emperor, they found that the Assembly of the seven Princes Electors of Germany did avail much for the quiet of all Europe for matters inclining to some great alteration, the dignity of the Empire and the form of public government was maintained by the wisdom, constancy, union and fidelity of the said Princes Electors. Albert of Brandebourg Archbishop of Mentz, Prince Elector, and Chancellor of the Empire throughout all Germany, having news of 
An assembly at Fr●…cfort for 〈◊〉 choosing of a new Emperor.  this death, gave notice thereof (according to his charge) to the Prince's Electors, and called them all to Francfort upon the river of Main, to proceed unto the election of a new Emperor: whether they came all, Videlicet. Albert himself, Herman Earl of Weda, Archbishop of Cologne, Richard Archbishop of Treues. Ladislas of Sterneberg Ambassador to Lewis King of Bohemia, Lewis Count Palatin of Rhine, Frederic duke of Saxony and joachin Marquis of Brandebourg.  
The seventeen day of june in the same year 1519. they assembled all in Saint Bartlemewes' Church at Francfort, where after the accustomed ceremonies, the Princes in their habits of Electors, approached to the Altar, where in the presence of a great multitude, they did solemnly swear, faithfully to observe all the Articles of the election contained in the golden Bull of Charles the fourth, the which to that effect was publicly read before them all: from thence the Prince's Electors alone entered into the Vestry of the said Temple, where they had been accustomed for a long time to make the like elections. The Archbishop of Mentz opened the cause of their assembly, and after some preface of honour and prayers done unto God, to direct the whole assembly of the Electors: wherein he gave a testimony of his wisdom, piety, fidelity, and sincere affection to the public good and quiet: the chief point of his discourse was to exhort them to union, and to avoid all occasions of civil war in the Empire. Alleging to that purpose what had happened in the times of other Emperors, namely of Lewis the gentle, Henry the first, the Ottons, Henry the fourth, Conrard of Suabe, Lothaire of Saxony, and others: where by the discord of Electors infinite miseries have fallen upon the Empire. He added moreover, that this discord had caused trouble and schism in religion. That at this present the threatening of the Turk, who conspired against the liberty and religion of Christians, especially of Germany: and the threats of some Princes, who sought occasions to sow troubles, and to divide the Germans, should admonish the Electors to remember their oath, whereby they were chiefly bound to prevent all sedition.  
After many other speeches to the same purpose, the Electors having had some short conference together, they commended the Elector of Mentz for his zeal and affection 
A commendable thing in the Electors.  to the public state, protesting that they would therein endeavour to follow his advice, and to be of one mind and consent if it were possible. This was spoken in the name and behalf of them all, by the Marquis of Brandebourg, to whom his companions gave the charge, in respect of his eloquence: for then the Princes were so united, as without any emulation, they did willingly yield one unto another, and were careful not to blemish the graces which their companions might have, respecting therein the public good. To conclude, according to the custom of the ancient Germans, they resolved to join love and plainness together: and without doubt they were so nobly affected, as they would never show their passions, in any of their consultations which concerned the public good; nor conceive in their hearts any bad conceit against their brethren, especially in affairs of consequence: the Electors deferred their resolution 
Ambassadors from Prince Charles to the Electors.  until the next day. In the mean time the Ambassadors of Prince Charles Archduke of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, Earl of Holland, etc. and King of Castille, etc. arrived at Ments. They entreated the Electors to remember Charles in their election; adding something of his virtues: they did also put them in mind, that the Emperor Maximilian had recommended his grandchild unto them, the which he would not have done, being so good & so wise a Prince, if he had not known it to be for the good of the Empire.  
In the mean time the Ambassadors of Francis the first the French King were at Coblents on Conflans, from whence they did solicit for their Master, who 
Ambassadors from the French King.  had some Electors favourable to his party: the which as some Histories say, had given King Francis encouragement to affect it. These Ambassadors did extol their Prince's virtues all they could, pretending many reasons why he should be chosen before any other. The Prince's Electors having received letters from the Ambassadors of France and Spain, made answer in few words: That they were exceeding glad of the good affection 
The electors answer to the Ambassadors.  which both Kings carried unto the Empire: But as for the election, they did hope that GOD would give them the grace, to carry themselves faithfully, and as they were bound by oath, and by the laws and ordinances of their Predecessors When they came to consult touching the election: the Archbishop of Mentz, having conferred privately with Frederick Duke of Saxony, (who was in great credit and authority among them all) 
The Elector of Mentz his speech.  began his Oration, utterly rejecting the French King, for the advancement of King Charles, describing and setting down his good disposition, his great means, the benefit which the Empire might hope for and expect, and withal his beginning, being issued and descended out of Germany, holding him as a natural german, where they must find and choose themselves an Emperor, and not among strangers: concluding in the end in favour of Charles. After that he had ended his speech, he persuaded, the other Electors to deliver their opinions, who after they had conferred somewhat together, they entreated Richard 
The Elector of Treves speech.  Archbishop of Trever, Prince Elector, to speak, for he was much esteemed for his judgement and experience in affairs of State: who contrary to the opinion of him of Mentz, maintained, that the King of Spain was no more to be admitted, than he of France: in whose honour he spoke very highly: saying that the same reason, that he of Mentz had objected against him, were liable also against the King of Spain: and therefore he concluded that the French King for the ripeness of his age, for his valour and experience in war (Germany having great need of such a Captain against the Turk) should be preferred before the King of Spain being young and without experience. And if the law did forbid them to choose a Frenchman, that it was of the same force against a Spaniard. Or else if neither the one nor the other were to be admitted, than they should advise among all the Princes of the Empire, to choose one that had not lived any where but in Germany, that was a german by birth, in his manners, mind and language, delivering many reasons, why and how that might be done, against the allegations of him of Mentz upon that point, Saying that the means were easy to find, by the which an Emperor chosen out of their own Nation might maintain his authority and that of the Empire, both at home and a broad and so he ended his speech.  
Frederic duke of Saxony spoke next: who having showed that the French King was excluded by the law, and that Charles was a german Prince, having lived in Germany and spoke the language; he concluded that the commonweal had need 
The Elector of Saxonies' speech.  of a mighty Prince, and that he knew not any comparable to Charles. Therefore it was most convenient to choose him Emperor, but with certain laws and conditions; so as Germany might remain at liberty, and that they might annoyed those dangers which the two Archbships said were to be feared. After that the rest had approved his speech the Archbishop of Treves said, I foresee the destiny of Germany, & an alteration at hand, yet seeing it pleaseth you, I must yield unto your wills. And for that it was then late they retired themselves,  
Pope Leo the tenth was much troubled, and in a word, feared the election of one of these two Princes, for both were alike suspect unto him. To the end that he might prevent both of them, he laboured to have a third man chosen. Wherein he sought to embark the French King, putting him in despair ever to attain unto it himself. But he feared also this third, seeing no man so apparent and likely, as Frederic duke of Saxony, a favourer of Martin Luther, who was his mortal enemy: yet all these devices and practices turned to smoke: and so did all the solicit, gifts, 
Charles King of Spain chosen Emperor.  presents and promises, made by the French King: the election of Charles remaining firm and constant.  
The next day after the said election: the Prince's Electors being assembled, they began to treat of the conditions they should give and prescribe unto Charles, the which was debated some days together; and in the end all being concluded, they sent the laws and conditions in writing to Charles his Ambassadors remaining at Mentz. After they had received them, they put in writing the voices of every Elector, according to the custom with his hand and seal. The day before the said Election, they had presented the Empire to Frederic duke of Saxony, but he refuzed it, with a Noble resolution; excusing himself upon his age, having (as we have said) already given his voice unto Charles. This done the Noblemen were called, and admitted in, than the Bishop of Mentz going up into the pulpit in Saint Bartlemewes' Church, declared that Charles the fifth of that name, Archduke of Austria, duke of Bourgongue etc. Earl of Flanders, Holland, Zeeland etc. and King of Spain, was chosen King of Romans, in the place of the Emperor Maximilian deceased. Then the Ambassadors which were come within a league, were sent for. Being come, a council was held for the government of the commonweal: and the charge was given unto Prince Casimir to levy men, and to put them in garrison, for fear of some Innovation. The Electors did write unto Prince Charles and sent an embassage unto him, to certify him of all that had been done; the chief of which embassage was the Pallatin Frederic, who arrived in Spain in the end of November with Letters; entreating him to accept of the Empire, which they offered him; and that he would make haste to come into Germany. King Charles having settled his affairs 
Charles King of Spain comes into England.  in Spain, he gathered together a great fleet of ships and galleys, and taking leave of his Princes and Cities, he embarked and landed in England, where he was joyfully entertained with great state, by King Henry the eight, and by the Queen his Aunt, and by the French Queen (married to the Duke of Suffolk) the King's sister; who had been promised to him in marriage, she gave him a very kind and lovely welcome. He was very honourably entreated there for some days; then being embarked again with a prosperous wind, he passed soon over to Flessinghe, and from thence into Brabant, where he was joyfully received by all his subjects. The Prince's Electors hearing that he was arrived in Brabant, they sent other Ambassadors unto him, to have him prepare to receive the Crown of the Empire, with the accustomed ceremonies.  

MARGVERITE OF AUSTRIA, Princess widow of Castille, Dowager of Savoy, Aunt to the Emperor Charles the 5. Governess of the Netherlands.  
MARGARITA AUSTRIACA DUCISSA SABAV. GUB. BELGICAE.  
From Daughter to an Archduke, I became  
An Emperor's Daughter: to King Lewis son  
I first was promised with pomp and Fame,  
But my place in his bed another won:  
The Prince of Arragon was my first Fere,  
But being left a widow, I did wed  
For second, Duke of Savoy, he being dead,  
I from my Nephew did the government bear.  
THe Lady Marguerite of Austria, daughter to the Emperor Maximilian, and to the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, was first married to the Prince Don Fernando of Arragon, the only son of Don Fernando King of Arragon, and of Isabella Queen of Castille, which Prince died soon after, leaving no children. Afterwards the said Lady was married again to the Duke of Savoy, with whom she lived not long before he died. Returning into the Netherlands after the death of her brother Philip King of Castille, in the year 1508. she was by provision admitted by the Emperor her father, during his absence in Germany, and the wars in Italy, to the government of the Netherlands, with George Duke of Saxony. So as this year 1520. King Charles her Nephew went into Germany to receive the Crown of the Empire, leaving the said Lady his Aunt Governess in his absence.  
The Emperor elect parted from brussels with a great and honourable train, & came 
1520.  the 20. of October to Cologne, where the Prince's Electors did attend him, and from 
The Emperor's entry into Aix.  thence they came to Aix la Chapelle: At his entry into the town, the Knights of the order of the Golden-fleece marched first, every one in his rank, according to his antiquity in the said order. After followed the Prince's Electors: first the King of Bohemia's Ambassador, the Archbishop of Ments, either of them with 700. horse: The Archbishops of Cologne and Treves, either of them with 600. horse; the Cont Pallatin of Rhine, the Duke of Saxony, and the Marquis of Brandebourg, every one of them with 600. horse. There were besides other great Princes which followed to do him honour and homage for their signiories: being accompanied with many Nobles and great trains. As the Duke of juliers, George Duke of Saxony, the Marquis of Baden, the Duke's Henry and Erick of Brunswick, brethren, every one of them with 600. horse: the Bishop of Liege, the Duke of Lunebourg, father to the Duchess of Geldre, the Earl of Emden, and his son the Lord of East-Friseland, the young Prince of Cleves, who was always with the Emperor, the Earl of Saint Pol, and many others with a stately train. Then the Ambassadors of the Kings of England, Poland, Hongarie, and Denmark, of the Venetians, the Dukes of Savoy, of the Knights of Rhodes, and of the great Master of Prussia. The Lady Marguerit his Aunt was in the train with a goodly company of Princesses, Countesses, Ladies and Gentlewomen, every one with her attendance in goodly equipage. There were in all full 15000. horse, as well barded as archers, and those of the Emperor's household, Spaniards, Walloons, Germans and other nations; marching quite through this City, and going out at another port, to lodge abroad, for there was scarce room in the City to lodge the Masters. The Emperor approaching near the port, the Chanoins, and the four orders of begging Friars went to meet him, conducting him to the great Church, which they call Charlemagnes Chapel, where in two days he was anointed, sacred and crowned with the first Imperial Crown, the which was of Iron, with all the ancient ceremonies and solemnities accustomed; the which are particularly described in my great Chronicle. He remained five days in the city of Aix, after his coronation, sending back many Noblemen Netherlanders, to provide for the frontiers. Then he returned to Cologne, and from thence to Maestricke.  
About that time certain ships (which they called Busses) being fishing for Hearing, were taken at sea by the commandment of the King of Denmark, and carried to Coppenhagen. 
Ships of Holland taken by the Danes.  Adolph of Bourgongne Lord of Beveren, high Admiral to the Emperor, sent certain deputies in his majesties name unto the King. In this prize of ships there was one of La Vere in Zeeland, the which being seized on by the Danes, a storm coming, the Mariners of Zeeland became masters of them, whom they kept close under hatches, until they had brought them to la Vere; where they were kept prisoners, until that the deputies had obtained a discharge for their ships from the King of Denmark: which done, the Admiral attired the Danes that were brought to la Vere, all new, and sent them home into Denmark with good usage. After that the Emperor was parted from Spain to come into Germany to receive the Imperial crown, there fell out great troubles, for that Don Piedro Giron and others, did rise in arms, by reason of their freedoms and liberties, complaining of the severe government of the Lord of Cheures, whom the Emperor had left in Spain, as if he would give all the offices of the Kingdom to the Netherlanders, and other strangers, excluding the natural Spaniards. So being in great numbers both of horse and soot, they marched directly towards Valliodolit, where without striking stroke or any opposition, they carried away Queen jane the Emperor's Mother, and all the Council prisoners to Tordesillas, distant but eight leagues from thence. The which Cardinal Adrian (borne at Vtrecht, who had sometimes been the Emperor's Schoolmaster) seeing, having been appointed governor with the Admiral of Castille, did levy men also, to make head against them, having first summoned them by deputies, to submit them selves, and return to their accustomed obedience, with promises of the Emperor's speedy return. To whom they made a bold and a presumptuos answer: that they did their duties to marry their Queen, widow to King Philip●… & mother to the Emperor, to the duke of Calabria, son to King Frederic expelled from Naples, to make him King of Castille. But being obstinate, and not willing to yield to any reason, they were surprised in Tordesillas, and the Queen delivered out of their hands: so as some were punished with death, others banished.  
When as Martin van Rossein Lord of Puydroien had discharged for a time the Office of governor of Friesland for the duke of Geldre, finding that the private governors, captains, and other Officers, sought more their own private prosit, than the service of their Prince, or the good of the commonweal, and not able to endure it, he parted from Sneck and returned into Geldres, acquainting the duke with the causes for 
The Earl of Maeurs sent governor into Friesland.  the which he would give over his place. Whereupon their was a new governor sent into Friesland in his place, which was Christopher Earl of Maeurs, a man of great respect and authority. In the mean time the prolongation of the truce for a year began to wear away, whereupon it was continued again for two years more. During the which the Geldrois did not forbear to rob and steal both by sea and land: the which the poor souls of the Bourguignon were feign to bear, being forced to observe the Articles of the contract, so as in suffering they had nothing left them but that goodly virtue patience.  
About the time of the Emperor's coronation the Geldrois did carry themselves so insolently, as without respect of truce or any thing else, they took the town of 
Nicuport by Schoonhoven taken.  Nicuport, right against Schoonhoven in Holland, the which they did spoil and burn. The Bourgognons vanquished with impatience, pursued them, so as they took some prisoners, and among the rest some gentlemen of good houses, who were executed and laid upon wheels, as thieves and robbers. The Frisons of the Bourguignon party hearing that the Emperor should hold an Imperial diet at Worms in Germany, sent 
The Frisons send to the Imperial diet.  their deputies thither, Kempo Martua a knight of the council of Friesland, and Sybrand Roorda, to beseech his Imperial Majesty and the Princes of the Empire, that they might be once freed and delivered from the oppressions, and outrages, which the Geldrois did them. To which petition they had a favourable answer, the Emperor excussing himself for that he had no sooner provided for it: with promise to redress it speedily. Afterwards William of Rogendorf the Emperor's Lieutenant in Friesland, was called away and discharged from his government, & in his place was appointed George Schenck Baron of Tautenburch, who before had been Drossart of Vollenhof, who came the 24. day of March to Leuwarden with ample commission. The said Lord of Rogendorf was made general of the army which Philip of Bourgongne Bishop of Vtrecht, sent to pass the Zuyderzee, and entered into Cuyndert, where having stayed sometime and made war against the Geldrois, Frisons, they went on and came to Lemmer: whether the Earl of Maeurs the duke of Geldres lieutenant had afore sent some men, to stop his passage, if happily Rogendorf should offer it. Yet notwithstanding any resistance, he passed there, chased the Geldrois, spoiled and ransomed Lemmer, and all the Sea-coast towards the East. Rogendorf having thus past his troops into Friesland, he left Nicholas Wilderstroff to command in his place, and went to the Court at Brussels. All this was done to vanquish and tyre the Frison Geldrois, and to draw them to the emperors obedience. The Emperor thrust on by Pope Leo to suppress the doctrine of Martin Luther, published in the same year 1521. his first bloody Edict against them of the Protestants religion, whom then by 
1521.  a general term they called Lutherans, which continued in the Netherlands unto the 
The first Edict against them of the religion.  year 1566. since which time unto this day they have called them Gueux, as in France Huguenots, as we shall hereafter see, but the Spaniards yet call them by the name of Lutherans.  
All this time the war continued in Friesland, betwixt the Bourgognons under the command of the Baron of Tautenburche, in the name of the Emperor, having joined with the Bishop of Vtrechts' forces under Nicholas of Wilderstorffe, against the 
The miserable estate of Friesland.  Geldrois and Frison Geldrois; under the command of the Earl of Maeurs, of Colonel Martin van Rossen, and Captain Grand Pierre for the Duke of Geldres, unto the year 1526. During the which there were many towns and castles taken and recovered again on either side; divers encounters, skirmishes, and sieges raised; wherewith the whole country was miserably afflicted and ruined, for if the poor countrymen of either side would keep any thing, they must of necessity carry it into the towns, from whence they might not retire it, when they would. Some writers speak diversly of the causes and motives of the war betwixt the Emperor and the French King. But all concur that the election of Charles, revived the old quarrels and bred new. The French King had always an eye to the realm of Naples, having treated with Pope Leo for the recovery thereof. He desired also to restore the King of Navarre to his kingdom; seeing that the Emperor made no account to leave it. On the other side the Emperor was not well pleased to pay the 100000. crowns pension to the French king, according to the accord made with the Lord of Cheures his Governor, ratified by the Emperor Maximilian his grandfather, for the rights pretended by the French king upon Naples; He did also bear the loss of the Duchy of Bourgongne impatiently, seized upon by king Lewis the eleventh, after the death of Duke Charles his great Grandfather by the Mother side, slain before Nancy: There wanted no quarrel also, touching the Duchy of Milan. As they were about to seek occasions to assail one another, there was one offered, small in show at the beginning, but it was the firebrand to kindle this flame; the which afterwards did thrust the greatest part of Europe into combustion, and made these two Princes, their successors and subjects so to afflict one another, as all the miseries that might be imagined have followed: and this was the occasion.  
There was a suit betwixt the Lord of Aymerie and the Prince of Chimay of the 
The first cause of the war.  house of Croy, for a Town in the forest of Ardennes, called Hierges; and a sentence given in favour of Chimay, by the Peers of the Duchy of Bovillon; who do judge soveraignely without any appeal from their sentences: yet the Lord of Aimery (who had great credit with the Emperor Charles, and the chief in Court) prevailed so, as he obtained letters from the Chancery of Brabant, to call in the heirs of the Prince of Chimay, to appear at a certain day, and to hear the reasons of Aimery if need were, and to see the sentence given in their favour disannulled. They seeing the wrong that was offered them, repaired to Robert of Mark Duke of Bovillon, as to their Lord and Protector, that he might defend the liberties and privileges of his Duchy, being withal Tutor unto Chimays children, having married their Aunt. Whereupon the Duke did what he could possible to maintain his rights: but seeing that they meant to deprive him, he addressed himself to the French king, with whom he found means to make his peace (being before in some disgrace with him) putting into his hands, both his person and his places, craving favour and support, that he might have justice of the wrong done unto his sovereignty. Having thus provided for his affairs, he sent to defy the Emperor (the which was a great presumption for him, and he bought 
The Duke of Bovillon defies the Emperor.  it full dearly) at the diet at Worms, and soon after the Lord of Florenges his eldest son levied 3000. foot and 500 horse in France, against the king's Proclamation: and went to besiege Vireton, a small town in the country of Luxembourg. Hereupon the King of England having persuaded the French King, not to enter into quarrel for so small a subject as that of Bovillon with the Emperor, matters were passed over, and the Duke of Bovillon dismissed his Army. But in the mean time the Emperor raised one, whereof the Earl of Nassau had the command, with the 
The Emperor's 〈◊〉 invades the duke of Bou●…lons country.  which he took Lungs, Meusancourt, Fleuranges', Sanchy and Bovillon: whereupon the Duke finding himself too weak, obtained a truce of the Emperor, for six weeks only.  
The French King considering that the granting of this truce, was a secret declaration of war against him (for that if the Emperor had had no other design but against the Duke of Bovillon, there had been no need of any truce, having means to ruin him within six weeks) he began in like sort to raise an Army; soliciting 
The French king●… 〈◊〉.  the King of England to join with him. The Emperor on the other side, having this overture, began to look to himself, and both Armies went to field, attempting nothing yet one against the other: for the King of England having offered to be an arbitrator of their quarrels, a parley was appointed at Calais, whether the Commissioners of both parties came. But for that they did not yield unto the Emperor the restitution of the Duchy of Bourgongue, and the abolition of the homage of Flanders and Arthois which hold of the Crown of France, there was nothing concluded. In the mean time the Lord of Liques a Wallon, made an enterprise upon the abbey of Saint Amant in Tournesis belonging to the Cardinal of Bourbon, and upon a small Town called Mortaigne not far from thence, of the county of Holland. This Gentleman pretended these places to belong unto him, and made himself Master thereof. At the same instant the Lord of Fiennes Governor of Flanders, did besiege Tournay; of all which exploits the Emperor excused himself, saying, that they were 
Tournay besieged by the Emperor's men  private quarrels. But the King seeing that the Imperial Army (under colour that the truce with the Duke of Bovillon grew to an end) approached near Mouson, he sent some troops thither, and so the war began betwixt these two great Princes, both in champaign, Picardy, and elsewhere; all which I will forbear to write of in this work, both for that they do not properly concern this subject, as also being set down at large in the History of France. George Schenck Governor of Friesland, with the Lords of Wastenare and Castre, having taken the fort of Warckom, and Mackom; the Towns of Dockom and Bolswaert, with some other forts holding the 
Sloten's besieged by the Bou●…gnons  Geldrois party: they went to besiege the Town of Sloten, the which they did batter furiously, and the besieged defended themselves as courageously; so as in a sally which they made in the night, the Lord of Wassenare was shot in the arm, and the Governor Schenck in the bottom of his belly, yet they removed not out of the Campe. Those of the Town, seeing there was no hope of succours, were forced to yield. The Earl of Maeurs being at Steenwyke, and hearing that the Bourgognons had taken Sloten, retired from thence under colour that he went into Geldres (as he said) to the Duke, to seek for succours. From Sloten the Governor Schenck went to besiege 
Lemmer yielded.  Lemmer, those within it despairing of succours, yielded it also, and the Castle was presently razed. Doctor Hubert Chancellor for the Duke of Gelder's in Friesland, and Wyard of Bolswaert captain of a ship, who had been shut up in Sloten, having their liberties upon the yielding up of the place, thinking to go to Steenwike, which was contrary to the capitulation, they were pursued and taken; and for that they had broken the accord, Captain Wyard lost his head in the town of Leewaerden, the Chancellor for that he was a Priest, was sent to the Lady Marguerite Governess, who lodged him in perpetual prison at Rippelmonde, where he died.  
This being thus performed by the Lords of Schenck, Wassenare & Castre, they went to besiege Steenwyck, which they took without any resistance: the soldiers that were there in garrison for the Duke of Geldres; having abandoned it, as soon as the Earl 
●…wicke taken without any resistance.  of Maeurs was departed; not daring to attend the Bourgognons, whom they did see win all where they came. This town thus won, the governor with the advice of the said Noblemen, caused a fort to be built there. Afterwards the lord of Wassenare died in the town of Leewarden of the wound which he had received before Sloten, for the which the Frisons did mourn greatly. He was buried with a great funeral pomp, after the manner of a martial man, and greatly lamented of all men, carried into Holland, and buried in the Cloister of Preaching Friars at the Hage, by his ancestors. There remains little to write of this war of Friesland; for through the valour and diligence of the said Noblemen, all the country was in quiet, and reduced under the Emperor's obedience, from Gheerskersbrugge unto Staveren, having all taken the oath; and the Governor dismissed his soldiers with thanks: yet for that the Geldrois did yet hold the town and country of Groningen, which were never quiet, nor satisfied with any reason: we will relate hereafter what they did, and how Groningen was yielded unto the Emperor. This year the Geldrois entered with a small troup into Holland, even unto the ports of Leyden, spoiling all the villages thereabouts, even the Hage itself, whereas the court remains; and from thence they passed into South-Holland, into the 
1523.  jurisdiction of Dordrecht, where they did not much less, returning bravely from whence they came, without any loss or adventure. The Emperor Charles hearing the bad news of the alteration that was in Spain, against the Governors which he had left there; after that he had consulted with the Prince's Electors, and taken his leave of 
The emperor's second voyage into Spain.  them, and of the Noblemen Netherlanders, having disposed of his affairs there, he parted towards the Island of Walchrens, being accompanied with a great number of Noblemen, Knights of the Order, and others: where finding a prosperous wind, he set sail, and touched first in England; where he concluded an alliance with Henry the 8. King of England, to marry with Mary his Daughter (being then but seven years old) when she should come to age; but it succeeded not, as we shall see: from thence he set fail towards Spain, where he arrived in few days without any adventure: only one great ship of the fleet was burnt by chance, with the men, and many horses that were in it. After the Emperor's departure out of the Netherlands, he returned not in eight years, being much troubled to keep those realms in peace, until he had left them an heir Male his successor to the crown, Philip the second, father to Philip the third now reigning.  
The Emperor being parted for Spain, there fell out great troubles in Germany, the Peasants rising against the Nobility, abused with gross errors: who being assembled 
The peasant's war in Germany.  in great numbers, did spoil many abbeys, Cloisters, and religious houses: stealing all they could lay hand of, and committing a thousand outrages and insolencies, without any subject or reason, but only stirred up and seduced by certain false Preachers, who said they had a revelation from God, that they should root out that tyrannous Nobility, and enjoy their full liberty. But God would not long suffer the bravery of these villains: for the Cont Palatin the Archbishop of Mentz, & some other bishops, made a great levy of horse and foot, and charged these poor miserable abused Peasants, whom they defeated and put to rout. Their leader being taken, was publicly executed, and the poor wretches that could escape from the battle, returned every one home to his house. The same year the Geldrois entered into the Mairie or jurisdiction of Boisleduke, whom they forced by their spoiling and burning, to pay a contribution 
1524.  unto the duke of Geldres. They of Boisleduke were not in the mean time idle: 
The Geldrois begin war against the Emperor.  but soon after entered into the Island of Bomel, and by their exploits reduced it under the Emperor's obedience, wasting and spoiling that quarter, as much as the Geldrois had done their Mairie. Then the Geldrois did labour to enter into Stellingwerff, in the country of Friesland, to waste it. But the Governor Shenck, although he had but newly dismissed his troops, taking some number of Peasants, who were presently in arms, he cut off their passage, and forced them to retire without any exploit doing. After that the Geldrois had thus played the gallants in the Mairie of Boisleduke, and they on the other side for their revenge in the Island of Bomell, there was a truce made betwixt the Emperor Earl of Holland, and Charles of Egmont Duke of Gelder's: upon condition that the money promised for contribution unto the Duke, should be paid in the town of Arnhem: and that which was promised unto the Emperor by the Geldrois, should be paid unto a receiver appointed for that purpose at the Hage in Holland.  
In the year 1526. Colonel Martin van Rossein, made war for the duke of Geldres 
1526.  in Rydderlandt against the Earl of Emden, and began to fortify jemmingen: the countrymen seeking to hinder it, and running without order, contrary to their Earle●… will and pleasure, were defeated; then with 4000 men he besieged the Town of Gryet, the which at the end of three weeks the Drossart yielded up unto him without any force: for the which he was afterwards prisoner at Emden, and had not escaped without the loss of his life, but by the means of his good friends. The Duke of Geldres affairs standing upon these terms, the said Colonel did write unto them of Groningen, to send him some supplies of men and munition, the better to maintain himself. But the Gronningeois nor their neighbours would by any means yield to it: saying, That the Earl of Emden was their very good friend, and had not deserved any such usage. So as for want of succours from the Groningeois, the Geldro is were forced to make an accord with the East-Frisons; by the which the Duke of Geldres did restore the town of Gryet to the Earl of Emden.  
The Duke of Geldres did not easily forget the succours which the Groningeois had 
The duke of Gelder's seeks to be revenged of the Groningeois.  refused him; but sought some occasion to be revenged. About April, in the year 1526. he sent one of his Captains called Meynard van Ham, a lame man, towards Dam, with some soldiers, commanding the peasants thereabouts, to come and to help to fortify it. The Duke had drawn these soldiers out of the country of Holsteyn, to the end it might seem, that it was not his action; but the Duke of Holsteyns'. Whereupon the Groningeois made a Proclamation; forbidding the peasants upon pain of firing their villages and houses, not to aid nor work at this fortification in any sort whatsoever. Whereupon the third of May, Meynard van Ham caused all the 
The suburbs of Groningen burnt,  suburbs of the town of Groningen to be burnt: whereof the Inhabitants never dreamed: there was great slaughter done, and many men made poor: there were 30. ships also burnt, the fire whereof flew over the Rampart, and burnt five houses in the Town. Some days after he returned, and burnt in like sort the suburbs of the port's Ebbing and Boteringe, who having committed all the outrage they could, they retired to Dam. The Groningeois not knowing what to do to this troup of soldiers, nor well whose they were; writ unto the Duke of Geldres, that there were enemies entered into their country, the which did pitifully spoil and burn them: wherefore they desired to know if it were done with his privity and consent, as some did boldly say, the which notwithstanding (they said) they could not believe. To which letters they had no good answer: whereupon there was a day of meeting appointed in the town of Essen, whither the Duke of the Groningeois sent their Deputies to reconcile their differences: the which could not be done, for that the Duke would build a Citadel within their Town, and the Dam might be fortified: whereunto they would by no means yield. Hereupon the Consuls of the Town and of the country (which they call Ommelandes) writ unto the Lady Marguerite, Duchess Dowager of Savoy, Aunt to the Emperor, and Governess of the Netherlands; showing unto her the great wrong and violence that was done unto them by the Duke of Geldres men; offering to submit themselves to the emperors obedience, 
The Groningeois give themselves unto the Em●…or.  and to pay unto him such yearly tribute as they were accustomed to pay unto the Duke of Geldres; if it should please her greatness in the emperors name, to undertake their protection and defence against the said Duke and all other enemies: the which the said lady did accept with an honourable acknowledgement, promising to free them very speedily: the deputies having received good entertainment in all places, returned home joyfully. The Duchess would not lose this goodly occasion, but taking hold thereof, did presently levy men, the which she sent into Friesland with an express charge to Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, governor of the country, to use all care in that action: marching presently to Groningen, and there to receive an oath of the Bourgesies, and swearing likewise unto them in the Emperor's name. Schenck according to his 
Colonel Schenck re●… Groninghen for the Emperor.  charge marched towards Groningen, where he received the said town in the Emperor's name, in S. Walburges church the 7. of june, whereof he took possession, & received their homages. This done Schenke made haste to besiege Delfzeel, which the Geldrois held and had half fortified. The Duke of Holsteyn (with whom the Duke of Gelder's had made a league) sent two thousand foot to succour it, and to raise the siege. But Schenck having provided for the guard of his camp, the Inhabitants of Groningen 
The Duke of Holsteynes troops defeated.  & some peasants; went to encounter the troops in Westerwollingerlandt, whom the third day following, on Saint james day, he quite defeated, George van Manster, Drossart of Wedden was taken, and many gentlemen with him. The Drossart was carried to Leewarden, and the rest of the prisoners to Groninghen.  
The Geldrois that were in Dam seeing Delfzyel yielded, and the succours which they expected from the Duke of Holsteyn defeated; began to parley, demanding a safe retreat; the which was granted them by the Governor Schenck; upon condition that 
Dam yielded by the Geldrois.  they should depart with white wands in their hands, and deliver their Captains Meinard van Hempskirke and Bernard van Hackfort, the which they did willingly, and departed the fifth of September according to the composition, the Governor causing the fort which they had made at Dam to be presently laid even with the ground. This done, the Castle of Wedden was besieged, the which was also yielded unto Schenck, 
Wedden yielded.  upon condition to have their lives and goods saved; the besieged being out of all hope of succours, from thence he returned to Groninghen, to see his wife and Lady jane of Egmont, who attended him there: having sent his troops in the mean time to besiege the Town and Castle of Coevoerden and Kinckhost whether he himself went 
Coevoerden yielded.  after some days, having lain about two months before Coevoerden, the Drossart Selbach yielded it, upon condition to depart with their Arms and baggage, where having placed a good garrison; the said Governor Schenck hearing that there were some Geldrois in troop near unto Deventer, he caused his men to march that way, took the town of Diepenhem the twenty nine of November, and the next day the Castle of Kinckhost near unto Meppel, the which was also yielded unto him, whereas Captain Magreheyn was taken prisoner. The Duke of Gelder's seeing that all things succeeded all for him in Freezeland, and that the town and country of Groninghen, 
A peace betwixt the house of Bourgongue and the Duke of Gelder's.  the Drent and Dwent were in the Emperor's hands, he began to grow weary of his toil and charge, knowing well that the more he made war, the more he lost. He resolved therefore (and wisely for himself) to make an hereditary accord with the house of Bourgongne, the which was done, and proclaimed in Groninghen, before the Statehouse the 17. of December in the year 1326. to the great content of the whole country, being tired in the forepast wars: so as by that means there was throughout all the country of Freezeland and Groninghen a most desired peace, the which had not continued so long for 200 years before, which was from that time unto the year 1568. that the Duke of Alva entered into those countries. In the same year was published by the Emperor, the second bloody Edict against the Protestants of the reformed 
The second bloody Edict against the Protestants,  religion, which they called Lutherans, by virtue whereof many were burnt or otherwise executed in the Netherlands.  
In the year 1527. there fell out a great tumult in the Town of Vtrecht, the inhabitants & men of trade having taken arms: would needs know the reason why they 
A great Tumult in Vtrecht  had banished some, & wherefore they had forbidden handicrafts men to use their trades, within the circuit of any abbey, (whereof there are many in that town) whereby the poor commons lost their profit, who having no means to set up any shop, who had been wont to labour and get their livings there, moreover the Magistrates and Council had promised to furnish their Bishop with a great some of money, to be paid at two payments, whereupon they did over charge the commons with impositions who required that all the inhabitants of the town in general, as well Gentlemen, Clergy men, as others, should contribute every man according to his portion: requiring also that the Clergy might pay their parts of the assizes and customs as well as they, the which remained long in suspense, until that the Bishop took the matter in hand, granting great privileges unto the Bourgesses, confirming them by his authentical letters under his seal. But the College would not contribute anything, which made the Bourgesses to mutiny again and to rise against the Clergy, being encouraged and pricked forward by some turbulent spirits, that were ill affected to the public quiet; the which moved the Bishop to revoake, and disannul the privileges which he had given them, and then to retire to his Castle of Wyck, whereas he made his ordinary abode. Afterwards offering to return into the town; some seditious men denied him the entry; others sent to the Duke of Geldres to come and succour them, and to be their Protector, offering to open the gates unto him. The Duke (who was a stirring Prince, and desirous of innovations) came with all speed 
They of Vtrecht call the duke of Ge●…dres to be their protector.  with a good number of horse and foot: where having taken some order for his safety and for theirs that had called him; he left the Earl of Maeurs there for his Lieutenant, with a good number of men: and then all the Bishop's Clergy, and those that held his party, were chased out of the Town, and most of their goods spoiled. Those that remained neuter, and meddled with neither party, lived quietly in their houses. The Bishop seeing this, built a Fort at Vaert upon the bank of the river of Leck, right against the town of Vianen, the which he did man with a good garrison, as also the Castle of Abcoude; cutting off all approaches to the Town, and all their victuals, keeping them so straightly in, as the people fell into great misery and poverty: for within they were exceedingly oppressed by the Duke of Geldres soldiers; and without their victuals were cut off from them. The which having made known unto the duke, he came with certain horse and foot, and victualled the town a little, but the common people tasted lest thereof.  
The Geldrois being thus in Vtrecht would not live idly, but went in the night and 
Harderwyck taken by the Geldrois.  surprised the Town of Harderwyck held by the Hollanders, the which the Duke thinking to keep (for it was belonging unto the Duchy of Geldres) he manned with a good garrison, from whence they made ordinary roads into Holland, both by sea & land, being a sea town upon the Zuyderzee. Once among the rest these Geldrois of Vtrecht, with some Bourgesses & inhabitants of the town (having gathered together a great number of Barks and Boats) entered with them into Holland, running as far as the Hage, whereas the Court and provincial council remained: one half of the soldiers kept the barks, whilst that the other went to their exploit. Coming to the Hage with Burguignon crosses, the inhabitants at the first doubted no harm, thinking they had been the Emperor's men which came to guard the place, but being in the midst of the Bourg, and upon the market place, striking up their drums they began to cry 
The Hage spoiled by the Geldrois.  Geldre, Geldre, where with the inhabitants were so amazed, as (fearing no enemy) every man fought to save himself: the soldiers spoiling them all, carried their booty unto their boats, and besides they did ransom it from fire, with the payment of many thousands of Florins, and so they returned to Vtrecht without any let or encounter.  
The Duke of Geldres did also take Rhenen, belonging to the bishop of Vtrecht: and there caused a Castle to be built: he did in like sort seize upon the castle of Horst, into the which he put good garrisons, thinking to make them his own hereditarily. He did also much harm to the countries of Oueryssel, with the forts which he caused to be built by the towns of Campen, Deventer, and Swolle, whom the soldiers did afflict daily with their spoils and burning; So as in the end these towns with the consent of their Bishop, demanded succours from the Emperor, who accepted them, upon condition, that the Bishop should yield and transport unto him all the temporal jurisdiction of his country and diocese of Vtrecht, giving him some yearly pension during his life: whereupon George Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, came into the quarter of overissel, and besieged the town of Hasselt, whereas the Earl of Emden was also in the emperors service, who did so batter this town with this Canon, as there was scarce a house left whole. The besieged having long held out, and done their parts in the defence thereof, seeing that the Duke sent them no succours, they yielded it up, to have their lives and goods saved. The Duke had promised to free them from this siege, and went and showed himself before Hasselt; but hearing that it was yielded, he retired himself: from thence the Earl of Buren and the Baron Schenck went and camped before the town & castle of Hattem, in the country of Gelder's, 
Hattem in Gelder's yielded.  the which they had by composition, suffering them to depart with bag and baggage. Then the town of Harderwyck was also yielded upon the same conditions, only the horsemen left their horses. They took also the town of Rhenen again, which the Geldrois had abandoned, flying away, and therefore they did no harm unto the town.  
This done, they seized upon many places, castles and forts, to the number of one 
Many towns and castles yielded to the Emperor.  and twenty. Among others of the fort of Koeborch, whereas all were put to the sword, the castle of Hulckensteyn, the Block-house which was upon the black water near unto Hasselt, and the castle of Amerongen betwixt Vtrecht and Rhenen, the castle of Ham near to Vtrecht, the castle of Droern, with divers other castles. The towns of Hasselt, Rhenen, Hattem, Eleburch and Harderwyke, the duke of Geldres hunting house, Levendale and Altena and others were burnt: the castle of Deyn near to Amersfort and Puy droyen were burnt and ruined, of the which Martin van Rossen was Lord. This done the Emperor's army stayed a while in the Veluwe, and from thence went to besiege the town of Tyel; whether the duke of Geldres had sent 700. men, who withstood many assaults, and defended themselves very valiantly, so as they were forced to raise their camp, and to leave the place, for that there fell so much rain, as the Canons did sink above their carriages. At that time two companies belonging to the Bishop of Vtrecht, entered into the country of Geldre, into the Veluwe, to go to the Picoree. The Geldrois having laid an ambush for them, went to skirmish with them, then making a show to fly, the Traiectins followed them into the Ambuscadoe, where as the Geldrois discovering them they charged them of all sides, and defeated them, taking all prisoners and disarming them. Then the captain of the Geldrois said unto his soldiers. Companions remember Koeborch, where our men were all murdered or hanged, which they hearing, fell upon these poor prisoners and killed them all in cold blood.  
In the same year 1528. in September, some Colonels brought two thousand Spanish 
1528.  soldiers out of Spain, who through contrary winds and great tempests were 
2000 soldiar●… come out of Spain.  almost six months at sea: having refreshed themselves a while, they were sent for a supply to the Emperor's men which made war in Geldres. At the same time the duke of Geldres gathered together certain men at Ruremonde, Venloo, and the Villages there abouts; making five companies, of the which Henry van Wyssche was Colonel, sending them into the Mairie of Boisleduke to waste it. T●…yerry Baron of Batenbourg was then in Boisleduke, Lieutenant to the Earl of Buren, who hearing that the Geldrois were so near him, gathered together some foot men out of the near garrisons, and having armed all the countrymen, went to charge the Geldrois, whom he defeated, being all in a manner slain or taken prisoners: so as there returned few to their houses, for they were pursued even to the banks of the river of Meuze, where many were drowned. Those of Boisleduke took many harguebuzes a crock, many ladders and hardels to pass over the ditch, levers of iron, which they call goates-feetes, and cords to bind the poor, peasants, and to carry them away prisoners. They had also great store of victuals and munition, meaning to make some stay there for the doing of some exploit: but the chance turned. These news being come to Ruremonde, there was great lamenting, poor women for their husbands, and children for their fathers.  
At the same time that the emperors army did rise from before Tyel, the Baron Schenck having surprised the town of Zutphen: some Geldrois that were there in arms to repulse him, were slain. The soldiers that were within Tyel, during the siege, had been before in the castle of Hattem when it was yielded by composition, and had sworn not to carry arms for one month against the Emperor: these soldiers came to Megen and made a fort within the town: whilst that the garrison was 
Megen taken and abandoned again by the Geld●…ois.  gone forth to convoy certain wagons laden with wine, which the Geldrois had appointed to go to Os and Nieulant: those of Boisleduke sent the Earl of Burens troop, with a hundred horse, to cut them off, and withal to dislodge them from Megen; but without any stay, they abandoned the place, flying away with their booty, & the prisoners they had taken there abouts. The same year in May was burnt the goodly village of Scherpenisse in the Island of Tolen in the territory of Saint Martin's dyke in Zeeland.  
In the same year those of Franc and Bruges set out some ships of war against the French, among the which there were some of Zeeland. Being at sea there was a ship of Scluse in Flanders, which had her main mast carried overboard with a cannon shot, before Deep. The Diepois seeing this, went out of their haven, and pursued this ship thinking to take it: but the Admiral of the Flemings behaved himself so valiantly, as he preserved his own ship, and sunk the chief of the French ships, which they said was the Admiral of Deep, where there perished many gentlemen and Bourgeses of Deep: the other Frenchmen seeing this, left the Flemings in peace who returned victors to Scluse. Whilst that the Emperor's men were thus busied in the country of Geldres, some burgesses of Vtrecht assembled secretly together, to provide for the good of the poor commons, who they did see so oppressed by the Geldrois soldiers that were there in garrison, as it was not possible to endure them any longer. These good burgesses embracing the opportunity of the Earl of Maeurs absence, who was Lieutenant to the duke of Geldres and Colonel of those soldiers, who was gone to fetch money: they consulted by what means they might draw in the Bishop's men, who was the natural Lord of that town. Some of them went to Amersfort to confer with the Bishop, who was much amazed and exceeding glad: and for that he would lose no occasion he gave them William Turc with his company, and part of the garrison of Vaert: being in all four enseignes the which all together made a stand upon the Black water, until they had news of the Intelligences which they had within 
The Geldrois of Vtrecht defeated.  the town of Vtrecht: most of the garrison being then run for the pillage into the quarter of Goyland, where they took great spoils. At their return, the Bishop's men having cut off their passage, encountered them and defeated them, and took their booty from them, with many prisoners. In this manner the bishops men staying until the next day, kept all from passing, to give them advertisement in the town.  
The next morning at the opening of the port a woman went forth with a basket on her arm, who gave notice unto the bishops men, that the soldiers of the town had most of them left the guard, and were gone to sleep, and therefore when as Saint james his clock did strike, they might approach boldly, and that they should find all things prepared to give them entry unto the town. So the second of julie in the year 1528. the Bishops men came to the port, which they found wide open, so as many entered. The watch which stood in sentinel upon the port, perceiving this, 
Vtrecht surprised by the Bishop's men.  let down the Portcullies: but presently five or six men of Vaert with Axes and Hatchets, cut in sunder the beams; so as the soldiers entered with the Horsemen, and marched into the town without any Encounter or let, until they came to the Friars: where some Geldrois soldiers being gathered together, thought to repulse them: but it was in vain, for the bishops men were to strong for them, who slew four and twenty of those Geldrois, and took three hundred and fifty prisoners. The Earl of Maeurs (who was returned the day before) was taken prisoner, with some others, who by the treaty of peace, were afterwards set free. The soldiers which had the guard of the gates fled, and so did some burgesses partisans to the Geldrois. The banished men of the town, which had always held the Bishop's party, returned with him: before the conclusion of the peace, there were twelve chief men of the 
Executions at Vtrecht.  town executed by justice, and two Chanoins put into a sack & cast into the river. The Bishop had put more to death, if the Earl of Hochstraten, who came that day from Vianen, had not prevented the mischief. The soldiers spoiled all the houses of the Geldrois partisans, breaking open doors and windows, and taking up the flowers and planchers of houses, to see if there were no money hidden, where they found much, doing moreover great outrages unto the burgesses. Notwithstanding the town of Vtrecht was thus happily delivered from the oppressions and extortions of the Geldrois soldiers. For if they had continued there longer; it was to be feared that the town had been besieged, and that it had been forced to endure more to the ruin of their goodly houses and the loss of their goods.  
The town of Vtrecht being by this means come into the Emperor's hands (according to the accord made the Bishop for the temporal jurisdiction of the said Country) there was a Nobleman sent from the Court at brussels to do justice upon the rebels and to pacify all partialities and mutinies: and the better to keep them in obedience and awe, they bulit a Citadel by Saint Katherine's port, which was called Veredenbourg, that is to say the Castle of peace, the which from that time continued unto the year. 1577. that many Citadels and castles in divers parts of the Netherlands were ruined, as we shall hereafter show. The Emperor's army being returned from Ties: there was a meeting appointed in the Town of Gorrichom, betwixt the Duke of Gelder's and the Bishop of Vtrecht, whether came commissioners on the Emperor's behalf and for the Duke of Gelder's: for the Emperor came the Earls of Buren and Hochstraten, the Bishop of Palermo Chancellor, and the Audiencier or Secretary: for the Duke of Gelder's came Henry Kiespennick, Rolland Kerckelandt and Veressen, who 
A peace betwixt the duke of Gelder's the Bishop and the Emperor.  after much debate, in the end concluded a good peace, betwixt the Duke of Gelder's on the one part, and the Bishop of Vtrecht on the other, and the Emperor being joined to the said Bishop: and also for his own particular, touching the temporal jurisdiction of Vtrecht, which accord contained many articles, the which we omit to avoid tediousness. By the which the Earl of Maeurs and Doctor Wynant were delivered without ransom, being taken prisoners at Vtrecht and a time limited for the banished men of Vtrecht and Swoll to return home to their houses, for the confirmation of which accord and peace, there went to Brussels the Earls of Buren and Hochstraten, and the Baron Schencke for the Emperor and the Bishop of Vtrecht: and for the Duke of Gelder's, john van rossem Lord of Brouchuysen, Doctor Erckelens and others, who finding not the Lady Marguerite Dovager of Savoy, the Emperor's sister and governess of the Netherlands at Brussels, they went unto her to Macklyn: whereas the said Lady's Council in the Emperor's name, and the Duke's Council in their masters name did swear the said peace in Saint Peter Church. The Queen used the Duke's Commissioners very honourably, giving to every one of them a fair Cup full of golden Carolus, who returning by Antwerp, went to make report unto their Prince, whereof he was exceeding joyful. A while after the Duke sent Martin van Rossem Lord of Puydroyen to the French King, to advertise him of the peace he had made with the Emperor, wherewith the King was well pleased.  
In the year 1529. Henry of Bavaria Bishop of Vtrecht, discontented with the 
1529  wars, and seeing himself thus deprived of the temporal jurisdiction of the said Bishopric, which the Emperor had gotten into his possession, resigned his Bishopric in july, into the hands of Pope Clement the 7. going to govern the Bishopric of Worms, after they had been at Vtrecht five years, to which Bishopric there was advanced an ancient man called William van Enguevoort, borne in Brabant, Cardinal and Bishop of Tortona in Spain, who being at Rome, took possession of the said Bishopric of Vtrecht, by his Atorney: leaving john Vtenengen his vicegerent to govern 
The Emperor comes unto Italy.  it, whether he never went, but died four years after in Rome in the year 1533. A Peace being concluded betwixt the Emperor and the French King in the year 1529. the Emperor arrived with a great fleet at Genoa where he had news of the Peace concluded at Cambray, the which did amaze all the Princes of Italy, fearing they should be now abandoned by the French: whose entry into Bologne, I have thought good to describe, for the stateliness thereof, although it doth not concern our subject.  
The Emperor Charles the fifth went towards Bologna la grassa, whereas Pope 
His stately entry into Bolognala grasta  Clement was then resident; being near the City, five and twenty Cardinals went to meet his Majesty, coming near him, they all lighted to do their duties unto him; then they took their moils again, conducting him into the City, having of either side of him the Cardinals of Ancona and Farneze, entering into the City, there marched first 300. light horse in a livery; after came ten great Canons with their pioneers, carrying every one a Laurel branch, than the Captains well mounted, Don Anthonio de Leva followed with some field pieces, being carried in a Carosse trimmed with tawny velvet, having with him fourteen enseignes of german foot: after the which marched two Noblemen in complete arms and their horses barded, before whom were carried two Standards of cloth of gold with an Eagle in the midst, and betwixt those two was an other Standard of watchet satin with a red cross, which the Pope had sent unto the Emperor. The Earl of Rieux Lord Steward of his house was next, accompanied with three hundred men at arms, all in cassakes of one livery, yellow, red and blue: then the Grandoes and Noblemen of Spain with four hundred horses barded. After them five and twenty pages of honour belonging to the Emperor, all in cloth of gold, mounted upon Genets of Spain, richly furnished, than six hundred halberdiers all appareled in yellow, in the midst of whom marched the Emperor under a canopy of cloth of gold, being mounted upon a Hungarien horse with a rich caparison, having the bit and his stirrups of massy gold, being armed under his coat of arms with cloth of gold, his Marshal went before him carrying a naked sword in his hand: about his horse went five and twenty Bollonian gentlemen on foot, all in white satin doublets cut upon cloth of gold, and breeches of crimson velvet. The Earl of Nassau came after also with four score men at arms, and a great train of Nobility: then others attired in divers liveries to the number of two thousand horse, and behind, six companies of Spanish shot, all in yellow.  
The Emperor being entered into that city, they brought him a cross of gold, the which he kissed. The Pope was carried out of his Palace unto Saint Petronelles Church, where he did sit down in his pontifical seat, with his Cardinals about him. The Emperor approaching near the stairs, lighted from his horse, withal his Noblemen, who marched under his canopy, until he see where the Pope was sitting, 
The Emperor Charles kisseth the Pope's feet.  who made three courtesies unto the Emperor, and he kneeling down kissed the Pope's feet, and then rising he kissed his hand and his face: then all the Noblemen followed and kissed the Pope's feet: which done, he rose out of his chair, and kissed the Emperor three times of the cheek: saying. I cry you mercy, and yield myself unto you, it was not my desire that you should kiss my feet, but to observe the accustomed ceremonies at the coronation of Emperors.  
The two and twenty of February in the year 1530. the Emperor having stayed almost three months in Bolognia, all things being prepared and made ready, after many ceremonies, he was anointed and crowned King of Lombardy, the Pope setting a 
1530.  crown upon his head, which they call the crown of steel. The two and twenty day 
The Emperor's coronation by the Pope.  of the same month, the Pope being in the Church, the Emperor was conducted thither, with great pomp and state. First marched the pages and gentlemen of his household and of his chamber: Earls, Marquises, Dukes and Princes, every one in his degree; then the Officers of his house. The Kings at arms and Heralds of the Emperor of France, England and Savoy. Then the Stewards of his house with their staves. The Marquis of Montferrat followed, sumptously appareled, carrying the sceptre. The duke of Urbin carried the sword in a sheath of pure gold, inritched with precious stones. The Count Palatin carried the Globe, and the Duke of Savoy carried the Imperial crown.  
The Emperor marched after, carrying upon his head the crown of Lombardie, being followed by all the Ambassadors of Kings and Princes: After whom came the Councillors and Secretaries of State. Before that the Emperor entered into the Church, he was received and led into a Chapel by the Dean and Chanoins of Saint Peter Church at Rome, being come expressly thither: where the Emperor took the accustomed oath in the hands of a Cardinal. Then after many other ceremonies, and change of Ornements, after that he had been anointed, he was led before the Pope sitting in his pontifical seat, doing a great obeisance unto him, whereupon the Pope came down in his cope, and went towards the Altar to celebrate the mass. Then was the Emperor set in a stately throne: and all the marks which these Princes carried, were set upon the Altar, until the Epistle of the mass was sung.  
Then the Emperor was brought before the Pope, where he kneeled down. The Pope drawing forth the Imperial sword, said unto him, Accipe gladrum etc. The deacon which did help to say mass, having taken it out of the Emperor's hands, put it into the scabbard and delivered it unto the Pope, who hung it at the Emperor's side: who rising up, drew it forth three times and set the point unto the ground and then put it up again. Then the Pope delivered into the emperors hands the sceptre and the globe, using at either time many words and ceremonies. In the end he set the Imperial crown upon his head, giving him the true titles of an Emperor. The Emperor having been thus adorned withal the Imperial marks, he delivered unto these Princes the crown, the sceptre and the globe, with the Imperial robe, and in his cassock and bare headed, he went to offer at the Pope's feet, as many pieces of gold and silver, as he was years old. All being ended, he was attired with his Imperial Ornaments, and carried back to his throne. And then the Pope and the Emperor returned both on horse back under one canopy to the Palace.  
The Emperor Charles being thus crowned, having settled the affairs of Italy, parted 
An Imperial diet at Ausbourg.  two and twenty days after his coronation, to go to an Imperial diet appointed at Ausbourg, the first of May, whether came the Prince Electors and many other Princes of the Empire, Earles, Barons, Bishops and Prelates. Where the Emperor arrived with the King of Hungary his brother, and the Cardinal Campege on the Pope's behalf the thirteenth of june. And as it seemed that this diet was principally held for matters of religion, after that Cardinal Campege had made his oration, and the Ambassadors of Austria laid open their grievances; the Prince Elector of Saxony, George of Brandenbourg, the duke of Lunebourg and the Landgrave of Hessen, as well in their own names, as of other Earls, Noblemen and Imperial towns, besought the Emperor to hear the confession of their doctrine, but he on the other side, commanded them to deliver it up in writing: and they still priest to have audience, 
The protestant Princes desire to have their confession heard.  the which being denied them, they still insisted, for that it touched their honours, lives and goods, yea the health of their souls wherein it may be they had otherwise informed him then was true. Whereupon the Emperor commanded them to come the next day to his lodging: but he would needs have the writing delivered, the which was done the next day both in Latin and Dutch, offering to expound it, if there were any thing either to obscurely, or too briefly set down, and if the matter could not be decided, they refuzed not a council. The Empeperour gave the Duke of Saxonies' confession to the other Noble Princes, to judge thereof, who delivered them into the hands of their Doctors, whereof Faber and Eckius were the chief, who writ against, and confuted the said confession.  
Upon this confession of their faith, there were divers disputations, betwixt the doctors of the Protestant Princes, and many towns which did adhere unto them, 
Conferences betwixt the Protestants and Papists.  and the Popish divines. The Emperor in many things would interpose his authority and absolute power, whereunto the Protestant Princes did oppose. Many conferences were held betwixt the doctors of both relligions, the which did not pass without some bitterness, in the which the Princes themselves were actors: so as the Protestants could not obtain any thing. Therefore their Ambassadors (seeing that they could not prevail in any thing, but what pleased their Adversaries,) did write unto the States of the Empire, wherein they did briefly lay open what had been done, entreating them that in the end of the decree, they should not add the names of their Princes with the rest, (for they had made a kind of decree as if all had consented thereunto) And for that they had gotten nothing, by their soliciting for peace, they declared that they could not possibly contribute any thing to the wars against the Turk: Moreover for that it is said by the decree, that those only should have place in the Parliament and Chamber of the Empire, which had allowed and ●…signed it, they entreated that this Article might be reform or else they would not ●…ntribute any thing to the charges of the said Chamber. Having made this protestation, every one retired to his own home.  
In the said year 1530. the first of November, there was so great a Tempest at sea, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de●… 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉.  with a Northwest wind, and the tide was so high at Noonday, as the water ouer-●…lowed the banks in many places, although it were not the time of full sea by two hours, with which tempest and springtide, there were overflown and drowned in Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, Brabant and Flanders (as some have observed and left in writing) four hundred and four Parishes, yet Holland and Zeeland, were most damnefied. In the Island of Zuy-bevelandt, the quarter on the eastside was all drowned, within eighteen villages. The Town of Romerswaell, the castle of Lodycke and the Scluse of Cre●…ke was all carried away. The quarter of the Westside, which is divided with a dike that runs cross the Island, where the town is scytuated, with many goodly villages, was likewise drowned, and a piece of the town gate was carried away with the violence of the water. The Island of Noorbevelandt did suffer very much, first near unto Loo, right against Wissen-kerke: the day following the said tempest, the Scluse of Bomulyet, betwixt Emelisse and the town Cortgeen, was also carried away, so as in less than three days, all the country was under the water. The town of Cortgeen, Cats, Emelisse and other villages were won from the sea, and they were in hope to recover them the summer following, but they could not, until the year 1597. that Count Philippe of Hohenlo, husband to the Lady Marguerite of Nassau, recovered them and walled them, in the name of his wife. The Island of ●…houwe was also peerst through in divers places. The wall was broken in three or four places about Bordendam, Burch and Hamstede, so as the whole country was covered with waters for eighteen days together, but the Inhabitants of Ziricxe caused the breaches to be repaired with great labour and cost. The Island of Duyvelandt was also overflown in divers places, so as the whole country, and causies thereof (which in their vulgar tongue they call Poldres) were all overflown, except the quarter of ●…heeren-Islandt. In the Island of Annelandt there was the like wrack by inundation: the which notwithstanding was soon recovered. The I'll of Tolen did also feel of it, whereas the banks were wonderfully broken, but soon repaired again. In the country of Borsseles which was defended on the side of Zuydbevelandt had six parishes drowned, the which remained all winter subject to the ebbing and flowing of the sea. The Island of Philippelandt was in the like case. In the country of the new and old tongue, there were certain Poldres or Causeis overflown, but they were soon recovered again.  
By reason of these tempests and unreasonable tides, there was so great a desolation throughout all the country of Zeeland, and else where, as it can hardly be described: for there was an incredible number of all sorts of cattle, as Horses, Oxen, kine, Sheep, Swine and other beasts swallowed up in the sea: many fair country houses, and farms with their barns full of corn, were overthrown and carried away with the violence of the water. But that which was most lamentable, many men women and children were drowned, and could by no means be relieved. Many rich men keeping good houses, and possessing great lands, were utterly ruined by these inundations; and who before were accustomed to be served, were now forced to go and serve, and to labour for others; some were feign to beg their bread: a pitiful thing to behold. Those that could save themselves from the fury of the waters, being come into the neighbour quarters of Zeeland died languishing with grief, and others with want and misery. Many villages in the Island of Zuydbevelandt remain unto this day in the bottom of the sea: and of all the East quarter there remains nothing but the town of Romerswael, the which through the malice of these last civil wars, is now very desolate, whereas it was wont to be a good and a rich town. The six villages which were drowned in the country of Borssele, (which was wont to be one of the most ancient, the most famous and the greatest Islands of Zeeland, joining to that of Zuydbevelandt) were Monster, Saint Catherine, Ostkerke, Westkerke, Walfardorp and Deuy●…, whereas the Lords of Borssele did usually make their residence. These villages, were the Summer following recovered: but two years after 1532. they were again drowned, and so remained unto the year 1597. that Nortbeveland was recovered, of this memorable and lamentable Inundation, happened in the year 1530. these two Latin verses were made, showing the date of the year and the day. 
Anno terdeno post sesquimille Novembris,  
Quinta, stat salsis Zeelandia tota sub undis.   
The 27. of November the same year the Lady Marguerite of Austria, Dovager of 
The death of Lady Marguerite of Austria.  Savoy, Aunt to the Emperor, Governess of the netherlands, died at Macklyn: she desired to be intretred at Bruges, by the Lady Marie Duchess of Bourgongne, Countess of Holland, Zeeland etc. her mother. In December the same year 1530. the Emperor parted out of Germany with King Ferdinand his brother, and the Princes both Electors and others, and many great Noblemen both Clergy and Temporal, and arrived at Cologne the fifth of january 1531. where the sixth of that month Ferdinand 
1531.  his brother was chosen King of the romans, by all the Prince's Electors, except him 
Ferdinand the ●…mperors brothe●… made King of romans.  of Saxony. After the election, the Emperor and his brother, accompanied with all these Princes and Noblemen, entered into Aix la Chapelle, the tenth of the said month, where he was the next day crowned with all the solemnities required for a King of Romans. This done Ferdinand returned with the Princes into Germany, and the Emperor came to Brussels the 24. of the month, where soon after he went to see the Lady Mary, Queen Dovager of Hungary, his sister, whom he made Governess in his name of all the Netherlands, by the death of the Lady Marguerite their Aunt.   

MARY OF AUSTRIA, QUEEN DOWager of Hongary, sister to the Emperor Charles the 5. Governess of the Netherlands.  
MARIA REGINA HUNG. GUB BELGII. SOROR IMPERAT. CAROLI QVINTI.  
To Lewis Kin●… of Hungary I was wife,  
King to my Father, Emperor to my Brother:  
Amongst the Turks my husband lost his life,  
And ever since I lived without another.  
Not unto second marriage ha●… 〈◊〉 ●…art,  
But kept my state o●… widowhood to the end,  
My Broth●…r unto m●…●…re his depart,  
The rule of the Low-Countries did commend.  
Mary of Austria, second daughter to the Archduke Philip and the Lady jane King and Queen of Castille, sister to the Emperors Charles the 5. and Ferdinand the 1. was married to Lewis King of Hongarie, who was slain in battle by the great Turk Solliman, and remained a widow. By the death of the Lady Marguerite, Dowager of Savoy, she was by the Emperor Charles the fifth her brother, appointed-governesse of all the Netherlands. During the emperors abode at Brussels, the inhabitants of 
The beginning of the channel which goes from Brussels to Antwerp.  the Town obtained of his Majesty, a confirmation of the grant which they had obtained long before of the Lady Mary Duchess of Bourgongne, and of the Emperor Maxmilian her husband, for the making of a 〈◊〉 river or channel betwixt brussels and Antwerp, in the which after that time they began to labour, until it was fully ended, and that ships came unto it in the year 1560. The Anabaptists which began in those times to reign in Germany, crept in like sort into the Low-countries, namely in Holland to Amsterdam where the Proctor general of the Hag●…, caused nine to be apprehended 
Anabaptists in Holland.  at one time, whereby a sentence given by the Emperor they lost their heads. All this year 1531. that the Emperor stayed in the Netherlands, there past nothing that was memorable; only the 3. of December he renewed the order of the golden Fleece, in the City of Tournay, than he made his preparations to return into Germany, to an Imperial Diet which should be held at Ratisbone, to conclude the controversies in religion, and the Turkish wars. The Count Palatin came to brussels to fetch him, with whom he parted the 17. of january 1532. This year was published in Holland, Zeeland, and other Provinces of the Netherlands, the 
The 〈◊〉 blou●…y Edict against the Protestants.  third bloody Edict against them of the reformed religion, and more rigorous than any of the former.  
The Hollanders having by the Emperor's commandment delivered certain ships unto Christian the 2. King of Denmark, being exiled, to carry him back into his Kingdom with the which he passed into Norway: those of Lubeck and their Allies being much incensed thereat, rigged forth many ships of war, which they 
War betwixt them of Lubeck and Hollanders.  sent to Sea: causing them to keep the Sound in such sort, as no Hollanders ships could pass, which was the cause of great poverty and want among their mariners, and such as get their living by the navigation of the Sea. corn grew exceeding dear there, and had been dearer if those of Breme had not sent in a great quantity of wheat and rye to Amsterdam during the Summer time. The Hollanders complained to the Queen of Hongary, who did write to the Lubekers, desiring a day of meeting might be appointed betwixt her and them, touching their controversies: whereupon they resolved on either side to assemble at Hamberough, whether the Deputies of Amsterdam came, and one of the Privy Council. But those of Lubeck came not, sending only some Deputies, excusing themselves that they could not come to the same Assembly, without the presence of Frederic Duke of Holsteyn their Lord (being then newly chosen King of Denmark) or of his Commissioners, who had written unto them that he desired the said Assembly might be held the next year at Coppenhagen, whither he would come himself in person, to treat with the Emperor, and seek all means of peace. Although the Deputies of the Netherlanders, were not well satisfied, yet for that they could not help it, they were content to remit the Assembly unto the time required, returning as well into Holland as Brussels to make their report.  
Soon after the return of the Deputies, some ships of war of Lubeck came running along the Coast of Zeeland, where they took a ship of Edam laden with salt, coming from Lisbon beelonging to them of Amsterdam. Whereupon the Court (at the suit of the Hollanders) caused all the ships, goods, merchandise, and generally whatsoever did belong to them of Lubeck and Hambrough, to be stayed and arrested, in recompense of this ship that was taken by them. The 10. of june joos Ameson Vander-Burch, & Gerard Mullart van Campen, with Cornell●… Bennick of Amsterdam parted out of Holland to this assembly at Copenhagen. The King of Denmark and Prince Christian his son (who afterwards was King, called Christian the 3.) received these Deputies honourably. Those of Lubeck propounded many complaints in the open Assembly against them of Holland, blaming them with many Articles. Yet the King and all the Towns of the East country's laid the fault upon the Lubekers And so a Peace was concluded betwixt Frederic King of Denmark and his son, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ma●…e 〈◊〉 ●…ror 〈◊〉 Hollande●… with▪ the King of Denm●….  with the Towns of the Easterlins of the one party, and the Emperor with the Hollande●…s of the other, whereunto the Lubeckers were forced to consent with the other Towns, and to set their sign and seal to the treaty of Peace: so as all ships and goods that had been stayed on either side, were discharged, the Sound remaining open and free. The news of this peace did greatly rejoice them of Amsterdam, and did bring down the price of pitch, resin tar, corn, and of all other commodities that came out of the East Countries by the Sound.  
In the beginning of january 1532. the Emperor being as we have said, parted out of the Netherlands, and came with his Brother King Ferdinand to Ratisbone to hold a Diet, whither came all the Princes, except the Duke of Saxony, and the 
A Diet at Ratisbone touching relligio●….  Landtgraue of Hessen. The Emperor being come to Ments the first of February, the Archbishop of that place and the Count Palatin did solicit him again for peace, and having warrant from him to deal in it, they did admonish and advise the Princes of Saxony and Hessen to hearken to it. So as after many letters sent on either side; in the end they met in the beginning of April at Schuynfort. There a proposition was made to live in peace until a Council were called, and some points were propounded by the emperors commandment, touching the which 
Articles propounded to the P●…otestants.  there was some debate on the behalf of the seven Princes, and the twenty four Pr●…testant Towns, yet notwithstanding there followed an Accord, the 〈◊〉 whereof follows.  
As well those that have presented the confession of their Doctrine at Ausbourg, and the defence thereof: as those which shall hereafter join unto that religion, 
A form of the conditions of peace in Germany.  shall contain themselves within these limit●…s without any Innovation until a Council, ●…ee called. They shall not converse with those that teach the Sacraments of the Lords supper, and of Baptism, otherwise ●…hen is se●…te down in their declaration at Ausbourg. Touching that whic●… concerns matters of Doctrine, they shall not suborn nor defend any one of a strange ●…urisdiction, under colour of religion. But if the law allows any to go at their pleasure, after they have given notice thereof unto their Lords, they may then go where they like or are admitted. They shall not send their Preachers out of their Count●…ies to teach, if the Magistrate doth not require it, or suffer it, when th●…re shal●… be any Assembly there: if he denies, then may they preach in the houses, ●…f they be called to an imperial Diet, or if they send their men against the Turk, they shall always have their Preachers, and the administration of the Supper, according to the commandment of CHRIST. They shall avoid injuries; and the Ministers o●… the Church shall according to their duties, reprehend errors and vice modestly, and teach the truth. They of their religion shall not be excluded from the Imperial Chamber. The Ecclesiastical jurisdiction shall remain as it is at this present, and it shall not be lawful for the Bishop to call any one into question for matters of religion. All sentences given touching religion, jurisdiction, ceremonies and holy things, (which are not yet put in execution) shall remain in suspense, until a Council. Those shall enjoy the goods of the Church which shallbe resident upon the place, to whom properly such goods belong. That nothing be taken away violently from any man. That the yearly revenues be carried to those places where they were wont to be, until the Council do ot●…er-wise determine, in politic matters every one to do his duty, and to be caref●…ll of the commonweal carrying themselves faithfully together, and loving one an other mutually.  
According to these Articles, the Protestants for their parts being seven Princes 
1532  and twenty four Towns offered obedience to the Emperor, and promised him 
A 〈◊〉 betw●…xt the Emperor and the 〈◊〉.  succours against the Turk. The Noblemen that had been mediators, concluded this treaty of peace the 23. of june. 1532. & the Emperor ratified it the 2. of August, and by a public Edict did authorize it, commanding the Imperial Chamber and all other judges to obey it. And for that they had daily news of the Turks approaching, it was decreed that all the States of the Empire, should give succours, not contributing of money, but sending men. And so the Assembly ended the 27. of july, every one going to prepare 
A new Haven at Middlebou●…g.  for the war. The same year the 8. of April was begun the new haven of Middelbourg in Zeeland, in the Island of Walcren, passing in a strait line from the town unto the bank of the Island, where it falls into the sea, the which was finished in two years, a very commodious and profitable work, seeing that before their haven was near unto the salt marshes of Armuyden, having a crooked course unto the town, and therefore very discomodious.  
George of Egmont the 60. Bishop of Vtrecht, son to john the first Earl of Egmont succeeded William van Enkevoort, who (as we have said) died at Rome. He was before Seignor of Hoochwoud and Ertswoude and Abot of Saint Amand in Tournesis: But he had no authority in the signory of Vtrecht, but over the spiritual jurisdiction: the Emperor having before (when as Philip of Bourgonge was Bishop) seized upon the revenues and ●…emporall jurisdiction, under colour, that the Bishops were not powerful enough to defend it against the Duke of Gelder's and other enemies: and also by reason of their ordinary mutinies, tumults and civil wars, against the Bishops, yet notwithstanding George of Egmont did govern the said Bishopric with great magnificence, the space of 25. years.  
The 3. of May in the year 1536. about three of the clock in the afternoon, there fell a great and fearful fire at Delfe in Holland, so as in a short time the whole town 
1536.  was in a manner consumed; there were burnt 9300. houses, the two parish Churches, and many goodly Cloisters and monasteri●…s: so as there remained not above 300. houses. There was no means to quench it, for that most of the Cloisters and houses were covered with reeds, and besides there had no reign fallen of a long time, so as there was a great drought: and withal the wind was great, which drove the fire from one place to an other. There were many burnt, especially women lying in childbed, and great riches, plate and jewels consumed with the fire. In the month of August the 
Two French ships cun●…ngly taken by them of Dordrecht.  same year, the wars being kindled again betwixt the Emperor and the French King, two ships of war Frenchmen, ran along the coast of Holland, who with their long boats went sometimes to land, to surprise some of the Countrymen, if they could in their beds: but they kept so good guard as the Frenchmen could not do any thing. These two ships lay hovering up and down th●…e a long time, making many attempts, but all in vain. Those of Dordrecht hearing talk of them, some mariners consulted together how they might entrap them, whereupon fifty tall fellows put themselves into a Hoy (which is a kind of ship they use to carry merchandise and passengers) having filled certain sacks with straw, and laid them upon their hatches, as if they had been wool, they all lying hidden under the deck; only the mariner and his boy walked above: and so passing out of the old Meuse, they went to seek these two ships. Those beneath were ready with their Arms, upon the first sign that the mariner should give them. The hatches, were so ordered, that as soon as they were touched, they would fall down. The mariner having discovered these two ships approached a little towards them, and then he made show to fly from them.  
The French seeing it pursued him with full sails, and coming near cried unto him to strike sail, and that he should come aboard: then he drew nearer, entreating them to suffer him to depart, and that he was a poor man, who sought only to get his living, and that if they took away his boat he must go beg his bread. Then the French cried out the more to have him approach & come a board, or else the would sink him. Being come close unto them & the French entered, beginning to handle those sacks, he cried out and gave a watchword to them under the hatches, who commingup suddenly with their swords drawn fell upon these pirates whom they surprised and slew all that were entered. Those that were in the other ship seeing this disorder, fled as fast as they could and went to land. So the Hollanders of Dordrecht had these two ships, good cheap, the which they carried unto their Town, not without joy and admiration of so hardy an enterprise. Charles Duke of Geldres was much discontented, to see himself so deprived of the town of Groningen, the which was yielded unto the Emperor, as we have said. Being desirous to have his revenge, he studied how he●… 
The duke of G●…dres ente●…prise upon Amers●…ort.  might surprise some Town. He had a certain enterprise upon the town of Amersfort, the which some traitors within it should deliver unto him the 13. day of September the same year. But a woman having discovered the treason of the Bourgmaster of the town, the enterprise failed, and he returned as he came. The traitors were quartered, and their heads set upon the gates of the town. The second day of November, there was a meeting appointed in the town of Grave, betwixt the Deputies for the Em●…or and the Duke of Geldres, touching the difference that was betwixt them by rea●… of the town of Groningen and the Ommelandts. After long conference betwixt the Deputies, in the end they concluded the tenth of December a good and friendly peace, betwixt the Emperor and his subjects of the one part, and the Duke of Geldres and his subjects of the other part, whereof a Treaty was drawn in writing, containing 16. Articles, proclaimed at Brussels the twentieth of December.  
In April 1537. the French King entered with a mighty Army, in the which were three Kings; himself, james King of Scotland the fifth of that name, and the 
Hesdin taken by the french.  King of Navarre, into the Country of Arthois, where he besieged Hesdin a frontier town, the which he won, the Inhabitants being retired with all their chief movables into the Castle, the which held good for a time: but through the King's goodly offers and great threats, they forced the Captains to yield the place. The Earl of Buren on the other side besieged the town of Saint Pol in Arthois, belonging 
S●…int Pol taken by the Imperial●….  to the house of Longueville, manned with a good garrison of French. Sending to summon it, the Governor in despite of the Emperor, caused the Trumpet to be hanged that did this message, wherewith the Earl with all the Commanders of the Emperor's Army were much incensed: after that they had battered the town with great fury, and made a sufficient breach, the Earl at dinner time, when as the Governor and Captains were at meat, caused a furious assault to be given, and in the end forced the town, killing and massacring all that they met in the heat of their fury, not sparing any, yea the blood was mingled with the wine upon the Tables: the Bourgognons were in the town, before the French Captains would believe it: the town being won, some Bourgesses fled into the Castle, the which after that the fury was past, they yielded, to have their lives saved. The taking of this town was remarkable, for the great effusion of blood, especially of the French Nobility; a just reward for their braving presumption: It was taken the thirteenth of june 1537.  
The Duke of Geldres not content with the peace which he had made with the Emperor, practised means to surprise the Town of Enchuysen in Holland, thereby 
The duke of Geldres ent●…ise upon ●…uchuysen.  to make himself master of the Zuyderzee, to which end he furnished out five ships at Harderwyke, in the which he embarked 700. men, as secretly as he could in the night, himself convoying them even unto the Bridge. These five ships arrived the next day before Enchuysen by three of the clock in the morning, the soldiers lying hidden under hatches: two of them entered into the Haven, where (by reason of the peace they had with the Geldrois) they had not shut the bar, so as ships might enter in by night. But as GOD would have it, it was then a low water, so as their ships could not float. And as the day appeared fearing to be discovered, after that they had attended four hours for a high water, they retired without any effect, the two and twentieth of june 1537.  
The Duke seeing his enterprise miscarried, feared lest the Hollanders should complain 
1537.  unto Queen Mary, the Governess; he therefore excused himself unto them 
〈◊〉 duke ex●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this ●…rise.  of Amsterdam: how that his Nephew the Cardinal of Bourbon, desiring to see him once before he died, had requested him to send these ships for his guard: but they had been forced by the tide to enter into the haven of Enchuysen: entreating them of Amsterdam to give a safe conduct to his Nephew by the Zuyderzee, for fifteen days.  
They of Amsterdam having read this letter, did wonder at the duke's subtle and sudden invention, for they had certain intelligence that he himself had been in person within Harderwick, and had kept the town gates shut two days together, to the end that no man should go forth, to advertise them of Enchuysen, and other sea towns of his coming: that he had struck up the drum to call soldiers together and had made a proclamation, that all such as had sworn to the King of France, should embark presently, and do whatsoever their captains should command them, upon pain of death. Although they of Amsterdam were well advertised of all this by some of their burgesses that were shut up at that time in Harderwyck, yet they would make no mention thereof, but answered him only. That they had no authority to grant any pasport●… to the emperors enemies, to come into his country; but he must seek it from Queen Marie, Governess for the Emperor. The Earl of Buren, after the winning of Saint Poll, took Monstruiel, and then he went and besieged Teroane, a town situated in the midst of the country of Arthois, two leagues and a half from Air, and as much from Saint Omer. During which siege the Marshal of Annebaut came with an army to raise his camp, or to victual the town. The Earl of Buren being advertised thereof, he sent the Earl of Roeux, the Lord of Brederode and other Noblemen, with troops of horse and foot, to cut off their passage, the which they could not do, being to far advanced, even just to the town, but attending them in their return, they charged them in such sort, as they were all defeated.  
The Marshal of Annebaut chief of this army, the Lord of Chastillon, the Lord of Sercis son, George Capusman captain of the Albanois and about 1500. horse were prisoners 
The French defeated at the battle of Saguelet●….  besides those that were slain upon the place. This encounter was called the battle of Saguelets, for that every one of the French horsemen carried a bag of powder. But presently after a truce was concluded for six months betwixt the Emperor and the French King, so as Teroane was freed from siege. Although that the year before 1536. there had been a firm peace concluded betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Geldres, yet the duke practised all the means he could to surprise sometownes in Holland: as he had failed first at Enchuysen, then at Gorrichom and lastly at Dordrecht. And seeing all these designs to prove fruitless; he devised how he might in his life time resign all his Seigneuries to the French King. The which not able to do without the general consent of all the towns and country of Geldres, he commanded them to come all to Arnhem in October, to hear that which he should propound unto them. The deputies of all the towns being assembled, he declared unto them, that being now grown old, his desire was to provide them now in his life time of a good Prince, rich and mighty, that had means to defend them against all men, and therefore to that end he would institute the French King in his place, entreating them to consent thereunto, and to accept him for their Prince and Lord, and that in his hands they would take the oath of fealty, and do homage unto the King. The deputies hearing this, answered, that they had once taken an oath of fealty unto him, and therefore they would hold him for their Prince and Lord, so long as he lived, neither would they give their faith unto any other, during his life. But as the duke insisted still with great importunity, and that it seemed he would forc●… them, for that he had castles in all the towns: the deputies desired to have fiveteene days respite to consider and resolve thereon, the which he granted them. The deputies being all assembled to consult in what sort they might best govern themselves in this business; And considering then the estate and situation of their country, lying in the midst of the Emperor's territories, they resolved not to give themselves 
The town 〈◊〉▪ of Geldres mutiny against th●… d●…ke and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their caste●….  unto the French King. The towns of the Duchy of Geldres and county of Zutphen, having thus resolved, as the Duke had his garrisons in the castles of some towns by the which he might bring in the French at his pleasure.  
Those of Nemegen, Zutphen, Ruremonde and Venlo, four of the chief towns, resolved by practices or force to seize upon their Castles, the which they did presently ruin, so as the Duke could no more enter at his pleasure. The Duke seeing this, made a levy of 4000 men to terrify them. These Towens did also furnish themselves with soldiers, Bourgognons and Clevois, every one of them 300. men, and Nymegen over and above entertained 300. horse. The Duke's men were divided to go to Nymegen and Zutphen, hoping to recover by some Intelligence within the Towns, but they were so well entertained by the Inhabitants and soldiers, as they were forced to retire with shame. The Duke much discontented that he could not prevail over these Towns sent his horsemen into the quarter of the Veluwe, to ruin the peasants and to spoil the country. What doth a Prince get in ruining his own subjects, through wilfulness, to make himself poor? he sent his Deputies to the above named towns, to know the reasons why they ruined his castles: who answered that they did acknowledge him for their Prince and Lord, and that they desired no other so long as he lived. And for the castles which they had beaten down: that it had not been for any other reason, but that they feared they should have been forced to receive in the French by them; and to take an oath to the French King, the which they were not resolved to do. But during his life they would not acknowledge any other, and that he being dead, they would receive him for their Lord that had most right. This remained a while in suspense: not long after he sent his Commissioners again to these Towns, to command them to pay him his revenues, and that they send their Deputies with them of the Towns to Arnhem, where he was resolved to hold an Assembly of his States: they answered, that they were not resolved to pay him any thing until that he discharged his horsemen, and sent them out of the Country.  
These Towns having been long thus in bad terms with their Prince and that sometimes their soldiers fell upon the Duke's men, who overunne the Veluwe, ill entreating the poor countrymen, in the end by the means of some Noblemen an Accord was made, about the end of December, betwixt the Duke and the Towns: after the which the Country of Gelder's and the Country of Zutphen were at rest until the Duke's death. About the end of this year, the Lady Issabella Empress, 
The Empress brought in bed o●… 2. son.  was delivered of a second son in Spain called john, whereof there was great joy in the Netherlands, hoping to have a particular Prince, but he died in April following. 
1538  The second of july in the year 1538. Charles of Egmont Duke of Gelder's died being 71. years old, having governed and molested his Country for the space of 
The death of the Duke of Gelder's.  thirty six years. He was the cause (through his violence) that the Province of Friesland, the Diocese of Vtrecht, the Town of Groninghen, and the Ommelands came under the Emperor's obedience; the which he might easily have preserved for himself, if he had not continually overcharged the people with new exactions, by the which he lost the hearts of men. This prince was of a turbulent spirit, and a great lover of Innovations. Being dead, William duke of Cleves came into Gelder's, where he was honoubly received, and solemnly put in possession of the said Duchy, and of the Country of Zutphen: The 13. of September in the same year 1538. Henry Earl of Nassau father 
The death of the E●…rle of N●…u.  to William prince of Orange, died in his Castle of Breda, eight days after he had feasted the Queen of Hongarie, Governess of the Netherlands, with great Pomp. 
1539  In February 1539. died john Duke of Cleves, to wome William his son succeeded, 
The death of th●… Duke of ●…ues.  who was Duke of Cleves, juliers and Bergh, Earl of La Marck and Ravensbourg, Lord of Ravensteyn etc. and hei●…e to the Ducthy of Gelder's, by the death of Duke Charles of Egmont.  
The 17. of August the Ganthois began to mutiny, the companies of trades and 
〈◊〉 of the ●…ois.  occupations assembled together in their several halls, and then they went to arms, seeking to extort many things from the great Bailiff, and from the Magistrate of the Town. They committed many of the Court of Flanders to prison, and among others one Lievin Pin, whom upon their own motion and authority, they caused to be publicly beheaded. The 25. of September the Bailiff, Bourgmaister & the Secretary of the town of Maestricht, in a great popular tumult were all three massackred.  
The 24. of October died Floris of Egmont the first Earl of Buren, in his castle of Buren: Maximilian his son Lord of Iselstein, succeeded him, whose daughter and only heir, William of Nassau Prince of Orange took to his first wife: of which marriage are issued Philip of Nassau, at this day Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary of Nassau, widow to Count Philip of Hohenlo. The thirty of the said month the Earl of Roeux, entered into Gant, having given them to understand in the Emperor's name, that they should hold their laws, rights and accustomed previledges. And the tenth 
The Emperor passe●…h through France to com●… to Gant.  of December the Emperor trusting to the French Kings word and safeconduit, parted from Spain to come by land into the Netherlands, through France. The Prince Dauphin and the duke of Orleans the King's sons, were to receive him at the foot of the Pyrenee Mountains: who conducted him to Paris. He was received with great State in all towns where he passed, with acclamations and great shows of ●…oye, hoping that his coming should be a confirmation of a perpetual peace. Approaching near unto Paris, the King went to meet him, being accompanied with all his Princes and Noblemen, and 1500. gentlemen, all richly appointed. The Merchants did him all the honour they could, coming to the Lovure his reception was great and stately by the King and Queen, the Emperor's sister. Having taken his leave of the King and Queen, he was conducted by the Dauphin and many Princes and Noblemen, to Valenciences the first town in Henalt, whereas the Lady Mary Queen of Hungary went to receive him, from whence they went to Brussels, where he arrived the nineteen of February 1540  
In the beginning of the said month of ●…ebruary died that valiant captain George 
1540  Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, knight of the order of the golden fleece, Governor of 
The death of George Schenck.  the countries of Friesland and Groningen, in whose place, succeeded to the same Government, Maximilian of Egmont, Earl of Buren Lord of Iselsteyn. The second day of April died in the city of Gant Anthony of Lalain Earl●… of Hoochstraten, after that he had been eighteen years Governor of Holland, Zeeland etc. to whom succeeded Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassau and Lord of Breda. The 
The death of the 1. Earl of Hoochstrat●….  Emperor being arrived at Brussels, hearing the many complaints that were made unto him of the rebellion of the Ganthois, he parted from Busselles with four thousand men towards Gant, coming near the town, the Magistrates went to meet him, and brought him into the town with great honour. During his abode, having been duly informed of all matters, he caused many Bourgeses to be apprehended: and among others the great deane (who was a carpenter by his trade:) the chief motive of this rebellion. Their Process being made & finished nine of the chief were beheaded, and the burgesses were forbidden to carry any knives, unless the points 
The Emperor do●…h punish the rebellion of the Ganthois.  of them were broken, and then to keep the town in better order than it had been, the Emperor caused a great and strong Citadel to be built, in the place whereas the abbey of Saint Bavon was wont to stand: into the which he put a good governor, and a sufficient garrison, to hold them in subjection, that they might never rebel any more. Moreover the town paid 50000. florins unto the Emperor, besides their Annual duties. All the previledges which they had enjoyed for so many years, which had been the cause of their often and many mutinies and rebellions, were taken from them, fifty of the chief of the town, attired all in mourning weeds; cast themselves at the emperors feet, and other fifty in their shirts with halters about their necks, crying for mercy, with their hands lift up, with other indignities that were done them, as you may read at large in the Chronicle of Flanders.  
On Saint Mathews day, Ferdinand King of romans arrived at Brussels with a small train, whereof the Emperor being advertised the same night, he took post with four horse only, whereof the Earl of Buren was one, and the Lord of Conde an other, it was very dark before they arrived at Brussels, whereas he was welcome to his 
The 4. bloody Edict against the Protestants.  brother King Ferdinand, and to his sister the Queen of Hungary. This same year was published by the Emperor, the 4. bloody Edict, against them of the religion in the Netherlands, the which confirming the 3. precedent, was the subject of all those that have since been granted, both by himself, & King Philip his son, being called the great Edict of the year ●…540. the which is yet daily objected against them of the religion inthe low countries. Whilst that the Emperor made some abode in the Netherlands, being much troubled to suppress the Ganthois. He consulted also what was to be done against the Protestants of Germany: the Pope's Legate incensed him against 
A d●…●…t Hag●…u.  them all he could, upbraiding them with all the opprobrious terms that might be, terming them worse than Turks, and proclaiming war against them, charging them with heresy and rebellion. The Emperor following his accustomed course, without advertising of the Legate, appointed a diet at Haguenau; where King Ferdinand was precedent for the Emperor, and as King of Romans: where after some conferences, 
The conclusi●…n of Hag▪ venau  it was said, that matters were in that estate, as they could not determine any thing: especially through the absence of the Elector of Saxony, and the Landtgraue of Hessen, and therefore they must refer the business unto an other day, when as the Ambassadors and Divines of either side should meet in equal numbers, to confer together upon the Articles of the confession of the Protestants faith: provided notwithstanding that the Edict of Ausbourg should stand in force, and that it should be lawful for the Pope to send his deputies thither if he pleased.  
The diet was referred to Worms, and in the mean time the Emperor writ his letters, confirming the former conclusion, promising an Imperial diet, whereas he 
An Imperial d●…t ●…t Worms.  would be himself in person, whither that should be brought that should be treated at Worms. He sent his Ambassador Granuelle to Worms, with his son Anthony Perrenot Bishop of Arras, and some Spanish divines. Granuelle in the Emperor's name exhorted them that were there present to study for peace and union. The next day Campege, the Pope's Ambassador made his speech, to this effect, that the Pope would for his part do all that was possible, excepting religion. But nothing was done in this assembly, for that matters inclined in favour of the Protestants, who desired nothing more than to enter into conference, having brought many learned men to that end: among others Melancton, Bucer and Calvin. After many remises for a countenance only, there were some public disputations betwixt Melancton and Eckius, touching original sin. But the third day Granuelle and the other Ambassadors received letters from the Emperor, by the which he referred the business unto the diet at Ratisbone, commanding the Protestants to be there also, and Granuelle to return unto him. In the beginning of February 1541. the Emperor leaving the Netherlands, came to Mets in Lorraine and so passing by Spire came to Ratisbone. He was received 
An Imperial diet at Ra●…sbone.  at Nuremberg with great state: In March many Princes & the states of Germany, came to Ratisbone, where he attended them: who on the day of the assembly begun the 25. of April, propounded many excuses why matters had been so long delayed, yet preferring the quiet of Germany, before all other things, yea before his own health, he was come thither to entreat them to advise of some good agreement: and to the end that every one might know how much he desired peace, his opinion was, if they found no better expedient, that there should be some learned and quiet minded Germains chosen out to confer friendly together of all differences, and report as well to the Emperor, as to the States, how they might come to some agreement. Whereupon there were divers conferences betwixt three Doctors of the Protestants, and three of the Romish religion, but they agreed in few things, the Romanists offering still to refer their controversies to the Pope's decision, the which the Protestants did, mightily impugn. The Emperor having heard all their opinions, discoursed in order, concluded: that, seeing their differences could not be there determined, and that there were other important affairs▪ having also stayed long there, he referred all to a council, whereof the Pope's Legate had given him hope, and that he himself would in person solicit it unto the Pope: promising also to return into Germany. If that the Pope did not advance any thing, to provide himself for the pacification thereof. William duke of Cleves, of juilliers etc. upon the word of Ferdinand King of romans, went unto the Emperor, to see if they might agree touching the duchy of Geldres, but he could never obtain a confirmation from the Emperor. As for his proximity and nearness to the succession, there was no doubt of it. But the Emperor pretended the investiture which his Grandfather the Emperor Maxmilian had made unto him, to hold it in fee of the Empire: and the purchase which the Duke of Bourgongne his great Grandfather had made of Duke Arnhold: and lastly the acco●…d made betwixt him and Charles of Egmont, the last Duke of Gelder's. With which allegations and pretensions the Duke of Cleves could not be satisfied, maintaining all these sales, seazures, and accords to be void and of no force, for that they could not be made to prejudice the next heir apparent with out his consent. The French King hearing of the Du●…e of Cleves discontentment, resolved to make an alliance with him, that by his means and others, he might make war in the Netherlands: 
The Duke of Cleves allies ●…m self to ●…he French King.  and thereupon offered not only to take him and his countries into his protection, but also to give him all assistance and aid to enlarge his limits: with a good annual pension: and moreover to give him his Niece, the King of Navarres daughter, wi●…h all her father's succession: upon these offers and promises, whilst that the Emperor was parted out of the Netherlands, to go to the Diet at Ratisbone, the Duke of Cleves went into France to confirm this alliance with the King, where he was honourably entertained, and after all their Treaties he espoused the Princess of Navarre at Villers-Coste-Rez, she was then but twelve years old. Within few days after the 
The Duke of Cleves 〈◊〉 th●… King 〈◊〉 Na●…es daughter.  Duke returned into his country, leaving his spouse in France, for that the mother would keep her, until she were ripe of age. Martin van Rossem Martial of Gelder●…, had then some troops of foot, the which he said belonged unto the French King, wherewith having passed the Rhind, and joined with the French troops of the Duke of Longueville, they entered together into Brabant, still spoiling and wasting the country, until they came before Antwerp. Whereof Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange 
The French 〈◊〉 ●…nto Brabant 〈◊〉.  being advertised, he gathered together some men, and sent word to them of the town, that at a certain hour assigned, they should issue for●…h in arms, with all the forces they could make; to the end whilst that he sh●…uld charge the Geldrois on the one side, they might set upon them on the other. But the messenger that was sent was taken by Rossems' men, for as they of the Town wanted this advertsment, the Geldrois knowing the Prince's desseine who approached, and he seeing them in arms, thought they had been the Citizens of Antwerp, and went into the midst of them; who having compassed them in, defeated them quite, where there died above 1000 men. 
The Prince of Orange defeated.  The Prince being well mounted did happily save himself by flight in Antwerp: the which happened on Saint james day in the year 1542. After the defeat of the Prince's 
1542  men in this manner, the Geldrois remained still about Antwerp, for that there were some of their faction that should yield it up unto them, firing it in divers places, and breaking or filing a so●…der the chains of the wells, to the end they might not draw any water to quench it. But as God would have it, those that were about the ●…iling of the chains, were taken in their work, and discovered all the actors and factors of this Treason, who were executed.  
Martin van Rossem seeing this enterprise discovered, burning some of the suburbs, mills, and houses of pleasure in Antwerp, marched towards Louvaine 
M●…in van Rossem repul●… by ●…e 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  thinking to take it upon his first approach for that it is a great vast Town, and ill peopled, where he arrived the second of August spoiling and burning all ●…here he passed. Being before the Town, he summoned it to yield unto the King of France, and that as his Lieutenant they should suffer him to lodge three days there with all his Army, and pay him 70000. Crowns. They of the Town were much perplexed: for the Mayor nor the Magistrate knew not what to answer. In the end the Mayor with some Deputies went unto him to treat. They had forbidden the inhabitants to shoot from the walls. Yet some Scholars with some Bourgesses, and some women, going up to the walls and Towers thereabouts, seeing their enemies to lie so open, shot into the midst of their troops, whilst hat the Mayor was in parley with Martin van Rossem, who was forced to fly speedily into the Town the which otherwise he was resolved to ha●…e yielded, had not the Scholars and some Bourgesses opposed themselves, tiring his camp with their sallies and skirmishes; so as they forced Martin to retire towards Waveren, and from thence into Luxembourg, where he besieged the town of Yuois, the which yielded unto him upon composition to have their lives and goods saved. After that time they began to fortify the town of Antwerp, the which before had been easy to take with few men. The Duke of Longueville, and Martin van Rossem having taken Yuois, the French king commanded them to enter into his country, to help to chase away the Spaniards, the 
Yuois taken by the Geldrois.  which they did after they had taken Danuilliers, Virreton and Luxembourg, the chief town of the Country, and so forcing themselves a passage, they joined with the Army of the Duke of Orleans the King's son, who being retired with his army, the Emperor's men recovered all those places again, except Yuois.  
The 7. of August there was a great tumult at Brussels betwixt the Walloons and Spanish soldiers, who put themselves in arms, either of them striving to get the market 
A tumult at Brussels.  place: but the Lord of Molenbais and others, made them retire towards the Port of Louvaine, and then Frederick Bastard of Meleun, master of the Ordinance, caused two Culverins to be brought, the which he discharged against the Spaniards, shooting over them of purpose, only to fear them, and to have them retire, as they did. This year those of Middelbourg in Zeeland had a great suit against them of Ziricxee, touching the lading of Salt, whether ships of those two towns should lad first: wherein those of Ziricxee did yield; by reason whereof they would no more come to Arnemuyden, nor to Middelbourg to lad any Salt; but made the Britons ships and others laden with Salt, to come before La Vere, and to anchor near unto North-bevelandt, where it was sold, and there they went to lad, which course continued almost a year. They of Middelbourg seeing this, and that they themselves were most interressed, agreed with them of Ziricxee, that they might lad as they had done at Armuyden or Middelbourg.  
Whilst that Martin van Rossem lead the Duke of Cleves army into France: the Prince of Orange, the Earl of Bossu, and the Earl of Buren Governor of Friesland, 
The Emperor's army enters into juilliers  entered with 20000. foot, and 4000 horse, into the country of juilliers, whereof they made themselves masters in a short time, finding no resistance, for that all the Duke's forces were out of the country. Winter being come, this army was dismissed; the which was no sooner gone out of the country of juilliers, but Martin van Rossem returned with his troops, and recovered all in a short time which the others had taken; except the town of Heynsbergh, which he went to besiege, having put good garrisons in all the other places. The Prince of Orange being advertised of the Clevois return, and that they were at the siege of this town, levied good troops of men, and came and charged their camp behind, whereof he defeated a part, the 22. of june. After this rout, Rossem having gathered together what was left, and what soldiers he could otherwise raise, with a good number of peasants, made a new army, with the which he went to besiege the town of Amersfort in the Diocese of Vtrecht: the inhabitants 
Amersfort yielded to Martin van Rollem.  were much amazed to see themselves so suddenly invested of all sides: and upon the goodly words and fair promises which Rossem made unto them to maintain them free from all impositions, paying him only seven thousand Florins, they yielded the town. But as soon as he was assured thereof, he would not be satisfied with 7000. Florins, but would have the inhabitants bring in all their gold and silver, plate and jewels, yea the rings and girdles of their wives, to whom his soldiers did great outrages. Soon after the Prince of Orange came to Vtrecht, with good troops both of horse and foot, the which Rossem understanding, he dislodged speedily from Amersfort, carrying the richest Bourgesses of the town with him into the country of Geldres, the which he did afterwards ransom, leaving only three companies of foot for the guard of the said town.  
The 14. of March 1543. there was a battle betwixt the Clevois and the Imperialists, 
1543.  in the which the Clevois had the victory, winning the Artillery with all the carriages 
The Clevois 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  & baggage of the Emperor's camp, the which they carried into Ruremond, yet the Clevois lost many of their horsemen. This done, they went and besieged the town of Heynsberg: and in April following, the Geldrois & Clevois together, entered into Lébourg, where they did spoil & burn all they could, carrying away many prisoners. The same year the first day of May. Maximilian of Bourgongne, Marquis of la Vere 
The Hollanders zeelanders make war at sea against the Freuch.  Admiral of the Nether-lands for the Emperor sent out six ships of war well appointed to make war against the French, going forth to sea they met with three other good ships of Zeeland, which jerosime Sandaline, recever of Bevestershelt at Middelbourg had caused to beearmed, the which joined with the other six: who together entered into the river of Bourdeaux, where they spoiled all the fleet, and burned the ships going from thence into Normandy, seventeen only reserved being laden with wine and would the which they brought to la Vere in Zeeland, some of those Captains landed with their Mariners and spoiled some villages in France, carrying away the Bells and other booty to show that they had annoyed their enemies by land as well as by sea.  
The 23. of May, the Emperor having been absent three years, arrived at Genoa. They had for a time accounted him dead in this last voyage of Africa; therefore all his affairs in the Netherlands succeeded ill, by reason of the war with the French, 
The Emperor arrives at Gevoa.  Clevois and Geldrois his countries lamenting him much; the which did greatly rejoice, hearing that he was safe and arrived at Genoa. He was a good space before he could come into the Netherlands by reason of an Imperial Diet which was held at Spier touching the Turkish affairs. In August following he came to Nuys of the diocese of Cologne with goodly troops of horse, which he brought into the Netherlands. At the same time the French King thinking to join with the Duke of Cleves forces entered into Henault, where he took Landercie, fortified it, and put in a good garrison: then hearing of the Emperors returned, and that it was two Late to join with the Clevois, he retired into France, after that he had spoiled and wasted a great part of the Country of Henault. The Queen of Hungary did then all she could to fortify Brussels, knowing that the King was in Henault.  
The 27. of july, the Earl of Bossu having given the States to understand in the Emperor's name, of the great toil and charge his majesty had been at, to come and succour those countries in this war of the French Clevois and Geldrois. The said States made 
Presents given to the Emperor by the Netherlanders  apresent unto him of 15000. slorins of gold. The other Provinces presented him in like sort, every one according to their power and abilities. The Emperor returning out of Germay brought with him his Spaniards and italians, to employ them in the wars of the Netherlands. Bein at Bonne he made agnerall muster of his army, in the which were 14000. Germans, 4000 italians, whereof Camillo Collonna and Anthoine Doria were clolonells, 4000 Spaniards, having for Colonels Don Alvaro de 
The Emperor's Army.  Sands, and Don Lovis Perez de Vergas, 4000 german horses and Bourgognons, and 600. light horses italians and Albanois: besides this army the Prince of Orange arrived with 12000. foot, and 2000, Lances; The General of this Army was Don Fernand of Gonsague, the Marshal of the Camp Stephano Collonna the Marquis of Marignan Master of the ordinance, and Francisco la Este general of the light horse, with this goodly army, being 34000. foot, and 6000. horse the Emperor went and planted himself before Duren, sometimes an Imperial town situated in the midst 
Duren besieged by the Emperor.  of the Country of juilliers, and sense usurped by the Dukes, one of the strongest places in all that quarter, being well furuished with men and all things necessary to maintain a siege; in the which Captain Flatien was Governor for the Duke, besides the inhabitants were for the most part trained up in arms and well affected to the Duke of Cleves their Prince. The 22, of August he sent a trumpet to summon it; and they answered in scorn (the which afterwards cost them full dear) that they had no e fear of him whom the Cod in the sea had dcuoured: for it was generally bruited, that after the defeat of Algiers, the Emperor putting to sea to return into Italy, had been drowned: which opinion had taken such an impression in the hearts of the people of Cleves, as they would not believe them, that not only said they had seen him but that had spoken with him: The Duke of Cleves was of the same opinion, the which a bused it. The Emperor hearing this answer, fortified his Camp, and they within the Town resolved to defend it: but through the Emperor's great attempts, all this defence availed little. He had made a breach, and presently gave order for an Assault; but the Spaniards and Italians, who had the point, where repulsed and many slain and remaining in the ditches. The Governor Flatten was slain with the ruins of a tower that was battered down by the Emperor's Canon: at whose death the Inhabitants were much amazed. Another sufficient breach being made, the Emperor caused 
Duren taken by a●…ult.  a resolute Assault to be given and well seconded, encouraging his men himself in person, so as in the end the town was taken by force, the soldiers putting all the encountered to the sword. There died at this assault of the Emperor's side six hundred men. The town being taken, a house was set on fire (no man knew whether it were accidental, or done on purpose.) the which burned almost the whole town. The Emperor seeing it, said, that it was well employed: wishing that it might so happen to all those that should rebel against him; the which he said to terrify the rest, who seeing this goodly precedent before their eyes, came one after an other to bring their keys unto the Emperor: so as in a short time and without any great effusion of blood, he had made himself master of those two goodly Provinces, Cleves and juilliers. The Duke was not far from the Emperor's Camp with his army, being much troubled with these losses; who being loath to hazard all, he resolved to make his peace with the Emperor by the means and mediation of his good friends.  
For the effecting whereof, he went accompanied with the Duke of Brunswyk and the Elector of Cologne, and cast himself at the Emperor's feet: delivering into his 
The Duke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 himsel●…e v●…o the Emp●…ror.  hands all the towns and fortresses of the Duchy of Geldres & Conty of Zutphen, confessing that he had held them wrongfully, and craving pardon for all. The Emperor to show his mildness and clemency, considering also what persons did sue and mediate for him, pardoned him graciously, restoring all that he had taken from him in his countries of juilliers and Cleves, which restitution was made in December following the same year; upon condition that remaining in the Emperor's service, he should renounce the league he had made with the french King, and the marriage which he had contracted with the Daughter of the King of Navarre, and not yet consummated; being broken, he caused him to marry his Niece, the Daughter of Ferdinand King of Romans. Afterwards he remained a good servant to the Emperor, although his mother did not much love him for this marriage but died afterwards of grief.  
The Emperor's affairs succeeding well in this war of Cleves, being loath to lose any time, he caused his army to march, being joined to the Dukes: (whereof Martin van Rossem was commander, whom the Emperor had in like sort received into grace) towards the fronters of France, to recover that which the Duke of Orleans had won in Luxembourg and Arthois and namely Landercye, which the Seignor of la Land the King's Lieutenant, had wonderfully fortified and manned with a good garrison and all other things requisite for such a place: which garrison did greatly afflict the countries of Arthois and Henalt who besought the Emperor to go thither.  
According to which resolution, he marced with his army through the country of 
Landr●…cy besieged.  Cambresis, into Vermandois. Don Fernando of Gonzague General of the said army, propounded to besiege Guise first, which is not far from Landrecy, and planted his Camp at Marolles neers unto it: where the french came to visit him with a gallant skirmish in the which Peter Strossy (a banished man of Florence) was taken of the french party, and of the Emperor's side Don Francisco d'Este General of the light horse, his horse being slain under him: hearing that the Earl of Roeux was already planted before Landrecy, with some Netherlanders, and four thousand Spaniards, that were newly arrived, under the command of Don Pedro de Toledo, with two thousand Germains: the Emperor (who was ill disposed at Quesnoy le Conte in Henalt) commanded Gonzague to go and join with the rest before Landrecy, where being arrived, he separated his Camp from the Netherlanders, and the English, having every one his Camp a part. These three Camps began every one to batter the town: but Gonzague seeing he advanced little, thought to famish it, and in the mean time sought to ruin it. la Land the governor made many sallies, now upon one Camp, then on another, still taking some thing. The french King came with all his power and vitualed the town: then winter being near, the Emperor raised the siege and dismissed his army.  
Landrecy being thus victualled, the Emperor came to Cambray, where he put some bands of ordinance in garrison, for that he doubted this town was to much affected to the French, whereof he had observed some tokens in former wars. The Inhabitants desiro us to make proof of their loyalty to the Emperor, excused themselves, laying 
A Citadel built at Cambray.  all the blame upon their Bishop, whom the Emperor did pardon: then he caused a strong and mighty Citadel to be built to the end the city might no more bandy against him, nor stand as Neuter, as they would do, (the city holding of the Empire) but that as unto Charles of Austria, Earl of Arthois and Henalt his successors and not as Emperor, it should be sub iect unto him and the burgesses forced to hold his party. Wherein he himself did impugn and break the previledges of that city, given by former Emperors, the constitutions of the Empire, and his own oath.  
The last day of September Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange, after that the soldiers were fled out of the town of Amersfort, took possession of the said town in the Emperor's name, and then of all the towns of the Duchy of Geldres, whereby there was peace and quietness in all those quarters of juilliers, Cleves and Geldres. The second of january. 1544. the Emperor parted from Brussels to go to an Imperial diet 
1544.  at Spire, which should be held the 22. of February following, during the which the Admiral of Egmont, son to the Earl of Egmont, married with Sabina of Bavaria Palatine, at which marriage the Emperor assisted in person. About that time was proclaimed throughout all the Netherlands the fifth rigorous and bloody Edict, which they called Lutherien, against them of the religion. The wars grew hot betwixt the French King and the Emperor, who entered into champaign with a great army and took divers towns, King Francis had levied a goodly army to encounter him, and 
A peace b●…twixt, the Emperor and French King.  was ready to give him battle, yet by the mediation of some good men, lovers of peace, and to avoid the effusion of so much Christian blood, a peace was concluded betwixt these two great Princes, and the Emperor retired from Soissons to Brussels. The Emperor being returned to Brussels, the second of October the peace was proclaimed. And the 22. of the same month arrived in the same town the lady Elinor the French Kings wife, and the Emperor's sister, accompanied▪ with the duke of Orleans, 
Queen Elinor of France comes to the Emperor her: brother.  who entering into the town, marched betwixt the two Princes of Hungary, sons to King Ferdinand, being followed by the Prince of Piedmont, the duke of Camerino and many Princes and Noblemen. There was nothing omitted that might give delight and contentment to the Queen and to Madame d' Estampes the King's Mistress. The Emperor sitting down at the table, took Madame d' Estampes on his right hand, and the French Queen his sister on the left, being followed by the Queen of Hungary, and so of the rest: thirteen days were spent in feasts, banquets, masks, turneys, and all other sports: during the Queen's abode there, who took her leave of the Emperor, and departed from Brussels with the duke of Orleans the third of November. Then began things in Germany to incline to war. The Pope was exceeding glad of the peace concluded betwixt the Emperor, and the French King: and renewed the assignation of a council to the 15. of March 1545. Herman Archbishop of Cologne, according to that which had been decreed at the Imperial Diet at Ratisbone, meaning to reform his diocese according to the word of God, having sent for Bucer and other ministers to that end, his Clergy banded against him, and appealed to the Pope and the Emperor. The Pope did excommunicate him, and a while after he was deprived of his archbishopric, and all other dignities.    

The Argument of the seventh Book.  
THE Emperor returns into Germany and treats of religion, Herman Archbishop of Collogn●… seeks to reform his diotese: the Pope and Emperor oppose themselves. The Protestants assemble at Francfort. The Emperor gives them good words whilst that he prepar●… to arms. A conference of Divines at Ratisbone. The Emperor and Pope make a league against the Protestants, who arm also, and make a league, printing their justifications and go to field: the Emperor banisheth the duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue of Hessen, who defy him: the Emperor in danger at Inghelstade, whereas the Earl of Buren joins with him: the Protestants army disbandes: Duke Maurice troubles the Duke of Saxonies' state: the Duke of Wirtemberg and the Imperial towns reconciled to the Emperor, who sends to succour Maurice. A battle betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Saxony, whereas the Duke is taken prisoner. Suit to the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen, who comes to make his peace, & is detained prisoner. Magdebourg a Protest●…nt town holds only against the Emperor: Maurice made Elector: Prince Philip the Emperor's son comes out of Spain into the Netherlands. A bloody Edict against the Protestants: the Emperor affects the Empire for Prince Philip his Son: which breeds a quarrel betwixt the Emperor, and his brother Ferdinand King of Hungary: the Protestants refuse to come to the council of Trent. The constancy of them of Magdebourg, who are freed from siege: the Landtgraves' restraint is prejudicial to the Emperor's affairs in Germany: Duke Maurice, takes arms against the Emperor: the French King coming with a great army to succour Maurice, takes Metz, ●…houl and Verduen, Martin van Rossem makes war in France: the Emperor flies hastily from Inspruch through the mountains. An ass●…mbly at Passau to treat a peace. Albert of Brandebourg makes war a part: the Emperor's fruitless siege before Metz: the taking and razing of the town of Teroane. A battle betwixt duke Maurice and Albert of Brandebourg: the siege and taking of Hesdin: the battle of Talma. Philip King of Spain marries Marie Queen of England: the French besiegeth Renty, the Emperor relieves it in person. An Imperial Diet at Ausbourg. A defeat of the Arreer-ban of the French: the Emperor resigns his countries to his son: the resolution of the Imperial Diet at Ausbourg. The Emperor resigns the Empire to his brother Ferdinand. His departure out of the Netherlands with his two Sisters.  
THE 3. of April the Emperor parted out of the Netherlands to go to an Imperial Diet which was to be 
1545.  held at Worms, where he arrived the 16. of May. 
A Diet held at Worms.  Being there, he writ to the King of Poland to incense him against the Protestants. The Pope was wonderfully desirous to have war attempted against them, and notwithstanding the council which he had published, he promised the Emperor 12000. foot and five hundred men at arms for that war. In january 1546. the Protestants assembled at Francfort, where as they consulted what was to be done 
1546.  touching the council of Trent, to continue the league 
The Protestants assemble at Francfort.  for the charges of the war against Henry of Brunswick, a great persecutor of the Protestants. Not to abandon the Archbishop of Cologne. To solicit the Emperor to give peace, unto religion: and to rule the Imperial chamber. In this assembly the Ambassadors of Herman, Elector of Collogne made their complaints of the wrongs his Clergy did him, and of the commandments and Citations sent from the Emperor and Pope. In the mean time Frederic Count Pallatin, Prince Elector appointed Ministers and Preachers of the Gospel throughout all his country, suffering them to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in both kinds, and in the vulgar tongue, and that Priests might marry.  
The Emperor being arrived at Worms the sixteen of May, his councillors treated 
The Emperor arrives at Worms.  with the Protestants, touching the general council and other things, labouring to persuade them to yield to that which should be resolved on at Trent, and to come thither to propound their causes of recusation, to the which regard should be had: whereunto they replied as before, so as after a long consultation, the affairs were referred to january in the year 1546. And in the mean time the Emperor seeing that the Protestants were not willing to contribute to the war against the Turk, if he did not grant their demands touching a free council and the reformation of the Parliament of the Empire, he sent Gerard Veltwycke a learned man, and who spoke many languages, to the Turk, to make a truce, desiring rather to make war, against Christians, his own subjects then against the Turk.  
Some days after it was bruited, that the Emperor made secret preparation to war, and they could not conjecture that it was against any other than the Protestants, for he was at peace with the French King, and was assured to have a truce with the Turk. Whereupon the Landtgraue of Hessen did write unto Granuelle to prevent it. But Granuelle did what he could to lull him a sleep. And in the mean time there were flatterers which informed the Emperor that the Protestants had conspired against him at Francfort: so as matters began then to grow more bitter, and in the 
The Emperor seeks to abuse the Protestants whilst that he prepares to arms.  mean time they sought to blind the Protestants until the Emperor had his army ready, to work what he pretended. Then began the council of Trent, where the Pope did preside by his legates, the Emperor having vowed to make the decrees thereof to be received by the point of the sword. Whereof the Landtgraue told the Emperor openly in the town of Spier, and he sought to excuse himself, saying that he demanded nothing more than the quiet of Germany. In December during the diet of Ratisbone, the conference which had been appointed betwixt the divine of both religions, was begun. Where there were learned men and of great authority of either 
A conference of diuin●…s at Ratisbone.  side, for the Emperor were sent Peter Maluenda a Spaniard, Euerard Billic a Carmelite, john Hofmeister an Augustin Friar and john Cocleus all four divines. George Loxan Gaspar Caltental, George Islinger, Bartholomew Latome Auditors, for the Protestants came Bueer, Brencius, George Maior, Erard Schnepf, divins. Volrad Earl of Walder, Balthasar Gutling, Laurence Zoch a lawyer and George Woltmer Auditors: Maurice Bishop of Eister and Frederic of Furstenberch, were above them all. There they disputed upon the Articles of the confession of Ausbourg: The Emperor would have all kept secret, and the Protestants would have the contrary. So as after some conference, not able to agree; the assembly was dissolved: the which served to no other end but to abuse the Protestants with a show of that which was not intended. The same year was published by the Emperor the sixth bloody Edict against them of the religion in the Netherlands. At that time Adrian of Croy, Earl of Roeux, Maximilian of Bourgongne, Admiral of the sea, and Cornellis Schepper Signior of Eyken, were appointed by Queen Mary, Governess of the Netherlands, in the Emperor's name, to build a fort or castle in the 
The castle of Ramekens built.  Island of Walchrens: and then was that mighty fort of Blau hoek made, which now they call the castle of Rameken in Zeebourg, the which was finished in March 1547.  
During the conference at Ratisbone, it was generally spoken, that the Emperor, King Ferdinand his brother, and the Pope, made great preparations for war: for at the same instant he sent the Cardinal of Trent in post to the Pope, with instructions to levy men: and two days after he delivered money to his Colonels and captains. He had before sent to Maximilian Earl of Buren, to levy all the horse and foot he could in the Netherlands. He commanded Albert and john of Brandenbourg, and Wolfgang master of the german order, to enrol all the soldiers they could, for although that these two were Protestants, and john of the same league; yet upon the emperors false pretexts, that they took not arms for religion, but to punish the rebellion of some, that put themselves into his service. The Cardinal 
A 〈◊〉 betw●…t the Emperor and the Po●…e ag●…st religion.  of Trent, being sent to the Pope, made a league betwixt them upon certain conditions, binding them respectively for the managing of this war. After this the Pope writ unto the Swisses, justifying the Emperor, and accusing the Protestants, against whom he required their assistance. The Ambassadors of the Protestants being at this Assembly at Ratisbone, moved with this news, as careful of the quiet of Germany, they entreated the other States of the Empire, to be joint suitors with them unto the Emperor, not to attempt any war, the which was not done, for those of Ments and Treves would not yield unto it. The Landtgraue who was careful to discover what was done, sent letters often to Ratisbone, by the which he did advertise the said Ambassadors, of all that he had understood and what advertisement he had received from divers places: being of opinion that they should retain certain men at arms, which they had levied for fear of the war, and that they should raise more. But his companions relied upon the emperors demand, who made a show of all mildness and desire of peace; assuring themselves that they should have no wars for that year. Notwithstanding for that the common brute was not in vain seeing that the drums sounded both in Germany and Italy, and the Spanish troops began to approach, the Protestant Princes began also to think of their affairs, and went first to field with some troops; entreating the Swisses not to give passage to any strange soldiers through their Country: which happening that they would suffer their voluntary soldiers to come unto their pay.  
The Duke of Saxony and the Landtgrave writ unto the Emperor, to justify their, 
The Duke of Saxony and Landtgraue write unto the Emperor.  innocency against all slanders: adding in the end of their letter these words. All the world knows that lastly at Spyer, you were agreed with us two, & five years before at Ratisbone: so as there is no reason to accuse us of rebellion or any trespass whatsoever: you may not forget the oath which you made unto the Empire, when as you were chosen at Francfort; and how that you must proceed judicially and according to the laws, when as any one is accused of the crimes wherewith we are now charged. To conclude if you be resolved to pursue us by arms, and not to give Audience to our justifications, we will recommend all unto GOD: and when we shall be informed of the matters wherewith we are charged, we hope to make such an Answer as all the world shall know we are wronged.  
Thereupon the Emperor made a long declaration of his intention to the peace and quiet of Germany, but that he was forced to use his prerogative and authority, against such as should oppose themselves. He did also write unto many 
The Emperor writes to the Protestant towns.  Towns of the Protestant league, namely to Strausbourg, Nurembourg, Ausbourg and Vlme; where after that he had blamed and disgraced the Protestants, he concluded in these words. Therefore I may no longer endure this; and if I would, I were no more to be excused. To the end therefore that my dignity, the public peace, and right may be maintained, and that the Empire and every one of you may be freed from danger, I have resolved to punish the perturbers of the common weal, and to restore Germany to her first Beauty and liberty. Whereof I thought to advertise you, that you might not give credit to them who it may be, will report otherwise of our enterprise: for I may religiously protest unto you, that I have no other Disseine then this. Hoping that you will not fail me herein, to the end that their presumption may be bridled, and you recover your ancient liberty: if you do it, you may be assured of my grace and favour, as I will make known unto you, if you send your Deputies unto me to that end. etc. He writ to the Duke of Wirtenberg, a letter of the like tenor; and at the same instant the signior of Granuelle & Naves, his chief councillors called the Ambassadors of the towns that were at the Diet at Ratisbone, & conferred with them, giving them to understand that this war was not prepared against the towns but (as it had been before said) with many other sweet 
The answer of th●…m of Strausbourg to the Emperor's letter.  words. Those of Strausbourg answered amply to the said letters, showing that the Pope and his people had embarked the Emperor in this war; beseeching him not to come to that extremity: but to make known, in justice, the wrongs which they pretended had been done him, and to show himself a father and protector of the country. But all these persuasions prevailed nothing; the irons were too hot. And withal Duke Maurice (an enemy to the Prince Elector of Saxony) had been long in secret conference with the Emperor, who would not fail to serve him against the said Elector and the other Protestants, for the profit and advancement which he expected, and which the Emperor had promised him if he held his part: although that he knew well that Maurice was of the Protestants religion, as well as Albert and john of Brandebourg. The Protestant towns and the Dukes of Wirtemberg, being advertised by Granuell and Naves of the Emperor's intention, did presently advertise the Duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue of Hessen, (chief of the Protestants Union) of the Emperor's desseins 
The Duke of Wittenberg and the town army.  offering them all succours and fidelity, levying presently, all the men they could, so as they were first in arms. The Prince Elector Palatin, demanded privately of the Emperor the cause of this war, and against whom he intended it: Granuelle answered him in the Emperor's name in the same substance as he had done the Ambassadors of the towns. In the mean time the Prince of Saxony and the Landtgraue being assured of the Emperor's resolution to make war against them, and the preparations that were made, did speedily levy men, and sent unto their companions to do the like, and not to suffer themselves to be divided by the cunning councils of some men: And after they were assembled to consult of their afaiers, they caused a book to be Printed wherein they showed by many reasons that the motive of this war was religion, and that all the 
A book of the Protestants justifications.  Emperors other pretexts to punish some rebels, was but to divide the confederates, and so to ruin them one after an other to settle the Pope's doctrine. They also published an other Book against john of Brandenbourg who being of their League and confession had taken arms against them. And although the Emperor thought to surprise them, yet they used such diligence, and found so many resolute men to carry Arms in this war, as the 16. of july in the year 1546. the Landtgraue went to field with his army, and presently after began open war betwixt them and the Emperor.  
The 20. of july the Emperor published his letters patents, in the which after that he had made a long complaint against john Frederic Prince Elector of Saxony and Philip landgrave of Hessen, he banished them as perjured, reb●…les, seditious, guilty of high 
The Emperor banisheth the Duke of Saxony ●…d the Landtgraue.  treason both against GOD and man and perturbers of the public quiet, meaning to punish them according to their deserts that he might afterwards provide for the affairs of State and do that which should belong unto his duty, for bidding all men to succour them or to join with them, upon pain of forfeiture both of body and goods: dissolving all Leagues and compositions, and absolving the Nobility and subjects from the faith and oath which they ought unto these Princes: to whom he gave the public assurance if they did obey: adding that such as did refuse should be punished like unto them. But the Protestants did show that the Emperor had no quarrel to them but for their religion: wherein having sought all means of accord, they were excusable, if to maintain the liberties of their consciences and the quiet of Germany, they defended themselves: being thereunto advised by the resolution both of Lawyers and Divines. In the mean time the Protestants army advanced and took the strong fort of Ereberce 
〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 taken by the Protestants  situated upon a mountain, which stopped the passage from Trent for Italy to Enepont, and withal the town of Fiesse belonging to the Bishop of Ausbourg, and passing on, they took Dilline and Donavert. The Emperor was then at Ratisbone, ill prepared to make head against them: So as if their affairs had been governed by one only commander, the Emperor had been in great danger. The 7. of August in the town of Macklin (which is one of the 17. Provinces of the Netherlands whereas the Great council or Parliament of the said countries did remain) lightning fell among the gunpowder, which was in great quantity in a tower of the wall at the port which they call 
Ma●…klin burn●… by lightning.  Necbecspoel, the which at first overthrew both the Tower and the gate; than it took hold of the buildings both within and without the Town, and above 500 paces round about, so as it ruined and defeated the whole Town; the trees were pulled up by the roots & burnt: the water in the town ditches was drawn out, and the fishes cast far out into the fields. There were about 150. burnt & slain in this accident with the ruin of houses, besides those that were grievously hurt and recovered, and such as died of their wounds, which were very many. Many came two, three, and four days after out of Caves, where they saved themselves, others were smothered or died for hunger. A great number of cattle with the stables, was also consumed by this fire. The wall where the Tower stood was shaken above 200. paces long. The damage that was done by the fire could not be repaired in a long time.  
Then grew the wars hot in Germany betwixt the Protestants and the Emperor. To whom the Prince of Saxony, the Landtgraue of Hessen, and their companions, sent letters the XI. of August, by the which according to the use and laws of arms; they gave him to understand their resolutions, and after they had informed him of 
The Protestant Princes defy the Emperor.  his duty, and how he was bound to them and the Empire by his oath; and that it was for relligions' cause that he made this war against them: they concluded with these words. Matters standing in this sort, and seeing wear allied, to the end that it may be lawful for us to persever in this religion (though some would surmise other causes of discontentment against us) we have been forced to put ourselves in defence, the which we may lawfully do, both by the laws of GOD and nature. And although that through thy pernicious desseines we are not in any sort bound unto thee: and therefore was needles to let thee understand our will, yet for the better assurance we renounce the faith and duty we owe thee; not to diminish the honour and good of the Empire, but rather to preserve and maintain it. We do therefore protest this publicly, and according to the solemn custom, being resolved to repel this war attempted by thee and by thine Allies  
This letter was sent by a young Gentleman and a trumpet according to the custom, to the emperors camp near unto Land shupt; but he was so far from receiving it, as he commanded them upon pain of their heads to return them back again to their people. He said moreover that if hereafter any one came unto him from 
The Emperor r●…useth to receive a letter.  them, in steed of a chain of gold, he would present him a halter: then he gave them the proclamation of their banishment, charging them expressly to deliver it unto their Lords: whereof he likewise sent a copy unto Duke Maurice of Saxony, cousin to john Frederick Prince Elector, persuading him to seize upon his country, before that an other laid hold of it. To the accusations and criminations contained in the said proclamation of banishment, the Protestant Princes published an ample answer in print, the contents whereof was that the intention of the Pope and Emperor was to root out all them of the religion, the which he had declared unto the French Kings Ambassador (from whose mouth all was known) and vanquish Germany, as he had long before disseigned etc. But from words and writings they fell to blows. The two armies being near one unto the other, the Landtgraue was of an opinion to charge 
The two arm●… near one to an other.  the Emperor's camp before the arrival of the Earl of Buren with his supplies; who brought with him 4000 horse & 10000 choice men out of the Netherlands; but the destinies of these Princes would not suffer them to follow this good Council: for the Emperor was nothing so strong as the Protestants; who seeing them so near unto him, and having endured a whole day the thundering of their cannon, showed a gallant resolution, if they had come to assail him: soon after the Earl of Buren arrived so 
The ●…aile of 〈◊〉 enjoins with th●… Emperor.  as the Emperor having all his forces together, those of the Protestants began by little and little to disband: and in the mean time Duke Maurice (according to the Emperor's advise) molested the Prince Elector of Saxony in his Country. Whereupon the Protestants army being divided, the Prince Elector went with his troops against 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Maurice, and recovered all that he had taken from him.  
The Emperor seeing the Protestants army thus dispersed upon no occasion, and that the Landtgraue was retired to his own home, he writ letters full of threats to the duke of Wirtembourg, who sent to sue for pardon by his Ambassadors, and so in a manner, did all the Protestant towns, whom he did ransom for money and many pieces of Artillery. The war being thus inflamed betwixt the two Noble ousins of Saxony, and the Emperor hearing in what estate duke Maurice was, he sent Albert of Brandebourg unto him with some troops, who was taken at Rochlick and brought unto the Prince Elector, and soon after the town was also taken. Ferdinand the Emperor's brother, King of Hungary & Bohemia, by the Lady Anne 
A bert of 〈◊〉 Brandebourg taken prisoner by the Prince Elector.  his wife, would have forced the Bohemians to serve against the Prince Elector of Saxony, the which they refuzed to do, by reason of the old leagues betwixt the Saxons and Bohemians, and seeking to force them they rise in arms against him. The Protestants had sent their Ambassadors to the French King and to the King of England, to show the equity of their cause: and that they had taken arms against the Emperor, for the defence of their lives, goods, religion and the liberty of Germany, who having had audience of the French King, past into England whereas they found King Henry the eight very sick, so as he died in the end of januarie 1547. The French King had sent by these Ambassadors two hundred thousand crowns in lone to the Protestant Princes, to aid them in this war. And as the King of England died whilst the Ambassadors were there: so at their return into France, they found King Francis extremely sick, who died at Rambovillet. It was a happy chance for the Emperor (among many other good fortunes) that two so great and mighty Princes, which had the means, and (as many thought) a desire to cross the Emperor in his enterprises and high designs, died both in a manner at one time.  
In the same year 1547. Adolph of Bourgongne Signior of Chappelle and Wackene, 
1547.  jerosme Sandelin Signior of Herentont, Receivor of Bewesterscheldt in Zeeland, 
Countr●…s recovered from the sea in zeeland.  and some private gentlemen, did recover and wall in about Sheerenskerke and Heinkensandt in the country of Zuydbevelandt (otherwise called the I'll of Tergoes) the old enclosure or Polder, (which is a land won from the sea) the which before the Inundation was usually called Zeeshuys, so as it remained a long time unprofitable: but since that it was recovered they call it Cray, at this present a most fertile country, whereby those that have thus defended it from the Sea with their banks have made great profit. The Emperor having an intent to ruin john Frederick Prince Elector, past the river of Elbe with all speed, to fight with him on the other side, which done, the Prince having not all his army in one body, as the Emperor had, was there forced to make head against him, and to give him battle, in the which the duke being very greatly wounded in the cheek, was led by the duke of Alva (Lieutenant of the army) to the Emperor. The duke Ernest of Brunswyck was taken with him. The Emperor and King Ferdinand used the Prince Elector very roughly in words, giving sentence of death against him, the which he bore very patiently but the Emperor durst not proceed to the execution thereof: yet he propounded heavy and rigorous conditions unto him: taking from him the greatest part of his Seigneuries, the which he gave to Maurice his couzine, with the dignity of the Electorship.  
As for the Landtgraue of Hessen, upon the assurances which the duke Maurice and 
The Landtgraue submits himself unto the Emperor.  the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg his sons in law gave him: he presented himself upon his knees unto the Emperor, craving pardon for all that was past, whereunto answer was made him in obscure terms, which did not show an absolute pardon. Yet this Nobleman (thinking that all went well with him) thanked the Emperor, and for that he suffered him to kneel too long, he rose of himself. He was led to supper with the duke of Alva, when after supper thinking to retire with the two Noblemen his sons in law, he was stayed prisoner, the which ministered great matter of discontent, who (notwithstanding all the Protestation which duke Maurice and Brandebourg could make) was detained and put into the guard of Spaniards. The two Noblemen 
1548.  charged the Emperor with his promise that he would not keep him in prison, 
The Lan●…graue put in prison contrary to promise.  his answer was that he had promised not to keep him there in perpetual prison, whereupon the Duke of Alva said unto them, that if in steed of fourteen days the Emperor, should restrain him 14. years he should not break his word: So the Landtgraue remained a prisoner being carried from place to place, always guarded by the Spaniards of whom he received a thousand indignities, and he was not freed but by constraint, no more than the Duke of Saxony, which was the cause that the Emperor was chased out of Germany, as we shall hereafter show.  
The 23. of December in the said year 1548. died that valiant Captain Maximilian of Egmont Earl of Buren, (after that he had arrived so happily to serve the Emperor 
The death of the Earl of Buren.  in his war of Germany) of an extraordinary death, for being four days before his death abandoned by all his Physicians, who had foretold him the day of his death, having called all his household servants, and made them goodly exhortations, giving to every one some thing by his testament, he died speaking, and apparelled in his chair. Maximilian of Austria, eldest son to Ferdinand having married the Lady Mary, eldest daughter to the Emperor; Prince Philip 21. years old, being sent for by his father, began 
Prince philip comes out of Spain into the Netherlands.  his journey to come into the Netherlands, leaving his cousin and Brother in law Maximilian to be Governor of Spain in his absence, and having set sail the 25. of November with a goodly fleet of ships and Galleys commanded by Andrew Doria, he landed at Genoa accompanied with many Princes of Spain, among others by the Duke of Alva and the Cardinal of Trent: from thence he came to Milan and passing by Mantova and Trent he came to Ausbourg and Spyer, so crossing the Country of Luxembourg, he arrived at the Emperor his father's court at Bruslelles, Duke Maurice went to 
He arrived the 1. of April, 1549. at Brussels.  meet him entreating him to move the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen his Father in law, who was Prisoner, the which he did. It were tedious to make particular relation of his stately entry into Brussels: whereas the Lady Elinor the French Queen and the Lady Mary Queen of Hongary his Aunts received him, and conducted him to the Emperor his father.  
The fourth of july the Emperor with his two sisters and the Prince his son, went to Lowaine, the most ancient and chief town of the Duchy of Brabant to put his son (according to the ancient customs and previledges of that town) in possession 
The Prince takes possession of the Duchy of Brabant.  of the said Duchy: and to take the oath required in that case: the which he did in the Emperor's hands, as the like was done afterwards in the town of Brussels. The thirteen of the said month it was done in Gand for the Country of Flanders: then in the city of Arras for the Earldom of Arthois: and after that at Mons for the Conty of Henault; from thence they went to Bins in the same country, whereas the Queen of Hongary did vsualy keep her Court: where were great feasts, masks, tourneys and other sports, the which continued from the third of August 1549. Until September and then he departed to go to Antwerp, to take possession of the ●…owne, and of the Marquisate of the Holy Empire: whereas there wanted no pomp at his reception.  
The last of May, 1550. the Emperor parted from Bruselles with the Prince his son, 
The Emperor returns into Germanyto ●…ke the Empire for his Son.  to return into Germany, to an Imperial Diet which should be held at Ausbourg, leading the duke of Saxony prisoner with him, & leaving the Landtgraue in prison at Macklin. The chief intent of his going was to labour to make his son Emperor after him as you shall hear. The 29. of April this year, there was a most rigorous Edict published by the Emperor throughout all the Netherlands in the Dutch and French tongues, tending to bring in the Inquisition of Spain and other extraordinary matters. After the 
A bloody Edict against them of the religion.  publication of this Edict many were much amazed, especially the merchants of Germany & England which did traffic ordinarily in those Provinces especially at Antwerp, whose resolution was, that either they must moderate the said Edict, or else they would seek some other abode: and many to avoid the danger, had resolved to shut up their shops, and to depart. The Senate of Antwerp, and especially the Bourgeses, seeing the loss and prejudice that would come unto them, were in great perplexity. And therefore when the Inquisitors were arrived, they opposed themselves with all their 
They murmu●… at Antwerp against it.  power, and going to the Queen of Hongary their Governess, they laid open unto her the loss and prejudice that not only they, but the whole country should receive, if it were put in practice, for the tenor of the Inquisition, contained an ample power over all judges and Magistrates whatsoever. Whereupon she caused the execution thereof to be surceased in the said Town, the which was done in consideration of foreign nations, which were strong and mighty there. The Queen went upon this occasion to the Emperor her Brother into Germany, to move him to moderate this Edict, that otherwise Andtwerp (which was a Town of the greatest trade in the world and most frequented) would lose her traffic and credit. Besides there would be a general sedition, if this Edict were put in execution. The Emperor in the end yielded, but with great difficulty: and changing that which concerned merchants strangers, he razed out the word Inquisition, so odious to all men, commanding that the rest should be observed and entertained. In the mean time the Emperor did much afflict them of Magdebourg, by reason of their religion, causing Duke Maurice of Saxony to besiege them. And for that the Princes of the Empire sought to make their peace, he prescribed them such hard conditions, as they would by 
Magdebourg valiantly defended.  no means yield unto them: but maintained this siege valiantly, even unto the end being forced by a composition to suffer them in peace.  
The Archduke Maxmilian of Austria son to King Ferdinand, and son in law to the Emperor, being chosen in his absence King of Bohemia, came at that time out of Spain to Ausbourg, being called by his father; who had then a great 
A controversy betwixt the two brethren for the Empire.  controversy with the Emperor touching the succession of the Empire: for the deciding whereof, they said the Emperor had caused his sister the Queen of Hongary to come, for the Emperor knowing that the uniting of Germany was necessary for the augmentation of his estate, desired to settle his son (who after him should rule and command over so great and divers nations and countries) upon so mighty and firm a support. Ferdinand who tended to the same end, was resolved not to suffer himself to be frustrate of this goodly expectation, as well for himself as for his children. Prince Maxmilian who was of a good disposition, well seen in divers languages, but especially endued with a singular grace in his behaviour, was very pleasing unto the people. The Princes and States on the other side, considered well, that this great advancement of the King of Spain would not be very profitable for them; and although they showed themselves somewhat inclining unto the Emperor, yet all was but for fear, observing well his actions past, and the end whereunto he had always tended, under a colour of the Romish religion which he would so amply maintain: finally after that he should have won and supplanted (by the means of the Civil war which he nourished and entertained there) all the Princes and States of the one and the other religion (the which he had continnued more and more by his son) he would make himself and his successors absolute Monarchs'; and all Germany slaves to his house. These considerations made the Princes and 
Why the Princes of the Empire preferred Ferdinand before Prince Philip.  States to incline more touching the succession of the Empire to Ferdinand and to his son Maxmilian, who had their portions and all their successions in Germany; then to the Emperor or to the Prince his son. And the rather for that they had observed part of the humours of this Prince, being borne, nourished and brought up in Spain, and wholly possessed by the Spaniards, and by the Bishop of Arras, son to Granuelle; whose carriage (being a high Bourguignon) did nothing please the Germans. Besides this Prince being ill instructed, understood no language but his natural Spanish. What was concluded we shall hereafter see.  
The Town of Magdebourg freed from siege by a friendly composition with Duke Maurice he being now received into the Town, spoke it openly, that it should cost him his life, or he would set the Landtgraue his father in law at liberty. He had before sent his Ambassadors with the King of Denmark and many Princes of Germany to the Emperor, for his deliverance, being resolved upon his denial to attempt it by force, he having already entered into some treaty with the French King. The seventh of july William of Nassau Prince of Orange married the daughter and only heir of Maxmilian of Egmont Earl of Buren, the only heir of the house of Launoy: the 
1551  marriage (which was the first which the said Prince had of four) was celebrated in 
The Prince of Orange first marriage.  the Castle of Buren, by whom he had Philip of Nassau, now Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary widow to Philip Earl of Hohenlo, brother and sister by father's side to Count Maurice of Nassau, commanding at this day in Holland Zeeland etc.  
This year the Emperor set a tax of five florins throughout all the country of Liege, as a fee of the Empire upon every thousand florins value of Inheritance, to help to defray the charges of the last wars of Germany. The Liegeois would have opposed themselves and fallen to mutiny, but having sent their deputies to the Emperor, in the end they yielded upon certain conditions. The Emperor at the same time did chase all the ministers out of Ausbourg, john Frederic duke of Saxony, (although he were a 
The Ministers chased away by the ●…mpe ror.  prisoner) did not forbear to comfort them, and to assist them with money. Some of them retired into Suisserland, and some else where. The news of this banishment of Ministers amazed many, for every man feared that what had been done there, would be also practised in other places, as it was afterwards, but for a short time in respect of Germany.  
At such time as all were in these alterations, the French King (hearing that duke Maurice attempted war against the Emperor) fell upon 22. ships of Zeeland, bound for Spain, being worth above 200000. florins, the which he took and spoiled and then carried them into his havens: whereupon the 17. day of September in the same year 1551. the French Ambassador was sent away from Brussels as an enemy, with all the French Nobility which had remained with the Lady Elinor, Queen Dowager of France, and war was proclaimed the 21. of that month betwixt these two great Princes, both by land and sea. Many wondered how the King durst ●…eaue the friendship of the Emperor, being then in so great prosperity, neither did the Emperor (as some said) expect it. In january 1552. the general States of the Netherlands assembled in the town of Bruges in Flanders, whereas the Queen of Hungary Governess of the 
1552.  said countries, made a demand in the Emperor's name, of an extraordinary aid or 
An assembly of the states of o●… the Nel●…nds.  subvention of three Millions of gold: whereunto the Flemings would in no sort yield, by reason of their small traffic: but they offered to entertain so many men at arms, as should fall to their shares: wherewith the said Lady was not well satisfied. Afterwards the said estates assembled at Brussels, where upon certain conditions they did grant 400000 florins.  
Duke Maurice and the Marquis of Brandenbourg, sons in law to the Landtgraue of Hessen, sent their Ambassadors to the Emperor, accompanied with the letters of the King of Denmark, of Ferdinand King of romans, of Albert duke of Bavaria; 
Many Princes 〈◊〉 for the Landt graves liberty.  of the brethren of Lunebourg: of the Elector Frederic Palatin, of Wolfgang duke of Deux Ponts, of john Marquis of Brandenbourg, of Ernest Marquis of Baden, of the dukes of Merklenbourg and of Christopher duke of Wirtemberg, to sue for the Landtgraves' delivery: But it seemed the Emperor respected all these Princes little, referring the answer of their request to the coming of duke Maurice; who he said should come to treat with him: William eldest son to the Landtgraue did importune him, and Maurice more, both he and the Marquis of Brandenbourg putting him in mind of their bond and promise, speaking somewhat big unto him. In the mean time the horsemen that had lain about Magdebourg and within it, wintered in Thuringen and the neighbour country, where they did much harm, especially to the Clergy, and above all to the Archbishop of Mentz. Whereupon he and the other two of Collogne and Treves complained to the Emperor, being resolved to forsake the council. To whom he gave good words entreating them to stay: whether the duke of Wirtemberg, those of Strausbourg and other Protestants had sent their Ambassadors, and the duke Maurice did also send his: the which did much rejoice the said Archbishops, believing that they had no more any cause to doubt of him. The chief differences of the Protestants Ambassadors, were upon the safe conduit of their divines, the which they were forced to alter three times, and upon the other points which duke Maurice had propounded. These Ambassadors having received their safe conduits in such form as they could obtain them, sent them to their Princes and Magistrates.  
Soon after many began to murmur that the council should be prolonged, and that Maurice being in league with the French, made his preparations to war against the Emperor. This report increased daily; and they sent messengers from Trent to the Emperor to know his pleasure: Afterwards an other came from the Emperor, but they used therein great discretion, to keep matters secret, lest they should discontent the Council: until that the first of April Duke Maurice and his companions, besieged the Town of Ausbourg, the which three days after was yielded unto him: Which was the cause of the dissipation of the Council. Maurice writ letters (the 
Ausbourg wone by Du●… Maurice.  which were afterwards printed) to the States of the Empire, setting down many lively reasons, which moved him to make war against the Emperor, for the preservation of his religion and the liberty of Germany, and withal for the delivery of the Landtgraue his father in law. He did greatly tax the Emperor, seeking to bring Germany into servitude, under his Monarchy, as he had already oppressed it by divers exactions and suppressions of their privilidges. Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg, published a writing almost of the same substance, complaining that the liberty of Germany was oppressed, even by them that were bound to defend and enlarge it etc. The French King did also publish letters, by the which he showed that he had no other end but the liberty of Germany, and of all Christendom; complaining of the wrongs which the Emperor did and had done to him and to his friends, in whose succours he had resolved to employ all his forces in that war, yea even his own person, without any respect to his own private Interest, how great soever it might be; But only that Germany might be restored, and john Frederic Duke of Saxony, and the Landtgraue of Hessen delivered etc.  
These letters of the Princes and of the French King dispersed throughout Germany, gave cause of hope to some, and to others of fear and care, William the Landtgraves' son, having put his men to field, went and joined with Duke Maurice: Albert of Brandenbourg did also join with them, with his horse and foot. In all places where they passed they brought the Towns under their subjection, taking the Inhabitants into their safeguard and protection, yet forcing them to furnish both money and Artillery. The Princes did also send to them of high Germany, and especially to Nuremberg, that they should not fail to be at Ausbourg, in the end of April, and did also press them of Vlme to enter into league with them. Whilst these things were doing in Germany, the French King marched with a goodly army, and took Toll and Verdun Imperial Towns upon the Frontiers of France: Then marching into Lorraine, under colour of demanding passage, he took Metz, a Town of 
The French takes Metz. Toll and V●…rdun.  the Empire also; He thought to have done as much to Strasbourg, a fair, great, rich and mighty Town, but the Senate excused themselves, and kept him from entering, furnishing some munition of corn, and oats for the King's army; Levying five thousand men for the guard of the Town, if happily they should offer to force them. The confederate princes came to ulme, which refused to be of their union; Being arrived there, they hovered about the Town: And for that the Inhabitants were so insolent to shoot at them, they demanded for reparation of this outrage 
Duke Mauric●… confe●…rs with King Ferdinand touching a Peace.  three hundred thousand Crowns; The which being refused, they spoilt them all they could. From thence Duke Maurice went to Lints in Austria, to understand from King Ferdinand the conditions of peace: For that Ferdinand desired greatly to pacify things with the Emperor's consent. After that he had conferred with him, he returned to the army and the next day they marched towards the Alpes. Heereuppon the judges of the Imperial Chamber fled from Spyer: For it was against them that both the French King and the Princes were incensed, laying upon them all the blame and cause o●… these troubles.  
In the mean time the Queen of Hongary the Emperor's sister, made an Assembly at Aix la Chappelle, upon the Confines of the Duchy of juilliers, to make a League with them; The Prince of Cleves and juilliers excused himself by his Ambassadors: Adolph Bishop of Cologne came, and so did George of Austria Bishop of Liege. The French King being come to Weissenbourg, after that he had left the territory of Strasbourg seeing that there was not any thing to be gotten, the Ambassadors of the Prince Elector Palatin, of the Archbishops of Mentz and Treves, and of the the dukes of Cleves and wirtemberg, which were assembled at Worms, for the good of the Commonweal, went unto the King, entreating him that he would not waste and spoil the champion country, but take pity of the poor commons and incline his heart to peace. Duke Maurice for his part did also write unto the King, in the which was contained what had been treated at Lints with King Ferdinand, requiring the King (whom Maurice would have comprehended in the treaty of peace) to declare with what conditions he would compound with the Emperor. The King found by these letters that they were weary of him in Germany, (and to say the truth, the Princes would not willingly have seen him advance) so as two days after he retired with 
The French King retires into Germany.  his army again into Lorraine & so into France. But before his departure he answered the ambassadors, saying that he had obtained that for which he came into Germany with his army; seeing that the Prince's Prisoners should be delivered, which was the chief cause of the war, and therefore he had won honour enough. That if it ever chanced that Germany had need of him, that he would spare neither his labour, purse nor person: that hearing now that his enemies had assailed him within his Realm, he would return. As for that which they writ of the Emperor, and of a peace, he referred himself to them etc. with some other compliments.  
The King was no sooner gone out of France towards Germany, but presently the Emperor's army of the Netherlandes, whereof Martin van Rossen was Commander, entered and burnt the frontiers of Champagne, and took Astenay a town seated near to the river of Meuze, of the jurisdiction of Lorraine, whereon the French had but lately seized. Some say it was one of the causes that made the King retire with his army: the second was for that he did not allow of Duke Maurice his proceeding touching the peace: and the third was for that he had been deceived of his expectation upon the town of Strasbourg, the which he would willingly have had as good cheap, as he had gotten Metz, Toul and Verdun, but Strasbourg was too great a morsel, the which if he had swallowed, the Germans might at leisure have repent that ever they had called him.  
Being retired out of Germany, he began to march the two and twenty of May, so as having past the River of Mosella, he entered into Luxembourg where he wasted, 
The French King in Luxembourg.  spoiled and burnt all, imitating (as he said) Martin van Rossen, and recovered the town of Astenay, the which he found without garrison, the Borguignons and Rossen being retired upon the first bruit of the King's approach. Then he went with his army before Danuilliers, the which was yielded unto him, and then Yuois, the strongest place of the country, Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfieldt Governor of the country 
Count Mansfield prisoner.  was in it, with the flower of all the the youth of Luxembourg, who were all taken by the French, and the town spoiled through a mutiny among the soldiers, against the Kings will, as they said.  
Duke Maurice after his return from the treaty at Lints, to the Army of the confederate Princes, he being gone, King Ferdinand went presently to Inspruch to the Emperor his Brother, to let him understand what had been treated betwixt them. And that at Maurice his return to the army he marched with his companions towards the Alpes: who being thrust on by du Fresne the French Kings Ambassador, they were resolved to charge those soldiers which the Emperor caused to be levied in that quarter. The 18. of May approaching to Fiesse, (which is a small town at the entry of the Alpes) they sent some troops to discover even unto the straits which the Emperor's men held, whereof they took some prisoners, from whom they learned the estate of that quarter. The next day they advanced with their foot, and only two hundred men at arms, and took the way to Fiesse, near unto Rutte they came unto the strait 
The Princes win the straits of the Alpes.  of the Mountains, which some eight hundred of the Emperor's men held with two field pieces, whom they assailed, won the passage, and chased the enemies, who flying away, struck a fear into them that were near unto Rutte. The Princes followed them at the heels, and so charged the rest, as they defeated them, where there were about a 1000 slain and drowned. The next day they marched towards the fort of Ereberg, where they happily took the fort under the Castle, and were masters of the entries of the passage, and took the great Canon which was ready mounted. This done, they crept up the mountain the which was very steep even unto the Castle (although they played continually upon them with their small shot.) There were within it thirteen companies of foot, whereof nine captains were taken, and three Germans with one Italian escaped: there were about 3000. prisoners, and the Princes lost few of their men.  
The 22. of May, two regiments were sent to Inspruck by the Alpes, which is but two days journey from thence: all their Cavalerie remained with one regiment about Fiesse and Rutte, to guard the passage; Maurice and the confederate Princes followed the next day, and joined with their foot near unto Zirle, which is but two leagues from Inspruck. The Emperor hearing news that Eruberg was taken, departed hastily in the night (and with great confusion) from Inspruck, with his brother 
The Emperor flies from Inspruch in haste.  Ferdinand, who was arrived a little before to mediate a peace, and bending on the left hand by the mountains, which lead to Trent, he retired to Villac, a town of Carniola, upon the river of Drove. He had a little before set john Frederick Duke of Saxony at liberty, whom he had kept five whole years languishing in prison, and carried him a long time up and down with him, as in triumph; whom he freed, 
The duke of Saxony set at liberty.  for fear his enemies should challenge it as a glory unto them. The which the prisosoner did also desire, to the end that Maurice might not vaunt that he had been the cause of his liberty. Being at liberty, he did yet accompany the Emperor wheresoever he went.  
Maurice being arrived at Inspruck, all the baggage that was found belonging to the Emperor, the Spaniards, or the Cardinal of Ausbourg, was spoiled, but they touched nothing that belonged to King Ferdinand, or to the Inhabitants: and for that there remained but three days for the future treaty of the peace, as it had been concluded at Lints, Duke Maurice went from them to Passau: but the Princes his confederates returned from whence they came, and came the twenty eight of May to Fiesse. The Duke being come to the assignation at Passau, to treat a peace the first of june, that which had been begun at Lints was repeated, and all propounded and expounded more at large by Maurice. There were as mediators, King Ferdinand, Albert Duke of Bavaria, and the Bishops of Strasbourg and Eistede, with the Ambassadors of the Dukes of Cleves and Wirtemberg. Those for the Emperor came 
Duke Maurice his complaint  also. Before them all, Maurice made a long discourse and great complaints of matters that had passed in the emperors name, and of the bad government of the commonweal: and among other things, that foreign soldiers had vaunted, that they had vanquished and subdued Germany; the which they did assure themselves to join unto the emperors inheritance (as it was his principal desseine) in building of citadels in all the chief towns. That the Imperial chamber was all governed, from the which they of the religion were excluded, and many other points which he propounded, and required to be redressed: and that they should restore the Empire to her ancient dignity; and that Strangers might not be suffered to scorn or contemn them.  
The Princes and Noblemen that were mediators, having conferred together, thought that his demands contained nothing but what was just: yet to preserve the Emperor's honour, and that he might be the sooner persuaded, they were of opinion that many things which concerned the reformation of the State, might be reserved to an Imperial diet. During these conferences of peace, the other confederate Princes marched still on, especially the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg, who made war apart, the which he said was in the French Kings name, against the Princes, Bishops, 
Albert of Brandenbourg makes war●… apart.  and towns that were not of their league, spoiling and burning all that he could not ransom at his pleasure, especially the town of Nuremberg, where having burnt about a hundred Villages of that jurisdiction, and some threescore fair farms, with the Town and Castle of Lichtenau, he went and besieged Nuremberg, 
Nuremberg compoun●… with him.  threatening it with extreme ruin: so as by the means of other Princes that were intercessors for them, he forced them to redeem this siege, and to buy their peace, paying him a hundred thousand crowns, with six double Canons mounted, with all their furniture and provision; and that they should favour the confederate Princes, like to them of Ausbourg. From thence he went before ulme, where he prevailed nothing, after that he had wasted and spoiled the Country thereabouts. He entered also into the territories of Mentz and Treves, where he did all the harm he could. In the mean time Duke Maurice being returned to his confederates to Mergentheim, declared unto them what had been done touching the peace: and that king Ferdinand was gone in all haste to the Emperor, and that he thought he would soon send some councillors with a final answer. But least in this doubtful and uncertain estate of their affairs, some inconvenience might happen unto them, if they remained idle, they resolved to go to Francfort, where there were 17. Euseignes of foot, and 1000 horse in garrison for the Emperor, under the command of Conrard van Hand●…steyn, the which might be very prejudicial for the country of Hessen that lay near it: 
Francfort besieged by the Princes.  whereupon they went and camped before the town the 17. of july. During this siege George Duke of Mechelbourg, in league with Maurice (who had first made war at Magdebourg) was slain with a Canon. At the beginning when as they brought the siege before Francfort, the confederate Princes demanded of the prince Palatin a great number of Artillery, the which he refused once or twice, but seeing there was no means to avoid it, and that they threatened to bring the whole army, they gave them eight of their biggest Canon, with all their furniture.  
The Marquis Albert (who had joined with his confederates upon the way) as they 
The bishops, Prelates and P●…ests, ●…he before Albert.  arrived before Francfort, left them at the siege, and marched towards the Rhine, whereas he subjecteth Worms and Spyer under his command, enjoining them to supply him both with money and Artillery. In all places where he came the Churchmen were fled, or had changed their habits to disguise themselves; and as he approached near unto Franconia, the Bishops and Prelates all fled away. Having gotten these Towns, he writ unto the Senate of Strasbourg, commanding them that their Town should be always open for him and his companions, and should receive a garrison for them, when need required, whereof they excused themselves, being of the religion, and in league with the Princes. Albert being advertised that Duke Maurice inclined unto a peace, left a garrison at Spyer, and returned unto Francfort with his troops: He being come, he hastened the siege, and planted his Camp on the other side of the river of Meyn in a place that was somewhat high, where he might play with his Canon at his pleasure. He took the treaty of peace in very ill part, and spoke wonderful ill of Maurice, refusing to be comprehended therein.  
The 15. of july King Ferdinand sent to the Camp of the confederate Princes, being before Francfort, Henry Vicont of Meisen, and Chancellor of Bohemia, who arrived after Duke Maurice the 24. of the said month. After they had contended a little, the Chancellor terrifying him with Duke john Frederick, whom the Emperor had set at liberty, and showed unto the Landtgraves' son the condition of his Father, and the danger of all his province; in the end he persuaded them uno peace, the which was concluded at Passau upon certain conditions. The chief Princes that 
A p●…ace concluded betwixt the Emperor & the Princes.  were present, and the Ambassadors of them that were absent, signed this treaty, the original whereof was dispatched at Passau, which the Emperor himself signed. A peace being concluded, the French Ambassador retired. The King disliked of this composition; but hearing that the Landtgraue was in great danger if it were not concluded, he yielded, and sent back the hostages and pledges (which the Protestant Princes had given him,) safe and sound into Germany.  
The 13. of August Duke Maurice and the Landtgraves' son parted from Francfort and took contrary ways; the Landtgraves' son toward Hessen, and Maurice led his army to Donauvert, down the river of Danowe, sending it into Hongary against the Turks which came to assail it, but the regiment of Ryffenberg past the river of Meyn, and joined with Albert of Brandebourg, which did much trouble the princes, fearing lest the Emperor should take some occasion thereby, not to release the Landtgraue. The Marquis Albert went still in his course after the conclusion of a peace, wherein he would not be comprehended making war apart, especially against the Bishop of Ments, Treves and Spyer, forcing the Inhabitants of these towns to swear unto him; and to furnish him with money. Throughout all their territories he burned castles, Cloisters, and Temples, yea even within the Towns. About the end of july the Emperor came from Villac to Inspruch, and eight days after, he passed by Bavaria, having with him some troops of Germans, Bohemians, Italians, and Spaniards, the which arrived at Genoa in the beginning of the said month, under the command of the Duke of Alua. The Archbishop of Ments after that he had run 
The Emp●…or comes to Ausbourg  up and down Suaube for some days, being a fugitive out of his country, hearing news of the Emperor (who arrived at Ausbourg the twentieth of August) he went unto him.  
Philip Landtgraue of Hessen being freed from prison, according to the Accord, and retiring home to his house, passing by Maestricht upon the river of Meuze, he was again stayed by the Queen of Hongaries' commandment, being there, and was again given in guard to the Spaniards even unto them that had been his keepers 
The Landtgraue delivered and sta●…ed again.  five years together. The cause was (which had troubled confederate Princes as we have said) for that Ryffenberch who had been entertained by the Landtgraves' son, had gone with all his men unto Marquis Albert; whereby the Queen maintained that the peace was broken and that she could not deliver him, until she understood the emperors pleasure. The same day that the Emperor parted from Ausbourg he dismissed john Frederic Duke of Saxony, with loving words, promising to remain 
The Duke of Saxony t●…kes his 〈◊〉 of of the Emperor.  always his friend. (after that he had insulted over him; he deprived him of his Electoral dignity, and dispossessed him of a good part of his Country) who parted the next day and retired into his Country. The fourth of September the Landtgraue was absolutely discharged, and within six days after came unto his house.  
The Emperor having past the Country of Wirtenberg, marched towards Strausbourg, before the which he caused his army to pass over the river of Rhine; and he 
The Emperor 〈◊〉 ●…o Strasbou●…g.  himself with a small train entered into the Town, the which he had never seen, where he was honourably and lovingly received by the Senat. In the evening he took the way of haguenau, and lay that night in the next village. Where as the army made an infinite spoil in few days: whereof the Senate made their complaints unto the Duke of Alva Lieutenant of the army, but it availd them nothing. In the mean time the French fortified Metz and Nancy, under the command of the Duke of Guise drawing in all the corn and forage of the Country: john Marquis of Brandebourg, Alphonso Duke of Holsteyn, brother to the King of Denmark, and Philibert Prince of Piedmont were in the Emperor's army. Those that were banished out of Germany 
She was daughter to Christian King of Denmark.  by the Emperor refused the conditions of peace and remained in France. The Duchess of Lorraine the Emperor's Niece, being chased out of Lorraine by the French King, conferred with her uncle near unto Strasbourg, and then retired into the Netherlands.  
The Emperor parting from Haguenau came to Metz, where he planted his siege, the two twenty day of October. Many Councillors of the law and Bourgeses departed 
1552  with leave of the French, whereof some retired into Lorraine, and others to Strasbourg. 
Metz besieged.  The twenty eight of August those of the Town of Brussels, and of the seven villages nearest about it, made a muster in arms without the Town, on a goodly great plain, upon the way by Elsene under six Captains of three divers quarters, from thence they marched in Battle unto the Town, entering by the port of Couwenbourg, with thirteen field pieces in the midst of them, with their Gunners and pioneers: passing before the Court, they were viewed by the Queen of Hongary Governess of the Netherlands, being above seven thousand choice men (for if they had mustered all that could have borne arms under sixty and eighteen they should have found above twenty thousand) it was a kind of a petty Camp, the which the Queen had caused to be made to see what men she might gather together to defend the town of Brussels, if happily (the which she feared) the French should enter through Henault into Brabant. Albert of Brandebourg was then upon the frontiers of Lorraine with fifty companies of foot, and great troops of horse, near unto Mussipont. And for that he had some difference with the French King, 
Albert of Brandebourg reconciled to the Emperor.  touching the entertainment for his service, both for that which was past, and that which was to come, he was by the means of some reconciled to the Emperor, who forgave him all his faults, forbidding any to call him into question, for the wars past. The which being understood by the French, the Earl of Aumale brother to the Duke of Guise, (whom the King had sent into Lorraine with great troops of horse,) having by secret practices debauched and withdrawn the regiment of Ryf●…enberg, and thinking to beat Albert, was himself beaten, wounded, and taken prisoner, the which happened the fourth of November. After this victory the Marquis Albert came to the Emperor's camp before Metz, with Aumale his prisoner, and camped upon Mosella, then having caused his prisoner to be dressed, he sent him into Germany to be well guarded.  
The Emperor came from Thionuille to his camp before Metz t●…e twenty of November, than they battered the town furiously with forty Canons, the report whereof 
A furio●… bat●…y at M●….  was heard eighteen leagues off. The besieged made many gallant sallies, especially upon Albert of Brandenbourgs Camp, whom they hated most: and once among the rest, when as the Earls of Egmont, Aremberg, and other Noblemen of the Netherlands were at supper with him, in the which Lichtenberg his Lieutenant was very sore wounded. The Princes and greatest Noblemen carried earth to repair 
M●… valiantly d●…nded.  their breaches, so as the besiegers were no less amazed to see their diligence a●…d labour, than their valour. The Winter was very sharp and full of Snow: and although the Emperor had a goodly Army, yet he never gave any assault, but busied himself only about undermining of the town, wherein he prevailed little, both by reason of the bad and unseasonable wether which did hinder them, as also for that the besieged were advertised thereof, and did countermine. The Town was valiantly defended by choice Captains, Princes, and others of great houses, and all under the command of the Duke of Guise.  
The Emperor seeing his army overtoyled, and to disband and diminish daily, through hunger, cold, nakedness, and want of all things: some Italians retiring into the Town to the Duke of Guise, being priest by necessity, about the end of December 
The Emperor 〈◊〉 his siege fro●… M●….  he retired his Canon, resolving to make an honourable retreat, wherein he●… employed Cont Egmont to discover and assure the ways: and the first of january the Emperor came to Thionuille▪ leaving all the charge to dispose of the retreat of 
1553.  the Army, unto the Duke of Alva his Lieutenant▪ the which he performed with great dishonour and shame, for so great a Captain as he would seem to be. Making the said retreat with the Earl of Aremberg; their rearward was charged by the Vidame of Chartres; who defeated a Cornet of light horse, burned a good quantity of powder, and took more prisoners than he desired, so weak and languishing were the poor soldiers, as they could not make any defence. Then was it generally spoken, that the Duke of Alva had been the cause, why the Emperor had not taken Metz, for that he would never hazard his Spaniards to give a general assault, notwithstanding that there were a sufficient breach made; whereat they could not have lost so many men, as there died afterwards through cold, plague, and poverty: for which cause the Emperor was forced with shame to raise his Camp, having lost so many men, spent so much money, and blemished so much his reputation and credit.  
The Emperor having stayed some time at Thionuille, arrived the sixth of February at brussels. Many would not believe that he was yet living; wherefore he was wonderfully welcome, and very honourably and graciously received, especially by 
The Emperor 〈◊〉 to B●…ssels.  his two Sisters, the Queens of France and Hongary. The people in general were wonderful joyful of his coming, every one desiring to see him often, for that they could scarce believe that he was yet living, he was grown so pale and lean with continual sickness. There was a subsicy granted him by the States of six hundred thousand florins, during his abode in the said town there fell out a great tumult betwixt the Spaniards and the Watermen, in the which there were two Spaniards slain: two days after they began again, where there was a maker 
A ●…umult at Brussels against the Spaniards.  of tapistry slain. Whereupon the Officer of the town took four Spaniards prisoners. The Magistrates complained unto Prince Philip the Emperor's son of the disorder of the Spaniards, falling ten or twelve upon one man to kill him, the Prince gave them leave to apprehend them and to do justice. And whereas one of the chief Authors was fled into Saint Nicholas Church, they went and apprehended him in the Quire near to the great Altar. The Spaniards did run thither in arms, meaning to rescue him▪ among the which there were some of their commanders that would have insulted over the justice: but the Signior of Molembais arrived with his halberdiers, who made them retire, for otherwise it had gone hard, with them. If they had not suppressed their Insolency in this manner, no burgesses of Brussels nor any one borne in the country, durst to have walked in the streets, if they had not been the stronger, and there had been continually great fight with them: but the Spaniards do so much fear la Horca, that is the gallows, as this commandment restrained them.  
In the ●…end of the Spring, the Lord of Bignicourt, of the house of Montmorency, by the Emperor's commandment did invest Teroane, lying in the midst of Arthois: 
Teroan take●… and razed.  for the defence whereof the French King sent the Lords of Esse and Montmorency, with their companies of men at arms and many other Noblemen, and Gentlemen. Adrien of Croy Earl of Roeux lord Steward of the emperors house, was general of the army, the town was furiously battered and they endured 3. charges at an assault, where there was great loss on either side, but of the French there were divers of account slain. In the end by sap they overthrew a Bulwark, which filled up the ditch: which the Lord of Montmorency and the rest of the captains seeing, demanded to capitulate. But whilst they parled with Count Bossu, who succeeded the Earl of Roeux, being dead during the siege, the Germans and Bourgognons gave a furious assault on an other side, and carried it by force, killing all they encountered. Only the Spaniards (who love money) saved the lives of many Gentlemen to have their ransoms. The most cruel and pitiless were the Germans and Landtfknechts' revenge; that during the siege they had set a sheep to feed upon the rampart, who as his kind is, fell a bleating, Met, Met, putting the emperors men in mind of Metz; where they had lost so many. The Lord of Montmorency being wounded was taken prisoner, with the Lords of Attigny, Loches, Varennes, Favernon, Montenay, la Bar and many others, who being put in a safe place, the town was all fired and blown up with powder: so as in the end it was quite razed and overthrown, nothing remaining but one suburb of the jurisdiction of Arthois, the circuit of the ground where the town stood belonging to the Bishop of Bologne, the which he farms out for pasture.  
Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg continued war still against the Bishops, having 
Duke Maurice defies Albert of Brandebourg.  spoiled the lands of Henry duke of Brunswick, he went into the territory of Mind. Duke Maurice fearing that he would march into the country of Hessen to assail Franconia again, he went from Northuse to Emb●… to be before him, and having gathered together his troops, he sent to defy him by a gentleman, whereof followed a most gr●…uous and bloody battle. Both armies being near unto Saxony, the ninth of july, Albert having past the river of Wexen, they joined Battle with all their forces, and great fury and choler of either side: there was a bloody fight which continued many hours, in the which duke Maurice who was the stronger in horse, had the victory but it cost him his life, for he was shot through the body, whereof he died two days after. Albert saved himself in Honobrie, there were about four thousand men slain upon the place, most of them horsemen, with a great number of prisoners, Henry of Brunswick lost two Sons Charles and Philip, Duke Maurice was not then much above 32. years old. He died without any sons, leaving two only daughters. Duke Augustus his brother succeeded him in all his estates and electoral dignity.  
The Prince of Piedmont General of the Emperor's army in the place of the Earl of Roeux went after the ruin of Teroane to besiege Hesdin, whether the French King had sent a good number of his chief commanders: as the duke of Bovillon Governor 
Hesdin taken by the Emperor and 〈◊〉.  of Normandy and Mareshall of France, Duke Horatio Farneze, the Earl of Villars, the marquis of Nesle, the Viscontes of Turene and Martigues, the Lord of Reoux and many other Gentlemen and Captains which had been besieged within Mets, and, two thousand soldiers horse and foot. The town was furiously battered and in the end taken by assault, where all the said French Noblemen were taken prisoners except Duke Horatio, who was carried away with a Cannon, and some gentlemen about him. The town was razed like to Teroane: The French King assembling his Army about Amiens and Picqueny, the nineteen of August some Noblemen of the Netherlands, among others were the Prince of Espynoy, the Duke of Arschot, the Earl of Egmont, the Earl of Bossu and others made a road into Picardy to discover 
The encounter of 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 the Prince of Espynoy was slain.  the King's camp, without anyfootemen, but only their bands of ordinance, advancing until they came before Amiens, unto the forward of the French, who having intelligence of their coming, laid an Ambuscado of foot, and charged them with their horse, who making their retreat, still fight for the space of a League, the Prince of Espynoy was slain and the Duke of Arscot taken prisoner, and the rest put to flight, with the loss of about six hundred men and above three hundred prisoners. This defeat was called the Encounter of Talma, The Prince 
The Duke of Arschot a prisoner 〈◊〉 ●…h.  of Espynoy was carried to Bethune and intered in the Gloister of the Anonciadoe, founded by the house of Melun of the which he was. The Duke of Arschot being prisoner in the Castle of Bois de Vincennes, escaped with the help of a poor Priest, and a coverer of slate, by the vent or socket of a privy, without paying any ransom.  
The Magistrate of Brussels made a stately banquet to the Emperor and the two Queene●… of France and Hongary his two Sisters, whether were invited Cardinal Poole an English man, and the Cardinal of Bourgos a Spaniard, the Prince of Piedmont, and many other Princes; marching to the state house where the Banquet was prepared, there fell great contention for the precedence and place of honour betwixt the Ambassadors of England and Portugal, either of them striving for the place, the which grew almost to a tumult, which Queen Mary the Governess espying, being come into the great Market she commanded them both to retire, and so neither of them was at the banquet.  
In the Spring the French King made three Armies against the Emperor, the first in Vermandois under the Prince of la Roch sur yone. The second towards Crecy led 
1554.  by the Constable, and the third was commanded by the Duke of Nevers. The first Army entered into Arthois, spoiling and burning without all mercy. The Duke of 
Th●… French ar●…es against the Emperor.  Nevers army entered the Ardennes, took the castle of Orchimont, by composition & burned a great number of Villages, and forced the garrison of the Castle of Fontaines to yield upon composition: then he entered into the Country of Liege, having opened and assured the passage of the river of Meuze, by the taking of strong places and forts along the river of either side. The Constable's army besieged Mariembourg, the which was yielded and he fortified it with the Town of Rocroy: coming out of the Ardennes those of Dinant, were summoned to declare if they would not persever in neutrality: whereunto they made a proud answer, shooting at the Duke of Nevers herald and trumpet who took the Castle of Agimont and the town of Bowines by force, where almost all the Inhabitants were slain or executed, for that they would defend a pal●…rie weak place against a royal army. Dynant after some resistance yielded; the Inhabitants had their lives saved, the town was not burnt like unto Bowines▪ but wholly spoiled: there was a cruel Combat of the French against the Germans, who would have ravished certain women and maids taken in a Church, the which the King did pacify; The castles was yielded some few days after by composition.  
During these executions in the Countries of Liege, Namur and Henault; the Prince of Roch-Sur-Yone, defeated two companies of Bourguignion horse in 
Defe●… of som●… Bourgognons by the French.  Arthois, and sent the Cornets unto the King, who hearing that the Prince of P●…edmont gathered together his army, with a resolution to fight if the French did advance; He passed the river of Sambre, being followed by the Duke of Nevers, and entering into the Country of Henault, he spoilt, wasted and burnt all where he came, some troops ran to the ports of Nivelle, which is the first Town of Brabant, where they set them on fire, and burned all the villages round about, carrying away great spoils. The army marched afterwards to Bins a Town in Henault, leaving behind it nothing but fire, smoke, ashes and misery in the Country. The French being camped before Bins, kindled greater fires than before, burning all the castles and houses of pleasure in the Country. The stately house of Mariemont belonging to the Queen of Hongary was not forgotten. Bins' being assailed the two and twentieth of july, was yielded to the King's mercy the which 
The King's revenge ●…or the 〈◊〉 ●…cardy.  he caused to be burnt in revenge of the ruin of Folambray, and of the Towns and villages of Picardy, which the Emperor's army burnt. They also fired Ba●…ais and the Castle of Roeux. The army parting from thence, went and lay betwixt Mons in Henault, Landrecy, Auesmes, Quesnoy, and Valenciennes and Cambray: The Prince of Piedmont did all he could to have his revenge of so great a loss; But he could not effect any thing, the French King being so strong and so well led: Who in the end went and planted their Camp before the Castle of Renty▪ in the midst of Arthois; The which he battered furiously day and night without cease, having discharged eight thousand Canon shot.  
Those within it (whereof the Signior of Brias was Governor) answered them with the like; The King having battered down almost all the Towers, caused them to be summoned to yield, but they made no answer but with their shot. The Emperor had sent to them to be of good courage; and to hold out but three days longer, 
Renty besieged by the French King.  within the which time he would come in person to relieve them and to raise the siege: Wherein he failed not, for coming with his army which was very fair and great, he camped within a quarter of a League of the French, to see if he might draw them to fight: But they kept themselves quiet, and fortified more within their trenches: The two armies lying thus near together, and provoking one an other by divers skirmishes, the French knowing that a gentle retreat, would be more safe for them, before the passage were stopped, they departed secretly in the night, without sound of any Trumpet or Drum, leaving their chiefest Artillery behind them.  
The Emperor hearing of their flight pursued them with his Light horsemen, and charged their reerward, beating them even unto the gates of Monstrevill; whereas 
Renty relieved by the Emperor.  they saved themselves. Then the Emperor entered into Renty and thanked the Governor, Captains and soldiers that had so valiantly defended the place: for he saw well in what danger they had been through the furious battery of the enemy. There were siue companies in the place; the Emperor made the five captains Knights, giving unto the soldiers (as he had promised them) three months pay extraordinary, and all they that were banished, or charged with murders or other crimes, had their pardons. The Emperor having the year before razed the Town and Castle of Hesdin, having observed a place fit to be fortified a League from thence, more towards France; he resolved to build a new fort and a Town there, and for that he would not be hindered in the xecution of this enterprise he entertained his army, the the which in November burnt all the country about Amiens, so as all the burden of the war fell upon the poor Countrymen. After that he retained but two regiments, dismissing the rest of his Army, and so he parted from Arras to come to Brussels. And in the end of October he caused King Philip his Son to be put in possession of the duchy of Milan by deputies, the accustomed ceremonies therein observed.  
This year in August was a furious fight at sea, betwixt two and twenty Merchants ships of Holland, Zeeland and Westfriseland, which came out of Spain, laden with 
A furious fight at s●…a betwixt the Fr●…nch, Hollanders and 〈◊〉 ●…landers.  sundry sorts of Merchandise, and nineteen French ships of war and six caravells, appointed with Artillery, soldiers and mariners for the purpose, which attended for them, and seeing them come upon the coast of England, near Dover, they began to assail them, and the others to defend themselves. The French who were better manned, made haste to board them, to avoid the fury of the Hollanders Ordinance: and in the end they grapeled, fifteen French ships to fifteen others, thinking to vanquish them by force and the numbers of their men; but those Hollanders ships that were free, shot continually at the French. There was a fearful fight, for though the Dutch had fewer men, yet their ships were greater and higher, and they knew better how to handle their Ordinance. The fight continued so long, that the French growing weary, demanded a truce, but the noise, cries, and thunder of the O●…dinance and small shot, was so great as they could not be heard, and therefore they advised for their surest remedy, (thinking that the Hollanders would let them go) to set fire of their own sails, but the event was not so as they looked for or expected. But as these ships could not so easily ungraple themselves, and the wind driving the fire from the sails to the ships, they fell all on fire, so as they were forced to leave the fight to quench the fire. But some were fired in such sort, as there was no means to save them, the men casting themselves into the sea to avoid the flames, without respect to what ships they went, were they friends or enemies, seeking only to save themselves in the first ship they could get into, which proved a strange victory unto the French; for there were so many Frenchmen got into the Hollanders ships before they perceived it, as after some small fight, they mastered them and took both men and ships. The end of this furious battle (which had lasted six hours) was, there were six French ships, burnt, and one sunk; and of the Hollanders and others six were burnt and five were taken by the French, with many prisoners. The number of the dead was different, for the French lost above a thousand men and the others about three thousand men.  
The seventh of May Anthony Perronet Bishop of Arras was sent by the the Emperor to graveling to confer about a treaty of peace with the French King. They 
1555  met on both sides in a great plain betwixt Ardres, Calais and graveling, under pavilions, 
An assembly to treateat of a p●…ace.  where there was a great circuit compassed in with cloth, in the which they assembled. The deputies had about it, every one his quarter apart, and the English Cardinal assisted as mediator or umpire betwixt them. The demands of either side were so excessive, as they could not agree; and so the assembly proved fruitless. The ninth of the same month news came to the Emperor of the death of the Lady jane, Queen of Castille, his mother, at whose funerals (which should be made at Brussels) King Philip would be present, and therefore they were deferred until 
The death of the Emperor's mother.  his coming. On Whitsonday died that great captain Martin van Rossen Signior of Puydroyen, who in his life time had served many masters: the duke Charles of Geldres, William duke of Cleves, the French King and the Emperor. The fifteen of july the French passing the fronters, came to victual, Mariembourg, without any carts, but with horses laden only: and at their return thinking to surprise all the soldiers that were in the new fort, whereof William of Nassau Prince of Orange was General, being discovered, there was a very hot skirmish, the which continued from noon until night, wherein there died many on either side.  
A while after the Signior of Aussimont Governor of Bapaulmes (the terror of the French) hearing that some garrisons of Picardy, joined with fifteen hundred horse of the Arrierban of France which they call the companies of the Nobles, and four hundred foot, did road up and down the country of Arthois, having spoiled the suburbs of Lilliers and the burrow of Saint Venant, he went and charged them in their return, being Laden with spoils and having defeated them in an instant, made them abandon their prey, la jaille their leader was hurt and a 'bove five hundred taken prisoners with him, some escaped, and the rest were slain upon the place where of the Arthesiens' made a jest saying. That the Bourguognons took the Nobles of France without weighing them; whereupon it was called the Encounter of the Nobles. The eight of September King Philip came after his marriage with Queen Mary, out of England to Brussels, accompanied with Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy and four or five English Noblemen, Knights of the garter, and the sixteen of the said month the funerals of the Emperor's Mother were celebrated with great pomp and state. In October there was order given by the Emperor and Governess, upon the complaint of the Bourgéses of Brussels, to the Alcaide Captain of the Court; to the stevard of the household, to the Amptman and to the Magistrate of Brussels to devise some means to discharge the great and excessive debts which the Spaniards, as well Courtiers as soldiers did owe throughout all the town of Brussels, as well to innkeepers as to Merchants, to the end their might be no tumult at their retreat seeing that the Bourgeses stood in some fear that they would go away without paying them, whereby some should be much impourished, and others utterly ruined, and therefore they must prevent an imminent danger before it falls. About the end of October, the Emperor sent his letters to the States and towns of the Netherlands, to assemble 
The Emperor makes an Assembly of the states to resign the Netherlands.  in the town of Brussels and there to hear matters that should be propounded unto them in his behalf: to which end there came into the said town, many gentlemen, Prelates, deputies and orators of towns to be at the assembly which should be the twenty five of November. At what time there came to court Maximilian King of Bohemia, Son to King Ferdinand, and William Duke of Cleves his brother in law: to whom the Emperor before his departure gave three goodly horses out of his Equerry.  
The two and twenty of November in the after noon the Emperor had sent for 
The Emperor leaves the colour of his order to his son.  all the Knights of the Order of the golden fleece, to come to Court, in whose presence, having King Philip his Son by him he pulled the collar of the said order of the fleece from his own neck, and put it about the King his Sons, saying. See my Son I do now make you head and sovereign of the Noble order of the golden fleece: keep it and maintain it in the like dignity and honour that I, my father and all my Prodecessors have kept and maintained it. GOD give you the grace withal happiness and increase, the which he spoke with tears in his eyes. Then turning to all the Knights of the order, he said; Princepe hijo. Prince my Son, do you see all 
The Emperor's exhorta●…ion to his son.  these Noblemen here present. These are the chief and most faithful servants that I have had, which have been the prop and support of mine Empire, and by them have I vanquished and overgone so many perrilles and dangers, for which respect I have always loved them entirely, If you do the like I assuer myself they will carry you the like affection and obedience, and will never abandon you at any need. But if you entreat them otherwise, they will be the cause of the loss and ruin of your estate wherefore love and honour them. This was done in the great Hall of the Palace at Brussels which was furnished and hanged with ancient tapistry of the house of Bourgongne, containing the Institution of the order of the golden fleece, made in silk, gold and silver, the which the Netherlands had in former times given unto the Duke of Bourgongne. At the end of the Hall was a rich royal throne, with a low chair with a back and a cuission of cloth of gold where the Emperor was set and a screen behind him before the fire. The 25. of that month, being the day of the Assignation, all the deputies of the states and towns of the Netherlands came to Court 
An exception of them of Lowaine upon their previledges.  every one armed withful power & authority as they had been commanded to appear, except they of the town of Lowaine, who answered that they were not bound to go to any place, to receive and give possession to a Duke of Brabant, but that according to their ancient previledges, (which they had held above 500 years,) the future duke must first come to the town of Lowaine and there take his oath, then be received there which privilege they would maintain should be entertained and kept. Notwithstanding after many persuasions they appeared with the rest upon protestation, and preservation of their rights. The States, that is to say, the Dukes, Princes, Earls, Barons, Nobles, Prelates, and Deputies of Towns, being assembled in the said great 
A so●…lemne act of th●… Em perors resignation.  hall of the Palace; the Queen caused all Spaniards, as well Officers as others, of what quality soever, to depart, so as there remained not any one, but those that had to do, and were called to this solemn Act. The Emperor leaning upon the prince of Orange's shoulder, king Philip going on the side of him, all the Princes of the order marching before him. Being set down in his seat, King Philip did sit on his right hand, four or five foot behind him, and Queen Mary the Governess on the left hand: then did the Princes, Noblemen, Prelates, and other deputies of States sit down, every one according to his degree. First they of Brabant, & so all the rest, every one in his rank. This done, the first usher of his majesties council, called all the States one by one in order, whom he demanded if they had sufficient procurations, whereunto was answered by the councillors or ●…rators of every one with a loud voice, and a great reverence, that I. whereupon Philibert of Brussels, Orator to the Emperor, made a long 
An Oration to the states in th●… Emperor's name.  oration in the French tongue, in the name of his Imperial Majesty, as followeth.  
My Masters, besides that the Emperor our Sovereign Lord and gracious Prince, hath by his letters sent for you this day, whereby you may partly guess, to what end this assembly doth tend: yet his Imperial majesty hath commanded me to say unto you; That having had the charge and government of these countries many years, the which fell unto him by inheritance in his tender age: since which time he hath constantly persevered to maintain the public quiet as much as he could possibly. Towards whom he hath made many painful and dangerous voyages, abandoning his other countries and realms. And as well absent as present, hath always endeavoured and been careful to have you governed in all good order and justice, entertainment of your rights and privileges, and all other things whereunto a good and loving prince is bound, according unto the fatherly affection which he hath always showed you, the which he did inherit with the p●…trimonie of his predecessors, following therein the path which they had made him, in the love and affection which you have always borne him, the which he hath made manifest by so many toils and labours, to ente●…taine you still in your duties, that he hath not spared the hazard of his own person; the which he holds well employed, having done it for such faithful, dutiful, a●…d obedient subjects, as he knoweth you to be; wherein he would desire to continue the remainder of his life, if he could possibly any longer bear the toils and troubles which he hath past. And although his heart and will be still good, yet age and the weakness of his person, (broken with forepast toils) exceeds and masters his good desires. By reason whereof; & considering the estate whereunto you see his person now reduced, he is resolved to abandon this burden, and seeking some rest, to commit another in his place that may continue as he hath begun. And as it is now twelve years past, that his realms of Spain have not seen him, and that they have greatly desired his coming; whom he could not as yet so much gratify as to visit them; that now he desired to settle his affairs, and to provide for his health, the which begins greatly to decay by reason of this cold climate, the air of Spain being much more agreeable and healthful for him: and therefore he is resolved (with the help of GOD) to pass this next Winter into these countries, as well as he may. And to substitute his dear son his only heir, and your Lord and lawful Prince: for that in truth it would trouble him much, that after his retreat & in his absence (by reason of the tediousness of the way, and length of time spent in occurrents, to receive advises and commandments from Spain) these countries for want of prevoyance, should fall into some bad inconvenience. One thing there is that comforts him in this his departure from you: That he leaves you under the government of the King our Lord here present, his only son and natural heir, whom you have accepted, and also given your oath, who is of ripe years, and allied the second time unto the Queen of England (the which is an alliance very profitable for these countries) besides that he hath long had the government of many realms and provinces: wherefore he is the more capable of this charge, with the good help, counsel, and support of you my masters, his faithful vassals and subjects, who may supply the place of his imperial Majesty, giving thanks unto God, who hath given him means so to provide, and to prevent the inconveniences, which might otherwise have happened to one that had been young of years, and not capable of so great a government; knowing the king not only sufficient, but also endued with a desire and affection to maintain you, and to employ himself for the good of these countries, whom he hath resolved to invest in all his provinces and realms, one after another, as he hath, not long since, begun, that by little and little he may enure himself to bea●…e this burden; the which he shall do more easily; than if at one instant so great a cha●…ge should fall upon him, before that he had been acquainted with it. According to this d●…rmination, his imperial Majesty trusting, that for these reasons you will like thereof, and that for the love of him, you will willingly accept in his place the King, our Lord and Prince; his Majesty doth now with joy give over these countries, resigning them generally into the hands of the king his son: leaving unto him from this day forward the full and absolute possession thereof, as hereafter by his death should lawfully fall unto him by succession, to administer, rule, and govern, as his own proper and patrimonial inheritance; entreating you ●…arnestly to receive him willingly and cheerfully. And according thereunto, he doth quit, free, and absolve you of your oath of fealty and homage, which heretofore you have made unto his imperial Majesty, that you may take the same unto the king at the reception of your estates and offices, holding him hereafter for your prince and sovereign lord. His imperial Majesty doth also entreat you most lovingly to take in good part the love and affection, which by the effects he hath showed you, having omitted no travel nor care, belonging to his duty, with the good advice and assistance of those that have been serviceable unto him, and namely of my lady the queen his sister, who hath employed all her study and pains therein, and under-gone many a long and painful journey, being sorry that he could not assist them as he desired; confessing, that he hath had good and loyal subjects, who for their parts have given him all faithful assistance, and dutiful obedience. His imperial Majesty doth also thank you for the succours which you have given him in all his great and weighty affairs, as with your good counsels and means, having supplied him at sundry times with many and great sums of money: the which with those of his other Provinces and Realms (which have been very great) you know have been employed for the good and preservation of these countries: being exceeding sorry, that after so great toil, travel, and charge, he hath not the means to free you from this war: neither are you ignorant of his endeavours therein, wherewith the queen his sister hath acquainted you in the last assembly, and what hath passed at the overtures of peace, and upon what terms the French were resolved: notwithstanding, he hopeth, that God (who is a just and righteous judge) will one day give him means to bring them unto reason: And that the king our prince will seek all means to defend and maintain you: hoping, that you will al●…o ay de him, as you have ever done his imperial Majesty unto this day: seeing that all tendeth to your preservation, to repel the danger, and to repair the mischief which war may breed. His imperial Majesty entreateth you, that you will show yourselves somewhat bountiful in your own affairs and need: as for him, he will give him means to entertain him honestly in his estate, and to be able to arm against his enemies, how great and mighty soever they be: by whom (through want of succour and help) you may fall into great disasters, the which by your good assistance may be avoided, he helping you therein all that he can. Moreover, his Majesty cannot otherwise do, but before his departure, for your own good and honour, admonish and recommend the holy service of God unto you, under the obedience and reverence due to our Mother, the holy Church; and to keep and entertain inviolably the Edicts thereupon made by his imperial Majesty: it is the point which he doth command and especially recommend unto the king, that he may have an especial regard and care thereon: whereunto be you also the more inclined, by the example of others that have made the way: to the end, that doing your best endeavours towards him, he may strive to do you good, and deliver you from the oppression of your enemies. That you also bear all honour and reverence unto justice, that for want thereof human society and the common profit be not lost; but that thereby you may live in peace and concord, with a careful regard, that the countries be no otherwise separated nor divided, than the members from the body, every one helping and succouring one another, according to his office and function: by which union, not only the enemy shall be kept from annoying you, but you shall live together joyfully in rest & tranquility; experience having taught how well these countries could defend themselves unto this day against all them that would offer them violence. Finally, he recommends unto you the honour, respect, reverence and obedience which you owe unto the king our sovereign prince, and so to carry yourselves towards him as you have done hitherto to his imperial Majesty, his affection to you being as sincere as can be desired, giving him occasion to continue so still, and that he may be a mild and gentle prince to you, seeing that in viewing his life past, we may judge of his inclination; to whom God give his grace, and fortify him, for the increase of his estate, and your defence and preservation.  
This speech being ended, the Emperor began to speak, as if he would confirm that which the Orator of Brussels had said: whereupon the king rose, & stood near his father (who spoke French) the better to understand what he would verbally declare.  
The Emperor then said, That he had forty years since in the same place been emancipated 
The emperors ●…ch unto the St●…tes.  by the Emperor Maximilian his grandfather, and put in possession of those countries: since which time, he had run through many fortunes, and endured great travel, as well in Spain, to embrace the affairs of queen jane his mother, and the government of her kingdoms, as of other Estates: and as the said Emperor Maximilian died soon after, foreseeing the dissension that might ensue, if the Empire should fall into some rigorous stranger's hand, desiting the quiet and prosperity of those countries, he procured the imperial dignity, whereunto by the grace of God he attained. He showed also how many troublesome, long, painful, and dangerous voyages he had made, in passing and repassing the sea, as well into Spain as into Italy, to the great peril of his person; and namely in the voyages of Barbary, to Tunis and Alger. He showed also into what danger he had willingly thrust himself, passing through France, to prevent the inconveniences and troubles that were like to grow in the Netherlands; the which he had always in singular recommendation. And as they had always been to him, and he had found them his good subjects, servants, and faithful vassals: so he entreated them to be the like unto his son, into whose hands (considering his age and weakness) he resigned all those countries. In speaking those words, he showed such passion, as that sighs interrupted his speech, the tears trickling down his cheeks, the which were accompanied with the like by some others: then having a little taken breath, he took his spectacles, and looking upon a little remembrance which he had in his hand, he said: That his sight and memory were not so good as they had been, and that he felt himself to decline and to grow weak hourly, unable to endure the travel that was requisite for the preservation of the country, and of them all; the which did move him chiefly to return into Spain, and not to prolong his life; the which he referred into the hands of God. In the end, he entreated them to continue in the Christian Religion, as they had done until then, and likewise to observe justice, remaining friends, and united together: Whereunto God the Father, the Son and the holy Ghost give you his grace.  
These words of the Emperor did move the hearts of many noblemen, which loved him; who seeing him in this anguish of mind, took pity of him, that being so mighty a Monarch, he could not show the sincere affection which he bore unto his subjects, but by effusion of tears. After these words, king Philip went to his seat, and sat him down. Then stood up doctor Mars, an eloquent Orator of the town of antwerp, chosen to that end by the deputies of the States; who having made a great reverence to the Emperor, King, and both Queens, he made answer in the name of them all to the speech which the Counsellor of Brussels had made in the Emperor's name, and to that which his imperial Majesty had delivered with his own mouth, saying as followeth:  
Most mighty Emperor, we know that your imperial Majesty hath so many years ruled 
The answer of t●…●…s of the Netherlands to the Emperor.  and governed this Estate carefully and religiously, with the great and infinite toils which your imperial Majesty hath endured in many accidents, as well in the countries & realms of your obedience, as others, as by your Orator and your own discourse hath been related: and how great, weighty, and urgent affairs your Majesty hath had in what place soever, yet the love and fatherly affection which you have always borne to these your countries of inheritance, and to the subjects thereof, hath been such, as you have never failed to give them succours and comfort in time and season: the which duly and exactly considered, we find, that your Majesty is well and wisely advised, as proceeding from a good zeal and affection to that you have now propounded. Wherefore the nobles, prelate's, and deputies of the town here present, representing all the States in general of these Netherlands (although it be a sword which wounds them unto the heart, to hear of your majesties departure, yet desiring to conform themselves in all things to your good will and pleasure) do first humbly and heartily thank your imperial Majesty for the great honour, bounty, succours, and defence, which by the approved rule and government of your imperial Majesty they have heretofore felt and tasted, every one being ready by the virtue and full power given him by his commission, to consent irrevocably and with all obedience to the said session, transport, or resignation made by your imperial Majesty, in such form and manner as by right is requisite, of all these Netherlands, to the behoof and profit of my lord the king here present, whom from henceforth we do advow and acknowledge as our natural prince and lord, the lawful son and only heir of your imperial Majesty, being ready to renew the oath which heretofore in the year 1549 we made unto him, with all other necessary duties usual in the like case, giving immortal thanks unto God for this great favour which he hath done unto your imperial Majesty and to us, to have given you such a son, the sole and only heir of so many kingdoms and provinces, whilst you are yet in good health; whom we receive generally and cheerfully, acknowledging him for our prince and sovereign lord of all these countries, giving and submitting all our persons and goods under his royal protection, and fatherly care; promising to obey him in all equity, and to be serviceable unto him for ever: praying the Almighty God to maintain him with all prosperity a long and a happy life, in the possession of so many kingdoms and signiories; and to grant unto his imperial Majesty his holy, long, and perdurable blessings, and after this life eternal rest: The which God the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost grant you. Amen.  
The next day about nine of the clock in the morning, the deputies of the duchy of Brabant 
King Philip takes the oath as duke of Brabant.  were sent for, to come to Court: whereas king Philip before them of antwerp, Brussels and Boisleduc, together with the small towns and botoughes, having the privilege of towns, made and renewed the oath which he had taken at his joyful entry the eight of july, in the year 1549, To keep them, maintain them, and preserve them in their ancient rights, privileges, and customs, without breaking them, or suffering them to be broken in any sort or manner. Whereupon the deputies of the three chief towns of the said duchy of Brabant, that is to say, antwerp, Brussels, and Boisleduc (seeing that Louvain would not appear as we have said but by protestation) did also take the oath of fealty and homage unto him, acknowledging him for their lord and duke of Brabant, with the solemnities and ceremonies usual in the like case, wishing him much happiness, increase of his estates, and long life.  
About that time ended the imperial Diet held at Ausbourg, whereas king Ferdinand did 
A resolution of the imperial Diet held at Ausbourg.  preside in the emperors name: in the which after long strife and debate, there was concluded, That neither the Emperor, king Ferdinand, nor the other princes and states should do wrong to any of the Empire in what sort soever, by reason of the confession of Ausbourg; that from thence forwards they should not force by edicts or other means, the allies of this confession to abandon their religion, but should suffer them to enjoy it freely, with their goods, tributes, rights, and possessions, with many other privileges granted in favour of the religion. Some months after, there were bruits given out of enterprises and practices made by the Pope and his adherents against the allies of the confession of Ausbourg. It was thought that the Pope was wonderfully discontented with this decree made at Ausbourg, by the which they did leave the religion in peace and liberty, and that he did solicit the Emperor to disannul it. Moreover, under colour of going to the baths at Aix, the Archbishops and Electors of Ments, Treves and Cologne met together, the which was not without some cause, but it proved nothing; and the Cardinal of Ausbourg published a writing, to excuse the emperor and himself also, as if he had been the conductor and manager of such practices: so Germany began to breath after so many storms, and the Emperor having (as we have said) given over the affairs of the Netherlands, & of his realms, to leave them to the charge of his son king Philip, resigned also the Roman Empire into the Electors hands, by an embassage, having held it seven and thirty years.  
The sixteenth of january 1556 were celebrated in Brussels the funerals of the king of Portugals brother; and the next day king Philip, accompanied w●…th a great number of the nobility, 
1556  departed from Brussels to go to antwerp, to hold the feast and Chapter of the golden Fleece, whereof his father had lately made him chief.  
King Philip following the counsel of his father, and solicited by Mary queen of England his wife, inclined unto peace: for the effecting whereof, after many journeys, a truce was 
A truce betwixt the French & the Bourgognons of small continuance.  made the fifteenth of February for five years. The earl of Lalain went to Blois to see the king swear it, and the Admiral of Chastillon came to Brussels to the Emperor and king Philip to the same effect: but it could not last long; for both the one and the other had sought nothing but cavilling, as it appeared presently, the most cunning thinking to deceive his companion 〈◊〉 whereupon the French (who are more stirring) began first, for that the Admiral of France thought by subtlety to surprise Downy by Arthois: the which succeeding not, the war continued as before, until that a peace was concluded by the marriage of king Philip and the duke of Savoy, as we shall see hereafter.  
After that the Emperor had resigned all his Netherlands unto king Philip his son, and that he had settled a good order, and disposed of all his affairs in the Netherlands, being desirous to free himself from all temporal cares, and to spend the remainder of his days in rest and quietness, applying himself wholly to the service of God, he resolved to retire himself with his two sisters, the lady Elinor, queen of France, and the lady Mary, queen of Hungary, into Spain: but before his departure he would also dispose of the affairs and state of the Empire, the which he would yield and resign unto his brother Ferdinand king of Romans: whereupon he writ his letters to the prince's Electors, and to the States of the Empire, as followeth:  
Charles by the grace of God Emperor of Romans, always Augustus, king of Castille etc. 
The Emperor's letter to the prince's ●…lectors.  To all Prince's Electors of the holy Empire, Princes as well Ecclesiastical as temporal, Prelates, Earls, Barons, Knights, Nobles, Captains, Provosts, judges, justices, Bourgmasters, Bourgesses, Commonalties, and other subjects of the Empire, of what estate, quality, or condition soever they be, to whom these letters shall come, health and peace: Most famous and most reverent, our well beloved cousins, most noble, worthy, reverent, and faithful friends: being moved by many pregnant and just reasons, especially finding ourselves surcharged with the heavy burden of old age, and with continual infirmities, the which have by little and little disabled us, and deprived us of all strength requisite for the managing of affairs: having long since resolved to resign all our realms of Spain, to the famous prince our son, king of England: having taken leave of our court here, we are ready to embark, attending only the first prosperous wind, that it shall please God to send: By reason whereof, seeing that through my absence and departure, the rule and government of the holy empire, doth of right belong unto our dear and well beloved brother, Ferdinand king of Romans, of Hungary, and Bohemia, as our lawful successor in the said quality of king of Romans, the which government he hath often many years since diligently deserved in our absence, supporting the burden with a brotherly love and charity, and discharging himself of this charge: To the end therefore, that the Christian commonweal, especially of the holy empire, during out absence, should not fall into some dangerous inconvenience; and that the king of Romans, our brother, may manage the affairs with greater authority, we have advised and resolved, that he in quality of king of Romans, hath absolute and irrevocable power, to treat, negotiate, and command, in all things that he shall find requisite and necessary, for the greatness, prosperity, and increase of the empire, as absolutely, as we our selves, being emperor of Romans may do. True it is, that we were resolved to assist in person, at the imperial diet at Ratisbone, there with your advice to have conducted the affairs of the empire, to some desired end, and to have resigned the government of the said empire, into the hands of the king of Romans, to have substituted him in our place, & to have recommended unto you the honour, respect and obedience, which in this quality you should be bound unto him: but our indisposition, apparent to all men, could not endure so long and tedious a journey by land; and the rather, for that we thought it convenient to have respect unto the season of the year, fir for our voyage. Wherefore seeing that we have not appeared at this imperial Diet, as we would willingly, yet being come unto the effects of our desires and resolutions, we have thought good by these presents to acquaint you and all others with our conceptions: enjoining and expressly commanding you hereby, of our absolute power and imperial authority, that you show unto your king of Romans, upon pain of our indignation, all loyalty and obedience, honouring and respecting him in all his commandments, decrees and actions, without any contradiction, with all duty, as you would do unto us, if we were there in person: for such is our pleasure and last will. Given at Zuytbourg in Zeeland, under our seal the seventh of September 1556. and of our Empire the 36.  
This done, the fleet being ready in Zeeland, he took his leave of king Philip his son, and giving him his last blessing, he embraced him and bade him farewell, as he did all the princes 
The Em●…erors departure out of the Netherlands.  and noblemen: then he embarked with the two queens his sisters, and sailed towards Spain, where they arrived in a short time, having a prosperous wind. Having rested some days in the city of Valladolit, he made choice for his retreat of a Monastery of S. jerosme the Hermit, situated in Estremadura, not far from Placence, an unfrequented place, and fit to meditate on heavenly things, being retired from all worldly cogitations: whither he caused himself to be conducted, to pass the rest of his days there, which were not above two years, spending his time in holy and godly works, and giving himself wholly to a contemplative life. And for that he would be the better able to spend his time in prayers and the service of God, he would have his sisters live from him at Valladolit, that they might not trouble him: he reserved but 100000 crowns a year to himself, whereof he employed only 4000 for his diet and entertainment, the rest he appointed to marry young maids, to relieve widows and orphans, and for other works of charity, as befits a good and Christian prince.   


D. GShilippus Rex Catholicus.  
PHILIP OF AUSTRIA, THE SIX AND thirtieth Earl of Holland, Zeeland, etc. the second of that name, duke of Brabant, etc. Earl of Flanders, etc.  
By true and right descent, of Holland I am Lord,  
And of the wealthy Netherlands, united by accord:  
But cruel counsel of th' Inquisition,  
Was cause that did procure their woe and great destruction.  
Love burning in my breast, did me his subject make,  
And moved me four several wives one after other take:  
My cousin last of them, a son only did leave  
Of tender years, when cruel death did her of life bereave.   
THE EIGHT BOOK.  
The Argument.  
THe birth of Philip, the second of that name; king of Spain. Pope Paul the fourth seeks occasions to make war against him, who sends the duke of Alva for his general. King Philip gives the order of the Golden Fleece at Brussels. A great famine in the Netherlands in the year 1536, & 1537. S. Quintines besieged by the Bourgognons: the French, thinking to relieve it, are defeated. The ●…onstable of France, and many noble men, are prisoners, and in the end the town is taken by assault. Ham and ●…hastelet yielded. Calais besieged by the French, and yielded by the English to the duke of Guise, with Guines, ●…hich was taken by assault, and the castle of Hames abandoned. Theonuille yielded to the French: Aaclon taken and burnt by them, with the towns of Winox-Berghe, and Dunkirk. The same French men, under the marshal 〈◊〉 Terms, are defeated in battle near unto Gravelingue. The death of the emperor Charles the fifth, to when his brother Ferdinand king of Romans, and Hungary succeeded. About the same time died the queen's Dowaers of France, and of Hungary, the emperors sisters, with Marie queen of England, to whom her sister Eliza●…eth succeeded. A peace betwixt France and Spain, by marriages. The king of Spain's marriage turned into tears, by the death of Henry the second, the French king. ¶ Marguerite of Austria, best●…d to the emperor Charles the fifth, duchess of Parma, succeeds the duke of Savoy in the government of the Netherlands. The kig of Spain's last departure out of the said countries. The death of George of Egmont, bishop of Vtrecht, to who●… succeeded Frederic Schenck of Taulenburch, who was the last bishop. A subtle bringing in of the Spanish In●…isition into the Netherlands, by the creation of new bishops. An abstract of the life of cardinal Granuellet. A division betwixt the chief noblemen of the country. The earl of Egmont sent into Spain, touching the troubles that were like to grow, and what answer he brought. Letters from the Governess to the counsellors of the povinces, touching the edicts and the Inquisition. The prince of Orange's answer to the Governess. The first be●…inning, proceeding, and effects of the Inquisition. An interview of the noblemen of the country. A discourse ●…ewing the means to redress the troubles. An assembly of the nobility, at the marriage of the prince of Parmain Brussels, and afterwards at Saint Truden, to prevent the troubles: their compromise and confederation. A petition made by them of Brabant, to the king of Spain, to prevent the troubles. A petition made by the nobilit●…, against the bloody edicts, and the Inquisition. The Duchess answer thereunto: and all her practices to circum●…nt them, and disjoin them, as she did. The first defeat of the Protestants in the Netherlands. Tournay made s●…biect by practice. Valenciennes besieged, battered, and yielded. The defeat of Austruel. The negotiation of the lord of Brederode, in Amsterdam, who retires into Germany, and so doth the prince of Orange. The death of the Marquis of Berghen, in Spain. An apology made by the Protestants of the Netherlands, touching the cause and beginning of the troubles.  
PHILIP of Austria, the thirty sixth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, the second of that name, Lord of Vtrecht, Friesland, Ouerissell, and Groningen; 
1556  the only son of Charles the fifth, Emperor of Romans, and of the lady Isabella, daughter to king Dom Emanuel of Portugal. He was borne the 21 day of May, in the year 1527, at Valiodolit in Spain, where 
King Philip's age.  he was nourished and bred up, for the space of twenty two years; until that in the year 1549, the emperor, his father, sent for him, to come into the Netherlands, to have made him aswell his successor in the empire (if it had been possible) as of all his other kingdoms and Belgic provinces, whereof the emperor (as we have said in the former book) disrobed himself, and put him in full possession thereof, in his lifetime.  
The emperor being retired into Spain, to a solitary and a contemplative life: king Philip his son began to order and settle the government of the Netherlands, making E●…nuel 
King Philip's proceeding after the emperor's departure  Philibert, duke of Savoy, lieutenant-general of his army. And having sent thoma●… ques of Pesquaire before, to take possession of the realm of Naples, in his naine, he 〈◊〉 ●…oice of Dom Fernando Aluares of Toledo, duke of Alva, to be his viccroy there. And fo●…ch a●… at that time the war against the French began to grow more violent, he commanded the duk●…●…o depart presently out of the Netherlands, and to go into Italy, giving him charge to stay so●…e time at Milan, and to dispose of matters concerning the war. In the which the du●… of Al●…, as general for the Spaniard, and Francis of Lorraine duke of Guise, for the French king, w●… small honour and reputation. This war of Italy was attempted by king Philip, against the pop●…, in whose succour Henry the 2, the French king, sent the duke of Guise with an army: whi●… war, for that it doth not concern our history of the Netherlands, we will omit and refer t●… curious reader, to them that treat of that subject.  
This Summer, in the year 1556, king Philip, pretending many goodly reasons and colour, 
King Philip makes an excessive demand of the Netherlanders.  but the chiefest, was to free and satisfy those debts, wherewith the emperor had left hi●… charged, made an excessive demand, for the first aid and subvention which he required fro●… his subjects of the Netherlands: but he could not obtain a moiety of that which he prete●…ded, neither would that be granted without a convocation of the general estates of the 17 B●…gicke provinces; the which was wonderfully ill taken by the Spanish counsel, and by th●… that enriched themselves with the treasure, to the people's ruin: so as some noblemen, and g●…uernors of provinces and towns, were not only in disgrace with the king and his counsel, b●…t were also judged guilty of high treason, and the noblemen which had in any sort contra●…cted this demand, were marked unto death, upon the first opportunity that should be offered, for that they would not instantly yield unto the first demand, without any conuocati●…n of the states. Notwithstanding that which was granted him (being called the Nouenal●…yde) amounted in all to forty millions of florins of Brabant money. But this convocation of the general states, was both to the king and his counsel (as it hath been ever since) most olious: as we shall see by the beginning of the troubles which happened in the said Netherlands whereof grew the wars, the which have continued since the year 1566 unto this day.  
On S. Andrew's day the same year, king Philip held the feast and chapter of the orde of the golden Fleece, in the town of Brussels, where as these knights following were newly ceated; William of Nassau, prince of Orange, Philip of Montmorency, earl of Horn, the earl of Lalaine, the earl Amorall of Egmont, the duke of Arschot, the lord of Molembais, the ●…ord of Glaison and the lord of Barlamont. The 22 of December, the lady Marguerite of Aus●…ia, duchess of Parma, bastard sister to king Philip, came to the court to Brussels, with her son ●…lexander Farnese a goodly young prince, and of great expectation, of whom we shall have suficient matter to speak hereafter: the king went forth of the town to receive her.  
This Winter was wonderfully sharp and rigorous, as well by reason of the extreme cold 
A great famine in the Netherlands.  weather, as through famine, which ensued, whereof died in the town of Brussels (I omit other great towns) by the report of the masters of hospitals, above 19000 poor creatures, of 〈◊〉 sorts, men, women, and children, which repaired thither from all places, for the great charitie●…●…alms which the king and noblemen in court gave. There was a drought continued from july 1556, unto the same month the year following: in which year, not only corn, and all sorts of pulse was exceeding dear, but all other things that were to be eaten, for that the vehement cold of the Winter past, had spoiled all, so as the poor souls knew not wherewithal to fill their bellies; and when they had gotten any store of alms, through the devotion of well disposed people, they burst themselves with eating, or the meat being stronger than their weak stomac would bear, made them die.  

EMANVEL PHILIBERT DUKE OF SAuoy, Prince of Piedmont, Governor and Lieutenant general of the Netherlands, for King PHILIP.  
EMANVEL PHILIBERT DUX SABAUDIAE GUBERNATOR BELGI●…Ae  
I am EMANVEL PHILIBERT Duke of Savoy,  
That for long time did not one foot within the same enjoy.  
Mine uncle th'emperor maintained me in estate,  
And of his son the govornment of Netherlands I gate;  
Where having ruled a while, at last did peace obtain:  
Which being made, my lands to me restored were again.  
Henry the French kings sister to my spouse I had,  
And by that means assurance of the peace to me was made.  
From thence I took my way to Piedmont and Savoy,  
Whereas my subjects me received with great and extreme joy.  
KIng Philip having after the emperors retreat out of the Netherlands, appointed the duke of Savoy, his cousin, to be governor and his lieutenant 
The king co●…es out of ●…ngland to ●…is.  general of the said countries, he returned the ninth of December, the same year 1556, from England to Brussels: The English having before taken a fort near unto Boulogne upon the sea, & put all the French men they found in it to the sword, they found in it about fifty cart loads of corn, the which they did embark, and brought to Middlebourg in Zeeland.  
The queen of England, and cardinal Pool, by much means, and long solicitation, brought the matter of controversy between the kings of France and Spain, to such effect, that she got them to agree to a truce and abstinence of war, both by water and by land, for the space of five years, that in the mean time they might draw to a good and continual peace: and the better to procure the same, certain marriages were propounded. And upon the last of january 1556, the said truce on the king of Spain's behalf, was at Brussels sworn unto monsieur Chastilion, admiral of France, and at Blois on the French kings behalf, unto the earl of Lalaine. This truce was made wholly against the king's mind, but well known to the counsellor Simon Renart, and to the earl of Lalaine, whereby great hatred and enmity ensued, and was after chief cause of the controversies and troubles, that ensued in the Low countries. This year, in the month of August, there happened a great conflict between divers Holland and 
A fight at sea between the Hollanders & the Frenchmen.  French ships, between Dover and Calis: the Hollanders being twenty two merchants ships that came out of Spain, and amongst them had appointed one ship to be their admiral (as the manner is amongst ships of war) promising and swearing, not to forsake one the other, but valiantly to fight and defend themselves: the French men intending to take them, had assembled nineteen ships of war, and six or seven pinnaces, and meeting them before Calis, they set upon them, and in the end boarded them; making their ships fast one unto the other, with hooks and other means: the Hollanders, as much as they could, kept close together, and defended themselves valiantly, and lay so close and thick together, that they might fight almost as well as if they had been on land: the Hollanders ships were higher and stronger than the French ships; but the French ships were both better appointed, and manned for the war: at the last, when they had fought six hours, beginning at nine of the clock in the morning, and continuing till three of the clock in the afternoon, one of the ships was set on fire, which by reason of the wind, that began to rise, was so spread abroad, that the fire took in most of the ships, before they could part asunder, which made them to cease the fight, every man seeking to save his life, in the ships that were not on fire, many of them leaping into the sea, and swimming to the next ship they came at, whether it were friend or foe, were by that means taken prisoners; whereby the French men perceiving themselves to be stronger in some of the Hollanders ships, than the Hollanders themselves were, took five of them, and brought them into Deep. In this fight the Hollanders had six ships burnt, and the French men six, and one sunk in the sea. It was thought, that the French men lost many thousand men, their admiral being one; and the Hollanders about 300 men. This fight was esteemed an honourable action for the Hollanders, because they were but merchants ships, and the French men, ships of war, and better manned.  
While they were busied in the Netherlands, touching the ratifying and establishing of a truce, there began a new war in Italy, by means of pope Paul the fourth, the first inventor of the jesuitical sect. This Paul was one of the family and house of Caraffa in Naples, that always held with the French men, in their Nepolitane wars, and for that cause were most of them banished out of Naples, and served under the French men. This jesuitical cardinal Caraffa being pope, began to favour and advance his own family and kindred, thereby seeking means to be revenged on the noblemen and cardinals, which in Italy (being their enemies) were such as favoured the emperor, and the house of Burgundy, as also upon the houses and families of Columna, Romans, and others, charging them to be conspirators against him; and for that cause persecuted them to the uttermost of his power, whereby they were compelled to seek aid of the viceroy of Naples, the duke of Alva, the duke of Florence, and others, who the willinglier granted thereunto, because the pope refused to invest the king with the crown of Naples, which he holdeth as tributary to the sea of Rome, and seemed to threaten to excommunicate and curse both the emperor and the king of Spain: for which cause the duke of Alva came to aid the house of Columna, and sore annoyed the pope, taking many places from him, whereby he was constrained to crave aid of France, which always held and maintained the sea of Rome: For which cause, in the end of the year 1556, the duke of Guise was sent into Italy, with eighteen or twenty thousand horse and foot men, which did the pope no great pleasure, for that the duke of Alva, having besieged Rome, and the king of Spain having won the battle at S. Quintines (which the pope had heard of) the French men were sent for, to return again into France; by which means a devout peace was made, the duke of Alva first seeking it, and went into Rome, to kiss the pope's foot, and by that means got the great priorship of Spain, for his bastard son, Don Ferdinando de Toledo. The war in this sort begun in Italy (notwithstanding the truce made between both parties not long before) the French men and the Spaniards sought to entrap one the other upon the borders of the Netherlands; and to that end, upon Twelve eve, the admiral of France (than governor of Picardy) thought secretly to have taken the town of Douai, thinking to deceive the townsmen, when they were busy drinking unto their kings; but he failed of his purpose: after that he took Leus in Artois, which he peeled and spoiled.  
The same year, in the month of March, the king of Spain went into England, to his 
Mary queen of England ●…roclaimeth open war against France.  wife, queen Mary, to have some aid from her, who upon the seventh of june, by sound of trumpet, openly proclaimed war against France, both by water and by land; and by a book put in print, charged the king of France to have conspired against her with the duke of Northumberland, sir Thomas W●…at, Dudley, Ashton, and other English nobles, in regard that he supported and provoked them against her; as he had done the like to retain rovers, and false coiners of her money, wholly against the promise by him made unto her ambassadors: as also that not long before, he had sent Thomas Stafford, one of her rebellious subjects, to take the castle of Scarborow, and had secretly conspired against the town and country lying about Calis: and for that he made war upon the Netherlands, which the kings of England were by contract, long since made, always bound to aid and assist: and that he had little esteemed of her intercession of peace, and desired no friendly nor good neighbourhood: and for those causes she thought it convenient, to declare and hold him for her open enemy; which she caused to be signified unto him by a herald, he being then at Reims, in campaign: which herald, being rewarded by the king of France, was presently returned back again, with this answer, saying, That seeing his lady and princess would now become his utter enemy, whereas he had always been her friend, he hoped, by God's help, that he should find means enough against a woman, and to get the better hand of her, as his progenitors had always done the like against their enemies. The war in this sort being proclaimed, the queen of England raised an army of six or eight thousand horse and footmen, and some pioneers, which were all appareled in blue cassocks, under the conduction of the earl of Pembroke, with the lord Clinton, and the lord Montague, and three lord Dudleyes, sons of the duke of Northumberland, and many others, which went to Calis, and from thence marched to S. Quintines, and there joined with the king of Spain's army, and holp him to assault and win the said town, where the lord Henry Dudley was slain in the assault.  
The king of Spain being in England, upon the sixth of july, Emanuel Philibert, duke of Savoy, began to raise an army, by aid of the prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the earl of Egmont, the earl of Megen, the earl of Mansfelt, the earl of Barlemont, and others, with whom were joined the Dutch horse and foot, and with that army marched towards Guise, making show to besiege the same, and encamped themselves not far from it; but their number daily increasing, the duke of Savoy suddenly approached, and enclosed the town of Saint Quintines with his light horsemen: Within the town there was a company of horsemen, 
S. Quintains besieged by king Philip.  led by monsieur Tiligny, and captain Brudit, as then governor of the town; and not long after in the night time, jasper Coligny, earl of Chastilion, admiral of France, got into the town. The siege being strongly placed round about the same, the ordnance was planted, and divers mines and sconces made about it. The mean time Henry king of France sent an army of men under the leading of the constable of France, and the duke de Montmorancy, to put more men and victuals into the town; which they thought to do by means of a marsh or pool of water, lying upon the one side of the town: and to that end the constable came with his army, and lodging not far from the duke of Savoyes' camp, shot out of his army into the Spanish army, and to the duke of Savoyes' tent, whereby he was forced to dislodge, and to go into the earl of Egmont's quarter. With the constable of France there was divers noblemen, as the duke de Nemours, the prince of Conde, the marshal of S. Andrew's, the duke de Montpensier, the earl of Ville●…s, the earl of Sancere, the baron of Daudelot, and the Riengrave, with divers other great personages, using all the means they could to send more aid into the town, through the said water, under the leading of monsieur Daudelot, the admiral's brother; but his boats were badly ordered, for that by the weight of over many soldiers that were in them, which disorderly leapt into the same, they could not fleet above the water, whereby many of them stuck fast in the ground, and by that means they could not get all their men that were shipped, into the town, only monsieur Daudelot, with four or five hundred, got in, upon S. Laurence day in the morning, being the tenth of August: upon which day the counsel of the duke of Savoyes' camp, assembled in the earl of Egmont's tent, to determine what they were best to do; and thinking (as it was true) that the Frenchmen had put certain soldiers by night into the town, and that they would come back again, they resolved, by the counsel and courage of the earl of Egmont, to set upon them with their light horsemen; and to second them, they appointed the Dutch launciers, and some companies of footmen. The French men for their parts, thinking themselves reasonably well defended by the marsh ground, and meaning not to stay long there, took no great regard to stop the passage: but perceiving the Bourgognons to make thither, the duke Nemours●…od ●…od forward with certain horsemen, thinking to stop their passage: but when he came to it he perceived the same to be over strongly guarded by the enemy, and 2000 horse already passed over, which he durst not assail, as knowing the king his master's meaning, which was, only to relieve the town, and not to hazard a battle: and for that cause turned back again, and joined with the prince of Conde, that stood ready in order of battle with the light horsemen, hard by a mil, who both together b●…haued themselves so-well, that they got to the constables army without hurt, who as then was beginning to march away: but the Bourgognons followed them so fast, that at the last they overtook th●…m about three miles from S. Quintines, & set upon them with eight great troops of horsemen; and first by the earl of Egmont, with the light horse, Henrick and 
The battle of 〈◊〉. Quintines  Ericke, dukes of Brunswick, each with 1000 horse, and after them followed the earl of Horn with 1000 barb horse, to relieve them, if need were, accompanied wi●…h the duke of Holst, & the earl of Mansfield; which so furiously assailed and charged the French men, that in short time they had overthrown their vaward, constraining the rest to break their order of battle, and to fly away as fast as they could. The constable himself was strucken off his horse, sore 
The names of the noblemen of France, th●…t were s●…e & taken prisoners  wounded, and taken prisoner, with two of his sons, john duke of Anjou (brother to the duke of Vandosme and the prince of Conde) the vicont of Tou●…aine, the son of la Roche du main, and many other great lords slain. Besides the constable, there were taken prisoners, the duke de Montpensier, the marshal of S. Andrew's, the duke de Longueville, Lodowick prince of Mantua, the lord of Vasse, the lord of Corten, the lord de la Roche du main, the Riengrave, colonel of the duchess, all knights of the order; the earl of Rochefocault, the lord of Abigni, the lord of Rochefort, Brian de la chapelle, Byron de S. Heran, and divers others: the duke de Nevers, the prince of Conde, the earl of Sancere, the lord of Burdillion, and divers other fled: and as the French men themselves write, there was of them slain to the number of ten thousand foot, and three thousand horsemen, and yet they were not half so many, for there was not above 3000, or thereabout, found dead in the field. All their cornets, ensigns, and ordnance were taken, and with great triumph carried & presented unto king Philip, not long after, when he came to the camp before S. Quintines, with great pomp, accompanied with divers English lords, where likewise the prisoners were showed unto him. Amongst the Burguignons there was not many slain, only some few of name amongst the which one was Lodowick van Brederode, that was smothered in his armour, one of Ernest duke of brunswick's brethren, two earls of Spiegelbergh, and the earl of Waldeck.  
They within the town of S. Quintines heard not of that overthrow, till it was two days after, and yet were not discouraged therewith, but bravely defended themselves, by the encouragement of the admiral, and monsieur Daudelot, his brother, that showed themselves to be two brave and well experienced soldiers, and got in about two hundredth men more into the town, after the battle, so that they were in all above eight hundred horse and footmen. The 21 of August the town was first battered (for until then they had done nothing but made trenches and mines) and continued their battery seven days together. The 27 of August, having made eleven breaches in the walls (which they within the town were to defend, commandment being given, not to speak or make motion of any yielding, hoping that the first assault being withstood, they should not readily be assaulted again) the Bourgognons gave an assault in four places together: the first was made by captain Caziers, a Spaniard, with Lazarus Zwendies soldiers; the second by captain Navasse, with his Spaniards, and the earl of Megen, with his Walons; the third by captain julian Romero, with three companies of Spaniards, and two thousand Englishmen; the fourth by Carondo, with the Bourgognons: and by that means the town being so furiously assailed, was presently entered 
S. Quintine won the admiral of France with monsieur Daudelot, his brother, taken prisoners.  and taken, and that very easily on the one side, by means of a tower, wherein they entered secretly, where the admiral himself going to defend it, found the breach forsaken by his soldiers, and meeting with the enemy, was presently taken prisoner, having but three men and a page with him. While in the rest of the breaches they made great resistance, the admiral was led along the breach, and conveyed out of the town through a mine, where he found Alonzo du Cazierres and the duke of Savoy, that caused the Spaniard that had taken him prisoner, to lead him into his tent, and from thence he was sent to▪ antwerp, where he lay six weeks after sick of a fever; and being healed, (to comfort himself in his heaviness) he began to read the Bible, whereby ever after he was inclined to the reformed religion. After that he was sent unto Scluys, and there paying fifty thousand crowns ransom, he was set at liberty again. Monsieur Daudelot his brother, was likewise taken prisoner, but by night crept under a tent, and so escaping away got to Han. With him likewise were taken the lord of jarnacke, the lord of Saint Remi, the lord of Humes, the lord de la guard, and many others. And after that the town was ransacked, and great part of it burned, from thence the king sent the earl of Arenbergh, with three regiments of Dutch men, to besiege Chastelet, which was soon yielded unto him, by the lord of Solignar: who afterward being in Paris, was for the same committed prisoner; who made answer for his own excuse, That he had but three hundred men therein, whereof the one half was either dead, or sore wounded, by the battery of the canon, that broke the stones of the walls in such sort, about the soldiers ears, that they had no means to defend themselves, and that the place was too little to hide the soldiers in. These two places the king caused to be newly fortified, and understanding that the Frenchmen began to assemble new forces and to enter again into the field, he resolved to march no further into France, but to besiege Han, which after sixteen or twenty hundred canon shot, was also upon the twelfth of September delivered up unto him, which he likewise fortified. The mean time also he took and burnt Noyon, Chandy, and other places. In Winter time the king returned unto Brussels again, and there discharged the greatest part of his army, from whence also the Englishmen departed into England. At that time Don Ferdinando Gonsaga, an Italian, died in Brussels, being come with the king out of the camp, an old experienced soldier, and esteemed to be the best soldier in the king of Spain's army, and one that had done great service for the emperor Charles. In the earldom of Burgundy, the lord of Poleville had assembled eight or nine thousand men in the king of Spain's behalf, to invade the territories of Bresse, and therewith besieged Bourg in Bres●…e: but finding it to be better provided and fortified, than he supposed it had been, and hearing that the king of France had sent for his French soldiers out of Italy, which were marching against him, whereof 2000 arquebusiers, conducted by the Vidasme de Chartres, were already entered into the country, he was forced disorderly to break up his siege. The king of France in the mean time, after the loss of S. Quintines, and other places, caused another army of men to be raised in Campeigne, by the duke de Nevers and to join with them had sent for the duke of Guise with his soldiers, out of Italy, with charge to take order for all things there, in the best manner that he could. Whereupon pope Paul (doubting some further matter) began to hearken to an agreement, and to that end sent his legate to the duke of Alva, with whom a peace was concluded, upon condition, 
Peace made with the pope.  That the duke of Alva in the king's behalf, should do that homage and submission, that a devout son is bound to do unto his holy father thereby to obtain grace & pardon from him, and so doing the pope should receive him into his favour again, and in regard thereof, the king should deliver the pope all the towns he had taken from him, and the pope for his part should recall his curse, and receive all the rest of the princes and noble men, that he had aided to make war against him, into favour, Anthony Column, and Ascanius de le Cornia, only excepted.  
The French army being newly gathered together under the duke of Guise, determined to enterprise something against Calis, which was once before sought to have been done by the admiral monsieur Chastillion, and then again attempted by the marshal Strossy: and to that end, upon the first of januarie, the duke of Guise came before it, and presently won the fort 
Calis taken by 〈◊〉 French men  of Newlandbridge, a fort that stood in the way between Calis and Bullen, and lay in a marsh ground: and likewise another fort, called Risebanke; and being master of those two forts (the town having but few soldiers within it, which by means of the taking of the two forts aforesaid, was narrowly beset, both by water and by land) upon the fourth of januarie they battered the water gate with a piece of ordnance, and the castle with 33 canons so furiously, that the shot was heard to antwerp, being thirty three Dutch miles from thence: whereby they made a great breach, and a fit place to give an assault; and at a low water gave a fierce assault, whereby they drove the English men out of the castle, that fled into the town, where fir Anthony Ager captain of the castle, was slain: but the English men returning again (when the flood came, and that they within the castle could not be aided by them that were without, and for that there were but a few French men within the castle) set valiantly upon the castle again, thinking to drive the French men out: but by the lord of Daudelot, the duke of Aumale, and the marquess Dalboeuf, they were expulsed: after that they sought by placing two or three great pieces of ordnance upon the bridge of the castle, and by undermining to win the castle again: but many of them were burnt and blown up, and being driven from thence, the gate was strongly fortified against them. At last the lord Wentworth, governor of the town, with others of the principal commanders, perceiving what danger the town was in, and that the castle was already won, and they very weak, being not above 300 fight men, and having want of many things, and wholly without any hope of relief, by means of a great storm that as then was at sea, the wind being northeast, whereby no man could come out of England, whereby it seemed as if heaven and earth were against them, and held with the French men; they thought good to parley, and the rather for that they durst not receive any of the king of Spain's soldiers out of Flanders into the town (although such an offer was made) for that they were in suspicion, that king Philip by that means would make himself master thereof: and for that cause the king's advice (who at his last going out of England, passing along by it, perceived the weakness thereof) sent into England, was not believed by the counsel there, but rather was the cause of more suspicion. Cardinal Poole, and two or three bishops more, of the privy counsel, being then in great authority in England (little knowing the situation of the place) making the queen and the rest of her counsel believe that the king of Spain's reputation, the common opinion of the strength of the place, and of the provision therein, together with the short passage out of England thither to serve the same, specially in regard that they were masters of the sea, would keep the French men well enough from thence, as it after plainly appeared at the lord Wentworthes arraignment, who being released of his imprisonment in France, bravely cleared himself by law, which 
* E. Demetrius.  I myself heard, showing what advertisements he had sent over from time to time, concerning the weakness of the place, the want of men, and the enemies secret enterprises: which advice the aforesaid cardinal & the bishops (who then were the chief of the queen's counsel) had little regarded; making answer, They would keep the town with their white slaves, and that i●… he were afraid, he might come home into England again; with such like answers: and so the town of Calis for want of foresight was soon won, and by composition made by them within (when wanting succours they could no otherwise choose) upon the eight day of januarie, delivered unto the French men, upon condition of saving their lives, and no hu●… to be done unto them, to carry their money and goods out of the town, at the discretion of the vanquishers, the inhabitants to leave the town and good where they would; whereof fifty such as they liked should remain prisoners. The soldiers should depart for England, without spoiling, hiding, or burning the houses, victuals, munition, or canon shot, but should leave it all behind them; which was likewise done. From thence the French men went to Guynes, wherein lay as governor 
1558  my lord Gray, an old soldier, with twelve or fourteen hundred English men, Walons, and Spaniards, and Montdragon a valiant captain sent thither by king Philip, where they planted five and thirty canon shot, wherewith in short time they had given ten thousand shot, 
Guynes won by the French men.  whereby they so battered the bulwarks, and other places, that they were easy to be assaulted, which upon the twentieth of januarie, with great slaughter of men on both sides, was done; at which time there was slain at the least four or five hundred men: whereby the bulwarks being won, the lord Gray, with the rest of the soldiers, got into the castle, where they began to parley, and agreed, That the soldiers should depart with bag and baggage, leaving their ensigns, victuals, munition, and ordnance behind them, and the lord Gray, with the rest of the captains, and gentlemen, to remain prisoners; which being performed, the French men (finding the place to be unprofitable for them) razed the castle: at which time also the strong castle of Hans was forsaken by the English men. And by that means the English men in few days lost that little which rested in their powers, of their forefathers conquests, and all that they as then held in firm land of France, and for the space of two hundred and eleven years before, had peaceably enjoyed: the lord of Terms being made governor thereof, by the French men, that affirm to have found therein two or three hundred great pieces, besides the victuals, munition for the wars, and the ransom that they had of those that were prisoners. At the first news thereof brought into England, there was great preparation of men and ships made, for to relieve it, but by means of the great tempest at sea, they could not get over, before they heard of the loss thereof, which grieved queen Mary much at the heart, that it was after a great part of the cause of her death, which happened upon the 17 of November after.  
The French men also at the same time by force took the castle of Herbimont in Ardennes: 
Mary queen of Scots married to the Dolphin of France.  And upon the four and twentieth of April the Dolphin of France married Mary Steward, queen of Scotland, the only daughter of james the fifth, king of Scotland: at which time the duchess of Lorraine first began to motion a peace between both the kings. This duchess of Lorraine was the daughter of Christian king of Denmark, and of one of the emperor Charles sisters.  
This year died duke Maximilian of Burgonie, baron of Beveren, of le Vere, lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, and Vtrecht, after whom succeeded William van Nassau, prince of Orange. This year in Summer, the king of France took up four or five thousand horse, and fourteen thousand footmen, under the conduct of the duke of Lunenbourgh, the colonel of the horsemen being Grombacke, Risebergh, and one of the Landgrave of Hessens brethren, the footmen being commanded by the earl of Rocquedolf, Reycrogh, and others; who being mustered in Lorraine, joined with the dukes of Guise and Nevers, with their French men, and so besieged Theonuille, otherwise called Diettenhold in Lutsenbergh, lying upon the river of Moselle, wherein Peter Quarebbe (a gentleman of Loven) was governor, with about eighteen hundred men: and upon the fifth of june began to batter it with 35 pecces of canons, the earl of Horn seeking by all the means he could to get into it with a hundred men, but they were repulsed. The mean time the French men continued their shooting and mining, until they saw convenient time to give an assault: whereby they within being much weakened, and having no assurance of relief to be sent them, were forced to enter 
Theonuille won by the French men.  into a parley, and upon the two and twentieth of june, delivered up the town, upon condition, That the soldiers should depart with their rapiers and poniards, the horsemen with their arms, and the towns men with as much of their goods as they could carry. At this siege there were many French men slain, and amongst other great commanders the marshal Pidue Strossy, that was shot in his breast with a musket, as he stood speaking with the duke of Guise, that leaned with his hand upon his shoulder. And so the strong town of Theonuille was lost, which most men ascribed to the small authority that the governor bore over the soldiers, as being but a mean gentleman of Brabant.  
While this was done in Lutsenburgh, the marshal de Termes governor of Calis, had assembled certain soldiers out of divers garrisons, and elsewhere, to the number of 8000 foot, and 1500 horsemen, with certain ordnance, and therewith marching into Flanders, passed over the river of Ha, where a number of countrymen were slain, that thought to have intercepted his passage, & so went along by graveling & Borborgh, and from thence to Duynkerke, a town lying upon the sea, where he planted his ordnance upon the downs, and so battered the same: and while the burgesses were in parley about delivering over of the town, having 
Duynk●…rke wo●…n by the ●…nch men.  no garrison within it, they were by the French men assailed, and the town won, who having ransacked the same, at the last burned it; which done, they went to Berghen S. Winox, which they also ransacked & burnt, and all the country as far as Newport. King Philip being in Bruss●…ls, and hearing of the spoil that the French men made in Flanders, and in Lutsenburgh, assembled his soldiers from all parts, and sent the duke of Savoy general of his army, into the earldom of Namure, there to resist the duke of Guise, and into Flanders the earl of Egmont, with full power to take order for the safety of the country, before more forces could join with the lord of Terms. With which charge the earl of Egmont drew all the garrisons out of the places thereabouts, and with him had the lord of Bingincourt, marshal of the field: and having other forces sent unto him out of the duke of Savoyes' camp, he had in all eight or ten thousand foot, & above 2000 horsemen, besides many country men, that fled from the places where they dwelled, & with this army marched towards the enemy, who fearing his coming, was already marching away, and lay encamped in a strong place, about half a mile from graveling, where the earl of Egmont found him. The lord of Terms perceiving himself to be too weak, d●…termined to march out of Flanders towards Calis; which he did the next day, passing along by the sea side, when it was low water, willing his men to set fire on Duynkerk, and so to depart. And in that sort passed he the small river of Ha, beneath the town of graveling, which the earl of Egmont, the barons of Bingincourt, the marquess de Renti, the earl of Reux, the barons of Moerbeke, Monichousen, Fontaines, Mewerkeet, & others, perceiving, determined to intercept him, and first to set upon his carriage, that they should not any more seek to enter into Flanders (clean contrary to the proverb, which is, That a man should make a golden bridge to an enemy that is going away) and to that end passed over the river of Ha, somewhat above graveling, without any ordnance. monsieur de Termes perceiving that they meant to set upon him, ordained his battle in as good order, and with as much advantage as he could, which was in this sort: on the South side, where the sandy downs lay, he placed his wagons, baggage, and pillage; on the North side he had the sea, and at his back the river of Ha, whereby they could not assail him on no part but before, and there he placed eight great culverins, and three falcons, his horsemen standing between them and him, and on each side of them certain numbers of Gascoin arquebusiers; behind them he planted the pikes, both of French and Dutch men. The earl of Egmont on his side against them, set five troops of horsemen, whereof three companies were light horse, which were to give the onset, the troops on the right side being led by the earl of Pontenels, & those on the left hand by Don Henrico Henriques, and he himself in the middle; the fourth troop were the Dutch swart Ruyters, and the fi●…th the Netherlanders, each under their own leaders: after them followed the footmen, 
The battaileo●… graveling in Flanders.  being Netherlanders, high Dutche, and Spaniards, led by their colonels, Bingincourt, Manichuysen, Don Lewis de Caravagial, and others: and in this order the earl of Egmont, upon the thirteenth of july, bravely set upon the French men, first encouraging his soldiers, to make them the willinger to fight.  
The Frenchmen that stood resolutely ready to defend themselves, received them with great courage, and at the first onset discharged their ordnance, therewith doing very great hurt amongst them; and at that time the earl of Egmont's horse was slain under him, and yet notwithstanding he set most courageously upon them, and for that the place was broad and even, upon the sand, bravely fought hand to hand, man to man, horse to horse, and wing against wing, which for a long time before had not been seen: in which fight the Bourguygnons had an unexpected furtherance, by means of certain ships of England, that lay at sea, and kept along the coast before the towns of Dover and graveling, to free the same, as also to hinder the French men from carrying the booty that they had gotten from the town of Duynkerke (when they ransacked it) by water, which were most small ships, being led by the vice-admiral master Malin, who perceiving the said battle from out the sea, went with his smallest ships as near the strand as he could, and shot many bullets at the French men, but because they were far from the land, they could do them no great hurt, and so by that means oftentimes failed, and sometimes by chance shot amongst the Bourguygnons; but that nevertheless as much discouraged the French men, as it encouraged the Bourguygnons. The mean time the earl of Egmont had sent certain troops of Dutch ruyters sidewayes, which went closely by the downs, and entered on the South side of the French horsemen, assailing them valiantly; whereby at the last the French horsemen (being for the most part gentlemen, and well mounted) perceiving the danger they were in, began to give back, which caused the Bourgognons to set the more boldly upon them, and thereby put the French men to flight, first the horsemen, and then the footmen, to the great honour and commendation of the Bourgognons, specially of the light horsemen, and most of the earl of Egmont, who at that time showed himself both to be wise and circumspect, and also stout and valiant. The like did the rest of the commanders, as Burgincourt, the marquess de Renti, the earl of Reux, Don Henrico Henricques, the earl of Pontenels, the baron de Fontains, Don Lewis de Caravag●…al, with his Spaniards, and Manich●…ysen with the Dutch men. The French men much blamed the marshal de Termes, because he marched not away the night before, but it appeared, that he had charge to stay at Duynkerke, there to strengthen himself, and to stay for more aid; as also for that he stood upon his advantage, and was well prepared to make resistance, being scarce three Dutch miles from Calis, with a number of good soldiers, whereby he was of opinion that no man could hinder his intent. It was thought that there were about fifteen hundred men slain in the field, besides those that were drowned, and such as were slain in the flight by the peasants: many were taken prisoners, as the marshal de Termes, governor of Calis, being fore hurt, the barons of Senerpont, Annibault, Villebon Morvilliers, Chaulis, and others. The ordnance, ensigns, and the booty was all taken. Of the Bourgognons there was about three or four hundred men slain, and amongst the rest, the baron de Pelu. This victory greatly increased the honour of king Philip, and the Bourgognons, showing by experience, that they were too good for the French men in the field. And at that time Duynkerke and Winoxbergh were both taken again from the French men. About this time Mary queen of England sent a great navy of ships of war to sea, conducted by the lord Clinton, admiral of England, and by reason of the contracts made between England and the Netherlands, as also for that the queen of England at that time held a regiment of Dutch men in the Netherlands, in her pay, under the conduct of an English gentleman, called sir William Pickerin: they of the Netherlands sent twenty or twenty two great ships of war, well appointed and furnished of all things, whereof the admiral was monsieur van Wackene, and Capelle (vice-admiral to the earl of Horn) and with him the lord of Cruningen, and other Netherlanders, with many soldiers to join with them: which two fleets sailed together unto the coast of Britain, and upon the nineteenth of july at Conquer, landed their men, burning and wasting the country all about, and did them great hurt: but monsieur de Kersimont having assembled certain gentlemen, and others thereabouts, set upon four companies of Netherlanders, that were entered too far within the country, thinking to be seconded by the English men (that were gone into their ships, upon the news of the French men's coming) and slew and took many of them prisoners, whereupon they returned home again with their ships, without any further enterprise, or that any man could certainly learn what their pretence was.  
In the month of August both the kings of Spain and France assembled their powers, notwithstanding that the prince of Orange secretly parlyed with the constable of France, and the marshal of Saint Andrew's (as then prisoners) concerning a peace. And upon the one and twentieth of August, king Philip went unto his army, as then being about Dorlens, being thirty thousand foot, and fourteen thousand horsemen, amongst the which were many high Dutch, under the conduct of Ericke and Ernest dukes of Brunswick, the duke of Holst, the earls of Wartstenborgh, Mansfield, Rennenbergh, and others: and besides Emanuel Philibert duke of Savoy, lieutenant general for the king, there was the duke of Parma and Plaisance, the duke of Seminara, the prince of Sulmona, the duke of Arry, the earls of Palicastro, Bagin, and Landi, and the lord Ascanio de Cornia: and of Spanish noble men, there was the dukes of Alva, Arcos, Francavilla, and Vilhermosa, the marquess of Balanga, and Aquillar, the earls of Fonsalida and Melito: of Netherlanders, there was William van Nassave, prince of Orange, Lanioral earl of Egmont, the duke of Arschot, the marquess of Bergen, and Renti, the earls of Horn, Arenbergh, Bossu, Megen, Ligni, Teux, and Hooghstrate, the barons of Montigni, Barlaymont, Glayon, and others. The king of France also had assembled a mighty army about Pierrepont, most consisting of Dutch men, Swissers, and some Italians; the Dutch men alone were 8000 horsemen: to the which army Henry king of France, upon the eight of August, came thither in person, accompanied with the king of Navarre, the duke de Montpensier, the duke of Guise, (the king's lieutenant general) the duke of Lorraine, Nevers, Nemours, Aumale, and Boullion, all French men. The strangers were Hans William, duke of Saxon, second son to Hans Frederick the elector, the duke of Lunenbourgh, one of the Landgrave of Hessens sons, the princes of Ferrara and Salerne, the duke of Somnia, and divers other marquess', earls, and barons, which would be over long to rehearse: and with this army marched to Amiens, and there passed over the river of Some, and encamped themselves not far from the Burguignons, that lay strongly encamped along by the river of Authie, where many skirmishes were given between both those armies: but the French men still remembering the two overthrows that they had received not long before, lay strongly entrenched, and durst not venture to the hazard of a battle: for that the great power of those two kings, on both sides, that were there in person, made them both lie still and to have regard of their own safeties; and considering the great hurt that they might do each unto the other, if they had entered into battle: and that on the other side, their greatest powers consisted most of strange nations, it made both the kings the rather to hearken unto a peace: and to that end by both their consents there was a place appointed for to meet in, which was the abbey of Corcampe, not far from thence. And to entreat of the said peace, in October there appeared for the king of Spain, the duke of Alva, the prince of Orange, Rigomes de silva, Anthony Perrenot bishop of Arras, and doctor Vigilius Swichem precedent: and for the king of France, the cardinal of Lorraine, Annade Montmorancy constable of France, jaques de Albon marshal of Saint Andrew's (that paying ransom, were both released of their imprisonment) john de Moruilliers bishop of Orleans, and claud de Aubespine secretary, and with those deputies, as allied on both sides, there sat the duchess of Lorraine, with her son the young duke: the mean time, upon hope of a peace, both the kings began to lessen their armies, and to separate them one from the other, and in the month of November discharged divers of their men. And while the deputies were in treaty, and had almost agreed upon a marriage between the king of France his eldest daughter, and Don Charles prince of Spain, and between the king of France his sister, and the duke of Savoy, and thought verily to fall to an agreement, nothing wanting, but to content the queen of England, who by her ambassadors much pressed them to have Calis restored unto her again, without the which king Philip also would hearken to no peace. It happened, that queen Mary, the king's wife, died without issue, upon the seventeenth of November, in the year 1558, after that she had reigned five 
Mary queen of England died.  years and odd months, whereby the said peace was prolonged off, for the space of two months after.  
This year, upon the first of February, queen Elinor Dowager of France and Portugal, died in Spain. And upon the 18 of October after, died Mary queen of Hongary, that had been 
The death of queen ●…enor and queen Mary, sist●…rs to ●…he emperor Charles the 5.  regent in the Netherlands, and one that greatly esteemed of that country, who unwillingly departed from thence, but yet would not seem to displease the emperor her brother, that was in great care lest she would have taken too much upon her in the Netherlands, which might dislike the king his son, whereunto such as were chief rulers under the king of Spain, were great solicitors, lest they should be troubled with any contradicters.  
The emperor Charles the fifth likewise died the same year, upon the 21 of September, being S. Mathews day, in the covent of S. Just, of a hot burning fever, in the eight and fiftieth year 
The death of the emperor Charles the 5.  of his age, after he had been thirty six years emperor, and forty years king of Spain. Some write, that when he lay in his death bed (by means of some admonition given him by the archbishop of Toledo, or by that which he before had heard in Germany) he acknowledged, that he hoped for his salvation, only by the death and passion of our Saviour jesus Christ, and by no other means, according to the opinion of the reformed Church. This emperor Charles was a man of middle stature, well proportioned of body and limbs, fair faced, high foreheaded, friendly of countenance, somewhat brown eyed, high nosed, his mouth somewhat gaping, which he took from the Bourguignon princes and kings of France, and a fair beard, his hair brown, both a good horse and footman, familiar & friendly, speaking many languages, in his youth sound of body, of complexion sanguine, which being mixed with melancholy blood, made him wise and politic, but withal very suspicious and griple; and in his aged days salt phlegmatic humours falling into his pores, caused him to be mild, that so tempered his blood and choler within him, that he could master and overcome his wrath and hastiness. He was in truth a religious, devout, mighty, wise, temperate, stout, and high minded prince, of great experience, and fortunate, but somewhat self-willed. Before his death he obtained the full power and government of the dukedom of Guelderland, the carldome of Zutphen, the baronies of Vtrecht and Oueryssel, the barony of Groaning, the town of Cambric, and the earldom of Linghen, all in the Netherlands: he had the earldom of Flanders, and other provinces, that as yet were in a manner contributaries to the crown of France, but freed from the same for ever, by contract: the kingdom of Tunes, the countries of America, Naples, Sicilia, and Milan, which he won, and assured unto himself: his soldiers won Rome: he took prisoners Pope Clement the seventh, the king of France, the king of Navarre, and the elector of Saxon; the duke of Cleve, the Landgrave of Hessen and others submitted themselves unto him. In his latter days fortune was not so favourable unto him, by reason of his obstinacy, bad counsel, and hard resolution. Keeping the Landgrave prisoner, he was by Maurice, elector of Saxon, and other princes (that had made a contract with the king of France) compelled not only to set the Landtgraue free, but also to lose the fruits of his victory in Germany, as many histories sufficiently declare the same, He left issue by lady Isabella of Portugal, king Philip his only son: daughters, Mary married to the Emperor Maximilian, and joanna princess of Portugal, with more natural children, or bastards, as Don john de Austria, and Marguerite duchess of Parma. And so king Philip in one year lost his father, his wife, and his two aunts. In December after he celebrated their funerals in Brussels: but above all the rest, he made a most triumphant funeral for the Emperor his father, with a victorious ship, arms, standards, and banners of all his honours, which was most triumphantly borne throughout the streets.  
In the same year and about that time there died two kings in Denmark, as Christian then king, and Christian, that had lain two and twenty years prisoner, because of the tyranny that he had showed unto his subjects, being nevertheless a mighty king of three kingdoms, as Denmark, Swethland, and Norway; but he fell into such hatred of his people, that they forsook him, and chose another king, and in Anno 1532, when with a great army, and by the aid of the Emperor Charles, he thought to win Denmark again, he was by them overthrown and taken prisoner: which was a wonderful work and punishment of God showed upon him for his unmercifulness and tyranny, and an excellent example for princes in our time. Not long before he died, he was friendly visited by king Christian, where they forgave each other from their hearts. This Christiern married Isabella, sister to the Emperor Charles the fifth, by whom he had issue a son, that died in the Netherlands at the same time that his father was taken prisoner; and two daughters, the one Palsgraveni, the other called Christiana, that was duchess of Lorraine, and in Anno 1558 was a mediator of the peace between France and Spain, whose son being duke of Lorraine, married claud, second daughter to the king of France, upon the last of januarie 1559.  
As I said before, the death of the queen of England prolonged the treaty of peace between the kings of France and Spain, but in February after the Commissioners on both sides assembled 
Treaty of peace between France and Spain.  again in the castle of Cambryse, where also there came the queen of England's ambassadors, as the bishop of Ely, the lord Howard baron of Effingham, Doctor Wotton, and the Dean of Canterbury: and for the duke of Savoy two deputies, and with all those the aforesaid duchess, as mediator, with her son: and after some delays, at last they proceeded so far, that there seemed nothing resting to be done, but only that the Englishmen desired to have Calais restored again unto the queen; wherein king Philip sought to have her satisfied and contented, or else he would accept of no peace, because that during his wars, and by his means it had been lost: but the Frenchmen boldly alleging, that queen Elizabeth was not lawful queen of England, but the Scottish queen (as being right heir thereunto by descent from the grandmother, king Henry the eights eldest sister) that as then had married the Dolphin of France, they said and affirmed, that she had nothing to do therewith. Whereby the queen of England began to suspect, that the peace which as then was entreating of, might be made, only to compel her to hold and observe the Catholic Romish Religion, which as then she began to alter and change within her kingdoms, to the dishonour of king Philip, and therefore thought it best for her to make an assured peace with France: wherein on both sides, one Guido Cavalcanti, a gentleman of Florence, was specially employed; by whose means, upon the second of April 1559, an agreement was made in the castle of Cambresis: and after much debating of the cause, it was agreed, That Calis should be unwalled, and so delivered over unto the queen; but in the end they concluded, That Calis and the Earldom of Oyen should continue eight years in the French kings hands, and then should be restored to the queen again, without any defacing, with all things that belonged thereunto, only with sixteen brass pieces of divers greatness, and for assurance thereof, the French king should give six or seven sufficient merchants for sureties of the same, which should be bound in the sum of five hundred thousand crowns; and until such time (that the peace might not be delayed) as those merchants should be committed prisoners in Bruges, there should be five French gentlemen put into the queen's hands for hostages, which every five months she might change: but for that this contract concerned many matters touching Scotland, the queen of Scots then taking on her the title and arms of England and Ireland, for the which, after that, there grew some contention, part of the said hostages got away, and others by new contracts were set at liberty, and discharged, and so the Frenchmen still held Calis. The queen of England thus contented & satisfied, the peace between the two kings of France & Spain was concluded at Cambresis upon the third of April 1559, and proclaimed in Brussels upon the fifth of April after. The old controversies that had continued for the space of five & twenty years, were on both sides wholly excluded out of the same: as the sovereignty that France pretended to have over Flanders, Artois, Rissel, Douai, Dornick, the kingdom of Naples, and the duchy of Milan, etc. and the king of Spain's pretence over Burgundy, Provence, the towns upon the river of Some, and the earldom of Bolonois. The principal articles of the said peace being as followeth: for the rest I refer the Reader to divers histories, wherethey may see them at large, this serving only for a memorial.  
First, That a good peace should be holden between the said kings, their children and subjects, 
Articles of the peace made at Cambresis.  and that the one might traffic and travel freely and peaceably in the others countries and kingdoms: all customs of reprisals should be abolished, all privileges confirmed, and either of them restored unto his own again.  
That all the old treaties and contracts of peace should be renewed, and confirmed, as far as that treaty did allow and permit.  
That both the kings should with all earnest zeal hold and maintain the holy Catholic Romish church and religion, and be a means that the general counsel might be holden.  
That the King of Spain should deliver S. Quintin's, Han, and Chastelet to the French king, and the king of France should deliver him Theonuille, Marienbourgh, juois, Damuilliers, and Montmedi, & such as they had taken one from the other, without breaking the fortifications, and each of them might take his own Ordinance and munition out of the same again.  
That Terrowane should be restored again without walls as it was, and juois on the other side should be defaced, and should not be fortified again, nor any fort made within a thousand paces thereof.  
Hesdin and his territories, as old patrimony belonging to the king of Spain, should be his, and not claimed by France in any wise. Many questions touching the borders of Burgonie, Artois, etc. were put to deciding of certain Commissioners on both sides, with other such like doubts.  
The king of Spain should have the earldom of Charlorys restored to him again.  
Whatsoever both the kings possessed and held in Montferrat, should be restored again to the duke of Mantua: Bovillon should be yielded to the bishop of Luyck, the Island of Corsica to the Genovois, and Valencia in the dukedom of Milan, to the king of Spain.  
And as it was first propounded, that a marriage of the eldest daughter, lady Elizabeth of France, should be made with Charles prince of Spain, to the end that further friendship and unity might be had, it was agreed, That the king of Spain himself should marry her (who as then was a widower) and to have with her 400000 crowns, and she to have a dowry of 50000 crowns yearly, and that if he died before her, there should be a third part of the 400000 crowns paid back again.  
That the duke of Savoy should marry with lady Marguerite the king of France his sister, and with her should have 300000 crowns, besides the duchy of Berry, whereof she should receive the inheritance during her life.  
That the king of France should restore all the lands that he then withheld from the said duke of Savoy, except the town of Thierin, Pignoral, Chyras, Over, and the new town of Asti, which he should hold in his hands for the space of three years, until order should be taken about the right that he pretended to have therein.  
That the duke of Savoy should remain as neuter on both sides. That the king of Spain should keep Asti and Vercelles in his hands, until the king of France did deliver the 5 towns of Piedmont aforesaid unto the duke. He that first should make delivery, should choose four persons out of the others for sureties, and should keep them till the rest be performed.  
That each king should comprehend his friends in that treaty of peace, as the princes, potentates, and countries adjacent.  
That the Dolphin of France, and Don Charles prince of Spain, and the states of France and the Netherlands should confirm that peac●…; only the king of Spain would not consent to comprehend the Earls of East-Friseland in that peace, whether it were for any cause of actions that he pretended against them, or for the reformed religion.  
That all the goods of the vassals of either king should be restored unto them again, and amongst the rest, to William prince of Orange, to whom should be freely delivered his principality of Orange, according to the contract made in Anno 1551, and also his lands in Dauphinois, as Derpiere, Tresluys, Monbrison, Curby, Parriewe, Novois, Cay, Sauxcy, Vayrume, Beaurepair, and Auxonne, and that he should have law for his pretence and title to the earldom of Escampes, Tonnere, and Chaury, with the four baronies etc. also the duke of Ar●…chot, the earl of Egmont, and others, as you may read at large.  
That the bailiwike of Hesden should remain to king Philip, and the earldom of S. Paul to the lady of Tonteville, du●…ches of Longeville, excepting the right of both the kings, the sovereignty remaining to the king of Spain: touching the restitutions aforesaid, the K. of France offered to be the first, choosing for sureties, the duke of Alva, the duke of Arcos, the prince of Orange, and the earl of Egmont, which presently rid into France.  
This peace was concluded as aforesaid in April, 1559, & subscribed by the Commissioners aforesaid, as the duke of Alva, the prince of Orange, the prince of Melito, Antony Perrenot, and precedent Vigilius: and on the other side, the Cardinal of Lorraine, the Constable Montmorency, the marshal of S. Andrew's, Moruilliers, and Aubespina secretary to the king. In this peace the French king delivered up unto the king of Spain and the duke of Savoy, 198 towns, castles, and forts, that were held with garrison: whereupon Monsieur Mouluc, marshal of France, writeth, That it was the most shameful peace that France could ever have made. It is to be noted that this lady Isabella, eldest daughter to the king of France, was upon the 19 of july in an 1551 con●…racted in marriage to Edward the sixth, king of England, as then dead, upon condition, that when she was 12 years of age, within a month after she should be conveyed into England, there to be openly & solemnly married to the king upon forfeiture on both sides of 50000 crowns, with 200000 crowns to her marriage, and that if she outlived him, to have a dowry of 6666 l. 13 s. 4 d. yearly, as long as she lived, and that if king Edward outlived her, he should keep her marriage money as his own. This peace made many men to rejoice, and all the countries throughout made great triumphs for the same, specially in antwerp; where, from the 9 to the 18 day of April they made fires throughout the town, shooting off their Ordinance, casting fire balls, playing, and making divers sh●…wes in every place of the same: the high tower of our lady church was hanged with 300 lanterns, burning with candles from the bottom to the top: all the strangers resident therein, as Florentines, Genovois, Lucan's, Dutchmen, Easterlings, Spaniards, and Englishmen, made divers triumphant arches, images, castles, & other sorts of firing and fireworks: wine was let run in the streets, whole oxen roasted, hogs killed by men blinded; great masts set upright that were greased, and costly prizes set thereon, for them to take that could fetch them down: and prizes for women, that could run fastest; and every one for the best and the fairest.  
For the accomplishing of this contract of peace, the king of Spain gave the duke of Alva and others full power to fulfil the ceremonies of the contract of matrimony in Paris, for him and in his name with the lady Isabella, and at the same time the duke of Savoy rid thither with a great train to marry with the king's sister, which was done with great triumphs, where there was a great running at tilt appointed to be holden in Paris, wherein the king himself, the duke of Guise, the prince of Serrare, and the duke de Nemours were challengers against all comers. The king in the first and second days ran bravely; and the third day, the queen fearing he would over-labor and heat himself too much, or having a secret conceit of some misfortune that might happen unto him, desired him to refrain from running that day; but he would not: and the third day, when he had run two hours, and was about to give over, he would needs show that he was not weary, and calling Monsieur Lorges, earl of Montgomery, than captain of his guard, that was esteemed to be one of the best runners at tilt in France, willed him to break one lance more with him; who excused himself by the weariness of his horse, and other things: but the king would not be denied; and so as they were running one against the other, it fortuned, that Montgomery breaking his lance upon the king's breast, the splinters thereof slew into the king's visor of his helmet (which was forgotten to be close shut) and by reason that the visor gave up, one of the splinters struck the king in the right eye, and wounded him deadly, and when he began to stagger, he was upholden, and taken down from his 
He●…ry king of France sl●…ine a●… a running at 〈◊〉.  horse sore bleeding, with great crying of all the court, and many of the people; and being unarmed, and his wound visited by divers expert surgeons (whereof one was Andreas Vesalius, sent thither by king Philip) it was found to be mortal, and altogether deadly; and yet by the great experience and policy of the said surgeons, he lived ten days after, and died upon the tenth of August 1554, at the age of forty years, and in the twelfth year of his reign, at his death complaining of his own lightness, and also amongst other things, that he had been overrigorous against those of the reformed religion: but the Cardinal of Lorraine told him, that it was the devil that troubled his mind so much, willing him to strive and resist against him. He was a wise prince, and a right soldier, covetous of honour, and high minded. The earl of Montgomery after the deed done, fell down upon his knees before him, acknowledging that he had well deserved to die; but the king would not in any wise that it should be imputed unto him, but freely forgave him, as having compelled him thereunto: but he presently departed from the court, keeping himself solitarily, as a man desolate & comfortless: but being counseled to read the holy Scriptures for his consolation (as the Frenchmen write) in the end it was the means to cause him to alter his religion, and being before that a Romish Catholic, and one that earnestly persecuted the reformed religion, after that became a great protector & defender thereof in France: and at the last being besieged in a small town of Normandy, called Damsron, he was taken prisoner, & from thence carried to Paris, and there openly beheaded: whose death was imputed unto the queen & her children, to be a point of cruelty & revenge. King Henry left issue four sons and three daughters; Isabella the eldest was then espoused to the king of Spain, the second was duchess of Lorraine, and the third queen of Navarre: Francis the eldest son was married to the queen of Scotland, and succeeded his father; after him Charles, after him Henry, that was also king of Poland, Francis the fourth son in Ann. 1582 was made duke of Brabant, all which died without issue.  
In K. Henry the seconds time two great sins reigned much in France, as Atheism & Necromancy, which was much imputed to the Italians, that were attendants upon Q. Katherine de Medici's, and thought to be they that brought it in; wherein many French poets and rymers were great helpers, which many wise and learned men ascribe to be the cause of the deserved punishment that fell upon the country of France. Those of the reformed religion in France write, that strange death of the king to be justly sent unto him, and a great favour of God towards them as thereby showing his church his great power, and a delivery from a great persecution, which the duke of Alva (being there at that time) sought to put in practice by the said king's aid, according to the first article of the last peace concluded, tending to the destruction of all those of the reformed religion throughout the world: which it seemeth that the king sought to begin, with the lords of his parliament, & among the rest committed Anna du bourg prisoner, that openly spoke unto the king in the parliament house to be favourable to those of the reformed religion: for which cause the K. being sore moved, threatened him, that he would himself see him burnt: which God by the wound in his eye would not suffer him to do: but the said duhourg was afterward burnt, notwithstanding the king's death. This year in August, Pope Paul the fourth of the family of Caraffa, that was the cause of breaking the peace, and had made war against the king of Spain, and the first founder of the jesuits, died in Rome, at such 
The death of Pope Paul the fourth.  time as with all his kindred and sect he had undertaken and concluded to make a great persecution (under pretence of religion) against all good persons. His death gave many men cause to rejoice, especially the inhabitants of Rome, in regard of the innumerable wars, taxations, & burdens that he & his practised & procured: so that the people of Rome arming themselves, ran unto the Inquisition house, where they wounded the chief Inquisitor, the rest flying away to save their lives: which done, they burned the house, and released the prisoners, & would have burnt the cloister of Minerva, because they were addicted unto the Inquisitors, if by means of Marcus Antoniu●… Columna and julius Caesarino it had not been prevented: who by many fair words dissuaded them from it: whereby also the Pope's nephews and kindreds houses were likewise spared. The Pope's image standing in the Capitol, they beat down, and drawing it through the streets, cast it into the river of Tiber, and commandment given in the name of the counsel and people of Rome, upon pain of great punishment, that all the Popes and his family of Caraffes, images, arms, shields, and titles, should be broken down in every place of Rome, as deadly enemies unto mankind, whose memory deserved not to be kept in the world. Pope Pius the fourth, his successor, although he had promised Cardinal Caraffa, and the duke of Paliano his cozen and their family, to forgive all offences forepast, and assured them thereof by his hand writing, yet nevertheless he caused them all to be committed to prison, and put some of them to death.   

MARGVERITE OF AUSTRIA, DVTches of Parma, bastard daughter to the Emperor Charles the fifth, Governess of the Netherlands for king Philip.  
MARGARITA AUSTRIA DUCISSA PARMAE BELG●… DIT●… P. HISPA. REG●… NOMINA GVEER.  
Who ere he be that sees this picture in this book,  
Upon the bastard daughter of th'emperor Charles doth look:  
That first was matched with one of th'house of Medicis,  
And afterward espoused in the stock of Farnesis:  
And had a son that was a man of worthiness.  
This bastard wholly gave her mind to craft and subtleness,  
And with dissembling face did vail her bad and foul intent:  
For while in Netherlands she had the government,  
The gentlemen thereof she knew how to deceive,  
And many men of good account in troubles great did leave:  
But ere she saw the effect of her disloyalty,  
Another had her government, and did the place supply.  
MARGVERITE of Austria, bastard daughter to the Emperor Charles the fifth, was first married to Alexander Medicis, the first duke of Florence, who was slain by his own cousin: then she married again to Octavio Farnese, duke of Parma and Placence. Anthony Perrenot, Cardinal of Granuelle (before bishop of Arras) caused her to be preferred to the government of the Netherlands, before all the princes of Austria, sons to the Emperor Ferdinand, and the duchess of Lorraine, niece to the Emperor Charles, daughter to Christian the second king of Denmark, and to the lady Isabella, sister to these two Emperors, and so cousin german to king Philip: The which the said Cardinal, a great counsellor and minion, had laboured, to the end, that this lady Marguerite coming out of Italy, new and unacquainted with the affairs and state of the Netherlands, 
The lady Marguerite advanced to the government by the Cardinal's means.  might be wholly directed and governed by his counsel, and he by consequence have the whole managing of the said countries: the which he obtained, as you may see by the progress of our History: The which caused a great jealousy against him, and by his practice bred a division betwixt the noblemen, the knights of the Order, and other of the counsel of state of the said countries, who divided themselves into partialities and factions one against the other, the one to supplant, and the other to maintain the credit and authority of this Cardinal.  
King Philip having now made peace with the king of France, determined to go into Spain, there to aid the Inquisition, being certified, that certain noblemen there were great favourers of the reformed Religion, and also from thence the better to further the general counsel: which two causes had chiefly moved him to hearken unto a peace. And therefore he caused all the states of the Netherlands to be summoned to appear in Gaunt, there to declare his mind unto them, and to take his leave, much recommending his sister unto them, and under her (according to the ancient custom) he appointed a counsel of estate, for matters of great importance; as making of peace, or beginning of war, intelligences with foreign princes and countries, and the defence of the Netherlands: and a privy counsel for making of laws, giving of pardons, ministering of justice, and other public causes: and a third counsel for the Treasury, and the government of the kings domains, and all receipts of moneys and incomes of revenues, belonging thereunto; those three several counsels having several assemblies, so that one had not to do with the other: they of the counsel of estate were, Anthony Perrenot, bishop of Arras (who not long after was made Cardinal of Granuelle, William van Nassau, prince of Orange, Lamorale Degmont, prince of Gavare, and earl of Egmont, Philip de Staden baron of Glayon, Charles baron de Barlamont, chief of the Treasury, and doctor Vigilius precedent of the privy counsel. After that Philip de Montmorency, earl of Horn, admiral, and Charles de Croye duke of Arschot were joined with them. He appointed further, That the knights of the order of the golden fleece being called thereunto by the lady regent, should also be admitted to sit with them, and those also of the privy counsel and of the treasury. He likewise gave them secret instruction, whereby they had authority to sit in counsel, make inquiries, and hear causes, but should not resolve upon any thing without the advice of the Cardinal, the prince of Orange, the earl of Egmont, the baron of Barlamont, and the precedent Vigilius. The privy counsel consisted of twelve more or less doctors of the laws, and each counsel had their secretary. He ordained a governor in every province, that were knights of the order of the golden fleece: as in Brabant, the regent had the chief charge, as general governor, being resident there: the prince of Orange was governor of Holland, Zeeland and Vtrecht, and after that also of the earldom of Burgundy: the earl of Egmont was governor of Flanders and Artois: john de Ligni ca●…le of Arenbergh was governor of Friesland, Ouerissel, Groaning, and Lingen: Charles de Bunen earl of Megen, was governor of Guelderland and Zutphen: Peter Darust earl of Mansfield, was governor of Lutsenburg: john marquess of Berghen, was governor of Henault, Valencia, and the castle of Camericke. The baron de Barlamont was governor of Namure: john de Montmorency lord of Currieres, was governor of Rissel, Douai, and Orchiers: and Florence de Montmorency, brother to the earl of Horn, was governor of Dornicke and Tournesis. These were all the principal lords of the Netherlands, and had authority over the soldiers and execution of justice. He also appointed the ordering and government of the bands of ordinary horsemen unto those lords, that were three thousand horse well mounted, and esteemed to be the best & bravest horsemen in Christendom, and were entertained and held in pay both in time of peace and war: the colonels were, the prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the earl of Egmont, the marquess of Berghen, the earl of Horn, the earl of Mansfield, the earl of Megen, the earl of Rieulx, the earl of Bossu, the earl of Hooghestrate, the baron de Brederode, the baron de Montigni, and the baron de Barlamont, each colonel having his lieutenant & his treasurer. And at the same time the king held the order of the golden fleece in Gaunt, where amongst others he invested certain lords of the Netherlands therewith, as the baron of Assicourt, the lord Florents of Montigny, the marquess of Renti, and the earl of Hooghestrate, of the house of Lalain.  
The states of the land having behaved themselves so well towards their prince, whereby he had attained to so honourable a peace, and the gentlemen in his service having ventured both their lives and goods, the commons likewise willingly paying their nine years contribution, delivered an earnest petition unto the king, to desire his Majesty, to send the Spanish & other 
A petition m●…de by the states to king Philip, to send the Spaniards out of the Netherlands.  foreign soldiers out of the Netherlands; over the which soldiers, the prince of Orange, the earl of Egmont, and the Earl of Horn were colonels. Which their request he would gladly have denied them, but for that they earnestly alleged all their privileges, and showed him the copy thereof, and what he had promised and sworn, and to the contrary must have been forced to protest against him, he was content to grant, that they should depart out of the country within three months after; but it fell not out in half a year at the least, when he had great need of them about the loss of the Island of Zerby in Barbary. The cause why the states were so earnest to have the Spaniards out of the country, was, for that many courtiers (wholly depending upon the king) in great credit with him, and as then staying in the Netherlands, had made it known abroad, that they were much moved, and hoped for a revenge, for that in the last of the nine years schating, they were denied the receiving and distribution of the money, and that the states themselves received it, and paid it unto their own countrymen by their servants, whereby the said courtiers nails were pared; which they openly interpreted to be a kind of disobedience: as if they would prescribe laws unto the prince, and not trust him with the managing of the common money. With them divers that sought government and authority joined themselves, both strangers, and others, that sought to further and advance the opinion of the king and the duke of Alva, and also the Spanish Inquisition, and the Spaniards: which was, that it was not possible to drive the Lutherans or heretics out of the Netherlands, nor out of Spain, but they must first find means to obtain absolute and full obedience, authority, and command for the king, whereby they might then plant the Spanish Inquisition therein; without the which two points, they were to account the Netherlands as lost countries: which was to be brought to pass by strange garrisons: which things being known and perceived by the best experienced men amongst the states, caused them so earnestly to desire the departure of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands.  
This pretence of these counsellors and the Spanish hatred was at the same time sufficiently made known unto the greatest personages of the Netherlands; and that it was resolved, that the authors of the petition (touching the departure and withdrawing of the Spaniards) should be well punished: and namely, a Spanish counsellor (that bore a good affection unto the nobility and gentlemen of the Netherlands) came to the prince of Orange, the earl of Egmont and others, playing at Chess, and giving them warning, asked them if they had so much time to play, and made no more account touching the request made then unto the king, with such like words: which they (earnest at their play) esteemed to be spoken in jest: but when they had made an end of their play, the prince of Orange said to the earl of Egmont (as he was a very politic prince) that those words uttered by that counsellor, were not spoken in va●…e, and therefore desired the earl of Egmont (as being very familiar with the said counsellor) to speak more at large with him about the same; which he did: who made him answer, That they were to look unto themselves, and esteem them to be forewarned by a friend, namely, that it was determined by the king and his counsel, That all those that signed to the petition, to have the Spaniards withdrawn out of the Netherlands, or once consented thereunto, should be punished for the same at convenienter time: whereof (as a friend) he gave them warning. And so when all things were ordained and made ready for the king's journey, he took his leave of the states at Gaunt, above all things recommending unto them the maintenance of the Catholic religion, and punishment of heretics, and went to Zeeland, where there was a great fleet of ships ready to sail with him, exceeding well provided of all things, and amongst the rest great store of capons and hens, to the number of 15000 at the least; whereby you may esteem what the rest of the provision might be: and upon the 26 of August 1559 he set sail and departed from Vlishing with 20 Spanish and Biscayan ships, 30 
King Philip 〈◊〉 from Vlish●…g into Spain.  hulks, and 40 other ships, and with a good wind in few days landed at Lacedo in Biscaye, where presently the wind changed.  
The counsel of Spain thought his return into those countries to be very necessary, in regard that the Lutherans began greatly to increase within the land: for the which cause, presently upon his arrival in Spain, he caused great and rigorous execution to be done, not only upon men, but also upon women, and with great and solemn pomp and ceremonies burned divers of them, and punished others with several kinds of torments: and in the month of September, when he came to Valedolit, in October after (being personally present with all his court) he caused 28 gentlemen of great houses (and some of the best in Spain) to be burnt before him; and after that great persecution ensued.  
This year in january, Isabella the French kings daughter was brought to the frontiers of France by the king of Navarre and the Cardinal of Bourbon in great magnificence; where she was received at Rouceaulx by the Cardinal of Burgos and the duke of Infantasgo, and by them conveyed into Castilia to the king, and upon the 31 of januarie, with great pomp and solemnity, she was married unto him; where it is said, that during the feast it cost the king two thousand ducats every day: and not long after, prince Charles (the king's only son) was openly proclaimed and declared to be heir apparent unto all the kingdoms and dominions, then in his father's possession, and oath of fidelity made unto him for the same. This year likewise the new river made from antwerp to Brussels was fully finished, which above thirty years before had been begun by them of Brussels, digging through many small hills, fields, and ways: for which purpose, they had bought all the grounds where the said river should pass thorough; upon the which they made four fair great sluices to keep out the upper water, and digged it so deep, that great ships might pass along within the same. Amman van Brussels, duke of Lockeghem (a great furtherer of this worthy work) was for the same much commended, and praised of all the people.  
This year upon the sixteenth of October king Philip erected an University in Douai, and endowed it with great revenues, wherein the Jesuits have certain colleges; which they of Loven much disliked and in the time of the Emperor Charles, in Anno 1530 hindered and stayed the erecting thereof: but at this time (without the knowledge of Loven or of the townsmen of Douai itself, by the procurement of Cardinal Granuelle, precedent Vigilius, and the counsellor Nigri) it was by the king strongly granted, and confirmed by Pope Paul the fourth. The reasons the king had to move him thereunto, were, That youth might there (to the furtherance of the Catholic religion) be instructed and brought up in learning, and there likewise learn the French tongue, without going to the Universities of France, which were suspected and reported to be spotted and full of the Genevan sect. The towns of Brabant murmured much against it; and generally all the Brabanders: the prince of Orange saying, That no Popish Seminaries ought to be erected in any of the frontier towns, as Florentius vander Haer writeth. The first rector thereof was Master Walrant Hangovaert, chancellor, provost of S. Annes. The king about the same time also caused the great Bible, called Complutensis, to be 
The Bible called Complutensis, printed in antwerp at the costs and charges of K. Philip.  printed by the famous Printer Christopher Plantine, to the printing whereof he gave thirty thousand ducats; and for that cause it was called the king's Bible: whereof the learned doctor Arias Montanus had the charge to see it done; who much enriched the same by many annotations in the margin: a worthy, great, and an honourable work, and a worthy action of so great a prince, being a Bible in four languages, and mother (as it were) of all other Bibles.  
For that our intent is to declare and set down the original of the troubles that happened in 
A brief declaration of the privileges of Brabant  the Netherlands, it is very requisite to understand, That the Netherlands (although they be all under one princes command) have had several contracts with their princes, the one more, the other less, which in many places are found in print, whereunto, for brevities sake, we refer the curious reader: they of Brabant, with the countries over the Wase, as Limburch, Valkenburgh, and Dalem (amongst many other joyful entries, additions, charters, and golden bulls) have these special privileges granted unto them.  
First, That the duke of Brabant shall be unto them a good and faithful lord, and shall not use any force nor violence against them, neither permit nor suffer the same to be done unto them by any means whatsoever.  
That he shall not deal nor cause them to be dealt withal, contrary to the ancient customs, but shall use them according to the customs and privileges of their towns and territories; where the party accused may by his counsel openly and freely plead and speak for himself.  
That the inhabitants of the said country shall not be subject to any other Spiritual jurisdiction, than that of the two bishops of Cambric and Luyck, who, each man severally in his quarter, may take knowledge, and inquire only of three several things, as of contracts of marriage, and other ceremonies thereunto belonging, of Testaments and Wills, and of mortuaries or dead men's goods, etc.  
That they may not raise nor augment the spiritual state, without consent of the nobility and the towns, and may not alter nor change the state of the land.  
That he may not ordain nor appoint any officers in the country, but such as are naturally borne Braband●…rs, and such as are lawfully borne, and not bastards, unless it be in some small offices of little worth.  
That those officers must swear to be true and faithful to the duke and the land.  
That he must not undertake nor make no war, nor banding, nor cause the same to be done against any man, without the counsel, will and consent of the towns and the country, and may not bring nor keep any foreign soldiers in the land, without the consent of the states.  
That he may not assemble the states of the country out of their own territories, neither are they bound to determine any thing out of the same: and that they may assemble together at all times when they will.  
That he may not cause any man to be committed to prison, without information first had from the magistrate of the place, and no prisoner may be carried out of the country.  
That he may stamp no money, but by the counsel, will, and consent of the states, and such like things.  
That he may not give nor grant any pardon for killing of a man, before the parties grieved be agreed withal. That he may not pardon any traitors to the land, nor any of their assistants, nor any that have done any thing against the privileges and joyful entries of the land, without the consent of the states of the same.  
And that if he doth or causeth any thing to be done, contrary to the said privileges or charters, that then the vassals and subjects of the same are and shallbe discharged of all oaths of saith and fidelity, and from all duty and obedience, unless he make satisfaction and amends therein, and do recall and leave off such abuse, and that they do accept of him and his government again: as you may read at large in the said printed book of privileges.  
Many such like privileges and charters the other provinces do challenge and claim to be given and granted them by contract made with Maximilian king of Romans, upon the 16 of May in Anno 1488, as it appeareth in the 24 article of the same, and other accords and agreements in like cases made between the said provinces: so that the chief lords and heirs of the same may not do what they will, but must govern themselves according to the said charters, which they in every place (before they be accepted and acknowledged for their lords) must swear to keep, observe, and maintain: so that the accepting and acknowledging of them by the subjects, and their oaths, makes them princes, whereunto their birth preferreth them, and the minting of money which they make in their names, and cast forth in the streets confirmeth them therein. Whereby it appeareth, that the Lords of the Netherlands are conditional by contracts, and like unto a father and his children, and to a man and his wife: for between a man and his wife there are certain ceremonies used when they join together, and so is it with a prince that is conditional, which sweareth to hold & observe certain ceremonies, laws, and conditions, for the good and welfare of the country and the common people, whereof he as a man over his wife is the head; and although there be no holier, faster, nor surer conjunction amongst men than marriage is, yet it is both by God and man's law to be dispensed withal.  
By these freedoms and privileges, most part of the provinces in the Netherlands have been ruled and governed for the space of five hundred years together, and there is not almost any Nation in Europe to be found, that hath ruled so long and continually in one form and manner of government, unless it be the Commonwealth of Venice: and the freedom of the government of the Netherlands, is the cause and means of the authority of the States; and consequently of their prosperity. And for that they have not subjecteth themselves under the command, power and authority of any absolute king, therefore they acknowledge no other superior over them, than dukes, earls, and barons, with limited and prescribed power, every province after his own privileges and conditions. For that they which in times past did valiantly serve, maintain, and uphold the said provinces, and stoutly and courageously defended them in their wars, did most commonly deserve and win the civil and politic government thereof; and to honour them for the same, obtained the names and titles of dukes, earls, and barons, etc. In regard whereof they have had no greater nor absoluter authority over the subjects and inhabitants of the same, than such as at their entries and coronations were specified, declared, and set down.  
But as many heads or rulers cannot defend and preserve that which belongeth unto them, so well as one alone, that hath good, well devised, and politic means; therefore necessity compelled them to choose and appoint amongst them a certain small number of fit persons, to whom they gave the commission, charge, and care to uphold and maintain their privileges, and they in that behalf were called by the names of the States, and by that means the people were divided into three parts or members of the Commonwealth, as spirituality, Nobility, and citizens or townsmen: and those protectors of their said privileges were called (being so divided) the second or third estates of the lands: as in Brabant, the fourteen Abbots represent the Spiritual state; the eighteen barons and the gentlemen of their houses represent the state of the Nobility; and the deputies of the four head towns of Brabant, with their appendances, make the third estate, representing the whole commons of the Duchy. The like do they of Lutzenburgh, Henault, Artois, Namure, and Zeeland: Flanders representeth her estates by the four members of the said County: Guelderland consisteth in barons, gentlemen, and towns: in Vtrecht the States are represented by the five Capitals, the gentlemen & towns: in Holland, Oueryssel, etc. the States consist of the ancient nobility and the towns: and in Friesland in another sort. So that these provinces at all times, when they have had no lord, or such lords or princes as were incapable of government, or else such as were under years, or not received and installed in their government, were ruled and governed by the States aforesaid; whereby their government may well be called Aristocratique, or paucorum potentia; wherein notwithstanding the superior lords and princes governing well and wisely according to their privileges, may use great authority, and do whatsoever they will, so it be well done: but doing the contrary, they are to be ordered by the States, and the States by the commons, that are divided into handicrafts, guilds, and fellowships, which are ruled by their masters and wardens, whereby some men call it a mixed or composed government.  
The Netherlanders get their livings most part by handiworks, merchandises, and seafaring, and that uprightlier and trulier than any other Nation, being compared together (as all Nations generally and usually report of them) being a people much addicted to labour and getting of riches, and therefore greatly desirous of peace, and haters of war, patiently bearing any wrong or injury, and meek in crosses and adversities, but very jealous of their freedoms, and stubborn, having been oftentimes deceived: they are subtle, politic and industrious in all things whereunto they apply their minds, having no proud nor great conceit of themselves, as other Nations have, and by that means are diligent, ready, and fit to learn any things of others, that may benefit them: which maketh them (having learned an occupation) to be great and willing travelers, to see and visit other countries, to learn all kind of trades, and to speak divers kinds of languages, having many both great and indifferent learned men in all arts and sciences within their countries, as also divers godly, zealous, and religious persons, as many things do and will manifest the same. By these means aforesaid, they are become a rich, populous, and mighty people, to withstand so long and continual a war, and yet possess but a small circuit of land, which notwithstanding is as full of great and mighty towns, as any land or country within Europe.  
For the meaner sort of gentlemen, there are not many in the same: for that in regard that the country is not great, therefore much land is inherited therein by such as have been rich burghers and citizens of towns, and by the spirituality, which the great zeal of the service of God hath caused: so that in divers provinces there hath been order taken, that the spirituality may not buy any lands or inheritances. And this hath been the cause, that in some provinces the number of the meaner sort of gentlemen is much diminished: and yet there is a great many of good gentlemen of ancient houses in every province, which possess great, indifferent, and smaller livings, as many as in any other country whatsoever, yet more in one province than in another.  
And for that there are no great number of mean gentlemen in the said provinces, their lords or princes (tyrannously addicted) could not well brook their subjects, but were forced to deal civilely. And it hath many times happened and fallen out, that the lords and princes, by overmuch prodigality, falling into great debt, sold, pawned, and made away all their lands, jurisdictions, and domains, which by their rich subjects have been bought, redeemed, and freed again (wherein chiefly the common sort of people and the towns have had the greatest hand) which done, they freely gave them again to their said lords and princes, upon certain conditions and contracts, which are called privileges and chatters, 
The lib●…ralitie of th●… Netherlād●…s to their lords and princes.  and were the causes to procure great and special friendship between the said princes and their subjects: but their successors forgetting those former favours and forepast good deeds, were by those conditions, charters, or privileges put in mind thereof, by the old or chief magistrates, states, counsellors, and officers, who, every man entering into their offices, did likewise swear to observe and maintain the said privileges; and when they would not hearken unto them by want of means and aid of any great number of mean gentlemen, their high minds, instability, or tyrannies were cut off, shortened, and bridled, and yet notwithstanding did many times enter into arms, whereby also the tumultuous, disordered and unbridled manners and behaviours of the common people have been cooled and abated: so that by means of the privileges aforesaid, the said government hath hitherto been well maintained, or equally balanced, and may rightly be called a mixed or composed government, participating with Monarchia, Aristocratia, and Democratia, contenting themselves with mean princes, as Dukes, Earls, and Barons, not absolute, but bound unto their subjects by contract.  
These great authorities and privileges of the provinces and states, did commonly much dislike the great and mightiest princes ruling over them; and amongst the rest, duke Philip the Good, and his son duke Charles the Valorous, which sought and intended to have cut off and bridled the same: but to effect it, the goodness of the one, and the great troubles and business of the other, hindered their intents: whereunto there wanted no flatterers nor provokers, which told and made them believe, that they were not bound to any such privileges, and that their predecessors could not so strictly bind their successors, and especially to that, which they pretended to show might be hurtful unto the subjects themselves. But to the contrary, there is a custom used in the said Netherlands, That they never acknowledge nor will install any of their superior lords and princes, before he personally sweareth, to hold and maintain all their said privileges: and upon that condition they accept him, and swear to be true, faithful, and obedient unto him, and so receive him into their towns and provinces with great joy and triumph. But how Maximilian of Austria sped in his high minded enterprises concerning this matter (under coverture and pretence of the protectorship of his son Philip) we have already showed.  
The like discontentment did the Emperor Charles evidently show in Anno 1539, touching 
The emperor Charles thought to have reduced the Netherlands all into one kingdom.  them of Gaunt, determining to cut off their privileges, which at that time fell not out as he desired, by means of certain persons that withstood him; for the which he punished many of them grievously: and for that cause coming through France out of Spain, he intended to reduce all the provinces in the Netherlands under one kingdom (which is called an absolute authority) that is, every province which now hath several and special privileges and authorities, to bring them all under the government of one kingdom, law, measure, and authority. But the Emperor being hindered herein by other business and affairs that then fell out (as wars and such like troubles) he was constrained to leave that unto the discretion of his son king Philip, which he intending to do by the greedy and covetous desires of his counsel (which understood not the manners and customs of the Netherlands) to that end first concluded a peace with the king of France, and yet meant to keep the Spanish soldiers, and other garrisons in the Netherlands, notwithstanding the peace agreed upon throughout all their dominions: which garrisons the said Netherlands (by power and authority of their said privileges) not long after caused to retire and depart from thence. Secondly under pretence of furthering the Catholic religion, the Spaniards, and others the king's counsellors, being angry & offended, that they (by force of the said privileges of the Netherlands) could not obtain any offices in those countries, thought it convenient not to slack any time to put the same in practice, and to make religion a cloak thereof, although by that which we shall hereafter show, manifest, and declare, it is easy and sufficiently to be known and perceived, 
Under pretence of religion othermeans were sought to take the privileges of the Netherlands from them.  that they by breaking of the privileges, sought not nor intended any other things, than only to procure full power & absolute authority unto themselves, and no religion, which they commonly set aside, when they perceived it to be any hindrance unto their pretended authority, whereby they (by raising a tax of the tenth penny upon every man's goods and lands whatsoever, within the said Netherlands) thought to have gathered such a treasure and great sum of money (far surpassing the yearly value that cometh out of Peru) that they would therewith have enriched the king and all his subjects: as it shall appear by the king's sentence, bearing date in anno 1576, whereby he declared all their freedoms and privileges, to be forfeited and lost, troubling and molesting the people thereby, to move them to make certain rebellions, and to rise up in arms, and so to have just cause to dislike them, and by that means to enterprise that which he intended to do.  
The emperor Charles in anno 1521 (not respecting these privileges and freedoms of the Netherlands, and without the consent of the states of the said countries) at such time as Martin Luther first began to preach and teach against the pope and his doctrine, did for the advancement of the Romish Catholic religion, and thereby to root up and extirp the said Luther's doctrine out of the Netherlands, sent forth most rigorous and cruel proclamations and commandments, generally against all sects and kinds of Religion, which were almost yearly renewed, and to the end, that not only the states of the land (that were not summoned nor called to the making thereof) but also the common people, should not dislike nor think amiss thereof, the said proclamations were grounded upon pretence of punishing the wicked practices & actions of sectaries and heretics (without any difference) as against men living without rule, order, or law: as also not acknowledging the magistrate, whose authority by their false learning they sought to annihilat, & embase, in containing in their doctrine all heresies of times past, and such like reasons, as in the said proclamations may at large be seen: so that they were in force and authority, before ever the states did once confirm them, and the rather, for that they were greatly furthered, by the pope and the spirituality, as tending to the obedience of the mother church of Rome, and generally at the first there was no complaint made but of particular mean persons.  
By force of these proclamations, no man might have, buy, give, bear, read, communicate, nor dispute of the doctrine, writings, or books, made by Martin Luther, Wicklife, Swinglius, Melancthon, and such like, in any language whatsoever; nor yet confer nor dispute with any man, touching the holy scriptures, nor to read them before others, unless they were divines, or doctors, or such as were thereunto lawfully permitted. No man might secretly receive into his house, lodge, feed, victual, apparel, nor furnish with money, any suspected persons, but must presently bring them forth, upon pain of forfeiture of life and goods: The men to be beheaded, and the women to be buried quick within the ground, if they recanted their opinions, and denied the same: but if they would not, but remained firm and constant in their religion, than they were condemned to be burnt, and made incapable to dispose their goods, either by gift, testament, or any otherwise.  
By force, power, and authority of these proclamations, there were in Charles the emperor's time, above fifty thousand people put to death, by several torments, as beheaded, drowned, hanged, buried quick, and burnt, as some men write: and at the first many were executed for small matters, as for that they had simply eaten flesh, upon days forbidden, as also that they had had, and read books, accounted heretical, although in their consciences they condemned and disallowed of the said doctrine: and priests and monks which (to avoid fornication) had married wives, and many for that they had been in company with some of the Anabaptists of Munster, and yet knew them not to be such; and such like faults (so accounted by them) as by divers books thereof made and printed, you may at large perceive. Besides this persecution (yet not much availing, because the knowledge and inquiry thereof rested in the temporal judges) the emperor thought good, that the Inquisition, after the manner of Spain, should be appointed to be kept and observed in the Netherlands which was first brought into Spain, to be executed against the Moors, Saracens, & jews of Granada, ofter they were subdued by the Spaniards; without the which Inquisition they perceived, that many men (specially such as could behave themselves warily and closely) could not for religion be once touched nor hurt concerning body and goods, without witnesses produced against them, to have offended against the proclamation, nor yet (contrary to the rights and customs of the land) might be put to torture, to make them confess any thing against themselves: and therefore in the end it was devised, that the spirituality should have the charge thereof, and to have power to examine men touching their faith, and what they knew of other men, thereby thinking to procure an absolute power unto the emperor, and to exalt the authority of the spirituality.  
This manner of proceeding seemed over rigorous and cruel unto the Netherlands, & clean contrary to the privileges, rights, and freedoms of the same, who in that point ought not to have been subject to any spiritual jurisdiction: and the rather, because the number of the said Lutherans, Protestants, or reform religious persons (as then so termed) were much augmented and increased in the Netherlands, because their neighbours held and accounted them, and such as they were, to be Christians, and who so persecuted them, they accounted & esteemed to be their persecutors and enemies; with which their neighbours & countries bordering upon them, they did daily traffic and converse: whereby it happened, that when the emperor Charles the 5, in anno 1550, would have brought the Inquisition into the Netherlands. The said provinces, and above all Brabant, and specially the town of antwerp, were against it, esteeming it to be the only way to drive all foreign merchants from thence: and by means thereof they got Mary queen of Hungary, the regent (in love & favour of the Netherlands) to ride personally (to the assembly of the princes of Germany at Ausburg) unto the emperor her brother, 
The Inqu●…tion n●…t suffered to proceed in the Netherlands▪ by means of Mary queen of Hungary.  showing him by word of mouth the estate & manner of the land, and there obtained a kind of moderation of the proclamation for religion, and that the Inquisition should not proceed. Which great and good work of the said good queen, was taken in such evil part of the Inquisitors of Spain, that they wrote out of Spain to accuse her for an heretic unto the emperor her brother: whereas thereby she held the said countries in such good order and well-liking of their prince, that they denied him no manner of taxes, nor other impositions whatsoever in his need, as also after unto king Philip his son, to whom (although a certain form of Inquisition was in his time used in Flanders) they contributed towards his wars in France (although the said wars proceeded not upon any occasion concerning the Netherlands) many millions of gulderns, in the space of 9 years. We have before made mention in divers places of the numbers of them that made profession of the reformed religion, the which increased daily both in Germany & the Netherlands, notwithstanding the king's rigorous edicts, made by the persuasion of the clergy, who sought by all means possible to suppress & ruin them: for the effecting whereof, in the end, they found no better expedient, among all they could invent, but for the putting of the said edicts in execution, according to their form, and with all rigour, they should appoint & make choice of certain Inquisitors of the faith, who should have a careful regard, 
Inquisitors of the Faith made  that not any one should read or keep in his house, any book mentioned in the edict, containing a catalogue of all the forbidden books; and that no man should dispute of the Romish religion, to contradict it in any sort. For the execution whereof they began to appoint throughout all the Netherlands, such like Inquisitors, with ample commission & absolute authority in that respect; notwithstanding the promises which the king of Spain had made, no to charge his subjects with any such a burden & intolerable yoke. The promise being understood by the Inquisitors & other clergy men, they persuaded the king, that his authority was contemned, & that there was no other means to preserve & maintain it, but in establishing the full execution of the Inquisition. But as they had well seen, and experience had taught them, that notwithstanding all their practices, for above 40 years, yet they could never put it in execution: they resolved therefore so to disguise this business, as they would not doubt to bring it to the same effect, but under another colour & pretext, the which should be managed so cunningly, as the people should be engaged & snared in the Inquisition, before they should discover it, seeing they could not attain unto it openly: the which came unto the knowledge of the lords of the country, notwithstanding all their secret practices. This was the devise. Doctor Francis Sonnius, a divine of Lowaine, at the instance of cardinal Granuelle and his ministers of the Inquisition, was sent to pope Paul the 4, to give him to understand, that the Netherlands were within these few years greatly augmented & enriched in people and wealth: and that the dioceses of bishoprics, had such large limits & ample jurisdictions, as it was not possible for the bishops, being so few, to have a fit care of their flock, with other such like informations: for the which the pope, as supreme pastor, should be entreated to provide; after that he had represented unto him the map & description of all the said countries, with a roll of the qualities, wealth, and bounds of all the clergy, besides the diversity of tongs which were intermixed with them. Wherefore Sonnius being at Rome, furnished with instructions and directions from cardinal Granuelle, he entreated that it would please his holiness, to cut off that which did exceed in great & ancient bishoprics, and to divide it among new, the which he should erect in divers places of the said countries, whereas there had never been any, fitting every one to the natural language of the country: and to supply the want of entertainment of the new bishops, he should appropriate & incorporate unto their bishoprics, not the least, but the richest & most sufficient abbeys, priories, provostships, & other good benefices. The pope consented easily, the 19 of March 1559, and granted this request of the Inquisitors & private clergy men of the Netherlands, without calling or hearing of the ancient bishops, which were four, Cambray, Arras, Tournay, and Vtrecht; so as besides these four, there were 14 new created, & among them three archbishops, of whom all the rest should depend, and be no more subject unto them, to whom in old time they were wont to resort. So for the three seats of the three new archbishops were appointed Macklyn, Cambray, & Vtrecht. Macklyn a good & a goodly town, situated in the midst of the duchy of Brabant, and as it were in the centre of the 17 Belgic provinces, which was wont to be of the diocese of Liege, should be the Metropolitan of all, whereof the archbishop should be called the Primate of Belgia. Cambray also a fair & a strong town, seated betwixt the frontiers, Picardy, Arthois, and Henault, depending before upon the archbishopric of Rheims in Champaign. Vtrecht lies betwixt Holland, the country of Geldres & Ouerissel, was wont to be under the archbishop of Cologne. Of new bishoprics in Brabant, were made antwerp and Boisleduke, which were wont to resort to Liege and to Cambray respectively. In Flanders Gand and Bruges, of the bishopric of Tournay, and Ypre (although Ypre had been erected before, being issued from that of Teroane, razed in France.) In Arthois, besides Arras an ancient bishopric, the town of S. Omer, issued also from that of Teroane, with that of Bologne upon the sea, which is in France: of which only bishopric of Teroane, were erected these 3, of S. Omer, Bologne, & Ypre, besides the town of Namur, for that quarter & the county of Namur, the which in former time depended upon Liege. In Holland Harlem, in Zeeland Middelburg, before of the diocese of Vtrecht. In Friesland Leeuwaerden. For the Groningois and country of Wed, the town of Groningen, before also under Vtrecht. In Geldres, Ruremonde, belonging unto Liege. And in Ouerissel Deventer, the which was wont both for the temporal & spiritual jurisdiction, to belong unto the princes & bishops of Vtrecht. Under which three archbishoprics, that is to say, under Macklyn, should be submitted, the bishoprics of Antuerp, Boisleduke, Ruremonde, Gand, Bruges, and Ypre. Under that of Cambray, Arras, S. Omer, Tournay, and Namur. And under Vtrecht, Deventer, Harlem, Leeuwaerden, Middelbourg, & Groningen. The cardinal of Granuelle took the archbishopric of Macklyn for his share; whereunto was incorporate the abbey of Affleghem, the best in Brabant, the which was wont to be worth to his private prelate 50000 florins of yearly rent. Vigilius Aita of Zuychem, precedent of the counsel of state, being a widower, retained for his part the bishopric of Gand, with the provostship of S. Bavon. The chancellor Nigry, a high Burguignon (who could not speak three words of the country language) had Antuerp, with the abbey of S. Bernard. Doctor Sonnius had Boisleduke, with the abbey of Tongrelo. Martinu●… Rithonius had Ypre, with the abbey of S. Martin. claud of Americort, before abbot of S. Bertin had S Omer, with the provostship of Watenes. Petrus Druthius, had Bruges, with the provostship of S. Donas. Anthony Hanet, a jacobin of Arras, had Namur, with the tithes and Monasteries of the same county. Nicholas van N●…eulands, or Nova terra, had Harlem, with the abbey of Egmont. Nicholas of Castro, had Middelbourg, with the abbey of S. Peter in Zeeland. Cunnerus Petr●… had Leeuwaerden, with the abbey of Ma●…iengaerden & Lidden. james Ruiff had Groningen, with Golswaert. Guliel●…us Damasi Lin●…anus had Ruremonde, with the regulers. Frie●… Giles vander Bergh, a Franciscan, had Deventer, with the Provostship of S. Lievin. Behold how all these new bishoprics were distributed, and enriched with the best spiritual livings of the country; the collation & presentation whereof, should belong unto the king of Spain, & the confirmation unto the pope. It was also decreed▪ that there should be nine prebendaries, three for learned divines, three for doctors of the civil law, and three for the canon, upon condition, that they should do their duties, and yield all assistance to the bishops, in the execution of the Inquisition.  
Before we pass any farther, for that we have much to speak of cardinal Granuelle, whom 
Th●… li●… of card●…l 〈◊〉  many have held to be the author, advancer, and nourisher of the troubles of the Netherlands, you must understand, that he was called Anthony Perrenot, his grandfather (for farther it is not known) was a smith at Noze●…oy, a town in Bourgoigne, whose name is supp●…est, for that it 
His ●…randfather.  was of so base a stile. His father was Nicholas Perrenot (who first took upon him the name of Granuelle, of a signiory which he had bought) having been first a simple clerk, and afterwards 
H●…s father.  a subtle & 〈◊〉 attorney, following the court of parliament at Dole, who for his quick wit, by the recommendation of the chancellor of Bourgoigne, was advanced to be secretary to the lady Marguerite dowager of Savoy, aunt to the emperor Charles thes, whereas he carried himself so well, as after the death of the said chancellor, he came to serve the emperor, not only in quality of a secretary, but as a chief councillor; and so by little & little he grew into such credit▪ as in regard of him all the rest were not esteemed, as it may be well seen in the reign of the said emperor: so as he had good means to gather together great treasure, the which he left unto his children, but the greatest part, with his credit, came unto the cardinal, whom he had bred up from his youth at school, in many sciences, wherein with his natural wit he did so profit, as the father finding him capable of great affairs, presented him to the emperor: but in steed of proving a wise and virtuous man, ill applying his knowledge, he grew, through the corruption of his nature, cunning, crafty, perverse & counterfeit, having a fox's spirit, and the courage of a lion. This man, as he was ambitious beyond all measure, seeking only his own greatness with a disordinate & tyrannous appetite, hunting after honour and wealth, although it were to the great prejudice of his masters & their subjects, yet could he cloak it with an hypocritical show & care of the commonweal, of his master's service, and the preservation of the Romish religion. By the first he got into his hands the absolute managing of the king's affairs and of his countries, yea even of those that were most secret, & of greatest importance, possessing the king's person wholly, applying himself so unto his humours, as the king held nothing well said or done, if it came not out of the cardinalsshop. As he used great art to inth●…onise himself in the only managing of all affairs of importance, so did he use no less subtil●…ie to maintain 
●…is 〈◊〉 to h●…ue th●… king 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of ●…s cou●…sel.  himself in this absolute credit; for he had so managed the king's affairs, and with such dexterity, as he had always great need of him, for the direction thereof, the which he continued or surceased, advanced or recoiled, as he thought good. And moreover, he had a free power (by counterfeit devices) to disguise matters at his pleasure. Such is the common rule of such treacherous ministers, be they in war or peace, to draw their princes to that necessity, as they must always stand in need of them, to the end they may be employed, whereby they shall reap more credit and profit. He practised by the means of some of the chief of the Spanish counsel, whom he had corrupted by presents, to have the king call the duchess of Parma, his base sister, to the government of the Netherlands, for that being a woman, a stranger & unacquainted with those affairs, he might rule more absolutely: wherein he showed his subtle wit, procuring the king to limit the duchesses' power, when she came into the Netherlands, That she should grant no pardon, office, estate, benefice, nor any thing else, nor make any dispatch nor resolution in matters of state justice, nor religion but with the cardinals advice and counsel, which she should wholly follow: Having given the king secretly to understand, that yet she had not knowledge of affairs, and therefore she might be often abused and err And. so he held the duchess of Parma subject to his will, who durst not but gratify him in any thing that he pl●…ased, so as she would not meddle nor take knowledge of the quarrel the noblemen had against him a little before his departure. And he had so won her by his policies, as she not only made wonderful great esteem of him, but did also advertise the king by her letters, of his deep knowledge, wisdom, dexterity, diligence, & loyalty, in all that did concern the government of those countries & signiories. To avoid envy in court, which might grow by his excessive credit, being a man but of a base stock, his use was, to advance to the chief places of importance and credit 
How he prevented the envy of the cou●…  in court, those only that were his creatures, and assured unto him by long experience, to frustrate them that he desired not. And such as he advanced, he knew to be tractable, or rather simple and gross witted: for they that were cunning, how wise and grave soever, must not attend any thing, fearing lest they should discover his policy. Being preferred, he drew them wholly by these means to be at his devotion, and to bind them more strictly, he made them (as some said) to take an oath to be faithful and secret unto him. Thus he fashioned them to his own mould, some for hope of gain, others through ambition to be great, or for fear to displease him. Among all others Vigilius Aita was the chief, whom he had advanced to be keeper of the seals (though they were at his disposition) so as all matters were resolved on & determined by them two. The gain & spoils of miserable suitors, was divided equally betwixt them, according to the register, which their careful broker Morillon kept. The cardinal sent all matters to Vigilius, and he did nothing but what it pleased him to command, were it to answer petitions, to write unto the king, or to move the governess, and therefore he had made him precedent of the privy counsel, that he might have him always ready and obedient unto him in that charge. Besides this league with Vigilius, he had intelligence with some of the chief of the treasure, of the chamber of accounts, of the great counsel at Macklyn, and of all other provinces, yea with some magistrates of towns, to the end he might leave nothing out of his power. Yet was he not sufficiently assured, if he did not draw some of the noblemen & knights of the order, to his party, to oppose them against the prince of Orange, and the earls of Egmont and Horn. The first was Barlamont, a counsellor of state, as himself, and besides chief of the treasure; who being by nature covetous & ambitious, had many children, whom he desired also to advance, wherein the cardinal might cross him: so as the earl of Aremberg, his brother in law, consented with him, but yet so, as he would not lose the friendship of the other noble men of the contrary faction. The duke of Arschot followed them in this rank, & the marquess of Renty, his brother, did accompany him. He had many prelates at his devotion, Francis Richardot, bishop of Arras, was his creature, and all the new bishops which he had lately forged, but above all, the archbishop of Cambray. But omitting a long discourse of the subtleties and 
The cardinal●… private life.  practices of this cardinal, to make himself and his creatures great, and to maintain himself, per fas vel nefas, without any respect, neither of his prince's service, the commonweal, justice, good order, no nor yet of religion, the which served him as a cloak with a double lining, when as in heart he was a very Atheist. We will come to his private life, and consider in particular how dissolute, lascivious, and detestable it hath been, even to his old age, we shall find nothing but villainy, filthiness, infamy, and the most polluted, stinking, & abominable vices, that ever were written of any o●…her. His luxury, adulteries, insupportable pride, with his other goodly virtues 
His adultery & luxury.  and like perfections of body and mind, made him to be chased out of Milan, Rome, and Naples, and yet it did nothing impair his credit in the court of Spain; so as whilst he laboured to torment the Netherlands by his letters & instructions, he purchased (to his great dishonour, and unrecoverable loss to the king his master) this goodly proverb:  
Du Cardinal la braguette,  
A fait per dre la Golette. 

The Cardinal's codpisse,  
Hath made the king Golette miss.    
His life was so dissolute and so public, as his house was a sink of all filthiness and villainy. And as he was a great enemy to them that beat down images, it seemed he had some cause; for he made so great account of them, as in all parts of his house (under colour that he was a great lover of the art of Statuary, or making of images, and of rare & antic pieces) there were to be seen many images & pictures, aswell cast as carved & printed, the most lascivious and unchaste that ever were seen, both of men & women naked. Besides in his cabinet, or study, under the figures of Venus, Pallas, juno, Ceres, etc. he had drawn naked, and to the life, the best qualified ladies, gentlewomen, and good bourgesses, which he had abused. Of the sumptuousness of his lodging, his delicate meats and his provocations to luxury, there is nothing spoken, for that they were not known to every one that haunted his house. Moreover, in showing himself 
His enchantments and witchcr●…t.  curious of the works of nature, and of the Mathematics, he did honestly cloak his conjuring, wherein he was his craft's master, with the which he mingled witchcraft, sorcery, and poisoning, the which he could use cunningly, having given a dram of his drugs, by his master's commandment, unto that good prince Maximiltan the 2, when as he was but king of Romans, as the said cardinal confessed unto his friends, but he durst not publish it, fearing the cruelty of his master. And afterwards he posted from Naples to Rome, to poison that young nobleman of great hope, Charles the prince of Cleves, only for that he made a little difficulty to kiss the pope's pantofle. And this reverent robber (I would say pillar) of the church, showed himself so zealous of the word of God, as ordinarily he made a jest of it; as when he would prove that poor men should eat gross meats, and the rich, as himself, delicate & beasts with small feet, he proved it, saying that verse of the Magnificat: Esurientes implevit bovis, & divites 
His contempt of the word of God.  dimisit in aves, perverting the words of bonis and inanes.  
Behold what our cardinal of Granuelle was, what his life, and by what manner of man the Netherlands have been governed, the nobility disgraced, the subjects peeled and ruined, and the troubles raised, by whom the king suffered himself to be abused and misled, to the spoil of his subjects, and the desolation of his countries. Such an one was he, who called himself the prop and supporter of the Romish church. I protest here, that what I have said, is not to tear his bones out of his grave, nor in malice of his prosperity and greatness, and much less to detract from him or his race, whose remainder I would wish they might hereafter grow in all virtue and better carriage, than the said cardinal; but only to let the world know, in whose hands these good people have planted the health both of body and soul, and that by his example they should take heed of the like, who by the like means would haply aspire to the same end that he did. But let us return to the course of our history.  
These creations of new bishops, and incorporations of the best benefices, ministered matter of murmur and discontent to many of all qualities; as an innovation brought in without the consent of the states and towns, every one speaking according to his passions, yet truly. And although they did their best endeavours to install them in their bishoprics, and to mortify this fear and opinion of the people: yet could they never satisfy their minds, nor yet the Estates, Governors, Magistrates, and Officers of towns and provinces in general: who were the more incensed, for that they saw them that were named, to be Inquisitors, or Divines of Lowaine, and the rest, unfit to preach the word of God (although they made a brag, that this point was the chief cause of this change) but accustomed to affairs of state, and the government of Princes, Countries, and Commonweals; as Granuelle, Vigilius and Nigry: so as they had reason to doubt that they would cirumvent them, and covertly entrap them with the inquisition of Spain: And that which did the more increase this fear and apprehension; in court they had no good audience given them, and small hope of redress for any griefs or complaints that they could make: but chose they did perceive that they meant to proceed, using all the practices they could.  
Hereupon the earl of Horn, admiral of the Netherlands, thinking to do the king a grateful service, writ unto him the nineteenth of December 1561, advertising him, That the states of Brabant were resolved to send certain deputies unto him, in the name of their abbots, who would by no means consent, that their abbeys should be incorporate to these new bishoprics, besides other complaints, which the states of other provinces did for that time pass over with silence: That both the French and Germans maintained, that it was not in the Pope's power to take from them, or cut off their spiritual jurisdictions; especially when it is done without the consent of the archbishop of Rheims and Cologne: That besides the Germans did allege, That although the emperor had consented thereunto, yet might it not be done without the liking and approbation of the prince's electors, and the states of the empire. The French said also, That although the archbishop of Rheims (who was then the cardinal of Lorraine, a great supporter of the Inquisition) had given his consent, yet must they also have a grant from the French king, as patron, protecter, and defender of the realm, and of the rights and privileges of the French church. That the reasons which they produced made the people to murmur, seeing they attempted these things without the consent of the german and French nations, in the midst whereof the Netherlands did lie, who should not be able of themselves to make head against one of them. Behold the substance of the earl of horns advertisement to the king, with divers others that were sent from other places, to prevent it in time. Notwithstanding all which advertisements and reasons, sent unto the king and his counsel of Spain, many of these new bishops were installed, and put in real possession of the churches, appointed to them, not demanding the consent of the towns: but they promised the people wonders, to the end they should suffer them. In this manner (besides the bishop of Ypre) were installed and put in possession, the bishops of Bruges and Namur, of S. Omer, of Harlem, of Middelbourg, finally the archbishop of Macklyn, and, a long time after the rest, he of Boisleduke, all with great danger of some revolt and sedition of the inhabitants of towns, making public demonstration, that they would not endure, that contrary to their ancient freedoms and privileges, they should be oppressed by such insupportable innovations of bishops, Inquisition, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. They would have done the like in other towns, but they durst not attempt it, fearing these speeches of the people, who withal used some threats, to kill them the first day they should make their entries. men's hearts being already distracted and withdrawn from the clergy and their doctrine, were upon this cause much more incensed, as well in towns, as generally over all; so as it was then to be feared, lest the commons should wreak their spleen upon the priests.  
During this perplexity of the people, for the innovation of new bishops (which made the 
The clergy at debate for the new bishops.  clergy odious to all men) the prelates themselves, and other churchmen, did not agree: for the ancient archbishops & bishops, whose jurisdictions and pre-eminences they did restrain and cut off (whereof the most part are depending of the empire, and princes thereof, as Cologne, Liege, Vtrecht, and Cambray) with the chapters & parishes, which they erected into cathedral churches, as also those of the abbeys & other prebendary dignities, made great complaints: some grieving that they took away the limits of the empire, others, that they sought to bring in a new and never heard of subjection, and to alter or take from them their ancient foundations, possessions, and exemptions, without any cause or colour at all, but for the profit of some private men, who sought nothing but to enrich themselves. Among which discontentments of the clergy, the three chief abbeys of Brabant, Tongrelo, S. Bernard, & Affleghem (whose abbots were lately deceased) did most repine: for notwithstanding all the pursuit they made in court, they could not be admitted to choose new abbots, according to the ancient customs & privileges of the said abbeys. And upon their petition, which they did exhibit in Spain unto the king himself, by their deputies (who had reserved such matters unto himself, according to the practice of our cardinal) being sent back unto the court of the Netherlands, answer was made them, by an apostile of the 27 of February 1562, That they should be satisfied, that they had provided them good prelates, & that they should thank God, that they did honour their prelate with the title of a bishop. And this was all they could obtain at that time.  
The magistrate of antwerp was in the mean time in great perplexity, by reason of the cessation of traffic, & other inconveniences which they feared, doubting also that the reception of a bishop, would bring in with it the Inquisition of Spain. On the one side they were importuned by the commons to maintain them in their privileges, liberties, & rights: and on the other side they were priest by the court, to use their best means to install the bishop, without any inconvenience, as the rest had been admitted in other towns. To satisfy both the one and the other, they gave the court of Brussels to understand at large, by writing, the dangers & inconveniences that were to be feared by this new episcopal election, in a town of so great traffic, so greatly peopled, and frequented by divers foreign nations, for that they feared chiefly, that the Inquisition was hidden under it, wherewith they had promised them they should never be troubled nor molested. To the which answer was made by an apostile, the 23 of january 1562, that they meant not to bring in the Inquisition, nor to prejudice them in any thing, but rather to favour them: notwithstanding they would send their request into Spain, to the king; whereunto answer was made by the king, conformable to the said apostile of the court at Brussels. But the magistrate finding that the merchants and burgesses were so troubled, as it seemed the apparent ruin of the town was at hand, by some tumult and popular sedition; they addressed themselves again to the Governess, who sent them as before, unto the king. Whereupon they sent the signior Godfrey Sterck Ampiman of the town, and the signors of V●…ssel and Wezebeeck, into Spain (under pretext of some other affairs, lest their passage should be prohibited) deputies for them unto the king, doing their best endeavours in the mean time to contain the merchants, bourgesses & common people in their duties. Being arrived in Spain, & having delivered their charge by mouth unto the K. himself, and presented their instructions 
Deputies sent from Antu●…rpe to the king of Sp●…ne, touching the bishops  by writing, the same answer was made unto them, that before, as well by mouth, as afterwards by writing. Whereupon the said deputies showed unto the K. that the people murmured, that by the pope's bulls the Inquisition lay hidden under this episcopal introduction, and that they could not otherwise persuade the merchants, both natural borne, and strangers, whereon undoubtedly depended the total ruin of this rich & flourishing town; with many other reasons to that purpose: beseeching his Majesty to give them leave to stay so long in his court, until they might understand their minds, to see if there were any means to satisfy his majesties intention, and to maintain the town in her estate, the which was granted them: Whereupon they informed the magistrate & counsel of Antuerp: who having seen what their deputies did write unto them, did charge them with new instructions, according to the which they showed again the inconvenience, which by this introduction of a bishop, might happen in the said town, alleging some means, whereby it seemed they might satisfy the K. intention, & not put this innovation in effect. And for the last remedy, they besought his Ma●…that it would please him to make one bishop for all Brabant, holding his residence at Lowaine, who should have no more jurisdiction in Antuerp, than their diocesan the bishop of Cambray had had: the which request the deputies did also exhibit in writing: But hearing that, as in the former, they should be sent back unto the Netherlands, to be ordered: according to their instruction they besought his Majesty, that in that case it would please him to take the advice of the knights of the order, of the counsellors and states of Brabant, with other provinces. But notwithstanding any instance they could make in 5 months, they could have no other answer. In the mean time the Amptman, having been some time sick, & recovered again, after that he had received a verbal assurance from the K. own mouth, That the town of antwerp should not be charged with the Inquisition, he departed with his majesties leave, & returned to antwerp. The like was said long after unto the two other deputies, & in the end they were dismissed the 2 of August 1563, with an apostile, That his Majesty, for good respects, would for a time surcease his matter of Antuerp, as in truth it was, until the year 1564. In the mean time these great alterations and discontentments increased hourly in the Netherlands, as well against the cruel persecutions of them of the religion, as against the bishops & the Inquisition; so as nothing could be expected, but extrcame desolation & pitiful massacres, if they were not prevented in time. This business was propounded in the counsel of state at Brussels, whereas the governors of provinces, & the knights of the order, laid open plainly unto the duchess of Parma, Governess, & precedent of the counsel, all the difficulties & dangers that might ensue: which they having well considered of, they found that all these inconveniences did partly grow, for that the king was not duly informed of the estate of affairs, & that they in whom he did most rely (that is to say the cardinal Granuelle) would have all things pass according to their own private passions, yielding nothing to the counsel of others. It was therefore decreed in the said counsel, by the Governess & noblemen, that one of the knights of the order should go unto the king, & inform him amply of the state, and all the occurrents of the country. According 
The lord of Mon●… sent ●…to Spain.  to which resolution, the baron of Montigny, went into Spain, in August 1562, where having exposed his charge unto the king, & had divers conferences with his Majesty, touching these affairs, some months after he returned, full of hope, good words, and promises. But matters continued still in these innovations, contrary to the advice of the chief lords, who were also much discontented; so as in the end the prince of Orange, with the earls of Eg●…ont 
1563  and Horn, w●…t unto the king, the 11 of March 1563; That the chief cause of all the mischief 
Letters of compl●…int vnt●… 〈◊〉 ●…g, ag●… the cardinal.  was, for the excessive credit, & too great authority, which the cardinal Granuelle did arrogat unto himself in the managing of the affairs of the Netherlands, the which should never be to his majesties content, & as he desired, so long as the cardinal should have to do in it, for that he was thereby grown odious to all the world; entreating his Ma. to prevent it speedily, else they did not see any other thing, but an entire ruin & desolation of the country. And to the end his Ma. by the suggestion or report of any other, should not think that what they had said, was for ambition, or their own private interest, they besought him to dismiss them from the assembly of the counsel of state, if his Ma. thought it good, holding it neither fit nor convenient for his Ma. service, nor for their reputations, to continue any longer there so discontented as they were, with the said cardinal. And in the end they entreated, that their advertisement might be taken in good part by his Ma. and that he would believe, that what they did, was for a true zeal they had to his service, and for the discharge of their duties.  
Whereunto the king answered them the 6 of june; That he was well assured, that what they 
The king's answer.  did advertise him by their letters, proceeded from a good zeal and affection which they bore unto his service, whereof he had long since made good trial: but it was not his custom to change his servants without good reason, seeing that by their letters they did not set down any particular occasions, etc. Whereunto the noblemen replied the 29 of june; That their intention was not to frame any action before his Ma. against the cardinal, but they did hope that the 
The noblemen's reply.  simple advertisement which they gave him, without any form of charge or accusation, should be a sufficient inducement to move him to meditate of some honourable & good means of satisfaction to the just complaints of his good subjects; employing the cardinal in other affairs, whereas, according to his vocation and profession, he might serve more profitably. They said they had no intent to charge the cardinal, but rather to discharge him, yea of a burden, which was not only extraordinary and unfit for him, but which could not long remain in his hands without fear of trouble and great inconveniences. And if in their former letters they had not specified any occasions, it was not for want of matter, nor pregnant reasons, but for that they held it not fit, to fall into more bitterness against him: yet if it pleased his majesty to be better informed, they should find matter enough, and too much, whereon his faithful subjects did ground their complaints. And their desire was, that his Majesty would inquire more amply of others that were not suspect, whereby his Majesty might comprehend, that it was not without good and just cause, that the commons did grieve, and if there were no other occasion, but the general murmuring of the country against him, it was a sufficient testimony, that his presence & great authority was too dangerous, and therefore not to be employed. Which considered, & seeing the small service which they could do in the counsel of state, with the wrongs disgraces, and affronts, which they endured; they besought his Majesty to excuse them, if they came no more there, until some other course were taken, that should be held most fit for his service, and the good of the commonweal: in the mean time they would not fail to discharge their duties faithfully in their governments, or in any thing that it should please the Governess to command, or should have need of their advice out of the said counsel of state, etc.  
Notwithstanding all these admonitions, nothing followed: and as the practices of the clergy did grow more & more odious, so the number of the Protestants increased daily, notwithstanding all their persecutions, the which in the end were so abhorred of all the world, as they might easily perceive, that this fear of bishops and Inquisition, nor the rigour of their edicts, was no longer to be endured. And then broke out openly the division betwixt the nobles (which had lain long smothered) having the chief government of the affairs of the country: for that they which would govern all alone (whereof the cardinal was chief) could not endure that the princes & knights of the order, being with them in the counsel of state, should propound any mildness or moderation of affairs, to the king's content, and the preservation of the commonweal, without these rigours & innovations, which made them to absent themselves from the counsel of state. And withal the cardinal did continually bite and injure these noblemen, calling some fools, others Lutherans, with other reproaches: in revenge whereof, some attired their servants in fools coats, and caps with coxcombs, others with quivers of arrows, importing some league, carrying their hats turned up in despite of the cardinal, and of his faction. The cardinal informed the king of all this, and made his profit thereof. This dissension among the nobles, made the perplexity of the commons greater, who began to be much discontented, seeing that they did not embrace this business resolutely as they ought. The Governess privy to this division, sent her secretary Armenteros unto the king; at whose return the cardinal (being called away) went into Spain; where being resident, if he ever did bad office in the Netherlands, against the noblemen, and generally against the whole commonweal, he did 
The cardinal called back into Spain.  now much worse, interpreting all things to the worst construction. In the mean time the persecutions ceased not throughout all the country, against them of the religion, but were more violent than ever, not without great danger to the magistrates & officers of justice, during the time they did their public executions; at which times the people did commonly mutiny, casting stones against the sergeants & executioners: as it happened at that time, at the execu●…ion 
The p●…ution o●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ster.  of C. Fabr●…, a minister in antwerp, having been in former times a Carmelite, he was betrayed by a certain woman, who made a show to bear a great zeal unto religion; having ●…dured long imprisonment, & many miseries, in the end he was condemned to be burnt alive. And as the Marcgrave, with the bailiff his lieutenant, having brought him to the place, went to execute him: the people having first song Psalms, fell to casting of stones against the executioner, and his servant: neither was the Marcgrave nor his lieutenant free from touch, notwithstanding any help they called for of the burgesses & the sworn companies, who would not stir; so as the poor patient being bound, and fire beginning to be set to, the Marcgrave and his lieutenant, not daring to stay any longer, fled into the statehouse, and so did the executioner, who yet by the lieutenant's commandment, before he leapt from the scaffold to save himself, stroke Fabri on the head with a hammer, and beat out his brains, and stabbed him in the back with a dagger: so as the people running to preserve him from the fire, found him dead, and there the dead body lay in the mire until 4 of the clock in the afternoon, that the Marcgrave with his gua●…d, having put him into a tumbril, seeing the great multitude of people which followed him, he caused a great stone to be tied about the dead body's neck, and to be cast into the river of Escaut. Afterwards, some being rescued out of their hands by force, for a time they durst not execute any one publicly, but in the prisons, either by the sword, halter, water, or other torments, till after the coming of the duke of Alva; then the persecutions began to be done publicly, and greater than ever. The Winter after Christmas grew extreme cold, and the ●…rosts continued most bitter until mid March 1564, during the which they passed with horse and carts 
1564  laden, from antwerp unto Flanders side, upon the river of Escaut; upon the which they did set up shops, tents, & pavilions, in the which they sold meat and drink; yea there were hogs singed upon the y●…e. The rivers of Rhin, Meuse, Wahal, Leck, and others, were passed over every where, both with horse and cart, yea upon the sea, from the islands of Tolen and of Goes, unto the said river of antwerp. About the same season there grew some question & mistaking betwixt the queen of England▪ and the duchess of Parma, Governess of the Netherlands, from the year 1563, by reason whereof the commerce was interrupted, and the traffic did cease for 
Difference betwixt England and the Netherlands.  one whole year, to the great prejudice of the poor people, the which did more increase the alterations & discontentments of the commons, being sufficiently moved by the precedent occasions. And that which incensed them the more against the clergy, was that they did seek to make them observe the definitions of the counsel of Trent, by the which was confirmed not only the ecclesiastical censures, and the episcopal jurisdiction, but also the Inquisition & persecutions; and many other points & articles allowed, which they knew plainly to be brought in abusively, into the Christian church, the which did directly contradict the liberties and freedoms o●… the country. And although at that instant the matter was no fu●…ther priest, yet these definitions & articles were found so odious, as they made many to forsake the Romish religion as soon as the counsel was published. And although in this publication the king had yielded unto certain exceptions and reservations, yet in many places they were not added, when it was published, at the least they were not well understood. Neither could they wo●…ke so with the people, but there remained still some apprehension and fear. This year they did all they could to persuade them of Groningen, Leeuwaerden, Deventer, & Ruremonde, to like of and receive their new bishops; but they would by no means yield thereunto: but chose this hot pu●…sute seeming suspect unto them, did incense them so much the more, considering that those which had been received in other towns, were in quarrel with their chapters, churches, monasteries, and other goods, whereof they would have full possession, the others opposing themselves, would not be deprived of their own, nor of their liberties and accustomed rights.  
The prelates of Brabant, and namely the 3 chief abbeys above mentioned, appointed to incorporation, & being destitute of abbots, seeing that by no suit nor soliciting, neither in Spain, nor the Netherlands with the governess, they could free themselves from this fear of incorporation, nor attain to the election of new prelates, they advised to see if they might not obtain that for money, which they could not redress by their good right and privilege. Whereupon they made certain offers of an annual pension wherewith they would furnish the king, to the profit of the new bishops; so as not only the said three abbeys but the rest that were afterwards void, were furnished with new prelates, & freed from incorporation, upon promise to procure them a 〈◊〉 from the pope. The states of Brabant by many petitions, made great instance, to obtain the like cass●…tion, touching their new bishops, unto the year 1566, but they could not prevail. This denial increased their discont●…nt, and settled diue●…s imaginations in the heads of men; murmuring, that for money they could obtain the cassation of the incorporation of abbeys: but as for them, it was visible and plai●…, that notwithstanding so many good reasons, privileges & promises from the king, they had resolved to torment them by this Inquisition, for that by no pursuit they could not be freed from the fear of these new bishops (which were so many Inquisitors) so as the people continued their bitterness more and more against the clergy and fell from their doctrine to the reformed religion. And the more they did tyrannize & persecute them, the more constant they were in their religion, & the more they increased. And withal the famine which followed the hard frosts of Winter, the which had killed all the grain throughout the country, did increase the people's perplexities, and brought their minds (otherwise much altered) almost to despair: so as so many bad accidents con●…ng together, seemed to breed some strange and extraordinary alteration.  
And at that time some thieves having spoiled the abbey of Ouwerghem, a league from 
The abbey of Ouwerg●…m ●…obd.  Brussels, seeing they could not get the abbess nor her nuns, who had saved themselves in a strong dortoir, newly made: after they had let go the wine and beer in the cau●…s, and burned all the ornaments & books of the church, they set fire on the cloister; and hearing the bell ring out to call in the country, they retired laden with the b●…st goods they could ca●… away. The brute was, that these thieves were set on by some, who would lay the blame upon them of the religion: but it was the one or the other, either poverty and want which forced them, or an inconsiderate zeal, or mere hatred against the clergy, which moved them to do it. Hereupon the governors of provinces and the knights of the order, continuing in their good affection to the king's service, and the preservation of their country, hearing the p●…rplexities of all in general (likely to turn to some popular tumult, & the effusion of blood, if it were not speedily prevented by some good means, for the which they did often beseech the governess) they found that all these alterations & murmurings, sprung from these three points: from the cruelties of edicts & rigorous persecutions, the new introduction of bishops, & the fear of the Inquisition of Spain. Wherefore even the Governess herself thought it expedient, that one of the chi●…f among them, should go to the king, to inform him plainly of all these inconveniences, & apparent dangers, with some other occurrents happened in the state, and in the treasure: And that if his majesties meaning was to redress them, that it was most necessary to proceed by mildness, & to yield some little to the humours of his subjects, so much altered. The ea●…l of Egmont 
The earl of Egmont sent into Spain.  had this legation, wherein he discharged himself honestly, & was sent back with good hope and promises, that his Majesty, conformable to his instructions, would send dispatches after him. At his return every man rejoiced at so good an answer, expecting with great devotion, that by the first pa●…ket that came from Spain, the country should be quieted & assured: but there came not any thing, all were but promises & holy water of the court; and this hope was the occasion of a miserable despair. How could any good come, seeing the cardinal, a mortal enemy to the said earl of Egmont, to the prince of Orange, the earls of Horn & Hochstraten, to the lord of Brederode, & other chief noblemen of the said countries, and the prosperity thereof, was now in greater credit with the king, than ever before, being in the said countries, disguising the affairs perverting & persuading the king & his counsel, in such sort as he pleased? 
1565  But contrary to that good reformation which they hoped for & expected, in December 
The king's letters, other than were expected.  1565, the duchess Governess, received letters from the king, concerning his majesties pleasure, and what he would have observed in the Netherlands, touching religion: the copy of which letters she sent to all the counsellors of provinces, to disperse them in their subalternal jurisdictions, containing in sum these three points.  
First touching the edicts, both old & new, made by his imperial Majesty, or by the king, for matter of religion, that it was not fit to alter any thing, but to have them executed. And that he 
Execution of the edicts.  found that by the looseness of some judges this mischief was increased: therefore if there were any judge, that for fear of tumult durst not put them in execution, that they should advertise him, to the end he might provide others that were more courageous; & that in executing the edicts, it was to be hoped, that all dangers should be sooner prevented, than by any other means. Secondly, touching the Inquisition, his Majesty did charge, that the Inquisitors should be favoured 
Introduction of the Inquisition.  in the exercise of their charge, for the good of religion, being his intention, that the Inquisition should be put in practice by the Inquisitors, as it had been used, & belonged unto them by the laws of God and man. Thirdly, in regard of the counsel of Trent, seeing there remained nothing, but to put it in effect by the bishops; that the Governess should give them all assistance 
To put t●…e cou●…ll of Tre●…t in pra●…e.  and aid, for the effecting thereof, as it was fit, and the good of the country required, and that she should give the like charge unto the noblemen that were about her, to employ themselves therein, as his Majesty did hope. This was another song than that which was promised, and that they expected with so great devotion.  
The Governess did accompany the king's letters (out of the which these three articles are drawn) with her own, directed to the governors and consuls of provinces, as followeth.  
Marguerite by the grace of God, duchess of Parma and Placence, etc. Regent and Governess, 
The Governess s●…ters to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  etc. Most decree and well beloved, although that from the beginning of the rule of the king my lord over these countries, as well by the renewing and publication of edicts, made by the deceased emperor Charles, my lord of famous memory, touching religion, ratified and confirmed by his royal Majesty, as by those which have been since enacted by him, yea at his last departure out of these countries, for his realms of Spain; you might always see his majesties good zeal and holy affection, to the preservation of our ancient true faith, and Catholic Religion, and to the rooting out of all sects and heresies, in these his countries. Yet as it hath pleased his Majesty, for some certain occasions, to put us in mind of his holy intention, by his last letters, we have by his express charge thought it good, to represent unto you what he hath written unto us: The which is in effect, That his Majesty desiring nothing more than the preservation of the said Religion, and the peace, union, and concord of his subjects in these parts, and to defend them from the inconveniences which we have seen fall in many parts of Christendom, by the change of the said Religion; his majesties pleasure is, that the edicts and ordinances made by the deceased emperor and himself, should be wholly observed: As also his majesties intention is, to have all well and duley observed, that is decreed by the holy counsel of Trent, and the provincial Synods, yea even for the reformation of the clergy, without any contravention, that punishing heresies, manners may be also reform. He commands also, that they give all favour and assistance to the Inquisitors of the faith, in the execution of their offices; and that the Inquisition be done by the said Inquisitors, as it hath been used, and as it belongeth unto them, both by divine and human laws. And according to his majesties letters, and to obey him in so holy & favourable a thing, we would not fail to write unto you, to entreat, require, and in his majesties name to command you expressly, to govern yourselves herein, according to his majesties decree, not contradicting it in any point or article, and that you give the like charge unto your officers, and to them of the law in the chief towns of your governments, that they may govern themselves accordingly, without dissembling or partiality, upon penalties contained in the same edicts. And the better to attend it, you shall commit & depute a counsellor of your college (who notwithstanding may be changed every half year, that one alone may not be always in charge) who shall do no other thing but have regard unto the said country, upon the observing of the decrees of the holy counsel, and to give you advertisement of what were needful to be done, according to his majesties intention. And to the end we may always know the estate of the said Religion, we desire and command you, that every three months you write the success thereof particularly unto us, having your recourse unto us in all matters of difficulty, or to those of his majesties privy counsel, to make report unto us; whereas we will also appoint some counsellor, to have a particular care, and to keep correspondency with you, and him that shall be deputed by you. And to the end you may understand his majesties pleasure therein, we have joined hereunto the points of his majesties letters, & other writings concerning that matter, that you may govern yourselves accordingly, etc. From Brussels the 18 of December 1565. Signed Margareta: and underneath Ouerlope.  
The prince of Orange having received the like letters, to govern himself accordingly in the towns and places of his government of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, thought that this resolution which the king had taken, to proceed with all rigour, would cause great troubles; and the rather, for that all men should find themselves deceived in their great expectation of a better change, which the earl of Egmont brought at his return from Spain, (whom they had fed only with wind and words) thought it good to send his advice unto the Duchess Governess, by letters written from Breda the four and twentieth of januarie 1565, as followeth.  
Madame, I have received the letters which it hath pleased your Highness to write unto me 
The prince of Orange's letter to the duchess.  and to the Consuls of my government: whereby I understand his majesties pleasure upon three chief points; enjoining me expressly, to cause them to be executed throughout all the places of my government. And although (Madame) they have not demanded mine advice in a matter of so great weight and consequence, yet as a faithful servant and vassal to his Majesty (moved with zeal and desire to discharge my duty, whereunto I am bound by reason of my office and oath) I could not forbear to speak mine opinion freely therein; desiring rather to be disliked for mine advertisements, than for my silence and negligence (if the country should fall into any disaster) be blamed to have been a disloyal, negligent, & careless governor. And first touching the observation of the counsel, although in the beginning they did murmur & were unquiet, yet seeing that since they did add some reservations and restrictions, I did hope, that for this point there would grow no great difficulty. As for the reformation of Priests, and other Ecclesiastical orders, as they be no matters of my vocation, I refer myself to them that have the charge, and (if need be) I will therein satisfy his majesties will and commandment.  
Touching the second point, containing, That Governors, Consuls, and other Officers should with all their power assist the Inquisitors, and maintain them in the authority which belongeth to them by divine and human laws, the which they have always used unto this day; your Highness may remember, That the complaints, oppositions, and difficulties which have grown throughout all the country for the reception of new bishops, have proceeded only from fear, that under this cloak they sought to bring in some kind of Inquisition, the execution whereof was not only abhorred, but also the name thereof was most odious. Your Highness is not ignorant, and it is well known to most of the subjects and inhabitants of these provinces, That the Emperor and Queen Marie have often and divers times assured the said countries, as well by mouth as writing, That the Inquisition should never be brought in, but that they should be maintained and governed as they had been in former times; yea, that his Majesty himself had often assured them, to free them from such bad suspicions and fears. Without doubt (Madame) these promises and assurances have kept the subjects and inhabitants from any new change: and that many of good calling and ability have spent their estates, without seeking any other places, whereas they might have lived in liberty, without fear of the Inquisition; whereby the peace, union and traffic hath been entertained, and the contribution of money, requisite for the maintenance of the wars, paid: whereas otherwise, the country being destitute of such inhabitants, and of their means, should be in danger to be a prey to the first that would assail it.  
In regard of the third point, that the kings absolute resolution is, That the Edicts made as well by the Emperor as his Majesty, should be duly executed in all points, with all rigour, 
Touching the execution of edicts.  without any moderation: Madame, this point seemeth very hard to digest; for that there are many and divers Edicts, which have been heretofore moderated and restrained, and not always literally observed, and with rigour; yea, when as the public calamity was not so urgent as at this present; nor when as our people by the solicitation and practices of our neighbours were not so much given to innovations: and not to give them cause with more rigour and vehemency, and to resume the terms of the Inquisition, and to seek to execute them with all bitterness. I cannot (Madame) comprehend the mystery, but that his Majesty shall get no other benefit, but trouble himself, disquiet his country, and lose the hearts of his good subjects; giving every one cause to think and fear, that his Majesty means to take another course than he hath always promised and made show of; and put his country in danger to fall into his neighbour's hands; as well through the great multitude of them that will retire themselves, as for the small assurance will be left for them that shall remain, and all without any help or advancement to religion. I will omit many other inconveniences for brevities sake, knowing well, that both his Majesty and your Highness have been heretofore sufficiently informed. Withal, in my opinion (under your correction) the time is not now fit to move men's minds, which are but too much altered and distempered, through famine and the drought of the season: and in my conceit, it were better that matters were left in suspense until his majesties coming (who we hear maketh his preparatives to come into these parts) which were to be wished, that he would make haste, that by his presence matters might be so ordered, as should be thought fittest for the service of God and his Majesty, and for the quiet and prosperity of these his countries and subjects: for, any trouble growing, the remedy would be more speedy by his presence than otherwise.  
Notwithstanding if his Majesty and your Highness be so resolved, to have the said points and articles presently executed (the which I see cannot be put in practice, without putting the 
The prince excuse●…h himself f●…om this ch●…rge  country into a greater fear of a total ruin, whereunto his Majesty, being here present, might take better regard) I had rather (if they will not surcease this work till then, but will proceed in the said Inquisition and execution) that his Majesty should commit some other in my place, that could better comprehend the inclinations of the people, and were more capable than myself, to keep them in obedience and awe; rather than it should come into the mouths of men (whereby I and mine might be hereafter blamed) that in the countries of my government, and during my charge, there had happened any troubles or sinister accident. Desi●…ing his Majesty and your Highness to rest assured, that what I say, is not for that I am unwilling to obey your commandments, or to live otherwise than a good Christian, as my forepassed actions can well witness, & I hope his Majesty hath found by experience, having never spared neither body nor goods for his service, wherein I desire to continue, whilst I have life to breath. Besides, if the affairs of the country succeed not well, I were in danger (besides the bond I owe unto his Majesty and his countries) to expose not only all that I have in the world, but also my person, wife, and children, which nature itself commands us to preserve. It may therefore please your Highness (according to your accustomed wisdom) to consider hereof, and to interpret it in the best part, as proceeding from one who speaks with a sincere affection, which he bears to his majesties service, and to prevent all inconveniences, whereof I call God to witness etc. From Breda the four and twentieth of januarie 1565.  
Upon the receipt of these letters and others written afterwards by the prince of Orange, the 
The Governess sends for the prince of Orange to come to Brussels.  said Governess writ back unto him, requesting him very earnestly to come to Brussels, with the other noblemen and governors, there to consult and determine what should be thought most sit and necessary to prevent all inconveniences, advance his majestics service, the quiet and tranquility of the country, and the assurance of the inhabitants. The other Governors and Consuls of provinces having received the first letters from the Governess, with an extract of the three chief points of the king's letter, they sent the copy thereof presently unto the towns of their provinces, with express commandment, to govern themselves according to the same. The sending of these letters made it to be generally bruited, that the king had expressly commanded, That the Edict should be observed with all rigour, and that the Inquisition, together with the counsel of Trent, should be published and executed. This rumour did thrust the people into strange alterations, greater than before. The merchant was amazed, especially the stranger, that was resident in antwerp, meditating nothing but of his retreat.  
And as these alterations did increase daily, there was found the three and twentieth of December, at night, a certain writing set up in three or four streets of antwerp, containing a complaint and exhortation (in the name of the bourgesses to the magistrates) against the Inquisition, wherein consisted their ruin; alleging, that in doing so they should offer them violence, and go against their privileges, and the king's promises, made unto that town, as well in the Netherlands, as in Spain: requiring the magistrates to defend them, and to cite the king (according to the privileges of the country) to the imperial chamber, to have those violences disannulled there: pretending, that antwerp (a town of Brabant) was comprehended under the fifth circle of the holy empire, and contributary to the charges thereof and therefore aught to enjoy the privileges of the empire; protesting, that if by the introduction of the said Inquisition any trouble did happen, that it could not be held for any rebellion, etc.  
The magistrate of antwerp having recovered one of these writings, considering the 
The magistrate of antwerp sendeth to the Governess.  apparent tumult by the continuation of this bruit, sent one of their College with all speed unto the Governess, as well to show her a copy of this writing, as to let her understand, what they feared. He being accompanied with two deputies of the town, who before had been sent to Court, having had audience in the counsel of state, in the presence of the Governess, and declared his charge, answer was made unto him, That those which had made such reports, deserved to be punished: and that neither his majesties intention, nor her Highnesses was, to bring any Inquisition into antwerp. Notwithstanding, soon after in the same counsel, an overture was made unto them in the Governess name, of the king's letters come from Spain, and there were propounded unto them the said three points, with commandment to govern themselves in antwerp according to the same. Whereat the said deputies being much amazed, answered, That they had no commission to accept any such commandment and charge: but if it were given them in writing, they would inform their magistrate: The which was done; and although upon the said rescriptions (after a general assembly of the Bourgesses and Companies of occupations) the magistrate sought to colour these propositions with divers glosses, and counterfeit interpretations, to pacify the common people: yet could he not possibly free them from this prejudicial fear and perplexity: the which increased; for that they saw them begin to visit the quarters of the town, and to inform if there were any suspected of the contrary religion, which seemed to them a forerunner or preamble to the Inquisition: the name whereof was so hateful to all men (of what Religion soever) as they could not endure to hear speak of it.  
About that time a peace being concluded and made in France, after the battle of Dreux, the Queen mother led the king and the duke of Anjou, her sons, unto the frontiers of Spain, whither came the Queen of Spain their sister. The king conducted her to Bayon, where they stayed long. During their abode there, the duke of Alva, with divers others of the Counsel of Spain, had very secret consultation and conference with the Counsel of France. Their conclusion was, to root out them of the reformed Religion, as well in France, as in the Netherlands; and that they must begin with the heads, 
A bloody resolution.  following the apothegm of the Spanish duke; the which he put in practice soon after upon the heads of the earls of Egmont, and Horn, and divers others also at Brussels: That it was but a folly to busy themselves for Frogs, they must first fish for the great Salmon.  
Those of the Netherlands (during so many cavillations, wherewith they sought to bring them asleep, thinking to persuade them, That the Edicts should be moderated, that the Inquisition of Spain should not be planted there, and that nothing should be altered touching the bishops) were more vehemently (yet more covertly) persecuted than ever: for the king of Spain caused wonderful executions to be done upon them, that could be known to be of the Religion, putting them to death in prison by sundry torments. Yet those of the Religion did not forbear (by a common consent) to present a confession of their faith unto the king of Spain, and to publish it to the world: with a complaint unto the king and to the magistrates of the said countries; containing among other points: That it was a hard and an unjust thing, to judge and condemn men before they were heard, being impossible to understand any man's right, to whom they denied audience: beseeching his Majesty and the magistrates for this cause to hear them, and in so doing, to receive their confession: which being well examined, would show, that they were condemned wrongfully by an extraordinary form of justice; with many other speeches to the like purpose, the which I omit for brevity sake.  
But notwithstanding any endeavours, they were in so lamentable an estate, as any man of a mean capacity and sense might very easily conceive, that the people's minds being thus wonderfully perplexed and strangely altered, could not be long contained, nor continue in that sort; but were very likely in short time, to break out into some popular tumult against these four points, so much descried: As the Inquisition of Spain, the rigorous Edicts, the institution of new bishops, and the entertainment of the counsel of Trent: and that for that cause the commerce and accustomed traffic decayed daily.  
It happened, that almost all the chief noblemen of the Netherlands met together both at Breda and Hochstrate, to entertain some noblemen strangers; among the which were the prince of Orange, the marquess of Berghen, the earls of Egmont, Horn, and Hochstrate, the lord of Brederode, and others, that were well affected to the good of their country: who lamenting the miserable estate thereof, which had been so flourishing, considering the ●…mall care was used to order things in time, and to apply convenient remedies: after they had debated all things well, and found that the eminent peril proceeded from nothing, but from those cruel and horrible persecutions, from the new erection of bishops, from the Inquisition, and from the counsel: seeing they would give no ear to that which the towns and they had so often and so zealously propounded, and that they would not apply themselves in any sort to the humours of the inhabitants, but proceeded still with all rigour; in the end, they concluded and promised one another to embrace this business with affection, and to assist and aid one another with their counsel, means, and persons, as much as in them lay, to the advancement of the king's service, the preservation of the country, and tranquility of the people. Whereupon Francis Baudwin (who had been banished from Arras for the Religion) was sent for out of France by the prince of Orange, to hear the difficulties that were there presented: who after the revocation of his banishment by the chamber of Arthois, at the instance of the Archbishop of Cambray he went to the prince, to Brussels; where, having conferred with him and the other noblemen, he drew a discourse, in form of an advice, concerning the apparent troubles for matters of Religion; the which was sent to the king of Spain, and delivered to his own hands, wherein is set down the true means to prevent all troubles, and to root out sects and heresies. Which discourse although it be somewhat prolix, yet to make them the more inexcusable before God and men, which stopped their ears at so good & wholesome advertisements, I have thought good to insert it in this place.  
As all we which live under one King, are bound to seek the preservation of the public 
A d●…scourse of F●…s Baudwins, teaching the means to ●…uent the trou●…s.  good and quiet, and the entertainment of the king's greatness and prosperity, who is the head of the body, whereof we are members; I have thought, that I was not to be taxed of arrogancy, if (according to that small talon which I have received from the Lord) I endeavour to discourse briefly of the means that might be held in these times, in the which there is such great diversity of opinions, to prevent all troubles and tumults that may rise, as we have learned by the example of our neighbours; and withal satisfy (as much as is possible) the will and pleasure of the king our lord, whom by God's commandment we are bound to obey and serve to the uttermost of our powers. Seeing then, that as well here, as in France, England, Scotland, and Germany (although there be some small difference) a great part of the people are moved by the exhortation and doctrine of those, which they call Gospelers (for that, as they say, they make profession to receive nothing, but what is expressly contained in the doctrine of the Gospel, and of the Bible) rejecting the ancient and accustomed manner of serving God, as to go to Mass, to confess, to receive the Sacrament, fast for certain days, go on pilgrimage, and other like exercises, to join themselves to a new doctrine and Religion, which they call Reform: the question is, how (according to the kings will and pleasure) the people may be maintained in the ancient faith, without seeking any innovation: And if happily the means seem somewhat difficult, or rather impossible, how we may prevent and shun many inconveniences, which may arise or grow by the diversity that is among the inhabitants of the country,  
First, we must consider, That when any one speaketh of a Religion, or Law, it is 
Definition of this word Re●…on.  to be understood, that he speaketh of the faith and apprehension which men have conceived and imprinted in their hearts and minds, touching God and his service, and also touching the doctrine of their salvation: or else they comprehend not by this word Religion but the exercise and outward profession, by the which we show outwardly what we believe inwardly, or (at the least) what we should believe in our hearts. As for the first, it is most certain, That they which follow the new religion, have a constant persuasion and impression in their hearts, that what they do and believe, is conformable to the word and commandment of God; and that they must above all things obey their creator, and rather endure death, and all the torments in the world, than willingly to go against his word and commandment. Seeing then this Maxim is graven in the hearts of men, it is more than reason, that God our Creator prescribe us what law he please, and we are bound to obey him, without any contradiction or exception whatsoever. Which Maxim it is not possible to root out of their hearts, neither were there any reason to attempt it. There must some other means then be sought to divert them from their faith. Many have thought it best to proceed by force and terror, by fire, flames, and all sorts of torments, to the end, that those which have not yet embraced this faith, might by this means be terrified to remain in their ancient manner of doing: but doubtless they are much abused, as reason and daily experience doth teach: For how is it possible to force and command the conscience and 
The minds of men cannot be commanded by force.  mind by corporal violence? How can any one persuade me, that that man hath a bad saith, whom I see die constantly and joyfully, although I know not the ground of the one, nor the other? Even as it is impossible for all the Monarches of the world, to keep the fire from exercising his heat, when it encounters an object fit to burn: in like sort, it is as impossible for all men (how mighty soever) to restrain and hinder the spirit of man from discoursing and judging as he pleaseth, and not to apply himself to that which he findeth best agreeing to his natural impression: the experience whereof is daily seen. For what hath it availed to have put to death so many poor souls for the faith? Whereto have served the fires, gibbets, scaffolds, tortures, and torments which they have used in France, in England, yea, and in these countries? Without doubt, neither the power nor authority of men, nor the sharpness of all the torments in the world, avail any thing in this point.  
The kings of Egypt were mighty, but they could never command the consciences of the children of Israel. The Roman Emperors held all the world almost in subjection, who neither spared fire, nor flames, crosses, nor gibbets, cords, nor tortures, nor any kind of torments that could be devised and invented, to root out the Christian faith, and to terrify their subjects, to divert them, and to retain them in their ancient belief and Pagan Religion: and yet they prevailed nothing in their designs; but chose, did much hinder their intents: So as the Christians were wont to use a common proverb amongst them: That the blood of Martyrs was the seed of their Churches. And indeed, julian the Apostate Emperor, a malicious and subtle man (seeing, that to root out the Christian Religion, all his predecessors had advanced nothing, but chose, that it was much augmented by the means of the persecutions; and that those which died for their faith, took it as a glory and honour) from that time forward he would no more persecute them, neither by fire nor sword, nor by any corporal violence, although they hated him deadly; but sought by gentleness and persuasions to draw them from their faith; and forbearing all outward force, he sought by all policy to hinder their increase; wherein he prevailed much more: for that some through covetousness, others through ambition, suffered themselves 
Covetousness and ambition do more than torments.  to be persuaded to that, whereunto they could not be forced by any violence or threats. I will not compare here this new kind of doctrine (which is now in question) with the Pagan Religion. (for it is not my intention to interpose my censure) but I will only conclude, That in that which consisteth in the persuasion of the heart, corporal violence prevails no more than the vapour or wind that blows, to hinder the heat of the fire, as daily experience hath taught us.  
The means then to divert them from their opinions, is, to persuade them, that their faith and belief is not conformable to the word of God: To effect the which, there is no other means, than to give them free audience, to the end, that they may propound their reasons 
They must give audience to them of the religion.  and motives with all liberty, and that they be confuted of error and heresy by the word of God: if they remain obstinate, yet when this disputation and instruction shall be done in the eye of the world, those that are weak shall by this means be persuaded, not to follow their errors. For as for the obstinate, even as instruction would avail them little or nothing, so much less would fire or death turn them from their resolved opinions. But on the other side, those which behold others to die with such constancy, take a delight to seek their opinions; and they which by this means come to fall into the like inconvenience, should be wholly preserved, when they should hear them vanquished by the word of God, and by reasons which they cannot contradict. If then prelate's and bishop's trust in the bounty of their cause (as with all reason they ought) there is not in the world a better means to attain unto the king's intention, and to prevent the multiplying of sects, than to confeire together publicly, that all the world may know, that the others do falsely brag, that they have the word of God on their side. For it is most certain, that when truth is compared with falsehood, she must of necessity show her beauty, and obtain the victory, discovering to the eye of all men what is false and counterfeit. And by this means a great good shall rise: for that they which know not now what to follow, in so great a diversity of opinions, may settle a firm judgement of the truth, after that they have heard the grounds of either side: so as in conference all confusion and disorder, all noise and railing be laid aside: As we have seen in the disputations and conferences which S. Paul hath made, as well with the jews, as against the Pagans: then presently those which sought the truth, knew that he had reason, and that the other were in ●…rror. So in the counsel of Nicene, the Arrians were admitted to propound their reasons and grounds with all liberty, and being convicted by the word of God of error and heresy, were forced for a time to desist from their enterprise: but presently after when they persecuted them, they had suddenly many disciples; some moved by pity, others by their false persuasions, the which was the cause of great mischiefs and inconveniences in the Church: yea, in our times we have seen in all places where the Anabaptists have been persecuted, they have increased infinitely: and chose, where they have been heard in public conference and disputation, and convicted of error and heresy by the word of God, they have had no more credit in the world. And therefore Mahumet hath so carefully forbidden, 
Mahumet forbids to dispute of his religion.  that they should never dispute upon the points of religion brought in by him, knowing well, that the truth being once confronted against his lies, his doctrine of necessity must go to smoke.  
It is a true mark and badge of truth, that it desires to be known, made manifest, and debated, being like unto the palm-tree, the more it is depressed and charged, the higher and straighter it grows. For this reason the ancients did appoint to hold free and general counsels every year; although by the corruption of time many abuses have been brought in, by the ambition and covetousness of those that should give their voices. So it is, that the heretics and sectaries fear nothing in the world more, than to be made manifest, be it by a free and general counsel, or in any other place, whereas matters may be freely debated on either side: the which we see at this day apparently in the Anabaptists, who fly all disputations more than death. If then such as desire to root out this new religion which multiplies so fast, are assured of the bounty and truth of their cause, and of the falsehood of their adversaries, there is no fitter means than to come publicly to field and to give their adversaries free audience and leave to dispute: without doubt if they maintain heresies, there shall need neither fire nor gibbets to hinder the course of their doctrine, for that the more manifest it is, the more it will decay.  
It will be to no purpose to say, That they have been often heard and confuted: for admit 
They of the reli●…on never heard with patience.  it were so, yet a great multitude of people, which are inclined thereunto, deserve so much pain, as to be instructed in hearing and examining their reasons. But when you have said all they were never heard with patience: For when as Luther began to preach this doctrine in Germany, it was presently condemned by the Pope, and persecuted by all the kings and princes of Christendom. He was once called to be heard, but it was to see if he would recant, or maintain his writings and his doctrine, and he on the other side protested nothing more than the desire which he had to be better taught and instructed by the holy Scripture. The like proceeding was held against john Hus at the counsel of Constance, who was never heard in his own defence: but as soon as he was arrived there, they laid before him certain Articles drawn by some adversary of his out of his books, ask him if he would maintain those articles which were reproved and condemned by the holy church, and thereupon they gave sentence, that he was an heretic and damned, the which the world sees to be against all right and reason. To say that those were condemned by other counsels before, is nothing to the purpose. For if it be so (as they say) it will be the more easy to overthrow them now, for that the Ancients have never condemned any doctrine, but that which they held contrary to the word of God, the which they have alleged to that effect, I say, to confute errors and heresies: so as now the way shall be traced, and they shall need only to quote the same 
The holy Scripture as powerful now as ever to confute heresies.  Scriptures, to confute these, for that the word of God remaineth eternally, and the Scripture hath now as much force and virtue to confute heresies, as ever. But to condemn them by the very name and authority of some counsel, without alleging the Scriptures and reasons of the said counsel, were out of reason: for they submit themselves to prove, that the counsels (by the which their doctrine hath been condemned) were but petty counsels, assembled, and allowed by the tyranny of some, who alone have decreed what they pleased against the authority of the Scriptures, without hearing or admitting their adverse parties. And doubtless, in the ancient primitive Church, there were many bishops, which have rejected some 
Counsels rei●…cted by some bishops.  counsels as suspect and not lawful, nor grounded upon the authority of the word of God, but rather upon the authority of men, as we read of Maximus bishop of jerusalem, and of S. Hilary bishop of Poitiers, yea and of S. Athanasius, Chrysostome, and Photinus. So as it is not without reason, if many ages after them there have been counsels suspected to these men. But as for the most ancient, and received on either side, they are content to allow of them, so far forth as they prove their sayings by the word of God. There resteth then nothing, but that their reasons may be heard, that the truth may be known, and their errors and heresies avoided, seeing there is no other means to procure a public peace, and to draw all the subjects to one Religion: That if their adversaries (as if there were no controversy in this point) challenge the name of the Church, and without hearing their reasons examined by the Scripture, will, that all which they shall ordain, or decree, shall be infallibly kept as an Ordinance of the Church, and so of God, as they have done in the last Counsel of Trent, where the Pope was head, and the adverse party not called, but to be condemned and judged, according to the Ordinances of the Church (that is to say, of the Pope and Prelates) or else to recant, and then to be received into favour; without doubt, there will never be any means to draw them from their belief, seeing that this Maxim will always remain graven in their hearts: That they must in all things follow the word of 
The word of God must determine of controversies.  God, the which alone hath authority to judge all controversies, and to define which is the true and the false Church. Which Maxim can never be wrested away by the authority of any man, much less that the Pope and Prelates have any such credit, not by fire nor sword: so as if their adversaries would not give them free audience (as it is said) but use violence, they should but impair their own cause, and make theirs better and more favourable, whom they seek to root out.  
Seeing then it is a point resolved among all men of judgement, that touching the faith 
If it were fit to hinder the exercise of Religion.  and inward belief, no corporal violence can command, and that men must be confuted of error in their consciences, we must examine the second point which we have propounded: which is, whether it were not possible to hinder the outward exercise of their Religion, forbidding them to assemble, preach, teach, nor to make any outward profession of that which they believe in heart. And first, in case it were feasible, whether it were fit and convenient to do it: No Religion whatsoever can subsist, if it hath not some exercises and exterior ceremonies, by the which it may be entertained: whereupon the Emperor Gracian was wont to say: That it was necessary the people should be maintained in some outward discipline of some Religion, whatsoever it were, good or bad. For as man by nature is inclined to reject the yoke of God, it is necessary he should be kept in awe and discipline, else he will be like unto an untamed horse, rejecting the fear of God and man. Being then impossible to root out the faith which they have in their hearts, it were not convenient (although it were possible) to hinder their exterior discipline and exercises, by the which the people are maintained in their Religion, and in the fear of God, and of the magistrate: unless (whereas in their assemblies they are taught to be good men, and to fear God and honour the king and his officers) they will make them wicked Atheists, libertines, and seditious perturbers of all good order & policy; as we see plainly by daily experience: for we see a number which have cast off the yoke of the Romish church, mocking at the mass & priests; yet fearing to lose their goods or honours, refusing to apply themselves to discipline and exercise of any other Religion, have become very Atheists, without faith or law: yet there are no small numbers of villainous libertines, which make Sects of themselves, teaching, that we must not serve God outwardly with any exterior form or discipline, but only in Spirit: and under this pretext they give themselves to all villainy and abomination, to murders, rapes, incests, and adulteries: holding, that the outward things serve to no end, so as the heart be clean, as they persuade themselves: yea, some have been so audacious, as to have vaunted 
Abuse in the Church the cause of great 〈◊〉.  themselves to be Christ himself; others, the Spirit of God; others, Charity. To conclude, they are profane people, and contemners of God and the magistrate, maintaining, That there ought not to be any sword or superiority used among men, but that the Spirit should govern and guide the heart of man, as it pleaseth. The which groweth through no other occasion, but that seeing the great abuses which have reigned and do still reign in the Church, and not being suffered on the other side to join themselves to any discipline and exercise of Religion, they are grown to that pass, as to think, that dissimulation is not bad, so as the heart be good; and so mocking at Religion (whereof they make a show) they must needs fall into wicked Atheism. And there are none in the world more seditious, and greater disturbers of all good order, than these people; as hath been seen in the Anabaptists of Munster, and their like: for the rooting out of which, there were no better means (who so would duly consider all things without passion) than to suffer them, yea, to command them expressly, That all they which made profession of the Religion (which they call Reform) should assemble in view of all the world, and keep good discipline, fit for the obedience which they owe unto God and the magistrate, correcting vices and excess. For although there were no other good; yet by this means they should get thus much (which is of great importance, for the preservation of the public quiet) That whereas we daily see spring up new and abominable sects, full of sedition and mutinies, yea, and of horrible blasphemies against the Majesty of God, when as there should be but two public kinds of profession in the view of all the world, either of them performing the obedience which they owe unto God and the king, when as any new one should spring up, it should be easy to suppress it by the word of God. But for as much as this seemeth strange to some, to give heretics leave to sow their heresies, let us see if it be possible to prevent their assemblies: and doubtless, if we look unto experience (the perfect mistress of all things) we shall find it is as possible to hinder it, as it is impossible to keep them from believing of that which they think fit and agreeing with the word of God. Have we not (I pray you) seen the great power of the most victorious Emperor Charles the fifth, of famous memory, who made all the world to tremble? Have we not seen his incredible diligence to suppress this Religion? Have we not seen the rigorous Edicts which he made? And whereto tended it? but to hinder the preaching of this new Religion, and that they which made profession thereof, should forbear their assemblies; for he knew well their hearts could not be forced: and yet he prevailed nothing, notwithstanding all his prohibitions. It may be they assembled in some strange country, where they had greater liberty: no, no: but chose, all the princes in Christendom, together with the Pope, were resolved to root them out, and to give them no place of retreat, but all was in vain. How do we then think, that the king's power (the which out of doubt is not greater than the Emperors) can hinder it; seeing that now France, England, Germany, Scotland and all the countries about are open unto them, to retire themselves, and to use the liberty that is here denied them, whereas they have so many princes and kings on their side, whereas the number is multiplied by infinite thousands? Without doubt, they that gave his Majesty this counsel, show plainly, that either they want judgement, or else they seek to settle their own greatness, to the prejudice of the king, and the ruin of the country. Let them examine all the histories of the world, and they shall find, That when any new Religion hath been grounded upon the inward persuasion of the word of God, that all the striving in the world could never hinder, but the exterior discipline thereof would have it course. The Roman Emperors could never force the jews to receive their statutes into their Temples, nor 
The christians in old tim●…s assembled in the deserts.  hinder the Christians from their assemblies; who desired rather to live like savage beasts, in caves and rocks, than to abandon the exercise of their Religion. I will not examine, if their quarrel be like unto this: so it is, that they are as well persuaded in their hearts, that they follow the word of God, and that they are commanded to assemble and preach, as they were: which persuasion can never be wrested from them by any violence: For they say among themselves, That if they should be allowed to believe what they would, so as they would forbear to teach and assemble, were as much, as if they should suffer a man to live, so as he would take no refection and nourishment: for they maintain, that Faith is entertained by the preaching of the word, even as the life of the body is by the nourishment of meat. But admit it were possible to forbid their assemblies; they must proceed either by rigour and force, or by gentleness and persuasions: that is, they must either corrupt them, or else force them to do against the testimony of their consciences, and falsify their faith which they owe unto God. It is most certain, that the constant and virtuous will rather choose a thousand deaths, than to do any thing against their consciences, so as with them there were nothing to be gotten. As for the rest, who for fear or hope would deny their faith; first they should grievously offend the divine Majesty, and damn their own souls by this falsehood and dissimulation, for that they should sin doubly: first, to have embraced the error, and afterwards more to have falsified the faith and testimony of their conscience, and to have dealt doubly, whereas God requireth sincerity and plainness: so as they that should force them thereunto, should be the cause of their more grievous damnation. They then which counsel the king to force or corrupt his subjects, to the end they should dissemble and make show of any other Religion, than that which they believe in their hearts, are the cause of the disloyalty 
He that is disloy●…ll unto God, willbe also unto the king.  which they commit against God and the king. For without doubt, he that shall carry himself disloyally unto God, either for fear or hope, it is to be presumed, that by the same passions he will carry himself as disloyally unto the king, when as time and occasion shall be offered. Constantius, father to Constantine the great, although he were a Pagan, yet he called 
Fuse●…ius in the life of Constantine Emperor.  Christians into his Court, and admitted them to favour, whom he did see ready to abandon goods and honours, yea their own lives, rather than to be disloyal unto the God whom they did worship: yea, he held them worthy of his friendship, and did impart unto them his most important affairs. And in truth the king hath no subjects more faithful than those which obey him for conscience, that is to say, because God hath so commanded it. They which falsify their conscience to please the king, or for any other private respect, show, that they do not obey the king for conscience only, but for some other particular affection. And if they make no difficulty to falsify their consciences in the service of God, without doubt it is to be feared, that when any passion or affection should move them, either the fear of death, or the loss of goods and credit, or some such like things, they would make no greater difficulty to falsify their faith which they owe unto the king. So as they which give this counsel unto the king, show their ignorance; for that they seek to root out them, which in simplicity and sincerity of heart, yield obedience unto God and the king. And as for those which proceed disloyally, and against their consciences, they are not only content to suffer them, but also to advance them unto honours; as we have seen by some examples of those, who (having before made profession of this Religion) have afterwards, without being condemned of error, only to aspire to honour and credit, turned their coats. To conclude, although it were a thing possible to force or corrupt the Protestants, to abandon their Religion, and to do against their consciences, yet were it not expedient for the good of the Commonweal. But as I have said, it is not possible to hinder them, unless they will ruin them, and put them to death: The which were hard to compass: for in the place of one they should put to death, ten others would rise; and those which die so constantly, rather than renounce their faith, are held for good men by the common people, who have more regard to the constancy, than to the cause which they maintain; whereupon they have a desire to examine the cause, and come to fall into the same opinions: so as this must needs cause them to multiply and increase. Wherefore they that advise the king to use this means, are much abused: for besides that they frustrate his majesties intention, they thrust the country into great desolation, and a most apparent danger of a ruin.  
It is plainly to be seen, That the Arts, Occupations, and Trades, by means whereof this country was wont to flourish above the rest, do now decay, and are transported to their neighbours, the ancient enemies of the house of Bourgoigne and Austria. It is almost incredible, what prejudice the persecutions have brought within these forty years, to the making of cloth, says, and tapistry: which trades being (as it were) proper and peculiar to the Netherlands, they have chased away by this means to the French, English, and other Nations. I forbear to speak of an infinite number of other good and profitable Trades, which are retired into foreign countries, to enjoy the liberty of their consciences. For in general, the traffic of Merchandise hath been wonderfully interessed (as 
A good consideration touching the 〈◊〉 of the Netherlands.  many good men can witness) in antwerp, Lille, Tournay, Valenciennes, and other such towns. And this hath been one of the chief occasions, why of late years the English have been persuaded to leave antwerp to go to Embden, that is to say, from the flower of all merchant towns, full of infinite commodities, to a petty town, obscure, and of no commodity: yea, they are grown so proud, by reason of this Drap●…ie (the spoils of his majesties Netherlands) as they seem to have no care to compound, thinking that we have more need of them, than they of us. The French in like sort brag, that they are clothed with our spoils, by reason of the merchants that are fled for Religion: so as that which did serve them as a bridle, to bring them the sooner unto reason in time of war, will now make them more proud and untractable. Besides, it is well known, that within the country there are many sufficient merchants, which upon this occasion refuse to contribute in time of necessity, fearing that this question of Religion will be a subject unto their enemies, to make them confiscable.  
But above all it is to be considered, That the profession of arms and war, which hath been flourishing in these parts, hath and will be greatly interessed, if it be not otherwise prevented. I will not speak of many gentlemen, good and faithful soldiers, which might do good service to his Majesty, which are now retired quietly to their houses, fearing for this only occasion to employ themselves in any action whatsoever. Neither will I say, that many others, who desired to do the king good service (even of those which knew the seats and situations of countries) are forced to leave their native soil, and to retire to their enemies, preferring the liberty of their consciences before all things in the world. Without doubt there must a care be had: for if any war should happen either against the French, the English, or any other neighbour country, we know not whom to trust. And without doubt, the enemies will not forget to make their profit upon this occasion, by all manner of practices, to the great prejudice of his Majesty, and all his country. And it is to be feared, that among so many men, there will be some, which (under colour to seek their liberty) will be persuaded to attempt some innovations. The desire to live and serve God in liberty of conscience, is of so great force, as it maketh men forget all other affections and passions, how vehement soever: for it not only maketh the subject neglect the duty which he oweth to his natural king and prince, but it doth even estrange and withdraw the hearts of fathers and mothers from their children; yea, it maketh them forget themselves: so as they make no difficulty to expose their bodies to the burning flames, and to all sorts of torments, and to abandon wife and children, leaving them nothing but poverty and infamy, rather than to lose this good, in regard whereof, there is nothing in this world that they esteem. So as it is no wonder which some report for a truth, That many among the Gascoines and Provensals (during the persecutions in France, for matter of Religion) have treated to yield themselves tributary to the Turk, hoping by that means they would suffer them to live in liberty, which they valued above all things. And it may be they had put it in execution (to the great prejudice of all Christendom) if one only respect had not restrained them: which was, that they held it too grievous, to give their first borne children to the great Turk, to be bred up in Mahomet's Religion: for this affection is incredible, and exceedeth all others. The which being well considered (with the great diversity of humours and conditions of men, it were no strange thing, if in so great a multitude of them that are persecuted for their conscience, some should be found more sudden, or more revengeful and impatient than the rest, who would make no difficulty to attempt such exploits; yea, if it were but to revenge the grievous wrongs and injuries that were done for that cause unto their kinsfolks and friends: Wherein it is greatly to be considered, That 
No sorts maintain kings so much as the love of their subjects.  there are no forts nor castles that maintain kings in their greatness, so much as the faithful love of their subjects: So chose, the king doth but provoke their hatred against his Majesty, yea, of them who otherwise are good and well governed men, and live without reproach.  
If the Inquisitors and their adherents fear not the Huguenots, for that (as they say) they have not the wit to revenge themselves, who maintain that they must do good for evil; yet they may well have heard the common proverb, That patience too much urged, in the end turneth to fury: And if they be not void of all sense, they must think, that all the kinsfolks, friends, and allies of them that they persecute, are not all of one mind and equal patience, that they can so easily pass over the wrong which they think they have received: so as although there were no danger that they should attempt any thing against his Majesty, or his estates; yet will they carry an irreconcilable hatred against his officers: whereby there will grow bad intelligence among the king's subjects, which is a matter (as every man knows) of very great importance, as we may well see by the troubles of France, the 
The cause of the troubles in France.  which partly took their beginning from such occasions. And it is most manifest, that if king Henry, or his father king Francis, had in their times granted free exercise of Religion, restraining them with good laws and ordinances; without doubt they had left their realm much more happy and flourishing, and had prevented so many calamities, which have ensued. I know there are some which say, that the like is not to be feared here, considering the small number there is, and therefore it were no reason, that for a handful of men, and of the base sort, they should bring in any innovation. But they that use such speeches, discover their grosseignorance, or their insupportable malice. If there be any question to give assistance to the Inquisitors, to install the new bishops, or to send garrisons into any towns, than they can say, That if they use not extreme rigour, and great diligence, it will not be possible to maintain the ancient Religion; importuning the Court with their continual complaints, how wonderfully the heretics do multiply. But if there be any question to find some mild and fit course, to settle the country's quiet, without any great effusion of blood, than they say, there are so few Huguenots, and of so base quality, as nothing ought to be altered for them. So as any man may easily see, that their intent is to maintain themselves only in their greatness, were it with the total ruin of his majesties Countries. And they that do earnestly affect the king's greatness, and the preservation of his Subjects, must reject them as partial, and suspect; and make diligent information and search of the number, quality, and sufficiency of them that desire to be the kings faithful subjects, so as they may satisfy and enjoy their consciences: and without doubt, they shall find a greater number than is generally believed. Let them look to the multitude of those that 
Great numbers have forsaken the Netherlands for Religion.  are retired into England, where they have their public assemblies in infinite numbers: then let them turn to those that are gone into France, in as great numbers: from thence let them muster up them that are at Francfort, Strausbourg, Heidelberg, Franckendal, Cologne, Aix, Dousbourg, Embden, Geneva, Hambourg, Breme, and other towns of the East countries: without doubt (in my opinion) they shall find an hundred thousand. And as for those that remain yet in the country, it is most manifest there are many more. There have been sometimes seen at an assembly or preaching at Tournay, four or five thousand persons. The like hath been known at Valenciennes, besides those that have remained secretly in their houses: else the garrisons had been needless, which have been sent thither, if the multitude had not been so great. It is thought, that Lille hath not many less: who so will look into the petty towns and neighbour villages, shall undoubtedly find an infinite number. Come into West-Flanders, the numbers are wonderful great, notwithstanding any search or pursuit, which the Dean of Renay hath made. Have we not seen at Messines (as I remember) seven or eight hundred countrymen force the prison, and deliver a prisoner, and they could never discover who they were? I leave Eand, Bruges, and Ypre, in which notwithstanding are good numbers. What multitudes meet together at antwerp, is apparent, and at Brussels, where the Court remaineth: yet can they not by any means keep them from assembling themselves together in good numbers. What shall I speak of the Countries of Holland, Zeeland, Gueldres, and Friesland, where it seemeth they have greater liberty? and in truth the officers dare make no more searches nor executions, by reason of the great numbers. Have we not seen at Vtrecht (an ●…piscopall town, and full of ●…ich canons) one called This, or Steven, preach this doctrine publick●…ly for the space of a whole year, in the view of the whole world, in despite of all such as did oppose themselves; and notwithstanding all their pursuit, yet could they never apprehend him, for that all the people did accompany him both going in and coming out of the chur●…h: so as sometimes h●… was carried upon their shoulders, and lodged sometimes in one house, sometimes in another? Whereby we may see, that the number is not so small, as some maintain; yea, they complain, that they cannot furnish them with ministers and preachers enough. Without doubt, if they were gathered together in one place, as well those which are ●…tired, as they which remain, there would be found at the least two or three hundred thousand. If they will have respect to them that are of the same opinion, and yet dissemble, attending some change or fitter opportunity, I do certainly believe, that all joined together, would equal the number of the rest. So as they which maintain, that the number is so small, and that for them they should not alter nor change any thing, show, that they have no sense nor judgement, or else that they would reign alone in the world.  
Whereas they say, That they be all people of base condition: The contrary hath been 
Th●…t those of the 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 ●…ll of base cond●…on  seen in Germany, France, England, Scotland, and Denmark; whereas not only the common people, but also princes and kings have embraced this Religion: and doubtless, if they might discover themselves without danger of life and goods, they should also find here a great number of gentlemen, and others of good sort, that would declare themselves to be of their party. But although the number were not so great, yea, if there were but very few, yet it were be●…itting the clemency of a king, to have regard unto the health of the meanest of his subjects. The emperou●… trajan was wont to say, That he had rather save one citizen and subject, than defeat a whole army of his enemies: a speech worthy of a Monarch and Emperor. Such then as think they should not spare to ruin (as much as in them lies) the bodies and souls of the kings poor subjects, show themselves ignorant, what Christianity, humanity, or the clemency of a king requires; the very name whereof makes his fame more glorious, than all the trophies and victories that he could obtain of his enemies.  
But some will say, That these men are wicked and profane, and that they corrupt the rest. Whereunto I answer, That the point of Religion only excepted (whereon it is not my intent here to judge) you shall find, that they are otherwise, good men, fearing God, yielding obedience to the king and magist●…ate, and doing wrong to no man: although there be some that cover themselves with their name, and are not so▪ the which happeneth, for that they are not suffered to have the ex●…rcise of their Religion, as they would: and as for the point of their Religion, let it be what they please: but so it is, they are not all persecuted so much, for that they follow heresy and error, but for that they are constant and faithful in that which they think conformable to the word of God: for they suffer them to believe what they please (which indeed they cannot hinder) so as they will be disloyal, and hypocrites. And seeing they submit themselves to be instructed by the word of God, there is no reason to esteem them so wicked.  
Moreover, we must in despite of ourselves confess, That the greatest and best wits, and the most learned men, maintain their party. I will not disgrace the others. But if we will 
Most o●… the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and best w●…ts ●…re of the 〈◊〉.  lay aside all savour and affection, we shall sinned, that the most excellent wits have been and are of their profession; yea, the restoration of arts and sciences (the which were buried in darkness) is come from them: The knowledge of the Tongues, especially of the Greek and Hebr●…w▪ hath been beautified more by them than by any others. To conclude, their adversaries themselves are forced to confess, that there are singular men among them in all sorts of sciences: besides that, the life of many of them is irreprehensible. If then there were not so great a number, as there is, yet they should have a respect, not to ruin, and chase away those whom God hath endued with such excellent graces, and deprive the king and his countries of so great a good, in chase away, or murdering them, which might have served either for counsel, learning, or some other way: seeing it is ordin●…ly found, that they desire to yield all obedience and duty unto the king, and to serve him with body and goods, so as they would leave them the exercise of their Religion free. To conclude then, if it pleased his Majesty to grant this liberty, he should not only prevent troubles and inconveniences, which have happened in France, and elsewhere, through this occasion: but also it should be a means, by the which his subjects should be induced eu●…ry one to employ himself in his vocation, to the service of his Majesty, and the advancement of the 
In the end they shall be forced to grant liber●…e of religion.  commonweal: seeing that in the end they shall be forced to come unto it, were it after his decease, as in other countries where the like accidents have happened.  
It remains now to consider the inconveniences that may arise, the which I find to be two principal. The first, that if the exercise of their religion were allowed them, they might multiply 
Objections against ●…ee excr●…se of ●…ligion.  in such sort, as the ancient religion would decay and come to nothing, the which the king would not endure by any means. The other is, That they hold commonly, that in one country there cannot be two divers religions, without great trouble and disorder. As for the first, they must understand, that all religions are grounded, either upon the authority of God, 
Answer to the first objection.  or the authority of men: for a religion may be grounded upon the authority of men, when having regard unto that which our ancestors have done and followed, or to that which our king commands, or to that which some great parsonage doth enjoin us; we ground our religion upon those respects, without any other firm reason, or feeling in our hearts, that we do well or ill: as the Turks, Pagans, and idolaters have always done, yea and the greatest part of the world do at this day, changing their religion and manner of serving God, in what sort, and as often as it shall please the king, or those to whom they defer this credit. But for that those religions proceed not from a religious heart, fearing God, but rather from the respect and reverence of men, it is easy to hinder the course, and to plant in other by human means, as by arms and violence. So as it was no difficult thing for the Romans, to bring their gods and religions into Greece, and other countries of their conquests, the which were grounded but upon the authority of their princes and kings. But if the religion hath his foundation upon the authority and word of God, or upon the testimony of their consciences, be it with reason, or therwise, force and outward violence cannot prevail, as we have showed: and there is no means to hinder the course and progress thereof, but in showing that the foundation is il laid. If then the king will maintain the old religion, and stop the course of the new, it is necessary that he give them liberty to be heard, to the end that they may be confuted: and that all the world knowing wherein the abuse doth consist, may fly their acquaintance. If it be heresy which they sow, you cannot but stop the course, in suffering them to publish their doctrine, so as their errors may be laid open unto the people, by the truth of the word of God: else, the more you seek to suppress it, the more it will increase. But chose, if haply their doctrine be conformable to the word of God, it is not to be presumed, that his Majesty would oppress it, wherefore that inconvenience alleged, is of no consequence.  
The second point seems to be of great moment: for they say commonly, That to entertain the public quiet, we must have but one Law, one Faith, and one King; a thing without doubt which were greatly to be desired, for that it should bring us to that golden age. But seeing that religion and faith is a mere gift of God, engraven in the heart of man, over the which none can command but God only, it were a great indiscretion to think it possible to reduce all the inhabitants of one country to one faith, by force and corporal violence. It is true, that they say, That as in a family, the father ought to foresee, that all those of his house worship but one only God, and be of one religion: so the king should provide, that in his realm there should be but one faith and one law, the which were wonderfully good and healthful: but it is not possible to attain unto it, if it be not among those people whose religion is grounded upon the king's simple authority, the which is no true religion, but a mere hypocrisy & counterfeiting, whereunto they haply may be drawn, that have no fear of God. As it was seen among the Romans, who received as many new gods as their emperors commanded them. But this shall never take place among them which have any inward feeling grounded upon any reason, be it upon the word of God, or of their own conscience: in which case you are so far from reducing a whole nation to one religion, as you shall hardly reclaim one family. The which was manifest among the jews, where there were three famous sects, more contrary one unto another, than those of the new religion, unto them that maintain themselves under the ancient obedience of the pope. But, which is much more, from the beginning of the world unto this day, it was never seen, that all were of one law, and one faith, no not according to the exterior exercise: for before the coming of Christ, the kings of Egypt, Persia, and Babylon, were forced to leave the jews in their country, and to allow them the free exercise of their religion, the which they held to be abominable. And after his coming, the Roman emperors have also suffered it, as Antonius Pius and Marc Anto●…ne, not that they were of an accord with them (for they had the name of a christian in horror) but for that they found they were not seditious, nor disturbers of the public quiet: and so of many other emperors who have suffered them, and forbidden that no injury should be done them, although they were of a mere contrary opinion. True it is, that some one may say, That all these examples serve but to advance the Christian Faith, which the king intends to maintain, in rooting out the new religion: yet it is most manifest, that it is no new thing to endure two religions in one country; yea and that all wise kings and princes have so done according to the necessity of 
It is no new 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the time: for although the religion of those emperors were bad, yet they held it good & holy, as the king holds his; and it was the religion which they had received from their ancestors above three thousand years past. But we find also that Christian emperors have endured false religions, as it appears by the examples of Theodotius, Honorius, and Arcadius, who gave temples to the Arrians, and No●…atians, sometimes within, sometimes without the city, as the necessity of the time and place required. In the Ecclesiastical history, it is reported for a remarkable thing, that Valentinianus the emperor was Orthodox, and a good Christian, yet he suffered the Arrians, though he favoured them not so much as the others. Valens his colleague, or companion in the empire, was an Arrian, and would by no means suffer the Christians in his government, but did persecute them in all sorts: whereby we may easily gather, that in all well governed commonweals, to avoid seditions and tumults, it is sometimes necessary to grant temples unto heretics, not to the intent they should disperse their heresies more, but that the people hearing the truth confronted with falsehood, might (without mutines or tumults) apply themselves quietly unto the true and right religion. But our Lord and Saviour saith, That he came to bring war and not peace into the world, so as in one house there shall be dissension betwixt the father and the son, the brother and the brother, etc. How can we then maintain the religion of jesus Christ, if they will reduce all the world to one faith and one law, seeing that for the ordering thereof, he doth not command the faithful to kill the rest? but chose he saith, That the Apostles and faithful, should be betrayed, excommunicated, and put to death for their faith and religion: and therefore he will have them win the field through patience, and the virtue of his word. So as I cannot wonder sufficiently at the impudency of these men, who making a show to be well read in all ancient histories, dare maintain that there were never two divers religions in one commonweal: For what will they answer to the diversity already alleged, betwixt the pharisees, Saducees, and Ess●…es; without doubt they shall never find, that by reason of these sects there was any great difficulty in the government; nor that jesus Christ, or his Apostles, did ever command to burn them for their law. What shall we say of the diversity of religions that were among the Heathen, whereof one did not know another's gods, no not the names: and some also maintained publicly, That God did not care for human things; and yet we find not that the government of the Romans was troubled for this cause? But who doth not see at this day under the great Turk, a great diversity of religions; so as among the Christians alone, there are fifteen or twenty sects and sundry religions, besides the jews, Persians, and Mahumetists, all subjects to his empi●…e, the which are more contrary one unto another, for matter of religion, than water is contrary to fire? Without doubt, if these diversities were the true cause of seditions and tumults, it were not possible that the Turks power should grow so great.  
It is then a great ignorance, to think that subjects cannot be maintained in quiet, when they are of divers religions; for who so will look nearly to the spring and beginning of tumults and seditions, he shall find, that they proceed not so much from the diversity of religions, 
〈◊〉 ●…row 〈…〉 〈◊〉 the diversity o●…●…ons 〈…〉 p●…ons  as through private passions, as covetousness, ambition, revenge, hatred, and such like; from the which ●…all quarr●…ls may grow, and when the magistrate prevents it not in time, then by little and little they inflame, and are cause of tumults, and public seditions. Witness the troubles and seditions in Italy, betwixt the Guelphs and Gibellins, the which continued four hundred years, and was the cause of infinite murders, rapes, war, and all sorts of violence, and yet there was no difference in the religion, but all did grow, for that the magistrate did feed the private passions of their subjects, in steed of suppressing them by justice. And as for controversies touching religion, it is not two hundred years since that the controversies betwixt the Franciscans and the jacobins, for the conception of the virgin Marie, had caused great troubles throughout all Christendom; not that the controversy was of any great importance, but through the negligence of the magistrates, who nourished these factions, and became partisans. Seeing then it appeareth, that whereas good order hath been settled, people of divers sects and religions have been quietly governed, without any sedition or tumult: and chose whereas no order was, not only diversity of religion, but even small quarrels have bred horrible seditions and tumults; any man of judgement may gather thereby, that seditions and tumults take not their increase from the importance of the quarrel, whereon they are grounded, but rather through the want of good order, for that the magistrates neglect to punish them that entertain them; or else themselves maintain one party, the which is confirmed by many ancient and modern examples. And who so will examine strictly the last troubles of France, shall find, that the greatest part have happened, for that some mighty men, or governors themselves, having no regard to the public good, nor to the ordinances of the states, have at their own pleasures played the kings, and insulted of their own authorities over them of the religion. I think no man is so ignorant, but knows, that the murder committed at Vassy, by the duke of Guise, against the laws of the king and state, hath been the true and only cause of the civil wars which followed▪ to the ruin of the whole realm: for whilst the kings proceeded by their authority there was no news of any sedition, how grievous soever the persecutions were: But when as governors of their own authorities, offered violence to them of the religion, presently all these tumults grew, the which may serve us for a good example, whereby we may learn to avoid the like inconveniences, and take some good course for the benefit of the king, and the good of all his good subjects, which seek only to obey him.  
It is then easy to resolve, that good order would be settled, if liberty should be granted to them of the religion to assemble, and exercise their discipline, restraining and bridling them 
Note this counsel.  with such laws as shall be thought good: And that the king's magistrates and officers be careful to execute his majesties intention, foreseeing above all things, that the people usurp not the authority of the sword, under colour of the factions of great men. So as above all things there must be a prevention, that all violence be forbidden of either side, and that those which proceed by any other unlawful means, as by taxing and slandering, shall be well punished, which doubtless will be a most assured means, and the subjects shall live in good unity and concord together, and will carry a perfect obedience unto his Majesty. And in the mean time truth will lay open falsehood in such sort, as the king shall not need to fear that heresies shall multiply by this means, to root out the truth: but chose, we shall see truth flourish, and all heresies and false sects decay, God's glory shallbe generally celebrated, and the king's greatness and prosperity increase. The which God grant us by his holy grace, to whom be all honour and glory, for ever and ever, and ever, Amen.  
Such was the discourse of M. Francis Baudwin, wherein he touched the true point, concerning the remedy of the troubles, the which the king and his counsel might since have known to be true, if they would have confessed it freely: or whether that the point of religion, and the great zeal which his counsellors did counterfeit, were the matters which touched them nearest, as they made great show of: or else covetousness and ambition, every one aiming at his private greatness, to the prejudice of the king and his countries: and if the king, who was then given to his pleasures, and without any knowledge of state (the which he hath since learned to his own cost) referring all wholly to his cardinal and counsel, had not been so easy to suffer himself to be persuaded to the contrary.  
Whilst that both great and small in the Netherlands were thus distempered, for fear of the troubles which were at hand, by reason of the new bishops, Inquisition, bloody edicts, and 
An assembly of the nobles at the marriage of the prince of Parma.  counsel of Trent; Alexander Farnese, prince of Parma, son to duke Octavio, and the duchess governess of the Netherlands, married the Infanta of Portugal in the town of Brussels, whither most of the nobles and best qualified gentlemen of the country came, to honour the feast: during the which there were divers conferences among them, all concurring in this opinion, That they held it an inestimable loss, and a miserable case, that a country so abounding in people, and so flourishing in riches, should for the abovenamed causes come to ruin and de▪ solation; and that so many faithful and loyal subjects should kill and murder one another so grossly, for that they would not yield a little to their inclinations, nor discharge them any thing of the violence that was offered them, seeing that the people's requests were so reasonable. Wherein (seeing that they which had the government in hand, were abused or hindered by some bad spirits, to prevent the apparent mischief) they thought themselves bound, as well in regard of their duties and oath, as of the rank which they held, to embrace this matter effectually, and to advance it all they could. But they would first try if by the general complaints of the people, together with their prayers and intercessions, they might obtain any thing Wherein many of them did employ themselves, the more earnestly, for that they had of a long time 
The noblemen assemble at S. Trudon, touching the troubles.  been affected to the religion, and therefore hated the edicts and all other cruel innovations. The noblemen which were (as we have said) assembled at Hochstrate, were dealt withal, but they would not hearken to it, but revealed it to the duchess, for that some feared the event: yet notwithstanding the noblemen and gentlemen assembled at S. Trudon in greater numbers, resolving to make a petition in the people's name; they concluded of the order, and the day when they should meet at Brussels, to make the said petition unto the governess and the chief of the country, as well by mouth as by writing.  
And to the end that through the persuasions of some seditious instruments, the matter might not be so disguised, as their assembly and good intention should be taken in ill part, and otherwise interpreted than was sincerely intended, they thought it convenient for their assurance, to make a confederation or league together by the which they did promise to succour one another, and not to forsake it for any cause, but what should be done unto the least of them for that occasion, should be taken as done to them all in general, and to every one in particular: and that they should jointly defend themselves with all their powers; whereof they made a compromise signed by every one of them, the tenor whereof followeth.  
Whereas we have been lately duly informed, and it is most true, that certain perverse 
A compromise of the nobles of the Netherlands.  creatures, cunning and malicious, making a counterfeit show of great zeal, which they have to the maintenance and increase of the religion, and Catholic faith, and of the union of the people; but endeavouring only to satisfy their instiable covetousness, ambition, and insupportable pride, have by their ●…gred words, and false suggestions, so persuaded the king our lord (notwithstanding any petitions to the contrary, that have been made unto him) that contrary to the oath which his Majesty hath made unto God, and to his faithful subjects of the Netherlands, he would forcibly b●…ing in and plant that pernicious Inquisition; the which is not only unreasonable, and contrary to all divine and human laws, but also exceeding all the rigours and cruelties that ever were put in practice by the most cruel tyrants, Infidels, and Heathens. The which also cannot but redound to the great dishonour of the name of God, and the loss, desolation, and total ruin of the said Netherlands; for that it doth subject all authority and jurisdiction under the power of the Inquisitors, making all men perpetual and miserable slaves exposing all good men to continual and apparent danger, both of body and goods, by their searches and visitations: so as if a priest, a Spaniard of some wicked instrument, means to do a mischief to any man, by means of the Inquisition he may accuse him, cause him to be apprehended, yea & put to death, be it justly or unjustly, and confiscate all his goods, were he the uprightest man in the world, without hearing of his cause, reasons, and lawful defence. Wherefore we that have subsigned, having duly weighed and considered all these things, have and do think it our duties, according unto reason, to prevent the said apparent and intolerable inconveniences, and by all good means to provide for the safeties of our goods and persons, that we be not made a prey unto them, who under colour of religion or Inquisition, would enrich themselves with the loss of our goods and lives. Whereupon we have resolved to make, and do make, a good, firm, and holy league and confederation, binding ourselves and promising one unto another, by a solemn oath, to hinder with all our power, that the Inquisition be not brought in in any public sort whatsoever, either openly or secretly, under the name of Inquisition, Visitation, Edicts, Commandments, or any other pretexts whatsoever, but to abolish and root it out, as much as in us lieth; as the spring and fountain of all disorder and injustice Protesting notwithstanding before God and men, in the faith of a good conscience, that we have no intent to attempt any thing that may turn to the dishonour of God, or the diminution of the king's greatness, or his estates: but chose, that our intention is to maintain the king and his estate, and to preserve all good order, resisting as much as we are able, all seditions, popular tumults and revolts. Which confederation and league, we have promised and sworn, and do now promise and swear, to entertain it holily and inviolably. We call the almighty God for a witness of our souls and consciences, that neither in deed nor word, directly nor indirectly, we shall not willingly go against it. And to ●…atifie the said league, and to make it firm and stable for ever, we promise all assistance of body & goods one unto another, as brothers and faithful companions, holding jointly together, that none of us brethren & confederates, be not sought after, tormented, nor persecuted in body nor goods, in any sort whatsoever, for any respect growing from the said Inquisition, or in any sort grounded upon the edicts, tending thereunto, or by reason of this our league. And in case that any molestation or persecution happen to any of our said brethren, confederates and allies, in any sort whatsoever, we promise and swear unto God, to assist in that case, in all places with body and goods, not sparing any thing, without any delay or exception whatsoever, even as if it were our own proper persons: meaning and specifying expressly, that it shall not avail to exempt and absolve us from our league and duties, although the persecutors would cover the persecutions and molestations with any other colour & pretext, as if they should intend only to punish rebellion, or any such pretext whatsoever, so as it may appear unto us, that the occasion grows from the above named causes; for as much as we maintain, that in such cases there can be no crime of rebellion pretended, seeing it grows from a holy zeal, and commendable desire, to maintain the glory of God, the majesty of the king, and a public quiet, with an assurance of our bodies and goods, and the defence of our families, wives, and children, to whom God and nature doth bind us. Our meaning notwithstanding is, and we promise one unto another, that every one of us in the like exploits, shall refer himself to the common advice of all his brethren and allies, or to some of them, which shall be committed and deputed to that end, to the end, that this holy union may be always well and holily entertained, and that what shall be done by a common consent, may be firm and available.  
In witness and assurance of our said league and confederation, we invocate the holy name of the living God, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all that is in them, as judge and searcher of our hearts, consciences, and thoughts, who knoweth that such is our desire and resolution, beseeching him humbly, that he will give us the grace of his holy spirit, to the end that all our enterprises may have a good and happy succcesse, to the honour of his most holy name, and the quiet public tranquility, and health of our souls. Amen.  
This assembly and confederation of the nobles, could not be made so secretly, but it was 
divers opinions of the confederation of the Netherlands.  discovered: and as no man in court could learn what their design & intent was, but the confederates themselves, so it bred a great fear and alteration in the governess, and those of her counsel: and as it commonly falls out in the like occurrents, many reports, and divers advertisements were sent touching the same. The more the brute of this league increased, the more their conceits and diversity of opinions augmented; some tending to good, some to bad: some said that all the country was revolted: some that there was an assembly of many thousands of men, which came armed towards the court: some gave it out, that they had secret intelligences in certain towns, of the which they would first seize: others reported, that they would change the government at their pleasures: some said, that they would chase away the Romish religion, and plant the reformed: some others that were more mutinous, said, that it was to drive away all the clergy men: others approaching somewhat nearer, and having a more true feeling and apprehension, said, that it was to abolish the Inquisition and the edicts. To conclude, every man spoke according to his humour, and as he was affected. But all agreed in this, that the said nobles should meet in great numbers armed, whether it were at Brussels, or elsewhere, and then their design should be made manifest.  
All these brutes brought a terrible fear and perplexity to the court, especially to them who were partly the cause, that these persecutions, executions, and Inquisition (from whence every man judged the occasion of this assembly to be taken) had been so eagerly followed, and that they would not receive any complaints or admonitions to the contrary, by them of Brabant and Flanders, exhibited as well to the governess, as to their magistrates and consuls, who through diversity and obscurity of answers, and apostiles, did but dissemble, to pacify the people. And in the mean time by provision, and according to the king's letters to the duchesle, and from her to the consuls (as we have before said) there were certain men deputed throughout all the provinces, which should have a care every one in his quarter, over all the inhabitants, whether they went to mass or no, and if they did their accustomed duties in the Romish Church: which deputies were bound to make their report at the court at Brussels, every three months. Yea the Inquisitors had full commission to execute their designs, projected long before, conformable to the instruction which was given them the eleventh of May 1565: by the which, according to the very words thereof, ample and full commission is given them, to make Inquisitions, proceedings, corrections, and punishments, degradations, 
The very words of the Inquisitors commission.  deliverances to the secular power, to use imprisonments, and apprehension of men, making of processes without any ordinary form of justice; choosing only some one of the king's counsel, who should be bound to give sentence as they should require, according to the forme●…●…nd tenor of the apostolic letters, written touching that, without any attendance or requisition of the ordinary, judge, or diocesan of the place, and that against those that are suspected of heresy, or that shall read forbidden books, or shall make assemblies, dispute or talk of the holy Scriptures. Item, to call before them, as often as they please, all his majesties subjects, of what authority, power, state, quality, or condition soever, be they precedents, counsellors, bourgmasters, aldermen, or other officers, to swear them by oath, against all those they shall name, upon pain to be punished as suspect and favourers of heresies. In respect whereof all governors, magistrates, and officers, were enjoined to give all aid, assistance, and favour unto the said Inquisitors, in the execution of their charge, whensoever they should berequired, upon the same pains, etc. Besides many other things, directly repugnant to all right, and the ancient privileges and customs of the country.  
Moreover, the most apparent, as well among the nobles, as merchants and artisans, and especially the richest, were already enrolled in these Inquisitors books, to proceed against them, as against men, subject to confiscation, both of body & goods at the least in case of repentance to great pecuniary fines. Thereupon was heard of all sides the brags and threats of Inquisitors, 
The vaunts and threats of priests and preachers, incenseth the people  priests, and monks, daring to des●…ribe, yea to name in their sermons, the most apparent. Whereof not only the people of antwerp, which heard it, and the magistrates, which had been daily informed, bare witness, but also the towns of Lille, Tournay, Valenciennes, and others of the countries of Flanders, Brabant, Holland, and Arthois, whereas these threats have been publicly heard, from the mouths of the priests and preachers. Besides it was generally spoken, of a levy of ●…orse and foot made by duke Erick of Brunswick, to plant the Inquisition (as it was given out) by force in the Netherlands, as they had before designed, yet could not effect it: and that all this did tend to put it in execution, that is, to make a conquest of these Netherlands, and by that means having abolished the privileges, to convert them to a realm, as I have said. This levy of men was confirmed by the entertaining of captains, to whom duke Erick had given in priest. This did so amaze the people, that many merchants, yea of the most apparent, had already packed up all, to free themselves from such violence and oppression, by a voluntary exile: many were already retired, and the trades were transported from all parts, namely from Flanders, Tournay, Valenciennes, and other neighbour places, in such great troops, as it was not only apparent to the eye, and they felt it in the decay of their imposts and customs, but also it did plainly appear, that many good borough towns and villages, were almost left desolate: so as there was no good man, that seeing this calamity and decay of the country, which had been so flourishing, but was wonderfully grieved: yea there were some officers and magistrates of great quality, who, considering of the one side the rigour of the commandment, by the which it was expressly said, That if any one of them should refuse to his duty, and assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their charges, that they should be discharged, and others put in their places; and on the other side, laying before their eyes the fury of an incensed multitude, the which being moved by such extremities, do oftentimes fall into such rages, as they neither spare officers nor magistrates, or else it may be, not able in conscience to become provosts and executioners to the Inquisition, in a cause so ill grounded, spoke openly of leaving off their charges, and to resign them into the king's hands, in case he continued in this resolution, rather than to pursue the said executions with such rigour.  
On the other side the French, neighbours to these countries, who had long affected this estate, as if the better part had proceeded from them, were loath to let slip this occasion, seeking by all means to sound the hearts of the inhabitants of the country, giving them to understand by men suborned, how insupportable this servitude should be unto them, by the which they should take from them their privileges, immunities, and liberties, and bring in other laws, ordinances, and customs, after the Spanish manner: that the Spaniards would come and seize upon their lands, houses, wives, and children, yea of all that was theirs, and subject the king of Spain's own person unto their Inquisition. They did not forget to describe unto them the great desolation which would be in the country, by reason of the retreat of the chief merchants, who would carry away with them the workmen, artisans and their arts. And (as it is true, that traffic is the nursing mother of these countries) that being retired, the workmen must needs retire, or die for hunger: besides the subjection of consciences, whereunto they would bring them; comparing with all these discommodities and feruitudes, the wealth, goodly commodities, and above all the liberty of other realms and neighbour countries, as France is (the privileges of the French church being such, as they do not acknowledge the Pope for their superior, but as they please themselves) England, Scotland, Denmark, the greatest part of Germany, with Bohemia: And therefore it were an unworthy thing, that these good countries of the Netherlands, lying in the midst of such neighbours, so free, should be made slaves, under the yoke of a strange and far-fet barbarous nation. Whereunto did also serve divers and sundry brutes spread abroad here and there, as in the neighbour countries of Germany, Gueldres, Oueryssell, Friesland, yea in 
Provinces of the Netherlands confederates with the empire.  Holland and Zeeland, where they said, that they were confederates with the empire, and therefore should enjoy the privileges of the pacification, made and passed in Germany at Passau, and not endure the yoke of the Inquisition of Spain, repugnant to all ancient laws, customs, and privileges.  
In Brabant and Flanders they objected an accord made by the deceased emperor Charles the fifth, with the prince's electors of the empire, making one circle, the which in the german tongue they call Creyts, by itself, contributable as much as two princes electros. Whereupon, and to show that it was true, they pretended that they of Flanders had given a gratuity unto his imperial Majesty, as an acknowledgement of the good which they pretended to have received by the means of the said accord; the which his Majesty had taken in good part: and that thereby he was bound to the observation of the said treaty. Moreover for the Brabansons, they did allege their contract of joyous entry, the which they said was mutual and reciprocal, and could not be broken by the one, but presently the other were freed and discharged from their oath.  
Whereunto they added, that the duchy of Brabant was fallen to the king of Spain's predecessors, by right of election, the which depended upon conditions sworn of either side: all which conditions they said, were broken, if they brought the Inquisition of Spain into that country. Those of Brabant did also produce six principal articles among others of their 
Six chief articles in the privileges of Brabant.  privileges, whereof the first was:  
1 That the duke of Brabant might not augment the state of the clergy, more than it had been in old time, and so placed by the dukes, unless the two other estates of the nobility and commons should consent thereunto.  
2 That the duke might not pursue civilely or criminally, any of his natural subjects, or strangers dwelling there, but by the ordinary course of the justice of the country, whereas the accused may defend and justify himself by his counsel.  
3 That the duke may not raise any tribute or other imposition, nor any innovation, without the consent of the states of the country.  
4 That the duke may not place any strangers or foreigners in any offices of Brabant, except in certain petty exceptions, namely in his court, where he may have two strangers of his counsel, so as they be of the same language; as also one that is not borne in Brabant, having for a time enjoyed some free signiory there, may be precedent in the said Court.  
5 When as the duke would assemble his estates, were it to demand money, aid subsidies, or any other thing of his subjects, that those of Brabant, nor the other estates of the country should not be bound to go out of the limits of the country, nor to conclude any thing out of it.  
6 If it should happen that the duke would restrain and infringe their privileges, were it by force, or otherwise; in that case his subjects of Brabant, having made a solemn protestation before, should be freed and discharged of their oath and homage, and as free men may provide for themselves as they shall think most convenient.  
Which privileges most part of the towns and provinces did maintain them to be in like sort given unto them, by accord made with Maximilian king of Romans, in the year 1488, the 16 of May, according to the 14 article of the said treaty, and other accords made with the said provinces.  
Besides all these allegations and propositions, in the end they durst say openly, that by the feodal laws, the lord looseth the right of his fee, by the same occasion of felony, that the vassal forfeits his fee unto his lord; inferring thereby, that by reason of the Inquisition, the which did attempt manifestly against the lands and goods of the king's vassals, they might justly forget their duty of fealty. All which brutes, with many others, the which were spread abroad here and there, as well by writing as by mouth, with many pasquils set up in divers places, as well in antwerp, as in Brussels, and the libels printed, that were dispersed abroad, did wonderfully move the people (being already much altered) as it happens commonly, when as the heart of man is in fear or anguish, it is easily distempered, and moved upon all occasions that are offered, conformable to that which it affects. The noblemen considering this, especially they which had their houses and residence in the country, fearing lest the people, thus moved, falling into despair, would set upon them as well as upon the rest, would make haste to prevent the mischiefs that were ready to fall. And first they would try if the emperors intercession would any thing avail them, to mollify the king of Spain's heart. Whereupon they sent their deputies to an Imperial diet, that should be held 
Deputies of the nobles with a petition at an imperial Diet.  at Ausbourg, with a petition unto the emperor Maximilian, in the name of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, having left the Romish religion, and desiring to add hereunto the reformed: in the which was discoursed at large, of the Inquisition of Spain, and of the publication and observation required of the counsel of Trent, which sought to pull from them their privileges, freedoms, and the liberties of their consciences. They therefore besought his Imperial Majesty, and the princes of the empire, to admonish the king, to forbear the shedding of any more innocent blood, and of men fearing God, lest the wrath of God should fall upon him, and upon the house of Bourgoigne.  
Matters standing in this estate, the Governess and her counsel thought it fit and expedient to send for all the noblemen that were absent to court, as well governors of Provinces, 
The governors ●…nd knights of the order sent for to court.  as knights of the order, and in the mean time to charge them to write unto the noblemen of their quarters and jurisdictions, not to deal any further in their confederation, but to give it over; finally that they should endeavour, that the said nobles and their assembly might be dispersed, upon hope that matters might be pacified. They did also write unto the said noblemen, to the place whereas they thought they were assembled, and to the heads of them, That if they had any matter of grievance or complaint, they should send it in writiting by their deputies in a small number. The Governess in the mean time causing her guards to be doubled, and the court to be fortified, she also writ unto the king the twentieth of May, 
The Governess writes to the king all the ●…res of the Netherlands.  advertising him of all that had passed, of the murmur and discontentment of the people, of the apparent danger, if they did not relinquish the Inquisition, and moderate the rigour of the edicts, of the confederation and compromise of the nobles, whereof she sent a copy, and generally of the complaints of the four chief towns of Brabant, upon the breach of their privileges, etc. The said lady did also cause the three estates of Brabant to be called together, to whom she declared, That she had been well advertised and informed, that there was a certain conspiracy plotted, and an enterprise made upon the country, the which might cause great inconveniences, and therefore they must be stopped and prevented by any means; entreating them to do their duties, and to inform her what they could learn more particularly thereof, as in like sort she would advertise them of her knowledge. And 
The Gouern●… p●…th th●…●…es o●…●…bant.  whereas she had understood, that the pretexts which they took, was against the Inquisition, she had the day before commanded the counsel of Brabant, to answer a petition presented by four chief towns: assuring them, that it was never his majesties intention nor hers, to charge the country of Brabant with the said Inquisition: for the which the states did humbly thank her. Afterwards she caused the deputy of the town of antwerp to be called apart, advertising them that some strangers being of the conspiracy, were lodged in the I●…nes of their town, desiring to know what it was, and what order they held for the preservation thereof, for that she had been advertised, that some bourgesses and merchants, did adhere unto the conspirators. Whereupon the said deputies answered, That there was good order, and good watch, and a good guard day and night at the ports, and every part of the town; that the ships were searched before they were suffered to enter into the haven, and that the Innkeepers did every night bring the names of them they lodged, but they had not heard of any strangers: notwithstanding they would write more amply unto her of the whole. Whereupon the Duchess said unto them, That they had good reason to stand upon their guard, for their honours, goods, and lives depended thereon: they might also assure the people, that they should have no Inquisition, and therefore to admonish them that they should contain themselves in peace and quietness. The like advertisements and admonitions she gave unto them of Brussels, and almost in the same substance, as she had propounded it to the states of Brabant▪ touching the conspiracy and enterprises. The six and twentieth of March she writ unto all the governors and particular officers of all the provinces, admonishing them to stand upon their guards, and to prevent all inconveniences.  
The governors, knights of the ord●…r, and other noblemen, being assembled at Brussels 
A project to moderate the edicts.  upon the Duchess commandment, with the king's counsel of state, it was propounded how they might moderate the rigour of the edicts, and the punishment of the offenders, so as they might still maintain the ancient religion▪ and pacify the troubles which began to arise▪ thereupon they concluded to write unto the king▪ and to understand his good pleasure. But as soon as the people understood, that they would take no other course, but by moderation and changing of the accustomed rigour, this made them to enter into greater suspicion than before; and the more, for that they sought to keep that secret which they had resolved in the said counsel, touching the moderation, thinking they should have small ease or relief thereby. And if before they had cast about pasquils, now they set up protestations against the magistrates, taxing them that they did wink and dissemble with the Governess: the which was not done in the country of Brabant alone, but also in Flanders, upon four several petitions, which they presented as well to the king's Majesty in Spain, as to the Governess and to the counsel of state: to the which they answered doubtfully, to hold them in suspense, and lull them asleep. And for that the said petitions of Flanders and Brabant were substantial and full of pregnant reasons, to move the king to field unto their humble supplications, I have thought it good to insert one (to the which that of Flanders was conformable) sent by them of Brabant into Spain, the which was as followeth.  
Sir, although that all your obedient subjects, as well of your town of antwerp, as of the rest of the duchy of Brabant, be not ignorant of your majesties good affection to 
A petition sent by them of Brabant to the king of Spain.  the preservation of your country, and good of your subjects, which are there resident, being continued as it were by hereditary succession, from your majesties most noble ancestors; yet notwithstanding for as much as we feel, and have for many years felt, that there are many about you, which do not with so good an intention as it were to be desired, seek the aduan●…ement of the countries and provinces that are subject to your Majesty, but being oftentimes thrust on, some by envy, others by private hatred, abuse your mildness and accustomed clemency, to the great prejudice thereof, informing you of many accusations, which should rather be trodden under foot, than presented unto your Majesty. It is a thing not only commendable and convenient, but also profitable, and more than necessary, to discover in some sort, and lay open the slanders that have been laid upon your most obedient subjects: to the end that hereafter the country of Brabant, and all the Netherlands, yielding all duty of loyalty and obedience unto your Majesty, may be eased and relieved, according to that which shall be held expedient for the service of God, the preservation of your dignity, and the tranquility of your faithful subjects. And although it be not our intent to prescribe you a law, for the governing of the things which are committed unto you by the grace of God, yet we doubt not but your Majesty is sufficiently instructed what the duty of the members are, showing where their pain and grief doth most press and trouble them, that they may be relieved. As also it hath pleased you to grant this grace unto your faithful subjects of the duchy of Brabant, promising them by express privileges, to hear their petitions and complaints, and to provide for them according unto reason. Wherefore relying as well upon your clemency, as upon the promise which it hath pleased your Majesty heretofore to make, we hope that it shall not be troublesome unto you, if we first lay open the spring of these accusations, with all the effects that would follow, if it should not please your Majesty to prevent this mischief presently, so as it may not enter into the countries of your subjection: then after, to show the manner how to entertain this good of peace and quietness among your subjects, the profit whereof shall come unto your coffers, and the honour unto your Majesty. For the saying of Demades is always true, That it is more easy to govern the helm of a ship, when she is whole and under sail, than to gather the pieces together, when it is broken through the violence of the waves, or against some dangerous rock. Whereof we must all have a care to the greatness and dignity of your Majesty, the quiet of all your subjects, and the private profit of every town and city that is under your command. It doth not seem fit nor reasonable, that your faithful subjects, who are ready to employ body and goods, yea and their very lives for your majesties service, as much and more than ever they did heretofore, should receive wrong by the suggestion of any one, who under some colourable pretext, practise that which will be an irreparable loss to you and to your obedient subjects. For we find, that all the speeches which are held against your countries, in your majesties presence, proceed to two principal parties; whereof the one seems to be wholly supported by the hatred and envy which is inveterat, to the ruin and utter desolation of the country, were it not that God provides for it by his bounty, and you govern it by your wisdom: the other puts forth still an infinite number of heresies, the which serves many for a cloak to incense you more and more, and had done it long since, without the wisdom and moderation wherewith God hath endued you in such matters, to their great good and comfort, who desire nothing more, than to enjoy a good and a happy peace, under your majesties government and command. And this is our comfort, the which makes us to hope for better in the midst of all our cares and crosses, into the which we have often fallen, for the maintenance of your dignity, and of the difficulties wherein we are at this present, through the envy and malice of some. And as for accusations, they are not so received of your Majesty, but th●…re is still a place reserved by your clemency, for the defence of the innocents: for that which is spoken through hatred or envy, chargeth the whole country, that is, an infinite number of people, which protest to live under your obedience, so long as God shall give them the grace: but in accusations the danger must be private, liable against them which make sects apart, and sow heresies and false doctrines, to the end that in judgements, the faults that shall be found, may be punished without envy, and that envy may be laid aside, if there be no offence found. True it is, that if these things were spoken nakedly and simply, w●…thout any proof or demonstration, it were a lean defence, and unworthy to be presented to your Majesty: but if this envy be seen with the eye, and felt with the hand, we hope by the help of the almighty God, that your Majesty will find want of judgement in many of them, which seek all the means they can to effect their bad affections, under your majesties authority: for without doubt, there shall no envy be found in the world, if it appear not in this action, where under a colour of a private mischief, they would ruin all, and reduce a populous country, to a waist and solitary desert.  
If a finger of the hand be interessed and festered, must we therefore cut off all the arm, and cast it to the dogs? or if the foot be grieved, must we therefore abandon the whole body, and give it in prey to Lions and savage beasts? And it hath been one of the goodly and grave counsels, which of late days hath been given to your Majesty, to hold Brabant for an enemy country, and a land of conquest, only in regard of the privileges 
They would h●…ue Brabant ●…or an enemy by reason of their privileges.  which it hath pleased your Majesty to grant them. If there had been question of any crimes, of any rebellion and disobedience, of any practice of treason, as well against God as your Majesty, or of any villainy whatsoever, it had been much more tolerable. But that which they brought in question, was the entertainment of your gifts, of your promises, of your greatness, your oath, your honour, and your good fame, the which shall be the more glorious, by the inviolable maintaining of your word and promise, the which they seek to blemish, labouring to dissolve that which you have once confirmed by a solemn oath.  
What counsel then is this, can it proceed from piety, seeing they would have your majesties indignation fall generally upon all, good and bad, without distinction? Can it proceed from any good zeal and affection to your majesties greatness and dignity, seeing it tends to the ruin and destruction of your faithful subjects, whose riches are your treasure, whose quiet is your glory, and their prosperity the happy increase of your Majesties, greatness? But rather their bad disposition is showed, in that those which serve God and your Majesty faithfully, are contained in one list with the wicked, by the opinion of such people, and made subject to the same condemnation. Wherein we acknowledge ourselves so much the more bound to you, when as sinister censures being propounded, by some indirect means, and tending covertly to our ruin, they have been repelled by your majesties discretion and love towards us, so as they have suddenly vanished away, to the great joy and content of your subjects. The which gives us more future hope, to expect all good things from your ordinances and commandments, and still to attend greater testimonies of your clemency, to the end that we for our parts may endeavour to do you acceptable service, and worthy of your high and sovereign Majesty.  
In the mean time, although that through your wisdom these mists have been dispersed for a time, yet is it not rooted out of the hearts of some, which persuade (at the least endeavour secretly to persuade) the same, all they can, as if they made mines under the earth, to compass that which at the first they had encountered and maintained with all vehemency: for whereas before they talked of exposing the country in prey, now they will finish the same work begun, under colour of a remedy against sects, which rise in some of your majesties countries: so making the number sometimes double, and devising other means to deprive us of all access unto you, and to hinder the peace, by the which we have yielded you all dutiful obedience, as well in fight against your enemies, as in seeking the advancement of your glory.  
They charge your country with infinite wickedness, to plant hatred in your heart, which is already graven in theirs: to the end (if it were possible) that your edicts might be cords to tie them that offer you all service, and your magistrates and officers, the inhuman executione●…s of their passions: not that we will condemn of so damnable a mind, all those that make any bad report unto your Majesty of the Netherlauds, for we know many of them think by this means to root out the sects that grow, for the zeal they bear to the Romish Church. And others in like sort think, that two religions can never be entertained together, contrary to the testimony of so many examples, which have been, and are at this day apparent to our eyes, although we know in truth, that there is but one only service of God: but whatsoever it be, they abuse themselves much in this: for first they think without any further search, that for one heresy there an hundred, and that men's minds are wholly inclined thereunto: moreover, that the princes, noble men, and magistrates of the country, wink at them, and care not to prevent these growing errors: and having done this disgrace unto your Majesties well affected subjects, they give you to understand, that it is impossible to prevent heresies, but by rigorous courses, by murders and cruel persecutions. Whereat many, even of your Romish Church, are amazed, alleging the ancient examples of the doctors of the Church, especially of Saint Augustine against the Pelagians, Donatists, and Circoncilians, who held towns and countries in their power by force, whereas now they have not the hundred part of that power and authority.  
And whereas they think, that the Inquisition is the true and only means to root out heresies and errors, they consider not on the other side, that it is the way to impoverish your subjects, to unfurnish your countries of inhabitants, and even to deprive you of an infinite treasure, growing from the traffic of strangers: for it is common in the mouth of all men, that whereas the Inquisition sets footing, the merchant flies away. The which we speak the more freely, to the end your majesty may understand what inconvenience would grow by such a decree, if our enemies and such as hate us had prevailed so much with you, as to plant and settle such an Inquisition in these countries, as we doubt not but they have employed all their means, and do still make many practices to that end. It is not our intents to call the Inquisition in question, whether it be receivable, or no, or to dispute of the newness or use thereof: but only to 〈◊〉 you understand, what is fit for your glory, the preservation of our country, and the increase of your power and greatness. For as these things be annexed and coupled together inseparably, in like sort we may easily show, that this Inquisition (whereof they talk so openly) is repugnant to all these things, and cannot stand but in overthrowing them dispersing and dividing those things, whereof unity is more than necessary in all your Netherlands: the which is notorious to all men (without seeking of far fet proofs and argum●…nts) as well by the nature of this inquisition (which they demand to have established) as by the inclination of the inhabitants of the country; to whom mildness and gentleness is much more agreeable and pleasing, than any force or constraint: for that it is often seen, the said Inquisition, without convicting, or showing any reasons of abuse, condemns men of heresy, be it right or wrong (as we have seen examples not long since.) They compare it to an ignorant physician, who seeing any rupture or flux in a man's body, will not touch the part that is grieved, but will busy himself about that which feels no pain, plastering it, and binding it up, as if it were not well; and sometimes straining the parts that are interessed and displaced with all force and violence: As also the greatest part of the Inquisitors busy themselves only about that which is sound and perfect in doctrine, seeking e●…our where is none, using their authority and power to force men's consciences, where by lively reasons and good proofs, they should argue and confute all that did contradict them.  
Moreover as the people find this manner of proceeding very strange, and that in a manner there is not any one but hath compassion of them which are executed for the confession of their faith; this hath hitherto bred such a hatred against the Inquisitors, as all men think that they are come to trouble the quiet of the country, and to hinder men from following of their private affairs, for the maintenance of their estates, and by the same means the increase of your majesties greatness. But for that it is not our intention to dispute of these points, nor to interpose our censures against that which it shall please your Majesty to resolve, in a matter of so great importance; we only beseech your Majestic, and implore your succour and mercy, that you would not suffer your whole country to decay and go to ruin, for a matter which is either false for the most part, or more curable by gentle and mild means, and much more easy to bear, to the content of your subjects, the enriching of your country, and the increase of your glory. Remember, if it please you, how your majesties most noble predecessors have long since, yea two hundred years ago, promised and sworn solemnly to the inhabitants of the country of Brabant (as in like sort your Majesty hath done) to maintain and preserve them, yea and to cause them to be maintained in their ancient privileges, customs, and rights, the which they have had, and have at this present, which they could not infringe. May it please you also, to set before your eyes the present estate of the country, and then you may the better comprehend the miserable ruins which will remain, planting such an Inquisition there, by the retiring of merchant strangers, & the impoverishing of your subjects, whereof a good part should be also constrained to keep company with strange nations in this flight.  
And such is the estate of your country, that although there be fertile places, rich and abounding, some in corn, others in cattle and pasture, yet all is not sufficient to entertain the rest of the country, three months in the year, as well through the greatness of the country, which is poor and barren of itself, as for the multitude of people that inhabit it: the which is evident by the duchy of Brabant; in which country, besides the seven chief towns (as they call them) which are mighty and greatly peopled, we find moreover so great a multitude of people in all places, as it is impossible to number and comprehend them. In the mean time, for that all that do reside there, find not their living ready in the place where they are borne, but they must get it, and seek it elsewhere; we see by experience, how God hath provided for them of the said country, making them strong by nature, enduring travail, laborious, and industrious in all sorts of works: so as employing themselves therein with all pain and diligence, they recompense by their hands the defect of their country: so as by their ordinary labour the merchant stranger is drawn thither, wherewith your subjects entertain themselves, and a great profit cometh unto your Majesty. It is most certain, That if the Inquisition were planted in the duchy of Brabant, especially in your town of antwerp, it would be cause of the retreat of the merchants, to the great loss of your revenues, and the ruin of your poor subjects. The which was manifest in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, your father of famous memory, when as the deceased Queen Marie, dowager of Hungary, his sister, at that time Governess of these countries, gave his imperial Majesty to understand of the perplexity and eminent danger of the town of antwerp (and by consequence of the Netherlands) that he might prevent all mischiefs and inconveniences, and preserve it from a total ruin and destruction: notwithstanding the persuasions of some, who sought to bring in the pragmatic Sanction; partly for that they were ill affected to the said town, and partly through want of judgement and consideration. And since, when as they sought under your majesties name and authority to establish a new bishopric in the town of antwerp, the merchants fearing the said Inquisition, were resolved not to attend the end of this novelty, but to make their retreat as soon as this new bishop should be received into the town; whereof some had so laid their plots, as they were ready to dislodge, offering their houses and lands to sell, abating the prices both in selling and letting. And now also making the same pursuit of this fraudulent practice, which was begun long since, they would induce you to do that which must needs bring desolation to your subjects, and a great loss, as well to yourself, as to your majesties successors.  
Wherefore it should not seem strange nor troublesome unto you, if now your obedient subjects address themselves unto your Majesty, to let you understand the estate and condition of their cause, and to divert you from hearing of them, who seek no other thing but the hurt and prejudice of your Majesty and your subjects; the which is sooner prevented in the beginning, than when the thing is advanced: for our parts we desire it, hoping there will be no less in you, than it hath pleased you to show in times past, especially at your last departure to go into Spain: for it will be too late to seek a remedy for so great a wound, when as we are fallen into such inconveniences, and as it were beaten down with so violent a storm; when as the merchants shall seek elsewhere free exercise for their negotiation and traffic, as they may do in France, England, and the East countries, whereas they should have no fear of the Inquisition: of which loss the bourgesses of your town of antwerp, and all the inhabitants of the duchy of Brabant had good experience, in the year 1550, when as the publication of the said Inquisition was stayed; who by the only brute thereof, and the merchants apprehension, received so great a loss, as it could not be repaired in a year or two after. And who are they (my Liege) that receive this loss? be they not those that have served you in your most important affairs? be they not those which have employed themselves freely for the maintenance of your dignity? which have exposed their bodies against the enemy, that yours might be in safety? When did they not promise, and give willingly and cheerfully all that was held needful? When did they refuse to do that which was commanded them? If you will examine nearly the histories of times past, and consider the present, you shall find that they have not only employed their estates for your glory; but that there is at this present a treasure ready prepared for your service, especially in your town of antwerp. Of what value and estimation think you this is, having so many rich and wealthy bourgesses, so many faithful servants, and profitable for your Crown, whose traffic bringeth great benefit and advantage unto you: whose patience, virtue, and frugality is so great, as we may see a great care and industry in your public affairs, and an incomparable diligence in their private business. Wherefore as we can conjecture, and dare assure your Majesty, that as for them, who (with great pain) have sought to revenge the wrongs done unto you, and constantly undergone all dangers for your service, they expect nothing from you, but that you will have this opinion, that the safety and preservation of all their rights, liberties, goods and whatsoever else consisteth in that the Inquisition (which such men pretend) may not be allowed. For against whom is the Inquisition brought in, but against them that hold not the faith and Religion of the Romish Church? Who are they? They be Germans, Easterlings, English, Scottish, French, and infinite other Nations, wherewith your Netherlands are (as it were) circled and environed. These Nations than must be chased out of your territories, and the merchants must retire into their natural countries, having abandoned them that have great need of their commerce, that is to say, your poor subjects, unfurnished of all things, without the help of other Nations. They do therefore present themselves unto you, and implore your faith and mercy, requiring assurance and constancy in your promises. They sigh after your good, which consisteth in the continuance of their traffic. They long for the honour which was done them by your ancestors, enjoying their rights, freedoms, and privileges: They sue instantly, that their hands may not be tied, and their means of living taken from them: They desire, that hereafter they may let you understand their love by the effects, and that they may do you some acceptable service, as they have done heretofore. This is that which they demand, as they have done heretofore both by writing and mouth unto your Majesty, that there should be no cause given unto the merchants and foreign nations, to retire themselves out of your town and country, for so many miseries which were like to fall, if it should take effect, to the great prejudice of your majesties revenues, and of your successors, the desolation of the country, and the total ruin and confusion of your most humble subjects. The which is not spoken in vain; neither would we lay it open unto your Majesty, if we were not acquainted with the weightiness of the business, and the apparent danger, under an uncertain hope that is propounded unto you.  
Your Majesty knoweth well, that your town of antwerp consists only in the commerce of foreign nations, and that by their retreat they shall decline from their flourishing estate, and by the loss of those great revenues, which they receive daily, it cannot long subsist, by reason of an infinite number of debts wherewith they are now charged, being engaged heretofore for many great services, which the town and the inhabitants thereof have done unto your majesty and your predecessors, and in like sort in the fortification thereof, after that it had been besieged by Martin van Rossem. For all which things they beseech your Majesty to provide in such sort as the merchant strangers be not forced to retire themselves from the place, which hath been so long unto them as a safe port to use their trade and merchandise, whereof would follow an infinite number of miseries, the least of which would cause an irreparable loss unto the town; and not only unto the whole body of the town, but to every one in particular. For although the greatness and riches of the said town hath now the fame throughout all Europe, as the flower of all merchant towns; yet the merchants having made trial in other places, may find as great profit elsewhere for their free commerce: whereof proof was made by the imposition of the hundredth penny, when as many merchants & handicrafts men retired themselves to Hambourg in the East countries. But the frequenting of the said town is more than necessary for all your poor subjects, as well those that are resident there, as in the rest of the duchy of Brabant and neighbour countries: for it is antwerp that yieldeth them profit; it is antwerp that furnisheth them with work; it is antwerp that doth in a manner feed them, and relieveth them in their necessities, for that it is the storehouse of the country, as they were wont to say of Sicily; it is your majesties treasure, pouring forth infinite riches, which they present unto you (if need shall require) for the maintenance of your authority, and all by the means of strangers, without whom all things would go miserably to ruin. For the negotiation and navigation (which is the chief support of these countries) would come to nothing; the handicrafts which make this country so famous, would be scorned, and of no esteem, unless that strangers might have free intercourse of traffic. But what strangers would consent to this Inquisition? Who would subject themselves unto it; abandoning the liberty that was borne with them, the which they love and esteem more than all the worldly treasure? Who would against their conscience and doctrine (which they have received in their countries) yield unto the Romish church? yet some advise and persuade you, seeing the stranger will not live under the Inquisition, to expel them your countries; that is to say, that your treasure be taken from you, and the lives from your poor subjects. Seeing then it is most apparent to your Majesty, that these two cannot concur together, to have the Inquisition and strangers in one place; how dare they then deliver these things in your majesties presence, regarding neither the estate of the country, your dignity, nor the willing obedience of your subjects, judging of things according to their own passions? How can these things enter into their conceptions, but they must presently apprehend the danger, which they would be loath to see? For although they brag of their bounty and zeal, yet the end will always discover what it is. But for that your wisdom doth duly weigh and consider all things, we hope that your Majesty will judge more favourably of your subjects, than they do by their wicked discourses, which are void of all humanity. We know, that some among them will say (as they have done) that strangers shall not be subject to the Inquisition, but only your natural subjects, so as they be tied to certain conditions: the which might be easily done, and your subjects might as easily thereby escape the Inquisitors hands, hiding themselves, and colouring their goods by the names of strangers. But it is not your subjects intent, who desire always to live your subjects, as they have done now so many years: for the which you have often thanked the princes, noblemen, and officers which are there by your authority, as well at your departure, as by letters since your absence.  
If then they shall give your Majesty to understand, that they are ready to do you all duty and service, both with their lives and goods, and yet that they have no intent to be subject to Inquisitors, who would use all rigour, cruelty, tyranny, and inhumanity over them and their families; we doubt not (if your accustomed mildness and clemency doth not abuse us) but you will yield that grace and favour unto your subjects, in regard of their continual services, for the preservation of your greatness and dignity. But in the mean time it would seem strange at the first, that which they say, that they would not do that which you command expressly; and in truth it were very likely: whereby some would seek to incense you against us, and justly, in regard of the people's fault.  
But if the prince (regarding only his own assurance, and the keeping of his countries) draweth an enemy into them, who is a disturber of the public quiet, hindering the course of traffic, his subjects profit, and the advancement of his own glory; this people should have some reason, if it were made known unto the prince. The which was apparent in a matter of much less moment, when as Antipater at that time lord of Athens, which in former times had been so famous and renowned, had put Menillius (a mild and tractable man) in garrison in the fort of the city, which they called Munichie; yet he called him from thence again, at the request of the Athenians, and the admonitions of Photion. But these are no Menilles, no quiet spirits, entertaining peace, but seeking war in the midst of peace, shedding of blood where there is no wound, opposing themselves by their troubles to the common quiet, pouring forth their rage upon a number of poor men, unworthy oftentimes of such torments. This is not the complaint of one of your subjects alone, but of all in general, to the end, that if the prayers and supplications of one be not able to confute the slanders, disperse the hatred, and divert your majesties heart from so great a mischief, and make you taste this great and excellent good which we attend of you: yet let the cries and common consent of all in general make you apprehend this pretended mischief; for the which we hope your Majesty will provide, when it shall be made known unto you.  
Besides, when as all your well affected subjects come unto your Majesty for so great a good, which they desire should be entertained in the countries of your obedience, & the mischief which they seek to prevent, with your aid and succours; it is not their authority which they bring, it is not their will they would have serve for a law, it is not their own pleasures which they respect and follow: but it is your majesties authority, your will and pleasure, whereon they rely, and the which you have once promised them by a contract and an accord, which they have made with your Majesty, the which you sealed by a solemn oath, the firmness whereof is well known unto us. For otherwise, if you should have any such conceit if they should seek to make you apprehend it, and to put it in execution; where were then your majesties honour and gravity? Where were the assurance of your subjects, when as for certain vain and idle considerations (yea prejudicial to your subjects) these things are propounded against us and our quiet, the which we have long enjoyed under your command and your predecessors? What is become of the honour of those great and mighty Emperors, Maximilian, king Philip, and Charles the fifth, and the dukes which have gone before them in these governments; if your honour be confirmed by so contrary an act? They contracted with our fathers, as your Majesty hath done: they did also take a solemn oath; they governed their subjects in peace, as you have done hitherto: and they maintained the rights and privileges of the country inviolably, according to their promises. These are the two points we expect from you, and we believe, that you also desire it, and will show it by experience with the h●…lpe of God: if not, either the dishonour of your ancestors shall be published by your honour (if it may be in such an act) or else your dishonour (which God forbid) shall be laid open by the●… honour, which shall continue, by reason of the integrity and equity of their government. But if any one would now say, that this honour (wherofwe speak) doth contradict the good, profit, and advancement of your dignity: it seemeth that he will use no other Arms, but a dagger of lead (as they say) which turneth again on itself. For what man of judgement doth prefer his wealth before his honour, for the which so many virtuous men have so willingly spent their bloods, and abandoned their lives? Moreover, is it not the true point of honour, when one is adorned with truth, constancy, and perseverance; the least of which virtues exceedeth all the treasure and possessions in the world? But let us allow them that privilege which covetous and wretched men do hold, That temporal goods ought to be pref●…d before honour, and that there is no dishonour, but should be undergone to get wealth. What have they gotten by this thrift? let them show how your majesties revenues shall continue firm, putting their goodly designs in practice; the which we maintain shall be taken from you, seeking to force your subjects to follow this good counsel. But (say they) the faithful subjects will remain: yea, if they may have the liberty & commodities before mentioned. Heretics shallbe chased away: that were much, and more than the ancient emperors could ever do. But I pray you what heretics? the Gospelers and Anabaptists. The modesty of the first hath been so well known in so many places, and their patience so well tried in your countries, as we are amazed. The fury and rage of the others hath been manifest in some places but here it is unknown to us, God be thanked. If you think to chase them away, it may have some show in the beginning, as if one would say, the fire is quenched, when it is covered. But the true means is, to root opinions out of their hearts, as they did in old time; and not to have their bodies miserably tortured and torn in pieces. By that means (say they) the country shall be in peace. It is certain it shall be in peace, when it shall remain solitary and desert; the which must needs follow this excellent counsel, which they so impudently present unto your Majesty. It is true that they say, there shall be a peace, but they should add the rest: That the Inquisition (which they seek to bring in under your name) will be the overthrow of the Inquisition: For either it will cease when they shall see the towns unpeopled, and the country desert; or else they must abolish it, when they shall seek to repeople the country, and restore the traffic: the which can hardly or never be effected. But there appears a foul error in these men's reasons, when they say, that your power is much blemished, in that which your subjects demand, that they may enjoy their rights and privileges, without any prejudice to your Majesty. For we see, that the king of Sparta having created the Ephores, and subjecteth himself willingly to that they should decree, answered his repining wife (who said he had done wrong unto his children) That the realm which he should leave to his successors, should be of less show, and more lasting. Even so it fareth with your Majesty, if your subjects may hold their accord firm with you, as they have always done with your predecessors: And the power which is given you, is much more firm and durable, when according to the promise contained expressly in the first article of your joyous entry, the estates of the country do second you, to have a care of the profit thereof; all with the consent and liking of your faithful subjects. Wherefore now if the prosperity of your subjects, the good of your towns and cities the increase of your lands and signiories, and the honour and greatness of your Majesty have any power with you (whereof we are assured) weigh a little the importance of this action, and consider what the end will be of so miserable a thing; set before your eyes this noble and flourishing country, which shallbe ruined upon an occasion unworthy to be presented unto you, and much less to find any settled place in your heart; strangers retiring & forsaking the place, the subjects seeking means elsewhere to entertain themselves & their families, the towns impoverished & made naked of these goodly ornaments, especially Antuerp (the flower of merchant towns, the ornament of the Netherlands, and of your crown, a ready treasure in peace and war) falling from her dignity, the houses ruined and deformed in steed of her present beauty. What a hearts grief, what a confusion, what a discomfort will these things bring unto you? Hear then the cries of your subjects, who call instantly unto you for pity and compassion. Hear then the country, w●…h seemeth to present itself unto your Majesty, and to speak these words unto you with a general consent.  
I have served your predecessors long; I have employed all my means for the preservation of your dignity; I have given myself into your hands, and you have received me with your mutual and reciprocal promises: I demand nothing as due by contract or promise; I demand no requital for that which I have employed and spared for your Majesty; I am silent of those things, I will renounce my right, lest I should be accused to have used any reproach, that might be ignominious unto you; I only crave, that you will not disrobe me of mine ornaments and yours, chase not away strange Nations, oppress not your subjects, whom I have nourished in my bosom; estrange not yourself from me, to the end that my riches be not withdrawn from you. Look unto the treasure which is ready for you, to supply all future necessities, that your enemies be not enriched with my wealth, of the which you shall be deprived by the flight of strange Nations; maintain the good of your subjects, for my good is yours. The which if you seem to desire and affect, for the entertaining of the dignity which is common to you and me, I hope so to discharge my duty, as your majesties authority (such as it hath been in your predecessors) shall be continued for ever, and increased by my best endeavours, to your great content, and the common joy of your good and faithful subjects, who shall be the more bound to pray unto God for your majesties happy advancement.  
This was the contents of their petition of Brabant; the which if the king had seen and read, as he ought, without doubt he would have changed his opinion, if not wholly, yet in 
〈…〉  part. But the Cardinal of Granuelle, and those of his faction, who possessed the king, meant not so much good to the country, nor to their master, as to suffer him to consider of these reasons, set down as well in this petition, as in the discourse of Francis Baudwin, and many other admonitions, wherewith the court was continually importuned: But it prevailed as much, as to cry unto the deaf, or to sow upon the sand, or in the waves of the sea, during their greatest violence, the which, in stead of bringing us to a safe Port, sought to drown us. Finally, there was not any one that would once look on it, or read it: it was sufficient to know whence they came, and to what end they tended, and more they might not speak. So as they of Brabant could obtain no other answer to all their petitions, as well in Spain as in the Netherlands, but the Apostile before mentioned, given by the Governess commandment unto one of their requests, on the four and twentieth of May, by the counsel of Brabant, unto the four chief towns, assuring them, That the king had never any intention to charge his country of Brabant with the Inquisition: which was but an evasion for that time, to abuse the people.  
Those of Flaunders, in the mean time, were nothing more graciously entreated: for the four members seeing plainly, how the whole country was unpeopled, the traffics, handicrafts, and trades to cease in the chief towns and boroughs, as at Gand, Bruges, Ypre, Courtray, Armentiers, Poperinghe, Roullez, Hondtschooten, and other places, whereas clothing was wont to be in great request; artisans retiring themselves by great troops out of the country; sent their deputies to Court, in the year 1564, with declarations by mouth, and petitions in writing, challenging their privileges, and demanding what they of Brabant had done: Whereupon answer was made unto them the fourth of October, by a doubtful answer, nothing tending to that which they demanded: 
An ambiguous and rigoróus apostile to the petition of them of Flanders.  but chose, charge was given to M. Peter Titleman, deane of Renay, Inquisitor general of Flaunders, who (as a Salus spirans minarum) ran from town to town, with four Sergeants and other Officers, together with the Attorney general, or his substitute (persecuting, imprisoning, and offering violence to all those that he suspected to be of the Religion) to carry himself discreetly in the execution of his charge; and to the said suppliants, magistrates of towns, to give him all assistance, aid and favour in the execution of his charge, & the K. Edicts, according to his Ma. intention, and the good & quiet of the country: in doing so (said the Governess) there was hope, that the inconveniences represented unto her by the Suppliants, should be prevented by that means. By this answer, those of Flanders understood sufficiently the intention of the Court, and therefore durst not at that time press it any further. In the mean time M. Inquisitor triumphed through all the villages of Flanders, seeking to augment his jurisdiction and power. And so did the new bishops which had been admitted. So as in the month of May 1566, he of Bruges practising daily some innovation, having forbidden to bury certain merchants strangers, presumed to offer to prescribe a law unto the magistrate, touching the entertainment of Religion, and of the counsel of Trent, sending them a certain rule, by the which they should govern themselves; the which concerned merely the policy of the town. Whereunto the magistrate making some difficulty (for that thereby the temporal jurisdiction must depend upon the Spiritual, and the bourgesses must be answerable to the bishop's court) refusing to yield unto it, the said bishop and Inquisitor made complaints against them to the counsel of Flanders, as refusing that rule and form which they had propounded them; wherein, to speak truly, the magistrate had been but the beadle, officer, and executioner of the wills and passions of the said bishop and Inquisitor.  
Whereupon the four members of the county of Flanders, together with the magistrate 
A second petition made by them of Flanders against the Inquisition  of Bruges, sent their deputies to court, to complain of the attempts of the Clergy: and the rather, for that they did see their neighbours of Brabant were not yet charged: requiring, to be maintained in their ancient rights and privileges: that the Inquisition (which did directly contradict them) might be disannulled, in regard of lay men; and that the Clergy might not deal with the temporal jurisdiction, wherein they had never any thing to do●…: also that they might be no more tied than other provinces to entertain the Edicts and Inquisition. But to four of these petitions exhibited by the Flemings, there was never any provision, no not in the least point which they demanded: but that after long pursuit, and a petition made by the Noblemen, the counsel of Flanders was restrained, upon the pretensions of the bishop and Inquisitor, who was also enjoined to surcease his persecutions. For upon so many delays given by the court unto the petitions and complaints of divers provinces of the Netherlands, the people were generally moved: And considering, that all the answers and hopes they gave, were but to abuse them, the nobles resolved speedily to prevent the mischiefs which were ready to break forth, after they had had the advice of some learned Divines and Lawyers, for the drawing of their petition; the which they presented unto the Governess, as well in their names, as of all the people. For the presenting whereof, there met in the town of Brussels, the first, second, third, and fourth day of April, many gentlemen accompanying Cont Lodovic of Nassau, ●…d the Lord of Brederode; all without arms, and very modestly, attending the Earls vanden Bergh, and of Culenbourg, who were not yet come. The fourth day they demanded audience. The next day they marched in goodly order, five in a rank, towards the court, being about four hundred noblemen and gentlemen, going out of Culenbourg place: whereof the last (as it were) shutting up the company, were the said earl of Nassau and the lord of Brederode; where they found the Governess, the counsel of state, the knights of the Order, and the governors of provinces, which attended them. When as the Duchess did see them coming from above, in such good order, and so many in number, she was somewhat troubled. The lord of Barlamont (who had before been of advice, not to suffer them to enter into the town, or if they entered, to draw soldiers secretly into the Court, to murder them, when they should come to present their petition) to assure the said lady, said: That they were but a rabble of Gueux, or beggars.  
Upon which speech, and for that Barlamont and his adherents did at that time accuse them of rebellion, they resolved to show, that their intentions tended to the contrary, and to bear 
The beginning of the Gueux, by the which the protestants in the Netherlands were called  a mark or badge among them, to let the world know, that they pretended to live and die in the king's service, taking the subject of their device upon a wallet and a dish, fit for beggars, and on the one side of the medailes (were they of gold or silver) was graven the king's picture, with this inscription; Faithful to God and the king, even to bear the wallet: inferring thereby, and by their symbol of a dish and a wallet, that they were better servants unto the king than Barlamont, or his adherents: and retaining this epithet of Gueux, and their emblem, they gave the world to understand, That they did not refuse to be Gueux, or beggars, yea, if need were, to carry a wallet, that is to say, to suffer the loss of all their goods and possessions (as they protested in their petition) to do the king faithful service, preserving the quiet and prosperity of their country. The lord of Brederode took upon him the charge to deliver it; who advancing for them all, presented it with great humility unto the duchess governess, with a brief speech, as followeth.  
Madame, the gentlemen assembled here in this town, and others of the like quality, of a competent number (who for certain respects are not here present) have resolved (for the K. service 
The lord of Brederode his speech, presenting the petition.  and the public good of his Netherlands) to present this petition unto your highness: whereupon you may give such order as you shall think fit and convenient, beseeching your highness to take it in good part. Moreover (Madame) we are advertised, that we have been charged before your highness, the lords of the counsel, & others, that this our deliberation was chiefly taken in hand to move tumults, seditions, and revolts; and that which is much more abominable, that we have a desire to change our prince, having practised leagues & conspiracies with foreign princes and captains, both French, Germans, and others; the which never entered into our thoughts, and is contrary to our loyalty, and to that which your highness shall find by this petition: beseeching your highness to name and discover unto us those that have so unjustly blamed so noble and honourable a company. Moreover (Madame) the noblemen here present have understood, that there are some of them particularly charged & accused, to have been actors, and to have sought to put in execution that wicked enterprise, as well with Frenchmen, as other strangers, wherewith we find ourselves much grieved. Wherefore we beseech your highness to do us so much favour, as to name the accusers, and them that are accused, to the end that the wrong and wickedness being discovered, your highness may do speedy and exemplary justice; and that to prevent the inconveniences and scandals which may grow, being well assured, that your highness will never suffer so noble and honourable a company, to remain charged with such infamous & wicked acts. Whereunto the duchess answered, that she knew nothing of all that he had said touching those accusations, neither had she ever had such an opinion of any one of them, whom she assured herself to be the K. faithful servants: and as for their petition, she would look into it, and impart it to the counsel, the tenor whereof was:  
Madame, it is well known, how highly renowned the loyalty of the Netherlanders unto 
The petition of the nobles against the Inquisition, etc.  their lords and natural princes hath been and is yet throughout all Christendom: wherein the nobility hath always held the first rank, having never spared body nor goods for the preservation and increase of their greatness: wherein we his majesties most humble vassals desiring to continue so still, are ready to employ both body and goods to do him humble service: and seeing in what terms the affairs stand at this present, we had rather incur some dislike, than to conceal that from your highness, which might prove prejudicial to his Majesty, and withal trouble the quiet and happiness of his countries, hoping that the effects will show in time, that among all the services which we have or may do unto his majesty, this is to be reputed the greatest & most seasonable: so as we assure ourselves, that his majesty cannot but take it in good part▪ Although (Madam) we doubt not, but that whatsoever his majesty hath heretofore decreed of new, touching the Inquisition, and the strict observation of his Edicts, for matter of religion, hath some ground and just title, and that to continue all that which the emperor Charles of famous memory had with a good intention decreed: Yet seeing that the diversity of times bringeth withal diversity of remedies, and that within few years the said edicts (notwithstanding that they have been executed with all rigour) have yet given occasion of many grievous inconveniences; Without doubt his majesties last resolution, by the which he not only forbids to moderate any thing of the said edicts, but commands expressly, that the Inquisition should be observed, and the edicts executed with all rigour, gives us just occasion to fear, that not only the said inconveniences will increase, but also in the end may follow a mutiny & general sedition, tending to the miserable ruin of the whole country, according to the apparent shows of the people's alteration, which are to be seen in every place: wherefore knowing the greatness of the danger that doth threaten us, we did hitherto hope, that either by the noblemen, or the states of the country, your highness should be duly informed to prevent it, in taking away the cause of the evil: but seeing they have not done any thing (for some causes unknown to us) and that in the mean time the mischief increaseth daily, so as the danger of a sedition is even at hand, we have thought it our duties, according to our oath of fealty, together with the zeal which we bear unto his Majesty and the country, to attend no longer, but rather to offer ourselves to perform this necessary duty. And we do it the more willingly, for that we have reason to hope, that his Majesty will take our advertisement in good part, seeing this action doth concern us nearer than any other, being exposed to those calamities, which do commonly grow from such accidents, having for the most part our houses and goods in the country lying open as a prey to all the world: considering also, that by the rigorous observation of the said Edicts (as his Majesty hath expressly commanded) there is not any man among us, no, not in all the country (of what estate and condition soever) but shall be found culpable of confiscation of body and goods, and subject to the slanders of any envious man; who to have part of the confiscation, would accuse him under colour of the edicts, having no refuge left him, but only the dissembling of the officer, upon whose mercy his life & goods must wholly depend. In consideration whereof, we have so much the more cause humbly to beseech your Highness (as we do by this present petition) to take some good order for it: and in regard of the importance of the cause, to make a speedy dispatch unto his Majesty, by some one fit for that employment, advertising and humbly beseeching him in our behalfs, that it will please him to provide as well for the present, as for the time to come. And for that it can never be done, in leaving the said Edicts in their vigour and force, (seeing that thereon dependeth the spring of the said inconveniences) that it will please him to incline to the abolishing thereof: the which he shall not only find very necessary, to divert the total ruin and loss of these his countries, but also conformable to reason and justice. And to the end he may not have any occasion to think, that we (which have no other pretence, but to do him most humble service) would attempt to bridle him, or to prescribe him a law at our pleasure (as we doubt not but our adversaries will construe it to our disadvantage) it may please his Majesty to make some laws by the advice and consent of all the general estates assembled, to provide accordingly, by other more fit and convenient means, without such apparent danger. We also beseech your Highness, that (until his Majesty may be informed of our just request, and dispose according to his good and just pleasure) you will prevent these dangers by a general surceasing, as well of the Inquisition, as of all manner of executions, until that his Majesty hath otherwise decreed; protesting, that we have (as much as in us lieth) discharged ourselves of our duties by this present advertisement, whereof we now discharge ourselves before God and men; declaring, that if any inconvenience, disorder, sedition, revolt, or effusion of blood should hereafter happen for want of a speedy and convenient remedy, we are not to be taxed to have concealed so apparent a mischief. Wherein we take God, the king, your highness, the lords of his counsel, and our consciences to witness, that we have therein proceeded as good and faithful servants and loyal vassals to the king, not exceeding the limits of our duty: wherefore we do the more earnestly beseech your highness to prevent it, lest some greater mischief happen.  
This was the petition presented by the nobility; the which was both pregnant, just, and conscionable: the which the king should have acknowledged, as proceeding from his faithful and loyal servants, and grounded upon right, justice, and good policy. Yet by the sinister 
The petition of the nobles interpreted to rebellion.  interpretation which was made by the Cardinal and his adherents, it was imputed to rebellion, and a raising of innovations. So as it became a Trojan horse; from whence, those that were enemies to the king and the public good, have drawn so many calamities and miseries. For if the duchess and the king's counsel would in any sort have foreseen it, so many miseries had not ensued, and the fire which was kindled, had not in a manner consumed the whole country: whereof we must only blame the insatiable cruelty of some counsellors, who were not satisfied with the rigour of the Edicts, but they must second the Cardinal's ambition, whom they see in danger by this petition to receive a great disgrace, & they themselves to fall from their credit and authority; and it may be worse, when as all their practices had been discovered by a convocation of the general estates, which they demanded. This was the anvil whereon were forged all the miseries which ensued, for that they did not satisfy the demands of the nobility, as was fit and expedient: whereas chose, the said counsellors took occasion to pursue and persecute those that had signed this petition, as guilty of high treason: and this terror was greater than the former. To which petition, the next day after the presentation, the Governess made answer as followeth.  
Her highness understanding what is demanded by the contents of this petition, is resolved to send unto his Majesty, to represent it unto him, and to do all good offices, to make his Majesty 
The Governess answer to the petition of the nobles.  yield to the demands of the petitioners, who must hope for all things worthy of their demands, according to his majesties accustomed bounty and clemency. The Governess having before the coming of the said petition (by the advice of the governors of provinces, knights of the order, and counsellors of state) laboured to make a moderation of the edicts, touching Religion, and to present it unto his Majesty, the which her highness hopes shall be to all men's content. And for that her highness authority (as the petitioners may well conceive) is not so absolute, as to surcease the Inquisition and the Edicts (as they demand) and that it is not convenient to leave the country without a law concerning Religion, she hopes that they will rest satisfied with that she sends unto his Ma. to that end: and that in the mean time attending his answer, her highness will give order, that as well the Inquisitors (whereas any have been) as other officers respectively shall proceed modestly and discreetly in their charges, so as there shall be no cause to complain. Her highness expecting also, that the petitioners for their parts will govern themselves accordingly: and it is to be hoped, that by her highness good endeavours his Ma. will be pleased to discharge those countries of the Inquisition whereas now it is, and as it may be understood by his answer to the chief towns of Brabant, that they shall not be charged. And her highness will the more willingly employ herself to do all good offices with his Majesty to that effect, for that she is assured the petitioners have no intention to alter any thing concerning the ancient religion observed in these countries, but to maintain it with all their powers. Made by her highness at Brussels the 6 of April 1566, signed Margareta.  
Who so doth well consider of this apostile or answer, may easily gather the profit that should follow, and what fruits the nobles might expect: for this delay to advertise the king, was only 
The Governess policy.  to win time, and so to be better instructed of the most expedient means to avoid this danger. Upon this, on the 8 of April the gentlemen desired another time of audience, where they thanked the Regent for her gracious favour, wishing that her answer had been somewhat clearer and larger, saying, that it grieved them, that she had not the authority to disannul the proclamation, desiring her notwithstanding to forbid the officers to proceed any further therein; and as they were content to submit themselves in all things to that which his Majesty should ordain and appoint to be done concerning religion, th●…y hoped likewise so to behave themselves, that nothing but good report should be given of them, protesting once again to have done their duties, if there should after ensue any further trouble, for want of better order to be taken therein, beseeching her to take it in good part: and for that their adversaries sought to put their request in print, they desired that the K. printer might do it in such sort as it was delivered, without falsifying the same. After counsel taken, the Regent made answer, That she hoped to take such order with the Inquisitors, that no disorder nor scandal should thereby ensue; and that if any should so fall out, it should rather proceed from them than others, willing them to be careful, that no scandal should rise amongst them, withal praying them, not to proceed any further, to draw any more company unto them. Whereunto the gentlemen replied, That they thanked her for her gracious answer, but they should be better pleased, if she would vouchsafe to declare, in presence of all the lords there assembled, that she took their assembly in good part, and all to be done for the service of his Majesty, assuring her, that they would behave themselves in all things peaceably and quietly. Whereunto the Regent answered, That she believed no less. But for that she made no further speech to show her intent, the gentlemen once again craved, That she would openly declare, what she thought of their proceedings: Whereunto she made answer in few words, That for that time she could not tell what she might say thereunto. And with that it being perceived at the gentlemen's departure, that they seemed to be discontented, divers of the counsel, and others, as Monsieur Dassonuille, entreated the Regent, that she (for more quietness) would send the gentlemen away with better satisfaction. Whereupon to give some content unto the gentlemen (fearing, that an absolute denial, or the long expectance of avoyage into Spain, should alter them, by some new jealousies) the eight day of the same month a promise was made unto them by the knights of the Order, touching some points of the said petition, whereof an act was made as followeth:  
The noblemen here present, promise upon their faith, and the oath of their Order, to the deputies of this noble and honourable company, having sufficient authority to receive the promises of the said noblemen, That from this day forward the magistrates and Inquisitors shall not proceed for matter of Religion, by apprehension of bodies, confiscation of goods, nor banishments, for that which is past, or to come, unless that by some seditious act, or foul scandal, tending to trouble the Commonweal, any be found culpable. In which case, you (my Masters) shall take knowledge, as is fit: and that by way of provision, until that his Maiesti●… (by the advice and consent of the general estates assembled) shall otherwise decree. Made at Brussels the eight of April 1566. And the more to delude the said gentlemen, the ninth of the said month she writ her letters to some chief governors and counsellors of provinces, conformable to the answer given unto the petition, the tenor whereof was:  
Cousin, most dear and well-beloved, whereas many gentlemen of these parts of the country have presented a petition unto us, to abolish the Inquisition and the Edicts of the king my 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉.  lord, touching matters of Religion, and to make a new Edict with the consent of the general estates: whereunto we have made them answer by an apostile, That we will send and represent unto his Majesty the contents of their request, and do all good offices therein; having already somewhat moderated the Edicts: and for that our authority doth not extend so far, as to surcease the Inquisition & the said Edicts, as they require, & that it is not fit to leave the country without a law, that attending his majesties answer, we would give order, that the Inquisitors should proceed discreetly and modestly in their charges. Desiring to effect the said apostile, we thought good to advise you by these presents, and to command you to write & give charge in his majesties behalf, to all officers of your government, that in the execution of their charges for matter of Religion, they should proceed with all modesty and discretion, yet not suffering any innovation or change in the ancient Catholic Religion, which is now observed in these parts, nor any scandalous or seditious act. And in case any such matter should happen, to advertise us thereof, that all informations being viewed by us and his Ma. counsel, we may give such order as we shall think fit: whereof we will them not to fail, lest some inconvenience should arise, etc. Written at Brussels the ninth of April 1566, signed Margareta, and beneath Ouerloepe.  
By these letters, whereas she useth these words: That for matters of Religion they should proceed with all modesty, discretion & wisdom. She confessed, that the Inquisitors and their officers had before used too great cruelty, indiscretion and brutishness: and that for the present, in steed of roasting & burning them, they should be contented to cut off their heads & hang them, as they did soon after: and that (as they said) in doing them grace, if the parties condemned did not abjure & renounce their religion. In the mean time the gentlemen were like Tantalus, fed with vain hopes, for they persuaded themselves, that the liberty of their consciences hung over their lips, and that they were ready to taste of it; and yet the more they thought to embrace it, the further off it was from them.  
The regent and her counsel determined to fend certain lords into Spain, to certify the king of their proceedings, and to desire and beseech him, to grant some favourable protection and order unto the Netherlands, who she knew would be much moved at the assembling and proceedings of the gentlemen of the countries, which was written and sent unto him in the worst manner, as expecting a worse event. To which end (many promises and persuasions being made unto them) the marquess of Bergen, and the baron of Montigny were moved to take that charge upon them, being two wise and politic lords, both knights of the order of the Golden Fleece; by whose wisdoms and discretions, all men were in good hope, that the king's wrath would be pacified which notwithstanding fell out clean contrary, to the great and hard fortune of both those noble personages, for that in time it cost them both their lives: and to that end they went into Spain, with full instruction, as also with a draft of a moderation of the proclamation for religion. This moderation which as then was framed, contained thus much. That all favourers of religion, harbourers of heretics, scandalous persons, and such like, should in steed of burning be punished with hanging: but if they recanted their opinions, they 
The contents of the moderation of the procl●…tion for Religion.  should but lose their heads, and the common people should be banished.  
This moderation (so called by the common people) the court and the counsel sought to have ratified by the states of the land (upon whom the common people so much called) and to that end first sent for the smallest provinces, as Artois, Henault, and Namure, etc. and none but they, who being so called, were sent with full commission, to do whatsoever should be requisite, without further instruction from their masters, towns, or counsels, and withal were charged to keep it secret from the common people. When those provinces had given their consents (as it was reported) the like was propounded unto them of Brabant and Flanders: but they of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, Guelderland, etc. were not summoned, because they had many and greater privileges. But this manner of proceeding, to get the said moderation, consented unto by the states, without knowledge of the common people, was at the last by certain libels and verses made known and published amongst them: whereupon great tumults and suspicions began to arise, because the general states might not be suffered to assemble together according to their old and ancient customs. This suspicion more and more increased, for that many men that had fled out of the land for their Religion, being returned again, were committed to prison, and that in Oudenard one Hans Tuiscaen, a tapestry weaver, was put to death for Religion in july after.  
At which time the baron of Montigni went alone into Spain, because the marquess of Berghen had hurt one of his legs, but not long after followed him; who being come into Spain in the month of june, were oftentimes heard both by the king and his counsel, who as then lay at Segobia, his counsel being Don Aluares de Toledo, duke Dalva, etc. Don Gomes de Figuera, Don Anthonio de Toledo, great master of the Order of S. john, Don Mauriques de Lara, high steward of the king's house, Ruygomes de silva prince of Euoli, and earl of Melito, Lois de Quixada, chief esquire of the prince's body; all men of great authority, wisdom, and experience in Spain: but no more Netherlanders than Monsieur Tisnack, precedent of the counsel of estate in the Netherlands, the counsellor Hopperius, keeper of the king's seal, and Secretary Corteville.  
Before the king and this his counsel the ambassadors of the Netherlands oftentimes showed, That the alterations in the said countries happened only upon the king's letters, touching 
The commission of the ambassadors of the Netherlands declared unto the king.  the planting of the Inquisition, executing of the proclamation for Religion, and such like, and that there was no other nor better means to remedy the same, than utterly to abolish the Inquisition, and to consent unto a moderation of the proclamation, as they desired, and to grant a general pardon, without contradiction, if the gentlemen confederates would be content therewith, for that they desired, that all might be done by the consent, counsel, and advice of the general states: yet they said, in behalf of the lords of the Order of the golden Fleece, and others of the principalest of the nobility, that they had all resolved and agreed together, That if it pleased the king to grant unto these three poiuts, to do their endeavours to pacify the state of the Netherlands (than so troubled and disordered) and to be a means to plant peace and unity amongst them, by secret practices of good men (whereof there were yet a great number within the land, and well addicted unto them) and so to compel the bad by force to live in peace and subjection. Which they were charged to desire at his majesties hands, and had fully determined to put the same in practice, so they might have the kings good will and consent thereunto (unless it pleased his Majesty to make great haste to come into the Netherlands) and yet not without convenient and fit opportunity. Much being argued and disputed hereupon, both the ambassadors said plainly and flatly (as the Spaniards reported, and after inserted the same in the process made against the said lords) that the noblemen and gentlemen of the Netherlands had no intent, meaning, nor purpose to rise up in arms, if it pleased the king to grant unto the points of their embassage propounded, but were fully determined every man to keep at home in his own house: making further complaint, That they were scorned and despised of the Spaniards, which presumed, that they ought to have the command and rule over the lords and knights of the Netherlands (as they have in Milan, Naples, and Sicilia) which the Netherlanders could not endure, with many such like speeches, as they report. While they proceeded in this manner, and that the counsel in Spain were busied about this matter, the Regent's letters were brought from Brussels into Spain, to certify of the people's assemblies and gatherings together in many places of the country, and of their open preachings, which were done about Dornick, Rissel, S. Omers, and Ypre, and that certain French preachers were among them, and that the like was done in antwerp: For which cause she desired the king to send a good and a short resolution, and to consent unto the three points before alleged, for that she, nor the lords of the Order of the golden Fleece, neither yet her counsel, could find no other means to prevent the apparent troubles.  
and the rather (as she said) for that the secretary gave it out, That it was by their consent and commandment, which they should prevent and make known by the effects, that their intentions had been and was good, ●…lse the world might think that thei●… petition (which they said was presented for the preservation of the country) had been the only cause of these preachings: and if any one among them had incited the people thereunto, he had exceeded the bounds of their compromise and petition.  
Whereupon the nobles answered by writing punctually to every article, in the form that followeth.  
Madame, We cannot give your highness sufficient thanks for the good offers which were 
An answer of the ●…obles to the du●…sse excuse.  propounded unto us at Duffel, the 18 of this month, by the prince of Orange, and the earl of Egmont, on your highness behalf, who left it us in writing as followeth, the which seems to contain nine articles, whereof the first is:  
That your highness hath sent the marquess of Bergen, and the baron of Montigny unto the king, 
1  to acquaint his Majesty with our petition: For the which, Madame, we most humbly thank your highness, and we hope that those noble men being so sufficient, will do all good offices with his Majesty, whereby he may understand our just intentions to be conformable to our petition.  
Secondly, We are put in mind of the promise which we made, to die in his majesties service, and 〈◊〉 
2  your highness feet: Wherein Madame, we desire to continue always, neither had we ever any other will.  
For the third, That we know, that since our petition there hath been no innovation, touching the 
3  Inquisition and edicts, according to our dema●…nd, and that therein your highness hath satisfied 〈◊〉. We believe that your highness hath altered nothing since our petition; but the magistrates have not duly obeyed your highness letters, but have continued still in the apprehension and imprisonment of people, by virtue of the Inquisition and edicts. That which we persuade ourselves, is directly contrary to your highness intention and command.  
Fourthly, That a●… good and loyal subjects, according to our promises, we should restrain and suppress 
4  the insolency of sectaries. As for our promises, Madame, we hold, that we have wholly satisfied them both in general and particular; yea we have done our best endeavours to contain the people in all modesty, and to hinder the preaching, from whom we cannot take away the persuasions which they have conceived upon the stay of his majesties resolution: for that it was said unto us, That within two months after the presenting of our petition to your highness, we should have a direct answer. And also the manner of assembling the provincial states, which have been held in some places, contrary to the usual custom: and the threats which are used daily both against us and the people, namely by the church men; all which reasons have drawn the people together to their public preachings, the which they have continued unto this day, as they themselves have told us plainly. And we desire your highness should know, that had not been the presentation of our petition, and the good offices which we have done both before and since, they had not so long contained themselves, being priest by their conscences, as they say.  
Fiftly, That matters tend to a popular sedition, and that strangers are dealers in it, and those which 
5  are our ant●…ent enemies. To that, Madame, we answer, that whensoever any strangers shall be dealers in it, we will be the first that shall go to horseback to hinder them: but that we or any others ought not to oppose ourselves against the king's vassals and subjects, we find it not for his majesties service; but chose, the ruin and overthrow of all the Netherlands, for that they submit themselves to the resolution of the general estates, as shall be related more amply hereafter.  
The sixth article, That the sectaries give it out, That it is by our consent and commandment, so 
6  as it may well ●…e judged, that our petition, which we say we had presented for the preservation of the country, is the only cause of their public preaching. We answer, Madame, that neither in general, nor yet in particular, ever any one of us, did incite, move, or persuade the people to make the said preachings; but chose, have endeavoured to hinder them by all means, by reason of the troubles and disorders, which we did fear might grow: but seeing that we could not persuade nor divert the people, we have suffered them to do as they thought good; and so far as it may touch us, or any of us, we offer to purge our innocencies, by sufficient proofs. But that there are some of our company, which do allow of them, for that they are of the same religion, we deny not: notwithstanding we know that their religion doth not hinder their devotion to his majesties service, as they have assured both in general and particular.  
As for the seventh point, That we ought in duty to hinder them, and make known our good intention by the effects, and that it tends to a good end, and that our petition was presented for the king's 
7  service, and the good of the country. We say, Madame, that herein we have done our uttermost endeavours: but seeing that the people would in no sort yield unto our persuasions, for the reasons above mentioned, we beseech your highness, that it may please you to find out some good means, wherein we will willingly employ ourselves.  
The eight, That we should not distrust the king who hath never used any tyranny towards his subjects, but all gentleness and favour. We answer, Madame, that we have no distrust of the king, 
8  knowing him to be so mild and just a prince, as if he were here present (which we do greatly desire) to hear both parties, we assure ourselves he would soon settle a good order.  
The ninth and last, That your highness doth not doubt but his Majesty will forget all things, and ●…hat your highness hath often written favourably to his Majesty. We say, Madame, that as for his 
9  majesties forgetting, we do not think that we have done any thing contrary to his service, ●…or given any occasion for our parts, why he should forget any thing: But chose it will ●…e found, that the advertisement which we have given, by the presentation of our petition, ●…ath already taken effect if not all, yet at the least in part: wherefore the said advertisement ●…ught to be taken as a most acceptable service done unto his Majesty. And for that your ●…ighnesse hath written so favourably and so timely unto his Majesty, we most humbly thank ●…ou: yet, Madame, you will pardon us if we speak freely, and discover the secrets of our hearts ●…nto you: It doth seem unto our company, that your highness doth hold us in great iealou●…e, by the open demonstration which you have made unto us, until that we were given to vn●…erstand the contrary, by the lords at Duffel, on your highness behalf: By which precedent ●…istrust, we have purchased many enemies, and some of them have spoken with such spleen, 
The earl of Megen and others.  ●…s they have dared to use speeches publicly against us, tending to sedition: saying, That they ●…ere ready to break our heads, if they were commanded. And moreover, bruting it out ●…mong the people (to make us odious) That the king coming into these parts, he would in●…at us as rebels and seditious persons, with many other wrongs, which were too long to re●…ate in particular: the which we have for a time passed over with silence, without making com●…aints or demonstration thereof, although we had just occasion. But the long delaves, and the ●…cret practices which we have and do daily discover, have reduced us to those extremities, ●…r the apparent dangers which we see may happen thereby unto us, as we have been forced 〈◊〉 seek the means to make friends in other countries, to aid and assist us, in case they should ●…ke to proceed against us and the king's subjects & vassals by force, and not to any other end: ●…hich means are most necessary for us, by reason of the distrust which your highness hath ●…ad of us, as it is said. Wherefore we beseech you, that you will not take this assurance but in ●…pod part, for that it tends but to a good and just end, which is, the assurance of our persons ●…ad goods. And as our intent was never to any other effect, but to the king's service, and the ●…eseruation of the country, we desire that order may be taken by other means less dange●…us: and we find no other means for our safety and quiet, but humbly to beseech your ●…ghnesse, to give us assurance, and to command all the noblemen and knights of the order in ●…se parts to do the like, that nothing may be attempted against us, nor any other of the king's ●…ssals and subjects, directly or indirectly, by force, or any other means whatsoever, touching ●…r petition & compromise. And for that the prince of Orange, and the earls of Egmont and 〈◊〉, have been best acquainted with our affairs, since the presenting of our petition, with ●…om we must yet treat of many things which may avail us; we beseech your highness to ●…mmaund them, that they will hereafter assist us with their counsel, and take us into their pro●…tion: And that your highness charge unto them may be of such authority, as they may ●…olutely provide and give order, for all that shall concern the guard and preservation of the ●…untrey, both within and without, being the only means whereby we may assure ourselves ●…d the king's vassals and subjects: Knowing them to be such worthy and virtuous noblemen 〈◊〉 they would manage all to the service of his Majesty, and the quiet of the country: neither ●…ould they promise any thing, but what they would keep. And knowing well that your highness cannot do it but by provision, we beseech you that at the same instant, you will be pleased to dispatch a post unto the king, that his Majesty would be pleased to give the like commandment unto the said lords, with the like authority, that by their means we may employ ourselves the more freely in his majesties service, until that by the consent and resolution of the general estates, his Majesty shall have otherwise decreed. Moreover, Madame, and lastly, we cannot conceal from your highness, that being assembled at S. Trudon, there was a petition presented unto us, on the behalf of a great part of the people here adjoined, who have offered to lay down arms, and to submit themselves to that which should be decreed and commanded by the general estates, so as your highness will command us to give them such assurance and promise to join with them, and not to suffer any violence to be offered unto them, attending the resolution of the general estates. Desiring that your highness will disperse some of us that delivered the petition, into the towns and provinces, to contain them in all modesty, to whom they will deliver their arms: else, Madame, they have given us to understand (for the fear which they have that some violence should be offered them) that they shall be constrained to have recourse to others for their support, which makes us to fear that they would bring the French our ancient enemies into the country.  
We have thought good to advertise your highness freely of these things, to the end you may dispose thereof according to the necessity of the time, and as you shall find it most convenient for the good of the country; protesting, Madame, that we have discharged our selu●… in all these things. And if hereafter any other inconveniences happen, that we are absolutely discharged by this our present advertisement. Moreover, Madame, we offer ourselves again●… his majesties faithful servants, to employ ourselves in all things, when we shall be commanded, and withal to die for your highness service.  
If this answer pleased the Governess, I leave it to them to judge, who know the fears and 
The duchess perplexed for the answer of the nobles.  doubts wherein she was; so as from that time, secretly and under hand, she levied men of all sides, under the commands of the earls of Megen and Arembergh, and the lords of Beawoit Noircarmes, and others. Which fear she made more apparent, when as hearing that then were certain soldiers about Villevoorde, she packed up her baggage to fly from Brussels, and to retire towards Mons in Henault, the which she had done, if the prince of Orange had n●… assured her, and vowed and sworn unto her, with other noblemen, that they would rath●… lose their lives, than the least displeasure in the world should be done unto her.  
The nobles and gentlemen confederates, stood also upon their guards, having for their ass●…rance both within and without the country, soldiers enrolled, to have them ready upon the first occasion: but the Governess (who wanted no intelligence, to keep them still in breath v●…till she were ready, to the end they should not proceed any further in that which she feared 〈◊〉 much) framed many doubts upon their answers, whereof she said she would be better satis●… sending the earl of Egmont to them to that end, who having delivered his charge, was req●…red to carry their solution unto her, of the said ambiguities, and to satisfy her of that wh●… she said she could not well comprehend.  
In the mean time antwerp was in combustion, through the earl of Megens' arriu●…, who it was well known had charge from the Duchess to levy men, as he had done, and they were not far off in Campeigne, with whom the earl of Arembergh should joy with other troops, and both together fall upon antwerp, and punish the people that we mutined: By reason whereof the magistrate fearing a general tumult of the people, w●…o took arms (and whereas the lord of Brederode, one of the chief confederates was the●… the town) sent james vander Heyde bourgmaster, Thierry vander Werue, Nicholas R●…kox, ●…dermen, and the orator Wesenbe●…k, to court, to acquaint the duchess with the apparent da●…ger, that was within the town, by the long stay of the earl of Megen, of the one side, and ●…e 
Two factions in antwerp.  lord of Brederode on the other; and that one of them beginning to stir, the other would t●…e the contrary part, which whould be cause of a great disaster and effusion of blood on eit●… side within the town. Wherefore they desired her highness to command the lords of M●…gen and Brederode to depart the town, and that the earl of Arembergh with his tro●… should also retire. The Bourgmaster and the Aldermen were entreated by the peo●… to excuse themselves of this troublesome embassage, and not to abandon the town 〈◊〉 this dangerous time, so many calamities being feared on all sides. Wherefore the orator 〈◊〉 was sent alone, with good instructions for his discharge: who being arrived at Brussels, and having delivered his letters of credit, with his charge unto the duchess, she took this advertisement in ill part, ask him somewhat bitterly, If that which he had spoken were his charge: Who answered that yea, and that he had an act for it, the which he forthwith offered 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  unto her: she kept it, saying, That she would peruse it with the noblemen there present, and decree what should be most convenient for the king's service; adding withal, That the magistrate might command the lord of Brederode to retire, seeing he had nothing to do there. The magistrate sent a new charge the next day, by letters unto their deputies, to make greater instance unto the duchess. But notwithstanding any suit they could make, as well for her highness coming unto the town (the which they did earnestly desire) or for the finding of some man of authority, to keep all things in good order, they could never obtain any thing, until the fifteenth of july, after that the magistrate had sent again to advertise the Governess, that all the masters of the quarters, and above three hundred merchants of good quality, were come unto them, to have some one of authority (seeing that her highness would not come) naming the prince of Orange, who (as a neighbour well affected and pleasing to the inhabitants, and moreover vicont of the town, and therefore bound to it, and the sworn bourgesses to him) would do all good offices, and that his coming would give great contentment to every man. Whereupon in the end the duchess gave the charge thereof to the said prince, who was requested by the magistrate to come speedily with his train only, and without any arms, the which was very necessary: and so he did, after that the earl of Megen and the lord of Brederode were retired by the Governess commandment.  
At the same season there was a petition made by them of the reformed religion, of the said town, in French and Dutch, and directed unto the masters of the quarters, for to present it on their behalfs (as it was) unto the magistrate and superintendents of the town, the sum whereof was:  
That some days passed they had expected and hoped for a good answer to their former petition, 
A petition made by the reformed churches, to the magistrate of antwerp.  by the which they desired to have some public place granted them for the free exercise of their religion: and yet notwithstanding they had understood, that the magistrate blamed their assemblies, as heretical, seditious, and prejudicial to the town, so as it seemed they would hinder their holy congregations by arms, which made them in like sort to go thither armed: the which they did not to any other end, but to defend themselves, their wives and children, not against the magistrates, but against the practices of their adversaries: being content, that if any one thrusting himself into their assemblies, did commit any seditious or scandalous act, that they should be punished to the example of others. Also a place being granted, it was no more to be feared that the merchants would retire: but chose, the concourse would be greater. That the reason which had moved them to make their preachings public, was the great number of auditors, so as it was not possible to contain them any longer in a secret place; and the rather, for that their adversaries had always reproached them, That they durst not deliver their doctrine publicly, the which (they maintained) gave no occasion of sedition, but rather hindered it; offering to lay down arms as soon as any place was appointed them: or else that under the magistrates protection, and without fear to be oppressed, they might assemble for the exercise of their religion, grounded upon the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles: entreating them to consider of this business, without passion, according to equity and right, to the advancement of the towns good, granting them a fit and convenient place, to that end, offering to sign this petition by as many men as they should think good to appoint.  
On the other side the magistrate of antwerp seeing how they of the reformed religion increased daily, and the auditors of Romish Catholics decreased visibly, considering also that the people murmured, by reason that they had deposed two curates of the parish of Kyel by the town, preaching to the great content of the people, one being chased away, and the other imprisoned: It was therefore resolved by the said magistrate, that it was their best course to allow them some ecclesiastical preacher, that was pleasing unto them, to draw them from strange preachers, to whom they were wholly inclined. Whereupon they called home the curate that had been chased away, charging him to preach as he had done before in his parish, but with modesty: who being held to be of the confession of Ausbourg, the multitude increased wonderfully, yea more than of those of the reformed religion; who having a greater respect to the general tranquility and quiet, went not to their preachings armed, with such liberty, knowing that it was against the will of the magistrate, and that in the beginning their ministers were forbidden.  
The prince of Orange according to the charge which he had from the duchess, at the suit of the burgesses of antwerp, being come into the town, he conferred presently with the magistrate, 
The prince of Orange seeks to order things 〈◊〉 antwerp.  from whom he understood the pitiful estate of the town, and perused certain articles which they had drawn for the ordering thereof, and to maintain it in the king's obedience, and its ancient beauty and prosperity, where he promised them all favour and assistance. Then having called together the other members of the body of the town, as the old aldermen, the masters of the quarters, the deans of trades, the sworn companies, the nations of merchants, the clergy, and some private persons (after that he had heard them) he found, that the distrust which was among them, was one of the principal causes which put the town into that combustion: 
Dist ust the cause of troubles in antwerp.  for the magistrate did put no trust in the bourgesses, and much less in them of thereligion. On the other side, the inhabitants in general (of what doctrine soever) disinherited the court (fearing the garrison which they would give them) and much more their magistrate, who seemed to incline thereunto, all whose actions were suspected. Then they of the religion feared and distrusted, not only the court and magistrate, but also all the members of the town, and which is more, they were in jealousy one of another, they of the confession of Ausbourg of the one side, and those of the reformed religion of the other. He found also, that those of the religion were in wonderful great numbers, and armed, who according to the weak government that was in the town, might have made themselves masters thereof, if they had listed, or if their designs had been other than good. The which made him to think, that for the service of the king, and the safety of the town, it was necessary to take from them these distrusts, as much as might be, and that they should work by all good means, so as they of the religion should carry no more arms to their preachings.  
And as the prince gave the magistrate to understand, that it were too great a toil for him, and for them, to go for the smallest occurrents, sometimes to one, sometimes to another; as to the members, the nations of merchants, the consistories, yea to some private persons, to confer with them: It were therefore requisite to have some man of quality appointed, that were acquainted with affairs, & sworn unto the town. Whereupon the magistrate named Wesenbee●… their orator unto him, whom he accepted. To begin then to settle an order in antwerp, and to suppress all growing troubles, the prince caused it to be delivered to them of the religion, to their ministers and consistories, That it was not seemly nor fit, that their sermons should be held and maintained by arms, using many reasons to that purpose, and therefore they should lay down arms. Whereupon they answered, That they were ready to lay them down, having the prince's word, the promise of their magistrate, and the assurance of the court, that no force nor violence should be offered them in their preachings. On the other side to assure the town from all inconveniences, and from any sudden invasion, the prince thought it good, that with the consent of the members of the town, there should be some twelve hundred men chosen out of the bourgesses, which should be armed, entertained, and placed under captains, 
The prince requires a levy of 1200 men in antwerp.  like men of war: the which the magistrate did also find requisite. And to take all distrust from the commons, which might hinder their consent, the prince caused the great counsel, and all the members of the town to assemble, to consult with them, what course were fittest to be taken for every man's security: At which assembly he laid open unto them the chief cause of the merchants fear and retreat, and of the richest of the town, whereof some were already retired, and others had packed up all to be gone; the which proceeded, for that in their opinions the town was not sufficiently guarded and assured against all oppressions and sudden invasions, as in truth it seemed not to be, with many other allegations, which were exhibited in writing. And coming to touch the point of the levy and enrolment of twelve hundred men, drawn out of the bourgesses, and of the surceasing of the preaching and assemblies of them of the religion, seeing that as well the members as magistrate, and the prince himself, had found the mildest way to be the most expedient; it was said, that they should inquire of them of the religion, with what assurance they might persuade them to surcease their preaching, until that his Majesty with the advice of the general estates, should otherwise provide. Whereupon there was a day of advice and deliberation demanded by the commons, and a copy given of the writing that was exhibited.  
Whereunto they answered, That the levy of those soldiers was not fit in a town of such 
The answer of the great counsel and the members of antwerp, to the prince's proposition.  traffic, but that they were ready to subject themselves, to those duties which such soldiers or bourgesses enrolled should observe; so as they should have the like service from them, and with less trouble and charge. And as for the preachings, they would do their best endeavours to divert every one and that the mildest way seemed the most safe unto them, so as in their opinions a general pardon for them that had been at these preachings, should be very necessary. But above all they did insist, that as the assembly of the general estates was the true remedy, they should press to have them presently called, to apply a general remedy to a general sore: and that in the mean time the said prince would advise of some gentle means, fit for the present, which they required to be communicated unto them. And as every member gave his answer and his means in writing, whereof the copies were sent to court, the offer was accepted of by provision, which they made, to subject themselves to the guard of the town. And as for the preaching, that they would make report thereof unto the court: entreating them in the mean time to divert and retire them as much as was possible. As for the convocation of the general estates, they caused it to be required by their deputies, but that point was referred to the king's resolution.  
And as during these actions they had so well laboured with them of the religion, as they began to forbear the carrying of arms, and that it was to be hoped that soon it would be wholly left; it happened that the Drossard of Brabant (which is as much as a Provost Martial) having some horse and foot, and a commission (as the brute was) to fall upon their assembly, to apprehend the ministers, ancients, and deacons, and by that means to disperse the preaching, passing the 19 of july at night along the ditches and before the town gate, he was discovered and known: the which put all the commons presently into suspicion, that he came expressly into those quarters, with other people which he had in the village of Mercxhem (where his dwelling was, not far from antwerp) to fall the next day upon their assemblies, which were made without the town. Wherefore the people being moved more than before, took their arms again, resolving to resist the Drossards' attempts by force. The prince of Orange fearing this disaster, sent presently to court, requiring, that before the next day morning (which was Sunday) commandment might be given to the Drossard, not to attempt any thing, but to retire himself from thence, seeing that one of these two points was to be feared; ither they of the religion would make themselves so strong, and so well armed, as they should have no occasion to fear the Drossard, who should get nothing but blows; or if they found not themselves strong enough, it was to be feared that they would seize upon some place within the town, to keep their preachings, without being in danger of him: wherein there was such diligence used, as the same night the governess writ unto the Drossard, commanding him to retire, which letters were delivered him early on the Sunday morning, wherewith the people were somewhat pacified: but from that time the preachings were more carefully guarded, and with greater strength than before, the which they continued, for that the Drossard was many times seen on the Saturday about antwerp.  
About that time came certain advertisements, that duke Erick of Brunswick continued still 
Another occasion of trouble in antwerp.  to levy men by the king's commandment, and that about Linghen there were some ready to enter into the country, the which bred new alterations. And whereas moreover upon the pursuits made in court by the deputies of Brabant, the Governess had the 23 of August given a resolution upon certain points, the commons received contentment by the one part, and discontentment by the other: for whether it were that she had pardoned some repenting Anabaptist, except his abjuration and accomplishment of penance (at the suit of some of the town made unto the prince and the magistrate, who were intercessors for him unto the said lady) this did somewhat content the people, as also for that the said lady was content to pardon by proclamation, all those that had been at their preachings and assemblies: but to the convocation of the general estates, which was required, she made no other answer, but that they must attend his majesties answer, to whom she said she had written: and for that she had refused to enlarge one of the reformed religion, which was apprehended in his house, against the privileges, notwithstanding that in other places, some of the like had been set at liberty: the people took it ill, and were greatly moved, seeing that all the merchants, & they of the religion in 
It seems the duchess de●… to ●…at the people for small matters.  general, yea the prince himself and the magistrate, to avoid some greater scandal, had bee●… intercessors for him to the Governess, yet would she never yield to his delivery, until that afterwards he was freed in despite of her, by a mutiny, all which served as provocations to incense the people more, considering how the said lady contemned the earnest requests of those that were suitors for the prisoner.  
We have said before, that the nobles confederate entreated the earl of Egmont, who sent unto them from the Governess, to carry her their answer, upon the ambiguities which she desired to be explained, the which they promised to do. The said answer and explanation was as followeth.  
Madame, the earl of Egmont hath given us to understand, That your highness desired to be satisfied of some points set down in certain articles presented by us unto your highness, 
An explanation o●…●…o bl●… answer to the duchess.  the which in our opinions are plain enough, and that the rest will be but tedious: yet Madame, to satisfy your commandment, we have thought good to make this declaration which follows, to the end that our just intentions may be thereby the better understood, and that hereafter they may have no cause to interpret them sinisterly.  
And to answer first unto the third article of our answer, Whereas your highness requires that we should set down in particular in what towns the prisoners be, and the occasio●… wherefore, and that your highness pretends that it is not come to your knowledge. We say, Madame, that in Tournay, Lille, Mons, air, Bethune, Ath, Bruges, Gand, and other pla●… there have been many prisoners apprehended for religion, by virtue of the edicts, as will appear unto your highness by the informations, which you may call for. As for the 4, 5, and 6 articles, that we should make apparent how we have discharged our duties, containing the people, and hindering the preaching. We say, that your highness may send into every province, to the consistories and ministers of the religion, to understand our endeavours, both in general and in particular, and your highness shall find that all will be conformable to that which we have given you to understand. As for the point of the fourth article, where there is a question of the manner that hath been held at the assembly of the provincial states, in some parts, against the ordinary custom. We answer, That it doth not concern us any thing to prove it, for that they be the people's allegations, who say that they have been accustomed to assemble the states of Flanders before them of Arthois: and that in the proceeding of most of the other estates, they have sent for some that were not accustomed to be there, and others, who were wont and aught to assist, were not sent for; or at the least they sent the letters so late, as the states were assembled before they received them. And they have told us moreover, that the deputies of towns could have no respite given them to send back, to make their relation, as they had been accustomed, but were constrained to a●…swer presently, r●…fusing to give them a copy of the moderation of the edicts, nor time to advise according unto custom: saying, that such was your highness commandment. That letters had been sent to the private governors of towns to win the deputies thereof, and the gentlemen of their jurisdiction, to have them at their devotion. Of all which your highness could not be ignorant, the which we would not insert in our answer, to avoid tediousness.  
And touching the article of our grievances, whereas we say, that we have heard threats, and discovered secret practices: we say, Madame, that presently after the delivery of our petition, we have found plainly, that many noblemen, yea & knights of the order, have distracted & separated themselves from us flying our company, as if we were guilty of rebellion and high treason, treating many affairs secretly among themselves, the which they were not accustomed to do: yea they have advertised some of their kinsfolks and friends not to join with us, and that they should have respect unto their honours, laying before them the dangers would fall upon us, if the king should come into these parts, objecting the like unto them which had already signed our compromise, promising to procure them a pardon from his Majesty, if they would separate themselves from us.  
And as they are noblemen which assist and give their voices in counsel, it is to be presumed, that according to the impression which they have of us, they inform his Majesty, and give such advice as must needs be to our prejudice and ruin. divers posts are also come at sundry times from Spain, without bringing any resolution from his Majesty, concerning us, being expressly forbidden not to carry any private letters: beside the advertisements which we have had from France, that his Majesty desired passage for a certain number of Spanish soldiers, and demanded from the king, the queen mother, and the counsel, the like succours as he had given them during their civil wars. We are also advertised, that the duke of Savoy hath promised aid unto his Majesty to come into these parts with forces, and to that end he went to the emperor to an imperial diet, to acquaint him with the designs which he had upon these Netherlands. And we have intelligence, that the clergy hath furnished an extraordinary sum of 500000 florins, the which we have always presumed to be against us, as some among themselves have vaunted. Also, that never any of the noblemen nor knights of the order would assure us unto this day, that neither the king nor your highness would proceed against us by fact. All which reasons, with many other conjectures, have reduced us to this extremity, as to assure ourselves, as it is said in our first writing, and that to our great grief. And to the end your highness shall not think, whereas we say, that we have made friends in a certain country, that we mean the French, assuring your highness, that it is no where else but in this country and in Germany.  
Whereas your highness desires to know what people we mean, whereas we make mention of the king's subjects and vassals: We answer, Madame, that they be the inhabitants of these parts, allowing and consenting to our petition and compromise.  
And for the last, Madame, which concerns our assurance, according unto that which is 
The noblemen insist upon their assurance.  contained in our writing, we find no means to give contentment & assurance to all those of our compromise, but by the assurance which your highness (if it please you) shall give us, together with all the noblemen and knights of the order, and namely the three noblemen (of 
The prince of Orange, and the earls of Egmont and Horn.  whom we have made mention) to the end they may be mediators betwixt the king, your highness, and us; we intent not notwithstanding, that the charge which we desire should be given them, should in any sort diminish your highness authority, but that all which they shall do, may be by your commandment. We doubt not but some governors of provinces may take it ill, for that we demand, that from henceforth no levies of soldiers should be made, neither within nor without the country, but under the charge and conduct of the said three noblemen: and that the said three noblemen (after that your highness hath appointed them what numbers of men they shall levy, for the guard of the country) may divide the charges to such captains, as they shall think fit for his majesties service. Which discontent of the provincial governors, we would willingly excuse, but we hope that this assurance is less dangerous, than that which we have formerly taken, and that they will willingly bear a little discontent, rather than to leave us in those terms we are.  
And to the end your highness may understand this more particularly, our meaning is not to bind your highness, nor all these noblemen, any further by the promises which shall be made unto us, but by provision, and until that his Majesty hath allowed or refused it. Provided always, that your highness and these noblemen shall promise us, that in case his Majesty shall refuse it, we shall continue still under their protection, for the space of three weeks, from the day that we shall be advertised of his majesties refusal. And that during the said three weeks, your highness and all the noblemen shall remain tied according to the former bond, to the end that during the said time, we may seek for some other remedy, such as we shall find necessary for our safeties.  
As for the assurance which your highness demands of our company, we assure and promise you, that from henceforth we will never treat any thing, without the counsel and advise of the said three noblemen. And touching the forces which we have without the country, we offer to employ them for his Ma. service, and the good of the country, whensoever we shall be commanded, remitting and submitting ourselves to all that it shall please his Ma. to command us, by the advice and consent of the general estates. Most humbly beseeching your highness, to take this our declaration in good part, and to give us a good and short answer.  
You may see into what terms the affairs of the confederate noblemen and gentlemen were brought, by the faintness of some, and the falling away of others: whereas in the beginning, and at the presenting of their petition they thought to carry it clear, so much they presumed of their forces, and thought themselves to be so strictly united in league together, as nothing should break or dissolve them. Now by the tedious practices and dissimulations of the Governess, which bred a coldness in some, they are forced to provide for their safeties, as if they were guilty of some crime, whereas they had so often protested it to be their duties. The Governess and those of her counsel laughed within themselves, and their 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  hearts leapt for joy, to see the confederates thus altered: and although she had long before (from the month of May) received letters from the king (as we shall presently see) quite contrary to that which she said unto them, and caused the said prince and earl of Egmont to deliver (to whom nothing was imparted of these letters) that they might take the more taste thereof, and be the better assured, fearing to mar all if she had been too hasty, or that her practices had been discovered (wherein she was more politic than the counsel of Spain) she left them in suspense of their last petition, until she had discovered whereto all the mischief tended, and that the apostume of the people (which she said was supported by the nobility) came to break and to show the effects. After that she had sent for the said gentlemen the 20 of August, to make the promise which she required of them, according to the contents of their petition, holding herself then a conqueress, and to have prevailed over that which before she had so much doubted yet showing them still a good countenance, she gave them letters of assurance, whereof we will hereafter speak, and she writ her letters to all the towns and provinces of the Netherlands, as followeth.  
Most dear and well beloved, As we do visibly see the apparent and instant ruin and general desolation of our ancient Catholic religion, and of the common estate of these countries, 
The Goue●… n●…se ●…s to the towns of the Netherlands.  if it be not speedily prevented by fit & convenient means: and the greater, more apparent, and nearer that the danger is, the greater care and diligence should you use, to answer before God, the king o●… lord, and all the world, of your duties, fidelities, and executions of your charges and oaths. Wherefore we require you, and in his majesties name expressly command you, that presently you confer with the principal and chief men of the town, of honour & respect, the best affected to the preservation & maintenance of the ancient Catholic religion, service and obedience to his Majesty, and the quiet and prosperity of the country, and advise together of all sit means and remedies, by the which the said perils and dangers may be prevented and avoided, and that above all, your town, your persons, your wives, children, and goods, may be assured, and preserved from all sedition, oppression, and spoil, as well within as without, keeping good guard in all places day & night, dividing your men into squadrons and quarters, as in such dangerous times you are accustomed to do for your preservation, and as the necessity and importance of the case shall require: so as the commonweal may not incur any inconvenience nor danger, doing your best devoirs to retire and divert the people from their preachings, and unlawful assemblies, be it by mild and amiable exhortations, or by force and constraint, showing them the danger wherinto they run, incensing thereby the king their natural prince, and their lords & superiors, magistrates and governors, besides the plagues and punishments which God doth commonly send in those places where there is change of religion, whereof doth follow the desolation and ruin of the commonweal & state. Assuring moreover, fortifying and comforting the commons as much as you can, until his Ma. coming, who hath promised to be here shortly in person, to settle an order in all things, and to defend & preserve all his good subjects, & country. And to the end this may be the better effected and accomplished you shall confer in like sort with your governor, and the provincial counsel, entertaining good & mutual correspondency with them in that respect: so as in all cases his Marshal retain the supreme authority, & command the forces. And in case you should have need of our succours & assistance, or of the said governor, you are presently to advertise us and the governor, with a declaration of what you shall stand in need of, to assist and succour you: or to advance & put in execution the means which you have thought fit, & that with as much speed as may be: whereof we wholly trust in you, who for the faith you owe unto his Ma. and the preservation of the country, would not fail in any thing that shall be thought requisite for the advancement of God's glory, his Ma. service, and the preservation of his countries, etc.  
In this sort the duchess entertained both the one and the other: the nobles by a promise of their assurance and the towns to confirm them in their duties, for their discharge unto the king, although it were difficult, yea impossible to satisfy both parties equally. For on the one side she was privy to his Ma. intent, touching the noblemen, & on the other side she could not keep the people in awe, by the magistrates and governors of provinces, unless she cut off the the right arm from the nobles: as also she could not frustrate and disappoint the intention of the noblemen, but she must presently quench the heat & fury of the commons who in the beginning depended only upon the hope of good that should come unto them, by the presentation of the noblemen's petition, whereon they did ground all assurance of their consciences, and liberty of their religion.  
Whilst that all this past betwixt the noblemen and the duchess, the prince of Orange was 
Troubles in antwerp.  much troubled in antwerp, to contain the people, who were greatly moved, for many reasons, according unto the complaints which they made daily, the which were satisfied but by halves, and (as they said) for a fashion's sake. Among others the 10 day of August, there was a great tumult, for that one Peter Rythou, a divine and pastor of the parish of S. Peter at Lowaine, came in a disguised habit, to reprehend the minister which preached at Kyel, joining to the town of antwerp, coming out of the pulpit: and as the minister or preacher answered him, That they should go into some near house, out of the press of the people, to confer together. This doctor persisting in his loud clamours, with such allegations as came in his head, a great number came running thither; and seeing that their minister by many arguments and texts out of the holy Scripture, had made the doctor mute, the people gave such a shout and cry, as he was forced to retire: some incensed against him, pursuing and would have massacred him, if certain burgesses had not preserved him with the hazard of their lives, drawing him into a house, where they hid him in a seller; the common people remaining before, the said house, and offering to draw him out by force. The brute hereof being come unto the town, moved the rest of the people, and this had turned to a bad consequence, if the prince had not sent the officer of justice thither in time, who apprehended the doctor, and put him in prison, the which pacified the people: but he was soon after sent out of the town by the river. And for that the prince was forced upon urgent causes to be sometimes absent out of the town, as well to go to court, as to Duffel, to the confederate noblemen, on the behalf of the Governess. The masters of the quarters, and deans of trades of the town of antwerp, entreated the prince, that he would be a suitor unto the Governess, that during his absence she would substitute the earl of Hochstraten, fearing least for want of a commander those that were mutinous might attempt something which would be prejudicial to the good of the town, and public assurance. Moreover, they required him to take a lieutenant to assist him to bear the toil of the government, seeing that the bourgmasters and other officers were sufficiently charged, recommending the signior of Straelen unto him, a gentleman that was very pleasing unto them of the town. Whereof the prince advertised the Governess, but she delayed to grant it.  
In the mean time the prince did insist all he could, to the end that they of the religion should forbear carrying of arms to the preaching, at the least within the town, going and returning: sending to the ministers and consistories to that end, who promised to govern themselves accordingly, so as they might be assured, that neither the Drossard, nor any other, should offer them outrage: the which was promised them, and notice given to the Drossard, in his house. But this hope and assurance which they expected, continued not long, turning into distrust, and so great bitterness, as they were much troubled to pacify it: yea it proceeded so far, as they of the religion took an occasion (grounded upon four occurrents, happening at one instant) to hold their preachings from that time forward within the town of Antuerp. The first occurrent was, That the masters of quarters received letters of advertisement from 
Four reasons why they kept their preaching in Antuerp  Brussels, of the thirteenth of August, of a certain resolution concluded betwixt the Governess and the deputies of the town, being in court, to massacre all those that they should find at the preaching. The second, That the Drossard (of whom they were always in fear) caused about that time certain wagons laden with arms, to pass through the town to go to his house, one of the which being stayed by the people, and released by the magistrate, who favoured the Drossard, did much distemper the commons. Thirdly, for that they were advertised, That the Drossard was near unto the town with 1000 horse, lodged here & there, and a good number of foot in the neighbour monasteries, attending but the ringing of a bell, to fall upon the assembly, and to murder them: during which exploit the lawyers should keep the town gates shut, that no man might enter in, so as not any one should escape. The fourth reason was, That they were advertised by one of their assembly, whom his companion persuaded to enroll himself to be ready against them of the religion, when as the great bell should found, and would have led him to the Arsenal of the town, to choose what arms he could best use: saying, That the same day there had been fourscore enrolled in that quarter.  
These four points bred a terrible alteration, and put the town in danger: and although the greatest trouble were pacified, yet they of the religion resolved to have their preaching in the town. The prince of Orange being desirous to hinder them, sent the orator Wesenbeek unto the ministers, and two gentlemen of his household to the chief merchants of the religion, to advise them to forbear this presumption, or else he would seek to hinder them by all means, yea if it were by force; and that they should attend the regent's resolution, the which she should give to the confederates petition. Although the prince's gentlemen used all the means they could to persuade them, yet they of the religion persisted in their resolution: notwithstanding the same night late, they sent certain merchants unto the prince, with a writing, containing a justification of their resolution, which they said they had taken to avoid greater mischiefs, considering the four occurrents, the doubts and fears, and other occasions, which caused 
Just ●…tion of the commons sent unto the prince, touching the preaching.  the people to murmur, promising to make them forbear carrying of arms at their assemblies, as they had been often priest by him: beseeching the prince, that he would not take it in ill part protesting in all things else to be obedient unto him, and to keep good guard, that for their parts no insolency should be committed: and if he were not pleased to accept of their excuses and justifications, they had rather (though to their great grief) to have his ill will, than to incur the indignation of the people, who feared that many things were practised by the magistrate of the town without his privity. The prince not satisfied with these excuses, & the deputies of the merchants persisting in their resolution, offering notwithstanding to do their best to divert the said preachings, he sent unto the magistrate to put all the sworn companies in arms the next day, by five of the clock in the morning, with an intent to hinder the beginning of their assemblies by policy. But in the morning the deputies returned unto the prince, declaring unto him, That for his only respect they had forborn their preaching within the town, yet by reason of their doubts & fear of danger, and the time of Winter drawing on, it should not be possible to contain themselves long, if they were not assured that no outrage should be done them abroad: whereof the prince advertised the court by his letters of the 15 of August. The earl of Egmont in the mean time, was for his part much troubled in his government of Flanders, to contain the people, who began to be much moved, and the more, for that they heard of no answers to the confederates petition, whereby they thought that the nobility had abandoned them, and that they had been won by the regent. And whereas in stead of moderation of the edicts, which had been so often promised, they found that they were daily augmented (but under another pretext) and understanding that the governess & the court, took the petition, and the actions of the nobles in ill part, the people were generally much altered, and the Protestants of the religion went to arms, fearing (as they said) to be oppressed, and that the officers would disturb their assemblies: for there was no means now to make them leave their preaching, and the exercise of their religion, being thus armed and well fortified to defend their ministers, and their wives and children, being at the sermon, and to resist all violence. In the end it happened, that some of the bafer sort, meaning to show an inconsiderate zeal unto their religion, and that they were deadly enemies to all that did impugn it, advanced and encouraged one another to beat down images and crosses, set up in the high ways: then they went to out chapels, and so to churches and monasteries in the country, and in the end to towns, the beginning of all which was in the quarter of Ypre in Flanders: so as the insolency of this base people, and of some women and children, exceeding all temper & modesty, brake 
The breaking of images beg●…n i●… Flanders  and beat down all Images, crucifixes, altars, tables (how rare and exquisite soever) ornaments, and generally all that was displeasing unto their eyes, and that seemed to be contrary to the profession of their religion: The which was so suddenly executed in all places, as well in Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, and other provinces, as if it had been a thunder clap, or a flash of lightning, which had passed over all at one instant, so as there was no province in all the Netherlands, which did not feel of it, no not the towns, but such as were kept by force, or such as (to avoid this storm) had provided in time, hiding away their images, and other precious things. Wherein there was one thing admirable, that it could never be known who was the first author, or that had bragged of it, no, not any one that approved it, being of any authority 
An admirable thing in the breaking of Images.  among the people, no, not the ministers, who chose did blame those actions committed by boys and girls, amongst the which there were some thieves, who sought for booty; yet notwithstanding a part of it was restored to the magistrates of those places where it happened.  
It were too tedious to describe here the particularities of the beating down of Images in every town and province of the Netherlands: we will speak only of that which happened at antwerp, being the chief and most renowned, whereby we may judge of all the rest.  
Ordinarily on the eighteenth of August falleth out a feast or solemn procession in that 
Breaking of Images in antwerp.  town, in the which they carry a great Image, richly adorned with cloth of gold, and other prec●…us ornaments, representing the virgin Marie; wherewith were charged one after one, in their turns, some of the magistrates, the deans of the occupations, and the chief of the sworn companies of the town, with great ceremonies, as well in lifting, carrying, as setting it in the place. On the eve of this feast, the prince of Orange, governor of the town, was sent for (all excuses set aside) to come to court, for matters of great importance, and especially to conclude with the confederates: yet at the great instance of the magistrate he stayed all the day of the feast, the most dangerous day (according to the time and the disposition of the state of the town) of all the year; partly by reason of the public ceremonies which were used both before and after dinner, and for the multitude of people of all humours, that came thither; as also for the drunkenness and dissoluteness which were ordinary at that feast. The procession being ended, the Image was carried to her place, and the next day the prince went to Brussels.  
The same day certain young fellows standing at the Quire door, asked, if the maid (meaning the Image of the virgin Marie) was afraid, because she went so soon into the Quire again, and such like speeches. On the other side, certain youths playing in the great church, about the pulpit, their heads being full of proclamations, would needs counterfeit the preachers, and to that end a great knave got up into the pulpit, and there began to utter many vain and frivolous speeches. The rest of his companions mocking him, some threw things at him; others would have pulled him down: but he spurned and kicked at them with his feet, and in the end they began to play the cats, and to scratch and fight one with the other: for a young sailor got up into the pulpit on the other side, and forcibly thrust the counterfeit knave down the steps: wherewith, some that stood to gape upon them, and divers men that were in company, busied themselves with the matter, so that there had like to have been a great fray: in the end the sailor being somewhat hurt, got out of the church, which was full of people, all ready to go together by the ears, and being found without, was taken, and carried before the magistrate, to whom he showed the matter as it fell out; whereupon the officers got the people to go out of the church, and so shut up the doors. The next day, being Tuesday, the twentieth of August, about evening, a company of youths and some men being assembled together in the church, according to their manner walked in the church, staying till they went to evening prayer; where they began to mock and jest at the Image of the virgin Marie: whereat an old woman that sat before the Quire door to sell candles, and to receive alms, being offended, cast dust, ashes, and other filth in the youth's faces, and their eyes; whereupon they began to quarrel: for which cause the Marckgrave with his sergeants and halberdie●…s came thither, and willed them to depart out of the church; which some of them did: the rest said, they would stay and hear evening prayer: whereupon the Marckgrave bade his officers tell them; that there should be no evening prayer said there that night: which made some of them unwilling to go, and to say one to the other, that they themselves would sing evensong: and at the last some in one place, some in another, began to sing, others played and rolled stones and bowls in the church; and with that noise there came more and more people together. The Marckgrave perceiving, that he could not get the people out, nor make them be quiet, shut all the doors of the church, except one, and so in great fear went away: by which means the company began to be the bolder, and it beginning to be late, the clock striking six, they agreed to throw down the Image of the virgin Marie, and presently began to break open the quire, crying vive le Gueux: which being once begun, they ran together with such fury, and with so many hands, that before midnight all the quire and chapel doors were broken open the altars pulled down, and all the Images broken in pieces, there being in the church at that time at the least seventy altars, all most richly and sumptuously adorned and beautified with great store of costly pictures and tables, whereof the like were not elsewhere to be found.  
The Images in this sort being cast down and broken in the great church, a great multitude of the youths, and some men, with whores and knaves, all mingled together, ran throughout the town, to other churches, to do the like, as to the Franciscan friars, S Clares, S. jeames, S. Andrew's, S. George's, S. michael's, the Peter pots, the Borcht, the Fakens, the White sisters, the Black sisters, the third Order, the Nuns, the Bogarden, the preaching Friars, and to all the churches and chapels in the town, and had cast down and broken all their Images & other ornaments whatsoever, before it was morning, burning and lighting up all the candles that they found within the same, wherewith they lighted themselves: which was a great and wonderful piece of work, considering all the circumstances thereof, for that they could never know who were the doers thereof, no man was ever heard to brag or boast thereof, no quarrel nor strife was amongst them, nor any man hurt: which was a great wonder above all the rest, considering, that it was done in the night time, and so many stones, wood, and other stuff broken and rend in pieces.  
Mean time the magistrates and the townsmen stood abashed and amazed, all night in their arms, as if they had been bewitched, and knew not what they were best to do, every man having several conceits, thoughts, fears, and suspicions in his head. The Romish catholics thought, that it was done by them of the reformed Religion, and that they joining with such companions, might be too strong for them, and therefore were in fear to be assailed and set upon. The reformed church thinking that the doing thereof would be imputed unto them, thought it their best way to look unto themselves, that they might not be surprised on the sudden. And while on both sides the one thus feared the other, they were both in one common doubt and opinion, That the Image-breakers having begun to ransack the churches, would not so content themselves, but would fall upon the rich merchants and townesmens' houses, and search for the Idols in their purses and their chests, under pretence of breaking down of Images, or else work some other villainy or treason.  
Thus the magistrates and the townsmen being in great perplexity, stood with heavy hearts and hands, and yet in arms, and in good order, one counseling and admonishing the other to a unity, and to be careful, that no murder nor blood shedding might ensue, wherein they all agreed (as the Spaniards say) being carefuller and readier to defend their own lives and goods, than the holy Romish relics and service of God: and although in the said breaking of Images, and ransacking of the churches, many things of great worth were stolen and secretly conveyed away, nevertheless great store of jewels, silver works, and other things were brought into the townhouse, and other places: and some handicrafts and guilds did likewise entreat the people to give them divers fair, costly, and cunning pictures in regard and love of the great art and workmanships therein showed, which they took and bore away with them.  
In the morning as soon as the gates of the town were opened, a great part of the Image-breakers got out and went to S. Bernard's, a cloister about a mile and a half from Antuerp, and from thence to all the villages round about the town, with great boldness and fierceness pulling down and breaking all their Images: the rest that remained within the town, ceased not all that day, and two days after to run about the town into every church, breaking down and spoiling all the relics whatsoever they found standing whole therein, no man daring once so much as say or do any thing unto them. But at the last, when they began to break down a fair crucifix that stood in the great church over the great quire door, it falling upon the arms of the knights of the order of the golden fleece, which were painted round about over the seats in the quire, being the arms of all those that were then living, when the said feast was holden in antwerp in Anno 1555, the magistrates and the towns men began to be moved thereat, and being somewhat better encouraged, repulsed those that sought to have done the like, taking ten or twelve of them prisoners, & three that were found doing the deed, upon the eighteenth of August were hanged in the market place, and three others banished out of the town, the rest punished in other sort. Presently thereupon the magistrate used all the diligence he could, to keep those of the reformed Religion from preaching in the churches, which they had already begun, to admonish and withdraw the people from spoiling and robbing the church, and to move and incite them to peace, submissiveness, and obedience: but at the last they left off in regard of the honour and reverence of the magistrates, who (upon pain of hanging) commanded, That all the things that had been taken out of the churches, should within four and twenty hours after be brought unto the Wiekemasters, and that no man should meddle with breaking down of any more Images: which they likewise caused to be certified unto them of the reformed Religion, by their pentionary M. jacob Wesenbeek, who for that cause upon the 24 of August took occasion both by writing and by word of mouth to show the magistrate jacob vander Heyden, bourgmaster, that they in truth would and might protest before God, that the breaking down of the Images was done without their knowledge and consents, and that they allowed not of the manner of doing the same, if it were not done by order and authority of the magistrate (although the great idolatry used in that town had well deserved no less) and that they blamed and detested the thievery, ransacking, and other insolencies used therein; and that their preachers in their sermons should admonish the people to restore the stolen things into the magistrates hands: That they of the reformed Religion were ready to be obedient unto the magistrate in all things, touching the resisting and withholding of all insolencies and forcible actions: That they acknowledged the lords and magistrates of the town to be their lawful magistrates, appointed by God to rule and govern them, and that therefore they were bound to be obedient unto them, according to the word of God, & so consequently bound, and would willingly pay all assesses, imposts, taxes, and other burdens, as duty required. And to that end they said, that the preachers & rulers of their churches were ready to take their oaths of faith and obedience unto them, in all causes, next after God and his word, for the conservation, welfare, and furtherance of the inhabitants of the town, that thereby the people might be maintained in peace and unity, desiring, that under the name and authority of the magistrates they might be suffered to preach in some convenient churches, and to use the exercise of their Religion, excusing themselves, that they until some order were taken therein, did use some churches for their advantage. Lastly, That they pretended not to compel any man by force unto their Religion, being well content to live in peace, and to thank God for the means they had to serve him, according to their consciences, craving, that it might be ordained, that no man should molest, injure, nor disquiet one the other for Religion.  
By means of this declaration, request, & admonition, in the end the matter was so brought to pass, that they of the reformed Religion were suffered to preach in the new town by authority of the magistrates, to hinder them from preaching in the holied churches: but the preacher of Kiel (which preached after the confession of Ausbourg) was suffered to preach in S. George's church, as being the chief church of the Kiel, thereby to avoid many inconveniences, and to set strife and contention between them of the reformed Religion.  
While this was done in the town of antwerp, the like breaking of Images was done in other 
Throwing down and breaking of Images in other places of the Netherlands.  places. In Mechelen certain of the people began to do it in the friars church, and other cloisters, but it was soon stayed.  
In Liar the people going about to do it, the magistrates of the town (to shun the same, and to hinder the ransacking of the churches) commanded all the Images and other things to be pulled down, and the church to be emptied of such trash: which done, they showed it unto the deputies of the Image breakers. The like was done in many other places of Brabant. At Hertoghenbosch, Breda, and Berghen up Zoome, they endured the like destruction of Images, and other things, that they in Antuerp did. The same did they in Gaunt, Ypre, Oudenard, and many other towns in Flanders: as also at Valentia, Dornick, and other towns in Waesland, and at Vtrecht, Amsterdam, Leyden, Delft, the Hage, Briel, and other places in Holland. At Middleburg, Campuere, Vlishing, and other places in Zeeland, at Groaning, Leenwerden, and other towns in Friesland, at Campen, Deventer, Swol, and Ouerissel, at Arnhem, Ruremond, Nimmeghen, Veulo, Harderwike, and other places in Guelderland, and all abouts in the small towns and villages without number. At Middleburg, notwithstanding that both the magistrates and the shot of the town stood two days together (but all in vain) to stay the fury of the people, when all the Images and altars were pulled down, they were not content therewith, but made means both unto the bishop and the magistrates (being assembled in great multitudes) that such as were imprisoned for religion, should be delivered out of prison, and given unto them: for which cause (to shun the danger of great tumults and shedding of blood) they were compelled to set one and twenty persons freely out of prison, otherwise they would have broken down the prison, and besides all that, they were forced to suffer them to preach within the church. At Delft they were not content that the magistrate had pulled down all the Images, but they would proceed further, and went and broke down all the altars, notwithstanding the great watch holden by the townsmen, & took the friars cloister for them to preach in. In the Hage a goldsmith went unto the counsel and the magistrates, requesting them to have leave to pull down the Images, who being asked, where his commission was, he struck his hand upon his breast, and told them that it was there: The magistrates thereat being abashed, desired M. Hippolytus Persin, precedent of Vtrecht (being as then with them) to give them his advice: and finding that the request was not well to be refused nor denied (the trouble being so great in every place) they appointed certain sergeant of the town to go with the said goldsmith, to keep the church doors, that no tumult should arise, and the Images should be taken down without any hurt or trouble. They compelled likewise all such as had any Images in their houses, either to deliver them unto them, or else to break them. At Dorcht, Tergone, Harlem, and Rotterdam, the Images were preserved and kept from breaking by means of the magistrates, as also in other towns, when at the last they saw and perceived, that thieves, vagabonds, soldiers, ruffians, whores, and knaves were mixed with the actors therein, and in the end the greatest doers, and not many of them of the reformed Religion, although at the first they were very zealous and earnest therein. But those rascals emboldened themselves upon those of the religion, who rather wondered at the action (as being a wonderful work of God) than praised or commended, and in the end did themselves let and hinder the breaking down of the Images both by force, and with their sermons.  
The news of this breaking down and destroying of Images coming to the ears of the Regent and the counsel in Brussels, struck a great fear and doubt in their hearts, so that both 
The Regent in great fear.  the court and all the town were up in arms, to keep them from doing the like within that place. This notwithstanding, the Regent would go to Bergen Henegowe, fearing to be in danger of her person, and to that end desired the governors of the provinces, and the knights of the order of the golden fleece, to convey her thither: who sought by all the means they could to dissuade her from it, alleging many great and weighty reasons to the contrary. But when word was brought her by the precedent Vigilius, That the townsmen had seized upon all the gates thereof, and would not suffer her to go out, she was content to stay there that day, upon promise made unto her by the lords, that they would help to get her out of the town, if need were, or else die for it. Thereupon she willed Peter Ernest, earl of Mansfield, to take the charge of the government of the town upon him, who the next day summoned all the townsmen, to assemble together into the townhouse, and going thither, took with him the prince of Orange, the earls of Egmont, Horn, and Hoochstrate, which showed them, That the Regent stayed there in the town upon their words and promises, upon condition, That they should be careful, that no preaching nor breaking down of Images should be done within the town; which they likewise desired them to be careful of, and to be obedient unto the earl of Mansfield, as governor appointed over them, and to aid and assist him in all things whatsoever, Whereunto they of Brussels made answer, That they would live and die with the lords, and not suffer any preaching nor breaking of Images within the town, and likewise to be obedient unto the earl of Mansfield. Which made the Regent somewhat quieter, until evening, that news was brought her, That the same night the Images should be broken down, the barons of Arenbergh and Barlamont slain, and herself taken prisoner. Whereupon the lords had work enough to do to dissuade her from that opinion, alleging, That they of Brussels had not the power to do it, as long as so many noblemen and gentlemen were in the 
The Regen●… being in ●…eare, accuseth the lords unto the king.  town. This fear caused the Regent to write unto the king, saying, That she was betrayed by the prince of Orange, the earls of Egmont, Hoochstrate, and that his Majesty should either come thither, or else send an army of Spaniards into the Netherlands. The like also was written by the lords of Barlamont, Norcarmes, and the precedent Vigilius.  
The next day the Regent perceiving the great troubles and apparent general revolting and overthrow of the Netherlands, at the last, by advice of the governors of the provinces, the knights of the order of the golden fleece, the counsel of estate, and the privy counsel, was resolved, as touching the preaching after the reformed manner, to be content partly to permit it in such places, where it had been at other times, giving the lords that by her commandment were appointed to deal with the gentlemen about the same, this commission ensuing:  
That they should hold and observe the points contained in the letters of protection, and for that she perceived the great and imminent necessity then reigning, she was content, that the said lords should enter into an accord with the confederated gentlemen, and certify them, that the common people laying down their arms, in such places where as the preaching was then presently exercised, and keeping themselves from giving any cause of scandal, or disordered actions, there should no wrong nor injury be done unto them, nor to any others that should for that purpose travel to and from them, until such time as his Majesty, with the advice of the counsel of estate should take other order therein, upon condition, that they should not in any wise hinder the proceedings of the Catholic religion, but should suffer the Catholics freely to enjoy their churches in manner as they had them before. Given in Brussels the thirteenth of August 1566: with this charge, to deal and confer with the confederated gentlemen, she sent the prince of Orange, the earl of Egmont, the earl of Horn, the baron de Hachecourt, and the counsellor Dassonuille: which met and consulted with the deputies of the gentlemen, being Lodowicke's earl of Nassau, Eustace de frenes, baron D'esquerdes, Charles de Revel, baron Dandreguyes, Bernard de Merode, baron de Rumen, Charles vander Noot, baron de Risoire, George de Montig●…t, baron de Noyles, Martin de Serlues baron de Sterbeeke, Philip van Marbays, baron de Lounerual, john de Montigni, baron de Villers, Charles de Lievin, baron de Famars', Francis de Haeslen, john le Savage, baron de Descouberque. These after long conference, at the last drew unto a conclusion, agreement, and accord in his Ma. behalf: which, for that it is of so great importance and consequence, and that all the troubles and wars that after ensued, had their foundation from the same, I thought good to set down the true copy, both of the proclamation and act, made in manner of a security or protection.  
Marguerite by the grace of God, Duchess of Parma and Plaisance, Regent and Governess 
Letters of assurance from the governess to the nobles.  for the king my lord in these his countries, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: Whereas many gentlemen of these countries have presented in April last a petition; to the end, that it would please his Majesty to take away and abolish the Inquisition, and both the old and new Edicts, which they said were too rigorous, and therefore might not be put in execution: and to make others in their places, by the advice and consent of the general estates of the country; requiring, that the said petition might be sent by us unto his Majesty, to provide accordingly. Whereupon we held many great consultations with the governors of provinces, knights of the Order, and counsellors of State to his Majesty. And after that we had represented all with our advice unto the king, for that we thought it good, that by reason the said gentlemen might have some doubt or scruple, that his Majesty would not take in good part the said petition, together with the compromise which they had thereupon made together, nor that which followed after; and that such doubt might be the cause of greater mischief and trouble in the country, we by the same advice have also entreated, That his Majesty would be pleased to give them letters of assurance, that hereafter nothing shall be imputed unto them upon that occasion; whereupon his Majesty had advertised us of his good will and pleasure. According unto 
In the month of M●…y before the nobles had demanded any assurance.  the which, we desiring the good, quiet, and tranquility of the said countries, and to make the gentlemen petitioners more willing to yield all obedience and service unto his Majesty, according unto that whereunto they are bound both by nature and oath, and as they have always offered themselves: we have, at their request, and according to the power and authority given us by his Majesty, and as Regent and Governess general of the said countries, and by the advice of the knights of the Order, governors and counsellors of State, being with us, given for their assurance, this writing signed with our hand, in form as followeth.  
Her highness hath caused the gentlemen petitioners to return the twentieth of August, for answer of their petition, during the which time she hath happily received letters from his Majesty, whereby she shall have the better means to give them a certain and absolute answer. And first she lets them know, that his Majesty having regard to her highness informations (seeing that they which are at this day altered for Religion, or otherwise, offer to submit themselves unto that which shall be decreed by his Majesty, with the advice of the general estates, for the good of Religion, and the quiet and tranquility thereof) with the advice of the lords, knights of the Order, and counsellors of state, is content, that the Inquisition (whereof they have complained) shall cease. Secondly, his Majesty hath consented, That there shall be a new Edict made, but it was not fully resolved, if it should be done by the general Estates, or otherwise: yet her highness hopes, that by the first she shall have a resolution, according unto that which his Majesty hath written unto her: wherein she will always do her best endeavour, that his Majesty may grant it, as she hath already done by sundry letters. And in regard of assurances, whereof they make mention in their last petition, that her highness was well advised to give it them, so far forth as lay in her: as presently she can assure them, seeing his Ma. hath consented, giving her full authority to do it in what form and manner she shall think fit. Wherefore she lets them understand, That his Majesty desiring to free them of all suspicion, who might think, that he were ill informed of them, and to take away all distrust, which was the cause of these troubles, meaning to show his accustomed clemency, abhorring nothing more than bitterness, is content, that her highness (for the avoiding of all diffidence and distrust) shall give them such letters of assurance, as she shall think fit and requisite, for their greater security, and for that which is past, so as they carry themselves like good and faithful vassals & subjects to his Majesty, hoping they will not fail in the duties which they owe him. The which her highness is presently ready to effect. And as they have full satisfaction in this point, her highness will not refuse the offer which they have often made, to employ themselves in the service of his Majesty and her highness, for the peace & quiet of the country, as they are bound by nature and their allegiance, according to the which, her meaning is, they should give their Faith. First, That they shall not do nor procure directly nor indirectly any thing against his Majesty, his estates, nor subjects, but shall employ themselves to do all things that good and loyal vassals and subjects owe unto their sovereign lord and natural prince: and in doing so, shall with all their means seek to prevent these present troubles, seditions, and tumults, and restrain the mutinous multitude: and that all spoiling and ruining of Temples, Churches, Cloisters, and Monasteries may cease: yea, they shall help to punish them which have committed these sacrileges, outrages, and abominations. That no wrong nor violence may be offered to any spiritual persons, officers of justice, gentlemen, or other his majesties subjects and vassals. That they shall do their best endeavours, that the multitude which is now armed (whereby so many mischiefs have been committed, and daily may be more) may lay aside arms. They shall do all good offices, to hinder that the preaching be not used, but in such places where it hath been accustomed, and that without carrying of arms, or committing any scandal or public disorder. Moreover, they shall give all aid and assistance (as they are bound by their oath and allegiance unto his Majesty) to repel all strangers, enemies, and rebels to him and the country. Finally, they shall employ all the credit they have without the country, in his majesties service, and the good of the country, whensoever they shall be commanded: submitting themselves to all that it shall please his Majesty to command them, by the advice and consent of the general Estates. Made at Brussels the 23 of August 1566. We make it known, That all these things considered, and according to his majesties liking and good pleasure, and the authority which he hath given us; we in his name, and by virtue of his command, have promised and do promise by these presents, That by reason of the said compromise and petition, and for that which hath followed unto this present, there shall not be any thing imputed unto them by his Majesty, nor us, in regard of the oath which the said gentlemen have taken, as well for themselves, as their other confederates, conformable to the articles above mentioned, and for the which they shall give their bond: requiring and in his majesties name commanding all governors, knights of the order, chief precedent and counsellors of state, and all other justicers and officers whom it shall concern, to entertain this present assurance, and to cause it to be entertained inviolably for ever, suffering the gentlemen and confederates to use and enjoy for ever, without doing or giving, or suffering to be done or given to them, now, nor hereafter, directly, or indirectly, any trouble, molestation or let to the contrary; nor attempt any thing against the said suppliants, for the above rehearsed occasions, in any sort or manner whatsoever. For such is his majesties pleasure, and ours. In witness whereof we have signed these presents, and set to our seal. Given at Brussels the 25 of August, Signed Margareta.  
The gentlemen confederates holding them assured by these letters, gave reciprocally an act in writing to the Governess, of their promise, whereof mention is made in the letters of assurance, signed by the deputies, as followeth:  
We Lewis earl of Nassau, Eustace of Fiennes, lord of Desquerdes, Charles of Revel, lord 
An act of the promise of the contederats given unto the Governess  of Andrignies, Bernard of Merode, lord of Rumen, Charles vander Noote, Signior of Risoir, George of Montigni, Signior of Noyelles, Martin of Tserclaes, Signior of Tylly, Philip vander Mere, Signior of Sterbeke, Philip of Marbais, Signior of Lowerual, john of Montigni, Signior of Villers, Charles of Lievin, Signior of Famas, Francis van Haeften, john the savage, Signior of Escaubeque, and john of Casenbroot, Signior of Bacquerseel, as well in their own names, as deputies for the other noblemen and gentlemen confederates, having presented a petition unto his Majesty in April last passed, touching the Inquisition and Edicts for matter of heresy: Whereas we have this day received from the high and excellent princess, the duchess of Parma and Plaisance, Regent and Governess for the king in these countries, certain letters patents, having authority from the king, our sovereign lord and natural prince, in the manner and form that followeth: The letters of assurance above mentioned being inserted at length, with their bonds and promises, this was the conclusion.  
Be it known, that according to the said letters of assurance, we have promised and do promise, upon our solemn faith, and the words of gentlemen, true and faithful vassals and subjects to his Majesty, that we will observe, fulfil, and keep all and singular the points and articles above mentioned, as well for ourselves, as in the name of all the others, for whom we are deputies, and have power, commission, and authority, promising to cause them to be entertained, observed, and kept by our said confederates. And therefore we do hold our confederation and compromise to be disannulled, void, and of no force, so long as the said security promised by her Highness in his majesties name, shall hold. In witness whereof we have signed these presents. Made at Brussels the 25 of August 1566.  
This promise was made by the said noblemen deputies, to the prince of Orange, the earls of Egmont and Horn, to the Signior of Hachecourt, and to Christopher of Assonuille, counsellor of State, being committees to that end by the Governess: whereof the said lady advertised all governors and counsellors of provinces and towns, commanding them, that in consideration of the said assurance and promise to the nobles, they should do their best endeavours to restrain the people, and suppress all disorders, until the kings coming, which she said would be shortly. And in truth these letters did somewhat pacify the people, and made them here and there to lay down arms.  
In the mean time the prince of Conde, the admiral, and other noblemen, protestants of France, sent one secretly with letters of credit to the lord of Brederode and the confederates: assuring them, that if they entered into any accord with the duchess of Parma, they would be deceived, offering to succour them, if need required, within one month after they should demand it, with four thousand gentlemen which should come into the Netherlands at their own charge. But the confederates being too much terrified, and the assurance being then in question, whereunto they would trust; this offer of the French Protestants was not accepted.  
Let us now leave the confederates in rest with their letters of assurance; and the better to explain the matter, let us see what the king's letters contained, the which were received by the duchess the three and twentieth of August, whereof mention is made in the said assurance, the which had reference unto those which she had received in May before; the which she kept so secret, as she thought, that the three noblemen of Orange, Egmont, and Horn, knew not any thing, for that she held them to be of that party; or else to favour the confederates, notwithstanding any good show they made: whereof I have set down a brief extract as followeth.  
First, that it was not fit to alter any thing touching the Edicts, but that they should be duly 
An extract of the king's l●…tter to the duchess after the peti-  executed. As for that which concerned the Inquisition, his majesties pleasure was, that it should stand in force, and that her highness should favour and assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their charge, for that it concerned the good and maintenance of religion: ordaining moreover, That the counsel of Trent (which had been already published) should be put in execution. And as for that which concerned the bishops, that the said lady should give them all direction and possible assistance, that it might be effected, as was fit: concluding, that what he had written was for the good of Religion, and of the Netherlands, the which else would go to ruin: And that she should give charge unto the noblemen that did assist her to do the like; whereby they should discharge their duties which they owe to God, his Majesty, the general good of the Netherlands, and to themselves in particular.  
This charge from the king unto the duchess, is nothing else, but what he had written in December 1565, and after the presenting of the confederates petition, by his letters written in May following: In all which letters there is not any mention made of the petition, exhibited by the confederate gentlemen, nor of his intention to redress those alterations by any mild or moderate course, as the duchess had so often promised. Whereby it appeared, that they did not acquaint the king truly with the estate and affairs of the Netherlands: and that the counsel of Spain (being too violent) not considering the season, the estate of the country, nor in what terms the Romish Religion than stood (being without doubt greatly shaken) sought only by this latter charge unto the Governess, to ruin the nobility & the commons of the Netherlands. But she proceeded more modestly and discreetly, than the said counsel of Spain. For if in steed of giving of the said letters of assurance unto the nobles confederate, (which came only from her own invention) she would upon the receipt of this last commission and charge (wherewith she was much perplexed) have put it presently in execution, with all rigour and violence, as she was expressly commanded and commanded: without doubt she had ruined herself, and all the king's estate in the Netherlands, through the fury of the people; who being set in a rage with the pulling down of Images, were still armed, and by the despair which the nobles might have conceived, having no assurance from the king, who happily might have accepted of the succours which the prince of Conde and other Protestants of France had offered them. But she, who knew better the estate of affairs (as having them still before her eyes, producing daily new effects) than the counsel of Spain did, suppressing for a time these letters and commission, she would not break the ele with her knee, as they say, but turning her coat as the wind did blow, she struck sail (so as her delays and shifts from the day of the presentation of the petition, with her goodly practices, had withdrawn many of the confederates) hoping, that by little and little they would grow more cold, considering the impression they had put into their heads of the king's indignation: and that upon the said assurance (as they had promised) they would temper the violence of the people, who were greatly moved and incensed, whilst that she provided for things, embracing the best occasions to produce the said letters and charge, when as she should see the commons disarmed, and the gentlemen assured and retired to their houses, attending the coming of the duke of Alua. If this came from the dexterity and industry of the duchess, or of her counsel, I refer it to the censure of others, but they were too subtle for the confederates, who could not discover them.  
On the other side, if the Governess would have inclined willingly to some tolerable moderation and good order, touching that which the gentlemen demanded in their petition, and not to have fed them with so many delays, excusing herself absolutely, that she had no credit nor authority to dispense with the Edicts and Inquisition, she had quenched the fire which lay smothering in the ashes, the which had not flamed out, being uncovered, as we have seen; and every one had been contented to live (with the liberty of his conscience) quiet in his house, seeing themselves free from fear of search by the Inquisitors, touching their faith and belief. But chose, many have believed, that both the duchess and the counsel of Spain, meaning to ruin and root out the nobility of the Netherlands (as it hath been always the practice of the Spaniards) and to bring the people into perpetual slavery, according unto the twelve articles, drawn by the Inquisition of Spain (the which were found among the writings of jeams van Hessel, Attorney general of Flanders) sought all occasions how to effect it. Besides, the retreat of the Spaniards, required by the noblemen, and the refusing of money, without a convocation of the general Estates, were reputed by the Spaniards for a heinous crime. But now (in their opinions) a fit opportunity was offered, by the presentation of the said petition, which they made the groundwork of all their designs. Yet in the beginning (if they did not dissemble) it was allowed and commended, as well by the Governess, as by the chief noblemen and knights of the Order, as a good and faithful service done unto the king; promising them (in respect thereof) to do all good offices unto his Majesty, to effect the contents thereof; thanking them for the good advice and counsel they had given to his Majesty, until that the imposthume of the Spanish hatred against the said countries coming to break, such as did hate them, and others of the like quality, thrust on by ambition, and their own private profit, seeking to fish in a troubled water, and some of the cardinal of Granuelles' creatures (who was a capital enemy to the princes and the chief noblemen of the country) began to detract openly the authors and presenters thereof, and to accuse them of seditious rebellion to all kings, princes, potentates, and foreign nations: who being then filled with those reports, had no other conceit, but that all the nobility, or the greatest part, with the whole people, were revolted from their prince. Moreover, the cardinal being in Spain, did aggravate the matter all he could, making the said petition to be the motive and efficient cause of popular tumults, of public preaching, of the taking of arms, of the beating down of Images, and other disorders: so as the eight and twentieth day of February 1568, a criminal sentence was pronounced against the said Netherlands, by the office of the Inquisition, and ratified by the king, as we shall hereafter see.  
And although that after this assurance given by the Governess, and the promises made by the confederates, it seemed that all troubles should cease: yet notwithstanding, although the duchess sought by all means to hinder the preaching without the towns, yet the people having gotten this liberty since the breaking down of Images, leaving the fields, did appropriate unto themselves certain churches within the towns: so as they were forced (with the Governess consent) to suffer them to build new Temples in antwerp for their exercise, with some rules and ordinances over all, to avoid scandals and disorders: after that those of the Consistories of the Religion, and the Ministers, john Taffin, Herman Modet, and George Siluain, for the French & Dutch churches, had made their excuses by writing unto the magistrate of antwerp, in manner as followeth:  
My masters, we protest in truth, as before God, that what hath been done touching the 
A justification of the Prote stant ministers at antwerp.  beating down of Images, was without our privity or consent. As for the spoils, robberies, drunkenness, and other dissoluteness and insolencies, we both blame them, and detest them. Wherefore the Ministers of the Word shall exhort (as they have already done) their auditors in their sermons to abstain, and to deliver into your hands what hath been stolen away. Those of our Church are ready to yield you all obedience, and to oppose themselves under your command, against all violences, thefts, and other insolencies. We will acknowledge you to be established by the lord in the office of magistrate, and therefore we are bound to obey you, not only for fear of punishment, but also for conscience sake: and by consequence we ought and will faithfully pay all taxes, imposts, customs, subsidies, tithes, and other duties, ordinary and extraordinary, that shall be imposed upon us. We confess, that such as shall refuse, shall deal fraudulently, offend God, and are to be punished by you. For the better assurance whereof, the Ministers of the Word, and others committed for the government of the church, are ready, if need be, to take an oath, to be faithful and obedient unto you in all things (except against God and his Word) for the good and profit of the town and of the inhabitants: beseeching you, that under your authority and protection we may be suffered to assemble in some Temples fit and capable for the exercise of our Religion; and not to take it in ill part, if we make use of some, according to the present necessity, until you have otherwise provided. In the mean time, we pretend not to force any one in his conscience, nor constrain him to our Religion; contenting ourselves, and praising God, that we have means to serve him, according unto ours; hoping that you will provide so, as both the one and the other may have cause of content, giving charge, that they shall not do any injury or outrage one unto another for matter of Religion.  
Upon which request, there was a certain accord made in antwerp, betwixt the one and the other Religion, whom the magistrate took equally into his protection the second of September, the said accord containing seventeen articles. Signed by the prince of Orange, and underneath Ex mandato Dominorum, Polites. The like in a manner were made in Vtrecht and Amsterdam, then at Gaunt, Tournay, and other places, to entertain the inhabitants in concord and love one with another, and to assure the towns from all eminent danger, until the king had otherwise provided, by the advice of the general estates: the which was done by the particular governors and magistrates of towns, as well in Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Friesland, Gueldres, as other provinces of the Netherlands: whereby the reformed Religion did wonderfully increase, and the Protestants had for a time some cause of content, seeing themselves freed from that odious Inquisition, from the new bishops, bloody Edicts, persecutions, and observation of the counsel of Trent, enjoying the liberty of their consciences, and the preaching of their doctrine. The confederate gentlemen holding themselves well assured by the letters which the Governess had given them; after that they had written unto the Consistories to carry themselves modestly in their assemblies, they retired every one to his own house. And soon after there followed an Edict, by the which (to give the people the better satisfaction) the Inquisition and the Edicts against them of the Religion, were surceased, by the authority of the court, commanding notwithstanding to punish both in body and goods the breakers of Images, causers of tumults, robbers, and disturbers of the public quiet, upon pain of the loss of their privileges, for such as should not do their duties: forbidding expressly the carrying of arms to the preaching.  
Yet the people did not altogether forbear carrying of arms, but in many places did assemble like men of war: for which cause, the Signior of Backerzeel, a chief counsellor to the earl of Egmont (who had been one of the deputies for the nobility, and had signed the compromise) issuing out of the Audenarde with some bourgesses and peasants, fell upon a troop of these armed men, near unto Gramont, whom he surprised suddenly, not fearing any such encounter, defeated them, and put them to rout, whereof he slew twelve, and took one and twenty prisoners, the which were afterwards hanged.  
This was the first exploit that was done by arms against them of the Religion: and afterwards they began by little and little, by virtue of letters and secret commandments from the Governess, to pursue them in divers places: whereof some seeing this change, and that the confederate gentlemen had thus abandoned them; and withal, that the earl of Egmont (notwithstanding his permission to preach within his government of Flanders) was the first that did persecute them, began to retire out of the country, some here, some there, and they had at the first retired in greater numbers, if the duchess had not given them a new assurance that his Majesty (coming into those parts) would hear their complaints, and entreat them as a good and merciful prince: assuring them, that he had no intent to use rigour against his subjects, with the which and many other goodly reasons she sought to persuade them. And in the mean time she sent secret instructions to th●… governors and particular magistrates, to punish such as were culpable: whereby those that were not the most rigorous, nor forward in the execution of her secret instructions, found, that all the duchesses' persuasions did not tend so much to grace, in retaining them that would retire, as to punishment. Whereupon the magistrate of Alcmat in West Friesland, writ unto the Governess, in what perplexity they were in 
Those of Alcmar complain of th●… secret instructions  by these latter letters, written in secret, directly contradicting the letters of assurance, and the king's bounty, whereof she made so great brags, desiring to have a more ample resolution thereupon. Whereunto she answered, that notwithstanding any objections made by them of West-Friseland (which are the towns of Alcmar Horn. Enchuysen, and Medenblyc) they should govern themselves according unto the instructions sent to the officers & particular magistrates.  
This passing in this sort in the Netherlands, and the contract aforesaid being sent into Spain to the king, he was not a little grieved and offended thereat, being as then at Segobia, sick of an 
The king's resolution in Spain.  ague. This matter being brought before his counsel, was by them much & long debated: many of them taking it in the worst sense: but at the last they all generally agreed, that the Netherlands had great need of his majesties presence therein, and for that cause began to consult upon the best way for his travel and voyage thither; and that in the mean time the Regent's letters should be answered, in such manner, that the king should seem to say nothing touching the Regent's dealing with the confederated gentlemen, and the sectaries, nor once speak thereof, that he might not thereby make any show, to like or dislike thereof, lest it should be occasion of new uproar or suspicion. And touching the assembly of the States general, that might not by any means be tolerated (as it had been oftentimes before determined) without burdening the king's conscience. Lastly, That the Regent should be once again put in mind to entertain and pay the dutch princes and pentionaries to the king, and that his commandments might be fully kept and observed.  
According to this resolution, in the month of October, the king writ two sorts of letters, the one to be showed to the counsel and the lords, and the other to be kept secret: in the first he wrote, That for that the Queen his wife was then brought in bed of her first child, being a daughter, borne upon S Clares day, and for that cause named Isabella Clara Eugenia, he was as then going from Segobia to Madril, to make preparation for his voyage into the Netherlands, and that he was not persuaded, that the troubles in the Netherlands could be pacified, by assembling of the general States, especially in his absence, with other such like doubts. He wrote likewise unto the Emperor Maximilian, much complaining of the troubles in the Netherlands. Whereunto the Emperor, as a wise, experienced, and politic prince, returned 
The emperor Maximilians answer to a letter sent him by the king of Spain.  him an answer in the month of September, satisfying him in every point of his letter particularly, desiring to hold and maintain all love and friendship with him, as brethren are bound to do, one unto the other; amongst other things saying and by many reasons and arguments proving, that he, after due, ripe, and good deliberation and advice taken, considering the ground and depth of the same, found it to be a matter of exceeding great consequence weight, and trouble; principally, because the matter of the Catholic Religion was become so hateful and odious unto many of the german princes, allies, and of affinity with the noblemen and gentlemen of the Netherlands, which might easily be procured and induced to mount upon their horses, and to aid them; whereby the Netherlands should not only endure and suffer great hurt, hindrance, charges and burdens, but also no small doubt might be made, how the same would be well holden and kept: and therefore he said, he thought it the best means and wherein least danger consisted, to end and pacify the controversy, if it were possible by good and peaceable means, and not by force and rigour. Which to effect, his Majesty offered, so the king would be content to be a mediator between him and his subjects, with many such reasons more. He wrote likewise to that end unto the Regent the duchess of Parma, and therewi●…h sent her certain letters, to be given to the lords of the Netherlands, as to the prince of Orange the earl of Egmont, the earl of Horn, the earl of Mansfield, & others, but referred the delivering of them to the discretion of the Regent, and the king's pleasure: which the king did after forbid her to deliver unto them.  
About this time many of the noblemen in the Netherlands wrote their several letters unto the king, as the earls of Egmont, Mansfield, Meghen, and Arenbergh, the baron of Barlamont, Noircarmes, and Rassinghem, the Burghgrave of Gaunt, the University of Loven, and divers others, every man according to his affairs, showing in general and particular what had passed, especially in every one of their several governments. Whereunto the king made them answer in most friendly wise, thanking them for their good service in his behalf, and willing them to continue in the same, commending them severally for their particular service, with many and good speeches, and wrote a very friendly letter unto the precedent Vigilius with his own hand, thanking him for his great pains and good endeavour done in his service, and desiring him (not respecting his age, feebleness, and indisposition of body) to continue therein till his coming thither. And for that about this time the prince of Orange & the earl of Egmont made complaint unto the king and certain lords in Spain that were their friends, that some complained of them behind their backs, and had a bad and sinister conceit and opinion of them, against all truth, as time and opportunity should well declare, with such like speeches, they were answered by the third hand of certain counsellors of Spain, that the best means for them (to cease all bad speech●…s and conceits) was to show and prove the contrary by their actions, conforming themselves in all things to the good will of his Majesty, which was always clear, allowable, & answerable, and from the which there was no bad consequence to be feared; for that the ●…ightest and truest point of the duty of a vassal or subject, is that knowing the resolute intent and purpose of his prince, to endeavour himself by all means to effect, fulfil, and execute the same with all celerity and promptness, although he had some particular feeling to the contrary: for that a particular member (as all vassals are unto their lords) ought not to think or esteem himself wiser than his sovereign prince, to whom only belonged the government and general command, and not to the particular vassal. They wrote them likewise, that in Spain the common opinion was, That if they (namely the prince of Orange, and the earl of Egmont) or any of them both, would have behaved themselves stoutly and courageously, the troubles in the Netherlands had not proceeded to such an issue: which notwithstanding, if from thence forward they would do their endeavours, to do good and upright service for the State, without dissimulation, as duty bound them, they might thereby reform all causes, or at the least maintain them in esse, until the coming of the king into the Netherlands; with divers such instructions.  
The Governess by her manifest demonstrations of mildness, and by so many goodly assurances, which she promised, did not only labour to retain the people and merchants from retiring out of the country, but also the nobility; who, notwithstanding any assurance she could give them, were not without distrust: but above all (having disappointed the league and compromise of the gentlemen, which made her hardy, and yet dissembling) she studied to entertain by all kinds of favour and courtesy, the prince of Orange, with the earls of Egmont, Horn, and Hochstraten. The king having sent her word, that she should be very careful, not to give them any cause of jealousy or distrust, but to assure them of his love, both to all his subjects in general, and to them in particular, to take from them all desire, to retire out of the country. The king himself did write unto the prince of Orange, to testify the love which he bore him, and the good liking he had of his services, as followeth.  
I have received your letters of the seven and twentieth of May with great affection, and 
The king's letter to the prince of Orange.  since of the fourteenth of june: and by that which I have written unto my sister, you may conceive not only what small occasion you have to think that which you writ in your letters of the seven and twentieth of May, but also the contrary. It is certain, that you should be much deceived to think, that I had not great confidence in you. And admit, that any one should seek to do bad offices, yet am I not so light and credulous, as to believe them, having had so great experience of your loyalty and services: whereby you may therein satisfy yourself, and rely upon the letters which I have heretofore written unto you in that behalf, and to your own deservings; but in no sort to that which some (it may be enemies to my service and your good) have given you to understand. Touching the leave which you demand to give over your charge and governments, I am displeased, that your private affairs stand in those terms you say; and the estate of the country being as it is, I cannot but let you understand that it is no reason, that such persons as you are (in whom I rely and trust) should abandon it, especially when I myself am so far off: Nay, it were reason, that such as are retired to their houses, should run to help in this necessity, and employ themselves to that whereunto they are bound, as you have presently done, going into antwerp; whereof I have received great content, and am well assured, that you will do all things there that shall be most befitting my service, and the quiet and tranquility of the town and country, and for the preventing of disorders; whereof I trust in you, and command you expressly, knowing that you will not show yourself otherwise, than you have done all your life. And to the end you may see how freely I treat with you, I will not forbear to let you understand, that they speak much here, for that your brother hath been an actor in those actions: and for that I cannot but dislike thereof, I charge and command you, that you see how it may be prevented, that he proceed no further, as (if you think it so good) that you retire him for a time from you. From the Wood of Segovia the first of August 1566, Signed Philip.  
This letter would have lulled a very sufficient man asleep, if the prince of Orange had not received advertisements of a contrary tenor, yea, even from Spain; and if there had not come unto his hands the copies of two letters, written by Francisco d'Allana, ambassador for the king of Spain, at the French court, to the duchess of Parma: which we have thought good to insert, showing how the said lady should entertain all these noblemen: the first was of this tenor.  
Madame, Although I have written unto you at large fifteen days since, and by the post 
Francis●…d All ●…as 〈◊〉 letters to 〈◊〉 duchess of Parma.  which came from Spain, yet having received a packet two days since out of Spain, I would not but presently advertise your highness, and send you the copies of two letters which were written unto me, whereby you may see many particularities, which in my opinion will give you contentment: and to understand the good order which his Majesty hath taken, and the great preparations which he daily makes, as well to resist the Turkish army, if it should attempt any thing upon that coast, as to reduce his subjects to God's obedience and his. Your highness shall also understand, how much they are satisfied with your manner of proceeding since the stirs which have happened in those parts where you are: and above all they have commended the last point of intelligences, and places of strength, whereby his Majesty doth now pretend to effect his 
* To turn the Netherlands into a royalty.  designs, with little pain and resistance, contrary to the doubt which he had in the beginning, so as strangers dealt no more in it; and also by the wisdom and dexterity, wherewith your highness hath begun to manage this action. Whereunto I can assure you Madam, his Majesty doth attribute the preservation of his Netherlands, next under God, who by his grace, from this mischief which hath happened, will cause his Majesty to reap so great a benefit, as to see them reduced wholly to his obedience, and to that estate and government, whereunto his predecestors could never attain, and the which he hath so long designed and desired, and withal to have the means (the which no good servant will counsel his 
Think of this both French & English.  Majesty to let slip) to subdue one by another, whom he pleased, and that might hereafter oppose themselves to the good of his affairs in those countries. And for that, Madame, the point which seems to me of greatest importance in this action, is to assure more and more the disguised 
The nobles abouementioned  servants whom you know: your highness I hope will not take it ill, if I do again advertise you to temporize with them, and to force yourself as much as you can to assure them as well by others suborned, of the great good opinion and satisfaction which his Majesty hath of their actions, and of the love he beareth them: that he believeth and saith, that they have done him so notable a service, as he thinks himself bound unto them, that the Netherlands are yet under his obedience: and that without their presence and wisdoms, they had either been a prey to strangers, or bathed with the blood of his own subjects. For although, Madame, they be cunning and counterfeit, as we know, yet the time & occasions do require, that for his majesties service they should use these artificial speeches. And I believe that your highness shall find by experience, that they will serve something to entertain them, at the least to contain them; as we have already found, not only by them, but also by those 
* The marqui of Bergh, & 〈◊〉 baron of Mon tigny.  two which are gone to his Majesty, with whom they have carried themselves so cunningly, giving them such entertainment, as they do not swear but by the faith which they owe unto their master: and besides they have made such practices in their families, as they cannot do nor say any thing, but it is presently advertised. In the mean time they are resolved to make them keep good residence by his Majesty, and not suffer them to depart, no more than the signior of Ibermont, who thought to return presently. But I must tell you, Madame, that the greatest mischief I know for the present in this business, is, that those which have the greatest power and credit with his Majesty, and namely the duke and the prince agree well upon the 
O'Alua and Rigomes:  punishment, but not about the means: for the one presseth his majesties passage all he can, and the other seeks to hinder it, propounding new means. For my part I did always hold, That the master's presence did import much, and that above all, diligence and celerity was necessary: and that in unexpected diseases, they must apply speédie remedies, yea violent: in which opinion, they send me word, that his Majesty is now firm and constant. And the day of his arrival at Madrill, after his recovery, he swore in the presence of those noblemen, That he knew that what had been done in his Netherlands, not only concerned his repuoation, but also the service of God: and that he did so much apprehend it, as he would rather hazard therest of his estates, than not to punish such a rebellion exemplarily, and in the view of all Christendom. And to that end, even in the same place, his Majesty resolved to part out of Spain, as soon as possible he could, and to lead with him the prince his son, and the queen, who notwithstanding they think shall pass into France, leaving his sister governess of the country, and his two nephews the emperors sons with her, although that the emperor doth insist much to have his eldest son. That some days before, the duke shall pass to refresh the garrisons of Italy, and shall draw forth all the old soldiers and captains, to place others that go with him out of Spain. That his Majesty arriving soon after in Italy, he would treat with some princes and potentates, confer with the pope, and afterwards with the emperor, if it were possible to unite their counsels and forces together, from whom he hath demanded two regiments. Which done, having given order for his design, his Majesty is resolved to stay in the French country, and afterwards to descend into the Netherlands, with such forces as shall be needful, according to the carriage of his subjects. Madame, I may not omit to advertise you, that the cont Palatin, the Landtgrave of Hessen, and other princes Lutherans, have sent two ambassadors to this court, the one called junius, the other David, to demand certain money which the said princes did lend during the troubles of this realm, to the chief of the Protestants faction; and withal to recommend them which hold their goodly religion unto the French king: But in truth it is (as far as I can discover) to make some practices with the said Huguenots, and to give new means to enterprise against the estate and country of his Catholic Majesty. And for that I have understood for certain, and from good place, that some of the king and queen's counsel, yea of the greatest and most ancient (although they term themselves Catholics) were of opinion to make use of this legation, to make a league with the said princes, and to fortify themselves with their friendship; I was for some days troubled to find means to prevent it: but the cardinal 
* Of Lorraine  being happily arrived in the town (who in truth hath done a world of good offices, and would do more if he had the means) I have conferred long with him of the importance of this business, and of the consequence thereof, for the ruin of the Catholic religion in this realm; making him to understand, that it did not only concern the interest of the king my master, but also his own; giving him thereby means to quarrel with junius, for that he was a subject, and borne in the Netherlands: so as the next day he went to a house of the queens, called Moncheaux, whereas the court than was, whereas he wrought in such sort, as presently after the king and queen sent a letter to the provost of their household, to commit the said ambassadors of the Lutherans to prison, seizing upon their letters, papers, and instructions: the which had been executed, but that during the contestation there arrived one of the couns●…ll, who was of opinion, that they should surcease the execution, until they had a new commandemen●…: So as although they have since sought to repair this error, yet the said ambassadors hold themselves to have received such an escorne, and their masters so great an injury, as I see all the practice is thereby broken, and not to be repaired: besides they find themselves newly aggrieved, for that they have had but cold reception and entertainment at their audience in court, and were not greatly pleasing to the king, queen, nor counsel, and that after their audience they did mock at them; which must needs tu●…e to the great good of his majesties affairs, and make them bare of friends and alliances. The lady (you know who) I think is one of the most cunning dissemblers 
The queen mother.  in the world, the more I negotiate here, the more constantly I believe what I have often written unto your highness, that there is neither trust, assurance, friendship, nor resolution in her. And so he ends his letter with a discourse of the queen mother, and of matters of France, the which I omit for brevity sake, for that they concern not our subject. It was written at Paris the 18 of August 1566.  
And by a second letter he writes unto the Governess, as followeth.  
Madame, The advertisement which your highness hath given me touching the affairs 
Another letter from the 〈◊〉 to the regent. 〈◊〉▪ Egmo●…t, and 〈◊〉.  of the Netherlands, confirms me in the opinion which I always had, That this tumult could not be without the intelligence and support of some great men, and namely of those three which carry so good a show: for as your highness hath carefully and with great discretion weighed all things, so you must believe, that from those three all the mischief comes. I have not failed to advertise his Majesty of all things, touching this action: and 〈◊〉 assured, that as your highness hath recommended it unto his Majesty, he will not forget to entreat them as they deserve, and according unto your recommendation: and they may be assured that they shall be the first, whom his Majesty will undertake, not to grace them (for they have not deserved it) but to punish them as their rebellion doth merit: yet your highness must in no sort disfavour them, nor make any show of discontentment, lest it impair the affairs: but to keep them still in hope to be held by his Majesty for his faithful servants, and that will avail much: for suffering themselves to be so persuaded, they will be the sooner circumvented: but when the time shall come, they shall talk to them in another manner. And your highness must rest assured, that if you have a desire to make them receive the payment which they have merited, his Majesty will have no less affection to do therein what shall be held necessary.  
Also, Madame, whereas you desire to be advertised, in what assurance we are of the succours of France, I am forced to say, that they make us many promises, but I fear they will serve us but to little purpose, and in the end all will be but words, they having neither will nor means to succour us, as they promise. Besides the Huguenots here are strong and look big: I will not omit any thing that is possible to be done, whereof I will advertise your highness, upon all occasions. But above all, I beseech you govern yourself with great dexterity in the behalf of those three that I have named. From Paris the nine and twentieth of August 1566.  
These letters show sufficiently in what sort they would entertain these noblemen, namely, the prince of Orange, and the earls of Egmont and Horn, seeing that they held themselves assured in Spain of the marquess of Berghes, and the baron of Montignie, and that in their opinions (after they had dispatched these) they would easily prevail over the earls of Hoochstraten, Culenbourg, and Berghen, the lord of Brederode, and other of the chief nobles of the confederates, using as their instruments therein other noblemen, as the earls of Megen, Ba●…lamont, and his five or six sons, Noircarmes, Bea●…oir, and others, whom they had at their devotion, hating and envying the other three noblemen, and all the confederates.  
The resolution then being taken in the counsel of Spain, that there was no means more expedient to pacify the troubles of the Netherlands, than to reduce the people and all the nobility, to their ancient (yea to an entire and absolute) obedience, by force of arms; the question was to choose a commander for this action, which was weighty and of so great importance. Some were of opinion, That if those of the country did see prince Charles the king's son, and their natural prince, they would presently yield him all obedience. But those that bore an inveterat hatred unto the country, as the cardinal of Granuelle and his like, excused him of so heavy a burden, by reason of his youth: then the duke of Medina-Celi was named, but the Duke of Alva was preferred before him (notwithstanding the privileges of the country, which admit no strange governor, but one that is borne in the country) as an ancient captain, of good experience, and fortunate in war, to whom this charge was given. Whereat prince Charles being much discontented, could not contain himself, but burst forth in some words of dislike against the duke; whereby he discovered the love he bore unto these countries, being his inheritance, and the fear he had that the duke would oppress them too much: saying unto him, Beware that thou dost not oppress my people, lest 
The prince of Spain's speech to the duke of Alua.  I be revenged. To whom the duke answered, I thank God I have a ●…aster for the remainder of my life, and am not to be commanded by you.  
These noblemen▪ the prince of Orange, the earls of Egmont, Horn, Hoochstrate, and Lodowick of Nassau, having seen these letters, and well considered of those which the baron of Montigny had written out of Spain to the earl of Horn, his brother, containing the king's discontentment, touching the troubles happened in the Netherlands, advertising them to do their best endeavour to redress it, to the end that the king being in time pacified, he should have no occasion to come into the country, or to remedy it by arms. All which advertisements having put the noblemen in great perplexity and doubt, they assembled the third of October in the town of Deuremonde, to resolve▪ what should be most fit and convenient for their assurance and preservation: wherein they were of divers opinions, some saying, That they should not fear that the king would be so rigorous; some were of opinion, to retire out of the country, and to give place to the king's fury, if he came into the country with a●… army: others said, That if they would remain well united together, that there was means to resist his forces, wherein they should neither want friends nor strength. The earl of Egmont (who had more credit than any with the soldiers of the country) said, That they 
The earl of Egmont's speech  should endeavour by all good duties and offices to pacify his Majesty, and not be so much amazed at Francis d'Allanas letters, that they ought not to oppose themselves to any thing that it should please the king to command, the which he said, he did not find tolerable in conscience, but that they ought to acquaint him with all affairs, that being better informed, he may provide for them: That every one should do his best endeavour to appease the troubles and to pacific the people, as well as the nobility, to the end his Majesty might know them that have best discharged themselves in his service. And whereas some were of opinion to retire rather out of the country; that he could not do it, having no means to live in a strange country, with his wife, children, and family, in his estate and quality, from his lands and living, being needful for him to depend wholly upon the king's favour, without the which he could not do any thing. This resolution of the earl of Egmont (whereunto the earl of Horn did partly conform himself) did so amaze the other noblemen, as after they had been five or six hours together in conference, they retired without any other conclusion, but that every one should stand upon his guard, holding from that time forward the earl of Egmont for suspect; who went from thence to Brussels; where he complained to the duchess of Francis d Allanas' letters, the which she denied constantly, until that being vanquished by his own hand, she said, That they must not take it, nor interpret it in that sense they did.  
The earl of Horn soon after the conference at Deuremonde, went likewise to Brusels, where (for that he understood that all his actions were ill taken) he gave an account of all his dealings in Tournay and Tournesis, unto the Governess, the which he left in her hands in writing: And for that he found that they disinherited him, he retired from Brussels, and went to his castle of Waert, from whence he writ unto the king, dated the twentieth of November, all the estate of his actions, justifying himself of many things wherewith they charged him to his Majesty, setting down the reason why he had absented himself from court, and retired to his house. He writ also to the baron of Montigny, his brother, being in Spain, complaining among other things, That they had called his loyalty in question, and that they did interpret all his good services for ill deservings: saying, That he held his brother happy to be in Spain, far from so great troubles, discontentments and disgraces. But soon after these two poor brethren were paid with one kind of coin, as we shall see by the king's letters of the three and twentieth of August, sent unto the duchess. The confederate gentlemen might easily conceive whereto tended the great preparation for war in Spain, and the threats which the king used against them. Wherefore every one was of opinion to provide for his safety, and those that were of the religion, and trusted least to the duchess letters of assurance, resolved to seize upon some towns and forts, and to defend themselves, and to live out of fear: wherein some showed their valour and virtue: for being in arms with such men as they could gather together, they surprised some towns in divers parts. On the other side the duchess having dissolved the union and compromise of the nobles, holding herself half a conqueress, 
The duchess arms, and forbids all exercise of the religion.  did also arm, making a diligent search, and punishing all those that had assisted at the breaking down of images, forbidding the preaching absolutely, and all exercise as well public as secret of the religion; commanding generally that the edicts concerning it, and the Inquisition, should be put in execution, according unto the king's letters, the which she durst not attempt before, fearing to spoil all, until that the noblemen were separated from their confederation, and retired to their houses, being pacified by her letters of assurance.  
Among other towns of the Netherlands, which had taken unto them the free exercise of the religion, that of Valenciennes of Henault (a strong and a renowned town, as well for her greatness and beauty, as for the traffic of merchandise, being served by two goodly rivers, whereof the Escaut is chiefly navigable, the which doth serve many good towns even unto antwerp, where as it runs into the sea) was one of the first and most zealous to religion. The duchess to hinder the said exercise, and to have his majesties pleasure put in execution, touching the Inquisition and the edicts, sent the signior of Noircarmes thither, being lieutenant to the marquess of Berghes, who was governor and great bailiff of Henault, with five companies of foot, and four of horse, to be there in garrison: Where he arrived the two and twentieth of December, the same year 1566. The Valenciennois knowing the strength and state of their town, being able to defend and maintain themselves without garrison, excused themselves. The Governess moved with this refusal, sent the duke of Arschot, & the earl of Egmont, to let them understand, that for his majesties service they should not refuse to keep their gates open at all seasons, upon any commandment they should receive from him. But they knowing that this garrison was only to suppress them, excused themselves, offering a good sum of money for his majesties profit, to be freed from the soldiers they would have brought in, alleging certain privileges and exemption of garrisons of the said town. The report of this refusal made by the noblemen unto the duchess, she commanded Noircarmes to besiege the town, with those troops of horse and foot which she had gathered together long before.  
For the effecting of which charge Noircarmes approached with his forces, spoils the country round about, and brings them those discommodities, which are incident to war: He takes the Borough and the Abbey of S. Amand, betwixt Valenciennes and Tournay, whereof the Protestants were seized, and there showed how he would use them whom he afterwards besieged. The town being of all parts invested, he priest it all he could, and kept them in that were accustomed to sally forth. The besieged prepared for their defence what they could, and to withstand the attempts of Noircarmes, they sent to entreat the other neighbour 
Valenciennes besieged.  towns, not to fail them at their need, and namely the gentlemen, under whose assurance they had taken arms. But the nobility fainting in their extremity, some of the people assemble to aid them, especially they of West-Flanders go to field, but wanting commanders, they marched not like soldiers, busying themselves in spoiling of churches, and running after priests; they had not marched far, but they were discovered by the signior of Rassinghem, governor of Lille, Dovay, and Orchies, who sent some horse with a troop of harguebusiers, drawn out of the neighbour garrisons, who easily broke them, being all foot, and charged them in an open champion: Some thought to save themselves in the village church of Waterloos', the which was set on fire, and all of them burnt or smothered. Those of Tournay hearing of this enterprise of the West-Flemings, were gone to field to succour 
1567.  them, that being joined together, they might by that means put themselves into Valenciennes. But Rassinghem, who had all night advertised the commons (the which were enrolled for such accidents) and the garrisons of the country, he had by six of the clock in the morning, near two thousand men of the said commons, and three hundred harguebusiers, and a hundred horse together, who notwithstanding were not troubled to hazard any thing in the combat: for Noircarmes was in front with ten ensigns of foot, and six hundred horse, who charged them in such sort, as a third part remained upon the place. The nimblest footmen were the happiest, for they saved themselves in Tournay: whereas afterwards by means of the castle, he caused nine companies to enter in garrison, and after that he had taken a number of the chiefest burgesses, and some ministers, he made the town obedient unto the king.  
Noircarmes seeing that their neighbour's misery did not move the Valenciennois, he drew out of Dovay, Arras, Tournay, and other places, all the canon he could, the which he planted before the said town of Valenciennes, and in a short space made such a breach, as the poor besieged, seeing themselves without commanders, and without soldiers, but some light French foot, being abandoned by the nobility, and without all hope of any help or succours, together with the threatening letters which the Duchess had again sent 
Valenciennes yielded.  unto them, having endured three months siege, upon many goodly promises, they yielded unto Noircarmes the fourth of March (against the opinion of the French and some others) by composition, the which was not kept: For as soon as Noircarmes was entered into 
Noircarmes breaks his faith with them of Valenciennes.  the town with his troops (as he was a cruel man, and exceeding covetous) he kept the gates of the town shut for some days, that he might with more ease see the French soldiers hanged, with the ministers, and the richest Protestant merchants, confisking their goods: among which the two Michel's Herlin, father and son, were of the chief; reading whose judgement, as the clause of confiscation of their goods was the conclusion, the father answered, This is the sauce: and so those two notable persons, and of the richest of the town lost their head, whose goods, especially their gold, silver, plate, jewels, and the richest movables Noircarmes did appropriate unto himself.  
The taking of this town did much amaze the other places, for Cambresis was abandoned, Mastricht yielded, and in a manner all the other towns received the king's garrisons. Anthony of Bomberghen, who had seized upon Boisleduke, & detained prisoners there the signors of Merode & Petersheim, with M. I. Schyff, chancellor of Brabant, being sent by the duchess thither to settle things in good order, after that he had caused his soldiers to be paid, he retired, hearing that the earl of Megen came to besiege him. The town of Hasselt in the country of Liege having been surprised by the Protestants, who had chased away the Romish religion, being besieged by the bishop, yielded by composition, upon condition, to pay the charges of the siege, to repair that which had been taken out of the churches and monasteries, and from thenceforth to entertain the Romish religion, receiving such garrison as the bishop should place there.  
The signior of Thoulouse with some other gentlemen Protestants, by the intelligence of Peter Ha●…k, bailif of Middlebourg in Zeeland, had an enterprise upon the island of Walchrens, being embarked at antwerp: but the ma●…hants ship of antwerp having seen them embark, departed before them, and arrived first in Zeeland, giving advertisement of the said enterprise, the which by this means failed: and withal the prince had forbidden them of Zeeland before, to receive any garrison; of which defence we shall have cause to speak hereafter.  
In the mean time the people seeing the hot pursuits of the clergy to increase daily, to their great loss and prejudice, and that the Governess (seeing that she had won the game by the disjunction of the nobles) made no account of their sighs and complaints, they resolved to 
The people of the N●…therlands compl●…ine vn●…o the king of Spain  appeal to the king, sending him a supplication full of tears, to move him to take pity of his people, who demanded nothing but to be maintained in the liberty of their consciences. And to make it known unto his Majesty, how much they desired to advance his affairs, they offer him three millions of florins, so as it would please him to entertain the transaction in his full force. And withal they employed certain princes of Germany to be suitors in their favour. But this offer and demand being imparted to the counsel of Spain, was held for a presumptuous ostentation of their riches, and bred jealousy in many, that by this overture they would seek to win the hearts, and draw in the forces of strangers, to come to succour them. Yet the people left not to try other means, as well with the Governess (whom they found rough and inexorable) as with the confederate noblemen, who being summoned (as being in the like sort interessed, and pa●…takers of the like peril and danger, of the doubtful issue which this tragedy seemed to promise) to keep their faith, oath, and promise, so often reiterated unto them, that they should not be molested for their consciences, but should have 〈◊〉 exercise of their religion, with preaching: they protested to impute all the fault unto them, and the occasion of the miseries that might fall upon the Netherlands. The 2 princes of Orange and Gavere, or Egmont, being, as before is said, of several opinions, the other lords also did likewise participate with the one or the other: and as they divided themselves, so did the confedera●… gentlemen, so that a third pa●…t of them held not with the confederates: but those that were of the reformed religion, sought all the means they could to confirm and uphold that confederacy, and t●… procure some great lords to resolve to hold with them, to preserve and maintain the countries in their freedoms, and to keep all strangers out of the same, having most regard and respect to the prince of Orange, in regard of his wisdom and experience, as also because of his power, friends and allies in Germany, who they knew should be seconded by the earl of Hoochstrate, and many others. But the prince in his great discretion, marking and considering the kings great power and force, whom he knew both of his own nature, and by the provocation of his Spanish counsel, to bear a grudge unto the country, not only for the religion, but also for their privileges: thereunto adding that the zeal of the common people, that were addicted to the reformed religion, at the first would be great, but not certain, to make a full account or reckoning thereof: and lastly, seeing that within the Netherlands he should have the aforesaid earl of Egmont, with the principallest and most part of the old soldiers, noblemen, and implacable spirituality, enemies against him, would by no means be induced nor persuaded to attempt any thing. For which cause the baron of Brederode, and others of the principallest confederates, determined to seek all the means they could, before they would enter into any extremities; and for that cause wrote a letter unto the regent, to crave leave to be admitted to come unto the court, to show her what wrong was unto them, contrary to the security by her given unto them: but the regent returned them an answer, saying, That they should not come within Brussels, for that their coming thither upon the fifth of April last passed, had caused all the troubles and business in the land: And having certain soldiers within Brussels, she gave them charge, not to suffer any of the confederated gentlemen to come within the town. For which cause the baron of Brederode wrote another letter out of antwerp, unto the regent, bearing date the 8 of February: saying, That not their petition, but the Inquisition, and new devices, that men sought to bring into the country, together with the long delay made to answer their request, were the true and only causes of the ●…roubles in the country: and that she might know that his intent and meaning was no other, than only to propound some means of peace and unity, and for that she would not suffer him to come at the court, he sent her two requests from the confederated gentlemen: wherein they showed▪ 
The confederated gentlemen's requ●…sts.  how that in August before, the country being full of troubles, and the people in every place ready to rise up in arms, by means of the good resolution then taken, all was pacified, wherein they well and truly acqui●…ed themselves. And although it fell not out so well in some places, it was the fault of those that were not well addicted unto the service of his Majesty; and that when as an assured amendment and reformation was in every place expected, attending the good ●…esolution of the king, with the advice of the states general, suddenly against all hope and expectation, letters were sent out by her, to forbid the preaching and exercise of the reformed religion, who for that cause as then blamed them (as appeared by a petition sent unto her, and thereunto annexed) besides that they perceived by the letters aforesaid, as also by other her proceedings, that she sought by fo●…ce to forbid the preaching unto the people, imprisoning and using other kind of rigour unto the preachers, contrary to the agreement, and without order taken by the king, with the advice of the general states. Besides, that they saw the bad entertainment that had been, and as yet was given unto the confederated gentlemen, together with the distrust that men had in them, without cause or reason. That the lords were counseled and advised not to be conversant with them, willing them to keep out of his Ma●… towns, without any cause, pursuing and following after to take them, as if they were enemies to the king and their native country, which they had not by any means deserved. They perceived likewise the taking up of soldiers, both within and without the lands, which gave them all cause to think, that the same were to be employed against them and those of the religion, to whom she had given contrary security, until his Majesty, with advice of the general states should take further order ther●… in. For which cause they (perceiving the general overthrow and destruction of the Netherlands to be prepared, and at hand, and power and force to be daily more and more used against them, contrary to all promises and assurances) thought good to move her once again (as they had done before) to do them the favour, to show them, if it were her pleasure, that the contract made with them should be observed and kept, and to suffer the preaching and the exercises thereon depending to be done, as they in her and the lords names had showed and declared unto the people: and whether she meant not to hold and observe the security by her granted unto the said confederated gentlemen: but to the contrary, that the good favour that she bore unto them, and the common people might the better be seen and perceived, they desired her to vouch safe them the favour, to discharge all her soldiers, and recall her commissions, not long since sent forth into the Netherlands: which doing, they would assure her, that the country should live in peace and quietness, and they themselves be ready to venture lives & goods, in the service of his Majesty and her: the which if it were not presently done, it was to be feared that much greater hurt and inconveniences would ensue, with great bloodshedding amongst the common people, who upon her and her word now reposed their security: And therefore they thought good to show her so much to discharge their duties, wherein they stand bounden unto his Majesty and their native country: desiring her to give them a good, short, and resolute answer.  
The request sent by those of the reformed religion, unto the gentlemen, which they sent with theirs unto the regent, held in effect a great complaint of the miserable persecution and wrongs done unto them in every place, contrary to the promises and securities made unto them: wherein also they said, That the said gentlemen had sought to beg●…ile and deceive them, unless they could show them, that they had such express charge and commission from the regent, and the lords of the order of the Golden Fleece, and if that no promise would be holden with them, they desired that it might be plainly told them, that every man might know to govern himself, thereby to shun the persecution.  
Whereunto the regent answered with a more proud and haughty stile, than she had formerly 
The Governess answer.  done: That she could not conceive what noblemen, nor what people they were, that had presented this petition, for that many noblemen confederates held themselves satisfied, as well for that they had caused the Inquisition and the edicts to cease, as by reason of the assurance which was promised them: and that for this cause they did present themselves daily, to do such service as it should please his Majesty. But she could not sufficiently wonder, how they could have any conceit, that she would ever suffer the exercise of the religion, considering that chose she had sufficiently declared how much she was offended, for that after the conclusion of the treaty, some noblemen had assured the people of these exercises, contrary to her will and meaning: seeing that the promise which the noblemen made to take away all arms, troubles, and scandals, did infer withal, that the exercise of their religion should cease, whereunto she had not consented. Moreover, they well remember with what grief of mind she had suffered the preaching in accustomed places, without arms or scandal; they may thereby easily know the small affection which she had to allow them any other exercise. As for liberty, she had only granted it so far forth as the petition of the fifth of May should not be imputed unto them, but not touching religion, although against her own conscience they had wrested so much from her: and therefore had just cause to be offended that they did attribute it unto her, and that his Majesty was justly incensed, notwithstanding that the people had usurped all exercise, & that by the new magistrate they overruled his officers, the which his Majesty was resolved to revenge.  
And for answer to that which they said, That she had not kept that which she had accorded, she said, That all that was grounded upon a false and too large interpretation of her words, and that rightly many magistrates had never allowed it: but that she had not gone against her promise in any thing, if after it was given, they had apprehended some for their offences, as the breakers of images, and robbers of churches, the which happened since the accord, yea by some gentlemen confederates. That they had caused the preaching to be used in towns, whereas it had been before in the field. Besides, they had seized upon churches, monasteries, noblemen's houses, etc. chased away the religious, threatened the clergy, and preached in unaccustomed places. The people animated by them, had seized upon some towns and royal places, carried away the artillery & munition, chased away the king's officers, kept the field in martial manner, threatening all the Catholics, yea comprehending her highness. So as by letters surprised, which their soldiers had written to them of Valenciennes, it might be sufficiently gathered, whereto all these tumults tended; that is (if God had not otherwise provided) to have deprived the king of all his countries. And in that they entreat to have all the soldiers discharged, they seek thereby to take the sword from him to whom God hath given it. Finally, she adviseth them (if they be so much devoted to the king's service as they say) that they should hereafter show themselves more conformable to his majesties will and pleasure, and to satisfy the people touching the sufferance of religion, the which brought but a contempt of his Majesty and of justice: and that they should carry themselves in such sort, as they might turn away his majesties wrath and indignation, that it might not be forced to exceed the limits of his bounty and clemency. Also, that they should forbear such threats as they seem to use in their petition; wherein if they persist, she leaves them to think what a dishonour and infamy it will be to them for ever, advising them to retire every man to his own home, and not to trouble themselves with the affairs of the country, but to carry themselves in such sort, as his Majesty might receive contentment: advertising them, that if they did otherwise, she would provide as she should think fit and convenient for the public quiet, without any need of a more ample answer to the said petition, until she may know which be the noblemen and the people which desire it whereof the lord of Brederode hath taken the charge.  
To this answer of the duchess there was a certain reply divulged, by the which, among others, 
A reply and distrust of the Protestants.  the nobles laid all the blame of that whereof the duchess accused them by her answer, upon the secret instructions which she had sent unto the private magistrates, touching the observation of the king's intention: whilst on the other side, she caused the assurance given unto the nobles, and the Protestants, to be published: who notwithstanding knew well by the said answer, that the governess (who was now armed) would no longer dissemble, but proceed by force of arms to the execution of that which she had for a long time kept secret in her bosom. Besides, they found that many of the nobility disbanded, and that many, for their greater assurance, sought to manage their affairs apart, whereof they were advertised from all parts: Among others, that cont vander Berghen had written unto precedent Vigilius, letters full of excuses, with protestations to remain a loyal and faithful servant unto the king: as also the signior of Estambruges, brother to the earl of Lygni had done the like, and that many others sought to make friends in court, to return into favour.  
As these complaints of the nobles answers, replies, cares, and distrusts, continued among them, they sought to provide for their affairs as well as they could, especially the Catholics, who made themselves to be feared by the forces they had levied, and by the king's authority. The earl of Egmont running throughout all the towns of Flanders, laboured to make the preaching to cease. The earl of Megen being at the request of the Catholics, and by the governess command, entered into Vtrecht with his regiment of foot, the next day he fortified the garrison of the castle with three hundred men. And to stop the courses of them of Vianen, belonging to the lord of Brederode, he built a fort upon the river, in a village called Vaert, right opposite against it: then he went to Nymeghen, Harderwic, and Elburch, where he suppressed the preaching, caused the churches to be repaired, and the arms to be brought into the statehouse, and in the end he chased away all the Protestants. The earl of Arembergh did the like in the countries of Friesland, Ouerissel, and Groninghen, as well by surprises of towns and places, as persuasions, and divers accords, passed betwixt him the consuls and towns. But the prince of Orange being in his governments of Holland and Zeeland, going from town to town, sought to pacify the troubles by gentle means, to the content of the estates of the said countries (yet appointing the exercise of the religion to be without the towns) especially in those of Holland, who for a thankful gratuity for the pains which he had taken to pacify their troubles, offered him a present of 55000 florins, which he honestly refused, lest it should have been some blemish to his reputation, to have suffered himself to have been corrupted by them with money in his government.  
In the mean time the Governess was counseled to propound a new oath to all governors 
A new oath propounded by the duchess.  of provinces, knights of the order, counsellors of state, and other noblemen; by the which among other things they did promise & swear, to remain faithful & obedient servants unto the king, and with all their power and means to maintain, defend, and preserve the Catholic, apostolic, and Romish religion, and to root out, and help to root out, all new doctrine and religion: to punish and chastise all breakers of images, and robbers of churches. Which oath was taken before the duchess, by the duke of Arschot, the earls of Egmont, Mansfield, Megen, the lords of Barlamont, Noircarmes, and many others. But the prince of Orange, and the earl of Hoochstraten refused to take that oath, saying, That the oath of their order, and of their government was sufficient, finding themselves much grieved, that the duchess should doubt of their loyalties. The like was required of the lord of Brederode, who made the like refusal to the secretary Torre, who was sent expressly unto him, to persuade him by many reasons: Whereunto he answered modestly, That the Governess had no cause to doubt of his faith and loyalty, and that he was content to go unto her highness, to demand the causes of her distrust, and to justify himself of all matters wherewith he might be charged. This new oath was not offered for any other cause, but to discover who would refuse it, who thereby should be taken for favourers and supporters of the Protestants. And also to curb them, that either for love, force, or dissimulation had taken it, and thereby to put a conceit in them, that they were held for good Catholics, and the kings faithful servants. The earl of Horn was at that time retired to his castle of Waert, being resolved to return no more to court, unless the king commanded him expressly, and therefore he was not required to take this new oath.  
The duchess being thus assured by this new oath, and having all the towns of the Netherlands 
The duchess plais her part.  reduced by their governors under the king's obedience, and the public preaching abolished, except in antwerp, than she unmasked herself, and began to play her part openly. All that could be taken and convicted to have carried arms, broken images, and spoiled churches were hanged. Those that were absent were adjourned to appear within a short time, if not they were declared rebels and their goods forfeited: the which made an infinite number retire into foreign countries, and especially into England: those that were most courageous kept the fields in great troops. The signior of Thoulouse having failed in his enterprise of the island of Walchrens, retiring into the river of antwerp, he went and lodged half a league from the town, in the village of Austreweel, whither men came to him from all parts, who made no gentler war to the priests and monks, than the Papists did to their companions. The prince of Orange was then returned to antwerp, with the earl of Hoochstraten (who during the prince's absence in Holland and Zeeland, had done his best endeavour to contain the people of Antuerp:) these two noblemen sent a gentleman to the signior of Thoulouse and his troops, to will them to retire from thence: the which they did, passing into Flanders, but the next day they returned to the same place: whereupon he had a second charge to retire, and the signior of Thoulouse answered, That he was ready to obey, yet he removed not, yea his people grew the more insolent, seeing themselves fortified by two ships full of soldiers, which arrived that night from base Flanders, and that hourly their numbers increased. The magistrat●… of the town seeing this, came unto the prince, where they conferred together, with the earl of Hoochstraten, how they might make these troops dislodge, being of opinion to send their sworn●… companies, with such soldiers as they had in the town, to fight with them: but the prince and the 〈◊〉 o●… Hoochstraten did not like thereof, fearing that in seeking to provide for their affai●…es without, they should fall into some greater inconvenience within, as it was to be doubted, that those troops were not come thither so boldly, but they had some adherents and good intelligence in the town. Whereupon the magistrates advertised the Governess, who with all speed sent Philip of Launoy, lord of Beauvoir, with four hundred men of her guards accompanied with la Motte-par-Dieu, who had two companies of the earl of Egmont's regiment, besides four hundred men drawn out of the garrisons, and Hans of Grave, provost marshal of Brabant, with five hundred horse, to surprise them before they were stronger; who finding them scattered and out of order, defeated them soon: many cast themselves into the river of Eschaut, but they were slain with the shot: many were burnt in barns, whereinto they retired. To conclude, there died about fifteen hundred men, few escaped, such as were 
The Protestants defeated at Austerweel.  taken, were afterwards hanged, or otherwise executed. The signior of Thoulouse their leader, was slain there, and they took one which carried a list of such as should assist at certain enterprises, whereby they discovered some practices.  
The magistrate of antwerp hearing that the Duchess troops marched against them of Auste●…, re●…ring lest their bourgesses should sally forth, and receive some harm, they caused ●…e bridges at the port of Austerweel, and at the red gate, to be broken; which gates they kept shut, placing the three companies which they had raised for the guard of the town, along the ramparts of that quarter, doubling the watch, and having lanterns and lamps light all night in the streets. The news of this assembly at Austerweel, and that there was an intent to cha●…ge them, was no sooner come to the knowledge of the inhabitants of antwerp, but they presently went to arms the fourteenth of March, marching towards the gate, to issue forth, and to succour their friends: but the prince of Orange, and the earl of Hoochstraten, told them, That it was impossible to succour them, and not be defeated as soon as they were sallied forth, they being unable to withstand the provost of Brabant's horsemen, and 
A tumult in antwerp.  therefore they entreated them not to stir. But this people being half mad, intending to go, broke down the red gate, threatening the prince and the earl, if they suffered them not to go, call them traitors, yea there was a Clothworker so rash, as to offer his harguebuse to the prince's breast: so as these two noblemen in this tumult, were in great danger of their lives, yet digesting all these indignities, they retained them so long, as this first fury being passed, it was agreed, That only five hundred of them should issue forth, with protestation that it was granted unto them by force: but they seeing that they would not suffer them to go forth in greater numbers, returned, and continued in arms till noon, having seized upon the Mere bridge, and the Tanner's street: then the three companies of the town came unto the market place. The people had already drawn certain pieces of artillery out of the arsenal (which they call Eerhof) the which they brought unto the Mere, and planted them upon all the approaches, to withstand all force that should come against them: The prince fearing some great inconvenience, caused every one to retire to his house, and commanded the artillery should be carried back to the accustomed place, so as by his good reasons and persuasions the people were somewhat pacified. But the next day being the 15 of March, the reformed Protestants finding that the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg were joined with the Catholic Romans, with whom the Spanish, Italian, and Portugal merchants had also taken arms, some having seized upon the horse market, other on S. Michael's place, the said reform did also assemble together in arms: and to make the Catholics and the strange nations retire, there was a brute given out, That those of the confession were joined with them: Whereupon one of the bourgmasters caused the contrary to be published, and that this tumult was not for any question of religion, but that some licentious and disordered people among the reformed, sought only to rob and spoil the houses of the Catholics, Confessionaries, and Nations: which was the cause that (either seeking to preserve themselves) the tumult was greater than ever, being inflamed, and ready to charge one another, the which continued two days, so as it was greatly to be feared that it would not have passed without effusion of blood, and that the houses would be in the end spoiled by them that were victors, if they were suffered to come to blows, so as the city was full of fear, crying out and tears of women and children; so near the danger was: yet by the providence of the prince, the earl of Hoochstraten, and the magistrate, all in the end was pacified, by good exhortations given to either party, who agreed together upon articles concluded betwixt them, for the government of the town, and the assurance & preservation of all the burgesses, inhabitants, and merchants of what religion soever. The next day being Sunday, either party gave thanks unto God in their sermons, for that he had preserved them from shedding one another's blood.  
The 17 of the month the magistrate having given thanks unto the principal merchants, and 
The magistrate excuseth himself to the Governess.  to the nations, to every one in particular, for their good endeavours, he sent deputies to the governess, to inform her of all that had passed, beseeching her to interpret in good part the accord which had been made and concluded among them the which they said they had found expedient, not to diminish any thing of the king's authority, but for the preservation of the town and the inhabitants thereof, as well spiritual as temporal, making withal many excuses, touching some articles of the said accord, which the Governess disliked, as to have placed the artillery upon the ramparts, answering thereunto, That what they had done, was to retire it out of the people's hands. Item, touching the levying of horsemen, and preparation of ships, they said they would not do any thing without her highness consent. And for that they did not receive any garrison without the consent of all the members of the town: that they of the reformed religion had required it, for that they held the governors (that is the prince of Orange, the earl of Hoochstraten, and the magistrate) for suspect, and that they feared they would put in a garrison to sack and spoil them, as they had done their brethren at Austerweel, and as it had happened in the town of Tournay. Finally they said that they had been forced to pass this accord, yielding to necessity and the time, for the preservation of the said town.  
This tumult in antwerp heartened and much encouraged the regent and the Catholics, together with the victory gotten at Austerweel, and to the contrary brake and disannulled all the proceedings and pretences of the confederated gentlemen, and the Gueux, who perceiving themselves to be void of means to become masters of antwerp, and consequently of divers other towns, marking the strength of the Catholics within antwerp, and thereby guessing their strength in other places, the most part and the chiefest of them resolved, as also the consistories to yield unto the time and Gods secret judgement. At that time the lord of Brederode was in the town of Amsterdam in Holland, wherewith the magistrate being discontented, and ill assured (for that the chief of the reformed religion were continually with him, and many came to him daily disguised) he advertised the governess, who writ presently to secretary Torre) being then at Vtrecht with the earl of Megen, whose men he had caused to be furnished with victuals and munition, by the duchess commandement, as also he had furnished duke Erick of Brunswick with certain ships of war, to come into the Netherlands) commanding the said Torre to charge them in the behalf of his Majesty, and her highness, to cause the said lord of Brederode to depart out of their town, the which was in trouble by his presence: and in case they were not strong enough to effect it, that his Majesty and her highness would assist them with forces & means. And for that this business might not admit of any delay, that by provision they should employ the person and soldiers of the earl of Megen. That the secretary should go unto the lord of Brederode, and admonish him by such persuasions as he should think fit, that within four and twenty hours he depart the said town, and leave it in quiet, without giving his Ma. and her highness any further cause of discontentment. And in case he will not obey, to protest against him of all the miseries that may befall the said town, and to remain therein, observing all that shall pass carefully, and especially the actions of the lord of Brederode, whereof he should hourly advertise her highness.  
According to which commission, the secretary being come to Amsterdam, and having acquainted the magistrate with his charge, answer was made him, That they would in all things obey his Majesty and her highness, but that they found great difficulty in her highness letters, whereas she made mention of the earl of Megen, for that he doubted not but the lord of Brederode would call for a copy before he would resolve to retire, the which would incense him the more. They must also impar it first unto the assembly of their great counsel (which they call Vroetschap) consisting of 36 persons, whereof some were Protestants, who might make report thereof unto their brethren, yea unto the lord of Brederode. Whereupon, after much consultation, it was resolved to impart it unto the counsel, and presently to go unto the said lord. The which was done, and about eleven of the clock some of the chief of the magistrates went unto him, entreating persuading, and advising him to depart the town, for such was his Majesties and her highness pleasure. Whereunto he answered instantly, That he desired to see the copy of the said letters, to consider thereon: the which being flatly denied him, saying, That they could not give it him, without her highness express commandment; he answered, That neither would he depart the town without seeing it. The next day the secretary Torre, being accompanied by two aldermen, went unto the lord of Brederode: being entered 
The secretary Torre goes to the lord of Brederode. The lord of Brederode complains of the duchess.  into the chamber, whereas he was accompanied with seven or eight gentlemen, among others were William of Blois, called Treston, and Roseberg his Drossard of Vianen: after the compliments were done, la Torre being well advanced in his speech, the lord of Brederode interrupted him, and began to complain of the duchess, for that she had refused to hear his justifications in justice, upon the sinister impressions which her highness had of him: moreover, that the said lady had commanded to ruin the bulwarks and fortifications which he had begun to his great charge in his town of Vianen, to expose it in prey to all comers: she had also caused his said town to be besieged, and the duke of Brunswick had spoiled some of his villages: to conclude, he said, That Torre had no need to use any long speech, being sufficient to show him his commission: the which Torre having refused, saying, That he had no such charge, the lord of Brederode said unto him, after some other speeches touching his credit, That he was not so honest a man as he made himself, to be so lightly believed without seeing of his commission. Which words did so move la Torre, as after that he had maintained his honesty, seeing the said lord to continue firm, he entreated him, exhorted, and in the end commanded him, That to obey his Majesty and her highness, he should depart the town within four and twenty hours, and upon his refusal, he protested against him, of all the miseries that might thereby happen unto the town; requiring an act thereof from the aldermen that were his assistants. Whereupon the lord of Brederode protested in like sort, that he was not bound to believe him, if he did not show his commission and letters of credit; requiring also an act, and repeating often, that he was servant to her highness, and humble subject to his Majesty, and that he was ready to go to horseback, to help to punish the rebels: complaining of the great wrong which the duchess did him, refusing to hear him in his justifications: so as after many speeches and protestations on either side, Torre retired.  
The chief among the Protestants could not digest this commandment given to the lord of Brederode, and feared that la Torres charge was to expel him by force; so as they kept a guard of above a hundred men before his lodging, having most of the bourgesses at his devotion; and besides, many arrived out of Friesland and from Vtrecht, attired like merchants, mariners and peasants: so as the magistrate feared, that the Protestants would grow so strong, as they would become masters of the town. Whereupon they sent unto the duchess, to entreat her to send some man of countenance and authority, who might moderate matters: for that they found it not convenient to attempt any thing by force. La Torre was in no less perplexity, and durst scarce show himself, fearing to incense the Protestants, and to give them occasion of some tumult: but set spies to observe what men haunted the said lord, whereof he did inform the duchess. And as the bourgomaster and the Recorder Sandeli●… went and came often to the Secretary Torre, the Protestants entered into jealousy, that they practised some matter against them: by reason whereof, some gentlemen Frisons belonging to the said lord and the Signior of Treslon, went with the consent of their lord, the seventeenth of March to la Torre his chamber, where they seized upon all his papers; among the which they found his instructions, his verbal or memorial of what he had done and treated in Amsterdam, many letters of credit signed by the duchess, without superscription, to direct them to such persons as la Torre should think fit; and among others, the letter which the duchess had written unto him, whereas she made mention of the earl of Megen, to force the said lord to retire. All which papers were brought unto the lord of Brederode, and presently spread abroad among the people. La Torre was for some days stayed in his lodging; and there had happened some great alteration, if some of the chief bourgesses, that were Protestants, had not promised to go unto the magistrate to prevent it; the which they did: requiring, that the accord made betwixt them the eighteenth of januarie, by the prince of Orange, might be entertained in all points: That by their advice two captains and two lieutenants might be over and above appointed in the town, with four hundred men, all bourgesses, who with the other captains should take an oath to preserve and defend the town and the inhabitants against all men. And as there was no man in the town of authority, that had experience in matters of war, but the lord of Brederode, who was borne in the country, and vassal to the king, being then within the town, might be appointed commander and colonel of all the men of war, for the preservation of the town, the citizens, and his Ma. service: and all by provision, until that some one committed by the magistrate and them, had been allowed & confirmed by the prince of Orange, governor of the county of Holland: and that the magistrate in the manner of an oath should promise, not to attempt any thing directly nor indirectly, openly nor covertly, by themselves, nor by any other, against that which is above required, without the advice of three of the brethren of the said town.  
The magistrate was much troubled at this request, knowing well, that the duchess would never suffer, that the lord of Brederode should have any authority within the town: wherefore they knew not what to determine upon these demands. In the end they themselves drew five articles: the first was, That two on the magistrates behalf, two in the name of the Protestants, 
What the magistrate of Amsterdam granted to the Protestants.  and two for the sworn companies should go at the towns charge, unto the prince of Orange, to have his advice touching that which was required. Secondly, That at the same instant there should be at every port a bar or travers made with a new lock, whereof one of the nine deputies of the companies being in guard, should have the keys, the which at noon & at night should be brought unto the town coffer, whereas the keys of the town gates are kept, to which coffer should a new lock be also put, whereof the said deputy should have the key. Thirdly, That they should suffer (until it were otherwise decreed by the prince) that there should be two ships of war with men & munition at the town charge, set, the one upon the river of Amstel, and the other upon the Ye, the soldiers whereof should be appointed by the said deputies. Fourthly, That the said nine deputies should choose out of their bourgesses 100 men, over whom they should appoint a captain, who should swear to be faithful to the bourgomasters and to the town. Fifthly, That the said bourgomasters should presently cassiere Baldwin Reyersz, lieutenant to captain William Pouwelsz, in whose place they should appoint another, that were pleasing to the commons, at the discretion of the captain, the bourgomasters, and the said nine deputies.  
The deputies of the bourgomasters of the Protestants, and of the sworn companies, went unto the prince of Orange, who answered them by an apostile on the 26 of March, that for the quiet of the town of Amsterdam, he thought it good, that the accord made the 18 of january should be entertained: and as the duchess consent was very requisite therein, that the deputies should do well (for their greater security) to sue for her highness agreation: That he also found it good, that the said 400 men were levied, as it was required: That he would send one expressly unto the lord of Brederode, to let him understand his will: That promises and oaths should be reciprocally made, as it was required, to avoid all distrust: That in like sort he found it convenient, that the locks and keys should be made, and governed as the magistrate had set down: That he found it not unfitting, that the ships of war should be so placed and entertained, if it may be found expedient by a common consent. And finally, That the lieutenant Baldwin should be displaced, and another chosen at the discretion of the bourgomasters, captain, and deputies.  
This answer of the prince touching the affairs of Amsterdam, was received by both parties for a law, and confirmed reciprocally by oath: according to the which, a new captain, two lieutenants, and 400 men were levied for the service of the town. And as they of Amsterdam understood, that the Protestants were every where pursued with all rigour, and that they had generally taken the preaching from them: those of the said town being assembled, to consult what were fittest to be done in this great perplexity, they concluded, That for no fear they would not give over their preaching, but they would persevere so long, as by his majesties public Edict it were not forbidden; sending some among them to antwerp, to confer with the Protestants of the said town, and to advise how they should govern themselves in these affairs. Those of antwerp considering also of these persecutions, and fearing that this storm would in the end fall upon their heads, they presented a petition unto the Governess the 〈◊〉 
A petition si on them of Ant●…erpe to the Gou●…e.  of the month, tending to a convocation of the general estates, to remedy the troubles. And in case the estates could not be called, that her highness would give order, to the end that the public preaching (which they said was the only cause of the troubles) might cease, granting a general pardon for all that which was past, and wherewith his Ma. found himself grieved, except murders, robberies, thefts, & spoils, seeing they could not punish the other without the total ruin and desolation of the town and of the country itself. To prevent the which, and to bring them that are gone astray into the right way, and to the true religion, that it would please his Majesty to use his accustomed clemency & natural bounty. Which pardon might be speedily granted by her highness, with his majesties good liking; and if she cannot grant it, that it would please her to give them respite for three or four months, during the which they might retire out of the country with their goods, wives, children and families: and that they might sell and alienate their lands and possessions; or else in retaining them, to have libenie to govern them by another: which freedom from this day forward might be granted to all them that would retire themselves: That no man remaining in the said town and country, having left the preaching, and abandoned the exercise of his religion, should be hereafter troubled or molested in his person or goods, by reason of his conscience & religion. For assurance whereof her highness should promise in his majesties name, That the said town, nor the inhabitants thereof should not be charged with any garrison of soldiers, neither within it, nor without and about it; and that until his Ma. (by the advice of the general estates) shall dispose of matters concerning religion, how every one should govern himself; or that within 3 months he may retire out of the country with his family and goods, or retain them under the government of another: and hereof to grant out letters patents in his majesties name.  
To which petition the Governess answered, That she had received letters from the king, 
The ducasse answer.  by the which she was expressly forbidden to enter into any capitulation or treaty with any towns of the country, although it were with his Ma. good liking, yet she would consider of their petition. But above all (to prevent his Ma. indignation) it was necessary that they should receive the garrison which she would send them, to show their obedience thereby unto his majesty. Whereupon the deputies made a more ample declaration the 〈◊〉 of April, with many allegations, for the justification of the said town, but chiefly to excuse the receiving of a garrison propounded by her, for fear of a greater inconvenience. Yet the duchess persisted by another long apostile, savouring of nothing but extreme rigour, shadowed with many shifts, which were easily discovered. Those of the magistracy of the said town, called the ministers of both the Protestant religions (viz. of the reformed, & of the confession of Ausbourg) before them, whom they gave to understand, That for the preservation of the town, and not to incur the K. indignation, and to prevent all other inconveniences, it was necessary to surcease the preaching, and the exercise of their religion, until that by his Majesty, with the advice of his counsel, and the states of the country, it should be otherwise decreed: and therefore that the said ministers should retire out of the town, giving them a good passport. Wherein they were so fully persuaded, as well by good reasons as by threats, as in the end they declared, that they were ready to obey, giving them a good and an assured safe conduct to retire out of the town & country: according to the which, some of the ministers departed the same day, and others the next: and notwithstanding any declarations or excuses which they of antwerp could make, to avoid a garrison, yet in the end they were forced to yield: so as the 26 of April the earl of Mansfield entered with 16 companies of foot; the duchess followed him two days after with 500 horse, and presently the churches & monasteries were repaired in a short time, and the new temples which the Protestants had caused to be built, razed by their own consent, & their magistrates, all exercise of their religion from that time ceasing. Then were the Protestants generally throughout all the Netherlands pursued with all rigour, apprehended and executed, as well for breaking down of Images, and carrying of arms, as for being of the Consistory, or bearing any other charge in the reformed church. The duchess beginning herself to make work for the duke of Alva, when he should arrive: or that she might have cause to say, That by her rigorous proceeding and punishments she had settled the affairs, and ended all the troubles before his coming, as she had done in part, and without the dukes coming might have brought to perfection, if at the least she had forborn the cruelty which the duke used to great persons. At the same time some princes of Germany sent their ambassadors to the duchess of Parma, to be intercessors for the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg, & for their ministers, that they might enjoy the exercise of their religion in the town of Antuerp: to whom she made a short answer, That she could do nothing therein without the consent of the king of Spain.  
The bourgomasters and superintendents of Amsterdam hearing, that the preaching ceased throughout all Brabant & Flanders, the 17 of April gave them of the reformed religion to understand, That it was likewise expedient to surcease all preaching and exercise of their religion in the said town, until the king had otherwise decreed, to avoid his Ma. indignation, & other inconveniences that might happen unto the said town. The Protestants contradicted the magistrates for a while, alleging their former agreements: but in the end they must of force obey, and received the garrison which the Signior of Noircarmes brought them. The prince of Orange seeing the retreat of the ministers out of antwerp, having tried the inconstancy of the earl of Egmont, and of some of the nobles, and of the people, being willing to yield unto the injury of the time, and the miserable estate of the country, parted from antwerp the 11 of April, accompanied with a great troop of gentlemen, and went to his town of Breda, where having settled an order for his private affairs, he retired into his county of Nassau, advising the confederate noblemen to do the like, for their better safety, or else to prepare themselves in good earnest to resist the preparations that were made in Spain against the Netherlands, having advertised the earl of Egmont, being at Willebrouck (who was come to meet him, and to take his lesue of him) Seeing he would not resolve with him and others to stop the entry of the duke of Alva into 
The prince of Orange's speech to the earl of Egmont, bidding him farewell.  the Netherlands, (who was now in Italy) as it had been propounded in their assembly at Deuremonde, that he should be the bridge whereon the Spaniards would first march, to plant their tyranny in these parts: the Regent having sent young earl Mansfield (as aforesaid) with 1500 Walons to antwerp, who in a morning betimes entered therein, like enemies, with their pieces charged, bullets in their mouths, and matches burning, as though they suspected some resistance, and within two days after the regent herself followed, & entered the town with 500 horse, furthering the Romish religion both by counsel and action, & appointing orders touching the church government, and honoured the procession in the town with her own person and the lords of the order of the golden fleece. Soon after her entry she caused divers to be executed, because of the sedition: she renewed the old proclamation, caused the children to be baptised again, and at the last commanded the reformed churches to be broken down, which were very fair buildings: she caused all the townsmen's arms to be registered, & aninuentorie kept of the same.  
The lord of Brederode being in the town of Amsterdam, was also advertised by the prince to stand upon his guard, and to look to his affairs. Whereupon he also resolved to depart, and to leave the said town and his places. The Protestants would gladly have retained him for their head and commander, with the troops which he had in his town of Vianen, and thereabouts, but he would not trust to it, seeing that the prince himself did not trust, but had advertised him. Wherefore the superintendents of the town having furnished him with ships, victuals & money in loan, he retired the 27 of April about midnight, being accompanied by many gentlemen and other confederates. He went towards Embden, and from thence into the country of Cont joos of Schouwenburch, whereas the 15 of February the year following 1568 he died in the castle of Haremburch, of the jurisdiction of Reockelinghuysen, and lieth buried at Gem. He and his predecessors have always been of great reputation, as well for their nobility (being issued from the most noble earls of Holland and Zeeland) as for their great possessions and alliances. His father was Reinold, lord of Brederode, of Vianen, Almeyden, etc. knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and one of the bravest men at arms in his time. And as for him, enjoying the same possessions, he was captain of one of the king's bands of Ordnance, a man of a tall stature and a cheerful countenance, somewhat reddish, with curled hair, valiant as might be, sudden, choleric, and resolute in that which he designed, yet liberal and courteous. In his youth he carried for his device, Peut estre. And after his retreat out of the country, he would usually say, Lord preserve my soul and mine honour. He had to wife the lady Emilia, contesse of Nieuwenar, who a year after his death married again with the Palatine Frederic, prince elector.  
His soldiers, which were at Vianen, and the forts thereabouts, went forth with their colours flying the eight and twentieth of April, before day, passing by Amsterdam; where they spoiled and ruined the cloister of the Chartrons' Monks: then taking their way along the dike of Sparendam, they went to Egmont, where they spoiled the abbey; and passing through West-Friseland, they embarked at Medenblyck. The earl of Meghen pursuing them with his Regiment, and approaching near to Amsterdam, terrified the bourgesses, especially the Protestants, who feared least the Catholics should suffer them to enter; wherefore they were all night in arms: and their fear increased the more, for that they heard that the lord of Noircarmes advanced thitherwards with other troops and artillery. Meghen not able to overtake Brederodes men, retired towards Vtrecht, spoiling the countrymen, under colour that they had lodged them as they passed.  
There were yet remaining in the town of Vianen three companies, under the Signior of Vchtenbroec, Nyvelt, and Renesse: on the six and twentieth of April they went forth to skirmish with them of the fort of Vaert; but they were well encountered, and some of them were taken prisoners; among others, the Signior of Renesse; who was carried to the castle of Vredenburch in Vtrecht, where afterwards he was beheaded. Duke Erick of Brunswick was about Vianen, wasting and spoiling the country; wherewith the garrison 
Vianen abandoned.  and bourgesses were so terrified, as upon the third of May they did abandon it, and fled some here, some there: The duke entered it upon the fifth of the month, his soldiers committing all the insolencies that might be: he caused the gates to be taken down, and left the place open.  
Some gentlemen thinking to retire by sea out of Holland, to go to Embden, were by the disloyalty of their mariner (being cast upon a bank of sand betwixt Harlingen and Staveren) betrayed and delivered to captain Muyert of Cont Arenberghs regiment, who carried them prisoners to the castle of Harlingen; among the which were two brethren, Thierry and Ghisbrecht, barons of Batenbourch, Siurd of Beyma, and Hartman Galama, gentlemen of Friesland, the which were afterwards sent to Brussels by the duchess commandement.  
The 28 of May the Governess seeing her affairs so successful in the towns of antwerp and Amsterdam, caused a most rigorous proclamation to be made, the which chased many Protestants out of the country; and the 13 of june following she caused an instruction to be made for all the provincial courts, containing, how they should proceed against the Protestants. She did also write unto all the towns, how the magistrates should govern themselves, to restrain the people from retiring out of the country; and did also make an Edict to that end.  
As the persecutions began now to grow more violent against the Protestants, and that there was no more hope of mercy in the king nor duchess, and that their only refuge was a retreat and exile out of the country. To the end that after ages might not judge lightly of all that had passed, nor of the beginning of these troubles (whereof so many miseries have followed) the said Protestants caused a little book to be printed, in form of an apology, to justify both the nobility and the people. And whereas their adversaries had grounded all their accusations of Rebellion & high Treason, upon the delivery of the noblemen's petition, the public preaching, 
An apology made by the Protestants.  the carrying of arms, and upon the breaking of Images, they did answer pertinently to every point, as well by lively reasons as examples, both out of the holy Scriptures, and profane histories, both ancient and modern. Whereby they concluded, that the nobility cannot be justly taxed for their behaviour and proceeding in the presenting of the said petition, nor yet the people charged for their assemblies, public preaching, bearing of arms, and beating and pulling down of Images, of any sedition, tumult, mutiny, or rebellion, as their calumniators would then have unjustly accused them: and that upon the said accusations, the Inquisition and Counsel of Spain had concluded so tyrannously and barbarously against them, and by their advice was so judged by the king himself.  
By these means the Regent got the mastery over the Netherlands: so that in all the seventeen Provinces there was no resistance made against her; and the gentlemen, truly called Gueux (that is, beggars) were with divers other men of good quality and reputation (that had means to live in good sort within their own countries) forced to be beggars and strangers in foreign nations, being many thousands in number, and yet (during their absence) they never left off their manner of Netherlands apparel: which they used there, in hope one day to return home again. They that stayed in the Netherlands, were imprisoned, hanged, and put to death; others lived in miserable and continual fear and sorrow; and most of them driven to poverty, as in the history ensuing shall be declared. Such are the judgements of God, and yet just, good and true.    


FERDINANDUS A TOLEDO DUX ALVA MAR: CORIAE GUBERNAT: ET CAPITA: GENER BELGICAE.  
FERDINANDO ALVARES, OF TOLEdo, duke of Alva, Lieutenant Governor and Captain General of the Netherlands for Philip the second, K. of Spain.  
To bring the Belgians (that heretics were thought  
An●… rebels) in subjection, all practices I sought  
To put invre, and ruled by force and cruelty:  
Constraining them by mere deceit, by fraud, and subtlety,  
To build up castles great, and make strong citadels,  
That served for to bridle them, because they ●…re rebels.  
The earls of Horn and Egmont I in Brussels did behead,  
And no man durst appear to aid them in their need.  
Of each man's movables the tenth part I did crave,  
And not content, the twentieth and the hundredth part would have.  
And when I had the Netherlands turmoiled and tossed,  
Through my default, the king my master in the end them lost.   
THE NINTH BOOK.  
The Argument.  
THe duke of Alva arrives in the Netherlands. He creates a Counsel of the troubles, to whom he giveth absolute power, reducing the Netherlands into a pitiful estate. He assureth himself of Gand. Cont Horn abused by Cont Egmont, are both prisoners. He buildeth up the castle of antwerp, where he setteth up his proud statue. The duke of Alva proceedeth by commission to apprehend the prince of Orange, whereunto the prince answers. Articles set down by the Inquisition of Spain to ruin the Netherlands, and confirmed by the king. An enterprise to surprise the duke of Alua. The prince of Orange's first apology against the duke's citation. Cont Lodowic the prince's brother enters with an army into Friesland. The prince of Orange's petition to the Emperor. Cont Arembergh slain, and the Spaniards defeated in Friesland by Cont Lodowic. The sons of Batenbourg and others executed at Brussels, and soon after the earls of Egmont and Horn. Cont Lodowic besiegeth Groningen, is defeated, and saves himself. The prince of Orange's army to come into the Netherlands. The duke of Alva meaning to hinder him, encampes by Maestricht. The prince's army is dispersed, without doing any thing. The duke of Alua's general pardon. He brags to have conquered the Netherlands, and prints a book of it. The collection of the tenth penny, where Brussels opposeth, and in the mean time the Isle of Briel is surprised, whence grew the second troubles in the Netherlands. Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowic. The prince of Orange's second army. Cruel wars betwixt the Protestants of Holland and Zeeland, and the Spaniards. Genlis defeated, coming to succour Mons. The prince and the duke of Alva front one another with their armies, near unto Mons, and do nothing. The prince having dismissed his army, comes into Holland, being called by the States of the country. Mons yielded to the duke of Alua. He makes cruel wars throughout all the Netherlands. He sacks Macklyn, Zutphen, Naerden, and other towns. He besiegeth Harlem, which in the end yieldeth to the mercy of the barbarous Spaniard. The Zeelanders make sharp war at sea against the Spaniard. Middlebourg besieged. The baron of Batenbourg defeated and slain. The duke besiegeth Alcmar: The Spaniard forced to leave the siege with shame. Ramekin besieged and yielded to the prince of Orange. Gertruydenberg surprised by the prince. The duke of Alva seeketh to be revenged of the West-Frisons. His army at sea is defeated. Cont Bossu his Admiral taken prisoner. The duke seeking to vanquish by temporizing, besiegeth Leyden. The prince comes into Zeeland. Cruel war against the Spaniard. The duke seeing his unfortunate success, laboureth to be called home, and retireth with Dom Frederic his son.  
THe king of Spain fearing lest the Protestants Religion in the Netherlands should increase too much, imagining, that the duchess of Parma, his bastard sister, governess of the said countries, was not rigorous enough to persecute them (although by her dissembling and cunning practices they were in a manner all subdued) and so the Inquisition of Spain, yea, the Romish Religion should not only prove contemptible, but also come to ruin, as in Germany, England, Scotland, and elsewhere: for the preventing whereof, and that the reformed Religion should take no deeper footing (meaning to proceed by fire and sword, according to the project which was laid at the interview of Bayon, having no respect to the privileges of the country, so solemnly sworn by him at his joyous entry, which admit no strange governor, of which oath he had procured a dispensation from the Pope) he sent for Governor of those countries, Dom Ferdinando Aluares of 
The duke of Alva sent Governor into the Netherlands.  Toledo, duke of Alva, knight of the Order, a Spaniard, and a mortal enemy to the nobility of those countries, whereof he made him his lieutenant, governor, and captain general; giving him for marshal of his army, Chiapin Vitelli, a gentleman of Rome, and Gabriel Serbellon, was master of his artillery.  
For this cause, as if it had been for some holy war, by means of the Inquisition, and spirituality of Spain, a great sum of money was given unto the king: and presently letters were dispatched and sent unto the governors of Naples, Sicilia, Sardinia, and Milan, to command them to send their old garrisons of soldiers into Lombardy, that they might be ready to march with the duke of Alva into the Netherlands: which duke (accompanied with divers noblemen and gentlemen of Spain, and o●…her Spanish soldiers, as also with his two sons, Dom Frederico, and Dom Ferdinando de Toledo) took shipping at Barcelona, and with his galleys arrived at Genua upon the 17 of May, where he fell sick of a tertian fever, and a pleurisy. From thence he went to Alexandria de la Paillia, where Dom Gabriel della Cneva, duke of Alburquerke, governor of Milan, met him, and there he took order, that all the soldiers should ass●…mble together in Piedmont, at a place called S. Ambrose, lying in the Alpes between Germany, France, and Italy, which is called the Rethees. The number of soldiers that were mustered there to go into the Netherlands, were first the regiment of Naples, or the third part of all the garrisons there, being 19 companies of Spaniards, in all 3230 men, their colonel being Alonzo de Vlloa; the regiment of Sicilia, being 10 companies, in all 1520 men, conducted by julian Romero, an old soldier, well known in the Low countries, as also in England; the regiment of Lombardy, of 10 companies, in all 2200 men, their colonel Dom Zauzio de Londogue; the regiment of Sardinia, being 10 companies, whereof four were new soldiers, by them called Bisoignos, which came out of Spain with the duke, were 1728 men, their colonel being Dom Gonsale de Braccamonte: their number all together making 8678 men, besides their boys, which were many, as also divers voluntary soldiers. The duke took order, that every company of soldiers should have 15 musketeers, all Spaniards, which as then were more used than ever they had been before. Their horsemen were five companies of light horse, all Spaniards, each 100 apiece, three companies of Italians, and two of Albanois, a kind of people dwelling in Naples, which came out of Albania in Grecia, driven from thence by the Turk, and as yet speak the Greekish Tongue. With these there were two companies of Spanish petronels on horseback, altogether 12 companies, making 1200 horse. This muster was taken the second of june 1567., and to these, being in Burgundy, there joined four companies more, which made 400 horse.  
This muster thus made at S. Ambrose upon the third of june, were divided into three battles, that they might be the better provided of victuals, order being taken, that where the avantguard lodged and departed in the morning, there the main battle should lodge at night, & that being gone from thence, the rearward came thither: after them followed a great number of wives, whor●…s and boys being by good order divided into several parts, as into the gentlewomen and captains whores, the rich whores, and the soldiers poor wives and whores, with good and convenient discipline amongst them, for the which the duke was much commended.  
While the king's army marched along, the king of France assembled a great number of soldiers in France, and 6000 Swissers, to withstand the danger that might fall out. The like did the Swissers and those of Geneva, standing upon their guards. The chief commander of the army under the duke of Alva, was Chiapin Vitelli, marquess de Cetone, the master of the Ordnance Gabriel Serbellon, the enginour to devise castles and forts, captain Pachiotto, and others. The duke being in Savoy, stayed there until the beginning of july, by means of letters sent by the Regent, the duchess of Parma, out of the Netherlands, unto the king, being as then sorry, that she had made so great complaint of the nobility and people thereof, and for that cause wrote unto the king, to certify him, that all was done and pacified in the Netherlands, the off●…ndors partly punished, partly imprisoned, and the rest driven away, and banished out of the country, and most of the towns planted with garrisons, and that it was to be feared, that the customs and manners of the Spaniards in the Netherlands, would cause new uproars, for that upon her promise unto them, that they should not come into the Netherlands, the inhabitants (both noblemen, gentlemen, and commons) had behaved themselves so well, that all was brought to good effect.  
These and the like persuasions were by her used, to cause the king, to call the duke of Alva back again, and it was verily thought by many men, that without doubt, unless the Regent had made such promises unto the lords, gentlemen, and towns, the matter should not have been so well ended as it was; and that there was means enough to be used, to impeach and hinder the entrance of the Spaniards into the Netherlands, every man thinking and persuading himself, that the king would not suffer another to reap the honour and reward of his sisters great labours and dangers, and that her highness should not suffer so great an impeachment and embasing of her honour and authority. But the king would not hearken thereunto, but for that cause the duke once again received commission, to proceed and go forward, thereby confirmining the opinion, which till then men would not be persuaded unto, that the occasion given by the Netherlands should be laid hold on, that so the said countries might be in a manner newly won and conquered, and in that sort holden and governed after the king's pleasure, when it appeared, that they were not content with the punishment already past, and that which as then was yet to be done in the said Netherlands.  
Thus the duke passed forward, and marched within seven miles of Geneva, which was likewise in fear to be assailed by him: but for that they were so well provided of soldiers, and had the Swissers to friend, he let them alone. From thence he passed through Burgundy and Lorraine, and entered into Lutzenbourg, where the earls of Lodron, Ouerstein, and Schouwenbourg met him with their regiments of Dutch soldiers of footmen, and some horsemen. There likewise came unto him twelve thousand Ruyters, that had long been in a readiness, whereof he took some. Being at Lutzenbourg, the Regent, the duchess of Parma, sent unto him the barons of Barlamont and Noircarmes, to see his charge, commission, and letters patents, which he partly showed: and there the earl of Egmont and some other noblemen, to show their dutifulness, went forth to receive him, and to bid him welcome. The duke seeing the earl come, said unto them that were about him, so loud as every man might hear him: Behold that great Lutheran: The which the earl himself might very well understand, but he dissembled it, and presented him with two goodly horses of great price, whereof the duke made no great esteem, entertaining the earl and the rest but coldly, carrying a sad countenance, and more than a royal gravity: Which should have made the noblemen, especially the earl of Egmont, to bethink themselves, if he had not been blinded with the kings goodly promises, and the duchesses' entertainment; when as neither remorse of his conscience, nor the good advertisements which were given him daily (especially that of the prince of Orange, when he took his leave of him) nor some sinister presages which happened before, and have since been exactly noted, among others, by a fall which he had under his horse, which bruised his shoulder, before the Mint at antwerp (which grew through two great mastiffs (the which they interpreted to be the duke of Alva and his son) which playing together, came betwixt his horses legs, and made him fall, could ever make him balance the measure of that which was service and merit, with the counterpoise of that which the Spaniards held not only for a disservice or demerit, but also for a great crime, yea, for high Treason. And although that since his abandoning of the other princes and noblemen, at their last assembly in Deuremonde, he had seen himself disdainfully looked on, by his enemies of the Spanish faction, the which slandered the proceedings of the noblemen; nor that he had not had any good countenance of the duchess and her minions, of whom he had wont to be so much feared, honoured, and respected, and that he knew well, that his authority and credit was decayed since the retreat of the prince of Orange and his brethren, of the earl of Hoochstraten, the lord of Brederode, and so many others. And that if after the taking of Valenciennes (at which siege he had neither credit nor command) he had well considered of his affairs, there had been yet time enough to prevent the misery which threatened him, if he had revived the union, and called back the noblemen (which the duchess, the precedent Vigilius, and the cardinal Granuelle feared exceedingly, for that Egmont's forsaking of them had been the only cause of their victory and triumph over the nobles and the people) that with their common forces they might have repulsed the duke of Alva at his first entry: the which had been easy to effect, for that they should have been seconded from all parts; besides, Egmont was general of all the foot in the Netherlands, governor of Flanders and Arthois, having more credit with the soldiers than all the rest, neither could they have wanted succours from Germany, or the Protestants of France. Yet whether the fatal destinies (which I know to be no other but the providence of God) did thrust him on by a blind and brutish stupidity to his own perdition, and the total ●…uine and desolation of his house; or that God (the punisher of our offences) being justly incensed against these provinces, for their disordered liberty, being given to all vices, voluptuousness, and wickedness, after that they had once begun to taste the fruits of peace, which he had given them, after such long and bloody wars against the French; or that Egmont had not yielded the only honour unto God of those two goodly victories of S. Quintines and Gravelingues, having often braved it more than was fit, to the contempt and disgrace of them that lost them, not acknowledging, that it was God only that gave him power to win those victories, and that men are but his instruments: they could never persuade him to think otherwise of his affairs, either by a retreat (as the prince and others had done) or by opposing himself, and redressing the union, to encounter and repulse the duke. Neither could he ever discover any thing, until that he was taken in the toil, as we will presently show.  
The duke of Alva being arrived at Brussels the eight and twentieth of August, was honourably received of the Regent, which informed him of all things at large, and showed him by what means and how (according unto her opinion) he should pacify the country, and bring the prince of Orange, and other noblemen and gentlemen that were stead, to become well devoted, willing, and ready to do the king service: and that (if there were but a mean used therein, there should be no cause to fear, but that all things would be peaceably and quietly ended. But the duke (supposing and presuming, that the most part of the troubles in the Netherlands were procured and continued by the said Regent's lenity and slackness) thought to rule the matter in other sort, and at that time showed his commission unto the Regent and the States (but not altogether) for his was greater, and extended further than that of the Regent's, as having authority to place and displace all governors of provinces and towns, and all other officers, being made captain general of the king's forts, holds, and soldiers, having full power and authority over the counsels of estate, and the Treasurers. He caused as much of his commission as he thought good, to be put in print, that every man might know it, and yet he had a further and more absolute commission, to give judgement and take order in all causes of crimes and rebellion, to punish and pardon all offences, and to recompense and reward men for their good services; as it appeared by a particular instruction made and given unto him by the king himself, bearing date in Madril the last of januarie 1566. Which when the Regent saw, and perceived that the duke took all authority upon himself, and that he made show to take an other course suffering her to keep the court, but without train, and that he lodged in the house of Culenburgh, and had all the company following him, she thought that she had nothing to do there, and for that cause sent unto the king, to crave leave to depart from thence, that she might go into Italy to the duke of Parma her husband.  
The duke being in the government, he caused all his soldiers to lodge round about him in the nearest towns; as the regiment of Naples in Brussels, all Spaniards; the regiment of 
The begin●… 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Alua's 〈◊〉 ●…ment 〈◊〉 ●…nous.  the earl of Lodron in antwerp, discharging many of the Walloons, whom he mistrusted. He took the keys of the gates from the townsmen, whereof they of Gand, by a request presented unto him by the earl of Egmont, made complaint, which put the duke in a great rage, and said, That he would do what he thought best to be done for the king's service, and not otherwise. And presently as soon as he saw himself established in the government, in steed of moderating the proclamation, and other things requested and sought by the lords and gentlemen of the Netherlands, he ratified, confirmed, and ordained the old proclamation and the Inquisition to be●…d and executed in the same, and in steed of assembling the general states, 
The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 of the ●…bles.  he appointed 〈◊〉 of twelve men, that had full power to deal in all things, that in any sort touched o●… concerned the aforesaid troubles, and to take order therein, which was called the bloody counsel▪ and in French the counsel of troubles. This counsel consisted of Netherlanders, mixed with strangers, as the barons de Barlamont, & Noircarmes, the precedents of Flanders and Artois, but the chief and principallest of them were the Licentiat john Vergas, doctor Bois del Rio, the Fiscale of Burgundy, john de la Porta advocate Fiscale, the counsellor jacob Hessel, the counsellor Belin Brese, advocate Fiscale of Mechlin, and du Bois, attorney general, whereof the duke himself was precedent, but in his absence Vergas sat as precedent in his place: of whom it is reported, That for ravishing an orphan child committed to his custody, he was banished out of Spain; a man above all others most stern and cruel, seeking nothing but riches and blood: But the Spaniards said, That the cankered wounds of the Netherlands had need of so sharp a knife (as Vergas was) to cut away their dead flesh. The secretaries were Vlierden, la Torre, Prae●…s and Mesdagh. The first two or three months the duke and the lords assembled and sat in counsel every forenoon and afternoon, all being directed by the duke himself, whose meaning was, that the opinion of the counsel should be but consultive, as counsel givers, and not absolute, as giving judgement in any cause and so intended to have all things depend upon him alone, and they to stand to the judgement that he should give. For which cause, the said counsel, for that many of them could not endure the cruelty therein propounded, sought means to be discharged thereof: others being ashamed, stayed at home: whereby the said counsel, being twelve, was oftentimes but five, four, and sometimes but three persons, as it appeareth by divers judgements and sentences of life and death, given out by them, and particularly by that of Anthony van Stralen, which was signed only by the aforesaid precedent Vergas, doctor Boys del ●…io, and Secretary de la Torre.  
And by this counsel, and by the duke himself, all power and authority was taken from 
The tyranny of the duke of Alva and his bloody counsel  the provincial counsels of the land, and the inhabitants robbed and despoiled of all their ordinances, jurisdictions, appeals, and resorts, clean contrary to the privileges of the land, with an express prohibition sent forth unto all judges and officers, not to take any knowledge of any thing touching the last uproars, yea, and the counsels themselves, both high and low, were forced to stand to the judgement of the said counsel, which had command overall noble and unnoble, spiritual and temporal: so that the dukes will was an absolute law, without suffering or allowing any appeal, reformation, or reviewing of their sentence, once given and pronounced by the duke, having full and sovereign authority from the king, not tied nor limited to any instructions, but invested with liberty, fully and freely to give sentence in any thing, without denial or gainsaying. This counsel likewise sought to have all the customs, old privileges, and laws of the Netherlands brought to be perused by them that they might reform and amend them, according to their wills and pleasures: but perceiving the matter to be of so great consequence, they durst not deal therewith. Besides that, they sought to have all the charters that belonged unto his Majesty and the lords of the Netherlands, given to every particular province: which had been done, but that certain old counsellors took courage upon them, and adventured to show the duke the danger and great hindrance that thereby was to be expected, and might fall out; for that the secrets both of the king and the Netherlands should so be opened and made known, whereby great inconvenience might arise between the neighbour potentates, and others, if they should be broken or altered. And to conclude, they left nothing untouched, but brought it all to their arbitrement and perusing (being most strangers, borne out of the Netherlands) all tending to this end▪ That at the last they might have means to domineer over all men's riches and treasures, to make the king rich, seeking to cause the Netherlands to yield him more yearly revenue than his Indies; in the end proceeding to that point, besides all the confiscations, to demand taxes and tallages, not only for a time, but to continue for ever, as the hundredth and the twentieth penny of all movable and immovable goods, and the tenth penny of all merchandise bought and sold, as hereafter when time serves it shallbe showed.  
By means of this bloody counsel, the authority of the counsel of estate was likewise wholly diminished and put down, which had scarce a place permitted them in the court 
All authority taken from the general states by the bloody counsel  to assemble together: but sometimes the said counsel of estate were sent for into the duke's chamber, unto whom He communicated as much as he thought good and convenient to show them, without any form of holding a counsel, after their ancient manner. But after that, when the duke de Medinace●… came into the Netherlands, they began again to assemble in their accustomed chamber, and to consult together: So that during this new manner of counsel, the ordinances of the counsel of estate were not once used, but commandment given, That all men should hold and account the duke to be absolute ruler, and all men dispensed withal, not to hold nor observe any ordinance no●… instruction made by any others, than by him, and that all should be referred to his discretion: which caused a great disliking in the people towards the king, and hatred unto the duke.  
Having laid this foundation, he began to imprison all sorts of people, by reason of the troubles past, much more than the Governess had done, causing them to be executed with all sorts of torments and punishments, according to the tenor of the Edicts. The which many seeing, being terrified with such cruelties, they retired out of the country, choosing a voluntary exile: the which he caused to be called by proclamation, and if they did not appear to answer to their accusations, and to justify themselves, he did generally confiscate all their goods; although at his first coming he caused it to be bruited abroad, That the king would send a general pardon for all that had passed during the troubles, to the prejudice of his Majesty and the Romish Religion: but that was but a bait to stay them, that had a mind to retire.  
The counsel of the troubles being once established, it was not long idle, but began to proceed presently by apprehensions, executions, confiscations, and banishment of persons, 
The pitiful estate of the Netherlands.  the which were never convicted, no not accused, nor once suspected for the troubles or Religion: he caused the children to be rebaptized, which had been baptised at the preaching, and remarried them at the Romish church, which had been joined together by the Ministers, but not without abjuration, and great penalties, both corporal and pecuniary. Such as upon this vain hope of pardon and general abolition, returned to their houses, were apprehended and executed by fire, by water, by gibbets, by ditches, by the sword, & by divers other kinds of deaths and torments. To conclude, there was nothing to be seen throughout all the Netherlands but gibbets, wheels, stakes, and pitiful spectacles, accompanied with the tears and lamentations of poor widows and orphans; who being deprived of their fathers and husbands, after the confiscation of all their goods, were chased away at all adventures, the widows in despair, the sons to keep in the woods, and to rob, and the daughters to become strumpets, and to lead a miserable life.  
This counsel of the troubles made a proclamation in the king's name, That all that pretended any right or interest to the goods of such as had been executed or banished, should come in and demand them within half a year, by petition or libel conventionall, or else to lose the benefit of their right, forbidding all debtors to pay any thing either to prisoners, to such as were absent and fled, or to their widows and children, upon pain to pay it twice: And that all should be answerable to the said counsel, whereof no judges of the country might take knowledge in that respect: the said counsel having their Commissioners and Receivers in every quarter of the country, to keep a Register of the goods that were confiscated and seized by their decrees, and to receive them, having also erected a chamber of confiscations. At that time there was borne in Brabant a child with two heads, four arms, four legs but with one only belly and one navel.  
The duke of Alva for his greater assurance, in the beginning of September, took away the keys from the magistrate of the town of Gand, putting the town in guard to Colonel Alphonso, a Spaniard. The Gantois complained to the earl of Egmont, governor 
The duke assu●…es himself of Gand.  of Flaunders, who acquainted the duke therewith, and he made him no other answer, but what had been done, was for his majesties service.  
The general Estates of the Netherlands being assembled the fourteenth of September, in the town of Brussels, at the earl of Culenbourgs place (where the year before the banquet of the confederate noblemen was made, at the delivery of their petition) to see the duke's authority and commission, he sent for the earls of Egmont and Home to come to court, to confer with them of some matters concerning his majesties service, for the making of some new forts which he had designed, for the preservation of the country. The earl of Horn went not willingly; but upon that, that the earl of Egmont had sent him word, That he should not fear to come, assuring him, that he should have no worse usage than himself, he went.  
These two noblemen being come to court the nineteenth of the month, they caused them to retire into a chamber apart, saying that the duke would come speak with them; whither Don 
The earls of Egmont and Horn prisoners.  Frederic of Toledo, and many Spaniards entered armed, and they were commanded to deliver their swords, and to yield themselves prisoners in the king's name: and notwithstanding all their protestations, that they were not bound to yield them unto any one but to the king himself, yet they were taken from them, and they given in guard to captain julian Romero. Afterwards the duke sent them both prisoners with a guard of three thousand horse and foot, to the castle of Gand. Cont Charles of Mansfield was then also in court, when as these two noblemen were committed prisoners, but his father sent to advise him to retire, fearing lest the like should happen unto him, for that he had been one of them that had signed the petition of the noblemen.  
At the very same time Anthony of Stralen, bourgmaster of antwerp, was taken prisoner by the earl of Lodron, who presently caused all his goods to be seized, inventaried and sealed up. The like was done to john of Casenbroot, signior of Backerseel, chief counsellor to the earl of Egmont, by the provost of Spelle, and put in prison at the port of Couwenbergh at Brussels, but his secretary found means to save him.  
The duke of Alva commanded the earl of Egmont, being prisoner, to write unto him that was his lieutenant, and governor of the castle of Gand, That upon the sight of the letter he should go forth with his garrison and mortpays, and suffer captain Salnias to enter with his Spaniards, the which was done. So many imprisonments of great and small (the brute whereof did fly suddenly over all the Netherlands) executions and cruelties, made many (although they were not guilty of any crime) to reti●…e into England, Germany, the East countries, and other places, where they thought good, abandoning their houses and country, to live with the liberty of their consciences▪ free from the fear of tyrants. As after all these exploits and imprisonments the duke of Alva was upon the way going from Brussels to antwerp, passing by Mackin, fire fell into the tower where the gun powder lay, the which did very much harm, both within and without the town; for the violence thereof was so great, as Louvaine being four leagues off, did all shake, and yet the duke was nothing moved thereat.  
The 24 of December he laid the first foundation of the proudest citadel in Europe, in the town of antwerp, on the side of the suburb called Kyel, along the river, which was the design 
The castle of Antuerp built.  and invention of his enginour Pachiotto a Savoyard, compassed in with five mighty bulwarks, and every one defended by a cavalier or mount, to the which he gave names drawn from himself and his family: for the first was called the Duke's bulwark, the second Toledo, the third Ferdinando, the fourth Toledano, and the fifth by his enginours' name Pachiotto: wherein he entertained two thousand workmen, as well masons as ditchers, until it was finished, with the counterscarps and parapets, all being laid with free stone and brick: For the building of which citadel the duke obtained of the great counsel of antwerp the sum of four hundred thousand Florins, and more, the which was raised upon a certain imposition of the hundredth penny, of the two twentieths, and of two tenths, of all possessions and immovable goods within the territory and jurisdiction of the town of antwerp. This citadel being finished, the duke of Alva caused to be set up in the midst of the place of arms, his image cast into brass, treading with his foot upon certain men, as representing the nobles and states 
The duke of Alua's proud image.  of the country, very curiously wrought by one james jongelinck an excellent Statuary: at the foot whereof was graven Ferdinando Aluares de Toledo, Albae Duci, Philippi secundi Hispan. Regis apud Belgas praefecto, quod extincta seditione, rebellibus pulsis, Religione procurata, justitia culta, Provincias pace firmavit, Regis optimi fidelissimo Ministro positum. And lower was graven, jongelingi opus ex are captivo. For that this image had been cast of the metal of certain artillery which had been won from his enemies.  
This proud piece of work was not set up until the year 1571: and afterwards as too profane) it was taken down by the great commander of Castille, Governor of the said countries after the duke of Alva as we shall set down more at large hereafter.  
After the duke of Alva had so well settled his affairs, as he thought there was no enemy to be feared within the country, and therefore had no need of so great forces, he sent by the commandment of the king his master, to succour them of the house of Guise in France, against the princes and Protestants of the realm, the earl of Arembergh with twelve hundred lances, and two thousand foot, among the which there were many gentlemen which had signed the petition of the nobles in the year 1566, that went at their own charge.  
The duke of Alva thinking that he had now surmounted all difficulties, being not content with the fleece of such as were retired out of the country, but he would have the skin withal, yea and all the flesh: he caused julian Romero to seize upon the earl of Buren, eldest son to the prince of Orange, being at school in the University of Louvaine, against the privileges of the du●… hie of Brabant, and of the said University, notwithstanding the protestations of the rector, and of doctor E●…bert Leom a lawyer, schoolmaster to the said earl, who was carried from thence into Spain, and there kept p●…soner unto the year 1595, that the king sent him into the Netherlands, with cardinal Albert of Austria.  
After that this young earl had been thus carried away, the duke of Alva required by the Attorney general of the great counsel, that the prince of Orange, and cont Lodwic his brother the earls of Hoochstraten, Ʋander Berge, Culembourch, the lord of Brederode, and others▪ should be called to answer personally to such things as should be propounded on his majesties behalf, touching the troubles, by virtue of a commission granted in that respect, touching the prince of Orange, whereof the copy follows.  
Philip by the grace of God king of Castille, etc. To our first usher or sergeant at arms hereupon required, greeting. We have been given to understand by our loving and faithful 
1568 A commission to apprehend the prince of Orange.  counsellor and attorney general, how that ●…illiam of Nassau prince of Orange, who had received from the deceas●…d emperor Charles the fifth, our lord and father, of famous memory, and from us at our coming to these estates, many honours and favours, as to have been chosen a brother of our order, named and appointed a counsellor of our counsel of state, and advanced to many goodly estates, governments, and offices, that is to say, to the governments of Bourgoigne, Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, together with an ordinary company of our men at arms, besides many other notable rewards; whereby he might see the great confidence and estimation we have always had of him. Yet the said prince, having had small regard unto his honour, and to the oath of fidelity and loyalty which he hath sworn unto us, as to his Sovereign Prince; and by reason of the said estates and offices, hath made himself the head, author, advancer, favourer, and receiver of rebels, conspirators, seditious practisers, and disturbers of the public good and quiet: As also pr●…sently after our departure from these countries towards our realms of Spain, his design with some others, was to usurp the whole administration and government of these countries; and to that end had many pernicious practices, having forgotten himself so much, as to take arms against us, and to exclude us out of those countries, from the which he had not desisted, but for want of means: doing all offices under hand with our subjects, to divert them from the affection and fealty which they have always showed to us and our predecessors: yea which is much more detestable and abominable, under the colour and cloak of religion, and by false persuasions, that our intention was (the which was never) to bring in the Inquisition of Spain into those our countries: so as by his seductions and false impressions, many of our said subjects, have risen & rebelled against us. And namely, that the said prince had fi●…st sedu●…ed, corrupted, and incited a great part of the nobility, so as they have made leagues and conspiracies, and sworn by the same to defend and fortify themselves against us, and our ordinances, the which have been always kept and observed in the said country: the assemblies being made to that end in his own house, as well at Breda, as in this our town of Brussels. And that since he had received the said rebels into his protection and safeguard, with promise of all assistance, who also have gone arm●…d to field against us in divers places. And that the said prince had counseled and assisted the lord of Brederode, chief of the said rebels, to fortify the town of Vianen against us, having suffered him to enroll soldiers in our town of antwerp, in the view of all the world, against our express laws, then newly made and published▪ embarking them for the town of Vianen, with all munition of war: furnishing also the said Brederode with some pieces of ordnance. Besides the said prince had forbidden any of our towns and forts to receive any gar●…ison in our name; and among others in our country of Zeeland whither he had sent men exp●…esly to surprise it, and thereby to stop up our passage by sea. And the said prince being sent unto our town of antwerp, to pacify the troubles and popular tumults, had of his own private authority, and beyond the charge given him in that town, suffered and allowed the free exercise of all sects indifferently, giving them leave to build many temples and consistories for the sectaries, whereof have followed the dangers and inconveniences that every man-knowes. Suffering levies, taxations, and collections of money to be made, which should be afterwards employed in the entertainment of the said soldiers. Doing moreover many other acts, which our said Attorney will declare more at large in time and place, all tending to his design, thereby to usurp upon our said countries: the which is not tolerable, but deserves punishment and exemplary justice, requiring that it would please us to grant him a commission for the apprehending and taking of the said prince of Orange. All which things considered (at the request of our said counsellor and attorney general) we give you commission and authority, that with such aid and assistance as you shall think fit, you shall take and apprehend the body of the said prince of Orange, in what part soever you shall find him in these our countries, and shall bring and conduct him under a good guard, to our town of Brussels, to be justified before our well beloved cousin the Duke of Alva, Knight of our order, Governor and Captain general for us in these our countries, etc. appointed by us especially to that end, and to receive such punishment for the said crimes and conspiracies, as shall be thought fit and convenient. And if you cannot apprehend him, you may adjourn him. Given at Brussels the 18 of januarie 1568.  
This commission was proclaimed by a sergeant and six trumpets, and the relation of the adiournement was set up in the court at Brussels: whereunto the prince of Orange, after that he had been advertised, answered the attorney general by his letters, as followeth.  
Master Attorney, I have received the copy of an adiournement the which you have caused 
The prince of Orange's answer to the commission.  to be executed by a public proclamation, finding myself grieved with the accusations contained therein, as a noble man of my quality ought to do, desiring nothing so much (as I hope I shall make it appear) than to have means to contest and answer for myself: having no intent to leave an impression in the hearts of the ignorant, that I have not discharged mine honour, and the duty which I owe unto the king, and that I have acquitted myself ill and undutifully of those charges, estates, and offices, wherewith it hath pleased his Majesty heretofore to grace me▪ but rather I hope by the discourse and relation of my defences, to show, that the good, long, and loyal services, expense and losses which I have incurred by reason thereof, shall much exceed my bonds and rewards: Having therefore cause to desire no less, that they should enter into this calculation, than he that attends a relief in his affairs, by the conclusion and end of his account. But as that which we desire most is oftentimes the last put in execution (proceeding duly and orderly as it is fit:) For as the Physian or Surgeon doth not seek to heal and close us a wound, before he hath searched the bottom, and disposed the humour: neither doth the Architect build a house, before he hath laid a good foundation. I am by the quality of your adiournement forced to defer the allegation and explication of my said defences, until that your accusation may be made before a competent judge, and not suspect, and in whom there may be hope that there shall be such regard had to that which shall be propounded, as shall be fit: and that they will proceed to absolution, or condemnation, according to the ●…xigence and merit of the cause: And in the mean time I must comfort myself with the examples (whereof the histories are full) of such as having with the hazard of their lives, & expense of their goods, preserved and amplified the estates, countries, and revenues of thei●… princes and lords, have not only been infamously adjourned, and proclaimed, but in stead of reward, have received corporal and exemplary punishment, have been chased away, banished, slain and executed, seeing the fruits and recompenses of their service attributed to them that lest deserved it. I find it no less strange in our times, seeing that the most innocent may not only be brought into suspi●…on, but also made odious and abominable, causing him by some suborned people to be reputed and accused for an heretic: For this point being gained, he shall not only find himself frustrate of all his good deeds, services, and merits, but being deprived of all good presumptions, he shall remain suspected and accusable of rebellion and sedition, and in general of all kinds of crimes and offences, that are comprehended under the title of high treason.  
And the pretended accusation of heresy being at this time odious, and in a manner necessary for the punishing thereof (without incurring the indignation and diversion of the hearts which we will keep in obedience) to cover it with the cloak of the said crimes of treason, whereof the accused pretends in vain to purge and discharge himself before him to whom he sees himself to be suspect of heresy: for those being not the final causes for the which he is pursued, taken, arrested, and accused, although he make good proof of his innocency, yet can he not hope to be absolved, and set free, but either he must under the colour of the said crimes be condemned, or else his innocency being too apparent, he must by their delays and tedious proceeding, attend a perpetual and miserable detention. The which might suffice to excuse my not appearing before the Duke of Alva, Governor and Captain general of the Nelands; were it not that for many reasons, your suing for a commission to apprehend and adjourn, were not void in law, and such a one as I am not bound to obey: for besides that your sergeant hath made no signification, summation, or insinuation of his exploit to me, who after advertisement given to the Duchess of Parma, than regent, by reason of my urgent affairs, was retired into this my county of Nassau, as also I had signified unto his Majesty long since, that it was my intention so to do, and not to fly or hide my head, as your commission contains: The times of delay, and the days of appearance are so short, as it is impossible to be advertised of the publication made at Brussels, and to appear there within that time, and much less in some more remote parts, whither the duke of Alva might in the mean time transport himself: for every term and delay having his effect, it is manifest what respect shall be had to every one of them, and not to all three delays joined together. And to prefix so many terms of fifteen days, in such a distance as is betwixt this and Brussels, is no other thing, but to make proclamations, adiornments, and citations, the which it is impossible to obey: and heaping the said delays, and taking the three for one, it will appear that in a case of so great importance, and against one of my quality, they pretend to proceed by one citation only, against all order of justice: Seeing that in the like case, according unto law, they proceed summarily, observing the accustomed order, which is, after three distinct citatious obtained, at the least aft●…r ten days respite to either of them, they cite him peremptorily; and that the judge being duly informed of the places, whereas the absent (whom they will adjourn) remains, give delays according to the distance of the places: the which not being done by your adiournement, it must necessarily follow that it is void and of no force. The which nullity is comprehended in all judicial acts, unduly and incompetently done: and the rather, for that your pretended citation & adiornment can have no place in effect; as being made unto him that is without the king's territories and jurisdiction, in the limits of the empire, and being a member and a state of the empire, from whom by right you should require them that are retired thither, not being sufferable to call them out by a citation made without the empire, by a pretended publication: the which hath been heretofore so regarded, as for this reason chiefly, the sentence given by the emperor Henry against Robert king of Sicily, was declared void, and of no force, together that the said emperor was accompanied with a mighty army, suspected unto king Robert, as at this present the duke of Alva is with a Spanish army, carrying us the affection, which every man knows. The which may suffice to discover the nullity of your citation and adiournement, seeing that the Duke, a more incompetent judge in my trial, than the said emperor was in regard of Robert king of Sicily; for as much as the Knights of the Order, according to the acts and constitutions of the said Order, cannot be adjourned, but before the chief of the Knights of the Order and their brethren, for any fact (how fowl soever) that they shall commit: Neither can they proceed to the apprehension, seizure, nor detention of the said Knights of the Order, before it be first decreed by the advice of his companions and brethren: and in that case they must be presently put into the guard of the college and company of the said Order, and not rigorously entreated, as they have done our cousins and brethren, the earls of Egmont and Horn, whom they have imprisoned: the which doth also confirm the nullity of your impetration, yea even the rigorous clause of corporal apprehension there inserted. For man being by nature moved to preserve himself, there were no colour to make us appear among men, and before judges that be suspect, and not to be allowed, yea and to a more strict and rigorous prison, than we are tied unto, or that is fit by law, by the which the prison serves only to keep the prisoner safe, and not to debar and sequester him from all conversation, conference, counsel and advice, without the which it is impossible that a cause of such importance can be well and duly managed and defended: which notwithstanding we hear is used to our said cousins and brethren, whom we see led out of the duchy of Brabant, notwithstanding the express conventions, laws, and contracts, under the which the said country is bound to obey his Majesty. And the like hath happened to our son, the earl of Buren, without any respect to his young years, and his known innocency; the which serve us for an advertisement, that the Duke of Alva means not to subject himself to any contracts, bonds, laws, privileges and customs, and therefore it should be impossible to obtain a bolition from him, although we did sufficiently prove our innocency by the like allegations. By reason whereof, and that as well by law, as by the convention mentioned by the joyous entry, containing the laws under the which the duchy of Brabant owes obedience. we which have had our dwelling in the said duchy, are grounded to suspend all obedience which we owe unto the king, until that his Majesty (being better informed) shall repair that which hath been done and attempted, contrary to the said joyous entry. We have thought it therefore good to advertise you by these presents, that for the reasons above mentioned, we hold your adiournement to be void and of no force, protesting expressly of the said nullity, and against all that shall be done and decreed by virtue thereof, considering the apparent incompetency of the Duke of Alva, to whom the commission of this cause, in quality of Governor and Captain general of the Netherlands, is directed: meaning in regard of him, and as far as need shall require, that this shall serve us for an excuse and recusation; for that we find by experience, that from him (for the causes above mentioned) we may not hope to obtain that right which our cause may merit: offering to present ourselves before the Emperor, the Electors, Princes, States, and others of the empire, or any other competent judges, that are not suspect, and that will judge truly of our merits, without partiality or affection. Protesting again of nullity, of all that by the said Duke of Alva, a judge (as we have said) incompetent, suspect and recused, or those that shall be deputed by him, may be done, said, ordained, judged, or decreed, to our prejudice. And this serving to no other effect, but to insinuat unto you the said declarations, offers and protestations, that you and others may take such knowledge thereof as is fitting, etc. At Dilembourg the 3 of March 1568. Signed, William of Nassau.  
This answer made by the prince to the attorney general, was accompanied with a letter to the Duke of Alva, the tenor whereof was as followeth.  
My Lord, As my actions may well testify, that since my youth I have desired nothing more, than to employ myself in the service of the emperor of famous memory, and since of the king my master, I did hope that his Majesty being advertised by me (as also the Duchess of Parma then Governess was) that I was come into this my county of Nassau, for certain urgent affairs of mine, respecting my faith and loyalty, would have done me the favour to command me wherein I might have done him service, as I had always offered by my letters: or at the least, that I should have understood from you, what his majesties pleasure had been, that laying aside all my private affairs, I should presently repair into these parts, as you have advertised his majesties intention to all other noblemen, states, and towns.  
And as I have been always expecting his majesties commandments, I have been advertised, That they began to proceed against me, by seizure of my signiories, lands and goods, and which is worse, by proclamation in the name of the Attorney general, full of false and insupportable slanders; and afterwards by the apprehension of my son, whom I had left at Louvaine, that he might be hereafter the better able to serve the king and commonweal, whereat I was much amazed, and it seemed strange to me, that they should proceed in that sort against one of my quality, forgetting so soon the great and notable services as well of my predecessors as mine own, and namely in these last troubles: wherefore having reasons and justifications sufficient to prove mine innocency, and the wrong that hath been done me in this behalf (the which I reserve for a fit time and place) I have thought it good to answer in haste to the said Attorney general, and before the expiration of the hasty time limited me, to show him the nullity and other reasons I have against his adiournement, to the end the world may not think, that I feel myself guilty, or that I intent not to pursue my right, as I shall find it grounded upon reason: which I thought good to insinuat unto your lordship, sending you a copy of the letter which I have written unto the said Attorney, to the end that through ignorance there may be no further proceeding against me or mine, than may be iustisiable by law, etc. Signed, Your brother of the order William of Nassau.  
During all the duke of Alua's proceedings, and according to the twelve articles concluded in the year 1556 by the inquisition of Spain; the said Inquisition pronounced in form of advice generally against all the Netherlands, the sixteenth of February 1568, and confirmed by the king the six and twentieth following: which articles we have thought good to insert in this place.  
The most sacred office of the Inquisition, so often attempted in the Netherlands by his majesty, and hindered until this time, shall be instituted and advanced by this manner, which is most expedient.  
1 They must persuade the emperor, being gone astray, and wickedly confederated with 
Articles concluded by the Inquisition of Spain agai●…st the Netherlands.  heretics, that he resign his kingdoms unto his son, with the whole administration of the Netherlands.  
2 That the emperor with his two sisters, having given over all affairs, leaving the Netherlands, shall retire into Spain to us, being assured that they shall never return more to do any harm.  
3 These being dispatched, we must also draw the king to us, and keep him for ever, that he part not, and not suffer any Flemings to have access or conference with him.  
4 That the king write unto and command the clergy of the Netherlands, that with the Inquisition they should accept of 15 new bishops, the which should be free from all secular jurisdiction, yea in cases of treason.  
5 The subjects of the Netherlands through their malice and way wardness, will revolt, and move seditions and tumults pleasing to all, but to our company.  
6 The princes and noblemen, heads and authors of these factions, with the subjects, must be taken away, and the others reduced unto reason.  
7 They shall hire at our charge thieves and spoilers of churches and images, whose offences shall be by all the world imputed to the rebels, by some subtle means, and so we shall vanquish them.  
8 That all commerce, negotiation, liberties, and privileges, shall be rooted out, and that all be reduced to extreme poverty, whereby the realm shall be permanent for us.  
9 No man of all those countries (except he be of our faction) shall be held worthy to live, and finally all to be rooted out, and all goods, possessions, arts and trades, and all order to be taken away, until there may be a new realm and a new people.  
10 In this action the wise and valiant Duke of Alva shall be employed in person, whereas any other, were he of the blood royal, or a prince, should be of no esteem: so as being suspect, yea in the smallest matters, they must be dispatched.  
11 No contracts, rights, promises, donations, oaths, privileges, and solemn assertions of the Netherlands shall be of any force for the inhabitants, as being guilty of high treason.  
12 But above all, they must be careful, that in such grave matters, of so great importance, they proceed not suddenly, and with violence, but moderately and with good order: to the end that the princes, nobles, and subjects, may mutiny, and that one may persecute another, so as the executioner may fall into the snare, for there is not in Christendom a more foolish and indiscreet nation, nor that is more easily abused, than is the Flemish, God punishing their infidelity by this means.  
These articles were sent out of Spane in Latin to james Hessel, Attorney general of Flanders, and afterward councillor of the troubles, and found (written by his hand, and translated into French) among his papers in Gand, when he was taken prisoner, and afterwards hanged without the town in the year 1578. And as for the sentence of the said Inquisition, this it was.  
The office of the most holy and most sacred Inquisition, required by the presence of his royal Majesty, to resolve upon the most abominable defection, Apostasy, and heresy, committed 
The sentence of the Inquisition of Spain against the Netherlands.  by his majesties subjects of the Netherlands, having viewed and diligently examined his majesties information thereupon, having also seen the letters, muniments, and documents, authentical and worthy of credit, added to the said information, by the officers of the holy Inquisition sent into the Netherlands, They say and resolve so far as their Theological profession and conscience can advise them: That all and every subject of the Netherlands and the whole body thereof (except such as are especially noted in the information) as well in respect of those that are public and manifest apostates, hetetikes, and fallen from God and our holy church, and the commandment of the Catholic king▪ and their obedience, as of such as counterfeiting themselves to be Catholics, have not done their duties, whereunto, and to God and to his Majesty, for the respect of the Catholic religion, and the oath taken by them, they are bound, to resist with all their force and might, the public and apparent apostates, heretics, and seditious persons, and to hinder their wicked and damnable factions, the which in the beginning of the troubles and tumults, had been easily done, without any great difficulty: but chose have forborn from that godly and holy resistance, and therefore deserve to be reputed and esteemed favourers and adherents to those public and manifest apostates, heretics and seditious. Such also as among the nobility, and in the subjects names▪ presenting petitions and admonitions against the most holy Inquisition, have cunningly inflamed & incensed the heretics, apostates, and seditious, and therefore all guilty of high treason in the highest degree. So said and resolved in the city of Madril, the 16 of February 1568.  
His royal Majesty having seen the information made by his commandment, upon the 
The kings con firmation of the sentence  execrable crime of Apostasies, heresies, and seditions committed by his subjects of the Netherlands: Having also seen the muniments and documents authentical and worthy of credit, added to the said information, by the officers of the holy Inquisition sent into the Netherlands: Having also seen the holy advice and resolution of the most holy & sacred Inquisition here, with the pregnant reasons inserted thereunto, administering, and doing right and justice in this behalf, using his royal and absolute power, says and decrees: That all and every subject of the said Netherlands, and the whole body thereof (those only excepted, which are noted in the said informations, whose names we will send in time to be kept in the records of our Netherlands) as well for their public and manifest Apostasies, heresies & defections from God, and our mother the holy church, and his Catholic commandment & the obedience thereof: As also for such as counterfeit themselves Catholics, have not done their duties whereunto notwithstanding, and to God and his Majesty, for the respect of the Catholic religion, and the oath which they have taken, they are bound, to resist the public & manifest apostates, heretics, and seditious persons, with all their power and force, and to hinder their wickedness, the which in the beginning of the troubles and tumults, had been easy to do, without any difficulty: but chose have abstained from this holy resistance, yea have rejoiced thereat, and therefore are rightly to be reputed favourers, and procurers of the said manifest apostates, heretics, and seditious. Such also as under the name of the nobility and the subjects having presented petitions and admonitions against the most holy Inquisition, have inflamed and incensed the parts of the apostates, heretics, and seditious, under colour of piety, have committed the crime of high treason, condemning them all without respect of sex or age, to the pains and punishments appointed by the law for such offenders. His Majesty willing and commanding (who pretends by this severe sentence to give example, and to terrify posterity to come) that the punishments of this sentence shall be duly executed, and take full effect, without respect of grace or favour, in such order and manner notwithstanding, as shallbe prescribed to our Registers of the Netherlands. So judged in the city of Madrill, the 26 of February 1568.  
Behold in truth a most cruel and rigorous sentence. We read of an emperor that wished all the people of Rome to have but one head, the which he might cut off at one blow. What doth the king of Spain less by this sentence? The greatest persecutors of the Primitive church have sometimes given such sentences against the Christians, yet they would never put them in execution, but seeing their constancy, patience, and perseverance in their faith, they did in the end surcease the persecutions, some did moderate them, others did quite forbid them, although they had no feeling of their religion, nor knowledge of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. But the king of Spain who knows jesus Christ, is a Christian, and terms himself Catholic king, by this sentence doth not only persecute, but seeks to ruin all his subjects as well Catholics as other good and true Christians, for the profession of their faith: wherefore we may not wonder at the duke of Alua's cruel government, but we may think it strange that he hath not done more, considering the charge he had, as appeareth by this sentence.  
These cruel proceedings caused daily more and more fear and terror in the people, & forced many to fly out of the country, and divers wild headed fellows forsaking all their goods, and some their wives and children, went and kept in the woods in West-Friseland and other places, and there set upon priests and monks, which they got by night, and having taken them took all they had from them, and cutting off their ears and noses, let them go: for which cause they were called wild Gueux, who being increased to a great number, the duke of Alva was forced to send certain soldiers out against them, but to no great purpose, as not finding many of them, which made him send out proclamations against them, commanding the country villages to watch and guard their priests and pastors, and to be careful to defend them, as also to restore them that which they had lost, or that might be stolen from them, to the uttermost penny, by estimation and award of the judges and magistrates: and further to answer and warrant the lives and goods of their pastors, notwithstanding any privileges whatsoever. There was likewise a proclamation made against those that fled out of the Netherlands, That such as fled should be taken and brought back again, and all those that were so determined, or that made any preparation thereunto, and their goods to be arrested at the custom houses, places of passages, and frontiers of the land, upon pain to those that did it not, to be holden as suspect persons, and favourers of the crimes imputed unto them that fled, and for the same to be punished with confiscation of the ships, scutes, wagons, and carts, of all those that carried and conveyed the said fugitive persons goods, as also that no man should harbour, lodge, furnish with money, any fugitive or banished persons, nor write letters, nor receive any to and from them, and such like orders. At that time the counsel of the troubles (for that the duke of Alva could not take 
A sentence for the rasing of Culembourgs place in Brussels.  the earl of Culembourg) gave a sentence against the house of the said earl, joining to that of the earl of Egmont, behind the sand hill in the town of Brussels, condemning it to be pulled down and razed to the ground, and never to be built again, with an inscription graven in a square stone of marble set upon a pillar in the midst of the place, written in four languages, and this was the Latin. regnant Philippo 2. Cathol. Haspan. Rege in his suis inferioribus Germania regionibus, gubernance vero Ferdinando Aluares de Toledo Albae duce, etc. Florentij de Palant quondam domum solo aequari sancitum est, o●… execrandam memoriam repe●…tae in ea coniurationis adversus religionem ecclesiae Catho. Rom. Regiam Maiestatem, & ipsas regiones, Anno salute 1568, 5 Calend. Junii.  
Mean time the regent the duchess of Parma, had wrought such means, that she had obtained 
The regent duc●…sse of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of the Neth●…nds.  leave of the king to depart out of the Netherlands, and for her good service was by the king rewarded with gifts, as a great sum of money, and a yearly pension during her life and for that cause preparing herself to travel unto her husband into Italy, did by writing take her leave of the states and the whole Netherlands; in her letters, showing how she was received and installed into the government of the Netherlands, in the presence of the general states assembled in the town of Gand in anno 1559, and for that cause she said she could have been content to have yielded up the same in the like assembly of the general states, as the gouernor●… and regents before her had done: but for that the king had expressly forbidden the assembly of the general states, during that troublesome time, unless he himself were personally presen●…, that could not be done according to her desire: whereby she was constrained to do it by writing, praying them to take in good part, and judge the best of her labour, industry, care and diligence used in the said government, much complaining of the troubles and uproars happened in the two last years of her government, yet by God's grace, and by the aid and assistance of a great number of the good subjects of the Netherlands, before the end of April she said she had brought all the towns & provinces once again to a full obedience unto the king, and in the beginning of May garrisons were put into every place, so that there rested nothing to be done but only to punish the offenders and to take order therein, as it should please the king's Majesty, whereby she hoped that in short time the Netherlands would be reduced to their former happy and flourishing estate, which she with all her heart desired: once again praying them to take her proceedings in good part, withal wishing and counseling them, to keep and observe the Romish Catholic religion, and obedience unto the king. After that, upon the 30 of December she departed out of Brussels, and traveled towards Italy, accompanied by divers of the nobility of the Netherlands, the duke of Alva himself conducting her some part of the way.  
About this time there was a certain enterprise taken in hand by the fugitive gentlemen, against the person of the duke of Alva, at such time as he in Lent meant to go in devotion from 
An enterprise to take ●…he duke of Alva  Brussels to the cloister of Groenendale, in Somen wood: the principal doers thereof being the lord of Rysoire, and his brother the lord of Carloo, of the house of Noot, and others (this lord of Carloo kept in the said cloister, in habit of a monk, for fear of the duke, as he said) they had gotten ready six or seven hundred horsemen, most part of them keeping in the house of Dohan not far from thence; within and about Brussels they had about 500 foot men, whereof a soldier, that sometime had served the lord of Likes, told the said lord, who presently gave the duke intelligence thereof, at such time as he was fully purposed to go to perform his devotion, which the duke would scarce believe, and for that cause was hardly to be persuaded not to go: but the soldier naming his captain to be one of the earl of Egmont's horsemen, the said captain was presently apprehended and committed to prison, and being sharply examined, would not disclose any thing touching the said conspiracy, and for that cause was with variety of rigorous and bloody invention cruelly tortured, and put to death: and so the said enterprise went not forward, and yet no more men troubled nor molested for the same.  
In the mean time as the prince of Orange's process was handled before the duke of Alva by incapable commissioners, without any lawful form of proceeding, by the instruction and deduction of which process, the prince's justifications did not appear. To the end that posterity might know by what reasons he could justify and purge himself from the false and slanderous accusations of the duke of Alva, under the name of the Attorney general (who was then but a simple man, and a drunkard, called john du Bois, a peasant's son) and also to show the grounds of the alterations, which have happened in the Netherlands, the said prince set forth a discourse for an advertisement to all the world of his innocency, and of the wrong which the duke of Alva did him: which discourse was entitled, A justification of the Prince of Orange, against his slanderers: the which for that it was published in print, I forbear to relate here.  
The earl of Hoochstraten being cited in like manner by the attorney general, and accused almost of the like crimes that the prince of Orange was, answered thereunto after that he was retired, first by letters unto the duke of Alva, and then by an answer unto the attorney general, and in the end by an ample discourse of his actions in the service of the king and country, to serve him for a justification: where among other things to confirm his declinatorie exceptions, set down in his answer, he produceth four articles, drawn out of the laws and ordinances of the good duke Philip, the first instituter and sovereign of the order of the golden Fleece. Where he sets down in what cases a knight cannot be deprived of his order, and why he may leave it without forfeiting. And that the head and sovereign only of the said order, together with the knights jointly, and no others, can take knowledge of the crimes wherewith any of their fellow knights are charged. The said earl of Hoochstraten, as borne in the country of Brabant, did also produce five articles drawn out of the ancient privileges, called the 
Production of five ●…cles of the privileges of Brabant  joyous entry of the Prince to the Duchy of Brabant, concluded in old time by a perpetual contract betwixt the duke and the three estates of the said country, and solemnly sworn by them for an inviolable law.  
First, that we shall be to them, that is, to all our vassals and subjects of our country of Brabant, hereafter specified, good and upright justicers, and loyal lords, and not suffer any force 
Art. 1.  or violence whatsoever to be done unto them: nor entreat them, nor suffer them to be entreated otherwise than by lawful sentences and proceedings: yea we shall enjoin that all our prelates, hospitals, barons, nobl●…s, and the good subjects of our towns and liberties, as well within the country of Brabant, as beyond the Meuse, shall proceed in all things to obtain sentence and justice, according to the law of those places where it doth appertain: and that the judges in our said countries, shall be bound to determine of causes without any delay, that shall grow through their fault or negligence, only the judges may prorogue the day of pleading once and no more.  
Item, that we shall never bind ourselves as duke of Brabant and Limbourg, for causes touching 
Art. 3.  the jurisdiction and signiories of the said countries, to make war with any one, or to make or cause to be made against any one, reprisals or seizures, but with the advice, will, and consent of our towns and country of Brabant: and that we shall not suffer any other causes, nor shall not seal any, whereby our countries, limits, and towns, nor any of the said countries, or their rights, liberties, and privileges, may be violated or diminished, or our countries and subjects damnified in any sort.  
By the which seven (the chancellor and the counsellors of the counsel of Brabant) or others 
Art. 5.  presently added unto them, or that by succession of time it shall please us to add unto them: we our governor or governess general, shall make known and determine all causes of the said countries concerning justice, and all that shall depend thereon, be it by provision, ordinary justice, statutes, proclamations, edicts, ordinances, commandments, or otherwise: that is, by the advice of our governor and counsel of Brabant above mentioned, without any hindrance or molestation that may be done unto the inhabitants, or that they shall be subject unto the ordinances of any other, but of us, our governor or governess general.  
Item, Whosoever shall be taken in our said countries of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, 
Art, 17.  we shall not ourselves lead, nor suffer them to be led prisoners out of our said countries.  
Item, That hereafter the officers, by themselves or by their sergeant, shall not in our towns, 
Art. 10. of the second addition  liberties, and villages of our country of Brabant, draw any one out of his house, nor take him there, or make any search for any cause whatsoever, no further than the customs, privileges, and use of the place, where it shall happen, or shall be needful, and also that shall be lawful will allow, except our towns of Louvaine, antwerp, and Boisleduke, where their ample privileges and customs are to be observed.  
The said earl of Hoochstraten did also produce an extract of three articles drawn out of the joyous entry of king Philip in the year 1549.  
Having heard, read, seen, and understood, all the joious entry of our lord and father, with the letters of adiunctions and additions thereof, together with other adiunctions, letters and 
The articles of king Ph●…oious entry.  concessions of our great grandfather, touching the last article thereof, with the alterations and moderations thereof; and what is added thereunto, according to the contents of the act, and all faithfully translated into the Spanish tongue, desiring (according to the love which our 
Art. 1.  lord and father bore to all the country of Brabant, and to the inhabitants, vassals and good subjects thereof) to entertain and observe their rights, privileges and liberties, customs, uses, and also prescriptions, in respect of the many great and faithful services and favours, done to the duke and duchess of Brabant, our predecessors, and many others to our lord and father the emperor, as good subjects are bound to do unto their natural lord, and as we trust they will hereafter do to us: We have in this our reception and investiture unto the signory of the said country, given and granted in the town of Louvaine, with the privity and consent of our said lord and father, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, do give, grant, and consent unto the privileges, articles, cautions, and assurances of law which follow.  
Item, We confirm and ratify to all our prelates, hospitals, cloisters, barons, knights, 
Art. 57  towns, and liberties, and to all other our good subjects of our country of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, all their rights, liberties privileges, charters, customs, uses and prescriptions, as well those which have been given, granted, and sealed unto them by our predecessors dukes and duchesses', as also those which they have enjoyed, kept, and prescribed. Yea that which was granted to the three estates by duke Philip our great grandfather, at the time of his entry. In like sort two other letters of our said great grandfather, the one in the year 1451, the 20 of Septemb. and the other in the year 1457, the 18 of novemb. And moreover the two additions of our lord & father the emperor, the one given at Gand the 12 of April 1515, and the other at Brussels the 26 of the same month & year. Promising them all in general, and every one in particular, for us our heirs and successors, to observe and keep them inviolably foreue●…, without breaking them in any sort whatsoever.  
Item, We do promise them for us, our heirs and successors, that we shall not allege nor pretend, 
Art. 5●….  no●… cause to be alleged, that we are not bound to entertain the said liberties, rights, privileges, charters, customs, uses & prescriptions, the which we have heretofore confirmed and ratified, under colour that we have not given and granted them, or promised them by some especial article. The which we will shall be no let, molestation, or prejudice unto them.  
And for that we will and desire that all the points, articles, gifts, and promises, confirmations and ratifications, above mentioned, may remain firm and stable, without any breach, we have faithfully promised, and have sworn upon the holy Euangile, personally for us, our heirs and successors, to hold them to all in general, that is, to the prelates, monasteries, hospitals, barons, knights, towns, and liberties, and to all our good subjects of the said countries of Brabant and beyond the Meuse, and to their successors firm and stable after the decease of our lord and father, and never to do, nor suffer to be done, any thing contrary whatsoever. And in case that we, our heirs and successors, should or would do any thing to the contrary, by ourselves or by any other, in all or in part, in any sort whatsoever; in that case we consent and grant to our said prelates, barons, knights, towns and liberties, & to all our other subjects, that to us, our heirs and successors, they shall yield no service, duty, nor obedience, in any matter whatsoever, wherein we should have need, and would require them, until the fault be repaired, and that we have fully desisted: For the effecting whereof, we will, command, and declare, that all officers that shall be made contrary to this our joyous entry shallbe presently displaced: and moreover that all that shallbe hereafter attempted contrary to that which is above said, shall be of no force. And all without fraud. In witness and perpetual confirmation whereof, we Emperor and Prince have caused our seals to be set to these presents. Given in our town of Louvain the 5 of july in the year 1549. Of the empire of us Charles the 30, and of the realms of Castille & others 34. Signed, Charles and Philip, and underneath, By the audiencier and chief Secretary, Verreyken.  
The earl of Hoochstraten produced all those articles of the order of the Golden Fleece, & of the joyous entry, and privileges of Brabant, to justify his declinatory exceptions, against the citation and unlawful proceeding of the attorney general, and to show what wrong the duke of Alva did unto the honour and reputation of the king his master, and to his own (as knight of the said order, having sworn the articles) to suffer and to command the attorney general, to use such kind of proceeding, as well to his person and the prince of Orange, as to the earls of Egmont & Horn, prisoners, and carried directly against the said privileges out of the country of Brabant, to the castle of Gand in Flanders. At that time certain Italian merchants 
The duke of Alua's money stayed in Germany.  sent towards the Netherlands from Francfort ma●…t certain balls of silk, in the which there was a hundred & fifty thousand crowns in money, appointed for the duke of Alua. This was discovered to Frederic prince elector, Palatin of Rhin, who stayed them, under colour that the customs upon the river were not duly paid: the merchandise was restored, but the money kept whereof complaints came unto the emperor, yet he was glad to agree with the said prince Palatine.  
The prince of Orange and the earl of Hoochstraten, having (as we have said) published their justifications, the which were neither publicly answered by the said attorney general, nor yet produced in their process, but they proceeded against them and their goods by contempt, having no other means of defence, but to go and submit them unto the mercy of the duke of Alva: the said prince understanding also in what manner his son had been taken from the University of Louvaine, and transported into Spain, contrary to the privileges, and notwithstanding the protestations of the said University: He advised what was best to be done for the recovery of his goods and son: And by the advice of his kinsmen in Germany, he would seek the mildest way, if haply by the intercession of the emperor and princes electors, he might obtain any thing. He therefore presented a petition to his imperial Majesty, by the which he laid open at large the wrong that was done him by the duke of Alva, in his extraordinary manner of proceeding, against the statutes of the order of the Golden Fleece, the privileges of the country, and by indirect ways, contrary to all equity and true course of justice, as well in his hehalfe, as of the earl of Buren his son. He besought his Majesty, that he would be an intercessor for him to the king of Spain, that at the least he might be heard in his defences & justifications, according to the said statutes & privileges, and not to suffer his process to be so made, by men so il qualified and insufficient, as was the said attorney general and his adjuncts. Or else, that the king would grant that his process might be made by judges that were not suspect, princes of the empire, and other noblemen and commissioners in Germany.  
The emperor, who would gladly have seen affairs managed after another sort, writ very honourably to the king and the duke of Alva, and so did the prince's electors in like manner: but neither entreaties nor admonitions could prevail, the duke always insisting, that he should come and purge himself in person. The prince seeing there was no other means, and that it was his head they sought for, being loath to expose it so good cheap, to the will of the duke of Alva, and of his new erected counsel: and seeing that he must needs hazard it, having taken the advice of his kinsfolks, he was resolved to hazard it with more honour, repelling force with force, and opposing himself courageously against the duke's attempts. Having therefore demanded succours from all his friends, both in Germany, the Netherlands, and in France, showing them the force and violence that was done him; he commanded cont Lodowic his brother to levy men in all parts, and to frame a goodly body of an army, and so to enter jointly together into the Netherlands, for to recover that by force which was wrongfully detained from them: so as in May men came unto them, as well out of France, as of those that were fled out of the Netherlands, in great numbers (besides the body of the army which was levied in Germany) the which cont Lodowic led into Friesland, carrying in their ensigns this device, Recuper are aut mori.  
The lord of Villers of the house of Longueville, brought him 3000 French foot, which the Protestants of France sent to his succours, who went to make an attempt upon the town of Ruremonde in Gelderland, situated upon the river of Meuse, thinking to surprise it, and to take it without any resistance. But finding them within upon their guards, they fired the ports, thinking to have it by force: but they defended themselves so well, as the lord of Villers (fearing that if he stayed longer, he might be compassed in behind) was forced to leave it, retiring towards Dalem. The duke of Alva hearing that the priuce was in arms, and that his forces increased daily, sent the earl of Lodron, and the colonel Sancho d'Auila, with a small army, to keep the lord of Villers from attempting any thing upon that quarter of the river of Meuse, and to keep him from joining with the rest of the prince's troops: who meeting him betwixt Dalem and Erckelens with his troops, they charged and defeated him. Villers and the signior 
The lord of Villers defeated  of Dhuy were taken prisoners, a great number of their men were slain, and the rest were put to rout, the 25 of April. The fury of the victors was so great, as without any respect they flew the governor of Heynsberg and his lieutenant, being come to Dalem, to summon these French troops to retire out of the limits of the duke of juilliers his prince. The prince of Orange's intention was to assail the duke of Alva in divers parts at one instant, and to make him so much work, as he should not know which way to turn him.  
The signior of Coqueville a Norman gentleman of the religion, being upon the frontiers of Arthois, with the captains Vaillant, and S. Amand, and some 600 foot and 200 horse, most part of them being come out of England, having fled out of the Netherlands, and others that 
Coqueville defeated at S. Valery.  they had gathered together, and were joined at S. Valery, at the mouth of the river of Some: the duke of Alva writ unto the French king, That the prince of Condes men sought to trouble him in his government of the Netherlands. Whom the prince disavowing, the king sent the marshal Cosse, who besieged S. Valerie, and took it by assault. Coqueville was taken with some others but the most part slain, such as could save themselves, were taken by the provost marshal, sent into the Netherlands, and executed by divers punishments. Coqueville lost his head at dourlan's.  
Valentin de par Dieu, signior of la Motte, sergeant mayor of the regiment of the earl of Roeux, pursued the Protestants with all violence in base Flanders, and took the signior of Hanescampe, a gentleman of Bethune in Arthois, who was afterwards excuted by the sword in Brussels. In the mean time cont Lodowic, accompanied with cont Adolph of Nassau, his brother, with cont loos of Schouwenburch and others, being in Friesland in the country of Groningen, took the fort of Dam near to Delfziel, and the great castle of Wed, with many other places, which gave a good encouragement to the prince's army. The duke of Alva (after a peace concluded in France) had called home the earl of Aremberg with the bands of ordnance, which he had sent to succour the king against the Protestants: being retired, he sent two captains speedily into France, to entertain the Germane horsemen, which were dismissed upon the treaty of peace: and for the fortifying of the frontiers he sent the signior of Hierges eldest son to the lord of Barlamont (who as then was not created earl) to levy 2000 Walloons.  
The duke of Alva having gathered all the forces he could together, to make head against the prince of Orange's army, which was in Friesland, under the command of Cont Lodowick, sent Cont Arembergh, who being come into the country of Groningen, was advised not to charge the Protestants, until that the earl of Meghen were arrived with his troops, that having joined their forces, they might charge them together: Some Spanish captains being impatient and discontent with this delay, began to murmur against him and to brave him, yea, to tax him of cowardice, calling him Lutheran; for that they found themselves (so said they, not knowing the passages of the country) strong enough, and the more vehement they were, for that they understood Cont Lodowick was retired: but it was to have more ground to put his army in battle; and that to go and charge him in his camp, they must march close and in a long rank, by reason of the marshes that were on either side. Whereupon Arembergh answered them, That seeing they had a desire to fight, he would make them see their enemies, and let them know that he was a faithful servant to the king, and no Lutheran, the which he would maintain unto the last drop of his blood. Cont Lodowick had caused a squadron of a thousand arquebusiers to advance, with the which the Spaniards went bravely to skirmish; but the approaching night parted them, Cont Lodowick retiring a little further back. The Spaniards thinking that he fled, made haste to follow him: but the earl turning head, charged Arembergh●… squadron, and then all their troops, 
Cont Arembergh defeated and slain.  whereof he defeated ten companies of Spaniards, and five of Germans. Arembergh having defended himself valiantly a long time, was in the end beaten from his horse, crying out, that they should save his life, but he was not understood, being shot through the body, whereof he died presently: the remainder of his troops were put to rout: Such as could save themselves from the battle, retired to Heylegerlee, thinking to defend it, but they were presently assailed, where at the first approach, Cont Adolph of Nassau, brother to Cont Lodowick and the prince of Orange, was slain. The Germans that could escape, saved themselves in Groninghe. The duke of Alva lost in this defeat a thousand six hundred men, six pieces of artillery, with the munition, and a great sum of money, appointed for the payment of this army, the which he esteemed a greater loss than the death of the earl of Arembergh.  
This defeat happened on the four and twentieth of May 1568, betwixt the abbey of Heylegerlee and the village of Wynschote, in the country of Groningen. The earl of Arembergh, of the house of Barbanson, governor of Friesland and Oueryssel, knight of the Order of the golden Fleece, a brave knight, was interred in the church of the same abbey; and Cont Adolph of Nassau, a young nobleman of great hope, in the chapel of the castle of Wed.  
The loss of this battle did wonderfully incense the duke of Alva, whereof he would revenge himself upon many gentlemen that were prisoners in the war, and other noblemen. And to draw more into his power, he made a proclamation upon the twentieth of May in the town of Brussels, against all those that were retired out of the country by reason of the troubles, commanding them to appear at a certain day prefixed, upon pain of confiscation of body and goods: few returned, and they sped ill: but the greatest part remained behind, hoping for a day that should bring them home with greater assurance. The duke seeing the small number of them that were returned, upon whom he ungorged his rage, the first of june he caused the heads of eighteen gentlemen and captains to be cut off upon the sand hill at Brussels; and among others, Ghisbrecht and Thierry, barons of Batenbourg, young men, brethren, when as neither the emperor's letters, nor the intercession of some princes of Germany, nor the great expenses of the lady of Batenbourg their mother, to redeem them from death, could not prevail any thing.  
Whilst they executed such as died constantly in their Religion, the drums sounded 
Executions done by the duke of Alua.  continually, to the end they might not hear what they said: but if any of the Romish Religion died, they were silent. The next day, being the second of the month, he also put to death the Signors of Villers and Dhuy, prisoners, taken at the defeat of Dalem, with Quentin Benoit, bailiff of Engien, and Cornellis of Me minister. Afterwards he caused to be executed in the castle of Viluoarden, the Signors Anthony van Stralen, bourgomaster of antwerp, and john of Casenbroot, Signior of Backerzeel, after that they had tortured him almost in pieces, to understand the secrets of the earl of Egmont, whose chief counsellor he was, with the receiver of Macklin and some others.  
Then he caused the criminal process, begun by john du Bois, attorney general against the earls of Egmont and Horn, to be ended: whom he caused to be brought in wagons from Gand to Brussels under a sure guard of three thousand Spaniards, where they were lodged that night in the Baker's hall, upon the market place, and the next day their sentence of death was pronounced unto them: whereof that of the earl of Egmont's, was thus in substance: The duke of Alua's excellency, marquess of Coria, governor, lieutenant and captain general for his Majesty etc. having seen the informations and pursuits of the attorney general, the testimonies, depositions, and letters missive exhibited by the said attorney against the admiral earl of Egmont, the confessions, denegations, allegations and documents, serving for his justification, the said attorney charging him with perjury, mutiny, and disobedience to his Majesty, and to be linked to the confederates, and an associate (so said the text) to the cursed prince of Orange and others of the states and nobility of the Netherlands conspired together: considering also the faults and bad behaviour of the said earl of Egmont in his government of Flanders, for the maintenance of the faith and catholic Religion, against the heretics, rebels, mutinies and seditions. After good deliberation, having therein the advice of the counsellors of state and prince, and viewed the conclusions of the said attorney general, his excelleneie hath said and declared, that the said earl of Egmont is guilty of high ●…eason; for his disobedience and rebellion against his prince: by reason whereof, he hath deserved to be punished exemplarily, for the which he doth condemn him to be executed by the sword, and his head to be set upon a pole, so long as it shall please his excellency, and that no man presume to take it from thence, upon pain of confiscation of body and goods: declaring moreover all his goods, movable and immovable lands, signiories, rights, privileges, and actions forfeited to the king. This sentence was decreed the fifth of june 1●…68, signed, Duke of Alua.  
The sentence against the earl of Horn was almost of the same substance, only certain points excepted. And the two sentences were sent unto the two earls to prison by the Secretary Misdach, at one of the clock after midnight, being both of them in their beds.  
The earl of Egmont would never have believed they would have given so cruel a sentence against him: for hearing it read, he said: Behold a very rigorous sentence. I do not think that in all my life I have so offended his Majesty, to deserve this usage, yet I will take it patiently, and pray unto God, that my death may be an expiation of all my sins: and that thereby my dear wife and children may incur no blame nor confiscation: for my services deserve so much favour: seeing it so pleaseth God and the king, I will take my death patiently. Afterwards he writ a letter unto the king, the which he delivered to doctor Rythonen bishop of Ypre, entreating him to send it unto his Majesty, the which he promised: the contents whereof were as followeth.  
My liege, I have heard the sentence which it pleased your Majesty to give against me, pronounced: 
The earl of Egmont's letter ●…o the king of Spain.  although I have never pretended nor thought to do any thing that was against your majesties service and the catholic religion. But I take all that it shall please God to send me, in good part. And if (during these troubles of the Netherlands) I have any way erred, or tolerated the errors of other men, it happened by my loyalty to the honour of God and your Majesty as the time required. Wherefore I beseech your Majesty to pardon me, if I have offended in any thing, and to take pity of my poor wife, children and servants, recommending myself for the rest to the mercy of God. From Brussels the 5 of june 1568, signed, Being ready to die, the admiral of Egmont.  
The earl of Horn hearing his sentence, cried out upon the earl of Egmont, saying: O my cousin, you are the cause of all this mischief: but there is no remedy but patience. At the first he would not confess himself to the said bishop of Ypre, saying that he had confessed himself unto God long since: but the bishop importuned him so much, as in the end he did it for a fashion.  
The earl of Egmont being assured to die (whereof at the first he could not persuade himself) and had written unto the king, he desired them not to suffer him to languish long in the distress and apprehension of death. So the fifth of june, on Whitsun eve, he was led by julian Romero, master of the camp, and captain Salinas with nineteen ensigns of foot, he having the bishop of Ypre on the one side of him, went willingly (without being held) unto the market place at Brussels, where there was a scaffold covered with black cloth, and two cushions of black velvet, the companies were in battle upon the market place, and about the scaffold, their drums sounding continually. Beneath the scaffold was the provost of the court with a red staff in his hand, having the executioner of justice by him. The earl went up alone with the bishop unto the scaffold, where (after that he had conferred a little with the bishop) he kneeled down, and said his prayers; then rising up again, he himself put off his night gown, and then kneeling down again, he covered his own face with a night kerchief which he had, and joining his hands together, attended the stroke, the which was suddenly given him by the executioner (who they said had been sometimes his footman) yet he never touched neither the bodies nor the apparel of these two noblemen, nor once showed himself upon the scaffold, until they delivered him the sword, wherewith having given the blow, he presently retired himself, and delivered it back again: the head being struck off, was laid with the body under a black cloth, and the blood was also covered with black, that the earl of Horn might not perceive it; who was presently brought, as the earl of Egmont had been: passing through the street, he saluted and bid every one farewell, moving all the world to pity and tears. Being mounted upon the scaffold, he demanded if the earl 
The death of the earle●… of Egmont and Horn.  were executed (for that from the day that they were committed, they did never see one another) and when they answered him yea, he said aloud in Spanish: Esemplo os este Senores', para che cada uno aprende como due servingman y contentar a sus maiores: y os ruego mucho che tomeys de chado en nuestras muertes: y nos pardoneys, si algo con nuestra passada vita, os hemos escandaliza does, pues somos mortales y caducos, y nos adiudeys con vuestras Oraciones: and so he presently disposed himself to death, and was soon executed. Their heads were set up opposite one to another upon two poles, tied to the side of the scaffold, where they continued until three of ●…he clock in the afternoon; a pitiful and fearful spectacle: and therein the earl of Egmont's words were verified, when as he sent for the earl of Horn to come to court, assuring him, that he should have no worse usage than he himself. The bodies having the heads sowed to them again, were put into hearses, and embalmed: that of Egmont was carried to S. Clares church, and that of Horn to S. Guydules, and afterwards interred in the town of Wert, and Egmont's in his borough of Sottingham. The earl of Egmont's servants set his arms in mourning manner (according to the custom) over the porch of his house, but the duke of Alva caused them to be taken down.  
The emperor Maximilian the second, before the death of these noblemen sent a gentleman to the contesse of Egmont, to comfort her, and to assure her, that her husband should have no harm, for that he would entreat for him. But the duke being advertised thereof made haste of his execution, and the same night that the gentleman arrived, sent to insinuate the sentence unto them, and the next day caused them to be executed.  
The death of these noblemen did perplex many, being the more terrified, every one judging, that their blood which was shed, would not be staunched by their death, but that it threatened greater calamities unto the country: So as some pricked by their own consciences; others distrusting their innocency, fearing through the frauds and treasons of their enemies to fall into the hands of the counsel of troubles, and to be forced through tortures and torments to confess that which they had never done nor thought, fled out of the country, abandoning their goods, wives and children; and many more had retired, had not the hope been of a general pardon. Many wondered, how in so dangerous a time (having now wars in hand, the event whereof was doubtful and uncertain) he should so precipitate the death of these two noblemen, for the which there are two reasons pretended; the first was, for that by the affront which he had received in Friesland, his soldiers began to waver, not so much for the loss, as for that it seemed a sinister presage of the future, by so bad a beginning: for which consideration, he would himself go in person to the army, to assure it, and to contain his men in their duties: the which he could not do, unless he gathered all his troops together in one body: if he had done it in the life time of these noblemen, he feared a sedition of the people, who would have delivered them by force, and made them their heads to be revenged of him, knowing well how hateful that both he and all his Spaniards were grown, by reason of their tyranny: of which fear he would free himself, before he would frame the body of an army. The second reason (they say) was, to be revenged of the death of his Spaniards, defeated at Winschote, whereas most of the prisoners were hanged.  
It shall not be amiss in this place to declare the deaths of the baron de Montigni, brother to the earl of Horn, and of the marquess of Berghen, both knights of the order of the golden Fleece; which two lords were thought to be the fittest and wisest persons in the Netherlands, to be sent into Spain, there to certify the king particularly touching the state of the country; and for that cause were sent by the Regent, the duchess of Parma, and the Netherlands, as ambassadors unto the king, as it hath already been declared: who being in Spain, and having informed the king of all things at large, were well received and entertained of him. But after that, when news was brought into Spain of the breaking down of the Images, and other troubles in the Low countries, the king much moved thereat, and being incited and stirred up by the enemies of the Netherlands, such as were wholly unexperienced in the affairs, qualities, and natures of the country and the people, took another course than the said lords thought well of, which by their enemies was well perceived. Hereupon the marquess of Berghen fell sick, and desired the king to have licence to depart, and to return again into the Netherlands; which the king with fair words refused him: but at the last, when he became sicker, and like to die, he had leave to depart when it was too late; and being at the point of death he sent for Rigomes, prince of Eboli, his old friend, and one that was very great with the king, to whom he made complaint, That his good and faithful service was not only little or nought esteemed, but that it was suspected, protesting that he had not done, neither sought to do any thing, other than that he thought and esteemed to be most for the furtherance and advancement of the king's service, not doubting, but that in time his good counsel and advice would be found to be true; and with that he desired God to have mercy on his soul, as truly as he thought and uttered that from the bottom of his heart: desiring him in friendly wise to tell the same unto the king by word of mouth, and so died upon 
The death of the marquess o●… Berghen in Spain.  the 22 of May 1567. But this his confession was of no weight, to repress nor withdraw his enemies, more than a year after, to summon, charge, and condemn him by the duke of Alva and his bloody counsels means, to be a traitor, and all his goods confiscated to the king.  
The lord de Montmorency, baron de Leuzi and Montigni, governor of Turwin and Tournay, knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and brother to the earl of Horn, a wise, politic and well experienced nobleman, having lost his fellow ambassador in Spain, desired leave of the king to return unto his government of Turwin: but the king (as it was then reported throughout Spain, that he would in person go into the Netherlands) told him he should go with him: but when the king's mind was altered, and his voyage stayed, and that he saw the duke of Alva was appointed to go into the Netherlands, the baron de Montigni perceived, that the king began to be estranged from him: for which cause he spoke unto him, and complaining, told him, that he well saw and perceived that his Ma. showed not the accustomed favour and grace towards him that he used to do, which he thought to proceed of some kind of jealousy by his grace unjustly conceived against him, beseeching his Ma. if there were any such bad opinion or suspicion in his mind against him, that it would please him to tell it him, praying him to commit him to prison and that so he might clear himself by law. Whereunto the king gave him a good and a friendly answer, but yet subtly and craftily, saying, that it was far both from him and his nature, to have a bad opinion of one that had been so good and trusty a servitor both to his father and him; and that the cause why he denied him his passport, was, for that he would have him to go with himself into the Netherlands, or else to use his counsel, with many such like words: but in the mean time order was taken in all places, that no man should let nor sell him nor his servants any horses; which was discovered and perceived, when as before, he and the marquess of Berghen road upon a time to confession, to our lady of Guadalupo, when as there were forty horses sent after them, which secretly attended and watched them. After that when news came into Spain of the imprisonment of the earls of Egmont and Horn his brother, the baron de sells, lieutenant of the kings guard of netherlands archers, was commanded to enter his house, and to commit him prisoner, with a netherlands gentleman, called Nesse, being the king's chamberlain, and both carried to the castle of Segobia, where the baron de Montigni was put into a small high tower, with one of his servants called Arthur de Munter, a Luycknaer, and eight soldiers appointed to guard him, which used him most shamefully: being thus committed to prison, he desired divers times, that he might have law and justice, as belonged unto a lord of his quality: upon which his request, receiving no answer nor resolution, he sought means to break and escape out of prison, whereunto he had won a Spaniard (one of his guard) to consent, and some of his own servants, as his Secretary Anthony vander Becque, and another gentleman of Pruseland, called john Hanowe, his steward john le Moyne, and his cook, that baked his bread after the netherlands manner: those he wrote unto by letters sent them by means of the said Spaniard of his guard, and they answered his letters again, which they baked in his bread, and so conveyed them unto him: mean time he got files, wherewith he filled certain iron bars, and in a coffer had ladders sent him, that shut and folded one within the other: besides that, he had post horses made ready for him, and all other things necessary and fit for such a purpose, to ride away, all being well and politickely devised and foreseen: but when it came to the point, and that the horses stood ready, the steward. john le Moine neglecting his time to deliver the last bread, being over busy and earnest to take his leave or last farewell of his whore; whereby the bread that had the letter in it, was not delivered as it should be, but came to the hands of the captain of his guard, which broke or cut it up, and found the letter in it, whereby the whole enterprise was discovered: for which cause all his servants were committed to prison, and condemned to die, and to that end had their confessors often sent unto them, expecting nothing but death. But many men took compassion on them; so that the Spaniard of the guard only was hanged, and the cook condemned to have two hundred blows with a broad thick piece of leather; which was done with wonderful compassion of the standers by that cried out and said, That they as servants had done nothing but that which was comm●…ndable, seeking their lord and masters delivery, that had long sought and desired to have law and justice; whereby they were not put to death, but the four servants were committed prisoners into a castle call●…d Valasco; where they continued, and lived a long time in great misery, till in November 1567., at which time it happened, that the princes of Portugal, the king's sister, and mother to Dom Sebastian, king of Portugal passing by the prison, the said prisoners making a great noise both with their chains and cries, she asked what they were, and was certified, that they were Flemings, imprisoned only, because they sought to have gotten their lord and master out of prison, that had long sought for justice, but could not obtain it. Whereupon she promised, for the lord of Montignies sake, and the innocency of their small offence, earnestly to solicit for their deliverance unto the king, which she obtained, for the which they most heartily thanked God and the princes. The baron de Montigni understanding thereof, used such means by secret friends, that he got a certain sum of money, and gave it them, for to bear their charges into the Netherlands, giving them letters to his wife the lady Montigni (daughter and sister to the prince of Espinoy and Davitourgh, of the house of Melun) that she should allow them every one according to his place, a certain yearly pension out of his lands during their lives, in recompense of their service and troubles endured for his sake. They being so discharged, and come into the Netherlands, seeking to obtain their said reward, and to that end making means unto the baron de Noircarmes, to be an intercessor for them, not only to the lady Montigni, but also to the duke of Alva, that had forbidden her to give them any thing, at the last got nothing, but were upon pain of hanging banished out of Brussels.  
After that, the duke of Alva caused the said lord de Montignies process of life and goods to be made, as he had done against the other lords, wholly without his knowledge, appointing a counsellor to answer for him, that never spoke with the said lord de Montigni, nor yet could get any instruction or information out of Spain from him, he himself not once understanding thereof. And when Annavan Austria, the emperor Maximilians daughter, passed through the Netherlands to go into Spain, to marry with the king, the Contesse of Horn mother unto the said lord de Montigni, and his wife, with divers others, kneeling down before her, desired her to be a means unto the king, that his process might be made, and he delivered out of prison: which the said espoused queen promised in most friendly manner, that it should be the first request that she would make unto the king her husband. Which the duke of Alva understanding, presently sent letters into Spain, and procured the means, that the said baron de Montigni was removed from Segobia, unto the castle of Simancas, and before the queen got out of the ship, to set foot on land, he was poisoned by a young page, that put poison into certain broth wherewith he served him (which page was expressly charged to do it, upon pain of death, as he after confessed unto his secret friends) by means of the which broth, he fell into a burning fever, whereof he died in the beginning of October in Anno 1570, his sentence being by the said duke of Alva first published 
The baron de Montigni poisoned in Spain  in the Netherlands in March after in Anno 1571, and all his goods confiscate. He left issue by his wife, whom he had newly married, before his departure in Spain, but one daughter, that died very young. After his death his wife married the lord of Floyon, of the house of Barlamont, and after earl of Barlamont; who after her death married with the only daughter and heir of the earl of Lalaine. These lords manner of life and Religion could not escape the Spanish fury, although they were most earnest and good catholics: the marquess of Berghen being so earnest therein, that he commanded all catholic offices to be performed within his government, and caused the children of those of the reformed Religion to be baptized again; neither yet could the intercession of the emperor, the princes of Germany and others prevail any thing therein.  
Touching the lives, actions, and services of these lords, done for the king and the benefit of the Netherlands, many men in other countries round about were of opinion, that they only were the principallest instruments, both by counsel and action, of the kings good and prosperous proceedings, victories, and greatness, and that his affairs (through his father the emperors crosses in Germany, and his weakness of body, being at an ebb) were by theirs and other Netherlanders mean so much furthered and advanced, that thereby they brought France to grant to so good and an honourable peace in his behalf. But it was their evil fortunes, that they were too well beloved and favoured of the common people, and by their upright and good services, together with other Netherlanders, had gotten overgreat credit and report in every place: whereby they had not only moved and enticed the people to yield great tributes, taxes, tallages and honours unto the king, but also procured great services to be done for him in other countries, as in Germany etc. And when the king with his counsel in Spain had fully resolved to bring the Netherlands under full obedience and subjection, by the Inquisition, and other strange devices brought into it and other countries, whether it were of zeal unto the Romish catholic Religion, or that he overmuch desired his own profit and greatness, he sought and expected from those lords, that they should and would use and put in practise their authority and power aforesaid among the common people, as they had done before, wherein they did not acquit themselves so well, as the unexperienced counsellors in Spain concerning the affairs of the Netherlands, desired and expected they should have done; which the said lords esteemed to be clean contrary unto the king's service, and the profit of the Netherlands: as also thinking it to be a thing unreasonable for them to withstand, and contrary their own friends, kindred, country, laws, and privileges, knowing better than they of Spain wherein the profit and commodity of the Netherlands, and consequently, the advancement of the king's honour and service chiefly consisted; esteeming it unpossible, to hold and maintain a people (that had always lived in freedom) in peace and quietness, by such odious kind of rigour, as the proclamations and the Inquisition brought in and inflicted upon them. For which cause, they seeing the proceedings of their neighbour countries, sought to procure and induce the king to a necessary kind of altering, or moderating of his pretended course, by divers and several means, for the maintenance and preservation of the catholic Romish Religion, which otherwise stood in great danger to be overthrown: which disliked and much displeased the king and his counsel, and was the matter of Treason (as the Spaniards supposed) for the which they must die: others, measuring their actions by another way, esteemed and judged them both by God and man's law to have justly deserved to die; for that in so good 〈◊〉 cause, wherein so much consisted the honour of God, Religion, the country's welfare, and the king's profit, they were not more vigilant, careful, provident, and earnest, than they had been, but through fear, and suspicion of the king's carelessness, being badly informed by the enemies of the country, suffered themselves to be easily carried away, and to let such cases of importance, as the abolishing of the proclamations for the assembling of the States, and such like privileges granted in times past, to be taken away from the Netherlands by proviso, whereby, they made the other lords and gentlemen become faint hearted, and partly holp and assisted to persecute them, contrary to their own promises, wills and consciences; seeing and knowing wherein the honour of God, the Religion, the country's welfare, and the profit of the king most consisted, better than any other counsellors about him did, as time itself hath sufficiently made manifest, and declared. Some others argued to the contrary, excusing them, That they thereby hoped to pacify the king's wrath, when he should see and perceive the obedience of his subjects, and the weightiness of the cause, together with the dangers therein consisting, and so might be moved to a softer and more convenient remedy. Wherein also they were much deceived: which the prince of Orange, and others, had sufficiently foretold them, as that they would be the bridge and only instrument, upon the which, and wherewith the Spaniards would enter into the Netherlands, counseling and advising them rather to keep all strangers out of the land, until the king, by advice of the general States, should be better counseled. Generally, every man esteemed, that the king could reap no good nor profit by the rigour and cruelty that he had used against those earls, and other noblemen and gentlemen, but be a means to breed much hatred, evil will, and desperation among the people towards him, which since hath cost many men's lives, and consumed a great mass of treasure. These were the common and general opinions of all well experienced persons in matters concerning estate (in other prince's countries and courts) touching their deaths.  
Cont Lodowic of Nassau having gotten the victory against Cont Arembergh and the Spaniards, divided his army into two, with the which he went to besiege Groningen, a great 
Count Lodowic besiegeth Groningen.  and mighty town in the country of Friesland, not without great admiration of all men, how he durst with so few men and so little munition, attempt such a town, whereas the earl of Meghen was with eighteen ensigns of Germans, and a thousand Spaniards, and Curio Martinengue with three hundred horsemen. The besieged made many brave sallies, and among others, one on the two and twentieth of june, in the which the earl of Nassau lost above two hundred men, seeking to hinder them from building of a fort betwixt two rivers. In the mean time Chiapin Vitelli, marshal of the camp to the duke of Alva, gathered together what men he could, with the which he advanced, whilst that the duke prepared to raise the siege. Chiapin camped on the one side of the town, not far from Cont Lodowics Protestant's, who sent to offer him battle, but he excused himself.  
The duke of Alva sent to entreat the emperor in the king his master's name, that he would command the earl of Nassau to leave the siege of Groningen, and to annoy the Netherlands no more, upon pain to incur the indignation of his imperial Majesty, and the proscription of the empire: the which the emperor did grant him; commanding the earl expressly to forbear, and to retire out of the territories of the king of Spain: the earl answered the herald, That he could not do it, before he had advertised the prince of Orange his brother, and other noblemen, their confederates; and being certified of their resolutions, he would answer his imperial Majesty. Which summation being heard, and notwithstanding his answer, many Signors of Germany being terrified with this commandment, returned with their troops into Germany. Yet the earl continued his siege, until the coming of the duke of Alva; who passing by Boisleduke with seventeen companies of foot, and some pieces of artillery, which he had drawn out of Macklyn, he approached to Groningen the fourteenth of july, where he went to counter-campe. Before his coming, the earl of Meghen having sallied forth, received a shot, whereof he died soon after.  
The earl of Nassau knowing him so near him, and finding himself too weak to make head against him, raised his camp, and retired into the country of Embden, in the 
The siege of Groningen raised.  county of East-Friseland, breaking the bridges, and spoiling the country where he passed, to take all commodity and means from the enemy to pursue him, yet not without often skirmishing.  
The duke of Alva put duke Erick of Brunswick with all his Reistres in garrison into the town: for that being a marish country, the horsemen could do him but small service, following the earl with his footmen, who by his spies understood he was encamped at jemminghen, 
The duke of Alva pursues Cont Lodowic.  a very commodious place, having on the one side the river of Ems and the town of Embden at his back, from whence he might draw all things necessary for the entertainment of his army, being resolved to keep himself there, until that his brother, the prince of Orange, had entered with the body of his army into some other part of the Netherlands, which would cause the duke of Alva to retire out of Friesland, to go against him, for to stop his entry. But the duke having recovered the castle of Wede, made a bridge at Reyden upon Ems, and sent Sancho d' Auila to view the earls camp, and to draw him forth to skirmish; then followed julian Romero with eight hundred muskeeteers, to make him quit his lodging, Sancho de Lodogno with a thousand Spanish shot, Caesar Gonsague and Curio Martinengue with two companies of horsemen: And for the arereguard, fifteen companies of Walloons, under George of Lalaine, baron of Ville, brother unto the earl of Hoochstraten (who was with Cont Lodowic) and six ensigns of Germans: after the which followed Alonzo d' Vlloa, and Gonsalue of Bracamont, with six hundred lances; the which could not march but one at once, by reason of the straightness of the way, having water on either side. Cont Lodowic would willingly have cut a dike, to have drowned his enemies, before they should have come unto his trenches, having himself, with the earl of Schouwenberch, and other commanders, taken shovels and pickaxes in their hands to work. But his Germans (who were about seven thousand men) seeing the Spaniards march resolutely towards them, began (after their accustomed manner) to cry for Gelt, and demanded their pay, saying, that the money was come unto the camp. The earl (who would gladly have fought) sought to persuade them, saying, That he had no leisure to count it, but that the enemy being so near, they must fight, promising them their pay as soon as the enemy were repulsed and vanquished: But neither his persuasions, nor those of the earl of Schouwenberch, prevailed any thing, to dispose them unto battle. The Spaniards (who had begun the skirmish by ten of the clock in the morning, and entertained it until two in the afternoon) having discovered the Germans countenances, came resolutely unto their trenches, the which they forced with small loss, and put them to rout, whereof many were slain upon the place for their payment, receiving a worthy reward for their treachery unto the earl: a great number of the soldiers saved themselves, as well by swimming, as in their small barks. Cont Lodowic and many gentlemen, and others, saved themselves also in little skiffs, after that they had made resistance even to the extremity. The earl of Hoochstraten was two days before retired 
Cont Lodowic saves himself.  from the camp, to go unto the prince. And the earl of Schouwenberch, seeing upon the first approach of the enemy, that the Landtsknechts' demanded silver, and would not be contented with promises, but refused to fight, dislodged betimes, with most of the horsemen.  
The duke of Alva after this victory, writ to john, bishop of Munster, the eight and twentieth of july, complaining greatly of Cont Lodowic of Nassau, who (he said) would yield to no reason, breaking the commandments of the emperor and the empire, having sopyled all the county of Embden; yea, he accused the earl of East Friesland and lord of Embden, that he had assisted him with victuals and munition, whereby he did show, that he was a friend to Cont Lodowic, and an enemy unto the king of Spain: and the rather, for that during this battle, they had made certain shot of great Ordnance from the town upon the king's troops. Yet these letters were of small effect, the bishop not daring to stir, fearing the prince of Orange, who was in Germany, providing of an army, appointing his Rendezvous in the country of Treves, near unto the abbey of Romersdorffe; whereas staying a month, he made a general muster. His chief Colonels and Reytmasters were, Frederic Rollenheim, marshal of Hessen (very famous for the service which he had done the protestāns in France) Diederich of Schouwenberch, Cont Albert of Nassau, the earl Richard of Barby colonels: among the Reytmasters, Otto of Malsburg, Herman Rydesal, Adam Welsen, & others, with seven thousand Reyters. The colonels of the foot were, Nicholas of Hadtstate, a gentleman of ancient nobility, and a man of great experience in war, Feyt Schoomer and Balthasar Wolf with four and forty ensigns of Landtsknechts'. Of the French were the lords of Genlis, Moruilliers, the barons of Renty, Movy, Antricourt, Esternay, Fongieres, la person and others commanding twelve cornets of horse, and two thousand arquebusiers. The Netherlanders and Walloons were commanded by the baron of Batenbourg and the Signors of Waroux, Baxtell, Risoir, Carlo, Marbais, Louverval, d'Ohain, and many others: among the which was the Signior of Launoy earl of March (a mad head) having sworn never to cut his hair nor beard, nor to cut his nails, until he were revenged for the death of the earl of Egmont his cousin; with whom Cont Lodowic also joined, with those troops he could save at the rout at jemminghen. Some captains carried in their colours this device, Pro Lege, Rege & Grege; others carried Pelicans; others, Roses painted upon their morrions; which is the ancient mark of the English, giving to understand, that the Queen of England would be favourable unto them. The prince had also ten pieces of artillery, four canons of battery, and six culverins.  
With this army the prince marched, in the beginning of September, towards the country of Luxembourg, to S. Vyt, a town of his own patrimony. The duke of Alva hearing of his descent, went and encamped by Maestricht, at Vise, upon the Meuse, with the regiments 
The duke of Alva camps by Maestricht.  of the earls of Lodron and Ouersteyn, forty ensigns of Spaniards, forty of Walloons and four thousand horse, Spaniards, Italians, Germans, and the bands of Ordnance of the Low countries, with great store of artillery. The prince marching in field, took Aremberch, and the strong castle of Carpen, betwixt Cologne and Duyren, than Hormsteyn belonging to the king of Spain, putting all to the sword that made resistance: as also the duke of Alva for his part spared not any. So the prince went along the river of Meuse, towards Stockem, where, notwithstanding the vigilancy of the duke of Alva (who had caused galthropes to be cast into the river at many fords) he passed with his army, to offer battle unto the duke: approaching near unto Maestricht the seventh of October, his men had a little before taken eighteen boats upon the Rhine, laden with silks, cloth, and other merchandise, going towards Francfort. The Liegeois would willingly have stopped his passage, if they could; but he passed where as they did not expect him: so as the fifteenth of the month he defeated some of the duke's troops; who to incommodate the prince, had broken all the mills, and stopped his victuals all he could. The prince (to join with the French troops of the lord of Genlis, and the rest) passed a little river called la Gheer, the which divideth the country of Liege from Brabant, leaving Tillemont upon the right hand, to seek all occasions to give battle unto the duke; who being loath to hazard any thing, kept himself close in his trenches before Maestricht: yet the duke sent his son Dom Frederic with four thousand arquebusiers, Walloons, and Spaniards, with some horsemen, to cut off his passage, as if he meant to fight with him. But it passed in skirmishes, with small loss on either side, 
Dom Frederic skirmisheth with the prince.  whereas the Signior of Loverual was taken prisoner, whom the duke caused to be afterwards beheaded at Brussels. The prince might easily have defeated this small troop of Dom Frederics; but being ready to fight, the Landtsknechts' (as before) demanding silver, would not hearken unto it. So as the prince being frustrate of his expectation, having presented battle once again unto the duke, who would not accept it, seeing that he sought only to dissolve his army for want of victuals and other commodities; passing with his troops through Brabant into Henault, he was followed by the duke of Alva, who every night retrenched himself, being loath to hazard any thing, following him from lodging to lodging, until he was entered into France; yet the prince being near to Quesnoy le Comte, having encountered some of the duke's troops, which were too far advanced, he defeated ten companies of Landtsknechts', eight of Spaniards, and three companies of light horsemen, where there were many gentlemen slain; and amongst those of account or mark, the marquess of Omares son, Dom joan of Cales, Dom Ruffin Henriques, and others. Being come to the castle of Cambresis, his Germans burned and spoiled all that they left behind them. And there the duke of Alva left pursuing them. Being entered into France, the marshal of Cosse (at the request of the duke of Alva) coasted him with two thousand arquebusiers and two hundred horse: but he could not annoy him: there the prince, Cont Lodowic, and the French nobility went to counsel what they should do; whether to pass further into the Realm (being amazed at so great forces) or to return towards Germany, to join with the army of Wolfgang, duke of Deux Ponts, the which he prepared to succour the Protestants of France: which second advice was followed: so marching through campaign and Lorraine, approaching near Strausbourg, the prince sent to make his excuse to the French king. But before the message was done unto his Majesty, the king sent the lord Gaspar Schomberg, to let him understand, that he wondered much, how the said prince (without any quarrel or cause) should enter so into his Realm with an army: but if he demanded passage, only to return into Germany, it should not be denied him▪ so as he committed no act of hostility. Whereunto the prince answered from Soissons the fourth of December, as he had before sent his intention unto his Majesty, That although he had many reasons moving him thereunto, yet he was not so indiscreet to address his arms against so mighty a king. And therefore he protested, that he was ready to do his Majesty that honour, respect, and service that was fit. But for that the advancement of the true Religion is a point which above all doth move the hearts of men: the which he understandeth they mean to ●…oot out in France; although his Majesty had given him to understand, that h●… intention was not to force any one in his conscience: but that the Protestants were ●…ll affected to him, and that he held them for his enemies. But if he found, that the said Protestants did seek any other thing than the advancement of the true Religion, the liberty of their consciences, and the surety of their persons and goods: That neither he nor his army would be friends unto them, but mortal enemies: But hearing, that the Protestants sought no other thing, but the honour of God, the assurance of their lives, and the service of God and his Majesty, he desired his Majesty not to take it in ill part, if he were affected unto them: and that if he desired, that his majesties public Edicts, made touching Religion, were entertained and kept; the which proceeded from a Christian zeal which he bore to his Majesty and his subjects, the which he desired to see preserved from extreme ruin and desolation.  
The king hearing this answer, offered him a good sum of money for the payment of his army, whereof he had great need: and by the same means caused Schomberg (who was well known among the colonels and Rytmasters) to sound the minds of his soldiers, whereof some through poverty were weary of the wars, and others were content to enter into the king's service. The prince, his brother, and the French nobility had propounded to march further into France: whereupon there grew a great difficulty, the troops refusing to march any further▪ but would return into Germany, and be paid there, saying, that their levy was not made to go into France, but into the Netherlands against the duke of Alua. So as having no money ready, no persuasions nor entreaties could serve to make them advance, until that the money which the French king had offered was come. But the king understanding of this division in the prince's army, would not send it. Wherefore they were forced to conduct the army through Lorraine, near unto Strausbourg, where it was dispersed with small payment, but what the prince could make, selling his artillery and equipage.  
And thus this war of the prince of Orange against the duke of Alva passed without any fruit, with the loss of many good men and of quality, which died in this voyage: among the which, the earl of Hoochstraten having hurt himself in the leg with his own pistol, died: 
The death of the earl of Hoochstraten.  besides many gentlemen who having drunk together in a banquet of wine that was poisoned, as it was thought, died soon one after another, few escaping. The prince and Cont Lodowic having retained about twelve hundred horse of service, joined with the duke of Deux Ponts, with whom they entered into France. And having exploited nothing in the Netherlands, the duke of Alva (bragging that he had chased him away) stayed with all his army at Cambresis, where he divided his troops into the frontier garrisons, cassiering a part which he held not necessary, most of them Germans, except the Regiment of the earl of Lodron, who was put into Valenciennes, and three hundred Spaniards into Breda; the rest after that the frontiers were well fortified, were sent into Holland. Which done, the duke returned to Brussels, where he caused Te Deum to be sung, and an Oration was made in his praise by the deane of the church, the which was commended by all the auditors. From thence the duke retired to the palace to take his ease.  
The prince of Orange, with his brethren, Lodowic and Henry, earls of Nassau, retaining ten or twelve hundred horse in their pay, stayed and joined themselves with the duke of Swayeburg that gathered an army in the behalf of the prince of Conde, and those of the religion, with whom in Anno 1569 they went into France.  
The duke of Alva having with small loss had the victory over his enemies in all places, and caused them to forsake the country, upon the twentieth of December came to Brussels with his son, and placed his soldiers in divers garrisons; as his Spaniards under Alonzo de V●…oa in Mastrich, Hertogenbush, and Grave; the regiment of julian Romero in Brussels and Mechelen; the regiment of Dom Zantio de Londogno in Vtrecht and Bommel; the regiment of Billi or Robles in Groninge; the regiment of colonel Mondragon in Deventer; the regiment of high Duchess under the earl of Lodron in Valenciennes and antwerp, discharging certain Dutch horsemen, and some regiments of Walloons. And at Brussels he assembled the general states after a certain manner; where he demanded a reasonable sum of money for the king, towards the great charges he had been at for the defence of the land, the Christian faith, and the Catholic Romish Religion: which they most willingly granted unto, and withal gave unto the duke himself a present of one hundred and twenty thousand ducats, for the good service that the Netherlands had received at his hands; which at first he refused, but after took it, and from that time forth was in good hope of a peaceable government, intending to begin to effect his charge; which was▪ to reduce and bring the country under one absolute government: to which end he brought in the new bishops, and established the Inquisition in every place (for the which there was so much contention 
The duke of Alva bringeth in the new bishops and the Inquisition.  before in the country, and from whence all the troubles first had their original) and proceeded with his bloody counsel to persecute and execute all those that in any wise were found, or known to be consenting unto, or partakers of the forepast tumults, or that had any bad opinion of the Romish Church: and to that end upon the two and twentieth of januarie 
1569  1569 he sent forth a proclamation, That no man should aid or assist the fugitive people in any sort whatsoever, and that no woman might depart out of the country to follow her husband, nor that any man might visit those that were fled or banished for the troubles aforesaid, and further caused many to be executed in every place of the Netherlands: Some he caused to be hanged and beheaded; others to be burnt: which once again caused great numbers of the people to fly out of the country, having lost all hope of living quietly in their own countries to get their livings, and with their households and families sought to live in other places: whereby they carried divers kinds of handicrafts, that were only known and used in the Netherlands, into other countries: as for example, the Flemings went by so great numbers into England, lying next unto them, that they there restored and peopled many towns not well inhabited, and partly decayed, as Norwich, Sandwich, Colchester, Maydston, Hampton, and others; where, by the gracious favour of the Queen they were permitted to use the exercise of their Religion in the Dutch and French languages, and there got their livings by making of Bays, Says, changeable Stuffs, Moccadoes, Fustian, Grograine, and all other Stuffs wherein any wool is used, and brought the trade thereof into England: so that those kinds of Stuffs are now only made there; and much of the stuff that serveth for the making thereof, brought out of the Netherlands thither; which wares the Englishmen themselves have since learned to make: and also about two hundred years passed, by means of great inundations in Flaunders, and the Netherlands, the people being forced to leave the country, and to fly into England, brought the trade of making Cloth into England, which as then was a new and a strange thing with them, they at that time getting their livings by pasturing of sheep, tylling of the land, and following the wars: but before that time, Flaunders and the Netherlands only served all the world with cloth, as it appeareth by the private contracts made between England and the Netherlands. And as the Flemings brought the making of Bays, Says, etc. into England; and greatly peopled the said country; so did the Hollanders, Zeelanders, Brabanders, and others, bring their cunning of fishing and other trades into England, as also into Germany, and other countries, where they have built towns, and made them very populous and full of great trades, as need and poverty constrained this industrious people to seek for their livings, as it is in many countries to be seen. The number of the people that fled out of the Netherlands at that time, was not less than an hundred thousand households; which in strange countries, wheresoever they became, used still their language, and manner of apparel, as hoping once again to return into their native countries.  
Whilst the prince of Orange was in Germany, there grew some question betwixt the Queen of England and the duke of Alva: the duke complaining, That the Queen had 
The duke of Alva p●…kes a qu●…rell against the Queen of England.  arrested a certain ship, and stayed in her hands a great sum of money belonging to the king of Spain his master, with whom (he said) she should entertain all brotherly love, and not commit such acts of hostility. Whereunto the Queen answered, That she was well informed by some gentlemen of Genoa, that the said mon●…y belonged unto certain private merchants; and as she had then need for her private service, she would retain it, paying reasonable interest for a time. Whereupon the duke stayed the persons, ships, and goods of all the English merchants in the Netherlands. Whereat the Queen complained by a public proclamation, maintaining, that the duke proceeded against her and her subjects, against equity an●… justice. The duke the better to discover the Englishmens goods, and to arrest them, appointed one William Parker, and Doctor Story his substitute, an ancient man, and an Inquisitor in England, in the time of Queen Mary, to search the ships, and to arrest all that he found belonging to the English. This doctor going one day to search the ship of Cornellis van Eyck, a mariner of Berghen upon Soom, whilst that he was busy searching under the hatches, the master hoist sails, and went directly for England, where he delivered this busy doctor, who as traitor to his Queen and country was hanged and quartered.  
The Queen hearing of the arrest and stay of her subjects, as well in the Netherlands as in Spain, granted the like arrest and letters of reprisal against the subjects and merchants of the Netherlands and Spain, to take them, their ships and goods wheresoever they could; whereby the English were well satisfied for their losses: whereof great complaints were made at the court at Brussels.  
The duke of Alva meaning to repair the fault which he had committed, sent Christopher d'Assonuille, a counsellor of State, into England, to the Queen, to reconcile this difference. But her Majesty being discontented, seeing that he brought no letters of credit from the king of Spain, would not hear him, nor acknowledge him as an ambassador, seeing that he came but from the duke of Alva, sending him to treat with her counsel: the which d'Assonuille refused to do, for that he had no such commission, and so depa●…ted without audience: yet the Queen sent him word, That although she found herself greatly interessed, yet she would not begin the war, except the duke of Alva began first. She did also write the like into Spain, complaining of the duke of Alua's presumption: who afterwards sent Chiapin Vitell●…, marquess of Cetone, with the counsellor Frincket, and the Secretary Torre, to demand the money that was stayed, and to free all arrests on either side. After them were sent the Signors, Francis of Halewin, the Signior of Swegem, and Tho●…as Fiesco, a merchant of Genoa: but they prevailed no more than the rest. Whereupon the duke of Alva caused all the merchants cloth which he had arrested, to be sold: So as the traffic betwixt England and the Netherlands ceased; and the English merchants transported their cloth to Hambourg, whereas they held their Staple.  
The duke of Alva fearing lest the Queen should attempt something upon Zeeland, sent Chiapin Vitelli, and Gabriel Serbello●… his enginour, to fortify such places as lay most open upon the sea; for that he had understood, that the English had taken a Flemish ship upon the coast of Zeeland: wherefore he made himself strong in men and shipping, to resist all those that would hinder his designs, fearing lest the English should take him unprovided.  
The same year (in May) Pope Pius the fifth sent unto the duke of Alva a sword and an hat, which he had blessed with great solemnities. They were brought and delivered unto him by his Nuncio, with great ceremonies, as to the true defender of the Romish Church; wherea●… all the Spaniards made great feasts of joy, and public Tourneys in Brussels.  
The emperor Maximilia●… being daily importuned by the noblemen & gentlemen that were fled out of the Netherlands, to be an intercessor for them to the K. of Spain, & to avoid greater effusion of blood, which was very apparent by a long and continual war: being also entreated thereunto by many princes of the empire▪ that were lovers of peace, he sent Charles his brother into Spain, with ample instructions to the king, to persuade him to pardon his exi●…d subjects, and to give them peace and quietness in his countries: but all prevailed not: the king answered him by writing, and that was all the fruit of his legation.  
The duke of Alva knowing that the prince of Orange and cont Lodowic his brother were joined with some troops of horse unto the duke of Deux Ponts, marching to succour the Protestants 
1569  in France, he also sent in the name of the king his master, Peter Ernest earl of Mansfield, with 25 companies of foot, Spaniards and Walloons, and 2000 horse of the bands of ordnance of the Netherlands, to succour the French king, who joined with his army under the duke of Anjou.  
The duke of Alva having made the prince of Oranges great army unprofitable, as we have 
A description of the duke of Aluae●… image.  said, and by that means made the Netherlands reasonably quiet under his government, he began to build many citadels, as at Valenciennes, Groningen, Grave, Vtrecht, Flessingue, and above all he finished that of antwerp: in the which for an eternal memory of his prowess he caused to be set up a stately, sumptuous and proud trophy, in sign of victory, cast in brass, representing his person, all armed, but bore headed, the right arm stretched out unarmed, holding in the left, being armed, the troncheon of a great commander, treading under his feet▪ a body with two heads, and six arms, one of them holding a paper, the second a torch, the third a broken hammer, the fou●…th a mace with pointed nails, the fifth a purse, & the sixth a hatchet; betwixt his legs was a mask or false visage: behind this monstrous body was seen a fowld, 
1570  from out of the which came serpents: at the ears of one of these heads hung little dishes and gourds, such as beggars carry about. All this work being fifteen foot high, was set with a plate of brass on a great square stone of marble, answerable to the greatness and proportion of the figure. On the front before were graven these letters, F. A. A. T. A. D. P. H. 2. H. A. B. P. Q. E. S. R. R▪ I. C. P. P. F. R. O M. F. P. The signification whereof in Latin you may read before, in the year 1567., whereas mention is made of the building of the citadel of antwerp: The sense of it in English is▪ To Ferdinando Aluares of Toledo, Governor of Belgia for Philip the second king of Spain, for that the sedition being pacified, the rebels chased away, religion restored, justice maintained, having settled the Provinces in peace, as a most faithful servant to the King. On the right side of this square stone was graven the break of day, alluding to his name Alba, at the coming whereof all the enemies of the night hide themselves, and men begin their work, the which was signified by the shepherds, leading forth their sheep to feed: the superscription was, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, The break of day chaseth away evil. On the left hand was an altar with the fire of sacrifice kindled, and there was written Deo Patrum nostrorum, as if he would say, To the God of our Fathers, to whom we sacrifice for the delivery of the country, and victory over our enemies. This figure was interpreted after divers manners, some said these two heads were the earls of Egmont and Horn, others, the prince of Orange and cont Lodowic his brother. But Aries Montanus had alluded this body beaten down to the Netherlands, which was governed by the three estates, whereof the duke had subdued two, leaving the clergy in his full power: the two heads represented the nobility and the people: of the six arms three were applied to the nobles, holding the paper, which was the petition presented to the duchess, the torch the counsel, and the mace their force: the other three agreed with the people, holding the hammer and the hatchet (instruments wherewith they had beaten down the images) and the purse the support of money which the people furnished▪ the mask is understood of himself. Others may interpret it after their own fancies.  
The earl of Lodron being in garrison at Valenciennes with his regiment of Landtsknechts', 
The earl of Lodron taken prisoner by hi●… own soldiers.  the most part Grisons, and of the country of Tyrolle, was kept prisoner by his soldiers mutining for their pay, whom he pacified with good words and solemn oaths, in receiving the sacrament of the altar, that nothing should be imputed unto them. Having found means to pay them, he required a new oath of them: some of the captains would not yield to it, saying, That there was no trust in an Italian, but they should rather carry him with them into their country, and there break their colours: such as were of this opinion ●…tired, the rest suffered themselves to be persuaded, alleging their▪ pay, which did bind them to serve the king. They were drawn out of Valenciennes with good words to Bourgerhout ne●…re unto antwerp, there to be mustered: but they were presently environed by the Spanish horsemen, who slew a good number of them, & kept many prisoners, who were afterwards executed by the sword, and hanged both within and without Antuerp. Such as could escape this fury fled into Germany, and so into their own country, who were afterwards revenged for this treache●…ie upon the lands and subjects of the earl of Lodron, being near neighbours to the Grisons country.  
We have formerly spoken of the provost Spelle, named john Cronelt, which was one of the cruelest instruments that the duke of Alva could have employed: this tyrant was convicted of many concussions, and to have put many innocents to death under counterfeit names, and to have released some for great sums of money; and also to have taken money of the kinsfolks of some, and yet afterwards to have put them to death, ●…estoring nothing of that which he had received: for which crimes the duke of Alva caused him to be hanged at Brussels, with two of his instruments: so as that which he had done wrongfully to many, was done rightfully to him, & according unto justice. He had without any ●…espect or discretion put many thousands 
The great cruelty of the duke o●… Alua.  to death, as also the duke of Alva had sometimes vaunted, that he had caused above 18000 by good account to pass through the hands of his executioners, the which he t●…rmed by the name of justice.  
At that time the duke was at rest, fearing no enemy, imagining that he had subdued and expelled all, he therefore now dreamt of new means to oppress to Netherlands, 
A general pardon by t●…e duke o●… Alu●…, wi●…h ●…any restrictions.  and to draw home and get into his claws those that were fled into the neighbour countries, as into France, England, Germany, the East countries, and elsewhere: he calls them home by a general pardon, published in july: but they were not so foolish nor simple to trust unto it, only some artisans and poor creatures did hazard themselves, for whom (being so few in number and the purchase so small) the duke would not violate his faith, but left them in peace, governing themselves according to his pardon. And withal the said pardon was so restrained, as it was not in a manner but for the innocents: for such as had in any sort offend●…d during the troubles, were not comprehended. As after the defeats of the Protestants in the Netherlands at Waterloo, Austerweel, Valenciennes, and S. Valerie, many which had then escaped, had not the means to get out of the country, fearing lest they should be encountered in the way upon their retreat by the Provosts marshals, who pursued them, and had charge to put as many to death as they could take, that had carried arms against the king his lieutenants and officers: they put themselves in troops into the woods and forests, as at Nieppes in Flanders, Richbourg, Olhain, and Verdres in Arthois, Mourmal, and others in Henault, and carrying themselves under the name of the prince of Orange, they made war apart against the priests and officers of justice, who they said were their enemies, killing, spoiling, and ransoming them, without doing any wrong to farmers or countrymen, who in the night fu●…nished them with victuals. One day they took the provost marshal of Arthois, named Dentelin Gondeble●…, their great persecuter, whom they did miserably spoil, with all his men, in a farm belonging to one Israel of Escluse, a banished man. They took four and twenty horse, which they carried in the night (having in the day time their retreat into the woods) to sell in France. Of all the provosts men, there escaped none but the hangman, very sore wounded, and left for dead upon the dunghill. They called these men Boskets, or Bosquillons, for that they kept in the woods and forests. They kept a certain discipline among them, not to hurt any merchants▪ or other passengers, if they were not of the justice, whom they put to death, or church men, whom they drew into the woods and ransomed, detaining them there until the money were come. If they found that there were any thieves in the said woods, which under their names did rob the passengers, they pursued them, and having taken them, they delivered them to the Provosts men, at the entry of the wood, not suffering them to approach within harguebuse shot, neither durst the others come any nearer. Their arms we●…e a ●…arguebuse hanged at their backs in a scarf, a hanger at their girdles, and a half pike on the●… shoulders, with the which they leapt over ditches, were they twenty foot broad▪ men active and resolute in great numbers. When as the provost could take a●…y of them, he burned them, or r●…sted them with a small fire.  
On the other side those that were fled out of the realm, as into England, Germany, the East countries, and to Rochel, went to sea under the prince's name (and it may be under his commission) making war against all ships of the Netherlands that came or went into Spain, whom they did take and spoil, making their retreats to sell their goods at Rochel (whereas the Protestant princes of France did the like) Emden, and in England: whereof the chief were john of Berghes a knight, signior of Olhain, who for a time carried the title of the prince of Orange's vice-admiral, William of Fiennes, lord of Lumbres, Barthol Entes a gentleman Frison, a bastard of Brederode, and one of the house of Egmont, a Hollander, Embise a Fleming, son to the bourgmaster of Gand, and one john Bro●…k of Amsterdam, with some others, who having good ships, got many rich booties: to whom in the end joined the signior of ●…umay, earl of la Ma●…ke. The king of Spain complained of them to the queen of England, who to please him, commanded them to retire out of her ports: So as to have a place of retreat, and a safe harbour, there followed as we shall show the taking of the town and island of Bryele in Holland, which made work for the duke of Alua.  
The first of August, whilst that the emperor and the estates of the empire were at an imperial diet at Spier, the emperor sent his daughter Anne to the king of Spain, accompanied with the archdukes Albert & Wencesla●…, her two brethren, being yet very young, the great commander of Prusia, and the bishop of Munster, who did accompany them unto Brussels, whereas she arrived the 22 of the month, and from thence went to Middelburg in Zeeland, where 
The king of Spain maries his niece the emperors daughter.  she embarked with her two brethren the 25 of September, and the 24 of November following was married to the king of Spain at Segovia in Arragon: But some did mislike that the king of Spain should marry his own niece; by whom at nine months end he had a son called Charles Laurent, for that he was borne on that day which was dedicated to the memory of the Saint.  
This year there happened great floods in the Netherlands, about the time of a new Moon 
Great floods in the Netherlands.  with spring tides: for that upon all Saint's day the water flowed so high in antwerp, about 9 of the clock in the evening, that it flowed a foot higher than it did in the flood in anno 1530, when there was 70 parishes drowned, and two foot higher than it was in anno 1552, and would as it seemed have risen higher, if it had not broken into the new town and other places, whereby it filled all the sellers and vaults, both within and without the town, and every empty place, where an innumerable number of men and cattle were drowned, Austerweel, Kiel, and Hoboken lay under water, laden ships, and a hulk of 300 tons were borne up to the English key. This flood did unspeakable hurt within the town of antwerp, the damage received by merchandise that was as then wet, being esteemed to be more than 100000 gulderns in value. The hu●…t that was done in the houses, sluices, keys, and town walls, was likewise esteemed to be above a hundred thousand gulderns. This high water was the means that two houses were burnt not far from the Easterlings house, but the benefit of the great water ●…oone quenched them: This fire happened by means that a maid going with a lantern in her hand, to open a sheep coat, thereby to save 150 sheep from drowning; the water overcoming the maid, drowned her, and her lantern driving amongst the straw, set it and the houses on fire. In Zeeland the same flood did great hurt in many places, as at Rommerswale, Berghen, Saftinghen, where many were drowned, where they were constrained to send out ships to fetch men, and to give them meat which sat upon high trees and ditches. The island of Walchrens held out well▪ but the salt keels were all borne away. South Beverland endured more hurt. In Holland whole villages were almost borne away, as at Katwicke and other places: but in Friesland most of all. This high flood is notably described in high Dutch verse, by one john Fruytiers, wherein is set down all the hurt done in every several province, certifying the number of the people that were drowned that time to be four hundred thousand at the least, besides an innumerable number of cattle. The Spaniards said that it was a just judgement sent upon that country by the holy Saints, thereby to revenge themselves, for breaking down their Images: but the Netherlanders judged otherwise thereof, esteeming the Saints not to be desirous of revenge. You must understand that the Netherlands lie upon the Spanish seas, and are much subject to high floods, happening commonly in Winter, at a full and new Moon, with Northwest winds, which in many ages happened therein, as our histories make mention, whereof I will rehearse some of the greatest.  
In the year of our Lord 850 the river of Rhin that was wont to have his recourse by Catwicke, and so ran into the sea, beneath the Fly, broke out by Dort, and so passed forward: which high flood was the greatest that our histories make any mention of, although there are no great particularities thereof to be seen.  
Anno 1176 in Holland almost all men and beasts that saved not themselves upon high places, were drowned.  
Anno 1230 in the time of the emperor Otto the 4, the most part of Friesland was under water, and it is said that there was 100000 men drowned.  
Anno 1374 in the month of October, there was great hurt done in Flanders by a high flood.  
Anno 1400 there happened a great flood, called the Fresh flood.  
Anno 1420 there was 16 villages drowned by Dort, and many men and cattle: somesay they were 72 villages.  
Anno 1508 happened the high flood, called S. Galens' flood, when they took Cod and Whiting before Groaning.  
Anno 1509 there was a great flood called Cosmus and Damians flood, which broke through many ditches, and drowned a great number of people.  
Anno 1530 happened the Michaelmas high flood.  
Anno 1552 there was a great flood called S. Pontians flood.  
And this last in anno 1570, called all Saint's flood, which was in 6 or 7 provinces, as far as to Denmark.  
The electors, princes, noblemen, and towns of the confession of Ausbourg in Germany, having presented a petition unto the emperor at the diet at Spier, tending to the quiet of Christendom, and the reformation of some abuses, it was not imputed unto them to rebellion, factions and innovations, as that of the noblemen and gentlemen, and the Netherlands, was in the year 1566, by the king of Spain: but chose the emperor knowing well that what they required tended to the good and quiet of Germany, and their neighbours, not only accepted it in good part, but also took such order as was most needful, specially for those of Cologne (who had driven out all them of the confession) although they did very unwillingly obey. As for the Netherlands, as he feared much the practices of the Spaniards (which had long before sought occasions to get some footing in some corner of Germany, and especially in the diocese of Cologne) he could settle no other order, but to write to the king of Spain, and the duke of Alva, his lieutenant, to cease their persecutions. But the duke made no account of it, continuing his course as before, so as after he had put an infinite number to death, of all qualities and sexes, and that he had in his conceit subdued all the Netherlands (of which conquest Alonso d'Vlloa hath written the history, to the honour of the duke, as the greatest conqueror in the world) holding himself after the retreat of the prince of Orange's army, to be a conqueror finding himself now quiet without any enemies, that had experience in war, having a conceit that he had restored the country to their former peace, he began to study how he might at the people's charge entertain a great number of soldiers, both Spaniards, Italians and Germans: To which end there were sundry impositions, exactions, and extraordinary 
The duke of Alva invents now impositions.  taxes invented; among others the tenth and the twentieth part of all merchandise, generally throughout the Netherlands for ever: meaning therein to imitat princes or tyrants, who by force and violence have gotten estates, realms, and signiories, who after their conquests, impose upon the vanquished nations some tribute, impost, or some extraordinary custom, in sign of their victories: So the duke of Alva in witness of his conquest (for it was his usual speech that the Netherlands did not belong any more unto the king by title of inheritance, but as having conquered it by his arms) of the success of which imposition we will hereafter speak.  
In the beginning of this year 1571, there was erected in the Netherlands, by the commandment 
1571  of the duke of Alva (who had propounded to settle a new order both in the justice 
A new stile in criminal causes erected by the duke.  and the government after his own invention) a manner of proceeding in criminal causes, which was extraordinary, the which he would have observed for a law and perpetual edict, notwithstanding all uses, statutes, customs, privileges, and ordinances to the contrary: with a new form of oath for all judges and other chief officers of the king's gift,  
About that time Herman of Ruytter, a valiant and an adventurous man belonging to the prince of Orange, & borne in Boisleduke, found means with a few men to surprise the strong castle of Louvestein, right against Wadrichom, in the corner of an island which makes the separation of the rivers of Wahal and Meuse, joining unto Gorricom; the which he resolved to hold for the prince, expecting succours which the earl vanden Berghe had promised to bring him, The duke of Alva caused him to be summoned to yield, which he would not do, so as the castle was besieged, battered, and taken by assault: he being retired into a hall, defended himself long with a two handed sword, but the number of his enemies increasing, in the end he was overthrown, & valiantly slain, every man wondering at his great resolution and valour. His head was carried to Boisleduke, and in contempt set upon a gibbet to vex & grieve his kinsfolks and friends: seventeen of his men were taken, and afterwards hanged, except two which were broken upon the wheel.  
The duke having in anno 1568 overcome and driven the prince of Orange, and the earl 
The 10, 20, & 100 penny demanded by the duke of Alua.  Lodowick his brother, out of the Netherlands, and having need to pay his soldiers, and to keep a great garrison, besides the yearly pensions in Germany, he thought it convenient, to reap the fruits of his victories, and to employ all his wits, power, and authority to get and gather money, and that by a continual tax, perceiving that by reason of the great number of fugitive and banished persons, together with the hatred conceived against him within the land, that he was to expect divers troubles and uproars, and for that cause he determined to send for the general states of the Netherlands to Brussels, and to move them to consent to give the king the hundredth penny of all their movable and immovable goods, and besides that the tenth penny of all their movable goods that should be bought and sold, with the twentieth penny of their immovable goods: without nominating any time how long those taxes and exactions should continue.  
Whereunto the general states and the officers of the treasury, under them made answer, 
The states answer.  and showed what troubles rose in anno 1556, upon the raising of the hundredth penny, for that the common people would not consent that it should be known what money every man had in his chest, and how much they were worth. Touching the tenth and twentieth penny (in Spain called Alcoval) they showed him what difficulty would thereby arise, not only for the newness thereof, but for the burden that would thereby fall upon the people, as also the trouble that would ensue about the collection thereof, in regard of the great deceit that would be used by the buyers and sellers, to the great costs and charges of the collectors and officers thereunto appointed: and that the same would be a great hurt and hindrance unto the Netherlands (getting their livings most part by trade of merchandise) for that thereby all kind of handiworkes would be very dear, and by that means must of force be sold dearer in other foreign countries: and that therefore the inhabitants would leave the Netherlands, and seek work in other countries, and so all handicrafts and occupations would cease and be left off: showing by examples how every thing would thereby be made dearer, as namely that many things, before they could be brought to full perfection, should thereby pay the tenth penny in the very material substance thereof, at the least 5, 6, or seven times, as clothes, says, mockadoes, tapestries, and such like wares: as first in buying of the wool, than the yarn, than the weaving, the dying, and lastly selling and buying, and so forth, as there should be occasion to use divers kinds of stuff, and the same to be oftentimes sold, and brought to the market: and that the foreign merchants bringing their wares into the Netherlands, would sell them the dearer, who for that cause would much complain, and some confederated princes and potentates would allege the said enhancing of the prices of wares, to be contrary to the contracts and intercourses made with them, pretending to be free to deal and traffic in the Netherlands, as they were accustomed to be paying their ancient customs and charges.  
Whereunto the duke alleged, That it was a small matter for the seller to pay the king the 
The duke's reply.  tenth penny, as long as he kept nine for himself: and that if that sum did amount to a great yearly value, the towns and the provinces might thereby receive all their debts and damages, and be unburdened of all interests paid for money, transportations, poundages, heard moneys, and such like burdens: as also that it would be a means to unburden the king's rents and revenues, for that without due and convenient contributions the king should not have the means to pay his soldiers, nor yet to defend the country. He said, that he had heard the emperor Charles often complain of the unwillingness of the Netherlands to contribute any thing towards his charges: and that the prince diminished his authority, when as he, to obtain their consents to certain taxes for money to be levied, was oftentimes constrained to consent unto divers unfit liberties and privileges. Alleging further, That he had new castles and forts to make, and that the king's demeans were spent and consumed: That it was necessary and requisite that a continual contribution or tax should be raised, that thereby the states might not always be troubled, and that so the country people in the villages might be eased, the spirituality and gentlemen not much burdened, only the merchant and the handicrafts man: promising to ease them of divers other heavy burdens, as the imposts upon four kinds of victuals, as corn, flesh, wine, and beer, and that he thought the said tax of the tenth penny, to be the least burden unto them, and that in his town of Alva, in Spain, where he had the like tax, he received 40 or 50 thousand ducats yearly rend.  
Whereunto the states, by the precedent Vigilius Swichemus, made answer, That therein each country's condition, prosperity, and nature was to be considered, saying, that the wealth of 
The state's duplication to the duke of Alt●…aes reply.  Spain consisted not in trade of merchandise, and handicrafts, but in the fruitfulness and pasturage of the land: that the Netherlands were less, and narrower, and were maintained by t●…affique, trade of merchandise, and handicrafts: that Spain had no neighbours but the hills and the sea, whereas the Netherlands had neighbours round about them, that would draw the traffic and handiworkes into their countries, if they were charged with any great imposts, or heavy impositions: and for that cause Philip duke of Burgundy (the first original of the prosperity of the Netherlands) did wisely foresee, that all merchants should be privileged, and have many liberties in the country, and that the customs and charges should not be raised very high, and that victuals, as much as possible might be, should be good cheap, which was easily to be seen and perceived by the contracts of intercourses, and trades of merchandises, made by him, with the Englishmen, and other his neighbours, and the privileges by him given unto foreign merchants, whereby they were enticed and provoked to trade and traffic in those countries: whereas to the contrary new taxes and impositions would drive away the merchant stranger, and compel the inhabitants of the Netherlands to seek to inhabit in other countries. As touching the building of new castles and forts, they said, That might be done with less cost, and charges, when there was more store of money: and that there was not so great need to build new, as to repair, and fortify the old, in the frontier towns. As touching the yearly or continual tax, whereof he spoke, they said, it was a common custom in the Netherlands, that they were wont to grant taxes unto their princes, when any need required, and as the subjects were of ability: and that it was not necessary to milk them so bare in the time of peace, that when occasions of war fell out, they should not be able to bear it out. Touching the easing of the country people in the villages, they made answer, That it was nor requisite to ●…ase them so much, that the burden should be laid only upon the merchants and the towns, saying, that they must not rob Saint Peter to pay Saint Paul. And that whereas he collected so much yearly by the alcoval, or tenth penny, in his town of Alva (which nevertheless seemed strange unto them) they could do no less than wish him good fortune and prosperity therewith.  
Whereunto the duke said, That his intent was to have the said taxes to be raised, before he came into the country, being at Theonuille, where he made the barons of Barlamont and Noircarmes acquainted therewith; and that therefore they must of force grant unto him therein, and seek by all means to get the states to consent thereunto.  
Whereupon the states assembling at Brussels, and other places, and the same being moved unto every particular province, they made no great matter to grant to give the hundredth penny, but desired that they might not be burdened with the tenth penny, alleging the danger and trouble that might thereby ensue. But the duke not content with that answer, but giving them leave to depart, willed them to bring him a more better and resolute answer, and that without any conditions, limitations and moderations. But the provinces having by their deputies declared the duke's request, still found more difficulty. Whereupon the duke wrote unto the governors of the provinces, to will them to seek the means to procure the grant of his demand promising to use such moderation therein, that it should take all difficulties away, as long as it was in his power: and that if any hurt or hindrance (touching trade of merchandise) did in any wise happen, he would withdraw the said tax again: some provinces he threatened, That if they would not consent thereunto, he would then use kingly authority, with all extremity, for that his majesties meaning was to have the same granted without exception: therewith letting them know, that they had not done their duties in their offices as they ought to have done, concerning the last troubles, and that their said fault was to be redeemed and quit, by the giving of the tenth penny. To others of the states, as those of Henault, Arthois, and Namure, whom he could not charge with any such thing, he caused the lords of Barlamont and Noircarmes to speak friendly unto them, That they should make no difficulty therein, and to show them, that he did not so much desire to have the said tax of the tenth penny to be levied, as to see the obedient minds and forwardness of the Netherlands, and to maintain the king's majesties honour: and to that end he had sent certain persons unto Louvaine, who by earnest request and intercession of many men (showing the great fidelity and constantness of the town, and the universities decay) were recalled.  
By these and such like practices, there was half a consent wrung out of some of the states (such as they were) for that the duke said, That he would moderate all the particular difficulties, 
Conditions how the states did consent un to the 10 penny.  commanding that every man should send their opinion and consent in writing, which they did, showing many reasons, that the raising of the tenth penny would be the overthrow of all traffic, and finally the destruction and overthrow of the Netherlands: declaring nevertheless, that they consented thereunto, in regard that it was alleged, That the king himself would expressly have it so; and upon promise made unto them (confidently alleging it) that the duke would so moderate the matter, that the common cause concerning trade, traffic, and handy working, should not thereby receive any wrong.  
Generally the provinces would by no means consent thereunto, offering in steed thereof to contribute other great sums of money unto the king. They of Brabant likewise were not all of one mind: but the duke upon his promise took it for a consent. They of Henault, Arthois, and Namure, had given their consent, but with condition not to be burdened therewith, but consented only to induce the others thereunto, as they did after openly declar●…. Thereupon the duke commanded the hundredth penny to be gathered, while an order should be taken how the tenth penny might be collected: and perceiving the difficulty therein, thought it convenient to stay it for a while, till the disordered kind and form of consent were somewhat forgotten, and the magistrates in all places altered and changed: and for that cause said, That in steed of the tenth and twentieth penny, he would be content with the sum of two millions yearly to be paid for the space of six years, according to the old tax: and for that he had well hoped by collection of the tenth penny to have had the means to have laid up a great sum of money, against time of need, he desired that one hundredth penny might be given therewithal, which amounted unto four millions of gulderns: but when he could get no full consent thereunto, he would not accept of the two millions yearly tax to be paid, but for the space of two years only to make the people the willinger to pay the tenth penny, for that it was troublesome unto them to pay it after the old tax: whereby it was well perceived, that at the end of two years he meant to raise the tenth penny, whereby he knew he should receive great thanks and commendations of the king, and great honour in Spain, having raised the king's demeans and incomes in the Netherlands to such a rate: to which end all those two years he sought all the means he could to bring the manner of collection after the old tax into disliking: for that thereby the people knew what they paid unto the king, and therefore devised what means he could to increase the difficulty and dislike of the said tax, both by words and actions: and while for certain years he was inventing and devising to bring in and raise the tax of the tenth penny, from anno 1569 he had begun to practise with them of Vtrecht, to get them to consent to the giving of the tenth and twentieth penny: but they excused themselves, desiring him to have consideration of them, and to remember that it was not yet above 40 years from anno 1528, since they had granted by contract to yield subjection unto the emperor, as also that their country was very small, & that a man might pass through the broadest part thereof in an hours space, and that the one half thereof was but a barren island, and that as much thereof as was fruitful, was maintained and preserved by ditches, mills and Sluices, and such like costly industrious works: and that they in the forepast troubles were forced to raise a hundred thousand gulderns for the preservation and defence of their country, and such like excuses, nevertheless they were content to grant him a tax of 112 thousand gulderns, to be discharged and unburdened of the payment of the tenth penny.  
The prelates and the five churches in Vtrecht, showed likewise, That their spiritual goods belong to the churches, were privileged, and that they could not fall (without express consent of the pope) Sub commercium laicorum, for that in the bull, quae legitur in coena Domini, all those are excommunicated that did consent to give any thing out of the spiritual goods towards the lay men's taxes, and they likewise that received any such tax or collection, without express consent, as aforesaid: alleging many such like privileges more, and that therefore they could by no means consent to his majesties request of the tenth and twentieth penny, salva conscientia & juramento.  
This answer much moved and offended the duke, specially because the spirituality alleged Bullam de caena Domini, which he understood to extend only against the oppressors of the catholics, and the church of Rome, and not against the defenders and protectors thereof, whereof he accounted himself to be one: withal chafing against the Printer that had last printed the said bull, as also against the privy counsel, for granting licence to do it, and namely against secretary la Torre, for signing it, for which cause he kept him prisoner in his house, and discharged him of his office, for the space of a year after.  
And further to compel them of Vtrecht, to grant to his desire, upon the one and twentieth of August 1569, he sent the whole regiment of Lombardie, being ten companies to lie in garrison in the town, and caused them to be lodged as well in the spiritual as temporal men's houses, thereby much burdening and incombering the towns men, compelling them to give them service money (as they call it) for two thousand & four hundred men (which they said their regiment contained) every man a gulderne a week, which amounted unto four and twenty hundred gulderns the week, and notwithstanding all this, compelled them to provide them all their necessaries: and perceiving that he could not thereby compel them of Vtrecht with that great charge, to content unto the said tax, upon the fifteenth of December he caused the king's attorney general to summon the whole body of the town to appear before him and his bloudic counsel, upon the nine and twentieth of December than next after ensuing: where they appearing, he charged them with high treason, and for that cause said they had forfeited all their privileges, charters and freedoms, and that they had deserved to be punished in such sort as he in his discretion should think good.  
Whereupon ensued many answers, replies, duplications, and writings, between them of Vtrecht and the king's attorney general, with great partake on the duke's behalf, whereby their writings could hardly be read or heard: and for that cause upon the fourteenth of july in anno 1570, he caused sentence to be given out against the states of the country of Vtrecht, as namely against the five Metropolitan Colleges of the town, representing the first member of that state, and against the gentlemen as well within as without Vtrecht, representing the second member: and for the third member the towns of Vtrecht, Amersfort, wick, and Rheven: charging them to have contracted and agreed with the confederated gentlemen and their adherents, winked at the abuses of the image breakers, and suffered the heretics to preach in their hallowed churches, and forbidden the monks; and that therefore both the spirituality and temporalty had committed high treason: for which cause the said five churches were deprived from the aforesaid priority: and that from thence forward they should have no place nor voice, nor once be called to appear amongst the general states: that the gentlemen likewise should no more be the second member of their state: and touching the body of the town of Vtrecht, he d●…ed them to have forfeited all their privileges, etc. as also the rents and revenues of the said town, and the guilds thereof, declaring them to be confiscated to the king's use, depriving them likewise of their voice in the assembly of the states, together with the aforesaid towns of Amersfort, wick and Rheven, whom he likewise deprived of their part of voice, with the same town of Vtrecht, until such time that his Majesty should take other order therein, etc.  
The states of Vtrecht upon the nine and twentieth of july, appealed against this cruel sentence of the duke unto the king's Majesty, complaining of great wrong offered unto them, sending their deputies (not without great danger of their lives) into Spain, whereat the duke was much moved, notwithstanding he charged the magistrates to continue still in the administration of justice, and all other officers in their offices, by proviso, until he should otherwise ordain.  
The matter standing at this point, they of Vtrecht made friends unto the duke, offering to give one hundred and eighty thousand gulderns for a tax, and other presents to himself: but all in vain, and therefore their suit in Spain, not only to be discharged of their Spanish garrison, but also of their said sentence, was driven off from day to day. In the year 1571, upon fear of some invasion to be made in the land by the prince of Orange's ships of war, they were for a time discharged of their Spanish soldiers, having endured the burden thereof for the space of twenty months together: but not long after they were sent thither again, when the water Gueux were gone from the sea coast, and so left the sea coast without garrison, as namely the town of Bryele, which had been better to have been kept by those Spaniards.  
The said garrison being entered again into Vtrecht, began to use all extremities and rigours as they did before, not sparing john Taetson of Amerougen, the bourgmaster, entering into his house with their rapiers drawn, and compelled the town to lend them eight hundred collars (the grant of the lending thereof being by the duke himself refused them to be lent by the burghers) notwithstanding all humble complaints. The duke not content with this, he caused the precedent of the court of Vtrecht, to demand and to deliver unto him all the original charters, privileges, and statutes, etc. of the said town and territories, which they of the town refused to do, writing very humbly upon the eighteenth of januarie 1572 unto the duke, withal alleging their appeal unto the king, with divers other lawful excuses: but it being all in vain, and the Spanish colonel being charged with his garrison to assist the precedent, to execute the duke's commandment by force, and threatening to commit all the magistrates to prison, they were constrained with all convenient and lawful protestations to deliver up all their charters, privileges, and statutes, etc. into the hands of the precedent of the court aforesaid, which carried them into the castle of Wedenbourg, where they were kept, until by commandment from the king himself, they were delivered unto the town again, in the time of Dom Joys de Requisens', the next Governor that succeed the duke of Alva in the countries of the Netherlands: & yet though their privileges were so delivered again, the Spanish garrison still remained therein, the sea towns lying still without soldiers, until such time as that six weeks after, upon the first of April the town of Bryele was taken by the prince of Orange's ships of war, whereby those soldiers were to be sent thither, as hereafter you shall hear.  
These affairs passing in this sort, and the two years drawing to an end, upon the last 
The duke commandeth the 10 penny to be taxed all the land through.  of july the duke of Alva caused the taxes of the tenth and twentieth penny to be openly published, with a certain moderation, sufficient, as he thought, to cease all the complaints aforesaid; declaring thereby, that the merchant bringing in any wares and merchandises from other countries, should be free thereof at his first buying, and that he might carry the same freely out again, not having altered the property, and passing it alone without any other wares or merchandise amongst it: and that all wares that were to be worn, should pay but once: that the corn which was upon the ground, and fruits within the land, as also the beasts feeding upon the ground, that they should be free from the first ●…le, for the increasing of buildings in the land, and that only to make a proof and trial whereof.  
This publication with the moderation would by no means content the Netherlands, but esteemed and held it for a point of most extreme tyranny, whereby means was sought to bereave the country of all their wealth, and so the people being impoverished, to drive them out of the land, in regard that the benefit and commodity of the land consisted in trade of merchandise, that is, to deal in all kind of wares, to work, buy, and make them, and again to carry them out and bring them into the country, whereby the common people, both by water and by land, both poor and rich, live and earn their bread: whereof to give the tenth penny, it would amount unto an unspeakable sum of money, to the utter overthrow of the Netherlands, the inhabitants thereof being people that bestow their money upon household stuff, apparel, linen, and jewels, and above all other nations love to beautify and adorn their houses with divers kinds of pictures and other ornaments: which unprofitable things are esteemed to surpass the value of the necessary household stuff of other nations. The general unwillingness of the land being showed unto the duke, and that they thought that the tax of two millions of gulderns by the year, should serve in steed of the tenth penny: he said, That he was much blamed in Spain, that he had not gotten the consent of the tenth penny, without so long solicitation of the states, and that that kind of tax pleased the king best, and that therefore he would have it, either willingly or unwillingly: whereunto no dissuasion whatsoever used unto him by his counsel, principally by Vigilius, Schets, and others (to their great commendation) would serve, alleging that the states had not given absolute consent thereunto, and that thereby he would lose his second hundredth penny, which amounted unto four millions of gulderns. The duke in great rage made answer, That they spoke not well or truly therein, to say that the states had not consented thereunto, oftentimes swearing, That he would have the said tax of the tenth penny paid, although all the Netherlands should thereby be lost, fall out what would, or else it should cost him his life: saying that such counsellors, as heartened the land in such things, aught to be accounted rebels, with many such like cruel and threatening words: saying, That it concerned his majesties honour and reputation, and that it was an ill example to suffer the subjects so to mock with their prince, and to go from their promises, and that he would by his bloody counsel, punish such breach of promise, as rebellion, and lay their heads at their feet, with all such as upheld and maintained the same: and that generally (specially to the states of Flanders) great favour had been showed unto all the states, having all deserved no less rigour at the king's hands, than the earls of Egmont and the prince of Orange had, and that in recompense and redemption thereof, the king was content to accept the said tax of the tenth penny: but he might have gotten a great deal more for the king by confiscations, if he would have used that means, as he might well have done, than by the tenth penny, caring not for the pretended privileges of the particular provinces and towns, specially the joyous entry of Brabant, which he said they (as well as those of Vtrecht) had forfeited and lost. Whereupon some made him answer, That the declaration and sentence of deprivation or forfeiture, must first be published, and that the attempting thereof would be dangerous. He made answer, That he would rather suffer himself to be cut and hewed in pieces, than to endure that the country should not hold their promise, and that the Sun and Moon should first lose their light, before he would fail of the tenth penny.  
The states perceiving the duke's resolution and intent, at the last thought it requisite, in the beginning of the year 1572, each province to send one into Spain in their behalfs unto the king, which he nevertheless commanded to come back again, threatening them with death; but yet they got through into Spain: but before any resolution was taken therein, there happened an alteration in the Netherlands, by the taking of the Bryele, Flessingue, and other places, as hereafter shall be showed: without the which alteration, the messengers in Spain had surely been in great danger of their lives.  
The duke notwithstanding in the mean time sought to raise the tenth penny in some particular towns, appointing his officers to receive the same, and first in Brussels, where he thought best to begin: but they of Brussels shut up all their shops, and would sell nothing, that they might not be compelled to pay the tenth penny. The Bakers nor Brewer's wo●… neither bake nor brew, whereby there grew a great confusion and desperation amongst t●… people, which to prevent the duke intended to deal by force, resolving in March 1572 to hang seventeen of the chief towns men in Brussels, that were against him (whose names 
The duke seeketh by force to constrain them of Brussels to pay the 10 penny.  he had all eadie written in a scroll) in the night time before their doors, or else he would make them grant to sell their wares, and to pay him thereafter: the which to effect, he had given charge unto the executioners to be ready with ladders and cords to execute them the next night, after the news came into Brussels, that the earl Ʋander Mark had taken the town of Bryele, which loss of the said town of Bryle, made him see, that he had done better to have put garrisons into the haven towns, and to have dealt in milder sort with the people, rather than to have sought to have his own will so much, and to tax the land 
The case that the 10 penny was not taxed.  at his pleasure; whereas the Netherlands offered such great sums, as that the state of the land could hardly raise. Thus by means of the taking of the Bryele, the raising of the tenth and twentieth penny was stayed, although it hath since been sought and required. They of Amsterdam, because they would not absolutely consent to his demand of the tenth penny, were fined to pay the sum of five and twenty thousand gulderns, towards the building of the castle at Flessingue: but they excused themselves, by their great loss endured by the great floods, and the mending and making of their ditches, and above all, that they daily endured so great loss by the water Gueux, that took their fleets coming from the East and West Indies.  
As I said before, a great number of banished and fugitive persons of the Netherlands, having prepared ships, kept at sea, and were conducted by certain gentlemen and others, who most by poverty were driven to seek some recompense of their losses and hindrance by force and extremities: After that, other joined with them, having a further intent to do something tending to the deliverance and good of their native country. This number daily increasing, and doing great hurt unto their enemies round about Holland, as in the Vlie, Texel, and the Ems, harbouring most commonly under England, in the downs and at Dover, and thereabouts, amongst the which the prince of Orange, as admiral by force of his letters of Mart, had his officers that received the tenth penny of their prizes. The duke of Alva made means to the queen of England to entreat her not to suffer them to harbour there: alleging that she ought not, according to the contracts made between England and the Netherlands, to suffer the king's rebels to have so open passage to and from her havens. The queen, although she had cause enough to dislike of the duke, in March 1572, made proclamation, That they should all depart out of her havens, forbidding her subjects to sell them any victuals, nevertheless with this condition, That her English rebels should be driven out of the king of Spain's dominions: Whereby they were constrained to depart, and to enterprise something in the countries of the Netherlands, whereunto they knew themselves not to be strong enough.  
This necessity compelled them to use order and discipli●… amongst them, and to that end they all put themselves under the command of William earl Ʋander Mark, free heir to Lumey, lord of Serrain, Borset, and Minderleyt, and heir of Franchimont, etc. eldest son of john lord of Lumey, and of Marguerite youngest daughter of john lord of Wassenare. This earl Ʋander Mark made himself admiral, and his lieutenant Bartel Entes van Meutheda, vice-admiral, having with him captain William de Bloys, called Threlon, the lord of Sweten, Lancelot van Brederode, jacob Cabilleaw, one of Egmont, jaques Schooneval, Antonis Wenthove, Antonis van Rhine, William de Grave van Egmont, jaques Metens, Nicholas Ruythaver, captain Eloy, jock and john Abel's, Marinus Brandt, Roybol, jaques Hennebert, john Clauson, Spiegel, john Simonson, Merten Merous, Walter Franson, captain jelande, and divers others: All these together having about forty ships, most flie-boats, in the month of March put out of England, and took a great ship of antwerp laden with Spanish wares, and another ship of biscay. Their meaning was to sail to North-Holland, although their enterprise there was as then not fully ready, but determined in the mean time to spoil certain ships of war belonging to the duke, that lay at Amsterdam and Enchuysen, but the wind being against them, they put into the Bryel, the island being called Voorn, and the town Bryel, there to take certain ships lying in the Meuse, ready to sail to Spain: but they perceiving them to enter the Meuse, hoist sail, and went up to Rotterdam, whereby the earl Ʋander Mark failed of his enterprise, and for that the wind fell contrary, whereby they could not get out of the Meuse, they stayed there not without fear, and there began first to consult, to take some place or other for their own security, whereupon Threlon counseled them to take the Bryele.  
The ships entering into the Meuse, put them of the Bryele & Meuseland sluice in great fear, not knowing what ships they were, & for that cause sent out one john Peterson Coppenstock, who perceiving them to be Gueux, asked for captain Threlon, for that his father had always been bailiff of the Bryele, and being brought unto him, the earl perceived him to be a fit man to carry their message into the town: and to that end gave him captain Theolns' signet, with commission in the name of the earl Ʋander Mark, to summon them to yield up the town, for the prince of Orange, as the king's lieutenant, who was coming into the Netherlands with a great power, to free the same from the tyranny of the duke of Alva, and from the tenth penny. The signet was sent into the town, for the bourgmasters' security, which desired the same until the earl Ʋander Mark came forth. This Coppenstocke was let into the town, which as then was shut, and being questioned withal, did his message so well, that the townsmen were much abashed, having a weak town; and without garrison, whereby the the richest, and the best of them, yea and the greatest part fled out of the town, before they gave him any answer. Until that time there had two companies of Spaniards lain in garrison within the town, which not long before were sent to Vtrecht, amongst others to plague and punish them of Vtrecht, for that they had obtained grace in Spain, to have their spirituality restored again to their place and voice amongst the states, and to force them to pay the tenth and twentieth penny. They of the town of Bryele being (wanting counsel and advice) fled out of the same without any resolution, and therewith the Gueux in all haste 
The town of Bryele taken.  went on land, dividing themselves into two parts, Threlon going with one company to the South gate, and Roybol to the North gate: where with faggots, pitch, and straw, they thought to fire the gate; but taking a mast and running forcibly against it, broke it open, and so upon Palm Sunday in the evening, being the first day of April, anno 1572, they entered into the town, without blood shedding, the earl Ʋander Mark with many Walons entering therein: the next day they ransacked the churches, broke down the images, and drove out the priests and the monks: and for that they perceived the town not to be very strong, to hold it against the enemy, they thought to have left it, if it had not been by the persuasion of Threlon, and jaques Cabilleaw, and others, that counseled the earl to stay there, for the good situation of the haven: and for that cause promised each other to keep and defend the same to the uttermost, and so wrote unto the prince of Orange for more aid: and taking some of the ordnance out of their ships, fortified the town therewith.  
These news being brought unto Brussels, made the towns men glad, for that they were then upon the point to be forced to pay the tenth penny, and from thence forth to continue the same, or else part of their towns men should have been hanged up before their doors. The duke of Alva seemed to make small account of the taking of the said town, nevertheless he sent to Vtrecht to the earl of Bossu, to will him with all his force to drive the Gueux from thence, which was no small joy to them of Vtrecht, for that the Spaniards had conspired some mischief against them of Vtrecht, which they meant to have executed upon Maundy Thursday, upon which day the Spaniards use to whip themselves, and under colour thereof thought to have wrought their villainy upon the inhabitants of the said town of Vtrecht.  
Maximilian earl of Bossu being governor of Holland, having before received intelligence that the earl Ʋander Mark was at sea, went to the Hage, and from thence had sent for two 
The earl of Bossu d●…uen from the Bryel  companies of Spaniards, under the leading of Don Ferdinando de Toledo; and upon the news and commission sent unto him by the duke of Alva, he marched with ten companies of Spaniards to Meuseland, Sluice, and Schiedam, from whence with ships and boats they went over to Heeuliet, and Swartwale, and being got into the island wherein the Bryele stood, marched towards the town, where the Gueux lay without the town, and shot fiercely against them: at the last one Rochus Meussen, the town carpenter, leapt into the water, and with great speed opened the new Sluice, whereby presently there entered so much water into the land, that no man could go in the island, but only upon the ditch, upon the which the Spaniards went along unto the South gate, where they found so much shot placed against them, that they began to be both out of hope and courage.  
Mean time it being Easter eve, Threlon and Roybol went with certain soldiers to assail the ships and boats wherein the Spaniards came over, whereof some they sunk, others they burned, and let some drive away: which the Spaniards perceiving, as also that the water still began to rise higher within the island, they were in fear to be all drowned, for which cause every man fled disorderly away, seeking to save themselves, some swimming, others running through the water, and some hanging upon the scutes, and so got over Beverland in the dirt and mire, whereby many of them were drowned and smothered in the water. The earl vander Mark durst not send many of his men out, being too weak. In this sort the Spaniards came before Dorcht, all wet, dirty, and weary, where they of the town (in friendly manner) refused to let them in: for which cause, the earl of Bossu went with them to Rotterdam, having left sixteen of his men behind him in the Island, and two captains, which the Gueux hanged up at a mile. The Grave vander Mark sought means to strengthen himself in the Island, causing the country people therein to be mustered, swearing and protesting to stand one by the other, and prepared ships and boats to make war upon the water.  
The prince of Orange disliked much of the taking of the Briel, fearing, that his other enterprises (as than not ready to be effected) would be discovered, and that thereby the duke of Alva might be too soon awaked: but in regard of the good situation of the place, he sought all the means that he could possibly to aid and help the earl from all places.  
The ninth of April the duke fearing the like accident in the Isle of Walchrens in Zeeland, that had happened at the Bryel, especially at Flessingue, and for the better execution of the citadel, which he had designed upon the sea side, whereof the foundations were laid, and 
The duke of Alva seeks to assure himself of Flessingue.  to hinder the navigation of strangers, he resolved to send a garrison: but doubting they would not willingly receive any, especially Spaniards, fearing some mutiny, the six and twentieth of March the scent Scipio Campi, an Italian, to enter into the town under colour of friendship, and to seize and assure himself thereon, having an intention to cause the magistrates and the deputies (for the collection of the tenth penny) to be executed, for that they had also refused to put it in practice. Scipio being entered the town the eight and twentieth day, caused the commons to assemble, to whom he declared, that he had greatly recommended the town to the duke of Alva, so as he had granted them in his majesties name a good sum of money to be employed in the fortification of the town, and that for his part he was desirous and ready to employ himself therein, and to assist them: for the which the bourgesses gave him great thanks. Some days after he did impart his intention and charge to some of the town, his adherents: and as he had put this good impression into the people's minds, the third and fourth of April following he made five breaches in the wall at one time, under colour that he would fortify it, as he had given it out. He stopped a sluice, and made a proclamation in the town, That if any one would undertake the works which he had designed, they should come unto the townhouse at the day and hour appointed: and presently he caused a bridge to be made over the ditch, right against one of these breaches, he caused the keys of the town gates to be counterfeited, and the artillery to be secretly cloyed. The fifth of the said month, being Easter eve, he set double guards in every place, advertising the inhabitants not to stir, if they heard any noise in the night. And as seventeen ships departed from Berghen upon some, laden with Spaniards, thought to enter that night into Flessingue, without any let, the calmness of the weather, and a Northwest wind hindered them, so as they were constrained to defer the enterprise unto the next day, which was Easter.  
In the mean time, the quarter masters of these Spanish companies being landed at Arnemuyden, came to Flessingue, where they called the magistrates together, and importuned them with threats, to make lodgings for the Spaniards. The magistrates and these harbingers being busy in the townhouse about it, the people began to troop together in the streets, much troubled, for that they heard they would lodge the Spaniards: they entered into the townhouse, and began to cry out confusedly, That they would have no Spaniards, and that they would rather die than receive them, encouraging one another to arms. The bourgomasters seeing it, sought to stay them, and to appease this mutiny: but one of them saying unadvisedly unto the multitude, If we would receive the Spaniards, can you hinder vs●… At which words, the people (incensed more than before) ran unto the town walls, to seize upon the artillery, and finding it cloyed, they discovered, that they were sold and betrayed: Those that were the authors, seeing the bourgesses thus moved, slipped quietly out of the town, and were never seen afterwards, during this trouble.  
The bourgesses having freed their artillery, seeing the Spaniards advance to enter into the haven, they demanded powder; the which being refused them, they forced the Magasin of munition, where it was, from whence they drew as much powder and bullets as they pleased, wherewith they charged the artillery, crying out, That they would not suffer the Spaniards to enter, so long as there was a man of them alive, making some shot through this fleet of ships. Whereat the Spaniards being much perplexed, struck sail, so as they durst not approach any nearer, being within an arrow shoot of the head of the haven, and not able to retire, by reason of the tide and the wind, that was contrary; one among them leaping into the sea, came swimming to land: being come into the town, he entreated the inhabitants, with his hands joined together, not to shoot any more, and that they would not fail to retire at the full sea: the which, through the pity of some, considering, that at that time they knew no place, whether to retire, was granted them, upon condition, That if at the first full sea they did not depart from thence, they would sink them with their Canon.  
In the mean time, the bailiff of the town seeing the people thus moved, ran speedily to Middlebourg, to inform the Signior of Wacken, vice-admiral for the king of Spain, of all that had passed: and in the mean time, many of the magistrates which had favoured the Spaniards, retired secretly out of the town. After dinner, the Signior of Wacken being come, and having demanded of the people, If all that which they did were well done; one among them answered him resolutely, That he himself was the cause thereof: which amazed him so, as he retired to the townhouse, to some of the aldermen that were yet remaining: then afterwards he went and spoke again unto the people, but somewhat more modestly, entreating them, that at the least they would suffer a hundred Spanish soldiers to enter; which they refused: Then he demanded them, if they had rather have Walloons: whereunto answer was made him, That neither the one nor the other. Being full sea at three of the clock in the afternoon, the Spaniards were commanded to retire, and two pieces of Ordnance were discharged, which made them presently to depart. The burgesses being much incensed against the Signior of Wacken, would have slayed him, accusing him to be the cause of all the mischief, and that returning to the duke of Alva, he would be their mortal enemy, yet he found means to escape, and to retire to Middlebourg.  
The duke of Alva hearing how matters went at Flessingue, and that it was lost for him, setting a good face on it, said, Pitsi linge no es nada: for which cause, the Protestants of Zeeland carried afterwards in their colours, No es nada; others carried nine pieces of money, showing, that they made war to preserve the tenth.  
These ships, laden with Spaniards, being retired from Flessingue, arrived in the Island of Zuydbevelandt, thinking to enter into the town of Tergoes, but they would not receive 
The Spaniards being refused at Ter Goes, surprise Berghen.  them; so as the thirteenth of April they arrived before Berghen upon Soom, where the entry was in like sort denied them: but the sixteenth following they surprised it by night, and entreated the inhabitants, by reason of this refusal, as you may imagine, and as they accustomed to do unto such as obey not their wills. The ninth of the said month, three Spanish captains seeing the colours flying upon the ramparts of Flessingue, thinking to find their Spanish troops there, which were retired, notwithstanding the advice of the master of the ship, entered into the town, where they were presently taken and put in prison. The eleventh of the said month some countrymen brought two Spanish soldiers into the town, which were delivered unto them, to do their pleasures with them: these peasants led them out of the town, to the place where they had begun to build the citadel, and there they massacred them, and buried them in the place. The fury of the bourgesses, mariners, and peasants, was then so great in Zeeland against the Spaniards, as few escaped that fell into their hands.  
Those of Flessingue went unto the village of Coukerke, to require them to join with them; but at the first they refused them, giving too much credit to Streyen, to the bailiff, and to the bishop of Middlebourg; yet the thirteenth of the month, being returned again with a good number of peasants, they agreed, and so did Westcappel, Soeteland, Dombourg, Eastcappel, and others: those of la Vere and Arnemuyden did also join: and the twentieth day of April the Flessinguers and their allies Protestants of Zeeland, went to besiege the town of Middlebourg, they beat down the port of Dam towards Arnemuyden with their Canon, and the same day with captain Threlons' men won the castle of Ter Hooghen. And as there came soldiers unto them daily from England, and other places; so the seven and twentieth of the month there arrived seven ships laden with soldiers on the prince of Orange's behalf, from the Breyle, and the same day the Spaniards came near unto the Polder, 
Arnemuyden taken by the Spaniards.  which is before Arnemuyden (the which is a piece of drowned land recovered from the sea) where they landed, and the next day won the town of Arnemuyden, which was yet compassed in with walls and rampires. The Protestants of Flessingue and la Vere to be revenged of this loss, caused two Spaniards to be hanged, and the next day captain Pachieco, who (they fayd) was cousin to the duke of Alua. This Pachieco had done much mischief to the town of Deventer: he offered a great sum of money to have his life saved, being very loath to die, especially to be hanged, the which he would gladly have had exchanged with the sword for a good round sum: but the inhabitants and mariners were so incensed, as they had rather see him hanged, than to have his money in their purses. The same day captain Worst of Flessingue, with seven ships, defeated thirty of the Spanish party, among the which there were seven ships of war, whereof some were taken, and some burned; as for the men, some were slain, the rest drowned, and few escaped. All this war was managed by the Protestants of Zeeland, under the authority of the prince of Orange, from whom they received succours from all parts, as well from France and England, as other parts: whereof part entered the fourth of May into la Vere; which the Spaniards sailed to surprise six days after: but being discovered, they were disappointed, and Rowland and William jansz (who meant to betray and deliver the town) were taken and executed; by reason whereof supplies were sent unto them, as also unto Flessingue. The sixteenth of the said month, the chaloupes or pinnaces of la Vere chased and caused seven Spanish ships to return to Tergoes, whereof one being cast upon a bank of sand (the men being fled to land) was burned. The nineteenth of the said month six boyer's (which is a kind of ships) of Middlebourg showed themselves upon the Hont, thinking to go forth: but captain Philip Grenu; alone with his pinnace, made them return into their haven. The same day the magistrate was renewed, under the authority of the prince of Orange, as Governor of Holland and Zeeland, in the town of Flessingue. The one and twentieth of the month threescore arquebusiers going out of Flessingue, having burned the Sas (which is a Scluse, by the which the channel coming from Gand, runneth into the sea) returned by Byervlyet. The two and twentieth of the said month seven ships of war of Flessingue sailed towards the Lemre, which is betwixt the Islands of Zuytbevelande and Schouwen, to succour captain Worst against some Spaniards and ships of Middlebourg: departing from Flessingue, they passed by a straight of the sea, called jocker Frans-ghat: Those of the castle of Rameken (otherwise called Zeebourg) where there were some Spaniards, made five or six shot at them, but to no purpose: Being the same night joined with captain Worst, they had a furious fight with the ships of Middlebourg: in which fight, Bastien of Langhe, admiral of la Vere, being in fight with four of the enemy's ships, fell aground with his ship, whereas the Spaniards boarded him; but one of his men seeing that they were all lost, set fire on the powder, and blew both Spaniards and Zeelanders into the air; which made this victory fatal and mournful unto the Spaniards.  
The four and twentieth of May Cont Lodowic of Nassau, brother to the prince of Orange, having made a new party with the Protestants of France, to enter into the Netherlands, 
Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowic.  and to surprise the town of Mons in Henault; the enterprise was made in this sort. The two and twentieth of May, at night, there came into the town twelve adventurers, attired like merchants; being at supper, they informed themselves of their host, at what a clock in the morning the town gates did usually open: the host answered them, that at four of the clock; but if they would depart sooner, giving a piece of silver to the porter, he would open them the gate. These companions ●…ose before day, went to horseback, and coming to the gate, they promised the porter a piece of money to open the gate; the which he did: being open, they slew the porter, and pulled the keys from him. Cont Lodowi●…, who was attending at the port, entered with forty horses only, with the which he planted himself at the corners of the chief streets in the town, and if any one did open a door or a window, they shot at them with their pistols, crying out as loud as they could, Liberti●…, Liberty is given you by the prince of Orange, to free you from the tenth penny, and from all the duke of Al●… exactions. These cries continued some three quarters of an hour, making as great a noise in the town, as i●… they had been a thousand men. The earl having long expected his troops, seeing that none advanced, he went out of the town, to see where they stayed so long, and where his horsemen were, the which had strayed in the wood, whom the earl guided unto the town, to the number of five hundred horse, having every one a harquebusier behind him: the which being entered, seized presently upon the Statehouse, putting themselves in battle upon the market place, and making themselves masters of the inhabitants, who either through amazement, or through favour which some bare unto the earl, were quiet, without taking arms: so as with small toil, and without any effusion of blood, but of the poor porter, this mighty and strong town was won, by the dexterity and courage of Cont Lodowic.  
At the same time Valenciennes was also surprised, but soon after it was recovered again by the duke of Alua. For having sent Dom john de Mendoza with some horsemen 〈◊〉 the castle (in the which there were Spaniards) being unfurnished of victuals and powder, he that had made this surprise in Cont Lodowics name, fearing to be besieged, and to be forced for want of munition to yield up the place, with little honour, he made choice rather to abandon it, and to ●…etire himself, without attending the enemy, who did not hope to enter so good cheap, nor without a siege.  
The duke of Alva knowing well of what importance the town of Flessingue was▪ as being the entrance into the sea and the river of Escaut, where their victuals came from all parts to feed the Isle of Walchrens, and that it was easy to fortify it, he sent Sancho d' Auila with men, artillery and munition to besiege it, and by the same means to provide for the towns of Middlebourg and Tergoes. The Protestants did no less for their parts, doing their uttermost 
S●…ncho d' A●…●…nt to be●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  endeavours to fortify the places which they held, but above all, Flessingue; where, after they had chased away captain Threlon and his men, by reason of their insolencies, they received some 6●…0 soldiers, English, Walloons and Flemings, come from London, and about 140 French, which came from deep to their succours.  
The prince of Orange on the other side having an intent to second Cont Lodowic his brother, being in Mons in Henault, levied what men he could both in Germ●…ny, England, Scotland and France. The duke of Alva to frustrate his designs, sent for duke Erick o●… Brunswick, and other commanders and colonels of horse and foot, Germans, to join with his army, and to attend the prince, if he advanced to enter into the country.  
These troops of strangers being entered into Flessingue, the inhabitants began to take courage, and to make great designs: they issued forth of their town to go and burn the ports of Middlebourg: they shot off their Ordnance at random through the town, and prepared to force it. They within resisted them valiantly▪ so as the Flessingu●…s being advertised of Do●… Sancho d' Auila's army, coming to succour Middlebourg (who being forced through tempest to lan●…, seized upon the castle of Rameken) they retired home. Yet after they had consulted in what manner they might most annoy the enemy, where they should have means to defray the charges of the war, and to entertain their soldiers, and to supply all other necessities: they resolved to go to field, to attempt some places, and to arm a good number of ships, to keep Middlebourg not only from victuals and munition of war, but also to cut off the passage for the succours which the king of Spain might send them by sea: so as in a short time they had ●…igged out a hundred and fifty sail, and put to field some three thousand men Yet could they not do it so speedily, but the duke of Alva had furnished Middlebourg by Sancho d' Auila. After this resolution, the fourth of june, ten ships of Zeeland, sailing towards antwerp, being come to Boom. creak, took there thirty boats of divers places, some going to antwerp, others returning.  
The garrison of Middlebourg meaning to be revenged for their losses upon them of Flessingue, laid an ambush for them at the castle of West-Soubourg, distant but half a league from Flessingue, where there were two hundred Walloons in garrison; the Spaniards being lodged covertly in the houses of the village, near unto the castle, attending day light, that some might issue forth to surprise it. Those of the castle knowing them to be so near, sallied forth upon them; but they were sharply repulsed, and forced to retire to their fort: The Spaniards had brought some Ordnance with them, wherewith they made some shot against the castle. The Flessinguers sent them a supply of three hundred men: but they were so received, as without the help of an English captain, and a hundred and fifty soldiers, captain Barnard had been in danger to have miscarried; and although it was well fought on either side, yet the Flessinguers finding themselves too weak to vanquish such great Spanish forces having Canon, they retired to their town with the loss of twenty men. The Walloons of the castle having seen these skirmishes, and that their men could not succour them, going forth at a back gate, abandoned the place to the enemies, and retired to Flessingue, where they excused themselves, for the want of powder. Afterwards, the Zeelanders meaning to go to field (as they had resolved) and to succour Cont Lodowic, thinking themselves strong enough to fight with all the Spaniards, entered into Flaunders, and marched directly to Oudenbourg, E●…kloo, and Ardenbourg, three great boroughs, where they found some of the chief bourgesses of Bruges, who were sent to declare unto captain Saras (governor of Fl●…ssingue, and chief of those troops) the good affection which they of Bruges bore unto the prince of Orange, and the desire they had to be of their allies. After that he had heard them▪ they were sent back to confirm the rest of the bourgesses in this devotion, and that causing the gate to be opened in the night, and entering, he (with his troops) would follow them; but they prevailed nothing: for the duke of Alva had too many friends there, among the merchant strangers of Spain and Genoa, which make their ordinary abode there. They also made a trial upon the town of Gand, but it was in vain: so as Sar●… seeing it impossible to get to Cont Lodowic, without putting himself in danger to have all pass●…ges stopped, and to be compassed in on all sides, without any means to retire, changed his resolution, and retired to Flessingue the same way he came, thinking to do better upon the town of Tergoes; where he framed to himself assured designs, by the intelligences which he presumed to have: but it was all in vain, being no more fortunate there than elsewhere; which made him to be suspected of cowardice or treason: so as at his return to Flessingue, they refused him the entry into the town. Yet a while after the Zeelanders hoping to find some of their party in Tergoes, sent the same captain Saras ag●…ine. Coming unto the Island of Zuytbevelandt, he found at his lan●…ing place a sort manned with two hundred soldiers; the which he took by force with his Englishmen: such as could save themselves, fled unto the town, and gave warning▪ that the Zeelanders had entered the Island: Saras pursuing them, advanced with his troops towards the town, the which he summoned to yield, and to have their lives and goods saved: but his hardy demand had a bardie denial: for those of the town entertained them so courteously with Canon and Musket shot, as some being hurt, they retired a little back: yet afterwards he caused them to advance again even unto the ditch, to see if there were not any of their party that would show themselves, whereby he might get some advantage. But seeing that no man made any show, he retired a league off▪ and there encamped, thinking that the town was not to be won, without greater force, and some artillery, whereof he was then unprovided. This retreat of Saras (as despairing to win it) gave courage unto the Spaniards, who made a sally forth to charge them in the ●…eward, as he made his retreat; but they marched in such good order, as they could not annoy them. Saras hearing of the coming of the Spaniards from An●…rpe and Berghen vp●…n▪ Soo●…, raised his camp, and returned into the Isle of Walchr●…▪ But the Flessinguers accusing him of cowardice and of treason in all his enterprises of Bruges, Gand, and Tergoes (where they presumed to have many friends) would not receive him nor any one of his men into the town▪ but sent them to the village of So●…land; where they entrenched themselves slightly, to defend them from all surprises of the enemy.  
The Spaniards of Middlebourg, Tergoes, and other places thereabouts, came in the morning by the break of day, and charged them with such fury in this fort, half finished, as at the first they overthrew fifty, and forced into the midst of the place: The English and Walloons fight notwithstanding like lions, made them recoil, and chased them out of their trenches. The Spaniards (mad with disdain, to see themselves thus repulsed) resuming new courage, and animating one another, returned to the charge, the which was much more sudden and furious than the first. On the other side, the Protestants seeing, that to fly would be both dangerous and dishonourable, preferring an honourable death, fought like desperate men: The Spaniards did strive the more, upon hope of victory; and the others desired rather to die in the bed of honour, than to fly or yield: so as the encounter was furious on either side, until that the Walloons discharging a field piece among the thickest of the Spaniards, made some to fly in pieces, and the rest to recoil, who thought it no reason to run headlong against the canon; and that it was against all warlike discipline to fight against a desperate enemy. The Walloons and French, especially those of deep▪ seeing this, grew more courageous than before, and pursued them in their retreat, being followed by the English and Zeelanders▪ who altogether charged their enemies with such fury, as they made them all fly on a heap, whereof they slew a part, and had many prisoners. There was a squadron of those that fled, got into a barn, where they were all roasted. In this charge there died some hundred and fifty Spaniards. Of the French Protestants, besides the soldiers, captain la Riviere was slain there; for whose loss they were so incensed, as they caused all the prisoners to be hanged: the which made foul wars, and caused the Spaniards to hang all the Protestants they could take. After this victory, Saras returned to Flessingue, where the entry was again denied him; yet after that he had wandered up and down fifteen days, at the request of the French captains he was received.  
Soon after, there were new preparations made to go again into the Island of Suytbevelandt, 
The Protestants of Zeeland besiege Tergoes.  and to besiege Tergoes, situated in the midst of a fertile country, which yielded many good commodities of victuals to the town of antwerp. It had a strong wall, and deep ditches, but no counterscarpe nor parapet upon the rampire. They sent nine double Canons thither, which were drawn out of Flessingue. The Protestants army lodged at the first in the suburbs of the town, whereas there were but two companies, one of Spaniards, and another of Flemings in garrison. The Canon was planted in two batteries; the one at the port, the other within the land: that at the port had soon made a breach of fifty foot wide, where the French and the English undertook to give an assault about midnight with a camisado and scalado: The first assailants were sharply repulsed; besides, the ladders which Saras had given them, were too short: so as this assault was very prejudicial unto them, being forced to leave it with shame and loss.  
About that time, the five and twentieth of August, all the soldiers within Flessingue (except the companies of captain Barnard, Eloy, Morcant, and some few others) embarked with them of the garrison of la Vere, with a great number of boats, having a design upon the town of antwerp, where they had intelligence with some bourgesses: the which was done under the command and authority of the prince of Orange: but as they were upon the way about Doel, they were advised, by letters from antwerp, to stay some three or four days, by reason of some difficulties, and to attend until they had other advertisement: whereupon they returned the next day to Byezelingen, in the land of Tergoes, so as this design proved fruitless: for the which some of the said bourgesses were accused, convicted, and executed.  
The eight and twentieth of August captain Claes Claesz with his ship, and Broubier with his flieboat, went out of Flessingue, and going along the Western coast, they met with four pinnaces come out of Scluse to seek their adventures upon the Zeelanders and their allies: two of which were chased back into their hole, called the Swyn: the third was abandoned by the Spaniards▪ who leapt into the sea, whereof some were saved, and the rest drowned: but before they abandoned it, they left a match light, which set fire on the powder, as they were carrying it to Flessingue, so as four men were burnt: the fourth was taken fight, and all the prisoners brought to Flessingue, whereas instantly there were ten hanged.  
The duke of Alva fearing lest the town of Tergoes would be lost (by reason of the small garrison that was within it) by a long siege of the Zeelanders, he sent Sancho d'Auila, governor of the citadel of antwerp, to succour it with three thousand men, causing part of them to be embarked in good ships of war, which might force through them of Zeeland, who were at sea to stop the passage to Tergoes: and to prepare them work of another side, he himself went by land with the rest, and two field-pieces; whereof the one was myred, by reason of the great rain that fell: Those that were embarked, were defeated by the Zeelanders ships, and not one could pass that way. Yet d'Auila fainted not; but having inquired of the best experienced mariners, if there might be no way to pass over at a low water; being told him, that there was good means, yet he would not trust them, before he had sent some of his people with them to sound the passage; who having made their report, that it was easy to do, but with great diligence and travel, for that there was about two leagues of passage, and some channels in the way that were good and deep at a low water. D'Auila being glad to have found this way, would make a trial with all his troop accompanied by colonel Mondragon his assistant; who marching first on foot, led them both Spaniards, Walloons, and Germans, two thousand paces, or thereabouts, into the drowned land, not knowing whither they went: the which they passed in five hours, and arrived safely (though with great toil) in the Island of Zuytbevelandt, where they made them to rest, before they would have them fight with their enemy, being above four leagues from them. And although that these soldiers were so wet and tired, as they could not march far, and that the Protestants (besieging Tergoes) were five thousand men, and might easily have defeated them, by reason of the great advantages they had over them, had they been all fresh and lusty: yet there fell so great an amazement amongst them in their camp, as to their great shame and confusion they raised the siege, and fled, retiring unto their ships, as if the enemies had been at their heels, when as they did scarce see them. Bartel Entens, lieutenant to the earl of March, was one of the ringleaders in this flight: who arrived the two and twentieth of October with his men, and the French, before la Vere, and the English before Flessingue. They had left some English and French in the suburbs for the rearward, that they might the more easily embark the artillery. But the fear and apprehension was so great among them, as they abandoned all, and fled in such disorder to their ships, as many seeking to enter in the press, were drowned, and the artillery abandoned and lost. Captain Saras, unfortunate in all his exploits, was again taxed with treason; so as to justify himself, he went to the prince of Orange (who had made him governor of Flessingue) to whom he made a declaration of his innocency, desiring him to give him leave to call any man by proclamation unto the combat, that should say, that he were other than a faithful and a loyal gentleman, having in all things discharged himself of his duty and allegiance. Whereupon some of his friends advised him to have patience, and that time would justify him sufficiently, if that his actions were sincere and just.  
Bartel Entens being returned with his men into the Isle of Walchrens, made an enterprise upon Arnemuyden, thinking to surprise it, but he failed; for that one of his soldiers having shot off his piece indiscreetly, and without cause, caused an alarm; for the which he was hanged: then burning some country houses about the town, they ran towards Westhoven, a castle belonging unto the bishop of Middlebourg, the which they took, and burned the next day.  
The king of Spain hearing, that the too sharp and rigorous government of the duke of Alva had been the cause of all the troubles in the Netherlands, whereof he had daily 
The duke of Medina Coeli sent to govern the Netherlands.  many complaints, and that through his negligence the Zeelanders and others had taken arms, meant to call him home, and to send the duke of Medina Coeli in his place: a nobleman of a milder disposition, to govern the said countries of the Netherlands after the duke of Alua. And to that end, there was a good fleet of ships of war appointed, with two thousand Spaniards, with whom there joined five and twenty other merchants ships, Spaniards, Portugeses, and Italians, laden with wool, spice, and other good merchandise.  
With all this fleet the duke of Medina sailed happily, until he came unto the coast of Flaunders. But the eleventh of june news being come to Flessingue, That there were forty ships gone towards Ostend, every man posted to arm and put forth his ship, to set upon them. Captain Worst, with other captains, went forth to find them, with twelve ships and hoys; but before they could come, six and twenty caravels of this fleet had cast themselves into the Swyn of Scluse, whereas the duke of Medina saved himself with twelve more in a shippe-boat. The Zeelanders burned three which were run a ground; and two others being taken, were carried to Flessingue, laden with merchandise. The Spaniards that were found in these five, were cast overboard, and about threescore carried prisoners to Flessingue: from whence the twelfth day of the same month went forth eight other ships, well manned with soldiers, mariners and bourgesses, gaping after nothing but booty, encouraged with the good success of the day before, and to second those twelve ships that went forth with captain Worst, to fight with those twelve great ships, laden with Spanish soldiers, the which for their greatness could not enter into Scluse: but these great carackes seeing them come, kept so close together, as the Zeelanders could not annoy them; so as they returned without any effect, being hindered by a Westerly wind, which was contrary unto them. Yet the same day they rigged forth certain great ships, to visit them the next day, if happily the wind would serve; but the tempest increasing, they could not do any thing, and so for spite they hung up eleven Spaniards, which they had taken prisoners. The next day they discovered many sails at sea, coming from the West, yet could they not suddenly discern what they were, and therefore at Flessingue they held their artillery ready, and their ramparts well manned. The twelve great Spanish carackes were forced by a South-west wind to join with all these sails that were discovered. The first ship of this fle●… was of antwerp, at whom they of Flessingue shot, which made them to strike sail, as likewise all the fleet did. But the twelve carackes, laden with Spaniards, which followed them (although they shot much at them) passed on, still coasting Fl●…unders, until that all twelve came under the lee of the castle of Rameken; but all the rest of the fleet of Lisbonne (which were one and twenty sails) were all taken, except three, which weighed anchor in time, and adventured by the Hont towards antwerp.  
The Zeelanders had a wonderful rich booty in all these ships, besides that which they had before of the duke of Medina's: for besides the spices, wool, wines, and other merchandise, they had in one of them, in gold and silver coined, and to coin, two hundred thousand ducats: so as if all this booty had been well governed, and applied to the good of the common cause, it had been sufficient to make war a whole year against the king of Spain. But leaving Zeeland a little, we will show what passed in the mean time in Holland and other provinces of the Netherlands.  
I think it conuenie●…t to show how the town of Enchuysen obtained her freedom▪ which I will in brief declare, that the Reader may thereby conceive how other towns likewise proceeded in their actions: for that the taking of the Briel, Flessingue, and Enchuysen were the only foundation and first original of the recovering of the freedom of the Netherlands, and shaking off the Spanish yoke.  
Enchuysen is a good town, belonging unto North Holland, or West-Friseland, and lying upon the South sea: a town well peopled, and well stored with ships, but in times 
Enchuysen reuol●…th.  passed but little esteemed, inhabited by rich seafaring men, and fishers; which being strongly situated (together with the great store of seafaring men, and ships belonging unto the same) was the foundation, back, and ground of the assuring of the neighbour towns about it; as Briel in South-Holland, and Flessingue in Zeeland were unto those about them.  
The town of Briel being taken by the earl Ʋander Merke in April 1572, whereupon ensued the revolt of Flessingue, with other towns; the duke of Alva having before commanded them of Holland and West-Friseland, to send an army of ships of war to keep the sea, did at that time will them in all haste to send them forth against those of the Briel, thereby to recover the passage of the Meuse out of their hands; and while they of Amsterdam, Enchuysen, and other places were busied about the same, divers soldiers were likewise sent thither, not only for the ships, but also under pretence thereof secretly to put a garrison into Enchuysen, as being a town, by reason of the situation, of great importance for the keeping of the Southern sea.  
This pretence was partly perceived by the unadvised words of one captain Schuylenburgh, by him spoken in anger unto a bourger of Enchuysen, that asked him some money that he ought him, threatening him and the rest of the townsmen with further inconveniences, than they as yet had felt: which being made known amongst the burghers, they promised and ●…ore each unto other, not to suffer any soldiers to enter into the town. After that, it happened, as the ships of war were almost ready, one captain Quickel came unto the gate of Enchuysen, with certain soldiers, desiring to enter in; which he was suffered to do only with one of his gentlemen, so they would leave their arms in the court of guard; which soldiers esteeming for an indignity and despite, they could not refrain to tell them of it: which made the burghers to conceive a greater suspicion; the same increasing more by means of certain fugitive burghers, that were newly returned home again, utter enemies to the Spaniards. The four bourgomasters which were then in office, being Cornclis Peterson, john Reynarson, Volckar Harrickson, and William johnson, sought and agreed all together, under pretence of a muster, to bring the said captain Quickel his soldiers into the town: but the townsmen assembling together, to withstand the same, an old bourger, called Reymer Stontingh, told the old bourgomaster Walter Symonson, That it was best for them to muster the soldiers without the town, and let them take shipping without, so to put the burghers out of all suspicion. Whereunto the old bourgomaster made answer and said, Hold thy tongue thou beast, seekest thou to make an uproar amongst the townsmen? Thou wert well served, if thou wert hanged, that others might take example by thee; with other such like choleric speeches. And when the rest of the townsmen (that commended their fellow burghers speech) thought to make answer thereunto, he snapped them shortly up, and commanded them all to be silent, saying, That the government of the town was committed unto their charge: so that no man durst speak one word more, only a bourger of good account called Cornelis Peterson Re●…tlutz, one well esteemed of amongst all the townsmen, and that after served in many offices of the town, answered him, saying, If the town be committed unto your charge, then rule it as you ought to do; but if you seek to charge us with a garrison, the burghers will not like of it, they having been without trade or traffic these five years, and therefore now they had no need to be charged with soldiers. Whereupon the bourgomaster spoke in flouting manner, and asked him, how he would have it, and whether that they must ask him, what were best to be done. Whereunto Cornelis Peterson spoke boldly, saying▪ We desire to have no soldiers enter into the town, though it cost me this black head of mine: and of whom should you ask the question, but of us, that are inhabitants of the town? Or have not we to do therewith? you alone cannot maintain us. But when the bourgomaster saw more of them to assemble together, he said unto them; Be of good cheer, there shall no soldiers come in here: wherewith the burghers were content, and better pleased, thinking, he had meant as he said.  
The next day the lord of Boshuysen, admiral of Holland, came unto the town with his officers and his halberdiers, attending on him, who by his authority, together with the bourgomasters, caused captain Quickel with his colours and company to come unto the town; but the burghers running unto the gates, made them retire: by which means their purpose failing, part of the said soldiers got their passports, feigning, not to be willing to serve in the ships, saying, That they were taken up and appointed only to lie in garrison in the town. By this feigned kind of discharging, they thought to get into the town without arms, and by means of Claus Rem, host of the Paradise, where captain Quickel aforesaid then lay, they thought to get their arms to be brought secretly into the town under some women's long huyckes; and having partly effected the same, and gotten part of them in, the captain caused a drum to be sounded (to put the burghers in fear, as if all his soldiers had been entered) to will them all to assemble at his lodging: Whereupon some of them gathering together, the burghers, especially the fishermen, that as then were newly come from fishing, ran in heaps together unto the Inn, and forcibly drove captain Quickel, with his soldiers, out of the town, and yet no man hurt on both sides. The said captain Quickel being out, the burghers went unto the house of Frederick Simonson, hard by the town house, where the admiral Boshuyse●… lay, to speak with him; but the host swearing that he was not there, they would not leave until they had found him, and for that he had deceived them before, they put him into the townhouse, and there kept him, with certain burghers to watch him, and thereupon went and fetched the Ordnance that lay at the haven, and out of two ships of war, and brought them into the town, giving order, and causing the Passage Hoye of Amsterdam (that came thither laden with powder and shot) to be safely kept, and sufficiently guarded.  
The next day, being the third of May, the burghers being somewhat better encouraged, went in great heaps unto the townhouse, where the bourgomasters sought to persuade the chiefest of them to be quiet, saying, That all that while there had nothing been done, but that which might be easily answered before the king, and imputed unto some light young fellows and strangers in the town, and such like reasons. But Ioh●… Frederickeson and Cornelis Peterson aforesaid standing by, Correlis bade the bourgomasters not to make the matter any fairer than it was, saying, That the bringing in of the soldiers was nothing else but villainy, whereby they sought to bring many burghers (especially those that loved and favoured the prince of Orange, their right Governor, and such as were of the true Religion) unto their ends, and that therefore it were better (seeing how things fell out) to join with the rest, and to bring the ships of war into the haven, and to plant the Ordnance upon their walls, and so to defend themselves against their enemies. But the bourgomasters would by no means hear thereof: and as one Diericke johnson, a brewer, came thither, the said Cornelis spoke in this manner: There is a man, which you banished out of the town without any cause, and without law or ●…ight seized upon all his goods, who, with divers others, were compelled to abandon and forsake the country: Therefore (said he) it were time for us to lose and unburden ourselves from the Aluanish tyranny, and the exaction of the tenth penny, and to receive the prince of Orange, that seeketh nothing else, but the welfare and freedom of the Netherlands. Whereunto Vol●…kar Harrickson, and another bourgomaster making answer, said, That they would (for a great sum of money) that it were come unto that pas●…e, that the prince of Orange were in the government, and they discharged of their offices. Whereunto Cornelis said, That they were in no danger, nor had any cause to fear, that any innocent blood should be spilled, for that God had taken care both for them and his Religion, and that therefore they were to expect and attend nothing but friendly usage and good dealing, behaving themselves in good sort, and truly and faithfully aiding and assisting one the other.  
Certain days after, Paulus vander Loo, Drossart of Muyden, came thither, with a caravel laden full of soldiers, which he thought to convey secretly into the town, and lay with it upon the ditch by the brewer's house. Whereof the burghers understanding, amongst the rest, one Peter Buyskens met the Drossart coming to the gate, and roughly asked him, What he made there, and whither he would go with his soldiers. The Drossart abashed at his rough speech, knew not what to say: whereupon they bade him to be gone from thence, or else (they said) they would make him shorter by the two legs. Mean time, the bourgomaster William johnson came thither, to fetch the Drossart into the town; whom Diericke johnson, brewer, asked, Whither those soldiers should go, saying that they perceived all their doings to be nothing but villainy, and that they must be forced to cause the burghers to rise; whereby great trouble began to ensue: the bourgomaster made answer, That he knew not thereof, perceiving, that some of the burghers already began to go unto the ship, and to fall upon the soldiers, and that one Cornelis johnson, brewer, placed a piece of Ordnance, and having a match ready lighted in his hand, was about to shoot at the ship; but Harman Entison, the town carpenter, by good fortune stayed him; whereupon the Drossart went back again with his soldiers. With that, the bourgomasters and the other officers of the town being abashed, understanding likewise, that Peter Luytkison Buyskens had commission from the prince of Orange, bearing date in Dillenbourg the twentieth of April 1572, to assure the town of Enchuysen with the ships of war, against the duke of Alva, the which upon the success of the Briel and Flessingue had caused him and others to be so bold, as to come into the town, and that the burghers were there with emboldened, they sought to make a deceitful and feigned agreement; whereunto the burghers all with one voice consented; which was, That the ships lying in the stream should be let pass, but that all the ships and goods that were within the town, should be kept there, which were the ships of war, with munition, powder, and shot: That the watch in the town should be increased: That they should let no soldiers nor Gueux on either side enter into the town, but should themselves keep the town for the king: to which end they chose four captains amongst themselves, to command the burghers, whose names were, Siewaert johnson, Crommendike, old Frederick Simonson, Peter Hendrickson, and Frederick Peterson, alias Maekschoon; choosing twelve burghers to sit in counsel with the magistrates, and so as they thought the matter was ended. This notwithstanding, the bourgomasters secretly sought to assure the town for the duke of Alva, and for that cause devised▪ that certain burghers that were affected to the Spaniards, and the ●…arle of Bossu their governor, should make request unto them, to have licence for the space of three days to ship, lad, and carry all their goods out of the town whither they would: which being granted them, they subtly got all the co●…e into their hands, and carried it away, together with their best movables and household stuff; which being gone, and but s●…all store left, they discouraged the burghers, telling them, that there was no corn, nor other provision in the town, and had not strengthened the watch (being but sixty men) as they said they would. Upon this, much suspicion rose amongst the burghers, & to that end they assembled upon the South haven, in Dierick Brewers wood yard, where they determined to send Corn is Peterson, and young Frederick Simonson, to the bourgomasters in the townhouse, to certify them, That the burghers were discontented, and found fault, that the watch was not strengthened as it should be, with other complaints. The bourgomasters made answer, That they were then in hand with the captains, about providing certain shot, and that they should stay till the next morning, and they would fulfil their minds: but answer being made, That the danger was great, and that therefore they would have the watch made stronger that night; the bourgomasters thereupon, after many delays, were content. But the burghers, moved with the long detraction of their answer, suspecting the admiral Boshuysens bad counsel, who as then was kept in the townhouse, went all together thither, and seemed to be much out of quiet. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson thinking to do for the best, and seeking to appease them, they cried out, and were angry with him, saying, That he dissembled as well as the rest: wherewith he presently excused himself, willing them to kill him, whensoever they found him with that fault. After that, one Peter Potbacker cried out, and said, That they would have the admiral Boshuysen out of the townhouse, and put him into a straighter prison; which was done (disorderly enough) for that one of his servants was hurt; the bourgomasters praying the people to be quie●…, that no blood might be shed: and so they drew him, and one john Vesterman, that spoke in his behalf, because he was an old man, to another place, and kept him prisoner in the Keet-gate, where they willed him to write unto the captains of the ships of war that lay before the Veen, that they should bring the ships, and lay them in the road before the town, and put themselves into the hands of the burghers of Enchuysen: but they not agreeing amongst themselves, whether it should be done in the name of the admiral, or in the burghers name, they sent particular letters, whereby there grew division among the fleet, which as then began to be stronger. And for that cause, the ships of Amsterdam sailed home again, and they of Enchuysen came the next day, and lay in the road before the town. After that, the bourgomasters got the admiral Boshuysen and Vesterman to be set at liberty, and with good store of shot to be conveyed to Amsterdam. Thereupon the burghers and the bourgomasters took order together, That the ships of war should be brought into the haven, and the Ordnance placed upon the walls, and to that end that the gates should be kept shut, that the townsmen might be kept together, till it were done. But Frederick Simonson, the elder, one of the captains of the town, having the command of the watch that night, did nothing all that night, but labour with the burghers, to persuade them to desist from their pretence, telling them, That they were to expect no better issue, than they of Valenciennes and Berghen in Henault had: That they should have no free passage (through any tolle) neither at Amsterdam, nor in any other place: and that the troubles that had happened in the town, were to be imputed unto the admiral Boshuysen, that sought to have brought captain Quickel, with his company, forcibly into the town, having to that end caused their arms to be secretly brought in, and that Boshuysens ships had taken two of their burghers Dogh-boates; for which cause they had driven the soldiers out of the town, excusing every thing in the best manner, and that the same should not be laid unto their charges, neither yet be accounted for treason: which to assure them, he offered to give himself, his wife and his children in pawn; in such sort, that he (many being persuaded) was so bold upon the fifteenth of May in the morning, contrary to the determination aforesaid, to open both the gates and the boome, and to let the fishermen go out. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson spoke boldly unto him, and asked him, why the boomes were open, contrary to the order taken touching the same, and that the bringing in of the ships, and the placing of the Ordnance on the walls was stayed. The captain seeking peaceably to excuse the matter, and to bring him to consent and agree to his persuasions, said, That it was his office appointed him by the town: And with that, proceeding to more words, Cornelis Peterson said, That he had nothing to do with their offices, and that all was in vain, and that the ships must be brought into the haven, and the Ordnance laid upon the walls: and certain burghers being assembled at North Spuye, they both went thither, each to persuade them as he thought best, Cornelis Peterson earnestly alleging against the captains arguments, That both his speeches and promises were nothing else but mere deceits, to persuade and bring them once again under the duke of Alua's tyranny: from thence they two went to the West end of the fishers dike by another assembly of burghers, each showing his reasons, as aforesaid. But when captain Frederick Simonson perceived some of the favourers of the reformed Religion to be there, he moderated his speech, saying, That all they knew well, and he protested before God, that he bate a good affection unto the prince, and that they should be secret enemies unto the duke of Alva, and seek by messengers to know and understand, when the prince would enter into the field; and being once assured thereof, that then they should discover themselves, and not be so hasty to bring the ships of war into the haven, but let Valenciennes, Berghen, and others, be an example and warning unto them, and remember how badly their proceedings fell out; showing how well they might yet excuse and discharge themselves before the king and his counsel, proffering to give his body, life, wife, and children to pawn, That if they would but follow his counsel, they should not be molested or troubled in any wife.  
Captain Frederick having drawn a great number of the burghers to hearken unto him, he took them all to witness, That Cornelis Peterson was a stubborn, mistrustful, and suspicious man. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson said, That he could not believe him, for that he sought to break the order and agreement that was made the day before, as also that he had sworn, that Boshuysen was not lodged in his house, and yet he was found therein; as also, that the proceedings of those of Amsterdam was yet fresh in every man's remembrance, how that the bourgomasters in Anno 1567. dealt doubly with their burghers, telling them, That if the baron de Brederode went from thence with his soldiers, they would take no more in to them: but they (contrary to their former promises) took the earl of Meghen his soldiers into the town. Captain Frederick made answer unto him, That the cases were not alike: for that the burghers in Enchuysen had four men in the secret counsel, whereby the bourgomasters could not do so much as write a letter, but the counsel knew what it was; and that it was not so in Amsterdam. Whereunto Cornelis Peterson said, That there were four men (such as they were) whereof he was one, which were not to be trusted: and after such like contradictions used one against the other, they departed without any resolution. Both parts in this sort seeking to increase the number of their adherents, and the captains of the ships of war desiring their resolution, and willingly would have entered into the town, they were commanded by the bourgmasters and the captains, to go to their ships, and to look well to them, according to their oaths, which they had made unto the king; which they presently did. After that, the bourgmasters sent for some of the best burghers in the town, desiring them to consent, that the ships of war might be sent forth, and that so they should not be in danger of the king's army: and having by that means procured the best of the burghers to consent with them, declaring further by writing, that they would keep the town for the king and the prince, that so they might have the full consent of the whole town; Cornelis Peterson spoke out, and said, That it was all villainy and deceit, and that they meant not to keep the town for the prince of Orange, but for the prince of Spain, and that therefore such deceivers were not to be trusted, but that to the contrary the ships were to be brought in, and the ordnance placed upon the walls. Wherewith the bourgmaster john Reynarson spoke, and said, Good brethren, strive not against the king's army, it will be hardly laid unto our charges, let them therefore go, and that is the best way for us. The most of the burghers therewith giving consent, that they should go, and the sooner the better, Cornelis Peterson and his adherents said, That it were best to let them lie, until the ships of war of Amsterdam were come down; and therewith the assembly departed: But to get the consent of the burghers, the bourgmasters caused the great, or the common counsel of the burghers to be assembled, and sent unto them some of their secret counsel, and others whom they best trusted, with whom they dealt in such wise, that it was agreed by the most voices, that the ships of war should go forth. Whereupon the ships went out, and certain barrels of powder, and sailed towards Amsterdam: but as they put out, one of the flie-boats fell on ground, which by reason of the wind could not be holpen: whereupon the earl Ʋander Marks ships making towards it (the captain and the men having forsaken it) fell upon it, and having ransacked it of all that was in it, burned it. The bourgmasters hearing thereof, thought good to set out another fli-boat in place of that was lost, not making any words nor show to do it, till about noon time, when least people were in the streets: which for that it was contrary to their agreement, and they seeking to bring it through the draw bridge, certain burghers emboldened themselves, when they were about it, to let the bridge fall between the two masts, whereby the flieboat could neither go in nor out, and so lay still certain days. The bourgmasters and the magistrates laboured likewise to raise a company of men out of the burghers within the town, thereby to hold better unity and peace amongst them, appointing one master Henrick to be their captain; but the burghers not content with him, sent Peter Ruyskens, and Diericke Brower, to tell them that they liked not of him. Answer was given them, That they would please them, and that they desired nothing else but peace; and that if they would nominat four men, they would choose one of them. Whereupon the burghers assembling, chose four men, but they liked not the bourgmasters: whereupon one Bart Luytgeson was appointed captain of that company, and therewith they took their oaths. Mean time Peter Buyskens, and Diericke Brower sought by all means to persuade the bourgmasters, that the prince of Orange would shortly enter into the field to aid them, showing letters new come out of Dillinborgh, which Isebrandt jacobson, and Richart Claeson had brought, but they would not believe it, but devised all the means they could, to go forward with their proceedings, to aid the duke of Alva: and having gotten a company of soldiers under their command, determined to send the flieboat that lay under the bridge for a man of war, amongst the rest of the ships that were gone to Amsterdam, and to that end the bourgmasters and the counsel, with the company of soldiers, about noon time went to the bridge, where they found no man but Cornelis Brewer, with jacob and john his two brethren, who presently got more company, and standing upon the promise made unto them, stepped upon the bridge, Cornelis having a two handed sword upon his shoulder, and his brethren either of them a piece: the bourgmaster Peter Cornelison stepping forward, asked who was there, that would let them from drawing the flyboat forth from under the bridge: whereunto Cornelis Brewer made answer, and said, That will we, or else will die for it. The bourgmaster therewith abashed, and withal many people assembling together, one of the soldiers filled his piece, to shoot at Cornelis Brewer and his brethren, which one of the burghers, called Arent Erickson, perceiving, cried out and said, If thou shootest at any of the burghers, I will th●…ust my poniard in thy ribs: wherewith he and the bourgmasters left off their pretence, returning back again with the company of soldiers to the town-houle, where they presently caused the harguebusiers to assemble at the town-house with their arms: the said harguebusiers (appointed in every town of the Netherlands out of the best and fittest burghers, with special oath to defend the town) being come unto the town house, asked wherefore the bourgmasters had so suddenly sent for them. Answer was made them, That they would have them to help either to drive the Gueux and villains out of the town, or else kill them. Whereupon great dissension rose amongst the shot, so that many of them sought to go peaceably home again. With that the bourgmasters caused two great pieces that lay before the town house (although the gunner's had left them) to be made ready, and placed them against the street where they thought the burghers would come up: & one William Besterman striking off the locks, laid powder upon the touch-holes, as if they had been ready to shoot them off. Wherewith a bourger of good account, called jacob Florison, that dwelled not far from the townhouse, then sitting upon the seat before his door, with his wife, seeing that preparation and forwardness, thought upon some means how to prevent the danger of blood shedding, and standing up, determining to venture his life, said to his wife Sou (that is Susanna) William's daughter adieu, we must now part, and presently went to the North Spuy, where he met with Gerrardt johnson Swaels, a canonier, that asked him what were best to be done, saying, they would all venture life and limb with him, so he would take the command upon him. jacob said, Well then, take the planks that lie there, and place them in manner of a sco●…ce breast high, in the broad street, before thy mother's house, and then fetch the two brass●… pieces that lie upon the haven, and place them before the planks, but shoot not before they of the townhouse come, or till I come again from the Spuy. Wherewith he going to the Spuy, found great store of fishermen there, that heartened one the other to go forcibly to the townhouse, and to constrain them to lay down their arms before they were stronger, crying out and saying, Seeing they seek to bring us to our ends, let us go and spoil them first: but when jacob Florison spoke unto them in friendly manner, and said, Good brethren, be patient a while, until they come to fight with us, and then will we show that we are men, that they may have no cause to charge us withal: wherewith they were somewhat quiet: notwithstanding a politic bourger, called Harco Meyusche (that after was a captain in the battle against Boshuysen, and lost his life in that war, for his country's cause) said, That it was the best way to set upon them, lest they should come too short and too late: wherewith they were certified, that the harguebusiers in the townhouse were at controversy, and many of of them unwilling to fight against their fellow burghers, and so to bring the town into perpetual slavery, and that therefore many of them were gone home again, and that only some that favoured the Spaniards stayed there. This being thus pacified, & the one holding the others sword in the scabbard, the burghers sent Peter Buyskens, with some others to the burgmasters to move them to send the brass pieces that stood before the townhouse unto the walls, and to a●…d and assist the town, to defend itself against the enemy. But the bourgmasters made answer, That they knew what they had to do, and that they would think upon the matter, and put to their hands to help to strengthen justice, thereby to punish ●…ebels, and such as would not be ruled: and being asked what rebels they meant (which they partly named) they began to fall to contention, and sought to have an answer of that they required, touching the carrying away of the ordnance. They had a resolute answer, That they must have patience, until their committees William johnson, and jacob Peterson Samsoen should be returned from Amsterdam, whom they looked for that evening, and that then they would say more unto them, else not. Those committees that were sent to the earl of Bossu to Amsterdam, being returned, the burghers sent their mess●…ngers once again unto the townhouse, to have answer upon their last request. To whom answer was made by the bourgmasters, saying, Now Dierick johnson, jacob Erickson, and Peter Buyskens, it will not be, and we are not yet ready to carry the ordnance unto the walls, for our committees are come from Amsterdam, and bring us word, That the earl of Bossu is desirous to know who are his friends, or his foes, and will have us all expressly swear, That we will accept and acknowledge the duke of Alva for Governor, & the earl of Bossu for his Lieutenant; and that whosoever refuseth to do so, may freely depart out of the town, if th●… be any such among you: and without making longer delay with you, that is the mark whereat we shoot, with many such like words. Whereupon the committees for the burghers, seeing their resolution, gave them thanks for speaking so plainly unto them, for that thereby they said, they might know who were their friends or their foes: and having consulted together with the principallest of them, gave a resolute answer, That the burghers desired not to swear unto the duke of Alva as their governor, nor yet to the earl of Bossu as his lieutenant, neither yet intended to leave the town, for that some of them had been forced to keep five years together out of the town in foreign countries, in regard of the tyranny, wherein they said they could by no means blame the burghers: and that if their adverse parties would go out of the town, they might be gone; the good burghers had once gone already, but now they said they should not get them alive out of the town, and that so they might assure themselves. That done, the bourgmasters desired that with one accord they would all agree, to discharge them of their oaths that they had made unto the town, for that they said they must accomplish the earl of Bos●…ues commission, either by fair or foul means. Which the burghers were content to do, each acquitting other of their oaths, made on both sides, agreeing that every man should do his best, and so departed each from other, each making their report. Therewith the burghers being assembled, resolved to take order how they would proceed, to free and deliver themselves from tyranny, and to restore the town to her former freedom: to which end they determined to constrain the town by force. Whereunto Peter Buyskens that had commission from their old governor the prince of Orange, and one Hans Cloterman gave them counsel, and said, That if they would not be suddenly overrun and spoiled, they must not long stand upon resolving what they meant to do. And having in that sort consulted together till noon time, they all agreed, and so every man went home to dinner, promising one the other to hold together, and to proceed therein in the name of God: the bourgmasters being likewise devising and consulting what order to take, to proceed in their affairs.  
About noon Dterick johnson Brewer, caused the town drummer to sound his drum round about the town, and to will all those that loved the king of Spain and the prince of Orange, to assemble together with their arms, upon the South and North Spuy: Which the bourgmasters' understanding, sent for the harguebusiers of the town, and all their adherents, to come with their arms unto the townhouse, whereas the aforesaid town drum had made that cry only for them, as he was commanded; some of the townhouse being of a good hope, seeing they heard the king of Spain named: and so either party made themselves strong to see which of them should be masters of the town. The burghers had appointed Peter Buyskens for one of their commanders, to be with his company at the North Spuy, and jacob Erickson at the south Spuy, by the gate, to take in the South tower, and Diericke Brower to go to the blue gate, where there lay two pieces of ordnance, which he took, and there made a barricado, which he drove before him, and therewith went with his troop unto the townhouse, and coming to the Morions head, the town captains Cromendike, Peter Hendrickson, and master Ma●…kschon met them, persuading them to agree friendly together, as friends and citizens ought to do: but the burghers that went forwards towards the town house giving the captains no answer, a number of the best and motherliest women in the town assembled together, and stopped the street, thinking to stay them from blood shedding (as the women thereabouts of nature and ancient custom are very manly, in regard that the men are often out at sea to fish, and otherwise) and began to cry out, and to fall upon the men's necks, and to entreat them not to proceed any further, but peaceably to go home again to their houses, and live friendly one with the other, with many such words. But Diericke Brower mistrusting such a matter, spoke ruffely, and said, Away and be gone quickly, and stay within your houses, whosoever we find in the streets shall bear away the blows. Wherewith the women stepping back▪ the burghers went forward, and one john Frerickson Flutske, and jacob the son of Diericke Brower, with some others stepped out before the ordnance and the barricado, and went towards the townhouse, and there finding a great company of harguebusiers standing before it, that meant to resist them, the said john Frerickson couched his piece to shoot at one of the principallest criers out for the duke of Alva called Albert Reinierson, but shooting off, missed him: which the harguebusiers seeing, and perceiving that the burghers meant to proceed to a fight in good earnest, and withal hearing and seeing another company of burghers come from the South part of the town and a great number of fishermen from the North end, they were in great fear, and went their ways, letting the rest do what they would. The bourgmasters perceiving themselves to be forsaken of the harguebusiers, and the burghers coming strongly on, fled into the townhouse, and shut to the door, to save themselves from the fury of the people, and hid them in secret places. The burghers finding the townhouse locked, Diericke Brewer bade them take a great bar and strike it open: which they presently did, and all the rest of the doors, till they found the bourgmasters, which had for fear hid themselves, as we have said, where they took them, and committed them prisoners in the Keet gate, placing good watch to keep them, and presently set the prince of Orange's colours upon the walls, the English tower, and the blue gate.  
Hereupon they wrote unto the earl of March, lieutenant to the prince of Orange, entreating him to take their town into his protection, and that to that end he would send them some soldiers, to repulse the tyranny of the duke of Alua. Those of the towns of Alcmar, Horn, Edam, and Medemblic, in the said country of Friesland, did the like, following the example of them of Enchuysen. On the other side the towns of South-Holland, that lay nearest unto the Bryele, opened their gates willingly unto the prince of Orange's men, yielding themselves 
The earl of March as am tenant to the prince of Orange se●…seth upon Holland.  under his protection and obedience, except Schoonhoven and Amsterdam, which made great resistance: But Schoonhoven was soon besieged by the earl of March, who reduced them unto reason: so as all Holland yielded unto the earl, as lieutenant unto the prince, who had been long governor: only Amsterdam excepted, the which he besieged twice, but he prevailed nothing, being too strong of situation, and too well peopled, not able to win the citizens, who were too much inclined to the Romish religion, and to the king of Spain's devotion.  
Whilst that the earl of March played his part in Holland, the earl of Sheeren-Berghe, brother in law to the prince, entered into the county of Zutphen with a good troop of men, where he first took the towns of Dotekom, Dousbourg, and after Zutphen, the chief town of all the county: then in the country of Geldres, Harderwic, Elbruch, and Hattem: in the country of Ouerissel in the Twente, he seized upon Good and Oldezeel: and seeing the resolution & courage of the inhabitants of the country, to withstand the duke's tyranny, passing further into the country of Ouerissel, he went to besiege Campen, a goodly town at the mouth of the river of Yssel in the Zuyderzee, the which the besieged for want of victuals and other munitions, were forced to yield by composition, as soon after Hasselt, Zwolle, & Steenwic did in the same province.  
In the mean time some gentlemen Frisons of those which had fled with their allies (among the which were cont josse of Schouwenburg, and the signior of Nederwomter) were received into the towns of Sneek, Bolswart, and Franiker: But those of Leuwarden, where the court of Friesland is, holding the king of Spain's party, sent to Groningen, to Gaspar of Robles, signior of Billi, to come and succour them: who being arrived with part of his regiment of Walons, was well entertained into the said town and castle of Leuwarden, and in Sloten, and Harlingen. The first entrance which the Protestants made into the country of Friesland, was at Dockom, with a great number as well of soldiers as of peasants from whence they chased the garrison of Walons that was there, whereof there remained five in the church tower, who had saved themselves there, shooting continually at them that went in the streets: which the Protestants seeing, they set fire on the tower, yet there was but one of the five that was burnt, the other four remained there unto the sixth of September, when Billi's soldiers chased away the Protestants, took the town and burnt it, to the great desolation of the poor inhabitants, who had least offended, and who oftentimes, smart for the follies of great men.  
Colonel Billi hearing that the soldiers of these Protestant captains, were for the most part peasants, and burghers sons, untrained in arms, who could scarce discharge a harguebuse, made haste to go to Staveren, where they were besieging the castle, from whence he chased them, and set fire on the town, retiring from thence with a great booty. The Protestants that were in Sneeke, Bolswaert, and Franiker, went to arms, and pursued the Walons to rescue the the booty: but at the first charge, the captain being overthrown from his horse with a shot, they fainted, and fled presently. And thus the hasty Frisons had no good success in their enterprises.  
Cont Lodowic having surprised Mons in Henault, the duke of Alva at the first would not believe it; but when he was certainly advertised, he began to storm and rage, he began to tear his clothes, and to cast his hat to the ground, and tread on it, cursing God and men, for that he toiled so much, and advanced nothing, seeing that towns revolted daily from his obedience, and that he understood that cont Lodowic did fortify himself within Mons, being resolved not to leave it but upon good terms: wherefore, setting all other affairs aside, he resolved to besiege him, sending first his son Dom Frederic with two thousand Spaniards and Walons, two thousand Landsknechts', and five hundred horse of the bands of ordnance, 
Mons invested by Dom Frederic.  to invest the town, whilst that he himself should come in person with all his forces. Dom Frederic at his first approach seized upon the cloister joining unto the town, notwithstanding the many sallies which they within Mons made upon him. The town was not very well provided of victuals, but as it was the time of Harvest, the soldiers both of horse and foot went forth often to skirmish, to reap the corn, and to bring it into the town, the which they did easily, cutting only the ears of corn: in so doing they were oftentimes charged and beaten, and sometimes they did beat their enemies, making a good retreat into the town, although it were sometimes with loss of their men. This siege continued in such skirmishes until the coming of the lord of Genlis out of France, with about seven thousand Protestants, both horse and foot, who came to present himself, to enter into the said town of Mons.  
Cont Lodowic knowing that these troops were upon the way to come and succour him, sent them word that he had no need of them within the town, where they should cause but a greater dearth of victuals, seeing there was nothing to be gotten thereabouts: he therefore entreated them to march towards Cambray, and to go join with the army of the prince of Orange, his brother, whom they should fortify very much, fearing that before they entered into the town they would be defeated, if the Spaniards discovered them. The lord of Genlis answered, That he had charge to go unto him, the which he would do with the first opportunity, and that he feared no enemies: who continuing his course, marched forward, not knowing the passages of the country, for want of a good guide, as if the enemy had been twenty leagues from him. Being entered into the wood but three leagues from the town, he sent a hundred horse before to discover if there were any enemy, and in the mean time he advanced still. The baron of Renty with the lord of jumelles led the forward, and the lord of Genlis, the Rhingrave, and the signior of janis the rearward. These avant-courriers having reported, that they had discovered some Spanish horsemen near unto the wood, Rentie advanced with his troop to make head against them, putting himself in the front of the army: but seeing that all the enemy's horse and foot marched directly towards them, he began to turn head, to join with the body of their army. The lord of Noircarmes, who led the Spanish light horse, seeing this countenance, and that some musketeers were already in skirmish with Rentie in the forward, he made haste to second them, charging the French with such fury, as their horsemen seeing their enemies to increase, not able to endure their force, began to fly. Those of the rearward did no less, having scarce seen any enemy, yielding an easy victory to the Spaniards. Such as fled, thinking they had 
Genlis and the French Protestants defeated  been free from the slaughter of the enemies, and to be safe, fell most of them into the peasant's hands, people without pity or mercy, who first stripped them, and then did murder them miserably, whereof they slew above twelve hundred. The baron of Rentie defended himself long against these rascals, trusting in the bounty of his horse: but in the end (as the passages were all stopped, and he must needs pass through this swarm of angry wasps, among the which there were some threedbare gentlemen) he was beaten down. The Rhingrave was slain in the battle. The signior of Olhain being fallen into the hands of these villains, led by a bare gentleman, who bragged that they would make a present of him to the duke of Alva, he desired to march on foot, & to be disarmed; which done, he pulled a boar spear from one of them, with the which he so laid upon them that conducted him, having overthrown; or four, as they were forced to kill him, and so he died thus fight. The signors of Genlis and janis, with some six hundred men, among the which there were sixty gentlemen, were taken prisoners; but most of them were after murdered in cold blood, after that they had stripped them naked out of their shirts for fear lest they should spoil their clothes, and so they did drive them before like beasts, till that in the end they murdered them without pity or mercy. 
The barbarous 〈◊〉 used 〈◊〉 the French.  There were some two or three hundred burnt in a barn, into the which they had thrust them thus naked: from the which, thinking to save themselves, and to escape the fire, the Spanish soldiers being without, shot them. There were wells & pits filled up with French men, whom they had cast in alive, heaping one upon another. To conclude, the cruelty that was practised upon these miserable vanquished men, was exceeding great. The lord of Genlis was carried to the castle of antwerp, where one morning he was found dead, without any precedent disease, some thought that he was strangled with one of the curtains of his field bed. The signior of jumelles was carried to the castle of Tournay, from whence he departed by exchange for a Spaniard.  
After this defeat of the French, many thought that cont Lodowic would not hold the town of Mons long with such small troops as he had there in garrison: Whereupon Dom Frederic the duke of Alua's son, sent a trumpet to summon him to yield upon certain conditions which he offered him, but the earl would give no care unto them, attending succours by the prince of Orange his brother, whom he knew to be upon the way with a mighty army, to raise the Spaniards from the siege. The duke of Alva hearing that cont Lodowic was resolved to hold the town, the which could not be taken with those forces which his son had, parted with all the forces he could gather together, and went and camped near unto the town, besieging it straightly on all sides, the which Dom Frederic could not do with those small forces 
The duke of Alva comes be●…ore Mons.  which he had: and seeing that the French, which were in garrison in the abbey of Crespin, joining unto the town, did greatly assist the besieged, he caused it to be battered with four pieces, so as at fifty shot he made a sufficient breach to give an assault: but the captain which commanded therein, seeing that the place was not to be held, nor to endure such furious assaults as he must expect, he retired with about one hundred and fifty men in saf●…tie into the town, whose retreat they could not hinder, but with their canon, the which did them not any harm. The duke lodged some men in it, and then he advised in what part he might best plant his artillery: some held he should plant it at the port of Barlaimont, in the which the duke found three difficulties which might annoy him in giving an assault. First, there was a mighty bulwark joining unto the rampar, which did defend it. Secondly, the deep water in the ditch, and the new rampar made without the walls of the town, whereas the besieged might lodge a good number of men, to defend their ditches, although the first ravelin were laid even with the ground. Thirdly, that this great bulwark and ramparing might hinder his men from lodging at the foot of the rampar to come to the sap: Yet notwithstanding he entrenched his men upon the side of the ditch, and let out the wate●…. Those within were no less active and diligent to fortify, and to make all preparations to resist him: they made two great high cavaliers or mounts, and a second ditch within the town, near unto the rampar. The duke planted six canons in the suburbs, upon the edge of the ditch, upon a little hill, from whence he might shoot plainly into the town, as he did upon the houses and other buildings of show, to terrify the bourgesses: The rest of his artillery was planted in two other batteries, playing both upon the rampar near unto the port of Barlaimont, and upon the ravelin, which did defend it. The tops of the towers of either side were beaten down with two volleys of shot, but not unto the ground: then he caused eight double canons to be planted on the river side, with the which he carried away the parapets of two sides. The other battery played along upon the ravelin without, so as it was almost down, but it was rampared up with such diligence, as the besieged had means to hold it, being reso●… that if an assault were presented, to make it good e●…en unto the last man.  
The duke seeing that all his batteries could not so much avail him as to take the town by assault, began to batter S. Andrew's tower, the which was so pierced through with the ordnance, as no man d●…rst any longer abide in it. The besieged were not idle in the mean time, for besides that they sallied daily forth upon the enemies, they had planted five pieces upon the tower of stone, as well falcons as culverins, wherewith they shot through the enemy's camp, into their tents and pavilions, and upon all the approaches, which made the passages very difficult. They were also very expert in speedy ramparing up the breaches that were made, with packs of wool, beds, ●…ckes filled with earth, and other materials: so as with this ramparing they made their walls and ramparts as strong as before. The lord of la Nove with an hundred gentlemen, and some harguebusiers kept the first ravelin, to preserve that which the Spaniards could not beat down, and within at the foot of an old rampar there were other two hundred harguebusiers. The duke of Alva finding no means to draw the ditches dry, but there still remained more water than he wished, he therefore caused some barks to be made of harguebuse proof, and a bridge upon empty pipes tied together with cables, to assail the ravelin: but all these preparations did not amaze the besieged, who made continual sallies upon their enemies, seeking some advantage upon them.  
Whilst that the duke of Alva and the besieged within Mons maintained themselves in 
The prince of Orange comes with an army to succour Mons.  this sort, the prince of Orange being in Germany, was not idle: but having levied a goodly army, he passed the Rhine with it near unto Dousbourg in the country of Cleeves, and the 4 of August he surprised Ruremonde in the country of Geldres; then entering into Brabant, he came before Louvaine, where he burned the false port: wherewith the inhabitants were so terrified, as they sent the signior of Timpel unto him, with doctor Elbert ●…eonin, called Longolius▪ who went unto him to the abbey of the park, without the town, where they agreed upon certain conditions. From thence he went to Macklin the which was opened unto Bernard of Merode, lord of Waroux, by the intelligences which he had within the town. The prince of Orange caused a certain protestation to be printed and published, as well in his own name, as in his confede●…ats, giving a reason of the arms which they had taken the second time, as followeth.  
We William by the grace of God, Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassau, etc. To all Noblemen, 
The prince of Orange's protestation.  Knights, Gentlemen, and others (of what quality soever) of these Netherlands, which desire the liberty thereof, being miserably tyrannised and oppressed by the duke of Alva, the Spaniards, and others their friends▪ traitors and murderers of their own country: We declare that every one of us, for a particular love and zeal ●…e bears unto his country, and for the glory of God, which we desire above all, have often sought by all means the good and quiet of the country, as well by petitions and other mild means, as by force of arms, thinking to draw those that were as we are, to do the like, sometimes by sighs and prayers unto God, having patience until that it should please him to mollify the hearts of the said tyrants: but in the end, solicited, invited, and called generally and particularly, by the inhabitants of the said country, by reason of the inhumanities' and oppressions, We have in the name of God, (according to our consci●…nces) taken arms, protesting before God and his angels, and before all men present and to come, that we have not been moved hereunto by any private passion, but with an ardent desire which we have to oppose ourselves against this more than barbarous and insupportable tyranny, to the proclamations, edicts, taxes, imposts, and charges of the hundredth, thirtieth, twentieth, and tenth penny, imposed by the insatiable couetousn●…sse of the duke of Alva, against the laws, liberties, freedoms, and ancient privileges of the said country: which laws, liberties, freedoms, and ancient privileges, we mean (by the grace of God) to restore unto the said country, holding it under the obedience of their prince and natural lord, as we are bound to do; assuring and maintaining that all princes, noblemen, gentlemen, commonweals or others, of what quality soever, be they strangers o●… home bred, that have been moved to give us aid and assistance in this so just an enterprise, have not done it for any other intent, but for a true pity and compassion which they have with us of the said mise●…ies and calamities. Wherefore we pray and entreat every one, both in general and particular, to assure themselves that we pretend not to do wrong to any man, nor to attempt upon the goods, estates, or honour of any, of what quality soever, were he of the clergy▪ but are read●… to aid and assist every one freely and willingly, as for his liberty every one is bound to succo●… us by all due and possible means. In the mean time we will give order that God and the country may be served, in procuring the preservation of the people, and the defence of their houses, wives and children. Praying unto God that he would favour and bring to a good end so holy and necessary an enterprise.  
About this time captain Blommart surprised the town of Audenarde in Flanders, at which surprise the bailiff being retired with some others into the castle, and pu●…sued, refusing to yield, he was shot thorough, and cast out at a window into the river: the cloisters, churches, and all the goods of clergy men, were spoiled. The town of Deuremonde was also surprised by the practices of Arnold van Dorp.  
The prince parting from Macklin, marched directly towards Mons in Henault, to succou●… his brother, and to seek to raise the duke of Alua's siege. He might have taken many towns in passing, but he still advanced, having a great care to furnish his army with victuals: some of those towns which he had taken were forced to assist him with money. Those of Nivelle in Brabant were summoned to furnish him both with money and victuals, but they refused it, hoping that the duke of Alva would defend them, having first advertised him that the prince of Orange marched: but for that he would not diminish his army that was before Mons, where he had work enough, he could not preserve them as they expected, but they must enter into the dance.  
The duke hearing that the prince approached, and that he was near him, he resolved not to stir, but to keep himself close within his camp, the which he caused to be entrenched and fortified with all speed, planting his artillery upon all the approaches, to hinder the prince that he should not force him, and sent five hundred horse to discover him. The prince hearing by his fore runners, that the Spaniards came to discover him, he sent cont Henry his brother with four companies of carabins, or harguebusiers on horseback, the which encountered these Spaniards, whom they charged, put them to rout, and pursued them even to the foot of their trenches. This first charge did so amaze the duke's camp, as he was almost ready to fly, thinking that the prince had followed with his whole army: the which if he had done, without doubt that day had been the last of the duke of Alua's wars. The prince was so resolved, but it was too late, causing his army to march in battle even unto the mills, where he stood firm for the space of four hours, thinking the Spaniard should issue forth: and to provoke him to fight, he sent him some great shot, but the duke moving not, answered him sometimes with the like, and yet in the mean time did not discontinue his battery against the town, so as at one instant the besiegers and the besieged were battered. The duke sometimes by the favour of the hedges and bushes, and along the banks and ditches that were dry, sent forth harguebusiers to skirmish against the prince's men, but they were charged so near, as they were always forced to retire. The prince seeing that he could not draw the duke to battle, and that it were too great a hazard to offer to force him in his trenches, he went and camped at Carillon, where he found small store of victuals, for that the Spaniard had carried away all. The next day he made a bridge upon the river of Genep, to pass his army, to advertise his brother of his coming▪ and to advise together what was fittest to be done: but the duke had sent before twel●…e hundred horse to the other bank where he should pass, so his design was broken, and of no effect.  
Salentine bishop of Cologne came to the duke of Alua's camp with two thousand horse, and daily men came to him from all parts, so as the duke had in his army 12000 Spaniards and 
The bishop of Cologne comes to succour the duke of Alua.  Walloons, and above sixteen thousand Germans. This bishop would willingly have charged the prince with a thousand ho●…se only, to provoke him to battle, but the duke had no desire, saying▪ That he was come thither but to win the town, and to keep the prince from succouring it, but not to fight, if he were not forced: & so every one retired that night into his lodging. The prince seeing that, being so far from his enemies, he should profit little, he went and lodged near unto the enemy's camp, whereas he continued some days, seeking all opportunities to fight. The two first days by reason of the continual rain, he did not any thing: then he took counsel of his colonels, to present himself in battle, and to call the duke to fight: the which was well liked of, whereupon he went and planted himself by the mills, where he attended five hours, hoping that they would try one another's forces: but this day past only in small skirmishes, the duke being loath to hazardany thing, or to leave his trenches. The prince being retired sent some of his troops to Nivelle, the which the Spaniard understanding, the night following he gave a camisado to the prince's camp, on the Germans quarter, where he slew four or five hundred before they could come to succour them, and so the Spaniards retired with small loss. The day following the prince did rise, and went to Macklin, where he stayed three days, leaving there at his departure twelve hundred Landtsknechts', and five hundred Reisters', besides two thousand and five hundred burghers well armed, the which he held sufficient for the guard of the town: The rest of his army he dismissed with thanks: but being unable to pay them, and they discontented, he was in great fear and danger to be taken by them in a mutiny, and delivered over to the duke of Alva his mortal enemy. Wherefore having made choice of the flower of all his troops, in whom he trusted most, he passed the Rhine, and returned into Holland, whither he was sent for and attended with great devotion.  

WILLIAM OF NASSAV, PRINCE OF Orange, Earl of Nassau, of Vianden, of Catzeneleboghen, Diets, etc. Governor of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht.  
〈◊〉. D. G. PRIN. AURAICAE 〈◊〉 NASSAVI GUB. BELGICAE,  
In youth I was instructed, taught, and fostered  
In true Religion, for the which my blood I often shed,  
Maintaining it against all tyrants cruelty,  
And the most bloody Wolf of Rome, and all his subtlety.  
From Spanish yoke I set Holland at liberty,  
And Zeeland, with the Provinces that now united be:  
And hoped them long time in peace for to maintain,  
If so dainly a murderer had not me strangely slain.  
But my most valiant son, the worthy Prince Maurice,  
Supplying their defect therein, took on him my office:  
And my posterity shall them always defend,  
And cross the purpose of their foes, what ever they pretend.  
WILLIAM of Nassau, Prince of Orange (having often presented battle tail to the Duke of Alva before Mons in Henault, who would not fight) being called by the States of Holland and Zeeland into his old government of the said countries, whereas the king had placed him before his departure for Spain, and from whence he absented himself at the coming of the Duke of Alva into the Netherlands, came at that time into Holland, to assist them with his counsel and means to defend themselves against the Spanish tyranny.  
The duke of Alva was much incensed against them of Macklyn, for that having refused the Spaniards, they had received the prince and his men: but he dissembled his discontent, until that he had prevailed over cout Lodowic, to whom the prince had written before his departure, That he should endure an assault or two, and if afterwards the enemy were obstinate at the siege, he should make his composition with the most honourable conditions that he could. When these letters came into the town, the earl was in his bed sick of a violent fever: the colonels and captains hearing it read, were out of all hope of succours from the prince, and were content to capitulat with the duke upon such conditions as were receivable. To this end the signior of la Nove, Sevarpont, and Siracourt were deputed, the which pleased him very well, thinking he had won honour enough, to have brought such commanders unto reason, considering also that it would be a great benefit unto the king his master, for that so many towns did daily revolt from him, the which he did hope to reduce under his commandment. So as the capitulation was made the one and twentieth of September: by the which the captains and gentlemen subject to the French king, should depart with their arms and baggage, and only one horse: the soldier with his arms, a bullet in his mouth, and a march light: and that cont Lodowic should be conducted in safety into the territories of the empire. In this manner the town of Mons in Henault was delivered up to the duke of Alua. He took 
Mons yielded to the duke of Alua.  no revenge of the burghers, for that it was not found that any one remaining in the town, had been confederate with the prince, but they had been surprised, and were forced to obey him whilst he was there. Many have wondered why the duke would yield to such honourable conditions, knowing they were almost at extremity, seeing they had procured him so much harm, toil, and trouble. But they said he was moved thereunto for two considerations, the first was, for that the prince did then hold the chief town of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, and daily more inclined to his party, whose advancement and victories he must prevent in time, before that other towns, tired with the Spanish tyranny, should do the like. The second reason was, That he must speedily recover Macklyn, whereas the prince had left a garrison, the which did import much for the bringing of the war into the country of Brabant, if haply the neighbour towns, very much inclined to the prince (whom they then published the Protector of the liberty of the Netherlands) and obeying the Spaniards by constraint, would have followed this example. And although he knew well what honour he had gotten to make so mighty an army retire without any effect, but with loss, yet he did see well, that the prince being yet undefeated, he might easily recover the honour elsewhere, which he had left at Mons. The which being recovered, as we have said, the duke went to Brussels. And to satisfy his appetite of revenge upon them of Macklyn (the prince's garrison being retired without attending a siege) he sent his soldiers thither the first of October, who by his commandment (notwithstanding that the clergy came out to meet them in Procession, and that the bishop of Ypre, and the chief of the inhabitants, who were retired while the prince did hold it, were suitors for them) did spoil it, ransom it, murdered many burghers, ravished maids and 
The duke causeth Macklyn to be sacked.  wives, without respect of any quality or age, were they capable or not, priests or lay men, committing infinite cruelties there, more than the which could not be done in any enemy's town taken by assault. The booty that was carried from thence, was sold in antwerp and Brussels for a vile price, for that many refused to buy it, for the pity they had of their neighbours so hardly affected. The duke caused it to be proclaimed, That it had been done, for that they had received the prince of Orange willingly, furnished him with money, and had shot off their ordnance at the king's men. From Macklyn he went towards Diest, a town belonging to the prince, the which redeemed itself from pillage for eight thousand florins, the like was done to that of Deuremonde.  
The bruit of the taking of Mons in Henault, being spread over all Flanders and Brabant, the towns were so much amazed, which held for the Protestants in those countries, as the soldiers that were there in garrison, without expecting the enemies coming, began in a manner all to fly, some marching towards Germany, others towards the sea, to pass into England, and some into the woods and forests, where they had kept a little before. Those that had surprised Audenarde, with captain Blommart and had continued long there in garrison, took their way (not without great difficulty and lost of their companions, having the Spaniards still in the tail of them) toward Ostend where having seized upon ships and mariners, they embarked for England, with such hast an●…●…are, as they left some of their companions on land, who being taken and carried to Bruges, were soon executed most cruelly with divers torments, by the commandment of the earl of Roeux, governor of the town. Those which embarked making about four hundred men, landed some at Dover, others at Sandwiche, where they were gathered together by one Charles Nerin, who was sent thither by them of Flessingue to levy men, who upon promise of good entertainment, caused them to embark again, and sent them to Flessingue the nineteenth of October. And as they were some Walons and some Flemings, there were two companies made: the Flemings were given to captain Gunsert, and sent into Holland, the Walons (whereof most part had been of Blommarts company) were given unto the signior of Schoonewal, a gentleman of Flanders, and kept for the guard of Flessingue. Captain Blommars thinking to save himself better alone, than with his soldiers, forsook them to take another way: but being encountered by the enemy, laden with a rich booty, that was portative, the which he had gotten at Audenarde, he was taken and cut presently in pieces. The duke of Alva seeing himself freed from any enemy in the country of Brabant and Flanders, and all the towns abandoned by the Protestants, reduced under his obedience, he would be revenged on them that had received cont Ʋander Berghe in the prince of Orange's name. And first he sent Doin Frederic his son, and lieutenant of his army, to Zutphen, where at his arrival he was presently received by the burghers without any resistance or 
Zurphen sacked by the Spaniard.  difficulty, the 13 of November. But the Spaniard was no sooner entered, but he fell to murder, hang, strangle, and drown a number of the inhabitants, with infinite cruelties upon wives and virgins, yea upon silly infants. This inhumanity of the duke and his son, was presently cried out of, and caused a great terror throughout all the Netherlands: but if it were not much profitable unto him, it was less honourable. For although that the earl Ʋander Bergle in Geldre, Ouerissel and the county of Zutphen, and the earl of Schouwenburch in Friesland, had abandoned all the towns they seized on, yet the final issue of this war did show by the effect how little he got by his cruelty and barbarousness.  
Dom Frederic having ended this cruel execution at Zutphen, he marched directly to Naerden; in the quarter of Goytland in Holland. The inhabitants made an agreement with him at his arrival, and he entered the town the twentieth of November, whereas never Turks 
The sack of Naerden, and th●… execrable murders committed therein  nor Schythians, nor the most barbarous and inhuman nations in the world, did ever commit more abominable cruelties, than Dom Frederic did in this town, the which all future ages will have in perpetual horror and detestation: for after the burghers had given the best usage they could unto the soldiers, he caused a proclamation to be made by the drum, That all should assemble together in the chapel of the hospital, where they should be made acquainted with the laws, according to the which they should hereafter goveme themselves.  
All these poor and miserable inhabitants being thus assembled, the Spanish soldiers were commanded to murder them all, and not spare any one: the which was presently executed, so as in this wretched and desolate town, the poor men were massacred, the women were ravished, and then afterwards most cruelly murdered, the children had their throats cut, and in some houses some were tied to posts with cords, than the houses were fired, and they burnt alive: so as in the whole town neither old nor young, man, wife, nor maid were spared, but miserably murdered, and then the town was quite razed, without pity or mercy. The which, no man that hath virtue or honour, yea, if he have any spark of humanity in him, but will have horror to hear it spoken of; and future ages will not believe, that such cruelties could ever enter into the thought of any one that would say, that he did participate of the nature of a man, and call himself a man, yea, and carry the name of a Christian.  
After this horrible and fearful massacre at Naerden, Dom Frederic being not yet glutted with so much innocent blood, and with such cruelties, caused his army to march towards Amsterdam, with an intention to surprise the town of Harlem: But before he would 
Dom Frederic before Harlem  attempt it, and for that he would not draw his men into danger, he would have the advice of the bourgomasters and the counsel of the said town; who were of opinion, That he must practise some intelligences, wherein one Diericke of Vriese (sometimes a bourgomaster of the said town) might do him great service, with some others, that were well affected unto the Spaniards: also it was thought good, to write, and to send them word, that there was yet some hope of grace. But it chanced, that one jeams de Why, curate of great Beginage, hearing speech of this enterprise, and pretended surprise, advertised his brother, that he might avoid the duke's fury, and his sons, of whom they had seen such goodly examples in their neighbours.  
Upon these letters the great counsel of the town was assembled the third of December, at seven of the clock in the morning, ●…here the said letters were red, and upon the contents thereof they would hear every man's opinion, Whether they should go and present themselves unto the duke of Alva, or not, seeing the said letters made mention, that there was yet some hope of mercy in them. This proposition being made, Diericke of Vriese, Christopher van Schagen, and Adrian van Assendelf, the Orator of the town, went presently out of the town by the port of Spaerwoude, making their sledge-man believe, that they would go to Sparendam, but they passed on towards Amsterdam to Dom Frederic. Those of the great counsel would also know the minds of the commons and of the sworn companies, upon the letters sent by the curate of Beginage, causing them to assemble in the artillery garden, whither also went captain Wibout Ripperda, Lancelot of Brederode, Adrian janson, bailiff of the town, and the bourgomaster Stuyver: the burghers and companies being there assembled, captain Ripperda said unto them, My masters and friends, behold a letter directed 
The words of captain 〈◊〉 to the ●…ssembly of Harlem.  unto the bourgomaster and counsel of this town, containing, that there is yet time to obtain grace of Dom Frederic, to which end Diericke of Vriese is gone unto him to Amsterdam: you may well think what grace we can hope for from him, and you know what oath you have taken to the prince of Orange: For my part I am resolved to keep mine honour and faith which I have sworn unto him, and to hazard the last drop of my blood for the preservation of this town, and the inhabitants thereof, employing therein both my person and my means: are not you all so minded, speak freely and boldly? At these words the company began to cry out aloud, That they were all content, and they would live and die with him, saying, that they had sufficient testimonies by their neighbours, of his clemency and mercy, although they were not at that time very well furnished, to make any great resistance.  
Here began to appear the profit and advantage which the duke of Alva and his son reaped by their cruelties at Zutphen and at Naerden. The burghers after they had encouraged one another, they broke off the assembly, being resolved to defend themselves even unto the uttermost. Which captain Ripperda and the bailiff seeing, they writ unto the prince of Orange, being then at Delft, of the estate of their town, and sent secretly a messenger unto colonel Lazarus Muller (who the same day had taken two messengers of Dom Frederics, and caused them to be hanged) entreating him to send some of his companies into the town. Lazarus had no sooner received these news, but he marched by Waterlandt directly to Harlem with all his regiment, being ten companies, where he arrived the fourth of December at noon day; of the which, four companies entered, the rest going towards South-Holland.  
The same day (being the fourth of December) the great church of the town was opened, the Images and altars beaten down, and all made ready for the preaching of the Protestants Religion.  
The next day, which was the fifth of December, there returned into the town Christopher van Schagen, and Adrian van Assendelf, who were the same day sent prisoners to Delf, to be examined before the prince of Orange's counsel: as also the same day there was one taken, who had caused a poor peasant to carry a letter from Diericke Vriese to the bourgomaster; he was hanged, after that he had confessed under the ladder, that he was persuaded thereunto by Vriese for a dollar.  
The seventh of December the Spaniards came unto Spaerwoude, to skirmish with them which the Harlemois kept in the fort of Sparendam, but it was to small effect: and the next day the bourgomasters and captains sent three hundred men to the relief of Sparendam, under the conduct and command of Martin Pruys: and the enemy thinking to return the same day, they were so welcomed with the canon, as there was no safety in staying long.  
The eight of December the inhabitants perct a dike, which lieth betwixt Sparendam and Spaerwoude, to drown the country: but having not digged deep enough, the Spaniards came to stop it the same day, and there made a trench. Then came the Signior of S. Aldegonde to Harlem, where, by virtue of a commission given him from the prince of Orange, and with the advice of the sworn companies and the chief among the people, he renewed the law, displacing the old, and creating new magistrates, that is to say, eight bourgomasters, four aldermen, and twenty of the counsel. On the tenth day it had frozen so bitterly, as the rivers were all ice, and among others, the Tie and the Spare, on the which they might run in great troops. Whereupon julian Romero, with the Spaniards, took the opportunity to assail the fort of Sparendam both before and behind, upon the ice: the which succeeded happily for them: for although they lost many men, as well at 
The fort of Sparendam taken by the Spaniards.  the charge, as by the artillery of the fort, yet they took it by assault, the soldiers Protestants saving themselves as well as they could in Assendelf. The Harlemois hearing that this place was thus violently assaulted by the Spaniards, thinking to succour it, they sent two companies; but before they could approach, news came, that the enemies were masters of the place. At this taking of the fort, captain Martin Pruys was slain, with many soldiers on both sides.  
Mean time, Monsieur Aldegonde came to Harlem, in behalf of the prince of Orange and the States of Holland, who upon the ninth of December assembled the arquebusiers and the burghers of the town, showing them the necessity of the town, and how that Diericke de Vriese by his dealing sought to bring them unto a feigned agreement, and such like speeches, desiring them, seeing the town was in that extremity, to choose another bourgomaster, or to strengthen their counsel: for which cause (he said) he came with authority from the States and the court of Holland, praying them to choose amongst them eight men to be their bourgomasters, and fourteen Schepen, whereof the half should rule the next year ensuing, as they likewise did, and therewith they chose for bourgomasters Claes vander L●…, john Ʋander Vliet, Gerrard Stuyvers, and Peter Kies, with seven Schepen more, and ten counsellors, that took the charge upon them, to take order for all necessary policies concerning the town.  
Upon the eleventh of December the Spanish army came before Harlem, being five and 
Harlem besieged the 11 of December.  thirty companies of Spaniards, two and twenty companies of Walloons, under the barons de Noircarmes, Capres, and Liques, eighteen companies of high Duchess, under the earl of Ouersteine, and eight hundred horse, every day more coming unto them with Ordnances, and other things thereunto belonging, with the earl of Bossu, that had been lieutenant governor of Holland. While the Spaniards were busy before Harlem, the prince of Orange and the earl Ʋander Merke sent for all their soldiers, intending to gather an army between Leyden and Harlem, in a village called Hillegom, having as then eleven or twelve companies of soldiers together; who being come thither, esteeming the enemy not to be so strong before Harlem, as he was, the earl Ʋander Merke sent eight horses to descry what the enemy did; whereof some being taken by the enemy, they had intelligence of the prince's intent; wherewith, upon the tenth of December, they sent out five thousand footmen and six hundred horsemen to set upon them, and that with such speed, that the earl aforesaid, being general of the prince's soldiers, had scarce time to put on his armour, and to place his six companies of Dutchmen, and six companies of Netherlanders, and Englishmen, and an hundred and fifty horse in order of battle; with the which horsemen and two companies only he and Bartel Entens very unadvisedly (without looking about them, whether the rest were come forward) presently made towards the enemy: but his horsemen being too weak, and for that he could hardly see what number of men his enemies were (for that as than it snowed very fast) they were overthrown before they knew it, and began to fly: after them followed the Breamers or high dutch, and many others, before they were fully in good order; so that the earl with his guard only found themselves in a manner all alone in great danger, at the last he got from thence, after he had lost two horses that were slain under him: certain valiant and stout ensigne-bearers, and amongst the rest, jacques Martens van Ghenet, son to the Precedent of Flaunders, would have stayed the soldiers from flying away, and stood still, wrapping themselves in their colours, where they were stabbed. There and in the flight they lost at the least six or seven hundred men: among the prisoners were Baptista Trier, and Hans Keller, that were hanged by the Spaniards alive upon the gallows by one leg, with their heads downwards: the earl Ʋander Mark offered two thousand crowns for Baptista Trier his life, with nineteen of their soldiers that he kept prisoners, but all in vain, for which cause he presently hanged up all the nineteen soldiers.  
The next day the Spaniards made their approaches unto the town, and from the twelfth to the seventeenth they did nothing but entrench; and the besieged to fortify their ramparts: which done, Dom Frederic planted his Ordnance at the cross port, the which he battered in the midst, and the wall on either side, the which was then but single, without any rampar of earth, discharging fourteen pieces at every volley, the canons carrying bullets of forty, and five and forty pound weight, intending to beat down the port, and to chase the besieged out of a bulwark there adjoining, the which by the fall and ruin of the port would be unprofitable unto them: The which the Spaniards effected, for before noon all the port was beaten down, and the inhabitants were forced to abandon this bulwark. Yet the night following, the besieged did rampar up courageously that which the Spaniards had beaten down in the day, with packs of wool, wood, stone, earth, and other materials mixed withal, such as the time & necessity could furnish them with; wherein john van Vliet, burgomaster, with his servant, showed themselves wonderful courageous and active, who spared no travel, nor any thing that might give heart unto the inhabitants: so as the same night they did repair the same bulwark, where they lodged part of their soldiers and inhabitants; and there the bourgomasters' man had his head shot off with a canon, who was presently buried in the same place.  
The next day the Spaniards continued their battery at S. john's gate, from the morning until night, at the which they made 675. shot: but the besieged were diligent to rampar, making from the said port unto S. Katherine's bridge within the town, a new rampar, the which they finished happily. On the twentieth day the Spaniards renewed their battery at this bulwark, so as about noon they prepared to give an assault. Then the alarm bell rung in the town, at the sound whereof, as well the burghers as the soldiers, repaired with their arms unto their quarters, and went to present themselves to the bulwark, where the breach was. The Spaniards had filled all the ports of the town without with horse and foot, if the besieged should attempt to fly away, bordering all his trenches with muskeeteers, to keep the besieged from the ramparts, when the assault should be given. About one of the clock, the same day, the Spaniards marched by the Spittle-house, with their colours flying towards the breach, carrying with them all things that were fit to make a bridge over the ditch, to come unto the bulwark at the cross gate: being at the breach, ready to mount unto the assault, the besieged played upon them in the flank with their artillery, charged with chains, great nails, stones, and such stuff, and besides, the soldiers that were on either side of the said breach, poured forth a shower of musket and arquebus shot upon the assailants, so as they were forced to recoil and give ground: But suddenly resuming courage, with other fresh men, they returned to the assault. Whereat the besieged, both inhabitants and soldiers, showed themselves so valiant and cheerful, as the enemy (full of despite and shame) was forced to retire, and leave the assault, being followed even unto the foot of the breach, from whence the besieged brought store of their arms that were slain, with other things. About the evening there was a Spaniard found among the dead bodies, who was not hurt at all: he was carried into the town, and put to the rack, where he confessed some particularities of the enemy's camp, especially of the lodging of Dom Frederic, and of the noblemen of the army, and what number of soldiers there were: the next day this poor wretch was hanged. Afterwards the besiegers did nothing for a long time but mine, to blow up that bulwark, where they had that shameful repulse, keeping themselves otherwise quiet in their trenches. And then began they to coin the first pieces of silver in the town, of sixteen and two and thirty pata●…s apiece.  
Notwithstanding, the prince of Orange assembled his soldiers together between Leyden and Harlem, in a village called Sassen; from whence he sent all necessary provision into the town, as also divers soldiers, both Walloons, Frenchmen, Englishmen, and Scots, under divers captains, as Christopher Gunter, Schram van Brunswick, Dutch captains, and captain Ciery, Vehemy, Margotin, Denna, jasper, Sosey, Paris, Seminade, and Balfort, all French men, Walloons, Scots, and Englishmen, with the Commissaries Serrats', Haultaine, Rose●…gi, and Bordet, in all fifteen companies, besides four Dutch companies that were before in the town, which were all sent in over the ice, the water and Harlem mere being as than frozen, and every day divers soldiers were sent into the town with corn, powder, and other necessaries. Whereby they within being well provided and furnished of all things, valiantly withstood the enemy, and daily issued out upon them, so that almost no day passed without skirmishing, having forty or fifty horsemen, under the command of Walter Enchuysen, borne in Delft, wherewith they brought in divers prisoners, by whom they understood the enemy's pretences, and how they mined under the walls. Amongst all their sallies, the notablest was that which was done upon the five and twentieth of March, when they issued with a thousand men, and fell upon the Dutch quarter in Harlem wood, driving the Dutchmen out of their sconces, and killed and drowned five or six hundred men, and took from them eleven ensigns, seven pieces of Ordnance, and fifty oxen, burning fifty tents, and carrying great booties into the town.  
Adrian van Assendelf, Orator of Harlem, who had been with Diericke of Vriese at Amsterdam, to confer with Dom Frederic, at his return was taken prisoner, and sent to Delft, unto the prince of Orange (as we have said) after that he had been examined and convicted, 
The ●…corder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be●… at Delft.  he was executed for the treasons which he thought to have practised against his country and the town, where he was an officer; his head was set upon a pole the sixteenth of januarie 1573. 
1573   
Whilst that the Spaniards were busy to undermine the town of Harlem, and that they did not issue much out of their trenches, the besieged received refresh often, both of men, victuals, and powder. And as they of Vtrecht sent unto the Spanish camp three hundred bullets, and six and thirty barrels of powder, the garrison and burghers of Woerden met with it, and defeated them, the most part of them being carried unto the prince of Orange, who was then at Delft. In the mean time, the besieged of Harlem sallied oftentimes forth upon the enemy's camp, and returned still with some advantage.  
The seventeenth of januarie a troop of soldiers sallied out of Harlem by the port of Schaelwic, to fall upon the Germans quarter, which were at the castle of Russenburch; where (at their first approach) they chased some of these Germans out of a water-myll, and so passed on unto their trenches, which they forced, and slew all that they encountered: among the rest, an ensign-baerer of Harlem pulled the colours from a Spanish Alphere, and having slain him, carried them into the town with him. Having woo●… this castle of Russenburch, and burned the mill, they returned with victory into the town, laden with spoils and other booty, and carrying away three of the enemy's drums.  
This night it was thought good to abandon the bulwark that was without the ramparts, for that it cost too many men's lives; and in that place the besieged did rampar up the cross gate within the town, the which they made stronger than ever it was before. On the nineteenth day of this month, Adrian of Benkenroede, alderman of the town, went forth, to go to Delft, unto the prince of Orange, to inform him of the estate of the town, and to bring them back what was needful. He had a convoy of some horsemen, and about six hundred harguebusiers, Walloons, English, Scottish, and high Dutch. The Spaniards went to encounter them about Schaelwyc, Harlemmer-Vlyet, and Vyfhuysen, where they had planted themselves to stop their passage unto the town. Yet notwithstanding, the soldiers and some burghers of Harlem charged them with such fury, as they put them to rout, after that they had slain and, drowned above two hundred of them, and yet the enemies were far more in number: which appeared plainly to be the aid and assistance of God, passing thus without any loss of their men through the midst of their enemies.  
The first of February, as the Germans being in guard at the cross gate, and at Saint john's port, had not kept good watch, the Spaniards seized on the said port before the break of day, the which was in a manner all down, before that the besieged could discover it. On the other side, there were others, who (by the bulwark of the cross gate) crept through the bushes that were along the ramparts, from one port unto another: there was also a part of the army in battle, with their colours flying, and the rest remained ready in their trenches, from S. john's port unto the cross gate, to give a great assault; so as it seemed they had no doubt, but to take the town by force at this attempt: notwithstanding, the Spaniards were no sooner ready to begin the assault, but the day appeared, and they were discovered, and fifty or threescore soldiers of the town, giving the alarm as loud as they could, charged so furiously with them that came speedily to succour them from all parts, as the Spaniards, Walloons and Germans, which were well advanced, were soon dislodged, so as not any one durst present himself openly, but he was slain.  
The chief place where this assault was given, was at the old bulwark at the cross gate, whereon the enemies had seized, for that it had been abandoned by the besieged, and was opposite unto the new bulwark, which they of the town had fortified with great toil, the which the Spaniards had myned, that having blown it up, they might carry it by the multitude of their men: but the townsmen had likewise made a mine under the breach, and had there placed certain barrels of powder, with other stuff fit and convenient for that purpose. The Spaniards being mounted upon this breach in great numbers, with their colours flying, thereby to win the rampar of the town, suddenly the besieged set fire unto their mine, the which blew up all that was upon it and on the side thereof; men being carried away by pieces (a fearful and terrible sight to see) without heads, others without arms or legs, some burst, and some torn in pieces, with horrible and fearful cries and howl. And this mine had no sooner done working, but the besieged issued forth by the same breach, charging their enemies even into their trenches, whereof they made a great slaughter; whilst that on the other side, at Saint john's gate, they shot with a demie culuerine, and some iron pieces and harguebuses acrocke, through their squadrons, which stood there in battle, expecting their turn, when they should go unto the assault: but they were enforced to retire with all speed possible into their quarters, carrying back with them the chiefest of their men that were slain. In this assault there died (of them that were besieged) one captain Lambrecht van Wittenberg, not upon the place, but soon after, being carried unto his lodging.  
Whilst that the Spaniards were busied at these assaults both at the cross port, and at that of S. john, there entered into the town (by the port of Schaelwyc) three hundred harguebusiers, and seventy horsemen, coming from the prince of Orange's camp over the ice, bringing an hundred and seventy sleds, laden with corn and other munition, notwithstanding that they were chased and pursued by some horse and foot of the enemy, very near unto the town.  
Dom Frederic was in despair to win the town by assault, by reason of the great garrison within it, and so determined to win them by hunger: to which end, the duke sent him more soldiers, as divers Dutchmen, under the leading of Puluilier, with Walloons, and some Italians, and a regiment of those of the league, that was made against the Turk: also some Spaniards, under Dom Gonsalo de Braccamonte, Rodorigo de Paz, Dom Lopes de Aougna, and Dom Lopes de Figuera, and more horsemen. He likewise sent Henry de Vienne, baron de Chevieaux, with an hundred Burgonians.  
The fourth of February the Spaniards thinking to blow up a mine which they had made under the bulwark at the cross gate, the besieged having vented it, they themselves set fire to it, the which did consume many pioneers and Spanish soldiers, and did small hurt unto them of the town. The eight of the same month the besieged received another refreshing of an hundred and fifty sleds, laden with corn and other victuals. And as the same day the Spaniards gave an alarm at the bulwark of the cross gate, under the which, the besieged had made a new mine, which they blew up, with great loss of their enemies, especially Walloons, of the regiment of the Signior of Capres, since earl of Henin, who were come to give this false assault.  
The Spaniards having with the fury of the canon beaten down the upper part of Saint john's g●…te, the besieged advised to fill it with earth, bavins, and other kind of wood and stone, and to make a platform there, to defend their curtynes. This work was suddenly finished the ninth of the month. On the other side, the Spaniards made a high mount at the bulwark of the cross gate, that they might shoot into the town with more ease, not ceasing to undermine the ports and other bulwarks, and the besieged to countermine them: so as the tenth day they blew up another mine, the which spoiled many of their enemies. In the end, they of the town doubting, that the Spaniard (who had pioneers and their lives at an easy rate) would never cease to undermine their bulwarks, ports, and ramparts, until they had turned up and overthrown all; so as giving at one instant a furious assault, they should have easy entrance into the town: The magistrates and governors thereof thought it therefore good to make a new rampar and ditch within the town, in form of a half moon, to be by that means freed from this fear: The which by a general consent was presently begun, 
A half moon made w●…n the town.  and finished with such diligence, as there was neither bourgomaster nor captain, rich nor poor, women, maids, nor children, that were slack, but did strive to be first at this work.  
The eighteenth of the month entered the first galley into the sea of Harlem, being eighty foot long: and the same day here entered into the town five ships with victuals, and another with two pieces of brass Ordnance, coming from Leyden: the next day there arrived also one with ten iron pieces and some powder and munition.  
At the same time, some ships of Zeeland having taken into their long boats a small 
Z●…land.  number of soldiers, departed in the night from la Vere (of whence they were) and went to burn the admiral of Middlebourg, being furnished with good Ordnance, even in the midst of their channel, the which they did execute so suddenly, as they within had scarce leisure to save themselves. Soon after, the sailors of Flessingue being jealous of the honour which they of la Vere had gotten in burning this Admiral, they went also to burn five great Biscaine ships, near unto Arnemuyden, remaining of the duke of Medina Coelis fleet.  
These enterprises seemed to be foolish and rash, by reason of the danger that was in the execution; yet since they have found by experience, how necessary and profitable they were unto them, the enemy being thereby so disappointed of ships of war and Ordnance, as they could never afterwards become masters of the sea: which many thought to be the only means whereby the Spaniards might subdue the Protestants of Zeeland and Holland, with the prince of Orange.  
At that time the report was so great of an army which they prepared in antwerp for the victualling of Middlebourg, as they resolved in Zeeland to stop up the river of Escaut: for which purpose the cloister of the Carmes at Flessingue was pulled down, and many ships laden with the materials, the which was carried just before Lillo, three leagues from antwerp, whereas they were sunk upon the three and twentieth day: but the current of the tide is so violent, as at every ebbing and flowing of the sea, the said ships were some broken and torn in pieces, and some carried down into the sea, so as the passage thereof was left open.  
In the same month, they of Bommel (whereof Diericke van Haften was governor) surprised the town of Meghen, which they spoiled, and then abandoned. At that time there were many such like enterprises made on either side. But let us return unto the siege of Harlem.  
Upon the eighteenth of February, they of Amsterdam with their galley, and five or six barks, came by the Zuydersee to Pennincx-Veer (which is the place where the toll is paid from Harlem unto Amsterdam, a quarter of a league from Harlem) with an intent to pierce the dike, and to enter that way into the sea of Harlem. Against whom the galley of Harlem (with some other barks) made great resistance, and hindered them: but they returned again to finish that which they had begun. They of Harlem came also with their little galley, and with the succour of some horsemen (whom they had passed, upon a little bridge at the port of Spaerwoude) they chased them from thence, and took a ship (which in the country language they call Damlooper) full of Spaniards, all the which were slain or hanged at Fuycke.  
The six and twentieth of the month they of Harlem had a great fight at sea against fourteen caravels of Amsterdam. Gerard of jonghe (captain of the great galley of Harlem) knowing, that they of Amsterdam were in this sea (as it was not so great, but he might well discover any shipping) without attending for the other captains his companions, desirous to have this honour alone, he rowed towards them, and went to charge them: The Amsterdamois seeing him come alone, environed him with their caravels, and made themselves masters of his galley: Yet captain jonghe, although he were hurt, and one of the mariners leaping into a skiff, saved themselves. His companions, and (among others) jacob Anthonisz, captain of the little galley of Harlem, pursued these caravels, and having overtaken them, they rescued the galley by force, the which they of Amsterdam had held above two hours, in the which they found some of the enemies, whom they did presently hang at the main yard of the galley. Not satisfied with this rescue, they pursued the caravels, whereof they took one that was new. full of Walloons and Spaniards, whom they slew in the fury, except three or four, which they sent with a captains head to Harlem. Such skirmishes had the Harlemois often upon this little sea.  
As during this siege, the besieged had received at divers times, and from divers places, a good quantity of Ordnance, to serve them at their need, they planted a good part thereof against that great mount, which the Spaniards had made before the bulwark of the cross gate, whereof one john Coningham, a Scottishman, had the charge, who in half a day overthrew this mount, for the which he won great honour in the town. The Spaniards would have repaired it, and planted some Ordnance thereupon, but Coningham still ruined it.  
In the beginning of March, the ships of Zirickzee and la Vere having joined with 
Zeeland.  them of Flessingue (being in all an hundred ships of war) sailed towards antwerp with an intent to fight with the fleet, which was prepared to victual Middlebourg, which were in all fifty ships, three and forty men of war, and seven laden with victuals and munitions.  
The twentieth of March the Spanish ships having passed the straight whereas the Flessinguers, with their boats laden with stones, had thought to have stopped the passage, there passed some great shot on either side, the which were easily heard to Flessingue. But the next day the fight was very furious, for that the admiral of Flessingue being run upon the sands (through the fault of the pilot) was set upon by ten Spanish ships: yet by the succours which he had from his consorts, especially from captain Worst, he defended himself so valiantly, as the enemies were forced to retire, not without loss of their men. Two days after, the Spaniards having a wished wind, did what they could to pass, where there was a cruel combat, and an infinite number of canon shot spent on either side. But the Spaniards seeing that the Zeelanders were resolved to grapple with them, they retired unto the place from whence they departed in the morning. In this fight the vice-admiral of the Spaniards being more advanced than all the rest, was so battered, and had so many men slain, as the blood gushed out of every side. The Signior of Ariette, a Biscaine, colonel of a regiment of Walloons, the sergeant mayor of the Spanish army (so vain and presumptuous, as he had a little before publicly vaunted himself in antwerp to be Castigador de los veillacoes Flamingos Lutheranos) and the captain of the said vice-admiral were all three slain, with four or five hundred soldiers and mariners. On the Protestants side was slain captain Cloot, a Fleming, and five or six soldiers and mariners only.  
The Spaniards lost in this fight so many men, and their greatest ships (which made the point) were so spoiled, as they were forced to return to antwerp, to repair them, and to take in fresh soldiers; where being arrived, they discharged so many that were hurt and sick, as the hospitals were all full. Before they came to antwerp, they caused their smallest vessels to pass at Berghen upon Soom, thinking that from thence they should have means to slip into the land of Tergoes, then to Arnemuyden, and from thence to Middlebourg, or else it would put the Zeelanders to great charge, who to cut off this passage, should be forced to entertain an army in that quarter, which charge not being able to furnish, they should be forced to leave all: But they were abused therein, for Middlebourg was in too great distress to be relieved with such slender succours. But we will return to the Spaniards siege before Harlem.  
The seventeenth of March the Spaniards blew up a mine which they of Harlem had made, the which the Germans had abandoned: and as they thought to come thereby to 
Holland.  the old bulwark, the French and English captains never rested, until that they had recovered it, and chased away the Spaniards, whereat the burghers rejoiced much. The next day the assailants blew up one of their own mines, but it was without any effect at all.  
The five and twentieth of the month, about nine of the clock in the morning, there went forth at the port of Zyel some two hundred Walloons, to give a camisado to the enemy, who was lodged in the wood of Harlem, where they forced the first trenches; but finding themselves not strong enough to pass on, they were forced to return unto the town, with the loss of two men only. The magistrates and governors, with the advice of the colonels and captains resolved, that they should go again the same day to charge that quarter with nine or ten companies. About four of the clock six companies went forth by the water gate, most part Bourgognons, and by the port of Zyel two hundred Frenchmen, and some Walloons, to begin the skirmish: and in the mean time they caused the galley to go forth with certain barks that went with oars, to charge behind on the side of the sea of Harlem. They were Dutch that were lodged in this quarter, where there was wont to be a goodly wood, the which they had cut quite down this Winter for firing. Upon their approach, the Germans shot off a piece of Ordnance which touched them not: the besieged advancing still, won their trenches, who (without making any show of resistance) fled, wherein they were so pursued, as they could no where save themselves, until they had passed the water, the which they did with great difficulty, and in small numbers, so as at this charge there died about a thousand men, among the which there were of the chief, as might be noted by their apparel and jewels which they carried about them, which were brought into the town. They burned two hundred tents and pavilions of these Dutch, and carried two culuerines and five falcons into the town, with much powder, and for their chief glory, nine ensigns; the which (to despite the Spaniards) they carried upon and down the new rampar with drums, and planted them upon the end of the parapet. Moreover, they carried into the town thirty horse, and a great number of Kine, Calves, and Sheep, great store of apparel, rings, corselets, guilt headpieces, and of all sorts of arms; so as there was not any soldier but had something for his share. The besieged had this victory over the Germans with small loss, for they lost but eight men; among which was one captain, a Wallon, called D' Adenne, a valiant man, and who had done great service to the town, in the fortifications, whose death was much lamented of all men.  
The eight and twentieth of the month, two hundred soldiers drawn out of the garrison 
Zeeland.  of Flessingue, led by captains of the same town, went forth in the night to give a scalado unto the castle of Ramekins, in the Island of Walchrens; but being discovered by the sentinel, who perceived the ends of their ladders that were set up against the walls, they were forced to retire from thence, without any effect: in their retreat there was a canonier slain, who had charge of the Ordnance at Flessingue, and two soldiers hurt with stones.  
This month they of Amsterdam sent (by the hole of the broken dike, joining to the Inn, called the Hart, half way from Harlem to Amsterdam) three and thirty ships of war and three galleys into the sea of Harlem, to hinder the navigation of the besieged towards Leyden and other places. The Harlemois having discovered them, they presently sent forth their third galley, in the which captain Buckhorst and captain Monregnant commanded, who went into the little Island of Caege, near unto their other galleys. Those of Amsterdam, to defend their ships, built a fort at Fuycke, where they lay at anchor.  
The ninth of April, the prince of Orange's ships, to the number of a hundred, departed from Caege, sailing towards Fuyck, to charge them of Amsterdam; they of Harlem being advertised thereof, sent twelve of their ships, but two of them could not go forward, but the men were forced to go to land, and to join with two hundred men that were issued out of the town by the water gate, who seeing these two ships abandoned, retired again into the town with the loss of seven or eight of them. In the mean time the prince's ships were in skirmish against them of Amsterdam, but having a Northerly wind (which was contrary) they could not come to handy blows, besides, they durst not approach too near, for fear of the enemy's Canon, the which was in the fort of Fuyck.  
The twelfth of that month the prince's ships came before the castle of Hemstede, situated upon the shore of this sea, at the mouth of the channel that goes to the town. The besieged thinking that they would land their men there, sent out by the port of Zyel a hundred and fifty soldiers, by the Watergate five hundred, and by that of Schaelwyc two hundred. But these ships putting not any to land, and they which were issued forth, being hotly charged by the Spaniards, they retired skirmishing even unto their ports. In this fury many were hurt by their own men, captain Stenenbourg was shot in the reins, and captain Christopher Vader in the foot. The same day seven or eight presumptuous Spaniards only, with two ensigns, advanced to mount into a bulwark, crying, Victoria, Victoria, The town is ours, but they were soon dislodged, and one of these ensigne-bearers remained with his colours for a pawn of their presumption.  
At the last, the Spaniards made so many sconces along by the water side, that they of Harlem and the prince's ships could not pass, nor get one unto the other: they of the town likewise had made sconces without the town, that they might come at their ships and them, and therewith also to defend their cattle that pastured in the meadows, which they held there as long as they had any, until the twelfth of june: but after that by means of the enemy's ships and sconces, they were hindered from getting any more victuals into the town. Colonel Sonoy and they of Enchuysen twice sought to cut the Dremer dike, (being a ditch that parteth the Suyer sea and the Amstel from the Harlem mere and the waters within the land, and is the only way, by the which they of Amsterdam get all their provision by land) thinking through that dike to get into the Harlem mere and the other waters, but they were by them of Amsterdam put back, and beaten from it, with great loss of their men, and yet had begun to make a sconce. They likewise took Oudekerke, thereby to strengthen themselves the better: but the Spaniards came so strongly upon them, that they overthrew certain of the prince's companies: and having slain one captain Anthony Oliver (a brave soldier of Berghen in Henault) at Oudekerke, and upon the sixth of januarie thrown his head over the walls, into the blockhouse of the town of Harlem, with a letter tied unto it, saying, that it was the head of captain Philip Coninghe, the soldiers within were in such a rage, that presently they sent for eleven prisoners, and causing them to be hanged, with their beards all cut after the Gueux manner, they cut off their heads, and putting them in a barrel, with a letter, sent them unto the duke of Alva, for his tenth penny, which (they said) they had not yet paid him, and for which cause he had besieged Harlem, and therefore (they said) they had sent him interest for his money, which was the eleventh head, because he should not complain of them, and so rolled the barrel into the Spaniards sconce.  
The enemy on the other side having made a platform without in their camp, on the seven and twentieth of May they raised a pair of gallows upon the same, and on it hanged certain soldiers and burghers of the town, some by the necks, others by the feet, who the day before thought to have brought certain powder into the town: whereat the common soldiers within the town being mooned, presently set a pair of gallows upon a bulwark of the town, in the face of their enemy, and ran to fetch one M. Lambert, M. Querin, sometimes bourgomaster of the town, and Vrsel his daughter, being a nun, such as held with the Spaniards, as also one Adrian van Groeneven of Harlem, who not long before had been brought into the town, being taken in a skirmish by captain Claes jorison van Dick, and five soldiers, and a boy, and a priest, which they (against the magistrates will) hanged, the nun and another woman being drowned, and ran into the town to fetch more.  
Thus were the prisoners on both sides daily and continually hanged, and unmercifully thrust through, and put to death; which consumed many men. Without the town, amongst the enemy, there were many slain by assaults, skirmishings, sallies, and blowing up of mines, cold, want, and all manner of sickness and diseases, that it was uncredible, and amongst the rest, the baron de Noircarmes, governor of Henault, was hurt, the baron de Cressoniere, general of the Ordnance, and governor of graveling slain, and divers other netherlands gentlemen, besides Spaniards, Italians, and others, whereby it proved a very hard and bloody siege for the enemy.  
Dom Bernardin de Mendoso in his history writeth, That all those that were of the counsel of war, were shot and hurt, and Dom Frederic himself, but not sore wounded. He saith, there was slain about four thousand men of all nations, whereof eight hundred were Spaniards, and among the rest, Dom jacques de Caraunial, Lorenzo Perea, Dom Esten de Quessado, Toribro Zimbron, john de Ayala, Dom Marcus de Toledo, john de Vergas, Dom Sancio de Lodovigna, and others of great account. They within, during the siege, lost not many men, although the Spaniards ceased not still to shoot, blow up mines, assault and assail them, thereby to lessen and diminish their number, having caused a great number of mines to be digged and blown up, and they within did the like; they likewise cast great store of fire balls into the town, wherewith they did no great hurt, but more with great shot, which spoiled many men, they within the town daily telling, how often they shot, found, that they had shot above ten thousand three hundred and sixty great bullets against the town, wherewith they did great hurt unto the walls, towers, and houses of the same. Upon the platform they set up four masts, whereas with cords they drew up on high a wooden house, open both before and behind, wherein there stood certain harguebusiers, to shoot at those that they saw within the town, or that went in the streets; but they within the town shot the cords in pieces, whereby the soldiers and their house both fell down. After that, they set up another, and wound that with vices up upon the masts, but it was pierced through with shot, and at the last was blown down by the wind: And they of Harlem having received twelve pieces of Ordnance that were sent them (whereof two were brass pieces, that were given them by the town of Leyden) they therewith broke and shot five of the enemy's Ordnance (standing upon the aforesaid platform) all in pieces.  
The same day the Protestants of Zeeland having drawn two companies out of Flessingue, 
Zeeland.  and as many from la Vere, with some Flemish soldiers that came from Zirickzee, making in all fourteen hundred men, planted their siege before the castle of Soubourg, half way betwixt Flessingue and Middlebourg, and began to batter it by four of the clock in the 
The siege before Soubourg  morning with three pieces of Ordnance, which they had brought from Flessingue, and yet the besieged seemed to be nothing amazed. This battery was continued but two or three hours, by reason of the small store of powder that was then in Flessingue, which they would spare against the coming of the fleet of antwerp, the which they expected daily.  
The news being come to Middlebourg, that the said castle was besieged, there issued forth four hundred soldiers to go and succour it, against whom were sent three or four hundred of them that were at the siege. At their encounter there was so furious a skirmish, as they of Middlebourg having lost many of their men, were forced to return unto their town. The next day there sallied forth again two hundred men out of Middlebourg, not to skirmish with the assailants, but to give a sign unto the besieged, to save themselves in the best sort that they could, knowing well, that they would soon want victuals.  
The besieged having lost all hope of succours, demanded a cessation of arms on the Tuesday morning until six of the clock at night, the which did much rejoice the besiegers, who (for want of powder not able to make a breach) were resolved to retire the night following. Six of the clock being come, without any show of succours, they were summoned to yield, whereunto they agreed, upon condition, that they might depart with their lives, arms, and baggage safe; the which was granted unto them, and so they were conducted unto Middlebourg. The besiegers put a company of the garrison of la Vere into the castle. The place being visited, they found that they were not pressed with want 
Soubourg yielded by accord, & burnt.  of victuals or munition belonging unto war: and after they had kept it nine or ten days, to the end it should be no further charge to them of Flessingue, they set fire o nit, and abandoned it.  
The fifteenth day of April the Harlemois sent forth a galley into their sea of an hundred and eight foot long. And the eighteenth day there entered into the town five captains, Serraets, Rostowe, Blondel, Dorhem, Maligan, and other commanders, to the number of fifteen, bringing with them some soldiers and powder.  
The next day the prince's ships put two thousand men on land, joining to the five houses, to awake the Spaniards: but for that they of the town did not issue forth, they did not any thing. The night following, captain Ballour with his Scottishmen gave a camisado to them that were at Russenburch, which they forced, & defeated a great number, carrying away four ensigns. The twentieth day the Spaniards came as well by land, as with their galleys (which came from Fuycke) to take it again, but they were repulsed with shame and loss.  
The four and twentieth of the month, at four of the clock in the morning, they discovered 
Zeeland.  from the ramparts of Flessingue the fleet of antwerp, prepared for the victualling of Middlebourg, the which was presently assailed by the ships of Zeeland; but they kept so close together, and in such good order, as leaving the Zeelanders scattered and under their see, they cast anchor betwixt Flessingue and the Ramekins, attending the flood, having not yet received any loss, the which did amaze the inhabitants of Flessingue, who had such an opinion of the fleet of Zeeland, as the Spaniards could not resist them. Being at anchor, and the wind Northerly (which was contrary to them) they were forced to stay the tide, to go up to the castle of Ramekins. But before the tide came, the Spaniards were assailed by some small barks of Zeeland, to whose succour there came some great ships, so as in the end there were five great ships taken and carried to Flessingue, having slain most of the men that were in 
A fight at sea.  them: another which had run on ground, was burned by her own men, which saved themselves. This ship was laden with corn, which the poor men of Flessingue went to fetch in sacks, being not burned to the bottom. That which gave the beginning to this victory, was the hardy attempt of a mariner of Zeeland, which undertook to cut the cable of a Spanish ship called the Elephant, whereas the Signior of Blicqui commanded with other gentlemen; the which being well executed, the said ship came among the Zeelanders, where it was assailed, and after great resistance vanquished. In this combat the Spaniards lost seven mighty ships, whereof five were carried to Flessingue, with their artillery (which was very great) laden with victuals, which they thought to carry unto Middlebourg; one was burned, laden with corn, and another was cast away upon the sands, near unto the Ramekins. On the Spaniards side was slain the Signior of Blicquy, a gentleman of Henault, cut off by the waist with a chain shot, and with him, some captains and gentlemen. Charles Grenet (brother unto the Signior of Werp, who was in Middlebourg) was carried prisoner to Flessingue; where, at his first entrance, he was in danger to have been massacred by the mariners, if the women had not saved his life. There was in this defeat about nine hundred men slain and drowned on the Spaniards side, and but few taken prisoners.  
The rest of the month of April was spent at the siege of Harlem in light skirmishes on either side, and then there was forged in the town a certain piece of silver, carrying 
Holland.  on the one side the arms of the town, and on the other, their device, Vincit vi●… Virtus.  
In the beginning of May the Signior of Roulle, governor of la Vere, having gathered together a thousand men out of his own garrison, Flessingue, Zirickzee, and other places, 
Zeeland.  made an enterprise upon the Island and town of Tolon, which he thought to carry, relying upon his friends and intelligence there. But presenting himself before the town, about six of the clock in the morning, as soon as he was discovered, they saluted him with the canon and small shot, so as captain Ambroise le Duke, and some of his soldiers being wounded, they were enforced to retire. And although there were no hope of good success in this enterprise, being thus discovered, yet they continued there so long, as they of the Island and the town being joined together with all their forces, went to charge them with such fury, as they were put to rout, and defeated; whereof the Flemings were the cause: for by their flight they gave courage unto their enemies, and dismayed the Walloons their companions, who (being about three hundred men) defended themselves valiantly in the trenches which they had made; so as in the end being forced, they were all cut in pieces. In this encounter, captain Schoonevall and his ensign-baerer were slain, and almost all his company, being for the most part of those that had remained almost six years in the woods, having been at the surprise of Audenarde, as we have said before. The Signior of Roulle was also slain by his own men, accusing him, that he had brought them unto the slaughter. Captain jacob Simonson was taken prisoner, and some few soldiers, who (being put into the Spanish galleys) were drowned, except some few, which found means to save themselves. At the same time there died one captain T●…t Worst, admiral of Flessingue, a captain as free from ambition and covetousness, as valiant and hardy, in whose place there was another chosen, very well tried for his great valour.  
The ninth of May (being Whitsun eve) the Spaniards did cast a man's head into one of the bulwarks at Harlem, with a note containing these words, Behold the head of captain Oliver. 
Holland.  The besieged had two pigeons drawn out of their dove-houses; the which they carried often unto the prince of Orange his camp, from whence they let them fly, with little scrolls tied about their thighs, the which came into the town to their Pigeon houses they were called Flying messengers.  
The ships of Amsterdam did so keep the sea of Harlem (being very many) as little could come that way unto the town, the which was so straightly besieged, as nothing could come in or go out, but with extreme peril and danger, if it were not to make some sally, or to skirmish; as they did upon the sixteenth of the month, when they went to charge them that were lodged in the fort by the Wood, whom they chased from thence, and the next day they took the fort of Fuyck by assault: then they went as far as the house of john Pitteman (the which was held by the Spaniards) whereas they slew two sentinels, and brought away three cloaks, and the covering of a bed.  
The besieged of the town of Harlem did sometimes blow up a mine of their rampar, at the foot whereof, the enemies were lodged, which did much annoy them. There was also an order, That all the earth which they brought unto the rampar, should be cast into the ditch, the which was in such abundance, as by that means they did enlarge their rampar without, above two fathoms.  
The 17 of the month the fleet for the victualling of Middlebourg, being behind the castle of 
Zeeland.  Ramekins, and prepared to return to Antuerp, they advanced a little, and went to anchor on the other side of the castle, attending a wind fit for their voyage. The same day there issued forth about three hundred men out of Middlebourg, who came within canon shot of Flessingue, along the dike betwixt Ramekins and the town: being discovered, there sallied forth (as it were by force) a number of soldiers of the companies of Eloy and Bernard: at their encounter the skirmish grew so hot, as they of Middlebourg, having many of their soldiers hurt, and some slain, retired. And it is worthy the noting, that although the skirmish continued four hours very furious, yet there was not any one of them of Flessingue slain nor hurt.  
The five and twentieth of the month, the Spaniards having recovered the fort of Fuycke, 
Holland.  they sallied forth about five hundred men, and came and assaulted the fort of Russenburch, which was held by them of the town: at their first approach there were but nine or ten men, the rest being gone unto the town, but they returned suddenly at the noise of the shot, and entered by another way. The charge was furious: for at the first the Spaniards took the entrenchment of the counterscarpe, of that side where they approached, even unto the bridge, where there was a captain slain, or at the least some man of account; and advancing nearer there was a captain with seven Spaniards slain: The captains heads were cut off, and sent that night into the town, and set upon pikes at the end of a bulwark, in revenge of that of captain Oliver, whereas they remained all the day following: at which skirmish there were some forty soldiers hurt, the which were put into small barks by their companions, and carried to their quarter. And as they made their retreat, it happened that john Schatter, holding a little barrel of powder, to distribute among the soldiers, by mischance it fell on fire, whereby both he and Serrats', with seven or eight more, were very sore burnt: but to recompense this mischance they had a chain of gold weighing three hundred crowns, from one of the Spanish captains. All this time of the siege the kine and other cattle fed without the town along the ditches. The Spaniards went in good numbers to fetch them away, and although they had taken seven or eight, yet were they so hotly pursued by them of the Filth, as they were forced to abandon them, and to fly, paying for their rashness by the death of six of them. They returned two days after to have their revenge, but they had the like entertainment, with the loss of a sergeant and four soldiers.  
The 27 day the Spaniards set up a gibbet, about nine of the clock at the night, upon the first bulwark which they had taken, where they did hang some burghers & soldiers, which they had taken two days before, some by the neck, and some by the feet. This did wonderfully incense the town soldiers, who to be revenged, and in exchange, did in like sort set up a gibbet upon one of their bulwarks, opposite to the chief quarter of the Spaniards, and there they did hang M. Lambrecht, and M. Quirin (sometimes bourgmasters, and then prisoners for suspicion of treason) Adrian Groventuych, certain priests, a boy taken in the wood, and with them five soldiers; the daughter of the said M. Quirin, and a Wallon woman taken in the wood, were put in a sack, and cast into the river. These twelve were thus executed through the fury of the soldiers, without the authority or consent of the magistrates and captains. Without doubt this was a lamentable war, whereas commonly they that first begin these executions, are the first that smart for it, and repent it.  
The 27 of May the Spanish fleet began to set sail, and to advance unto the end of the sand, which is along the dike of Ramekins, & for that the ships of Flessingue were there at anchor, attending to fight with them, the Spaniards had sent men along the said dike, to seize upon the head of it, and to furnish it with artillery: the which being done, they began to shoot at the Flessinguers with such fury, as they were forced to abandon the place unto their enemies, who came and ankered there, attending a prosperous wind to finish their voyage: But the same day the small ships of Flessingue coasting them, having gotten the wind, went to skirmish with them with the canon, for the space of five or six hours so as many of the enemy's ships were 
A sea fight.  shot thorough in divers places, and one hoy laden with salt carried away: the great ship, called the Virgin of antwerp had her main mast carried away, in the which there died by the canon a great number, as well soldiers and mariners, as burghers, women, and children, which they had taken in Middlebourg to carry to antwerp: besides the fire fell in the powder, and consumed many, and the ship had been quite burnt, if the Spaniards had not brought some pieces of ordnance right against the place whereas the ship was run on ground, the which forced the Flessinguers to retire, and yet one of their pieces burst at the first shoot that they shot at them.  
The next day, the Spaniards seeing their ships greatly spoiled, and many of their men hurt, they retired, from whence they came under the castle of Ramekins, and the Zeelanders to the same place, where they had charged their enemies, for that they had quit that head, and retired their artillery.  
The eight and twentieth day of the month the Spanish ships, to the number of three score 
Holland.  and three, being upon the sea of Harlem, did charge the prince of Orange's fleet so furiously, as they defeated them, and took one and twenty: for which victory the Spaniards made bonfires. 
The prince's ships defeated.  And the same day they set upon the fort which the townsmen had at the mouth of the sea, from the which they were thrice repulsed: but they within seeing in the end no hope of succours, and having no ships to retire in, their powder also beginning to fail them, they yielded it, upon condition to have lives and goods saved.  
The thirtieth day the Spaniards blew up a mine, which carried away three soldiers of the town, and there was captain Couchy and captain Vemy in great danger of their lives: for Vemy was buried in the mine, so as the pioneers were feign to dig him out. There was a soldier cast with the earth that was under his feet, over the rampar into the ditch, having no harm, so as notwithstanding all the shot that were made at him, he mounted up the rampar again, and got safely into the town.  
The first of june the Spaniards caused eleven more to be hanged upon their bulwark at Harlem, and the besieged to have their revenge, sent forth forty harguebusiers to seek for Spaniards in the wood, but finding themselves too weak, they returned back into the town without any exploit. The third day the Spaniards built a little lodge of fir boards, open on the top and behind, hanged in the air upon four masts, being raised up and let down, as with a pulley, in the which they placed four musketeers, to shoot into the town continually, specially at them that should present themselves upon the ramparts: but they had not discharged twice, but the besieged discovering it, cut asunder the ropes whereby this lodge did hang in the air, with a chain shot, so as the ropes and a piece of the lodge being carried away, ●…three of the soldiers fell down with a lamentable cry, being in truth an idle invention to castaway men. The same day a messenger went forth with pigeons, to send them back again with advertisements.  
The third day of the month the army of antwerp went and lay under the castle of Ramekins, as if they would retire towards antwerp, but it was to no other end, but to find means 
Zeeland.  to get into Middlebourg certain boats laden with corn, which were at Tergoes: for having shut up the channel with their great ships, and fortified themselves with artillery upon the dike, they sent their small vessels towards Tergoes, who easily forced the Zeelanders that were planted there to guard the passage, for that eight or nine of their ships that were best armed, were gone upon the coast of Flanders, to keep some English ships laden with merchandise from entering into Scluce. In which attempt the Spaniards used such diligence as the same day they returned from Tergoes to Middlebourg, with six boats laden with corn. The same day there was a long and furious skirmish upon the dike, betwixt the soldiers of Flessingue and them that guarded the artillery upon the head of the dike, till that in the end the Spaniards (having lost one of their pieces, which brake) were forced to abandon the place, leaving many of their men, with small loss to them of Flessingue, but some hurt.  
The fourth of the month the Spaniards being returned from their voyage of T●…●…oes, presented themselves in great numbers to recover this head, which the Flessinguers had begun to fortify, to hinder the entry into the haven of Middlebourg: but the sort not being yet in defence, and seeing that the Spaniards came with artillery, and a great number of soldiers, they being but few, they did abandon it; and fly, with the loss of one of the burghers of Flessingue, who was carried prisoner to Middlebourg. The Spaniards having recovered this head, they forced the Zeelanders ships to retire farther into the sea, with their great shot, advanting their own a little more.  
The sixth of the month about noon, the fleet of antwerp began to set sail towards antwerp, having the great ships of Zeeland in front of them, and the lesser behind. At the first encounter of these two armies, they played so furiously with their ordnance on both sides, as the sea seemed to be on fire. The admiral of Zeeland, called the Lion, was engaged in the midst of the Spanish fleet, without any one to second her (for the rest of their fleet lay in the wind) and yet the Spaniard having no intent but to pass and to perform his voyage, made no show to set upon the admiral. But thinking to retire to her own fleet, and so all together to pursue the enemy, she fell fowl upon a great Biscaine ship, the which being uneasy to board, and having many soldiers in her, made long resistance, so as the admiral of Zeeland, after that she had vanquished her, could not return in time to follow the rest of the fleet, the which was notwithstanding pursued all night long, and battered with the canon. This Biscaine ship was brought to Flessingue, with a hulk and four hoys, laden with salt and other merchandise: in the which ships the Spaniards lost about three hundred men, whereof the most part were Spaniards and Italians, besides those that were slain and hurt in the other ships with the ordnance.  
On the ninth day the Flessinguers being advertised that two other great Biscain ships were yet behind, they sent after them two great ships, and five or six smaller barks of Zeeland: and although the Biscayne's, as soon as they had discovered them, sailed towards antwerp, yet were they soon overtaken, and one of them was so battered with the canon, as they were forced to run on ground, and the men to abandon her, in the which they found twenty five men slain, six pieces of brass ordnance, and some pillage, the which having drawn forth, they fired the ship. The like had happened unto the admiral of biscay, if she had not been succoured from antwerp, yet she was sore battered, and lost many men.  
The fleet of Antuerp being retired, they were troubled at Flessingue for the payment of their soldiers and mariners, who called for money: To whom answer was made, That there was no means to recover money, but in going to fetch salt in the road of Arnemuyden, whither they went with their smaller ships of war, and many soldiers in them, and setting certain sails (which they carried with them) to the hulks that were laden with salt, they brought nine away to Flessingue. The tenth day at eleven of the clock at night died the signior of Berlant, governor and bailiff of Flessingue, a man well affected to his country, and careful in his charge, who had great credit among the burghers and mariners of Flessingue, by reason of the love they bore him: it was given out that he had been poisoned by a woman, whom he had lodged in his house.  
The twelfth of june there was a proclamation made in Flessingue in the prince of Orange's 
Liberty given by the prince to traffic.  name, permitting all merchants, French, English, Scottish, Germans, and Esterlings, to traffic freely into Flanders, Brabant, and other places of the Netherlands, and to bring all sorts of merchandise thither, except those that should be excepted by proclamation: provided always, that they take their passports at the places mentioned therein, and to pay the ordinary customs: upon pain of confiscation of all their ships and goods to them that should infringe it.  
This month was spent at the siege of Harlem in blowing up of mines and other martial 
Holland.  attempts. The besieged having received no refreshing of a long time, and fearing they might be driven to some extremities, began to set down an order for the distribution of their victuals.  
On the fourteenth day the Spaniards put themselves in battle, preparing to give an assault, and withal blew up a mine, wherewith forty of the town soldiers were slain, and then they came resolutely to the assault; but seeing the besieged attend them full of courage, they retired suddenly.  
The seventeenth day the seigniours of Serrats' and Houtin were sent out of the town with some troops of harguebusiers to Fuyck, to inform the prince of Orange of the estate of the besieged, carrying many pigeons with them. Being safely arrived, they gave them notice thereof by fire: and the next day the prince sent back one of these pigeons with a letter, by the which he did advertise the besieged, that he was at Leyden, and that the baron of Batembourg, his lieutenant, was betwixt Amsterdam and Vtrecht, to cut off the victuals from the Spanish camp: and as for their succours, he made all the hast that possible he could. Then was there made a new rampar within the town from S. Marguerites' cloister unto Saint 
Great famine 〈◊〉 Harlem.  john's gate. The famine began to grow great within the town, for that for want of victuals they began to eat horses, dogs, cats, and such like.  
The two and twentieth they sent a pigeon into the town with letters from the prince, sending them word that he would come speedily to succour them. They had many such messengers, to encourage the besieged, who sometimes made sallies towards the sea, to see if they might have any refreshing of victuals from the prince's ships; but they profited nothing, although at that time there was nothing in the town but bread of Linseed and Turnup's, and the flesh of horses, dogs, cats, and such like.  
The Zeelanders knowing by experience how much the head of the dike which is betwixt 
Zeeland.  Ramekins & Flessingue did import, & what advantage it gave unto the Spaniards when they held it, resolved to fortify it well, and to keep it: so as having assembled a number of pioneers at Flessingue, la Vere, Ziriczee, and divers other places, they began the 21 of june to fortify it, and for their defence that laboured, they caused two companies to come from the nearest garrisons, with one from Flessingue, which were in guard by turns. The Spaniard resolved to hinder this fortification, to which end he drew as many soldiers as he could out of Middlebourg and Arnemuyden, causing a part of them to come along the dike with three pieces of artillery, the other part marching into the country, that they might shoot in flank at them that should discover themselves upon the dike. Marching in this manner they charged them that guarded the trenches at one instant, who seemed nothing amazed at all this shot which flew like hail stones about their ears, but resisted them so courageously, as losing all hope to force their trenches, they fled, as well they that came along the dike, as the others that came through the country. At this charge there were ten or twelve Spaniards slain upon the place, besides the hurt men whom they carried away, and among others the signior of Latin, governor of 
The signior of Latin sl●…ine  Middlebourg, was hurt upon the dike, with a falcon shot from the Zeelanders ships, which lay at anchor right against them, whereof he died soon after. They left also one of their pieces of ordnance, the which was carried by the soldiers into the Zeelanders trenches. The same day the signior of Boisot arrived at Flessingue, being appointed governor there by the prince of Orange, after the death of the signior of Berlant. And the 14 day did also arrive there the lord of Lorges, son to the earl of Montgomery, with about 200 harguebusiers French, brave soldiers, and well armed, who parted the next day to go unto the prince.  
About that time doctor junius governor of la Vere, and the signior of Boisot governor of Flessingue, thought to execute an enterprise, which had been long secretly practised, upon Middlebourg, with a master gunner of the same town, who bragged that he had two or 300 burghers which favoured this design: which was, that the said governors should come and lie in ambush with their men in a garden near unto the town, and at the same instant an alarum should be given both by sea and land, at Arnemuyden, causing it to be given out, that the forces which they had gathered together, were to assail Arnemuyden, to whose succour in such occurrents there usually went two or three companies of the garrison of Middlebourg, and then the gate next unto the ambush (which they called the port of Dam) should be opened by the said gunner and his adherents, having first made a sign to them that should be in the garden. To execute this enterprise there went out of Flessingue about 9 of the clock at night 1000 or 1200 men, gathered out of all the neighbour garrisons, who went and lodged themselves in the said garden, and were not discovered. And to the end they might the better discover the sign that should be given them, they set 14 or 15 men in centinel in a burnt house, betwixt the town and the said garden, the which was also done without discovery. About four of the clock in the morning the alarum was given at Arnemuyden both by sea and land, and presently they heard the drums sound in Middleburg to go & succour them, so as before 6 of the clock 2 companies were gone forth, & the 3 prepared to follow. The centinel that was sent out of this burnt house, to discover about the port, being weary with staying so long, seeing two or three men come forth, returned to the said house, whereas the others that had remained there, sent two of their company to the garden, to see if their troops were yet there; but being discovered by them of the town of Middlebourg, they began to cry arm, arm: at which cry the company that was ready to go forth ran to the rampar, and the others that were gone were called back again: and so this enterprise was made frustrate. If he that commanded the sentinels (a member of the garrison of la Vere) had well played his part, it was likely the enterprise would have proved very successful.  
The first of july about eleven of the clock in the forenoon, captain Pelican, and Cornellis 
Holland.  Matthew, with either of them a soldier, went out of Harlem by the port Zyel, and came into a place whereas they did white clothes, to confer with some Spanish captains, and their 
A conference betwixt them of Harlem and the camp.  provost general: Who said unto them, That their colonel desired to speak with the governors and commanders that were in the town; as they did the same day at five of the clock in the evening. Then there came the earl of Ouerstein, with four of his captains, and the bourgmaster john van Vlyet, with the captains Steenbach, Rossigny, and Pelican, who conferred together about half an hour, betwixt the little wood and the watergate, but they could not resolve any thing.  
The next day the Spaniard planted all his artillery against the town; he shot furiously at the tower of Pin, and at Ravenstein, so as the tower and the wall were beaten down; they shot violently among the houses, and the tower on S. Katherine's bridge was beaten down: then they brought into the ditch two floating bridges, to go unto the assault, but they that brought them were so roughly entertained, as twenty of them were left upon the place. That day the besieged hung a black cloth out at their steeple, to let the prince of Orange's ships understand in what misery the town was, the which they did again two days after. The fourth day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince, who promised to come and succour them the night following: Whereupon the soldiers of the town attending hourly his succours, gave a camisado, but nothing appeared.  
The fifth day the besieged entered again into conference with the Spaniard, whereas there were six of either side. For Dom Frederic came the earl of Bossu, the earl of Ouerstein, and four others: for the town, the bourgmaster john van Vlyet, the captains Steenbach, Rossigny, Sohay, Pelican, and Cornellis Matthew, but they could not agree, the soldiers refusing to depart without their arms. The same day the prince's ships showed themselves to them of the town; whereof the besieged being very joyful, went out in great numbers to second them. The Spaniards seeing this, gave the alarum at the bulwarks, which made the soldiers return again to defend their ramparts, from whence they chased the Spaniards; and that day were made the eight last shot of ten thousand two hundred, which had been discharged against the town during the siege. The eight day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince, promising to come the night following to succour them, that his ships should give a false alarum at Fuyck, but his whole army should come on the side of the wood. Hereupon the besieged made a sally with about two thousand men, meaning to fall upon some of the enemy's quarters: but this design was broken, which made the besieged to faint and to be out of hope.  
The ninth day there came another pigeon, advertising them that the prince's army had been 
The succours of Harlem, and the prince's army defeated.  defeated at Mannepat, coming to succour them under the command of the baron of Battembourg, lieutenant to the prince: in which defeat the said baron, and the signior of Clotingen and Carloo were slain. These news being heard in the town, some captains commanded their soldiers to be ready to depart the town, wherein they would leave only the women and children. But this being understood by the women, they assembled all together, making the most pitiful cries and lamentations that could be heard, the which would have moved a heart of flint, so as it was not possible to abandon them.  
The tenth day the besieged prepared to forsake the town, so as it was ordained, that seven companies should make the forward, and nine the rearward, that in the battle the bourgesses and sworn companies should march all in arms, and in the midst of them the magistrates, women, and children. But this design was broken by a letter from the Spaniards that were quartered in the wood, assuring them, that all that remained in the town should have mercy: which the Germane captains, and other soldiers, believed too lightly. And the same day, in token of the victory which the Spaniards had gotten of the baron of Battembourg, they planted upon their bulwark nine ensigns, which they had taken in this defeat.  
The eleventh day at night five companies of Walloons went out of the town, being followed by the companies of harguebusiers, and some other burghers: they were in a manner all out, so as there scarce remained any man on the rampar where the breach was, the which happened by an amazement which fell among them: but as there was not any man to set up the bridges they returned dismayed into the town, every one to his quarter, and to his guard, and if God had not then preserved the town, the Spaniard had easily carried it, for it was almost midnight before the soldiers and burghers were in guard at the rampar.  
The twelfth day the two bourgmasters, captain Steenback Rossigny, and Christopher Vader, 
A composition to yield the Town upon unsure conditions.  agreed upon certain conditions to yield up the town to the Spaniard. But this accord did not please Rossigny, who advertised the other captains French and Walloons: whereupon they drew up the bridges of the town, that the Spaniards might not enter, yet in the end upon the good hope was given them, they consented. The thirteenth day proclamation was made by the drum, That all the companies should assemble together in one place, as they did, where they were demanded, whether they would stay in the town at the duke of Alua's mercy, or depart without arms. Whereupon they answered, That they had rather stay at the dukes mercle, than to leave their arms: the which they said the more willingly, for that they had told the Easterlings and the Scottish men that they were pardoned. And so the soldiers recommending themselves to God, resolved to attend what might happen unto them. Captain Bordet, a French man, hearing them speak of yielding to their mercy, called one of his soldiers, and said unto him, Soldier, my friend, come hither, thou hast done me many good services, do me now this last, shooting me thorough the body with thy harguebuse: the soldier refused him, but through entreaties and importunities he did it. And so died Border, not feeling the cruelty of his enemies, and scorning to die by the hand of a hangman. The cause of this Roman-like act was, for that the Spaniards had declared, that there was no mercy for them that had been besieged at Mons in Henault, where the said captain Border had been.  
The fourteenth day the companies were sent for to the townhouse, to know if they did 
The yielding up of the town agreed unto.  consent to that accord, by the which the bourgmasters had redeemed the town from spoil, for two hundred and forty thousand florins, at two payments, one hundred thousand within twelve days, and the rest at three months. Whereunto having consented, the deputies went to confirm this agreement, the which being thus concluded, the town was put into Dom frederick's hands: Then commandment was given, that at the sound of the great bell all burghers and soldiers should bring their arms into the statehouse, that the townsmen should go into the cloister of Zyel, the women into the cathedral church, and the soldiers into the church of Bakemisse, but the Germans and Scottish men should still keep the guard at the rampar. This done, Philip Martin, sometimes bourgmaster of the said town (who during the siege had remained with Dom Frederic) went to the cloister of Zyel, to entreat the bourgmasters and the burghers, to provide the money that was promised speedily, lest that by delays the town might be spoiled.  
The same day the Spaniards being entered, commandment was also given to the Scots and Germans to bring their arms unto the townhouse, and from thence were led unto S. Katherine's cloister, and to S. Ursula, where they were given in guard to certain Spanish soldiers: This done, Dom Frederic, the earl of Bossu, with some other noblemen, entered into the town, and presently all the Ensigns of companies (having the day before delivered up their colours into the Spaniards hands) were put in prison, and afterwards sent with a guard to the castle of Cleef. Whilst that the poor burghers were thus guarded within the church, the Spaniards spoiled some of their houses.  
The fifteenth day of that month Dom Frederic caused about three hundred Walloons to 
The mercy of of the duke of Alu●… and his son at Harlem.  be hanged and headed: and the same day the duke of Alva came from Amsterdam before the town of Harlem, where he made the circuit of the town, to view it on the out side, and then returned, from whence he came without entering into the town.  
The next day captain Riperda and his lieutenant were beheaded, the minister Steembach was hanged, and two hundred and seven and forty soldiers were drowned in the Sea of Harlem.  
The seventeenth there were a great number more executed, and the eighteenth day there were three hundred more as well soldiers as burghers, which lost their heads, with the minister Simon Simonson.  
On the twentieth day the signior Lancelot of Brederode, captain Rossigny, and the receivor of Bryele, were executed by the sword in the village of Schoten.  
The regiment of Lazarus Muller, with the captains, being Germans, were conducted the seventh day of August out of the town, whereof a part of them went to serve the duke of Alva: And the eleventh day following, all the English and Scottish were beheaded. And to fill up this sea of blood, all the wounded and sick were beheaded before the hospital dcore.  
They that lay without in the sconce, as being forgotten in the contracts, while they 
The soldiers in the Fuyck sconce ste●…ued to death.  were executing the rest of them in the town, and forgetting to give them meat, were found starved to death with hunger.  
The sixteenth day of August the Dutch soldiers being about six hundred strong with their captains, were led out of the town with convoy, but passing by Nienwer church, monsieur Sonoy soldiers, with the aid of them of Enchuysen, setting upon their convoy, overthrew them, and so set them at liberty.  
Thus were all the soldiers in Harlem, being above two thousand men, with their captains, executed and murdered, except some few, that got secretly away, and a Scottish captain, called Balfour (that upon promise to do some exploit against the person of the prince of Orange) was set at liberty, which he himself told unto the prince, esteeming it a matter not to be done, being wholly against law or conscience.  
After this victory gotten against Harlem, the duke wrote letters unto all the towns of Holland, offering pardon and grace. but none of them would give ear thereunto, namely they of Rotterdam made him answer, saying, That they would be obedient and dutisul unto the king of Spain, but would not acknowledge any other lieutenant under him, than the prince of Orange.  
See what the taking, ransoming, murders and massacres committed by the duke of Alva, 
This siege continued 31 Weeks.  and Dom Frederic his son, in the town of Harlem were, for the succouring whereof the prince of Orange had done his best endeavours: I will forbear to speak who was the cause of it, for my meaning is not to tax any man: but long resolutions, and slow executions, are oftentimes the cause of great mischiefs, letting slip all good opportunities that be offered, which the Spaniards could fitly embrace, and yet the siege of this town was longer than the strength of the town did seem to require.  
The siege of Harlem having endured seven months, although the Spaniards had the victory, yet notwithstanding it much diminished their credit and reputation, being found to be able to be withstood, and not invincible, although the duke of Alva called his three regiments of Spaniards that he brought with him, the one Tales quails, the second Inuincibiles, and the third Immortales; and gave the towns of Holland time to resolve, and prepare to defend themselves: and the rather, for that the duke of Alua's soldiers at Harlem were at contention and strife amongst themselves, for that the soldiers that stayed without the town, would have their part of the money that the towns men were to pay, as well as they within, being eight and twenty months behind hand with their pay: for which cause they drove their captains and commanders from them, and would come to no agreement before they had money: Which mutiny and contention continued amongst them six weeks, before they were paid and the mutiny ended, whereby they besieged Alcmar too late, Summer being past.  
During this siege of Harlem many complaints were made against the lord of Lumay, earl of 
The earl of Mark accused before the States of Holland, for his cruelty against churchmen.  Mark, before the prince of Orange and the States of Holland, for many oppressions and cruelties, committed in divers parts, especially against church men, priests, and monks, whom he persecuted with all sorts of cruelties, to revenge (said he) the death of the earl of Egmont, his cousin, whereof he accused the clergy to have been the cause: Whose tyrannous and cruel acts were displeasing to all good men, of what religion soever: for the which the States committed him to prison, and had not the respect of the prince been, who sued for his pardon, and promised amendment, he had been punished. Yet the earl did ever after that time hate the prince of Orange, as if he had been the cause of his imprisonment.  
Being freed from prison, and dismissed from his charge, he retired himself out of Holland, much discontented, yet he had afterwards a regiment of foot in the States pay, at the camp of Gemblours, against Dom john of Austria: but being retired before the battle of Gemblours, and returned to Liege, he died in the year of our Lord 1578. Some said that he was poisoned.  
The duke of Alva finding with what toil, charge, and loss of men he had won Harlem, and hearing that some of his troops were in mutiny for twenty eight months pay, having yet many towns in arms against him, and thinking to begin first with Alcmar, he thought good first to see if he could win them by a proclamation, which he caused to be made and printed at Vtrecht, the six and twentieth of july 1573, offering the king's grace and favour to all, as a good father to his obedient children, forgetting and forgiving all that was past, knowing that their offence grew more by the suggestion of others, than of their own natures and dispositions, and that the king had not showed any rigour to such as had willingly subjecteth themselves, and not attended his force and power, and yet they continued still obstinate, notwithstanding he sought to gather them together, as the hen doth her chickens under her wings, for their own safeties: Praying them therefore to bethink themselves, and without any further delay to yield themselves into his ministers hands, and not to attend the wrath and fury of his army: giving them assurance for the enjoying of their liberties and Freedoms. And chose if they seemed to neglect and contemn his offered mercy and grace, he would have them to know and to assure themselves, that they were to accept all kinds of rigour and cruelty that might be invented by famine, sword, and fire, so as there should be no memory of them left to posterity: and that his Majesty would cause the country to be made desolate, and to be inhabited by strange nations: for that otherwise the king could not rest satisfied, that he had fulfilled the will of God, nor yet content his own conscience, if he should suffer such rebels to live unpunished, they knowing him well ●…o be the most gracious and mildest prince that ever lived, and appointed to be their sovereign. Not doubting but that they knew the king's army, which was great, with all ordnance and munition fit, to be at their doors, ready to destroy them, and that in the end the king would be master, etc. This proclamation was published in all places.  
During the siege before Harlem the duke of Alva had procured the earl of Bossu to write 
The earl of 〈◊〉 seeketh to ●…ue the princ●… of Orange betred  out of the camp unto one Huych janson, bourgmaster of Delft, persuading him not to let slip so good an occasion of obtaining peace from the king, as to procure some means to have the prince (being there) to be taken, and sent to the duke of Alva; which if he would do (saying, that he advised him thereunto upon mere love he bore unto the town of Delft) he assured him not only to purchase their pardon, but also promised upon his faith and honour, to procure them such freedoms and liberties, as they should desire: and that therefore they should be resolute and careful to perform this worthy and meritorious act, whereby they should not only purchase peace and quietness for their town of Delft, but also for all Holland, which otherwise would be ruined and made desolate. This letter being interrupted by the way, was brought unto the prince. He also sent letters of the same tenor to them of Amsterdam, and to move them to receive a Spanish garrison, but the messenger being taken, was sent unto the prince.  
The duke of Alva having taken Harlem, and as he conceived daunted the Hollanders courage, thinking the prince of Orange and the States to be unable to manage and fortify any place like unto it, and it may be, presuming that his cruelty extended upon that town would terrify any other garrison, who would not willingly adventure the hazard of a siege, he resolved with his counsel of war to attempt Alcmar, as one of their strongest towns; which being taken, the rest or most of the other towns would yield. Whereupon he sent Dom Frederic his son with Chiapin Vitelli, campe-master general, before Alcmar the one and twentieth of August, and with him the baron of Noircarmes, lieutenant to the general, with Dom Gonsaluo of Braccamonte, Dom Pedro of Velasco, Dom Pedro of Toledo, Stephano de Varro, julian Romero, la Motte baron of Goignies, master of the artillery, Ferdinando of Toledo, colonel Poluiler, the baron of Liques, than made governor of Harlem, the baron of Cheureaux, Monsieur de Capres, jonian Fronsberg, and the earl of Ouersteen, with some hundred & one and twenty companies, which were esteemed 16000 men. Within the town were 1300 fight men, burghers and inhabitants, besides strangers and peasants: they had a garrison of eight hundred soldiers, james Cabilliau was their governor, and William van Sonneberg his lieutenant. During the duke's preparation, the prince of Orange and the states of Holland sent five or six expert captains into the town, especially Smith and Cornellis Scottish men, with some four hundred soldiers, most of which captains had been in Harlem, and were a great means for the preserving of Alcmar.  
They of Alcmar seeing this storm approach, began to fortify their town, enlarging it with four bulwarks, and making a strong sconce upon the Scheermer, thereby to free their haven: but it was too soon abandoned. There was a sconce also made at Heylo, by the church, and at Egmont in the abbey, whereby the greatest and goodliest abbey in Holland was ruined, in the which above ten earls and many countesses of Holland had been interred, so as there was not a stone left standing, only two steeples of the church, which at this day serve for a sea mark to ships that pass by.  
The town of Harlem having been thus besieged 31 weeks, during the which the women, maidens, and boys, did as valiantly as might be, until that through want of victuals, and poverty, they were forced to yield (as we have said) to their enemies, the thirteenth of july, having during the siege slain many a brave captain of the Spaniards and Walloons. The duke of Alva meaning to pursue his dear victory, thinking to surprise the town of Alcmar, sent two thousand five hundred foot, and four companies of horse: the which at the first struck such a terror into them of the town, seeing themselves so suddenly invested, as many burghers (breaking the lock of the bar which crosseth the channel) went out of the town in small boats: But the prince of Orange's men being in good time at Egmont, and at Heylo, having seized upon that approach, and made their passage unto the town, breaking the locks and bolts of the gate, the Spaniards seeing that they had failed of their enterprise, retired. At the beginning the inhabitants were in great perplexity, whether they should hold good or yield: for the Romish Catholics, and some Protestants, hoping to find grace, as the Spaniards had promised them, would gladly have brought them secretly into the town. But the greatest part of the Protestants did all they could to draw in the prince's troops, the which being entered, skirmished with the Spaniards. So the town of Alcmar was at this time freed from the surprise of the Spaniards, who retired to Heylo, and from thence returned suddenly to the camp, which was before the town of Harlem, repairing the breaches, and casting down the trenches.  
Alcmar being thus freed, the counsel of the town (fearing that the duke of Alva would not be so satisfied) thought good to furnish the town with corn, and other munition of war, what they could recover by their own means, or from their neighbours of West-Friseland: Which done, by the order of Charles of Boisot, who commanded under the prince, they began to fortify the town: but they had scarce begun the work, when as the Spaniards returned the one and twentieth of August. At their first approach they seized upon the two entries 
The Sp●… return 〈◊〉 ●…uest A●….  of the channel, towards the East, to stop the passage as well by water as by land: But the burghers and some soldiers set fire on one of the mills at these entries, the which they could not do to the second, nor wrest it from the Spaniards: who to stop the passage unto the town, sunk a ship full of stones at the entry of their haven. Then the Protestants, who had a fort at Tun upon the banks of Scheermer, fled and abandoned the place to the Spaniard. The haven and all access by water being taken from the besieged, having no free passage to bring in victuals & munition, they resolved to make their way by force, and to chase the Spaniards from some quarter, and especially from the way to Oudt-Dorpe: and issuing forth of the town with such horsemen as they had, and some foot, they went to charge the enemy, but the Spaniards being stronger than they, they were repulsed, and beaten into their ports, with the loss of a corporal of their horse. But before we proceed any further at this siege, let us see what passed in Zeeland.  
The signior of Beauvoir chosen admiral by the duke of Alva for Zeeland, made preparation 
Zeeland.  in antwerp, to return to Middlebourg with many ships: and foreseeing the harm which they received by the fort which they of Flessingue had built upon the head of the dike, he sent to them of Middlebourg, that they should attempt to surprise it, before it were more defensible: the which they thought to have done the five and twentieth day of july at night, having gathered together a good number of soldiers from Middlebourg and Arnemuyden, but being discovered in time, they returned as they came.  
In the end of july the governor of Flessingue and la Vere, having gathered together their 
Ramekins besieged by the Zeelanders.  garrisons, and those of Ziriczee, went in the night to camp before the castle of Ramekins, upon the dike towards Middleburg, where having entrenched themselves with incredible speed, they began about four of the clock in the morning to play with their canon, as well from their ships, as from the dike, where they had planted two pieces of Ordnance. Captain Eloys company guarded the trench about the castle, and that of captain Bernard was near unto the sluice of Middlebourg, to make head against the Spaniard, if he offered himself to trouble them on that side. And for that the besieged made no show of amazement, and that they had not powder sufficient in Flessingue to continue their battery, until there were a breach, it was resolved to undermine it, being persuaded that the bulwarks that looked towards the dike were built upon arches: the which was performed with such speed, as within four days they came under the bulwark, wherein the governors, captains, and soldiers, wrought continually with great resolution. And for that they had resolved the fifth day of the siege to set fire to this mine, and withal to give an assault, they caused ladders to be made ready, and other engines fit for that purpose: they had also caused two hoys to approach, upon the which they had made two castles of musket proof, in the which they would place harguebusiers to shoot at them that should discover themselves upon the rampar, to defend the breach, when as the assault should be given.  
The besieged seeing the preparations that were made to assail them, as well by land as by sea, and doubting a mine they began to faint, and to demand a parley: whereupon they agreed to yield up the place, upon condition to depart with their lives, arms, and baggage, but they would have it deferred to the next day. Whereupon as the governors were resolved to set fire to the mine the next day, and to give a general assault, they priest them to deliver it up the same night: in the end it was agreed they should not depart until the next day, but for assurance of that which was promised, twenty soldiers of the besieged should come out of the castle, and lodge in the camp that night, and 20 of the besiegers should enter into the castle.  
The next day being the fourth of August, the place was yielded by six of the clock in the 
●…e castle of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  morning, into the which captain Eloys company was put: where also the governors entered to see that performed which was promised to the besieged, who were safely conducted with their arms and baggage near unto Middlebourg: Which done they caused all the soldiers to assemble that were in the castle, where a sermon was made, with thanks to God for the happy issue of the enterprise: then the place was visited, whereas they found eighteen brass pieces, four barrels of powder, and a great number of bullets and victuals, as flesh, wine, and come, for above three months for the garrison that was in it. It is a place of great importance, and the chief bulwark of the isle of Walchrens, otherwise called Zeeburch, whereas ships have a good road.  
During this siege, which continued but five days, the fleet of antwerp prepared with all speed, not only to carry victuals and supplies to Middleburg, but also according to the haughty designs of the Spaniard, to reconquer all the towns and islands of Zeeland, and to reduce them under the duke of Alua's obedience. This fleet should be conducted by the signior of Beauvoir, who was admiral, and by colonel Mondragon with all his regiment, having all things fit for the execution of this goodly design.  
This army consisting of threescore and four vessels of all sorts, appeared before Flessingue the ninth of the month of August, by four of the clock in the morning, as if they would pass to Middlebourg, or draw the Zeelanders to fight, whose army was of nineteen great ships (of the which that mighty ship of Martin jansz, being of thirteen or fourteen hundred tun, was admiral of the Zeelanders fleet) and fifty smaller vessels, the which were near unto Flessingue, attending the coming of the said Spanish fleet. And for that the Zeelanders were resolved not to fight, but near unto the fort upon the dike and the castle of Ramekins, because they would not lose the advantage which they might have by the said forts, they attended the coming of the enemy there, with their great ships, having sent their lesser to Flanders side, to follow them in the tail, with the advantage of the wind.  
The small ships of the Zeelanders lying hovering upon that coast, the lesser vessels of the 
The first skirmish of the two fleets.  Spaniards went to assail them, where they did skirmish long and furiously with their great ordnance and small shot, till in the end the Spaniards retired to their fleet.  
The next day, being the tenth, the Spaniard presented himself again twice: the first with his small ships only, and the second time both with great and small: and had not the Flessinguers received a commandment not to charge, they had never parted until that one of the armies had been defeated: but by reason of the said commandment, when the Spaniards approached too near, the Zeelanders recoiled.  
The eleventh day the Spaniards showing themselves more hardy (finding that the Zeelanders would not fight but under the favour of their forts) came and presented themselves before the haven of Flessingue, and shooting off their ordnance at certain small ships which lay there, some bullets flew into the town, and slew a boy in the street of ten or twelve years old: then they retired unto Flanders side before Bresquen, right against Flessingue. This bravadoe of the Spaniard struck such a terror into the Flessinguers, as in less than three hours, all their walls next to the sea, were bordered with pipes full of earth, to serve as a parapet for the harguebusiers, the which without that fear would not have been done in three weeks.  
The twelfth day the Spaniard leaving the coast of Flanders, sailed towards the sea, coasting the walls of Flessingue, making some shot into the town, from whence they also shot at their ships. Being come to the downs of Zoetelande, they cast anchor: the Zeelanders fearing they would land, sent all the men they had in Flessingue thither. But the thirteenth day the fleet went so far into the sea, as they almost lost the sight of it: then they entered into a straight betwixt two banks of sand, and from thence came into a place called the powder, or the Haek, a league from Campuere, there to unlade their victuals, and so to have it carried by carts to Middlebourg.  
Being busy at their unlading, there rose a storm with a South-west wind, in the which they lost three of their great ships, and one galley. Another of those ships which they call Bovyers, was driven by the tempest among the ships of Flessingue, and taken: those that were cast away were not unladen, of the which nothing could be saved, but the ordnance.  
A while after there was another skirmish betwixt the lesser ships of the Spaniards and Zeelanders, where after many great shot spent, in the end the Spanish vice-admiral was boarded 
The Spanish viceadmiral taken.  and taken: it was in like sort laden with corn, having six brass pieces, and eighty four men in her, the which were all cut in pieces, and cast over board, except fifteen that were brought to la Vere.  
The eighteenth day of August the Zeelanders that were in garrison at la Vere, went to skirmish with them that kept the trenches which the Spaniards had made right against the Haek, that they might with more safety discharge their victuals, upon whom they sallied forth in such numbers, and with such fury, as they made them recoil near unto their ports: but being succoured with some new and fresh supplies of soldiers, which the signior of Boisot brought them in person, they charged the Spaniards in such sort, as they forced them to return presently to their trenches: The which the signior of Beauvoir their admiral seeing, he sent a good number of harguebusiers more to land, with the which the Spaniards taking courage, chased away the Zeelanders near unto their town, in which skirmish they lost eight men, and some others were wounded and hurt, among the which captain Eloy lost one of his eyes. But of the Spaniards (by the report of them that came afterwards to serve the Zeelanders there) died about threescore.  
On the six and twentieth day the Spaniard having left the place, put to sea, as if he would have sailed towards Scluce, but suddenly he turned head, having both wind and tide fit, and directed his course towards antwerp, passing before Flessingue they were pursued by the lesser ships of Zeeland (for the greater being upon the Lemmer could not arrive in time) who charged them so behind, as they forced four of their smaller ships of war, and five other vessels laden with victuals, to run on ground upon Flanders side, lest they should fall into the Flessinguers hands. Besides there was brought unto Flessingue a hulk of two hundred tons, the which had been taken by the Spaniard being at sea, laden with many sorts of merchandise. Although the signior of Beawoir had not unladen the third part of the victual and munition which he had brought yet durst he not make any longer stay at Haek, fearing the tempest in the which he had lost six or seven ships, besides the great difficulty he had to convey those victuals from that place to Middlebourg.  
The besieged of Alcmar in Holland, to find some means to recover their channel, they did endeavour with barks to set fire on the other house, which they could not do at the mouth 
Holland.  of it: the burghers with one of their bourgmasters, and some soldiers, went in boats to skirmish with the enemy; another company was gone by the salt pits, to charge the enemy by land. But the Spaniards having sent some of their men by the new port, towards the town (making show as if they would assail it on the South side, at a place called the Geest) as soon as the alarm was given in the town, the burghers quitting the skirmish returned to the rampar, and so this enterprise proved fruitless.  
The next day the Spaniards told the besieged, being upon the rampar, That they desired to confer with them upon good assurances: The which being imparted to colonel Cabelliau, and the counsel of the town being assembled, it was resolved among the bourgmasters, captains, and chief of the town, not to treat in any sort with the Spaniards, no not to hear them speak: the which was delivered unto them. From that day the Spaniard seeing himself contemned, and that they would not once hear him speak, began then to resolve to war, and to shoot at the houses in the town, without doing any great harm to the rampar, the which the besieged did fortify day and night.  
The five and twentieth of August the Spaniards made a false alarm towards the port of Harlem, as if they would assail the town of that side: And the said day they sent a drummer with captain Steenbach (as it was thought) to the port of Friesland, demanding of the besieged, if they might approach any nearer freely. Being answered them, that yea, they desired to speak with captain Cabelliau, or with one of the bourgmasters: but whilst that one went to deliver the message, he was known by a soldier: then they cried unto him that he should retire, and as he recoiled a little, they that were in sentinel shot at him, call him traitor, and that he had been the cause of the loss of the town of Harlem, the which he understanding, drew forth his sword, and threatening them, he presently went his way.  
Three days after the Spaniards put themselves in battle, an hour after midnight, as if they had meant to have given an assault, the which they did (as it was thought) to see the countenance of the besieged, and how they were resolved to defend themselves: but there was nothing heard throughout all the town, but an alarm and shooting of pieces, so as the Spaniards (seeing them come to the rampar nothing amazed) made a gentle retreat. And the same day there died (to the great grief of all the commons) john Arentsz minister, who being at the extremity, and hearing that the Spaniard was at the rampar, prayed God with all his family, to preserve his dear country, that it might serve as a refuge for them that make profession of the Gospel.  
The night following the Spaniards made a trench before the port of Friesland, to approach their canon nearer, and notwithstanding the continual shooting of the besieged, yet could they not hinder their work; so as about noon they sallied out of the town, and chased them from thence: but the Spaniards having doubled their forces, they returned, and forced the besieged to retire into the town, who carried back with them, which they had found upon the way, a little barrel of powder, some head pieces, swords, and cloaks, which they that fled first had left.  
The first of September, of many messengers which the besieged had sent out, there was one only that returned, who brought letters from the Signior Diederic Sonoy, governor of West-Friseland, and from the States of the country, unto the counsel of the town of Alcmar, the which did much comfort the besieged.  
In these letters he did grieve that they were so straightly besieged: The which he had no 
Letters from the Governor Sonoy, which comfort the besieged.  sooner understood, but he did his best endeavour to send them a company of supply: but he could not do it, by reason of the base retreat of their men, which they had upon the lake of Schermer, yet he would not fail to employ his person to succour them, and to help to raise the siege: That he had written to the prince of Orange to that end, doubting not, but their forces (if they would patiently attend succours) would disappoint the attempts of their enemies. And touching that which they had desired, to have the dike broken by Medenblycke, having imparted it unto the States of West-Friseland, they had already let go all the sluices of the sea, and (if necessity required) he himself would be the first that should pierce the said dike: And touching that which they had written, That they had brought four and twenty pieces of Ordnance to the enemy's camp, that he had heard nothing thereof by his spies, yet he was not ignorant in what perplexity the town was, the which he could not relieve as he desired, yet he would do his best endeavours to send them succours: and this was the substance of his letter.  
Those letters of the States of West-Friseland, assembled in the town of Horn, contained.  
That as for the powder which they daily attended, as soon as they had received it, they would send it unto them: and in the mean time they would do their best 
Letters from the state of West-Friseland to the besieged  endeavours to succour them by water and by land, entreating the burghers to be of good courage, and the rather, for that Cont Lodowic had written unto Philip vander Aa, to exhort the Hollanders not to faint for the loss of Harlem, but trusting unto the equity of their cause, to show themselves more valiant for the defence of their liberty and the country, hoping they should be soon freed from the tyranny wherewith they would oppress them.  
Some that were well affected, gave it out, that there were letters come to some private persons, That duke Christopher, son to the Cont Palatine, was upon the frontiers of Gueldres with two thousand horse and five thousand foot, and that Cont Lodowic followed him with as great forces, the prince of Orange having sent a thousand harguebusiers to join with them, and altogether to come and raise the siege; so as by these letters and reports, those of Alcmar (whom the Spaniards held cooped up in a cage, meaning to starve them) were the twelfth day of the siege somewhat comforted and encouraged by the coming of this unexpected messenger, notwithstanding the straight guard and so many-centinels set by the Spaniards upon all the approaches, all which he escaped by the divine providence of God without danger.  
The Spaniard in the mean time did not neglect the work which he had begun, but finished the trench at the Friesland gate, with an intent to bring the canon nearer unto the town, or else to undermine and blow up a bulwark: for the hindering whereof, the besieged made a sally forth, leading some pioneers with them, to cast down the trenches: but they were forced to retire into the town without any success. Whereupon the next day they began to make a half moon within the town against the said port, for the effecting whereof, they beat down four houses, that if happily the Spaniard should win this port, they might have a place of retreat and defence within, where they might not suddenly take the town. And as there daily happened new difficulties among the besieged (for the which they could not so easily provide) it was determined in counsel, to add two counsellors to the two bourgomasters, to ease them in all occurrents, the which was done the sixteenth day of the month.  
All this time it seemed the Spaniards sought but to abuse the besieged, sometimes pretending one thing, sometimes another, contrary to that which they had designed. For the tenth day of the month they laded upon carts towards Berghen some small pieces of Ordnance, as if they would rise, and the night following, tying many small boats together, they sought with great labour to make a bridge near unto the town; but the besieged which were in guard on that side, shot so furiously at them, as they were forced (after that many had been wounded) to leave their work, and lose their bridge.  
On the eleventh day there were seen (more than was usual) a great number of horse and carts, on the which the Spaniards did lad their artillery, not without difficulty and some loss by reason of the continual rain, which made that quarter of Friesland so foul and my●…ie, as carriages could hardly pass.  
On the twelfth day they brought near unto the red tower, on the East side, a great number of long Fir planks, with hurdles, and in the night they planted some gabions before the gate of Friesland, to cover their canon, and to no other end: For to think that they had an intent to famish it (having compassed about the town) was a folly, having neither all the channels at commandment, nor all the gates shut up, lest that they should be surprised by them that came to victual the town. So the Spaniard continuing his work, being resolved to give an assault, he made another trench upon Quacquebourg, right against Saint Peter's tower, lying betwixt the Friesland gate and the Monks tower, to disturb the pioneers which broke down the old wall: for at that place there was a piece of the wall fallen, joining unto the priest's tower, whereas the besieged would make a rampar, the which lay open to the enemies shot; so as many which carried earth to this work, being slain, and others hurt, the rest were so terrified, as for that day they left the work unperfect. But the next day three squadrons surprising the Spaniards in these trenches of S. Peter's town, chased them from thence, and wanting tools to cast it down and lay it even, the Spaniards returning with a greater troop, forced the besieged to leave it.  
The besieged receiving no news from their associate neighbours, and that by reason of their straight siege no spy●…s could pass to give them intelligence, it was resolved by the governors and captains, That the night following, which was the fifteenth of the month, they would make a sally on the South side upon their enemies, which were busy about a new trench, and that they should seek to take some prisoner alive, as they did, taking a Spaniard, called john jeronimo; if they had not then busied themselves about the spoil, they might easily have carried away as many as were there: so as that which the besieged could not learn from their friends and confederates, they understood from their enemy, for this prisoner told them, That Dom Frederic had received commandment from the duke of Alva his father, and from the court, to assail the town speedily, and that if he could not carry it at the second or third assault, he should carry back his army into Brabant: That Dom Frederic had resolved to assail them in four places at one instant, that he might force one of the quarters, where there was least resistance, and yet there was some dispute betwixt him and the lord of Noircarmes touching that point: That the bridges, planks, hurdles, and all other necessary instruments were ready for an assault, and that before they would give an assault, they would batter down the wall betwixt the gate of Friesland and the red town; but upon Harlem side they would make an assault upon bridges, and towards the Salt pits with boats: That if he took the town by assault, he would murder all, young and old, men, women, and children, without any respect either of sex or age.  
Whereupon all went to pray unto God, with tears in their eyes, That it would please him for his holy names sake, to turn from them that tyranny and inhumanity. Moreover, being demanded, What number of men there might be in the camp, he said, There was about six thousand six hundred men, although after the raising of the siege it was otherwise known: for Dom Frederic, accompanied with the lord of Noircarmes, julian Romero, and many other men of account Spaniards and Walloons being lodged in the village of Oudt-dorpe, had in his quarter two and forty companies of the old bands, to the which were joined eight other companies newly come out of Italy. Dom Frederic had a thousand five hundred horse for his ordinary guard, besides other four hundred horse that were lodged in the same quarter. Dom Ferdinando of Toledo, cousin to Dom Frederic, was at Huyswaert with eight companies of Spaniards, every one being of two hundred. In S. Pancrats village were six companies of Germans of Colonel Polwyller, and other five of the garrison of Groningen. At Leedyck was the baron of Liques, governor of Harlem, with twelve companies of Walloons, and by him the baron of Chevereaux, with eight companies of high Bourgognons. In the village of Berghen was the lord of Capres (afterwards made earl of Hennin) with ten companies of Walloons. At Newport, upon the South side, there were two bands of Italian and Spanish horsemen, and john Schenks cornet of Reisters', where there were also seven companies of Spaniards newly come, twelve of Landtsknechts', under George Frousberg, and three of the earl of Ouersteyns. So as at the beginning of this siege, there were in Dom Frederics camp one hundred twenty one companies of footmen, which made at the least six and twenty thousand men, out of the which, some were drawn to put into Schellinckwout, and into the ships, to fight with the Hollanders upon the water: The burghers and inhabitants able to carry arms, were found to be thirteen hundred, besides strangers that were newly come, and countrymen that were fled into the town, which were not many. There were about eight hundred soldiers in the garrison; for of seven companies which they had, the governor Sonoy before the last siege had drawn forth two, and afterwards one, with two small pieces of Ordnance, the which were sent into Waterlandt, where he said they had great need.  
The sixteenth of the month there fell near unto S. Peter's tower a piece of the wall, the which had begun long before to sink, and now through the burden of the new rampar, that was laid upon it, fell quite down: but the same night the besieged stopped that breach with great diligence: so as that wall which had been built in old time in steed of a rampar for the defence of the town, was now but a trouble and toil unto them to beat it down, and to make a new rampar in the place thereof.  
The same day the Spaniards planted nine Canons against the port of Friesland, and seven at the red tower: but for that the ground on the North side was more mierie and lower than to the South, both by reason of the rain, and by the opening of the sluices of the sea, the which the governor Sonoy had caused to be done, the Spaniards were much encumbered in the planting of their ordnance; yet the night following they raised the ground of their first trench, the which they approached near unto the port, having an intent to blow up the bulwark, the which had been built upon the bodies and roots of trees, bavins, and other wood, fit to prevent a mine.  
The seventeenth day the Spaniards showed themselves in such sort, as if they had been ready to give an assault, advancing their planks into the ditch upon the North and the South side, putting their men in order in the trenches, thrusting forth their forlorn hopes: To conclude, it seemed by their countenance, that they meant instantly to give an assault.  
The night following there appeared a prodigious sign in the air: for the Moon (which was in her last quarter) began about nine of the clock at night to shine, against the course of nature, whereas it should not have appeared before midnight. This prodigy was a good presage unto the besieged, and gave them more courage: and so (by the grace of God) it succeeded better than the lamentable estate of the town could hope or expect for: most of the soldiers of the garrison were yet fresh, and unaccustomed to war, and the burghers were not so fit for arms, as for merchandise, and to till the land.  
The eighteenth of the month the Spaniards began to batter furiously with twenty pieces of ordnance, so as they made that day two hundred shot, as well in ruin upon the houses, as at the rampar, where there were six men of the town slain. The Spaniards having beaten down the fronts of the port of Friesland and of the red tower, about three of the clock in the afternoon they began to give a furious assault, making their way at the port by the materials, which had fallen and filled up the ditch, and at the red tower, by a bridge which they had let down: and to strike the more terror into the burghers, they prepared to assail the town at the port of Harlem, and at the Salt pits, on the one side by a bridge, and on the other side by barks, as the Spanish prisoner had formerly discovered. But all these preparations did not amaze the besieged of the town of Alcmar: for at the first shot of ordnance, as well burghers as soldiers came resolutely and full of courage unto the rampar, every one keeping his place and rank, not shrinking a foot, but repulsing their enemies as valiantly as might be. The burghers and inhabitants did willingly obey the captains of the soldiers, and not any one did refuse or murmur against that which was commanded him. The women, maidens and boys came thither with such hardiness, as it is not to be spoken, some bringing wild fire, which they cast upon the assailants, others boiling water full of lime, baskets with stones, and such other offensive matters: so, as since the soldiers besieged have confessed, that without that aid, they could never have made it good. In the mean time the Spaniards did all they could to carry it, who, as soon as they had passed such difficulties as they found at the breach, and passed the rampar, they were so gently welcomed and entertained with pikes, halberds, two-handed swords, stones, and all other sorts of arms, as in the end they were enforced to recoil back. There was nothing to be heard but the crying and howling of men wounded and dying, and the noise and clashing of arms: There was nothing to be seen but fire and flame; here one fell down, there another tumbled from the top of the rampar into the ditch. To conclude, there was nothing else to be seen but fearful and hideous sights.  
The first assailants having done their charge, and being repulsed, and weary of fight, there came other fresh men in their places, who had no better success than the first, carrying nothing away but blows and wounds; and in this sort the Spaniards were twice repulsed: yet they fainted not, but sought to force it, at what price soever, coming to the third assault like Lions: who having passed the breach, and won the rampar, they cried out, Victoria, Victoria: Of three Ensigne-bearers which came up to the rampar with their colours, two were slain, one of their colours was burned, and the other two were torn in pieces, every one striving to have his part: but it was not known what became of the third ensign-baerer. In the end the Spaniards being not able to hold out or endure the skirmish any longer, they were constrained to retire with shame and loss. And so this Friesland port was freed from three fierce and mighty assaults of the enemy.  
On the other side, at the red tower, they did no less: The assailants having approached unto the rampar with their bridges, the besieged were much troubled: For before they were to encounter the enemy upon the rampar, and to repulse them from the breach, and behind, they were galled with two pieces, which played upon their backs from the salt pits, yet being nothing troubled with all these difficulties, they continued firm, and repulsed the enemy twice.  
In the end, the Spaniards (mad with rage and disdain) returned the third time to the assault with greater numbers than before, thinking now to carry it, as it was to be feared, considering the multitude and fury of the assailants. The besieged notwithstanding, after a long defence (setting the danger before their eyes) made no show at all, as if they were either wearied or tired: but with the help of pitched hoops fired, burning straw, boiling water, stones, and all other things of resistance, which the wives, daughters, maid servants, and boys did bring, they defended themselves valiantly until eight of the clock at night, when as the enemies were forced to retire with shame, which gave the victory unto the besieged.  
Touching the Spaniards attempts at the salt pits and at the port of Harlem, that cannot rightly be called an assault: for those that were slain at the Salt pits, taught their companions to tarry in their trenches: and those which on the South side laboured (but in vain) to conduct the bridge, showed, that they would not give the enemy an assault at so dear a rate: for it had been a great folly for them to offer it, for that the Canon of the town might command as well the bridges as the boats that should offer to come unto the assault. Notwithstanding, they must attribute the honour unto God alone, who would not suffer it: for if in these four quarters (although two of them seemed very uneasy) the Spaniard had at one instant time assailed the town, it had been much to be feared (considering the weakness of the besieged) that it would have gone ill with them.  
In these furious assaults (which the night broke off) having fought almost four hours, there died of the besieged four and twenty soldiers, and thirteen burghers, besides them that were hurt. On the Spaniards side they did speak of five hundred, among the which were eleven captains and commanders: And without doubt, if the powder of the town had not been somewhat moist, there had been many more slain: for coming to the breach, they discovered themselves, as if they had been of musket proof. Among the besieged, Diericke Duyvel of Amsterdam, and Conrade of Steenwike, captains, whereof the one was at the gate of Friesland, and the other at the red tower, behaved themselves valiantly. Colonel Cabilliau (a man of a mild disposition) although he were sick, was at the rampar, to give some courage unto the besieged by his presence.  
There was also a Scottishman called Cornellis, who had been an ensign in Harlem, having escaped the Spaniards hands, and come to Alcmar, did wonders against the enemy: of whom (during these assaults) he slew above twenty with his own hand, the which did free them from the jealousy which they had before of him. Of two ponton's or bridges, which the Spaniards had thought to bring unto the red tower, the inhabitants burned one of them the night following.  
The same month the dukes john Casimire and Christopher his brother, sons to prince Frederic, elector Palatine of Rhyne, meeting upon a heath with certain carts laden with powder, the which were sent out of Germany to the duke of Alua. These princes knowing whence they came, and whether they went, causing them to be unladen, and the barrels to be set one upon another, with a long train they set fire on them, and blew them up.  
The duke of Alva being advertised hereof, made his complaint unto the emperor, who writ unto the said princes. Whereunto duke Casimire made answer by letters from Heydelberch the twelfth of October, by the which he confessed freely, that he had done it, knowing to what end that powder was intended, that is to say, to the ruin and desolation of the good towns of the Netherlands, as they had done at Harlem; the which the princes of the empire should in no sort suffer, That such a Tyrant as the duke of Alva was, should in that manner destroy the good Netherlands, their near neighbours, that in the end the king of Spain having suppressed them, and reduced those countries into servitude, the duke would then fall upon Germany, trouble their quiet, and in the end (knowing the said duke of Alva to be an inveterate enemy to the Germans) reduce them to the same slavery that he had done the Netherlands: for the preventing and hindering whereof, both he and all other princes were bound to employ all their forces and means. Wherefore they should rather allow and commend that act which they had done in their own country, and upon their own lands, than accuse or blame them. And therefore he entreated his imperial Majesty, with many other reasons, not to impute this as a blame unto him, seeing he had done it for the ease and relief of their neighbours, the which in the end would redound unto the service of all Germany, their common country. And this was the substance of duke Casimires answer, of whom the duke of Alva could get no other satisfaction for all his storming.  
The twentieth of September, about nine of the clock in the morning, the Spaniard renewed his battery at Alcmar, with the which he did more annoy the houses than the ramparts, the which were presently repaired with earth which the burghers brought, & that day they made seven hundred shot: after noon he drew his troops out of Oudt-Dorpe, to assail the red tower again. But as they would have approached the other bridge which remained, the shot came so thick from the town, as the captains (notwithstanding all their threats and blows) could not draw the soldiers to the assault, although (as they said) they slew above fifty, refusing to go, for which cause the tower was not assaulted that day. And although Dom Frederic promised much and largely unto his soldiers, if they did win the town, yet he got nothing at this assault, but great loss of his men, and many hurt. On the other side, those that were appointed to give the assault at the Friesland port, seeing the loss of their companions that were near the tower, kept them quiet by the mill.  
And in this sort the Spaniard by his wilfulness did enure the besieged to manage arms, whilst that the peasants and the women repaired the ramparts. After Sunset, is a troop of horse and foot passed along the ditch, a young man, a gunner, discharged a ●…ne charged with nails, at them, and made a great spoil of them, and so the Spaniards retired every one to his quarter.  
Behold how God showed himself unto them of Alcmar, who although they had no assistance from their neighbours, yet did he not forsake them in their greatest need: for even it seemed the heavens and the winds would fight for them; for that the wind did suddenly change, even as the Spaniards thought to approach their bridge, which made them to recoil back, and favoured the besieged, blowing full in their enemy's faces from that time the Spaniard seemed as if he would raise his camp: For the two and twentieth day he dislodged from the fort which he had joining unto the bulwark, on the South side, the which he did in the night. The besieged went thither at the break of day, from whence they brought some small booty, and broke the bridge which their enemies had made with so great pain and toil, they laid the fort even with the ground; and by the retiring of some tents and pavilions which were on the South side, the besieged had some more liberty and scope for to look abroad. They did also discover at night, that right against the red tower they did lad certain barrels of powder, to carry them unto Oudt-Dorp.  
And although at that time the besieged seemed to be somewhat assured, and did not much care to know their enemy's designs, yet it fell out, that the man which was sent to help to ruin them, was he which discovered unto them the practices and policy of their enemies. For there came a certain French soldier into the town, one of those which had remained prisoner at the taking of Harlem, as it were to yield himself; who being examined of the causes, why he left the Spaniard to come unto them, he confessed freely unto them, That he had been sent by their enemies, to observe their behaviour, and to see how the burghers and soldiers did agree together, and that he should find some means (with the help of the Roman Catholics, to deliver the town, and if he did find any likelihood to effect it, he should give them some sign from the rampar, either by mouth, or otherwise; if not, he should return unto them by a certain day appointed, and inform them of the state of the town: but knowing well, that what he had promised them, was to play the traitor, and that he had done it to save himself from them, having been always careful of the good of the town, and the preservation of the inhabitants, he said, That they had promised him great matters, if he could effect it, the which never entered into his thought to perform.  
The governors of the town did easily believe it, for that he had so freely and plainly revealed some of the enemy's secrets. The bourgomasters, captains, and chief of the swum companies, promised one another, not to impart unto the common; what the Frenchman had declared unto them; but only they should give them to understand, That within fifteen days the enemy would raise the siege, knowing well, that the Germans would come to succour them: yet this French soldier was safely kept.  
Among other things which he discovered, he said, That the Spaniard was much discontented, that having continued his siege so long before the town, he could never learn by any that came forth, nor by any letters from the Catholics, in what estate the besieged were, and what their resolution was, nor whence they did recover that whereof they had need: which showed, that some burghers were wrongfully taxed and suspected (as oftentimes soldiers cannot be silent) to have been in the Spaniards camp, or to have given them some advertisements by letters fastened unto arrows. For this cause they sent not forth any more messengers to their neighbours, fearing they should be taken, and so discover the secrets of the town, and the estate wherein it stood.  
The five and twentieth of the month, the Spaniard (whom the besieged had taken the fifteenth day, at the fort of the red tower) was hanged: the which was chiefly done, that the companions of this French soldier (who were also of those prisoners that were brought from Harlem) who answered for him body for body, that he should return at the appointed day, should not be in danger for his not returning; and therefore this Spaniard was hanged in the Frenchman's clothes, to make the Spaniards believe (seeing him hang so) that it was the Frenchman himself, who being discovered, had been so trussed up, whereby his companions, that were prisoners, might be freed from their conditional caution. So this poor wretched Spaniard must die to preserve the rest from death, and thus miserably was he rewarded, for that being the only prisoner that had been taken in this war, he had discovered the secrets of his party: but it was held more convenient, that one man alone, being a prisoner in the same degree, should suffer, than many of their friends.  
The governors and magistrates had promised the soldiers of their garrison, That if it pleased God they might preserve their town, they would give them all new clothes: but they changed their minds, for that there was not clothe sufficient in the town; and if there had been, yet was it not all of one bounty, which might have bred jealousy, and caused the soldiers to murmur. Therefore to make all things equal, money being also scant, the superior magistrates caused dallars of tin to be coined, of three shillings apiece, with promise, that (the town being delivered) they would redeem them for good silver at the rate, so as neither soldiers nor burghers should not lose any thing: This was decreed the 28 day of the month.  
The next day (this money being suddenly coined) it was distributed to every soldier that had a single pay, six of those dallars, to him that had a double, twelve, and so to officers and captains accordingly; so as the whole sum amounted to 10000 Florins, but the soldiers were not well satisfied therewith.  
The Spaniards having had such bad success in all their assaults, began to think upon their retreat, and to truss up their baggage: for the five and twentieth of the month of nine pieces which they had planted at the port of Friesland, they saw but three, and of seven at the red tower, but three also, which had their breeches turned; and the next day those which were remaining at the port, were no more seen; but the culverins at the mill and the three pieces at the tower were yet remaining.  
The Spaniards did nothing all these three days but lad their artillery and munition; for the carrying of which away, they must of necessity repair the ways betwixt Oudt-Dorp and the town, being all broken by the inundations of the sea, so as they were forced to carry away a great part in barks to Egmont. From the first of October to the sixth, the Spaniard did nothing but truss up his baggage, carrying away their artillery both by carts and in boats, with exceeding great difficulty, by reason of the tempests and continual rain, so as it seemed in their retreat, that God and heaven was against them.  
The seventh day there came a man, who reported, That upon the Scheermer, the Protestants ships of Holland had fought with them of Amsterdam, who were retired after that they had lost one of their ships. He said also, That the Waterlanders, which are the towns of Edam, Monikendam, & Puremende, imitating the example of them of Alcmar, were full of courage, resolving rather to hazard body and goods, than to yield to the Spaniards: That he had heard an old soldier of the enemies say, That he had never seen such furious assaults, & so continued, as those that were given at Alcmar, in the which there died above 1400 men, and among others, two great commanders, the one was buried at Beverwyc, and the other at Amsterdam, with a stately funeral pomp.  
The eight day all the Spanish forces made their retreat in order of battle, marching from Oudt-Dorp towards Berghen; some of the besieged sallied forth, and without the consent 
Alcmar freed from the siege.  or knowledge of their superiors (accompanied with some soldiers and mariners of their galleys and ships of war) went to Oudt Dorp, an ancient and well renowned village, which they burned.  
And thus passed the siege of Alcmar, after it had continued seven weeks, whereas the burghers showed themselves not only to have the courage and hearts of soldiers, but of Lions: whereof the Proverb grew; That the duke of Al●…a during his government had made the merchants and mariners of Holland soldiers; the neat herds of Spain Hidalgos that is to say gentlemen; the 
A Proverb.  german soldiers bribers, the Walloons thieves (who were wont to be good men) gentlewomen & honest virgins strumpets, and whores and bawds ladies and gentlewomen.  
At that time the emperor Maximilian (according to his bounty and natural clemency) pitying the afflictions and miseries of these Netherlands, did what he could to persuade the 
The emperor seeketh the peace of the Netherlands.  king of Spain to give some rest to so many miseries, entreating him to be at peace with his subjects. He writ also to the prince of Orange, exhorting him to peace, promising to be a means for him to recover his goods that were seized on in the Netherlands & in Bourgoigne (these were practices come from Spain, to make him abandon them of Holland & Zeeland) or else to cause him to have recompense for the same of some signiories in Germany, or in the county of Charolois. But the emperor prevailed nothing on either side; the king of Spain (having begun to know the humour of the prince) continuing firm in the answer which he had made in the year 1569, to the archduke Charles the emperors brother, who was sent into Spain to the same end, with ample instructions, to seek to mollify the king's heart. On the other side, the prince of Orange answered, That in this war he did not seek, nor ever had sought his own private interest, but only the peace and quiet of the commonweal, the maintenance of religion, the king's service, & to chase out of the Netherlands the Spanish tyranny, whereunto (he said) he was called, the which he would discharge with his best endeavours: and therefore nothing was done at this time. Yet the emperor, moved with a true and Christian piety, did not desist, until that in the year 1575. they entered into conference at Breda, as we shall hereafter see. But let us return to Zeeland.  
The Spanish fleet (commanded by the signior of Beauvoir) being returned to Antuerp, the Zeelanders were advertised, that the Spaniards intention was to send him back speedily unto 
Zeeland.  Middlebourg, whereof colonel Mondragon gave great suspicion, causing the head of the haven on the side of Arnemuyden to be fortified. The Protestants of Zeeland began again to assemble their forces at Flessingue, to hinder the said victualling: for the effecting whereof, there arrived in October the signior of Poyet, a French gentleman, who was sent by the prince of Orange to command the forces. And for that the burghers of the town were very much tired, and that the Spaniard was ready to descend, he led those troops to Soeteland, in the which was the regiment of Hellin, of four companies of Germans, and one of Walloons: besides, the ordinary companies of the garrison of Flessingue went thither, & soon after the Scottishmen arrived, and the company of Grenu from Zirickzee.  
The said captain Poyet, on the last day of August, before his coming to Flessingue, surprised in the prince of Orange his name, at the break of day, with a wonderful dexterity, 
Geertrnydenberg surprised by the prince.  (after the rising of the guard) the strong town of Geertruydenberg (belonging unto the prince by inheritance) where there were six hundred Walloons and Flemings in garrison: the which were for the most part cut in pieces. But captain Draek, the governor, saved himself, with nine or ten soldiers more, by a window, which looked into the towne-ditch, casting himself down, leaving behind him upon his table, the lend which the day before he had received for his soldiers, to be divided among the prince's soldiers, who had the booty.  
As matters passed thus at land, after the deliverance of Alcmar, and the taking of Geertruydenberg, the duke of Alva meaning to be revenged of the West-Frisons (of which number those of Alcmar are) caused a great fleet of thirty ships to be prepared at Amsterdam, to subdue them, whereof he gave the charge to Cont Bossu, whose admiral ship was called the Inquisition; which earl having sailed with his fleet a little in the Zuyderzee; he met with the ships of the West-Frisons, of Enchuysen, of Monykendam, and the Waterlanders. These two armies being met, made a furious fight both with their canon and their small shot: when they came to join with the Frisons, it seemed at the first that the victory inclined to the Spaniards; but being succoured by the Waterlanders their neighbours, the chance turned presently: for Cont Bossu was environed on all sides, and boarded by the Protestants, casting wild fire from their two castles upon the Spaniards: so as the earl seeing himself abandoned of all his fleet, having fought from noon on the eleventh day all night, until the next day at noon, defending himself valiantly, after great loss of his men, in the end he was forced to yield. The Spaniards seeing in what extremity they were, despairing of all mercy from their victorious enemies, were once resolved to set fire on the powder, to burn themselves with the ship: but hearing that the earl had capitulated for them, they left their arms, and yielded. The other Spanish ships seeing their admiral taken, fled as swiftly as they could to Amsterdam: but that of captain Westhen was sunk with the Canon. Cont Bossu with his Inquisition, and all the rich booty that was in it, was carried to Horn.  
This battle at sea was the two and twentieth of October. It seemed that Cont Bossu did undertake this battle, more for despite (to the end he would not be called cowardly Fleming, as it happened to cont Aremberg in Friesland) than for any hope he had to vanquish the Protestants: for those Spaniards being yet in Amsterdam, had said in disdain & mockery, that the Enchuysens had no artillery but of painted wood, the which they felt to their cost in this battle.  
The duke of Alva being in Amsterdam after this defeat, was not quiet in mind, fearing a mutiny of the people, and the rather, for that he had attempted (but failed) to bring in a garrison of Spaniards, so as he departed with Dom Frederic his son secretly out of the town, and went to Brussels.  
The siege of Alcmar being raised, and the duke of Alva and his son seeing themselves out of hope to take any place by force, he resolved to patience, and to vanquish them in making the wars long, presuming, that holding the country in their subjection (which the States could not yet hinder) they should weary the towns, & in the mean time they might practise some intelligences, or for want of victuals take some place of import. This project was not without good consideration: for the truth was, that Leyden, one of the four chief towns of Holland (after the which they gaped more than any other, the signior of Noyelle, a gentleman upon the river of Escaut being then governor) was very ill provided, whereof they wanted no advertisements from the town itself: according to the which they did shut it up so close, making many small forts about it, as there was small likelihood of any means to succour it, but by the means which the prince of Orange used soon after for the first time.  
When as the duke of Alva advanced to besiege Alcmar, he sent Francisco de Baldes, master of the camp, with his Tertio of the league, five cornets of horsemen, and some twelve companies of Walloons out of sundry regiments, commanding him to march in the bowels of Holland, and relieve his troops in the rich villages, where he should think best, betwixt Leyden, Delft, and the sea coast, as far as the river of Meuse and the town of Brill, charging him not to attempt any thing without his privity and consent, unless it were upon very sure intelligence with some of the towns.  
Baldes' being entered into the rich village of the Hague, he found it capable to lodge double his troops all in houses, and most in beds. Having lodged there some few days, he caused all the villages to bring him in such necessaries as he pleased: then he advanced some of his companies to a village called Risricke, in the way towards Leyden from Delft, the which he entrenched and barricadoed, and he entrenched his first guards at the bridge, in the mid way betwixt the Hague and Delft, whereas the troops on both sides had many a hot skirmish, both near unto their guards, and sometimes hard at the ports of Delft. Colonel Morgan his regiment, and divers companies of Frenchmen, were lodged in the villages betwixt Delft and Rotterdam, very safely from the enemy, by reason that both these towns covered them both behind and before, and great ditches on either side, which were not to be passed with troops, having any guards to defend them.  
These troops were always ready to thrust into Delft, Rotterdam, Delfts' haven, or Maeslandt Sluice, where the enemy should first attempt. In Leyden was Monsieur de Lorges, son to that brave earl of Montgomerie, with a goodly French regiment, and other companies of Scots, and of the countrymen and burghers, well armed. In Delft was captain Chester, with two hundred Englishmen, whom afterwards the prince made colonel of those troops, by reason of some spleen against colonel Morgan. There were also in it three fair companies of Frenchmen, besides the burghers, who were all well armed. In Rotterdam were some companies of Scots, and of the countrymen, besides the burghers. At Delfts' haven was Monsieur de Maysonfleur, with sundry bands both of French, Scottish, and of the country. And in Maeslandt Scluce was Monsieur de S. Aldegonde and Terlon, with some twelve hundred, most of them countrymen, with many peasants and burghers.  
The garrisons wrought continually to fortify these two last mentioned, so as both were made strong and guardable with reasonable defences, especially Delfts haven, which was not easily to be won, having necessaries fit for a fort. Monsieur de Poyet, for the better assurance of Leyden, being the nearest place invested by the enemy, thrust himself into it. Baldes had made divers practices to have surprised Leyden and Delft by treachery, but they succeeded not. After which fruitless attempts he advertised the duke of Alva of his affairs, and that no good could be done without an army, and artillery: whereupon he requested more troops, or leave to retire.  
The duke of Alva remembering his disgrace at Alcmar, fearing his army should mutiny, if he should over-charge them with travel, having no treasure to content them, he resolved and determined to retire unto Brussels: but before his departure, he sent julian Romero, master of the camp, into his army lying in the country, near unto Vtrecht, commanding him (if he could) to cause his regiment of Lombardie to march into Holland, and to join with Baldes. He also commanded Monsieur de Capres to procure his regiment of Walloons to do the like, and the regiment of Frousberg, a German. All which colonels had charge to procure them to march willingly, and not to force them at all. He also commanded Mendosa, general of the Horse, to send six of the best cornets with them.  
These regiments and horsemen being well content to enter into Holland, and sworn to obey their colonels in all services, the duke of Alva gave the chief command unto julian, and next unto him Baldes, making Verdugo governor of Harlem, with his regiment of Walloons, and one cornet of horse, with three ensigns of Germans out of Frousberg his regiment. julian and his succours being arrived, and having conferred with Baldes, they resolved and determined to attempt Maeslandt Sluice; whither they marched from the Hague with six pieces of battery, carrying with them (in wagons) skutes and small boats to make bridges over ditches, with all other things necessary for their enterprise: so as they took the great ditch on both sides of the Sluice, having mounted their artillery on both sides of the dike, they dismounted theirs within the town, which did beat the dike: Then turning their Ordnance towards the river of Meuse (which is above a league broad in that place) they beat away such vessels as the defendants had ankering before their fort. Monsieur de Terlon being admiral and governor of Briel: seeing their success, departed out of the fort in a skute (with great hazard) to recover Bryel, presently the enemies passed with their boats over the dike into Meuse, the which did much daunt S. Aldegonde and his garrison. So as having no means to avoid the danger they were in, nor any hope of succours, the soldiers compounded for their fort, delivering and yielding 
Maesland sluice yielded.  up unto the enemy their governor S. Aldegonde, with others, with their ensigns and arms.  
Thus this fort was lost, partly, by reason, that the States ships of war durst not adventure nor hazard to dismount the enemy's artillery, the which they might have easily done, if they had showed their accustomed valour and courage therein: but the especial reason was; for that they of the fort did not cut the dike on both sides of the fort, to have drowned the country; which done, the enemy would never have attempted the place.  
Whilst that the Spaniards did wander freely in the good villages of Holland, the Zeelanders slept not: for the five and twentieth of October captain Poyet, lieutenant unto the 
〈◊〉.  prince, departed from Flessingue, with the garrison of the town, the company of Grenu, one of high Dutch, and some forty French, and marching all night along the dike of Ramekin, they went and made a trench within canon shot of Middlebourg, to keep in the Spaniard, that he should not hinder him from making of a fort at the head of the channel of Middlebourg, which they held to be fit, to cut off the passage for the victualling; wherein they laboured with such diligence, as this fort was in defence, before their enemies had discovered it. Poyet left his Frenchmen to guard the said trench, with the Walloons of captain Barnard, Eloy, and Grenu, putting into the fort which the Spaniards had on the side of Arnemuyden, some other Walloons and Flemings.  
The same night Mondragon being advertised of the coming of the Zeelanders, sent twelve harguebusiers to discover them; who approaching to the said trench, were chased back near unto the ports of Middlebourg. Mondragon advertised by them that the Protestants had entrenched themselves there, sent forth by the break of day three companies of the bravest men of all his regiment, who like desperate men came to assail them that guarded this trench, and by reason of a thick foggy mist, they approached so near, as they were ready to come to handy blows: but the Spaniards seeing captain Failli and some four or five others overthrown, began to faint, and to retire. Those that were in the trench were resolute, and had promised one another, rather to die in the place than to abandon it, although they were not above fourscore men, and that they saw the high Dutch and Flemings which were behind them upon the head, begin to fly. There was among them thirty Frenchmen, the rest were Walloons of the abovenamed companies.  
At this assault there was hurt captain Ambrose le Duke, sergeant mayor, the Signior of Ferriere, a French gentleman, with seven or eight other soldiers, and four of the Protestants side slain: and of the Spaniards, two captains, Failli and Raphael, three lieutenants, three sergeant, five Corporals, ten or twelve Soldiers, and about fifty were hurt.  
In the mean time they fortified the long head of the channel at Middlebourg, on Ramekins side, every one judging, that it might serve much to hinder the victualling of the said town, if the Spaniards did attempt to pass that way: but the season was so rainy and so tempestuous, as the soldiers showing themselves impatient, as well in their work, as by reason of the mire, and the unseasonableness of the weather, it was impossible to finish it: so as after they had sent back the artillery which they had brought, the fort was abandoned.  
The sixth of November, the army of antwerp began again to set sail towards Zeeland, and having stayed some time in the river near unto Lillo, the Spaniard caused his small boats to pass by Berghen upon Soom, to get that way to Arnemuyden: the which they might easily have done, having chased away those that guarded the passage on that side, if the tide had not failed them, so as they were forced to cast anchor, and so the Flessinguers which attended them on the other side, had leisure, to come and meet them, the tide serving them. Then the Spaniards seeing the Zeelanders hast towards them, being resolute to charge them, they weighed anchor, and some for haste cut their cables, sailing directly towards Berghen, where they were cooped up by the Zeelanders, who pursued them thither.  
In this flight the Spaniard lost one of his ships, the which being run on ground, was taken by them of Zeeland, with two others; who not knowing the Zeelanders, nor what to do, fell among the midst of the Protestants. The Spaniards being retired to Berghen, most of the Protestants ships came about Romerswael, where they besieged about a hundred soldiers which the duke of Alva had sent thither with artillery, to stop the navigation betwixt Holland and Zeeland; which soldiers compounded with them the next day, to dislodge with their lives and, arms saved.  
The next night there was a Sergeant of a band taken, who brought store of powder and match for those soldiers of Romerswael who retiring from thence, left three brass pieces of 
Romerswael yielded to the Zeelanders.  ordnance, and five hoys laden with munition for Middlebourg. And for that the Zeelanders received advertisement, That the duke of Alva would send greater forces thither than before, they were forced to set fire on it.  
In the mean time the Spaniard sought all means to pass his victuals to Middlebourg, and 
The prince of Oranges coming into Zeeland.  knowing that the ships of Zeeland were in guard before Berghen, the eight of December there passed in the night from Ter Goes two small hoys carrying 436 sacks of corn; who answering the Zeelanders that were at the passage, That they came from Romerswael, and that they went to Flessingue (of whence they said they were) passed without any difficulty: it could not be known whether it were willingly done, or that they did let them thus slip by simplicity.  
The thirtieth of December the prince of Orange arrived at Flessingue, where he was received with great joy of the inhabitants; whose coming gave unto them such courage, as suddenly they armed out many small barks, to keep guard round about the Island. He had been the one and twentieth of that month at Zirickzee, from whence he went to see the fleet of Zeeland before Berghen, than he came to la Vere, and in the end to Flessingue.  
The duke of Alva seeing by the bad success of the siege of Alcmar, by the taking of Cont Bossu his admiral, by the yielding up of Ramekins, the chief fort of Zeeland, and the small hope and likelihood to succour Middlebourg, being much distressed by the Protestants of Zeeland, and by the loss of two or three armies at sea, which he had sent, the one under the Signior of Blicqui, the other under the Signior of Beauvoir, that in the end his affairs would not prove successful, knowing also, that for his cruelties he was not beloved: he laboured in Spain (by the means of Cardinal Granuelle) to be called home, and discharged from his government of the Netherlands, as he was, and departed from Brussels the twelfth of December with his son Dom Frederic, of whom they said, Egregiam vero landem & spolia 
The duke of Alua's retreat.  ampla refertis, tuque puer que tuus, & memorabile nomen. His Secretary Armenteros and his chief counsellor john de Vergas, precedent of the counsel of Troubles, followed them, who had not forgotten to enrich themselves with the ruin of the poor inhabitants of the country, which the duke left wonderfully estranged for the king his master, and work provided for Dom Lewis of Riquesens, commander of Castille, his successor in the government, who arrived at Brussels the seventeenth of November, to be instructed in those affairs by the duke, before he retired out of the country, and the designs which he had projected, as well for the siege of Leyden, as for the victualling of Middlebourg, and the recovery of Zeeland. Behold how the Netherlands had successively two strange governors, against the rights, liberties, freedoms, and the king's oath, which did not allow any other governor or governess, but of his blood, or borne in the country.  
Being come to the end of the duke of Alva his government, I think it not amiss (to satisfy 
What the duke of Alua's enemies write of him.  the mind of the reader, that may be desirous to know more particularities touching him) to make a brief rehearsal of the said dukes actions, governments, and cruelties, the which are set down in writing by his adversaries.  
First, they charge him, That he had counseled the king to use all extremities in all causes concerning the Netherlands, and was always the head of such as were worst affected unto those provinces.  
That he was the only means and nourishing of the disliking and contention between Dom Charles prince of Spain, and Dom john de Austria, and between others and him, by his bad reports. And that having gotten the charge and government of the Netherlands, that he had procured his instructions and commission to be made according to his own will and desire, conformable to the ancient hatred that he had conceived against that country; adding thereunto, That he had been received more peaceably and friendly into the Netherlands, than he hoped or desired, which was only in regard of the honour and duty they owe unto their natural prince, and upon the promise made by the regent, the duchess of Parma, who would have seen all things passed forgiven and forgotten, for that every one had done his best endeavour, to the uttermost of his power, for his majesties service, and the peace of the land. But the duke being come, he presently declared, That the privileges and freedoms of the country, the institution of the order of the golden Fleece, and the privileges of the University of Louvain (which the king had personally sworn to observe) were all forfeited and lost; thereby to hold and account the land to be as a strange country newly won and conquered by the sword, and therein to rule and reign according to his will and pleasure.  
They say further, That his cruelties were so unnatural and ungodly, that neither Nero, Pharaoh, Herode, nor any Heathen tyrant, could ever have devised or invented greater. That he had brought the king into a contempt and great dislike of the Netherlands, although they were his patrimonial inheritance, contrary to the admonition and counsel of Aristotle given to Alexander the Great, That to the Grecians he should show himself a father, and as unto a free Nation; but to the conquered Barbarians and strangers, as a lord and commander.  
That he had caused judgement to be given, and execution to be done upon noble men and great personages, by strangers, defamed persons, and men of base condition and quality: and not without great and particular desire of revenge, being such personages without the which the king, nor the emperor his father, should never have attained to so great estate and glory. And that in Brussels, under pretence o●… hatred of religion, he had tied one Anthony Vtenhowe a gentleman, to a stake with a chain, compassing him about with a great fire, but not touching him, for the Spaniards to pass the time withal, turning him round about like a poor beast: who was forced to live in that great pain and extremity, roasting before the fire, so long, until that the halberdiers themselves, having compassion of him, thrust him thorough, contrary to the will and intent both of the duke and Spanish priests.  
That he had moved the king to help himself by four tyrannical means: First, to disarm the country, not suffering the inhabitants to exercise arms, but to employ strangers in his wars. Secondly, to make and keep them poor by oppressions, and laying great taxes upon them. Thirdly, by making of castles and citadels (which some call the dens and nests of tyrants) to bridle them. And further by feeding and nourishing of division among his subjects for religion.  
They object, That he had withholden the king for so many years (in so great dangers) from coming personally into the countries of the Netherlands, as the emperor his father did, only for the town of Gand.  
That he had incensed the king so much against the Netherlands as he would not vouchsafe to hear them, but rather flatterers, their enemies, as it appeared by a packet of letters sent into Spain, where they were kept unopened nine months together, until the coming of the cardinal Granuelle into Spain.  
That he had contemned the general estates of the Netherlands, persecuting, judging, condemning, and executing the nobility and gentlemen thereof, as traitors to their country, having only presented an humble petition to the Duchess of Parma, being Regent, to crave an assembly of the general estates.  
That he was not content to have destroyed and brought so many noble men, gentle men, rich and poor people unto their ends, and to have banished and driven so many out of the country but had so hardly and badly used those that remained in the country, as they were fallen into despair, and were pitied and lamented in all kings and princes courts; whereby those that were in the land had been compelled to join with the banished persons, when as they perceived that the pardon made by the pope and the king, by his only means and procurement, tended only to deceit, as being full of double interpretations, exceptions, and restrictions, wherein they might not trust, the Netherlands for the most part that are a people that commonly are good, old, and Catholic Christians, being esteemed for heretics, by the new Spanish Mauritane Christians, for which cause many spiritual persons, fearing the rigour and cruelty used by punishing and banishing of the people, procured attestations, certificates, and testimonials from their bishops and pastors, to testify them to be clear, and not to have offended; whose names he caused to be written, and sent into Spain, thereby to bring the spirituality into suspicion of heresy, and so to bereave them of all honour and credit, seeking to bring the Spiritual goods and livings of the countries of the Netherlands, into the king's hands, after the Spanish manner, thereby to bestow them upon the Spaniards.  
That his cruelty appeared by his ransacking, spoiling, ruining, expelling, destroying, imprisoning, chaining, banishing, and confiscating of men's goods, burning, hanging, beheading, breaking upon wheels, hanging men alive by the feet, and with most horrible and uncredible tormenting, racking, and murdering of so many noble and unnoble, rich and poor, young and old, widows and orphans, men, women, and young maids of all estates and conditions: So as he bragged sitting at meat, That he, having done the best he could to root out all heresies, had caused eighteen thousand men to be executed and put to death, by the ordinary minister of justice, within the space of six years that he governed the Netherlands, not accounting those that his soldiers in the wars, by their cruelties, and other tyrannous means, had murdered and miserably consumed, and brought unto their ends, which without all doubt could not choose but be an innumerable number: and yet Vergas, the precedent of his bloody counsel (that went with him into Spain) complained, and said, That Nimia misericordia (too much mercy) spoiled the Netherlands. Which his too much mercy was such, that a man could hardly keep and preserve his own goods for his and his soldiers covetousness, his wife or daughter from their lechery, and his life from their bloodthirstiness: nobility, riches, honesty, nor yet any forepast merit or service, could neither help nor avail any man, if he were once fallen into hatred and dislike of him.  
That he used to help himself to effect his will by suborning of false witnesses, as it appeared at Dornicke, at the death of Martin Hutten, who was the king's officer, executed for the same.  
That without respect of any jurisdictions and ordinary customs of the country, he took all authority from the judges, both of criminal and civil causes, which in any sort might concern the confiscations, used & executed by his bloody counsel, whereby neither spiritual nor temporal persons, widows, nor orphans, poor hospitals, lazar houses, orphans houses, nor spiritual hospitals, that had just and due pensions, and yearly rents, coming, proceeding, and to be yearly paid unto them, out of the revenues of the banished and executed persons goods, could be paid. But he to the contrary drew it all into his own hands, without giving any charge to see the said rents paid out of the confiscated goods and lands once registered: The list whereof he sent unto the king, amounting as he set it down, to about, eight millions of guldernes yearly, that so he might cover his cruelty with the profit thereof and thereby win great commendation in Spain.  
That the unreasonable and unspeakable exactions and taxes one following the other (besides the confiscations aforesaid) exacted and laid upon the poor people, were exceeding great, as the hundredth pen●…e granted unto him for six years, which amounted unto many millions of guldernes; the twentieth penny, and also the tenth penny of all goods, movable and unmovable, yea and of all wares bought and sold he asked, and sought by all the means he could to execute the same (against the advice of all the estates and counsels of the country) not only proceeding of the clear gains of the things sold, but the tenth and twentieth penny of the capital and principal value of all things sold: so as they should have driven all trade of merchandise, handicrafts, and dealings (whereby the inhabitants for the most part get their livings) out of the Netherlands: which exaction he thought with all rigour and extremity to have raised and put in practice, if he had not been impeached and hindered from the same by the wars; whereas before that, the country gave him twenty hundred thousand guldernes yearly, besides certain extraordinary millions continually paid. To conclude, he cau●…ed the king and the Netherlands, in six years government to spend at the least fifty two millions of guldernes, which came for the most part out of the Netherlanders purses.  
That he caused the English merchants goods that did traffic in antwerp (upon hatred of religion, and thinking thereby to drive them from thence) amounting to seven hundred thousands guldernes to be arrested, under pretence of money that should be arrested and withholden from him in England (which nevertheless appeared to be none of his) writing to the king of Spain to do the like, without any consideration that the Netherlanders had more to lose in England, who thereby lost in England twelve hundred thousand gulderns wherewith the most worthy and famous queen of England recompensed her subjects for their losses: but the duke of Alva, neither yet the king of Spain, would not offer, promise, nor pay the Netherlanders one penny, notwithstanding that afterward in the reckoning made by the merchants on both sides, he having received in the merchant's names about two hundred thousand guldernes of overplus found to be in the English merchants hands, would not give it unto those persons that had lost it, as the queen of England did, but rather caused many men (by reason of stopping of the trade) to become bankrupts, to the general hurt and prejudice of the whole country. Besides all this he charged and burdened the Netherlands with many unprofitable and unnecessary soldiers, and placed strange garrisons of heretics and Lutherans in the towns within the heart of the country: which he used not against the enemy, but only for the ruin of the land, and the extirpation of the Catholic service of God, spoiling and defacing of churches, cloisters, and altars, as in the countries of Ouerissel, Guelderland, and Brabant, it well appeared. He suffered his Spaniards to be most commonly twenty eight months without their pay, and likewise the Dutch men, whereby he impoverished the towns, by paying service money unto them, which they must of force pay, or else agree with him, or his son, for a certain sum of money, if they would be freed thereof. For want of paying his soldiers he suffered them without all military discipline, to use all riotous, disordered, and forcible actions, as threatening of the people, striking, robbing, ransacking, forcing of women, and such like actions, and to burn and spoil divers fair villages, as Catwicke upon the sea, Santfort, Alfen, and many others: and ransacking divers towns, to murder the people, thinking to have entered forcibly into Vtrecht, and other towns, and to have spoiled and ransacked the same. What they did to Dornicke, Valencia, Ypre, Mastricht, Deventer, Merhelen, Oudenarde, Dermonde, Naerden, and else where, is yet in most fearful remembrance.  
In his time in Brussels there was above one hundred and thirty burghers murdered, and cruelly brought unto their ends by the Spaniards. In Gand in a certain uproar made by the Spaniards, there was sixty or seventy burghers at one time, and after that an innumerable number of men and women slain and murdered. In Ypre likewise at the execution of a preacher, there was two and twenty burghers shot thorough and killed, besides those that were hurt. In Dornicke at a certain uproar between them of the castle, and the towns garrison, two Spaniards being slain, they cried Spania, Spania, and therewith wilfully killed fifteen burghers: And there likewise they forcibly entered into the widow Pottiers house, in the day time, and killed her daughter, and her cousin, thinking to have found great store of money in her house, for the which there was no other execution done upon the offenders, but only, they that had done the deed were sent away from thence, and put into another garrison.  
In Flessingue was there not a bill found about Pacieco (that was kept prisoner by them) wherein was the names of an innumerable number of men, both gentlemen and others of the chiefest burghers, which by the duke's commandment should have been murdered in the year 1572, in divers towns, thereby to compel them to yield to the tenth penny? What horrible murders were done and committed in Naerden and Harlem, contrary to the faithful promises made in Dom frederick's name, is manifestly known to every man, where he caused all the soldiers (not sparing their young boys and pages) to be executed, suffering their dead bodies stark naked to lie a whole day and a night upon the scaffolds, and in the market place, to the great shame and fear of the women and maids: and some of them that had delivered the town unto him, he determined to send them into Spain, to be galley slaves: and those that lay in the Fuyck by Harlem, he suffered them to die for hunger, saying, That he promised them their lives, but not to give them meat. The good burghers he compelled to be pioneers before the town of Alcmar, that so he might bring them unto their ends.  
There is no honest nor godly Christian, but abhorreth and is ashamed to do any injury. unto the bodies of the dead, and the burial of the dead is thought a fit and an honourable thing amongst the Heathens and Barbarians: but the duke of Alva caused divers dead bodies (to spite both God and man) after they had been buried and lain certain days in the ground, to be digged up again, and to be drawn under the gallows, and there to be hanged or burnt, alleging that they died without receiving the Sacrament, or being confessed: but in truth it was done only, that according to his proclamation he might confiscate their goods.  
The state of marriage (the only foundation of all society in every place and town, and the bond of love and peace, the right ground of all good life and conversation amongst men, which most consisteth in true and right consent) was by the Duke of Alva broken and disannulled, for that the parties that were married in the reformed assemblies, were held as heretics, unless they married again, which! many did, by that means to bestow the rich women upon his soldiers for a prize: To conclude, he did openly break and disannul all honest amity and love, that one man is bound to show unto the other, murdering and executing women that holp their husbands, and children that comforted their parents in their uttermost and greatest extremities, and such as did but comfort them with a letter: as was to be seen in the town of Mastricht, where the father was cruelly put to death, because he lodged his son (that he had not seen in long time before) one night: and another, because he gave a poor widow (whose husband had been put to death for religion) certain corn for alms: another, for that he sent certain money unto his friend which was then in England: and confiscated the goods of many honest and rich women, because they had lodged their husbands in their houses, whereby they were compelled to beg their bread.  
He likewise profaned the holy Sacrament of Baptism, causing the children that had been openly and publicly baptized, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, to be baptized again, because they had been baptized (as he said) by heretics, which was against the decrees of Counsels, and all the laws both of God and man.  
To show his extreme pride and high mind, in the castle of Antuerp he caused his image to be made and erected of brass (like Nabuchadnezer) placing under his feet the nobility and states of the countries of the Netherlands: and at antwerp, in the market place (where he published a pardon) he caused a princely throne to be erected, which is used to be set up, only therewith to honour princes and kings, which he of himself caused to be set up, and sat therein, to the diminishing of the king's honour, which no lieutenant to the king before him ever durst attempt.  
This is that, wherewith the countries of the Netherlands, both of the one and the other religion do charge him.  
The duke being safely arrived in Spain, was well esteemed and accounted of by the king, but not of the common people, which appeared when as he was committed to prison by Bulloa, his own provost in times past, in the Low countries, for the marriage of his son Dom Frederic, whereat the people generally rejoiced: the cause was, for that his son Dom Frederic that lay prisoner in Tordesilias, because he would not marry one of the queen's maids of honour, was by him counseled and provoked to get out of prison, and to be married to Alva Maria de Toledo, daughter to Dom Garcia de Toledo, who being married, returned into prison again. After that he was always one of the principal of the kings privy counsel (with one Dom john Idiaco, a man of his own humour) and he made him general of his army 
〈◊〉 duke of 〈…〉.  in the conquest of Portugal, where nine years after he died upon the twelfth day of September, in the year of our Lord God 1582, and in the seventy fourth year of his age.  
He was a tall lean man, going very upright, with a long lean visage, hollow eyes, 
〈…〉.  stern and four of countenance, having a great and a very proud heart, a man well experienced in subtle courtly policy, endowed with great gifts of nature, good understanding, and great experience. He was neither covetous nor liberal, but very costly, and exceeding proud and glorious in his house. He was generally hated and envied, and evil spoken of, in regard that he was sour, stern, and proud, both to his inferiors and equals, having too great a conceit and opinion of himself. He was not beloved neither of the emperor Charles the fifth, nor of the king of Spain his master, although he had served them both for the space of threescore years. He was an old and well experienced soldier, not only surpassing all Spaniards, but one that in his time gave place therein to no man, and a very strict observer and keeper of military discipline, when need required. He was a man of great judgement and understanding to conduct and lead an army, in regard that for the most part he had used defensive war. He was courageous and bold enough of his own person, when he adventured himself: but to come to a battle (without great advantage) he was not much addicted. He had served the emperor Charles, and the king of Spain his son, in their principal wars, as in the countries of Italy, Spain, France, Hongarie, Germany, the Netherlands, and Africa, complaining that he had not seen the Turks camp●…. He never got less honour and reputation, tha●… he did in the Provinces of the Netherlands, always behaving himself more wisely and discreetly in crosses, than in prosperity. By reason of his sternness, he could do much with the king, whom he procured to be much sterner than he was by nature, although the emperor Charles the fifth (his father) often said, That his son was the sourest, sternest prince in the world, and that the Netherlands should find him so, and yet the duke of Alva surpassed him.  
This is that which both his friends and foes speak and write of him; although for mine own part, I delight not in discovering so fowl cruelties and imperfections in a public Governor.    


LUDOVICUS REQVESEN. MAGN. COMEN▪ REG. CAST. R. M. CON. GUB. ETCAP. GEN. BEL.  
DOM LEWIS DE REQVESENS, GREAT Commander of Castille, Governor, Lieutenant, and Captain general for the King in the Netherlands.  
My predecessors course, that me the way had led  
I held, and in his government I was established:  
Where while I ruled I did the King's navy behold  
O'erthrown and vanquished, and their great pride controlled.  
My actions to my Prince did little good prooure,  
And at my hands the States did none or little hurt endure.  
My death (by Spaniard's mutiny) to them did guy  
A great means to help themselves, and their estates relieve.   
The Argument of the tenth book.  
THe great Commander by the calling home of the Duke of Alva being entered into the government of the Netherlands, and continuing the Duke's first course; the town of Middelbourg being reduced to extreme necessity and famine, he sent a fleet by sea to succour it, the which he see defeated before his own eyes, whereof followed the yielding of Middelbourg, the which Colonel Mondragon delivered up to the Prince of Orange. Cont Lodowic the Prince's brother came to succour the Netherlands with an Army; the Spaniards leaving the siege of Leyden go to meet him, they defeat him, and he is slain with Cont Henry his Brother and Duke Christopher. A mutiny of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora villiacoes. The Spaniards after the defeat of Cont Lodovic take their lodging again before Leyden, which had been long blocked up, there are fair wars betwixt the Prince and the Commander, who proclaims a general pardon, and seems to desire a peace. A Petition made thereupon to the king of Spain. By the Princes advise the States resolve to drown the country to succour Leyden, the which they do, and in the end the Town is delivered by the Prince through the drowned Land, after that the Town had endured much misery the Spaniards being mutined, take Francisco valdes their General prisoner, and fail to surprise Vtrecht. The Commander making a show to desire peace, resolves to wa●…re, and Oudwater is besieged and in the end yielded with many other towns to the Spaniard. The siege of Bomell, which the Spaniard wins dearly. The siege of Ziricxe. The States consult upon their presernation, and send to demand succours in England. The death of the great Commander to whom the Council of state for the King of Spain succeeds in the Government. The Spaniards mutiny, having failed to surprise Brussels, they fall upon Alost, they are proclaimed, all the country is in arms against them. The Council of state is seaz●…d on by the states of Brabant, who write unto the other provinces to join with them to chase the spaniards out of the Country. The death of the Emperor Maximilian, the Sack of Antwerp●…: The coming of Don john of Austria. All the Provinces of the Netherlands united at the pacification of Gand, after which the Castle is besieged and yielded to the states, with many other towns, the Spaniards depart out of the Castle of Antwerp, the which is put into the states hands. Don john is received for Governor, who seeks occasion to renew the war against the Prince of Orange he goes to Namur, complains of the states, they sue unto him, he discovers himself, and they grow jealous of him. Many Castles razed in the Netherlands, as harbours for Spanish tyrants. Don john proclaimed an enemy to the country. The Archduke Mathias (the Emperor's Brother) called for Governor. The states, and Don john in arms. jealousy disperseth the chief of the states, whereby their army was defeated by Don john, who recovered many towns: the states raise a new army and calin the Duke of Anjou to succour them. Duke Casimire comes also, but to small purpose. Arthois and Henault begin to fall from the general union of the Netherlands: troubles in Arras, the death of Don john of Austria.  
Done Lewis of Requesens being entered into the government of the Netherlands, by the Duke of Alva's retreat, thought to succour Middelbourg, the which endured much poverty and misery, as well by famine as otherwise; besides a great number of Burghers retiring themselves by boat were daily taken, and many which came flying to Flessingue and la Vere, only to have a mouthful of bread, where after they had fed them, they sent them back: who not suffered to enter into Middelbourg, for that they head fled out of it died in the fields (or at the Town gates) many soldiers coming to yield themselves through famine were entertained, for that they had need of them. There were letters of the 10. of january, 1574. written in cipher by Mondragon surprised; 
Those of Middelbourg in great extremity.  by the which he did advertise him that he could not hold out above the 15. or 16. of the month; there were others intercepted written upon the back of a Passport, the which was red holding it before the fire, by the which he entreated the great Commander to advertise him speedily, if he had any hope to succour him. The 14. day of the month they of Middelbourg ruined the fort which they had without the town towards Flessingue, for that many soldiers which were put there in guard fled to the Protestants. The 19 of the month Hans Cocq a mariner passed with a bark from Antwerp to Middelbourg, bringing letters from Don Lewis, containing hope of succours which made the soldiers besieged resolve, to attend yet some days, or else they had been ready to parley. The next day Cocq returned to Don Lewis, to inform him into what extremity the Towns of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden were brought. And that day a ship coming from Danswic meaning to go to Scluse, having the wind contrary fell for Flessingue, thinking (as the brute was then in England that Middelbourg was yielded unto the Prince) to sell his Merchandise there to good profit. This ship having passed the haven of Flessingue, was called to by the ships of war of the Protestants near unto Rameken, to cast anchor, the which he did, else he had entered into Middelbourg, and by that means the besieged had been vitteled beyond all hope, for in the said ship there were 14 lasts of wheat, 7. of Rye, half a last of herring, with some Beer and other commodities. The 23 of the month, the Commander don Lewis sent Instructions to julien 
Don Lewis his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Romero, what he should do in the Conduct of his army for the vitteling of M●…ddelbourg, the which fell into the Zeelanders hands. The tenor whereof was as followeth, An Instruction of that which julian Romero the Master of the camp is to do with the army which he hath in charge, conducting it from Berghes to succour the I'll of Walchrens: By reason of his sudden departure, he must follow the order which is given him by these presents, which is, to conform himself to the voyage which the Chastelaine Sanchio d' Auila shall make, who parts this day from the port of Antwerp with his Army, and shall go on without stopping of any tide, until he descovers the I'll of Walchrens. And the other army which goes under the command of the Master of the camp must do the like that both the armies showing themselves an one instant to the enemies, they may the more easily effect that which they desire, and concur to that end with the said Chastelaine. That which they pretend chiefly to effect with this army: is, to put all the boats laden with vittells into Middelbourg, that no one may miscarry, and in these boats shallbe divided the soldiers that go to supply Mondragons' Regiment. And we believe that for the due execution thereof, the said master of ●…he camp hath already given convenient order, appointing a place whether the said boats landed with vittells should go, in respect of the other ships of the army; and that he hath already named the person that shall have special charge of those barks laden with vittells, and hath appointed him what to do, and in what sort he should put them into Middelbourg. It is certainly believed, that the enemy hearing of the good order of this army, will not attend them, and that they shall not fight, especially if they see them sail with that care and circumspection that is requisite. But if it happened otherwise, and that they should oppose their army to ours, to stop the passage of succours, in that case they must fight, and strive to defeat them, and to open the passage to put in the said succours, which done it shallbe at their choice to execute that which is to be done afterwards, according to occasion, & the state wherein the two armies shallbe, and it seems to be the more safe to join with that of Sanchio d' Auila, and to treat together what is to be done, as well for the poursuing of the enemies army and the whole defeating thereof, as for the attempting of any other enterprise upon the I'll of Walchrens, or in that of Zirecxe, seeing they have been advertised of that which may be done upon the one and the other, and that all have good knowledge thereof. The succours being set down, there is no certain rule can be given, for that which is to be done, for that all doth then depend upon the estate wherein they shall be found: wherefore it is referred wholly to them to treat and resolve with Sanchio d' Auila, who hath great knowledge and experience in those quarters, GOD giving such a victory as the enemies army may be defeated, or the channels abandoned, so as there may be means to pass, it shall be fit to put into Middelbourg all the grain and victuals of Tergoes, so as the Inhabitants of Middelbourg may find meat for their money: whereof the said master of the camp and Chastelaine may give the charge unto Captain Isidore Pachieco, that he may show what diligence he can therein: And the like shall be done for the corn that is at Scluse, the which being put by the Governor of the place into boats, shall be also conducted unto Middelbourg. There shall be also given unto Romero with this present Instruction, a letter which I writ unto Colonel Mondragon, that after the said succours shall be sent unto him; time and opportunity permitting, it shallbe good to confer with him, and to know what he thinks fittest to attempt or to do after the said succours: who having also many expert mariners in those channels he may give them some that they may sail the more safely, the which they shall do together, or either of them apart. After the said succours given, the which will be presently known throughout all the islands of Zealand, it may happen (as we are advertised from diverse parts) that some Towns will desire to yield to his majesties service, whereof there was a patent given unto them to receive them, and to pardon that was passed. Having care to that which shall be needful for these towns that shall so yield. When the two armies shall join with the said succours, the said Master of the Camp and Castelain, shall govern the whole army jointly together, holding good correspondency, as the case shall require, be it in sailing together, or a part, as they shall think it most convenient. To the end that Sanchio d' Auila may understand what order is given unto the master of the camp, the like instruction hath been sent unto him, to execute for his part that which doth concern him, as well in sailing with the army which he conducts, omitting not any one point, & discovering himself at the same time unto the enemies; as in fight and striving to defeat them, and the two armies shall jointly pursue together, what shall be fit to be attempted, according unto that which hath been before declared. Being careful to advertise me particularly of all that shall happen, to the end I may provide for things as shall be most convenient. Made at Antwerp the 23. of january 1574. Signed Don Lewis of Requesens: and underneath, Domingo Camillo.  
The 24. of january parted from Antwerp that great sea-fleet which the commander had prepared from his first arrival for the victualling of Middelbourg, which he assured himself to do in despite of all the forces of Zealand, & of all other Protestants, whom he would see fight with his own eyes. At the departure of this Armadoe, one of the chief ships belonging unto Giles Hoffman of Antwerp, did run on ground and was lost: in an other ship a piece breaking 30. men were slain, & the ship lost. The same day two Sea-captaines of Flessingue, men of great experience, lying at anchor before Arnemuyden, went forth to refresh themselves at Flessingue; and coming upon the ●…ike, for that the wind and tide was against them, they were taken by the garrison of Arnemuyden, one of them having first thrust one of the soldiers thorough with his sword that took them. During all this time, from the last of October 1573. the town of Leyden was besieged a far of by the Spaniards, of whom the besieged by their sallies and skirmishes 
The town of Leyden besieged.  did some times get; for they were not so straightly besieged, but they might issue forth and feed their cattle in the meadows about the town: the Spaniard endeavouring only (seeing that by assault they could not gain much) to famish them in time, and to force them to yield. The last of December the besieged sent some Barks into the sea of Harlem, to seek their fortunes, the which they found, bringing back some boats laden with victuals, the which was sold in the town for eight thousand Florins, and some good prisoners which paid two or three thousand Florins a piece. The 20. of january following they of Leyden made a sally by land upon the 
Brave sallies made by the besieged of Leyd●…n.  way to the Hage, along the river, where they met with a convoy of ten Lasts of Beer, 20000. loaves (every one weighing eight pounds) and a great quantity of Butter and Cheese, the which came from Amsterdam, and was going to the Hage, where they had likewise some Spanish prisoners: this was a great relief and refreshing to the besieged, and did greatly disappoint the Spaniards, dispersed betwixt Delf, Rotterdam, Goude and Vlaerdingen, and the more, for that they of Delf had drowned all the country about: yet soon after the Spaniards retired somewhat from the town, to go to the succour of Mondragon (after the yielding up of the town of Middelbourg) and of Sanchio d' Auila, who were gone to encounter the army which Cont Lodovic of Nassau brother to the Prince of Orange brought to succour the Hollanders: but let us return to the fleet of Antwerp. The 27. of january six small Barks appeared about Ter-Neuse, betwixt the 
The small Barks of the Spaniards give an alarm to the Zelanders  Hont & the Dullard, so as the Zelanders thinking that all the fleet would follow, made themselves ready to receive them. But they retired the same day, & were not seen until the next day, appearing only to discover the countenance of the Protestants, the which was happy for the Zelanders, & since they have attributed it to the providence of God; for if the whole fleet had then followed, they might easily have passed through the Zelanders, & entered into the channel of Middelbourg, for that the Zelanders were not yet ready: not for want of time, but through negligence, notwithstanding any admonitions of the Prince, not caring to prepare themselves, until they see the enemy, the which they did having discovered those 6. sails. That day the Spaniards meaning to shoot of their ordinance for the Commanders coming to Berghen, who would be a spectator of the defeat of his army, fire fell in the powder of one of his ships, where there were 60. Spanish soldiers all which were burnt but six. The 29. 14. or 15. sail of the fleet of Antwerp showed themselves upon the Honte and aproached within a league of Flessingue. The Protestants of Zealand seeing them come made towards them, and after the spending of some great shot, forced them to retire, without loss of either side. And the same day about two of the clock in the afternoon, the signor of Boysot Admiral of the Protestants, went with his army to assail the Spaniards at Romerswael, the combat continued about two hovers with such fury of their great shot, as it seemed that heaven and earth should come together, and smoke. In this conflict the Admiral and Vice-admiral of Antwerp were taken, the Admiral of Berghen, with 7. of their chief ships, and one burnt. All the 
A victory of the Protestants.  soldiers and mariners that were found in them, were either slain or cast into the sea, to the number of 6. or 700. men. The Zeelanders took 30. goodly brass pieces, and many of Iron. The other Spanish fleet presented themselves the same day before Flessingue, but the tide failing them and the wind being contrary, after that they had skirmished a little with the Zeelanders, they retired and cast anchor. Sanchio d' Auila commanded this fleet, & julian Romero the other that was defeated before Berghen near to Romerswael. All that had any charge in the Protestants Admiral were hurt with the small shot or with the splinters that were made by the enemy's canon: for that the signor of Boyset had forbidden them to shoot until they were very near: and then having discharged all his ordinance he suddenly grappled, where he was in great danger, if he had not been speedily seconded by a flieboat of Enchuysen, which made the Spaniards to faint, so as the Protestants did soon master the ships whereunto they were grappled, killling and casting overboard all that they found armed. The Admiral Boysot was brought the next day to Flessingue being shot with an harquebus in at the cheek, which passed out on the other side, 
The signor of Boysot hurt.  & so lost an eye: captain Eloys ancient having received many wounds, died the next day in Flessingue. Captain Schot with the wooden-leg, lost an arm, so did captain Valentin. The reason why the Zelanders went first to charge the enemy, was: for that the Admiral had received letters from the Prince of Orange, commanding him to send 4. ships of war out of his fleet, the better to resist than that came from Antwerp: who considered that he might in no sort gainsay the Prince's commandment, yet he could not do it without weakening his forces and dangering his army: for the avoiding whereof to satisfy the Prince, he thought it better to assail the enemy with all his forces united, hoping to vanquish them, and then send him those ships, rather than attend to be assailed, their forces being diminished, to which resolution a prosperous wind did much encourage them. The great Commander was upon the dike of Berghen during all the fight; & instead of an assured victory 
The Commander a spectator of his men's overthrow.  which he promised to himself, he see his men so miserably entreated, that some were brought back to Antwerp without heads, & some without arms and legs. His greatest comfort was to exclaim and curse, sometimes blaming one, sometimes an other. To conclude it was so great a desolation for the Spaniards at the return of their fleet to Antwerp, that coming near the wharf, the captains for spite shot of the Ordinance among them that came to the waters side to see their return; with the which Gabriel Cité Attorney general of Arthois had both his thighs carried away, whereof he died soon after. julien Romero saved himself in a boat, some say by swimming. As for the army 
julien Romero sau●s himself, and d' Auila flies, with his troops.  which Sanchio d' Auila commanded, lying at Anchor before Flessingue, he seeing ten ships come from the victorious fleet of the Protestants (which had fought before Berghen, and join with the other ships of Zeeland) he presently weighed Anchor and fled towards Antwerp. They of Middelbourg on the 30. of january, in the morning, hung a sail out of their steeple, which continued there 2. hours: and the 3. of february captain Strenchant went out of the town, carrying letters of credit to the Commander, with instructions to hasten the Spanish fleet, to let him understand how long they could yet hold 
Captain Strenchant taken.  out, & what hope of succours there were. But that night he was taken, with 4 mariners & a boy, and led to the Prince: seeing themselves cast upon the sand, and the Zelanders approach, captain▪ Strenchant tied his letters to a piece of lead, and cast them into the sea: but they that took him perceiving it, stayed till the sea was spent, and then found the packet upon the sand, which contained that which followeth, besides the letter of credit. The instruction of Strenchant, to inform the great Commanders excellency of 4 points. Afire shallbe made every night upon the tower of Middelbourg, from 10. of the clock unto a 11. signifying that Middelbourg & Arnemuyden, hold yet for his Majesty, the which shall begin on Monday next, & in case they shall desist from doing it, it shall not be then needful to send any army to succour them, but to recover the Island. The 2. point is the weakness of the soldiers, whereof there dies every day above 20. and the small hope the have, seeing the army returned: saying they had rather be cut in pieces at some exploit then to eat bread made of Linseed, for that they hold themselves assured to die after it, and yet they have not sufficient of that but for ten or twelve days. They 3. was, that they should not fail to come by Sunday, or Monday at the farthest, and in case the army could not come by that time, to make a desperate attempt, and hazard some boats laden with corn. And the forth was, that if the Island were lost for want of succours, to know his excellency's pleasure what they should do with the Merchandise and other goods; for to sink them that the enemy should have no profit thereby, it were also necessary that the men were drowned which were against reason: you must with all speed send by the next army, the copy of this your instruction, and yourself write unto his excellency, what you have in charge, in case you cannot go to him in person, for the hasty departure of the army: to tell him that the boats which are in this passage, are not arrived, & that they stand in great fear of our army, and that they have brought many dead and wounded to Flessingue: Moreover that the Colonel wundred, how they of Flessingue could have the instruction which his excellency had given to julien Romero. At the end of the said instruction were written the signs that should be made in the I'll of Tergoes, as soon as the army and the succours should be out of Antwerp, and as it did advance or retire. So that the colonel Mondragon, governor of Middelbourg and all the Spaniards, promised unto themselves assured succours and a certain victory, being ignorant of all that had past. The 5. of February they of Flessingue gave advertisement to their ships of war, that were in guard about the Island of Walchrens, that colonel Mondragon was resolved to abandon the town and to save himself, to the end they should keep good guard, promising two hundred crowns to any one that could take and bring the said Mondragon prisoner, and a hundred crowns to him that should bring Hans-Cocq. The thirteen of the month captain Strenchant who had been taken the third day after that he had been carried towards Antwerp, to show him that the Spanish fleet was 
Strenchant exchanged for ●…uert and M●….  retired, he was sent home, in exchange of Euert and Marin, two sea captains taken by them of Arnemuyden, as we have said. And the said Strenchant had charge to say to them of Middelbourg, that the Prince gave them yet 4. days respite to determine of their compotision 2. days after the Prince received letters from Mondragon, by the which he declared what captain Strenchant had delivered unto the captains of his regiment, by the Prince's commandment: & that they were resolved to demand a passport of him, for one that Mondragon would send to the great Commander, touching the yielding up of the town. And in the mean time if the Prince would depute any, he would also send to begin the treaty, attending the return of the messenger, which should be within 4 or 5 days: whereunto the Prince answered the next day morning, that what he demanded was not usual in matters of war, nor fit, but might turn to a jest: touching the sending of deputies, he might understand his intention by the relation of captain Strenchant, yet for the explanation of his mind, he would send the next day to Rammekins, if he might be advertised that night that he would send any of his part, without any longer delay, for that the Prince was priest to depart for some urgent occasions, which Mondragon should afterwards understand: the same day at night the Prince received an answer from Mondragon, 
Deputies of either part at Rammeken to mak●… a composition f●…r Middelbourg.  who demanded a safe conduit for them that he should send, who should understand the Prince's pleasure by his deputies, & the conditions of the accord, & make relation thereof to Mondragon: who having had his advice & others therein, should return to Rammeken, with the deputies of the town of Middelbourg. On the 17. day the Prince sent him a passport for 8. or 10. persons, advertising him that his deputies should be at Rammeken by noon to acquaint them with his intention. And to prevent all inconveniences for that the mariners & others were not advertised of this treaty, he would send ten or twelve soldiers to the head of Middelbourg, who should serve as an Escort & safeguard for his Deputies. The same day in the morning a commission was given unto the Signior of Boisot, januis & van Dorp, Governors of Flessingue Lavere, & Ziriczee, & to the Signior Bonchard, to authorize them in their charges of Deputies, with instruction of the articles which they should propound. And so they parted towards Rammeken before noon, where they met with some sent from the spaniards, & the town of Middelbourg, where after two days parley, they concluded upon the articles which follow. As Christopher of Mondragon Knight, Signior of Remerchicourt, & Colonel of aregiment 
A composition for Middelbourg.  of Walloons, being at this present within the towns of Middelbourg & Arnemuyden, had upon the relation which Captain Strenchant had made unto him coming out of prison, required by his letters of the 16. of this present month, of the high & mighty Prince of Orange Earl of Nassau, to send certain deputies to the castle of Rameken to treat with them of his party, touching the yielding up of those Towns. Whereunto his Excellency yielding, his deputies had propounded a certain capitulation to them that had been sent by the said Signior Mondragon, by means whereof their yielding was acceptable, whereof report being made of either part, and the conditions debated betwixt the Deputies, in the end they have concluded according to their comissions and authority, as followeth. First that the said Signior of Mondragon, abandoning 
The conditions.  the towns of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden, without any demolition or defacing of the present fortifications: leaving all the artillery, munition, ships, goods and merchandise that be there at this present: shall depart with his Regiment of foot, (except those that will remain and serve his Excellency) out of the I'll of Walchrens, with their arms, ensigns, & baggage, justly belonging to him and his companies, without coulloring other men's goods in any sort whatsoever. And who-soever shall carry away more the●… his own, shallbe punished at his Excellency's discretion. The said Signior of Mondragon shall promise upon his faith, to yield himself into his Excellency's hands, if within two months next ensuing, he shall not cause to be delivered out of prison, & sent safely into Holland or Zeeland, to some place that is under his Excellency's command, Philip of Marnix Signior of Mont S. Aldegond, Captain jacob Symonsz: An Italien prisoner at the Hage called Cittadelle, the Lieutenant of Willeken van Augren and Captain Petani. And if the said Mondragon refuseth to make this promise, than three Captains, as many Lieutenants, 〈◊〉, Sargents & Corporals of his Regiment, shall remain prisoners of war to his Excellency, until the abovenamed be fully delivered. All vittelers and gunner's shall in like sort depart, with his comissaries, Manriques, joan-lopez and james padilla, with their servants, books & baggage, and so shall all Priests and Monks do, with their ornaments only. His Excellency shall give order that departing out of the Island with their goods, they shallbe embarked & transported unto Flanders side with all safety. The said Deputies promising upon their faith and honour to cause this present treaty to be ratified and accomplished by the said Prince & Colonel Mondragon respectively in due form. And for the better assurance and accomplishment thereof, sufficient hostages shallbe given of either side. And so it was made and concluded in the castle of Rammeken the 18. day of February. 1574. signed by the Captains de Hen, giles de villain, Anthony of Grenet, junius of jonghe, Charles of Boisot, Aernt van Dorp, & Francis Bonchard. Then followed: we William by the grace of God Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassau of the one part etc. and I Christopher of Mondragon Knight, Signior of Remerchicourt, of Luz, Insanille etc. of the other part, having seen and red, that which was done, capitulated and concluded with our consents, in the above recited treaty, ratifying and confirming it, we have promised and do promise by these presents, in the word of a Prince and faith of a gentleman, respectively, to follow and accomplish and cause to be accomplished the contents thereof in all points, without any contradiction whatsoever. In witness whereof we have signed it with our hands and sealed it with our seals. The 18. of February 1572. William of Nassau. Mondragon. According to this accord, hostages were given of either part, and on the 22. day Colonel Mondragon and his regiment, leaving the town to the Prince of Orange, embarked, & were carried to Terneuse in Flanders, from whence the Princes his hostages were sent back in the same ships: & those of the Spaniards parted the next day; and so this town, after that it had endured so much poverty, famine & misery, and suffered so much by the garrison which it had under this Spanish governor, and before under the Scignior of Beawoir (who entreated them little better for the space of half a year) notwithstanding all the attempts of the Duke of Alva, & the great commander, as we have seen, was in the end yielded to the Prince of Orange; into the which he entered to give God thanks the 23. of February 1574. After which time the Prince suffered the Englishmen to traffic by the river of Escaut up to Antwerp, the which was interdicted before, by reason of the siege at Middelbourg, and of all this war at sea.  
In the mean time the rest of the Spaniards were at their ease in Holland, besieging 
Cont Lodovic comes to succour the Protestan●…s of the Netherlands.  of the town of Leyden, keeping themselves far off from blows, & yet they did annoy them much, for that nothing could enter but by stealth & with great danger. The prince of Orange seeking all means to make them dislodge from thence, caused Cont Lodovic of Nassau his brother to go to horseback, who had reserved himself since the siege of Mons for some occasion. It is true that the succour and army which he should bring was generally for the delivery of Holland and Zealand, and their associates, having been levied to that end before the siege of Leyden: but now they marched so fitly, (being accompanied by duke Christopher son to the Prince elector Palatin, the said Cont Lodovic and Cont Henry his brother) as the Spaniards had a hot alarm, abandoning Leyden & all that they had held in the country about: for that by the loss of Middlebourg, Arnemuyden and Rammeken, and by the two victories which the Protestants of Zealand had gotten at sea, their affairs had not been very safe, if this new army of high 
The Spaniards leave Leyden.  Dutch, had joined with that of the Prince of Orange, with whom many came to join by reason of the happy success in Zeeland, the which they found by experience in the town of Nymegen. To keep this german army from entering into the country, the Commander sent Sanchio d'Auila, who came to Maestricht the 4. of March; being there, 
Sanchio d'Auila views the Protestants army.  he sent to discover these noblemen's camp, and busied in making a muster and view of their men, & seeing that their forces increased daily, he would gladly have given them battle, if he had been strong enough, but he durst not do it, until the coming of Colonel Mondragon with the rest of his regiment, being newly governor of Middlebourg. 
Mondragon joins with Auila.  These Noblemen hearing that the Spaniards were daily fortified, raised their camp, & went to lodge by Faulquemont. Sanchio d'Auila followed them, which made the Earl to draw most of his army into the town; and seeing that he should hardly pass the river of Meuse there he marched away, making show as if he would retire with his forces into Germany: d'Auila (doubting that the Earl would seek some other passage) did also rise (his troops with those of Mondragon being about five thousand) & retired, setting good guards along the river of Meuse: and at that time he was advertised that they of Nymegen had intelligence with those Noblemen, & that they would yield unto Cont Lodovic, and so get a passage there: for the preventing whereof d'Auila sent a garrison presently into the town; which done, pursuing the Protestants army, who camped at Mockem, a commodious place: d'Auila seeing that he could easily charge them, marched with all speed towards Grave a town of Brabant, where having made a bridge upon Boats, he passed the Meuse and with all his forces went to charge them. The two armies encountered upon the heath of Mockem (which they call Mocker Heyde). The Protestants Landtsknechts', when they should fight, began (according to their cursed custom) to cry ghelt, ghelt, & refused to fight: yet these Noblemen seeing themselves priest by the 
The defeat & death of Cont Lodovic of Nassau.  Spaniards, were forced to make it good; but in the end all their resistance prevailed nothing, but being abandoned by their greatest forces, they were quite defeated, and all there slain, where there died above 2000 of their men, 21. Ensigns, and some guidons were carried to Brussels: as for the bodies of these Noblemen, they were long ere they could be found, & in the beginning it was not known whether they were alive or dead. Those that saved themselves in this retreat, took the Castle of Carpen by Cologne, which they held sometime for the Prince of Orange. This happened the 14. of April.  
The Spaniards having gotten this honourable victory at Monckerheyd by urinnenghen, presently called for money, which Sancio D'auilla (if they won that victory) promised to give them, but no money being ready, they began to mutiny, & drove their captains from them, and rend their ensigns, resolving altogether to go to Antwerp, whereof Frederick Perenot, Baron of Champigni, Governor of Antwerp, being advertised, upon the 19 of April, began to make provision to defend the town, & having there 4. companies of Walloons of his own regiment, 24. companies of duchmen, in whom there was no great trust to be reposed, for that they seemed to pretend to have many months pay due unto them, he caused the harguebusiers of the town to be armed, advertising the great Commander thereof, being then at Brussels, desiring aid for the defence of the town, if they in the Castle should let the mutinous spaniards enter into the same, as it was to be presumed, for that they likewise were unpaid, and seemed to be over much addicted to join with them, for which he gave the Governor council to alter the garrison of the Castle, or else to permit him to fortify the town against the Castle, and the hole that still lay open between the town and it, for that Sancio D'auilla the captain of the Castle seemed to be ill affected against the town. At the first the great Commander seemed not to believe it, but at the last upon the 24. of April he came himself to Antwerp, where Champigni gave him council to enter and to take the Castle into his own custody, saying, that both the service of the King, & the safety of the town required it. But the Commander thought, by means of that mutiny to force them of Brabant to yield to contribution, for that they had seemed to delay it, finding it a dangerous matter, to ensconce and fortify the town against the Castle, saying, that it became not a governor to show the way how the Castle should be made unprofitable, and that he would take care for that himself, and that he thought the spaniards would have more respect unto him, then to mutiny in his presence, with such like speeches. Whereupon he sent Sancio D'auilla to pacify them with fair words, but he could not be heard, compelling him, as he said to lead them till they came hard by the castle of Antwerp, where they arrived the 26. of April, about eleven 
The spaniards come to Antwerp the 26. of April.  of the clock at noon, as Champigni was in the townhouse, to make a motion in the Commander's behalf, for 400000. guilders to be lent him. This coming of the spaniards before the town being heard, he caused his soldiers to be armed, and to go towards the castle, to keep the spaniards from entering, advertising the commander thereof, who asked of some of them of the castle, why they shot at them? whereupon Champigni presently caused his captains Devers and stereke to shoot at 30. or 40. Spaniards 
Champigni would have beaten the spaniards out of the town.  that were already come to the hole (which as then lay open between the town and the castle) wherewith the Governor himself came presently thither: and finding that they began to shoot, he commanded them to abstain, willing Champigni himself, with all his walloons and duchmen to leave the place and give over, thereby to shun an uproar, which by that means might happen in the town. Which Champigni thought very strange, but for that the Governor general commanded him so to do, he might not refuse it. In the mean time some spaniards entered into the ditches, and breaking down some of the earthen wall, filled the ditch, and came in at the hole, whereas the walls of the town were not joined close unto the castle, without any respect of the governors presence, who thereat seemed to be moved, & excusing himself, made show as if he were displeased before Chiapini Vitelly: whereupon Champigni thought it best for him to retire into the new town, and there to fortify and in-sconse himself, with the sails of the King's navy by Sea that as then lay there, the which he did. The spaniards being entered, put themselves in battle, in the plain between 
The spaniards being by the castle, enter Antwerp where they mutiny.  the town and the castle, setting watch at every place that entered into the same; The commanders willing them not to come any nearer than S. George's Churchyard, if they had any thing to say: but they perceiving nothing but words, and no deeds to come from him: they cried out Dineros y Wallones fuora, that is, money, and out with the walloons, mean time the townsemen were in great fear, to be all murdered and spoiled of their goods, many Burghers flying out of the same. And for that this was so notable a mutiny, and that many others were made by the spaniards in the Netherlands. I thought it good to set down this one at large, for an example of all the rest, that men may see their disordered proceedings.  
The mutinous Spaniards, (being about 3000. strong) finding they could get no money from the Commander, made no long delay, but presently marching in order of battle, entered into the town, as far as the meer-bridge with great noise of drums, shooting of their pieces, and crying out Dineros, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacoes. That all the town rung thereof, the Governor Mounsire Champigni (to whom they had the greatest quarrel) had gotten into the new town, and kept in the Easterlings house, caufing part of his household stuff to be carried thither, yet they took much thereof from him, breaking down his house, windows, doors, and glass, calling him, Ladron, Villiaco, and towards evening when they began to be hungry, they left the bridge, and went into the market place, and there seized both of it and of the townhouse, placing soldiers to guard them, the rest going ten twelve or twenty in a company together, entered into the best houses thereabouts, where they thought to find most store of victuals, no●… one being placed there, nor yet respecting any person. Where they caused themselves to be entreated, with the best victuals that could be gotten, and all the night long ceased not to make a great noise with drums, and shooting of their pieces, crying and hallowing like a company of mad devils, round about the streets. beating open the doors as if they would have murdered, and ransacked all the town: which struck such a horrible terror into the people's heads, both men and women, that none of them durst take any rest; by reason whereof, many women great with child, fell in labour and lost their children, & many died thereof, for which cause, thenext day in the morning when the gates were open, many men, women, and chi●…dren, forsaking all they had, went to of the town. At evening, the Spaniards having cho●…sen an Electo, whom they lodged in the townhouse, sounding all their drums, they made a proclamation, in the name of Los Signores Soldadoes, that the Governor with his Wallon soldiers, should leave the town within twenty fourehoures after, upon pain to be driven out by force, and therewith sent a messenger expressly to advertise the governor thereof, being in the Easterlings house: but he made answer that he would not do it, but if the Governor general would command him, he would prepare himself thereunto: & for that cause upon the 27. of April he sent for all his soldiers, fortifying all the bridges & entries into the new town, with carts, wagons, and woolsacks, holding their ships of war with their pieces charged, ready prepared on the other side, and so sought to defend himself being assisted by Hamsted the Vize-admiral, & his sailors, that sought nothing else, with certain Walloons, but only to fight, being sufficiently assured of the burghers aid. In the mean time Chiapini Vitelli, Mondragon and others, went from the one to the other, to pacify them, but all in vain, all the Spaniards crying, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacoes, so that at the last the Commander to bring them to some better pass, commanded Champigni with his Walloons to go out of the town, which he presently did, & so went to Eeckeren and Wilnerdouck, whereupon the mutinous Spaniards placed a guard at every gate, & took the keys from the Magistrates, still making a great noise and crying about the town, thereby to hasten the Burghers, to gather & bring in money to pay them, who as then were assembled in the townhouse about the same. At which time a spanish jesuit 
A jesuit preach●…ng in the market place they said they would have money & n●… preaching.  of great estimation amongst them, would have preached unto them in the market place, to show them of their insolent behaviour, & to tell them what a number of women they had caused to miscarry being with child, whereof he said they were the murderers. But they asked him if he had any money: and so with noise of drums, made him hold his peace, & leave his exhortation. Mean time the richest of the Burghers were sent for to the townhouse, who were rated every one according to his ability, towards the payment of the soldiers, which done the Electo was willed to appoint a place for them to muster in, & that the next day they should be paid. The Commander giving them to understand that their insolencies tended to the diminishing of the king's honour & reputation, willing them not to make such a noise in the nighttime as they had done. Whereunto they made answer, that in ask of their pay, they did nothing but was right & reason so to do, and that being paid, they would be ready to do any service whatsoever, promising not to make any more such noise by night in the town as they had done.  
The 29, of April, they being all sent for to come unto the market place, their Electo, (being a very wise and well spoken man, and yet but a common soldier) founding before the town house, made an oration unto them: showing what burden and charge they had put the Burghers unto, being not content with that, which was set before them to eat and drink, saying that they ought to behave themselves honestly and civilly. Wherewith they all cried, that justice should be done upon all such disordered persons, and that they should pass through the pikes, showing themselves, that they should choose two deputies out of every company to speak with the Marquis Chiappini vitelli, and to show their mind unto him by writing, which they did, saying that they desired to be paid every penny that was behind unpaide unto them, as well for the dead as for the living. The Marquis Chiappini vitelli offered them ten months pay in ready money, & five months in wool, linen, and silks, and for the rest, that they should have the merchants bills of Antwerp, to be paid at two paiements: which the deputies refused, saying that they would make report thereof unto the seignores Soldadoes, for which cause they were once again assembled in the market place and then the Electo leaning over the rails, showed 
The 〈◊〉 sp●…ch to the mutinous soldiers.  them what the Marquis had offered them, wherewith they made a monstruous noise, crying out and saying, todo, todo, dineros Y non palabras, that is, all, all money and no words. The Electo having gotten them to be silent, once again spoke unto them, and sharply reproving them said, That they were all rebels unto the King, and that they had all deserved to die. First for that they had taken Antwerp one of the King's towns, not as friends, but like enemies, breaking their walls and fortifications. Secondly, for that they had driven the governor and the garrison out of the town, that were placed therein by his Majesty, besides many other rebellious actions, which his Majesty could not well leave unpunished, all which their insolency notwithstanding, the Magistrates of the town humbling themselves before them, made them that offer, which they ought willingly to accept, and upon their knees to give God thanks for the grace and favour showed unto them, saying further, that if they seemed to be so obstinate that they would not accept thereof, that they might assure themselves, that being found guilty of rebellion, as they were, they should be punished for the same as justice required: protesting from that time forward for his part not to be their Electo any longer, where unto they had forcibly compelled him: keeping him pirsoner to that end in the townhouse, saying that he would not be saved to be the head of their rebellion, nor yet speak in the favour and behalf of such mutinous fellows, and that if they would not discharge him of the place, he prayed them presently to shoot him into the body with a bullet, protesting to the death that he would no more be their Electo. But all this would not help, so that with the great noise made, they would not suffer him to be heard speak any more crying todo, todo, todo, continuing still in that manner until it was night, and that they were weary with crying, but when night came they began again to run up and down the streets, like devils, knocking and thundering at the gates, doors, and windows, and pulling all the bell-ropes of the houses in pieces, shooting in at the windows, causing great fear, and offering as much despite unto the Burghers as they could, still crying, fuora fuora, villiacoes, driving and compelling their companions (that hypocritically seemed not to be of these disordered company) to do as they did, every one making show as if he were compelled thereunto by the strongest part of them, that in time to come, one might not be accounted to be in greater fault than they other, every one pretending to be constrained thereunto, against his will, and when the saw any one amongst them whom they suspected to be unwilling to do as they did. They forced them with blows to call, cry, and speak as they did, and so made it one general offence.  
The 29. of April, the great or common counsel of Antwerp being assembled to take order about the same, the Commander asked the town 400. thousand guilders, in ready money, saying that he would furnish the rest, causing all his plate & jewels to be brought from Brussels, which he offered to lay to pawn for money: and to pacify the Spaniards, the Burghers were forced to make ready that money, every man agreeing what he would give, that so they might be rid of such companions, which were esteemed to cost the Burghers above six thousand gilders every day, for they would drink nothing but wine, and must have fresh meat both night and noon, wherein no man went free, neither Bishop, Marquis, Burge-maister, spiritual nor temporal persons, they seeking the greatest houses, and the best cheer. It was thought that if they should be paid the 36. months that was due unto them, it would have amounted unto above ten hundredth thousand gilders.  
The 30. of April, a drum was sounded to gather the soldiers together: where the Eletto once again began to speak unto them, who leaning over the rails before the townhouse and taking a letter out of his bosom, (sent unto him by the soldiers) containing the contents of their demand, with great threatenings: and withal letting him know, that if he spoke so much in favour of the townsmen, and not for them, that they would cast him headlong out of the window; whereunto he made them a modest answer, but how cunningly and pertinently soever he spoke unto them, all would not prevail, they still crying Dineros, todo, that is money and all. At the last the Captain of the Castle Sanchio d'auilla leaning out at the townhouse window, prayed them to accept the five months pay, in wool, linen and silk, which they had most need of, at such price as it was sold within the town in every shop, and the rest in money, whereunto they began somewhat to hearken, but not all of them, and began to persuade one the other to consent thereunto, by reason of other words used unto them by Sanchio d'auilla and their Eletto, and when the Eletto said unto them, That if they would behave themselves like Spaniards & good subjects to the King, they ought to accept the offer made unto them, ask them if there must be so many words used to show them that it is the King's pleasure to bestow that liberality upon them in their needs, that had entertained them so long, and made so much account of them, trusting only in them, with many such like words. Whereupon at the last, they cried all with one consent, that so they would: saying, that they did not accept the same, for that they had need of any wool, linen, or silks, but only to do the King a friendship, and to show their liberality towards him, and yet many of them murmured thereat, and so that was agreed upon. Presently thereupon ●…ather Fregose a Spanish jesuit, stood up upon a chest by the ship, hard by the townhouse, to preach unto them, showing them their insolent behaviour, and what shame and infamy they had brought upon the name of the Spaniards, by using such rigorous dealings; praying and exhorting all to be confessed, and to receive the Sacrament before they went out of the town, and to be content with that which the Burghers gave them to eat. After that they caused a drum to be sounded, that every one of them should be bilited by the Friars, and appointed where he should lodge; and by that means they were somewhat pacified, perceiving preparation of money to be made, and the pay of wool, etc. beginning to be paid. But upon the eight of May, the great Commander gave them to understand, that the promise made of the payment in wool, etc. must be some what moderated till a convenient time; wherewith they were once again so moved, as they began after their wont manner, to run up and down the town, crying, whoping, and hallowing like mad men; causing open proclamation to be made round about the town, that all commanders of the wars and other officers, should go out of the town within two hours after, upon pain to pass through the Pikes, fearing lest they should persuade the common-soldiers to the same, and amongst the rest, they were much offended with julian Romero, who with ten or twelve captains and officers more being lodged by the Burse in the house of jaques Hoffenagle, they went to fetch out of his house to murder them, with great noise and cry, shooting at the gate: whereupon julian Romero fearing to be spoiled by them, fled and hid himself in the top of the house, but at the last their fury being somewhat passed over, they let him ride out of the town without eating, and all the rest with him, their Ensigne-bearers only staying by them to make up their accounts, and so they passed that day: but at night again they began to be as far out of quiet, because the soldiers of the Castle likewise sought to mutiny, forcing Sanchio d'Auilla the captain thereof to leave it, and to deliver them the Keys of the castle, which he refused to do, saying, that he would die before he granted thereunto, in regard that he had sworn to hold and keep the same until he died: and amongst them they did choose an Eletto, and a Sergeant Maior, as they in the town had done. In the morning, Chiappini Vitelli went to the Castle to take order therein, and being upon the bridge, he called their Eletto to speak with him, and he went in, leaving the Eletto upon the bridge, where he was suddenly stabbed by an Ensign bearer called Saluaterra, and his body presently cast into the ditch, the like also was done unto the Sergeant Maior, by which means the rest acknowledging their faults, Chiappini Vitelli came out again, and so the mutiny in the castle was appeased, for which Saluaterra was forced to fly, upon whose horse were embroidered these words Castigador de los Flamingos, that is, the corrector or punisher of the Flemings.  
After that upon the eleventh of May, when the payment of the five months in cloth, etc. was made: the Commander sent a Printed declaration unto the Soldiers, to show them, that he knew not how to devise to pay them all their due, because they were the means of hindering their own payment, keeping the town from trafficking and negotiating amongst themselves, friendly entreating them to content themselves with eight or ten months pay, in regard that he was to use much money, to pay the eight thousand horsemen, conducted by Ericke Duke of Brunswick, that were already to come into the country, as also for the two or three regiments of Swissers and other Soldiers coming out of Italy. In some sort threatening them, seeking if he could to breed a division amongst themselves. But therewith being once again moved, they made rather worse and greater noise all the night long than they had done before, and got one of their Captains called Franciso de Bobadille amongst them, whom they used in most vile manner, commanding likewise that Saluaterra who had slain the Eletto of the Castle should be delivered unto them. And at midnight they assembled all in the Market place, having first driven one another out of their lodgings, and there with one common consent, discharged their first Eletto of his place, as suspected by them, and chose an other, who at the last had the bastinado for his labour.  
Being day, they made an Altar of Chests before the townhouse, where they had a Maffe song, which done, they all took their oaths to be true and faithful unto their Eletto, and that they would not be satisfied but with their full pay; and to keep watch, as also to hinder and withstand all strife and contention amongst themselves, which they swore with great ceremonies and solemnities, and caused the same to be written and set upon the townhouse, withal setting up a pair of gallows, to punish all the every amongst them: and one being taken, that in the night before had stolen a pair of sheets, the Eletto after the Mass was done, asked the Soldiers what they would have done with him? whereupon they all cried, that he should be hanged up, and that was their manner of judgement: but the Eletto made answer, that he thought the crime to be too small for him to lose his life for such a thing, saying, that the strappado with a cord was punishment enough; wherewith they cried, that it should be done. For which justice used amongst them, the Burghers with one consent gave them great thanks, for that during all that time none of them could 
The town of Antwerp was forced to pay 400000. gilders to appease that mutiny, and so it was ended.  be accused of theft, the which was strange, and that no such act was committed in such a great tumult. After this they were pacified with money, and otherwise, and at last contented. The Burghers were constrained (besides the charges they were at in feeding them, all the while they lay in the town,) to provide four hundred thousand guilders, and the commander the rest: at which time, upon Whitsonday they being all bravely appareled in Silks, Velvet, and Goldlace, like great Lords, and chief commanders, they got a general pardon of the great Commander, for all that had passed, which was assured unto them at a solemn Mass said in the great church, as also with great feast and triumph made by them in his honour upon the Mere bridge: and so was their mutiny appeased without punishment: but the Eletto and his counsel were afterward (when time served) well found out and severely punished for their labours: that done they were commanded to depart the town, and to go into Holland to besiege Leyden.  
They had caused all the ships of war that were in guard before the town, to retire, and sent them before Liloo. The Zeelanders having notice thereof, and discovering these ships lying at Anchor on a Whitsonday, set upon them, took fifteen, sunk 
The Zeelanders takes the ships of war of Antwerp.  five, and burnt three: the fifteen were carried in the Commander's sight into Zealand, whilst that the Spaniards plunged in all delights and voluptuousness, did domineer in the town of Antwerp: in which ships the Zeelanders found a hundred and two pieces of brass ordinance, besides those of iron: the Commander who was called Hemsted was taken prisoner. After that the Spaniards were retired from Leyden, to go fight with these three Noblemen at Mocken, the town was not victualled in the mean time, nor furnished with things necessary, as it was fit, notwithstanding the good opportunity and means which they had. But God doth sometimes wonders worthy of his greatness, as he would have it appear in the delivery of this town, by means far from the thought of man, being jealous of the trust and confidence which many did put in Cont Lodovic and in his army, for the preservation of the country. The Prince had done his endeavour to have it victualled, and did constantly believe that it had been so 
The spaniards return to Leyden.  for a long time: as they that had the charge, and upon whom he relied, did assure him. But the Spaniards knowing the contrary, returned to their old lodgings, blocking up the town nearer than before, in building of other new forts. The which was done under the charge and command of Francisco Valdes a Spaniard, with the regiments of the holy league, and of Lombardie, some regiments of Walloons and high Dutch, and 300. horse, being in all about 7000. men, wherewith all the forts about Leyden being furnished, he put some companies into the Hage, Mazelandt, & other villages about Delf, as if they would also besiege it at the same instant. In the mean time the body of the Spanish army, was about Bommel, Gorrichom, and Lowesteyn, intending to besiege or batter one of these places, which the Prince did not greatly respect, having always means to dislodge them from Bommel or Gorrichom, if they would attempt it: the 
The spaniards about Bomel & Gorrichom.  which they did not, seeing them well furnished of all things necessary to attend them, as all good towns of war ought to be. The Spaniards holding this summer well spent, to have with little resistance won Vandrichom and Lierdam, the first belonging 
The taking of Vandrichom & Leerdam.  to the Earls of Horn, the which they burned and destroyed, into the which the Prince had sent five companies to keep them play, being returned from the insolencies which they had committed at Antwerp. For being come thither, matters succeeded according to the Prince's desire, for thither they brought the canon and battered it, until they were ready to give an assault: but the Prince being loath to lose so many men in a Pies nest, sent them word that they should retire: the which they could not do for want of Boats, but the Spaniards entered time enough, to cut in pieces about one hundred and fifty that were appointed to make the retreat. And as they would breathe themselves after a great journey, they rested there a good space, until they went to besiege Leerdam, a little town belonging to the Earl of Buren, the which having endured some two hundred canon shot, yielded upon composition.  
After these two petty exploits, the Spaniards thinking they should get little to attempt any good town of war, they did forbear, putting all their hope in the sea 
The Spaniards bu●…d forts upon the river of M●…use.  army, which they attended from Spain. And they began to build two forts, one upon either bank of the river of Meuse, beneath Gorrichom, to stop the passage of the river, making an account by one means to bridle four places: Bomell, (about the which they had left some forces) Buren, Gorrichom and Lowestein, if they might cut off the passage of the river of Meuse to those places. And in very truth they made many a shot with their Ordinance, at the Boats which past and repast too and fro, sometimes killing or hurting some one, but yet they did not much hinder the Navigation.  
The great Commander had then three several designs in hand at one instant: 
Three diverse designs of the Commander.  the one to shut up the river of Meuse, the other to win Leyden by famine, and the third to get West-Frislandt and Waterlandt by force. But his men were so courteously entertained, as he lost not many less than two thousand men in that quarter of West Triselandt, about Assendelf, Wormer, Ryp, Graft, Purmerehde, Vlpendam, and all that watery and marish country, where as the Peasants made sharp wars against them with their boats, and certain adventuring Soldiers (whom they call Fribooters) who carrying a harquebus in a scarce, and a long half Pike, leapt over broad Ditches, cutting off the Spaniards way where-so-ever they turned, being not able to escape from them by any means, so as besides them that were slain and drowned, there were two hundred and ninety brought prisoners to Horn.  
Some other Spaniards had at the same time a desseine by practice and intelligence 
A vain enterprise upon Delfe.  upon the town of Delfe (whereas at that time the Signior of Poyet, the Prince's Lieutenant commanded) the which did not succeed according to their minds, for that it was too soon discovered (as they said.) But to say the truth, if they had entered they had been taken, the which they had done, if the Key of the gate which was appointed to be opened, could have been at the instant found. And so seeing they had not the entry ready as they expected, they suspected that the practice was discovered, (and yet there was not any show nor noise in the town) and so retired. If this had succeeded, those of Delfe had taken the chief commanders of all their forces, especially of the Spaniards. At that time the Commander received a general pardon 
A general pardon given by the King in the Netherlands.  from the King, given at Madrill the eight of March, the which at his best commodity he caused to be proclaimed in the towns of Brussels and Antwerp, with great ceremonies and state. This pardon was for all them of the Netherlands that had offended, as well for the public preaching, as the carrying of arms, breaking of Images, thefts, sack of Churches, Monasteries, or other offences, against the King or the Romish Church, in what manner soever: out of which pardon were excluded the Prince of Orange, and some others whom the King had particularly excepted; restoring all others that were capable of the said pardon to their goods, name and credit, of what quality and condition soever they were, having no need to sue for any other letters of grace, but this general pardon. And such as would enjoy it, before they entered into the possession of their goods, being yet in being and in the King's power, should be bound to produce letters of abjuration of their errors, and of their submission and promise of obedience to the Romish Church. Many durst not trust unto it, no more then unto the Duke of Alua's pardon: yet some trusted unto it and sped well, yet many were freed from prison, who if it had been in the Duke of Alua's time (according to his rigour) had lost their lives.  
In the mean time Leyden was brought to great extremity, there being no means left to relieve them, but by some extraordinary and unexpected accident: so as the Spaniards did assure themselves of the Town: yet knowing that the Prince was a man who would not omit any thing, that might serve for the succour and preservation of such a Town, and that he wanted no invention, practising the means which had been often used in the time of troubles, both in France and the Netherlands, not only to cirumvent the simple, but even the most sufficient, under a glorious show of peace (the superficies whereof at the first sight is pleasing) gave it out, that they 
The spaniards seem to desire peace.  did wonderfully affect and desire it, and that it was the King's pleasure. For proof whereof, and to sound the Prince of Orange's mind, they sent upon his simple passport, and without hostages, two men that were not very opposite to the Protestants religion: the one was john of Matenesse Signior of Riviere, and the Advocate Treslon, who obtained this passport of the Prince, under colour to follow some private business of their own, as they said: but it was most to confer with some of the States of Holland. They were some time at Rotterdam, where as the Prince was then also, going up and down with all liberty, which many did not like of. But the Prince would have the world know, that he held not the people's wills in subjection: who chose was not so void of judgement, but he understood well the consequence thereof, and said openly that this war was their peace, and the peace which was propounded would be a fatal and deadly war, the which notwithstanding they detested: desiring only you should have holy and healthful conditions, as well for the soul as the body. The Prince suffered them to speak freely to whom they pleased They that had sent them to entertain both the Prince and the States in this opinion of peace, meaning to put all their devices in practice, under colour of talking of the exchange of prisoners of either side, and namely of Cont Bossu, they resolved ●…o send upon good hostages (that is to say of the signor of Carnesse and of doctor junius governor of la Vere) the signor of Saint Aldegonde who they knew to be well beloved of the Prince, giving him 〈◊〉 on Ferdinando Launoy Earl of la Roche a high Bourguignon (Governor of Holland in the absence of Cont Bossu that was prisoner at Horn) and the signor of champaign, brother to the Cardinal Granuelle, with certain Instructions to treat of a peace with the Commanders good liking and consent, which gentlemen making a wonderful demonstration of the desire they had to see an assured peace, they did swear unto him that they which were of the country, would do their best endeavours to advance it: thinking (as they said) that there was no better means to induce the Prince, then in sending the said signor of St. Aldegond: who being come to Rotterdam, and this treaty of peace ready to begin, there appeared some difficulties, about the order and 
Difficulties upon the order of the treaties of peace.  means to proceed which had been propounded, the which was not liked of by the great Commander, under colour that the King's authority should be thereby somewhat blemished, who thought it more fitting that the towns of Holland and Zeeland should first address themselves unto the king by way of petition, to the end that the effect of the accord that might ensue, might be attributed to the king's bounty, rather than to any conference. And therefore they did greatly press the signor of Saint Aldegond to persuade the States thereunto. Before upon the conference which mateness and Treslon had had with the States at Rotterdam, there was a writing given unto them at their retreat by the States, in form as followeth. Upon that which hath been propounded to the States of Holland and Zeeland, touching the troubles and present war, and for the quieting thereof by a firm peace, for the good of the country and of his majesties subjects, the States protest that they never intended to take arms against his majesty. But that in discharge of the bond and duties of their charge, and to maintain his reputation and dignity, together with the sworn privileges, rights, laudable customs, and liberty of his countries and subjects, have been forced to oppose, themselves with arms against the tyrannous and violent command of the Duke of Alva and other strangers his adherents: who by unjust exactions and oppressions of his subjects, have troubled the public quiet, seeking by all insolent means to become masters of his majesties countries, and to reduce them to perpetual slavery, to the great prejudice of his majesties service, as it hath been often heretofore made known and protested by the said Estates. So as they mean not now to capitulate of any pacification with his Majesty, whom they have always sought to obey and serve with all humility, as their natural Lord and Prince, which makes them humbly to beseech him that it would please his Majesty as a good father, to look upon the poverties and afflictions of his countries with a loving and tender eye, and thereby draw them to union, peace and traffic, as well to augment his estate as the prosperity of his subjects. The which without doubt can never be effected, so long as strangers shall use their force and tyranny: who make a greater benefit by troubles and disorders, than when the country is orderly governed, regarding only their own profit, which hath been the cause of all these wars. And therefore that it would please his majesty to call away those strangers, & afterwards by a free conference with the advice of the general estates of the country duly assembled, set such an order, as his majesties subjects may be hereafter assured from all dangers and inconveniences that might happen; And for that the continuance of this war (to speak truly) can produce nothing but a depopulation and total ruin of his majesties countries, and the rather for that it is manifest that the inhabitants thereof do give themselves daily to the exercise of Arms, forgetting and neglecting their trades and traffic of Merchandise, being an usual thing for men to give themselves to all the licentiousues which war brings with it. So as by this means a dangerous and prejudicial decay is to be feared, of all traffic, negotiation, merchandise and navigation, redounding to the ruin of his majesties service. The said Estates do also beseech, that regard may be had hereunto, to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as the other neighbour Provinces might by his majesties authority, be discharged of either side from the oppression of these strange soldiers, and that presently by way of provision all acts of hostility may cease. So as the Commerce and conversation of the inhabitants bread in your majesties countries, may be hereafter restored with all security, and the one reconciled with the other. Wherefore the States do trust that the great Commanders excellency, and all other his majesties saithful vassals, will put to their helping hands, (as they do entreat them with all reverence and humility) and do all the good offices of loyal and faithful subjects.  
This answer made by the States did not please them that had sent the signor of mateness and Treslon, the which doth well appear by a letter which the Lord of Cha●…paigny writ unto Saint Aldegonde, being, yet with the Prince and States, dated the 2●…. of july: where he saith amongst other points, speaking of this answer (which he confesseth to have received) these words following. But that which 
〈◊〉 letters t●… Sa●… Aldegu●…de.  they have brought is far from the present affairs. For neither the title which they take in this writing can be usurped by them, nor the reasons which they give for their distraction, do concur with his majesties reputation: notwithstanding that they say, that their intention was to maintain his greatness, the which hath no ground. And as for the means which the propound, they are not accompanied with the respect which I did hope for: For it seems by their writing, that the towns which are distracted from his majesties obedience, carry themselves towards him, as good and faithful subjects do to their Sovereign Prince. Therefore you must bring other matter etc. These letters being imparted to the States, that they might not commit any thing that might be demanded of them with reason, and to show that they did seriously demand a good peace, that might be firm and permanent, they would not show themselves unwilling to propound their grievances and demands by petition, directed unto the King, the which was delivered to Saint Aldegonde returning to Vtrecht to prison, who delivered it to the Lord of Champagny, to present it unto the great Commander, whereof the tenor was.  
To the King.  
MOst humbly showing: the Nobles, Knights and towns of Holland and Zeeland. That they have ever like good and faithful vassals and subjects, in all things as well to your Majesty, as to your Predecessors 
A petition of ●…e St●…es of ●…lland & 〈◊〉.  of famous memory, yielded all humble obedience duty and service whensoever, for the preservation of your majesties greatness and State, their obedience and humble service hath been required. So as they have no doubt, but your majesties love towards them, hath been thereby greatly augmented, to preserve and maintain them in their rights and liberties, with peace and tranquility, under justice and order. And although the Duke of Alva carrying himself for Governor in your majesties place, should have behaved himself accordingly; yet chose under the title of his government, he hath used such Injustice and violence to your majesties coun●…rie and subjects, aswell Ecclesiastical as Secular, Noble and unnoble, as the Petitioners for the preservation of their previledges, rights and ancient laudable customs and liberties, have been, (to their great grief) fo●…ced, to oppose themselves, with an army, against the proud command, and violent manner of government of the said Duke, and his adherents, that were strangers: seeking to trouble the public quiet by Innovations, strange exactions, and the general oppression of your majesties subjects: Having no other design, but to subject the said countries & the inhabitants to their appetites and insolencies, to impoverish them, and bring them into servitude, to the great prejudice of your majesties service, greatness & revenues, whereon your suppliants have heretofore made complaint & protested openly; as also the States of other countries have respectively done the like divers times But yet notwithstanding, the Duke of Alva persisting still in his bad resolution: your majesties said countries and the inhabitants, have not only been drawn into great alterations, troubles and calamities of war, but also the neighbour Nations and kingdoms, have grown to hate and to abhor this ouerweeni●…g pride of 〈◊〉 strangers, enemies of the public quiet of the said Countries, with a d●…sion a●…d loss of all traffic, trades, negotiation, and of their prosperity. And as the said Petitioners have never sought, nor do not at this present seek any thing, but to advance and by all means possible to procure the general good of all the country for your majesties service, as it belongs to loyal subjects, they beseech your Majesty withal humility, that you would be pleased, as a kind father to regard with a pitiful eye, the present estate of the Netherlands, so lamentable and miserable, and to restore them to a union, commerce and quietness: whereby your majesties greatness may increase, and the prosperity of the inhabitants grow and flourish for your service. And as it can by no means be effected, so long as strange nations shall exercise their rule and tryanny over the said countries, for that their profit and advantage consists chiefly in their trouble and confusion, and not in any good order and politic government: they being by nature (as daily experience doth teach) more given to their private appetites, then to the general good of the country, whereunto they are strangers, which hath been the motive of troubles and present war. That therefore it would please your Majesty to command the said strangers to retire out of the country, and by the free conference and advise of the general Estates lawfully assembled, settle such good order and policy, as your majesties said countries and subjects, may be hereafter maintained in union and assured peace: all dangers, inconveniences and troubles being avoided. Considering also that by the long continuance of this present war (to speak freely) there can no other thing be hoped for, but the spoil and total ruin of your majesties countries and Provinces. And the rather, for that the inhabitants do give themselves more and more to arms, forgetting and neglecting their accustomed trades and negotiation: as men are by nature inclined to all the licentiousness and excess which war doth commonly bring: that by the long use of arms, the bitterness and hatred of your majesties subjects increasing more and more one against an other, it is to be feared there will ensue a dangerous and prejudicial decrease and decay of all traffic, negotiation, merchandise and navigation; whereby your majesties service may be greatly interessed. They do also most humbly beseech your Majesty that you will be pleased to have regard hereunto with all clemency and favour; to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as all other the neighbour Provinces, being by your majesties authority, freed of either side, from the oppression, at the least of strange soldiers, and withal that (by way of provision) all Acts of hostility may cease. So as the Commerce and conversation of the inhabitants and those that are borne in your majesties countries, may be again restored withal security; and that they being reconciled one unto an other, may be the better restored to their ancient possessions and residences; wherein your majesties suppliants will not for their points, omit any good office and duty that shall belong to good and faithful subjects. etc.  
If the writing carried by the signor of mateness and Treslon, had not much pleased them that were dealers about the peace, for the Spaniard; this petition liked them much less. The which the Lord of Champaigny showed plainly by his letter 
This petition more d●…slikt than the first.  of the thirteen of August unto Doctor junius Governor of La Vere, at his return from hostage, having been in Vtrecht, for the signor of Saint Aldegonde: which Petition Champaigny debates in all points: the which (for the reasons which he specefies) he says he durst not present, sending it back to junius: which letter the Doctor answered, and for that the answer is succinct, and as were an abridgement of that which was done by way of discourse, more particularly, I would not omit it.  
My Lord, I have lately received a letter from you, dated the thirteen of August, 
Doctor junius letter to 〈◊〉.  with the petition which monsieur Aldegondé had brought unto you to Montfort, from the States and towns of Holland and Zeeland: the which I have not failed to impart presently unto them, and to deliver into their hands: whereat they have been wonderfully amazed, being not able, to comprehend the reasons contained in your letter to be sufficient to move you to reject and send back their petition in this manner, which happily might have served for a greater good: And therefore seeing themselves entreated in this sort, not as the King's subjects and vassals (as they have always carried themselves, where there hath been question of his majesties honour, state and greatness) but rather as the most infidel Turks and jews, that are in the world, yea as sworn enemies to his Majesty: they have there by concluded, that they are not to hope for any more good of them that thus seek to abuse the king's name to their ruin. And therefore they have resolved to employ all their means, to provide hereafter for their safeties, against the barbarous cruelty and tryanny of those which cover their private passions, under the cloak and name of his royal Majesty. Protesting that (seeing their petitions can have no access to his majesties ears, and that they have debarred them the means, which by the laws of God and nature are granted even to the most felonious traitors, and disloyal rebels that are or ever were in the world) they are forced by such unreasonable injustice and tyranny, to seek such means as it shall please God to put into their hands. Entreating you that you will be a witness to all the world, that they have presented the said petition, and have thereby discharged their duties, and therefore wheresoever it shall be brought in question, that you will excuse and justify them. And to the end your LL. may know the causes and grounds of their complaints and griefs, and why they find themselves so much wronged by the sending back thereof. I did then think it good, by way of discourse, to collect the chief points of their complaints unto your letter, the which I had already sent unto you; had I not still stayed for your man, who should come for mine answer: by whom I would not fail to send it unto you. Desiring you to consider well of the reasons and grounds produced by them upon your letter, the which are joined hereunto, having no intent that this my writing (which proceeds from mine own particular, for the zeal which I have to the quiet of the country, and love to your Lordship) should in any sort prejudice the said Estates and towns, or their said resolution. I will refer myself to the said discourse, the tediousness whereof you shall excuse, and impute it to my disability, or to the difficulty of affairs whereof it treats. And so I recommend me humbly etc.  
Signed I junius.  
This discourse whereof mention is made in this letter, being very tedious, we have thought good to omit, and the rather for that we have not heard that Champaigny or any other hath replied unto it. And so these practices of peace vanished to smoke, for both the Prince and the States did constantly believe, that it was only to cirumvent them, to make them careless and to loose time, whilst they made their preparations. Afterwards the Prince of Orange propounded certain points, unto the States concerning their affairs. And first that the town of Leyden was in 
The Prince's advice to the States.  great danger to be lost, by a fault of very great consequence; and that he did see well that by the loss thereof many other good towns would be shaken and in danger: finally that it would cause a great alteration in their affairs, wherefore they should resolve to provide for it speedily: seeing no other means but to cut the dikes, and raise all the Scluses, to drown the country; yet before they did it, they should set before their eyes the ruin of the Champion country, and other losses which would follow, to the end they should not afterwards reproach it unto him, if it succeeded ill. But they moved with charity and a mutual bond, which all they towns had one with an other, by oath and contracts, by the which they had solemnly promised and sworn to succour one an other even unto the last gasp, not sparing any thing, or having regard to any public or private commodity: they made answer unto the Prince, that he should advise what might be done to succour and deliver the town of Leyden: and that they would omit nothing for the effecting thereof: saying, that they had rather have a country that were spoiled, than a country that 
A courageous resolution of the States of Holland.  were lost, that they would rather see their houses heaped one upon an other, than the Spaniards should enjoy them. And were it not for the succour of Leyden, yet they would do it, to chase the Spaniard out of the country. God knows how this free and voluntary offer of the States did move the Prince's heart, who was wonderfully perplexed, as well to see this town in danger to be lost through the negligence of some, (for the which a Prince of the Empire and two of his brethren had lost themselves to save it once: and yet the opportunity which they had bought with the price of their dearest blood was to no effect) as for that he did foresee, that the blame should be laid upon him by them that did not know that he commanded not absolutely. But seeing them so well affected, he made them resolve to draw the water into the country by the above mentioned means. The which was speedily executed. So as the Prince having made passage for the water, and seeing in what abundance it entered into the country in seven or eight days, they were all persuaded that this advice would take good effect: although that even than many did maintain that the water would never come within a league of the town of Leyden. But let us speak somewhat of the Spaniard, how he behaved himself at the siege of that town.  
The Spaniards after their return from their victory, having taken up their old lodging at Leyderdorp, whereof three companies went to Zosterwoude, where they entrenched themselves, and a part at Leysdsendam, which is the Scluse of Leyden, where there had been a fort, which after their departure the Protestants of Holland had neglected to ruin, and to break the Scluse. Captain Nicholas Ruyckhaver being in garrison at the Hage, heard of the Spaniards return so late, as he could hardly retire his men: yet he entertained the skirmish so long 
The endeavour of captains Ruyckhaver at the Hage.  with the Spaniards, as the inhabitants had means for to save all the best part of their goods. Francisco Valdes Lieutenant of this camp had brought with him a part of the troops of Vtrecht, the which he sent before the fort, which the Protestants held at the Scluse of Goude and Alphen: and the other part which came from Harlem, was led by Noortwic and Walkenbourg, whereas the Protestants had two very strong Forts, either of them manned with five Companies of English, of the which Edward Chester was Colonel. This Regiment endured the first charge of the Spaniards. The Fort at the Scluse of Goude, was first of all most furiously assaulted, and then they were oftentimes repulsed and put back again by the English, over whom Captain Gainsford, a true soldier, commanded. But as the Spanish horse had no means nor way to enter into Holland but by these Forts, they did so pre●… forward with cudgels and swords upon the footmen that did assail it, as the English were forced to quit the place: the which had not been so soon, if those which were at Alphen (which is but half a league off,) had defended themselves as valiantly as these, who having left their fort, thinking to go and succour them of 
Some English defeated.  Alphen, they found it also won and gotten from them, and so both the one and the other were defeated and cut all in pieces, the which happened the seventeenth of May.  
Those of Vtrecht ran thither and razed these forts and that which was at Leyderdorp. Francis de Valdes, with an other troop which came to Nortwick, went to a great fort that was unfinished, which the other five companies of English did hold in the village of Valchenbourg, the which they abandoned before they had seen any enemy; although the day before they had required some horse from them of Leyden, to discover the enemy, which they had not yet done. Having left this fort, they retired near unto Waldnighe, where they did skirmish for a time with the Spaniards: which the Burghers might-see from their walls, but yet they could not see of either side any one fall nor hurt, although the skirmish were very hot; which made them of the town to doubt the worst. After this skirmish, the English approached nearer unto the town ditches: betwixt the Burghers trenches at the bridge of Boschuysen and the town. Then Colonel Chester entered with some of his men into the town, and gave a sign unto the Burghers that if it happened he were forced by the Spaniards that he would make his retreat by the port of the Hage, the which the Burghers agreed unto, and that the enemy approchin g, (against whom they should continue the skirmish) they should make them a sign, which was, that when they should take down the colours that should be upon the port, they should open themselves and retire on the one side, that their canon from their rampar might pass through the Spanish squadrons: this condition did nothing please the English, as it appeared soon after. 
The English rewarded for th●…ir treachery by the Spaniard to whom they had yielded.  For as soon as they were gone out of their trenches, where-into they were retired at the bridge of Boschuysen, they marched with their colours flying directly towards the Spaniards, to whom (upon a certain oath taken by them) they went and treacherously yielded, and were received with certain ceremonies: but they did not foresee that which should befall them. For as soon as they were received, they made them put out their matches being constrained by the Spanish Cavalary, that was at Woorschote; which some officers and others, as well English as Flemings perceiving, to the number of thirty two, they retired under the Counterscharp of the town, where afterwards they suffered them to enter. The rest were led to Harlem, being stripped of their best apparel, some to serve for pioneers, and such as could escape retired into England, not daring to show themselves in Holland.  
The Spaniards knowing well that they got little in battering of Leyden, and that the battery which they had made at Harlem against a bare wall, had been a great charge unto them, with loss of men, they brought no artillery to batter it, assuring themselves 
The Spaniards mean not to batter Leyden.  that in the end they should famish it. And in the mean time to make it shorter, they spared nothing that might avail them, by goodly promises, or practices, to induce the besieged to yield; and to acknowledge the King. Wherein they employed many of these Burghers and others that were of their party, who wanted no letters of advice: to whom they of the town would never make any other answer, but by a letter, in the which there was nothing written but this latin verse. 
Fistula dulce canit volucrem, dum decipit Auceps. 
A short and resolute answer of the besieged at L●…yden.   And seeing that they prevailed nothing with all their letters and persuasions: (the which did animate and encourage the Burghers the more) they meant to shut them up more straightly, building forts upon all the passages, both great and small.  
Some Burghers which by the sudden siege of this town had been excluded, with the Prince of Orange's leave and the assistance of the Magistrate of Goude, did laid thirty barks with wheat and rye, the which two peasants and a Balyfe of a village, had promised to conduct by a covert way to Copier-ka, the which they peeced, and there they attended them to guide them unto the town. These barks furnished with good mariners, having every one two hargubusiers, advanced to Copier-ka, which they found pierced, but no peasant to guide them: yet they passed on, and in steed of taking the left hand, they passed on the right, and so wandered up and down until the break of day. And thinking their peasant had betrayed them (who tired with toiling, slept not far from the place) they returned to Goude without any exploit. Those of Leyden advertised of this enterprise, attended them with great devotion and sent their adventuring barks to second them: the which was not without some profit, for being come near unto Heymansbrugge, they met with two ships of Convoy of the Spaniards, which they set upon, slew all the men, and put into their barks all the munition of war, victuals, artillery, silks, gold and siluer-lace, powder and a great number of boullets. Of the two 
A happy encounter unex pected for them of Leyden.  ships, one was burnt and the other sunk. The Spaniards being at Leyderdorp, thought to take these barks in their return, and to rescue the booty; but the besieged putting themselves in arms (attending their men) gave so hot an alarm to the Spaniard, as during the skirmish they passed without danger, and hindered the Spaniards from ca●…rying away of some boats, as they pretended. These barks brought with them one Peter Quaetgelaet, who was taken in the said ships, and as a Traitor executed and quartered, and his quarters set upon the town gates. The signor Thierry of Bronckhorst was in the Prince's name appointed as governor and superintendent in the town. He with the Lawyers and the chief of the town, considering that this siege would be long (the enemy having an intent to famish them) set an order upon the victuals 
Thierry of Bio●…chhorst Governor of L●…yden.  in june, to make them last as long as it was possible; and having ●…aken a view of the corn, there was found but a 100 and ten lasts, and fourteen thousand mouths in the town to feed therewith. The first two months every one was stinted at half a pound of bread by the day, the which a labourer would have eaten at his breakfast. The Spaniards finding that the besieged drew many commodities and refresh from their Kitchen gardens without the town, the which they had sowed 
A t●…xe upon the victuals.  in the beginning of the springe, the seventeen and eighteen of july they built a fort not far from Rhynsbourg gate, at the end of the Causey, to cut off their passage to these gardens. The which the signor of Bronckhorst and the council seeing, they promised an honest recompense to them that should first seize upon this fort. The which they did the said eighteen day with such courage, as they chased away all their enemies with great loss and confusion. The same month the Governor and council, did coin money of paper or cards, of fourteen, and eight 
Money coined of paper at Leyden.  and twenty stivers the piece, where there was of the one side graven. Hac libertatis ergo. And of the other. Nummus obsessoe urbis Lugdunensis, sub gubernatione illustrissimi Principis Auraici cusus, and of them of fourteen Stivers. Lugdunum Ba●…auorum.  
The town was then besieged more straightly than before, a certain Spanish captain called carrion had entrenched himself at Waldinge, whereby he did very much mischief to the besieged, for the avoiding whereof, it was resolved to sally forth upon him and his men, in the manner that followeth. That Gerard Ʋander 
A sally made by the besieged.  Laen should go forth with a galley well appointed with Men, Artillery and Muskers. john van Duyvenworde captain of the adventurers or forlorn Hope, some being armed with harguebuzes and some with half pikes, should sally forth at the Vlyergate. Adrien Schot with his company, by the port of Rhynsbourg should seize upon the way to Poelbrug: the companies of john Vanderdoors, and the signor of Noortvic with Mees Havicx, should set upon the fort at the bridge of Boschuysen, in that quarter which they call the Sandt, and they should have with them good store of pioneers. This enterprise thus laid, and a reward promised for them that should first enter into the enemy's forts, and for every Spaniards head; a warning being given by fire, they issued forth of the town, and did all at one instant assail the enemy, with very great fury and fearful cries, especially the signor of Noortuic named janus Dousa (a Gentleman of great learning, as his writings do witness) and Mees Havicx with their companies. The Spaniards being but threescore 
1574.  men, defended themselves very valiantly with their musket-shot. But the besieged (although they were Burghers) without any fear of their shot, ran desperately to the foot of the trenches, from whence they cast balls of wildfire, stones and such other things upon the Spaniards until that with their half pikes they 
A surious sally of the Burghers of Leyden.  had forced these trenches, where they slew, burnt and buried alive in the ruins of the fort (which the soldiers ruined and spoiled as much as they could) all the Spaniards that were within it, not taking any one to mercy, although they cried out for mercy.  
The signal of fire had given the alarm throughout all the Spanish camp. Those of Lammen came to succour Vaddinghen, and so did they of Leyderdorp, Voorschote and Vassenare, which are all villages within a League of the Town, where the Cavalerie lay, who came running in all haste, but they gained nothing but musket-shot, so as they were forced to retire with shame and some loss of men. And as it was not the intent of the besieged to hold this fort, but only to ruin it, and to show that although they had no soldiers in the town, yet that necessity, use and experience, had taught their Burghers to become good soldiers, after that they had laboured two hours to ruin the fort as much as they could, seeing the enemies approach with a great supply; they retired with good order into the town, having in these skirmishes slain above a hundred Spaniards and italians, The Burghers enured themselves so to these skirmishes, as they were at it every day to save their cattle (which they fed yet in the pastures without the town) being six or seven hundred, so as in the end they were feign to defend them at the sound of the Bell. And it was a strange thing, that as often as the Spaniards came to take them, they never carried any more away then one calf. And the kine were so accustomed unto it, as seeing the Spaniards come, they ran towards the town, and stood upon the counterscarp of the ditch, as in a place of safety.  
Here-upon whilst that through the pulling up of the scluses and the breaking of the dikes in divers places, the water did rise in the country: the Prince fell so extremely 
The Prince of very sick.  sick, as there was nothing in him but signs of death: the which did much trouble them all, but yet notwithstanding they continued the course of their affairs, and the water did still run on the other side; the Spaniards did greatly press them of Leyden to yield, giving them to under-stand that the Prince was dead: it was also to be feared that bread failing them, the people would force the Magistrates. Yet they showed such constancy 
The great resolution of the besieged of Leyden.  and resolution to keep their faith given unto the States, as they would never enter into any parley with the enemy. In the mean time there were many sent from them unto the Prince and States to hasten the succours, the which was promised, if it pleased God to send them water enough. Here-upon the Spaniards writ unto them many letters full of goodly promises and cruel threats, still assuring them that the Prince was dead. The besieged sent for the four men, as well to see if the Prince were yet living, as to let the States under-stand that they could h●…ld out no longer: yet they would strive to keep it a month (which should fall out on the twenty of September) if they would assure them of their succours: if not that they should dispense and free them of their faith and oath that they might resolve what were fittest for them. The States let their messengers see all their preparatives; the holes of the dikes that were broken, and the abundance of water which entered into the country, the which gave them great satisfaction: & made them resolve, that if they did endeavour to succour them, they would also strive and attend all extremities: The which did so rejoice the Prince, (whose sickness proceeded only of grief and the care he had of them) as it did not a little help in his recovery. A few days before, being somewhat amended, he began to appoint men to prepare the boats and munition, devising how to dispose of his enterprise, and to provide soldiers and mariners in such numbers as should be needful. For the effecting whereof (being well advertised that the Spanish fleet, which the Spaniards so devoutly attended came not) knowing that this enterprise by water for the succouring of Leyden, depended much upon an Admiral, he caused the Signior Lewis of Boysot to come out of Zeeland with about forty Captains both for Sea and land, and 
The Admiral Boysot sent for by the Prince.  some 800. mariners, & good store of Artillery fit for such flat boats, as were fittest for the execution of this desseine. The water in the mean time did so get of the country, as it forced the Spaniards to abandon some of their villages. During the which, the Prince being at Rotterdam, and beginning to recover himself, he sent the Colonel la guard, and the Councillor Wasteel to Delfe, to see how much the water was risen on the side of Delflant; for you must under-stand that the three jurisdictions: which is 
Separation of three jurisdictions.  that of Rhinlant which is under Leyden; of Delflant which is under Delf, and of Schyelandt which is under Rotterdam, are divided by a dike called Landtscheydinghe, that is to say separation of the country, which makes a triangle, like unto three lines which part from one centre. The water entered into Delflant, by a hole made near unto Rotterdam, and by the scluses of Rotterdam and Delfhaven: Entering into Schyelandt by a breach of the dike made in the river of Issell, near unto Capelle: and in the river of Meuz near unto Issellmonde: so as it remained only to know what height it was of either side, to cut the said Landtscheydinghe, and to give it passage into Rhinlandt, the which is a higher country than the other two: Whilst that the Signior of la guard & Wasteel went on the side of Delflandt, the Admiral went into Schyelant, where having found the water high enough, for that the breach near unto Rotterdam had been made long after that of Issell. Having made report unto the Prince, it was resolved to stay some few days, until the water were risen higher. The Prince having given the command of the shipping to the Admiral, and of the men of war to the Signior of La Guard, and put into their hands all the charge of the army and of the enterprise, he commanded them (whilst that all the preparatives of boats and munition were well disposed to go with some three hundred and fifty shot, and a good number of pioneers to cut Landtscheydinghe on the side of Delflandt, about a certain place which had been marked before: for there the water was deepest; the which they did, as they had projected: coming thither an hour before day, they went to land, beginning to intrenche themselves in two several places, distant four or five harquebus shot one from an other, the which in truth was too much; but they flanked the approaches through the favour of their ships of war: and were once resolved to have drawn them nearer together, yet they continued so that they might have the more space to make many breaches in Landtscheydinghe, the which being done gave great contentment to the two Commanders, seeing with what force and abundance the water entered into Rhinlandt. The Spaniards having the Alarm, and seeing them, failed not to go and discover them within an hour after their arrival; they of the side of Leydtsendam, went with horse and foot, whereas they got nothing.  
Those of Sootermeere came with the Spanish foot only, who began a skirmish, the which continued long, in the end having some supplies, they made a show as if they 
The spaniards come to skirmish.  would march directly to the Protestants trenches, as it were to draw them forth, for the which they had no great reason, for the Protestants were favoured by their boats, who were not idle with their Ordinance, although they were too much scattered one from an other, for so small a number, being betwixt the Spanish forces which they had of either side of them: for at their trench at that time there were not above six score Frenchmen: yet if the Spaniards (who seemed to be above a hundred and fifty) had advanced a little farther, the Signior of La Gardiner (who was there) had resolved to meet them half way: the which he held to be necessary at their first arrival, as well to keep his soldiers in heart at the beginning, as to suppress the Spaniards a little, and with a good and resolute countenance to take from them the desire and hope which they might have to hinder the Protestants disseine: Besides, if they had made them with their bravery embark again, it would have been heard to have drawn their men forward: and moreover having so few men, he must either hazard them or make a dishonourable retreat. But the Spaniards (who might have fortified themselves with what men they pleased, contenting themselves with the skirmish, the which continued not much less than five hours) retired having lost ten or twelve of their men, besides the hurt. The Protestants retired also, having one soldier and a mariner only hurt, labouring after that time at the breach of the dike.  
From that time the Admiral Boysot, made show (as he hath always done in the like occasions) of a great desire to fight, and to pass on: yet going to council with the Signior of La Guard & the Captains; it was not held expedient to attempt any more with so few men, being thought a matter of no small importance, to have gotten the possession of Landtscheydinghe so good cheap; beyond the which all they of the country assured the prince, that there was no dike nor difficulty unto Leyden: but they were false advertisements, and therein the Prince was much abused, as it appeared afterwards; but God did so assist them, as trying all that was possible by little & little, without any precipitation, they got unto the place which they desired, with as littelosse as ever was seen for so great an enterprise: victualling Leyden in view of a royal Army, consisting of so many nations which hold themselves to be valiant; for in truth the Spanish nation as well as the Wallon hath always been warlike, among other warlike Nations.  
The Protestants consisting of Netherlanders, French, Walloons, English, Scottish, & Germans, seeing their entry reasonable good, were of opinion to advertise the Prince. Besides they thought it best not to retire from thence but to cause the whole 
The army advanceth tosuccor Ley den.  army to advance, & the victuals that were appointed for the town, to the end that if they found any passage, they might lose no opportunity. The which the Prince allowed of: sending unto them presently four companies of Walloons for supplies, and the rest of the French companies. This being concluded, they went to descover a way called the Groenwech, by the which they must past, taking that course, they did see certain Spaniards walking, but they knew not whether they were lodged there or not: but they were soon satisfied, for they took a peasant who informed them of many things which they desired to understand. The Spaniard did see them and beheld them, which made them suspect that he would lodge there: but he did not any thing there, but burn two or three houses in the night. Having sent the day following to discover if they were there or not: the signor of La Gardiner went by the break of day and lodged there, with about four hundred harquebusiers French, and two hundred Walloons, who was in no sort hindered by the Spaniard, being upon an other way, a good Musket shot from thence. The Protestants trenches were easy to make, for the way was cut in many places, so as the Spaniard could not come unto them but by water in small boats. And to assure them the more, the Admiral Boysot caused the ships of war to come of either side, to flank the trenches, being distant one from an other about a harquebus shot: being there they must pass on, wherein there was no small difficulty: for they knew well that all the Spanish forces were there, and in the villages of Soetermeer and Wilsueen, which they had upon their flank, not above half a league off. They might see them fortify upon a bridge, and in houses that were of either side, from whence they might annoy them. The signor of La Gard●… caused many shot to be made at them from their ships of war, the which might somewhat trouble them, but not force them to leave their work. And for that the Spaniards did imagine that the Protestants meant to pass that way, they caused certain field pieces to be brought, with the which they shot often, but hurt not any one.  
Hereupon the signor of La guard went to the Prince to Delf, to inform him of all things, and to deliver his opinion, which was not without many difficulties, for that they 
1574.  could not judge of that which the eye could not see, by reason that the water covered 
Colonel la guard informs the Prince.  all the channels, so as they were very hard to find. Whereupon having understood his pleasure, he returned the next day to the army, carrying with him four demie cannons in flat bottom boats which did not draw above two foot of water, and some less. At his return to the Admiral, being assembled together with the captains, to consult what was to be done; they resolved to leave a good guard in the trenches of Landtscheydinghe, and some ships of war by them, and with the rest of the army they should make their approaches by night to batter them at the break of day, and withal to assail them: the which they could not do so early, for that they were in cumbered with a multitude of boats, which they must draw into these channels: but about eight of the clock in the morning they gave the Spaniards a salve with these four demie cannons, and some threescore other pieces which they had in their 
The Protestants charge the Spaniards.  boats in divers other channels. This battery continued long, some shooting at the Bridge, others at the houses, which they thought to make them abandon, but the Spaniards made no show thereof.  
In the mean time the Protestants laboured to approach to land, and to force them, but they found that their channels went not so far, but ended within harquebus shot, the which could not be discovered, for that they had gone but in small boats, and by reason that the Inondation covered all, they could not judge that there was less water at one end then at an other, whereby they were much abused. To remedy the which, they made their pioneers to labour, and to open them some passage, but it was not possible, for a day would have spent before they could have done it in all places, and in the mean time the Spaniards should have had leisure so to fortify themselves, as all the Protestants attempts had been but vain, and their time lost, which did import them most of all. In the end seeing that the day would be spent and nothing effected; and that in the mean time the Spaniards would have annoyed them much with their field pieces and their musket shot, (the which notwithstanding they did not, it may be for want of powder) the signor of La guard, retired unto his trenches, and the Admiral went at large with his boats. This was the seventeenth of September.  
Without doubt God did wonderfully favour the Protestants, in that they could not pass for want of water, being very likely that of all that had landed, not any one had 
A fault is some times profitable.  escaped, for that they must have thrust themselves among houses which did flank one an other, being rampared fifteen foot thick, besides other small trenches which they had before and a good parapet all along the dike, full of harquebusiers which attended them with great devotion: The which the Protestants could not well discover by reason of the reeds and oziers'. And it is wonderful there were no more slain, being within fifty paces of them, but in my opinion I have told the cause. It is true that this retreat was not without some loss, which happened by a great mischance: for the Captains Catteville & Durant, having planted themselves behind a heap of turffs with some thirty shot, from whence they had much annoyed the Spaniards in the morning, meaning to retire and having but one little boat, with the which they had passed thither, at their return too many thrusting into the boat, they overturned it, so 
Captain Catteville & others drowned.  as Catteville, and Gailleresse Lieutenant to Durant were drowned, with ten or twelve soldiers.  
At their return the Admiral and La guard having entreated Signior Vander-Aa, to go & make report unto the Prince of all that which he had seen, and of their opinions consulting upon all difficulties, and propounding whether it were expedient to seek some other passage, and to go & batter the fort of Leydstchen-dam, and assault it, & thereby seek to enter into Vliet (for it had been to the like effect as the passage of the bridge, unless that by this they had entered into the lake of Soetermeer which had been very available for the boats, and by the other they must always keep in channels) the Councillor Wasteele (who slept neither night nor day to advance this busmes) came to tell the chief of the Protestants that being advertised of an other passage, by some that knew the Country very well, he would not fail to make search 
another passage to succour Leyden.  thereof: and that he had found that by Schyelandt, it should be easy to enter into Rhinlandt, having not so many ways nor dikes as where they were, and that there were passages enough, where they should not want any water; the which the Signior of La guard resolved to view with two or three small boats: But considering afterwards that they must make a great circuit, and that happily it should be necessary to lodge there, if they found any thing that was fit & convenient: they thought it more expedient that he and the Admiral should go together with eight galliots and some fourscore harquebusiers, half French and half Walloons: Where they found more water than the way which they had gone before, for they passed over the Landtscheydinghe, and had no need to make any breach. From thence searching the Landtscheydinghe from Scheylandt to Rhynlandt, they were guided unto Scluses by the which they must pass, from whence the Spaniards had dislodged a day or two before, having no conceit that the Protestants would take that course, seeing them lodged on the other side, as if they meant to continue it.  
It seems that in all this action GOD did guide the Protestants: for neither they nor their guides did know whether there were any enemies in that quarter: and without doubt if any house upon the Scluse had been fortified with a guard, they must have returned without doing any thing. But finding so good an opportunity, they would not lose it, but breaking the Scluse to make a passage, and leaving two boats in guard there, they entered into Rhinlandt In the mean time being so near the village of Soetermeer, it was to be feared that the Spaniards had some watch in the 
A passage into Rhinlandt.  steeple, which might discover them, for they did it but by stealth, and a good way from their army: And if the Spaniards had had an Alarm, they might easily have prevented this disseine, being so few men: yea it was to be feared that they should have been shut up in these channels, yet being resolved to pass as far as they might, finding water enough, they came unto a way which is called Seeswaertswech, going from Soetermeer to Benthuysen, distant half a league one from an other. The Spaniards were lodged in these two villages, who were ill advertised of the protestants coming, that before they had any alarm, they were lodged and had intrenchd themselves, setting threescore pioneers to work, which they had brought with them, to 
The Protestants entrenched at the passage.  make a breach where need should require: being very glad to see, the water visibly to rise on the other side; goodly great channels, and the meadoes all overflown: whereupon they resolved that the Admiral should remain there in guard with his galliottes, and if the Spaniard came with great troops to force their trenches, the harquebusiers which defended the approaches of these two villages, should embark again as well as they could, but the Protestants made their trenches so strong without any alarm, as two thousand men could not have forced them.  
There remained with the Admiral, Citailelle Lieutenant to the signor of Noyelles, Colonel of the Walloons, captain Derriere and some others, which lay all in the trenches. And it was also concluded that the signor of La guard should return, to cause all the army to march. The which he did, after that he had made a gallant retreat at Cronwech, where as the Spaniards if they had advanced but with fifty shot, might have done him an affront: for La Guard after that he had drawn all forth, remained behind with five and twenty harguebuziersl, to free a certain boat of Delf called the Ark of Noah, the which being heavy and uneasy to manage in these channels, did very much trouble them, being laden with Artillery, in the which there was but one only Mariner to govern and guide it, the charge having been given to rascals, who in the night slipped away, and without the diligence of captain Cornellis Classz, Vice Admiral of Flessingue, who came to retire it, it was condemned to be burnt: this disturbance continued at the least three hours. Some of the Protestants Galleys were already advanced towards the Admiral: in the end their retreat being well made, they marched with all the rest of the army, the Victuals, Artillery and Munition, except some six small boats, which were left behind to guard that great Bark of Delf, and fifty german soldiers in it. The Spaniards were much amazed at this unexpected approach, the which gave them so hot an alarum, as they suddenly quit these villages to the Protestants; that is 
The Spaniards quit their lodging to the Protestants.  to say, Benthuysen the first day the Protestants arrived there (whether the Admiral sent Civitelle with some shot) and the next day at night Soetermeer. The whole army being come to the Admiral, and having good passages to this way, (you must imagine that all the ways of the country, are like to little Dikes or Causies, betwixt the waters, for there are of both sides channels and deep ditches,) he passed the same night with twenty boats to the other side in a goodly channel: and in the morning he went on before, being concluded among them to discover some houses held by the Spaniards, and to seize of them, or to burn them as they should find it most convenient. The signor of La guard (who remained behind to embark and to pass with those that were appointed) seeing the Admiral so far advanced, and the circuits they must make by the channels, and many houses about them, hearing no news of them, was much perplexed: for he knew not what he might encounter in front or in flank: alleging to some of his followers that he had been at the taking of one of the French Kings royal galleys, in the river of Charente, which was much broader than any of these channels, and that by footmen only, without any boat. Calling which to mind he stood in doubt, whether they might with reason engage themselves so far in these channels: for they did always think, that they should float through all the country as through a sea, and therefore he thought it very dangerous: but he was not informed that near unto those houses (which they went to discover) there was a little Lake, called Noorda, where their Ships might lie safely. One of the houses above mentioned (being betwixt this Lake and Soeterwoude) was full of Spaniards, who fortified there, many showing themselves a long a trench, and discharging their small shot against the Admiral, who answered them with his great ordinance. There did the Protestants find again, that God did assist them in their enterprise, for the place was so commodious for them, as if they had held Soetermeer, their retreat was assured without any danger, otherwise they had been engaged, and in danger to receive an affront, if the Spaniards had done their duties. Seeing this Lake of Noorda very convenient, they resolved not to leave it, that the Colonel la Gardiner and the vice-admiral should return to Segwearswech, to cause all the Army to march and to pass the great Ordinance 
The Protestants enter into the lake of Noorda.  meaning to batter this house, and to take it from the Spaniards, and moreover to give order for their passage and to assuer their retreat, for which cause they had concluded to guard the village of Benthuysen, and the trenches which they had first made upon the way: yet Colonel la Gardiner having been upon the place, as well to view it, as to cause Citadelle to march with his Walloons (whereof there arrived three or four companies more) And having certain advertisement that the Spaniards had left Soetermeere, he took a new resolution with Citadelle, abandoning Benthuysen (although it were reasonably 
The Protestants lodge a●… Soetermeer.  well fortified) for they had no need of it being sufficient for them to guard Soetermeer: to which place la Gardiner sent Captain Cret of the country of Orange, to command there with his companies, one of Walloons, and an other of high Dutch.  
One thing had much abused the Spaniards, and taken from them all judgement of the Protestants dessein having left six boats at their first lodging of Landtschedingh being doubtful what to conceive of it. The Protestants went early in the morning into Noorda with all the rest of their forces, where they found that the Spaniards had the night before abandoned their fort. Being in the lake they must of necessity attend the will of GOD: for it was impossible to pass on without morewater, the which entered daily by the breaches: Then came the Signior of Noyelles unto them with some companies of his Regiment where as they spent some days without any great exploit. In the mean time the besieged of Leyden were wonderfully priest both by famine, and the importunity of their enemies, yea by some of their friends that were in the Spaniards Camp who made them believe that they had defeated all the Protestants 
Those of Leyden distressed & importun●…d  army and the succours which they attended: Franci●…co valdes did some times write very kindly unto them, and sometimes roughly, The Earl of Roch who termed himself Governor of Holland, writ unto them from Vtrecht by a Trumpet, with other letters signed by ten Burghers of Leyden: whereunto the besieged answered and demanded a passport for their deputies, that they might enter into conference: but all they did was only to have the better means to send their messengers unto the Prince. The Commanders of the army had often news from them, for there were many that entreated to be sent, but there was not any one that could be entreated, or would return to acquaint them of the Town of the estate of their apparent succours: yet it was a great contentment to the States, the Prince and the whole army to hear their resolution, having upon the last somons made that brave answer. That as long 
A brave answer made by the besieged, of Leyden.  as they had one hand to eat and an other to fight they would never yield. During the siege many unacquainted with warlike affairs had used foolish and in supportable speeches, for they blamed all the world in that they did not proceed in this exploit, the which was impossible. As for the Commanders they were much grieved yet they lost no opportunity, for day and night, they laboured to descover some passage, but all was in vain where upon they entreated the Prince that it would please him to come in person, and see their proceedings, as well for his own content, as to stop all slanderous tongs, the which he did. In whose presence they discoursed of all the means that might advance the enterprise. In the end they resolved to go and lodge the night following 
The Prince comes to visit the army.  (being the twenty three, of September) with two hundred harquebusiers upon a way or dike called Stompischwech, notwithstanding all apparent difficulties: but it was to content some of the country who did wonderfully urge it. The Prince after he had visited his army, spoke unto the commanders and captains, exhorting every one to do his best endeavour in so commendable and important an enterprise, promising to gratify and reward every man in time and place. Having set good order for all things to the end that if the Spaniard made any great resistance in the passage, nothing might be wanting that might hinder the execution, he returned to Delfe, leaving every man well resolved. But to return to our speech of Stompischwech, this enterprise could not be so speedily effected, for that the Protestants had not time to prepare what was needful: whereupon they refered it to the day following, making their account to lodge there, if it were possible an hour or two before the break of day; for the which they caused many gabions to be made, that they might be the sooner in defence, for they must lodge betwixt two Corpse de guard, not above a musket shot one distant 
〈◊〉 Pro●…s 〈◊〉 ●…uance 〈◊〉 succours all ●…y can.  from an other. The Admiral would go himself: they put certain harquebusiers in two Galliots, and the rest in other small boats: there were a hundred French should land upon the right hand, and a hundred Walloons on the left: and some captains, to have a care of the placing of the Gabions, and to set the pioneers to work: finally all things were so well ordered and disposed as they would not fail in the execution, if it were possible: for all the importance of the Action consisted in making of a passage to Leyden, escaping at unawares by some places, and making their way by force in others. This last means had always seemed (as indeed it was) very difficult, yea altogether impossible, without sufficient water, that they might fleet every where, and therefore it behoved them to seek some expedient. For they did see that after that they entered into Noorda, the water had risen but three or four inches in eight days, all which a Northwest wind had taken away in eight and forty hours, and brought the water to the same height it was the day of their arrival: the which did much perplex them, not that they doubted but in time they 
The Protest●…nts in great 〈◊〉.  should have water sufficient: but they feared that they of the Town were reduced to that extremity, as they should be forced to yield, not able to attend the event of so uncertain a thing, which depended upon the wind, for in truth to attend the increase of waters that might rise by the tides, were a vain thing, for that the bosom or circumference of the country which received the water, was to great and spacious, to be suddenly filled, and therefore it depended upon the mere grace and assistance of God, who holds the winds in his hand: and a wind would give them a greater increase in three days then the tides in three weeks.  
Thus the Protestants discoursed what was with them, and what against them, and did find that of necessity they must direct their passage betwixt Soeterwoude, the castle of Swyetten and Leyderdorp, as the Spaniards did rightly conceive, and there attended them: for they must pass betwixt them within a musket shot of both sides. And moreover there was a way going for Soeterwoude to the castle of Swyetten near unto Lyderdorp, along the which the Spaniards kept great guard, as well on the land, as in boats or the channels which are of either side of the way, which made the passage some what difficult; for they must dislodge them, and foritfie there, to favour and cover their pioneers, which were to make a breach there, and the soldiers that were to land them. In the mean time many of the country disputed and maintained, that their best course was to go and win Stompiswech, murmuring that matters were so much delayed: not weighing the difficulties, as if war were as easy to manage as to divise. To content these people the Protestants would try this passage by the Lake of Soetermeer, according to the order that was mentioned: but it was in vain, for they were all night seeking 
Stompischwech attempted in vain.  of a passage, even unto this way, the which they could not possibly find, for the channels dceived them, as those of Cromwech had in like manner done; and without doubt they had been well beaten there, the Spaniards having many Corpse de guard very near one unto an other: but for want of channels they were forced to return to their first determination.  
The besieged on the other side were wonderfully importuned by their enemies; Don Fernando of Launoy Earl of Roche, promised them all good usage: and Francisco Valdes on the other side threatened to hang them; if they did not yield to his mercy and discretion. But all this did nothing amaze them that were well affected to the cause: although they did see some ill inclined, which cried out openly that they must yield, three hundred and more of them assembling together about the townhouse, 
A tumult in the t●…wne ag●…st ●…he Magi●…te.  crying out of the Magistrates that they would ruin the town, and that it was a folly to attend any succours, neither could they nor would they any longer endure that famine; thrust on or rather favoured therein by more than three parts of the Magistrates, which was a wonderful thing; yet the better part of the Burguers being the stronger, they did still break and disappoint these factions and monopoles; being resolved to attend all extremities, choosing rather to trust in the mercies of God, then in that of the Spaniards. another time some of the inhabitants came unto Peter Adriansz Bourguemaster, laying before him the miseries which they endured, and the great famine there was, making great complaints accompanied with threats: to whom he answered in few words. You see my Brethren, and fellow Bourguers that I have made an oath the which I hope by the grace of God to keep inviolably. If my death may any way avail 
The courageous answer of the Burgeumaster of Ley●…en.  you, for I must once die, neither do I care whether I die by your hands or by mine enemies (for my case goes right) take my body, tear it in pieces and divide it among you, as far as it will go, I am content. The Burguers were so da●…ted with this answer, as they retired without any more words. The Magistrates advertised the Admiral Boysot of their extremity, wherein notwithstanding they said they were well resolved to continue: the which did wonderfully satisfy the Commanders of the Protestants army: for seeing the water, and judging their estate to be more desperate than they made show of, they knew not what to think. The messengers were sent back, but seeing themselves discovered upon the way by a Spanish Sentinel, they were soterefied as they would no more return: wherewith the Commanders were much troubled, seeing they had no means to send them any news, whereby they should greatly have comforted them, and made them continue constant in their resolution.  
The next day there came two other Messengers, who showed by their good stomachs and their great feeding, what bad cheer they kept in the town. These men brought five or six couple of Pigeons in a cage, with letters confirming the former, entreating them not to lose any occasion, assuring the chief of the army still of their courage and resolution. The which came very happily, for suddenly one of the Pigeons was dispatched with a little letter, who failed not to go unto his Pigeon house, whereof the Protestants were assured by a sign which they of the town gave them, 
A flying messenger.  who (although their succours were within half a league of them, and might easily see the town, yet the Townsemen could not see them, by reason that the trees which grew there abouts, being higher than the masts of their boats, took away the knowledge of them) but they understood well by the daily shooting of the great ordinance that they could not be far off. In the mean time, whilst that the Protestants were ready to force a new Channel with their pioneers, to go unto that way betwixt the castle of Swietten and Soeterwoude (for they did assure them that beyond it the water was 
Vnexpect●… succours which God sends by the wind.  deeper) and that there was no more difficulty unto the town. Behold a great southwest wind which they might truly say came from the grace of God (for it was upon the extremity of their affairs) with so great a spring tide, as in eight and forty hours the water was risen above half a foot. Whereupon the Commanders of the Protestants army resolved to embrace this occasion, disposing the order of their battle, & what course they should observe in the way, and where they should land to cut the passage, all along the which the Spaniards kept great guard in their boats. It seemed that the Pro●…estants should find great difficulty in the enterprise, the enemy being lodged there with greater forces then in any other place: having besides four or five great Galleys at Leyderdorpe upon the Rhine. The Commanders were also advertised that the Spaniards had many flat bottomed boats like unto theirs, but they were well assured that they wanted mariners & men to row. To conclude, for that they would have the favour of the night, the Spaniards seeing them when they should advance towards them, and that they must pass within musket-shot of their lodging, who (whilst they stayed to make this passage,) might indomage them with their great ordinance: notwithstanding all these difficulties, the Protestants were resolved and ready, the first of October at night, and marched about eleven of the clock in this order.  
The Admiral with half the boats of war went upon the left hand towards Soeterwoude: the Vice-admiral with the other moiety took the right hand towards the castle of Swietten, being a good musket-shot one from an other, and betwixt both was the signor of La guard, with the lesser boats full of soldiers, to land upon the way, being followed by the pioneers and Gabions: and lastly came the boats laden with Victuals and munition. The Spaniards which were in their boats, seeing them come directly towards them, left them, being above forty, as well appointed as the Protestants, but for their ordinance, for there was but one of them that had any. Some of them thought to 
The Spaniards amazed.  have set a good countenance of it, but they did not any thing, but only gave the alarum.  
Colonel La guard was advanced a little in a small boat with two owers, to give order for this landing, to plant the gabions and to set the pioneers to work, for he did imagine, the Spaniards would not so easily have left it; being thus advanced in this little skiff he landed first, and at the same instant, Ot●…ran, Bouchard and other captains on the left hand: Grenu and La Derriere landed on the right, with the soldiers that were appointed for that enterprise, whereas the pioneers were presently set to work and the gabions planted. The Spaniards had begun to plant many trees there and pieces of wood a cross, to make a palissadoe from one village to an other, but they had no leisure to finish it, and besides it was thought that the water rising had much hindered them in their work: for the Protestants found some places upon the dike, whereas the water was a foot and a half deep, so they needed not to cut it about a 
A passage opened.  foot deeper, for that their boats drew no more water. This was finished in two or three places an hour before day, and yet the Spaniard never sallied forth to hinder their work: neither was the ordinance of the Protestants ships (who lay before their lodging) idle all this time, for they shot all night into the villages through their corpses De guard, and at all other places, whereas they could discover either fire or light. The Spaniards played sometimes on them, but coldly, with a bastard, and an other smalpeece, and likewise with their small shot.  
The passage being opened, the Admiral who was landed to advance the work, embarked again, and past of the one side, and the Vice-admiral of the other, according to 
The Protestants pass the dike.  the order above mentioned, and the boats with victuals and munition betwixt both. They were not far passed but they wanted water, for the great boats did in a manner touch the ground, so as they must make a virtue of necessity: wherein, doubtless the Zeelanders showed their valour, going most of them into the water to keep their boats a float, as if they would have carried them upon their shoulders. After they had laboured a little to pass, they entered into a fair great channel called Meerburch, upon the which there were certain Spanish boats towards Soeterwoude, the which the soldiers abandoned to save themselves: but they could not run so swiftly but some of them were taken prisoners; wherein their great fear and amazement was easy to be noted, for they suffered themselves to be taken by mariners who had no arms, being but two or three in every skiff, in one of the which the signor of La guard was, who was much grieved that he had not brought some douzaine shot with them: for he might easily have taken two good big boats full of Spaniards well appareled, having all cloaks, and without any harguebuzes, carrying the countenances of men of command for the most part, doubting at the first whether they were there to discover, or to stay at a bridge, near unto the which they were, called Papenbrughe, betwixt the fort of Lemmen and Soeterwoude, to stop the passage towards Papenmeer, or whether it were to retire themselves; whereof La guard was presently satisfied by their apparent flight, retiring by the way of Voorschote. The way they took was all covered with water, so as they were forced to go softly, being in danger of drowning: whereof they presently advertised the Admiral, and of the disorder wherein they seemed to be entreating 
The Spaniards ●…e.  him to command some boats to advance unto this bridge, the which he himself did, after that he had with much pain and difficulty entered into this great channel of Meerbruch. Being at the bridge, he caused it presently to be broken to pass the boats into the lake, and to pursue their enem●…es, the which he did so fitly, as there were many of them cut off, as well with the ordinance, as the small shot, and by them that leapt into the water after them and slew them with their daggers. The which was chiefly done by them of Flessingue who were so incensed against the Spaniards, as a mariner having opened the belly of one, pulled out his heart, and having set his teeth into it, he threw it to the ground; the next day the same heart was brought into Leyden, in the which were seen the impression of the teeth. Others that could save themselves retiring towards Stomwyckswech, were in no less disorder, for that the boats which the Protestants had left upon the lake of Noorda, with three companies of foot, pursued them so hotly on that side, as there was never seen a greater amazement: Besides they left their artillery, and cast their arms into the water: many were drowned of themselves, for that they knew not 
Many Spaniards perished in this▪ out.  whether they went, by reason of the Inondation; finding great and deep ditches in the drowned lands, where they were presently swallowed up. Two things did help to amaze the Spaniards in Soeterwoude: the one was, that the Protestants coming to Meerbruche, went and fired some houses in the village, with a general alarm, the other was that the great Ordinance which they had left under the charge of Philip Asseliers Commissary, being upon Noorda, never ceased to play upon them on that side, the which did strike a great terror into the Spaniards.  
This was the very judgement of God, to abate their proud presumption, for there was 
The Spaniards lose above 100 boats.  never seen a more dishonourable & shameful rout, having lost above a hundred boats, great and small, wherewith they had made an account to fight with the whole army of the Prince and States. Those that saved themselves towards the Voorschote, stayed at a fort which they had made at the house of jacob Claes, upon the great channel which goes from Leyden to Delf, called the Vliet in the which they had a Culverin, and an other piece or two with the which they began to shoot, but did no harm. At the first they might see them of the fort of Lemmen amazed and wavering, and if the Protestants had gone directly thither, it is thought they would have abandoned it: But it was not possible to effect so many things at an instant. It was also a matter of no small importance, to seek to force a mighty strong fort well furnished with artillery by a narrow channel, whereas but one boat could enter in front, for there was not any means to approach near unto it, but by one channel, for that from the said lake unto the town, the country is higher than any part where they had yet past, so as the least of their boats could not float there, wherefore they resolved to rest satisfied with that which God had given them at that time, and to give order that all things might be ready with the great Ordinance, the which was sent for to batter it at the break of day, and to try to force it if the Spaniards would attend an assault. This fort was not much above a canon shot from the town, of the event whereof we will presently relate.  
In the mean time besides the plague and other diseases which grew through poverty and famine, there was a division in the Town, which grew by the ill affected Burghers, who neither could nor would suffer any longer: for in seven weeks they 
A division in the town of Leyden.  had eat no bread, nor drunk any thing but water. In the richest houses horseflesh was as delicate as a partridge, dogs and cats roasted was wonderfully pleasing unto the taste: it were unpossible to express the diversity of pottages that were made: some did eat vine leaves with salt, others made divers sauces with the leaves of leeks, & the roots & stalks of coleworts, min●…'d cabbage was an ordinary meat. The Gentlewomen 
The extreme famine in Leyden.  did eat their little dogs wherewith they were wont to play. If any beast were killed, the poor boys were there gaping like unto hungry dogs, to see if any little morsel would fall, the which they gathered up and devoured raw: the skins of dried sooles, and bones which had been gnawn by the dogs, were gathered up in the streets and of the dunghills. A woman being in childbed had but a quarter of a pound of biscuit allowed her by the day: and women with child were so samished, as the fruits of their wombs were so weakened, as they had no force to come into the world: Some children crying for bread, died in their mother's arms: some men scarce able to creep to the guard, at their return home, found their wives and children dead either of famine or pestilence, if ten entered into guard, there returned but six or seven, and in the end but three, the rest being dead in the place▪ To conclude the misery was so great as it could not possible be any greater: For there 
6000▪ persons dead at Leyden during the siege.  died within the Town during the siege, of poverty, famine, plague, and other bad and miserable diseases, about the number of six thousand persons men women and children.  
Their succours being so near unto them, one of the Bourguemaisters being upon the rampar, said unto thepeople that were about him. Behold my friends behind yonder Fort is now our bread, what think you, shall we leave it there? We will rather go and pull down this Fort with our nails, then lose it so. You may imagine what contentment these poor famished forlorn creatures had to see their succours so near them. But all was not yet done; for the Spaniards were betwixt the town and their succours, the which was not without some difficulty, seeing the doubtful events of war: and if it happened that they should not force this fort of Lemmen, all that they had formerly done was in vain: or else they must have stayed a month longer, until the waters had been higher, which the besieged could not endure. Whereupon the Captains went to Council and resolved (seeing there was no other expedient) to lodge one night upon the way which goes from the said fort of Lemmen to Leyderdorpe, betwixt the which there is a good quarter of a league distance, presuming that from thence they should let slip what victuals they would into Leyden with small boats, (leaving the greater at Palpen-meer and Meerbrunche) and that this means should be safe and without danger, neither of reputation, nor of loss, the which had not been, if they had been constrained to attempt Lemmen by force, which seemed in show stronger than it was, 
What the fort of Lemmen was.  holding it to be of canon proof, & was situated in a plain champain where there were no channels but were stopped, being distant a quarter of a league from the town. The water which goes to Delfe passeth byas-wise near unto the one side, on the other side there is a channel by the which they enter into the Rhine, and on the third quarter that which goes to Soeterwoud, the rest was very easy to intrenche, for there were trees enough: the ramparts of this fort were reasonable large, but not so strong as to resist the canon, it was well fortified with a good palisado, gabions, artillery and men. Therefore to speak according to humane sense, if the Spaniards had defended it well, the Protestants could not have passed without very great loss, for they must have come within a harquebus shot and less.  
The approach being viewed, the channels unstopped, and the Admiral having sent the second of October at night, Captain Grenu, Asseliers and Henry, to see where they 
The spaniard●… abandon the fort of Lemmen.  might best plant their battery, it was now time to go: for the spaniards that remained in the fort had no intent to do any better than those of Soeterwoude and others had done: they only made a little show to retire their ordinance, the which notwithstanding they did not, for they did abandon it the same night with the fort, in the which there was a Demie canon, carrying a bullet of twenty four pound weight, and some other pieces, which they had put in a flat bottomed boat, the which they sunk, or else it sunk of itself. And so the Spaniards gave way unto the Protestants, leaving them a free passage unto the town: The which by this means was delivered from great calamity.  
In the morning it was not known, neither within the town nor without, that the Spaniards were retired out of this fort of Lemmen, and as they had heard all the night from the rampar of the town a great noise before this fort, out of the which a boy had marked many to go forth with their matches light, but none to return into it, which made him judge that the Spaniards might be dislodged: having made report thereof, he undertook for two crowns to go & see what they did, hoping that if he were taken to save himself, in saying that famine had forced him to come forth. This boy being come to the fort and finding no creature, he made a sign to them of the town with his hat to approach: at the beginning the besieged doubged lest the Spaniards had caused him to do it to entrap them; but being better satisfied, they sent Captain Gerrard vander Loen with his adventurers, who received first with great joy the galleys which the Admiral had sent before to understand the truth of this retreat, for that he did not lightly believe the first report  
In this delivery, and in every particular of the enterprise, doubtless all must be attributed 
The deliverance of Leyden the 3. of October.  to the mere providence of GOD, neither can man challenge any glory therein. For without a miracle all the endeavours of the Protestants had been as wind. But GOD who is always good, would not give way to the cruelties wherewith the Spaniards threatened this Town, withal the insolencies whereof they make profession in the taking of towns (although they be by composition) without any respect of humanity or honesty, whereof we have related so many pitiful examples in the pretedent book. And thereiss not any man but will confess with me (although I should be called a hundred times partial, the which I am not, but only abhorring all inhumanity) if it be not some Atheist or Epicure, who maintain that all things come by chance, that this delivery is a work which belongs only unto GOD. For if the Spaniards had battered the town but with four canons only, 
A testimony of God's providence.  they had carried it, the people being so weakened with famine, as they cou●…d not endure any longer: besides a part of them were ill affected, and very many of their best men were dead of the plague. And for an other testimony that it was GOD only that wrought: the town was no sooner delivered, but the wind which was southwest, and had driven the water out of the Sea into the country, turned to northeast, and did drive it back again into the Sea, as if the southwest wind had not blown those three days, but to that effect: wherefore they might well say, that both the winds and the sea had fought for the town of Leyden. And as for the resolution of the States of Holland to drown the country and to do that which they and the Prince, together with all the Commanders, Captains and Soldiers of the army showed in this sea-course, together with the constancy and resolution of the besieged to defend themselves, notwithstanding so many miseries which they suffered, and so many promises and threats which were made unto them, all which in like sort proceeded from a divine instinct.  
I may not forget here, that the same night the Spaniards abandoned the fort of Lemmen, a piece of the Town wall fell down, betwixt the Cowe-gate and the 
A piece of the town wall falls.  Tower of Bourgongne, about six score yards long, the which with the ruin made a great breach: which advantage if the Spaniards had had two or three days before, when as they thought (upon the assurance of one Begin, that there was no guard on that side) to take it by scaladoe: without doubt they had not missed of it, and they would have held the falling of this wall for as great a miracle, as the besieged have held their deliverance. But GOD put so strange a terror and amazement into the Spaniards, as not only those that were to make head against the Protestants, but also those that were two good leagues off retired, abandoning in four and twenty hours, above twenty forts, great and small, with good artillery. GOD having by this means wrought two great effects; the deliverance of a town of so great importance, and the shameful and prejudicial rout of the Spaniards, who were thrice stronger than the Protestants: who were not in all, soldiers and Mariners above two thousand and five hundred men.  
The passages being thus freed and open in all places, the Signior Lewis of Boisot 
The Admiral ente●…s Leyden with the army  Admiral, entered with the Vantgarde of the army into the Town of Leyden about eight of the clock in the morning. GOD knows with what joy they received him. The Admiral of Ziricxzee was with the Reerward: there was no heart so stony, but was moved to see these poor famished creatures, devour bread and raw Herrings which the Admiral's men cast them out of their Barks, as they came in, as if they should not have had time enough to fill their bellies: whereof some that eat too greedily and without measure, fell sick, and some died, the meat being too strong for their weak stomachs, that were not able to digest it. The Admiral being landed, he went presently to the Church with his men, the Magistrates, and the Burghers, to give GOD thanks for this their fase delivery, and for their happy and good success.  
The Prince of Orange being then at Delfe, was the same day (which was the third of October) advertised of this success, being at the sermon, which being ended he 
The Prince of Orange advertised of the delivery of Leyden.  sent the letter to the Minister, to read it publicly in the assembly of the French. And from thence he went unto the Church with an infinite number of people, to give GOD thanks, with incredible joy and gladness, the which they did witness by the ringing of their Bells, shooting off their ordinance, and bonfires in every street. And the Prince was the more filled with joy, for that about an hour or two before, he had received other letters from the Admiral, by the which he gave them to understand, that it was not possible for them to pass farther, the Spaniards being at Lemmen, and that he must attend more water. In all this enterprise the Protestants lost not forty men; but the Spaniards had above a thousand slain and drowned. Francisco Valdes 
A gall●…nt enterprise with 〈◊〉.  commander of the Spanish army, in his retreat from Leyderdorpe, left in his lodging a Plate of the town of Leyden, the siege, the channels, and the forts which he had about it, and underneath was written; Vale Civitas, valet Castelli paria, quia relicti estis propter aquam, & non per vim inimicorum, that is to say; Farewell city, farewell little castles, whom the wators, and not the enemy's force hath made us to abandon.  
The next day being the 4. of October, the Prince came to Leyden, the Admiral having sent him four galleys for his convoy. Being arrived there, after that he had thanked 
The Prince comes to Leyden.  both the Burghers for their fidelity and constancy, and the commanders and soldiers for their good endeavours: he provided for all things necessary, and settled a good order for all future accidents, creating new Magistrates, showing the chief of the town what ●…ischiefe had happened by their negligence and slackness, in providing for their affairs: having been once delivered at so dear a rate, and with the lives of 
The Prince's admonition to the Magistrates of Leyden.  a Prince of the Empire, and of two of the Prince's brethren, and yet they had no feeling of their own carelessness: and then the love and fidelity of the States towards them, who had not spared the value of above a Million of gold to succour them, doing that which never had been done since the country was dykt: the which he laid before them, that they might be hereafter more provident and wise, and have the more feeling of liberty, in regard of miserable slavery, wherein they might have fallen, and should never have been able to redeem themselves at any rate, if they had fallen into the Spaniards hands. Besides all the victuals that were brought by these succours into Leyden, the Prince and his council appointed, that throughout all the neighbour towns they should make a general collection of alms of bread, butter, cheese, lard, 
A general co●…lection of arms to relieve the poor commons of Leyden.  powdered flesh and silver, to relieve the poor of the town of Leyden, who had no means to buy, and had not earned any thing of a long time: the which was divided among them, to help to comfort them and to strengthen their debilitie●…, whereunto long famine had reduced them. The which did not only relieve the poor, and ease the rich, but caused a strict bond of love and friendship betwixt this town and the rest.  
The 8. of October the Prince went towards Kage (which is a small Island and a good village in the midst of the sea of Harlem) which he appointed to be fortified and well guarded, as the Key of the sea of Harlem. And the ninth day he went to the Scluse of Goude, where in like fort he caused a mighty strong fort to be built. And as through the Prince's sickness being at Rotterdam, the Spaniards had still believed that he was dead, and that the Protestants had made this enterprise under his name: when as julien Romero sent back the Signior of Saint Aldegonde (who had continued a year in prison) he caused two Spaniards to accompany him, who knew the prince very well, to make a true report unto him if he were yet living: the prince talked with them, and having used some speeches, and dispatched their passport, he sent them away within two hours after.  
Those of Leyden being loath to show themselves unthankful to the Admiral Boisot, for his care and pains taken for their relief; they presented him with a goodly chain 
The courtesy of them of Leyden to the Admiral Boisot.  of gold, and a great Medaile (making mention of their deliverance) hanging at the said chain. The like did the States, Nobility, and towns of Holland, having invited him to a banquet, where they presented him with a richer chain. janus Douza Signior of Noort●…ic, a gentleman of an ancient house, and at that time Superintendent of the town of Leyden, hath written a learned Poem and likewise made a discourse in Latin prose, of the siege, succours, and victualling of the said town, & of the Spaniards flight▪ During the siege before Leyden, the great Commander had certain troops lodged about Bomel, Gorcom, and Lovestein, to make some attempt: but all places were so 
Worcum 〈◊〉 ●…y the Spa●…rds.  well fortified with good garrisons, and Colonel Balfour lying thereabouts ' with seven companies of Scots to cross their designs, by cutting off ditches and other stratagems, so as they could not effect any thing: whereupon the Spaniards went and battered Worcum, lying right over against Gorcum upon the Meuse in the which there were five companies of soldiers, who in the end received commandment, that if the town were not defensible, they should quit it, as they did but after three assaults sustained, and the loss of 150. men.  
Chiapin vitelli likewise with his Companies of high Dutch, & certain Spaniards, and 12. peeeces of Ordinance besieged Leerdam, a small town belonging to the Earl of Buren, and battered it there, being within it two companies of soldiers, who after eleven 
Leerdam won by the Spaniards.  hours battery, (the Tower of the Castle being beaten down) yielded it up in the beginning of july, departing with their arms. And not long after the Spaniards had an enterprise upon the town of Delft, the which was to be managed by an Ancient, who was a Wallon, thinking by some intelligence with the Townsmen to get into it, but this Wallon, being faithful to the town and serving in the same, sought by that means to entrap the enemy, having to that end made a secret mine by the water gate, with an intent to blow it up at the entry of the Spaniards, but the drawe-bridge being not very easy to fall down, and the Spaniards hearing a noise, and seeing some women at the windows, they grew jealous, and therewith retired, being in all three thousand horse and foot, at whom those of Delft made certain great shot, but in vain. Soon after the Spaniards retreat from before Leyden, Francisco valdes General at that siege, being 
The Spaniards mutiny and take Francisco valdes prisoner  retired to the Hage, cursing still and lamenting his misfortune, fell into such disgrace and contempt with his soldiers, as they presumed to tax him and to object unto him that he had had intelligence with them of Leyden, reproaching him that he had received two tons of gold not to batter it, the which was notoriously false. These objections and crimes, with the want of many months pay (which they complained were due unto them) made them to mutiny, and to take him prisoner choosing an Electo among themselves, to govern the whole Regiment: they forced him to write unto the great Commander, that within ten days he should send their pay, else they would depart from thence and seek it else where. The ten days being expired (which was about a month after the delivery of Leyden,) they retired from Maeslandt-Sluys, Leyschen-dam 
The Spaniard●… leave South Holland.  Vordschoten, Valkenburg and other places, in great troops, both of horse and foot, to the number of seven thousand men, and so they left that quarter of South-Holland, marching towards Harlem and Amsterdam, where they found all the gares shut against them; from thence they marched towards Vtrecht where they thought to get their pay, or in spoiling of the town to pay themselves. Thus was Holland delivered at this time from the Spanish forces, none remaining in Holland but Walloons. They came the seventh of December before Vtrecht, which they thought to surprise. The Signior of Hierges and Floyon (sons to the Lord of Barlamont) and Francisco valdes (who 
The Mutyned Spaniards fail to surprise Vtrecht.  had escaped before out of their hands) proclaimed them mutines and Rebels unto the King, giving leave unto the Bourguers (who needed no great provocation) to kill them where they could. The Spaniards having failed of their surprise, sought to fire the port of Weert with powder, straw and pitch: the Bourguers perceiving it, sallied out upon them, and slew some fifty. The eighteenth of the month passing along the town ditches with their Electo, called joan Bianco, they came on the side of Saint Catherins' gate, a little before day (whereas they went up to the rampar by scaladoe) and slew some of the townsmen, their Electo having sworn to enter or to die in the place. But the Inhabitants running thither in great numbers, resisted them so courageously, as they made them quit the rampar with great loss, and among others of their Electo: the Bourguers being so eager in the slaughter of them, as those of the castle were forced to shoot at them, to make them cease, where there died above a hundred Spaniards. The great Commander finding that since his coming to the government, all that he had deseigned went crossly and against the hair, both by sea and land, after the loss of 
1575.  Middlebourg and of so many ships, the disgrace and affront received at Leyden, and 
The great Commander makes a show to desire peac●…  the discontentment and mutiny of his troops: he thought to try the ford an other way, seeing that by war he prevailed nothing. He sought means to revive the treaty of peace and to bring it again in question, the which had been talked of betwixt some private persons, as Noircarmes, Champaigni and others in july before, as we have said: And calling to mind the petition presented them by the Nobility and towns of Holland and Zeeland, tending to an accord, he obtained leave and authority from the King, to enter into conference in a certain place appointed to that end, the which was named at Breda, a town belonging to the Prince of Orange, and then held by the Spaniards. Whether (the great furtherer and lover of peace, the Emperor Maximilian, who never ceased, with all carefulness to solicit the King therein) sent Gunter Earl of Swartzenburgh, and the Earl of Hohenlo, both brothers in law, to be mediators 
The emperor Maximilian, seeketh to make a 〈◊〉.  therein, who road too and fro between both parties, and brought it to such pass, as in the beginning of March, the great Commander, governor general, sent unto Breda for commissioners the Earl of Roche, of the house of Launoy. The Baron de Rasingen, governor of Ryssell, Donway, and Orchie: Arnolt Sasbout, chancellor of Geldre, Charles Suys Precedent of Holland, who had fled from thence, and doctor Elbertus Leoninus. For the Prince of Orange, knights of the order, noblemans, Gentlemen, and towns of Holland, 
The deputies that were sent ●…o make peace  Zeeland, and their associates; as bommel and Bueren (upon hostages delivered for them at Dort, as Montdragon, julian Romero, Don Michael de Alentaer, Don Guilliaume de Saint Clement, and Don Michael de Coville) there came Arent van Dorp, Charles Boysot governor of ●…ushing, Philip de Marnix Saint Aldegonde, William van Zuylen, Van Nivelt Scout of Dort, jacob van Der-does, john junius de Yonghen governor of Camphor, Adrian van Der-myte, and Paulus Buys advocate of Holland.  
The second of March 1575. they being all assembled, and as it seemed well inclined to a pea●…e, they of Holland spoke touching their former request presented, requesting the withdrawing of strangers, and assembling of the general States, whereupon it was asked them in the King's behalf, who they understood to be strangers, and who they called the general States? They answered, that all those were strangers that were not borne in the seventeen Provinces, and that they understood the general States to be, such a meeting of the States, as was assembled in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, when he resigned the Netherlands unto his son King Philip. After that upon the 14. of March, the deputies for the King both by word of mouth and writing, showed and delivered unto the deputies of Holland, etc. that they thought it very hard, that the Spanish soldiers, being the King's subjects as well as they, and which had done him and his predecessors so great service in the Netherlands, should be esteemed strangers. Nevertheless peace being once agreed upon, his majesties meaning was not to keep the Spaniards any longer in the Netherlands then need should require, and that therefore it was not convenient that his Majesty should be constrained thereunto, for that so it might tend unto the impairing of his honour, which they all had protested especially to regard.  
Touching the assembling of the general Estates, that his Majesty was well content, all things being pacified, being required thereunto, to be counseled and assisted by his estates, in things belonging unto and concerning the country, wherein they are usually 
Articles of the peace ofred by the King unto them of Holland and Zeeland.  to be conferred withal, without making them acquainted with such things as belong unto his sovereignty, and the good pleasure, will, and disposition of his Majesty, wherein his Majesty or his governor were to use the counsel and advise of his counsel appointed to that end and purpose, as of provincial counsels, and the laws of the country, as need required: and for that the assembling of the Estates could not be done without great trouble and uncertainty, ask long time, and not until a peace were made, therefore the King offered, (that peace might the better be procured) unto them of Holland and Zeeland, the restitution of all their privileges, laws, rights, and customs, as they were before the troubles, (if any thing were altered,) as also that all things whatsoever had happened during the troubles, should be forgiven and forgotten: and that all the sentences of banishments, confiscations of men's goods, and other things, should be void and dissanulled. That the goods that had been taken from each other on both sides, should be restored unto the owners thereof, in such estate as they then should be found to be. That which had been taken and carried away, should so remain, although it were yet in the party's hands: that all prisoners both of the one and the other side, should be freely set at liberty, without any ransom, both the Earl of Bossu, and all others, whatsoever they were: and that those that had paid ransom should have no restitution, always provided that the said Prince of Orange, Knights of 
1575.  the order, noblemans, Gentlemen, and towns should deliver all the said countries, towns, castles, and forts, together with the ships, and artillery, and all other things whatsoever into his majesties hands, and that all they that during the warls had ceased upon any goods, houses or rents belonging to the Spirituality, or other persons, should peaceably restore them again unto the owners, without any fraud. That his majesties intent was, that the Catholic Romish Religion should be generally observed in all places of his majesties dominions, and peaceably and freely permitted, without any opposition or contradiction, in such manner as when his Majesty was instauled and by oath invested in the Netherlands, and as the States thereof at that time, and long since, protested to live and die therein, and that all those that would not live as they had done hearetofore, in the Catholic Religion, his Majesty was content for that time only that they should depart out of the land, and sell all the goods and livings they had within a certain time prefixed, and yet during that time should not have any exercise thereof: for assurance whereof, (although his majesties word, with letters of ratification ought to be sufficient for them) yet if they were not content therewith, he was pleased that they should set down and show what further security they would demand in that behalf, that it might be considered of.  
The twentieth of March the deputies for Holland. etc. made answer here-unto by writing, signed by the Prince of Orange, the Earl of Culenborgh, Otto van Egmont, and others, being assembled with the deputies of Holland, Zeeland and their 
The States answer to the King proposition of peace offered to the Netherlands.  associates, after the manner of the estates, first persisting in the contents of their first petition touching the withdrawing of all strangers, in regard of their cruel and insolent government, who in regard of their service had been well recompensed, and were become rich, for that the like withdrawing of the Spaniards, and for less cause had been sought by them of Gaunt in the year 1559. and accordingly granted: they denied not but the Spaniards were subjects to the King of Spain, but not of the duke of Brabant, Earl of Flanders, Holland, etc. nor yet of any of the seaven-teene Provinces against the which they had showed themselves to be to much unnatural, who even at their first coming into the land, held the Netherlands to be heretics, and rebels, without any exception, as it appeared by the spanish books, made and put in Print by licence and privilege from his Majesty, as also by letters and instructions sent from the great Commander, and of one john de Sousa written unto his Majesty, in the which he boldly maintained, that the Netherlands, and all the goods and lands of the inhabitants thereof, were given by his Majesty unto them: under pretence thereof, using all kinds of force, ●…iolences, unnatural actions shameful to be heard or spoken of, as the towns of 
Wherefore the Spaniards are straingers to the Netherlandes.  Gaunt, Doornick, Antwrep, Meechelen, Liere, Hertzhogenbosk, Deventer, Vtrecht, Rotterdam, and other places (where they lad lodged) could bear witness, so that as then, the prophesy by their forefathers so often foretold was found to be true, that the Netherlands should complain and repent the time that ever they were allied to Spain.  
Therefore to seek to suffer such Spaniards (which all the towns and Villages in the Netherlands sought to keep out) to remain in the land, was nothing else, but the only way, to cause his Majesties to lose the hearts and good wills of his subjects, without the which no Lord nor Prince can reign, but with greart grief and care, taking away the reciprocal and mutual loves that should be between the Prince and his subjects, which they hoped to be far from his Majesty thoughts, as being a thing much against his dignity & reputation, as also contrary to his nature. Touching the service that the Spaniards had done unto his Majesty, and his forefathers for the defence of the Netherlands, and the honour of his Majesty, and his said countries▪ it would be found to have been more hurtful than profitable to the same, and nothing comparable unto the faithful services done for the advancement, honour▪ and reputation of his Majesty by the natural vassals and subjects of the Netherlands, who were forced to sustain the long and burdensome wars against France, there by to maintain the Spaniards in Milan, Naples, and elssewhere, as also that then the Lords, Gentlemen and others of the Netherlands had spent both their lives and goods to get his majesties great victories at Saint Quintines, before graveling and in other places where they had aided his majesty: as also the Emperor Charles in many places, as before Argile in Africa, in Italy, and else where out of the Netherlands, and yet would not the Spaniards in the year, 1520. endure any command of the Netherlanders in Spain, although they behaved themselves with all civility, and far otherwise then the Spaniards have done in the Netherlands.  
That those of Holland and Zeeland, were forced to help themselves against the Spaniards with strange soldiers, as Frenchmen, Englishmen, Scots, and Dutchmen, but yet had not given them any authority over the country, and yet that amongst them the Dutchmen ought not to be accounted for strangers: The said Netherlands being always accounted Earldoms and provinces of the Empire notwithstanding, they were well content, and ready to cause the said several nations to depart out of the country, when-soever they should have no cause to use them any more. And whereas it was said that his Majesty, would hold the Spaniards in the Netherlands no longer than necessity required, without further compulsion, so would they humbly Entreat his Majesty to do the same, willingly seeking all means to move his Majesty thereunto.  
thouch the assembling of the General estates, which his Majesty seemed as then to put of, until all things were pacified and ended, and that they would limit and appoint them unto certain orders and laws, they were of opinion that the general estates, would not assemble and meet together to that end, nor in the quality and form as the writing sent declared and appointed, as long as the Spaniards bore arms or were in government within the Netherlands, for that it appeared there-by, that they sought to bind and restrain the assembly of the estates with their powers and offices to certain limits, and strict rules, which should extend as wide and as far as the common causes of the country required, they knowing best what belonged thereunto, and that therefore they could not otherwise conjecture by the said writing, but that covertly they sought to lessen and diminish the privileges, authorities and credits of the said countries and of the estates of the same, and not to use the same in any other causes, but only to get them to consent unto any taxes or subsedies to be paid by the said Netherlands; and if they refused to compel them thereunto by force, and to bring them under the supple obedience, and absolute command of his Majesty, according to the advise and writing of Don Francisco de Alva, that once wrote out of France unto the Duchess of Parma, Regent of the Netherlands, that the noble men of the same must be destroyed, and the States thereof impoverished, as the Duke of Alva had already begun, and as it yet seemed to be put in-practise, by the means and provocation, of those that were in the government, fearing that by the assembling of the States, there bad government, ambition, and covetousness, would be discovered, and punished, pretending the highness, sovereignty, and reputation of the King, and yet all depending upon the welfare of the Country. That the other articles might with certain annotations in the Margin pass well enough, thereby to provide to a pacification, but touching the restrictions, and conditions thereafter ensuring, as of delivering over the provinces, towns, and forts of Holland & Zealand, together with the ships, artillery, and other things, it appeared that they sought to cirumvent them as it is said to be done in the fable of the wars between the Wolves & the Sheep: after the Sheep, had delivered the dogs (that were their protection & defence) unto the wolves, That the Prince of Orange and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, were wrongfully holden and accounted for rebels, and open enemies to his majesty, which they could by no means understand, to be so, for that they had not in the least point once sought to diminish or detract any thing from his majesties highness and authority in any sort what soever, but rather for his majesties profit and the preservation and defence of the land, and the towns there of, together with their houses lives and goods, wives and children, from the tyranny of the Duke of Alva, and his adherents, with great labour and toil had used all the means they could, to drive their adverse party from thence, whereof they had always made declaration, that they never meant or intended to bear arms against his majesty, nor by the same sought to refuse obedience or to alienate themselves from the same, but with all duty to continue in his majesties grace and favour with other Provinces united unto them, as they did before, having been free from any meaning or intent, to take away the goods of their adversaries either spiritual or temporal, as in the said conditions were inserted, in such sort, that they could not thereby perceive any good opinion to be conceived of them, and the rather, for that by the other conditions of holding and maintaining the Romish Catholic religion, or else to depart the land, it appeared that their religion was accounted heresy, and consequently they themselves to be heretics, although no other religion was used there amongst them, then only the catholic and apostolic religion, agreeing with the holy scriptures, wherein they only trusted and had settled their consciences, only disallowing and banishing, open and great abuses and disorders used in the church, unpleasing to God, thereby to give that unto God that was Gods, and unto the King, that which belonged unto him.  
And therefore withal reverence and humility they said, that they could by no means be persuaded to accept and allow of the said articles as they were propounded, caling to mind the example of the Earls of Egmont and Horn, as also of the Baron of Montigny, and others, with several break of securities, promises, and assurances: that also it was not convenient that so great a number as were inclined to the reformed religion should depart out of the land, and forsake their native country: and that in truth it was a much more harder condition, that so great a number of the King's majesties faithful subjects, to their great loss, should be forced to sell away their goods (which they could not do but to their exceeding great hindrance although they found merchants and buyers great store) and be compelled to dwelled and wander like banished men in other countries, rather than they would send three or four thousand Spaniards, (that had made sufficient gain and prey of the country) home again: whereas the departure of the subjects out of the Netherlands, would not only cause a great depopulation of the country but a decay of all kinds of trades, trafickes, handy-workes, occupations, and sea-faringe, wherein the whole welfaire of the Netherlands consisted: for that it was ●…anyfestly known that the sending away of the people at other times, by means of the rigorous proclamations and terrible executions of the same, the industrious handi-crafts, that were in the land were by that means carried into other countries, to the unspeakable decay, and hindrance of his majesties rents and revenues, and from thence by the condition propounded of selling their goods, (for that time only) they understood, that the proclamations and the inquisition, touching religion, should again be put in practice, which every man so much abhorred, that those that should remain in the country, were likely to fall into a new trouble and dissension, and that at the last, a great piece of his majesties crown would be torn in pieces; desiring with all humility that their declaration and advise might be taken in good part, as proceeding from a good devotion unto his majesty, 
The King's deputies replication to the State's declaration touching peace.  and the country's welfaire, beseeching GOD, that it would please him of his infinite mercy to inspire his majesty, and the Lords that were commissioners, with other counsel, knowledge, and advise.  
Upon this declaration, the King's Deputies upon the first of April made a replication, in writing, wherein they seemed to blame the said declaration to be too sharp and bitter against those with whom they ought to live in peace and amity, and that the King was content according to their desires, to cause the Spaniards and others to depart out of the land, when all controversies should be ended and appeased, so as they of Holland and Zeeland would do the like, blaming them likewise that they should account Holland and Zeeland to be Earldoms belonging unto the Empire, excusing the great Commander, and not believing that he would write any such ma●…ter, as they had charged him with all. Th●… assembling of he general estates they agreed unto, peace being made, being the second point of their request: Touching the delivering over of the towns, places, forts, ships, and artillery, they wondered to what end they alleged the fable of the wolves and the sheep, whereas it was not sought or desired, otherwise then with proffer of good and sufficient caution, whereof they not once made any mention, offering, besides the King's word, (which in reason should be sufficient) to make them all due & convenient satisfaction that they could demand: as also that the States of the province, each one in particular should have the said declaration and the King's promises to be set down under his great Seals, and (if need were) to be confirmed by the Emperor's Majesty and by other Lords and Princes of the blood.  
Touching the religion, his majesties meaning was not to yield in any thing thereunto, but that such as would depart the land should have six months time granted unto them for their departure, and in the mean time should behave themselves modestly, without any scandal: and as for the selling of their lands and goods, to advance them to the highest rate and most advantage: and they should have 8 or 10. years time for the sale thereof; so as they suffered them in the mean time to be used and held by Romish Catholics; that the departure of the people out of the land, was a grief unto the King, but seeing they would not conform themselves, to live as other men did, it was their own and not the King's fault, and whereas the departure out of the land was limited unto them for that time only, they said it was done for that there was no reason to alter the religion at every time, and thereby to procure and raise confusion and scandal among the common people; and might likewise tend to a disgrace of justice and the King's prerogative. That his Majesty doubted not, that if the strange preachers, and consistories, with some other private persons, who by means of the troubles (under pretence of complaining for loss of their privileges) had brought in divers Inovations, would alter their opinions or were once gone out of the Netherlands, that the common people being better informed in all things, would be contented to live in peace, and obey his majesties will and pleasure, who only sought to defend and keep them from all inconveniences, and particularly from the 
A months time d●…manded by the States to cons●…r of the ca●…e.  inquisition, which his Maiesti pretended not to bring into the Netherlands. Upon this replication the deputies for the Prince, and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, upon the fourth of April, desired a months liberty to make there report, in regard that they seemed to charge and lay all the burden upon certain particular persons and strangers, and that therefore they would fetch lawful and authentical testimonials of their authorities; desiring withal a passport for certain of their Ambassadors, which they meant to send, with the Earl of Swartzenburgh (who as then was upon his departure) unto the Emperor, and that in the mean time the hostages might also return again.  
The Earl of Swartezenburg likewise upon the sixth of April wrote unto the great Commander to Brussels, saying that he had commission from the Emperor's Majesty, to bring certain Ambasadors with him from the estates of Holland and Zeeland, that his Majesty might be fully informed of the cause, for the better furtherance of a peace to be made with the King of Spain, promising and giving his word, that the said Ambasadors should not in their said lourney use any secret or unlawful proceedings. 
The Erale of 〈◊〉 taking his 〈◊〉 of the de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 ●…use.  The liberty of a months time sought by the deputies of the estates, was partly granted unto them, but the Passport required for the Ambassadors was by the Commander vtterl●… denied. Upon the sixth of April, the Earl of Swartzenburgh, took his leave of the deputies on both sides assembled in Breda, showing them what labour and trouble ●…e had had, both by intercession unto the great Commander the King's governor General, and with the Prince of Orange, and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, to extinguish and quench the secret hatred, and burning fire of envy, that flamed in their hearts: and that although as then there was little effected, for that the difference of religion much hindered their proceedings, yet he was not altogether out of hope, neither wished he, that therefore the matter should be neglected and not go forward, but rather gave counsel that both parts should cease from arms & that the truce should be made between them for six months, and for that the reformed religion was so deeply grounded in the hearts of the one party, that it could not so suddenly be rooted out, he thought it good, that during the time of the truce, they of Holland and Zeeland might freely use the excercise of their religion, and not to deny the said truce, for religion sake. The condition of the said truce on both sides he referred unto the discretio as of the parties, desiring them to take his meaning in good part, as foreseeing the general ruin, and destruction of the Netherlands, if the cessation and laying aside of arms were not granted, that so their hearts might be united together, and thereby a peace procured, it being otherwise to be feared, that the Netherlands being divided, might so fall into the hands of other Princes, the which in regard of the great affection, he bore unto the King's prosperous & happy proceedings, he would gladly seek to hinder and prevent, & to that end desired an answer from the Commander within two days after, earnestly desiring them not to take his departure in evil part, it being apparent and sufficiently known with what labour and cost he had performed that charge: and that yet (with great grief) he had heard, that he had reaped and gotten the evil will and disliking of divers great Lords for that cause only, and was had in suspicion, and that therefore he thought it necessary for him to return back again unto the Emperor, and to discharge himself of his embassage, not doubting, but that his Majesty (if the truce were once agreed upon,) would use all the means and ways he could to procure a firm and an assured peace, and that so the Netherlands might be kept and maintained in obedience under the King, wherein he himself will neither spare his labour, nor his means, for the good of his Majesty and his subjects of the Netherlands.  
To this oration made by the Earl of Swaertzenbrugh touching his departure, the great Commander made answer upon the eight of April, giving him great thanks for his labour and pains, which he knew the King's Majesty would take ●…n good part. But touching the truce he said his Majesty would not agree thereunto, for certain reasons, and that he saw no cause why he should desist from his disseins, but was content that there should be a truce concluded for two months, so that in the mean time the excercise of the reformed religion, might cease both in Holland and Zeeland, and they that used the same to go into some other place: and that he thought it not a thing pertinent unto his office and charge, to grant passports unto the King's rebels, to pass through his country, whereas they had means enough to go otherways. In his voyage to the Emperor he wished him all good success, giving him great thanks for his pains taken therein, in the King's behalf. The like answer was made him by the Deputies as then in Breda, & so the Earl of Swaertzenburgh, took his leave and departed.  
Upon the last of May, the Deputies met again at Breda, wherein the behalf of the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland and Zeeland etc. Upon the last of 
The Stat●… declaratio●… in the second assembly at Breda.  june there was a writing presented by them, wherein they said, that they liked well of the offer made, of holding and observing of their privileges, for the profit of the Netherlands, but that they could not perceive how that would or might be in any sort beneficial for them, when as they by the articles propounded must leave and for sake the country. Moreover forthat they perceived (speaking freely) that it was not as yet convenient for them to forsake their native country, as also the reformed religion, they humbly besought his Majesty, that it would please him with a favourable countenance to behold and regard the great zeal, and holy intents of his obedient subjects and in the matter of conscience (whereof account is only to be made unto GOD himself) to withhold and cease the fire and sword, wherewith his subjects, and members of all the Netherlands, until that time had been persecuted, and most grievously tormented with unspeakable wild cruelties brought unto their ends and utter destruction: they for their parts promising in all worldly causes to be obedient unto his Majesty and to serve him as faithfully as ever any of his subjects in times past had done.  
For the security's proffered (said they) many pitiful examples do sufficiently show how they may be esteemed by all the world, especially, if the towns, castles, ships, and artillery were delivered over, before the Spaniards and other strangers were gone out of the Netherlands, and that the estates general should have taken good order for all inconveniences: therefore to avoid all difficulties, and so to proceed to the beginning of a good security, they knew no better way, then that according to the contents of there request presented in writing, the strangers should be sent out of the country, which might the rather be done without cause of suspicion, for that the Prince, & States of Holland, & Zeeland had not any manner of dislike nor quarrel, with the rest of the other Provinces, but held and esteemed them as their good friends, allies, & neighbours, offering to standunto all reasonable security that there should be no new matter devised, nor unlawful act attempted by them▪ during the time granted for their departure out of the country, until such time as the general estates might assemble together, to consult about a good order to be taken in all causes of policy, & good government. Further, (although their offer aforesaid was sufficient) yet would they in the abundance of their true intents and desires of peace, offer more, that it might appear both before GOD and the world that they neither desired nor yet sought their own welfare and ease, no●… yet pretended any other thing then the welfare and common good of the country. That although those amongst them, that had settled their consciences in the true apostolic religion, had rather lose both their lives and goods, than they would in any wise deny the same, or once do otherwise then it requireth. They are nevertheless content, (so his majesty will desist from denying their request touching their religion) that not only that, but the point of security, and all other causes, difficulties, and differences, should be determined and ended, by the lawful assembly of the general estates of the Netherlands.  
And for as much, as that by withdrawing away of all strangers out of the country, all troubles and Insolencies would cease, and all the Provinces without doubt would be firmly united together, they offered to stand unto all reasonable condition of security, whereby on both sides they might live in perfect peace, between the departing and withdrawing of the strangers out of all the Provinces, and the assembling of the general estates. whereunto they desired and prayed that they might have an vn●…ained, and a Catholic answer, with an absolute yea, or nay, unto every particular point of there request. While this treaty of peace continued, the Commander general assembled his counsel of estate, privy counsel, and tresorers, with certain of the principal Lords of the state and other councelors of good estates and quality, to hear their opinions touching the peace as then in question, and the answers made thereunto, by the deputies of the Prince of Orange, and his adherents, who after long conference, gave there advice, saying, that the most assured way was to maintain the Catholic Romish religion, and the Catholic persons in Holland. etc. as also for the better securing of the King's inheritances unto himself, for that the Prince had given forth that he knew those that had a good will to take the same into their hands, 
The opinions o●… the com●…ers coun●…●…d others ●…ng the 〈◊〉 and mo●… on o●…●…on.  saying further, that seeing the point of sending out of strangers was agreed upon, that it ought to be effected upon good security, the King having natural netherlands Catholic Soldiers enough, whereof the experience was evidently to be seen, in the time of the regent the Duchess of Parma, that had pacified all the controversies in the country with the subjects of the same, which as then were well trusted before the coming of the Duke of Alva, and now are in a manner disinherited: when as their loyalty was once again tried, in the year 1568. when the Prince of Orange entered with an army into the country, and they kept him out, they likewise found it expedient that the general estates should be assembled, where unto they submitted themselves, and likewise esteemed it not to be so hard a matter, to permit and grant them freedom of conscience, without scandal and exercise thereof, as also to stay and dwell within the Country, as other foreign merchants both Dutchmen and Englishmen of contrary Religion did, for that in the mean time, GOD might so work in their hearts by good sermons and instructions as they would be converted, and that in all places the catholic religion might be erected and give good examples of honest life and conversation; using many such like arguments, with allegation of divers old customs and examples, but this would not be liked of by the counsel in Spain who had an other desseine, intending an absolute conquest: which notwithstanding it is said that the great commander himself, did often complain of in his death bed, and after that the Spaniards themselves. These articles being in this sort set down in the name of the King, yet could not the Prince of Orange believe that it was the King's meaning to send the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, and for that cause desired to see the Kings own hand and seal unto the same, which was showed him by the Baron de Rassinghen, who for security thereof kept the same against the Commanders will, who imagined, that the offers that were made would not have been so well accepted, and for that cause would have it proceed no further, saying, that the King was no merchant or would be constrained unto any thing, and that he liberally offered and presented such conditions, which they should have accepted of when they had time and place, and so seeking all delays, he caused his deputies to make answer, that he would send all the proceedings of that peace into Spain, and attended an answer 
The Prince of Orang and the States answer to the assembly at Breda.  from thence, ask four months time for the same, whereupon the deputies of Holland. etc. upon the fourteen of july, for there farewell made a declaration in writing, the contents whereof were to show how little the King's deputies were always afected to deal uprightly, in the contracts of peace, and that therefore they for there discharges, both before GOD and the world, would make it known unto them and every man, how they for there parts, had always fought and laboured to have an end of the wars: and so briefly declared from the beginning to the ending what had passed, from the first request sent unto the King by means of monsieur Champigny until there last declaration, which offers they said, without all exceptions to be reasonable▪ as to desire all security to be made, to be in peace and quietness during the withdrawing of the Spaniards and other strangers, until such time, as that the general estates being assembled, might end all controversies, to whom (from that time) they were content to refer all other questions, not only both touching the use of there religion, and their departure out of the country, but of all others things that concerned them: wondering, that after so many delays, in steed of giving a pertinent and sufficient answer, they delivered a captious and double answer in writing, seeking thereby to make there plain and upright Protestations and allegations to seem obscure and impertinent, and that being further urged, first by word of mouth, and after that by writing to show that they had no commission either to accept or refuse their offers, and in a case so clear, manifest and reasonable, to ask a delay of four months, and yet notwithstanding, from the beginning of the treaty of peace, they had bragged, that they had full power and authority from the King to deal therein: and by that double and dissembling kind of dealing they sought no other than by such offers, vain hopes, and proffers of peace, to abuse, deceive and make the estates and common people of the land careless of themselves and their preservation: that so they might the more easily surprise and bring them into perpetual slavery; knowing that they of Brabant and Flanders, with the rest of the provinces (in regard of this treaty, and during the same, as also in hope of a short time of truce) had rather endure all kind of burdens, then once seem to refuse it: as also, that during these delays, no open, nor secret enterprises were by them omitted, thereby to overthrow and ruin the country: and that the Prince and the estates and towns afore said, understood and perceived that their new desired delays tended to no other end: and that for the reasons afore said, they for there parts by that treaty sought no peace, but rather there ruin and utter destruction, and consequently all treaty of peace to be by them utterly rejected, and that in regard thereof, the Prince and the States and towns of Holland, were justly moved and forced, from thence forward to defend themselves, there wives, and children, together with their native country, to God's honour and glory against all such their unreasonable & ungodly pretences, by all means they could, declaring & protesting before God, & all the world, that they in that treaty of peace had sought all the means they could, to the end that they, with the Provinces of the Netherlands round about them, under his Majesty, and to God's honour & glory, might be united again together in a happy peace, unity, quietness, welfare, and prosperity for ever, and that therefore seeing the same could not be done, his Excellency, and the estates and towns aforesaid, should therein be excused before GOD and all the world, and they to the contrary culpable, and the only cause of not effecting the same, that seek nothing else, (through the common ruin and slavery of the Netherlands, by suppressing the authority of the general estates) but to establish and set up their own dominion, tyranny, and government, nevertheless, when-soever they should have received the answer out of spain, his Excellency and the States and towns aforesaid, having intelligence thereof, would be ready to proceed to a further treaty of peace with their Deputies, if they in the mean time should think it good, and that they might perceive, that they for their parts would deal with more sincerity and uprightness then heretofore they had done.  
The Hollanders at that time caused certain counters to be made of copper, for a memory, and in witness of that contract: on the one side having the garden or parlour of Holland with a Lion therein, and a sword in his paw, with this inscription, Securius bellum, pace dubia. etc. on the other side a hat signifying liberty; with this inscription, Libertas Aurea, cuius moderatur habenas ratio. This narration being delivered upon the fourteenth of july unto the commissioners for the King in Breda, who upon the same 
The King's Deputies answer to the 〈◊〉 last 〈◊〉 at the breaking up of the treaty of peace.  day made answer in writing: saying, that they had seen and perused their declaration, and therein found many high words, whereby they and others, wrongfully and without truth accused them that were his majesties Commissioners as their forepast writings, and more than sufficient offers bare witness, without any feigned dissembling, or double dealing, and that their said declaration, seemed to be wholly grounded upon the respite required, to advertise his Majesty as in such cases of importance, (notwithstanding the general commission) it is meet and usual to be done, declaring, and assuring them, that their meanings were not to avouch nor receive the said propositions set down in writing, otherwise then according to their precedent request, for the effecting of the same, staying the answer of his Majesty, and that having received the same, to advertise them, and so give further satisfaction to their allegations, as it should be found meet and convenient. Protesting before God and the world, that on his majesties part there was no want of will, nor any occasion given, of breaking off from the said treaty of peace, but to the contrary by the said Prince of Orange, & the Estates and towns of Holland and Zeeland. So that, they fully intended at the first, not to bring that peace (having once before understood the King's meaning and intent) to any good end.  
Thus was this treaty in Breda ended in july 1575. whereunto the Spanish Council, were nothing addicted, whereby each part sought their own good by several intents, 
1575.  which at the last fell out to be some furtherance to them of Holland & their adherents, 
This treaty of peace, made the Prince's cause to be better thought on by all men.  in the hearts of many men, although in the war it was hurtful enough unto themselves. But for that their request was, that, which generally all the seventeen provinces of the Netherlands desired, which was, the sending away of strange soldiers, and to be unburdened of their wilful and insolent government. And moreover that the government, and the point concerning the permission, or abolishing of the reformed religion, was referred to the censure and judgement of the assembly of the general States, which made every one to think well thereof, and caused them to be favoured of all men, as seeking the liberty of their native country: the Romish catholics themselves thinking, that they sought aid and assistance from the reformed religion, but for mere necessity, seeing that the permission thereof was referred to the general States which ought to be the lawful judges of that, which is thought to be profitable and serviceable for the Netherlands: for which cause every man sought to further their request, as in the end it appeared, for that the Commander dying, the Spaniards beginning to mutiny, and to be at contention amongst themselves, the country of shake of the Spanish yoke, made the pacification of Gaunt, in a manner conformable to the articles and propositions aforesaid, with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zeeland and there assotiates, in the year 1575. This treaty of peace succeeding not 
The commander resolves to wary.  as the Commander did well hope, he returns again to his course of war, wherein he resolves to be obstinate. He commanded the Signior of Hierges to go to field with the Spaniards and Walloons, and to attempt some good exploit in Holland or else where, under the union of the States; whereupon Hierges marched directly before the town and castle of Buren (which is not far from Bomel, belonging at this present to Philip of Nassau, Prince of Orange) the which the Governor yielded up with out any shot of 
The town & c●…stell of Buren y●…elded.  great ordinance, or any force offered him. The States would have puthim to death for his base covardise, but the Prince desiring to save his life sent him prisoner to the Castle of Goude, After the taking of Buren, Hierges did also cease upon some castles in that 
Leyden in 〈◊〉 ●…de an 〈◊〉.  quarter, but of small importance. At that time there was an university erected in the town of Leyden, for Holland and Zealand, by the States of the said two Provinces, indowing it with goodly previledges, whereunto were called from divers parts, Professors in all faculties, allowing them good stipends. This town is fair, neat and spacious, divided with divers channels, in the best air of all Holland & seems most fit for the muses. The 11. of june the Prince of Orange did marry in the the town of Bryele (one of the islands of Holland) the Lady Charlot of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of Montpensier, 
The Prince of Orange third marriage.  for his third wife, a Princess endowed with singular piety, by whom he had six daughters as we shall hereafter show. The 18. of july by the break of day, the Signior of Hierges came with his army before the town of Oudewater in Holland, with an intent 
Ou●…water be●…ged.  to besiege it: he had marched with great speed all night, to the end his coming might be unknown, which bred a great amazement in them when they first discovered him. At the same instant the ●…ort which was at the Scluse of the dike & channel, which goes to Montfort and to Vtrecht, within harguebuse shot of Oudewater, was abandoned by 
The fort of the Scluse basely abandoned.  the Scottishmen that were in it, the which they neither fired, nor retired the munition, as they ought to have done. This fort had been good ●…o have busied the Spaniards for some time, and have hindered their passage; and therefore ever man thought, yea the Spaniards themselves, that it should not be so soon abandoned, seeing that they might have retired their soldiers at need: And then the alarum was given in the town, and they began to give order to fortify and defend themselves: Some countrymen thereabouts retired themselves thither with their cattle, and others went forth to draw them out of the near pastures, and to bring them into the town. Some Bourguers (ill affected to that party) found means to go and yield unto the Spaniards, to give them intelligence of the whole estate of the town: yea they were seen to show them some 
A gallant 〈◊〉 made by captain Morcant.  places. Captain Morcant a Wallon, sallied forth with some of his troops, to fire certain houses standing upon the dike on the other side of the river of Yssel, towards Goude, near unto the port and bridge, the which he executed, whereupon there grew a skirmish, in the which both he and his soldiers discharged themselves well, where there were some hurt and slain of either side. After which time they resolved not to issue forth any more, for that they had to few men to hazard them lightly. The same day and soon after, there was an other fort abandoned, half a league from the town, at a Scluse upon the causey which goes to Goude, on the same side, where there was in garrison a captain Geldrois, called Willeken van Angren, the which was an imputation unto him, for they held the place tenable, and might have succoured the town, for that they might have raised the said Scluse, and cut the dike or causey of either side of the fort, as they did at Goude and Oudewater, to let the water of the River of Yssel run into the country, and by that meames succour the besieged with small galleys, as they had of late done at Leyden: but the Spaniard making haste to cast up a dike against it, hindered the water that it could not come soon enough from Goude to Oudewater. On the other side he stopped the river of Issell in such sort towards Goude (the tides being Low,) as the water at a spring tide could no more come unto the town, as it was wont, to disperse itself over the country by the said Scluses, and now it began to cover it towards Goude. In the town ditches the water was not above a foot deep: so as the town was environed and besieged round from the first day, in such sort as they could put no more soldiers into it as they desired, and as necessity required. They sent messengers to the Prince and States, who might well pass, but had no means to return. They sent others with Pigeons, but neither they nor their Pigeons returned any more: wherefore all this siege they had not any letters nor message from the Prince. In the mean time all the Captains, Maiestrats, soldiers and common people resolved with one general consent 
Resolution of them of Oudwater.  to hold good, even unto the death, if need were, and to employ all their means and force for the defence of the town. And although it were in poor estate, weak of all sides, and of great guard, having but four small companies, two of Walloons, of Morcant and St. Mary, one Flemish of Captain Munter, and one Scottish, whose Captain was absent, and could not enter in: all which companies were not above three hundred fight men: the number of Burghers also was small, for that many were retired feeling the storm approach: the hope of succours was small, or none at all, yet notwithstanding all these difficulties, they fainted not, nor lost any courage. This town was of great importance, and might easily, and with small charge have been made very strong, and almost impregnable, yet they had made but two ravelins towards the east, The companies of Saint Mary, Morcant, and the Scottish, were entered but few days before, for that the Spanish camp approached: after much denial, especially that of Moroant, who remained five hours upon the dike before he was assured whether he should enter or not. All towns do commonly so, refusing to receive so great a garrison 
〈◊〉 profit hurts the gene●…all.  as is needful, of two mischeefs to avoid the greater, and so many have been and are often lost like unto this, as afterwards the town of country and others, but when they can no more have it, than they desire it, but it is to late. Some Captains had also thought it good in the beginning too take up the Scluses, to cover the country with water: but some hindered that resolution to spare the hay that was mown, and the pasture: so the particular profit of some few, ruins a generality, for the which those private people do afterwards smart most.  
Those of Oudewater seeing themselves thus besieged, both great and small, wives and maids, began to fortify their town, continuing day and night, even unto the end: first they did mure up with earth their ports, towards Issell; that towards Goude remaining open, whilst that they brought in earth from a mill-mounte, joining to the town 
Go●…d order in the town.  (which might have covered the enemy) to rampar withal, and having brought it all into the town, they did in like sort damn up the same port making only a little postern. Then they rampared in all places, where they thought was greatest need, they beat down all the tower trees and houses that might hurt or annoy: and prepared all things that might serve for the defence of the town with great diligence. And although they knew not well the Spaniards resolution, whether he would batter or famish them: lest that the siege should continue too long, they set down an order for the victuals. And to the end the soldiers should not be drunk, they did forbid the brewing of any strong beer, reserving what there was; and the wine for their greatest necessity; and in like sort they caused money to be coined. In the mean time the Spaniard was not idle: first meaning to batter the town on the South side, he caused a french to be cast up, that he might make his approaches with less danger, from the place of execution where he planted his Cannon, which came of the one side to the town ditch, right against the turn-pike at the corner towards the West: and of the other about the middle port towards the East. And for that the besieged doubted that he would fall to mine, they presently made two countermines, one under the said turn-pike and the other under the port. But when they perceived that they would batter the town and take it by assault, they filled up those countermines with powder, to blow them up when they should give an Assault.  
The third of August the Spaniards began to batter with one only piece (which he had planted the night before) the Church steeple, standing at the foot of the rampire towards the west, the which they continued all the day: the first boullet fell into the Church, weighing forty and three pounds, the night following he added an other to it, and with these two pieces he continued his battery against the said Steeple meaning (as 
1575.  it seemed) to fill up the ditch with the ruin thereof, and to pass over it going to the assault; but for that the besieged were in fear thereof, they undermined it on the town side, and vnderpropt it with great beams the which being burnt, it must needs fall of their side, if of necessity it were to be beaten down: but the Spaniard seeing that he advanced little, he turned his pieces to batter in Flank.  
The sixth Day of the month in the morning, the rest of the artillery being planted the night before, being in all five and twenty pieces, The signor of Hierges General of the Army, caused the town to be summoned to yield unto him in the name of the 
Oudwater summoned to yield and refuseth.  King of Spain and of the great Commander his Lieutenant, with promise of good usage, using withal great threats if they did it not speedily: setting before their eyes the ordinary cruelty of the Spaniards, which he should not be able to prevent although he would. The answer of all the captains was, that they had received no such commission neither would they nor could they deliver it up with their honours & reputations▪ but they were content to send a man to the Prince & States (if it pleased him) to know their advice and pleasure yet; Captain Morcants opinion was to say, that the soldiers were not in good terms with the Bourguers, to stay the battery for one day, and in the mean time to arm themselves the better against an assault. This answer being delivered to the Seignor of Hierges, who stayed near unto the ordinance, he presently caused all to be discharged, and so continued the battery until night, with such fury, as the captains had never seen nor heard the like, having discharged that day a thousand 
The besieged prepare to defend the breach.  four hundred and fifty shot. In the mean time the besieged rampared as fast as they could, and prepared all things fit to defend the breach, as hoops covered with toe, and pitch or resin, to cast them burning upon the assailants, great cauldrons full of scalding water near unto the breach, burning lime, lead molten; boiling oil, with all other devices to annoy them coming to the Assault. They filled also many little sacks full of earth, to cover the besieged at the rampar when they should come to defend the breach, finally before the port where the greatest battery was, and which they most doubted, they made a little half Moon, the which was finished in one night, within the 
The deligen●… of the beseeg●…  which they laid planks full of nails, and a great Mortar charged with the heads of cart nails, and other pieces of iron. The breach which the Spaniards had made in the day, was rampared up in the night, not sparing any thing, Noah not the hemp and flax that was ready dressed, whilst that the enemy was busiy to fill up the ditch to mount unto the Breach.  
The seventh day of the month, as the besieged thought to have an assault given, having prepared the day before to defend it courageously, they made their prayers, and set all things ready upon the rampar; the cannon began to play again, and broke in a manner all, so as they were forced to retire the rest, the which they could not place again. The battery continued until Noon, no less furious than the day before, and then they gave two or three false assaults. A little after noon, began the great assault, the which continued a good hour, where as the soldiers, Bourguers, wives, maids and boys did their uttermost endeavours to resist them, with those instruments which they had prepared: but the charge was so great, and continued with such numbers, as 
Oudwater taken by Assault.  the chief defendants being slain or hurt, the rest were forced to abandon the Rampar to the victorious enemy. Captain Saint Mary (who was also Sergeant Maior) was slain there, with the Lieutenant of the Scottish company, captain Muntre was wounded, whereof he died soon after being prisoner. Captain Morcant was also hurt and a prisoner, and afterwards delivered in exchange of an Ancient and a Sergeant Spaniards, whom his wife bought, else there had been no mercy for him, for that a little before he had come and yielded himself to that party, objecting unto him that he was the cause why the town would not yield by Composition. The Commander did also write two or three letters to the Governor of Viana to put him to death: but the said Spaniards had such good friends as he was delivered for them. In this assault there were very many Spaniards slain, hurt, and burnt; the slaugter was great in the town the Spaniards sparing neither age nor sex, Noah not women great with child, tearing the 
The cruelty of the Spaniard.  infants even out of their wombs. The Priests and Monks showed themselves most bloody of all: few men escaped for ransom, some women and children were ransomed; of all the soldiers there escaped not twenty. The town was spoiled and afterwards quite b●…rnt, nothing remaining but the Church, one Cloister and some houses: no man knew who fired it, nor how it came, which was the cause of the saving of many women and children, for they that spoilt it being for the most part Spaniards and italians, which entered first, pardoned some, to help to save the movables that were in the houses from the fire, and during this fire their fury was somewhat pacified: moreover the Signior of Hierges caused a proclamation to be made by the drum, that no women nor children should receive any harm. The Minister of the town was taken, and after they had slain his son before his eyes, they led him out of the town, where they hanged him upon a gibbet. He had been set at five hundred florins ransom, but being known, they put him in that manner to death, Chrestine of Queillerie Minister of the Wallon Companies, was not known, and having remained five weeks a prisoner, in the end he was delivered for three hundred florins ransom. In this sort the poor town of Oudewater was taken and ruined. After the taking of this town which was the 7. of August the Signior of Hierges went the 12. day to invest the town of Schoonhoven, whether 
Schoonhoven 〈◊〉 by the Spa●….  the Prince sent the Signior of La guard Colonel of the French, a gentleman that was learned, and had been long practised in the excercise of Arms, of whom we have spoken in the siege and vitteling of Leyden: who not only in war but also in matters of State hath done great service to the Prince and States, by his wi●…e and grave council, who (although the town was not to be held, having no rampar of any strength, and besides most of the Bourguers ill affected to the Prince after he had endured a battery of 26. cannons, and the Spaniards having made a breach of 300. paces, attending the assault a whole day and seeing that the Bourguers would rampare up nothing in the 
Schoonhoven y●…lded by an honest Composition.  night, fearing to have enemies both within and without, the next day the Spaniards being ready to renew their battery) by an honourable commposition he saved the town, his men, their arms and Baggage, for he could not have defended it long with honour.  
Whilst that the Signior of Hierges with this Spanish army made war in Holland, the King of Spain's Vice-admiral borne in Middelbourge, persuaded the great Commander to attempt an enterprise upon the Island of Ziricxzee, the which he said was easy to be executed, and thereby he might subdue with more facility the I'll of Walchrens, and so divide the Zeelanders from them of Holland. His reasons seemed probable, 
The Spaniards de●… upon Ziricxzee.  and they came from one, who in sea causes had good experience, and was wel-acquainted with all the passages of the country, and with that sea, The Commander notwithstanding any difficulties that might contradict the undertaking of this enterprise, and knowing of what importance the happy success thereof might be, would have it put in execution. To this end he gathered together his army and embarked them suddenly, going himself in person along the Island of Tolen, near to the I'll of Schauwe, the which he would surprise, being divided only by a river: there were in the I'll of Tolen many forts upon the dikes, furnished with good artillery, which kept the Protestants ships from passing, so as they could not hinder the Spaniards passage, yet the Zeelanders had some forts right against them, so as they shot often one at an other. The 28. of September the Commander caused his men to pass at a low water into the Island of Saint Anne, notwithout great pain and toil, whereas they planted their camp in Saint Annes Bourg, along the dike. Sanchio d'Auila who at that time was Admiral in the absence of Cont Bossu (being prisoner at Horn) came thither with his ships, bringing a good troop of footmen, and so they entered at a low water into the Island of Duyvelandt on Saint Michales day. The next day he went with his galleys towards the Island of Schoven, otherwise called Zirixzee, where they entered also, but with great 
The Span●…s 〈◊〉 ●…nto the 〈◊〉 Ziricxzee.  toil, his men being so wet and tired, as they had been easily defeated, if there had been such order given as was fit. Being past, and having taken Brouwershaven, and some other forts of the Island, and of other small islands, without loss of any men, they went to besiege a strong place called Bomened, the which they did batter four days together, and then gave an assault, but it was so valiantly defended as at that time they 
1575..  were repulsed with loss. The next day they gave an other assault the which continued 6. hours being 4. or 5. times renewed with fresh men, whereas the Spaniards & Walloons were so bravely repulsed as they would no more return. But in the end the Germans going to charge, & the besieged being so tired with fight as they could no longer stand, they were forced, and all slain. It is said that in all these assaults of Bomende, the Spaniard lost about 1500. men: the besieged being not above 300. of the which their were not above 3. or 4. saved, who escaped strangely. From thence the Spaniards went to the town of Ziricxee, the which they did invest the first day, thinking it would yield at their first approach: but being well furnished of all things necessary, and the Burghers resolved to defend themselves, being in hope of succours, the Spaniard found himself deceived 
The siege of ziricxee.  of his expectation, so as they were forced to use more force than they intended. And first to cut of all succours they took from them the entry of the haven, & although the channel be broad there, yet they shut it up with a great chain from one side to the other, whereas they planted ordinance to defend it. The protestāns ships made sundry attempts, and did much annoy the Spaniards, yet they could not break the chain. About this time there parted a fleet of ships from Spain, called Zabres, which came & anchored at the Ile-wight, belonging to England, where having received such refresh as 
A fleet from Spain with new soldiers.  they needed, than they came to Dunkirk, where having landed their besognes or new levied soldiers, & the money which they brought, they were forced to winter, and the ships to be in the haven of Dunkirk: during the which, by reason of great tempests, & ill order in looking to them, they were all spoiled, so as they could serve to no use for the war. In the mean time john du Bois attorney general in the Netherlands for the king of Spain, was sent as agent into England by the Commander, to entreat her majesty to 
The Commander sends an agent into England.  banish all the King's rebels that were retired thither. The which was at the first refused him, the Queen finding it very strange & unworthy the Majesty of a Prince, to chase away the poor exiled Netherlanders, who were fled into her dominions to save their lives and to avoid the Spanish tyranny, practised both against their bodies and consciences. Showing the mischief which had ensued, & how much the King his master had been preiudized in the like case 3. years before, when at his request she had driven out of her Ports the Earl of Marck, and them of his company with their ships, who being thus chased away to all adventures, seeking a place of retreat, they seized upon the Island and town of Briele, so as it had been better for the King he had not made any such request: notwithstanding at the instance of the Agent, the Queen gave commandment to all captains & officers of her Ports and havens, not to suffer any one to enter, and to cause all those retire, that did carry arms against the King of Spain. Among the which that might not enter, or that were there already, were particularly named. The Prince of Orange & all those of his house, the Earls of Culenburg, Vandan-bergh and la Marck, the signor of Esquerdes and of Lumbres brethren, Rumen, Carnesse, Noielles, Blioul, Bredam, Boisot, Saint Aldegonde, Mansart, Vanden Dorp, Ʋander Aa, Houtain, Vanden Timpel, junius and many others, to the number of fifty by name. This was granted by the Queen, for that by doctor Wilson her agent, she had obtained of the Commander, that the Earl of Westmoreland & all other English rebels should be in like sort banished out of the low-counties: and that the English ships, 4. at once (the which she had also obtained 
The States resolve for th●… preseruatio●….  from the Prince of Orange) might traffic freely at Antwerp, and in all other places. During this negotiation, the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zealand, finding by that had passed at the last conference at Breda, that there was no assurance of peace with the King of Spain, whereby they might enjoy the exercise of their religion, they consulted to what part they should turn, & whom they should seek unto, to preserve their lives, wives, children and goods against the violence of the king of Spain: whereupon they propounded to choose one of 3. great & mighty monarchs, for their Protector which was the Empire, France or England. As for the Empire, they found great difficulty & least hope there, considering the diversity of religion, and the small union that was betwixt the Princes of Germany, one distrusting an other, and every one troubled with care how to maintain his own estate in peace, free from the practices; as well of the Spaniards, as of the adverse party: besides the said Princes would never endure, that 
1576.  any one of them in particular, should take upon him above the rest, the state & government of the Netherlands, whereby he might exceed the rest in force and means. Moreover the King of Spain had many great friends there: first the Emperor his brother in law, than the dukes of Baviere and other Protestants, besides the bishops: And that before they should incorporate the said Netherlands unto the Empire, their would be a year and a day spent, before the States thereof would agree upon so important a business: the which could not be effected without an Imperial diet, wherein they should want no opponents that would contradict it. As for France it was not found counenient, not only by reason of the perjuries, massacres & cruelties lately committed there, but for many other inconveniences which would follow it: and that France was now exhausted and drawn dry of money and means by reason of the civil wars, the which were not yet fully pacified. And admit the French were well affected to them, yet could it not be done without great distrust of either part: which would have bred a continual war betwixt the united Provinces of Holland, Zeeland and their associates, and the Brabansons, Flemings, Artesiens' and them of Henault, who had rather have war against the French by reason of their old quarrels, then against the united States. As for the English, notwithstanding the difficulties of the tongues, they found not any in their opinions more fit to receive them under their protection, not only by reason of the conformity of religion, but also for the Queen's greatness, her neighbourhood, and the navigation and traffic from one country to another; whereby Spain should be out of hope to be commanders at sea: besides the realms of Denmark & Sueden, the county of Emden, and the Hans towns of the East countries, did not only desire it, but also entreated it might take effect, & that they might join with them in a new league. The which would also cause Brabant, Flanders, and other provinces, to seek to be comprehended in this league: yea and France itself, that they might with their common forces weaken the Spaniards, and reduce him unto reason: so as by the means of England those countries should be for ever maintained in peace, rest, and prosperity. The estates and the Prince 
The united states send to demand succours from England.  having duly considered which of these three might be most available for them, seeing that the estate of their affairs required a speedy resolution of the one, before that their enemies should prevail more over them; they concluded that they must seek to the Queen of England, wherefore applying themselves unto the time, and to reason, & to that which their religion required, & their estate had most need of; they sent into England Philip of Marnix signor of S. Aldegunde, john Vander-dorpe signor of Nortwyck, William of Nyvelt, Paul Buys advocate for the states of Holland Doctor Malson a Lawyer with others, with commission, to make a league with the Queen: or to submit themselves under her prot●…tiō: or if necessity so required, to acknowledge her for their Princess & sovereign Lady, issued from the Earls of Holland & Zeeland, by the Lady Philipot, daughter to William the third of that name, Earl of Henault and Holland, etc. Whereupon the Queen, weighing of the one side the hatred of the Spaniards, the jealousy of the French, & the great charges she must be at, if she undertook their cause, grew cold in satisfying of their demands. Besides the great Commander had sent the Lord of Champaigny unto the Queen, who prevailed so with his eloquence ', as she resolved rather to entertain the amity of Spain, then to accept the offers the states made unto her, and to seek some means to reconcile both parties, for the quiet of her realm: for the which she entreated the King by a particular discourse & by protestation, that if he would not agree with his Netherlands & give them peace, that he should not think it strange, if for her own safety she did lay hold upon Holland and Zeeland, before the French her natural enemies. In this ●…ort the requests of the united states were refused, giving them leave notwithstanding to levy men and munition within her realm for their money, and to transport it: & so p●…ssed the year 1575. the Spaniards remaining before Ziricxzee. At this time the Commander gre●… bare of money, so as there began a general alteration, by reason of the soldiers insolencies being unpaied; whereupon he sought all means to tax every 
The Cōman●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  town at his discretion, as he had done the villages of the champain country, ask 28000. gilders monthly of Antwerp, to pay Colonel Hannibal Vander-Ens regiment, who threatened the town if they would not pay it. Then was the King of Spain found to be indebted to the Spanish, Genoa & other merchants called Foukers, in the sum 
The King of Spain's b●…bt.  of foverteene Millions and a half of crowns or ducats, besides what he ought unto his soldiers, which sum did rise so heigh by reason of the interest money, whereof the Pope being advertised, he gave the King a dispensation of all his promises, contracts and mortgages, whereby he might lawfully break and recall the same, where upon the King upon the first of September 1575. made a proclamation, and an other the fifth of December, 1577. whereby he called in, disannulled, and made void his contracts and promises made unto all his creditors, reducing his debt to a smaser sum. This want of money in the King, and his great debts were not to be wondered at, for at the same time the netherlands wars had cost him above forty two millions of ducats, whereof the most part came out of Spain, besides all the loss which the Netherlands had sustained by the daily spoils, and ruin of towns, villages, castles and houses. This want of money and the Kings falling in debt, in this governors time, bred a contempt 
The demand of Flanders to the commander.  of the Commander, so as in steed of receiving money, the Provinces complained, some demanding restitution of their liberties, others to be freed of their garrisons, according to his promise, others demand an account as they of Flanders, who had promised 100000 gilders, upon condition that out of the same they should deduct the losses they had sustained by the Spaniards, and should have a due account of all that had been disbursed to the soldiers for service and lodging money, as also that the soldiers should depart out of Flanders, and be punished for the wrongs and insolencies they had committed, that good marshal discipline should be observed, that goods confiscated should be restored according to their previledges: that the bloody council might be put down, and no other appointed in the place thereof, but that all causes might be decided by the Provincial councils. That all previledges might be restored, and the tax of the tenth penny utterly abolished, for the which all the Provinces in general made great instance, whereupon the Contributions ceased, neither did the commisaries pay or receive any money; for which cause the Commander was advised to assemble the general States, or their deputies in Brussels, who being there assembled made a petition, the chief author whereof was Richardot Bishop of Arras, a learned and well spoken man. The chief points whereof were, protesting first, that they would not abandon the Catholic Romish religion, nor their due obedience to his majesty, entreating that all strangers might 
The request of the commander.  be sent out of the Netherlands, and that the Nobility and natural borne in the country might be employed in their places: that marshal discipline might be observed, and that the contributions of the country might be employed to the use that they were granted, that their privileges might be maintained and kept: that the King might be duly informed of all things, and that he might have a council of Netherlanders by him, to have a care of all things that concerned those Countries, and that the mutined Spaniards might be punished, and the bands of ordinance new erected. This request being presented unto the Commander, who was then in Duyveland he was much troubled, crying out D●…os nos libra de estos estadoes, and so came presently to Antwerp, where he made known the reason why he had assembled the estates, which was to have money, and they presented him a petition, whereunto he made answer, that he would do his best endeavour to persuade the king to yield to their desires. Whilst that the Spaniards were at work before Ziricxzee the protestants were not idle in Holland, for the 11. of February 
The fort of Crimpen taken by the Protestants of Holland.  1576. they took a great fort called Crimpen, in the gulf of the river of Leck, by the which they did warrant all places betwixt Dordrecht and Rotterdam. After the taking of Schoonhoven the Signior of Hierges went to besiege the town of Woerden the which he did block up very straightly, for that he could prevail nothing by battery, by reason of the Inondation, neither could he approach his cannon so near as to plant it in battery, for there were two pieces drowned which he had planted, being not able to retire them. During the siege of Ziricxzee which the Spaniard pretended to get by famine, done Lewis of Requesens great Commander of the castile, Governor and Lieutenant 
The death of the great Commander.  general to the King of Spain in the Netherlands died the 5. of March in Brussels, of a pestilent fever, or else of the plague itself. After whose death the King not able so soon 〈◊〉 dispose of another governor, which the States required might be a Prince of the blood▪ according to the privileges and oath of the said king) the government of the 
1576.  said co●…tries was put into the hands of the council of State, which caused some alterations, as we will presently show▪ Chiappin Vitelli Marquis of Cetona, marshal of the 
〈…〉.  king of pain, army, died a little before, being fallen out of his coach, from the top of a dike in the land of Ziriczee (otherwise called Schouwen) wherewith he was sore bruised being a heavy and a corpulent man: he was put into a bark to be conveyed to Antwerp, but he died by the way: he had been a brave soldier, & of great experience, but a scorner of all religion being accustomed to say; Morto mi, morto mi Caval, which is as much as to say, when I am dead, all the world is dead, which is the proverb of an Atheist. The Duke of ●…orence had sent him to serve the King of Spain, to be rid of him, for some hard conceit he had of him. It was said that some by the duke's command had played him this trick upon the dike: unless as some said) the devil himself did it.  
The Prince of Orange hearing that Ziriczee was so distressed, as without speedy succours it would be lost, having endured a siege of seven months, came into the I'll of Walchrens, to advice of the means to succour it. The Zelanders prepared an army by sea to victual it, but all the passages were so guarded by the Spaniards, & the river so strictly shut up as thinking the 13. of june to do some great exploit, they did nothing but lost some of their ships, and many of their men, among others Lewis of Boisot their Admiral, whose eldest brother Charles of Boisot governor of the Island of Walchrens, had been slain before at the passage of the Spaniards into Saint Annelandt, Philip-landt & 
The Adm●…ll 〈◊〉 slain.  Duyvelandt. After the death of the great Commander, the King's council of state made Peter Ernest earl of Mās●…ieldt, governor of Luxembourg, general of the Spanish army, whilst that the said council should manage the affairs of state, until the King should otherways dispose thereof. The King approved all, hoping it would prove successful unto him; for it seemed unto him that matters should be managed with more modesty than they had been under the Duke of Alva, or the great Commander. In the mean time the town of Ziriczee not able to hold out any longer, sent their deputies to the council 
Ziriczee yielded to the King's council of state.  of State at Brussels, who received them, and made an agreement with them, whereupon the town was yielded to the King's obedience, the soldiers departing with arms and baggage, but no colours flying, nor drums sounding, nor matches lighted, until they were embarked, & their two ministers with them, and 13. strangers, the Burghers paying a hundred thousand Florins for their ransom: And that Adolph of Hemstede, vice-admiral of An●…werp (taken prisoner two years before) should be delivered without ransom. It was decreed that Sanchio d' Auila should retire from thence with his Spaniards, in whose place Colonel Mondragon should enter with his regiment of Walloons. This victory of Ziriczee (like unto that of Harlem and the battle of Mocken) caused a mutiny among the Spaniards. The soldiers which had continued all the winter before the town▪ ●…d end●…red great miseries, seeing themselves in a poor wretched Island, where there was nothing to be gotten, so as taking an occasion upon the arrearages of 
A mutin●…e am●…ng the spa●…ards.  their pay, they gathered together about 1500. men, and in despite of their Colonels and Captain●…, who ●…ought to dissuade them by all means, leaving the Island of Schouwen and the town of Ziriczee, they retired into Brabant, having made an enterprise on Brussels, which they thought to spoil, or at the least to hold it for their pay. But the inhabitants having some intelligence thereof, went to arms, & kept good guard, so as the Spaniards were forced to retire. The King's council of state, seeing the danger that might grow by this mutiny, thought it fit to treat with them, to see if they might pacify them. The charge was given to Cont Peter Ernest of Mansfieldt, who went to parley with them in a village four leagues from Brussels, but they would do nothing without mon●…▪ he told them that there was no money in the King's coffers, but they should be paid the first that came out of Spain: these words did incense them more than before, so as they resolved to seize upon some strong place, the which they might hold until they were paid; and so they came in the end of july to Alost, the which they surprised 
〈…〉.  without any resistance. Soon after they went & besieged the castle of Lydekerke a strong place in Brabant the which was yielded them by the Lord of the place although there were some of the Earl of Roeux regiment in it, and a great number of peasants: but it seemed that the Earl of Roeux favoured the Spaniards, and so he was suspected. The Duke of Arscot, the Earl of Mansfieldt, with jeronimo de Roda chief of the council of troubles, (who had succeeded in the place of john de Vergas retired with the Duke of Alva) went thither to pacify them: but it was well known that what Arschot and Mans●…dt did, was to draw themselves out of the danger of the fury of the people of Brussels, who were much moved, and the said jeronimo de Roda to go and join with the mutines, as he did in Alost, where he was well welcome, and acknowledged for their head. The States of the Duchy of Brabant, considering these proceedings, and the excess of the Spaniards, made their complaints unto the general estates of the Netherlands, entreating them to provide for the avoiding of further inconveniences, but it seemed that in steed of punishing them, the council of State did wink at their doings: for although that the States of Brabant had proclaimed them enemies; yet was there not any order taken, as if this declaration had been but a vail to blind them of Brabant, yet they must unmask themselves, for the said council of 
The mutine●… proscrib●…d.  State had caused them to be proscribed & given leave to all men to kill them, or otherwise to entreat them in any hostile manner. Then was the time fit to chase away the mutinous Spaniards. In a manner all the towns of Brabant and Flanders, yea of Arthois and Henault took arms, every one beginning to cast his eye upon this jeronimo 
All the country in arm●…s to chase away the spaniards.  de Roda a Spanish priest, and other councillors and Noblemen Spaniolized. And as they were not very sure of their persons, so could they in no sort trust them: and the rather for that they see the Marquis of Haurec and others newly come from Spain, were they that did most hate the Spaniards. Somewhat to pacify this distrust, it was concluded betwixt the states of Brabant and Sanchio d' Auila, that jeronimo de Roda who went and came from Alost to Brussels, and other Spanish Cavaliers, should retire from Brussels and go to Antwerp, and that some other Noblemen of the country should go to Brussels. In the mean time whilst that the States gathered soldiers together, the Colonels did all they could to provide money to pay their mutined soldiers in Alost, fearing some greater inconvenience: the money being ready, they sought to pacify them, but they were then bitterly incensed and discontented, partly for that they had been declared rebels and enemies to the country, & partly for that they understood of the great preparation that was made against him: so as the Colonels were forced to let them alone. In the mean time they of Brussels took four companies of the ordinary garrison of Walloons for their guard. The council of Brabant on the other side, being much disquieted and discontented with the oppressions & spoils which the mutins made in the champain country, and at the winking of the council of state, who made no show to remedy it, with the advise of some of their Prelates and ecclesiastical 
The King's council of state seized on, and why.  members, they appointed the siegnior of Heze, governor of the town of Brussels, and the siegnior of Glives great ba●…liffe of Brabant, with the assistance of the Bourgesses, to seize upon the council of state, the which was done the 4. of September. The chief of them and those that were most Spaniolized, and suspected unto them of the country, were the Earls of Mansfieldt and Barlamont, Christopher d'Assonuille a councillor, and the Secretary Berti, and Scharemberg, all which were carried to prison. The duke of 
The Duke of Arschot made chief●… of the council of State.  Arschot was chosen chief by provision, until the first convocation of the general Estates, the which should be held at Berghen upon Soom, where he should be allowed & confirmed by a general consent. There were letters written to the other Provinces and towns, in the behalf of them of Brabant, to draw them into their society, with their justification for the taking of the said Noblemen, and a declaration of the love & affection they bore unto their country as followeth.  
My masters, it is notorious to all the world, how the Spaniards (borne in poverty, 
Letters from the States of Brabant to the provinces and towns 〈◊〉 parti●…ular.  and come out of a poor country) observing the riches & wealth of these Netherlands, have always sought (which now they show by effect,) to plant themselves there, to make it their continual abode, and to hold the greatest and best offices: but not able to attain thereunto (our privileges not admitting any stranger to be advanced to any office) they have fought by all means possible utterly to ruin it. Having therein showed their pernicious design at the first alteration which happened in these Netherlands 
1576.  in the year 1566. the which the Duchess & the council did very discreetly pacefy; so as since they have enjoyed some rest, all questions being laid aside. The which by a natural and inveterate hatred against these countries, they have made proof of, when as they sent the duke of Alva into these parts, who well instructed in Machivells' precepts, put many of the chief and ancient Nobility to death, building here and there Citadels, to reduce the people into slavery; besides the excessive and insupportable impositions and executions, as of the 30. and 10. penny of all merchandise: advancing the scum of his lewd instruments, to offices of greatest honour: entertaining a multitude of traitors and spies among the people to observe their actions and words ●…and against the liberties, freedoms and previledges of the country, hindering & forbidding the connocation of the general Estate●…, he suffered his Spaniards to commit all sorts of insolencies and villenies with an unrestrained liberty, to kill and murder whom they thought good, to force and ravish wi●…es and virgins, noble and base, and to commit all sorts of cruelties with impunity: not only by their Commanders and captains, but also by the meanest soldier among them. Whereby we see that the riches and wealth of these countries which was wont to be very great, is now come to nothing, and the glory of our ancestors turned to ignominy and shame. And which is more, it doth not appear that they will desist from their courses in the least point, until that by their thefts, robberies, spoiling, burnings and devastations, they have made these countries a wilderness & desert. As of late by their mutiny, under colour that they are not paid their entertainment, they practise all acts of hostility threatening (in case they be not paid) to ruin many good towns: being to that end retired out of the Island of Ziricxee, and come into the country of Brabant, to show the hatred where with they are inflamed against us: having a design to cease upon the noble and mighty town of brussels, (the abode of the Court) to spoil it: but seeing themselves discovered, & that the good inhabitants of the said town were in arms, and stood upon their guard, changing their design, they have fallen upon Flanders, and in hostile manner have surprised Alost, threatening to do the like unto brussels & to destroy it: wherefore the States of Brabant considering what miseries and calamities all these practices might bring unto the country, they held them not to be any longer tolerated: and having laid them before the council of State, they were also of the same opinion and have thought it necessary to resist such insolencies and violences, declaring the Spaniards to be as rebels and enemies to the King and States, punishing them according to their merits. Whereupon the States have decreed that to maintain the royal authority, and for the defence of the country, there should be a levy made of horse and foot. But whereas it hath been discovered, that some of the council of State did secretly and under hand favour the said rebels and mutines, yea did incorrage and persuade them to set upon the town of brussels, and to extort and wrest from them a great sum of money, seeking also to hinder the levy of men of war as the States had decreed, opposing themselves against it ●…ith all their power, and seeking to disappoint the intentions and means of the States, and by lies and falsehoods to frustrate their good councils, and wholesome resolutions, all to the advancement of these mutines: finally having made show that their country's good is displeasing unto them, and that they will in no sort divert and prevent the mischief, seeking rather to defend and maintain these Spaniards their enemies, until that new succours may be sent them from Spain. Every one may hereby easily ●…dge of the equity of the State's cause, in that they seek council and means to defend themselves against the tyranny of the Spanish nation, who by their pride, despite and irreconcilable hatred, which they have long nourished and entertained (as if they had presently conquered all the country by their arms) think to dispose thereof at their pleasures, imposing upon them a perpetual yoke of servitude, after they had spoiled them of their previledges and freedoms (which hitherto we have preserved and maintained) under the cruelties of the inquisition of Spain. To prevent the which, and to resist them by all means possible, the States of Brabant have thought it sit to seize upon the people of such councillors, being secret favourers & adherents to the enemies of the country, until that the King may be fully informed of the estate 
1576.  here, as we hope he shall be shortly, being resolved to advertise him particularly and of our good intentions and the affection we bear unto our country, who will never endure any thing that shall be contrary to the duty of his majesties good and faithful servants.  
At this time there was a great discontent betwixt the English & the Zelanders, who could not endure to see that the Merchants of the Netherlands under the K. of Spain's 
A discontent b●…wixt the English and the zelanders.  obedience, should traffic into Spain in English ships, under the name of Englishmens goods, although they did belong to them of Antwerp, Tournay, Lille, Valencie●…es and other towns. Of which ships the Zeelanders took some, the which by the iudg●… of the Admiralty were adjudged good prize. The complaints hereof being come into England, and four of the Zelanders ships being driven in by fowl weather near unto Plymouth, the English arrested them, and kept the captains prisoners. The mariners having found means to escape, and to return into Holland, complained of that which had happened to their Captains and ships: dur●…g this breach the Zeelanders took at divers times 14. English ships, whereof the English demanded ●…stitution, for the which they sued in the Admiralty court, so as in the end they did agree upon certain conditions; among others, that all the ships should be restored of either side, & that the English merchants should lend unto the states of Holland and Zeeland a good sum of money. This accord made, and the English ships restored (those of Zeeland being quite spoiled, having been so long abandoned by their men) the English merchants having what they desired would not furnish what they had promised by the accord, saying, it had been extorted by force, and moreover arrested the persons and goods of ten or twelve of the chief merchants of Holland and Zeeland: suing unto the Queen to have some ships of war to waf●… their cloth, wool and other merchandise over to Dunkirk. But the Queen desired to have all quarrels reconciled and ended, to which end Philip of Villiers, Minister of the French Church was sent by the merchants of the low-countries remaining in England, to the Prince of Orange: whilst that these matters were in question and that the English ships of war made their convoys unto Dunkirk, the English took five or six Zelanders ships, the which they spoilt, keeping the captains prisoners. These alterations and discontents did much please the Spaniards, who hoped to make good use thereof: but the Prince sent captain Barkley an Englishman, with so good instructions, as the Queen was well satisfied, whose pleasure was that all quarrels should be ended, & the ships & prisoners delivered, to the loss of the English merchants who had been the motives. After the seizing of the lords of the council of State, some noblemen of authority (whereof the Earl of Lalain governor of Henault was one of the chief) sent in the name of the States of Brabant, to beseech Frantis of Vallois Duke of 
The duke of Anjou sent fo●… into the low countries.  Anjou & Alencon, the French kings only brother, to embrace their quarrel against the Spaniards, and to receive them into his protection. For his better satisfaction he came in post with fifteen or sixteen horse to Mons in Henault, (having passed by Lens in Henault, where he was known by some private persons, and saluted by the Lord of Capres, afterwards Earl of Henin.) Having conferred with the Earl of Lalain & some others, he returned suddenly as he came, promising to succour them, as soon as the peace should be concluded in France. In the mean time the States of Brabant solicit the other provinces of the country, and entreat them to join with them, to chase away the strangers, as well Spaniards, Italians, Bourgognons, as any other that were in league 
A league against the m●…tines.  with the mutines. The country of Henault at the persuasion of the Earl of Lalain▪ the Earl of Reneberg and the Baron of Fresin join first, by reason of their proximity and neighbourhood: Flanders, Arthois, Lille, Dovay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis & other Provinces followed them (except Luxembourg & Namur, whereof Mansfeldt & Barlamont, that were prisoners, were governors) and they make a league & perpetual union betwixt them, to aid one an other with all their means against the tryanny of strangers. The Earl of Roch governor of Arthois (although he were brother in law to Cardinal Granuelle, whether it were to play the good fellow, or that he durst not oppose himself against the States) hearing that some italians of these mutines were entered into his government▪ he sent to all the towns to put themselves in arms against them, and every one to chase them out of his jurisdiction. Gren●…t brother to the signor of Werp and myself, went out of Bethune with about fifteen hundred men, to encounter them, & to join with them of Arras, Hesdin air, Saint Omer and other towns, so as in all we might have made five thousand men. But the only brute hereof made the italians retire towards Cambresis, and from thence into Henaut, from whence the Earl of Lalain did in like sort chase them.  
The King's council was much troubled and perplexed at this mutiny, the which turned into a general alteration (which they term Alborotto) and they feared some greater inconvenience, if the French should chance to deal in it: wherefore they send some special persons among them to require the mutined Spaniards, to rest satisfied with such money as they had in hand, being impossible to furnish any more. But it was labour lost; for on the otherside Don Fernando of Toledo caused those men which he had in Holland to come into Brabant: and so did Don Alonso de Vergas, general of the horse: who retired themselves with their men into the castle of Antwerp, as into a place of safe retreat. Sanchio d' Auila castellan of the said castle, sent for the Spanish 
The Castle of Antwerp a retreat for the chief of the ●…utines.  Merchants that were in the town, entreating them to furnish (upon his word and promise to be paid at a certain day,) as much v●…ctualls and munition of war as he should demand, the which they did, so as the castle was well supplied of all things to endure a long siege. julien Romero did the like in the town of Liere, and captain Montis●…oqua at Mastricht.  
The States on the other side were not negligent to levy men every where, doing what they could to keep the Spanish forces, as well mutineers as others, from joining together, or to have intelligence one with an other, suffering nothing to pass to those towns and places which they held. There were then betwixt Louvain and Tillemont five companies of these mutined Spaniards, italians and Bourgognons, lodged in the Village of Wessenaken. The States sent the signor of Glimes to dislodge them from thence, having with him the garrisons of brussels and of Louvaine, with some men at arms, being in all about three thousand men; with whom there joined some Burghers of brussels & some scholars of Louvaine, some to the fight, others to get some spoil, so as it seemed that he that would not go did not love his country. The Spaniards being advertised by their spies, the General Alonso de Vergas being joined with them with his horse, lay in ambush in a little wood near unto this village, commanding the foot to go forth and skirmish with the statesmen when they should see them approach, the which th●…y did and were sharply charged by the statesmen, so as the Spaniards retiring in good order, still skirmishing unto the ambush, being hotly pursued, the 
The St●…tes men def●…ated at 〈◊〉 ●…ken by the mut●…s.  horsemen breaking forth charged these foo●…e-men that pursued (for their bands of Ordinance were not yet advanced▪ who breaking their ranks were put to rout and all defeated, so as few escaped: the which happened in the end of September.  
The last of the same month, commandment being given to all the towns of the Netherlands that were confederated togi●…her against the mutined Spaniards, to arm, among others they of brussels made a muster of their Burguers, from the age of twenty years unto three s●…ore, wherea●… they found fifteen thousand men well armed. And knowing that the Spaniards were incensed against them, they began to fortify their town, causing both men, women▪ boys and maids to labour at the rampar. The States were nothing amazed for the rout of Wissenaken, but fortified themselves with all the regiments of Walloons, among the which were that of the signories of Hierges and o●… Floion his brother, sons to Barlamont. And to assure the passage 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…t the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 won 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 o●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  from Macklin to Antwerp, they ceased upon the Village of Walhen, where they made a strong fort sufficient to defend the bridge. julien Romero being at L●…ere▪ came with his Spaniards to seize upon this bridge, he gave an alarm of the one side and assaulted the fort on the other, the which he forced, and took the Governor prisoner, who was a gentleman of Louvaine. A great number of the regiment of ●…oion were defeated, and there died Francis of Nidouchel signor of Ysberghe Lieutenant Colonel with three or four captains and Lieutenants, and a great number of was burnt, lost at th●… time above eight hundred men. Presently after the Spanish 
1576.  troops of horse and fo●…e of don 〈◊〉 d●… Vergas, and of don Fernando of Toledo marched towards Maestri●…, to keep the States from passing any men over the river 
The States thinking to assure themselves of Maes●…cht are prevented by the Spaniards.  of Meuse, the which did muc●… import them: which they could not at the first effect for the Germans that were w●…thin the town (being united with the Burghers) had thrust ou●… the Spaniards and kept 〈◊〉 prisoner: notwithstanding that Captain Ayala●…d ●…d done his b●…st ●…deuor to get him out of their hands: don Alon●… coming before the town of Marst●…t, a Spanish soldier came to ad●…ertise him of the State of the town, and that upon one 〈◊〉 the ports there remained yet some Spaniards who had good means to give them entr●…ce▪ Don Alonzo hearing this, caused a good number of foot to pass the river in boats●…●…yne with the rest on the other side, than he appointed▪ s●…me foot and a co●… of horse to march towards the port of Brussels, which was held b●… tho●…●…iars that were in the towe●… upon the port. The Inhabitants seeing that by their 〈◊〉 the Spaniard▪ with out might have entrance into the town tho●…ght to ba●… or th●… 〈◊〉 the cannon from their rampar. But those in the town did so pay them, wi●…●…ket shot, as they could not annoy them, ●…either durst any one stand by the artillery. In the mean ●…me the Spaniards having past the bridge▪ entrenched themselves in two parts of the tow●…e; whilst that the Germans like cowards and tre●…hers lay still in a remote place, an●… did no●… any thing according to the oath which they had taken to aid the Bourguers, who after they had made all the resistance they could, seeing themselves not able to hold o●… in the end they yielded to the Spaniards, who spoiled it, committed great massacres, burned some houses, and in few words used their accustomed tyranny and cruc●…ty▪ At the same time as the Signior of Liques Governor of Cambray held the town and Citt●…dell 
The Citadel of Cambray su●…prized ●…or the States.  for the Spaniards, the States sent the Signior of Inchy of the house of Ge●…re, brother to the Baron of Fresin, to seek some means to surprise it, the which he did i●…●…he beginning of October, with the help of Captain Anthony of Govy Lieutenant of the said Citadel, and of some soldiers at their devotion, so as a port being wo●…, and th●… 〈◊〉 cut in pieces, the Signior of Liques was taken prisoner, and ●…nchy made him●…fe Master of the p●…ace, and was appointed governor thereof by the States, where he continued unto his death, in the year 1583. The confederate States seeing that all the Spaniards in general were joined with the mutins, and dispersed in divers places of the Netherlands, some at Alost in Flanders, and others at Maestricht beyond the river of M●…se, 
The States seek ●…o assu●… them-se●…s of Antwerp.  they resolved to make themselves strong in Antwerp, and to di●…de the Castle from the Town: for the effecting whereof, they drew the garrisons out of Brussels, Macklin and Louvain, the which they gave in charge to Cont Philip of Egmont (who was after wards slain in France at the Battle of ivory) with his own regiment, consisting of old and new companies of Walloons, and his company of men at arms, with whom there joined the Signors of Heze and Berselle, br●…theren with their regiments, the Marquis of Haure●… with 500 light horse with the Seignor of Bieure and some other Commanders with their troops. All these troops having good correspondency with Frederic Perrenot Signior of Champaigny and the Earl of Ouersteine Colonel of the Germans that were in the new town of Antwerp, arrived late and very covertly before the town the third of November, remaining there until that the Signior of Champaigny Governor of Antwerp, and the Earl of Ouerstein came to speak with them, where they resolved that the next day they should enter, and should have quarter●… 
〈◊〉 in●…o de R●… 〈◊〉 o●… the 〈◊〉 mu●…s.  appointed them, the which was done by the break of day. The precedent ●…eronimo de Roda chief of all the Spanish mutins, and others, being in the Citadel, concluded with Sanchio d' Auila, and others of the council of Spain, to send for all their forces with speed and to draw them into the Citadel: and in the mean time they began to batter the town furiously in ruin, and the streets which did open upon the plain, to keep the Citizens that they should not entrench and forti●…ie themselves against the Citadel▪ 
They 〈◊〉 A●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 s●… ag●…nst the 〈◊〉.  But the mist was that day so great, as they could not discern one an other being near, so as the Spaniards could not do any great harm●… but to the tops of thei●… houses.  
In the meantime the townsmen make Barricadoes, and retrench●… all the passages of the plain, and made them so strong, as it seemed impossible to force them. Captain Ortis sallied forth of the citadel with some Harquebusiers, to discover their defences, and found the Townsmen so weary of working, as he not only forced their Barricado, but also cut a corpse de guard in pieces: at this time he might have won the town if he had been well seconded with men: having slain about fifty men, and burned a Mill and some houses that might annoy them, he retired into the Castle, from whence the sky being clear, they shot continually against the Barricadoes, the which notwithstanding did not hinder the work, sometimes carrying away the head of one or the arm or leg of another: yea the women laboured with such courage, as they respected not the great Ordinance, to the mercy whereof they did expose themselves willingly and without fear.  
The twelfth of October the same year died that virtuous Prince Maximilian, the second of that name Emperor, being very desirous to retain the conference of peace, 
The death of the ●…p rout 〈◊〉.  which had been begun in the town of Breda, the which he would gladly have seen take effect in his life time. He was a wise, prudent and discreet prince, fearing GOD, a great lover of peace and an enemy of discord, free from ambition and desire of greatness: he was well seen in languages, and in the holy Scripture. He could not endure that war should be made for religion, and was wont to say: That it was a deadly sin, to seek to force men's consciences, the which belongs to God only. He was not dissolute in apparel, lived soberly, and never continued above an hour at table: if he chanced to be somewhat more, it was to discourse of natural Philosophy, wherein he was much pleased; he was judicious and of a great memory, speaking eloquently and sententiously▪ ready to receive all petitions, and to give bountifully. He was not curious of rich Cabinets for ostentation, nor of stately buildings. Sometimes he took delight to plant and graft trees for his recreation. He lived nine and twenty years in marriage and great love with his wife, who was daughter to the Emperor Charles the fifth, a Princess endued with singular virtues, by whom he had sixteen children, whereof six died before him; the other ten survived him, that is, Rodolphus (at this day Emperor) Ernest, Mathias, Maximilian, Albert, Wenceslas, Elizabeth married to the French King, and Mary to the King of Spain, the names of the other two are unknown to me: he governed the Empire about twelve years: and at the same time died the famous Prince 
The death of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…alatin.  Frederic Elector Palatin of Rhine, so as Germany had an unspeakable loss by the death of these two Princes.  
The fourth of November the mutined Spaniards that were in Alost, upon the commandment that was given them, marched all night, and entered the Castle of Antwerp: the next day morning to the number of sixteen hundred men, all old trained soldiers. At the same instant did also arrive those of Liere and Mastricht, being glad to be all so fitly come. On the other side, the inhabitants, and Noblemen that were within the town for the States, were much amazed to hear that they were all so suddenly joined together. Thither also came the regiment of Colonel Polwiller a german, having been in garrison at Maestricht and at Diest, being about three thousand men strong. All these troops being thus entered into the Castle, Sanchio d'Auila entreated them to refresh and rest themselves a little: but they were so inflamed against the town, as they would not stay, but pass on in their exploit. Issuing forth at the great port, upon the plain, they put themselves into battle, having boys with them carrying bottles of Straw and firebrands, to set fire where they should command 
The s●…ke of Antwerp by the Spaniards.  them: and so marching furiously like Lions, at one instant they set upon the Barricadoes, that were made at the entries of five streets, the which (although they were strong and well manned) they forced, killing all they encountered, putting the Walloons (who were yet but new soldiers, and amazed at their furious charges and cries) to rout, without any great resistance, scarce daring to show themselves in the trenches, by reason of the Canon of the Castle, which shot over the Spaniards into the midst of their streets. The Bourguers seeing themselves forced, and their soldiers to fly away, seeking where to save themselves, they retired towards their Statehouse, where their sworn companies were, who put themselves valiantly in defence, doing much harm unto the Spaniards; who seeing that they could not force them, nor draw them from 
The townhouse burnt.  thence, set fire of the house, where many we●…e consumed; and some hal●…e burnt, leaping out at the windows to save themselves, were massakred. It was a lamentable thing to see so many good men to die so pitifully▪ in the flames, and that stately building all on fire, the which so long before had cost above two hundred thousand ducats, besides a greater loss which this fire caused in the houses thereabouts, upon the Market place, and behind the said townhouse, being all full of rich merchandise. The cruelty of the Spaniards, could not yet be contained within any bounds: but they pursued the poor Burghers, unto the new Town, where there were some of Cont Ouersteins' Regiment and others; which made some resistance, but it prevailed not, for the f●…rie of the victorious Spaniards of the one side, and the amazement among the soldiers and Burg●…rs, of the other side was so great, as every one sought to save himself: The State's horsemen leaving their horses leapt over the Ramparts into the Town ditches, some past the river in boats, others escaped by swimming to the ships that lay in the midst of the river. The Lord of Champaigni, the marquess of Haure●… and the Markgrave, being slipped out of the Town, went unto the Prince of Orange's ships near unto Austreweele, and caused 'em to transport them into Holland. The Earl of Ouerstein thinking to save himself on the other side of the river, leaping to a boat fell into the water, where by the weight of his arms he was drowned.  
The Signior of Bieure being in a boat to pass the river, so many entered into it 
The Ea●…le of Ouerstein and the Signior of Bieure drowned.  as not able to bear so weighty a burden, it sunk, where he (and most of the company) was drowned, The Spaniards and Germans being absolute masters of the Town, they fell to sack and spoil it for many days, massakring many thousands of all ages, ●…exes, estate and degrees, as well inhabitants as strangers of divers countries, who arrived there daily, for their Commerce and traffic: And burning above six hundred fair houses in divers parts of the Town: To conclude they committed all kinds of cruellties, Insolency▪ dissolution and villainy: Some having vaunted that the three first days of the sack, they were no men but Incarnate devils. The Earl of Egmont with 
The ●…arle of 〈◊〉 and some other●… p●…soners.  the Signors of Capres and Gogines were taken in Saint Michaells' abbey. All the Wallon soldiers they could find out, being hidden in sellers, garrets or on the tops of houses, (although it were five or six days after their victory) were miserably slain in cold blood. The Germans of Cornellis van Einden, did much harm to the new Town, showing themselves no less cruel than the Spaniard: yea seeing the Spaniards have some rich Burghers, and not able to take them away, they ●…ue the poor men, to the end the Spaniards might have no more benefit by them then theirselues. Among the which there was a rich and famous merchant of jewels, called giles Sm●…ssart an ancient man, having compounded for ten thousand Florins ransom, was run through behind w●…th a pike by a german, and so slain; a cruelty that was more than barbarous. In all this Spanish fury, there died as well of soldiers, as of Inhabitants, above 
The number of them that died in this f●…ry of either side.  eight thousand persons, some have said ten thousand, that were slain and drowned in the haven and channels. Of the Spaniards were slain about two hundred, besides them that were hurt, among the which the chief were Don Manuel Cabesa de vacca, joan de Robles, Cousin to the Lord of Billy: Domiam De Morables and others were slain there. carel Fucher was sore hurt and trodden under their ●…eete that fled. Behold how this flourishing city, one of the richest and of the greatest traffic in Europe (by a just judgement and divine punishment, for their excess and dissolutions) received the greatest scourge that ever fell upon town, whereas many of the richest merchants were made poor, and the very beggars o●… the Spaniards were enriched in an instant: but some did not long enjoy their great wealth, for there were simple soldiers which lost ten thousand Crowns in a day at dice, upon the Burse which was their playing place. Other not knowing what to do with their treasure, made hilts for rapiers and daggers of pure gold, yea whole Corslets, A goldsmith having made one, the Spaniard desirous to have it varnished, that it might not be discovered to be of gold, the workman fled 
A Spaniard deceived.  away with it and came to Flessingue. The riches that was taken there was so great, as some have affirmed, that there was 
1576.  above some forty tun of gold spoiled in ready money. There was a soldier which took out of a window of a house seventy thousand Florins. Captain Ortis made choice of a booty, which no man else dreamt of, which was the prison, where he set at liberty for great ransoms, all the prisoners that were in it, as well for civil and criminal causes, as them of the religion, among the which there was some ministers and many Anabaptists; whereby he gathered a great treasure. The City of Antwerp being thus miserably subjecteth under the enemy's yoke, the Spaniards fearing that the States (to cut of the passage of the river towards Gant,) should build a Fort at Burcht, before the which all the ships must pass that went to Gant, Tenremonde, Macklin, and Brussels: made haste to prevent them, and to build one there, which they 
A rort built at Burcht by the Spaniards.  gave in guard to Francisco Valdes, with 400. Spaniards.  

DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA BAStard son to the Emperor Charles the fifth Governor of the Netherlands for the King of Spain.  
JOANNES AUSTRI. CAR. V. F. PHIL. RE. CAT. NOM●… APUD BELGAS GUB. ET CAPIT. GENERA.  
Although I issued from an unlawful bed,  
Yet was I not the less esteemed, but greatly honoured.  
For when the Emperor dying, did acknowledge me,  
To be his natural son, the King did hold me for to be.  
His bastard brother and did such affection bear  
To me, that to most great affairs he did me still prefer.  
The Turk I feared not, but did him overthrow,  
And forced the Granadian moors obedience to show.  
My mind aspiring unto high conceits was bend:  
And made me practise many things to further my intent.  
But being hither sent chief Governor to be,  
Death crossed all my purposes, and made an end of me.  
DON john of Austria bastard brother to the King of Spain, sent to govern the Netherlands, arrived in the town of Luxembourg in 
1576.  November 1576. the very day that the Spaniards practised their fury in Antwerp, by murdering, burning and spoiling of the City, sparing no age sex nor quality. Being there he writ his letters to the Spaniards in Antwerp, and to the general Estates assembled at brussels, seeming in his letters to the States to be somewhat discontented, for the insolencies that had been committed in the Netherlands, promising to take due punishment, so as they would show due obedience unto the King, and maintain the Romish Catholic religion: whereas on the other side if they continued obstinate he was not only provided, but resolved as well for war as peace, according to the instructions of the Spanish council.  
The council of Estate marveled much at the first that he came not personally to brussels, but they were much amazed at the contents of his letter, which 
Don john gives the Sta●…es cause to suspect him.  seemed to threaten them, who thought to have executed their charge wisely and carefully, showing himself therein not as their Governor but as their adversary: which jealousy of theirs increased the more for that he would not come among them, but upon hostages, desiring also to have their troops under his private command, or a great part of them for his security as if they were his enemies. This seemed very strange unto the general Estates and the whole Country, and bred ill blood in them, and the rather, for that they discovered that the mutinous and rebellious Spaniards, first secretly and after openly, had all favour and access unto him, and that he affected the sole government to himself, that so he might punish and control, reward and honour whom he pleased, being held strange in Spain, that the Netherlanders (who were there esteemed as a conquered people, and subjects to the King) should undertake such great matters as had been effected, all much derogating to the King's prerogative and honour, and so much the more intolerable, for that in Spain they were generally suspected, and held for Lutherans and heretics.  
The general Estates being likewise assembled at brussels, consisting of the deputies of the spirituallty, the nobility, towns and members of the Provinces, under the lawful subjection of their natural Lord, after declaration made touching their previledges, customs, laws, ancient liberties sworn unto by their Prince himself, they found the proceeding of Don john to be very strange, and the rather for that they understood out of Spain, that the oppressions and insolent behaviour of the Spanish soldiers were rather applauded then disallowed, and that in steed of exemplary punishment, there were more rewards and honours appointed to be given unto their captains and Commanders: and they found by certain letters, that Don john had charge to follow such instructions as jeronimo Rhoda had left in Antwerp with a Spanish Merchant called jeronimo Lopez, and that Rhoda had the managing of all the netherlands causes in Spain.  
The effect of Don john's instructions were, that he should use all the fair means he could, to win the hearts of the common people, that by their aid he might subdue Holland, and to punish the rest according to their deserts, and that in the mean time he should dissemble: which instructions although they were not known at the first, yet were the general Estates and the Nobility presently estranged from him, by means of his disorderly proceeding: for which cause they sent unto the Prince of Orange, being an old experienced councillor in affairs of State, and then a member of the Netherlands, to hear his advice, who in the end of November writ unto them from Middelbourg, as followeth.   

A letter written by the Prince of Orange 
1576  To the General estates of the Netherlands assembled at brussels the last of November. 1576.  
MY masters, you have before seen by my letters, what in my opinion (under your correction) I thought fit to be treated of with Don john of Austria. And although it may seem unto you, that what I do so often reiterate, proceeds from some private passion, or to entertain this country in alteration. Notwithstanding I may call GOD to witness with a good conscience, that my design was never other, but to see this Country governed as it hath always been by the general Estates. Which consists of the ●…lergie, Nobility, and the towns & members depending thereon, under the lawful obedience of their natural Prince. And as since by the length of time, this government hath been by little and little abolished, yea by some ambitious and covetous persons, (desirous to have the government in their hands) made so odious to their Princes, as they have held them which made any motion to assemble the general Estates, for rebels and guilty of high treason, having persuaded them that it was the only means whereby the King's authority should be blemished and suppressed. I did think that you having foreseen these sinister practices and unjust pers●…asiōs, to the great prejudice of the poor Country, you had been assembled together jointly to resume the steps of your predecessors, & to recover your lawful authority, according to your commendable and ancient previledges, causing (by that means) all Inconveniences, oppressions and tiranies to cease, and planting peace in the Country, as already you have given a good beginning, where without any great difficulty or contradiction you have restored the provinces to their ancient peace and tranquility: whereby his Majesty may plainly see (if by bad council and sinister impressions he be not dissuaded) that the humble petitions which have been always made unto him for the assembly general of the Estates, was the only means to settle his affairs. But hearing that through your facility and accustomed bounty (too prejudicial in such occurrents) you begin to give ear unto the goodly words & propositions of Don john. I will not conceal the fear I have of your yielding to the desseines of the Spaniards our sworn enemies, being most assured that those which have always laboured to hinder this holy assembly of the general Estates, will do their best to cirumvent you and attain to their pretended end: As at this present these covetous and ambitious ministers, who desire an absolute and tyrannical government, only to enrich themselves and to oppress such as they hate & malign, discovering your intention or doubting of it, have sought all means to avoid it, finding no better expedient then by the sudden coming of Don john of Austria, that by his presence the said general Estates might be suppressed and made fruitless. Having also in the mean time by their cunning practices held matters in such suspense, as many good and important occasions have been lost. And to give you some contentment, they have counseled the King to command Don john to take some Noblemen & others of the Country to be of his Council, who notwithstanding shall serve but as a shadow to his actions, for that all his resolutions should be first concluded with some of his favourits, as hath been always used, and lately by the Duchess of Parma with the Cardinal Armenteros and some other private persons. And as you may judge by his instructions & demands, being duly examined, his intent is to embrace the sovereign government and to suppress both you and your authority. I could not for the zeal I bear, but admonish, pray and earnestly entreat you, carefully to consider what shall be needful for the good and safety of this Country, and to set before your eyes that what you treat and negotiate now, is not your own private interest; but an infinite number of Noblemen, Burghers and common people, who cannot be all present have made choice and put their lives into your hands, upon the confidence they have that 
1576.  you will carry yourselves with all integrity for the maintenance of the liberty of your common country, and defend them as Gardiens and Protectors thereof, from all the oppression and more than barbarous tyranny which they have hitherto endured. I beseech you also to consider, that now you must resolve, that you are to answer before God and Men. And therefore that ye will so behave yourselves, as our posterity may have no cause to lament and complain of you, having brought them into a wretched and servile condition, the which (besides the hazard of our heads) doth threaten us all, if it be not speedily prevented. I doubt not but you my masters the Prelates, and towns shall have great persuasions, as well by letters as interposed persons to corrupt and gain you, to the end you may desist from this your holy and honourable enterprise. But the more assaults you shall endure, the greater shall your honour be, and our posterity shall be bound unto your memory. Wherefore my advice is (as it hath always been) that you enter not into any treaty with Don john, unless the Spaniards and other strangers depart out of the country, and that you give him plainly to understand (whereof I hold it necessary that the effect do follow) that your intent is to fortify yourselves, and to provide all expedient means to oppose yourselves to the former government. And that you will not in any sort suffer him to have any of those troops that are under your command, for that were to give him a knife wherewith to cut your own throats, and the very means to make a disjunction of all the men of war of these countries. The which I beseech you not to interpret to any private passion of mine own, seeing that my advice concurs wholly with the previledges as well of the joyous entry Artic. 5. as with them of Cortemberghe. anno. 1226. and 1320. confirmed afterwards by duke john. anno. 1322. & by Venceslaus and the duchess joan his wife. anno. 1372. and 1373. with many others well known unto you. And as in my judgement all men ought to be careful for the preservation of their previledges, if we will not degenerate from the love and magnanimity of our ancestors, so in my opinion we ought not (without a perpetual note of infamy and reproach) to stray any thing from the said previledges in any treaty whatsoever. Wherefore to avoid any long parlays and negotiations (which would be our ruin) on the one side you are to send him our grievances which are but too many, and well known to all the world; and on the other an authentical copy of the said previledges, entreating him to govern himself according to the charge he hath received from his Majesty to maintain the said previledges, and as he himself hath offered to do. But if he refuse it, then to protest that it is not to be imputed to rebellion, if you seek to maintain them with all your power, even unto the last drop of your bloods. And you may be assured that giving him thus plainly to understand your resolutions, you shall gain more and have an absolute answer the sooner, the which should be much more gainful to have speedily, then by entertaining of long parlays, and neglecting your affairs▪ give him leisure to fortify himself in making you weak, being in suspense. This free manner of speech which I council you should not seem strange, seeing it hath been used at other times, even at Gant, being the only cause for the which the King promised to retire his Spaniards: you may also consider that demanding some of your forces (of whom undoubtedly he would require an oath) that he hath no trust in you: and that having them, when you shallbe assembled to hold the Estates, he will prescribe you what laws he please, for if any one contradict him he will punish him in such sort, as the rest being terrified, not any one shall dare to open his mouth to speak. And moreover it argues a bad intent, seeing that he seeks to arm himself and to disarm you of your own forces, for it were much more reasonable that he should trust in you, who have always showed so free and obedient a will, and are so much interessed, than you in him, having always received such bad usage by the Spanish government. Moreover it is to be considered, that he who comes but to be a Governor, seeks to enter by force of arms, and to take the first assurance of the Estate●…; the which is against the custom of natural Princes, who without coming with any forces, have always given their oath unto the estates, before they received 
1575.  theirs, moreover you must think in what reputation you shall be with all the world, if they see you more prone and ready to give satisfaction to Don john of Austria, then to have any feeling of the violence done unto your countrymen in that good town of Maestricht, and in that some times so mighty and flourishing town of Antwerp, (the which is at this day the most desolate of Christ doom) & that by men who will be esteemed equal subjects in these parts, as well as those that are naturally borne in the country, as some have unadvisedly put them in that rank at the treaty of Breda, saying that the King would not have those good men taken for strangers, but for natural borne. And what an example shall this be for other towns or what may they expect falling into the Spaniards hands or under the Spanish government? but to feel in time the like crueky. And if heretofore you have been taxed, for that in the beginning you opposed not yourselves against the building of Cattadells, from whence for the most part have sprung all our calamities. How much more just occasion shall the towns have to blame you for all their miseries, that having now the said Citadels in your hands, you have not caused them to be razed, or at the least demanteled towards the towns? The which you ought to dos as well to give them contentment, as to avoid future danger, which undoubtedly if it be not prevented will fall upon the said towns as upon Antwerp, being the chief cause of the taking thereof, wherein you may not flatter yourselves, thinking it a small offence done to the King's authority and reputation; for he will hold it for so great an injury (although unjustly) as he will never forget it which no marrought to doubt, having seen him make so great a demonstration of wrath and indignation for the presenting of a poor petition●… And you must make acco●…mpt that you shall have the first places at the banquet that is prepared for you according to your dignity, notwithstanding all pardons and forgetting of what is past where ●…ith they fill your ●…ares and seek to abuse you, for Princes never forget such things but when they want means to revenge, dissembling their spleen until they have oportu●…ity. As we have seen in all the actions past, the wounds whereof are yet green, pow●…ng forth before our eyes the lukewarm blood of the Earls of Egmont and Ho●…ne, ●…h so many other gentlemen and good Burghers, notwithstanding all the good wo●…ds that were given them: I leave it to the censure of any man of judgement, what a hea●…t grief it may be unto a Prince that seeks to command absolutely, to see his com●…andements without authority, his small power of his subjects exposed to the view of all ●…he world, and the means to give place to his will and appetit to fail him; think you th●…t he will neglect any practice to be revenged and to attain to his desires? doubtless no & you must think that his continual cogitations tend to that end: for a sovereign command hath incident unto it that it cannot endure any contradiction, wherein there shall want no inventions with the most eloquent speeches that may be to persuade that which they think will help to their propounded end, as to promis●… to retire the Spaniards, the which should hold as little as that which the King made to the Genera●… estates at his departure out of the Netherlands, to retire them within three months after, and yet he left them there a year and a half or there abouts, and we are assured they had not departed, if the defeat of Ze●…by had not happened: whe●…fore my Masters I beseech you consider, that you have wonderfully inde●…ed a mighty 〈◊〉, and that there is no mean to be held in this action, but you must attend one of 〈◊〉 extremities, either to yield or valiantly to preserve and defend yourselves, by those good means which God hath given you, and which ●…re easy with the help of God, so as there be a good accord, union and resolution among you. Or if ●…on john through necessity were forced to yield to the sending away the said Spaniards, you must provide that besides the entertaining of the previledges, th●…se conditions may be annexed. That the estates shall provide him a council, as well for affai●…rs of State as for the treasure. That they shall have liberty to assemble twice or thris●… a year, or as often as they shall think it fit, to consider if matters be well and duly administered, and to reform and order them as they shall think it fit. Bnd moreover that all Ci●…tadells shall be razed. That he shall not levy any men without the consent of the General estates, and that all garrisons shall be placed by their advise and council. 
1576.   
Thus in my opinion you must treat, for doing otherwise, it is to be feared that thinking to give contentment to Don john, and by that means settle the country in quiet, you will deceive yourselves, and fall into greater division than before, for you may assure yourselves there are many that will never give credit to the King's words, nor Don john's, if they see the authority of the States thus subjecteth and brought to nothing, in whose judgement and wisdom they have put their trust. My Masters although I have written unto you heretofore concerning this subject, yet finding it a matter of such consequence, and to concern you so much, I thought it necessary to write unto you again & more amply, the which I beseech you to take in good part, as proceeding from one who will expose all hismeanes, yea unto the last drop of his blood, for the safety and quiet of our common country, and of you my Masters in particular. As I desire to give you proof of my true and sincere affection in this behalf. And so after my unfeigned commendarions▪ I will pray unto GOD to give you health, happiness and long lives: from Middelbourg, the last of November 1576. signed your most loving friend and Countryman.  
WILLIAM of Nassau.   

During these alterations of the Spaniards and the sack & massacre of Antwerp, the 
Brabant and other Provinces seek all●…ance from Holland Zeeland and the Prince of Orang●….  States of Brabant and other Provinces of their association, making one body of the General estates of the maine-land (although that in them Luxembourg were not contei●…ed, whereof Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt was Governor, nor Namur where Barlamont commanded) to cut of the course of the Spanish tyranny, which they practised daily and openly in these towns which they held: resolved to make themselves strong both by sea and land, and to make a good peace and general v●…ion with the particular Estates of Holland and Zeeland and their Associates, together with the Prince of Orange Governor of the said countries. To which end the Signior of Haussy brother to the Earl of Bossu (who had been prisoner at Horn) was sent to Flessingue to the Prince of Orange; who having conferred with the States of the said marine Provinces, he wrought so effectually as after divers voyages, the Deputies of eithe●… part assembled at Goude, where an accord of pacification was concluded and made, and the assurances given in the said Town the eight of November the same year, whereof we have thought good to set down the declaration and articles at length, a●… followeth.  
To all those that these prese●… letters shall see or hear, greeting. As the countries in these parts, hau●… these last nine or ten year fallen into great miseries and cala●…ities, by civil wars, and the proud and rigorous command & government, outrages, robberies, spoils, and other disorders and Insoleneids of the Spaniards, and their adherents. And that for the preventing and ceasing of all further troubles, oppressions and miseries of the said countries, by the means of 〈◊〉 ●…e peace and pacification, there was in the month ●…f February in the year 1574. assembled in the town of Breda, commisioners from his Majesty and from the Prince of Orange, with the States of Holland and Zeeland and their associates, by whom there were propounded divers means greatly serving for the said pacification; yet the fruit that was hoped and expected did not follow: but chose d●…ing the hope of this consolation, clemency and bounty from his Majesty, the said Spaniards have sought daily more and more to oppress, ruin and to draw the poor●… s●…biects into p●…rpetuall slavery, making many mutines, threatening the Noblemen a●…d the towns, and seizing in hostile manner of many places, sacking, spoiling and burning them. So as after they had be●… proclaimed enemies to his Majesty, by them, that were appointed to govern the said Countries and of the public quiet; the States of these Pro●…inces, with the cons●… of the said commissioners, have been forced to take arms, only to avoid and preue●… their vt●…er ruin: And that the inhabitants of all these Netherlands, being united in a firm League and union, should jointly together chase away the said Spaniards and their Adherents; Destroyer's of the said Countries, and restore it again to the enjoying of their ancient rights, privileges and customs, freedoms and liberties, whence the negotiation, traffic and prosperity of the Country might ensue. Wherefore with the like agreation of the said Noblemen appointed to govern the said countries, according to the conference and pacification begun at Breda, this present treaty hath been made to the honour of GOD, and for his majesties service, betwixt the Prelates, Noblemen, Towns and members of Brabant, ●…landers, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Lille, Dovay and Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis▪ Vtrecht and Macklin, representing the States of the said Countries; and the Prince of Orange, with the States of Holland, Zeeland and their Associates: by commissioners deputed respectively of either side: that is to say, the reverent Prelates Damp jean vander Linden, Abot of Saint Geertru●…de at Lounaine, Damp Guislani Abot of Saint Peter at Gand, Damp Matheeu Moul●…rt Abot of Saint Guislain, Elect Bishop of Arras. john de Moll Signior of Ortingen. Francis of Hallewin Signior of Sweveghen, Governor of Oudenard, and commissioner for the renewing of the Laws of Flanders, Charles of Gaure Signior of Fresin all knights. Master Elbert Leonin, Doctor of the Laws & professor in the university of Lovuaine: Peter of Bieure Councillor to the King our Lord in his Council of Flanders, and the Signior Quentin Du Pere first Alder●…an of Mons in Henault, with john of Pennants also, Councillor and Master of Accompts to his Majesty in Brabant, their Secretary, in the behalf of the said Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, etc. And Philip of Marnix Signior of Saint Aldegond, Arnhold Van Dorp Signior of Tamise, William Van Zuylen, Van Nyvelt Signior of Heeratsberghe squires: Adrian Ʋander Mylen Doctor of the Laws, and Councillor to his Excellency, and in the Provincial Council of Holland. Cornellis of Coinc, a Licent●… of the Laws and Councillor to his Excellency▪ ●…le Buys an Advocate of Holland: Peter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bailiff of Flessingue, Anthony Vande Zyck●…lo a Councillor of Zeeland, and Andrew of jonghe, Bourgmaister of Middelbourg, in the behalf of the said Prince, Estates of Holland Zeeland and their Associates, according to their authority and commission inserted unto the end hereof: making and treating betwixt the said parties and countries, a firm and perpetual peace, League and union, under the Articles and conditions which follow.  
First, that all offences, injuries, wrongs and damages, happened by reason of the troub●… les, betwixt the Inhabitants of the Provinces comprehended in this present Treaty, in what place or manner soever, shall be pardoned, forgotten, and reputed as not done, so as there shall never any mention be made, nor any one troubled nor molested by reason thereof. And the said states of Brabant, Flanders, Henault, etc. together with the said Prince, and the States of Holland, Zeeland and their Associates, do promise hereafter to entertain faithfully and without dissimulation, a peace and union, and to cause it to be entertained firmly and inviolably by the said Countries: And so to assist one an other at all times, with advice and council and therein to employ both their bodies and their means▪ especially to ●…ell and keep out of these 〈◊〉 the Spanish soldiers▪ and other strangers and foreigners: having sought against all right to take away the lives of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and to appropriate unto themselves, the riches of the Country; and moreover to hold the common people in perpetual servitude. For the furnishing whereof and of all that shall offer to oppose themselves, the said Confederates and Allies, promise also to be ready and willing to yield to all necessary and reasonable Impositions and contributions.  
Moreover it is agreed that presently after the retreat of the Spaniards & thei●… adherents, when as all things shall be in safety & peace, both parties shall be bound to advance & procure a Convocation & Assembly of the general Estates▪ in the same manner & form as it was in the time of the high & mighty Emperor Charles the 5. when as he made a session & transport of these Netherlands into the hands of the King our Lord: to settle an order for the affairs of the country in general, and in particular as well 
1576.  for the exercise of religion in the said countries of Holland, Zeeland, Bomell, and other places associate, as for the restitution of forts, artillery, ships, & other things belonging to his Majesty, which during the said troubles have been taken by them of Holland, Zeeland, or otherwise, as it shall be found fit for the service of his Majesty, and the good and union of the country, wherein there may not of any side be given any contradiction, delay or hindrance, no more in regard of the decrees, declarations and resolutions that shall be given and made there, then in the execution thereof, what-so ever they shall be, whereunto both parties doth faithfully and wholly submit themselves.  
That hereafter the inhabitants and subjects of either side, of what country, estate, quality or condition so ever, may safely and freely, haunt, frequent, pass and repass, remain and traffic as a Merchant or otherwise. Provided always that it shall not be tolerable nor lawful for them of Holland and Zeeland, nor for any other, of what country, quality, or condition soever, to attempt any thing in these parts, out of the Provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and others their associates, against the quiet and public peace, and especially against the Catholic and Romish religion, and the exercise thereof: nor to injury any one in word nor deed by reason thereof, nor to scandalise them by like acts, upon pain to be punished as disturbers of the public peace, to the example of all others. And to the end that no man in the mean time shall be lightly exposed to any apprehension, or subject to danger, all the Proclamations heretofore made and published for matter of heresy, together with the criminal deerees made by the Duke of Alva, and the execution thereof, shall surcease and be suspended; until it shall be otherwise decreed by the general Estates. Provided always that no scandal happen thereby. That the said Prince shall remain Admiral general of the Sea, and Lieutenant for his Majesty of Holland, Zeeland, bommel and other places associate, to command over all, as he doth at this present, with the same judges, Magistrates and Officers, without any change or innovation, without his liking, and consent. And this in regard of the Towns and places which his Excellency doth presently hold, until it shall be otherwise decreed, after the retreat of the Spaniards.  
But touching the Towns and places comprehended in the Commission which he hath from his Majesty, the which are not at this present under his Excellency's obedience and commandment, that point shall remain in suspense, until that the said Towns and places being united with the other S●…ates in this union and accord, his excellency shall have given them satisfaction upon the points. Wherein they shall find themselves interressed under his government, be it in regard of the exercise of religion, or otherwise, to the end the Provinees may not be dismembered: and to avoid all dissension and discord. And in the mean time no Proclamations, commandments, provisions, nor exploits of justice shall have place in the said countries and towns commanded and governed by the said Prince, but such as shall be allowed by his Excellency, or by the Council, Magistrates and Officers there resident, without any prejudice to his majesties great council in time to come. It is also agreed that all prisoners by reason of the troubles passed namely the Earl of Bossu, shall be set freely at liberty, without paying any ransom, but only the charges of the prison: unless before the date of these presents the said ransoms were paid, or argeed upon.  
Moreover it is concluded that the said Prince and anll other Noblemen, Knights and gentlemen, private persons and subjects of what estate, quality or condition soever, together with their widows, dovagers, children and heirs of either side, shall be restored to their good name, fame and honour, and may also enter into the possessions of all their Seigneuries, goods, prerogatives, actions and debts, not being sold nor a●…ienated, in the same estate as the goods be at this present. And to that end all defaults, contempts, arrestes, judgements, seazures and executions given and made since the beginning of the troubles, in the year of our Lord 1566. as well ●…or matter of Religion as for the carrying of arms, with that which hath followed shallbe revoked, void and of no effect. And all proceedings, writings and acts which 
1576.  have been made to that end, shallbe razed out of the registers, and it shall not be needful to obtain any other instruction or provision, than this present treaty: notwithstanding any incorporations, rights, customs, previledges, and prescriptions, as well Legal, conventionall and customorie, as Locale; nor any other exceptions to the contrary: the which in this case and in all others concerning the said troubles, shall cease and have no place.  
It is also understood that the Countess Palatin, sometimes widow to the Lord of Brederode, shallbe comprehended herein, and enjoy the present benefit, for as much as doth concern Vianen and other goods whereunto she or hers may pretend any title or right. In like sort the Earl of Buren shallbe also comprehended, so far forth as it doth touch the town castle and country of Buren, to be enjoyed by the said Earl as his own, after the retreat of the garrison. And all pillars, trophies, inscriptions and other marks which the duke of Alva hath caused to be erected and set up, to the dishonour and disgrace of the above named or of any other, shall be defaced and beaten down. Touching the fruits of the said Seigneuries and goods, the Courts of arrearages, of Dowries, fruits, farms and rents, assigned as well upon his Majesty as of his countries, and towns, and all others which before the date of these presents shall be expired and due, and yet not paid nor received by his Majesty showing good cause, every one may respectively enjoy and make profit of. It is to be understood that all that is fallen as well of the said inheritances and rents, as of their goods, sense the feast of Saint john in the year 1576. last past, shall remain to the benefit of those that have interest therein, notwithstanding that the receivor of the confiscations hath received any thing, whereof in this case restitution shall be made. But if any years of the said farms, rents or other revenues, were by title of confiscation seized, and received by his Majesty, every one shall be for so many years freed and acquitted of all real charges assigned upon his goods, the which by reason of the troubles passed he could not enjoy, rateable for the time that he hath been hindered by the above named occasion.  
And for Ghattels and movable goods which have been sold, consumed or otherwise alenated of either side, no man shall have any restitution or recovery. And as for immovable goods, inheritages', houses & rents which by title of consiscation shall be sold and alienated, the said general estates shall appoint commissionars in every Province, such as shall not be of those estates, to take knowledge of all difficulties (if any shall grow) to the end they may give reasonable satisfaction, as well to the ancient proprietaries, as to the buyers and sellers of the said goods and rents, for their evict on respectively. The like shall be done for the arrearages of rents and personal obligations, and for all other pretensions, complaints and grievances, which the interessed by reason of the said troubles, would hereafter of either side commence, in what sort soever. That all Prelates and other Clergymen, whose abbeys Dioceses, Foundations, and residences are situated without Holland and Zeeland, and yet have goods in the said countries, shall return to the propriety of their goods, as it is above said in regard of secular persons. But for that which concerns religious persons and other Clergymen which have made profession in the said Provinces and other places associated unto them, or have prebends there, and yet are retired, or have not been resident, for that most part of their goods are alienated, hereafter they shall have reasonable maintenance given them with those that remain, or else they shall be suffered to enjoy their goods, at the choice of the said estates: and all by provision until their pretensions shall be determined by the general Estate. Moreover it is agreed that all donations, and other dispositions Inter vivos, well causa mortis, made by private people, whereby the true heirs by reason of the said troubles, or of religion, are excluded and disinherited, from their right and succession, by virtue hereof they shall be held void and of no force. And whereas they of Holland and Zeeland the better to maintain the wars, have raised all coins of gold and silver to a heigh value, the which cannot be allowed in other Provinces without great loss; it is agreed that the deputies of the said general estates, shall as soon as possibly they can, seek to equal the said 
1576.  coins, as near as may be, for the entertainment of this Union, and the common course of traffic of either side. Moreover upon the request made by the said States of Holland and Zeeland, to the end that the generality of all the Netherlands, would take upon them the charge of all the debts contracted by the said Prince, to make his two expeditions and great Armies: for the which they only of Holland and Zeeland, and the Provinces and towns which yielded to his excellence in his last expedition, are bound, as the say: that point is referred and left to the discretion and determination of the general estates to whom (all things being pacified) report shall be made to take such regard as shall be convenient. In this common accord and pacification, the countries, Seigneuries and towns holding the contrary party, shall not be comprehended nor enjoy the benefit thereof, until they be effectually joined and united to this confederation, which they may do when they please. The which treaty of pacification, after the report, agreeation and allowance, as well by the commissioners for the government of the country, as by the States thereof, together with the Prince, and the States of Holland, Zeeland and their associates, in all the points and articles above mentioned, and also of all that should be decreed and determined by the general estates: The said deputies have by virtue of commissions, promised and sworn, and does promise & swear by these presents, to observe, entertain, accomplish and inviolably to keep all respectively on either part: and to cause it to be ratified, sworn, signed and sealed by the Prelates, Nobles, towns and other members of the said Provinces, and by the said Prince, as well in general as in particular within one month next ensaing, to the content of every one: In witness whereof all the deputies abovenamed signed the treaty in the town house of Gant the 8. of November, 1576. This pacification together with the commissions of the deputies of both parties, (which we have not thought fit to insert here, nor that of the secretary) was the 13. of November following, the same year, ratified and confirmed by letter patents from the King of Spain, signed Ouerlope, as we will hereafter show,  
Besides this advice the prince procured means for the states to levy certain soldiers 
The State's prepar●… their army and send into France and England for aid.  in Germany, They likewise assembled there army about Wavere in Brabant, under the Earl of Lalain, the Vicont of Gaunt, and monsieur la Motte Governor of Graveline, before they sent into France, where they were promised all aid and assistance. At that same time they sent the Baron d' Aubigny into England to certify the Queen of the estate of the country and of there extremity, who for that cause sent Master Smith into Spain to desire the King to retire all the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, and in December after, they sent the Lord of Sweveghen again unto the Queen to desire her to send them some money, for that they knew Don john's proceeding, & the planting of Spanish garrisons to be suspected by her: where having audience upon the 13, of December, he let her understand (according to his charge,) how cruelly the Spaniards there enemies, were incensed against the Netherlands, for that in the year 1559. the king had been desired and required by the estates to free them of the Spanish soldiers, which 
The Lord of Sweveghens o●…on to the Queen of England.  to the great burden of the same, had for certain years remained there in garrison, for which cause to be revenged, they made the world believe, that the Netherlands were all heretics and rebels to God & to the King: whereunto the troubles hapening in the said countries in the year 1565. and 1566. as they thought gave them just occasion: and yet although the said troubles according to the time were well ended & pacified by the Duchess of Parma then Regent, yet would not the enemy cease till ●…e had brought the Duke of Alva into the Netherlands, with a puissant army, who at his first entry, openly bragged that the said country was given unto them as a prey, The said Duke suffering his soldiers to use all barbarous tyranny, and on the other side under pretence of justice, and to do right unto every man, he caused an innumerable number of men (many times both against the Kings and his own decrees given out before) to be executed: Built castles, & broke all privileges, whereby no man of any reputation could be assured of his life and live in good name and fame, if he had any thing to lose; and so supposing that he had grounded his tyranny according to his mind, he●… erected his Image in the Netherlands with most heathen inscriptions, beginning likewise to molest his neighbours and to use other secret means to abuse them, whereof her Majesty could bear witness seeking to charge the Netherlands with troops, such as before that time in any extremity whatsoever had never been used, as the hundredth and the tenth penny, whereby, some Provinces upon mere extremity had withdrawn themselves from the absolute subjection of the said Duke; which to reduce again under his authority he prepared certain fleets of ships, and under pretence thereof, he unfurnished the towns of their ordinance and arms, and after that sent part thereof secretly into Spain, and an other part thereof was lost, making account, that a disarmed country was not greatly to be feared, and to the end that he might purchase the favour and love of the soldiers, (as the tyrants Sylla, Synna, and Marius in Rome did) he suffered them to use all the tyranny they could devise against the towns of the Netherlands, as to Mechelen, Naerden, Harlem, and others; after whom followed, Don Joys de Requesens great Commander of Castille a man of the same humour, who having for a while played the fox brought likewises all the privileges of the country in question, whereby the mutinous soldiers, after there victory at Moukerheyde, without any great cause, were suffered in his presence, to force the towns as they did at Antwerp, and compel them to pay them their entertainments: whereas the Baron de Champigni, had good means to have hindered them from the same: by which means the said soldiers, took occasion, and emboldened themselves to think, that it was permitted them with the aid of the neighbour's garrisons to overrule ransack and spoil the towns where they lay in garrison, which had likewise happened in the town of old Naerden, where he was governor, if God had not given him the grace to prevent it, in such sort, that Spain itself wondered, at the Netherlands great submission and patience, thinking it strange, that after the death of the Commander, the country did not kill and destroy all those mutinous soldiers, when as the light horsemen mutined, as the States had been well informed out of Spain▪ which mutinous and insolent dealings were certified unto the King himself, both in the Commander's time, and sense: and whereas the said Commander, had twice sent to summon the Knights of the order of the golden fleece, the governors of the Provinces, and the Bishops, and precedents of the Provincial counsels, with the counsel of estate, and the secretaries, that convenient order might be taken therein, it was there generally agreed and consented unto, (to prevent further inconveniences) that they should seek to agree and make peace with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zeeland; that all the Spanish and other strange soldiers both horse and footmen should be sent out of the Netherlands, that so the Catholic King's service might the better be effected. That the General estates should be assembled, that all other points of controversy and contention, happened between the King's servants, and the aforesaid estates might be ended, always observing the old religion, and the lawful soveraignite of the King: which there resolution being written, and signed by the parties aforesaid, was sent into Spain unto the King: whereupon the King taking long consultation and advise, in the mean time more inconveniences happening through the proud and insolent behaviour of the Spaniards, the King made answer, that it was his only care, to find the best means to prevent all the said disorders, and that as soon as he could; he would send the Marquis of Haurec with order for the same. At the last, the King by his letters written unto the States, consented and agreed unto their desires, and willed the same to be made known unto the particular Provinces, as it was done, according to the advise of the aforesaid counsel of estate. But the effect, execution and charge thereof, was remitted unto Don john de Austria, as then nominated by the King to be sent governor into the Netherlands, to cause the said country to be better coun●…d of him, as the King●… letters specified and contained. In the mean time, after the winning of Ziricxzee, the Spanish soldiers beginning again to mutiny, took in Herentales, and after that Alost, living therein at discretion as every man saw. The Lords of the counsel of estates perceiving the mischief (like a canker) more and more to spread abroad within the Netherlands, thinking it to be necessary to use a speedy remedy, fearing a general revolt of the country, and that of mere necessity and poverty, quia noscit plebs ieiuna timere, declared the mutinous soldiers in Alost and there adherents to be rebelis, and meaning to punish them according to their deserts, had determined to raise certain tropes, and 
1576.  to that end wrote to assemble the estates in Brussels, there to take council about the affairs of the land, and to cause the Spaniards and all other strangers to depart out of the Netherlands, and yet not without contenting them of their pains, according to their accounts and reckonings; but they to the contrary made a mock at all reasonable motions, carrying themselves more insolently than before; openly boasting, that they would cut the throats of all their enemies, and wash their hands in their blood.  
So as the estates could do no less, then by authority of the council of state then ruling to take arms for their defence and securities, as it is permitted both by godly, natural, and humane laws, and so made peace with the Prince of Orange, & the estates of Holland and Zealand, determining after the driving out of the strangers, to have a general assembly of the estates, to take order for the keeping and maintaining of the catholic religion, & the honour and authority of the king's majesty their master, thereby to prevent a greater mischief, which mere necessity forced them unto, that they might not suffer the ruin of so goodly Provinces, before Don john could come thither. saying: that her Majesty might thereby well understand, what had passed in the Netherlands, and what reasons moved the general estates, by order from the Lords of the council of estate then governing, and representing the person of the King their sovereign Lord, to have their refuge and recourse unto arms. And for that cause desired her Majesty to consider, if that they were therein to be blamed, when as they neither sought alteration of religion, nor change of Prince (but only desired to serve the king) and sought to deliver and free themselves from the bloody practices of the Spanish soldiers, and to maintain themselves in their ancient laws, rights, and privileges, which his Majesty had confirmed by oath, as also to be governed by natural borne persons of the land, as they had been in times past: all which their so lawful and reasonable causes, the deputies of the general estates (knowing her Majesty to be a princes of great understanding, and wisdom, far from all ambition, and yet most pitiful) had given him in charge to show unto her, hoping that she of her gracious favour, clemency, and good will, would not forsake nor abandon them, in a matter of so necessary and of so great importance; and that her Majesty at that present, should bind the Lords of the estates general most strictly unto her, if it would please her to assist them in that their need, by lending them the sum of a hundred thousand pounds' starling, for the space of six or eight months, upon condition to pay it again, at the same time: and for ass●…ance thereof, the said states should give her their obligations, whereby (with God's help) she might assure and make them able, to compel and force the Spanish soldiers and their adherents, to leave the country either by fair or by foul means, and to be a means that no man else under pretence of lending them aid and assistance, should make themselves masters of the Netherlands, which she knew to be subject unto the lawful government of the king of Spain, their natural prince: as also, that it should not be convenient for her Majesty, to have any such neighbours, whom she well knew to be no less ambitious, nor of less proud behaviour than the Spaniards were, which they nevertheless (if she could not aid them with some ready money) must be forced to use, for that they could have but small service of their soldiers which they had already levied, if they were not paid, whereunto as yet they had no means, until they had taken a general order therein, wherein they begin to proceed but that before the same could be effected, the enemy might strengthen himself, and oppress them, to the utter overthrow of the Netherlands, and all the estates of the countries bordering upon. For which cause they desired, that her Majesty would show, how highly and dearly she esteemed of the old alliances and contracts made between her kingdoms and the Netherlands, by the treaties of intercourses and trafickes of Merchants, so necessary for both countries, which would not be maintained if any other Prince should rule over the said Netherlands, which if it should so fall out (as God defend them from it,) without doubt, in time, her Majesty would find herself in as great difficulty as the Netherlands desiring her to remember the verse: 
Tunc tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet.  These reasons graciously heard by the Queen of England, she presently made answer 
1576  by word of mouth, saying that she was sorry, that the King his Master was so badly counseled, 
The Queen of England an●… to the Stat●… Ambassa●….  and that she had twice or thrice sent unto him, to desire him to consider the nature and condition of the Netherlands, and to remember how obedient the inhabitants thereof had been to their natural Princes, which at all times had governed them so fortunately, and that it was fitter for him to follow the same course, then to use the extremity, which is always accompanied with great injustice, and force, and can not long subsist as being a most certain and an assured ruin of all common wealths, and that if he thought it good, that she should be a mediator between them both, she would gladly do her best to end and pacify all quarrels, with condition that they should observe such religion, as the King would have them to follow, together with his sovereign authority and reputation, which she, as a Princess understood, did of right belong unto all Princes, and that all Princes were bound, to aid and assist one the other for the maintenance of their soveraingty, as being a common cause belonging unto them, whereunto she said he made her answer, that he gave her thanks for her good offer, and that he hoped to deal so well with his subjects of the Netherlands, that he should not need to trouble any other Prince therein, and that if it should come to that point, he would rather trust her therein, than any other of his neighbours, in that sort (as she said) rejecting her Princely offer, with good words: and therefore she said, that the Netherlands might assure themselves, that she would not endure, that the Spaniards should rule absolutely amongst them, in regard of the danger that thereby might be incident unto her, as also in regard of the ancient amity, confederations, and trafickes: that her kingdoms had with the said Netherlands, always conditioning, that they should deal faithfully uprightly and plainly with her, maintaining the authority of their King, and the religion as they were wont to do, in which respect she would not let them want, nether for money, nor men.  
And when the Lord of Swevenghen, made further request unto her for money she made answer that she would do it, and that she would shortly resolve upon the same. After that, entering into some other speeches with him, she seemed to have some dislike of the Prince of Orange, and of the Frenchmen, saying that she understood of his motion therein made unto them, but she would by no means seem to like better of the Frenchmen to be in the Netherlands then of the Spaniards: further speaking of the wars, and of their commanders, leaders, and of their army, she disliked that the commanders were all in manner young men, (and as she thought and had been informed from thence,) had small experience in the wars, to take such a charge in hand; counseling them to use the aid and advise of Lazarus Zwend●… (a man of great experience and one well known in the Netherlands) and the like old soldiers of that nation. She said further it was not long since she had sent one of her Gentlemen into Spain, to show the King plainly that if he would not retire the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, she would help to drive them out. whereunto the Ambassador, according to his commission, answered her at full, and after that, dealt with the Queen's principal counsellors, as the Lord B●…rghley Lord high treasure or of England.  
The Earl of Leicester, secretary Walsingham, and others, who thought it convenient to send Captain Horsley unto the States, to understand their full intents and meanings, and whether their pretence were to maintain their old religion, and the authority of their Prince, the driving out of all foreign soldiers and to be governed by the natural borne subjects of the land, and to live according to their ancient right, and privileges, and being thereof assured, that then the said Captain Horsley should presently ride unto Don john of Austria, to desire him, that he would grant to their request, or else flatly and plainly to tell him that her Majesty would not suffer the Netherlands to be tyrannised by the Spaniards, as she had likewise sent word unto the King of Spain himself. With this charge and commission, Captain Horsley went into the Netherlands, and there effected his message: mean▪ time the Baron of Swevenghen dealt further with the council of England, which 
1576  told him, that according to the advise, and intelligence that was brought unto them, the Netherlands were not to ex●…ect much good at the Frenchmens hands, saying that they had the copies of the instructions of monsieur Bonivet, the French Ambassador in Brussels, and of the duke of Anjou the King's brother, who as then had secret intelligence with the King his brother, and the King of Spain, and such like speeches: after further conference and dealing between them, the Baron de Swevenghen procceeded so far, with the Queen and her counsel, that she caused the value of forty thousand Angels, in bullion or unminted silver to be delivered unto him, and his Commissioners, john Matins and john Narrot, in part of payment of a hundred thousand pound starling, and upon the thirty of December sent a gentleman called Master Wineybank, to deliver the money unto Secretary Wilson, her Ambassador in Brussels, that he might receive the states obligations for the same, which was done accordingly, where likewise, the towns of Brussels, Gant, Bruges, Dunkerck, Nieuport, and Middleburg in Zealand gave there several obligations: It was then also agreed, and concluded, that the states of the Netherlands should make no peace, nor agreement with the King, without they included the Queen of England, and her Kingdoms therein, and that the treaties and intercourses, touching the trade of merchandise should be maintained and kept; that all Rebels that were gone out of England, should leave the Netherlands, and that all Englishmen, should be free at sea, as they were before the civil wars. This was that which was done with the Queen of England, in regard that the States, being compelled by necessity should not seek unto any other Prince, nor unto the King of France, but remain under their own Prince, upon hope of getting the Spaniards out of the country, which were suspicious for her to remain there.  
The countries of Brabant and Flanders, having by the taking of Antwerp lost the navigation of the sea, by the River of Escaut; they cut the dikes upon Flanders side 
A passage free to the sea without passing before Antwerp.  above Antwerp near unto Burcht, and beneath right against Austreweel, that the water of the river and of the sea by the rising of the tides, might enter into the country which lies betwixt both, being a low and marish ground, as it did abundantly: so as they of Brussels, of Macklin, Tenremonde and other places, without being in danger of them of Antwerp, nor of the fort at the head of Flanders, right against the Town, had free passage, to sail into Holland, Zeeland and over all the sea, to the great hindrance of the town of Antwerp, for that it broke of their traffic and navigation. These breaches were after the departure of the Spaniards stopped up and the dikes repaired.  
Whilst they were busied about the treaty of Pacification, the general Estates had their army camped before the castle of Gant, and round about it, as well within the town as abroad, whereas the Earl of Roeux commanded in chief, as Governor 
The castle of Gant besi●…ged.  of Flanders, being assisted both with soldiers and munition, which the States of Holland and Zeeland did lend them upon promise of restitution. In the beginning the castle was but weakly and slackly battered, they also gave a ●…aladoe, but their ladders proved very short: so as until the succours from the Prince and from the Hollanders and Zeelanders were arrived, the Earl of Roeux advanced little. In the end the Earl of Lalain General of all the army in the absence of the duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec being come unto the camp, and the castle being battered in breach, and an assault ready to be given, the Spaniards within it (being about a hundred and fifty) demanded to parley. The signor of La Guard▪ Colonel of the Princes French went thither, but at the first they could not agree, upon the leaving of their arms. In the end Valentin de Pardien signor of La Motte, governor of graveling, promised to cause them to be paid for their 
The castle of Gant yielded.  arms, whereupon they yielded the place the eleventh of November, to have their lives and goods saved.  
The Germans in the mean time began to mutiny in Valenciennes, and to make secret practices with the Spaniards that were in the castle, for the preventing whereof, the general Estates sent George of Lalain, Earl of Reneberg, Baron of Ville Governor of Henault, in the absence of the Earl of Lalain thither, who (although he had but eight companies of Walloons of his Regiment) managed this business so discreetly, as the Germans went out of the town by agreement, every one receiving but a Doller. The Earl of Reneberg (being entered the twelfth of November with his Walloons, with the assistance of the Inhabitants) presently besieged the Castle, the 
The Castle yielded.  which was kept by a hundred and forty Walloons, whom he forced to yield, and to leave the place by composition.  
The Walloons that were in Friesland, and especially at Groninghen, had some feeling of this pacification of Gant: so as they would declare themselves for the general Estates united, to whom they gave an oath by the means which followeth. The States 
The state of Groningue at that ●…me.  had sent Francis Martini-stella of brussels into Friesland and the country of Groningen, with charge and ample commission to reduce the said countries under their obeence, by all good means and persuasions. Gaspar of Robles, Signior of Billy a Gentleman of Portugal, having married the Lady of Germigni in Arthois, being governor of the said countries, knowing that he was come to Groninghen, and doubting of his practices, he caused him to be presently taken prisoner, whom he examined and tortured cruelly upon the Rack, whereunto he himself put his hand, besides the torturer, to force a confession from his own mouth, to what end he was come; whereof having some conceit, and that the Spaniards intent was to dismember the united Provinces, and the better to hinder the States from reducing them into one body, that they had sent every one back to his garrison (after this exploit of Antwerp) to Alost, Liere and Mastricht, meaning to do no less in his government, he called the Captains unto him which were Fernando Lopez, Campi, Moncheaux, and others, with their chief officers, requiring an oath of obedience of them for three months, in all things that he should command them, during the which he promised them to write unto the King of Spain, and to know if it were with his majesties good liking, that the Provinces of the Netherlands had united themselves unto the Prince of Orange: and that as soon as he should be advertised, he would not fail to do as the rest: but his intent was in the mean time to make himself master of Groningen, and of all Friesland.  
The three and twentieth of November he required the like oath of Captain Lossi, that he might have the more at his devotion, but he made some difficulty, saying, That he would first confer with his Sergeants and Officers. Billy hearing this answer, sent for two of the captains Sergeants, to whom having presented the same oath, they answered; That nine years passed they had taken an oath unto the King, the which they would maintain until that his Majesty had dispensed with them. And as the said Governor put a Pen into one of the Sergeants hands to sign the said oath, he cast it into the fire, saying, That he would rather die, the which the other Sergeant and the Corporals did also confirm. Billy being discontented at this answer, said unto them: Go your ways, I will consider what I have to do: the others answered; It must be then patience perforce. The Sergeants and Corporals being gone from him, they assembled their companions and other Officers of the company, every corporal calling his squadron, giving them to understand what the governor had propounded, and what they had answered, demanding what was to be done: whereupon all answered, that They would rather die then take a new oath, which they hearing from the company, they went unto the Officers of Captain Villers (who had then the guard) to whom they showed what had passed, and what was the resolution of their men, desiring to know their minds: They answered; That they were content to live and die with them: whereupon they resolved to seize upon their Colonel, and to prevent him, assuring themselves, that for this refusal which they had made, he would seek to spoil them, when they should be separated after the changing of the guard. And therefore they agreed among themselves, that not any one 
Robles Signior of Billi seeks to spoil them that refuse the 〈◊〉  should discharge his piece entering into guard, without the express commandment of their Sergeants and Corporals.  
The Governor thinking to prevent them, caused the Artillery to be charged, and planted in a street, where the soldiers were wont to pass entering into guard, commanding Captain Fern●…ndo Lopez to have his men ready in Arms, and as soon 
1577  as the Artillery had been discharged against the company of Captain Lossi; then to charge them.  
But one of Villers Sergeants having discovered this practice, gave notice thereof to a Sergeant of Lossis company, before they went to guard, who took an other street, and came before the governors lodging, being their Colonel, wherethey were usually accustomed to give a volley of shot, the which they did not at this time. The Sergeant Mayor being there present, commanded them to shoot of their pieces, but they answered him again, they would not until they had money given them to buy powder and match. This Sergeant Mayor being to presumptuous (not considering what time it was) threatened to strike some, whereupon they began to cry to Arms and the Sergeant Mayor to fly; Captain Lossi seeing this, striking upon his breast, cried out unto his men, courage, make an end, it is time. Villers company coming out of guard joined with them, encouraging one an other, and saying, that they would live and die together, until they were assured of their Colonel. Fernando Lopez being careful of that which the Governor had given him in charge, seeing that the guard passed not by the accustomed street, hearing the noise, he went to horse to see what was to be done, and to pacify this mutiny if it were possible. But thinking to approach he was so entertained with shot, as flying hastily back he lost his hat, which he durst not stay to take up. Being come into the street of Ebinge where his men were in arms, he thought to lead them to succour the Governor, but coming to the corner of the street, whereas they found them of Yolly & Villers in battle: They cried unto them that they should not shoot, & that they would be of their party. Fernando Lopez seeing this, saved himself, speedily in a Baker's house: his soldiers tore their Ensign in pieces, and joined with them of Lossi and Villers, giving their faith one to an other, and promising to die together, and then they marched to the governors lodging, the drums sounding an Alarm, and making a great noise. The Governor being much perplexed came unto the gate with his hat in his hand (for it was now time to speak them fair, considering the disseine which he had had) entreating them to be quiet, and if it were money which they demanded, that they should be satisfied within three 
The Signior of 〈◊〉 taken prisoner by his own men.  days, with many other goodly words & promises; whereunto they answered, that they would find their own pay, and in the mean time he should remain their prisoner. From thence they went to the townhouse where was the chief corpse de Gardiner; then unto the lodging of the Signior of Rhinsbrouck son in law to the Governor, who they also took prisoner, although he spoke them fair and excused his father in law, leading him by him.  
This done being a general mutiny, they also took these Captains, Lossi, Villers, 
The Captains are taken prisoners by a general mutiny.  Moncheaux, and Campi with their colours: the Burghers of Groninghen were in great fear of the like disaster as happened at Maistricht and Antwerp. But seeing the soldiers draw towards the place of Balance, which is upon the market place, where there was a Poultry to give the strapado, which they pulled down and burnt, crying God save the Prince of Orange, God save the States, the Inhabitants grew more assured. From thence the soldiers went to the Provost general, and drew forth Francis Martin-Stella, deputed by the States, whom the Governor (as we have said) detained prisoner, having with his own hands wounded him in prison, being in Irons. Having set him at liberty, they brought him to the Comptroulers house, to refresh himself a little, than they conducted him to the market place, into the midst of the Assembly of soldiers, whereas they did all swear unto him in the name and as Deputy for the general 
The soldiers of 〈◊〉 swear unto the States.  Estates, to remain faithful unto them unto the death. Then they sent him back, and caused him to be conducted by some of these soldiers, being accompanied by some Deputies of the Town unto Brussels, to inform the States of all, and to receive directions for their government. Persently after the taking of the Signior of Rhinsbrouck, they sent fifty soldiers to the Governor of Zutphens' lodging, called Fiasco, but finding him not there, they ran unto the convent of Franciscan Friars, where they heard he had hidden himself, but they sought all places yet could not find him: for he being disguised in a friars weed, having his head and 
1577  beard shaven, holding a candle in his hand, sought up and down with the rest: until that a german Friar said unto them: This man is of our Order but not of our Convent: 
The Governnor of Zutphen taken prisoner.  which words they understood not till in the end pointing at him with his finger, he said: Ipsus est, ten●…te eum. It is he, lay hold of him: Then was he apprehended, and in the same Monkish habit led to the Market place, in great derision of all the world.  
The next day they made proclamation by the sound of the drum, that if any one had concealed and hidden Captain Fernando Lopez, the Grand Provost and the Sergeant Mayor, that he should come and reveal them upon pain of loss of body and goods, & their houses to be burnt. The Provost was found in the Curates lodging, hidden in the tonnell of the chimney. The Sergeant Mayor was known, being disguised in a priests habit; and than Fernando Lopez whom the soldiers led crying, Behold the Hangman of Groninghen. They were all three led to the Convent of jacobins, to keep the other captains company; Doctor Wendorp was also taken prisoner, notwithstanding all his protestations.  
On the Monday following the soldiers of Dain arrived; bringing with them Captain Sterck and their Ancient prisoners, and they joined with them of Groninghen, taking the like oath unto the States. And the same day Meysken Lieutenant of Groninghen was kept prisoner in his house with a Guard of fifty men. On the tuesday came the garrison of Delfziel with Captain Bernemi Court, a Gentleman of Bethune, Signior of Fouquieres and his Ancient, both which were put in good guard: After that the troubles ceased, until they did under-stand what the States would determine, upon the report which Martin Stella was gone to make. So as in the end all matters were well ordered, the States sending the Earl of Renenbergh thither, to govern in the place of Colonel Robles: wherein he discharged himself at this time (for afterwards 
The Earl of Rheneberghe ●…ouernor 〈◊〉 the place of Robles.  he turned his coat, as we shall see) so wisely, as he drew the Town and all the Country of Freezland to be at the State's devotion, and the Castle of Groninghen which was then much advanced, & defensible towards the Town, by the Earl's commandment, at the suit of the Burghers, was wholly ruined and pulled down.  
The States seeing themselves engaged in war of all sides against the Spaniard●…, who were proclaimed enemies to the country, fearing some disunion among them▪ by the enticing persuasions of such as sought to dismember them; they resolved before that Don john should enter into the Country, to make a general union among themselves, as well of Prelates, Noblemen and Towns, as of others of the seventeen Provinces, which was allowed by the Lords of the Council of State committed by the King, for the government general of the said countries. Whereof the Original remains in the Custody of the States of Brabant: of which Union the Tenor followeth.  
We who have signed these presents: Prelates, men of the Church, Noblemen, 
A general Union of the State.  Gentlemen, Magistrates of the King, towns, castles and others, making and representing the States of the seventeen Provinces, being presently assembled in this Town of Brussels, and others being under the obedience of the most high mighty and famous Prince, King Philip our Sovereign Lord and natural Prince, we give all men to understand both present and to come, that seeing our common country afflicted, by a more than barbarous and tyrannous oppression of Spaniards, we have been moved, thrust forward, and forced to unite and join ourselves together, and with arms, council, men, and money, assist one an other against the said Spaniards and their adherents, being declared rebels to his Majesty and our enemies. And that this Union and conjunction hath been since confirmed by the pacification last made, and all by the authority and consent of the Council of State, committed by his Majesty for the general government of the said countries. And as the pretended end of this Union requires all fidelity, constancy and mutual assistance for ever: and that we would not by any misprision have cause of jealousy or distrust, and much less of any bad affection or disposition in any of us. But contrariwise to have the affairs of the said Union procured and effected with all sincerity, fidelity and diligence 
1577.  that may be, so as not any of the subjects and Inhabitants of the said countries and Provinces may have any just cause to be displeased or discontented, or to doubt of us.  
For these considerations and reasons, and that nothing may be treacherously done, to the prejudice and hurt of our common country and just defence, or that omitted by negligence, which shall be necessary for our just and lawful defence, We have by virtue of our power and commission respectively, and otherwise for us and our successors, promised and do promise by the faith of Christians, of honest men and true countrymen, to keep and entertain inviolably for ever, the said Union and Association, so as not any one of us may break or fall from it, by dissimulation, secret intelligence or in any sort whatsoever. And that for the preservation of our holy, Catholic and Romish faith, and the accomplishment of the pacification, as also for the expulsion of Spaniards and their Adherents, with all due obdience to his Majesty for the good and quiet of our country, and the maintenance of our privileges, rights, freedoms, statutes, customs and Ancient uses: For the effecting whereof we will use all means possible, employing both money, men, Council and goods, yea and our lives if it were necessary. And that none of us may in private give any council, advice or consent, nor have any secret conference with them that are not of this Union, nor yet reveal unto them in any sort, what hath or shall be treated of in Assembly or resolved, but shall wholly conform himself according to our general and common resolution.  
And in case that any Province, Estate, Country, Town, castle or house, were besieged, assaulted, invaded or oppressed in any sort whatsoever: yea if any of us or any others, having endeavoured himself for his country and the just defence thereof, against the Spaniards, or for other causes depending thereon, as well in general as in particular, should be sought after, imprisoned, ransomed, molested or disquieted in his person and goods, honour and Estates, or otherwise, we promise to give him assistance by all the said means, yea and to procure the liberty of them that shall be imprisoned, either by force or otherways. upon pain to be degraded of their Nobility, name, Arms and honour, and to be held perjured, disloyal, and enemies to our country, before GOD and men, and to incur the note of Infamy and cowardice for ever.  
And for the strengthening of this our holy union of association, we have signed these presents the tenth of january, one thousand, five hundred, seventy and seven. underneath were the signatures of the Deputies of every Province, Prelates, Noblemen, and Commissioners for towns, and underneath them was written the agreation of the council of State, as followeth. The Deputies of the general Estates here under-written, having required them of the Council of State committed by his Majesty for the government of the Netherlands, to consent unto, and allow, of that which is contained in the union above written. The Council in regard of the said request, and the reasons therein contained, have as much as in them laid, allow and do allow by these presents the said union, according to that form and tenor. Made at brussels in the Statehouse, in the assembly of the said States, the tenth of january 1577. And underneath was written.  
By the commandment of the Lords of the Council of State: Signed; Berrij.   

IN the mean time the Spaniards being by means of the town of Mastricht 
1577.  dispersed in divers places over all the countries of Luxembourg, Faulquemont, Dalhem 
The Spaniards charged and defeated by Colonel Balfour.  and other places beyond the river of Meuse, were encountered the same month near unto jupille, half a League from Liege, by Balfour a Scotish Colonel, who charged them so furiously, as many of their soldiers were slain upon the place, and the rest of them that scaped were all put to flight. Whilst that the States made war of all sides against the Spaniards, those of Antwerp, Alost and there abouts in the Provinces of Flanders and Brabant, had a design to besiege brussels, but hearing that Don john of Austria the King of Spain's Bastard brother, was come to Luxembourg to be Governor and Lieutenant General for the King's Majesty in the seventeen Provinces, they desisted, and would know how matters should after that time pass.  
Don john having stayed some time in Luxembourg, the General Estates sent the Noble Lords of Rassinghem and Villeruall, the Bourgrave of Gaunt, Meetkerke and other deputies to treat with Don john, so as after many voyages, at the last he came 
Treaty betwixt Don john and the State's a●… Ma●…che in Famine.  to March in Famine the fifteen of December where they agreed upon a general truce and surcesance of arms for fifteen days, in the mean time he sent Octavio Gonsaga and his Secretary Escovedo to Antwerp, Mastricht and Liere, to deal about the sending away of the Spaniards, as he said: and on the twenty and one of December the estates sent their deputies to Namur, thinking that Don john would have come thither, that by conference to gither they might root out all jealousies, but he came not himself, but sent the Lord of Rassinghem for to desire them to grant a longer respite for eight days, whereby he might have a full resolution from the Spaniards in Antwerp and other places: Desiring moreover to know what security and assurance the States would give him for their obedience unto the King, after the departure 
Don john's demands of the Estates.  of the Spaniards, saying, that it stood not with his honour to disarm himself, and to put himself into their hands that were armed, and therefore he desired that the Estates should in like sort resolve to have their soldiers disarmed, and all strange soldiers amongst them to depart out of the country as well the Spaniards as any others.  
Moreover he desired to know with what security the Spaniards should depart, and whether by water or by land. And for that the matter in controversy with the Estates of Holland and Zeelande and the Noble Prince of Orange was to be decided by the general Assembly of the States, he desired to know when and where that assembly should be kept and held, and what pledges and security they would appoint for his person. By which demands the estates found that his meaning was not to let the Spaniards depart out of the Provines and country, before the question for Religion and other controversies with the Hollanders and Zeelanders were ended: whereupon they resolved to follow and persist in their demands, that the Spaniards should presently depart out of the Netherlands, and upon the last day of December for his full satisfaction, they sent unto him by their deputies five attestations. Two being written in parchment signed and sealed by the Bishops, Prelates, Abbots, Deans and Pastors bearing date the seventeen of December, in the year of our Lord 1576.  
A third signed and sealed by the Deans and faculty of divinity in Louvaine, of the six and twenty of December 1576. A forth attestation of the doctros and professors of both laws in the same University, the same day and year, and a fift from divers Prelates directed unto the Pope, containing the state of religion in the Netherlands, dated the eight of November last passed, between the general estates of the one part, and the Prince of Orange with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland on the other part. And further-more to let him understand that in the said contract of pacification, there was not any thing that might diminish or any way prejudice the lawful obedience due unto the Kings own Royal Majesty: they also delivered him an Attestation from the Lords of the council of State, appointed by the King to govern the Netherlands, bearing date the 20. of December 1576. signed Bartii. The 
15●…7.  first of january 1577. the Abot of Saint Gelein, chosen bishop of Arras, the Marquis 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 to Don john upon ●…he 17. of Ianu●… rye.  of Haurec, the Bourgrave of Gant, the Baron of Liedekerke, and Adolph van Meetkerke deputies for the States, offered to meet him at the towns of Lovuen or Mecklen, to determine and conclude upon that which was agreed upon at Luxemburg, between him, the counsel of Estate for his Majesty and the deputies of the general Estates. And for the assurance of his person, besides the security offered by the general Estates, he should choose a Commander and a guard of Netherlands such as were in the State's service, which Commander with his soldiers, should take their oaths unto him, to keep and defend his person, therewith to content him, and that further they were content, to deliver him 4. Hostages to be taken out of the Estates or their deputies, that should yield themselves into the bishop of Liege his hands, a Prince that was their Neighbour, until the 
Don john's answer there upon unto them.  peace were full concluded, whereunto upon the same day, Don john made answer, that in regard of the great love he bore unto them, and the desire he had to the welfare and peace of the land he would choose the Lord of Hierges for the captain of his guard, with a regiment of 3000. soldiers, that then were under his command, as well for the defence and preservation of his person, as of the place, which the would choose to be one of the two, which they had offered unto him, and for Hostages he would have the Marquis of Haurec, the Burgrave of Gant, Emanuel of Lalain Baron of Montigny and the Abot of Saint Gertrude, which should remain in the castle of the Bishop of Liege, and there be kept, as he said they promised him, and so he would be ready to meet them at Lovuen or at Mechelen, there to bring the matter to a good conclusion.  
Whereunto the States made answer, that all the Provinces in the Netherlands, had promised and vowed each to other, and signed it with their hands, not to abandon one 
The states resolute ●…nsw re to Don john.  the other, but to make war, until that the Spaniards were gone out of the country, promising neither to change Prince, nor religion, whereunto they of Holland and Zeeland likewise had signed, still holding their religion, till it were otherwise ordered by the general estates. As also, that they had not granted him to choose his Hostages, for that those which he had named they could not spare, but they would nominate others not of the same quality, and yet men sufficient enough, and also touching the Lord of Hierges, they said they could not grant him (for divers reasons) to be commander over his guard, but if he would come, & parley with them, he might if it pleased him meet them at Hue in the Land of Liege, a neuter place, and with the like number of men, as they brought, without any arms: and that if for certain convenient causes, the Spaniards could not so soon depart out of the Land, they desired him, that he to show his goodwill, would presently cause the castle of Antwerp, and the town of Lyre to be delivered unto the States, otherwise they could not abstain from arms, nor agree to any truce, but to the contrary would do their utter-most endeavours by force of arms to take those places: they likewise sent him a copy of the union or agreement made by the States in Brussels, whereof mention is made before.  
This union aforesaid made by the States, being showed unto Don john, he partly discovered the politic dealing of the Estates of the land, together with the readiness and affection of the countries adjoining to aid them, in regard of the uprightness of their demands, and that there were many men amongst them, that would not be moved nor persuaded by all his fair, goodly, smooth, flattering and dissembling speeches, wherein he planted a great part of the foundation of his proceedings, according to the general opinion that the unexperienced people of Spain and Italy have, of the small courage, understanding, simpleness and bad agreement of the Netherlands, (as the duke of Alva said, that he would smother and drown the Hollanders in their butter and milk) he was moved to yield (by the Ambassadors of the new Emperor Rodolphus to that end purposely sent into the Netherlands, together with the Ambassadors of the duke of Cleave, and the Bishop of Liege), but most of all by reason that he perceived the States to have many soldiers, and a great army in the field at Waure in Brabant, and for that the Spanish soldiers, were in a manner enclosed, and might easily be brought into want of all necessaries: and on the other●… 
1577  side, he being (as then wholly unprovided and unfurnished of all means to help himself) moved to come to an agreement of peace, and for that cause, thought good for a time to desist from his pretence, and to cause the Spaniards to depart out of the country, hoping thereby to break and disannul all the states, union, promises, and mutual contracts, and so in time to settle himself in the government, and to win men's hearts unto him, and having done so, to set them at division, and thereby to attain to his desire, which without doubt, he might easily have brought to pass, if he could have covered his dissimulation, with more patience and humility, and his young unbridled courage, with a kind of staidness, and fidelity, and his hatred and cruelty with moderation and advise, but many men that had travailed, presently perceived that he was too great and high minded, to be ruled by advise, and to young unexperienced and simple, to govern of himself. And his vain opinion of himself was such and so great, that he had a conceit in his head, to make himself King of England, by delivering the Queen of Scots out of prison, and destroying the Queen of England, whereunto he had obtained the Pope's good liking and furtherance, and to that end dealt secretly with the house of Guise, and the holy league, wherein he was crossed, 
Don john a●…pired to be King of ●…ngland and Scotland.  for that the States found it not requisite, that the Spaniards should go out of the country by sea, whereupon it seemed that he left off his purpose touching England, till a more convenient time, or else till the Queen were dead: which the King understanding, it being likewise made known unto him by the Pope himself, became very jealous, and after that sent nothing but strange and limited instructions unto him, and when he sent his Secretary Escovedo into Spain, for an other commission, and more money, the King by the means and council of his Secretary Anthonio Perez, caused him to be secretly murdered, being thought to be the only man that moved Don john unto such high aspiring conceits: so as it was verily believed, that in the next year after, Don john was secretly brought unto his death; as hereafter we shall show following in the History.  
The reason that moved the states generally to make peace, was that thereby they might be rid of the foreign soldiers out of the Netherlands, whereunto, those that 
The reason that incited the states to hearken to the peace.  thought to have the government of the land much moved them, alleging, that of force they must cause the Spaniards to leave the country, although the privileges and freedoms, were not in all points fully granted unto, saying, that if they would after make war again, they should easily effect it when the Spaniards were once gone, and could want no means therein. The Baron of Champigni was likewise the chiefest cause, that promise and contract was made, to punish the Spanish and Dutch soldiers for their insolencies, thereby to make the better account and reckoning with the Duchess, which otherwise would still find matter of complaint and discontentment: whereupon both parties being thus minded, by means and solicitation of the Emperor's Ambassadors, and other Princes, upon the twelfth of February, in the year of our Lord 1577. they being at March in famine, made, concluded, and confirmed this contract, which upon the seventeenth of the same month was proclaimed and published in brussels and Antwerp, and called by the name of the perpetual Decree, the contents whereof were as followeth.  
PHILIP by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon, Arragon, Navarre, Naples, Sicilia, Maiorque, Sardenia, and of the Islands of India, and the firm land lying 
The cont●…ta of the perpetual decree of peace, made between Don john and the states of the Netherlands.  in the Ocean seas, archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Lorraine, Brabant, Limbourgh, Luxenburgh, Gelder, and Milan, Earl of Hasbourgh, Flanders, Artois, and Burgundy, Palsgrave of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namure, and Sutphen: Prince of Swaven, Marquis of the Holy Empire, Baron of Friesland, Salines, Mechelin, of the town and territories of Vtrecht, Ouerissell, and Groaning, and Dominator in Asia and Africa: greeting.  
For that since july last passed, to out no small disliking, and great grief, there hath many times happened great division, alteration, and trouble in our Netherlands, by reason of the insolent behaviours, of our Spanish and outlandish soldiers (from the which, hath sprung many inconveniences, disorders and miseries likewise to our great dislike, and grief,) which as yet until this day (as every man knoweth) continue and remain therein, and for the consolation, comfort, unity, peace, and quietness of our said Netherlands, and for the better ruling, and government of the same, have sent thither, our dear and wellbeloved good brother Don john of Austria, Knight of the most noble and worthy order of the Golden fleece, who since his being there in our said Netherlands, having dealt, spoken and conferred, first in our town of Luxenbourg, with our loving, faithful, trusty servants and friends, the right reverent father in God, Mathias, Lord Abot of Saint Gildin, elected bishop of Arras, Charles Philip of Croy Marquis of Haurec. etc. our Nephew and one of the Gentlemen of our chamber, Charles de Haunart Baron of liddelkercke burgrave of our town of Brussels, and Adolfe van Meetkerke, counselor and receiver of our territory of Vrien, in our Earldom of Flanders, committees and deputies for the general Estates of our said Netherlands, and since that, in our town of March, and after that in the town of Hoyd in the land of Liege by intercession and Mediation in the said town of Hoyd of the lords hereafter named, and ambassadors messengers, and committees of our right high and worthy wellbeeloved brother Rodulphe, the second of that name, chosen Emperor of Rome, etc. specially appointed, ordained, and sent, by the said Emperor's Majesty to further the said reconciliation, agreement, and accord, namely, our loving and good friend Gerrard van Grueesbeeke Bishop of Liege, duke of Bullion, Marquis of Franchimont, and Earl of Loon. etc. Prince of the holy Empire, Philip de Old, Barron van Wieeborgh precedent, and Andrea's Gall Doctor of the laws, counsellor to the said Emperor's Majesty: Warner Lord of Glimmich Drosser of the Land of juliers, and john Loverman licentiate in the laws, both counsellors to the high and mighty Prince our well-beloved uncle William Duke of juliers and Cleves, etc. Prince likewise of the holy Empire, as Messengers for the said Duke; also Ambassadors for the Emperor's majesty to effect that which in the said Duke's absence should be agreed upon, with our well beloved and faithful friends of our counsel of estate, by us appointed to govern the said Netherlands, and to be of our secret counsel there, and the afore said Lord Abbot of Saint Gilded elected Bishop of Arras, Bucho Ayta, archdeacon of Ipre, Frederick Perenot, Barron of Rouse Lord of Champigny governor of our town of Antwerp, john the Saint Omer, Lord of Moreberke, governor of our town and Castle of Arien: Francis van Halewin, Lord of Sweveghen chief baley, and Captain of our town and Castle of Oudewater Knights, and the afore named Adolph van Meetkerke committees and Deputies of the aforesaid States, and lastly in our town of Brussels, where to continue, and fully to conclude and agree upon the said treaty and accord with those of our aforesaid council of estate, and the aforesaid States, meet and assembled together with the aforesaid Lords ambassadors of the empire, and the substitutes of the said Duke of juliers and our loving and trusty servant Don Octavio Gonsaga, Knight one of our council, appointed and committed thereunto, by our aforesaid good brother, where between them, divers points and articles being propounded tending unto, and concerning, the aforesaid reconciliation, accord and union, and for the full effecting of the same: we by deliberation, counsel, and advice, of our aforesaid good brother, Don john of Austria, and of our aforesaid counsel of estate, in conformity, and according to the contents of the treaty propounded between us of the one part, and the aforesaid estates, on the other part, have for us & our successors, ordained and decreed ratified and by these presents ordain decree and ratify in manner of a perpetual edict, never to be recalled, the points and articles hereafter following. Frst, that all offences, injuries, misdeeds, wrongs, generally: all manner of crimes and actions, done, happened and committed, by reason and occasion of of the aforesaid alterations, charges, and troubles, by all, and every one of the inhabitants, and subjects of our Netherlands, in what place or places and in what manner so ever it was done, as well in general as in particular, shall be wholly forgiven and forgotten, as if they had never been done nor committed, in such sort, that there shall never be any repetition, molestation, trouble, question, nor search made 
1577.  hereafter, for the same, against any of the said inhabitants and subjects aforesaid.  
And for that the Bishops, Abbots, Prelates, and Spiritual persons, of our said Netherlands, as also the Divines and Doctors of the Laws of our university of Lovuaine, by their several attestations, have witnessed and testified that according to the estate of the affairs of our said Netherlands, (being there present) the treaty of Peace, made and agreed upon in our Town of Gaunt, bearing date the eight of November last passed, between the aforesaid Estates of the one part, and our cousin William van Nassau, knight of our order of the golden Fleece, Prince of Orange, and the Estates of our Earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, with their Associates on the other part, contained nothing therein, that might or could be repugnant to our holy faith, and the Catholic, apostolic, Romish religion, but to the contrary was to the furthering of the same, and that also in like sort, our said Council of Estate, have testified and averred, that according to the Estate of the affairs in the Netherlands, (they likewise being present) the said treaty of peace, included nothing, that tended to the diminishing of our authority, and the submission and subjection decreed unto us by our said Netherlands, and especially for that the aforesaid Lords, Ambassadors, and messengers of the Empire, as also the substitutes of the aforesaid Duke of Cleve, do witness and justify the aforesaid attestations made by the aforesaid Bishops, Abbots, Prelates and other Spiritual persons, and by the said Council of Estate, to be just and true: We in regard thereof have agreed unto, approved and ratified, and by these presents do agree unto, approve, and ratify, the said treaty of peace, in all, and every article and point thereof, promising upon our faith and word of a King, for our parts, and for as much as concerneth us, to keep and observe the same inviolably for ever: and likewise to cause the same to be kept and observed by all and every one, to whom it shall belong and appertain unto; and according to the same, do agree and consent, that the convocation, and assembling of the general Estates of our said Netherlands, mentioned in the third Article of the aforesaid contract of peace, shall be done in such manner, and form, and to the like effect as the said Article more at large specifieth and declareth.  
Item we agree, ordain and appoint, that all and every one of our soldiers, Spaniards, high Duchess, italians, Burguignons, and other foreign soldiers, both horsemen and footmen, being at this present time within our foresaid Netherlands, shall and must depart freely, and unmolested out of the same, and not return, nor yet be sent thither again, having no foreign wars, and generally having no need thereof, nor any want of them in that place, as the general Estates of our said Netherlands shall like of and allow.  
And touching the determinate time of the departure of our said soldiers, we appoint agree, and consent, that all the Spaniards, italians, and Burguignons must and shall depart (within twenty days after warning given them by out aforesaid good brother) out of our Castle and Town of Antwerp, and out of other the Towns and castles and Holds of our said Netherlands which they now hold, and keep in their hands, or where so ever they be, and out of all our aforesaid Netherlands, and namely out of the dukedom of Luxembourge, with in other twenty days, or before, if it be possible: wherein our aforesaid good brother, shall employ himself with all his power, and during the said time of forty days, all and every one of our said soldiers, shall and must behave themselves, honestly, and peaceably, without any robbing, exacting, ransacking, and spoiling, or in anywise misusing of our said Netherlands and the subjects of the same, nor any of the neighbour countries and inhabitants thereof.  
And touching the time of the departure of the aforesaid high-Duch soldiers, they shall and must depart out of our said Netherlands presently after that the Estates shall have contented them, as it is further and more at large declared In the 15. article of this our perpetual edict of peace, which is, after that they shallbe reckoned withal, and all and every reasonable educations made out of their pays, as it shall be found 
1577  to fall out.  
And that all our said soldiers, Spaniards, High-duches, Italians, Burguignons, and all others, must and shall, at their departures out of our said castles and towns, leave all the victuals, ordinance, and munition of war being therein behind them, in our said castles and towns, which said towns and castles with the victuals, ordinance, and ●…unition, we will, by the advise of our said council of estate, appoint to be delivered into the hands of such persons, as are natural borne subjects of our said Netherlands, and as the previleges of the said Netherlands import, and such as at this time are acceptable unto them. And touching the oppressions extortions, and forcible compossitions, which by any of our soldiers, whosoever they be, have been done in our said Netherlands, during the time that they have been and continued therein, we will deal in such sort, touching the same, as right, reason and equity requireth, and when time serveth, as near as we can content every man therein, and shall likewise cause inquiry to be made, not only amongst the captains and commanders, of our said soldiers, but also amongst all, and every one of our said soldiers, who in any sort whats●…euer have misused and disordered themselves, either in our Netherlands, 
Much promi sed but no▪ thing performed.  or the country's adioying, and will do right and justice therein, whether it be in our Netherlands, or in our kingdom of Spain, or any other place, where we shall think it meet and convenient.  
We ordain, decree, and appoint, that all and every one of the prisoners, which are holden in prison by reason of the alterations and troubles in the said Netherlands, on both sides, shallbe freely and frankly set at liberty, and released of their imprisonment, without paying any ransom, provided always that touching the sending again of our couzin Philip William van Nassau Earl of Buren into our Netherlands, we will take order●…, that the said Earl, shall be freely sent again into the said Netherlands, as soon, and presently after that the general Estates shall have assembled; and the aforesaid Prince of Orange, for his part shall have truly and effectually performed that, which by them at the said assembly shall be ordained and appointed for him to do. Item we ordain, decree, and appoint, that the question, contention, and doubt, touching the restablishing and placing of certain Lords, and Officers, in their governments, and offices, from whence they have been discharged and put out, by reason of the alterations, and troubles aforesaid, shall be suspended, and referred, until the end of the assembly of the general Estates, and that then the said question, contention, and doubt, shall be committed unto the arbitrement and determination of the council and ordinary justice of the Netherlands, respectively, by them to be decided and ended according to law. Further we promise, upon our faith and word of a peace, to hold and maintain, and to cause (our said good brother, and all other Governors: and every one of them generally and particularly, which hereafter shall by us, and our successors be placed in our said Netherlandes,) to hold and maintain, all and every one of the old previledges, customs, uses, rights and laws of our said Netherlands, and that we will not suffer any to serve under us, our aforesaid good brother, nor any other governors of our said countries, neither for councillors nor otherwise, in the administration of the common government of the said Netherlands, but only such as are natural borne people and subjects of our said Netherlands. And likewise the Estates aforesaid for their parts, do promise upon their consciences, faiths, and honours, before God and man, to maintain, uphold, and defend and cause to be maintained, upholden and defended: the Holy, Catholic, apostolic and Romish faith and religion: and the authority and obedience due and belonging unto us, in all places of our said Netherlands wheresoever, and not to do any thing contrary unto the same.  
Item the said Estates likewise have promised to leave, break of renounce and shall and do promise to leave, break of, and renounce, all and every League and confederations, which they for their protection and defence, have made heretofore, with any foreign Prince or Potentate, since the alterations and troubles aforesaid.  
The said estates likewise, and in like manner, have promised, and by these presents 
1577.  do promise, to discharge and send out of our said Netherlands, all and every one of the foreign Soldiers, which they have entertained, or caused to be entertained in their pay, and to hinder, let, and withstand, that from henceforth, there shall no more foreign Soldiers enter into the same.  
Item, whereas the said estates, in witness of their true intent, as also of the sincere and good affection which they bear unto us, and our service, have liberally agreed, and offered unto us the sum of six hundred thousand pounds, of forty Flemish groats the pound, they do by these presents promise, to pay, and deliver the one half thereof in ready money, unto the hands of the aforesaid Lords Ambassadors, and messengers of the Empire; and the Deputies or Committees of the aforesaid Duke of juilliers, and Cleve, which said half part the said Ambassadors, Messengers, and Committees, shall pay and deliver over, unto the hands of our aforesaid good brother, or unto such as he shall appoint by the consent of the said Lords Ambassadors and Messengers; to cause our said Soldiers, Spaniards, Italians, and Bourgognons, and other strange soldiers, to depart out of our Castle and Town of Antwerp, and out of all and every other of our Castles, Towns, and Forts, except the high Duchess aforesaid, until such time as they shall be reckoned and accounted withal, as in the next article shall be declared. And for the other half, the said estates shall make it over by bills of exchange to Genoa, there to be paid unto those, that by our said good brother, shall be appointed to receive the same, within two months after the said Spaniards, Italians and Burguignons' aforesaid, shall be departed out of our town and castle of Antwerp.  
And further the said estates have promised, to take on them the charge to satisfy and content our high-dutch soldiers of their pays, as much as after account and reckoning made with them (both what they can demand, and what is reasonably to be deducted out of the same,) shall be found to be due unto them: wherein we and our said brother, will aid and assist them, and by our authorities, credits, and countenances procure, those that have the said accounts, reckonings and registers in their hands, to deliver the same, as also with the said high-dutches, to induce and procure them to be contented with that, which shall by account be found due unto them. As likewise, the said Lords, Ambassadors, and Messengers of the Empire, and the deputies for the Duke of juilliers and Cleave, have freely of their own good wills, promised to procure the said high Duchess to do the same, and that they will write unto the Emperor's Majesty, to desire him to use his authority in that behalf with the high Duchess, and until the said high Duchess shall be fully satisfied, contented, and paid, they shall live peaceably and quietly, and in such places, as we by advise of our council of estate, shall appoint them to remain in, for the protection & security both of our persons, & the said estates.  
Item, the estates have promised, and by these presents do promise, after the departure of the Spaniards, Italians and Burguignons out of our Netherlands, to receive and accept our said good brother (upon showing, presenting, and delivering unto them, our Letters of Commission, to him to that end given, and upon his accustomed and usual oath, in that case taken, with the observation of the other solemnities, which at such times are commonly done,) as Governor, Lieutenant, and Captain general for us, in our said Netherlands: and that the said estates, shall honour and respect him, with all obedience, and submiss●…nesse, as in that case belongeth and appertaineth: The said contract of peace made in Gaunt, notwithstanding still remaining in all things and in every point in full force and power.  
Item, we ordain and appoint, that our successors, and our aforesaid good brother, and every one of the Governors, that by 〈◊〉 our successors, shall be appointed to govern our said Netherlands, generally and particularly at their joyful entries, as also all and every one of our precedents, councillors, officers, and justices, before their entering into, and beginning to take the charge of their governments, states, offices and charges, shall solemnly swear to maintain and observe, and as much as in them lieth, to cause to be observed and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our present ordinance, accord, and reconciliation. Lastly we are content to allow ratify and approve, all and every condition, assignation 
1577.  of rents and pensions, and other obligations and assurances, made and passed by the afforesaid estates, and which as yet they shall make and pass, with all, and every one, that have aided, assisted, or holpen them with any money, or that shall aid, assist, or help them with money, to serve them in their need, for the avoiding of the troubles aforesaid, and especially with the high and mighty Princess, our very loving sister the Queen of England.  
And to the end that all and every one of the aforesaid points, and articles, may be truly, really, and uprightly, holden, observed, fulfiled, effected and kept, and that the whole contents of our said contract, may continue, and remain firm, permanent, and inviolably for ever, we have caused our seal to be annexed hereunto, and to be signed, by our aforesaid good brother; and the aforesaid estates on the other side have likewise caused to be hanged thereunto the seal of the estates of the Duchy of Brabant, for and in the name, and at the desire of all the estates, and have caused the same to be under written (by especial and express command, of all the estates,) by our loving friend and servant Cornelis Wellemans, clerk of the aforesaid estates of Brabant, and likewise, at the desire and request, both of us and our good brother, as of the estates the said Lords ambassadors, messengers of the empire, and deputies of the Duke of juilliers and Cleves, as intercessors, and mediators, of the said reconciliation, accord, and Union, contained in our said contract, have signed the same, and of their good wills and special favours, have as far as in them lieth by the said committees, from the Emperor's majesty, recommended, praised, aprooved, and ratesied the same by all the means they can, and as much as need requireth; given in our town of March in famine, the 12. of February in the year of our lord 1577. and in the years of our reign of spain and Cicilia. etc. the 23. and of Naples the 25. Signed john, and underneath by ordinance & commission from his highness F●…le v●…ssuer, And on the other side was written, given in our town of Brussels, the 17. of February 1577. in the 23. year of our reign of Spain and Cicilia, & of Naples the 25. & under that was written, by ordinance from my Lords of the counsel of estate of our souera●…ge Lord the King, appointed by his Majesty from hence-forwards to govern the Netherlands, and signed D●…ppe, and under that was written, by especial and express command of my Lords the general estates of the Netherlands, under-written Wellemen, and some what lower Gerrard bishop of Liege, Phillippus Semor Baron of Winnenbergh, Andreas Gail, Doctor Wernhertro, Gumioh, and john Lauwerman, and somewhat lower was written published in Brussels the 17. of February 1577. in presence of my Lords of the counsel of estate, committed by the King to govern the Netherlands, and of the Lord bishop and Prince of Luycke, and other Lords Ambassadors and messengers of the Emperor's Majesty and of the Lords the general estates of the Netherlands aforesaid, by me the secretary of the town of Brussels; under written A●…rssens.  
This accord made by Don john in from of a perpetual Edict, was in the end proclaimed at Brussels the 17. and at Antwerp the 27. of February 1577. to the incredible 
The Castle or Vtrecht yielded to the States.  joy of all the people. Before the publication of the said Edict the general Estates had by the Signior of Hierges long be●…eeged the Spaniards that were in the castle of Vredenburch in the I own of Vtrecht: who were so priest with want and beaten with the canon as the t●…d of February, they were forced to yield by composition to Cont Bossu, and the said Castle was afterwards razed by ●…he Bourguers as it is at this present. This accord made in form of a perpetual Edict, was in the behalf of 
A perpetual 〈◊〉 to the P●…nce and States of Holland.  the General estates, by the Signior of Will●… and Master Paul Buys Advocate of the Country of Holland accompanying the Ba●…on of Wynenberg Precedent of the Emperor's council, We●…r La●…dt Drossart of the Duchi●… of Iui●…ers, and john Lauwerman Councillor to the Du●… of Cleves, sent to the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeeland to 〈◊〉 their consent there-vn●…: wherevp●… after they had well advised, answer was made in their names to the said Ambassadors and the Signior of W●…llerval: that the states of Holland and Zel●…. etc., together with the Prince could not sufficiently commend the good zeal of the general Estates, to discharge and 
1577.  free the whole country in general from so fatal and deadly a war, and to restore it 
The answer of the states of Holland and Zeeland, to the general estates.  to peace and concord: resting assured, that the said states would seek and labour nothing more, then to free the people from so many calamities which they had suffered and passed, to the maintenance of their privileges, ancient rights and freedoms: and to redress and replant a good order and rule, as well in matters of justice, as of policy, the which have languished during these miserable wars: and especially to entertain and put in execution the pacification of Gand. But the said Prince and States, having well balanced and considered (as it was a matter of great weight and consideration) 
Touching the free convocation of the general estates.  of this perpetual Edict: they find that the good desire and great zeal which the general Estates bear unto it, shall not be therein satisfied. For first of all it seems, that by certain intricate means, the privileges of the country (which they would so maintain) are thereby greatly interressed: for that the liberty to call the general Estates of all the Provinces united, is taken from them, to whom by right and of all antiquity it doth belong. Besides they will tie the States of the country to an oath which was never used.  
The breach of which privileges appeareth plainly by the unjust detention of the 
The Earl of Buren detained still notwithstanding the accord.  Earl of Buren: who (as it is notorious to all the world) having been taken and carried away out of the country against all right and reason: now that the question is to deliver all prisoners of either side, they make no show to have any intent to set him at liberty. The which notwithstanding (if they will entertain the privileges) they ought to do, and not so to violate them for a private person, who hath never offended: which gives small hope that they shall be entertained, but shows plainly that they will soon and easily take occasion to break them. It also seems that these Articles of the Edict tend to the breach of the pacification of Gand, in that the agreation of the peace is not so clearly and plainly therein expressed, as the importance therein requires. But that this agreation depends upon certain restrictions and explanations, which remain yet to be done, the which in time to come might breed many cavillations, for that they seem to be like unto those that were made in the time of the Duchess of Parma, which have been the cause of so great effusion of blood: against the which 
Don john hi●… accord 〈◊〉 suspect to the states of Holland, etc.  Articles, the said Prince and the States of Holland and Zeeland did protest, and made an Act thereof. There were also many points in the said perpetual Edict, whereof the Prince and the States would gladly have desired some alteration, for the which they were resolved to send unto the general Estates. But whilst they were busy to set them down, hearing that Don joan had been received for Governor, they declared plainly that this accord pleased them not, and that for their parts they would seek by all means to maintain the pacification of Gand, and to pursue the Spaniards, that the world might know they demanded but an end of the wars, and the preservation of their privileges. The general Estates hearing this answer, sent the like declaration unto them, and that their intent was to chase away all strangers, as well Spaniards, Italians, Bourgognons, as Germans at the time limited by the accord, and not to suffer it to be prolonged.  
Here-upon Don john sought for money to pay the Spaniards, that he might send them 
The Spaniards leave the Cast●… of A●…werp.  out of the Netherlands, and first of all out of the Castle of Antwerp, for otherwise according to the contract he could not be admitted to the government: who having received their pay, the Duke of Arschot was appointed by the States to receive the Castle, and to put in a garrison of Walloons after the departure of the Spaniards. The twenty of March, the said Duke, accompanied by the emperors Deputies, and by Escovedo Secretary to Don john, entered into the Castle to receive it. Sanchio d' A●…la who was Captain of the Castle, pined with grief and anger, who being loath to see this change, retired himself, giving charge to Martin del Hayo his Lieutenant, to deliver it up, the which having done into the Duke's hands, delivering him the Keys in their presence, Escovedo received an oath of the Duke in the King's name, to keep it faithfully for his majesties service. This done, and the great gates being set open, the Spaniards went forth, being laden with the spoils of the sack of Antwerp, and marched towards Maestricht, where their rendezvous was, to void the country, and 
1577  in their place there entered certain companies of Walloons. The prisoners were set free of either side. For the States there was the Earl of Egmont, and the Signors of 
Prisoners delivered of either side.  Floion, Capres and Glimes. And of the Spaniards side were released the Colonel Robles Signior of Billi, Mondragons' wife, the Governor of Zutphen, Captain Tollenor and others. The Duke of Arschot Governor of the castle, made his son the Prince of Cymay his Lieutenant. Although the Castle of Antwerp were freed from a garrison of Spaniards, Italians, and Bourgognons; yet was not the City well assured: for the King's mercenary Germans, companions to the Spaniards in the sack of the town, remained with their Colonels Foucker and Fruntsberg in the new Town, attending their pay, the which Don john seemed to delay for some further intent, the which put the Bourguers into great perplexity, being hard for them to see it, but harder to suffer it.  
The first of May the same year after that the King of Spain had ratified the perpetual 
The king of Spain ratified the perpetual Edict.  Edict, and the Accord made by Don john, by his letters patents of the 7. of April before, the said Don john came from Louvaine to Brussels, where he was received almost with a royal pomp, by the States of the country, the Magistrates of Towns, and by all the people, with acclamations and signs of great joy: and the fourth of the same month he solemnly took the oath of Governor, Lieutenant, and Captain General for the King of Spain, under the conditions of the Accord and above named Edict, the which he did promise and swear to observe & keep inviolably. Whereupon every one began to cast his eyes upon him, as if they had already seen a banner of hope planted that the Netherlands (which had been so long oppressed with the insupportable burden of infinite miseries and calamities, spread universally overall, of what quality and condition soever) should by the clemency, mildness, courtesy, and wisdom of 
The great hope they had of Don john.  the said Don john, be relieved and restored to their ancient estate, accompanied with all happiness and prosperity, which hope was publicly testified by all demonstrations of joy, feasts, and kind usage, all men showing as much respect unto him as if he had been natural Prince of the country: every one expecting that by his means (the Stranger's oppressors of the country being retired) the governments should be put into their hands that were natural borne, well affected to the good and public quiet, the peace and union of the country, inviolably kept; the privileges, rights, and liberties restored, and all points of the pacification of Gand observed and accomplished; to the end that thereby an over-ture being made for the assembling of the general Estates of all the Provinces, which had been promised of either part, they might in the end settle a general and perpetual good order throughout the whole country, with a firm establishment of union, and of all good intelligence and correspondency betwixt the Provinces, as well in regard of the maintenance of the Catholic and Romish religion, as of the full and perfect obedience due unto his Majesty, and the good and public quiet of the said countries.  
But the greater this hope, joy and contentment was to all in general, the greater was every man's care and hearts-greefe, when they see themselves frustrate of this hope and 
The great conceit they had of Don john not durable.  expectation. For after the departure of the Spaniards, instead of putting to his hand for the accomplishing of the rest of the points which remained of the pacification of Gand, and of his accord to root out all occasions of jealousy and distrust; they see Don john by little and little fill his Court with strangers, enemies to the country and the public quiet, most part Spaniards and Italians, or so affected and simbolizing with their humours, as besides the apparent wrong which he did unto himself, and to his faith and promise, by the which he had bound himself not to use them, he made his will and intention manifest, which was to reduce the said countries (already too much oppressed) under the yoke of them, whom he himself had made show and profession to abhor. For under colour that he had sent for his train out of 
Don john puts from him them of the country, and is served with strangers.  Italy, he caused a good number of Spaniards and Italians to enter into the country; by whom he was ever chiefly served, recoiling and putting from him as much as he could, those of the country, unless it were some few that were Spaniolized, or of the like humour: or such as were altogether suspected to them 
1577.  that loved their country: having advanced Baptista Taxis to be Steward of his house, and others of vile and base condition (having served as spies to the Duke of Alva) to chief offices; yea into his council, although in the beginning he made show that he would only employ them of the country, and put off strangers: yet by the effects they found the contrary: for in all occurrents of importants, he only used the council of the Lord of Gonsague, and of his Secretary Escovedo, doing nothing 
Don john admits none to council but them that are Spaniolized.  of importance without their advise, contrary to the Edict and Accord, Article ten. And when he made show to call any of the country to council, he made choice of such as were of the Spanish faction, or suspected to them that loved their country, finding themselves grieved, for that they had been suspended from their Offices and governments, in the beginning of their last alterations raised against the Spaniards and their adherents, being held to be the Authors of the coming and re●…ning the Spaniards in these parts, and of all the miseries and calamities which the country had since endured. Also he never put from his council and company some private persons of mean calling, who through their violent passions had always kindled the fire of civil war in Holland: and who had retired into the Castle of Antwerp with the Spaniards, holding their part against the States, and having 
Those that are suspect unto the state are favoured by Don john.  aided both with their council and persons, to sack and burn the Town. And moreover he hath always employed and been served by them that were suspect unto the States, for that they held themselves wronged: as the Earls of Meghen and of Barlamont, the Seignours of Hierges, of Floion, of Haultepenne his sons, the councillor Assonuille, Taxis and others. Whereby there could no other conjecture be made, but that he pretended to entertain the seeds of hatred and factions among the Noblemen: and in the end when occasion should serve, bandy one against another, and by that means be revenged of them all, as the effects in the end did show. If happily at any time he called the rest, it was but for an outward show, not to give them occasion of complaint in the beginning, and the better to cover his designs.   

After the publication of the perpetual Edict, Don john sent his Deputies to Gheertrudenberghe to treat with the Prince of Orange, and the Deputies of Holland and Zeeland; of which conference, and of their speeches of either side, I have set down a true narration.  
THe Duke of Arschot, the Lord of Hierges, Monsieur de Villerual, Grobbendoncque Metkerke, and Doctor Elbertus Leoninus, assisted by 
A 〈◊〉 at Gheertrudenbergh 〈◊〉 May 1577.  Doctor Gail, Ambassador deputed for his Imperial Majesty, being assembled on the one part: and the Prince of Orange, with the siegniors of Saint Aldegonde, Nyvelt, Ʋander Mylen, Conynck and Vorsbergen on the other. Monsieur Mertkercken began the speech, and after some demonstration of the sincerity and faithful diligence which Don john of Austria had used since he was received for Governor in performing of the promises made by him, and the good which he had done unto the country, in causing the Spaniards to retire, and that he was still ready to pursue and bring to a good end what had been so well begun, to restore this country to her ancient beauty, peace, and happiness, from the which they were fallen through the government of his Predecessors, and the insolency of Strangers: Desiring to govern after an other manner by the council and advise of them of the country, as shall be thought convenient for their greater good and quiet. He said moreover, that it was reason also, seeing that he showed himself so willing and desirous to redress all things, and reduce them to a good union and concord: that there should be assurance also of the Prince's behalf, and of the countries of Holland and Zeeland, that after they have finished all things and reduced the country to a better estate, that they for their parts 
1577.  should make no difficulty to submit themselves unto reason, and to the obedience due unto his Majesty, and laying aside all jealousy and distrust, they will procure with all their power this desired union, and will unite themselves with the other Provinces in one body under one obedience, as it hath been always here-tofore. And as there are many things whereby it seems they have no desire nor intent to come unto this point, but contrariwise that they will still hold themselves divided, and in perpetual distrust and disunion.  
It were necessary before that his highness proceed any further in that which he hath begun, to remedy these things. And for this effect as the pacification, made at March in Famine betwixt his highness and the general Estates of the country was afterwards confirmed by the perpetual edict and then ratified by his majesties express authority, so in like manner those of Holland and Zeeland should cause it to be proclaimed in their Provinces and towns, to be jointly accepted of them all, 〈◊〉 so long as it remains un-proclaimed, it seems that they of Holland and Zeeland would hold themselves divided from the rest, and not join in this general union which is the true and only means of the safety and preservation of the country. It would be also necessary to cease from fortifying of towns and other places, which they not only continue, but they build up new, which seems to contradict the effect of peace, for being no enemies, and having no cause to distrust on another, there is no need to fortehe, if they will not nourish jealousy, and breed suspicion of hostility. Moreover as his highness hath understood, that not only they do daily cast new artillery and furnish themselves with all sorts of munition, as if they were still in war, but also they melt the old pieces again which carried his majesties arms, and that they grave on them other arms, the which is quite contrary to the pacification of Gand, and prejudicial to the article, which faith that the general assembly shall take order for the restitution of artillery, munition, forts and ships unto his Majesty: his highness would desire that this might be provided for, and that hereafter they would forbear from any such casting, and that they would also forbear from making of any league or secret alliances with any foreign Princes or neighbour Provinces, seeing it cannot but breed great distrust, and nonrish matter of bad intelligence one with an other, being also against the duty of obedience which the subjects owe unto their natural Prince.  
And besides his Highness would wish that according to that which had been concluded at the pacification of Gand, and that which his Highness hath also ratified and promised for his part, they will procure that the general assembly of the estates may be held as soon as may be, as it is contained in the said pacification, and that to that end they will consider of the means whereby they may make them assemble and of the time and other circumstances thereto required. The Prince having heard this speech, after that he had retired a little into the Anext chamber, with the deputies of the estates of Holland and Zeeland, being returned, he answered. Thus having heard the points propounded by his highness deputies, for that there were many articles of importance, and whereon they must confer together, he desired to have them in writing, that they might answer to every one in particular, as it was fit. Thereupon Doctor Elbertus Leoninus spoke, and said that to avoid prolixity of writing, the which did breed but confusion, they thought it necessary not to put any thing in writing, and therefore that by way of conference they would answer to the points propounded, and endeavour to come unto that desired union and concord, propounding also on their parts the points that might seem to breed any scruple, difficulty or distrust, that by an amiable conference they might understand one an other, and if it were possible procure concord and union, which is so much desired of all sides: whereupon the Prince answered, that he desired nothing might be treated of but by writing, for that otherwise they might speak things of either side which might be sinisterly interpreted, or that might be denied to have been treated of, as we have seen (said he) by experience, in that solemn Treaty of the pacification of Gand, which they labour by all means to make fruitless 
1577.  and unprofitable, under colour that some points which were debated by Mouth, and not so particularly set down, are wrested to an other sense, as that of governments given by commission from his Majesty, the which is a clear point, and yet they seek gloss and cavelings, to obscure the will and meaning of the contractors, upon colour that the name of Vtrecht was not expressly set down in writing, and whereas he said that writing bred confusion, the which is not made plain but by writing, & therefore hereafter they would not treat otherwise then by writing.  
Thereupon the Doctor replied that they would not make any difficulty therein. But that first by an amiable conference they would give them to understand the points wherewith they held themselves grieved, to the end that seeking their content, they should demand that which should be fit for their safety. The Prince answered: But seeing they kept not that which was so solemnly promised at Gand, and confirmed by oath by most of the Nobility and Towns in particular, and ratified by Don john and his Majesty: what hope can we have that whatsoever shallbe promised hereafter willbe maintained and kept. Wherein is it, (said the Signior of Grobbendoncq that you complain, that the pacification is not entertained? The question was of Breda and of his Son, but the first day of the garrison of Breda.  
But said the rest, suppose the pacification be accomplished, for all cannot be done at one instant: Don john hath begun well, he must have time to finish the rest, and matters that are doubtful must be debated, that it may be made apparent whereunto he is bound. For touching the point of Vtrecht, it is no wonder if he hath not satisfied it, seeing that he finds not Vtrecht specified in the pacification, and that there lay before him many considerable & disputable reasons, why he is not bound to do it. Yea (said the Prince,) by this reason you may draw any matter in question, neither is there any matter so clear but it may be disputed, the which was amplified by the Signior of Saint Aldegond, and concluded by his Excellency, that they should first fulfil the articles of the said pacification, and that then the Estates being assembled, they would propound of either side the other points serving for their greater assurance. Thereupon, Doctor Leoninus propounded, that it was to be considered that the general Assembly of the Estates was not without danger; for the great number of them that did assist, and the diversity of humours, especially of them that are not always judicious and discreet: Producing for example the Assembly of the Estates of France, the which we have seen to engender more dissension and cause of war then there was before. And therefore it were fit to consider if by an amiable conference of the points that are in question, and whereof there remains yet some scruple of distrust, that we may excuse this general Assembly, and avoid the danger that might grow thereby.  
whereupon his Excellency answered, that there was a great difference betwixt the Estates of this country & the Estates of France, seeing that the people & the whole body here were of one will and mind, and not divided into partialities and factions of houses, as in France. And seeing that in the pacification of Gand, they had agreed upon all points that might be reconciled, to live together in unity and concord, until, they had leisure to provide for the rest, having referred the decision thereof to the Assembly general; it was more than reasonable they should first satisfy the Articles of the said pacification, and that the rest should be referred to the said Estates, where he meant to propound the points which they demanded. But said the others, whilst that we attend the Assembly you may propound wherein you find yourselves grieved or what you demand for your assurance. We have nothing to propound said his Excellency, nor to complain of, so as they accomplish the Articles of the pacification: for seeing it is concluded at Gand, that we shall live one with an other after the manner there specified; until the said Assembly, we are content and mean (by the grace of GOD) to hold ourselves so, without demanding any further assurance, referring ourselves for the rest unto the said Assembly. But said the Signior of Grobbendoncque what assurance will you give unto us to entertain 
1577.  the pacification? We are not bound to give you any assurance, answered the Prince, for the effect of the pacification carries her assurance with her, seeing that those which were there treating for the general Estates, and afterwards advowed by them, have propounded the articles and points therein contained for a prousionall assurance, until the general Estates should be assembled, saying, that some should do thus, and others thus, whereupon they agreed. We must therefore content ourselves with those means, or else necessarily disavow and break the said pacification. See then if you will advow it or not, for if you will hold it, we must for our parts, fulfil the points therein contained, as we are ready, and if there be any thing wanting unto this present, as we hope not, we are content to satisfy it. Yea said one of them, you would that after you have all the Towns and places of Holland & Zeeland, which are already put into your hands, and after we have delivered you the governments of Vtrecht and Amsterdam, we should have no assurance of you that you would hold the pacification. But answered the Prince, if we do presently accomplish the pacification; what will you more of us, or what assurance are we bound to give?  
By this means said the others, after that you have all which you demand, and that you have fortified yourselves by this means more than ever, you may make war against us. War? answered the Prince, what fear you? we are but a handful of men, but a worm against the King of Spain, and you are 15. Provinces against two; what cause have you to fear? whereupon the Signior of Meetkerke said, we have seen what you could do when you were masters of the Sea, and therefore do not so little esteem of yourselves. To whom Saint Aldegond replied, we never have nor could make war against you but defensive: And if we make a defensive war, we must first be offended. For we will never go to assail the other Provinces. I said one of them, we know that a defensive war is never made but it is withal offensive, alleging thereupon the taking of Geertrudenbergh. Vosberghen then answered touching Geertrudenbergh, that it was of his Excellency's government, a member of Holland and belonging to his Excellency, and that it was not taken by force, but by policy and for want of good guard.  
Then said the Prince, the pacification of Gand provides for this: You or your Deputies have confessed that you were well guarded with the points contained therein, and that you had no need of any other warrant, referring the rest to the Assembly. Yo●… must therefore content yourselves: For to make war against you, it is a thing without any ground or colour. If you had not known there was nothing to be feared for you, you had not forgotten to demand assurance. But you have seen how roundly we have dealt with you at that time, unfurnishing our Country to assist you, yea before the peace was concluded, and although we had reason to demand assurances, yet we would not do it, for that we treat with the Estates without distrust, having expressly declared that if we had been to treat with the King, or any other in his name, we would have been guarded with other assurances. But on your behalfs there was no question to give any assurance, as we have no means yet to assail you, so were it not expedient.  
At these words the Signior of Grobbendoncq said, to speak the truth, we have a good confidence in you that you will not make war against us, but we see on the other side that you seek to disperse your religion over all, and are not contented to maintain it among yourselves, but seek by all means to plant it in our Provinces: What assurance then shall we have when we have granted all that you demand, that you will not alter any thing concerning religion against the pacification of Gand? The assurance which we can give (said the Prince) is, that we will really accomplish the pacification, wherein we have promised for our parts not to give any scandal nor cause any Innovation: And we mean to keep that we have promised. But said the Signior of Villerual these are but promises, you will have us believe your words, and you will not believe the words and promises of Don john, nor ours. here is no question of believing or nor believing (answered the Prince) let Don john and you accomplish the treaty of pacification, and then we will believe you, but you gave 
1577.  us occasion of distrust, when as we see you to seek evasions not to accomplish the said pacifi●…ation, which you have promised, under colour to propound unto us other points for our assurance, the which ought to be referred to the general assembly of the Estates, we have also said Leoninus propounded points wherein you have not accomplished the pacification. Ʋander Mylen replied, we have therein satisfied you touching the principal, and as for the rest, we are ready to give satisfaction: although there be not any thing wherein we have first broken: for that whereof they accused us, we have done it by example, which those of Gant have given us by a sentence pronounced, so as if there be any violation it comes from you and not from us.  
But said the signor of Grobbendoncq the chief point of the pacification contains that you submit the question touching the exercise of your religion to the general Estates, what assurance shall we have that when you are satisfied in that which you demand, that you will accomplish this point? what occasion have we given you said the Prince to distrust, seeing that for our parts we have fulfilled the pacification. Seeing then we were once agreed, you should rest satisfied. But do you promise said Grobbendoncq to submit yourselves unto all that the general Estates shall decree, as well in this as in all other points, as you are bound by the pacification. I know not said the Prince, for you have already broken and violated the pacification, having made an accord with Don john without our consents, and then having received him for Governor. So as said Grobbendoncq you would not allow of the decision of the Estates. I say not so replied the Prince; for it may be such a one as we would accept it, and to the contrary. But we would there propound and debate our reasons to understand how far we were bound to submit ourselves, seeing we are not so absolute as we were at the first submission made at Gant. But you shall be restored said Grobbendoncque you cannot replied the Prince, for you have quite broken the pacification.  
Then said Meetkerke, we do nothing; if you will hold the pacification to be quite broken. It is not we said the Prince that have broken it, but you, and yet we refuse not to submit ourselves, so as we may deliver our reasons, and without prejudice be restored. But you have already condemned us by the promise which you have made to Don john to maintain the Catholic and Romish religion in all places, and caused all men swear to maintain it, so as we can hope for nothing of the judgement of the Estates but to be condemned. You would not then said the signor of Grobbendoncq submit and humble yourselves to the Estates touching the exercise of religion? No truly answered the Prince; for to tell you plainly we see you intent to root us out, and we will not be rooted out. Ho said the Duke of Arschot and the Baron of Hierges, there is no man that hath any such intent or meaning: yes truly answered the Prince: we submitted ourselves unto you with a good intent, hoping that you would judge for the good of the whole country; without any other respect, as was fit, but you yielding to Don john's will bind yourselves to maintain and cause to be maintained the Catholic and Romish religion in all places, and make a league and agreement thereupon, seeking to bind all the world to the like promise, the which cannot be accomplished but in rooting us out.  
Thereupon Leoninus said, what was promised in the union of the Estates was never to that intent, neither did they ever dream of it, but they went to guard themselves more safely, and keep them from disbanding. But said the Prince they were leagued together by virtue of the pacification of Gant, the which doth bind them as strictly as the new union. Whereupon Aldegonde added, that it was an unjust thing, that the treaty of Gant which had been so solemnly made, and which they had promised to have signed by all the chief Noblemen, Magistrates and Officers, was not effected, & a new union made by the advise and authority of private men, for that the preservation of the Romish religion was therein promised, they would have all the world to sign it and yield to it. And that thereupon they must either yield themselves suspect 
1577  not be of the Romish religion, or condemn our cause by a prejudicate sentence. The others said, that they never had any such intention and that we should have an act given us of their meaning. But replied the Prince, for all that, they shall not be discharged from their oath, and promise, the which when they shallbe called by Don john to the assembly of the general Estates, they must satisfy, or else remain perjured, notwithstanding their act or declaration. Thereupon doctor Gaill said in Latin, that he which had made the law, might also break it, and therefore the Estates who had made this union, might interpret or abolish what they thought good. Aldegonde answered also in Latin, that there was great difference betwixt a law and an oath, for he that hath taken the oath cannot dispense with it, seeing that he hath made it unto God, and takes the sacred name of God for a witness and judge, whereas a lawmaker in a positive law is himself the judge.  
Finally after they had much contended about this point D. Leoninus said, that leaving this dispute they must come to some accord, requiring that they would deliver up the points, and that they would moderate them, as they had promised to do. The others answered that they were ready, and delivered them at that instant: requiring also that they should deliver their points in writing, as well those which they had now propounded, as those which the signor of Schetz and Leoninus had propounded before, the which was granted, and so they parted. Only the signor of Grobbendoncq and Leoninus remained still, and had conference touching those matters with the Prince and the deputies, whom his excellency did seriously admonish, letting them understand that they were bound to maintain the previledges and liberties of the country, and yet they sought to bring their country into servitude.   

The Proposition of the Duke of Arschot Baron of Hierges, and other Deputies of Don john of Austria, made at Geertrudenbergh, to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the two and twenty of May. 1577.  
MY Masters the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, you have heard, how that his Highness according to his promise, hath caused all the Spanish, Italien and Bourguignon soldiers to depart out of the country of this side, and that at the request of the general Estates his Highness hath the fourth of this month accepted the government general of these countries, given him in charge by his Majesty, and hath taken a solemn oath, such as the Estates have required, as well for the observing of the pacification as of the previledges of the country.  
That his Majesty hath ratified, allowed and confirmed the said treaty made by his Highness with the Estates, for the which his Majesty hath given GOD thanks, and is well pleased with all them that have employed themselves in the making of the said pacification and accord. Nothing now remaining but to cause the people to enjoy the fruits and effect of the said peace, freeing them from their forepast toils, miseries and calamities, wherein this poor country hath been plunged by civil and intestine wars, in restoring the good and natural love, union, concord and intelligence which was wont to be among these subjects and Provinces, under the obedience and authority of his Majesty. To which end his Highness hath sent the Duke of Arschot, the Baron of Hierges and others, assisted by doctor Adrian Gaill the Emperor's Ambassador; to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, to consider with them of the effect and end of the said pacification, and of such reciprocal assurances as shall be thought necessary. And to declare unto the said Prince, 
1577.  that seeing he hath obtained that which he so much desired, which is the restitution of his goods and honour with the departure of the Spaniards, whereon he did ground his taking of arms, that it is more than time to settle the country in peace, and to banish all suspicion on his behalf, employing himself sincerely in so good a work. And if he be not satisfied with all this, but doth demand some other thing, let him speak plainly what he pretends more for his safety, to the end that full contentment may be given him. For the effecting whereof it is very requisite, that the perpetual Edict of the treaty made by the general Estates with his highness, and proclaimed at brussels the seventeenth of February, and successively in other towns and Provinces in confirmation of the said pacification of Gant, may be also proclaimed in Holland, Zeeland and other associate places, whereas hitherto it hath not been published.  
In like sort seeing a peace is made and proclaimed, it is necessary that generally all acts should cease which tend to hostility, and may give any occasion of distrust, as the entertaining of soldiers, the fortification of towns and places, practices and alliances, leagues and confederations, even with strangers, casting of new Ordinance, the which ought to remain in the same Estate until the resolution of the general Estates. And for that and other things specefied in the pacification, to give order for the full accomplishment of a desired peace and the public tranquility, it is fit to advise speedily when the said general Estates shall assemble. All which points the said Commissioners for his Highness, require the Prince of Orange and the Deputies of Holland and Zeeland, to carry them unto the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, as they will do unto his Highness and to the other Estates the points and articles which shallbe given them by the said Prince and deputies. Hoping, there shallbe a favourable answer given reciprocally of either side, and that all things in the mean time shall remain in peace and tranquillity.   

The answer of the Prince of Orange and the Deputies of the Estates of Holland and Zeeland to the said Proposition.  
MY Lords, upon the Proposition which it hath pleased you to make on his highness behalf, that to take away all jealousy and distrust which seemed to hinder the sincerity of the peace, we should propound assurances, which we think convenient for the effecting thereof. The Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, have made answer, that it were a superfluous thing to demand new assurances, seeing that the conditions promised by the pacification were not yet accomplished, and that to take away distrust, there was no better means then to begin by the fulfilling of the points and articles of the pacification of Gant, the which we being ready for our parts to accomplish, if any remaining▪ desiring that you would do the like on your behalf, and that moreover it hath pleased you my masters to require us to put in writing the points and articles which we pretend are not yet fulfilled. To satisfy your desire therein, the Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estat●…s of Holland and Zeeland, have thought good to exhibit these articles following.  
First that the advice and answer which the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland have given by writing to all the general Estates of the Netherlands▪ by the hands of monsieur de Villerual dated the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord 1577. contains many Articles, by which it appears that the pacification made at March in Famine was not conformable to all the Articles of the pacification of Gant, for which cause the said Prince & Estates have not allowed 
1577.  of the said pacification, but upon express condition that the general estates should for their parts pass an act obligatory in due form, signed by them and the Governors of Provinces, commanders and colonels, conformable to that which is more particularly specified in the said advice and answer.  
whereupon they have by an act given and dated the first of March, declared their intention to have always been to maintain effectually the pacification made at Gand, and to seek to redress all that they should find done or attempted to the contrary, or against the previledges, rights, liberties and customs of the Netherlands, as well in general as in particular, and they promised to cause the like resolution to be signed by the Governors of Provinces, commanders and colonels, as being bound to govern themselves accordingly, which promise and condition hath not been, effected nor accomplished: for the Germans are not yet gone out of the country, which is contrary to the said pacification of Gand. Item the goods have not been neither are yet restored to the Prince of Orange, as well in these parts, as in Bourgongne and Luxembourg. Neither is the Earl of Buren his son delivered, which doth not only impugn the said pacification, but also the previledges and liberties of the country, and the conditions of the said advice and answer. Item the Prince hath not his government yet restored unto him, as he had it by commission from his Majesty, seeing that neither the country and town of Vtrecht, nor the towns of Tholen, Heusden and others, are not yet united to their ancient governments, as they were in former times, where in my Lords of the council of State have showed themselves partial, writing letters to them of Vtrecht, by the which they have kept them from submitting themselves under their ancient Governor, according to the said pacification, and the previledges of Vtrecht, although that they of Vtrecht have often required that they might submit themselves. Moreover in steed of augmenting and maintaining the privileges of the country, as had been specefied, not only in the said pacification, but also in the conditions of the said advice and answer, given unto the general estates, we see them now diminished, yea broken and violated in divers sorts: for my Lords the States have by their Instruction given to certain deputies sent unto Don john lately (sense the said advice and answer, where it had been expressly mentioned) subjecteth the assembly of the States as well general as particular, unto the good pleasure of Don john, the which should remain free, according to the ancient rights, previledges and liberties of the Country, in those Provinces and places that have previledges.  
Item those of the religion are not admitted in any places and towns of other provinces, to remain there according to the pacification of Gand as may be verified by many examples, if they will take informations. And yet notwithstanding all this and that the promises and obligations contained in the said pacification of Gand, and sense, in that which the estates have promised to the Prince & to the estates of Holland and Zeeland be not accomplished, yet they have received the said Don john for Governor and Captain general, without the advise of the said Prince and estates of Holland and Zeeland, not that the said Prince and States will say they would have opposed themselves, but for that it seems that the union brought in by the said pacification hath been by that means neglected. And which is more, they have accepted of Don john with his train of italians and Spaniards, the which is even against the Edict of pacification made by Don john at March in famine. Also we see that contrary to the said pacification of Gand, many strangers, italians, Spaniards and others, which have showed themselves partial and Spaniolized, have great credit with Don john, as the Signior Octavio Gonzaga, Fernand Nunno, the Secretary Escovedo, the Signior of Gaste, who hath been employed into England, to break the Union of England and these Countries, with john Baptista Taxis and many others, haunting daily the court of the said Don john, although they have done very bad offices against the good of the Country, and as the common brute is, Don john hath some secret council with the above named and others of the like humour.  
Finally it seems that by virtue of the clauses contained in the league and union 
1577.  which my Lords the Estates have made although peradventure they had no such intent there be in effect a new inquisition brought in, yea more grievous than that in former times, or that which they use in Spain, the which inform not against any person of what religion soever, until that he be suspected, or have given some occasion: whereas he here by this new form of league, all men search after for their consciences and religion, under colour of maintaining the union, contrary to the pacification of Gant, and all concor. We omit the complaints of private persons touching the restitution of goods and the frauds and abuses of the Receivors of confiscations, for that we will not trouble the Estates with trifles, which may be handled at an other time.  

Made at Geertrudenbergh the four and twenty of May. 1577.  
AFter that Don john had been received into brussels with all his train upon a hope grounded upon his promises, that in time he would dismiss them, and that after he had settled an order in his house, he would not be served but by them of the country. Notwithstanding, when as he found that (for so much as his followers were greatly suspected, to the Burghers of brussels, and to all the Estates in general who had often entreated him to discharge them) he could not well execute that which he had long projected upon the said town. He therefore sought an occasion to go to Macklin under colour to treat with the german Colonels, where he did freely and without any scruple cause all sorts of Italians, Spaniards and them 
Don john takes occasion to go to Macklin.  that were of the Spanish faction to enter and frequent his Court, and all that had declared themselves enemies to their country and favourers of the mutinies, sedytions, spoilings and outrages of the said Spaniards, having open conversation and familiarity with them, holding councils of the State and affairs of the said countries with them, as the effects conformable to the letters written to the Germans Colonels have since made manifest: for at that time instead of treating in the State's name of their payment, and retreat out of the country, as he was bound by the said Accord and Edict, solemnly sworn by him upon the Euangill, in the hands of the Bishop of Boisleduke, all the States assisting, and in the presence of the Pope's Noncio and the Emperor's ambassadors, he practised with the said Germans to bandy them against the States, and to do that which he since effected: as it appears by his letter written to the Baron of Frundtsbergh and to Charles Foucker their Colonels the 16. of july in these words.  
Worthy Gentlemen, I think you remember well what I treated with you at Macklin, 
Don john's letters to the german Colonels.  and the order which I gave you concerning that which it behoveth you to do for his majesties service. And although I assure myself that you will not fail therein, but will put it in execution (according unto the virtue and wisdom you have hitherto used) what hath been given you in charge for his majesties service. Notwithstanding the business being of so great importance, I have thought good to recharge you by these my letters, and to put you in mind of what we have treated, and to require and command you (as I do in his majesties name) that as soon as possible you can, you effect and put in execution what was concluded betwixt us, for that therein you shall do that whereunto you are bound, and which is requisite for the assurance of your persons and your pay, whereof the States pretended to deprive you: whereunto it is not reasonable that either you or I should consent, seeing that his majesties intent nor mine were never other, but to have you honoured, paid and favoured. Our Lord keep you etc.  
And moreover for a more ample declaration of the great desire he had of the execution of his designs plotted there, he added with his own hand.  
You know my Masters what I have given you in charge at Macklin, and that in the execution thereof you shall discharge the duty and service which you owe unto his Majesty assuring moreover by the same means your lives and entertainments: for that the intention of the States being to leave you yea and to take all from you: I am 
1577  bound with the rest to do that service to his Majesty, seeing it is he that must pay you, and ●…in his name am to take the charge. And to the private Captains he did write with his own hand underneath the letter written in high Duchess, in these terms. My friends I refer myself to that which your Colonels shall deliver you more at large. Believe them, and continue as you ought in his majesties service which is the King, whom you serve, and who must satisfy and pay you, and the like will I do unto you, if GOD permit, as your General, friend and fellow soldier.  
The same month of julie sending Jerome Curiell with letters of credit unto the Colonels, he writ also with his own hand these words in substance. I send Jerome Curiel again unto you, to declare unto you more particularly what he hath in charge, and seeing the chance is cast, and cannot be recalled again, it is necessary to proceed, and that which doth most import, is expedition, and great diligence in the execution of that which hath been agreed upon and concluded. Whereby it did plainly appear that instead of treating with the Germans for the States, as 
Don john practiseth from the beginning against the States.  he had promised by the said accord, he treated and practised against them●… And instead of reconciling them one with an other: he did incense them more, persuading the Colonels that the States would defraud them of their entertainment, and take away their lives. And whereas he was bound to cause them to depart out of all the Towns and places of strength in the country, he took them into his service, and made them remain in Towns to conquer their pay by the sword.  
Whilst that he remained in Macklin he caused one of the Religion to be executed by the sword. And whereas it was held strange, and that they murmured thereat. He answered (wherein the Bishop of Arras did second him) that he did not therein go against the pacification of Gant, which was not to be understood 
A beginning of ●…ster int●…rpretation of the pacification of Gant.  but for those of the Religion which had been absent, and not for them which had remained in the country, as this did. This was a goodly beginning of the interpretation of the said pacification, but there were afterwards some that were more wrested. Don john having on the other side by them of Flanders compounded with the three companies of Colonel Polwill●…r being in Denremonde. And upon the petition presented by them of Flanders obtained authority to give a passport to every soldier to retire into Germany, as appears by an Appostille of his own hand as followeth. His highness having heard and understood the report of this petition, 
Don john's 〈◊〉 ●…bling.  declares that they may address themselves for the passports therein required to the general Estates, whom his highness doth authorize to give them, as he doth also authorize the signor of Ryhoven to make the private passports. And as for Commissioners for the conduct of the said three companies out of the country, his highness commands the Audiencier or Secretary to make patents concerning the same unto such Commissioners as shall be named unto him. Made at Macklin the 5. of july 1577. signed john, and under neath Berty.  
Notwithstanding presently after he writ and commanded those soldiers to continue still in the same town, obeying their Colonel Polwiller, with whom they were in dissension, and without any correspondency, as it appeared unto the Estates by the letters which the said soldiers had sent unto them. Finally instead of pacefying all troubles, and maintaining the peace and quiet of the country, as he had promised, making the said accord, and had always so pretended: presently after that he had so solemnly signed and sworn it, he plotted new enterprises with his Secretary Escovedo, and in the end put all in combustion, procuring war, which he had always affected, and sought nothing but an opportunity to put it in execution. And seeing on the one 
Escovedo incen●…th Don john.  side that for the good and firm union of the States among themselves and on the other side for the good reception they had made him, and continued daily withal sincerity & loyalty: And that, in regard of two points, whereof in the beginning he would have charged the Estates, that is the Catholic and Romish faith, and the obedience due unto 
1577.  the King, they carried themselves so faithfully and without any reproach as he had 
Don john seeks a quarrel against the States.  no cause nor colour to oppose himself against them. He resolved to dissemble his bad intent against them for a while, and to conceal his designs which had been plotted at Macklin, thinking he should not easily prevail, unless he did first ruin the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeeland: or else that he should find some occasion thereby, to show himself more openly in case the States made any difficulty to declare war against him: or else hoping to divide them, he resolved to seek all possible means to break the union and alliance, which by the pacification of Gant they had with the said Prince and States of Holland and Zeeland: as having more apparent matter to complain of that side, in regard of the said two 
Don john seeks to make war be twixt the States and the Prince of Orange.  points, without any observation of the order which had been concluded in the said pacification of Gant, to come to a general assembly of the States of all the Provinces, whereunto all controversies remaining were referred: but would anticipate and prevent the time, insisting very vehemently, that without any attention of the season and the prefixed order; they should satisfy him in many points, the decision whereof had been referred by the said pacification to the assembly general: finally at his departure from brussels to Macklin, he propounded unto the States to take arms against the said Prince, saying, that if he were in Italy or in Spain he would come expressly into the Netherlands to maintain the quarrel of them of Amsterdam. The which ministered occasion of great distrust and bitterness unto the States, to see him so resolute to take arms, rejecting the reasons that were given him of either part, requiring to have the cause examined more at large, before he should dismember them by war, from whence so many miseries and calamities did grow, for the avoiding whereof the States had so much laboured.  
At the same time he writ to the Emperor and to all the Prince's Electors of Germany, and he sent also to the Queen of England, to incense them against the said Prince, as if he had violated and broken the peace: and all without the privity of the States or 
Don john writs into Germany and England against the Prince.  summoning the Prince to answer to those actions, or to satisfy that which he had promised. Having moreover expressly forbidden the ambassador which he had sent unto the Queen, not to make any mention unto her Majesty, nor entreat her to assist the States with money wherewith they might presently have discharged the Germans which was the chief point the States had recommended unto the said ambassador. Don john showing openly in all his actions, the desire he had to break the pacification of Gant, in attempting war against the Prince and them of Holland: the which from the beginning being at Luxembourg and at March in Famine, he made show to affect greatly according to the letters written from Spain to Rhoda, almost at the very instant of his arrival, and the instructions that were given him at his departure from Spain, the which took this point for a chief foundation, that he must with 
The war of Holland and zeeland the chie●…e foundation of Do●… Io●…n.  the aid of the general States make war against the Prince and them of Holland and Zeeland, that (they being ruined) he might with more facility vanquish all the rest, as it appears by the said letter.  
But seeing that the States would not enter rashly into war against Holland and Zealand: but resolving to hold the pacification, would refer the decision of all controversies to a lawful conference, and moreover to attend a general convocation of the States, as it had been agreed by the pacification of Gant, he took occasion thereby to hold them as disobedient and rebels to the King, treating with the Germany Colonels as we have showed by his letters, of the means how he might be revenged of the States, practising under hand to draw away their forces, and to dispose of them at his pleasure, wherefore finding the town of Macklin not very commodious for the effecting thereof, being situated in the midst of the country, he advised to retire himself 
Don john seeks to retire into some fronter 〈◊〉.  into some fronter town of strength, thinking first to put himself into Mons, under a colour to receive the Queen of Navarre there, who should pass that way to go to the Bathe of Spa, in the country of Liege: the which succeeding not, he remained quiet for a time making show that the Queen's voyage was broken off. And as the States during these practices were advertised that they levied many soldiers upon the frontiers of France, in the Duke of Guise's name, and under colour to go 
1577.  against the forces which Duke john Casimire should prepare to succour the Prince of Conde and the Protestants of France; Don john being advertised hereof by letters from the said States, seemed always could and careless, saying that he had not received any news thereof, as appeared by his letters of the twenty of july, written to the States to that purpose: notwithstanding that they had received divers advertisements from France that the said Levy which was made upon the frontiers, was to enter into the Netherlands, and to help to exploit that which time hath sense discovered.  
And in the mean time upon the same petext to go and meet with the Queen of Navarre, he pretended a journey to Namur, to seek some means to seize upon the castle, and with all upon the frontier Towns and Forts, the which he effected: for at the same instant he packed up all his baggage, and caused all to be carried away that he had in brussels and Macklin: yea he made all his provision of wine to be sold, whereby it appeared what his intent was. And at the same instant according unto that which had been resolved on at Macklin, he sought by all means to assure himself of the town and castle of Antwerp, as the chief town of the Netherlands, the key of Brabant and the opening of the Navigation, whereon the property of all the said Countries depends: And therefore he did so earnestly press the german colonels by all his letters, to put that speedily in execution which had been 
Don john thinking to assure himself of Antwerp looseth it.  concluded betwixt them at Macklin, using in those of the twenty five of july these words. I wonder much that unto this hour I have received no letters from you nor any advise of what you have done in the execution of that which you had in charge. And for that I shall be much perplexed until I hear from you, I pray you advertise me presently. He had provided that colonel Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the town of Antwerp with four companies, and expressly after the Signior of Hierges, and one of his brethren with their, regiments every one at his time appointed, as appeers by his letter of the twenty six of july, where he writes thus. 
Hierges and Floien.  One of the two is gone yesterday to assemble his troops to cause them to march where they are appointed, and the eldest shall part this day and shall come to the place appointed: so as it is fit you should proceed, whereof I pray you, resting assured that whatsoever hath been promised you shall be performed. At the foot of the said letter he did write which his own hand I am very well satisfied to understand that they proceed in that which hath been resolved, and entreat you to advertise me what shall pass there: for touching matters here, there shall be nothing wanting of that which hath been concluded. And in that of the twenty seven of the month, he writ to Colonel Foucker in these terms. The said Earls Brother shall come 
Floion and Hierges.  suddenly when it shall be time. In that of the thirty he saith, hold good correspondency with the second brother, for if need be I will send you the elder, in the mean time stand carefully upon your guards, and advertise me often of your news. And in that of the thirty one. Our friend shall soon part, and shall use all possible diligence to be speedily there. As for the castle of Antwerp, Don john knowing well that the Prince of Chimay, a young Nobleman, unacquainted with 
The Prince of Chimay sent for●…y Don Thon out of the castle of Antwerp.  affairs was in it, and that he had commandment as Lieutenant to the Duke of Arschot his father, not to abandon it, he writ unto him that upon sight of the letter, he should come to Macklin, and accompany him to Namur, assuring himself that in the mean time the Signior of Treslon would discharge his duty for the keeping of the place, and that at his coming to Macklin he would talk with him of that whereof he had written the day before. The Prince of Chimay went, and being come to Don john, he never spoke word unto him touching any thing. And demanding his leave to return to the said castle, he answered him, that he had provided for the safe keeping thereof, where as they treated of some matters, whereby his person might be in some danger: But when all should be well settled that he would then advertise him. In the mean time Don john had laid his plot long before, as it appeared by a letter written with his own hand to Colonel Foucker of the seven and twenty of july. By your letter 
1577.  which I have received of Monsiure Treslon, I gather that when he writ unto me, they of the castle had not yet received the dispatch which I had given you for them at Macklin, whereat I marvel much, seeing that you know I do so much affect it; give it him presently, if you have not already done it, and be careful to execute that effectually which hath been treated, without expecting our friend, for he shall come time enough.  
This policy to settle the signor of Treslon in the castle of Antwerp, in the place 
The signor of Treslon in the castle of Anrwerp for Don john.  of the Prince of Chimay, was to the end that he should hold it at his devotion against the States, and that by mutual intelligence he might bring in the Germans and other soldiers, and by the same means assure himself also of the town. And by his letter of the eight and twenty of july to Colonel Foucker he writes. This day after dinner I have received your letter written yesterday, and do wonderfully rejoice that monsieur Treslon is so resolute to assist you in all necessities. The which being so, I have great hope, that Champagnies attempts, as you write unto me (for the signor of Champagny feared lest the troops of Colonel Cornellis van Eynden which marched already, should enter there) shall not prevail. Yet you must keep good guard, and be Vigilant, that at the same time there enter no men on the other side for the Prince of Orange. In the mean time Don john sought by all means to win the signor of Philomey, Son to the signor of Willerual, who had a company in the said castle, writing unto him to that end the six and twenty of julie in these words. Most dear and well beloved, you shall understand by monsieur de Hierges and by my 
Don john his letters to the signor of Pnylomey.  letters, which he shall deliver you, the conspiracy which hath been practised against us: the present estate of the affairs, the confidence we have in you, with the present occasion that is offered. The which I hope shall make you show unto the King my Lord how much you love him, and how good and loyal a vassal he hath of you. In the meantime being necessary for his majesties service, that the four companies of Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the new town, if perchance the signor of Hierges had not been with you nor sent unto you before the said entry (notwithstanding that we have written it to monsieur Treslon) we would also make it known unto you by these presents, which Charles Foucker shall deliver unto you, to the end you may know that it is done by our commandment, as a thing most requisite for his majesties service. In whose behalf we summon you that according unto the oath which you have sworn unto him, you will constantly serve him with the company that is under your charge, in the guard of that castle, adhering to no other but to him and to us in his name, as your Governor although you be otherways required and priest: incorraging your soldiers to do their duties, as it befits honest men, and assuring them that they shallbe well entreated and paid to the uttermost etc.  
Upon these intelligences Don john thought that this design upon Antwerp (the which as we have said had been plotted before at Macklin) could not fail him, and held himself very assured thereof; thinking also to have the towns and country of Luxembourg at his devotion, (as indeed he had) to have a passage always 
Don john seeks meane●… to incense the States.  open from Bourgongne and Italy, he also managed his business in such sort, as knowing very well that the States would not satisfy the signor of Hierges desire, touching the Government of Charlemont which the signor of Mericourt would resign unto him; to incense the States, seeking some cause of quarrel against them, he promised it unto Hierges, and gave unto him the government of Charlemont, contrary to the intent of the said States, and contrary to all that which had been decreed, by the accord of pacification, and the perpetual Edict.  
Thinking that he had made his projects so surely as all should succeed to his desire tas well for that he held himself assured (as he thought) of the town and castle of Antwerp, as to have all the Germans at his devotion, being four Regiments, with those of the Lords of Hierges, Megen, Floion and Cerf (which was wont to be that of Colonel Mario Cordoni) thinking also that the State's treasure was all exhausted: for that they had dismissed their forces, that were entertained by the private Provinces. Having also learned by letters and by a man that was expressly sent, what 
1577  forces they had to expel the said Germans, he resolved to proceed. And notwithstanding that two days before he had sent the signor of Grobbendoncq unto the States, to let them understand that he desired to come to brussels, so as all things might be well ordered touching certain Articles, presented on his behalf, wherein he had been formerly satisfied (under colour of going a hunting, whereas the chief Noblemen followed him being before the castle of Namur, and seeming to have a desire to visit it, and to view the country about, he commanded the duke of 
●…hn 〈◊〉 upon the castle of Namur.  Arschot to follow him. Being entered into the castle he said, that for the safety of his own person and the dukes, together with his train, he had thought it fit to put himself into that place: entering into it, they found at the port the Earl of Megen and the signor of Hierges, Floion and Hautepenne brethren, Sons to Barlaimont, with pistols in their hands: and presently Don john took a pistol, which he drew out of the case, and showing his arms, said, that it was the first day of his government, and then he presently placed his guards, the which happened the four and twenty of july.  
Being thus seized of the castle, he assembled the council, to whom he made a declaration of the long and the exceeding great patience, which he had had against so 
Don john complains os the States.  many and such intolerable indignities which he had suffered by the States of the country, and that he was resolved not to bear them any longer: but to govern, and to be absolutely obeyed, according to the charge which he had from Spain: And yet for that he would not altogether distaste the Noblemen of the country, which were about his person, thinking that it was not yet time to declare himself openly, he showed forth two letters, one of the nineteenth, the other of the one and twenty, but without any subscription of signature, by the which they did advertise him that there was a conspiracy against his person, to seize on him at brussels or at Macklin, and therefore he should provide for his own safety: alleging, thereupon, that he was now in a place where he held himself from the bad practices of conspirators, imputing all the occasion of his retreat (long before precended, yea from his first coming unto these countries, 
Don john covers his designs with an imaginary conspiracy.  as the proofs did witness) unto a conspiracy newly found out: seeing that if there had been any cause of such suspicion, he might have prevented it by exemplary justice, being Governor and Commander of the country, and generally obeyed.  
At the same time, he sent the Lord of Rassengem with the copy of these two letters to the States at brussels, with certain Articles, the which he would have effected before he returned to brussels, tending in effect to disarm the Lord of Heze (who had been made Governor of the town by the States before his coming) and all the Burghers with all, that he might by that stratagem the better surprise the town, as he had done Namur, and the castle.  
And although the States had great cause to distrust all these courses of Don john and to stand upon their guard, who had so plainly discovered his intention, and in 
The States show no discontent but entreated Don john.  so many sorts broken the treaties of pacification and quietness as well of March in Famine as of Gant, yet they were so far from making show of any Act of hostility, as they sent unto him the Abbot of Marolles: the archdeacon of Ypre and the signor of Breuck with great and ample instructions of the five and twenty day of julie, by the which the States made a plain declaration of their sincere intentions and meaning unto him in all faith and obedience, beseeching him most humbly that he would be pleased to lay a side all suspicion grounded upon doubtful and false reports, and to prevent all inconveniences and alterations, which this his extraordinary retreat to the castle of Namur, with the sudden taking and seizing upon Charlemont might caus●…, promising him at his return and presence in the said town of brussels, fidelity and assurance against all men. And to do exemplary justice upon all them that should be found culpable and faulty of so wicked a conspiracy. Wherefore they entreated him that as well the accused us the accusers might be named unto them, to make a judicial information, and to do 
1577.  justice accordingly: whereof they gave them a new charge the next day, with promise to expose their lives and goods, for the safety and service of his person: and moreover that all that bare arms should take an oath to that end: Treating with him notwithstanding with all sincerity and diligence, upon the contentment and the retreat of the Germans, the which he made show to desire greatly.  
But notwithstanding all this, and that the states had often since besought Don john that they might know them that were accused to be guilty of this conspiracy, and the names of them that had accused them: insisting still that he would be pleased to free himself of this distrust of them, and by his return to brussels prevent all alterations that were grown by reason of his retreat: promising to be severe revengers of all those that would attempt against him or his. Moreover they had consented by letters of the thirty of july, that he might besides his ordinary guard of Archers and Halberdiers, have an other guard of Captains and Soldiers, to the number of three hundred Harquebuziers on foot, that were borne in the country, and pleasing to him and the States, the like whereof had never been granted to any Prince of the blood or other.  
Yet notwithstanding all this, they could not obtain any thing of him; but instead 
Don john begins to discover himself  of seeking to dispatch the Germans out of the country, which he had so often promised and sworn, he discovered and made open declaration of the intelligence he had with them, the which he had until then kept secret; neither could he contain himself to say unto the Abbot of Marolles, that he held himself assured of the Town and Castle of Antwerp, and that he wanted neither men nor money, giving him charge to advertise the States thereof. Commanding moreover the Germans of Colonel Van Ernden, to march towards Antwerp, and to join with them that were there before: Giving order unto the Signior of Treslon (according unto that which had been long before concluded) to bring them in, and to join with them: showing therein all hostility, and a resolute intention to oppress the country again by these strangers, more than it had been before: So as the Merchants of Antwerp, as well those of the country as strangers, began to prepare to retire themselves, and 
A great fear and ●…lteration in Antwerp.  to abandon the Town, and to leave it in a miserable desolation; yea some were seen to leap out at windows to save themselves, casting infinite packs of Merchandise into boats at all adventures, fearing they should not in time avoid the fury of these mercenary Germans, whose fury and covetousness was too well known unto them by experience, to their great hindrance and loss. Notwithstanding the states were not yet inclined to take the course of Arms, hoping that Don john, according to so many promises and oaths so solemnly made and swore, would rather remedy these inconveniences by reason and justice, then by the violence of Arms: had it not been that the same day that they made their complaints of this commandment given to the Signior of Treslon, and of the design of the said Cornellis van Eindein, which was the eight and twenty of july, letters were brought unto them, that Don john and the Secretary Escovedo had in the months of March and April last passed, written unto the 
Don john & Escovedo write into Spain.  King, and to his Councillor and Secretary Antonio Perez, the which having been intercepted in Gasconie, were sent into Holland to the Prince of Orange, who sent them to the states to consider of their affairs.  
Among these letters that were intercepted, there were three from Don john, two unto the King, and one unto Antonio Perez, all of the seventh of April. In the first after that he had much complained of the want of pay for his Soldiers, and persuaded the King to keep his credit, notwithstanding a certain proclamation made upon the change of money which he received from the Merchants, which was greatly to the prejudice of the said Merchants. He said, that as for that which toucheth the reduction and tranquility of these countries, I cannot assure your Majesty of any thing certain, nor that they shall reap the fruit which was expected of the peace which they make: the Prince of Orange continues still to fortify in Holland & Zeeland with all vehemency. The Queen of England doth encourage him, and labours what she can that he should not accept what hath been capitulated, and to that end offers him her power. 
1577   
The greatest part of the country is at his devotion, some for love they bear him, and others for that they have been deceived by these men, and herein almost all the people are contained. Such as desire to enjoy your majesties grace and pardon (which is the smallest number) they think that in accepting it, they do all they ought, besides they are so faint hearted, as they will make no demonstration worthy the noting. And if they would employ themselves, there will be a great confusion and division among them all, as soon as the Spaniards shall be gone, some to have me admitted to the government, and other to hinder it. And for that (as I say) the first will have small courage, if the other oppose against me, those will altogether faint, and not any one will dare to show himself. I am careful how I may put myself into some place of more safety than this, where I may provide for all affairs: for being free and at liberty, I doubt not but there will be many which will declare themselves for your Majesty, if they deceive me not with their words and demonstrations. Behold how I employ myself at this present, omitting no office to win their good wills, and to let the States understand what is fit for them. But I see that hitherto it is as much as to preach in the air, etc.  
In the same letter there was written underneath. The Earl of Mansfeldt told me, that he hath sent certain instructions unto your Majesty, upon the which he doth not yet know if there hath been taken any resolution: wherein he thinks that his services have not been respected: your Majesty knows what they be, and that you have not here any one of his sort. I say, that if it be just, it is reason to content him, for that he is most necessary. Wherefore I beseech your Majesty, seeing you give reward unto the bad, that they should not prove worse, that you would do the like unto the good, to encourage them to be better: else the others will glory and brag that their malice hath been available unto them, and these will be discouraged, and many will be provoked to follow their opinions which prevail against justice and reason. And for that this is a point of great consideration, I desire for your majesties service, that that be not denied to them that merit, which is given to such as deserve exemplary punishment, and that their reward may be speedy, seeing it is one of the parts which makes it seem great.  
After the date, and subscription, there was written by Don John himself. I beseech your Majesty as far as your service doth require, to accomplish this as soon as may be; seeing this body hath no other remedy, but to cut off that which is putrefied, the which must now be done with that provision. For the which I do again beseech you, for if it fail, nothing can stand firm: and in the mean time we have great need to pray, that God will aid the present state. In the second letter unto the King, written the same day, he saith. By this which I presently write, and by the other your Majesty may see what hath past and doth pass, and in what estate the affairs be, that doth assure you, that if this wound may be cured by patience, it shall be helped, if by too much forcing of my condition I fall not sick, or that the natural inclination of man doth not otherwise force me. But hitherto I see this Physic hath wrought small effect, and I am doubtful what it will do! In that which Don john did write unto the Secretary Antonio Perez, dated the seventh of April, he saith. I have and will sacrifice myself for his majesties pleasure, whilst that I shall see that i●… doing it, 
Extract of a letter written to Antonio Perez  it shall not be directly against his service. Wherefore I say, that so long as there shall be any danger, or that any thing shall require my presence, I will not make any use of the leave which I have demanded, although it be granted me. But that b●…ng done, and after that I have ended things wherein I may do any service, it is no reason it should be refused me. For being then to obs●…e the old government 〈◊〉 and that which these people would have (as of force we must) a woman's or child's steart will (without all comparison) be more fit than mine, for they will never rest assured of me. So as I say, that whereas his Majesty hath pardoned them freely, and 〈◊〉 he hath forgotten the offences which they have done, seeing that he hath take●… from them the man of whom they had conceived such jealousy, and that he shall send them 
1577.  an other of whom they can have no doubt, for as their offence is exceeding great, they think that his Majesty will not leave it unpunished, and do certainly believe that I shall be the Instrument. etc.  
In that which john Escovedo Secretary to Don john did write unto the King of the 27. of March. After that he had complained of the small credit he had among the merchants by reason of the decree, whereof Don john complains in like sort; having inveighed greatly against the States and Noblemen of the country, and against the Prince of Orange and the Hollanders, he sayeth, my Liege, the affairs standing upon these terms, and those here being unwilling to admit Don john unto the government until that the Spaniards be quite out of the country (who might serve for some remedy) your Majesty will consider what pain and care this may & will breed, & if it had chanced for the good of your majesties service to have had money here for the final rooting out etc. In that of the 6. of April unto the King, Escovedo said the states have not performed what they ought, that is, a hundred and fifty thousand crowns, neither do they assist in any thing, although that I have been expressly at Brussels to present it unto them and to the Council of state whom it did import to aid me. Whereupon I made them along discourse, but they love your Majesty so coldly, as no reasons can make them to hinder themselves: neither do I see any one man that will show them the way, wherefore it doth the more import to recover credit among the merchants, & that your Majesty be careful thereof. By the third letter written by Escovedo unto the King bearing the same date, he saith. My Liege, I will tell your Majesty, that I see neither deeds nor words in any one which give me hope that these men should be pacified, nor perform that which they have promised, for all that we can see or hear tends to liberty of conscience, the which your Majesty may hold for certain, and that withal it is necessary, to endeavour here by all humane means, to redress these your majesties affairs with the least prejudice that may be. Your Majesty will consider what is to be done, in case they will put this ill in execution, forgetting God and your Majesty, to become heretics. There is an other thing which may help this, which is their private pretensions. Those that were prisoners think they have deserved that which was given to others, and hereupon they will grow into factions: if it be true, as I do verily believe, than the liberty of conscience which they pretend will not be hurtful unto your Majesty, for one part of them will fly unto your Majesty, & being so divided we may the more easily reduce and chastise one by an other; In the conclusion of his letter he saith. And 
Escouedo●… propheti●….  seeing that I am come so far as to speak it, your Majesty may believe it, and prevent it in time, being assured that this disease will not be cured by any mild remedies, but by fire and blood, and therefore you must provide for it. And in that of the 8. of the same month, he writs unto the King: for my part I know not what to say more, but that suspicion increaseth daily, by the bad proceeding of these men, & your Majesty may believe for certain, that at the least they will have liberty of conscience. By that of the ninth whereas he took it ill that the duke of Arschot had passed out of Brabant into Flanders in the Prince of Orange's ships, being accompanied with the Vicont of Gant and the Lord of Borselle, he saith. Your Majesty may consider if these things be done (the Spaniards being not yet out of the country) what willbe afterwards attempted. If this must be cured by miracle, it is time; if by hands and force, your Majesty must provide in time what shallbe needful, for my part I would not much regard they should hold the places upon the firm land: the Islands are chiefly to be looked unto. And this I hold more difficult than the action of England. If the one were taken, the other would be also: and for the effecting thereof, reasonable forces will suffice. I speak not this for the advancement of Don john (for I lay all private respects aside) but for that I have long since said that your Majesty had no other remedy, the time had showed it & will show it daily more and more. By all which letters, and others to the Empress, inveighing much against the Netherlands, Don john and his Secretary Escovedo, sought nothing but to incense the King of 
These letters intercepted, discover Don john's inte●…on.  Spain & the Emperor against the said countries: by the which Don john's intention did manifestly appear, that all his promises, and the rewards which he had given till then were but counterfeit, to abuse the Nobility and the people, that he might surprise them at unawares: and that all which they pretended against the Prince of Orange and 
1577.  them of Holland and Zeeland, were only practices to divide them, and so with the forces and means of the one party, to set upon the other, & afterwards to take revenge of them all together, and to root them out by fire and sword. Then began the states 
The states begin to distrust Don john.  to look more carefully to their affairs, and with great reason to distrust Don john, all whose practices and actions they found conformable to the said letters, and to his designs long before projected, and then plainly discovered by the contents thereof: for looking round about them, they see the Germans, (who had taken from them all hope of their retreat) held the chief Towns and Keys of Brabant, at the devotion and service of Don john, with a manifest declaration of their bad affection to the States. And on the other side he himself having seized on Namur and Charlemont, sought only by the country of Luxembourg, to keep the way open for such foreign forces as he should please to bring into the country: and that assuring himself of the Castle of Antwerp, he caused his forces to march from all parts. So as the states found themselves to be compassed in, and environed round about, and likely to be suddenly oppressed and destroyed. Moreover, that the loss of the said Town and Castle of Antwerp, had made them in an instant to lose their credit and means to recover money and munition to make war.  
Whereupon the States commanded the Lord of Champaigni to go and lodge with his Regiment upon the passages, whereas the companies of Cornellis van Einden should-passe, and come to Antwerp, to join with the Colonels Foucker and Frunsborgh, and with the Signors of Hierges and Floion, who with the assistance of the Signior of Treslon, commanding in the Castle in the place of the Prince of Chimay, should seize upon the Town and Castle of Antwerp: and for that Colonel Foucker found some difficulties upon the coming of Cornellis van Einden, Don john did write 
Don john w●…tes to Colonel Foucker.  unto him the last of july, in these terms. I will write unto the Regiment of Champagni, that they shall dislodge from thence, but God knows what they will do: I write unto the Magistrates, that they shall be quiet and rest assured, seeing I will not consent that any wrong shall be done them. And for this reason I am resolved, that the troops of Cornellis van Einden shall not enter into the Town, as I did advertise you yesterday. Two days since I sent means to Monsieur Treslon to have money to relieve his men, whereby he might prevent the peril and danger that you present unto me.  
In the mean time he still entertained the States with the hope of peace, pretending that what he did was only for his assurance. He than began to propound unto them hard and unreasonable conditions, and so directly contrary to all the precedent contracts of pacification, as if they had been already subjecteth unto him. Wherefore they resolved to stand upon their guard, and to prevent the danger that hung over their heads. And as during these proceedings the Signior of Treslon, having declared himself of the Germans faction (whom he should draw into the Town) propounded in the behalf of Don john, a new oath to the Captains and Soldiers of the Castle of Antwerp, directly contrary to that which they had sworn unto the States: and that the said Captains had been sufficiently warned by the letters mentioned, which had been intercepted: the Signior of Treslon made himself to be suspected and odious to all the garrison of the Castle, except his own company, the which did so amaze and trouble him, as not knowing how to repair this error, he writ unto Don john in these terms.  
This word shall serve to advertise your Highness, that our Soldiers here are mutined, 
A letter from the Signior of Treslon to Don john.  and that I expect hourly when they should seize on me. It is not in my power to put a man into this place: for making the least show thereof, it'is most certain they will pull me in pieces, and the Captains also, whereof I would not fail to advertise your Highness. All this proceeds upon certain brutes of some letters, which they hearè were intercepted upon the lands of Bourdeaux, signed by your Highness and Escovedo: and also for that your Highness hath commanded them to suffer the four companies of Van Einden to enter into the Town, the which doth alter 
1577.  them in such sort, as I attend but the hour. I assure myself that if they have the copies of the said letters, they will force me to do what they please. All the Merchants are fled out of the Town: It is a very pitiful thing to see the disorder that is in it: I have sent unto the Magistrate to furnish us with victuals, for that we are wholly unprovided. Monsieur Champaignies regiment doth always coast the four companies of Einden. The Germans are partly the cause of this alteration, for that seeing they had good correspondency with me, they have given it out that they had taken an oath with us: and that being joined with us, they would make the Townsmen pay the minstrel, with other braving speeches. My passage is cut off, so as I cannot have any great correspondency with them, etc. Written the first of August, and post dated. Your Highness may assure yourself, that this alteration proceeds not for want of pay: for hearing that the States have sent twenty thousand Florins to pay all that is due to these companies, it hath caused a greater alteration than the first.  
According to the Signior of Treslons' doubt, the States did so well manage this business, as Ponthus of Noyele Signior of Bours (whose Father had been sometimes Governor of Bethune and Hesdin) Captain of a company in the said Castle of Antwerp, having at this time more respect unto the bond of his faith once given unto the States, and to the good of his country, then to any alluring persuasions and promises of rewa●…de that were made unto him, refusing to take the oath propounded by the Signior of Treslon, he joined with most of the Captains which held the same party, putting themselves in Arms against Treslon and his men: there were some 
Tresl●…n taken prisoner, and the Cast●…l yielded to the States.  pieces shot off, wherewith some were hurt. Treslon seeing this, and knowing that he was too weak, retired into his lodging, whereas the said Signior of Bours went and took him by the bosom: and having chased away all them of his faction, he delivered him with the Castle in the State's hands, who sent their Deputies to give order for all things.  
The four german companies of Foucker and Frunsbergh, hearing the rumour that was in the Castle, put themselves into arms, and at night came to the place of Meerbrugge, but doubting their strength, they retired about midnight to the new Town (which is the strongest part of Antwerp, by reason of the channels that do environ it) where they thought to fortify themselves, yet they continued there idle until the next day at noon, that the snips of Holland and Zeeland began to show themselves, which struck such a terror into the Germans, as leaving the Town, they fled away, Foucker to Berghen upon Zoome, and Frunsberg to Breda. On the other side, the Lord of 
The Germans put to flight and defeated.  Champaigni Governor of Antwerp, went with his Regiment to encounter the companies of Cornellis van Einden, the which he defeated, and kept them from joining with them of Breda. Don john being much troubled with this unfortunate cross, writ to Colonel Foucker the eight of August, complaining of this misfortune, yet he rejoiced that the Colonel had escaped out of Antwerp with his life: commanding him to remain in Berghen until he had seen further order; and after the date of the said letter, he writ unto him to go to Namur, to command all the Germans by reason of the indisposition of the Baron of Frunsbergh. But Colonel Fouckers men having received this great disgrace at Antwerp, did mutiny against him, and the tenth of September following took him prisoner, and delivered him to the States, with the Town of Berghen.  
The States being freed of all fear of the Town and Castle of Antwerp, seeing the Germans thus dispersed, they assured themselves of Liere, two leagues from 
Liere assumed for the state.  Antwerp: doing that which any man of spirit and resolution that hath his life, honour, wife, children, goods, and country in any recommendation is bound to do, for the preservation and liberty thereof, discharging themselves faithfully in all things that were committed unto them for the public good of the country. for they did see plainly, that this hatred which Don john had conceived against them, was not newly grown upon any occasion which they might have given him, but had taken root from his first arrival, and reception to the government, as appeareth by those letters that were intercepted. And that at the same time when it began 
1577  to bud out, and to show the fruits by all effects of hostility, GOD by his grace did so favour the States, as to discover the first original by the interception of the said letters. Whereby they did find that there was small hope of any redress, and less reason to suffer themselves to be any longer abused, with good words, and fair promises.  
john of Bourgongne a Knight, Siegnior of Fromont, being after the death of the Lord of Barlaimont, appointed Governor of the country of Namur by the States, a 
The governor of Namur, forsakes Don john.  Gentleman of great age, wise and virtuous, having let Don john understand his error, and that those countries were not to be so governed, nor abused, as he thought to do: and seeing that all his reasons and admonitions prevailed not; and fearing on the otherside, that the states would not yet seek to prevent it by arms: meaning to advertise them to be careful of their affairs, he left Don john, and came into Brabant to join with the States. The Duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec brethren, by whom Don john thought to be assisted and supported, weighing well all his practices and designs, and what might in the end happen unto them, and that no persuasions nor admonitions might prevail to divert him, they made some difficulty to enter any more in council with him. Don john fearing to lose them, and to be abandoned, set watches over them, and held them as it were prisoners: yet notwithstanding his good guard, having caused their horses to be lead out of the Town of Namur, they slipped away unknown to him, and without their train. Being come to brussels like good Countrymen, they consulted with the States of the means to prevent the danger, and to cure this new wound, which Don john had made.  
Thus were the States forced against their wills to enter into a new war against Don john: who mad with rage for such unfortunate success of all his designs, did nothing but practise by what means he might be revenged; continuing his accustomed dissembling. And to justify his actions, after that he had made his complaint by letters, which he had written to the States, he insisted upon two points: 
Don john seeks to justify himself.  which were the maintenance of the Catholic and Romish religion, and the obedience due unto the King. Saving that he pretended no other thing: and that having received satisfaction therein, he would above all things seek the good and quiet of the country. And as for his retreat to the Castle of Namur, it was only for the safety of his person, against the conspiracy which he maintained was practised against him. But if he would have confessed the truth of this retreat, he must have said it had been for two reasons: the first was to prevent the danger of being stayed prisoner, being at Brussels or Macklyn, and to have all his designs discovered, if 
Two causes of Don john's r●…treate to Namur.  this attempt upon the Castle of Antwerp should fail, whereof he was freed being in the Castle of Namur. The other was to have always a back-door open, having the country of Luxembourg at his devotion, to draw as many strangers into the Netherlands, as he pleased. He did also complain much of the retreat of the Duke of Arschot and the Marquis of Haurec, who being advertised of this practice of the Castle of Antwerp, had abandoned him, as we have said. And although (said he) he had noted such and the like indignities and affronts which had been done him, yet he desired to govern himself according to his first contract: seeking nothing more than to have all things well ordered: Having to that end entreated the Bishop of Liege to go to brussels to confer with the States: the which he was ready to perform if he had not been countermanded in all haste by them of Liege. In the mean time the States began to take heart, and to gather their forces together, whereof 
divers places yielded to the states.  at that time the Lord of Champaigni had the charge, with the which he went to besiege the castle of Wouwe being held by certain Germans of Colonel Fouckers Regiment. But seeing they could not maintain it, they yielded the fourth of August, the like did Steenberghen the ninth of that month, and the Town and Island of Tertolen in Zeeland the nine-teenth.  
The Queen of England hearing that the King of Spain did conceive sinisterly of her proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, she sent Master Wilks into Spain to give hi●… satisfaction, and advice withal, for the pacefying of the Netherlands, as you may see by this letter.    

A declaration sent to the King of Spain, containing a justification of her majesties proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands By Master Thomas Wilkes.  
THe Queen's Majesty being given to understand of divers false and very scandalous reports given out touching her actions and 
Sept. 5. 1577.  proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, tending as it were to make her the motive and chief supporter of the Civil troubles in the said countries: and doubting that the inventors and dispersers of the said false sugiestions, seek by all possible means to induce her good brother the King of Spain to believe the said false and malicious surmises to be true, seeking thereby to make a breach and interruption of the good amity and league betwixt them. Her Majesty therefore having nothing more in recommendation then her honour, and to be reputed a Prince which desireth to hold good correspondency with all Princes her neighbours (what soever hath been falsely sugiested to the contrary) being able to justify her actions before God and the world, as well concerning him as all other Princes her neighbours: hath thought it very fit and convenient (having a great desire to give satisfaction to the said King) to make a declaration in writing (such as she will maintain to be true in the word of a Prince) of her proceedings with the said Estates, to the end that the King being duly informed thereof, all causes of jealousy and suspicion (which may any way hinder the good amity that is betwixt them) might be removed, and the same restored to as great perfection and integrity as hath been heretofore betwixt any of their progenitors, which declaration, tending to that good end, her majesty hath also thought meet to accompany it aswell with an advice unto the King, what course in her opinion were most fit for him to take for the continuance of the Netherlands under his obedience, and the restoring of them to their former peace and tranquillity, as also with her resolution touching the Netherlands in case the said King shall not yield to some good course of pacification according to her majesties most sincere and friendly advice.  
And first touching her proceeding with the Estates, she doubteth not but that if the King shall examine his own knowledge, and call to mind how often, sense the first breaking out of this civil dissension in those countries, her Majesty hath moved, as well by sundry ministers sent unto himself, as unto his under governors there, forewarning both him & them of the inconveniences which were then happened, and advising him to take some speedy course for prevention: He cannot with his honour but confess, that her Majesty hath therein discharged the duty of a faithful friend and good ally: of which advice if it might have pleased him to have made good use, those his countries being presently in a most lamentable Estate, had been preserved from apparent ruin, his subjects had been free from slaughter, his rich towns continued unspoiled, and 
* Place this between Folio 646. and 647.  the government kept from danger of alienation. 
1577.   
And if herein for her majesties full justification, neither these friendly offices, nor the word and faith of a Prince may suffice, yet her own actions may serve to clear her in the sight of all the world, and will sufficiently show, that she hath ever sought to continue those Countries under the King of Spain's obedience, and hath not at any time intended to impatronize herself of any part thereof (a matter perhaps which some Princes having like advantages offered by some one part or other of his subjects, would not have resused (and therefore might think herself very unkindly dealt withal, in case so rare an example should be so hardly or rather unfriendly interpreted: And as her Majesty hath not left any good office undone towards the King and his Ministers tending to pacification, and the preservation of those countries under his obedience, so on the other side she hath not omitted (by sundry messengers sent both unto the Prince of Orange and to the Estates) as well to persuade them to cease their civil wars, and to take some course of peace and reconciliation among themselves, as also to continue their ancient obedience under the said King their natural Lord and Sovereign, being moved thereunto upon secret and very true advertisements given her of great offers made unto them by some (whom she forbeareth to name for good respects) to have withdrawn them from their obedience.  
And herein if besides many persuasions used by messengers sent of purpose to advise them to continue their due obedience to the King, her Majesty had not furnished them in the time of their necessity with a sum of money, as well to serve them for the speedy execution of the pacification then in hand between Don john and them, as to keep them from casting themselves desperately into the hands of any other Prince: it did manifestly appear that the pacification had not been so soon made and they for want thereof should have been forced for their defence to have put some part of those countries into the hands of such as would not have been easily removed, without the expense of many Millions and the loss of many thousand men's lives.  
Her Majesty is the more willing to make mention of the true cause of this support, for that she is advertised, that notwithstanding her true and sincere intent in that behalf, other finister interpretations have been made of the same, as of some other her proceedings. Among the rest her Majesty hath thought it fit to answer one calumniation contained in a letter fathered upon Don john and published in a book lately set out by the Estates in their justification; by the which her Majesty is charged to have incorraged the Prince of Orange not to hold the pacification, and withal did for his better incorragement, offer him any assistance she could yield (a matter most slanderous and untrue) for that her Majesty being given to understand by the vicont of Gant, sent unto her from Don john, how he found himself grieved with the Prince of Orange, for that (as he affirmed) the Prince did not observe the said pacification: she did presently dispatch an express messenger unto the said Prince, both to intimate Don john's accusation unto him, as also to advise him (and that most effectual) duly to observe the said paciflcation, using some threats unto him in case he should seek to infringe it: In whom she could find no disposition to any alteration, but that he was most desirous to hold every point of the said pacification inviolably, as the only means to end those long civil wars.  
The like advice she did also give unto the Estates, receiving no less contentment of the pacification (being ratified first by Don john, and afterwards by the King) than they to whom the benefit thereof did most properly belong. Her majesties actions and proceedings with the Prince and the Estates having such as have been formerly related, she doth appeal unto the King himself (who she thinketh will look impartially into the truth of this action) and to all others that shall not be transported with passion, whether the said proceedings are not to be maintained to be both just and honourable, whatsoever hath been falsely and 
1577.  maliciously suggested to the contrary. And herein her Majesty is persuaded that scarce any other Prince (which hath in some sort been so unkindly dealt withal, and found her advice given both unto the King and his Governors of those countries, so little regarded) or respected would have dealt in such friendly sort as she hath done.  
Notwithstanding all these discouragements, her Majesty thinking it honourable for her, and meet for the place she holdeth, being the most ancient ally, which the King's Progenitors (as Dukes of Bourgongne) have, to continue still her former course in giving friendly advice unto the King: cannot but proceed to the second point above mentioned, which is, to yield her advice what course in her opinion is to be taken for the pacefying of these present troubles, and the continuing of his subjects under his obedience.  
First it is very apparent that the pacefication is broken, and as great hostility intended on either side as may be, whereof she is heartily sorry. The end (if it continue) will either be the ruin and desolation of the country, or the loss or allyenation thereof from the King's obedience. For the preventing whereof, her Majesty thinketh that there cannot be a more expedient remedy, then that it would please him to receive his subjects into his grace and favour, that he would suffer them to enjoy their ancient liberties and freedoms; command that the pacifiation might be duly observed; and that he would appoint such a Governor of his own blood, as might be pleasing unto himself and grateful unto them, whereby they might willingly and with content yield him all due obedience, continue in their religion according to his pleasure, and do all things set down and agreed upon in the pacification, the which by reason of the great jealousies between Don john and them, can never take effect, so long as Don john shall continue Governor: For it seems they have put on a resolution, that rather than they will endure the rigorous dealings which they expect during his government, they will put themselves under the protection of any other Prince. They charge him with the breach of the pacification, and he on the other side offers to justify himself, and lays the blame of this breach upon them. Her Majesty having heard the allegations of the Ministers sent hither both from Don john and the Estates, meaneth not to be a judge between them, having rather a desire to reconcile them, and to do them good if she could, then to discover the errors and imperfections of either party.  
To reconcile them she findeth it impossible, and therefore to prevent all further troubles that are otherwise like to ensue, the only remedy will be to make choice of some other allied to him in blood, to command under him in that government. By which temperate course the troubles may soon be pacified, the great effusion of blood avoided, and those Provinces continued under his obedience, which otherwise are like to be allyenated and distracted from him. If he shall like this advice, she seeth no dispotition in the people to ch●…nge their King, b'ing dutifully minded towards him, having no intent (so as they may be relieved) to innovate any thing, but duly to observe the late pacefication made at Gaunt.  
And whereas for the contentment of the Estates, and the pacefying of these troubles she wisheth Don john's revocation, so considering how evil affected he hath showed himself towards her, as well by letters intercepted, as by other secret practices which were very dangerous to the good and quiet of her Estate, (as the bearer can more amply inform him of divers particularities in that behalf) she cannot (for the good amity which she wisheth might continue between the King and her Majesty) but press the King more earnestly thereunto: expecting no continuance of any good amity and neighbourhood, so long as a Minister so ill affected to her should reside there, being desirous that such Ministers might be employed on both sides, as would rather seek to increase the amity, than any way to infringe or break it.  
This her advice tending to no other end but to maintain those countries under her obedience, and the continuance of good amity between them, she hopeth the 
577.  King will accept as friendly thereof, as it is by her sincerely meant. And in the mean time until his mind were known in that behalf, her Majesty hearing the great forces prepared by Don john, with the assistance of the French already marching towards him, will force her ancient friends the Estates of the Netherlands to one of these two extremities, either to be overcome by foreign soldiers, and so subjecteth to foreign servitude, or else constrained (for the preventing thereof) to give themselves over to some other Prince, both which must needs be prejudicial and dangerous to the King for the present, perilous to her Majesty after, and an utter ruin to those countries.  
Her Highness therefore for the King's good, and to prevent her own danger (upon promise and assurance given by the said Estates, to yield the King all due obedience, and to make no further innovation in matters of religion, but to observe the pacification of Gand) hath promised for the causes and respects above mentioned, to yield them a support of money and men, only to keep them from further danger of allyenation, or of their ruin.  
Which proceedings of hers, if the King shall not be induced to like of, Whereby her Majesty shall discover that his intention is by force of arms to alter and dissolve the ancient form of government, and by taking away their ancient Laws and liberties to make it a land of conquest, and to people it with garrisons of men of war: And that the end and scope of his designs should tend to that which is discovered by Escovedos letters, wherein he writeth that the enterprise of England is of more facility than that of the islands, whereby her Majesty shall find the disposition of so bad a neighbour, to her and her royal Estate: then her majesties resolution is to employ all the power she shall be able to make, for the defence of her neighbours, and preservation of her own Estate.  
As on the other side, if he shall incline to their reasonable demands, in giving them such a Governor as they shall better like of then of Don john, and they notwithstanding shall continue in their disobedience against him, and make other Innovations contrary to their protestations and promises made unto her; she will then turn her forces against them, and in assistance of the King, yield him the best aid she can, to bring them to reason and conformity. And in the mean season (until she may be thoroughly informed hereof) she hath thought good to avoid the effusion of Christian blood, (and for many other good and necessary respects) to deal both with Don john and the Estates for a surceance of arms, which if he shall refuse to yield unto, and the Estates shall be willing, for that she doth plainly see that it doth much concern the King's honour and the good of his country, she will not cease to proceed with the like offers, towards them as she hath begun, thereby only to defend them from foreign tyranny to keep them in the King's obedience, from allyening themselves to any other Potentates, and to defend herself and her dominions from the dangers which thereby she seeth manifestly will ensue.  
The thirtieth of the said month as Captain Matthew Wibisma, had made a levy of 
1577.  new soldiers, and more than were necessary to supply his company with an intent to seize upon some of the Magistrates of Leeuwarden, these new soldiers being lead by Captain Wibo van Gontom, would command over the old soldiers that were in the Castle of the said Town, so as they were in arms one against another. The Bourguers 
A tumult in Leeuwarden where upon the c●…le is yielded to the states.  fearing that under colour of this tumult, they would force the town and spoil it, came and besieged the Castle, the which was yielded unto them the second of September, upon promise that the town should pay the garrison. The Citizens having received the Castle by this composition, put a garrison into it of the inhabitants until the coming of the Earl of Rheneberg, Governor of the country of Friesland.  
Don john seeing the great forces of the States approach near unto Namur, being commanded by the Earl of Lalain General of the Army, Robert of Melun Vicont of of Gant General of the horse: the signor of Goignies Martial of the camp; La Motte-par-dieu Master of the Ordinance and others: and the small numbers he had with him, making a show again as if he would treat with the States (whilst that he sent for all his forces out of Bourgongne and Italy) he required to have some Commissioners, sent unto him to treat with them. Whereupon there were deputed Matthew Moukart Abbot of Saint Guislain, the signiors of Willerual, Grobbendoncq and others, who after some conferences tending all to delays, they returned without any fruit.  
The Inhabitants of Antwerp; being still in fear by reason of their castle, so long as the war was thus wavering, fearing they should be at sometime again surprised (terming it a den of thieves: an Invention of men full of cruelty: a nest of Tyranny, a receptacle of all filthy villainy, abomination and wickedness) obtained 
The castle of Antwerp demanteled.  leave of the States to demantle it towards the town. The which the Bourguers began the eight and twenty of August, with such spleen, as there was neither great nor small, wives, children, gentlewomen and Burghers, and all in general but would pull down a piece of it, men, women and servants, going thither with their Enseignes displayed, having many Victuallers upon the plain before the castle, so as it seemed a camp. And although the Mason's work were great, strong, and thick, yet were they not long in beating it down on that side. Soon after, in imitation of that of Antwerp, followed the demanteling of the 
Many castl●… ruined in the Netherlands.  eastles of Gant, Vtrecht, Valenciennes, Bethune, Lisle, air and others: and the City of Arras was laid open towards the town. The Tournesiens' were in like sort very importunate to have theirs demantled: but the Seneshal of Henault (who was afterwards Prince of Espinoy) would not yield unto it, saying that if the said castle were ruined being a town situated in the main land, and that the enemy should come to besiege it, and become master thereof, they should be forced to build it again at their own cost and charges: the which had so happened, for four years after, the duke of Parma besieged and took it by composition, as we shall see.  
The states seeing the Landtskneghts of Cont Ouerstein (who was drowned at the Massacre of Antwerp) grown resolute to hold Boislelduke, a fair great town lying in Brabant: they sent the Earl of Hohenloo, with an army to besiege it, so as they were forced to yield the place by composition the one and twenty day of September. The said States had the ninth day of same month published their justifications for their taking of arms against Don john the which was printed at Antwerp by William silvius the King's Printer, whereof the title was, Abreefe discourse of the just causes and 
The states print their justifications against Dom john.  reasons which have constrained the general Estates of the Netherlands to provide for their defence against Don john of Austria. In the end of which justifications they did add the letters that were intercepted, being written in Spanish and translated into French, to which Book I will refer the Reader, that is desirous to know the particularities of their justifications.  
But as the States (who sought nothing more than to free themselves from the Spanish Tyranny) were to defend themselves against Don john's attempts, who prepared 
1577.  all the means he could to make sharp and violent war against them; and had great need to seek succours from all parts: first they sent to many Princes and Potentates of Germany, to make their excuse, and justify the taking of arms 
The States seek: succours from all parts.  to take from them all sinister Impressions, which Don john might give them by his letters, as he had done unto the Empress. Then they sent unto the French King; to his mother, and to his brother, who made them many goodly and large promises. But as they desired to rely and depend chiefly upon the Queen of England, they sent the Marquis of Haurec unto her, who was graciously received by her Majesty the two and twenty of September: with whom ho treated and in the end made a contract touching the succours her Majesty should send unto the general Estates, and the league and union which should be from that time betwixt the Realm of England and the Netherlands, the which was set down in an Authentical Instrument. And thereupon her Majesty published (upon the objections and reproaches which the King of Spain made unto her, that she was a mother, favourer, and supporter of Rebels) her justifications of the said union, and the assistance which she gave unto the general Estates of the Netherlands, the which was put in print.  
Then the States writ unto the Prince of Orange, being in Holland, (who was 
The Prince of Orange comes to Antwerp.  wonderfully grieved and discontented at the Actions and strange carriage of Don john) entreating him to come and assist them with his person, Council and means. The which the Prince would not refuse, to show the duty whereunto he thought himself bound to the common cause. Coming unto Antwerp (where he had not been in ten years before) on the eighteenth day of September, he was received and entertained with great joy and contentment of all the people. The Abbots of Villers and Marolles with the Barons of Fresin and Capres were sent thither from the states to welcome him, and to conduct him to Brussels, whether he came the three and twenty day.  
The seventh of October the Landtskneghts of Colonel Fransberg (who after his flight from Antwerp, had led them to Breda) seeing themselves besieged by the State's army, and the small means they had to maintain themselves, delivered up 
Breda yielded and Colonel Frunsberg p●…oner.  the town of Breda, and their Colonel also into the states hands: as those of Berghen upon Zoom had done before by Colonel Foucker. Thus these two german Colonels degenerating from the integrity and just dealing of their Nation, thinking to surprise and deceive the states, fell into the pit themselves the which they had prepared for others. The Prince of Orange being at brussels, assisting daily in the Council of the general Estates, was at the request of the particular Estates 
The Prince made Rovard of Brabant.  of the Duchy of Brabant, entreated to accept (as being one of the chief Noblemen and of the greatest power in all the Duchy) the place of Rovard or Governor of Brabant, the which he did, but not without protestation and some excuses. And so he was most honourably received and acknowledged the two and twenty of October, with joyful aclamations of all the people, bonfires and many other signs of joy. At the same time the states gave the government of the Earldom of Flanders to the duke of Arschot, whether he went, and was received into the town of Gant with great state, three and twenty companies of Burghers well armed, and gallantly appointed, with their Cornet of volontary horsemen, & three hundred horse more went above a league out of the town to meet him, and conducting him into the town, where he was received with all the honour they could divise upon so short a warning. But three days after he had been received and acknowledged for their governor, being the eight and twenty of October, falling into a mutiny for the restitution of their previledges, of their own private authority (being a people which have been always inclined to mutinies, and as Philip of Comines saith, apt to sue for peace, when they can do no more) went and seized on him in his lodging, and carried him prisoner to the Prince's court, (or rather to the Castle) to the great grief and 
1577.  discontent of the Prince of Orange, the council of State and the general estates. But the fourteenth of November following, confessing their error, they released him, upon condition that he should forgive and forget all the injury they had done him, the which he did, promising never to seek any revenge. After they had seized upon the duke, they also laid hold on and did imprison the Bishops of Ypre and Bruges, the Barons of Rasseghem, of Champagny of Mousqueron and his Son the Signior of Sweveghem, and of Eeken, with the Bastard of Ghistelle, great Bailiff of Ypre whom they kept long prisoners: but the Signior of Rasseghem, Mousqueron, Sweveghem and Eeken escaped by practice out of prison: the Bishops escaped also, but for that they could not fly away so fast, they were taken again, with the Lords of Champaigny and Ghistelles, (who would not abandon them,) and kept more straightly, where they remained prisoners until the yielding up of the said town unto the duke of Parma in the year 1584. The 1. of November, the Prelates and Nobles of the Ommelands in the country of Groningue, being called unto the states assigned in the town of Groninghen, 
A tumult at Groninghen and some prelates and others taken prisoners.  to determine of certain old controversies which the said town had with the Ommelandts, were seized on by the Bourguers, of their own private authority, and committed ●…ose prisoners, to the number of 24. In whose favour, to end these quarrels, and to free them from their unjust detention, there were sent in the behalf of the general estates, and of the council of State, the Seignor of Saint Aldegonde, and Doctor Sille Orator of Antwerp, but they could not prevail any thing with the people: yet some of them did afterwards escape cunningly out of prison, and the rest were also enlarged in the end.  
The eleventh of November there appeared a great comet which continued in a manner all the winter: 3. or 4. Months after the which followed the rout of the State's Army at Gemblours. The chief Noblemen of the Netherlands, thinking to 〈◊〉 the King's heart, in calling in an other Prince of the blood in the place of Don john, that had not been bred up after the Spanish manner, to be Governor general in his countries, and that might agree better with their humours, they sent the Signior of Mal●…tede a gentleman of Flanders unto the Archduke Mathias of Austria son to the Emperor Maximilian and Brother to the Emperor Rodolphe, entreating him to come into the Netherlands to that effect. But the Archduke fearing that the Emperor his brother would never yield thereunto, lest he should displease the King of Spain, but rather would seek to hinder him: he came away secretly, accompanied only by the Signior of Auwits' Lord of Lendorff, his great chamberlain, the Signior of Malstede, Ferdinand Zymeran groom of his chamber, and with Christopher van Calierich, and so arrived at Antwerp the twenty one of November. And before that the said Archduke was received for Governor, on the seventh of December the general estates did decl●…re by a public Proclamation, Don john and all his adherents to be enemies to the King and 
Don john proclaimed enemy to the Netherlands.  all his Netherlands.  
Don john seeing matters managed in this sort was much perplexed, not knowing where to begin: for although he did what he could to fortify and furnish the castle of Namur, yet was he not ignorant that his succours must come to him, from far; seeing the State's army to be great already, and camped not far from him, notwithstanding carrying still a good countenance without any show of amazement, the better (as he said) to advance his affairs, he went to Luxembourg: from whence he sent the Marquis of Verembon a heigh Bourguignon to the Emperor, 
Don john being retired to Luxembourg sends to the Emperor.  to acquaint him with the Estate of his affairs and to complain of the Archduke Mathias who against the liking of the King his uncle, had united himself to the Estates of the Nertherlands. Entreating him neither to give, nor to suffer to be given unto the said Archduke, any succours nor favour, neither from his imperial Majesty nor from Germany, whereupon some german Princes, sent unto the Duke of Bavaria, the Archduke Ferdinand, and to other Princes and electors of the Empire that they should not suffer any forces to go out of Germany, to neither party: and that as soon as might be, they should send Ambassadors in the behalf of the Emperor and the Empire, to find some means to reconcile them, if it were possible. 
1577   
Don john meaning to fortify himself all he could, gave charge to the Earl of Barlaimont (who before the death of his Father was but Baron of Hierges) to ●…euie a regiment of Lorraines; oh in the County of Manderscheyt; one in the Duchy of Luxembourg, and one of high Bourguignous attending the Spaniards return, which 
Don john fortified with troops.  went out of Antwerp and other Towns of the Netherlands, with good store of money. Many Noblemen went in like sort to join with him, and among others Charles Earl of Mansfieldt, eldest son to Cont Peter Ernest. Governor of Luxembourg, who before had commanded in France in the King's service over a Regiment of French, the which he also brought with him: with all these troops which came unto him, Don john began to make his army in the County of Luxembourg.  
The Earl of Lalain general of the State's Army lying about Namur, sent one thousand Hargubuziers, and some few horse, to discover the said Town. The garrison 
Bovines taken by the states.  sallied out upon them, where they skirmished for a time. There is a small Town upon the river of Meuze, called Bovines, half a league from Dynant, very commodious to stop the victuals and munition going to Namur; and to Don john's Camp: The Earl of Lalain found means to seize upon this Town, as also upon the Castle of Despontin, the which he took by force, killing all that he found armed. This done, passing the river to the other bank, he entrenched himself, meaning to cut off the passage to Don John's men.  
The States had at that instant three Camps: one did besiege the Town of Amsterdam by sea and land, for than they would not acknowledge the general Estates, nor the Prince of Orange for their Governor: whereas Colonel Herman van Hellins' thinking to surprise it for the States, was slain, and his men chased out of the Town. They had an other Army in the country of Oueryssel, whereas the Farl of Reneberg commanded, who took the Towns of Zwol and Campen: and the third was before Ruremonde and Weert, in the which the Earl of Hohenloo was General, but to small effect. Don john seeing no means to succour Amsterdam, feared much that Ruremonde should be forced to yield. Wherefore he commanded the Germans that came out of Antwerp, being in the country of Luxembourg, to 
Champaignis m●…n defeated by the Germans.  march thither with all speed: the which they did as covertly and as speedily as might be: and meeting upon the way some companies of the Regiment of Champaignie (who sometime before had defeated them near unto Antwerp) they put them to rout, and returned them their exchange but with more cruelty, for they stripped the poor soldiers which they had taken prisoners naked, because they would not bloody their shirts, and then they murdered them like beasts, in cold blood: whereof some escaped thus naked, and among others N. of Fiennes Signior of Vermeille, brother to the Lord of Esquerdes, one of the Captains of the said Regiment; who for that he was an active man, and could run well and leap over large ditches, saved himself thus naked: we did see him return to Antwerp with old rags, in a very pitiful estate.  
These Germans having defeated and overcome this troup, thought to enter into Ruremonde; but Colonel Polwiller Governor of the Town, made them answer, that he had no need of men to eat and drink that little which he had remaining, but he had more need of victuals and munition. Wherefore he willed them to return, and to tell Don john, that he should rest well assured of the Town, and that he should only seek to succour it with some victuals, considering that 
Polwiller re●…th succours which Don john sends him.  this Town being seated upon the river of Meuze, was of too great importance to suffer it to be lost, the which hindered the traffic of the Hollanders by water, into the country of Liege, and some part of Germany. Don john had then received some Bourgognons and Italians, wherefore having heard these news from Colonel Polwiller, he commanded the Earl of Barlaimont and Colonel Mondragon, to go and victual Ruremonde with all the speed they could, before it should be forced to yield.  
For the effecting whereof they gathered together some 4000 men, both of foot and 
1577.  horse, and marched directly to the State's Camp, the which consisted but of two and 
Don john sends to succour Ruremonde.  twenty companies of foot, and six of horse: Being advertised in the camp, that the Spanish succours were on foot, and did march, finding themselves too near to fight with them (which undoubtedly they would have done) notwithstanding that they had seven Forts about the Town, they thought it good to put their Artillery into the strongest of those places, and to retire themselves, abandoning the other six forts. But considering the enemy's forces, and not thinking themselves well assured, they embarked and went towards Boisleduc and Geldre; yet notwithstanding all their speed, their retreat was not so sudden, but they lost some of their rearward, two field pieces, and good store of victuals and munition. Thus through the care and diligence of Barlaimont and Mondragon, the State's Army was forced to retire, and the Towns of 
A base retreat of the State's camp from Ruremonde,  Ruremonde and Weert sufficiently victualled of all things necessary. This being done, after they had a little refreshed their soldiers, they retired into the country of Luxembourg, from whence they came.   

MATHIAS ARCHDUKE OF 
1578.  Austria Governor general of the Netherlands.  
MATHIAS D. G. ARCHIDUX AUSTRIAE DUX BVRG●… COMES TIROL GUBERNAT. GENER. BELGICAE,  
My Grandsire & my father, two great Emperors were,  
And living yet my brother doth th' Imperial sceptre bear:  
To honour me the more, the states elected me,  
Of the united Provinces their governor to be.  
The which (though young of years) I did then not refuse,  
Although the King supposed I did him much abuse,  
And for that cause disliked of my government,  
The states likewise, perceiving that no great advancement:  
Did rise to them by me, thanked me for my goodwill  
And at my going from them with gifts my purse did fill.  
THe 18. day of january in the year, 1578. the Arch duke Mathias 
1578.  parted from Liere in Brabant and made his entry into the town of Brussels:, where he was received in triumph, by all the Noblemen of the country holding the party of the States: And the twenty day 
The Archduke Mathias received for Governor,  having takeh the aceustomedioth he was acknowledged for Governor g●…nerall for the King of Spain of all the Netherlands; upon certain conditions set down in divers articles, the which we omit for brevity sake, and for that they were to small) effect and the little good and service he did in his government, who having sworn them at his reception, the Prince of Orange (whom the Archduke called his father) was notwithstanding all his excuses chosen for his Lieutenant, not without the jealousy of the choese Noblemen of the country, and namely of the Earl of Lalain, who (as General of the State's army) had promised unto himself this dignity.  
The same month arrived the Signior of sells Captain of the King of Spain's guard, Brother to the Lord of Noircarmes, who was sent by the King, to make answer 
The Signior of sells sent by the King unto the state●…  to the States letters, of the twenty four of August, and the eight of September by the which they besought him that Don john might be called home, and an other governor. sent in his place. He had very ample letters of credit, signed by the King at Madril the twenty of december the which he did impart unto the States: whereunto answer was made, and this answer was carried by him unto Don john, who made a reply inform of an act and signed Vassear, the which he sent back by sells, and with it a letter which he did write unto the States the fifteen of february this year 1578. whereunto the said States made answer by their letters the last of the month. But all these conferences, writings, answers and replies of either side, brought forth no fruit, Don john refusing to be tied to the pacification of Gant, which he had sworn, and the King approving his actions, and meaning to maintain him in his government. And so Don john made all the preparation he could for war, and having ordered all things in Luxembourg, he came to March in Famine, from thence to Hoy in the country of Liege five Leagues above Namur, from whence he went unto his castle of Namur. Being at Luxemburg, succours came to him from all parts, as to the Rendezvous, whether arrived Alexander Farneze Prince of Parina, son to Duke Octavio and to Marguerite bastard to the Emperor Charles the fifth, in former time Governess of the Netherlands bringing with him the Spaniards and italians of Lombardie: whether also was come before Charles 
Don john frames the body of an army.  Earl of Mansfeld with his French troops: the Germans and Bourguignons were there also: so as in a short time Don john gathered together an army of sixteen thousand foot, and about two thousand horse, italians, Spaniards, French, Germans heigh Bourgognons and Lorrains': seeing himself thus fortified, he published in print, the causes and reasons which moved him to take arms against the States: which were, to maintain in the Netherlands generally the Catholic and Romish Religion, and the obedience of the King of Spain, inserting many goodly promises to the Provinces, towns, nobles, Borroughes, villages and men of war, that would be of his party. The States made an answer also in print unto this declaration of Don john.  
At the same time Pope Gregory the thirteen sent a Bull from Rome of the 8. of january, by the which he gave remission of all sins for ever, and life eternal unto all those that after they had been confessed and received the Sacrament should go to war, in the service of Don john, against the Prince of Orange, and them of Holland and Zeeland, 
jealousy among the Nobllity sor the Leutenancy of the Archduke Mathias.  and all others whom he termed Heretics. But these soldiers would have been better pleased with his ducats, then with his pardons. We have said before how that the Prince of Orange had often refused the Lieutenancy of the Archduke Mathias, and that it had bred a jealousy among the Nobility, the which appeared by the effects: for the next day after that the Prince had taken the oath for this charge, all the Noblemen that were in the camp, began to abandon the army one after an other, being then at Templours in the Country of Namur. The Lord of Lumay Earl of March (who had a great spleen against the Prince) by reason of his imprisonment for his insolencies committed against Priests) was the first that went 
1577.  away, leaving his regiment there. The Earl of Lalain general of the Army (who expected to have the place of Lieutenant) followed him: then the Vicont of Gant (afterwards Marquis of Rouban) would go to see his wife at Bevurage near unto Valenciennes: the Earls of Bossu and Egmont, and other Noblemen, came to Brussels, to the marriage of the Lord of Bersselle with the marquess of Berghen, daughter to the Lord of Merode Valentin de Pardieu Signior of La Motte, Governor of Gravelinghe, and at that time Master of the Ordinance, feigned an excuse to run to Brussels. To conclude, every man left the camp one after another, the which wandered up and down, from place to place. First they brought it from about Namur to Gemblours, from thence to Templours, then to Saint martin's, and back again to Gemblours, to bring it into Brabant. At that time there were no other Commanders in the whole Army, but the Siegnior of Goignies Martial of the Camp, the Baron of Montigni Brother to the Earl of Lalain (afterwards Marquis of Renty) at that time 
jealousy makes the Noblemen to abandon the army.  young and unexperienced in those affairs, the Signors of Bailloeul and Heure brethren, old Knights. And to prove that this jealousy was the cause of their abandoning the Army, I can truly say, (for that I did observe it, being then a follower to the Vicont of Gant) that after the Prince of Orange had taken the oath, as Lieutenant general to the Archduke; and that the news thereof was come unto the Camp: they held but once any council of war, beginning the next day to slip away and to disband one after one, which was the cause of the rout of the said Army.  
As they took occasion to draw it from Saint martin's and Templours to Gemblours. Don john the better to discover it, and to see it march, presented himself with his troup upon a little hill, that he might view it at his pleasure, having no thought nor intent to fight with them. But seeing their disorder, and that the forward was advanced above a league before the rearward, marching not in an enemy's country, but as it were to take a review or muster: He was advised to charge them, giving furiously upon the battle, whose horsemen broke the foot of their rearward, so as of the 
The defeat of the states Army near unto Gemblours.  battle and the rearward there was a quick dispatch, most of the forward saving themselves in the town of Gemblours. The greatest loss fell upon the regiment of Colonel Balfour a Scottishman, who was hurt there, and yet saved himself, and so did the Lord of Montigny, after that he had done as much as possible might be: the Siegnior of Goignies was taken prisoner, and from that time fell to serve the Spaniard. Those old Knights of Bailloeul and Heure (who in all things dealt plainly) having saved themselves in Gemblours, were soon after made prisoners by the taking of the Town.  
Don john pursuing the course of his victory, the country wavering, as if all had 
Lowain, Arschot, Tillemon, Diest, Lewe and Sichem yield to Don john.  been lost, seized upon the Town of Louvain; the Magistrates going forth to meet him, presented him the Keys; then of Arschot, Tillemont, Diest, Lewe, and the little Town of Sichem, where he entreated the Officers and Magistrates inhumainly. This defeat made him swell with pride, from thence he sent Cont Charles of Mansfieldt before Bovuines, whereas the Signior of Estourmel commanded, who having endured some Canon shot, seeing no show of succours, and the Town being unfit to be held, he yielded it by composition. And although the loss was not so great in this defeat of Gemblours, as the Spaniards bragged (the States having gathered their men together with all the speed that might be) yet it did draw away, and cool the courage of many of their party: and those that in their hearts were affected and bore good will to the Spaniards, began to show themselves openly, and to retire to Don john.  
The Duke of Anjou being advertised of this defeat, sent the Signior of Fougeres, 
The Duke of Anjou offers succours to the states.  a Gentleman of his Chamber, and one of his Secretaries to the States, to condole with them, and to offer to aid them both with his person and means, which being accepted by them, he sent the Earl of Rochepot, & the Signior Despruneaux in embassage to Antwerp, with whom the Earl of Lalain the Baron of Freesin and the signor 
1578.  of Lyesneldt a councillor of State, deputed by the general Estates, assembled in the town of Saint Guislain, to treat as well of the succours, as of the assurances: the resolution of their treaty was referred to the States assembled in Antwerp, for the day after this defeat, the Archduke Mathias and the other Noblemen, leaving the town of brussels retired to Antwerp: the Prince of Orange remaining there still for some days with the Earl of Bossu, to provide for the safety of the town and to fortify the weakest places, the which they did, making a half Moon within the town towards the high part. The town of Saint Guissain, which is but two leagues from Mons in Henault, being after the defeat of Gemblours ready to fall into Don john's power, by the practice of Matthew Moulbart Abbot of the same place, and elect Bishop 
Saint Guislain assured for the states.  of Arras: the signor of Herissart found means by policy to seize upon the town with some soldiers of his train, then having provided for the safety thereof, the second of Frebruary he delivered it into the hands of the Earl of Lalain Governor of Henault, and so by that means the Abbot's practice was disappointed.  
The town of Amsterdam having still obstinately defended the Spanish sactions receiving great promises and encouragements from Don john, the Prince of Orange, as governor, and the States of Holland, sought all means to force them to yield, by stopping up of their passages, and otherwise, seeing that all their reasonable offers, made unto them in the beginning of anno 1577. would by no means persuade them. The greatest difficulties consisting here in were that they would not suffer, their fellow Burghers, that had fled, and were returned home again to have the exercise of the Religion nor to bury their dead, but would only have the Catholic and Romish religion used in the town, and their old garrison of six companies of soldiers, and not suffer the fugitive Burghers to bear any office amongst them, nor the companies of harquebusiers, according to the ancient custom to be erected for the preservation and keeping of the town.  
This passing in this sort, the Prince and the States by advice from the general estates, practising many ways to surprise them, but none taking effect, at the last Colonel Hellingh, and captain Ruychaver, a Burger of the same town, made a certain enterprise upon them of Amsterdam, thinking to take the town, & to that end upon the 13. of November 1577 taking certain soldiers under three Ensigns, hid them closely in divers ships, and coming before the town, forcibly took the Harlem port, and from thence marched into the market place, strengthening themselves in divers places, but Colonel Hellingh (that was speaking with the Burghers, to persuade them to lay down their arms) being shot, the Burghers with their six companies of soldiers began to take courage, & taking arms, drew the Hollanders back, and as God would have it, a barrel of their powder falling on fire in the gate, the Hollanders were so abashed, as they were beaten out again with great loss of their men, and amongst them, captain Ruychaver being taken prisoner, was slain by one of his old enemies, a man that in the precedent 
Amsterdam yieldeth to the states.  wars had done much good service. But although this enterprise fell out badly for them, yet the town of Amsterdam, being thereby brought into great fear of surprise, and having been long besieged, both by water and land, resolved to fall to an agreement with the Estates of Holland, which was made upon the 8. of February 1578. the principal points of the same being, that those of the reformed religion should have liberty to preach without the town, & should have an unhalloed place within the town, for the burial of their dead, that their garrison of six companies within the town should be discharged, and that they should have four, five, six other companies of soldiers in the same, under the captains of the town, for the defence of the same, that the old companies of Harquebusiers, should be erected again without any difference, and that the places of those that were dead, should be supplied, as well of the fugitive Burghers as others, and divers other points. But this composition lasted not long, for that they of the Religion, complained of the Catholics, for not keeping the covenant and agreement, and for not accomplishing the Article of the erecting and guiding of the Harquebusiers, but to the contrary, attempted many secret enterprises, and for that Don john had still many friends within the town which daily practised divers attempts, the Burghers generally fearing a new uproar, and tasting 
1578  the benefit of their trade and traffic in the town which as then began to increase, and to live in unity and conformity with the rest of the towns and terretories of Holland: caused the Romish Catholic magistrates, and the Friars to go out of the town, and all monks and Priests: pulling down the Images in the Churches, permitting nothing but the reformed religion to be used therein, which during the wars, was most beneficial for their town, and conformable to the manner of the rest of the towns in Holland, although the States of Vtrecht, Harlem, & other reconciled towns maintained the Romish religion long time after, together with the reformed religion, but for that they found and perceived many secret enterprises, to be devised by the spirituality, they thought it necessary and convenient (during the wars) wholly to put it down, which caused a great hindrance to Don john's affairs, & much furtherance to the states. The Spaniards having under the command of Charles of Mansfeldt besieged the town of Villevoorde, whereas the signor of Glimes commanded with some companies of Walloons seeing (after he had lain before it but two days) that he should get nothing but blows, he retired, and from thence went to besiege Nivelle in Brabant, where the signor of Villers commanded for the States, with five companies of foot, and some few horse: refusing to yield at the first summons, he battered it furiously with eight Cannons, so as having made a sufficient breach, the Wallon soldiers (whom they had made believe that Don john did not much trust) to show their fidelity, desired to go first to the assault: but they were so valiantly repulsed, as they were forced to send others: so as from twelve of the clock until night, the besieged defended themselves valiantly, and endured four furious assaults, the assailants being forced to leave it with great loss and in disorder. The Governor held it yet two days without parley, hoping for succours, but the Prince of Orange and the Earl of Bossu sent him word that he should retire himself as well as he could, and save his men, the which he did upon composition, to depart with bag and baggage, and the soldiers with their swords by their sides, and the Commanders and Captains on horseback 
Nivelle yielded to Don john.  with their men. Thus was Nivelle yielded up to Don john the 15. of February: from thence the army went before Bins two leagues from Mons, the which yielded without any force.  
After the taking of Nivelle and Bins, Don john went to the little towns of Soignies, Roeux, Beaumond, Walcourt and Maubenge in the country of Henault; some having small garrisons, others none at all, as not deserving to hazard any men in them, all 
Many small towns in Henault yielded to Don john.  which yielded to his obedience without any resistance. Then he went to Chimay, the which having endured a battery of six Cannons, and an assault, yielded by composition. This done Don john did generally proclaim the commission which he had from the King of Spain, touching his government with a general pardon, declaring that all persons which remained in any town, castle or fort, that were enemies unto him, might remain free in their houses, following their traffic and trades. And that all such as during these new troubles, had followed the States, and carried arms against the King, should return within twenty days after the Proclamation, and be restored to all their Offices, Estates, dignities and honours, without any reproach or imputation for that which was passed. Granting in like manner to all towns that would reconcile themselves, their previledges as they had enjoyed them in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth: upon this pardon many returned, but in the beginning they were but of the base sort.  
In the mean time Colonel Steward returning from Dansyck with his Regiment of Scotishmen, where he had been employed for that town against the King of Poland, was entertained by the general Estates. The two and twenty day of March they of Friesland (for some sinister opinion which they had conceived) took prisoners, Ingrames Aclum precedent of their great Council, and the Councillors julius 
Councillors displaced in Friesland upon suspicion.  de Roma, Peter Fritsmo, Focco Romaerts, Anthony Levali and others: in whose place were chosen Francis Eysingna, Focco Realda, john Van Staveren and others who were known to be zealous and well affected to their country. The first Bishop that ever 
1578.  was at Leuwarden called Cuneras Petri, and some others, were sent for unto the Castle, where they were detained prisoners, and some private men had their houses for prisons. And as many murmured that their Magistrates were not very faithful unto their country: the Officers of justice and others were changed in most part of the 
A change of Magistrate 〈◊〉 the Netherlands.  Towns in the Netherlands: and among others john of Saint Florise, Signior of Steenbeke, Governor of Bapaumes, was also made Governor of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, in the place of Maximilian Vilai Siegnior of Rasenghem, who was prisoner at Gant.  
The seventh of April certain companies of Walloons being in garrison at Masstricht, mutining for their pay, seized upon the Signior of Heze their Colonel; and Governor of the Town, and of all the Captains, Ancients, and Officers of his Regiment, conspiring to deliver the Town into the Spaniards hands. But Nicholas of Palmier Signior of Melroy being sent thither with their pay, first he contented and 
A mutiny at Maestrick pacified and punished.  pacified the soldiers, than he caused them that were restrained of their liberty to be delivered, and in the end being master of the conspirators, he hanged some, and drowned others, & putting in another garrison, he assured the town for the States.  
The two and twentieth of the same month there was published in Antwerp a new decree touching the entertainment of the Pacification of Gant, to have it sworn by all the inhabitants and such as were resident in the countries that were under the union, 
A decree made by the states to entertain the pacification of Gant.  of what estate, quality, or condition soever they were, as well spiritual as temporal; holding all them for enemies that should refuse to take the said oath. All men obeyed as well Churchmen as others, except the Jesuits, who were therefore wonderfully suspected. The people of Antwerp incensed thereat; rose in arms against them, but through the good order of the Colonels of the Burghers there was no harm done them: only it was resolved to conduct them quietly out of the town, as well for their private safety, as being suspected for the public cause, the which was done upon Whitsonday. The Franciscan Friars demanded a day to resolve, but in the end seeing the other begging orders, the Prelates, the Cathedral Church, and all the Clergy obey the said commandment and Edict, they resolved to do the like. Some among them, as the Gardien, and some others of that troup, being very obsti●…, and self-willed, were in like sort thrust out of the Town, as men suspect. Whilst these Friars were thus in suspense, the discontented being in Arms, some Soldiers 
Friars burned ●…or Sodomy at Gant and Bruges.  offered to force them in their couent●…: but the Signior of Stralen Bourg master of the town arriving, made them to desist. Whereupon two indiscreet soldiers bend their Harguebuses against him, with matches in the cocks, but the trouble being pacified they were apprehended, and their heads cut off.  
About the same time were burnt in Gant, by a sentence given by the court of Flanders, four Friars, one Augustine, and some whipped, being convicted of Sodomy, the like was done at Bruges to three Friars, and two were whipped for the like crimes. They confessed that long before an Italian Friar had infected them with this sin. There was then another Friar in Bruges, but not altogether so wicked, called Cornellis Adriansen, 
What Cornellis a Franci●…an Friar of Bruges was.  borne at Dordrecht in Holland, an ordinary Preacher, a seditious man, and turbulent in his Sermons, preaching with great vehemency, sometimes against the Prince of Orange, sometimes against the States, against the Magistrates, against his own Bishop, yea and against whom he pleased, without any respect or sha●…e to name them openly, against whom he used villainous, filthy, and beastly terms, with unseemly and ridiculous exclamations, as appeareth plainly by a true collection of his works and Sermons, set forth in public Print, to make the reader laugh.  
This gallant had erected a little order of a particular religion, consisting chiefly in humility and correction, among fair young wives; and Virgins, poor simple creatures, to whom he preached nothing but humility, and above all recommended innocency: if they committed the least fault in the duty of obedience (as he kept them in wonderful awe) and humility, he took delight to whip them with a Fox's tail, causing them to strip themselves naked, pleasing himself to look on them in this manner, making them believe that innocency must be seen naked, and that they should not be ashamed to discover themselves. This kind of discipline of this reverent 
1578,  friar, was in the end descovered, by two of his devout women who would not submit themselves to this friars tail nor strip themselves in that sort. And by the report which they made, he was publicly found infamous, and was scorned of all the world. Afterwards the descovery of his impostures, and all his doing, the profession of his order and his discipline, were also set forth in print.  
This year upon the seventh of May, there was a great and solemn assembly of the Princes of the Empire holden at Worms in Germany, whereunto the Archduke Mathias, 
Saint Aldegonds' oration made at the assembly o●… the Princes of t●…e Empire holden at Worms in the year 1578.  and the general estates sent an honourable embassage, where the Signior of Saint Aldegond, made an eloquent oration, before all the Princes of Germany, and the estates and deputies of divers towns wherein he briefly showed the miserable estate, and condition of the Netherlands, the desleigne and intent of the Spaniards, and what tyranny the Duke of Alva, and others, as also Don john had used there, and withal what danger the Empire was to expect thereby: touching the Duke of Alva he showed particularly that in a banquet made before his departure, he had boasted (and did glory therein,) that within the time of his government, in the Netherlands (being about six years) he had caused 18600 men to be put to death by the common minister of justice called the hang man, besides an innumerable number, that were consumed and murdered by the uproars, tumults mutinies and cruelty of the soldiers, in many places of the same, not accounting them that were killed in the wars, showing further that by the common accounts of the land, it was found, that in fifteen Provinces of the Netherlands the said Duke of Alva, and his adherents, had spent in making wars against the two Provinces of Holland and Zeeland, in building of castles, and destroying of the country, above thirty six million of guilders, besides the spoil, by the oppression and insolency of the soldiers in all places where they came, and that they were generally in hope, that the King would not so lightly have forgotten, that they were the same Netherlands by whose faithful service, aid, goods, money, and blood, the hard and long continued war with France, was with the King's honour at the last brought to so honourable an end: whereunto the Netherlands, besides all ordinary, and usual taxes, charges, and customs, in nine years freely gave the King the sum of forty millions of guilders, as also what the Netherlands in general, and the towns in particular had endured under the great Commander, under Rhoda, and Don john of Austria, and by the mutinous Spaniards, proclaimed to be both the Kings and the country's enemies, that had twice ransacked and spoiled the towns of Mastrciht and Antwerp, and yet not once punished, he showed likewise how the Spaniards, meant to make the Netherlands the seat of the wars, and what danger the Empire, and the Provinces adjacent were thereby to expect: putting them in remembrance, of the enterprises that the duke of Alva and others had, to incorporate and take the towns of the Empire, as Collen, Monster, Emden, and others, whereby the fire burning in the Netherlands, would soon kindle in Germany. That they sought to conquer the Kingdom of England, under pretence of aiding the imprisoned Queen of Scotland, and thereby to obtain the dominion of the sea, and there with the rule of the whole world, only watching time and opportunity.  
He desired them to remember the Turks victories, and the civil discords of the Christians, and that the Spaniards were as well accustomed to the wars as the Turks, seeking the same praise and glory by making great conquests, having as great, yea greater causes or contrariety of religion than the Turks to further them, both in the Netherlands and in Germany, generally esteeming the Germans, as the Turks esteem the Christians, whereof they were to be advised that the King of Spain not long since had made a contract of peace and a league with the Turk, and had agreed what tribute be should have: for which cause he desired them, that they would call to mind the ancient friendship, and League, bettweene them, having trade of merchandise with speech, and name common to them all, and that many Provinces in the Netherlands long before the Emperor Charles the fifts time were subject unto the laws of the Empire, and that namely by the trans-action made in the year of our 
1578.  Lord 1548. they were incorporated with the towns and Provinces of the Empire, at which time the said Princes and towns made promise, that they would accept and receive, all the Provinces of the Netherlands into their protection and that they should enjoy all the privileges and freedoms of Germany in as ample manner as they did, that lived in the midst of the Empire, and so understood and accounted themselves to be bound if need were to protect and defend them, against all wrongs, injuries, and powers whatsoever, that should seek to oppress them, and therefore he entreated, that they would think feelingly upon the miseries of the Netherlands, and that assisting them, they would according to the laws and ordinances of the Empire, command Don john to depart out of the same, and forbidall men to give him any aid or assistance, by men, arms, victuals, and munition in any sort whatsoever, and also to call home Ericke Duke of Brunswick, Poluiller and other Dutch Commanders and captains, upon pain of the loss of all their goods: even this was the sum of his oration, which for that it was in Latin, I set it down in shorter terms for bevities' sake, against the which there was an appoligie made and put in print at Luxemburg, written by one Cornelis Calidius Christpolitanus.  
The Duke of Anjou having caused some troops to march, they entered upon the frontiers of Henault, which was wonderfully oppressed by the Spaniard: Colonel Combelles, with the consent of the whole Estates marched with his men into the 
A small defeat of the Spaniards by the French.  country, and lodged in a village called Balemont, from whence the Spaniards thinking to dislodge him, where well beaten the eighteenth day of May, and forced to retire with loss and shame. Don john after the reduction of Nivelle, sent part of his army before Philip-Ville (so called by King Philip's name, father to the King of Spain that now is, who caused it to be built in the year of our Lord 1554.) being seated upon the frontiers of France, the which having been very long besieged, battered and assaulted, was in the end for want of victuals and munition, forced to yield by composition the one and twenty day of May: and amongst other Articles it was agreed upon, that the captains and companies that would remain in the King's service, should be well entertained, & have three months pay, the rest might retire freely where they pleased. Of five companies that were in the town, three remained, and took an oath to Don john, the other two returned to serve the States. The signor of Florenne Governor of the town continued there still. This being done Don john returned to Namur, dividing his army into two, whereof the one part was given to the Prince of Parma, to go in the country of Lembourg, and the other to Octavio Gonzague, to march towards Arthois.  
The Prince of Parma four days after his departure from Philip-ville, marched with his warlike troops towards the town of Lembourg, which he thought to 
The Spaniards besiege L●…mbourg.  carry upon his first approach. And although the Town itself be not very strong, yet is it defended by a good castle, built upon a hillock not to be scaled, very hard to be battered, and almost impregnable. To approach unto Lembourg, he was of necessity to passenere unto the castle of Heude, the which was in the like sort seated upon a rock, marvelous strong both by nature and by art, having great ditches full of water falling from the heigh Mountains: so as they might easily defend that place with twenty resolute men.  
There was in it in garrison two squadrons of the States soldiers, being about the number of some fifty men, one of the chief Officers a Liegois borne, said unto the other that was his companion, that it was needful before they suffered themselves to be besieged, to go and furnish themselves within the town of all things necessary for their provision, as well for victuals, as for munition of war. And therefore one of them should go with a good convoie, giving the choice unto his companion whether he would go or stay, knowing well that the other would rather choose to go, and that he that went would take a convoie of forty four soldiers, and the other should remain and guard the castle with the six which should stay behind.  
This other corporal having taken the charge upon him to go and fetch munition 
1578  with the convoy: the Liegeois which remained, having two others of his faction, 
The Castle of Heude trea cher●…usly delivered to the Prince of Parma.  fell suddenly upon the other three, and having slain one of them, he said unto the other two that what he did was for the King's service: whereupon they remained quiet, and the castle was delivered up to the Prince of Parma, who gave him a very good reward.  
The Prince having this castle at his commandment sent presently to summon the town of Lembourg, the which refused to yield, for some few days before it had been victualled by the States. Whereupon it was battered with nine pieces, and although he prevailed little, yet a dissension being grown in the town, betwixt the Burghers (who would not hold out, and refuzed to fight) and the soldiers of the garrison, they did capitulate, with the Prince of Parma, and yielded the town and castle unto him the fifteenth day of june: the soldiers retiring to Faulquemont and Dalhem, whether the Prince went and forced them, putting all to the sword that he found armed. The other part of the army which Don john had sent under the command of Octavio Gonzague marched directly towards Mons, thinking to cut of their victuals, and to reduce it to that extremity as they should be forced to yield: but he prevailed 
Octavio Gonzague prevails 〈◊〉 ●…le in Henault.  nothing, but only ruined the poor champain country thereabouts. Those of the town were day lie in skirmish with them, and among others captain Mornault with his company of horse, never suffered them to be at rest. The nineteenth of june there died in Antwerp that virtuous and long afflicted Princess, Sabina Palatina widow to Cont: Amoral of Egmont, and a little before the signor Lancelot Barliamont, Earl of 
The death of the Countess of Egmont.  Meghen, in the right of the Lady Marie of Brimeau his wife, without any children: which Lady was afterwards married to Philip of Croy Prince of Chymai, Son to the duke of Arschot being then but young.  
At the same time a certain councillor of the great council at Macklin went unto Don john, whom he gave to understand that he had many partakers in the said town, who desired nothing more than to see it reduced under his obedience: and that if it pleased him to take the pain to come or send thither, they would make him master thereof without any difficulty. Don john sent him back unto the town to manage this business, and to draw others to his devotion. But this practice being discovered, the States sent to reinforce the garrison, both with horse and foot. Octavio Gonzague came before the town of Macklin to execute this enterprise, but he was entertained with good musket shot. Seeing himself discovered, he sent letters unto the Magistrates, to persuade them to yield to Don john, but in steed of an answer they sent forth certain shot by a false port, who charged his horse, from a covert place, where they could not be forced, making them retire with loss of men and horse.  
The Duke of Anjou the better to effect his design, and give the succours which 
The duke of Anjou comes to succour the states.  he had promised to the States, came in person with his troops into the country of Henault, and arrived at Mons the twelfth day of julie, being accompanied with few gentlemen, his train following after him leaving his army in field. The Germans of Polwiller, which before the pacification of Gant, had been in garrison at Campen and at Deventer in the country of Oueryssel, having been summoned by the States, and refused to depart, still dissembling, till after the breach of the accord, and the taking of the castle of Namur: made open demonstration that they would keep the said towns for Don john: which the States perceiving, they sent the Earl of Rheneberg Governor of Friesland thither with an army of a thousand men who first besieged Campen, situated upon the Veluve towards the Zuyderzee, which having refused to yield being summoned, he battered it very furiously from either side of the River of Yssel, making a sufficient breach for an assault: and being ready to give it, the Germans fell to a parley, and yielded the town upon composition the twentieth day of julie 1578. The conditions were, that they should depart with their bag and baggage: that they should not bear arms against the general Estates in three months after. That all prisoners of either side should be set at liberty without ransom, and that they should be safely conducted 
1578.  unto the frontiers of Germany, which was performed: they of the town were forced to agree unto the union, and to swear obedience unto the Estates. They put into the town the companies of Viterarne, Hottinghe and Mulaert, the town was in no great extremity to yield, for that their breach was well repaired, neither wanted they any provisions. The soldiers had no need to fear the Burghers, whom they had disarmed, as they had done at Deventer, but they feared the coming of Casimire, who was coming to aid the Estates, from thence the Earl went to besiege Deventer five leagues from Campen, the which was also yielded, after four months siege, upon honest conditions.  
The castle of Haurec in the which there was a Spanish garrison, being besieged by the duke of Anious troops, and battered, yielded unto him: the Spaniard came to raise the siege, but he was sharply repulsed, and forced to retire with great loss of his men. And at the same time the duke of Anjou forced the Spaniards to leave the towns of Soignies Maubenge and Roeux, into the which he put French garrisons. Whilst that the duke of Anious army was yet upon the frontiers to enter into Henault, it happened that one captain Pont was lodged in the village of Becourt at a rich labourers house called john Millet, who had two fair young daughters: this captain fell in love with the eldest called Mary, being about sixteen years old: all the whole household sought to serve and entreat him well, to avoid the insolencies which such people do usually show unto poor peasants. This captain being one day at dinner with the father, mother and daughters, he demanded of the father his daughter Marie in marriage. The good man having answered that it was not a marriage equal nor suitable for him, (fearing that after he had abused her, he would chase her away, or 
An unworthy and cruel ●…act of captain Pont and well revenged.  keep her as his strumpet) refused him flatly. The captain incensed at this refusal, swearing and cursing, chased the father, the mother and the whole family out of the house, keeping only this poor Virgin, whom he ravished, and caused three or four of his soldiers to do the like. Which done, he went to the table, and set this poor maiden by him, mocking still at her with very filthy and dissolute speeches. She who spoke nothing, studying how she might be revenged with her own hand, whatsoever should become of her, desiring rather to die then to live any longer with such reproach and infamy: observed a Corporal that came to speak to the captain in his ear, who turning his head back to hear him, she took a knife and stabbed him therewith unto the heart, so as he fell down presently dead, and she thinking, to save herself by flight, was overtaken by his soldiers, who bound her to a tree, and shot her to death. The father hearing these pitiful news of his daughter, bruited it abroad and went to make his complaints to all the neighbour villages: so as the alarm bells ringing of all sides, the peasants went to arms and fell upon the soldiers of Becourt, and upon all others that lay near unto them, whom they slew, yea their pages, laquais, strumpets and dogs, leaving nothing alive of four companies that were in that quarter, but their horses; so greedy all these peasants were to revenge the death and injury done this Virgin. Doubtless if Lucrece deserved, 
Mary 〈◊〉 more worthy of commendation than Lucrece.  great commendations for killing of herself after that she had been forced by Tarquin; this maid deserves much more, who before her death could take revenge of her more than barbarous ravisher: Almighty GOD meaning thereby to punish the excess of these French soldiers, to make others learn more wisdom and temperateness.  
The Archduke Mathias Governor, and the general Estates having raised a great and mighty army, under the conduct and command of the Earl of Bossu (a brave, valiant and hardy Knight) and the signor of La Nove, (a valiant and worthy French Gentleman) they planted their campenere unto remanant in Brabant, a league from Macklin. Whereas Don john resolved to charge them before they were all come together, he being very strong and having new men come out of Italy, could make 
Don john resolves to charge the states at remanant.  about thirty thousand soldiers, amongst the which were five or six thousand horsemen, all or the most part, old expert soldiers, and choice men, his Lieutenant General was the Prince of Parma, Octavio Gonzaga was general of the horse men, Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfield Lord Martial, the Earl of Barlamont, Master of the ordinance, 
1578.  with his Son and many other Lords and Gentlemen, as the Earls of Re●…lx, and Falckenburg, Robles Lord of Billy, the Lord of Ruyrooke, the Lord of Lyques, the Lord of Faulx, the Lord of Marle, the Lord of Rosingnol, the Lord of Gomicourt, the Lord of Warlonzel, the Lord de Monteragon, and other strange Lords, Don Alonso Martin's de Lieva, Son to Don Sanchio, Viceroy of Naples who in times past had been general of the Galleys of Spain, this Don Alonso had a company of two hundred strong, wherein there was ten brave captains, as Don Diego, and Don Pedro de Mendoza, Don Sanchto de Lieva his brother, and others, his Ensign being black, with a crucifix therein, which was holloed and consecrated at Naples, by the Cardinal Gesnada, and that day he had desired Don john to have the vanguard of the army, hoping that it should fall out as well with him that day as it did at Gemblours. Don john himself in his Ensign, had a cross, with this poesy, By this sign I overcame the Turks, and by the same sign also I will overcome the Heretics, and being thus prepared, upon the last day of july, he came with all his army to Arschot, with full intent to set upon the state's camp, or with advantage, to procure them to a battle.  
But the Earl of Bossu, being advertised by his sentinels of horse, that there were 
The great skirmish by Rymenant.  about some a leaven or twelve cornets of horse coming against them, with a great squadron of footmen, which were about 90. or a hundred men, they all gave charge that the States guards should retire to a place, where he had set five or six hundred Harquebusiers, which at last, by reason of the multitude of their enemies were forced to give back, by the aid and relief of certain Ruiters and light horsemen, and yet without any great hurt, whereby Don john's men being emboldened, gave a strong and mighty charge upon the State's Ruyters, and other horsemen, which valiantly withstood them, and yet in such sort as the enemy had some advantage, but after that being seconded, they turned so bravely back again, as they forced Don john's men to leave the heath, and to retire themselves to certain hedges, but for that the Earl of Bossu, to keep those hedges, had placed certain Englishmen (under the regiment of Colonel Norris that was come thither but an hour before, and certain Scots) hard by the River all along to his camp, Don john could not break through, notwithstanding that he still sent more men thither, to win the place by force, the great shot likewise that played out of the States trenches doing him much harm, as his men came any thing near, which at that time discharged a hundred and twenty times upon the enemy, the Lord of Crequis being general of the ordinance, in steed of Treslon. This skirmish beginning at seven of the clock in the morning, continued until evening about five or six of the clock, being a wonderful hot day, so as the English, Scots, and other soldiers were forced to put of their clothes and to fight in their shirts, where they behaved themselves as bravely as possible they might, considering the great number of the enemy, and that they were all old experienced Soldiers that they had to do withal: Colonel Norris, son to the Lord Norris, with the Englishmen behaved himself very valiantly, and had certain horses killed under him: The like did Captain Bingham, a man of great experience and policy, although he was but hardly and badly used by his men, being then Lieutenant to Captain Candish, and there lost two brethren. The like did the Scots under Colonel Stuart, the French and netherlands footmen showing also great courage and valour, for that the ground was not very fit to use many of the horsemen.  
If at that time the Earl of Bossu (which as I have heard he hath since repent) had charged the Spaniards in their retreat with all his forces, as he had the means and power, having four times as many men more as the enemy; without doubt neither Don'Iohn nor any one of his men had escaped, and this day had been the last for the Spaniards in the low countries, at the least for them that were there at that time. This charge and skirmysh was the first day of August in the year of our Lord 1578. Don john having committed this error, full of blasphemy and cursings, carrying 
1578.  back his army he retired to Namur: the Earl of Bossu hearing that there were but 300. foot and a 100 Spanish horse in the town of Arschot, sent Colonel La guard thither with five hundred French shot of the one side: and Colonel Balfour with a thousand Scots on the other. La guard, arrived first, and forced the Spaniards by a way that was low and narrow, cutting all in pieces that he encountered, so as the town was taken and spoiled. The Vicent of Gant chief of this enterprise, thinking it not convenient to keep it, for that it was nothing strong, caused it to be abandoned, and by the advise of the said Colonels retired with his horse and foot to the Campe. This affront was done unto Don john the tenth of August, within two leagues of his army.  
At the same time some troubles being grown in the town of Valenciennes, the Archduke and the States sent the signor of Harchies to take information, and to order all things. Being entered into the town the Burghers began to be divided, some 
A tumult at Valencienes.  held with the signor of Harchies, and others with the Magistrates. This tumult continued eight days, the people being still in arms, not without great danger of effusion of blood. In the end Richardot a Councillor of State, was sent thither, who did reconcile them, and pacify all troubles.  
The Duke of Anjou before he sent such succours to the States as he had promised had capitulated with the States, first of all: to declare himself, an open enemy to Don john and to his adherents: to entertain for the assistance of the States ten 
The duke of Anicus capitulation with the States.  thousand foot and two thousand horse, paid at his charge for three months, and in case the war were not ended, before that time were expired, to continue his assistance and succours with the number of three thousand foot and five hundred horse: and that having served two months with the said number, he should have three months paid him: that he should have three towns of retreat, Auesne Quesnoy and Landrecy but they refused) notwithstanding that the Abbot of Marolles was sent to persuade them) that all towns, places and forts lying beyond the river of Meuse, and not in the association of the States (as Bourgongne and Luxembourg) which should be taken by his forces alone or jointly with the States, should remain under his power, command and obedience, during his life, and after his decease, his heirs males begotten in lawful marriage, should succeed and inherit. That a peace being made, the States should acknowledge the benefit next under almighty GOD to proceed from him. And that all charges and expenses laid out for their succours, should be paid him again until his departure out of the country: and moreover they should give him a gratuity worthy of his greatness: That the said States should promise and bind themselves, in case that hereafter they would take an other Prince for their sovereign, to prefer him before any other, upon such conditions as should be then propounded. This accord was proclaimed in Antwerp the twenty day of August. Thereupon the Duke took upon him the title of Defender of the liberty of the Netherlands, against the Spaniards and their Adherents. He declared himself enemy to Don john, and 
The duke of Anious 〈◊〉.  to all his followers by a printed declaration. But of all the troops which he brought, after that he had taken a view of them being put in battle near unto Bins, they were not above seven thousand foot and eight or nine hundred horse: most of them Licentious and disordered soldiers, the scum of the civil wars of France, and the relics of the massacres of Paris.  
With these forces he entered into Henault, the which (during his abode at Mons, with the Earl Lalain his Gossip) who was put from the place of Captain General of the State's army, for that without their privity and leave he had abandoned the army in the country of Namur when as Don john had that victory near unto Gembblours) did these small exploits: whereof we have formerly made mention: although it had been more necessary to join the said Duke's troops, in this best season of the year, to the great body of the State's army, being then in their prime engaged at remanant, by the disorder which was there for want of pay: when as Don john was far weaker in forces then the States, and might easily have been defeated. 
1578  But in steed of doing it, they turned from him to go and join with the Duke of 
The states are my vnpr●…table for want of pay.  Anious forces, and to take Genap, Nivelle, and some other paltry Towns, unworthy the stay of an army. This conjunction with the Duke of Anjou lost the States a months time: and when they were ready to join all into one body of an Army, the Duke retired with his Bussia ' Amboise to Mons in Henault, by the advise of his gossip the Earl of Lalain, and then began his Army to vanish, whereby the best season of the year and the best opportunity was lost: the States became more indebted unto the Army, who grew discontented to see themselves so ill governed, their forces both of horse and foot decreased by mortality and famine, and in the end the hope which they had of such great forces, as the Prince had never the like, went to smoke, and they were to begin again. Don john fortified himself the more, and then began the falling away of the Wallon soldiers, (called the Malcontents) of the Regiments of 
The beginning of the malcontents.  Montigny, Heze, Egmond and Alennes, of which Malcontents (as we will hereafter show) Montigny made himself chief.  
After this disbanding as well of the Duke of Anious troops, as of the malcontents, the State's Army being retired from remanant, went and camped two leagues from Louvain. The Earl of Bossu general of the Army, went forth with two thousand Harquebusiers, and two hundred horse, and approached near unto the Town, the 
A great skirmish near unto Louvain.  Spaniards sallied forth bravely upon them, where there was a gallant skirmish. The Vicont of Gant General of the horse, charged them with his men at Arms, even unto the Town ditches, whereof some fell in, seeking to fly the fury of the Vicont, and of the Siegnior of Quesnoy his Lieutenant. The Earl of Bossu would gladly have besieged the said Town, but the want of three or four thousand pioneers, and of thirty 
Three castles taken by the states at one instant.  or forty Canons, necessary to batter so spacious a place, which had two leagues circuit, and furnished with five thousand men, made this design seem unreasonable. The same day the Army in passing took the Castle of Dyon, la Motte, Helsenne and Sart: La Motte endured a battery, in the which were fifteen or sixteen Soldiers, the rest peasants, and was taken by assault, whereas the Signior of La Nove Marshal of the Camp, the Vicont and the Colonel Michael Caulier, past through the water in the ditches up to the waste (the which was no discreet part of the Vicont, being General of the horse) with the English, who leapt into the water like Frogs, forced it, and cut all the Soldiers in pieces, pardoning the peasants: this was done in August.  
In September following certain companies of Malcontents of the abovenamed Regiments (among the which was that of Captain Christien of Mons) being come to lodge in the quarter of Gaure (which is of the Principality of them of Egmont) about three leagues from Gant. The Ganthois, advertised thereof by the grievous and daily complaints of the poor peasants, for so many oppressions and insolencies committed by these Wallon soldiers, Malcontents, and doubting also some enterprise upon their 
Some compan●… of m●…contents surprised at Gaure.  town, (for that the said Malcontents had vaunted that they would teach the Ganthois to mock at the mass) sent some of their companies in the night, who went to dislodge the Walloons in Gaure by the break of day, taking them a sleep in their beds after the French manner: whereof some were slain and about fifty carried almost naked into Gant, and in this miserable and poor estate were put into a Church from whence by a decree of the Court they were delivered and sent away, having had some clothes given them by the Wallon Merchants remaining in Gant, who took pity of them seeing them thus naked, but the Ganthois did afterwards pay dearly for this petty victory.  
The Baron of Montigni and other Colonels Walloons, to be revenged for such an affront upon the Flemings and Ganthois, came early in a morning before the Burrow of Menin (which then they began to make a town) within two leagues of Courtray 
Menin surprised by the Malcontents  and two of Lille, having intelligence with the Curate, the Bailiff, called Nicholas Robert, and some others: who knowing of the Malcontents approach, after the ringing of the morning bell, persuaded them that were in guard to go to their rest. And as there remained but few Bourguers at the Ports and the places but newly begun 
1578.  to be fortified, these Malcontents surprised it and took it with small resistance of the Bourguers, who upon the alarm, putting themselves in defence, were soon overthrown and some drowned in the river of Lys. Being Masters thereof they spoiled it finding great wealth therein, for that it did chiefly consist of brewing and making of cloth, which are two trades to make rich men. There were about eighty Brewer's, the Beer was dipersed into the countries of Flanders and Arthois by the river of Lys: and it was called Queate of Menin, good and well known of Drunkards? At that time the Protestants of the reformed religion in Antwerp, persented a petition to have public exercise of their religion, demanding certain public temples of the Archduke Mathias and the council of State, with which demand they were much troubled, but the Petitioners being very many, made such instance and did so importune them; as (having had the advice of the General estates) it was found necessary for the public quiet of the town, and to prevent all inconveniences, to grant them the chapel in the Castle, called the temple of the Moabats, by reason of the Spaniards which had built it the jesuits ch●…urch; half of that of the Franciscans, jacopins and of Saint Andrew. And so with leave of the sovereign magistrate, they began their first public 
Temples granted in divers place; to the Protestants.  preaching the last day of August: some days after the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg having also demanded temples, obtained the Sheer-mens' chapel, the great hall of the Carmelites, and the grange near unto Saint Michells. The like was granted in the towns of Brussels, Macklin, Breda, Berghen upon Soom, Liere, Bruges Ypre; in Friesland and in Geldres, and in other towns and Provinces: But in Brussels the Marquis of Berghes, the signor of Heze his Brother and the signor of Glimes presented a petition to the contrary, showing that it was the seat of the Prince's court, which makes the town to flroish, the which by the transport of the court to any other place, would be impourished and fall to decay: which made the people to fall in hatred of them, and to put them in prison, but by a decree of the States they were soon enlarged.  
While the armies were gathering together on both sides, and the State of the Netherlands standing in suspense, the potentates round about desirous to reconcile the 
Peace propounded to Don john by foreign Princes.  distracted minds of the Netherlands against their Prince, as also to prevent bad examples to cease all troubles, and lastly to put out and quench the fire of war and dissension in the Netherlands, sought to make a peace there. The Emperor grieving much at the desolation of the Netherlands, had sent the Earl of Swartzenburgh, the King of France Monsire de Bellieure, and the Queen of England, the Lord Cobham, and Sir Francis Walsingham her Principal Secretary, with a great train, which Ambassadors having moved both parts to hearken unto a peace, the estates propounded certain conditions, the contents whereof were, that all that they had done since Don john's going to Namur, should be approved, allowed of, and held to be well done, that Don john should depart out of all the Netherlands within the said month of August, and deliver up all the towns and forts into the State's hands, that the Archduke Mathias should remain governor of the Netherlands, and the pacification of Gaunt should still be maintained and kept, that the matter of Religion (by reason of the wars so much advanced should be referred to the deciding and determination of the general estates, to be ordered according to the conveniency of the times and places; that the prisoners on both sides, as also the Earl of Buren, should be set at liberty, and that in the said contract the Queen of England, the Duke of Anjou, the king of Navarre, with their adherents, and Duke Casimirus, and all those that had given the States any aid, should be comprehended. For the effecting whereof the States desired the Ambassadors aforesaid, to seek by all the means they could to bring Don john thereunto, and thereby to keep his Majesty in possession of his Netherlands, without putting him in more vain hope, and so for ever to estrange him from his subjects; desiring them likewise to moderate the strictness of there articles, in any thing they think convenient. The Ambassadors aforesaid, used many reasons and persuasions on both sides, especially to procure Don john to depart out of the Netherlands entreating him not to seek to hazard his good fortune upon a doubtful battle aledging unto him the contract made between the Duke of Anjou and the States, their power having so 
1578  great an army, and money like wise to maintain the same: saying, that he might depart with honour, when as his departure should be procured, by the Mediation, and intercession of the Emperor, the King of France, and the Queen of England, which dying, they said, he might assure the Netherlands unto their natural Prince, and by that means procure the maintenance and furtherance of the Romish catholics religion: touching the said articles, the Ambassadors had many conferences and meetings between them, the estates and Don john; speaking with Don john himself at Lovuain and there abouts: 
Don john refuseth to make peace, but desireth to have a truce.  but it was all in vain for that Don john would have the states to give over their arms, & to send the Prince of Orange into Holland, and then he said he would hearken to a peace, yet telling them plainly that he would permit no new religion and many things else, and yet he made a show as that in regard of the miseries of the country he would have consented to a truce for a time, that so he might deal further about the conditions of peace propounded, but this was done only to win time, and in the mean while to gather more forces, and to make the States weary; but the States, (there affairs not permitting it) would not hearken to it, Don john likewise for his part, having gotten more soldiers, and being advertised that the States men wanted, pay at the last he made answer to the Ambassadors, that the King of Spain had referred the whole dealing for the peace unto the States only, to whom full power and authority should be given for the same, (being indeed somewhat jealous of France and England) and to that end he showed them letters; so thanking them for their pains he took his leave and departed, and by that means that treaty of peace proved fruitless.  
The general estates, thinking verily that they had well secured and assured the 
The causes that moved the Stats to tolerate them of the religion  Catholic Romish Religion by the new publication of the pacification at Gaunt found it to avail them little, for that they were forced nevertheless, to satisfy and content the minds of the peolpe in every place, thereby to maintain the wars, and that they had need of such soldiers as they might trust, which they esteemed to be Hollanders and those of the religion, and therefore in every place they put such as were of the religion into offices within the towns, as knowing them thereby, to be bound not only for the love and good will they bore unto their native country but also in regard of the religion, to be faithful, trusty and true: observing that it was not only the means for them to defend their bodies, lives, goods, wives, and children, but chiefly for the honour of GOD, as they were persuaded, whereby many being of the reformed religion, and advanced to offices in divers places of the Netherlands, were forced by all the means they could to further the said religion, although some through simple zeal dealt unadvisedly therein. From these and the like causes it fell out, that they of the reformed religion, emboldened themselves to present 
The Protestants request for a religious peace.  a request unto the Arch duke Mathias, and the general estates, bearing date the twenty two of june, therein showing, that they desired to live according to the reformed religion, and that they had separated themselves from the Romish Church for many causes as it appeared by divers books put in Print, containing the sum and contents of their faith, which many had sealed with their bloods, and that the more it had been persecuted, the more it had spread abroad and increased, as it appeared by the tryanny of the Duke of Alva, that had put eightteene or nine-teene thousand persons to death by the hand of the executioner, after whom followed Don Joys de Requesens, the great Commander of Castille who also had driven an innumerable number of good men out of the Netherlands, and caused all traffic and good handicrafts (wherein the chief riches of the land consisted) to be carried into strange and forrene countries, by which means the wars began: showing the Spaniards practices and designs, and their reddinesse and willingness, to defend their native country, and that yet nevertheless, they feared, that they should be once again put to the slaughter, after that the country should have made use of them, and by expense and loss of their lives and goods, gotten the victory, which must of necessity 
1578.  procure great unwillingness; from whence many difficulties were to be expected, by nice using liberty amongst the Burghers and the towns men, which difficulties and inconveniences, by means of the free permission of the reformed Religion, would be let and hindered, whereas to the contrary, the refusing and denial thereof would be the original of all evil intents, and of such enterprises, which neither the Protestants would like of, nor they themselves be well pleased withal. They likewise showed, that they were content to put in security to them of the Romish religion, that they desired not to root them out, nor yet to take their goods from them nor to do any thing that should be contrary to the duties of good Townsmen, and fellow Burghers, but always to be ready for the common cause, to defend and maintain their native country, whereby all discord being laid away, a perfect peace might be established.  
They likewise hoped, that touching the reformed religion, some order would before that time have been taken by the general estates, which by many hindrances had been put off, and chiefly by the means and practices of the enemy, or else by some that hoped (the enemy being overcome) once again to roast the Protestants at a fire: and therefore they desired that no credit might be given unto such men, as rejected the pacification of Gant, thinking that two religions could not be maintained in one kingdom, and that there could be no security given to the spiritual persons: saying further; that the enemy had manifestly broken the pacification of Gant, and that for as much as it concerned the land, they might by common consent, break, mitigate, expound, and declare the same, for the good of their native country, thereby to resist and withstand the secret practices of the enemy, yet they desired that it might not be broken, but that rather according to the contents thereof, the point concerning the free exercise of their religion, might be decided by the general estates. Showing further by their request, that two religions might well be endured in one country, by examples of the first Christians and their Emperors; and after that in our times, permitted by four Emperors, and by the Kings of France, Poland, the great Turk, and the King of Morocco, and others, yea and by the Pope himself, that permitted the jews to have their Synaguogues. And touching the security for spiritual persons, they desired that the States would set down an order for the same, and that they were ready according to their abilities to perform it, hoping that there would be some Noblemen and Princes found, that would give both their words and bonds for their good behaviours therein.  
But for that they got no answer presently here-unto, (in regard of the weightiness of the cause) upon the seventh of july, being fourteen days after, they gave a second request, wherein they sought to satisfy certain doubts, as if there were no security to be found from the Protestants if they should grant their request. And therefore that there should be no alteration, they propounded and set down that in every town some of the Magistrates might be appointed to take particular knowledge of all oppressions and abuses, or certain good Burghers, men of good name and same, of●… both religions, equal in number, to whom should be committed the inquiry and repairing of injuries and wrongs offered on either side, both by word and deed: and that in every Town some of the principal Burghers, on both sides should answer for their parties; with promise that they should not protect not defend the peace breakers, but rather use all the diligence they could, that they might be punished.  
And besides, that all Preachers Elders, and Deacons, should likewise promise the same, as on the contrary side, the Priests, Deans, Pastors, Vicars, and Treasurers of the Parishes should do the like. That they would also faithfully promise and protest before GOD, not to practise to hurt nor trouble any of the Prelates or Spiritual persons (that make profession or show of the Romish Catholic religion) neither in their persons, goods, nor in the use or exercise of their religion, but as much as in them lieth to hinder the same. And that if it proceed so far, that any such thing should be pretended, and come unto their knowledge, that they would 
1578.  make it known unto the Magistrate, that order might be taken therein, as cause required. whereunto the chiefest persons amongst them, should make promise to perform the same, in such places or towns where the free permision of the said religion should be granted, and in such number as they should think good: Once again promising, (according to the contents of the first request) to entreat some great Lords or Princes, to give their words for them, requiring the like of them, that made profession of the contrary religion, desiring nothing else but to live peaceably under the protection of their Magistrates, and that the breakers of the common peace might be punished.  
To pacify and satisfy the people touching this request, the Archeduke Mathias, the Prince of Orange, the counsel of Estate, and the general estates, after long and mature deliberation, devised a religious peace in Antwerp, for all such towns as would 
The state's resolution touching a religious peace.  desire the same, the which did not in any sort contradict the pacification of Gant, so that thereby the provinces of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault were not bound one unto the other, but remained free & at liberty, amongst them, to do as they should think convenient, and that so likewise they of Holland and Zeeland might not attempt any thing, in the other provinces against the Catholic Romish religion: and for that the pacification tended only to the driving out of the Spaniards, and other strange garrisons, they thought it a necessary peace, and politic union, for that as than it was no time to trouble, molest, persecute, kill or murder one the other for religion, while they had so great a war in hand. Many and several causes, (too long to be●… rehearsed,) moved the said estates to yield thereunto, as by the said religious peace more at large appeareth, and for that cause I have set it down verbatim as it was devised. Every man apparently knoweth, that the tyrannous proclamations which had before been made, touching religion, by the secret counsel, and 
The preface of the religious peace.  practices of strangers, specially of the Spanish nation, without hearing the estates of the Netherlands once speak therein, and since that great rage and extremity hath been shown for the upholding of the same, which are the causes of all our present calamities, for that by means thereof the privileges, rights, and laudable customs of the country, have in some sort been broken and trodden underfoot, and in fine procured a miserable war, which is undertaken by the enemies of our native country, only to bring us into utter ruin and slavery: and for that there was no other remedy to withstand the same, but to bring all the Provinces into one unity and accord, thereof proceeded the pacification of Gant, which after many and several deliberations and consultations taken therein, as well by the Bishops and Divines, as by the counsel of estate and others, from that time forward had been approved, confirmed, and by public oath sworn unto, not only by the estates of all the Netherlands, both spiritual and temporal, in general and particular, but also by Don. john of Austria, in the name of the King, making an accord with the estates aforesaid, touchching the pacifying of the war, and the avoiding of all other inconveniences: and although we hoped that in the observing of the same no faults would be committed by the said, Don john, whose office specially was, (as being appointed to govern and rule the said Netherlands) to have holden and maintained the same in peace and tranquility: nevertheless doing the contrary, he had broken the said pacification in many points: and by diverse means (contrary to his oath) made show he would not be satisfied therewith, so that the aforesaid war is once again renewed by him, which hath for the preservation of our natural liberty and defence, mutually to bear arms together, being thereby, and by means of the extremities where-into the said war, (as the mother of all disorders and insolencies) hath brought us, forced to do and permit divers things that are prejudicial to religion, and the obedience due unto his Majesty, which we otherwise never thought nor pretended, and at this present cannot withstand, as at diverse times before the beginning of this war, we have protested both by letters, and Ambassadors sent unto 
1578.  his Majesty and also unto the said Don john. and although we want neither will nor means, to procure our defence, notwithstanding for that the diversity of the provinces and of men's opinions, hinder the cause, it is to be doubted, that neither our good wills, nor yet our abilities, will prevail unless we proceed to a more strict and stronger band of amity, indissoluble accord and union; especially in the matter of religion, for considering, that not only by reason of the war, but also in regard of the inevitable frequentation, and conservation of the merchants, and other inhabitants of the countries and Provinces bordering upon us, as of France, England, Germany, and others, having the pretended reformed religion amongst them, the same religion hath for some time been followed and maintained in divers Provinces of the Netherlands, so it is much to be feared that if the liberty and exercise of the same, as well as of the Romish religion be not permitted, with a friendly accord and religious peace, (taking for example the countries of Germany and France who by that means have overcome all their troubles and live in peace and quietness, whereas before they could not abide nor endure one the other, using all acts of hostility,) that for want thereof, great dangers, blood-sheading, and other inconveniences will ensue, whereby our common enemy, (being within the country) shall have means to work his will: whereas to the contrary, by a peaceable union (being joined and united together) we may defend ourselves against all inconveniences; and troubles.  
All which we having well considered, and specially, that the enemy feareth nothing more, then that he should see us once united in religion, and therefore seeketh (under pretence thereof) on all sides to hold and keep us in division, meaning neither to spare reform nor Catholic whatsoever, if he may prevail; having also considered, that they of the pretended reformed religion have by divers petitions instantly desired, that the free exercise thereof, might be permitted unto them, with and under such restraints and conditions as are convenient; we for the common peace and quietness of the country after mature-deliberation therein taken; not only with the deputies of the general estates, but also particularly, having therein heard the advice of the estates of every Province, ordain, and by these presents decree the articles ensuring, and that without any prejudice of the union of the Provinces, the which need not to divide themselves one from the other by reason of this Edict, especially, for that no man is compelled to alter or change his religion, nor yet to accept the liberty of the contrary religion, unless he 
The articles of the religious peace.  think it good.  
First that all wrongs and Injuries, happened and done since the pacification of Gant, in regard of the religion, shall be forgiven and forgotten as if they had never happened, so that for them, no man shall be called in question nor molested neither by order of law nor otherwise, nor any inquiry or search made touching the same, upon pain to be punished as transgressors, and breakers of the peace, and perturbers of the common wealth. And that the same, in regard of the diversity of religion, may not be maintained, upholden a planted, nor suppressed by force of arms, nor any more contention nor question happen about the same, it is ordained and decreed, that every one, touching the said two religions, may live in freedom of conscience, as he will answer before God for the same; in such sort, that they shall not trouble one the other, but that every man, both spiritual and temporal, shall peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy his own goods, and serve God according to the knowledge wherewith he hath endowed him, and as he will answer before GOD at the latter day, which shall continue in this sort, and until such time, as that both parts being heard speak for themselves, by a general or national counsel it shall be otherwise ordered and determined.  
And to the end, that the aforesaid liberty of conscience in religion, may be used and observed with convenient & tolerable conditions, for the quietness, and saffety of either part, it is ordained that from henceforth the Catholic and Romish Religion shall be re-established and set up again, not only in the towns of Holland and Zeeland, but in all other towns and places of the Netherlands, wherein it was put down, there 
1578  to be peaceably and freely exercised without any trouble, or molestation given or procured unto those that desire to follow the same, so they be not lessee then a hundred households in every great town or village, such as have dwelled and inhabited therein at the least for the space of a whole year, and in the small towns and villages, the most part of the inhabitants to be of a years standing. And that also, the aforesaid reformed Religion, shall and may hencefore be freely erercised and used in every town and place of the Netherlands, whereas it shall be desired or required by the inhabitants of the same, being in number as aforesaid. Always provided, that both they of the one, and the other religion, shall present themselves before the magistrate, where they shall seek to have the excercise of their said religion, who presently shall appoint them a convenient place for the same, that is in Holland and Zeeland, for them of the old religion, such Churches and chapels, as shall be found to be fit & convenient, and for want of them, certain places where they used to stand, where the said Catholics may cause their chapel or church to be newly erected, and in other provinces, for the reformed religion such convenient places, as the Magistrates shall give and appoint them, so that they be a good way distant from the Catholic Church, if it be possible, to the end that by reason of the nearness of the places, there may no question nor strife arise, as it is many times seen to fall out.  
In which places, every one of them, shall and may do, hold, hear, and celebrate, their Godly ceremonies, as Preaching, Praying, Singing, Baptizing, Sacraments, Burials, Marriages, Schools, and all other things respectively belonging to there several religions. And where the aforesaid exercise of the reformed religion is not done openly, no man shall beeonce spoken unto, nor brought in question for the same in any manner, for any thing that he shall do concerning the same within his own house. Expressly forbidding upon the pain aforesaid, both they of the one and the other religion, of what estate or quality soever they be, not to trouble nor molest one the other by word or deed, in the exercise of their respective religion, and the circumstances thereof, neither yet to scandalise or mock one the other. But that every man shall abstain and refrain to come to the place, where other religion than his own is exercised and taught, unless he abstain from committing any scandal or offence, & governeth himself according to the rules, and orders of the said Church and temple, whereunto he shall go upon pain as aforesaid. That all monks, religious, and other ecclesiastical persons, shall and may freely, use all their goods, tithes, and other duties belonging unto them, without any molestation or hindrance whatsoever. And this, without any prejudice to the Provinces of Holland and Zeeland, who touching the spiritual goods, shall take such order, as is set down in the twenty two article of the aforesaid pacifications of Gaunt, until it shall be otherwise provided by the general estates; and to avoid all provocations to anger and other questions, it is expressly forbidden to make sign, or openly to set forth any flouting, injurious ballates, songs, rhymes, libels or scandalous writings, neither yet to print or sell them, on either side.  
It is likewise forbidden to all preachers, lecturers, and others, of what religion soever they be, that are to speak or preach openly, to use any speech or proposition tending to uproar or sedition●…. but shall behave themselves indifferently and modestly, saying or speaking nothing else, but that only which tendeth to the instruction and edification of their audience, upon pain aforesaid. Forbidding likewise, (upon like pain) all soldiers of what religion soever they be, to bear any signs, tokens or shows whereby they might move or stir each other to strife or contention. That they of the aforesaid reformed religion both in Holland and Zeeland and else where should be bound, to observe the laws and customs of the Catholic Church, touching Marriages already made, and which thereafter should be made, in respect of the degrees of consanguinity and affinity, and that touching the marriages as now done in the third and fourth degree, they of the said religion shall not be molested nor troubled for the same, nor the validity of the said Marriages brought in question or doubt, neither yet denied, nor withheld from the children produced, or to be produced 
1578.  of the said marriage. Provided al●…ayes, that the spiritual affinity shall not hinder such marriages, and that there shall be no distinction nor more difference made, touching religion in the receiving of Scholars, sick or poor persons, into the Universities, Colleges, Schools, and Hospitals, than there is to receive them into public alms-houses, and other charitable places.  
That they of the religion out of Holland and Zeeland, should be bound to keep and observe the festival days, ordained and kept in the Catholic Romish church, as Sundays, Fair days, the feasts of the Apostles, of the Anunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Ascension of Christ, Candlemas day, and the Sacrament days, and shall neither work, open their shops, nor buy nor sell upon the same. That also upon such days, as by the said Church it is forbidden to eat flesh, the Butcher's houses and the shambles shall be shut up, and every man shall behave himself according to the ordinances of every place. And the better to unite all the inhabitants of the Netherlands, we declare, that both the one and the other of each religion, shall be capable, being fit to be employed, to hold, use, and exercise all manner of offices and states, as well of justice as otherwise: neither shall they of the said reform religion, be forced to take any other oath, nor bound unto any other duties, than well and truly to exercise their office and function, and to keep and observe the ordinances appointed for the same. And for that the administration of justice is one of the principalest means to keep and maintain the subjects in peace and unity, and that the same, by means of the diversity of religion, and other ways, is trodden underfoot in many places, to the great oppression and injury of the innocent, and others seeking and desiring justice. Therefore to prevent all slanders (at this day too much reigning) it is commanded and forbidden upon pain aforesaid, unto all judges, Magistrates, and particular persons, from hence forth not to apprehend nor lay hold upon any man, without observing three accustomed ways; that is, in the deed doing, or by order from the judge, upon lawful information before given, or where the party plaintiff appeareth, and giveth due information by writing. And that the persons, being by any of the three means aforesaid apprehended, shall presently be delivered into the hands of his or their competent judge, there to be judged and ordered touching his cause or offence, as equity requireth. And to the end that all bad humours in the common wealth may be purged and rooted out, every man is permitted without any particular interest to accuse one the other, so it be done by due information, and before a competent judge, that shall be bound within eight days after or before, according to the custom of the place, to doc the party accused right and justice, and therein to proceed with all diligence, either to condemn or discharge him, as he in justice shall find it requisite and convenient.  
And yet it shall not be lawful, for any man to slander an other, without cause or reason, neither yet to bring his name or fame in question, or to backbite him upon pain aforesaid. And touching the execution both of civil and criminal justice, to give every man reasonable contentment, it is ordained, that from henceforth all the offices of the Magistrates of the particular Towns, Villages, and Lordships of the Netherlands, shall be executed by men of the best quality, and such as are favourers and lovers of their native country, without distinction of religion. Which Magistrates shall only deal with the causes of justice, policy, or government of the Towns and places where they are appointed in such cases to be resident. Without any trouble, molestation, let, or impeachment to be done unto them by any man whatsoever, neither yet shall any seem to meddle therewith in any sort whatsoever. And when as the Magistrates shall be renewed and new chosen, those that are called the eighteen or otherwise, which were put in their places, in greater or smalller number, shall be wholly left of, with express command, not to deal any more therein, nor to trouble themselves with the public affairs, nor with the fortifications and watches of the towns, unless they shall be specially appointed and chosen thereunto by the Magistrates aforesaid.  
And that touching the same, they shall therein give no commission nor command 
1578.  that is of any importance, but by forepassed knowledge of the Magistrates of the Towns wherein they remain, and by their express Commission, upon pain as aforesaid. And that this our Edict may the easilier and the better be observed and kept, the Committees and other Deputies, or such as have power to renew the Magistrates, shall nominate and appoint four notable and sufficient persons, of good qualities and behaviours, at all times to be ready, and that without request made by any man, to inquire about the defects and breaches of the aforesaid Edict, which information by them taken and put in writing, being signed by three of them, shall presently be delivered unto the Magistrate, to take knowledge thereof, and thereupon to proceed by speedy iu●…ice and execution of the pains aforesaid, against the breakers and suppressers of the s●…me. Always provided that the offices of the said four persons shall not continue above the space of a whole year, and that they shall be likewise renewed and altered with the Magistrates. Given in Antwerp the two and twentieth of july 1578. As this religious peace was a remedy and medicine for many Towns, so did it likewise serve such as were ill affected and troublesome, to move and stir●… up strife and contention in some Towns and Provinces, which otherwise likewise were not very well pleased nor contented, as hereafter I will show.  
In Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen, Bergen, Breda, Liere, Bruges, Ipre, etc. as also in Friesland, Gelderland, and other Provinces and Towns, it gave great contentment, and in those places those of the reformed religion had Churches appointed for them, every Town according to their affections; the one sooner, the other later. In Antwerp, they appointed those of the reformed religion, to preach in the Chapel belonging to the Castle called the Moabite, the Jesuits Church, the friars Churches, the Dominican or preaching Friars, and Saint Andrews Church, and after that also in the great Church of our Lady, and Saint james Church, they of the Catholic religion keeping the Quires and Chapels, and part of the great Church for themselves. The said Churches being divided amongst the Frenchmen and the Netherlands, that were of the re●…igion, Saint George's Church, and the nuns Church, with other places, were appointed for them of the confession of Ausbourge, as making profession of the reformed religion, with the Swinglians & Caluinists, and agreeing in the points thereof, and with them (as they said) less varrying than the monks and Friars do, as in the ceremonies of the Church, and in the exposition of the words of Christ, about the ordaining of the Sacrament, both sufficiently tending to the declaration of the true effect of the fruits or end whereunto it was ordained, for the which all lovers of peace and unity did not much contend. They had likewise their Churches in Brussels, and many other places more.  
In Brussels the Lords of Champigni and Heze, the Marquis of Bergen, the Lord of Fassigen, and the Lord of Glymes, with others, presented a request, to hinder the religious 
The Gentlemen in Brussels present a request against 〈◊〉 religious ●…ce.  peace in that place, and that the Protestants might not preach there, all●…dging that it was a principal town whereas the Princes of the land were commonly resident; saying, That thereby the said Town might be in hazard to lose the said privileges, and spoke very boldly touching their former services; saying, that they had charge from the council of estate, and the general estates▪ to resist and withstand the reformed religion, and that they ought not to suffer any alteration for seven or eight hundred men's opinions, but being discovered, they did it of their own authority, the Burghers opposed themselves against them, whereby they were much hated of the people, and the Lord of Champigni (notwithstanding his former services) was with the rest by Golonell Vanden Temple apprehended and committed to prison, and the better 
Champigni's committed to ●…on.  to be kept (as being found culpable of the same action, for the which the Lords were committed in Gant) he was by means of some of the Burghers sent to Gant, to the other prisoners, the rest being released again in Brussels. At Dorincke, Ryssell, and other Towns and places in the Wallon Provinces, they began likewise to take order, to receive and allow of the religious peace, but by reason of certain things that fell out, (which shall hereafter be showed) it was as then hindered.  
The Duke john Cassimire, having at an Imperial diet at Worms, offered unto the 
1578.  Deputies of the general Estates, to come and succour them with some troops: 
Duke Cassimires army.  after that he had mustered his men in the County of Zutphen being seven thousand foot (whereof there were four thousand French shot) and six thousand horse, remaining sometime in the Camp before Deventer, the which was all that time besieged, he came into Brabant, and the six and twentieth of August joined with the states army: whereas the Archduke Mathias went to receive and welcome him, with all the military duties accustomed at the reception of a general of an Army that comes to succour. He had before stayed long with his forces in the Duchy of Geldres, and had much trouble before he could make them to pass the river of Meuze, for want of money, which the States could not furnish by reason of the Ganthois tumult, and the discontentments of the Walloons, which hindered the contribution of the Provinces, to pay the state's army, the which with that of Cassimires, cost monthly eight hundred thousand Florins. In which payment Arthois and Henault were the first, which breaking their promise with the other Provinces, made default. Those of Flanders did not in like manner furnish any thing, or very little, under colour that they were to defend themselves against the malcontents: although for their parts they were to pay the third of all the charges of the army: Arthois and Henault either of them an eight part, from whence nothing came: so as in six months the other voluntary Provinces could not furnish above four hundred thousand Florins, the which was far short of the reckoning. Wherefore this goodly army must of necessity be thus poorly dispersed, as it was, and the States run more in debt, as well to Duke Cassimire, as to the Duke of Anjou, and to their own men. In the mean time the Prelates and Noblemen of Friesland that were kept prisoners at Leeuwarden, as we have showed before, seeing that for no commandment of their Superiors, 
The Prelates and Nobles prisoners in Friesland escape.  as of the Archduke Mathias governor; of the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, of the council of State, nor for any Commissioners that were sent unto them, their deteiners would set them at liberty, they found means to escape all out of prison the seventeen of September, except three Prelates, and three Gentlemen, who would not hazard themselves to be surprised in their flight and for fear to be brought back again in disgrace.  
On the other side, in Arras the chief town of Arthois, certain young advocates (whose names I conceal for their credits, some of them being allied unto me) under colour to be reputed good and zealous countrymen, being through favour of their places, and Captains of the Bourguers (whereby they were armed) brought in contrary to the accustomed order, on the eeve of all Saints 1577. in the election of Aldermen, adjoining the Magistracy although incompatible with the Captainship: yet favoured and applauded by the people, for the good opinion and hope which they had conceived of them, that they would maintain the commonweal in the union of the general Estates. Yet some of them having been the motive 
Secret practices in Arras.  to draw from Antwerp to Arras Captain Ambrose le Duke, to whom was given the place of Sergeant Mayor of fiveteene companies of Bourguers within the Town, with a Cornet of fifty horse, and a hundred foot to Captain Gale his son in law, levied for the safety and preservation of the Town: yet soon after these men suffered themselves to be corrupted by the flattering of the Lord of Capres, Governor in particular of Arras and of the City, and Lieutenant to the Vicont of Gant Governor of Arthois during his absence at the Camp, and by the pensions and promises of Prelates. Whereof the Archduke being well informed, and considering of what importance the disjunction of this Province from the generality might be in time (the said Town of Arras and City, being sufficient to keep all the other Towns of Arthois in the union) if it were not prevented, and if they did not disappoint the secret practices and doings of the said Prelates, and o●… Capres, who covertly sought to supplant the Vicont of the general government, of Arthois. Of which Prelates, and of some others tending to the said disjunction▪ 
divers committed to prison in Arra●….  some were committed to prison by the suspicious Bourguers: Among the which was Damp jean Sarazin Abbot of Saint Vaast in Arras, the keeper of his grain, the signor 
1578.  of Valhuon his great Bailiff, Gerard de Vos signor of Beaupere Lieutenant civil in the Town. james de Lattre Advocate to the Lord of Capres, the Chanoine Merline, the signor of Warluzel, the signor of Comtee, and ●…swatines son in law to the signor of naves Precedent of Arthois: the Deputies of the Town of Saint Omer (being then resident in Arras) the Councillor of the Town, the Register of the States of Arthois, the Proctor Pinchon, and divers others of quality, all suspected to be ill affected to the general union.  
This I say, made the Archduke to ordain (the which he did afterwards reiterate by express charge and commandment to Capres Governor and Magistrate of the said Town) to have a College erected of fifteen of the quietest and wisest Bourguers of the Town, which should be elected and chosen out of their fifteen companies of Burghers, three to be named in every company, and the most capable and sufficient of the three to be chosen, to have the private charge, and to watch for the public good for all inconveniences that might happen, as well by factions and practices, as otherwise in all occurrents. To the which were named master 
The names of fifteen Deputies in Arras.  Robert Bertoul signor of Halenges, Master Nicholas Gosson a great. Lawyer, William Caulier signor of Belacourt, Master Peter Bertoul signor of Bois Bernard. james Moullot a Bachelor of the Laws: james Caffart Receiver to the Vicont of Gant, Robert Vassal, Nicholas Denis, Lovis Roche, john Widebien signor of jumelle, john Pottier, Morand Camp, Sebastien Chocquet, Vincent Flamyn, and Robert Penin a Proctor. The election of all which fifteen above named, was done in the end to the great grief and discontent of the Lord of Capres and the Magistrates, who could not contradict it, nor delay the election any longer. But they did not cease afterwards to give unto the said Elect (whom they called the Deputies of the Bourgesie) all the crosses they could, for that they had obtained a Collegiall chamber in the Statehouse: detracting and slandering them in all sorts, although they did not meddle any thing with the politic government, nor usurp any of the Magistrates authority, nor of the Governors (understanding this charge freely, and without any fee) the said Governor and Magistrates seeking only to make them odious to the Bourguers, that they might be rid of them upon the first occasion.  
Notwithstanding these fifteen Deputies, as well in private as in open assembly of the Bourguers, labouring continually to maintain the union of the town, representing the great inconveniences which did hang over the country of Arthois, if they should be at any time so miserable, as to disjoin themselves from their ancient good neighbours and confederate countrymen, the Flemings and Brabanders, being as it were allied to Arthois, from whom they had received so many benefits, yea that of hospitality, with all good usage and courtesy, when as during the wars against the French, they had been oftentimes forced to fly unto them. The said fifteen producing many remarkable examples of former times to confirm them.  
In the mean time the signor of Capres, and the young Magistrates, hauing●…ir first heat of zeal to their country cooled, whereby their ambition had mounted to the highest degree, one being become Pensioner to the Abbot of Saint Vaast, & another to the said Governor & other kinsmen favourers and allies to the said William le Vasseur, began to give ear to them that practised this disunion. By whose persuasion the chief of Arthois made diverse assemblies in the Bourough of Secli, at Beau●…ort in the Abbey of Mont Saint Eloy, and in other places, where as some of these young Aldermen assisted, to second them that did so much affect the disjunction of this Province, sometimes writing to the Towns of Lille, Dovay, Mons, and others, to bring them to their bow. But notwithstanding all the advertisements which th●…se fifteen Deputies gave in vain to the Archduke and the States, that they might prevent it: for that the Vicont of Gant, Governor general of Arthois, then well affected unto them, remained in the Army, being General of the horse, and therefore was for the most part absent from Arras.  
The signor of Capres his partisans and the magistrates proceeding on still in their dessigns, 
1578  had so advanced their affairs as they held themselves assured of Bethune, Saint Omer, air, Hesdin and other places, nothing remaining more but Arras, where there were so many opponents and so clear sighted as it was impossible for them to execute their practices, if they did not first supplant and displace these fifteen contradicting deputies; and the Captains Ambrose, and Gele, for the better effecting whereof they appointed a general assembly of the States of Arthois on the twelfth of October in the town of Bethune (against all ancient custom) in the which it was resolved and decreed to free themselves of the said fifteen, at what rate soever, which resolution was soon 
The States of Arthois ●…eld extraordinarily.  after discovered, by the chains that were newly drawn cross the street upon all the passages to the little market place of Arras, none being so simple, but by this innovation he might foresee some strange apparent tumult. And the friday following being the seventeen of the month, the Magistrates having called all the Bourguers to the town house, and set the sworn company of Harquebusiers in guard extraordinarily under the State house, the which was not less strong than the other companies together.  
This confirmed every man in the apprehension which he had formerly conceived of some future broils, and did so alter the minds of some of the most zealous to the good of their country, who had a promise to be seconded by captain Ambrose and his horsemen; as about noon they came with a resolution and forced this guard of the sworn band, without any effusion of blood, but only of two or three that were hurt, and in this heat they mounted up into the State house, and se●…zed upon all the Maigistrates in the council chamber, whereas a great number of the Bourguers were assembled, but made no opposition, so as (without wrong or violence 
The Magistrates of Arras seaz●…d on.  done to any of them) they were detained (except three or four of the most simple, who at the entreaty of the fifteen deputies were presently let go) four days, until the twenty one of the month, during which time the most resolute and best affected of these fifteen, in the absence of john Caffart their companion (who was then in Antwerp with the Arch duke and the council of State, to take direction what was to be done in the like troubles) were Mediators to reconcile the Magistrates with the Bourguers that were thus transported, expecting the coming of commissioners, which the said Caffart had required to be sent from the court to Arras. The which being long delayed, the Provincial council of Arthois beholding this confusion with grief, having by promises and fair words won Captain Ambrose his cornet and chief officers, together with Captain Gele and his company, they prevailed so by the favour of some, and by the respect of their authority, many Bourguers being in arms (Ambrose and his men remaining spectators) as they with enseigns displayed came unto the town house (not without danger of a great slaughter of the citizens of either part) and set the Magistrates at liberty by force.  
The party of those that were well affected to their country, seeing themselves abandoned by the horsemen, and Captain Geles company of foot durst not stir: the Magistrates were desirous to be revenged for this injury: the Governor Capres being then absent returned hastily to Arras, and joined with them, being glad of this 
The Magistrat●… of Arra●… i●…larged revenge themselves.  alteration; setting up a gibbet before the town house: they seized upon a notable Bourguer, called Valentin Mordac, whom they committed to the Arsenal of the town, and there caused him to be hanged: they depose the fifteen Deputies from their places, they apprehend Allard Crugeot an Advocate, and Peter Bertoul one of the fifteen, a man of seventy years of age, they make their process with all diligence, and the three and twenty day at night caused them to be hanged by torch light. And in the mean time the seditious Preachers did Preach and storm in their pulpits, that religion went to wrack, that all good order and policy, with the laws and privileges of the country went to ruin, that the Pacification of Gant was broken by the Ganthois themselves: that all accords and confederations betwixt them, the Flemings and other Provinces were of no force and they freed and discharged from the bond and oath of association, Master Nicholas Gosson a learned 
1578.  Gentleman and a great lawyer, being seventy two years old, from whom the City of Arras had (by his learning and sound judgement) drawn so many services for the public good, yea in the time of the duke of Alva, was kept prisoner for the respect they had of him and for his great age in the town house, for that he had given his advise (being required to speak) that it was not fit in any sort to disjoin themselves from the Flemings, not so much in regard of the oath of the union, as for the great profit and commodities they had always drawn from Flanders and Brabant, by reason of their proximity and neighbourhood to Arthois, by which Provinces they had been received and courteously entertained during the wars against the French, whether sometimes they had been forced to fly: giving them therein both sound and wholesome council, with as many pregnant reasons as he could possible produce to cut of this monster of disjunction, which was afterwards the cause of so many miseries throughout all the Netherlands, for which council (if they had followed it) both the town of Arras and the whole country of Arthois had been for ever bound unto him.  
But contrarywise thereby to begin to show forth this monster, on Saturday the five and twenty of October, the Signior of Gosson being in his bed, they caused him to rise, and arraigned him, accusing him (for this good council which he had given them) to be the Author of sedition, tumults and popular mutines, and a troubler of the public peace, he who was a man so decayed and decrepit as he came not out of his study, where he herd all consultations and gave his advise, having traveled much for the common weal as well by writings (the which are yet extant) as otherwise, and by these accusations, notwithstanding all his obtestations, exclamations, protestations and recusations, they condemned him to lose his head, from whence he appealed to the council of Arthois, who confirmed this sentence suddenly, the which was so hastily poursued, as his process was begun and ended, two appellations determined, and the sentence put in execution, betwixt one and two of the clock of Sunday morning, and all was dispatched with such celerity, as there was but seven 
The Signior of Gosson be●…dded in Arras.  hours space from the beginning of the process to his execution. A very extraordinary thing and of bad example for such a person.  
Afterwards they seized upon one Morand Camp one of the fifteen, whom after they had kept languishing six months in prison, they caused to be hanged the very day that their disjunction was concluded in the abbey of Saint Vaast. The rest of the fifteen Deputies reconciled themselves with the Magistrates. john Caffart and one other which could not be taken, and without doubt had been executed, were banished and their goods forfeited against the previledges of the city. Many good Bourguers were used in the like sort, which had been noted to be forward in this trouble. And thus was the disjunction of the Provinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Dovay and Orchies made; Arthois having led the dance, as we shall hereafter show more at large. The Ganthois to suppress the roads and spoils of the Malcontents of Menin, levied at that time some troops for their defence, with the which they did sometimes charge these mutined Walloons, saying that Don john having been the first breaker of the Pacification of Gant, and they so much oppressed by the Malcontents, they could not do less then to stand upon their guard, and encounter them that came to assail them at their own doeres, without any cause or authority from their Sovereign. They also called Duke john Casimire to their aid, whom john d' Inbise chee●…e Bourgue master of Gant had set for of his private authority, (some would say that he would gladly have made him Earl of Flanders, but being a doubtful 
Duke Casimire comes to Gant.  thing I leave it in suspense) whether he went with some Cornets of Reistres unknown to the States. But he profited little for his own particular, and did less good for the States, but that he received little less than a hundred and fifty thousand florins of his pay, from whence he retired soon after into Germany, discontented with the States.  
The first day of October, Don john of Austria, bastard brother to the King of Spain, 
1578  Lieutenant and captain general of the Netherlands, died of the plague as some thought in the camp near unto Namur, a young Prince full of high designs, proud and presumptuous, after that he had by his dissembling (which he could not so conceal but it burst forth) troubled the state of his King and Lord, and the affairs of the 
The death of Don john of Austria.  Netherlands more than ever. But others are of an opinion, that it was conceit and grief, as it appeared by two of his letters, which were intercepted by Monsieur de Saint Leger, whereof the one was written unto john Andrea Doria Prince of Melfi, and the other to Don Pedro de Mendoza, Ambassador of Spain, lying in Geneva, both bearing date in the camp a mile from Namur, the seventeenth of September, in the year of our Lord 1578. wherein he complained of the long delays used in Spain, touching that which should be determined, about his affairs in the Netherlandes, and with what policy and patiency he was to arm himself to withstand the same, that he must of force suffer himself to be enclosed by his enemies, which had almost stopped up all his passages, in such sort, as he should be constrained to retire to the place, appointed him for his uttermost refuge, for that he had no hope to fight, as being to weak, unless he should forcibly make a passage through his enemies, and so escape away, and that whensover he should do it, the King (who was the only cause thereof) would be in danger to lose all the country: he complained further, that he had made a new motion unto the King, that he would take order what he should do, and his majesties pleasure should be obeyed, and put in execution, but that he feared the remedy would come to late, for that neither his writing nor his means, prevailed not, saying, that both his hands being cut off, he was fully persuaded that their meaning was, he should likewise stretch out and lay down his neck, and so desiring them to have him in remembrance in their daily prayers, he committed them to God. He that is desirous to know more hereof, may read the book of the said letters, printed by William silvius in Antwerp, by which letters, (written not long before he died) it appears, what a troubled mind, and how much discontented he was, being young, high minded and inconstant, yet wanting no judgement, he had great adversaries in the Court of Spain, as the adherents of the duke of Alva, who sought by his policy and great experience to draw Don john's proceedings into dislike.  
From his youth upwards he always sought to aspire to a Kingly estate, and to effect great matters, as it likewise apeereth by a Spanish book, made by Anthonio Perez Secretary to the King of Spain touching the death of john Escovedo, Secretary to the aforesaid Don john for the which the said Anthonio Perez, (after long imprisonment and persecution, and great uproars touching the same in Arragon, about the privileges of the country, whereof the King took great revenge) was forced to fly into France, and after that into England, and there stayed. In the said book it is showed that Don john's mind was wholly addicted to aspire to high matters, and that the King of Spain had appointed him a trusty Secretary called john de Soto, who served him well in the wars in Granado, and in his office of Admiral in the great victory against the Turks, but while that Don john was in Italy, the Pope was secretly dealt withal, to make him King of Tunis, which the King's secretary understanding, and the motion being afterwards made by the Pope unto him, the King thanked the Pope, for the great care, he had of his brother, but he denied the request, as being much moved, and very jealous thereof, for that he seemed to depend more upon the Pope, then upon him, suspecting his Secretary john Soto to be the cause thereof, and therefore took council and agreed with Anthonio Perez his Secretary, to devise the means to place john Escovedo to be Don john's Secretary, promoting Soto to a better place: and gave Escovedo diverse and particular instructions, to pull down Don john's haughty and proud mind, and to bridle the same, and so to amend that which Soto had neglected, but Don john being sent for to be governor in the low countries, pretended that as soon he should have gotten the full charge and command over the soldiers in the said countries, and settled the same in peace, that he would enterpize somewhat with them against England, (as it hath been partly showed) and there to put 
1578.  the Queen from her crown, and to marry with the imprisoned Queen of Scots and so to make himself King of England, whereunto he had obtained lea●…e, and the name or title thereof from the Pope, with promise of aid, he had likewise a secret practice and contract in France with the Duke of Guise and the league, which they named the defence of both the Kingdoms of Spain and France, which the King also understood by his Ambassador john Vargas, Don john not once perceiving it, although he caused his pretended enterprise against England to be certified to the King by the Pope's legate.  
But that was broken off, for that the Estates in the Netherlands, being then in treaty of peace with Don john, would by no means consent, that the Spaniards should go out of the country by sea, whereby he was prevented of his purpose, and perceiving that in the Netherlands, by reason of the Estates good policy and foresight, there was no means or matter of great honour or dignity to be attained unto, being desperately minded he sought secret means to be discharged of the same government, or else to have so great a power of men and money from the King as he might by force become master thereof, or of some other place: whereby it appeared that he would in a manner compel the King to follow his humour, as it is apparent by the letters aforesaid, and others also from Escovedo, and specially by one bearing date the tenth of February in the year of our Lord 1577. Wherein he wrote that he was so much out of conceit with himself that he had failed of his enterprise against England, that with mere discouragement, he was of the mind to be become an hermit: for that he could not find in his heart to live as he had done to that day; saying further, that rather than he would live in that government, (unless it were until an other came to take his place) there should no resolution be so hard and difficult unto him, that he would not sooner take in hand, although it should cost him his dearest blood, insisting so earnestly upon his discharge that he said he would leave it, either by fair or foul means, and that if he were not discharged thereof, he said, he feared he should fall into the sin of disobedience, to shun the sin of dishonour, saying that he had rather to go take an adventure into France, with six thousand foot and two thousand horsemen, then to stay in the government of the Netherlands. These desperate and doubtful speeches, moved the King of Spain very much, and gave him great occasions of distrust, when such things were secretly brought unto his ears.  
Remembering likewise some of the words he used before he went into the Netherlands, saying, that whensoever he was King of England, that then he would be equal with Spain, especially if he once got the entry into Saint Andrew's, and the castle, which is the frontier of biscay, and a fort upon the road called Megro, from whence all Spain was to be overrun and vanquished. These and the like dealings with the Pope, and the Duke of Guise, being known unto the King and some of his familiars, bred great suspicion in the King's mind the fault thereof being laid upon Escovedo his Secretary, esteeming him to have added more thereunto, than his commission was, and therefore, he being sent into Spain by Don john, the King gave express commandment that he should be stayed there, and for that Don john wrote so earnestly for money and for his secretary Escovedo, the aforesaid Anthonio Perez the King's Secretary, had commission, to find the means to kill him, as secretly as he could, that Don john might have no suspicion thereof, for that the said Anthonio Perez was the only man, that with the King, knew all Don john's and Escovedoes proceedings, and two or three more, that were but partly made acquainted therewith, which Perez by his aforesaid book acknowledgeth to have done by the King's commandment, useing therein a certain soldier called Gartia Darze, and five or six others, who in an evening, as he was going to his lodging, suddenly inclosed him about, and killed him as if there had been some private quarrel between him and them.  
The death of this Escovedo, brought many jealousies into Don john's head, who finding himself to be charged with many limited instructions, and commandments 
1578.  from the King, he became still more and more distempered, whereby he knew not what to resolve, as the aforesaid letters declared, and therefore his sudden death gave men cause of great suspicion, that it was secretly procured, although that grief and conceit have more force in Princes haughty and proud hearts, then in meaner persons.  
Don john being dead in the army, his body with great and stately pomp was borne into the Church at Namur, and from thence carried into Spain, leaving his Lieutenant, Alexander Farneze Prince of Parma, governor in his place, that was afterwards invested with the same by the King himself: this death of Don john, fell out very well for the Netherlands, considering the state wherein they as then were, as I have already showed.    


ALEXANDER FARNESIUS PARMAE ET PLACEN: DUX GUBERN: ET CAP GENER: BELGICAE.  
ALEXANDER FARNEZE DUKE OF 
1578.  Parma and Placentia, Lieutenant and Captain General for the King of Spain.  
Of all the Governor; that in the netherlands,  
(Whereof most were unfit) did take their wars in hand,  
I was the only man, that ruled them prudently:  
And longer than than all maintained the wars co●…agiously.  
Like valiant champion, and h●…d a most great care  
My promise to fulfil: for such a royal mind I bore,  
That never in my life unto my enemy,  
I falcified my word or faith, which was the cause that I  
A good report obtained, which was my recompense,  
Else gained I nought, but for my pains was put to great exp●…nce.   
The Argument of the 
1578  eleventh Book.  
ALexander Farneze Prince of Parma Nephew by bastardise to the King of Spain, Son to his bastard sister, succeeded Don john in the government of the Netherlands: the Ganthois begin to mutiny. The Prince of Orange is much troubled to reconcil●… them: the Duke of Anjou retires into France. The building of the disunion of Arthois and Henault the which is conc●…uded in the Prince of Parmas' camp before Masstricht: Whereupon they make a more stricter union at Vt echt, betwtxt the Provinces which continue in the generality. The King of Spain hinders the Emperor and some Princes of Germany from treating of an accord, and general reconciliation, whereupon an assembly is made at Collogne, where they treat of it but in vain, those of Holland▪ Zeeland and their Associates thinking it had been only to cirumvent them. Gant falls again into troubles by the practices of Imbise the Burguemaster, the which the Prince going thither in person doth pacify by the absence of Imbise. The taking of towns and overthrows at that time of either part: the speech and advice of the Prince of Orange to the estates of the general union: the state of Friesland and Groninghen. The Duke of Anjou brother to the French King called for Protector, and partly Lord of the countries remaining in the union: the Archduke Mathias after thanks given him, retires by reason of his insufficiency: the King of Spain proscribes the Prince of Orange, & sets his life to sale: to every point of which proscription the Prince makes answer. The unfortunate siege of the states of Flanders before Ingllemoustier, defeated, and the signor of La Nove taken prisoner. Macklin and divers other towns surprised by the States: the Prince of Conde coming from England into the Netherlands is at Gant: the Prince of Parma makes a vain enterprise upon the said town, but not without great danger thereof: what passed in Friesland at that time: St●…nwic besieged by the Spaniard, victual●…ed and succoured by the States. The death of the Earl of Reneberg and what he was: the taking and retaking of towns of either part in Friesland, Flanders and else where: the Prince of Parma having long besieged and blocked up the Cittte of Cambray, the Duke of Anjou comes in person to su●…cor it, and victuells it, the Spaniard refusing to fight, whereas he was received and acknowledged for Duke of Cambray and Cambresis, the signor of Inchy remaining Governor of the town and Citadel in the said Duke's name.  
ALEXANDER Farneze Prince of Parma, the son of Duke Octavio and the Lady Marguerite bastard to the Emperor Charles the fifth being the year before come into the Netherlands, succeeded after the death of Don john of Austria in the government of the said countries, being before his Lieutenant: a Prince much more mild and temperate than the other, to whom the whole army took their oath, and acknowledged for Governor in the camp near unto Namur. Yet through the death of Don john the Spaniards affairs were somewhat crossed and hindered, 
Bins' taken by the Duke of Anicu.  for the duke of Anjou embracing this occasion, went to besiege Bins in Henault, the which he battered and gave an assault, and although he took it not at the first, yet in the end he forced it, the Spaniards being to much troubled in their camp for the death of Don john, so as they neither had means nor leisure to succour it, and when they would gladly have done it, it was too late, for it was forced and taken by assault, the French killing all that they found armed, spoiling the town and Churches, the which happened the seventh of October.  
The same month the Ganthois meaning to build a fort in the Village of Lauwe a league from Menin, they sent three hundred Prioners and Peasants, with some of their 
The Ganthoi●… defeated.  companies, to labour there. The Malcontents hearing that this fort upon the river of Lys should be a bridle unto them, went & fell upon these poor labourers and soldiers of Gant, whom they defeated, and cut some of them in pieces, & carried others prisoners to Menin: from thence they went to the village of Warneton, where there is a castle belonging to the Prince of Orange, betwixt Menin and Ypre, two leagues from the one & the other: a place very famous for the good cloth is made there, in the which there were two companies of the garrison of Ypre, whom they charged, and for a long time found good resistance, but the Flemings not able any longer to endure their force fled some 
1578.  to the Castle others where they could, in which charge there died of either side about three hundred men. Those in the castle yielded the next day, being the seaven-teene, departing without arms: the Bourrough after that it had been spoiled was most of it b●…rnt: from whence these Malcontents carried great booty to Menin: and from thence they went to do the like to the town and mount of Cassel in Flanders, where there is also a Castle.  
Some of the chief of the town of Gant, among others the Signior of Rihoven great Bailiff, moved at all these acts of Hostility of the Malcontents, and to be revenged of their enemies drew forth of the town the forth of October Master james Hessel in former times councillor of the council of troubles in the Duke of Alva's time, 
james Hassel and vis●…h hanged at Ga●…t.  and the bailiff of Englemonere named Visch, whom they caused to be hanged on a tree aquarter of a league without the town, without any form of justice therein observed: the said Hessel had a long grey beard, the which was cut of, and the said Bay life ware it in his hat for a triumph, entering in this manner into the town: the which afterward: (thinking he had done a great piece of service, and that it would be an acceptable present) he sent unto the Prince of Orange, who would have been gladder such an insolency had not been committed, although that Hessel was a great enemy unto him, having assisted the Attorney general to make the Prince's process. This act was much displeasing to many good men, by reason of their manner of proceeding, although that these two men were wicked, perverse, cruel and odious to all the world: some judging that these executions were done upon spleen, others to be revenged of the extraordinary executions that were done in Arras, upon the Signior of Gosson, Bertoul, Crugiot, and others.  
The Prince of Parma having taken upon him the Government of the country and of the King of Spain's army, past the river of Meuse near unto Ruremonde withal 
The Duke of Parm●… p●…eth the Meuse.  his troops in the beginning of November, attending the return of Duke Casimiers Army. In passing, Colonel Mondrágon with his Regiment of Walloons and Spaniards seized upon the strong Castle of Carpen in the territory of Cologne, after that he had battered it a whole day, he caused Captain Byel to be hanged at the port, and six and thirty soldiers upon trees, for that they would not yield when they were summoned, 
The taking of Carpen.  but would attend the fury of the canon. Then having taken Weert, Helmont, and Faulquemont he descended to go to Eyndoven, and in like sort took the Castle of Grobbendoncque where they slew all that were Netherlanders born, but they saved the stranger's lives, especial the french, at the entreaty of the Signior of Serre, a French captain serving the Spaniard, who retired themselves into Herental, where at that time the Signior of La Nove remained. The Archduke, the Prince of Orang and the States considering that Duke Casimirs going to Gant had caused these bad impressions in the Wallon Provinces of Arthois Henaut, Lille, etc. as if by the alliances made with the Queen of England, the Duke of Anjou and Duke Casimire (whom it seemed the Flemings had sent for) they would have dismembered all the Netherlands, and all under pretext of religion: they sought all good means to purge them that we●…e 
The States acti●…s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  infected with thee errors, and to pacify the Malcontents, for that some nimble spirits (among the which was Valentine de Pardieu Signior of la Motte Governor of Gravelinges reconciled to Don john before his death, the Signior of Capres, some prelates and others) interpreted sinisterly as tending to a dismembering, and so they persuaded others that were not yet moved, whereupon the Arch duke and the States appointed the Prince to go into Flanders, who arrived at Deudermond the twenty of November, where he entered to that end in conference with the Bourguemaister Imbise, Borlut and others, as well Masters of the companies, as chief of the Bourguers, to whom the States had the fourth of November according unto their resolution of the twenty of October, sent an act, containing in sum, that they did admit the free exercise of the Romish Religion throughout all Flanders: and the enjoying of their possessions and revenues to all them of the clergy of the saved Religion, upon condition that for their parts they should live peaceably and faithfully, without attempting any thing against the State, upon pain of exemplary and rigorous 
1579.  punishment, according to the which the Archduke, Prince and States, would 
Articles propounded to the Ganthois.  labour to draw the other Provinces to consent and to accept of like liberty of religion: and that they should have a care that the Nobility were not contemned, nor held in any other esteem or rank than was fitting for gentlemen. That no Provinces were oppressed nor their jurisdictions broken: that good justice should be administered to the gentlemen that were prisoners at Gant, as soon as the strangers were retired out of the country: And in the mean time they should send the said prisoners with a good guard into a neuter place, to whom there should be no violence nor outrage offered. Which Articles if the said Ganthois would accept and entertain, they should be received under the protection and common defence of the Archduke, the Prince and generals estates against any force that should be offered them. And they would deal so as the Wallon soldiers and Malcontents should retire out of Flanders, and should join themselves with the State's army. But if the Ganthois refused to do it, they would seek by all means to force and constrain them.  
For the better persuading of them of Gant there came unto them certain deputies from the magistrates and Colonels of the town of Antwerp; who laid open before 
Deputies sent to t●…e Ganthois.  them, the oath sworn by them and the fruits thereof, how requisite and necessary it was to have it observed in all points, to chase the enemy out of the country, or at the least to make him retire beyond the river of Meuse. That without the contrybution of Flanders it was not possible to entertain the army, the which otherwise would break and disperse to the ruin and desolation of Brabant, Flanders itself and other provinces. That Brabant being in a manner all devoured and eaten up, the army must of necessity come into Flanders, which the Brabansons, should not be able to aid nor succour, seeing that all their means were engaged to the generality for the four next months; wherein also the Geldrois could not assist them, seeing that for the payment of nine months, they had already furnished, sixteen thousand florins, being in danger of the enemy frontering upon them. As for Friesland it was to far from them, who also for their part, had (besides the said nine months) contributed, twenty three thousand florins. They of Holland and Zeeland through their long precedent wars were quite exhausted and drawn dry, with the great charges whereunto they were subject, for the reparation and entertaining of their dikes, so as at the most they could not entertain above twenty five or thirty companies forseruise. As for them of Arthois and Henault, that they sought money from others to pay their garrisons, and from whom they should rather fear a revolt, than any good, wherefore they of Antwerp did entreat the Ganthois, that (to show themselves conformable to the intention of the Archduke Prince and States) they would send some notable sum of money to court, to relieve their country, in this extreme necessity, besides the three or fore hundred thousand which they had furnished in nine months. The tenth of November the Duke of Anjou sent the Signior of Bonivet to them of 
Offers made by the duke of Anjou to the Ganthois.  Gant, entreating them to remedy and reconcile their divisions, for the pacefiing whereof they could not choose a more competent judge them himself, who sought nothing more than to accord them with the Walloons Malcontents as he had formerly pacified the troubles in France. And as for the prisoners, that they should put them into his hands, with whom he would deal, as by the common advice of all good countrymen, and especially of the Queen of England should be held just and right.  
The next day the commissioners of the Archduke, Prince and States, did exhibit their commission to them of Gant, and propounded that which they had to say unto them, with a deduction of many pregnant reasons, and inconveniences that might 
The Queen of England's declaration to the Ganthois.  grow, if they did not yield unto the Articles which had been offered unto them. The same day the Queen of England's Ambassador, according to her majesties letters of the twelfth of October and the sixth of November, gave them to understand that by their courses and manner of proceeding, they gave occasion to all the world to think, that they sought nothing more than to entertain a mortal war, whereof all their neighbours did so much desire to see an end. That it seemed they would not subject 
1578.  themselves to any superiority or higher power, but would make a world by themselves, whereby some might be easily moved to assist the States to force them to obedience. That they should be careful that for the appetit of some quarrels and private intrerests, the good and welfaire of the generality were not endangered, to fortify the enemy, and to weaken their brethren and countrymen, and of friends that were strangers to make them enemies. And although it was to be presumed that Duke Casimir being come to succour the States by the means of the Queen of England, had been secretly called by them to aid them, yet (said the Ambassador (her Majesty found it very strange. The which made her think, that all this trouble might be easily pacified, if the Ganthois would conform themselves to the council of the Prince of Orange and the general estates in three points: That is in the restitution of Clergy goods that are yet in esse; in the suffering of liberty of religion, and to deliver into her majesties hands (or of some other neuter Prince) the prisoners where they should be kept with as good guard as the Ganthois could desire: wherefore her Majesty sent them word that if therein they would not be persuaded and yield, they should give her great cause not only to be a stranger unto them, but also to abandon them quite; wherefore they said Ambassador entreated them, that they would duly consider and resolve thereon: Finally he required at their hands (in the Queen's name) a bond for forty five thousand pounds sterling, conformable to them of Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Middelbourg, Dordrect, Amsterdam, Dunkirk and Nieuport. The thirteen of November they of Brussels sent their deputies also to Gant, to make the same 
Deputies from Brussels to Gant.  complaints and propositions which they of Antwerp had formerly done, with some other reasons tending to make them leave of their partialities and factions, producing many goodly examples at home of former times happened in the like occurrents.  
Unto all these propositions and advises, of the Ambassador of England and the Deputies of Antwerp and Brussels, the Ganthois answered the eighteen of the month. That they found not themselves in any sort bound unto the Articles and conditions that were propounded unto them, until that their stipulations and promises had been first propounded unto the Archduke, Prince, and General estates, and 
The Ganthois answer to the articles propounder unto them.  by them accepted: That is, that the Ganthois should not be bound to receive the Romish Religion, or to perform any of the Articles, if first of all the Walloons and Malcontents, did not desist from all acts of hosty lity, and retire out of Flanders. And when the other Provinces had received and admitted liberty of religion in effect, withal the other points and Articles, they said they would not sequester nor dismember themselves: but that they would acknowledge the Archduke as Governor general, the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, and the general estates in all humility as their superiors, and obey them in all Christian and reasonable commandments. And the rather for that they with the other members of Flanders had conceived a singular inclination and affection, in the administration of mylitary discipline, with a natural love to their country, and especially to the profession of the reformed religion, from the which they protested they would never be drawn, neither for life nor death: and to acknowledge for ever the good and sincere affections which the said Prince carried unto his country, whereof he had given sufficient testimony in the late wars.  
This answer of the Ganthois being seen by the States did not greatly please them, which was the cause of the Princes going (as we have said) to Denremond, and from thence (after many conferences and contradictions) he came the 4. of december to Gant where being arrived he sent for the deputies of the Magistrates of the town to hear his propositions and demands, contained in six Articles. First that they should 
Articles propounded to the Ganthois by the general est●…ts.  accept the articles of the act, which they had formerly sent unto them touching the accord. Secondly that they should not forsake the union of the general estates, but should jointly aid to maintain it. Thirdly that in the affares of the country, and of the Conty of Flanders touching the generality, they should not resolve any thing without the advice and consent of the 4. members of Flanders. fourth, seeing that there was no order set for the time together in the common money, nor for the providing thereof; 
1578  that there should be a certain rule set down, (to take away all suspicion) as well for the receipt as the distribution of the general contributions. Fiftly that the affairs concerning the government of the town and commonweal should be managed by common voices, without disorder or confusion, according to their previledges. Sixtly and lastly that their should be published a law of amnesty, or forgetfulness, to take away all doubts, and that every man may be the more assured and content, to the end that their hearts might be united, and mutual love entertained.  
These articles were approved by most of the Bourguers and Magistrates, who entreated the Prince that he would persuade the companies of trades, and the members of the town thereunto, that no man might make any difficulty; for as for that which they pretended that two religions could not subsist in one town, that had been sufficiently discoursed of, in a petition touching liberty of religion, exhibited by the protestants themselves in the months of june and july, going before unto the Archduke, Prince and States, by the which they crave nothing more, but that they might freely exercise their religion, which free exercise being allowed them of Gant, it was reason that therein they should agree with the Romish Catholics, whereby every one might serve God according to his conscience, and as he will answer at the day of judgement, for the health of his soul. As for the transporting of the prisoners out of Gant, to Antwerp, or any other place where they pleased, that they should make no further difficulty, seeing the town draws no profit thereby, but only great charge and trouble to keep them, the which they were not resolved to send into any neuter place, without good caution and fideiussory bonds. To induce the Ganthois thereunto, the Prince alleged unto them first the duty whereunto they were bound, the inconveniences 
The Prince's reasons to persuade the Ganthois to Concord.  that were like to grow if they were not united, the neighbourhood of the Walloons Malcontents, who practised a private reconciliation with the Spaniards; the oppressions which the lesser towns of Flanders were forced to suffer to contribute besides their ordinary taxes, to these walloons, so as they of Oudembourg had for a long time paid eighteen hundred florins a day. That the other members of Flanders would not depart from the obedience of the Archduke, the Prince and States: that the other Poruinces, as Brabant, Holland, and Zeeland, might abandon them in danger of their enemies, who would soon bring them under, to their total ruin. In the end so many goodly persuasions and reasons were made unto them by the Prince and others well affected to their country, as the sixteen of December they agreed, and the free exercise of the Romish Religion was established. By reason whereof certain Churches were restored to the Catholics for their devotion and 
The Romish Religion established in Gant upon certain conditions.  service, and liberty to go in procession within the Churches only, and to carry the Sacrament in the streets without bells or other ceremonies. The religious men were restored to their Cloisters and covents, but if any would not return by reason of their consciences, than the Magistrates should appoint them reasonable maintenance. And that for the greater ease and relief of their poor, the four orders of their begging friars should be excluded: some other cloisters and monasteries were made Colleges and schools for both religions: none of the said religions might molest, disquiet nor scandalise the other in word nor deed. The Protestants might not enter into any Church of the Romish Religion if they would not behave and govern themselves as the rest: upon festival days limited, none should do any work publicly nor open any shop. In regard of opening of the butchery and selling of flesh, therein, they should observe the ancient Statutes and orders of the town. The subjects of both relligions should take an oath unto their superiors, to be obedient, and to help to punish the wicked, especially the breakers of this decree. And according to the same the Archduke Prince and States, shall hold them under their defence and protection. All commanders, colonels, captains, and officers present & to come, shall swear to entertain 
All things reconcil●…d in Gant.  all these points and articles, as also the chief of trades and companies with the ministers, those of consistories, clergimen, chapters, colleges and covents, shall also swear the same. As for the prisoners, not any thing was determined, but that nothing should be attempted against them without good knowledge of the cause. After this accord, the clergymen returned every one into the possession of his goods, dignities, 
1578  Monasteries and Churches, but this good union continued not long, as we will show.  
All things being thus reform in the town of Gant, the Archduke, Prince and States thought it good to treat and make an agreement with the Malcontents and 
The Malcontents treated wit●… but in v●…e.  Walloons that were at Menin, wherein they employed some noblemen and gentlemen, whom they knew to have some credit and authority among them, with the best persuasions they could devise to pacify them, and to draw them to some good accord. But nothing was effected, for those that were the chief motives of their alterasions for the king's service (as they said) that is Damp john Saracen Abbot of Saint Vaast of Arras, the Signior of Capres, William of Vasseur Seignor of Valhuon and some others, tending to desiunction, as we have said, alleding that by this liberty of Religion granted by the former articles, the pacification of Gant and the union which had followed it, were violated, and were directly repugnant unto them, whereby they began to discover that these alterations of the Malcontents, sought some other subject or colour, to disjoin them from the generality, than the payment of their entertainment which they had always made great show of. The Marquis of Haurec and the councillor Meerkerke were sent unto them, but nothing prevailed, and this mischief so increased, as by little and little the said Abbot and others with the Signior of la Motte won sometimes one and sometimes an other. And in the end the Vicont of Gant fearing to lose his government of Arthois, 
The vicont of Gant and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in ●…ue the States.  (which he knew the Signior of Capres Governor of Arras did affect) joined with them: The Earl of Lalain governor of Henault, having suffered himself to be persuaded, thought also to draw his Brother the Seneschal of Henault unto them being afterwards Prince of Espinoy.  
The Ganthois on the other side imputing all these actions of the Malcontents (where of the Signior of Montigni Heze, Capres, la Motte and Alennes were the chief) to mere ambition, private profit, desire of rule, and hatred to the Protestants religion, and for their parts having tasted the sweetness of ecclesiastical goods which they had formerly seized on, the which to fall to some agreement with the Malcontents, they had left, seeing the practices of these gettlemen to continue that moved them to stir up the commons again against the clergy, to break and beat down Images more than before, and their insolency grew so great, as to break up tombs and to open the sepulkers of Princes, among others that of the Queen of Denmark sister to the Emperor Charles the fifth to have the lead she was wrapped in, troubling the rest of the dead, who lay for a time upon the pavement without sepulkers. Then they began to chase away all Priests, Monks and other Churchmen, pretending that they had broken the last accord, in suffering Monks to preach in their Churches, whereas none but their Curates and Viccars should have been admitted. And in truth a Monk preaching seditiously in Saint Michael's Church was the cause of the first muti●…e. The like happened in march at Denremond and Oudenard, so as those Towns sell into a greater Labyrinth of troubles then before. The State's army being as we have said, broken and dispersed of itself, and Duke Casimiers troops feeding upon the poor countrymen all the winter about Tillemont, and Arschot, attending their pay. The Prince of Parma marched into that quarter with his army, and began to treat with them to make them retire, so as in the end they had a passport to depart out of the Netherlands within fifteen days; robbing, spoiling and carrying away all they could lay hand on in the villages where they passed, having no entry given them into any town. Duke Casimire being at Flessinghes at his return from England, hearing of the retreat of his troops, followed them with all 
The retre●…t of Duke Casi●… 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 army.  speed, taking no leave of the Archduke nor of the States, being then assembled at Antwerp: who hearing of the departure of his army, they sent after them entreating the colonels that they might retain still in their pay two or three thousand men, horse and foot but being already upon the way they would not return, the regiment of Lazarus Muller did also retire.  
The Germans that were in Deventer after that they had made as great resistance as 
1578.  they could, under the government of the Signior of Havercourt a Bourguignon, and had held it from the end of july to the twentieth of November, making many skirmishes, so as of 1200. men which they had, they were reduced to five hundred, after that the. Town had been battered three days together by the earl of Rheneberg Governor of 
Deventer yielded to the States.  Freezland, seeing the assault ready to be given, they yielded upon composition to have their lives and goods saved. The first of December the Earl of Swaertzenbourgh (of whom we have made mention before) being Ambassador from the Emperor, presented himself again unto the States, by advise of the Emperor, and of some Prince's Electors, upon the last propositions and treaty of Peace, demanding an answer 
Cont Swartzenbergh pur●…ues his legation.  thereof, with the which, for the desire he had to pacify the wars, and to settle the Netherlands in peace, he transported himself to the Prince of Parma, but they could not agree, so as it proved fruitless.  
The one and twentieth of the month Maxmilian of Henin, Earl of Bossu, general of the States Army, Lord Steward to the Archduke Mathias, Councillor of State, being taken with a burning fever, died in Antwerp, who was much lamented both of the 
The death of Cont Bossu.  Nobility, soldiers, and common people. The five and twentieth day the Duke of Anjou, defender of the liberty of the Netherlands (as he termed himself) gave the States to understand by Monsieur Domartin, the causes which moved him to return into France, & to leave those countries. Among other points he alleged the instance, which the king his brother made, by reason of some tumults which had happened in France: and that in the Netherlands they had given the people to understand, that his Presence did hurt the general Peace that was in hand, & that he sought to seize upon the towns of the said 
The Duke of Anious retreat into France.  country, wherein he would disprove them, in delivering up all things after his departure into the State's hands. He also made an offer, that where-soever he were, he would remain always well affected unto them: In the end taking his leave of them, he wished them to remember the great charges he had been at to succour them: leaving Monsieur D'Espruneaux for his Ambassador Leaguer with the States. The States being amazed at this sudden and unexpected departure, they sent the Signior of Fromont, and Doctor giles Martini, Secretary of the town of Antwerp, to let him understand how much they were grieved: beseeching him so to accommodate his affairs, as he might remain in the Netherlands, and acknowledging the benefits and favours they had received from him, they offered all service, with a promise of full contentment and satisfaction fit for his greatness. After his departure, a good part of his troops retired to the Malcontents of Menin, especially of his footmen.  
In januarie 1579. Salentin Earl of Isenbrug Archbishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, leaving his ecclesiastical dignity, married with the daughter of the 
1579.  Earl of Arembergh. The Chapter and the Diocese could not at the first agree upon the election of a new Prince, yet in the end Trucses was chosen, but being also married, and seeking to reform his Diocese and to retain the dignity with his wife, there followed great wars, the Chapter having dispossessed him: At the last Ernest the victorious Prince of Bavaria, having chased away Trucses, and dispersed his troops, was acckowledged Archbishop of Cologne, Bishop of Liege, of Frissinghe, Hilessem & other Bishopprickeses and great Benefices, and the Pope's Legate in the lower Germany. The first of March the Prince of Parma caused his army to advance before Antwerp, trusting it may be upon some intelligences, which he presumed to have; presenting himself in the quarter of Deurne and Burgerhout, suburbs of the town. The Burghers having drawn the chains of their streets, set their rounds of every side, appointed every man his quarter, and showed themselves very resolute and united to defend the town; saluting the Spaniards with their great ordinance, who were in skirmish with certain companies of English and Scottish, in the trenches of those suburbs and of Berchem, whom they charged until night; but in the end they were forced to retire by the town canon, after they had lost above 500 men and 200. of the States. The Spaniards retired presently towards Louvaine, after that they had burnt some houses and mills of the jurisdiction of Antwerp: The Captains and chief officers of the State's side, that were either slain or hurt, were brought into the town: the dead were buried, and the rest were gratified by the Magistrates for their valour and 
1579.  good service: those of Antwerp complaining of the bad payment the States made unto the soldiers, considering the great sums of money which they had furnished to that end for their parts. Whereupon not long after the English companies, suing for their pay from the general Estates being assembled at Antwerp, seeing they delayed them too much, some forty of them attending the coming forth of the States from the Council, about noon day, seized upon the Abbot of S. Michael, (a rich abbey in the said town) carrying him in the midst of them through the town, unto the haven, where they embarked him in a ship among their men, threatening him, that if they were 
The English men take the Abbot of S. Michael.  not paid by his means, to cast him into the water. But the Prince of Orange and the Colonels of Antwerp, did pacify them, and upon promise that they should be speeddily paid, they delivered the Abbot. We have said that before the mutiny of the discontented Walloons, which had seized upon Menin (although that this seazure and surprise was not done by the sole and only authority of the Lord of Montigni himself, 
The coullord reasons of the Malcontents.  but by a long pretended practice) was at the first coloured for their pay, and not (as they said) to alter any thing in the general Union of the States: The which Montigni himself showed his letters written unto the Archduke, and to the Prince of Orange. whereupon the said Noblemen were persuaded to send the Signior of Bours, Governor of Macklin to treat with them, and to reclaim them: He went and propounded certain articles unto them, yielding unto all they could demand. The Malcontents according unto the articles which were granted unto them upon their demands, took a new oath. But the countries of Arthois, Lisle, Dovay and Orchies, seeing the Dukes of Anjou and Casimire retired with their forces, and that the Malcontents were yet within Menin; refusing to leave it (notwithstanding all the promises of the States, and their new oath) began then to make open show of the desire they had to forsake the uni on, the which they had kept secret since the month of August in the year before: when as they of Arthois failed to send their contribution for the entertainment of the army. And first of all, the Prelates of Arthois and Henault did corrupt with ready money the said Lord of Montigni, (of all which traffic La Motte-Pardieu was the broker) for the which he received a hundred and fifty thousand florins: and as they of Arthois, thrust on by the Signior of Capres, and the Abbot of Saint Vaast, and also by them of Dovay (who had been the first mutines) having torn the archdukes letters, and committed the messenger to prison, could not do any thing without them of Lille, whereas the Signior of Ville●…val was Governor, who seemed somewhat suspect unto them, or atthe least hard to be drawn; one of these Prelates said that he would give 40000. florins for his part to be assured of him: Whereunto a certain Gentleman of Arthois replied, that he assured himself that for that sum he would draw him into their faction. And in the mean time the Signior of Villeruall sent one Charles of Calonne an advocate of Lille, unto the Prince of Orange, with letters of the seventh of August 1578. and goodly protestations that he would continue in the general Union. The Signior of Bours who had been (as we have said) sent to treat with the Malcontents of Menin, 
divers Knights and Gentlemen c●…upted w●…th money by the Spania●…ds.  suffered himself also to be corrupted, delivering the town of Macklin to the Spaniard, as well in hope of a marriage which he afterwards obtained, as for that he had no greater advancement from the States, nor the pension which he expected from them of Antwerp, having helped to reduce the Castle. The Signior of Mauny, Lieutenant Colonel of the Earl of Egmont's Regiment (being entered into Saint Omer and put the Burghers into a tumult, ready to cut one an others throat, when as some suffered themselves to be overruled by the persuasions of the Signior of Rumenghien, newly crea●… Earl of Roeux) was also corrupted with money. The Signors of Heze and Alenes marched in the same round. True it is, they said that all this money was to pay their Malcontented soldiers, but since it was well known how they were paid. For the making of all these bargains, the Signior of La Motte treated long before they could agree with Alonso of Curiell a Spanish paymaster, as it appeared by their letters which we have seen: Finally the capitulation being made in Gravelingh by the King of Spain's Commissaries, made mention of seven hundred thousand Florins (that is to say to 
1579.  buy our faith good cheap) whereof 200000. were paid to the Lord of Montigni, according to the agreement made by La Motte at Mont Saint Eloy. Which accord was set forth by them, and printed at Dovay by john Bogard a sworn printer, the same year as followeth. We Emanuel of Lalain Baron of Montigni, etc. Do acknowledge and declare, that we have this day the sixth of April 1579. concluded and agreed with 
An accord made by the Baron of Montigni.  monsieur De la Motte Governor of Gravelingh in his majesties name, in the presence and with the reverent consent of the Bishop of Arras, the Baron of sells, and monsieur de Vallivon, as well for our own person as for that of the Lord of Heze, by virtue of the authority which he hath given us, and also for all other Colonels, Captain●…s, Officers, & Soldiers, as well of foot as horse, which have obeyed us in Flanders and other places, for these seven or eight months, being at this present about seven or eight thousand foot, and some 400. horse, and certain pioneers, to serve his Majesty with that form of oath which followeth. We swear and promise to maintain and entertain the Catholic, apostolic and Romish religion, & to perform the obedience due to his Majesty, and all according to the pacification of Gant, the Union which followed and the perpetual Edict, to which end we promise to serve his Majesty faithfully against all men, and to obey his Lieutenant and Captain general, whom soever he shall appoint, being pleasing to the united Provinces, to maintain themselves in the above named points. To which Provinces if his Majesty give reasonable assurance, and doth not retire the Spaniards, italians, Albanois, Bourgognons, and other men of war not pleasing unto the said Provinces, by the day and time that shall be prefixed, we shall not be then tied nor bound by virtue of that promise, as also we shall not be bound to attempt nor undertake any thing before the retreat of the Spaniards & other strangers out of the country: which oath we will cause to be sworn by our troops, & according to the same we will deliver into his majesties hands the towns of Menin & castle, and all others which we hold, with their artillery and munition, to be disposed of as shall be thought fit for his service: And for the paying of what is due unto the said troops, and for the making of them more voluntary, orderly, and subject to Martial discipline, for the well serving of his Majesty. We Valentine de Pardieu, Signior of La Motte, Governor of Gravelingh, promise in his majesties name, to pay and deliver into the hands of the Baron of Montigni, the sum of two hundred and five thousand florins, that is forty thousand presently, threescore & five thousand by the sixth of May next, and the other hundred thousand by the seventh of june following: in regard whereof, we Lord of Montigny do promise to entertain our troops for all the months of April and May next coming, and to make a general muster of the said troops, to enter into service and ordinary pay in the beginning of june next. And we Signior of La Motte do promise to cause them to be received in his majesties name, & to have a months pay delivered them, by the 15. of that month.  
In witness whereof we have signed these presents, and set to our seals of arms in the presence of the Vicont of Gant, monsieur de Capres, and of monsieur D'Allennes, the day and year above mentioned. This accord was published by the Baron of Montigni in 
A confirmation of the Baron of Montignie●… accord.  an assembly of the States of Arthois held at Arras, as followeth.  
My Lord the Baron of Montigni, in an open assembly of the States of Arthois, and deputies of the States of Henault, Lille, Dovay, Orchies, held in the abbey of Saint Vaast in Arras the 7. of April. 1579. hath showed the contract & accord made by him with the Signior of La Motte, the which declared that the oath mentioned therein, tended to no other end but to serve his Majesty for the maintenance of the pacification of Gant, the Union which followed, & the perpetual Edict, especially for the real retreat of the Spaniards out of all these countries, with sufficient cautions of a durable peace.  
Behold upon what colour the disunion was grounded, and the private reconciliation of them of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Dovay & Orchies conceived, the which burst forth and showed itself the 29. of May following, although the first foundation was laid 9 months before, as it appeared, by the failing of them of Arthois in their taxation: & by the Estates of Henault the 15. of October 1578. by their instruction sent to the Prince of Espinon their governor, and to them of Tournay and Tournesis, of the which we will hereafter speak: meaning first to declare the course that was taken to attain 
1579.  unto the height of this division, whereof those of Lille made the first open demonstration by their resolution which they sent to the general Estates assembled at Antwerp, the which we have thought good to insert, with the States answer to their letters, the tenor whereof was.  
My Lords, we would not fail to advertise you of that which by a general and joint 
Letters from them of Lille, Dovay and Orchies to the general Estates.  consent of the members of state of this Province hath been resolved and decreed in an Assembly held this day, as well for the universal good and general assurance of all these countries, as for the quiet and maintenance of this Province in particular, which is to seek and embrace the means to put the Spanish soldiers and other strangers out of the country, being the spring and original of all our miseries. Or at the lest once for all, to take away all difficulties & doubts, if his majesties intention be to hold & effect that, which his deputies offer unto us in his name, or that those promises be but baits to divide us, and to reduce one by an other: the which breeds all these divisions & distrusts, which at this present do so miserably dismember the whole country, as the cleared thereof may plainly cause a reunion, yea a full and absolute peace. And to this end, (as by our faith and oath we are all bound) we have advised and resolved to send deputies on our behalf to the assembly of the states of Arthois; to the deputies of his Majesty & the Prince of Parma, to let them understand, that we have always been and are yet ready to submit ourselves to his majesties due obedience, if it shall please him to cause the pacification of Gant, the general union and the perpetual Edict to be really observed, with good and sufficient assurances: giving power to our said deputies, if they find matters likely to be effected, to treat further of necessary assurances. And as those points be the only foundations, for the uniting of these Provinces, and that we can pretend nothing more, unless we will greatly offend; we hope that your Lordships will find it very convenient, yea and will advance it all ye can. And to the end there be no difficulty in the effecting thereof, and that during these treaties no inconveniences may happen, we hold it fit, and will put to our helping hands to raise a great army, that in case the Spaniards and other strangers shall make refusal to go out of all these countries, to employ them more resolutely against them then ever. The which we most humbly beseech your Lordships, to take in such part, as the true and sincere affection which we bear to the public good of all these countries doth merit: the which shall receive an incredible benefit thereby, either by being freed from their adversaries (whereunto they have always chiefly aspired, and employed all their means for the effecting thereof) or by such an explanation to be out of all difficulties and divisions, wherein we mean not in any thing to disjoin ourselves, but rather to seek the general good, whereunto we have always aspired, as your Lordships may more particularly understand by the act of the said resolution hereunto adjoined. And so pray unto God etc. from Lille the last of March 1579. the subscription was, your most affectionate to please your Lordships the states of the town and Chasteleine of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, and the Clergy and Nobility of the same. Signed Fontaine.  
Such was their resolution. The 30. day of March. 1579. in the assembly of the four chief justices of the Chasteleny of Lille, the Aldermen and Council of the said town of Lille, representing the states of the said towns and Casteleines of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, with the Prelates, Clergy and Nobility thereof: Deputies of the accounts, Officers of the government of Lille and other previleged persons: resolve touching the reconciliation with his Majesty, and the maintenance of the Provinces strictly united, during the treaty and real effecting thereof. The said States, Prelates, Clergy, Noblemen and previleged persons, in the presence and with the advice of monsieur de Villerual Governor of the said town and Chastelenies, and of the Baron of Montigni, considering that the treaty of the said reconciliation begun long since on the behalf of his Imperial Majesty had no success: and that on the other side his Catholic Majesty, as well by his Commissioners and deputies sent to the town of Arras, as by the letters of the Prince of Parma, written unto the states being in Antwerp the 9 of this month, to entertain and keep in every point the pacification of Gant, the union, and 
1579.  the perpetual Edict, and to give sufficient caution and assurance. Having also plainly discovered, that many of the other united Provinces will not embrace the said reconciliation without interposing matters of religion. The said States, Prelates, Clergy, Nobles and previledged persons of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, have resolved to accept of the said offer. Always provided that the obedience demanded by his Catholic Majesty, be conformable and nothing derogating to the said pacification, union and perpetual Edict. And as the first and chief point of the said pacification, union and Edict, and the only means to take away all jealousy and distrust, consists in the retreat of the Spaniards, Bourgognons, italians and other stranger's men of war, unpleasing to the states; the said retreat shallbe really effected as soon as may be, by his Catholic Majesty; and the towns and forts held by them in the Netherlands, shallbe delivered unto them of the country. During the which there shallbe an army raised of them that are borne in the country, to prevent all inconveniences and to be employed against the said Spaniards and other strangers in case they will not depart out of the country. His highness and the deputies of the states assembled at Antwerp, shallbe advertised of this resolution by letters, to take away all sinister opinions which they may conceive of the sincere intention of the said States of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, tending to the sending away of all Spaniards and strangers, and the restitution of the towns and forts held by them, to them that were borne within the country: A most necessary and profitable thing for all the Provinces; the which with the fruits of the said reconciliation every one may enjoy if he please, meaning to comprehend them therein. By means whereof the said reconciliation may rightly be called general, and not particular. And for the effecting thereof, the said States, Prelates, Clergy, Noblemen and privileged persons, of Lille, Dovay and Orchies, shall send their deputies unto the assembly of the states of Arthois, Henault and others, with ample instructions. And to end and determine such difficulties as may rise by the said conference, there shallbe a council of state held in the town of Lille, whom the said deputies shall advertise from time to time of all difficulties, and demand their council and resolution. Thus made and concluded in the said assembly the day and year above mentioned. I being present. signed Fountains. Whereupon the general Estates answered, as followeth.  
My masters we have received your letters dated the last of March, with an act of the resolution taken by you the day before, touching the reconciliation with his 
The States answer to them of Lille.  Majesty. And although we find your desire and intention to be commendable, to seek and embrace the means to free the country of Spaniards and other soldiers strangers, the spring and beginning of all our miseries. Yet we think the haste you make to treat in particular, very dangerous; seeing that by this means the progress of the treaty of a general peace is stayed and hindered, being already begun at our instance and request by his Imperial Majesty, and his Ambassador the Earl of Swartzenbourg, being greatly to be feared that if you proceed in this private treaty with the enemy, in steed of procuring a good peace, you will kindle a more cruel war against the other Provinces then that at this present against the Spaniards: the which is the enemies only intent and drift, knowing well that it is impossible and very hard for him to compass his designs, if it be not by the separation and distraction of the Provinces: whereunto by his flattering he will seek to allure you, not once thinking to perform that which he promiseth. You remember the goodly letters and promises which the King made (as well in general as in particular) at the coming of the Duke of Alva, and what cruelty and massacres followed, when as the said Duke was once entered into the country, and when as he had no colour to accuse or blame the subjects to have offended his royal Majesty, as they do now pretend: and since we have seen in what manner the Court of Spain hath proceeded against the Noblemen of these countries, by the letters which the King did write unto Rhoda: where he was commanded to entertain them, and to show them a good countenance, until that he were come to the end of his affairs: and in like sort commandment was given unto Don john of Austria to do the like. And it is apparent that he sent not the Spaniards out of these 
1579.  countries, before he was assured of the chief forts thereof, and of high Germans and Netherlanders, being yet in service, to draw the Spaniards in again when he pleased. The offers and goodly promises which the Baron of sells made, are also fresh in memory, at his first coming into these countries, that the Catholic King would entertain the pacisication of Gant, and yet he himself returning brought the contrary: that is, that the pacification of Gant was scandalous, and that they should not speak nor make any mention thereof. So as you cannot expect nor hope for any thing of these private treaties, but all fraud, circumvention and dangerous enterprises. Although they have persuaded you that the retreat of the Spaniards and other strangers shallbe really effected with as much speed as may be, for it sufficeth the enemy to separate you, and to hold you in suspense in this hope and expectation, that they may in the mean time hinder the common succours of Mastricht, and without their danger consume you, with a great body of an army, which you intent to raise, and to frustrate us of our contributions. And moreover by that means to increase the distrust, and to incense the other Provinces against you: who being of the one side assailed by their enemies, and on the other dra●…n into jealousy and distrust by the army which you shall entertain (especially by reason of former letters & threats of them of Arthois and others) shallbe forced for their safeties to enter into other leagues, and to levy new forces, whereby a dangerous civil war may grow, and the total ruin of the Provinces. And this is the end of their practices which propound this particular peace; we therefore entreat you that you will have regard and call to mind the oath and bond which you have unto the generality, and not to separate yourselves from it. But chose leaving the said particular treaty, to assist the generality both with council and money, as you have so often promised, to show unto the enemy by effect, the good union and force of the Provinces: which is the true and only means to draw them unto reason, and to attain unto an assured peace, for they that seem most difficult, and have their forces ready to defend themselves, do always obtain a better and more assured peace, than they which rashly and by themselves, leaving their allies, enter into particular capitulations, whereby they do never reap the fruit which they expected by their separation, but thinking to purchase their liberty and peace, they fall into servitude and misery. Moreover examples and histories do show, that Kings and great Potentates, to recover their countries and authority promise wonders, and perform not any thing, especially to their own subjects, whom they have once held rebels. And we wonder much that the said act of the 30. of March is grounded upon the slackness of the Emperor's treaty and that the Prince of Parma had written unto us by his letters, that he would entertain and effect in all points the pacification of Gant, and that many Provinces would not embrace the reconciliation, without entermingling matters of Religion: seeing that the stay grows neither from the Emperor, nor from us, but from those Provinces which have entered into private treaties, the which the enemy finding more available he hath delayed to treat with the generality, by the means of his Imperial Majesty. It is untrue that the Prince of Parma did ever make offer unto us by his letters to effect the pacification of Gant, as you may plainly see by the copy of those which he sent us, and our answer thereunto. Moreover other Provinces have been careful not to treat anything in particular with the enemy, or to make declaration unto him that they would not have the question of Religion handled. So as we find you are abused by some wicked spirits, disciples of Escovedo, which seek to divide us, and to stir up a war for Religion, and to chase away and massacre one by an other; as hereto fore hath happened in Germany, England, France and elsewhere. Entreating you a●…aine ●…o weigh and consider all things well, and to continue united with us, to repulse the common enemy, and presently to send your deputies hither, to determine and resolve of public affairs by a general consent, and to send our deputies to Cologne, to make a good and assured general peace. We for our parts do promise to help and assist you in all things that shallbe needful for your quiet and prosperity: and entering into a general treaty, to yield unto all reasonable conditions, as we have offered to the Prince of Parma, as you may see more at large by the copy of our answer. Whereupon 
1579.  we pray unto GOD etc. From Antwerp the eight of April 1579. under written your good and affectionate friends, the general Estates of the Netherlands. signed. A. Blyleven. The superscription was. To the states of Lille, Dovay and Orchies. During all these practices of private reconciliation of the of Arthois, Henault, Lille etc. The Prince of Parma holding Mastricht besieged with a mighty army, where as the 
Mastricht besieged by the Prince of Parma.  said Provinces had their deputies, who solicited all they could, Peter of Melun, Prince of Espinoy, Seneschal of Henault (newly succeeded to the said Principality by the death of Charles of Melun his elder brother) governor; and the States of Tournay and Tournesis, according to the first practices, which were made in October 1578. and 
The Prince of Espinoy tempted.  the instruction given unto the signor of Charpesteau by the states of Henault, at the same time when as the states of Arthois and they of Arras began their broils: which instruction we have also thought good to insert in this place, before we proceed, as followeth. The signor josse of Campen squire, signor of Charpesteau, Ostregnis etc. at the●…e quest and deputation of the states of the country and county of Henault, shall transport 
Instructions given to the signor of Charpesteau.  himself with all speed unto the states of the country, town and City of Tournay and Tournesis, and shall present unto them the humble commendations of the said states of Henault & their letters of credit. According unto the which he shall give them to understand, that we ought always to stand upon our guard, & to foresee all inconveniences that may happen; much more when we see the fire kindled, we must fly to the remedy, to hinder and prevent a greater ruin and combustion. It is most notorious, that although the Provinces in these parts, labouring to recover their liberty, and to free themselves from the Spaniards and their adherents, and from the yoke and servitude, whereunto they would subject them, had treated a pacification with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland, Zealand and their associates: by the which it was expressly promised & sworn, not to attempt any thing that might be scandalous against the Catholic, apostolic and Romish religion, upon pain to be blamed and punished as troublers of the saith & public quiet: & thereupon was made and solemnly sworn a general union, containing the same points: yet it appears plainly of all sides, that the sectaries and heretics carry themselves most insolently, preaching and making public exercises of their sects and pestiferous religions, ruining and profaning the holy Sacraments, Cloisters & abbeys spoiling Churches and Images, and massacring Churchmen and good catholics, surprising and doing outrage to monasteries, towns and castles, forcing, ravishing and abusing holy virgins and other chaste wives and maidens, applying to their own use, the goods and revenues of the church, imprisoning & putting to death with great indignity, Bishops, Prelates & honourable persons, that were just & innocent: subverting all ancient order of justice, government, and lawful Magistrates, bringing to that end both men and ordinance to field, and doing all acts of hostility. And they did not only exceed therein, but have also attempted against the nobility with such fury, as it appeers painly (and as some of the chief of them have showed openly) that they are resolved and fully determined to ruin and root them out, one after an other, and all good catholics for ever. It is certain they had not been forward and violent in their pernicious designs, if they were not animated and supported by them which have most sworn, promised, signed and ratified the said pacification, who at the least for their justification, should 
He me●…nes the Duke of Anjou whom the Earl of Lalain had called, or the Prince of Orange, or Duke Casimire judge ●…ich.  seem to be displeased therewith, and help to suppress and punish such outrages. Whereas chose we see that he which is come mercinarily, & to the great charge of the country, to serve and succour it against the common enemies thereof, is gone with his forces to succour them, being called (as the brute goes) to be not only their Protector and Defender, but also governor or Lord of the country: leaving and abandoning both the camp and the country, in prey to the common enemy, if they had power to do it. The which we ought to prevent in time, and to seek all means (which is the Office of Christians) by a common course, and in discharge of the union so solemnly sworn by the Provinces, to suppress such insolencies, rash excess, and outrages. The which hath not yet been done: to the great prejudice, interest and decay of our holy saith, Catholic and Romish Religion, and of all good men, and likely to augment daily and to continue, to the ruin and rooting out of all Piety, Nobility 
1579.  and order of policy and justice, if it be not prevented: foreseeing therefore that the negligence of many Governors, the dissimulation of some, the secret practices of the chief, and the small zeal and courage, which they that hold the better party, carry to the preservation of our said faith and Religion, and the health and public peace, may soon cause a ruin and general dissolution. The said states of Henault have foreseen, that it is needful and more than necessary, that those Provinces which are least dismembered, and have maintained themselves till now under the pacification of Gant, and the sworn union, should embrace the affairs with more earnestness, and resolve of some such remedy as should be thought most fit and convenient. Not to attempt any new thing, or contrary to the good of the common cause, but under an express protestation to maintain and de●…end themselves according unto the terms of the said pacification and union, against the more than barbarous insolency (exceeding the Spanish) of the said sectaries and of their adherents: and to prevent the rooting out (as they pretend) of our said faith and Religion, of the Nobility, and generally of all order and state. Being a matter greatly to be considered, that the negligence of the good (if thereby all be supplanted and rooted out) will purchase unto them (besides the irreparable loss) a perpetual infamy, to have been so weak and faint hearted, having so good a ground and foundation in the cause, as it may rightly be termed pleasing unto God, healthful unto men, and highly to be commended before all Christian Princes, yea of the Catholic King our Lord. Moreover they should show themselves unworthy of the succours and assistance of my Lord the Duke of Anjou, having so willingly embraced the defence, cause and quarrel of the Netherlands, against their common enemies, if they should sail to make demonstration, how much they are displeased that a mercenary (being called by the said treacherous sectaries) against the public faith, and the intention of the Provinces and the general Estates, should take upon him their protection, his highness being called, received and proclaimed with the title of Defender of the Belgike L●…ertie, as every one knoweth. Wherefore for that we understand that the Provinces of Holland Zeeland, Flanders, Geldres and others, are entered into league: it is fit after the example of those Heretics, which thus join together to do evil; that in like manner the Catholic Provinces of Arthois, Lille, Dovay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis, Valenciennes and Henault should join and unite themselves strictly together, and by a good and mutual correspondency, seek to maintain themselves, defend the faith, and withstand and suppress all such violence. The which being once undertaken, and published, there is no doubt but the Catholics that are driven away and oppressed, yea many Catholic quarters and towns (whereof there are yet many) will declare themselves, and join also, and assist withal their means and power. And although that this union and conjunction, which is not new, nor tending to any other end but to the preservation & execution of that which was so solemnly sworn and allowed by the Provinces, will be sinisterly interpreted by the favourers of the said seditious Heretics & perjured sectaries, yet it is not fit to suffer things to run to ruin & infamy, nor wilfully to cast away ourselves, seeing that the end of this business will be glorious, and by God's assistance fruitful, the ground being so just and necessary: wherefore seeing that it concerns the honour, glory and service of God, the preservation of our holy faith, and the Catholic apostolic and Romish religion, together with the Nobility & all good catholics, and their honours, lives, wives, children & possessions. The said signor of Charpesteau shall do his best endeavour to represent them plainly & effectually unto the Estates of Tournay and Tournesis: & to work in such sort as they may yield unto the said conjunction & union, as well in general as in particular, labouring for their parts with the states and other Catholic Provinces, to join also in the said union, assuring them that they shall be therein faithfully seconded by the estates of Henault, who will not fail, to hold good and mutual correspondence with them: this business requiring all diligence, for that the mischief is at the door, and that they may so long delay it, as it will be to late, or impossible to prevent it: desiring to have as soon as may be, a good end and a fruitful resolution of their intention. Made at Mons in an open assembly of the States, the 13. 14. and 15. of October, and signed underneath Carlier. 
1579.   
Upon these points contained in this instruction, being so invective, and injurious, they of Henault, Arthois, Valenciennes, Lille, Dovay and Orchies, grounded their disjunction from the other Provinces comprehended in the Pacification of Gant, and wrought their reconciliation with the king, labouring to draw the town of Tournay, and Tournesis into it: but they did not consider that by this instruction they did secretly purchase the king's indignation, in that they did so much protest against the retreat of the Spaniards and other Srangers his servants in whom he most relied for the preservation of these countries, the which being retired they spoiled the King of his forces and authority, as if under colour of a reconciliation, they would prescribe him a law. And also in that they speak so heighly of the Duke of Anjou, giving him the Title of defender of the Belgic liberty: the which is a hateful title to a natural Prince and much suspected, when it is given to a foreign Prince: jealousy holding no measure in that case, although for a time they dissemble and wink at it. The Signior of Chaerpesteau being come with this instruction to the Prince of Espinoy governor; and to the States of Tournay and Tournesis, he found but cold entertainment, and small acceptance of his speeches, notwithstanding that the Bishop of Tournay, called 
They of Tournay and Tournesis refuse to Enter the reconciliavon.  Pentaflour, made great instance, and was very importunate with the States and Prince, who being always unwilling to give ear to private reconciliation, answered that to attain unto a general one, he would employ both body and goods, but he would never disjoin himself. That he had taken an oath unto the Generality, against Don john and his adherents, the which he would maintain unto the death until he, were absolved and dispensed thereof of by the said generality: that they knew well the condition of Kings that hold themselves wronged by their subjects: that if he had two heads he would hazard one of them for the King's service, but he had but one, no more than the Earl of Egmont: whereupon the Bishop replied they would seek to obtain a general peace: the Prince asked him how they would think of the question of religion to attain unto the said peace: the Bishop then answered, alleging the parable of the husbandman, who suffered the darnel to grow among the good corn until the day of harvest: whereupon the Prince asked him again when that harvest should be, when as the King had subjecteth all the country unto his will? noe said the Bishop, but at the last day of judgement. If then (said the Prince) you can effect that I will not spare any thing for my part to attain unto it: whereupon the Bishop being retired, the Prince adressing his speeches to them that were in the chamber, his familiar friends (although therewere one that was a true Romish Catholic and so died) said, see how these men can apply the holy Scripture when as they think to make it serve their own turns? Thus the said Prince remained unto his death (being exiled in France) and the estates of Tournay and Tournesis, firm and constant, and would not disjoin themselves, nor forsake the Union, until that the town was taken by the Spaniard in the year 1581. Notwithstanding they of Arthois Henault. etc. continued the treaty of their reconciliation. Those of Brussels who had been always wonderfully 
Deputies sent from Brussel●…s to the States of Arthois.  affected to the good of their country, as you may observe in many points before mentioned, seeking nothing but peace and quietness, sent their deputies to Arras, to the estates of Arthois to divert them (If it were possible) from the disunion which was entreated, but not yet fully concluded. These deputies were William van Hecke treasurer, and Cornellis Artsens secretary of the said town who were neither welcome nor well entertained by the Signior of Capres, Governor of the said town, one of the chief Authors of the disunion.  
The States knowing well that all these practices of disjunction were managed by the Signior of La Motte Governor of graveling, they sent the Signior of La Nove 
La Nove makes war in Flanders.  their Marshal of the camp with six hundred horse and two thousand foot into La Mottes Government about graveling, in the quarter of west Flandes, the which he wasted, and having taken the forts of Lincken and Watenen, which are upon the river going from Saint Omer to graveling, he entered into the Valle and jurisdiction of cassel, took the town and castle, and then reduced all that quarter under the State's obedience, having fortified Cassel, Where he left the Signior of Waroux and of Thyanti of the house of Merod, for Governor. They of Holland, Zealand, Geldres, 
1579  Zutphen, Vtrecht, Friesland, Ouerissel, and other their associates, finding in the end of the year 1578. by all the former treaties, that the duke of Parma sought only to divide the united Provinces, and that the mutiny of the Malcontents tended to no other end but to root out the reformed religion, they resolved to make among themselves, and with such as would join with them, a stricter union and alliance, assembling to that end at Vtrecht, where it was concluded in the beginning of this year 1579. The tenor whereof followeth.  
As it it notorious since the pacification made at Gant, by the which the Provinces of the Netherlands were bound to succour one an other with body and goods, to expel the Spaniards their adherents out of the said countries: The said Spaniards, with Don john and other their Commanders and Captains having sought by all means (as they do at this day) to reduce the said Provinces as well in general as in particular under their slavery, and as well by arms as by there practices to divide and dismember them breaking their Union made by the said Pacification, to the total ruin of the said countries, and continuing in their said design, they have of late by their letters solicited some towns and quarters of the said Provinces, having sought to make an irruption into the country of Gueldres; wherefore the Inhabitants of the Duchy of Geldres and conty of Zutphen, with them of the conties of Holland Zealand, Vtrecht, Friesland and the Ommelands, betwixt the rivers of Ems and Lauwers, have thought it expedient and necessary, to conjoin and unite themselves more strictly together: not to abandon the Union made at the pacification of Gant, but the better to confirm it, and to arm themselves against all inconveniences, whereinto they might fall by the practices, surprises and attempts of their enemies: and to see how they may preserve and defend themselves in such occurrents: and also to prevent any further division of the said Provinces, and the members thereof. The said union and pacification of Gant remaining still in force. According unto the which the deputies of the said Provinces every one for his part, having sufficient authority, have concluded and set down the points and articles which follow, provided always that they mean not in any sort to estrange, nor withdraw themselves from the holy Empire.  
First that the said Provinces make an alliance, Union, confederation together: as by these presents they are allied, united and confederated together for ever, to continue and remain so in all sorts and manners, as if all were but one only Province, and that they may never hereafter disjoin nor separate themselves, neither by testament codicil, donation, session, exchange, sale, treaties of peace, or marriage, nor by any other occasion whatsoever; remaining notwithstanding whole and absolute, without any diminution or alteration of the particular previledges, rights, freedoms, exemptions, statutes, customs, uses, and all other pre-eminences, which any of the said Provinces, towns, members and Inhabitants thereof may have, wherein they will not only forbear to prejudice or give any hindrance: but will assist the one and the other by all means, yea with body and goods, if need shall require: To defend and maintain them against all men that shall seek to disturb and molest them, Provided always that such controversies, as shall grow betwixt the said Provinces, Towns and Members of this Union, touching their previledges, freedoms, exemptions, statutes, ancient customs, uses and other rights shall be decided by the ordinary course of justice, or by some amiable and friendly composition, and that no other countries, Provinces, members or towns (whom those controversies do no way concern) shall in any sort meddle, but by way of entercession, tending to an accord.  
That the said Provinces in confirmation of the said alliances and union, shall be bound to aid and succour one another, withal their means, bodies and goods, to the spending of their blood, and hazard of their lives, against all attempts and invasions which shall be made, upon what colour soever made either by the King of Spain or any other: or for that by virtue of the Treaty of the pacification of Gant they had taken arms against Don john, for for that they had received the Archduke Mathias for 
1579.  Governor, or for any thing that dependeth thereon, or for all that hath followed or may follow. And were it upon colour to restore the Catholic and Romish religion, or for the alteration which hath happened since the year 1578. in any of the said Provinces, members and Towns: or else for this present union and consederation, or for any such cause: and that in case they would make the said attempts and invasions, as well in particular upon any of the said Provinces, as upon all in general.  
That the said Provinces should be in like manner bound to aid, succour and defend one another against all Princes and Potestats, countries, towns, and fo●…raine commonweals, be it in general or in particular, that would molest, hurt or make war against them. Always provided that the assistance which shall be appointed by the generality of this union, shall be done after knowledge of the cause. And the better to assure the said Provinces, members and towns, against all enemy's force, that the fronter towns, and those which shall be thought needful in what Province so ever they be, shall by the advise and order of the generality of this union, be fortified at the charge of the towns of that Province where they be situated, being assisted by the generality with the one moiety. But if it be found expedient to build any new forts, or to demantell any in the said Provinces, that it shall be done at the charge of the generality.  
And to supply the expenses they must be at in this case, for the defence of the said Provinces, it hath been agreed that throughout all the Provinces there shall be imposed and farmed out from three months to three months, to them that will give most, certain customs or excises upon all sorts of wine and beer, upon the grinding of corn upon sal●…, and upon cloth of gold, silver, and woollen cloth, upon cattle that shall be killed, upon all horses or oxen that shall be sold or exchanged, upon all goods that shall be subject to the great balance, and upon all other goods which by a general consent shall be thought fit, according to the orders and decrees which shall be set down: and that to the like end they shall employ the revenues of the King of Spain, the ordinary charges deducted. The which means may be augmented or diminished, raised or ab●…ted, according to the exigence of affairs, confirmed only to supply the common defence, and that which the generality shall be forced to undergo, the which may not be applied to any other use, in any kind or sort whatsoever.  
That the frontier Towns, and all others where need shall require, shall be at all times bound to receive such garrisons as the said united Provinces shall think fit and convenient, and that by the advise of the governor of the Province, where those towns are, that require garrison, the which they may not refuse. And the said garrisons shall be paid by the united Provinces, and the Captains and Soldiers, besides the general oath, shall take a particular oath to the Town or Province where they shall be placed, the which shall be set down in the Articles of their entertainment. Also there shall be such order and discipline observed among the men of war, as the Burghers and inhabit●…nts of the towns and country, as well Clergy as Layemen, shall not be overcharged, nor oppressed, contrary to reason: which garrisons shall be no more exempt from excise and imposts, than the Burghers and Inhabitants of those places, where they shall be imposed, so as the generality of the said Burghers pay them for their service, and give them lodging, as hath been done hitherto in Holland. And to the end that in all occurrents, and at all times, they may be assisted by them of the country: the inhabitants of every of the said united Provinces, both in town and country, shall within one month after the date of these presents, be mastered and enrolled from the age of sixteen years to three score, that the number being known at the first assembly of the confederates, they may determine for the better assurance and defence of the country, as they shall find it most convenient. No accord nor treaty of truce nor peace to be made, no war begun, no imposts raised, nor any contributions imposed concerning the generality of this union, but by the advise and common consent of all the said Provinces. And in all other things touching the entertainment of this confederation, and that which depends thereon, they shall 
1579.  govern themselves according unto that which shall be resolved by the plurality of voices of the Provinces comprehended in this union, the which shall be gathered as they have hitherto done in the generality of the Estates, and that by provision, until it shall be otherways decreed by the general consent of the confederates. But if in the treaties of truce, peace, war or contributions, the said Provinces cannot agree together, the said differences shallbe referred by provision unto the Governors and Lieutenants, which are now in the said Provinces, who shall reconcile the parties or decide their controversies as they shall find most reasonable. And if the said Governors and Lieutenants did not agree together, they may call any to assist them whom they please, so as they be not partial: and the parties contending shallbe subject to entertain and perform whatsoever is determined by the said Governors and Lieutenants.  
That none of the said Provinces, Towns or Members, may make any cofederation or alliance, with any Noblemen or neighbour countries without the consent of these united Provinces, and of their confederates. It is notwithstanding agreed that if any Princes or neighbour countries, shall desire to join in League and confederation with these united Provinces, that they shallbe admitted and received by the advise and consent of them all. That touching coins, in the course and valuation of gold and silver, all the said Provinces should conform and govern themselves according unto the Orders which should be set down at the first opportunity, the which the one cannot alter nor change without the other.  
As for the point of Religion, they of Holland and Zeelande may carry themselves as they please; and in regard of the other Provinces of this union, they may govern themselves therein according unto the Proclamation of the Archduke Mathias Governor General of the Netherlands, set forth by the advise of the Council of State, and the general Estates touching the liberty of Religion. Or else they may either in general or in particular, set such order as they should think most fit and convenient, for the peace and quiet of their Provinces, Towns and particular members, both Ecclesiastical and Civil, every one in the preservation of his goods, rights, and prerogatives: so as no other Province may give them therein any hindrance or let, every one remaining free in his Religion, and not any way to be troubled or called in question, according to the pacification of Gant. That all Clergymen or living in convents, according unto the said pacification, shall enjoy their goods, lying in any of these Provinces respectively: and if there were any Clergymen which during the wars of holland and Zeelande against the Spaniards that were under the commandment of the said Spaniards and have since retired themselves out of their convents or Colleges, and are come into Holland and Zeeland, that they shall cause sufficient maintenance to be given them during their lives, from them of their said Cloisters or convents, and they shall do the like unto them of Holland and Zeeland, that are retired into any of these united Provinces.  
That in like sort, entertainment shallbe given during life, according to the commodities and revenues of their Cloisters or convents, to all people of these united countries, that would depart, or are already departed, be it for Religion or for any other reasonable cause. Always provided that such as after the date of these presents, shall go to live in these Cloisters and convents, and afterwards would depart again, the shall have no entertainment given them, but they may retire if they please, and retain that which they brought with them. And that all they that are at this present in the said convents, or that hereafter would enter, shall remain free in their Religion, profession and habits, upon condition that in all other things they shallbe obedient to their Generals.  
And if it should happen (which Almighty GOD forbid) that there should be any question or division made betwixt the said Provinces, wherein they could not agree, that the same, so far as it concerns one Province in particular shall be ended and determined by the other provinces, or by those among them which 
1579.  they should name: But if it concerns all the Provinces in general it shall be determined by the governors and lieutenatns of the Provinces, as it is said in the ninth Article, who should be bound to do justice unto the parties, or to reconcile them together within one month, or within a shorter space, if the case so requires, after instance made unto him by one of the parties. And that which by the other Provinces or their deputies, or by the Governors or lieutenant shall be decreed and set down, it shall be followed and accomplished, cutting of all other remedies at law, either by appeal, relief, revision, nullity or any other pretensions whatsoever.  
That the said Provinces, towns and members thereof shall be careful not to offer any occasion of war or quarrel to any of their neighbours, Princes, noblemen, countries, towns or common weals for the preventing whereof the said united Provinces shall be bound to do good and speedy justice, as well to foreigners and strangers, as to their own subjects and Citizens. And if any one among them should fail therein, the rest of their confederates, shall seek by all convenient means to have it done, & that all abuses that might hinder them or stay the course of justice, may be corrected and reform, according unto right and equity, and the ancient previledges and customs thereof. None of the Provinces, towns or members, may impose any imposition, money for convoy, nor any other like charge, to the prejudice of the rest, without the general consent of all, nor surcharge any of his confederates, more than himself or his inhabitants. That for the providing for all occurrents and difficulties, that may happen, the said confederates shall be bound upon somons made unto them by such as have authority, to appear presently in the town of Vtrecht, at the day appointed, to understand that which by the letters of rescription shall be declared, if the cause requires not secrecy to determine thereon, or by a general consent or plurality of voices to resolve and decree, although that some appear not: in which cause they that appear may in the mean time proceed to the resolution and determination of that which they shall find convenient and profitable for the public good of these united provinces. And that which hath been so decreed, shall be accomplished by them that appeared not, if the matter be not of too great importance and may well be delayed. In which case they shall write unto them that have been absent, to come at a certain day limited, or else to lose the effect of their voices, for that time. And when it is done, it shall remain firm and inviolable, although that some of the said Provinces have been absent, yet such as shall have no means to appear, it shall be lawful for them to send to them to send their opinions in writing, the which shall be regarded in the collection of all the voices. And to this end all and every one of the said confederates shall be bound to write unto them that have the authority to assemble the said united provinces of all things that may occur, or that shall seem unto them to tend unto the good or evil of the said Provinces and confederates, that they may thereupon call them together. And if there shall be any obscurity or ambiguity, whereby there may grow any dispute or question, the interpretation thereof shall be long unto the said confederates: who by a general consent may explain them, and decree according unto reason. And if they agree not thereupon they shall have recourse unto the Governors and Lieutenants of Provinces as is said before.  
As also if it should be thought necessary to augment or diminish any thing in the articles of this union, confederation and alliance in any of their points, it shall be done by the common consent of all the confederates, and not otherwise. All which points and articles and every one of them in particular, the said united Provinces have promised and do promise by these presents, to accomplish and entertain, and to cause to be accomplished and entertained, without any opposition or contradiction directly in any sort. And if any thing shall be done or attempted contrary to the tenor thereof, they do presently declare it void and of none effect. Binding thereunto their per●…ons, and of all the inhabitants respectively, of the said Provinces, towns and members, withal their goods. The which in case of contravention may be (in all places, and before all judges and jurisdictions, where they shallbe found) seized on and arrested 
1579  for the accomplishing of these presents, and that which depends thereon, renouncing to that end all exceptions, graces previledges, releefes, and generally all other benefits of law which contrary to these presents may any way aid and serve them. And especially in the law which saith that a general reconciliation is of no force, if a special doth not proceed.  
And for the greater corroboration, all governors and Lieutenants of the said Provinces, which are there at this present, or that may be hereafter, together with all Magistrates and chief Officers of these Provinces, towns or members, shallbe bound to swear and take an oath, to keep and cause to be kept, all the points and articles, and every one of them in particular, of this union and confederation. As also all bodies and companies of burgesses, shall take the same oath, in every of the said towns and places of the said union. Hereupon letters shall be sent out in form, by the Governors, Lieutenants, members and towns of Provinces, being specially required thereunto. This present union was made and signed in the said town of Vtrecht, the 23 of january. 1579.  
The fourth of February following this union was signed by them of Gant: the third 
Many enter into the union of V●…echt.  day of May by the Prince of Orange in Antwerp; the eleventh of june by George of Lalain Earl of Rhenebergh Governor of Friesland, Oueryssel, Groninghen and the Ommelands. After followed they of Antwerp, Bruges, Breda, and many others. All this was done whilst that they of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Dovay and Orchies laboured their disunion and practised their private reconciliation, with the Prince of Parma, being then camped before Mastricht, excusing themselves to the other confederates that they could not suffer any alteration in the Romish Religion, but for the rest they would duly observe the pacification of Gant. This union and confederation of Vtrecht, wrought not such good effects with some as they expected, every one attending upon the treaty of peace which was laboured by the Emperor, (as we have said) at Cologne, excusing themselves thereon. Among others Boisleduke one of the chief towns of Brabant strong and mighty, which divides the Duchies of Gueldres, Brabant and the Earldom of Holland, which the states doubting, and having some advertisement thereof (assuring themselves to have many partisans) they sought first by gentle means, and then by practices to put in a garrison: which they of Antwerp 
The signor of Boxtel governor of Boisleduc.  did also pretend, sending some troops of their burgesses to assure themselves thereof. Afterwards john of Horn, Barron of Boxtell was sent thither with commission to govern and to assure the town for the states. But as by the changing of captains he sought to bring in a new order and government, he found great oppositions and many crosses by them of the adverse party, especially by one Henry Bloyman Bailiff and by others of the old council of the town, tending to their private profit, and adhering to the Abbot of Saint Gheertrude, who was gone in the state's behalf, to the assembly of the treaty of Cologne, and who passing that way had so persuaded them, as they desired nothing more than the issue of the said treaty. The signor of Boxtel (found so great contradiction, and so mahie adversaries, as he thought it best to retire, leaving his Son Maximilian of Horn signor of Locren there. True it is, that before that time the liberty of Religion had been brought in; and a sworn companic of Harquebusiers erected, most of all the which were young men, who during the Spaniards government were retired out of the town and had served the Prince of Orange: these men maintained the liberitie of Religion all they could and sought to reduce the town under the union of Vtrecht, but therd grew such a jealousy and hatred betwixt the Protestants and the Harquebusiers of the one part, and the old Magistrates with the Catholic romans on the other: as when the said company of Fencers had the guard of the port, the others placed an other of their faction in countergard, so as in the end the union being proclaimed as it were by force, there followed such a great tumult betwixt both factions, as being come to arms, there were above a hundred slain & hurt of both sides. Soon after the Prince of Parma being called by the Catholic Burghers, sent a trumpet to summon the town for the King of Spain. Then did the Protestants insist more to receive 
1579.  a garrison of English, Scottish or French, which should come from brussels, of which three nations they might have their choice: but for that they were strangers the Inhabitants would have none, although it seemed, they would willingly have received that of Bryell. 
Fears seizeth upon the Protestants of Boisledue.   
The next day after, as their distrust increased, and the fear of the enemy increased more and more, the Protestants were advised and did resolve to receive a garrison, so as they would leave the ports open to suffer them that would depart; as if their chief and greatest fear had been that they would retain them. Whereunto this answer was made. That if any one did fear he might depart, and go where he pleased. Whereupon a great multitude went suddenly away out of the town, one provoking an other, as it is always the use and custom in such amazements: which fear did greatly fortify the adverse party: their retreat was not far, to Heel, Heusden, Bomel, and diverse other towns thereabouts of the Hollanders party. Thus by the policy and practices of the one, and by the indiscretion and weakness of the other, this town was abandoned by them of the states faction: and the two companies coming from the Brieyle were not received. And as the Spanish faction grew more shameless and insolent, they chased away the rest of the Protestants that were yet remaining: but they would not yet embrace any party: but in the end they were persuaded for to reconcile themselves unto the Noble Prince of Parma, and to receive the peace of Cologne, so as they should not be forced to receive any garrison, without their own consents: yet they found a great decay in their commerce and traffic.  
Those of the towns of Amersfort and Montfort, under the jurisdiction of Vtrecht, as they also of Zutphen, refused also to submit themselves to the union of Vtrecht, wherefore meaning to force them, they began first with them of Amersfort, as nearest unto Vtrecht, being accused to be of a party contrary to the states, to have refused to pay their parts of the contribution; to have chased away the State's garrison and the Protestants ministers, and to have had secret intelligence with the enemy. Wherefore the town was besieged the seventh day of March in the year of our Lord 1579. and the tenth day following reduced unto reason, manned with a garrison, the Magistrates renewed, and the Protestants religion restored as before.  
The union, and contract made in Vrecht, was signed by the governors of the said Provinces, as first by john Earl of Nassave, governor of Gelderland and Sutphen, and then by the commities of the other towns and Provinces, which was done in Vtrecht upon the 23. of january, and upon the fourth of February the deputies of Gant signed to the same. The third of May it was ratified in Antwerp by the Prince of Orange, and the leaventh of june by George de Lalain Earl of Renebregh, governor of Friesland, Ouerissel, Groaning, and the terretories thereof, and also by the towns of Bruges, Ipre, Breda, and others, and by that means those countries were called the united Provinces. This union made in Vtrecht, produced good fruits amongst the Provinces and towns, but not so great as were expected, for that many in hope of the peace to be made in Colen fell from it, and drew backward, excusing themselves by the same, as in Vtrecht, where by means of the jealousy the one had of the other, upon the tenth day of june, certain controversies, did rise amongst them, whereby great hurt and insolency was done in certain Churches, where the Scout, Burguemastérs, and the Council of Estates of Vtrecht, desirous to maintain both the one and the other Religion in peace and unity, and to separate the contentious persons one from the other, the better to withstand the common enemies, after divers communications, and conferences had concerning the same, by consent of five Churches, within Vtrecht, in the name of the whole spirituality of the one part, and of the Colonels, Captains, and Commanders of the town, in the name of Burghers, together with them of the reformed Religion on the other part, and also by the advise of the Prince of Orange, governor of the town, towns and terretories of Vtrecht, devised a certain contract of a Religion's peace, beareing date the fifteen of june, making mention of the pacification of Gant, the union, and 38. articles more, whereby they of the reformed 
1579  religion had four Churches and more if need were allowed unto them. The catholics keeping the rest of the Churches, and order taken for the burial of the dead, maintaining of peace, and such like things as you may see in the printed copy.  
In like manner those of Groningen refused. Whereupon the Earl of Rheneberg 
Groningen refusing the union is forced.  Governor of Friesland and of the said town, received commandment from the states to force them unto it: for which effect he caused Delfs I'll, Winsum and other places there abouts to be fortified. The Groningeois seeing themselves besieged a far off, would prepare to war, but finding themselves most commonly beaten, and that the chief towns in Friesland were entered into the said union, they sent their deputies to treat an accord, giving hostages, the which were led to Campen: and the 18. of june the Earl of Rheneberg raised his camp, and after the composition made he entered into the town as governor, deposed the Magistrates, and created new, and there the liberty of Religion was also brought in. They of Bruges being summoned to receive 
A tumult at Bruges for the union.  the union, the Clergy first oposed themselves, fearing to be chased away (as they said had been lately done at Vtrecht) to whom there joined some chief men, and some of trade being stirred up by the seditious preaching of that reverent Friar Cornellis (of whom we have formerly made mention) notwithstanding that the Deans had consented to the said union. The Magistrates of Franc whose jurisdiction extends into the country, banded themselves against the Magistrates of the town, provoking the Burghers to demand a Colonel of the company of Burghers, that were at their devotion. Whereupon the second of june the Romish catholics came in great troops to Burcht before the town house, and speaking unto George Verbrakelen signor of Hauteruie Bourguemaster, they required to have jerosme of Moll signor of Watermael to be given them for Colonel, a supporter of Friar Cornellis.  
The Burguemaster was amazed at this demand, and would willingly have delayed it until the afternoon, or till the next day, that he had assembled the council. But they understanding that the Protestants were at their sermon, they would have him to name the said Colonel presently. The Bourguemaster seeing all the guard that was there assembled in arms to be catholics, who would not depart, was forced to yield unto them. This Colonel thus made in haste accepted the charge, and presently cassired the four companies of soldiers that were levied at the town charge, displaced the eighteen 
A Colonel made in haste and by force.  deputies, which were men of good account, and put others in their places that were catholics; he would reform all, and make them take a new oath, and committing many insolencies, he sought for the Minister, who was a Wallon, to kill him, and not finding him, he beat his wife and troad her under his feet. The Magistrates and Burguemasters seeing this disorder and outrages, and fearing some greater inconvenience would follow, caused their four companies of soldiers to come, commanding captain Hans Flyesch to cease upon the East-gate, and captain Reinen Winckelman of the Bridge which goes to the same Port. Captain Remy Artrik had charge to seize upon the East-shambles, and Anthony Outreman of the bridge of Oak in the fullers street, these three last looking directly upon the Marketplace. One of the quartermasters or captains of the Burghers, joined with the soldiers that were at the East gate with two hundred men. The catholics seeing this, put themselves also in arms, to keep the soldiers from joining. But seeing them to make barricadoes whereas they were in guard, and that captain Hans Fleysch had turned the Cannon towards the town, keeping the port open to receive in succours: they went with the aid of them of Frankford to besiege the Burcht, they took the Magistrate prisoner in their townhouse, and kept the Protestant Burghers from joining with the soldiers.  
Both parties being thus in arms one against an other, in danger of great effusion of blood, by the means of some that were more temperate, they fell to parley, so as by night the Magistrate was released, upon condition that the inhabitants should leave their barricadoes, the which happened in regard of captain Winckelman: and then the accustomed guard entered the marketplace and the Burcht which the catholics would keep. But they could not send any guard to the East-gate, whether Winckelman was Colonel knowing how the Protestants had fortified themselves, did also seize upon 
1579.  two bridges, with whom many of Frank and of the Nobility did join. In the mean time either party did send for succours abroad: the Catholics called the Siegnior of 
The States more quick to succour Bruges.  la Motte, and the malcontents, who approached as near as Roullez, and the Protestants sent to the States, who were in camp at Tournhout, and used more expedition, so as the next day morning eight companies of Scotishmen of Balfors' regiment with an 150. horse were at the East-port and entered the town, marching directly to the market place and the Burcht, from whence the Catholics fled. Colonel Nol abandoned also his Barricadoe, and thinking to save himself by a hole through the town ditch, was taken being in the water up to the chin. All they of Frank were taken prisoners except the Siegnior of Breda and Nantius. There were also some of the chief mutines prisoners, the which after that the tumult was pacified, and the town well as sured, were delivered, wherein the Burghers did carry themselves more modestly the they of Arras, in their rash and hasty executions: In the mean time the churches remained shut up, and the Priests were fled away, since the which time the Catholics remained, to whom the exercise of their religion was allowed, so as it were done without any brute or scandal. The Malcontents seeing that they were come an hour to late returned to Menin, burning that goodly Borrugh of Roullez for despite: the which was much to be pitied, being one of the most famous places of Flanders, for the infinite store of fine linen cloth, that was usually made there.  
They of Brugges, having found them of Frank faulty in this and other things, determined upon very good reasons to break the member of Vrie, being one of the four members of Flanders, and to bring the most part of it under the member of Bruges, but Noel Carron Signior of Schoonewall (who that day had been imprisoned by the mutines in the town house, and in danger of his life, by reason of certain letters of credit, sent unto him by the Prince of Orange, which the mutinous companies, would construe as pleased them) resolved together with D. Nansius, and monsieur Withs, Schoti, and Capelle (that had not meddled with the said uproar) to seek the liberty of the said Vrie or Frank, and at the last proceeded so far therein, that they of Bruges granted to their desires, and the rather, for that they saw, that they of Gant, and of Ipre pretended to draw the best part of the Vrie unto them, and by that means the member of the Vrie or Frank by there diligence, wisdoms, and authorities, was again restored to the former State. Whilst that these things were in managing, and that the one were labouring to unite themselves; and the other to disjoin and reconcile themselves, the Prince of Parma lost no opportunity: for having gathered together all his forces, he went to besiege (as we have said) the town of 
Maestricht besieged by the Prince of Parma  Maestricht, which he suddenly caused to be invested by his horse men; then his footmen being arrived he camped of either side of the river of Meuse, causing forts to be built upon all the approaches.  
The besieged had within the town a thousand soldiers, French, Walloons, Scottish and others, and twelve hundred Burghers well armed. The Prince of Parma's army approaching, some two thousand peasants with there wives and children fled into the town for their safeties, as into a place well assured. These poor men did great service in ramparing and countermyning, whereas the greatest part of them were slain. The Signior of la Nove was sent thither, but to late by reason of the great diligence and speed the prince of Parma made to invest it round, so as la Nove turned to Antwerp: Captain Bastien a Frenchman, who commanded in the town, did his best endeavour to defend it, affronting the Spanish camp daily in divers skirmishes, and annoying them greatly. The Prince of Parma (by the general consent of all his Commannders) was advised, to plant his cannon, whereas the town seemed most weak, and unfurnished of defence and the ditches narrow, that they might have the better means to go to the Assault. But they that gave him this council, did not consider, that on the same side there was a great and large void place within the town, where they (if they were industrious and took pains) might easily make a new rampar and a double ditch: yet he did batter it with about fifty pieces of ordinance, cannon, demie cannon and culvering. His first 
1579.  breach was made towards Liege, being ready to give an assault, those that went to discover the breach, found the ditch to be good and large, filled with powder and pieces of iron; which the besieged had laid there, to set fire on coming to the assault. Which the Spaniards seeing, they did forbear, changing their battery to another quarter, where he also made a great breach. This done the Prince of Parma having taken council of his Colonels, resolved to assail the Town on both sides: The first assault was given to the Tierce or Regiment of the holy League (being so called for 
An assault appointed.  that they had been with Don john of Austria, at the defeat of the Turk, in the Straight of Lepantho) the second was given to the Tierce of Lombardie. Before they began to go to the assault, they shot eight hours continually at either breach. Colonel Mondragon was on the other side of the River, shooting continually with two field pieces, upon them that presented themselves to defend the second breach. Frst the Italiens of Colonel Fabio Farneze advanced unto the first breach: The Spaniards seeing it, being jealous that the honour of the victory should be attributed only to the italians, ran so suddenly to the assault, as they advanced the others, and came to the top of the breach, fight veryfuriously, whereas they were as courageously resisted.  
Before they went to the assault, they set fire to a Mine, but it wrought small effect. The combat was so furious on either side, as the one would not yield nor give ground 
A brave assault well defended.  to the other, nei her was there ever place better assailed nor better defended▪ the assault was but newly begun at the first breach, when as a horseman came first alone, & then two others after crying to their men, that the second breach was won; and in like manner messengers went to the second breach, crying that the first was forced: The which was but an invention to encourage the assailants, and discourage the defendants, hearing that their companies had been forced on the other side. But whether the besieged discovered the practice, or that they were all resolved to die, & that to abandon it and to fly, could not preserve them, they defended themselves so waliantly as after the loss of many men, the Spaniard was forced to retire. The greatest slaughter which the besieged made at these two breaches, was by six ship pieces, and certain harguebusses a croak, which flanked both the one and the other breach, from a Tower which the Spaniards could not beat down; shooting continually, being charged with chambers, 
A dear Assault without any fuite.  so as standing still firm, they never altered their mark, but were as suddenly charged as they were discharged. In this assault there died fifteen Captains and five Enseignes Sp●…niards: thirteen Italien Captains, and about 3000. soldiers; For besides that they within the town fl●…e very many, fire fell into certain barrels of powder through the indiscretio of some soldiers going to fill their flasks. There died many also of them within the town but most part Peasants, whom Mondragons' two pieces did wonderfully annoy. The besieged gave the States to understand how they had carried themselves in these two assaults, requiring succours, the which were promised them: for the effecting whereof those of Antwerp did their uttermost endeavours, every Burger and merchant, contributing a portion to relieve it, and to hasten the succours. But as in such affairs we see (instead of expedition) there is most commonly an though, a when, or a how: Matters were so protracted and delayed, as after the Burghers 
They of Antwerp ●…bot to relieve Maestricht.  had their money disburced the succours could not be made ready until the Town was out ofhope, and in the end lost: yet it held out very long, and resisted this mighty army beyond men's expectation.  
Whilst that the Prince of Parma was thus busied before Maestricht, those of Gant being very desirous to do some service to the public cause, and to do an affront unto those provinces which laboured for a private reconciliation, which might hinder the conclusion: They sent four companies of Walloons, to make an enterprise vp●…on the Town of Dovay, with the intelligence which Captain Cosne Pesarengis 〈◊〉 ●…ntois (who had been sometimes a Lombard in the said Town) said he 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉.  had 〈◊〉 many of the base sort.  
These four companies (whereof I had the leading and charge) the first being that of the said Cosme, the second of captain Matthew Villers, the third of captain 
1579.  La Croix, and the forth of captain Alladio, with about thirty horse, the which captain Hubert did command, parted from Dynse, a little town three leagues from Gant, as secretly as they could, and marched day and night without any rest until they came about midnight before Dovay, on that side of the port of Ock, whereas they placed themselves in a great Farm, attending the break of day, and the opening of the port. There was within the town fifteen soldiers and a Sergeant called Vetspecke, attired like merchants, who on the Thursdaie morning before Easterdaie should seize upon the port. But being open, these soldiers having stayed too long at breakfast, (to put themselves in heart) two poor women going towards the town, did advertise a countryman being at plough, that this farm was full of Spaniards.  
This honest labourer (to whom the name of a Spaniard was odious) unharnised one ofhiss horses, and ran to give advertisement to the town: Captain Villers following him as fast as his horse could run cried to him to stay, who still making haste (as captain Hubert and myself advanced with ten or twelve horse to seize upon the Bar) he discharged his pistol at him: at which noise they that were in guard at the port shut the Bar, which kept us from entering: and in the mean time the fifteen soldiers that were within the town, came unto the gate, and were ready to seize thereon, but hearing the bell over the port give the alarm, and seeing the Bar shut, they retired back into the town, and saved themselves by the other ports, all but the Sergeant, who was taken flying to the Rampar, and suffered for all the rest. The enterprise having thus failed, we put ourselves notwithstanding in battle, and summoned the town to receive a garrison for the Archduke and the States. It seemed that some of the Burghers would have yielded thereunto: but the signor of Hertain made us no answer but with the Cannon, which forced us to retire, marching away like soldiers without any loss.  
The Malcontents of Menin and Lanon, hearing that the soldiers of the four members of Flanders were gone so far up into the country with so small a troop, meant to attend us in our return, and knowing that we were lodged at Blandin, a league from Tournay, they came with three hundred horse and some eight hundred foot to charge us. But we being entrenched within the Churchyard, and having stopped up all the passages with Barricadoes, these Malcontents having made divers attempts from nine of the clock at night until three in the morning, and could not force us, being covered with the wall of the Churchyard, having set fire of the Parsonage house, the hospital, of the lodging of the signor of Courtenbus, and of some other parts of the village, having lost above a hundred men, they retired, carrying away seven or eight Wagons full of hurt men, fearing least at the break of day, those of Tournay (who had all the night heard their charges) should come to succour us: Day being come we passed by the suburbs of Tournay with the consent of the Prince of Espinoy, the Malcontents coasting us on the other side of the river of Escaut, near unto Audenarde. I had commission from the Magistrates of Gant for the order that should be held in Dovay, if the enterprise had succeeded. I cannot say whether it were resolutely or rashly done to attempt so great a town with so small a troop, but I am sure the Prince of Orange (without whose privity this enterprise was made) told me at our return, (relating unto him the whole attempt) that we were hardiefooles.  
The 28. of May on Ascension day, the Clergy of Antwerp being grown bold, and presuming upon the presence of the Archduke Mathias Governor general, and some 
A tumult in Antwerp at a general procession.  Noblemen that were catholics, notwithstanding the persuasion of some to desist, for fear of an inconvenience and to be satisfied in making it in our Ladies great Church, would needs make their procession general throughout the town, after their accustomed manner. But as they thought to pass by the Mill-streete, the Burghers that were in guard, by their captains commandment, withstood their passage. Whereupon some Italien Merchants drawing their rapiers, would have caused the procession to pass by force. The Burghers making head against them, discharged some shot, so as there was a man and a woman slain, the Priests & the whole procession flying towards the Church, 
1579  in so great a press as one troad upon an other: which tumult caused a general Alarm throughout the Town, and did much perplex them that had saved themselves within the Church.  
The Prince of Orange arrived with his Guard, and pacified the multitude, who cried continually Pape vuit, pay vuit, that is to say away with the Priests, away with the Priests. The Archduke & his followers who were at the said procession, were in like sort retired into the Church, whom the Prince brought forth, promising that no Priests should come out, until it were otherwise decreed, within three hours, which the people limited, upon promise that in the mean time they should not offer any violence: but afterwards they demanded to have them all chased out of the Town: which the 
The Priests & Monks chased out of Antwerp by the people.  Prince & the Colonel's of the Town refusing so to do, the people to oak all the Chanoyns, Priests and Monks to the number of sixscore, and led them to the Haven, where they shipped them, and carried them two Leagues of from the Town, suffering every one to go where he pleased: The Archduke, Prince and States took this act of the confused multitude in very ill part: Whereupon and for the new beating down of Images at Vtrecht and at Macklyn, the Malcontents took an advantage, giving some Noblemen occasion to join with them, among others the Earl of Egmont and the Baron of Fresin. The fourth of june the Earl who as yet did covertly hold the party of the Malcontents and Spaniards, came early in the morning with his Regiment before the Town of Brussels, where giving them to understand that he went to 
A shameful enterprise made by the Earl of Egmont.  seek the enemy, who had certain designs (for in that quarter of Brabant there was no speech of any Malcontents, nor other enemies, but Spaniards) he drew all his Regiment into the Town by the high gate, causing them to advance unto the market place, and to a place called Kantesteen.  
The Burghers were on the sudden much amazed at these unexpected troops, seeing them to seize upon the chief parts of the Town; whereupon they went to Arms, every one coming out of his house half unready, and joined with certain companies of the Regiment of Oliver vanden Timpell Signior of Corbeke, Governor of the town, being there in garrison. Who being encouraged, and fortified, shut up the Earl of Egmont and his men, with wagons, carts, tables, forms and other things fit for that purpose, being in the marketplace and elsewhere, so as they could not advance any further into the Town, having Barricadoes made against them. And whereas the said Earl left some threescore soldiers at the Port, the Signior Bemberghe Colonel of the Burghers, went to charge them in the flank on either side of the Rampar, so as they were forced to abandon the said Port. In the mean time the Signior Vanden Timpell fortified the Court with some of his Regiment. The Earl being thus besieged in the midst of the Town, and taken like a mouse in trap, the Burghers were wonderfully incensed, and ready to fall upon him and his men: In this Estate he pleading simplicity, and speaking them fair, and the Burghers being in arms, they stood one against another two days and two nights, until the Signior of Lissieldt, Councillor of State, and other Deputies, being sent from the Archduke and the Prince of Orange, did pacify the Burghers: who in the mean time did great affronts unto the Earl, showing him the place whereas his father eleven years before on the same day that he attempted this enterprise had his head cut off by the Spaniards, whose party he held; with a thousand other reproaches: telling him that if he did but unpave a stone or two, he should yet see his father's blood: The which did so vex him, as he wept for grief that his enterprise had been so unfortunate. By this means he was forced, and very willingly to retire with his men, without any effusion of blood of either part, yet not without great danger: For all the time he remained thus cooped up, they had great difficulty to restrain the Burghers, who were once resolved to set fire upon all the houses about the Marketplace, and so to burn him and all his men, but a better advice hindered it.  
The Prince of Parma having received so great losses (as we have said) in his affaults before Maestricht, as well of men that were slain, as of them that were wounded & made unfit to fight, and that all his Artillery was not sufficient to batter so great a towns he 
1579.  entreated the Liegeois to lend him twenty pieces, the which they not only granted 
The Liegeois help the Spaniards at the camp before Maestricht.  with all munition requisite, but they also sent him 4000 pioneers. Being then resolved not to rise from before it until he had taken the town, he drew all the men he could out of the garrisons that were near unto him, with the which he sortefied his camp. And seeing that he prevailed little by mine, battery or assault, he caused a high Cavalier to be made close unto the town, whereby he might discover all that was done within: without doubt the Prince showed himself in all his preparations and attempts very active and diligent: and the rather for that he did see the States protract the succours 
The states negligent to succour Mastrient.  which they had promised unto the said town: and the bad order there was among the Commanders in the conduct of this war by their weak resolutions, rather hindered by contrarieties, than advanced as was fitting: which caused the people of Antwerp to murmur greatly, having contributed so much to succour them. Notwithstanding all this, the besieged fainted not: besides they were advertised that they came to succour them and to raise the camp, with a hundred Ensigns of foot and 3000. horse. There was a little Island in the midst of the river of Meuse: the Spaniards being of opinion that if they were masters thereof, it would avail them much, whereupon they went into it and entrenched themselves: but they were so annoyed and galled from the towers and walls of the town as they were forced to retire, and to abandon it.  
Moreover there was a great ravelin joining without the rampar, with a large ditch, the which did defend the courtine of the said rampar, the Spaniards would gladly have seized thereon, that they might go more freely to the assault of the Courtine. It was sorely battered and often assaulted, yet could they not carry it in thirty days, notwithstanding that the ditch towards the camp was filled up with bavins and earth. In the end the Spaniards gave a most furious assault, continuing and fortifying it still 
another assault whereas the signor of Hierges was slain.  with fresh men, so as Maugre any resistance, they forced the defendants to retire unto the rampar, at which assault, the signor of Hierges Earl of Barlaimont Colonel of a regiment of Walloons, a brave knight, was shot with a Harguebuse, whereof he died soon after.  
The States knowing well that the besieged had need of many things, thinking to victual it, they found that all the passages were held by the enemies, and that there was no access unto the town by land, so as they resolved to send their supplies by the river of Meuse, in the midst whereof the Spaniards had a great ship of war, well armed, to stop the passage. But the high waters, and the swiftness of the stream, forced them to way anchor, and to have given passage to the states ships, if they had come in time (the which by their delay was neglected) it had been effected, but in the mean time the Spaniards gave them other lets. The besieged made many signs in the night, to let their confederates understand in what extremity they were. But seeing they fed them but with vain hopes, and that the states did not greatly affect their succours, they began to grow somewhat cold, and to loose part of their first resolution, which they had showed in so many hard assaults, which they had defended: and finding that they wanted powder, and that they had lost many men, and withal that the plague and other diseases did daily consume more, they began to give ear unto the enemy, seeming willing to accept of reasonable conditions, whereunto the Spaniard seemed to incline, so as during these parlays they became more remiss and careless, and did not perform their duties at their guards as they had been wont.  
In the mean time the Spaniards having been so often chased from their ramparts, did not return to a new assault, but filling the ditch with earth, they came and lodged close to the wall, so as they might encounter the besieged with stones, and in this manner they did often skirmish. But the besieged relying much upon their treaty of an accord, which they did hope soon to obtain, were no more so active nor vigilant as they had wont to be, whereupon the Spaniards and Germans creeping closely by the breach unto the top of the rampar, did note and observe the countenance of the besieged, and what was done within the town, and that all the guard was almost a sleep with their great toil, whereof they made report unto the Prince of Parma: the which he understanding, although they were ready to part, yet he commanded that they 
1579.  should go and assail them in divers places as covertly as they could: so as the 29. of 
An assault given to Mastricht during a part and the town taken with fury.  july the Spaniards, Walloons, italians and Germans being put in battle, they advanced without any brute by the breaches to the top of the rampar, and cut the Corpse de guard in pieces; so as notwithstanding any resistance they forced the town and carried it with a terrible fury, putting all to the sword, they encountered for three hours space, sparing neither men nor women, young nor old, until that the Prince commanded them to cease from killing. Then they began to take the burghers prisoners and to ransom them, yet this was a dear conquest unto them, for they lost many men there: few of the states soldiers escaped the sword, but all were slain. Captain 
Captain Bastien taken prisoner.  Bastien who commanded there, was sore hurt and brought prisoner to the Prince of Parma, who for his valour received him courteously.  
Swartsenburg of Herld was there slain, and so Mastricht, after four months siege was won, being one of the resolutest, and valiantest defended towns, (considering the small means that it had) of all the former towns that were won by the enemy. Since that time the town is wholly wasted, and in a manner desolate for that there stayed not above 300. Burghers therein, which afterward likewise went away, in whose places many Liegoeis came thither, and is yet a ruinated town, the inhabitants being most soldiers that lie there in garrison, who afterwards burnt up the empty houses, for firewood: with this siege, the Prince of Parma's forces were much weakened, so as after that victory he could not attempt any thing of importance, and he himself was very sick.  
The loss of this town caused many to murmur, and to accuse the states of negligence, for that they had not relieved it in time, as they might well have, if they had used diligence and done their endeavours. During this siege they of Arthois and Henault, Lille, Dovay, Orchies, Valenciennes Macklin and some castles of Flanders, having their deputies in the camp with the Prince of Parma, obtained their reconciliation, the which was concluded the seventh day of May, and confirmed by letters patents the twelfth of September as followeth.  
Philip by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon Arragon etc. To all them to 
A private reconciliation of Arthois Henault etc.  whom these presents shall come greeting. As after the retreat of our dear and well-beloved brother Don john of Austria (deceased) unto the castle of Namur, being then Governor and captain general of our seventeen Provinces; there had happened many dislikes and discords betwixt him and the general Estates of our said Provinces, the which not being able to be pacified, by the conferences that had been made to that end, had bred (to our great grief) a great and cruel war, to the ruin and desolation of a good part of our country. Being therefore desirous to do the part of a father and a good Prince having since these last troubles always sought the means of reconciliation. Finally by our dear and well-beloved Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia, Lieutenant, Governor and Captain general of our Netherlands, with our Provinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Dovay, and Orchies, having to that end sent the reverent father in God, Matthew Moulard, Bishop of Arras, john of Noricarmes Knight, Barron of sells a gentleman of our privy chamber, and Lieutenant of our guard, and William le Vasfeur, signor of Valhuon, hath offered unto them in our name, the entertainment of the pacification of Gant, the union which followed, and the perpetual Edict, as also unto the deputies of our other Provinces in our town of Antwerp, by letters of the twelfth day of March last passed. Which offers being rejected by the deputies of some Provinces, and otherwise interpreted then was our intention; had by the said three Provinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Dovay and Orchies (understanding better our sincere intention) been embraced: the said three Provinces having resolved upon certain points and articles, thereby to purchase a good reconciliation, which points after many conferences held in our City of Arras, betwixt the deputies of our said Nephew, & the deputies of the said 3. Provinces, the 17. of May last passed have been concluded: which being presented to our said good Nephew in our camp before Mastricht, to have his consent and approbation, there was some difficulty found in them: whereupon it was decreed that commissioners should be deputed 
1579.  on our behalf and for the said Provinces to explain the said difficulties: and that according to their resolution, the agreation and oath should be allowed which our said Nephew the Prince of Parma took the twenty nine of june last passed. According to the which, there was sent on our behalf, to our town of Mons, our dear and faithful cousin the earl of Mansfeldt, Baron of Heldrune, knight of our order of the golden fleece, of our council of State, Governor & Captain general of our duchy of Luxembourg, and marshal of our camp, and our beloved and faithful knights john of Noyelles Signior of Rossignol of our council at war; and Adrien of Gomicourt Signior of the same place a gentleman of our household, together with john of Vendiville, and Anthony Houst Doctors of the law, councillors and masters of request in ordinary of our privy council, and George of Wezendorp a Doctor also of the law, and one of our council in Freesland, who having conferred thereupon with our wellbeeloved and faithful cousin Robert of Melun Marquis of Rombais, Seneschal of Henault, vicont of Gant. etc. Governor and captain general of our country and Conty of Arthois, and of our town and Baylewike of Hesdin: and with our dear and well-beloved the Deputies of the country of Arthois, and with our dear and faithful cousin Philip Earl of Lalain, Governor, captain General and great bailiff of our country and conty of Henault, and our dear and well-beloved the Deputies of the said country: our most dear and faithful Maximilian villain Baron of Rassengien Governor and Captain general of the towns and castles of Lille, Dovay and Orchies: Adrian Dogines knight, Signior of Villerval, and our dear and well-beloved the Deputies of the said towns and Castles, with other associates assembled in our said town of Mons, have concluded and resolved upon the said doubts and difficulties: we therefore make it known that the premises considered by the advice and council of our said good nephew the Prince of Parma, and of our council of State being with him, have conformable to the said Articles, for us, our Heirs and Successors, ordained and decreed, ordain and decree, in form of a perpetual edict irrevocable for ever, the points and articles which follow.  
First that the treaty of pacification made at Gant, the Union, perpetual Edict, and ratification which followed on our behalf shall remain in their full force, and virtue, and shall be really effected in all points. And the better to unite our said subjects in a good union and concord, for the service of GOD, maintenance of the Catholic, apostolic and Romish Religion, obedience due to us, and for the quiet, good and tranquillity of our said countries: we have granted, and do grant a perpetual forgetfulness of either side, of all that hath been said or done, in what sort or manner soever, from the first alterations, or by reason thereof; freeing them from all reproach or search of judges and other officers, as for matters which had never happened: ordaining that all sentences and decrees made to that end, as well in these countries as where-so ever under our jurisdiction, by reason of the troubles past, shall be disannulled and razed out of the registers, as an absolute discharge of all those having followed the one or the other party that do contract. To which end we have defended and do defend all men indifferently, of what quality or condition soever, to reproach one another, by reason of that is past; yet not comprehending in this abolition or forgetfulness, the common enemies of us and the said reconciled Provinces, being banished or called to answer, for that they had conspired against some towns. Notwithstanding we have ratified and do ratify and allow that which in the said reconciled Provinces hath been promised and granted by our Brother, and Nephew the Archduke Mathias, the estates and the council of State, so far forth as the ordinary authority of our Governors and Lieutenants general in our Netherlands hath hethereto stretched. And in regard of provisions especially reserved unto ourself, at the instance, request and entreaty of the said estates, we have in like sort confirmed and do confirm them for this time only, unless it appeers that such as are advanced be no Catholics, and not qualified as is fitting, to excuse the said offices, and that they be not repugnant to the pacification of Gant, Union, perpetual Edict, and the rights, previledges and freedoms of the country, as well in general as in particular, reserving notwithstanding all provisions that might be made since the 17. of May last past, the which shallbe held for void, not comprehending therein any of our Councillors of state or treasure. We will not prosecute 
1579  or call in question, nor cause any one to be called in question for the demolition or beating down of any castles or forts, which castles or forts may not be re-edified nor built up again in the reconciled Provinces, without the express consent of the Estates of every Province in particular. Item we do grant, decree and ordain, that all our men of war as well Spaniards, Italians, Albanese, Bourgognons and other strangers, not pleasing to the States, accepting this present treaty, shall depart out of our said Netherlands, and out of the Duchy of Luxembourg, six-weekes after the publication of this present accord, or sooner if the army before mentioned, may be levied & on foot; and in case that provisions necessary for their departure may be sooner made ready: but howsoever they shall depart within sixe-weekes, for that the said Estates have promised us to employ themselves with our counties withal diligence and without fraud, for the levying of the said army against the time of the departure of the said strangers, who within six-weekes after shall go out of our county of Bourgondie, and never return more into our said Netherlands, nor any others to be sent thither, unless we be engaged in some foreign wars, and generally having no urgent necessity the which shallbe well known and aprooved by the said Estates. And in like sort the the said Estates shall cause all French, Scottish or other strangers, over whom they have any command or authority, to depart out of the country.  
And the said men of war, Spaniards, italians, Germans, Bourgognons and others, at their departure out of any towns and castles shall leave all victuals, artillery, and munition there being. And such Ordinance as hath been drawn out of any forts, they shallbe bound to return them to the same places, from whence they were taken, with the first opportunity, and not to transport them out of the country, which towns and castles of the said reconciled Provinces, with all the victuals, artillery and munition that shallbe in them, we shall put (that is to say those that are under the government of Henault within twenty days after the publication of these presents, and the rest wheresoever they be seated within twenty days after) into the hands of them that are borne in the Netherlands, qualefied according to the previledges thereof, and pleasing unto the Estates of the reconciled Provinces respectively. During the which time of the retreat of the said strangers, we with the said reconciled Provinces shall at our cost and charges raise an army of them of the country pleasing to us and the said Provinces. Provided always that the said Provinces shall assist us by contribution according unto the twentieth article following, for the maintenance of the Catholic Aposto like, and Romish Religion, and the obedience due unto us, according to the pacification of Gant, union, perpetual Edict, and this present treaty, in all points and articles. We command all Estates and governors both general and particular, Consuls and Magistrates of Luxembourg and Bourgongne to maintain in full force and virtue, the perpetual Edict and this present treaty, and to take an oath and give a sufficient act of all above mentioned. As also the Estates shall for their parts do their duties reciprocally; for to the end the traffic and commerce may be free betwixt the said countries, as it hath been in former times with all assurance. All prisoners shall be delivered of either side presently after the publication of this treaty, so far forth as it shallbe in their power, without paying of any ransom. And in regard of goods seized on, arrested and detained of either side since the pacification of Gant, as well in our said Netherlands, as in Bourgongne and else where; every one shall presently re-enter into all his immovable goods, and as for the movable, every one shall be also repossessed, if they were not alienated by authority and order of justice, or by the Magistrates, being forced thereunto by some popular tumult, wherein shallbe comprehended the goods of such prisoners as are detained by them of Gant and their adherents. And as for rents charged upon the said goods, they shall govern themselves according to the 14. 15. and 16. article of the pacification of Gant, beginning at the feast of S. john Baptist. 1579. We have and do maintain all new Governors of country's towns, places and forts that are reconciled, as before the retreat of our deceased dear Brother Don john at Namur.  
As also those shallbe maintained that have been advanced to any Governments that 
1579.  were void by death. And as for such Governors as have been placed by provision by reason of the imprisonment and detention of some Noblemen. They shallbe continued until the release and return of the said prisoners. Always provided that if the said prisoners should chance to die, provision should be made according to the eighteenth Article, promising for our part not to displace any one, so as he hath held the party of the Estates during these alterations, and maintained the Catholic and Romish Religion, according to the pacification of Gant, the union which followed, and the perpetual Edict, and shall not hereafter do any act that may be prejudicial to this present treaty of reconciliation.  
And for better assurance we have and do ordain according to the leaventh article of the perpetual Edict, that the said Estates of the united Provinces and all people in any dignity, Governors, Magistrates, burgesses and Inhabitants of Towns and Bourroes, whereas thereiss any garrison, and the soldiers jointly with them, and also all the Inhabitants of any towns and villages, whereas thereiss not any garrison, withal others that have any Estates, charges or Offices of war or otherwise, shall take an oath to maintain the Catholic Religion, and obedience due to us, according to the said pacification, the union which followed, the perpetual Edict and this present treaty. And not to receive change or admit any garrison without the privity of the governor general of the Province, and the advise of the Estates of every Province, or of their deputies. Always provided that in case of urgent necessity, the said Provincial Governor, may have garrisons in forts whereas they have been accustomed to be, having taken an oath and being at our service in every Province.  
We promise not to charge nor cause to be charged the towns nor country of the said reconciled Provinces, with any strange soldiers, nor with them of the country, unless they shall desire it by reason of war or some imminent dangers, or that they have been usually accustomed to have them, in which case the garrisons shall be of the natural borne of the country, pleasing to the said Estates respectively. We will and ordain that in all Towns and Borroughs where the Magistrates have been renewed, extraordinarily since the beginning of the troubles, shall be restored according to the customs and previledges of every place, observed in the time of the happy and glorious memory of the Emperor Charles our Lord and father. And that order be given the said Magistrates be respected and obeyed, as is fit, for the avoiding of all new inconveniences.  
We promise to employ always in the general government of our Netherlands a Prince or Princess of our blood, having the parts and qualities requisite for so great a charge, wherewith our subjects ought in reason to be satisfied, who shall govern with all justice and equity, according to the laws and customs of the country, taking a solemn oath to maintain the pacification of Gant, the union which followed, the perpetual Edict, and this present treaty, in all points and Articles, and namely the Catholic, Romish Religion and our due obedience, forewarning the said Estates as we have accustomed of our choice; meaning that our Nephew for six months (for the great desire which we have above all things, to procure the peace and quiet of our good subjects) shall do his best endeavour to advance and effect the retreat of the strangers and the delivery of places, to be presently received in the government general of our said Netherlands, observing the accustomed solemnities. And for the better satisfaction of our said Estates and subjects, he shallbe served by them that are natural borne in the country, and by as few strangers as may be. And the more to gratify them, we desire that he shall not entertain above 25. or 30. strangers, who shall not in any sort deal with the affairs of the country. Having notwithstanding such a guard, as precedent Governors, Princes or Princesses of our blood have been accustomed to have, of Archers and Halberdiers borne in the country, or Germans, under Commanders of quality of the country, with which our said Nephew, the Estates shall hold good correspondency from henceforth, and shall advertise him of all things that shall pass touching the execution of the said treaty, and all that which depends thereon, all commissions, provisions and Edicts being made by and in our name only. At the end of which six months, if we have not advanced 
1579.  to the said government, either him or some other of thelike quality (to the end that no disorder nor confusion shall happen) it shall be governed by the council of estate, attending a new provision.  
Which council of estate shall consist of twelve men at our choice, as well noblemen & gentlemen as lawyers, borne in the country, as hath been accustomed: whereof two third parts shall be pleasing to the said estates, and such as have followed their party from the beginning unto the ending. Of the which five shall have an accustomed commission from us, and the other three but a simple provision for three months, at the end whereof we may (if we please) continue them, or choose others of the like quality, to l●…aue a means for the Provinces to reconcile themselves. And with the resolution and advise of the sounder part of them, (who shall be bound to take the oath above mentioned) all dispatches shall be made as in the time of our most honoured Lord and father, the Emperor Charles which shall be viewed by one of the said councillors, to prevent all inconveniences. That to all Governments which hereafter for six years to come shall fall void in the said provinces reconciled, we shall prefer such as are borne in our Netherlands, or strangers, either of them being pleasing unto the estates of the said Provinces respectively, capable, fit and qualified according to the previledges thereof.  
And as for our privy councillors, of the treasure, and other officers of importance, we will advance such as are borne in the country, or others to the good liking of the said estates, who before their reception shall be bound to swear solemnly this present accord, and promise by oath in case they shall discover any thing that is treated to the prejudice thereof, to advertise the estates of the Provinces, upon pain to be held perjured and infamous. We have also ratified and do ratify all constitu●…ions of rents, pensions and other obligations, assurances and other impositions, which the said estates by the accord of every Province have made or passed, or shall make or pass, to all those that have assisted or furnished them with money to relieve their necessities, and payment of debts contracted by reason of the wars and troubles past, conformable to the eighteen Article of our perpetual edict. And hereafter they shall not be taxed nor charged in any other sort nor manner, than they have been in the time and reign of our deceased Lord and Father Charles the ●…ift, and by the consent of the Estates of every Province respectively.  
That all privileges, uses and customs, as well in general as in particular, shallbe maintained, and if any have been violated, they shallbe repaired and restored. The said reconciled Provinces shallbe bound to renounce all leagues and confedetions which they may have made, since the beginning of the changes and alterations. And for that the said Estates held themselves bound unto our dear sister, the Queen of England, and to the Duke of Anjou Brother to the most Noble and Christian King, for the good assistance that they have received from them. We will send (two months after that our said Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia shall be entered into the Government general) persons of quality unto them to do all good offices, and the confederation and ancient amity with our said Sister shall be continued reciprocally. And to in crease and augment the love and affection which Princes ought to bear unto their subjects, and that they may be the better inclined to the respect and obedience which they owe unto their natural Prince; The said estates have humbly entreated us to send as soon as time and opportunity will serve one of our Children that may succeed in the Netherlands to be nourished and instructed there according unto their manners, in all piety and virtue. Whereof we will have such regard as shall be fit.  
We are content that all provinces, Chasteleines, towns or private persons of our said Netherlands, that would enter into reconciliation with us, upon the conditions of this said treaty shall be received by us, and receive the same benefit with the reconciled Provinces, so as they come freely within three months after the real departure of the 
1579.  said Spaniards out of our Netherlands.  
We have consented and agreed, and do consent and agree, that the said Estates may beseech his Holiness: our most dear and well-beloved good Brother Nephew and Cousin the Emperor: the Archbishops of Cologne and Treves and the Duke of Cleves, as Zealous of the good & quiet of the Christian commonweal, that they willbe pleased to look and have a care that this treaty and accord may be in all points effected, accomplished and inviolably observed. And if in the execution and accomplishment of this pacification there shall grow any difficulty or question to be decided after the publication thereof, we and the Estates of the said reconciled Provinces shall depute respectively commissioners to hear reconcile and execute. Always understanding, that by those words Agreeable to the States, put in many articles of this treaty those that are natural borne of the country shall not be excluded, having followed either party contracting. And to the end that of all and every point and article above written, made, concluded and determined in our town of Arras the seventeenth of May last past, examined, made plain and resolved on in our town of Mons the 11. day of September, may be well and really observed, fulfilled and executed, and that all that is contained in the said articles, may be firm, stable, permanent and inviolable for ever. We have caused, this present treaty to be signed by our dear and faithful Cousin the Earl of Mansfelt and other deputies abovenamed on the one part; and the Governors and deputies of the said Provinces and other associates on the other, promising to ratify all in due and accustomed form, within three months after this day. Given in our town of Mons the twelfth of September 1579.  
To this reconciliation ran those of Macklin, which town the signor of Bours (leaving the party of the generality) delivered into the Prince of Parmas' hands: but soon after fearing that through his lightness he should do as much as he had done with the castle of Antwerp, he was displaced, and the signor of Rossignol his Cousin put in his 
Many towns enter into this private reconciliation.  place. The town of Nivelle in Brabant, the town and country of Allost, the town and Chasteleny of Bourboure, and many private persons joined likewise: The rest of Brabant, Flanders, Geldres, Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Ouerissell and Groninghen, remaining yet firm in the union of Vtrecht. Whilst the camp lay before Mastricht, in the months of May, june, july and August, there met (at the pursuit of the Duke of Terranova Ambassador for the King of Spain) in the City of Cologne, the Emperor's 
The treaty of Cologne unprofitable.  Ambassadors with the Electors of Treves and Cologne, and some deputies from the Duke of Cleves, as intercessors, to find some means of an accord and peace, betwixt the King of Spain and the reconciled Provinces, in whose name appeared the duke of Arschot and some Noblemen with the deputies of every Province, and withal the deputies of the general Estates which continued in the union of Vtrecht. But the conditions of the duke of Terranova being long debated of either side, were not receivable by them of the union of Vtrecht.  
The King of Spain (among other points) refusing to allow generally throughout all his countries, of any other Religion, then of the Romish, and they of Holland and Zeeland would by no means be deprived of the reformed Religion, whereof they had made free and open profession for some years, so as they could not agree, whereupon the deputies of the general Estates of the said union retired without any effect, having a strong impression that they sought only to cirumvent them by this offer of a peace; who being retired, the Noblemen which remained, (among the which was the duke of Arschot and the deputies of the reconciled Provinces, with the said duke of Terranova) concluded certain articles, which they quallefied with the name of a peace. The sum whereof was, the observation of the Romish Religion, & obedience to the King. Moreover that all Officers should be restored to their Estates, to the which the King would in no sort admit them of the reformed Religion. And that those of the reformed Religion, if they would not submit themselves unto the Romish profession should depart the country having liberty to enjoy their goods which they should leave behind them, or to sell them, as they should think best, which peace was signed by the duke Of Arschot, and the Deputies of Arthois, Henault, the Chasteleine of Lille. etc. Mac klin and Boisleduc. In the mean time john of Imbise Bourguymaster of Gant, after 
1579.  their breach of the religious peace, played the madman in spoiling of Churches and Monasteries, seizing of their rents and goods, selling their movables and timber trees, which his favourits bought at an under rate: to conclude he would govern all at his 
The behaviour of john d'Imbise in Gant.  pleasure, without the advise and council of his brethren and companions in the law. He forced Mounsiere de la Nove (for that he could not allow of his actions) to depart out of Gant in the night: and brought into the said town the twenty eight of july great numbers of foot and horse at his devotion, and being fortified and supported by them he displaced the magistrates, and created new, confirming himself of his own private authority, in the dignity of the first Bourguymaister, upon whom commonly depends the chief managing of affairs and the government of the town. This done he causeth his reasons to be Printed, all which were grounded upon jealousies and Cavillations. The Prince of Orange being advertised of all these practices, writ unto them of Gant that he would come in person, to take knowledge and to order all things. The which Imbise fearing, knowing where his soar did pinch him, he sought with his partisans to prevent it, whereupon he caused to be printed four articles of the reasons why it was not fit the Prince should come: yet the Signior of Ryhuen great Bailiff of Gant and his faction, being contrary to Imbise, with the members of the town, thought it fit the Prince should come, upon promise that he should neither bring nor leave at his departure any garrison: that they should enjoy their previledges: that he should leave the chief of the trads in their Offices, and the estate of religion as he should find it: that he should not call any man in question for what was past, and that he should sign and seal this promise unto them. The Prince not respecting all these Articles which they would have him promise, came to Gant the first of August: Imbise hearing of his coming, pretended some excuse, and retired towards the Sas, where he was pursued on the Prince's behalf by captain Monault, but too late: for Imbise having caused the bridge to be drawn up after him, embarked for Flessinghe, and from thence went into Germany to Duke Casimir, where he remained until the Ganthois called him home again, as we shall hereafter show. The Prince being at Gant, was much troubled to create any other Magistrate than Imbise, and to repair the disorders which had happened by his bad government, yet he redressed some part as well as he could. Peter d' Ahene a Flemish Minister, a great partisans of Imbises, retired also, being in fear of his life, for a certain invective which in favour of Imbise, he had written against the Prince in the Dutch tongue.  
The Malcontents had at that time an enterprise upon Gant, whereof having failed, they marched towards Renay, where there was a garrison of them of Gant, whom they defeated and slew many of them, as they did also at Bosserode, which they burned and abandoned. After that the Prince had ordered some thing in Gant, he went to Bruges, to 
The Prince accept the government of Flanders.  settle their affairs, the which he did, suffering himself to be persuaded upon certain conditions to accept of the government of Flanders, and then he returned to Antwerp. The Prince of Parma somewhat to satisfy the contract of reconciliation with them of Arthois, Henault, Lisle, Macklin etc. sent the Spanish forces out of the country, retaining still some Italian horse. But they went not so far but upon the first occasion he called them back again: yet this their short absence moved many of the Noblemen in like sort to reconcile themselves.  
The Earl of Rheneberg governor of Friesland, having by siege, (as we have said) reduced the town of Groninghen under the union of Vtrecht, marched with some troops and three field pieces towards Covoerden, the which was then but a Bourrough with a castle, giving charge to captain Cornput to fortify it: the which he began with great ditches large and deep, making five Ravelins, but this work surceased for that time, 
The first 〈◊〉 of Coverden.  the which was afterwards finished by the Drossart Ens, (upon the same foundations which Cornput had laid) for the King's service, The german companies of the said Earl of Rheneberg, lodging in the country of Oueryssel, feeding upon the poor countryman at discretion, for want of pay, the Peasants put themselves in arms, and chased away the companies of horse of Dodo Van Laer and Rhynswoud, Bartell Entens went to 
1579.  charge these clowns, and rescued the booty which they had taken from the horsemen: yet having fortified themselves more than before, they in like sort chased away Cont Hohenloos' troops. But the Earl returning with greater forces, defeated them near unto the Cloister of Zion, and cut some 700 of them in peecees; so as he forced them to lay down their Arms, and redeem themselves from spoil.  
After the Treaty of Cologne (which some did quallefie with the name of peace) the reconciled Provinces, with the Malcontents of Menin, supported by them of Macklin, thought to cut of the passages to the town of Brussels, and to take away their victuals, thereby to force them to reconcile themselves with them. And as the Malcontents carried a convoy of fifty wagons with all sort of munition to Macklyn, 
A convoy of the Malecon tents defeated.  having two hundred horse and four hundred foot, they were encountered about Alost, with five hundred horse & about one thousand foot of the States, who defeated them, and brought all the booty to Brussels.  
The Estates seeing the town of Macklyn in the Spaniards hands, did forbid all persons by a public proclamation, to carry any thing thither, upon pain of forfeiture of body and goods; summoning them of Macklin to return unto their Confederation with the generality, within four days. This did much trouble the Burghers, and moved them against their Magistrates: Who upon fear they had of the Estates, required 
Macklyn summoned by the Estates, will remain Neuters.  a Spanish garri●…on: The which the Burghers refused, saying that they would hold themselves neuters, and keep the town: Seeing that they found themselves able enough, without receiving of any garrison: yet in the end they were forced to accept of one. In the mean time monsieur de la Nove Marshal of the Estates Camp, to free the River which goes from Antwerp to Brussels, went by commandment from the Prince of Orange, to charge the Germans who began to make a Fort at Villebrouck, at the mouth of the great River of Eschaut which runs before Antwerp, who hearing of his approach, left the place, and passing the River at Macklyn, 
La Nove makes the Germans leave Villebrouck.  cast themselves into the town, La Nove finding of what importance that place might be, caused the fortifications to be finished with all speed. The Prince of Parma being grieved that this place had been thus won, sent some troops to recover it; but they came to late, for it was finished: Whereas some companies of his horsemen were defeated by Captain Mornaut; but whilst the victors were busy at the spoil, and pursued not their victory, the Spaniards being rallied again together, charged them & defeated all Mornaults company, who saved himself, with the loss of 40. of his men slain upon the place, and the rest prisoners.  
The reconciled Provinces of Arthois, Henault, etc. Having raised the body of an Army, as it had been promised by the Treaty of their reconciliation. The Prince of Parma went to besiege the Bourg and castle of Mortagne in Henault, where there were certain companies of the Estates, both English, Scottish, and 
The taking of Mortagne and S. Amand by the Parmois.  Walloons, the which he took by force; whereas Captain Sohey brother to Colonel Sohey was slain: From thence he went to set upon the Bourg and abbey of S. Amand; which he likewise took, whereas Colonel Morgan an Englishman was taken prisoner. About that time they of Brussels and other garrisons thereabouts, did subtly surprise Nivelles a town in Brabant, at the opening of the Port: whereat the beginning they made some little resistance, and some were slain. The Signior of Glimes great Bailiff of Wallon-Brabant Governor of the town, was taken there, being 
Nivelle surprised by the Estates.  found hidden in a stable: the town was partly spoiled, & part ransomed, the Abbess & religious women were also prisoners and carried to Brussels. This enterprise was made by the commandment of Olliver vanden Timpell Governor of Brussels, who came thither, and after he had taken order for the garrison, he left his brother Denis vanden Timpell to command in the place. The Signior of Glimes had been advertised of this enterprise the night before, but regarded it not. About that time Colonel Martin Schenck of Nydecken a Gentleman of Gelderland, grew to great credit: in his youth he had been Page to the Lord of Iselsteyen, and after that he served the Prince of Orange with two horses, but after the pacification of Gant having taken the house of Blyenbeek, near to the river of Meuse, lying beyond the Town of Grave, from his Cousin, pretending an interest therein, and could get no protection 
1579  from the Estates, he fell from them, and having stabbed an ensign-baerer, he put himself into the Prince of Parmas' service, forcing the whole country of Gelderland to pay him contribution, and likewise the river. Whereupon the Estates caused captain Hogheman to besiege it, but the Prince sent both horse and foot to relieve him, so as they were forced to retire.  
As the Malcontents in the beginning of their war had taken a great rich village in Flanders called Menin lying upon the river of Lice, which by their chief commander called Emanuel of Lalain baron of Montigny, was made strong, (calling it his first conquest) from whence they overranne all West Flanders, and made them give contribution, so they lost it again in the like manner, for that in Menin there was a brewer called Peter Vercruissen, who was much troubled and molested by the Walloons, for harboring of a preacher in his house, so as at the last they meant to proceed against him, as a cryminal offender by order of law. For which cause he divised a means to get out of the fort, and early in a morning, being apparelled like a countryman went out, and being to pass by a sentinel, he took his halberd out of his hand, and slew him, with the which also he killed two other sentinels, and by that means escaped, from thence he went to the Bourguemaster of Bruges, called jaques Broucqsanke, showing him, by what means he might free the country from their oppressions, which he esteemed an easy matter to effect and that with very few men: which the Bourguemaster imparting to Colonel Balfour, having received charge and commission to effect the same, from the Archduke, and the Prince of Orange, the said Bourguemaster, and his sons, Peter and joas, caused a certain number of ladders to be secretly made in his garden-house, to serve for that purpose; and all things being ready prepared, upon the one and twenty of October in the evening, Colonel Baulfour went unto the Scottish companies that lay in Rousselase, and the next morning about four of the clock went with them under the walls of Menin, joining upon the stone-way or causey that goeth from thence to Renselase, and with them the said Peter Vercruyssen: At the same time also, there came certain Flemish companies by ship from Cortrick, which set upon Menin on that side, and so on both sides they secretly clome up to the rampar, and there valiantly killing the sentinels, forced the guard to fly to save themselves, whereby, (without loss of men, or any great resistance,) they presently got the fort, for that they within knew themselves to be to weak; for that part of their garrison were gone out, about the like exploit, and therefore they fled and saved themselves by the bridge that passed over the water to Halewin; but it is not to be wondered at, for that the Wallon garrisons thereabouts, as at Wastene, Werwicke, Comene, and part of those 
An enterprise by the Malcontents against Cortrike, but took no effect.  of Menin were all as then (by counsel and procurement of the Lord of Erpe) gone towards Cortrike, being led by monsieur d' Allennes, in the like sort, and at the very same time to take and spoil it, the which garrisons being before Cortrike, and busied to take the depth of the ditches with their halberds and pikes, the chief Bailiff of Cortrike being as then in the top of the towers of the castle of Cortrike, to hear the alarm, that should about that time be given to Menin, called unto the sentinel in the Bulwark, ask him if he had not heard any thing, (not knowing that his enemies were so near,) whereunto the sentinel made answer and said, no, wherewith the Bailiff said, that the time drew near, which words Mounsire d' Allennes hearing, suspected that his enterprise was discovered, and that those words were spoken to that end. For which cause he went to his company to consult further with them, and presently therewithal he heard the alarm given at Menin, which made him withal speed to return back again to help them, and that if Menin should chance to be taken, to set upon them, and to take it again, while the soldiers should be busied about the spoil, but aproching the fort, and by reason of the darkness of the morning) being not able to judge whether the pikes he saw were lances or not) he thought their enemies had some horsemen there, so as he was glad to alter his determination, and with his affrighted soldiers to go to Werwicke, whereby the Scots and the rest of the soldiers had the better means, to take the spoil 
1579.  in Menin, and to divide that, which the Walloons in lo●…g time had gathered together, whereby you may judge if the spoil were small.  
Upon those news, the Prince of Orange caused certain English and French companies that lay in Willebrook & other Flemish companies to march thither, conducted by the signor of La Nove, to preserve their victory, who upon the fourteenth of November came to Werwicke, wherein were two of the aforesaid Wallon companies, that had insconsed themselves in the Church, and two more in the castle, that lay on the other side of the river, thereby keeping the bridge free between both, those in the Church were enclosed by the French men, and shot at by the soldiers that stood above in the houses, and leveled at them through the Church-windowes, they within shooting likewise at them, and defended themselves as well as they could, in such sort, as they without took counsel what they should do, and whether they were best to batter the Church with ordinance, for that they within made no sign nor show of yielding, hoping to be relecued by the garrisons there abouts, for that to the same end, there were five companies coming out of Halewin, but they of Menin having intelligence thereof, gave a hot and furious charge upon them of Halewin, putting fire in their Court of guard, whereby they were in such a great agony and fear, as they were to send for their five companies back again, and it was advisedly done. For that Mounsire De la Nove, understanding that the Walloons assembled themselves together at Comene, was fully resolved, if they entered into the field, to set upon them, with his horsemen, whereof he gave notice unto all the Flemish companies, but perceiving that they came not forward, (to lose no time) he scaled the Church with ladders, so as about 4. of the clock in the afternoon he took it, where the Flemish soldiers were much commended for their valour, especially one that carried a target, who at the taking of the Church, received seventeen bullets upon the same: at there entry they slew forty of the Walloons, the rest being about 140. were all taken prisoners, one of their captains was Caroudolet Lieutenant to the Earl of Egmont, the other Croisset, but neither of them both was found amongst the rest. They within the castle expecting no better usage, in the same evening set it on fire, and fled to Comendé.  
The sixeteenth day of November Mounsire de La Nove, being about three hundred horse and four hundred French footmen passed over the river of lay to seek some adventure: and marching towards Halewin, met with four cornets of horse, the one being the duke of Arschots, the other the Earl of Lalains, and the rest new cornets, which he presently charged with such fury, as at the first encounter they were wholly broken and disperse, and presently began to fly, where they were followed 
The Malcontents horsemen overthrown by La Nove, whereby they forsook many places in Flanders.  till they came to Marquette: and if it had not been so late, few or none of them had escaped, and yet the greatest part of them were slain, as it appeared by the horses and the prisoners, which the Scottish captains Seton and Mornou brought into Menin. Which they of Halewin understanding, without longer staying set fire on the houses, and presently fled away, the houses burning down to the ground. The garrison of Becelare, and Wastene, left them places likewise, which forts La Nove presently manned with garrisons, and divers other places thereabouts, In which exploit his French soldiers were so furious, as hearing that their pay was come to Menin, they refused to receive it saying, that it was then no time to receive money, but to fight, thereby to show their valours, and to do their duties.  
In the mean time the Prince of Orange seeing how negligent and careless the Estates were of their affairs, whilst that the Prince of Parma did domineer and ●…ortefie himself from all parts, and that in the end all would go ill being loath to lay the blame upon any particular person, & not knowing where their grief lay, desirous to provide for it in time, he would first address himself by admonitions and exhortations unto the Estates of Holland and Zealand, being assembled in the town of Delf, whom he thought his reasons should be of more weight, and have more credit and respect, to whom he discoursed in this manner. 
1579.   
My masters although I am not ignorant of your good affection to preserve that 
The Prince of Orange's oration to the states of Holland & Zeeland.  soverraigne good which it hath pleased our Lord God to give us in this country: yet seeing you are now assembled in this town, I think that this good occasion doth admonish and bind us to confer together to under-stand more particularly and more certainly, what means we may find to repulse the attempts and invasions of our enemies, as well by sea as land: and what orders may be set down to attain unto so great a good: for it is more than necessary to provide for it. And there is no doubt but the enemies employ all their forces and means to this end, to see if they may daunt your resolutions, and finding no preparation answerable to oppress and ruin you, and so attain to that which they pretend, I make no doubt but the King of Kings that great God, conductor of armies, will finish the work which he hath begun pouring out his blessings upon us: yet it is necessary that we should acknow●…edg the means which he doth give us, and by his grace will give us hereafter, and that we should use them to his glory: otherwise our neglect and carelessness, our ingratitude & rashness together with a contempt of his graces, cannot but provoke his just judgement against us and our posterity. As if a man desirous to keep the water in his cistern, would suffer his house to burn and not use it, or referring himself to the providence of God for the maintenance of his life, would not eat the bread which God sends him to sustain himself. And the better to understand and provide for all dangers, it is necessary first of all to know what the enemy's forces be, and the end whereunto they tend, and direct all their desseigns: For my part I cannot conceal from you what I under-stand, that we may foresee and not fall into the confusion of those foolish builders, and warriors whereof JESUS CHRIST makes mention, who wanted means to finish their work. In the mean time my intent is not any ways to terefie you, or make you faint, and abandon the work begun: but that the consideration of their desseins and means should open our eyes, and incline our hearts, to apply the remedy and means to prevent it and to maintain ourselves happily. And in truth this prevoyance and disposition may cause two very notable effects and of great consequence: first it is most certain that our enemies hearing our firm resolution to defend ourselves, and to employ all the means which GOD hath given us to maintain and preserve our liberties together with a fit and convenient order which shall be concluded by a wise deliberation: they will be greatly amazed and discorraged, so as such a resolution will serve for a sharp counterpoison to overthrow, at the least to weaken much the force of their fraud, conspiraces and attempts: and discourage them from attempting any thing upon us and our country. Secondly such a resolution and conjunction of courrages, with a due order, will give us great satisfaction, assurance and resolution in this work, great increase of desire to employ ourselves, and great facility in the execution of all things requisite and necessary. And which is more it shall be a means to free us from all remorse of conscience, sorrow before GOD, and reproaches before the world, feeling in ourselves, and having made it known, that we have executed those charges whereunto GOD hath called us, for the perservation of so great a people, relying upon our wisdoms, vigilance, diligence and fidelity. The which shall be also a reputation and honour unto us with all men, yea with our posterity, by the relation of Histories, which shall yield a testimony of our holy affection, constancy and magnanimity, to have consecrated ourselves wholly, and employed our means faithfully in a cause so holy, so just, and of such importance, for the glory of GOD and the health of men: whereas chose our negligence and faintness would draw a horrible calamity upon our posterity, with blame and reproach gnawing our consciences all our lives, and blemishing our honours after death: being put in histories in the rank of those which have showed themselves to be more worthy to be slaves and sheep than governors and pastors. To come then to our enemy's forces, without flattering of ourselves, you know that they understanding of our preparations as well in Germany and France, as England and Scotland, have also for their parts used all diligence to gather forces together, as well in these Netherlands, as in Germany 
1579  and Spain: So as they have together ninety Ensigns of Walloons, sixty of Spaniards, about 
What sources the prince of Pa●…ma then had.  forty of Germans, and some fifteen or twenty of low Dutch. It is also most certain that they have made a great levy of horse in Germany. There are also many advertisements from sundry places, of the preparation which is made in Spain, for the kings coming into these countries, or at the least of a great army which shall come from thence. We know also, that the hatred to religion, and insatiable desire to tyrannize, and to enrich themselves with the spoils of these countries, makes them resolute and obstinate to continue the wars, without any touch or apprehension of the ruin of the country. Behold briefly and truly what we may consider of their parts: Let us now come to ourselves. First the justice and equity of our cause, and consequently the assistance and protection of that great and mighty God, should greatly comfort, encourage, and fortify us. Moreover, besides the forces which we now have, the ready means which are offered to recover greater, and the which are partly drawn together, are not to be contemned. God hath also given us the superiority and command of the sea, and hath assigned us a country strong of itself, and easy to be guarded. And besides all this, it is certain, that as for money and victuals, there is sufficient if it be well employed: so as if we will use the graces which God puts into our hands, we may (with his blessing) not only defend that which we hold, but in a short time chase the enemy out of the whole country. For if we will more strictly examine the forces of our enemies, the Walloons for the most part are soldiers newly raised, by reason that the old regiments by their bad entreaty, as also through the sieges of Harlem and Alcmar, three or four defeats which they have had in Zeeland, and the misery which they endured at Middlebourg, and elsewhere, are dispersed and dead. As for the Spaniards, although they be many Ensigns, yet for the former reasons they are not very strong, and the best soldiers are slain or hurt. Touching the Germans, it may be their companies are complete and full, but the most part for the small means that is given them, although they be in towns, are male content and discouraged, to see that their nation which hath been heretofore so much respected, is now contemned and rejected, and that the enemy entertains them rather to make a number, than for any exploit or combat. And as for their levy of horse, it shall be a more charge for them, than danger for us, considering the nature of the country. We know also what means and commodity of victuals they have, and how ill affected the people be towards them, discovering daily more plainly their tyrannous intentions. And who doth not understand that they seeking to invade the country of the one side, they fear a revolt on the other.  
These things are propounded unto you my masters, not to lull you asleep and make you careless and negligent, but rather to quicken and encourage you, and to the end you should understand what advantage we should have over our enemies, if there were a true resolution in us to employ the means, which God hath given us, courageously. And if a good and convenient order were established in the conduct of these affairs, how should the enemy's counsels be troubled, how should their hearts be daunted, and their forces weakened, and those which to their great grief groan under their insupportable oppression, how much should they be persuaded and encouraged to join with us? To the end also we may feel what a reproach it shall be unto us, to contemn such a blessing and favour of God, letting slip and relecting the means which he puts into our hands, for our preservation, and the happy accomplishment of the entire deliverance of our country. How can we answer before God, for the desolation and cruel oppression of the people, whom he hath recommen ded and committed unto us, and who depend upon us, if willingly by our negligence (every one regarding and respecting his own private interest, more than the general cause) our enemies prevailing in their enterprises, should plant their tyrannies over this country.  
To conclude, the estate of our affairs, and the disposition of our enemies is such, as if we resolve to employ the means which God hath given us, as we ought, we have reason to hope (by the blessing of God) not only to preserve ourselves, but also to advance our affairs, and to make the enemy to lose all hope to compass his designs. And chose if we stand unresolved, we are half shaken, and the least thing will overthrow us, and cast us into ruin and fearful desolation. And if we do not speedily propound 
1579  a course, employing the means which we have received from the Lord, to attain unto it: our adversaries are not so void of understanding, courage, nor force, but it will be very easy for them that have no other defence, but a general and confused desire to preserve themselves. Finally considering seriously in what estate we are, and that you have war against mighty enemies, seeking to tread you down, and to tyrannize over you; You must first advise if you feel in yourselves a firm and constant resolution, to preserve yourselves, and to advance as much as possible you may, that incomprehensible good which God hath given you, changing that tyranny of bodies, consciences and goods, unto so happy a liberty which you now enjoy. Then, whether you be resolved to employ those means willingly, which the Lord hath given you, to attain unto so great a good, and to maintain it. Thirdly; if you be resolved, to settle a course, to find and furnish the means, which may be such, as there may be assurance to use and enjoy them, and that there may be consideration not to charge the poor more than the rich, that God be not displeased with us, curse us, and overthrow all our enterprises. And for the fourth point, if you be resolved to settle such an order for the conduct of affairs; that there neither be confusion nor delay, in the execution thereof. If all these resolutions concur jointly in you, I beseech you in the name of God to declare it plainly and openly, to the end that all the people relying upon you and me, be not in the end, yea suddenly drawn into extreme calamity, which would be a grief unto us, and cause a remorse of conscience before God, and a reproach before men.  
I should also be very sorry, that through my negligence, standing without any assured resolution, all the blame and reproach should fall upon me, in recompense of my affection and zeal, to employ both the life and goods of me and mine in the service of this cause●… having no intent to continue, unless I first understand your wills, and whether the course, means, and order, which you shall set down, shall be sufficient to ground a hope of our preservation against our enemies. Desiring rather and being more reasonable, to give it quite over, and to save our reputations by some appointment whatsoever, and what we can of our lives and goods, than to see ourselves, as it were, melt away in languishing, and fail into the cruel hands of our enemies. But chose if you feel yourselves resolved, advise if it shall not be more expedient, to depute three or four among you, to examine, weigh, debate, and treat of the means with me, and of the order which shall be necessary; and then afterwards to be authorized and put in execution by you and me, if it be thought fit and convenient: For my part I will not dissemble that I desire it greatly, to the end that without any longer dilation, which is dangerous and prejudicial in our affairs, we may determine that which shall be most fit and convenient to attain to the end of our desires. Entreating you, for my conclusion, to consider within yourselves, that it is against you and your native country, wherein you dwell, and over which God hath made you governors, that the enemies bend all their counsels and designs, to the end that you may understand, that it is you that must embrace the action and the burden, and not imagine that the propositions, admonitions, and demands, which are made unto you by me, be like unto the kings, which are made unto the estates of the whole country, who excuse themselves, and avoid charges as much as they can, and refuse all they can of what is demanded of them. They have some reason, for it is not so much their fact and benefit, as the kings. But you know that your condition is otherwise. Propound then unto yourselves, that I am absent, consider what resolution you would take, and whether on a proposition made by any of you, the rest of you, any masters the Estates, would grant the least you could, excusing yourselves, although all should go into confusion and disorder, not regarding if that which was demanded were profitable and necessary for the conduct of the affairs, and the preservation of you and the country: My presence doth not transport your fact and duties upon me. True it is, that I am ready for any part to employ myself, yea to expose my life, but remember it is not for my private interest, but for the whole country.  
And if God hath called me by your means, to serve you, leave not therefore to embrace the cause, touching the means, being more yours than mine own, And if this be well understood and practised by you, there shall be no more cause for the Estates to excuse themselves unto me, but (as if you were all but one head) having in charge the preservation and government of the country, you will jointly and sincerely seek all fit and necessary means 
1579  for your defence and advancement. And so every man employing himself faithfully in his charge, I hope that God will bless us, to the confusion of our enemies, & the comfort and consolation of us all.  
The prince of Orange seeing that the treaties of peace at Cologne, whereon they hoped, was vanished to smoke, did wish, that the Estates would have embraced their affairs with more zeal and earnestness, that through carelessness (and to speak the truth they went but lazily to work) they might not fall into those inconveniences, which through the diligence of the Spaniards were to be feared. By reason whereof, for that in all assemblies of Estates the deputies of every province or town, were bound (as it is said by the treaty of the union made at Vtrecht) to advertise their masters of all propositions, & to attend the answer, during which time many good occasions were lost, and before the matter could be fully concluded, the Spaniards had some vent thereof (God knows by what means) so as no good action could be attempted, or if they did attempt any, they had most commonly bad success. Wherefore he was desirous 
The prince's advice for the establish●… of a counsel of State.  they should erect a counsel of Estate, the which might absolutely dispose of all occurrents, without so many sendings and loss of time: and either to fight with the enemy, or to provide for their defence. And therefore he thought it fit they should always have a small flying camp, either to give some camisadoe to the Spaniards, or to stop their courses: for otherwise with so many reiterated assemblies of the Estates, so many delays, and loss of time in sending to and fro, such diversity and contrariety of opinions in such a multitude of men of divers humours and dispositions, he said (and truly) that it was not possible to determine any thing that was good, and to execute it with celerity. Grieving that their hearts were no more inflamed to their own safety and defence, as they were in the beginning, when they had to do with so cruel and tyrannous an enemy, as the Duke of Alva, and Dom Frederic his son, and when they had not the means to make head, and to assail as they had now: For which cause some foreign princes which might have come to their aid grew cold, and would not have to do with so great diversity of opinions: and none of those towns which the Spaniard held in his jurisdiction and keeping, sought to join with them.  
He said moreover, That it was not possible to subsist long, without an army always ready of twelve thousand foot, and four thousand horse, besides the ordinary garrisons, with sufficient artillery: and that to have good old soldiers, they must give the colonels sufficient assurance for their pay. For to think to make war with a multitude of raw soldiers, or with their adventurers (whom they call Freeboters, that is to say, such as live upon the spoil, who serving without pay, upon danger of hanging, were neither tied by oath nor honour, seeking nothing but spoil) it were a folly, and would nothing advance the common cause.  
All towns that had any cause of complaint, or to demand succours, came unto the prince, but he could not relieve them, nor provide for that which they required: so as there was great need of this counsel of Estate, the which should be erected of men of good quality, well acquainted with affairs, courageous, resolute, and faithful, with an army of old soldiers, whereby they might resist the Spaniards, and maintain the country without fear in all safety: if not, they must look for a total ruin of all their affairs.  
These admonitions of the prince made in an open assembly of the general Estates at antwerp, were well accepted by them, but not greatly followed, whether it were for that the Estates feared the excessive charge, or that there was envy and jealousy among the great men, yet the said counsel of Estate was established.  
The peace of Cologne broken off in such sort, as there was not any hope of peace to be expected from thence, upon the 28 of September past, the prince of Orange, being then in Gant, caused this counsel and advice to be put forth in print, which he had given, upon certain articles propounded unto him by the Estates, concerning four points, which were touching treaty of peace, contribution, their dealing which they sought to have with the duke of Anjou, and the government of the land.  
Concerning peace, he complained very much, That he should be charged by certain men, to be the only cause that it took not effect, whereas to the contrary he had always given counsel, and did yet counsel them by all the means they could to procure the same, as knowing well, that otherwise they were to expect far greater war and bloodshed than ever they 
1579  had: but he perceived the matter to be brought to that pass, as those of the reformed religion were wholly bend, not to forsake nor fly the country any more, and that there was nothing else sought nor desired by the treaty of peace, than to raise more division in the country, as by consenting and desiring to continue the pacification of Gant, which before in the treaty with the baron of sells, they held and esteemed to be bad and unlawful, and that for the same cause they ought to be rooted out: referring himself further therein, to that which had been answered thereunto by the general estates. Adding thereunto, That the enemy under that pretence of treaty of peace, sought nothing else but the lives and goods of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, when as all the towns and forts should be delivered over into the hands of such as offered them no other security, but the simple and mere oath of those that had so much forgotten their honours, as they had undertaken to bear arms against their native country: which oath should by the same persons (that were much harder and worse affected than the Spaniards themselves) soon and very lightly be dispensed withal, as it appeared by divers examples in France, and in the Netherlands in the year 1566. Further protesting before God and all princes, potentates, and the whole world, That no man could pretend, protest, or prove himself to have suffered more loss and hindrance by the wars, than he: and that no man more wished, desired, nor thought it more profitable or necessary, than himself, it being sufficiently and manifestly known, what lands and inheritances were by the enemy forcibly kept and withholden from him, without any recompense: As also that the detaining of his son the earl of Buren, who against all reason was a prisoner in Spain, could not choose but move his fatherly heart, who without a peace was wholly out of hope ever to see him again; which he notwithstanding, next to the honour of God, and the welfare of his native country, most desired, for that he (as other fathers) bore all natural love unto his son.  
Secondly, That he had as then attained to those years, which well deserved rest and quietness, after so many labours and troubles by him endured: but for that many men, not only such as made profession of the reformed religion, but those also that seek the freedom of their natural country, wholly relied upon him, he could not hearken nor consent to any peace, but only to that which tended to the security of religion, freedom and privileges of the Netherlands, and such as might be firm and permanent: against the which desired peace, for discharge of his conscience, he certainly affirmed and acknowledged, that the articles propounded at Cologne, were wholly repugnant, tending to the overthrow and abolishing of the reformed religion, and the liberties of the Netherlands, as he showed and declared by many reasons, which were overlong as now to be rehearsed, and therein I refer the reader to the printed copy.  
Touching the contribution, he referred them therein to that which was done by the assembly at Vtrecht, as it appeared more at large by the answer by him made unto every particular article of the same.  
Concerning the duke of Anjou, considering the great endeavours and earnest means sought by the Netherlands, to attain unto a good peace, and that on the king's behalf, there had not as yet been any signs nor shows of any kind of good will or liking thereunto, much less unto the reformed religion, and that there was nothing but all oppression, and the overthrow of religion, to be expected at his hands, He said, That if it so fell out, that the provinces of the Netherlands would choose another prince, that there was no prince nor potentat, that could as then be found, whose authority or means could effect more good unto the Netherlands, than that of the queen of England, or of the aforesaid duke of Anjou: for that notwithstanding that the princes of the empire had severally and oftentimes been moved and desired, to take and receive the Netherlands into their protection, and that the emperor's Majesty likewise, by letters both from the arch duke Mathias, and the general estates, as also by divers men of good quality and condition, sent unto him, had been most humbly entreated to grant thereunto, yet would neither his Majesty nor the said princes of the empire, once be stirred or persuaded, to give any aid or assistance to the Netherlands, notwithstanding, that the said provinces are a member of the said empire.  
Secondly, that he had many and several times understood, and made trial of the queen of England's meaning and intent, not only touching the defence and protection of the Netherlands, 
1579  but also concerning the good affection, and great favour that she bore unto the said duke, having written in his behalf unto the general estates: therefore (under correction, and for the good of the united provinces and towns of the Netherlands) he said, That there was no other means now remaining, than to have their refuge unto the aforesaid duke, and the rather, for that such an honourable work required a prince that might personally effect the same, upon condition, that the Netherlands might be will provided of soldiers, and sufficient means to withstand the Spaniards, with security of religion and the privileges, and every province to remain in their old and ancient rights and customs, without any alteration.  
And that if the country thought it more convenient to choose any other prince, he referred himself therein to their judgements, promising and offering his service according to his ability, for the defence of the country: in the mean time wishing them to consider of the best means that might be found, for the withstanding of such an enemy.  
Touching the government of the country, he referred that to the discretion of the provinces, as also concerning that which they should please to ordain, touching the person of the archduke Mathias: but for himself, he said, he could not let slip certain manifest imperfections, which until that time were not by any means to be remedied, for want of obedience, the which had caused great complaints to be made by divers persons, some for want of understanding, and others of mere hatred and malice. He likewise said, That besides that the disobedience commonly showed, was and had been the cause of much evil, the money that was to be employed in the wars not being brought in, but used otherwise than it ought to be, or politicly and deceitfully withholden, was no less: and that therefore he for his part had been unjustly charged and blamed for such disorders, for that without money and aid, he could not effect the thing they desired: and that such as slandered him therein, soughtnothing else but the ruin of the land, and yet were believed and credited by many. And although he perceived the unthanfulnesse of them (in whose presence his son was taken and carried away, and for whose sake he had lost three brethren, and run himself into great debt, his lands & goods being taken from him) that persuaded him to accept such reasonable conditions as were offered unto him, during that treaty of peace, and otherwise: yet notwithstanding, for the honour of God, and to prefer the welfare of this country, he had not esteemed thereof, but rather with great pain and labour (and almost without any) means, upon good credit that he had amongst the soldiers until that time, had hindered the enemy from making any further invasion into the country, although he had not ceased by all policy, subtle devices, and force, to seek to invade the same.  
And whereas the united provinces offered him the office of Lieutenant general of the Netherlands, he well knowing and considering what crosses he had had therein, gave them to understand, that for his part, he was content that the same should be laid upon some other man, whom it should please the said provinces to nominat and appoint, promising, according to his power, to do his best endeavour for the service of the country, as he had formerly done. Nevertheless, for that it was their desires to have him to accept of the said Lieutenant generals place (as having wholly devoted himself to the service of God, and their native country of the Netherlands) he wished and desired the said Provinces, to give ear and hearken unto the causes of the aforesaid disorders, that better order might be taken therein.  
Saying first, That there was no province nor town, that had been required to receive garrisons, but as much as in them lay, refused the same, and that having received any garrison, did not presently make all the friends they could, to be discharged and unburdened thereof again: whereby whole provinces and towns were lost, as it appeared by Aeth, Alost, Mechelen, and others.  
And whereas at that time all the towns were persuaded to take in garrisons, yet in so small numbers, as they were not able to make any sallies, by that means to molest and trouble the enemy, but were forced to stay within their towns, and by that means unexperienced in arms and martial affairs, so as the enemy did what he would in the plain country even to the very gates of the said towns: And for that cause also the small towns and villages, how near soever they lay to the great towns, were forced either to have garrisons, 
1580  or else must be lost: mean time the poor country man was on all sides ●…ansacked and utterly spoiled.  
Secondly he said, That the disorder daily more and more increased, by means that the provinces (in regard that they were so much wasted and spoiled) were not able to raise and bring in their contribution, wherewith they were taxed.  
Which to prevent, he said, There was no fitter nor more convenient means to be used, than to keep good and strong garrisons within their forts and towns, which might hinder and keep the enemy from spoiling of the champion country, whereby the rest of the country might be assured and unburdened of so many unnecessary small garrisons, and the soldiers better paid, in such sort, that fourteen or fifteen companies well paid, and kept in good discipline, would do less harm, and not commit so great disorders in a town, as three or four companies unpaid did, considering that without pay they were not to be kept in any good order. And therefore he desired first, that he might have full power and authority to take order for the garrisons of the frontier towns, as he should think good, not only for the defence and preservation of the said towns, but also with more convenient means to invade the enemy.  
Desiring also, That they would consider what in times past had been done in Holland and Zeeland, where the towns made no difficulty to receive garrisons into them, so that they were not only defended, but did also greatly annoy the enemy. Also desiring (thereby to avoid and prevent all secret practices, and unexpected invasions of the enemy, whereof he should be secretly informed) that he might pass out and in with any soldiers, through any town whatsoever, without let or contradiction.  
Desiring also, That for the avoiding of all delays in the execution of things, there should be a counsel of state erected.  
He said moreover, That great difficulties were grown for want of money to maintain the charges of the wars, and that thereby all good means, occasions, and advantages (to drive and expel the enemy out of the country) were utterly lost, which the enemy himself by his intercepted letters confesseth that he should have been forced to have done. As also that the contribution money ordained to be paid, was not gathered: and that if it were gathered, it was disbursed again at every man's disposition: and therefore he thought it necessary, that when any contribution should be granted, all particularities that were found faulty in the payment, or that refused to pay the same, should presently be forced thereunto by order of law. Always provided, that they shall have leave to have their recourse unto the generality of their provinces and towns.  
Thus much I thought good to set down touching these articles, thereby to show the estate of the country at that time: he that desireth to see more, may read the articles themselves.  
The prince caused this his counsel and advice with all speed to be put in print, that every province and town might read and consider thereof, to the end, that at the next assembly of the general estates in antwerp, they might be sent with full power and authority, for the full determination of that which should be found requisite and necessary to be done, according to the union and contract made: yet many things were not then determined of. For which cause, upon the ninth of january 1580, the general estates being assembled in antwerp, the prince once again showed them of the difficulties and troubles that were like to fall upon the Netherlands, 
Another declaration made unto the states by the prince of Orange.  if speedy remedy were not had, especially for that there was not a counsel of estate appointed, that had authority to determine upon things that concerned the generality, for that as then every particular province and town did that which they thought fit and convenient for their own particular benefit, without respecting what they & the country in general lost, by not aiding & assisting every particular town when need required, which proceeded from want of a body, or chief assembly, whereunto the particular members ought to be subject. Saying, That it was sufficiently known unto them, how often he had desired and sought, that they should entertain certain horse and footmen in continual pay, which if they had done, the country of Tourney and West-Friseland should not have fallen into so great extremity as they then felt, neither should the town of Mastricht have been lost, but they might have been able to set upon the enemy, or else have caused him to have broken up his siege: For that to make an army out of the garrisons, he said it was impossible, without a counsel of estate 
1580  that had authority to dispose thereof, for that otherwise every province and town, would discharge and send away their garrison, having no need thereof, and they that had need, would not suffer their garrisons to depart out of their towns, provinces, or commands: and many other such like disorders, he said, would arise, only by that means, which by a counsel of estate that had full and absolute authority, might be prevented.  
By the which and such like disorders he said, That divers good men were discontented, and understanding not the ground of the cause, laid the blame upon them that were most blameless, whereby it fell out, that they were forced to see and behold first one town, than another, to revolt, and to be lost, and that those that were most zealous, became faint and weak hearted: also, that no prince, potentate, nor any strange nation, offered to join themselves with them, neither yet any of the enemy once came to yield to them, or take their parts, all making excuses, upon their bad resolution, so that it was to be wondered at, that the country endured no greater loss.  
Seeing then, that their bad resolutions were the only causes of the aforesaid difficulties, and the bad accomplishing of that which was resolved upon, therefore (he said) it was requisite that the same should be foreseen and amended, before all other things whatsoever: for that there were yet many good people in the Netherlands, that would earnestly proceed therein, especially for that as then there was much more disorder found to be amongst the enemy, than was amongst them, as want of money, powder, and all kind of munition, contention, factions, and dea●…h of all things amongst the soldiers, wherewith their towns flowed, whereby they might easily reap profit and commodity, if the provinces (having means & strength enough) would once determine to bring an army into the field of four thousand horse, twelve thousand footmen, and twelve hundred pioneers, with artillery and munition fit for the same, besides the garrisons: in which case, it were requisite to show unto the colonels, captains & commanders, what means they had to pay their soldiers, for that otherwise no good nor honest soldiers would offer their service, and bad soldiers (that come more to get meat and drink, with impoverishing of the land, than of any good will or desire to do them service) were not fit for their turns at such a time: and that if they could not well get any other horsemen, but Dutch, they should be careful to take order what colonels they should choose, and that if they ought them any thing for their forepassed services, that they should see them satisfied.  
In the collections of the contributions (he said) there was likewise great disorder, for that every province received and used their own money for their best advantages, and not for the profit and commodity of the generality: as also, that some collected their common taxes with too much partiality, whether it were to draw more traffic unto their towns, or else by reason of negligence or carelessness.  
That there should great respect be had touching the oath that was usually taken of the colonels, captains, officers, and common soldiers, for that many of them, which were in service, were of opinion, that by reason of the oath they had taken unto the king, they might enterprise and undertake any thing against the estates. And that therefore (for more security) there was a certain form to be used, which was, what style should be observed in all proclamations, ordinances, decrees, and other acts touching the titles of the sovereignty. And for that by reason of the revolting of the most part of the nobility and natural borne gentlemen of the Netherlands unto the enemy (to his great grief) they were not sufficiently provided of men of quality to be commanders, they ought to be very careful what colonels they should choose, and that they might be well used and paid, thereby to encourage them, to be the willinger to do the country good service.  
Touching all these points, he said, it was more than requisite to be considered of; and that many things would be repaired and amended, if they would follow his advice, and choose certain persons that should have the ordering and managing of all causes, with assured and faithful promise to be made by them which should be so chosen, to be obedient in all things, that they should not need so often to hear the ordinary answer and excuse (which hath disappointed and hindered all good counsels and resolutions) which was, that we have no commission nor charge from our towns or provinces: not that we should (said he) give such deputies authority to appoint and ordain new impositions, or power to deal in all causes, according to their own wills and pleasures, or such like things, but only to take order about 
1580  the collection of the general means of contributions, publicly agreed upon, or that should be ordained and appointed, and to dispose them for the most profit and advantage of the country; to cause the soldiers to assemble together, and the same again (when occasion served) to send into garrisons, and to take knowledge of all politic causes, for the service and welfare of the Netherlands. And whensoever this should be done, he doubted not, but that in short time they should find a good alteration.  
The deputies of the estates being assembled together in antwerp upon the thirteenth of januarie, there was another matter propounded unto them, touching the changing of their sovereign 
Consultation made by the deputies of the states assembled in antwerp touching the change of their sovereign lord.  lord, that they might make report thereof unto their towns and provinces, that so the general estates might once again be assembled with full power and absolute authority, to resolve thereupon, which was in effect, as hereafter followeth.  
For that the present estate of the Netherlands was such, as they could make nothing but a defensive war, which was, only to defend their towns and provinces, and yet very hardly and with great difficulty, by reason of the bad unity and concord which was amongst them, together with the evil order which had been taken touching the country's causes, both for war and otherwise, as also the delaying and deferring of matters, whereby all good occasions and opportunities were let slip and neglected; and although good order were taken in all things, yet they could not (as it is said before) make nothing but a defensive war, which might well endure long, and yet they must of necessity lose more than they should win thereby, for that many would be tired with the wars, thinking, that no towns which were once besieged by the enemy, could be relieved, and therefore would revolt, and cause more suspicion and distrust.  
And that further it was to be considered, That the continual spoiling of the country would weaken and decay their power, and take from them all means of money, and other necessaries: and that therefore it was requisite, resolutely and courageously to resolve upon making of peace, or else of proceeding with the wars. As for peace, they found that it could not be made, unless they yielded themselves once again, by as good means as they could, under the king of Spain's subjection.  
Touching the king of Spain's meaning and intent, they said it was well and sufficiently discovered by the articles of peace, propounded in the town of Cologne: which articles, they said, could not be received nor accepted, without bringing the Netherlands into imminent danger, to be reduced and subjecteth under the Spanish yoke, more than ever it had been before, to the utter overthrow and ruin of an innumerable company of the inhabitants of the land, especially those that made profession of the reformed religion, which would breed great confusion, misery, and destruction to the Netherlands, together with the abolishing of all trade of merchandise; so that there was no other means to be propounded for their security, but only to maintain war.  
And for that it was impossible (in man's judgement) to uphold the war in such sort as it had in times past been done, therefore it was requisite, that they should resolve upon some other proceedings, thereby to shorten the wars, and to rid the countries of the enemy. And for that of themselves they could not find the means, they must be forced to seek it by some other potentate, and (rebus adhuc stantibus) the sooner the better, before they fell into greater danger: for that it was to be doubted, that they in the next Summer (being unprepared and not ready) either should be overrun by the enemy (which they well knew made himself strong) or else forsaken by their revolting friends, wherein their enemy used all the means and subtle practices he could devise.  
That in all Christendom there was no king, potentate, nor prince, that had offered them more favour and friendship than the duke of Anjou, brother unto Henry the third, king of France, who likewise had the best means to annoy and hurt their enemy upon the borders of France, from whom they were to expect most aid and assistance, and who of himself would willingliest undertake the same with less fear and prompter resolution.  
And therefore they were to determine, whether they should yield themselves into the hands of the said duke, upon such conditions as should be propounded unto him, or not: the principal causes why they had so long borne arms being these.  
First, for the reasonable and lawful governing of the Netherlands, under the command of 
1580  natural borne inhabitants of the same.  
Secondly, for the restoring, and perpetual upholding of the rights, laws, statutes, privileges, and freedoms of the land.  
Thirdly, for the eschewing and avoiding of all unreasonable persecutions, and for the permission of the exercise of the reformed religion, which was found requisite and necessary to be suffered, for the common peace and quietness of the same. All other causes (in respect thereof) being of much less importance: and therefore it was to be considered, whether they could agree better with the king of Spain, than with the duke of Anjou, touching the same.  
First, it was most certain, and (without all doubt) plainly and manifestly to be seen, that the will, means, and power to bring the Netherlands into subjection, and under a strange yoke, were (without comparison) greater in the king than in the duke, for that the king would have all the lords of the land, commanders, and other officers (whom he would appoint and ordain at pleasure) at his devotion, and under his subjection, so that every one would strive to be the first that should be received into his good grace and favour; not they alone, that of long time had been affected unto his service, and hoped for reward, but also those which had always been his enemies: for that it had been seen, that a great number of those which had been most earnest against the Spaniards, had suffered themselves to be seduced by Monsieur de la Motte, and, upon hope to be made rich, were revolted from the other provinces and towns, and so were bound and united together by oath. Whereby every man might easily judge, what was to be expected from them, and such as they are, if they (besides the passions which had drawn them thereunto) should add the respect of their duties, whereby they should think themselves bound unto the king.  
To the contrary, the duke of Anjou could not in many years purchase so great credit with the people, as the king had already obtained, for that the king had many towns in his hands (whereby he had more means to attain to his desire, than the duke of Anjou, although his will were good) being likewise much mightier, especially, if he once recovered Portugal into his hands: whereby his power would every way be too great for the Netherlands, if they sought not another protector, or else took better order in their affairs.  
That the kings evil will towards the Netherlands, was manifest, for that he was greatly moved and incensed against the same, and therefore (whether it were to maintain his honour, or to give the rest of his subjects an example and warning, that they should not hereafter attempt the like, or else of his own nature & desire of revenge) he would espy and watch all opportunities, to be revenged upon the Netherlands, as addicted thereunto by nature. Which by his former actions and proceedings in the country of Granado, India, and Italy, and especially in the Netherlands, appeareth to be most true: for that the blood of the principallest lords (most lamentably brought unto their ends by sword, torment, and poison, against all laws of God and man, and his own promises) was yet in a manner warm: besides many gentlemen, and great multitudes of the common people, that with fire and sword, and most cruel torments, ended their lives; with great numbers that were forced to fly out of the country, and to live miserably in other strange countries, with their poor wives and children; whereby the trade of the land, and divers kinds of manual occupations, were carried into foreign countries, and the wealth and welfare of the Netherlands much hindered and impaired.  
It was likewise seen, that unto those, against whom he had the greatest spleen, and was resolved to punish them, he wrote the most pleasing and gracious letters that could be devised. And whereas he made show, as if he had altered his mind, and seemed to begin another more pleasing and peaceable manner of government, than did he by his letters, that were written in cyphers, and with double instructions plainly and evidently show, that he attended but some more convenient and fit means, to use his extreme rigour against the Netherlands, as it appeared by his instructions sent to Dom john, and others.  
It was likewise found by example, and many histories, That such kings and mighty potentates as he, never, or very seldom, let their country's escape unpunished, when time and opportunity 
1580  served, although for a time they seemed to wink thereat. For which cause, king Solomon giveth us warning, saying, That the king's wrath is a most certain door or entry unto death, as it appeared not long since in France, whereas neither the peace of two years, the delivering over of all the towns, forts, and castles, nor yet the marriage of the kings own sister, could move the king to refrain from taking revenge upon the admiral, and so great a number of gentlemen, and other persons of divers estates and qualities, whom he caused to be murdered without compassion.  
And in the Netherlands, they themselves had seen, That the emperor Maximilian, grandfather to the deceased emperor Charles the fifth, notwithstanding the peace which had been made by means of the princes of Germany, who had signed and sealed the same, and Maximilian himself had bound it by an oath, yet nevertheless he was so revenged upon Bruges, and thereby satisfied his humour, as every man that heareth thereof yet unto this day, is stricken with fear and terror: and yet Maximiltan was one of the most mild & courteous princes that had lived in many hundred years.  
What then was to be expected from the king of Spain, that would not hold nor keep his promise? unless it were to assure the country in time to come, and not to fall again into such great costs and charges, as all potentates use to do, when they fear a revolt, & especially when as they think they have received any disgrace or undutiful service at their hands, as the example of Gant in Anno 1539 well witnessed.  
Besides that, it was evidently known to every man, That all the proclamations, promises, contracts, and oaths etc. that could or might be devised, might be broken and disannulled by the Pope's Bull, as long as it was a certain decree, That no faith nor promise was to be holden with heretics, as he accounted them all to be. And that in their government it is holden for a Maxim, or an undoubted rule, That whatsoever the king should promise and grant unto his subjects that were revolted from him, he was not bound nor tied to observe nor fulfil the same, for that they were not esteemed nor accounted to be right and lawful enemies, but rebellious peace-breakers, and (as they call them) traitors, with whom (according unto the laws of nature) no man is bound to observe any promise: as those, who at this day write against us (being both Divines and Lawyers) sufficiently declare, as Cornelius Calidius Chrisopolitanus, johannes Leuseius Cunerus, bishop of Leeuwerden, and many others.  
And if it were so, that the king were content to keep his faith and promise, yet it is manifest, that the Pope of Rome and the Inquisition of Spain would not suffer him, but still would put him in fear of conscience, and compel him to root out and utterly extirp all heretics, as it is well known that they brought the king of France thereunto; so that without all doubt, the massacre of Paris was first hatched and invented both in Spain and Italy.  
Besides all this, it was to be considered, what thing had moved the king unto such wrath and bitterness against the Netherlands: for that if it were merely of his own nature and disposition, than there was no hope of any better to be expected, for that there is no sudden action of man, but that nature can expel it; but if he be naturally given to be gracious, peaceable, mild, and gentle (as some men report him to be) than it might be, that he was moved thereunto through zeal of Religion, or by the counsel and provocation of those that are enemies unto the Netherlands, as the Pope, and the Inquisition of Spain. If it were zeal of Religion that moved him thereunto, than the same zeal was not diminished (because he was persuaded, that Religion was the only ground and foundation of all the rebellion) but had rather attained unto the highest degree. Whereby (from thenceforth) it was apparent, what was to be expected from him, for that those that had persuaded and incited him thereunto, were then more exasperated against the Netherlands, and bore more hatred and malice unto the same than ever they did, esteeming the inhabitants to be revolters, rebels, heretics, peace-breakers, and mutinous persons. What security, what freedom of the country and privileges, and what liberty of conscience and Religion were there then to be hoped for of the king? and what the king might do in a country, where he yet had so many towns under his command, and so many adherents and well-willers, the example of Dom john had sufficiently declared, when as he might easily have made himself master of the land, if he could have behaved himself somewhat closer and secretlyer for a while: or 
1580  that his letters (by great fortune) had not fallen into their hands, or if that, in steed of going to Mechelen, he had gone to the castle of antwerp, and had taken it.  
Now it was to be examined on the other side, if that those points might be found in the duke of Anjou, or not.  
As for him, he should have much less means, he being a stranger, and suspected of the inhabitants, having no correspondence in the Netherlands, as also that he had neither towns, forts, nor any of the chief noblemen of the land at his command, nor would not lightly undertake any bad enterprise, out of his own country, unless he were better assured.  
Touching his power, it was already declared; concerning his will, it was easy to be perceived, that it would stand him more upon, to win the hearts and good wills of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, than to bring them into distrust or hatred against him: and as he should be brought in by the good and well minded, he should always have cause to be favourable unto them, as having no cause of bitterness or revenge against the country. And touching the Religion, he was sufficiently accustomed to see the exercise of both the Religions in France, yea, and that in his own house, having divers of the Religion that were his servants, and causing the religious peace to be observed in his own country; so that both in matters of Religion, and in politic government, all security was to be expected at his hands, in regard that good conditions & contracts should be offered unto him, which by no means could be done with the king of Spain.  
Touching his nature and disposition, he was reported to be peaceable and courteous, having behaved himself in very good sort both at the time of the massacre, and in many other troubles, having given good testimony, that he was displeased thereat, not without the danger of his life; yet at the last being moved and provoked, he also bare arms against the Huguenots, which was one of the causes of a peace, which he sought to uphold and maintain.  
But howsoever it were, such care and diligence might be used, and he should have such conditions prescribed unto him, as that if he would be moved or procured to follow any evil counsel, he should not by any means be able to effect it; and so much the rather, for that he shall continually have the king's followers and adherents opposite unto him, which will be a means to make him more desirous to win the people's hearts, and by that means he would also have an especial regard unto those of the Religion in France, and not seek to molest them; so that (to speak after the manner of men) there was no better nor convenienter means in the world than that, to cease the wars in the Netherlands, for that the Spaniards (having France their enemy) would be wholly unable to proceed with his wars, as having their provision, munition, and money most brought unto them, by the way of France, as it appeared by their siege of Mastricht, which by reason of their provision gotten out of France, was lost. By that means likewise he should be barred from bringing of his Spanish and Italian soldiers and his money into the Netherlands, especially if the king of France (either secretly or openly) would declare himself to be enemy unto Spain.  
On the other side, it were to be hoped, that they of Arthois and Henault would seek to unite themselves with the estates, when they should see & perceive, that it would be too chargeable for them to maintain war on both sides, or that they could hardly let the states soldiers from invading them: by which means they should get great store of forcible contribution from them, and so require the injury done unto those of Flanders. The duke likewise should have no cause to prefer the Walloons before other provinces, which until that time had most been used, and would be much more, as it evidently appeared, if the Spaniards once got the upper hand: and further it concerned the estates much, carefully to take heed lest the Walloons should procure the said duke to hold on their side. And if any man should maintain, that the duke would not observe the pacification of Gant, or that the country might thereby move the Q. of England against them, they said, that it was very unlikely, that the duke would make any difficulty touching the pacification of Gant, as being made most against the Spaniards. Wherein the examples of the dukes of Burgundy might serve them for instruction, which were likewise brethren of France, and with whom in times past the Netherlands made no difficulty to treat.  
Touching the queen of England, they knew she had rather have the duke than the king of Spain to be her neighbour, especially then, when as he had gotten the kingdom of Portugal, 
1580  whose power were to be feared, being the only lord both of the East and West Indies, and so mighty a prince. Besides, the queen showed herself not to have any bad opinion of the duke, in regard that she had proceeded so far as to parley, and did yet parley with him about a marriage to be made between them; and although the same took no effect, yet the English lords (that were most addicted to the religion) would not be displeased, but rather desire to see some good proceedings in the affairs of the Netherlands. Besides, that it was to be thought, that Spain would provide so much work for France, as England should not need to fear France, especially when as their intent was, to include the queen of England in that contract.  
And whereas some might perchance suspect, That the said duke should have secret intelligence with the king of Spain, that was not likely: but it was most true, and without doubt, that the king of Spain would always rather take the Netherlands again into his own hands, upon such conditions as then were offered unto him by the estates, than to stand to such hazard, and after that be forced to receive his country again at the king of France his brother's hands, with many harder conditions than were then offered unto him: besides, that all his dealings, letters, and actions showed the contrary, so that there was no cause why any such suspicion should grow in any wise man's head.  
Therefore the provinces were requested once again to resolve upon that which they thought best to be done, that such means might be wrought, as the Netherlands might once again be released and unburdened of their continual miseries, fears, troubles, and wars.  
These reasons and arguments being long debated and consulted upon both by the towns and the general estates, at the last they resolved and agreed to accept the duke of Anjou for their sovereign lord, as hereafter shallbe showed.  
In September past, the captain (which commanded for the estates in Bryel) made a bargain with the captains male contents of Athois and Henault, to deliver up unto them the town and Island of Bryel; but it was with an intent to surprise them: the which they thinking to effect, with some ships of Gravelinge, appointed like unto them of the Hollanders, they approached near unto the Island, but they were charged by them of Holland, and all slain or drowned.  
The signior of Alennes (mad for the disgrace he had received at Courtray, which was 
Courtray surprised by the Signior of Alennes.  redoubled by the loss of Menin) dreamt of nothing but of revenge: for the effecting whereof, he sent a captain of Henault, called jeams Corbetiers, who (attired like a peasant) went to view the weakest parts of the town, the which he found to be betwixt the castle and the rampar of the town. D'Allennes meaning to make a trial, his enterprise succeeded so happily as for want of a greater garrison, he became master thereof by force. The 28 of February the town was spoiled, and the burghers put to ransom. A little before, the four members of Flanders had sent them four companies of Walloons thither, but they excused themselves, saying they had no need of them, which was the cause of their ruin. It happeneth so most commonly, that to avoid a small discommodity, they fall into great misery.  
About the same time, Monsieur de la Nove being general of the Frenchmen, and of all other 
The earl of ●…ont taken in Nyenoven.  soldiers that remained in Flanders, having intelligence, that the earl of Egmont, with his wife, mother, and brother Charles, with divers other gentlemen, were in Ninoven, which is a small town lying betwixt Alost and Geersbergh, and not very strong, nor very well manned: th●…y took it in the night by scalado on the 28 of March, with small loss on either side. It was taken before the earl heard any alarm, being in bed with his lady; who hearing the noise coming up to his chamber, rose in his shirt, and as the signior of la Nove entered, he only asked, if his men had made no resistance: to whom they answered yes; but it was the fortune of the war: then recommending the honour of his wives women (who were also in bed) he entreated they would do them no wrong: which Monsieur de la Nove promised; yet the Frenchmen filled their pockets with their chains and jewels: which done, they took him & the rest prisoners. The earl remained long prisoner in Gant, & afterwards in the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland. The ladies and his brother Charles were soon released again.  
Many troubles and uproars rising in Friesland, and thereabouts, the prince of Orange went to Dort in Holland, the archduke Mathias going with him to Breda, he entertained him there 
1580  very honourably, from whence the archduke went back again to Berghen up Zoome, and so to antwerp: the prince going to Campen, to set all things in good order, for that the country peasants in Drenth, and thereabouts, were risen up in arms against the Estates commanders of their forces, and the rest of Casimires horsemen, where being very strong, they denied their contribution, seeming to lean and to be affected unto the articles of peace made at Cologne. The earl of Rennenbergh revenged himself likewise upon the peasants under his command, and threatened them of Linghen and Oldenzeel, because they would not accept of the religious peace. Bartel Entens plagued them of Berghe, and those of the bishopric of Munster. Diericke Sonoy, governor of North-Holland, also compelled them of Zutphen to receive in garrison.  
The earl of Rennenbergh a little before began to incline, and to have some intelligence with the prince of Parma, and for that cause had encouraged the peasants of Drenth and Oueryssell against the soldiers, whereunto he was persuaded by his servants and his kindred in Henault, with whom he secretly dealt, and was a great seeker unto the Estates, to procure, that the articles offered at the peace of Cologne unto the said Estates, might be accepted. And after that, a certain uproar being made in Groaning by the Catholics (that would force the town to allow of the said articles, which by those of the Religion was soon pacified) he perceived thereby, that he might there have a factious party; which to procure, he secretly set the hostages of Groaning at liberty, being all affected to the Spaniard. About the same time also there was an uproar in Campen, whereupon likewise he took occasion to procure some of that town to be of his faction.  
Things proceeding in this sort, upon the one and twentieth of januarie Cornelia de Lalain, his sister, with the baron de Monceau her husband, came to visit him, bringing with her his pardon and reconciliation from the prince of Parma, with certain money, and many fair promises, as to be created a marquess, and that he should have the Countess of Meghen for his wife, of whom he was enamoured. But the said earl being doubtful what to do, his sister never ceased to admonish him, and to persuade him, not to dam his soul, by suppressing the Christian faith, and by being a principal leader and captain of heretics and rebels, and to suffer himself to be ruled by a multitude of weavers and other occupations, whereby he should lose all his lands in Henault, the love of the Countess whom he sought to marry, the favour of his mother, the good will of the earl his uncle, by whom he had the earldom of Rennenbergh, as also of the king, and such like things. Whereby at the last, by reason of his youth, want of experience, and by means of the Religion wherein he was brought up, he was moved to turn his coat, and yet not without great trouble and contrariety in mind, dissembling the same as long as he could.  
But the prince of Orange & the Estates of Friesland having had many causes to suspect him, 
The castle of Leewerden taken by the states of Friesland, and broken down.  thought it better to begin with him, than he with them, and for that cause, in the month of February, determined to assure themselves of the castle of Leewerden, and secretly caused Bowinga and Ferno with their companies to enclose it behind, and with the burghers to fall on it before, placing the priests, monks, and all the soldiers wives that lay therein, before them, and so began to ensconce themselves, and to fill up the ditches: but captain Schaghe (who after the death of mateness, was made governor of the castle) seeing the slackness of the soldiers to make resistance, being terrified, yielded it up, with assurance of life and goods, and promise of a yearly pension. But the townsmen entering into the castle sooner than they expected, were not satisfied, until they had thrown down the walls that were next unto the town, & joined the rest of the walls thereof unto those of the town. This castle was built in Anno 1499, at the charges of the town, being thereunto forced and compelled (the town being besieged) by Willeboort van Schouwenbergh, general for the duke of Saxony, so that it had stood about 80 years. Whilst that the burghers were busied about the rasing of the castle, the companies of soldiers that were without, came into the town, and fetched all the friars out of their cloisters and so led them orderly in their ranks, every soldier having a friar or a monk to follow him, with pipes and drums out of the town.  
The next day Beninck Camminga, and others, with four companies, went to Harlingen, and encamped themselves in the town, as than not walled, and summoned the castle to yield unto them, but they within denied it, and shot against the town, and held it, until the earl of 
1580  Rennenbergh hearing thereof, much abashed, sent Baly his secretary to Leewerden, with secret instructions and authority to deal in that matter as he should think good, and as time & 
Harlingen castle taken by the states of Friesland, and broken down.  occasion should serve, thinking all had been well there. Balie being come thither, was presently taken prisoner, and being searched, they found certain blanks about him that were signed by the earl of Rennenbergh, they of Leewerden compelling him to write in one of those blanks unto the lieutenant of the Drossart Ozenbrighe (who as then was at Groaning) in the earls name, to will him to deliver the castle of Harlingen into their hands: who suspecting nothing, and knowing not, that he ought to have been thrice commanded so to do, upon the 5 of February yielded up the castle, which was likewise demanteled on that side that lay next to the town. This castle was first built in anno 1496 by the townsmen of Groaning, when they were masters of Friesland, and by the Friselanders the same year beaten down again, until that Albert duke of Saxony built it up again in anno 1500, so that it had stood seventy nine years.  
After that, Sonoy governor of North Holland, with certain deputies, and four companies of soldiers went to Staveren, where they summoned the castle to yield unto them, which the Drossart Pipenpoy having received a good warrant and discharge from the prince of Orange, delivered unto them, which they presently (without good advice) demanteled, before they 
The castle of Staveren taken by the Estates, and broken down.  fortified the town; which afterward was their own disadvantage, for by that means the earl of Rennenbergh took it from them again. This castle was first built by Albert of Leyden earl of Holland, in anno 1397, and after that being cast down in anno 1522, it was again new built by George Schenck, in the emperor Charles the fifth his name, and so had stood 57 years.  
While this was done, the earl of Rennenbergh being in Groaning, was in great perplexity, perceiving, that he could not perform his promise with the prince of Parma, which was, to yield up all his government into the king's hands, and that at his own costs and charges. But while he kept this close to himself, he made complaint to every man of the breaking of the religious peace, the rebellion in Friesland, and the great wrong & disgrace that had been done unto him, showing his great services done for the Estates, in Mechelen, Valenciennes, Groaning, and before Campen, Deventer, and other places: and that for recompense thereof, he had that great affront and dishonour done unto him, as if he had been a traitor, with many such like speeches. Poppo Vlfkins and john Cornput (both well addicted to their country and the Estates, and having great familiarity with him) gave him counsel to go to Vtrecht to the prince of Orange (whither he had been sent for) there to make his complaints, and to remove all suspicion conceived of him, & by that means the lost places should be restored unto his government again. And touching the breaking down of the castles, they told him, that he knew long since, that the same rested at the will and pleasure of the Estates, and had then been done by their appointment, & that therefore he had no cause to complain thereof, but only of the manner and form of the action, for that it was done in his government, and without commission from him. Not long after, as some of his practices were discovered, and that he and his adherents sought to bereave Poppo Vlfkins of his life, the said Vlfkins left the town, not without acquainting him with his proceedings, in presence of the deputies of the country, as also of his friends, praying some of them, namely, captain Cornput, to give the earl good counsel, and to persuade him to be constant, in regard that he showed himself to be wavering; which the said captain did, praying him to take better order in his government, that the country people might not have cause to turn their hearts from him, and that from thenceforth he would be ruled by the general Estates, & not follow the secret counsel of Oyenbrugghe, Gruyter, Cottereau, Baly, & such like, that were suspected by the country; and especially, that he should without all delay go to the prince and the deputies of the Estates at Vtrecht, thereby to put himself out of all suspicion, if he could discharge himself thereof, especially when as he might be persuaded, that the king could not give him more than he had already, for that no province in all the Netherlands was to be compared to that, whereof he was governor; the which, besides so many fair towns, was also enriched with five great, and as many small sea ports, whereby it was impossible to be wholly lost or taken from him by the wars, for that if it so fell out, that the country should be overrun, yet these towns would be able to maintain themselves by traffic at sea, whereas to the contrary, the places that were under the king's command, must in the end of force be 
1580  constrained to yield: for that their champain country being spoiled, all their hope & traffic were gone, for want of havens, to bring in necessary provision; saying, that the king could give nothing but bare titles, that were no better than smoke, and dear honours without profit. And that if the Catholic Religion moved him thereunto, he might well suppose, that he should bring no more to pass by force, and with his own overthrow, than the kings of Spain and France, by so many fires, executions, and ruin of places had done: and therefore he gave him counsel to keep that he had, and so quench the fire that the houses of Lalain had begun to kindle, remembering their device, De Lalain sans reproach, and to remain in the union with the prince and their associates: and that if he did to the contrary, it was to be feared, that he should find himself ruined, when he least suspected it. The earl all this while harkened unto the said counsel with great patience, oftentimes changing colour, and at the last made answer with grief, in such sort, that the tears fell from his eyes, and said, that he was desperate, complaining of the obstinacy of the Friselanders, and the disobedience of Bartel Entens, making show as then, as if he would be constant unto the Estates, but his sister still heartened him on, whensoever he seemed to make conscience of his oath, whereby he had bound himself unto the Estates, and yet he dissembled and concealed it as much as he could.  
After that, it fell out, that the Estates sent letters and commissions unto Abel Frankena, Doctor of both the laws, which was gone to Groaning about the Estates affairs: which letters the earl of Renenbergh had caused to be taken away from the post, as he entered into Groaning: in the which letters he found the commission, that the Estates had sent for Bartel Entens, to command over his regiment, which grieved him much: for which cause he sent for Frankena, and caused him to be kept prisoner in a chamber, although it was told him by divers, that it was against the laws of all nations, to show any such rigour to an ambassador; but not long after Frankena got out at a window, and so escaped away, by which dealing the said earl sufficiently discovered his intent. For which cause, amongst others, captain Cornput (who was also of the said earls regiment) secretly counseled some of the magistrates and burghers of Groaning (especially the bourger M. jacob Hillebrand, and others of the reformed Religion) to make themselves masters of the town, before their adversaries should attempt it, offering to be their leader, and to put the earl in safe keeping: but they made answer, that as yet there was no need to do it, and that they were the strongest party, and would be careful enough thereof, whereupon he protested, that he had given them sufficient warning, and so should be discharged of their imminent ruin, and that if they would not do it, he said he would not hazard his life any longer in that place, and so went out of the town, from whence Vlfkins not long before was likewise gone. The earl for his part knew so well how to flatter with them of Groaning, who by reason of the countroversie they had with the territories thereabouts, were so blinded, as jacob Hillebrand, bourgomaster, who was chief commander of the king's chamber in Groaning, and the chief man in the town, and he on whom they of the Religion did chiefly rely, the evening before the town revolted to the king, supped with him, and told him very plainly of the report that men made of him, saying, That he hoped he had no such bad intent in him; wherewith the earl wrung him by the hand, and said, What, my good father, whom I trust so well, have you such an opinion of me? and with such like fair speeches smoothed the matter so well, that the same evening the said bourgomaster being in company with certain of the magistrates and those of the reformed religion, assured them of the earl of Renenberghes good meaning & intent towards them, & yet caused them of the religion to keep good watch in their own houses, whereby they thought to be sufficiently assured. But the earl of Renenberghs practices being more and more suspected, he began to fear, that the prince of Orange would enter into Groaning with his guard, & therefore durst not protract his design any longer, although as then he was not sure of any relief: for that not long before he was certified, that certain soldiers that were coming to Campen, should aid him, who (as they were passing over the Rhin) were by the Drossart of Recklinghuysen & others overthrown: for which cause, upon the 2 of March he assembled his household servants, & divers burghers affected to the Spaniards, & certain soldiers that he had kept secretly, & in the morning (when by his espials he understood, that the watch held by those of the reformed religion, were asleep) at 5 of the clock being armed at all points, he road out of his house, with all his adherents (every man having a white scarf upon his left arm) into the market place, and having his sword drawn in his 
1580  hand, he said, Stand aside, stand aside, good burghers, this day am I right governor of this town, let us now accomplish and effect that which is requisite for the king's service, and our own defence, and therewith caused divers trumpets and drums to be sounded, & a great noise to be made. The aforesaid bourgomaster Hillebrand putting himself presently into arms, with some of the reformed Religion, marched thither, saying unto him, How now sir? is this done as a good governor ought to do unto the people? but one of the earl of Renenberghs boys shot at him, and slew him presently: whereupon the rest began to fly, whereof some were taken prisoners, and some fled into their houses; but there was no more killed, but only a burghers son of bream. After that, they ran through the streets, shooting at all that looked out at the windows; that done, they went and made search throughout all the town, and took all those prisoners that were not well thought on by the Spanish affected burghers, being at the least two hundred of the best towns men, whereof some were very hardly used, who notwithstanding afterwards by divers means were set at liberty: all the preachers and divers other good burghers got secretly away.  
The earl having in this sort gotten Groaning into his hands, presently changed the magistrates, and caused their reconciliation with the king and the prince of Parma to be proclaimed, and the townsmen to swear, to be true unto the king, writing unto the territories thereabouts, to move them to join with him, with commandment, to arm themselves to withstand the mutinous regiment of Bartel Entens, and others. But the joy and triumph made by the earl and his adherents, endured not long, for that the same day they found themselves enclosed and besieged, for that captain Cornput the same morning having intelligence thereof, by certain that fled out of the town, presently caused Olthofs company of Dam, and the companies of Suyetlaren, of Vliet, Schaghen, and Weda, to march towards Groaning, that if peradventure 
Groaning besieged by the states.  those that were affected unto the Estates within the town, could find any means to relieve themselves, they might be ready to assist them; who got good booty in the cloister of Essen, for that Aelkin Ousta (who had married the earl of Renenberghs aunts daughter) and Asin Entes that lay at Vries, the same evening were come to the cloister of Essen: and for that Cornput feared lest they of Groaning should kill their prisoners, he wrote, that if they did so, he would revenge it upon their friends and adherents. At the same time the earls letters were intercepted, wherein he wrote unto all the great and small towns in Oueryssel, and in the best manner he could showed them of his enterprise, hoping by his subtle persuasions, and by aid of those that were addicted to the Spaniards, to induce them to join with him; but he was prevented, for that upon the twelfth of March (by means of the burghers which were addicted to the Estates, and by the procurement of Sonoy) they of Campen received Hans Pluyms' company into the town.  
The townsmen of Deventer likewise rose up in arms, and broke down the Images and 
Images broken and thrown down in Frise land and overissel,  the cloisters, in despite of the Spanish faction. The like did they of Swool, as also of Vtrecht and other places round about, a month before. They of Friesland, and the territories, and those of Drenth broke down the Images in every place, and sold their cloister lands & goods, and drove some of the priests out of their towns: so as the earl of Renenberghs revolt procured much harm unto the Catholics.  
The smaller towns, as Oldenzeel, Steenwicke, Hasselt, and others, still held with the earl of Renenbergh, although they made show to be for the Estates. But the prince of Orange lying in Campen, sought by all the means he could to keep those of Oueryssel in obedience, willing Sonoy, with Cornputs and Wynegards companies, to go to Coevoorden, to keep the passage that way, and also by Wedden, that they of Groaning might have no aid. Sonoy forthwith fortified Coevoorden, wherein he used an engineer of Alcmar, and enclosed it with seven bulwarks, letting the castle (that was begun by Cornput) lie as he found it, in regard, that the country would not endure to have any more castles: but not long after the malcontents built it up.  
This work begun by Sonoy (for want of money) was afterwards neglected, as also the new fortification, with the five bulwarks, made in the middle of Boertange, whereby the country not long after endured much spoil and great trouble.  
At the same time the prince of Orange sent the earl of Hohenlo once more against the peasants that held with the Spaniards, as also to take the small towns aforesaid, who upon the 
1580  tenth of April took the town of Oldenzeel upon condition, & from thence went to Linghen, but did little there. Mean time Bartel Entens had besieged Groaning with thirteen companies of foot, and two cornets of horsemen, which before were of the earl of Rennenberghs regiment, and every day ensconced himself nearer to the town, making a dam in Reediepe, and certain bridges over the other waters, whereby he thought in short time to famish them out, where many skirmishes were given on both sides. They of Groaning having raised certain companies of their townsmen, fortified the suburbs and two myll-hils without the town, by which means every day they drove their cattle to pasture in the meadows. But for that there was little done in that siege, which Bartel Entens was told of, and in regard of a certain controversy between him and those of Duwsum, in the territories of Groaning, the Estates sent the earl of Hohenlo thither, with seven companies of Christopher van Iselstein his soldiers, and nine companies of the regiment belonging to William Lodowic, earl of Nassau, son to john earl of Nassau, as then made a colonel, which disliked Bartel Entens, in regard that he thought to have had all the honour, thanks, and profit unto himself, but it fell out otherwise: for that upon the seven and twentieth of May, being at Rolled with the earls of Hohenlo and Nassau, where he had drunk and made good cheer, he road with a drunken head unto the camp before Groaning, saying, That he would do something, that men might speak of him: and when he came thither, and found the captains consulting together about some enterprise to be done, he checked them as if they had been boys, and bade them follow him, saying, That he would either enter the Scuytendiep, or the suburbs of the town: and so without any more stay went thither with the cover of a butter barrel on his arm, in steed of a target, in scorn or mockage of his captains base courages, as he thought: and being followed by divers of them, and at the same time taking the Loopesconce, where certain captains and commanders were hurt, some of them told him, That it was impossible for them to take the Scuytendiep without ladders, or else by a breach. Whereupon he stood still behind the loopholes of the sconce, where one leveled at him with a fouling piece, and shot him through the head, whereof he died. His body was buried at Midlestam, where he was borne. 
The death of Bartel Entens, with a brief description of his life.  His father likewise long before was stabbed by one of Wigbols men of Duwsum. He had been a student in Groaning, and commonly went appareled in white, and there had consumed most part of his patrimony amongst women, and by other riotous means: and in anno 1571 he went with other freebooters to sea, where he played his part so well, as for his share alone, he had gotten a hundred thousand dollars in his purse: and in anno 1572 he went with the earl vander Mark to take the Bryel, where he was his lieutenant colonel, and after that went with certain companies to besiege Tergoes in Zeeland, where (for want of experience, and before he saw the enemy) he fled shamefully away, as soon as he heard that Montdragon had passed through the water, to aid them of Tergoes. After that, when Harlem was besieged by Dom Frederic, son to the duke of Alva, he and the earl vander Mark, with two companies of foot and some horsemen marched against the enemy, without any order, forgetting to take the rest of his companies with him, where he was overthrown, but he put the fault thereof in the prince of Orange and the Estates. For which cause, he having brought the said earl vander Mark to be so insolent, as he began to make no account of any superiors, the Estates committed him to prison in Delft. But the said earl vander Mark seeking to carry him forcibly out of the town, he was likewise taken and committed, where they remained prisoners a whole year after, and there Bartel Entens spent all the money he had gotten, unprofitably. After that, being released in anno 1576, he once again went to sea, by consent of the Estates, and did a certain enterprise upon Oostmahorn, where (in the beginning of May) he made a sconce: but for that his mind was more upon covetousness than any other thing, upon the eighteenth of july Monsieur Billy drove him from thence. After that the pacification of Gant being made, and that Monsieur Iselstein had committed 2 or 3 murders, that regiment of foot, and a company of horse, was given unto him by the prince of Orange, by the entreaty of Vlfkins; which being discharged within 3 months, Bartel Entens run away with their pay: for which cause he had like to have been taken prisoner (with the consent of the prince of Orange) by the Markgrave of Antuerp; but having intelligence thereof, he escaped.  
Not long after that, he holp himself, by means of the controversy between the town of Groaning and the territories, for which cause (having done some things against Groaning) 
1580  he was by them taken and committed to prison, where he lay a whole year, but after that, he was again entertained into service, and so remained (as I said before) until his dying day. He was a man much given to drink, women, and playing at tables, setting fifteen hundred gulderns upon a game with the lord of Koutsbach. He made no account of any Religion, and yet his conscience accused him of his bad life, and especially for the drowning of divers merchants, which in his time he had thrown overboard, whereof he was wont to tell, that once a dead body swum a great while after his ship, wheresoever it went. At the last, he began to leave off his great drunkenness, and to look more after getting of money, both from the peasants, and every man else, in such sort, as he left great sums of money behind him, and yet spent and consumed much vainly. He had made Delfziel invincible, as he thought, and began to give commission for men to go to sea, and had bought the Island of Rottumrooge, and caused great store of stones of the broken cloisters to be carried thither from all places, intending to build a castle there, and thereby to command the river of Ems, presuming in time to become master of Groaning, and the territories thereabouts, and with his ships to domineer over the sea, which he could not refrain to boast of. This and much more was reported of him both by his friends and kindred, as also by others that knew him well, which is here set down only for an example unto others.  
The earl of Rennenbergh and they of Groaning were exceeding glad of Bartel Entens death, and yet sorry, because the war by that means should be conducted by wiser colonels; the earl of Hohenlo being appointed to that charge, but for that he could not wellattend it, Escheda was by provision made his lieutenant colonel. At the last, they of Groaning were driven out of two sconces, and yet although they heard bad news, That Mechelen, Willebrooke, & other places were taken from the prince of Parma, and also that the succours promised them by the said prince, & had been gathered about Carpen, were overthrown, and that they saw more men and ordnance brought before the town, and all things dear within the same, yet they would not hear of any composition: for that receiving letters daily, they were promised by the prince of Parma to be relieved. The territories thereabouts were very importunately desirous to take Groaning, to that end raising great taxes amongst the peasants, and seizing upon the cloister goods, which for the bigness of the country are in greater numbers there, than in any other part of the Netherlands. They of Drenth put themselves in the union of Vtrecht, and contributed three thousand gulderns the month: and they in Friesland reform their estate, changing their magistrates in every place, and sold the lands and goods of religious houses. They likewise built much, about Harlingen, which by Sonoys means they begun to fortify, making a great new haven thereunto; but they let Staveren, Sloten, Docom, and other places remain as they were. These three territories notwithstanding could not resolve upon the fortifying and repairing of the passages of Coevoorden and Boertange, whereon most of their defence consisted, to keep the enemy out of the country. But what means soever Sonoy, Corneput, and others used, still either the one or the other of the said provinces drew backward, without any resolution, although they daily heard of the new preparation made by the prince of Parma, to relieve Groaning and the earl of Rennenbergh, as hereafter shallbe showed.  
As soon as the prince of Parma had news of the earl of Rennenberghs proceedings in Groaning, he caused a great troop of soldiers to be gathered together about Carpen, who having lain long there, and much burdened the country, and thought with certain horsemen to pass by Nuys over the Rhin, they were by Philip, lord of Hohensapen, Iselsteen, and Hegeman, with certain horsemen, set upon and slain, and those that escaped, driven back again beyond Nuys, where the gentlemen of Bercke and Mark likewise stopped their passage. After that, for that they overrun and wasted the territories of Cologne, and would pay nothing for that they took, and for that the Elector had given them warning to dislodge from thence, and yet they did it not, he commanded the peasants to chase them away, so as upon the sixth of April some of them were slain about Lins and Eyndoven, with loss of eight of the Electors men, whereof two were gentlemen: the rest withdrew themselves into the earldom of Manderscheyet.  
After that, in june, the said troops were once again renewed, and by the diligence and charges of Bucho Aytha, provost of S. Baefs, there were fourteen companies of Dutch footmen 
1580  assembled together at Ghenet, and by him named the Friesland regiment: whereof Billy 
Martin Schencks forces sent to relieve Groaning  was colonel, and in his absence Martin Schenck, that joined his horsemen unto them, as also old captain Thomas (a Grecian, or Albanoys horseman, much spoken of, for that he had been at the winning of six battles) with three other Albanoy launciers, and a cornet of Carabins, being in all about three thousand foot, and six hundred horsemen. All these went over the Rhin, with a months pay, but without any ordnance, and made great marches towards Linghen.  
The states of Friesland willed the earl of Hohenlo to march against Martin Schenck, and to that end assembled their soldiers about Boccholt, and caused some of earl William of Nassaus' regiment to join with the earl of Hohenlo, and left the rest before Groaning with their colonel, to whom they sent Sonoy, to aid and counsel him in the siege, little esteeming Schencks forces. The earl of Hohenlo would gladly have had more footmen, and to that end wrote unto the camp before Groaning for more: But they of Entens regiment were unwilling, and those that were sent came too late. And so upon the sixteenth of june he went to Vtsen, and that night to Coevoorden, with full resolution to set upon the enemy. But for that they of Swool would take in no garrison, the burghers that were addicted to the Spaniards, against Schencks coming, had drawn certain of the peasants of their faction, into the town, and having armed them, certified Schenck thereof: but those of the reformed religion, and such as 
uproar in Swool.  were addicted to the Estates, being led by captain Vlger and others, presently ensconced themselves against them, taking the market place, S. Michael's church, the Lamper gate, and the red tower, sending likewise for help to Campen and Deventer. And although the messeng●…rs which they sent were cruelly murdered, and some cut in pieces by the peasants, yet upon the sixteenth of june in the morning, there came some of the garrison of Campen, and about two companies of the burghers of Deventer, into Swool: whereupon divers of those of the Spanish faction were in great fear, and fled, whose houses were presently ransacked. And not long after there was a company sent thither out of Holland.  
The villages and places of Wastenbrook, by reason of their faction and holding against the States, were for the most part burnt down, whereas they of Ouerissell also burnt the castle of Geelmuyden, which the emperor Charles the fifth had caused the keeper of the castle of Kuynder to make upon the entry or mouth of Swartwater on the South sea.  
The enterprise in Swool failing, Schenck kept still by Herdenbergh, and the earl of Hohenlo departing from Coevoorden, marched towards him, wholly against some men's opinions, that dissuaded him from fight, giving him counsel only to cut off his passage from having any provision, and so force him to retire, and that it was to be hoped, that for want of victuals, money, and by mutiny, they must of force depart from thence: as also that the adventuring of a battle was dangerous for him, in regard that he was too weak of footmen, and had but a few pikes, so that he was wholly unprepared for a battle: But others provoked him thereunto, especially his horsemen, which caused him in great haste to set forward, in the hot time of the day, and to pass over a dry heath, where they could find no water, so that many of them fainted for want of drink, and by reason of the great heat; and amongst the rest john van Duyvenuoord, a strong young gentleman: whereas Schencks soldiers had rested themselves in the shadow three hours together, and eaten well, and had fourteen barrels of beer spare.  
But as soon as the earl of Hohenlo came thither, presently without long stay, he placed his men in order of battle, having with him Sedenesca his own Ensign bearer, with his company that came out of Oldenzeel, and Iselsteen with seven of his, and six of the earl of Nassaus' companies, led by lieutenant Kunigam; Wingardens company, and an hundred men of Cornputs company he placed on the right hand, which stood Southwestward, and with them the earl of Nassaus' companies, and Iselsteen with Sedenesca on the left side, hard by a field wherein were divers trees. Captain Wingarden would willingly have had the earl to have taken the village of Herdenbergh, or the field, for their advantage, and to have stayed a while to rest themselves; but his counsel would not be heard. All those footmen were not full eighteen hundred men. Before those two battles were placed three cornets of shot, belonging to Eustaes', Rinswouden, and Asin Entens, all well appointed. On the other side stood the carl of Hohenlo himself, with seven pieces of ordnance, and the horsemen led by Holstein, 
1580  Adelsdorf, Rampt, Transwits, Pier, and others, & Huybert van Kemen, with three hundred horse, that had promised the Estates twelve hundred horse, so as they were not above fourteen hundred horse. The village of Herdenbergh, which was not far from them, lay but a mile from Coevoorden, and four miles from Swool, upon the river called the Vecht. The battles being both placed in order, it was then about noon day, so as Schenck standing towards the South-west, had the sun at his back: and the earl of Hohenlo coming Eastward, the sun in his face, the wind being still and very calm. When the earl had prayed, the soldiers casting up their hats, signs being given, and the ordnance shot off, the three companies of the earl of Hohenloes Friesland horsemen, rod forth, against two cornets of Schencks Albanoy 
A battle between the earl of Hohenlo, & Mar, Schenck.  lancers, whereof the one was in a manner suddenly overthrown, and the other with great loss wholly scattered, which the Dutch horsemen pursued, and therewith Schencks footmen began to give back: so as it seemed as then that the earl of Hohenlo should have had the victory, but as the Friesland horsemen began to place themselves in order again, ready to give a new charge, and that another company of Schencks lancers, and some good harguebusiers, set forward towards the earls footmen, who had no hope of any assistance to be given them by their pikes, because they had so few, they gave back towards the field, whereas some of them yet were, but all the rest fled away like a sudden flash of lightning, through the midst of the trees, and which way they could over the moor to Coevoorden. The horsemen seeing this, were as ready to fly as the footmen, Schencks men following them: Captain Wingarden stayed fight till he was slain, and Nivelt the Ensign bearer, with divers other commanders, gentlemen and soldiers. Captain Nivelt, Renoy, and some lieutenants, with others, were taken prisoners. Pompeius' Vlskins thinking to fly away in a waggon, was pulled back, and slain. Schenck got all the ordnance, and a little baggage, the greatest part being left at Coevoorden. The earl of Hohenlo went to Oldenzeel, to secure that: the horsemen and footmen got most to Coevoorden, which was not above an hours march from thence, and brought both footmen and horsemen prisoners with them. Captain Cornput who was left in Coevoorden with 50 men, stood at the turnepike, and would not suffer the horsemen to enter, unless they would first swear to stay there by him, and help to keep the passage: but having gotten in they kept not their words, but road out again at the other turnepike, towards the Drenth: They were so much amazed, as they regarded not what he said or did. At the last there came some of the captains and commanders flying thither, who as well as they might caused the horsemen to stay, so as there assembled together about seven hundred foot, and four hundred horsemen, Cornput and Stensel of Namslo persuading them to stay all together at Coevoorden, and there once again to gather a new head, saying, That they would presently send for the fourteen companies that lay before Groaning, but many were of contrary opinion, because the place was not strong, & that the advantage of the rivers was then nothing, by reason of the drought, whereby men might pass clean over them: as also that they had no necessary provision, nor any biscuit: and for that cause they determined to leave the place, which they did about midnight, and Cornput also with them, & went most to Oldenzeel, to the earl of Hohenlo. Schenck durst not go far from the place where he was, esteeming the victory not to be altogether won, fearing that some ambuscadoes might be laid along the passage, and at Coevoorden, but being certified of the contrary, the next day he went thither, where he found neither inhabitants nor soldiers. The companies that lay before Groaning made fires, and shot off their ordnance, as if the earl of Hohenlo had gotten the victory, to move them of Groaning to yield up the town, but when as the companies heard that Schenck was in Coevoorden, they could not be persuaded, neither by the earl of Nassau, nor by Sonoy, to stay any longer there, but presently they set their sconces on fire, and went into divers places to lie in garrison, as to Doccum and Collum, 
The siege before Groaning abandoned.  and some into Steenwick: and the walls of Oxlagh being newly repaired, Sonoy put companies into it. This place lay about half an hours march from Nieuzeel towards the sea, upon the South side of the Reedeipes, and belonged to Wigholdt van Encosum, lord of Nievoort, that had his salt kettles there, & was by him in the time of the lord of Billy, made strong against the water Gueux, but in the earl of Renenberghes' government it was again cast down, as many others likewise were.  
This victory thus won, Schenck stayed not, but went to Groaning, where he was received with great triumph, and after that the town had been besieged three months and a half, upon 
1580  the 7 of july he and the earl of Renenbergh went to Delfziel, which they presently ensconced, and took in the mouth of the haven, where the old castle once stood, for that Bartel Entens had made the fortification inwards, clean contrary to all other men's opinions; otherwise the walls were indifferent strong, being high and thick, with 4 bulwarks, but no casamates: the ditch was about 110 foot wide. The soldiers that lay in it, were three companies that had been of the earl of Renenberghes' regiment, whereof many were yet addicted unto him: which being besieged, the earl of Renenbergh went with the rest of the forces to besiege Oxlagh, before it was provided of victuals, and other munition: Which to prevent the Estates sent the companies of Rinswouden and Escheda thither: but Rinswouden was encountered by the earl of Renenbergh upon a ditch, and his company being overthrown, he himself was taken prisoner, and Escheda retired back again. Not long after that, Oxlagh was yielded unto the earl of Renenbergh, and the 5 companies of soldiers that were therein, went out upon certain conditions. From thence he went to Collum, and thought to get Doccum, in regard that it lay open, for that, since john Golstein Drossart of Gueldre, in an. 1523, gave it up unto the lord of Wassenare, and George Schenck, the walls and the castle were broken down, and laid open, and never since fortified, it being nevertheless a place of great importance, and a frontier sea town. Thither the earl of Hohenlo went, and caused it to be ensconced, & gathered a great troop of soldiers together, at which time also he caused Oostemahorn, a mile from Doccum, to be fortified. The Diep right over against Collum he defended by the peasants, which done he ensconced Doccumsiel. The earl of Renenberghes troops on the other side, as Ens Drossart of Coevoorden with two companies of soldiers, and divers peasants went to Meppel, and made it strong, and repaired the walls of Kinckhoorst, lying hard by the town, which in ann. 1536, being yielded up by Mager Hein, were broken down: but they of Campen overthrew those two companies, and took Meppel and Kinckhoorst from them again.  
Mean time they of Delfziel were so hardly besieged, and the haven so well enclosed, as not any man could pass neither out nor in, and yet the Hollanders sent at least 50 ships of war, with the admiral Duyvenuoord, into the river of Ems, to keep the enemy from victuals that might be brought them from Embden: and the earl of Hohenlo did all he could to relieve them, but he was not strong enough, for that his men were not all assembled together: he wrote unto them to stay yet certain days longer ere they yielded it up, saying, That his men were on the way, but his letters came not to their hands: but for that there were divers unwilling soldiers therein, upon the 29 of july they yielded it up without any reason, & that upon shameful 
Delfziel yielded up to the prince of Parma.  conditions, going forth with white wands in their hands, without any arms, leaving the captain and chief commander prisoner, and yet had been but three weeks besieged, & had good store of butter and cheese. In the mean time the earl of Hohenlo coming from Delfziel, went to Doccum again, where he left the earl of Renenbergh, and besieged Oxlagh again, which not long after yielded unto him, and Monickerziel also, which the earl of Renenbergh had ensconced. About that time, in hope to relieve Delfziel, the States sent Sir john Norris into Friesland, with ten companies of English, and divers commanders, as captain Morgan, Cotton, Bishop, Fitzwilliams, Chatterton, Dale, and others, & one company of horsemen, and Michael Caulier, with six companies of Walloons, under john Petin, Grenu, Noir, jasper, Cressomiere, and a company of Dutch horsemen, all which companies joined with the earl of Hohenlo at Noordhorn: There were likewise 4 companies more coming unto him, but they were met by the earl of Renenberghes horsemen, and overthrown, but two of the companies with their colours were presently again relieved by the English. With them also joined Iselstein, and the earl of Nassau, with either of them ten companies, so that the earl of Hohenlo being very strong with those companies, he went towards Groaning, and drove the earl of Renenberghs soldiers out of their strong sconce of Ponterbrugge, and so kept the passage of Hornedeip, where Renenbergh lay very strong with his soldiers, and could easily have let the said passage. The earl of Hohenlo being past, both parts placed their men in order of battle, but the earl of Hohenlo having placed his battle very politicly, and enclosed it well with horse and footmen, and having three field pieces, and besides that having laid divers secret ambuscadoes, when he had prayed, and signs of battle being given, the earl of Renenbergh retired close under the walls of Groaning, there to defend himself, perceiving that the States had more forces there than they had upon Herdenbergh heath, leaving good store of baggage 
1580  and munition behind him. The next day the earl of Hohenlo went close to the ditches of Groaning, where they of the town discharged their ordnance at him, and there was a hot skirmish, where Sir john Norris behaved himself valiantly; and there the enemy lost 70 men. At which time they took counsel whether they should besiege Groaning again, but after they had well considered thereof, they found it not convenient, and so upon the tenth of August, they went and lay at Zuyet, and North-Laren, and ●…conced the way to Pontenbrugge, where Cornput began to fortify the great castle of Weerdenbras again, which was built by Edsard earl of Embden, as general for George duke of Saxony, in anno 1505, to stop the passage that no corn might be carried through Drenth to Groaning, and after that was thrown down again by Euerwin earl of Benthem, lieutenant to the same duke in anno 1516. The earl of Hohenlo went to Coevoorden, whereas Iselstein with six companies took it: and about evening when it was late, the earls of Hohenlo and Nassau passed over the town bridge, to the bulwarks of the castle, from whence William Lodowick, earl of Nassau was hit with a falcon shot, on the left leg hard by the knee, for which cause they were forced to carry him in a coach to Swool, where he was cured of that wound. At the same time also was slain the Ensign bearer Quaet, being that day newly released from imprisonment in Groaning, upon payment of his ransom.  
The next day the earl of Hohenlo summoned them to yield up the castle of Coevoorden, and they within, being 150 soldiers, after counsel taken, although they had bestowed 
Coeoorden taken by the earl of Hohenlo.  two months time to fortify the same, and had ordnance, powder, and provision enough, yielded up the place, with safety of lives and goods, being sworn not to bear arms against the Estates in three months after. Blomart van Breda, that once led Montdragon through the water to relieve Tergoes, & two commanders more were taken prisoners there. From thence the earl of Hohenlo sent some of his soldiers into divers garrisons, and went himself to besiege Linghen, and there left the English regiment to lie before it, and with the rest of his forces went to Weeden, and for that the castle would not presently yield, he left certain forces to besiege it, with two pieces of ordnance; and went from thence to Slochteren, having great desire to get Delfziel again, which he sought to effect by all the means he could: but the dividing of his forces, and the taking of too many things in hand at one time, was the means to work his own overthrow.  
The earl of Renenbergh hearing that he was gone to Coevoorden, marched again with 
Oxlagh taken by the earl of Renenbergh, and broken down.  all his forces, and some ordnance, to Oxlagh, which place was well fortified and furnished with all things necessary: but the garrison being a company of new soldiers, upon the first of September, for want of experience yielded it up, with safeguard of lives and goods; and so issued with their rapiers only, about two weeks after they had been besieged, and but once shot at, contrary to the opinion of the earl of Hohenlo, and divers others: which being taken the earl of Renenbergh broke down the walls thereof, and so in all haste went to Slochteren, where in a morning betimes he suddenly set upon the regiments of the earl of Nassau, and Michiel with his light horsemen, where colonel Michiel had like to have been taken prisoner, but by his great diligence the soldiers were brought into order of battle again, and so retired still fight, till they came to Heilegerlee, and Winschoten, where they found the earl of Hohenlo with the Germane horse, and so in haste passed by Weeden, to get to the Bourentang, where divers times they bade the enemy battle: but when as Renenberghes whole forces came together, he was forced to retire, and being pursued by Renenberghes launciers, many of 
The earl of Hohenloes forces overthrown by Weeden.  them were slain, and the eight companies of footmen, and a cornet of horse, with the ordnance that lay before Weeden were all taken, and great store of their arms lost, and thrown away. Mean time the earl of Renenbergh having left the new companies of the Drossart Ens, and Blanckenuoort in the abbey of great Auwart, they did overrun all the country thereabouts, and went towards Collum, the which cloister they took upon the 8 of September, and slew at the least 300 of them, besides those that were taken prisoners, but fearing to be forced and spoiled by their enemy, they abandoned the cloister, with all the provision therein, because they could not bear it away.  
The earl of Revenbergh went presently to Coevoorden, which being not fortified, upon the 20 of September, after that they had begun to dig through the water, was yielded unto him, with safety of lives and goods. From thence he went to Oldenzeel, wherein were the 
1580  companies of the lord of Sneeten, and Fisher of Amsterdam, both being about two hundred men, 
Coevoorden taken again by the earl 〈◊〉 Revenbergh, & after that Oldenzeel.  and the horsemen of Elleborn, lieutenant to captain Goor, their governor being the lord of Eck, a young gentleman of the East country. This town of Oldenzeel is a reasonable pretty town, lying five small miles from Coevoorden, and six miles from Deventer, in the Eastland way, it hath no river, but a great high stone wall with towers, after the old manner, with a ditch, and without that an earthen wall, and another ditch, whereby it should seem to be very strong, and yet it hath no bridge, all the water in the ditches being kept in by dams, by which means it may well be let out, and hath no bulwarks at all on Benthen side (from whence it lieth but two miles and a half) it hath on the one side a hall full of bushes, and on the other side it is very easy to be besieged. The earl of Renenbergh came suddenly before it, and presently burnt the gates, and gave a great and furious assault, but with the loss of 300 of his men, and certain captains, for which cause they being in a fear, he was forced to leave the town: but the burghers being most of the Spanish faction, which for that cause had been much troubled by the garrison, fearing worse, sent after him, and delivered the town into his hand, upon condition, that the garrison with all their provision and goods, should depart out of the same, and swear not to bear arms against the king in three months after. This was done upon the 24 day of Septemb. as the Estates were making preparation to relieve it. From thence he went to Swool, which he besieged round about, where he overthrew Petin, lieutenant colonel to Michael Caulier, & captain Cressomiere, that thought to have entered therein, and both were taken prisoners, but staying for more men that were to come over the Rhin, which he feared would be encountered and spoiled, he went to meet them, as hereafter I will show, & so went to besiege Steenwick. There was also about this time a double treaty played against the malcontents of Arthois & Henault, in the town of Bouchain in Henault. The signior Villers, brother to the lord of Hautain, having in former time been governor of Nyvelle in Brabant, where (as we have said) he had carried himself valiantly, was then governor of Bouchain. The male contents, among the which one of their commanders was the baron of sells, brother to the lord of Noircarmes, who treated with a lieutenant of a company of the town, called Grosbedon, whom he thought he had won at his devotion, to deliver the said town to the king of Spain: whereof the signior of Villers being well informed by this lieutenant, suffered him to treat, & to manage this business, in such sort, as at an appointed hour they should have a port open, whereby they might enter. This enterprise was in june when the days were longest. At the appointed day the baron of sells, with good troops of foot and horse, among the which there were many butchers of Douai, carrying the standard of S. Meurant their patron, presented themselves at the port, which they found open. The governor Villers, to the end the undertakers might be assured of their enterprise, had the day before sent forth his horsemen as it were by chance: whereof the malcontents being advertised, were the more assured. In the mean time they of the town had prepared a banquet, to feast them at their entry: After they had suffered as many to enter as they thought good, and as their forces would bear, the which they might easily defeat: the which being entered to the number of five or six hundred, with the baron of sells and these butchers, the portcullis being let down, and they cacht as mice in a trap, they of the garrison began to show themselves, and to discharge their muskets, and the canon played upon them that remained without, who the horsemen which went forth the day before came and charged behind, and chased them even unto their ditches, being in hope that their men which were entered should become masters of the town, upon the report which was made unto them of the small garrison which remained. Thus both they within and they without were defeated, whereof there was some 150 slain, and the rest within the town were taken prisoners, among the which was the baron of sells, whom the signior of Villers sent with some other chief prisoners to the castle of Cambray, to the end that not keeping them with him, they should have no desire to besiege him. Afterwards the baron of sells and the earl of Egmont were carried to the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland, where the baron died, & yet the Estates had offered to deliver him, the earl of Egmont and the lord of Champigni, all three together, in exchange for monsieur de la Nove, & some other prisoners of mean quality, which the king refused: wherein the Estates made show of their love and affection to strangers that came voluntarily to serve them: and on the other side, the king his ingratitude to such great personages, 
1580  his natural vassals, being prisoners for his service: Whereupon the baron of sells exclaimed at his death against the king of Spain, that foreign enemies were more respected by him, and held in greater esteem, than his natural subjects, and faithful servants.  
The earl of Egmont in like sort for despite and hearts grief, that the king would not exchange him for la Nove, grew distracted of his wits, and during his frenzy, he so hurt the baron 
The earl of ●…mont di●…ed.  of sells his fellow prisoner in the throat, as he died thereof: so as to bring him again to his right senses, and to comfort him, at the suit of the lady Francis of Egmont, his sister, he was transported into Holland, where he was well entreated, until the king should free him from his imprisonment, the which made him recover his senses, which before were much troubled. In the end he was set free in the year 1584., for the said signior of la Nove, yet upon promise (so much they feared him) that during his life he should not bear arms against the king of Spain, unless it were by the commandment of the king of France his master, with some other conditions, upon pain of an hundred thousand crowns, for the which the duke of Lorraine was his caution and pledge, and the king of Navarre his counterpledge.  
This kind of rigorous proceeding in the exchange of such prisoners, gave great occasion to the nobility of the Netherlands, the king's subjects, to murmur at his ingratitude, and of the esteem which he made of them, and of their lives, which they so willingly exposed for his service.  
The malcontents having received this affront and loss at Bouchain, to be revenged thereof they went in August following to besiege it, and did batter it with such fury, as the 
Pouchain yielded by composition.  signior of Villers having no hope of succours, nor means (the place being very little) to rampar or entrench himself within, either by half moons, new ramparts, or otherwise (fearing it should be carried by assault, and the Spaniard in like manner doubting to come to it) he yielded it by composition, to depart only with their arms. And as the accord had been simply made, without the reservations necessary in the like case, the said signior of Villers had left a piece of a match secretly burning in a barrel of powder, among divers others, which continued some hour or two, until that he and his men were retired towards Cambray, where being near, fire took this powder, which carried away a part of the rampar, did much harm to the town, and slew some thirty soldiers: wherewith the Spaniard being justly incensed, sent to pursue them, and to cut them in pieces if they might overtake them: but it was too late, the signior of Villers and his troop being safely and without all danger retired into Cambray.  
The Estates knowing their own forces by sea, and upon the rivers, and what the Spaniards were at land, they resolved by means of their ships of war to hinder the passage and distribution of victuals, and munition, by the rivers of Rhin and Meuse: Wherefore they sent their ships well appointed and manned, every one carrying eight, ten, or twelve great pieces of brass, besides the less, and having his pinnace: wherewith they held the same rivers subject, and cut off the passage, both for men and victuals, that were appointed for the country of Groningue. The which did much trouble the princes of the Rhin, who also manned out certain ships of war, to chase away those of the States: But for that they would not incense these princes, nor contest against them, they caused their ships to fall down in August, the which before were usually accustomed to mount up above the town of Cologne, to Bonne, yea further.  
Macklin being revolted from the States, and having committed many insolencies, this 
Macklin taken by the St●…tes.  year they sent the Englishmen that were in Liere towards Macklyn, with their colonel Sir john Norris, a valiant gentleman, and with these Englishmen (the which would not leave Liere without their pay) the Estates sent Oliver vanden Temple, governor of Brussels, with his garrison, and that of Viluoord, and Charles of Lievin, lord of Famars', with his cornet of horse. These troops came upon the ninth of April in the morning, before the town, where the Englishmen giving an alarm on the one side, in the mean time monsieur de Temples soldiers, and the rest, climbing over the Brussels gate, got into the town, where they fought a good while before they could force open the gates, to let in the horsemen, who being entered, the burghers, with divers monks and friars, being in arms upon the market place, defended themselves until that many of them were slain: whereof Peter Wolf, a mutinous friar (who had before drawn them from the States) was one, who being well armed fought with a halberd in his hand. The governor Rossignol, and Boeskerke the scout, with certain Albanoys, 
1580  got out at the gates as soon as the town was taken, where there was about an hundred soldiers, but most burghers slain. They began to ransack the town, notwithstanding that the burghers had made a composition with the English (who were the greatest number, being eight hundred strong) to give them certain months pay: but that condition was not performed. And although the general (for that the sack had continued certain days) would gladly have taken some order therein, yet he could by no means do it. This town was so miserably sacked and spoiled, as no town in all the Netherlands had suffered the like during all the civil wars: for that the English men (who had no measure in their doings) spoiled the churches and religious houses, without any pity and compassion; for the which the rest of the soldiers were much offended.  
After that, the chief commanders, as monsieur Timpel, and the lord of Famars' (than made governor) fell out with colonel Norris, and would gladly after the sack have gotten the English men out of the town, but they being the strongest, had gotten the keys into their hands, and for a months space did what they would putting the burghers to ransom, and still spoiling their houses, sparing not the bells nor the great dial, which was many times forbidden to be touched: they took likewise the stones that lay upon the dead, and carried many hundreds of them into England by ship. At the last the Estates having great occasion to use soldiers (for that it was generally thought that for want of those soldiers la Nove had been overthrown and taken by Inglemunster) they persuaded Sir john Norris to leave Macklin, who at that time was fallen into such a quarrel with monsieur Timpel, that (although they were strangers there) he would not march out first: for which cause they were forced to set some burghers of antwerp, and of the town, in the market place, and else where, to guard it until that at the sound of a bell they both went out at several ports, the which was not without some trouble; which happened by misunderstanding, by reason of the commanders high minds, which was the cause that the Englishmen with much hurt and loss were driven out of the town the sixth of May. Monsieur de Famars' was left there for governor, who sought by all the means that he could to restore the town of Macklin to his former estate, and to repeople it again.  
Henry of Bourbon, prince of Conde, having with great difficulty retired himself out of France into England, where he was very graciously entertained by the queen, after he had stayed there sometime, meaning to go into Germany to levy men, he resolved to pass into Flanders, and so into Brabant. He first arrived at Scluce, and from thence he came to Gant the thirteenth of julie, where he was honourably received by them of the town, who sent fix companies of the regiment of the baron of Mortagne, to meet him, being feasted by the magistrates of the town in their Statehouse. The Vicent or Bourgrave of Gant (newly created marquess of Ronbay by the king, in recompense of his service) whether that he had intelligence of the princes coming to the town, or not, had gathered together about four regiments of foot, and sixteen cornets of horse, the which he caused to march presently the same night, thinking to surprise it by a camisadoe, at a ravelin called by the name of Imbise, not far from the port of Bruges, the which was only shut in on the outside with a palisado, and certain planks, being laid open in the day time, to carry the earth out of a new ditch which was made right opposite against it, into the town: which palisado four or five men might easily have pulled down with halters. The marquess advanced so fast with his horsemen, as about two hours after midnight he came before the said ravelin, which at that time was very ill guarded, for of a whole squadron there were but five or six soldiers of captain Roses company at the guard: but by reason of the continual rain all that night, the footmen could not advance so fast, but the day begun to approach. The signior of la Motte lighted from his horse, and going over the ditch came to the foot of the rampar, and approaching near the ravelin, he tried to pull down the palisado, and to make passage for the horse, which should not have gone above the knees in the water.  
A poor country man being without, came to give an alarm to the town, but la Motte slew him presently, wherewith being discovered, he was shot with a harguebuse in the arm. Then the alarm growing very hot, all the six companies of the colonel Mortague, and the prince of Conde himself came with his train with the first unto the rampar: from 
1580  whence a canon was discharged through a squadron of the marquess' horse joining unto a mill: who seeing that for want of footmen he could not do any thing, retired. And soon after his footmen arrived so weary and wet, as they could have no great courage to fight. The marquess in his retreat (cursing his misfortune) burned all where he passed in the territories of Gant.  
I wonder at some writers, both Flemish and French, which say, That the marquess was entered a good way into the town: the which is false, for if it had been so, he would have kept us (for I 
* john Petit.  was there at that time) holding that great place which they call Eckerghem, from coming near the rampar, and his horsemen might have given his footmen leisure enough to have entered in like manner. We must notwithstanding confess the truth, that without this rain the town had been in danger to be lost, not without great effusion of blood. The lieutenant to the said captain Rose, called Chastelet, for the bad order which was at the guard, was put in prison, and grievously tortured, yet there was no treason found in him, but very great negligence.  
After the retreat of the marquess, the prince of Conde parted the same day to go unto antwerp, being convoyed by the cornet of the signior of Rihoven, and the voluntaries of Gant: but he was not half a league out of the town, when as there was a false alarm given, which made him return back unto the town, lest they should say he had led away their horsemen: but hearing that it was nothing, he continued his journey to antwerp, where he was honourably received by the prince and the counsel of Estate. Having rested there some days, during the which they made him rich presents, he took his leave, and continued his way into Germany, to the fair of Francfort, from whence he returned into France by Switserland.  
Monsieur de la Nove being general of the Estates forces in Flanders, had gathered a small army together, and staying for the Englishmen that came out of Macklyn to join with him, in 
Inglemunster besieged by la Nove.  the month of May he besieged Inglemunster, which is a small castle, which the malcontents had taken, lying upon a river called Mander: where having planted his siege, and given charge to batter the same, leaving the lord of Marquette to command in his place, he was put in mind of an enterprise to be done against Ryssel, which he resolved to attempt, and for that cause marched thither with certain foot and horsemen: but finding himself to be too weak to effect it, for that the burgrave of Gant, called Marques de Richeborgh, or Ronbay, with fifteen cornets of Albanoys horsemen, and certain footmen, made towards him, he retired back again to his camp before Inglemunster: and being on the other side of the river of Leye, he was forced to go somewhat further downward, whereas the Mander falleth into the Leye, and that night lodged in a village called Wackene, the burgrave of Gant still following him: and while la Nove passed the Leye at Cortricke, he took a new way to Inglemunster, which la Nove perceiving, he made all the hast he could to join with his camp, but by reason that his men were weary, he was forced to stay all night at Wackene, which was two miles from Inglemunster, where his campelay: yet fearing lest the enemy (having but a little way to march) might charge his camp before he got thither, he rod that night with certain horsemen to his camp, commanding the lord of Marquette with all speed to break down the bridge that went over the river of Mander, that the enemy should not fall suddenly upon them: but for all his command, they that kept the bridge thought it not requisite to break it down, but meant to keep it strong, contrary to all marshal discipline, which monsieur de la Nove notwithstanding would have done.  
The burgrave of Gant knowing that the Estates forces lay that night at Wackene, made towards the camp which lay before Inglemunster, with all his troops, and fell upon them. La Nove perceiving that, and having sent for his men to come from Wackene with all speed, defended himself as well as he could, although he had not above five or six hundred men, and two or three cornets of horse, which were easily defeated. The Scottish soldiers being commanded to hold play with the enemy as long as they could, and to discharge their pieces one after another, were too hasty, and shot all together: which having done, they gave back. Certain French companies, that had not above ten or twelve men in a company (the rest of their companions being at Wackene) kept all together like old soldiers, and 
1580  defended themselves in such sort, as they escaped without any hurt, the rest were all slain and spoiled. La Nove himself, thinking it a shame to abandon the artillery, and being yet in good hope that it would be better when the rest of his men came (which he still attended) 
Monsieur la Nove taken prisoner before Inglemunster.  from Wackene, fought valiantly, and did what was possible for him to do, until that he was furiously charged, and taken prisoner, having sent his son Tiligny to hasten his men forwards, by the which means he, with the most part of the horse and footmen escaped. The lord of Marquette was likewise taken, to whom the greatest blame of that overthrow was imputed, because he caused not the bridge to be broken down, as he was commanded, but trusted unto others. He lay long after prisoner in Henault, till at the last, after certain years imprisonment, he broke out of prison.  
Monsieur de la Nove being the burgrave of Gants prisoner, prince de Espinoy brother to the margrave, wrote from Dornicke in his behalf unto those of Flanders, who upon the eleventh of May wrote their letters unto the burgrave, to entreat him to use la Nove well, who by his letters from Cortricke the twelfth of May, promised no less; and yet notwithstanding he gave him unto the king, at which time the regiments of Hesse, Egmont, and Capres, mutined, and would have had the earl of Egmont discharged for la Nove: for which action the burgrave was much blamed, as knowing well that he should not be set at liberty for any ransom or exchange whatsoever, during the wares, besides the want of so brave a soldier, whereof the Estates had great need, and yet he was allied to the burgrave, who had been the cause of seending for him out of France, to serve the Estates, when he himself held with them: but pride, hatred, and spleen made him do it; whereof he made show upon some gentlemen that were taken prisoners, amongst the which one was la Noves steward, who being brought before him, he stabbed him with his own hands, when as all the fury was past, which an Albanoys soldier refused to do, commanding his men to do the like to all the rest.  
The ordnance, munition, and eighteen Ensigns (whereof most of the men were as then absent) were all taken, wherewith he rod triumphantly into Cortricke, and with him monsieur la Nove his prisoner, whom he sent to Berghen in Henault, unto the prince of Parma. The number that were slain was not great, so as the Estates had more miss of such a captain, than any loss, in regard it was a great hindrance to their proceedings: but they assembled their soldiers again with all the speed they might, by that means to keep the enemy from a further invasion after their victory, who made show as if they would set upon the town of Nivelle.  
About this time William van Horn, baron de Hesse, son to William lord of Gaesboeeke, of the house of Horn, brother to the earl of Vtkercken, practised in the behalf of the Estates, and the duke of Anjou (with whom the States were in a manner agreed) to reduce certain places under the Estates command, or else to do them some other service. With whom consented also jong Warrous lord of Thian, governor of Cassel, who likewise thought to deliver Cassel unto the Estates: but their practices were discovered, and Thian flying escaped away, but the baron of Hesse was by the said burgrave, and the baron de Montigny taken 
The lord of Hesse belieaded.  prisoner, and not long after, his process being made, by command from the prince of Parma (who by that means knew how to set the noblemen of the Netherlands together by the ears) was beheaded at Quesnoy in Henault, upon the eight of November, being a lusty young gentleman, but wavering and inconstantly minded. The lord of Haussy likewise of the same conspiracy, being summoned to appear, was forced to fly, and came to his house at Liedekerke by Brussels, which he delivered into the hands of the Estates: but afterwards by means of his wife, being found wavering and inconstant, and much suspected by the Estates, he was by them committed to prison, yet by means of Oliver vanden Temple, governor of Brussels (who had married the lady of Weerdenborgh, his wives sister) he was released and went into France.  
The eight of june in the morning, the garrisons of Herentales, Brussels, and Macklyn, with their captains, and colonel la guard, with a Spanish captain called Alonso, secretly and suddenly climbed over the walls of Diest, upon the marsh side; and being gotten up slew the guard at the port of Sichem, where they let in the Spanish captain (who served the Estates 
1580  faithfully) with the horsemen. Within were two companies of Walloons, that made great resistance, but three companies of Dutch men (among the which one was a company of the 
Diest won by the States, with Sichem and Arschot.  earl of Lodrons' regiment, that had served at least fourteen years in the country) which valiantly resisted, and divers times caused their enemies to retire; but at the last they were most of them slain, in the same place where they fought, without once retiring a foot, fight to the last man, which is not often seen. On the Estates sides also there were certain captains slain, and many men hurt. Sichem and Arschot were likewise taken by the Estates: Halen was forsaken by the enemy, but perceiving that the Estates proceeded no further, they returned thither again.  
The like enterprise the malcontents of Henault (not long before) purposed against Brussels, thinking to take it upon Saint john Baptists day, being moved thereunto by a captain of the burghers, called Otto de Barker, jaques le Court, a proctor, who had dealt with the earl of Lalaine, the baron de Montignie, and the bourgrave of Gant, having delivered them the print of one of the keys of the town gates, so as they came thither with good troops of horse and foot: but the foresaid parties having made it known unto the prince of Orange, monsieur Aldegonde, and monsieur Temple the governor, they made great preparation for them with shot, secretly placed upon the high way, and other places, and within the town there were divers soldiers, secretly lodged in the houses, not far from the said gate, monsieur de S. Aldegonde standing ready at the portcullis to let it fall when they should think good: but for that it had reigned all night long, and by that means the soldiers could not keep their matches light, and being weary with so long and tedious a march, having made great haste, and some of them being behind, the rest for that cause were very unwilling: but when as day began to appear, whereby they might easily have been discovered, many of them came to the port, which (according to promise) they found open, yet durst not enter, but went back again, they of Brussels shooting after them with their canon, and from thence went to the enterprise of Gant aforesaid.  
About the same time they of Brussels, with divers horse and footmen having victualled Nivelle, 
Nivelle victualled by the States, but not long after taken by the prince of Parma.  as they returned back again, met with certain cornets of Albanoys horsemen (which are a kind of people, that when the Turk won Grecia, being driven from thence, entered into the kingdom of Naples, where they won a piece of the country, and there inhabited and dwelled, still keeping their own language) whom they overthrew, and brought thirty of them into the town of Brussels; and yet the town of Nivelle was not long after taken by the prince of Parmaes' troops, where the earl of Mansfield used very great and barbarous cruelty.  
In the month of August, the duchess of Parma and Plaisance, the old regent, mother to the prince of Parma, came into the countries of the Netherlands, being sent thither by the king of Spain, to accomplish the treaty made with the united provinces: or for that it was thought that her son was not sufficient enough to take so great a charge upon him, and to govern so many young headed noblemen, the mother was thought fitter for the place, as being better acquainted with the affairs of state, and the humours of the nobility and the people of the country, than her son; who departed out of the Netherlands, to the great discontent of the people, who would willingly have had her stayed. Being come to Namur, and there visited by her son, there grew some jealousy between them touching the government, for that the prince of Parma, having left his wildness, which he had used in the Netherlands, for the which he had been much spoken of, being come to more staidness, he had so insinuated himself into the people's favours, as they held him worthy of the government himself, and to rule alone, for that the country had more need of a chief and a captain general, than of a woman: and therefore the Spaniards were of opinion (as knowing well, that nothing is more subject to hatred than government, and what prejudice might thereby grow) that the duchess should return back again, with smooth and good excuses, as she did in the year following: And by that means the prince of Parma kept the government of the country alone, with the great good liking of the Wallon provinces, where he behaved himself very wisely and unpartially, between the Spaniards, Italians, and Netherlanders, as also amongst other nations, using all Italian manners in his dealings, thereby to 
1580  procure the good will both of friends and foes, in such sort as he did the king exceeding great service, more than all the rest of the forepast governors, with their Spanish cruelty and pride ever did.  
I said before, That the general Estates had resolved to choose a new sovereign prince to govern 
The duke of Anjou received for sovereign lord of the Netherlands.  them, and that they found none more fit for them than Francis of Valois, duke of Anjou, Alanzon, etc. the only brother to the French king: Whereupon the Estates sat in consultation all Summer, and at the last, in july, they concluded with full consent of the provinces, towns, and members of the united provinces, to yield the country unto him upon certain conditions. Whereupon the deputies of the provinces of Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Macklyn, Friesland, and the territories associate, being assembled in antwerp, upon the twelfth of August they deputed and sent their commissioners with full instructions into France, whose names were monsieur S. Aldegonde, the signior of Dohain, doctor Hessels, Francis signior of Lavenborgh, jaques Tayart, pensioner of Gant, Woel Charon, signior of Schoonewall, bourgmaster of the Vrie, or Franc of Bruges, and jasper van Vosberghen, bailiff of Campevere, to treat with the said duke: which they effected upon the 29 of September. The articles were concluded upon at Plesis le Towers, the contents whereof (being 27 in number) were as followeth.  
1 First, That the Estates of the united provinces had chosen & appointed the duke of Anjou 
Articles between the Netherlands and the duke of Anjou.  for their prince and sovereign lord, with the names, dignities, and titles of Duke, Earl, Marques, etc. and with such sovereignty as their forepast princes in former times had, with proviso, That all alliances made by the house of Burgundy and the Netherlands; not only with the empire, but also with the kingdoms of France, England, Denmark, and all other alliances, in no sort contrary to that contract, should continue in their entire and full force, without any alteration.  
2 That his lawful issue, males, should succeed him in the said country of the Netherlands, and that if he happened to have more than one son, the Estates of the Netherlands should be at their liberty to choose which of them they would have to be their sovereign lord.  
3 That if his heir were under years, the Estates should appoint him a governor, and keep the administration of the said government in their own hands, until he should attain unto the age of twenty years, or that it should be otherwise determined by advice of the Estates: and that if he and his heirs should die, that then it should be lawful for the Estates to choose another sovereign lord.  
4 That he should possess and enjoy the domains and revenues thereof upon certain conditions, and without raising of them, unless it were by consent of the Estates, according to their privileges, and that if they were too much overburdened, the Estates should find means to appoint a convenient entertainment for him.  
5 That the said duke should hold and maintain all their old privileges and customs, and namely the union which was made at Vtrecht, so as it were not prejudicial to the said treaty.  
6 That he should ratify and confirm all the decrees made by the arch duke Mathias, and Estates, as well in general as particular.  
7 That the general Estates should be suffered to assemble once in a year at the least, and at all other times when they shall think good.  
8 That he should be resident in the Netherlands, unless it were upon some great occasion, and that if he stayed long out of the country, that he should appoint one of the natural borne Netherlanders to govern in his place, such a one as should be pleasing to the Estates, and that with their consent.  
9 That he should have a counsel of Netherlanders, such as the provinces thereof should appoint, or have appointed, without aid or assistance of strangers, French men, or others, unless it were one or two, with the consent and liking of the provinces, to whom always the government should be referred.  
10 That the principal officers in the Netherlands, should be natural borne subjects, and others of meaner offices, as it should please him, with condition, that the gentlemen should be Netherlanders. 
1580   
11 When any officers were to be chosen for the government of the provinces, and forts, and in the chief offices of the Netherlands, the said provinces should nominat three persons unto him, whereof he should choose one.  
12 That he should promise to uphold and maintain the reformed religion, and the religious peace in the Netherlands, in such sort as it then was holden, or as it should be ordained and appointed by the States of every particular province, and namely in the provinces of Brabant, Guelderland, Flanders, Vtrecht, Macklyn, Friesland, Ouerissel, and the territories of Drenth and Twenth, without any alteration to be made by him.  
13 That Holland and Zeeland should remain as they then were, touching religion and otherwise, always provided, that touching the money, mint, contribution, and the privileges of the said provinces and towns, they should subject themselves under the said duke and the generality, according to the accord made by advice of the general Estates, or else to follow the old customs, rights, and privileges.  
14 That he should not permit nor suffer any man to be molested nor troubled for his conscience, under pretence and colour of religion, receiving both the religions under his protection.  
15 That he should procure the French king to aid him and his heirs with his forces and power, thereby to strengthen him, and the contracted provinces his subjects, against their enemies, whether it be the king of Spain or any of his adherents, and that the said king should not permit nor suffer any aid or assistance to be given out of his kingdom unto the enemy, but that the Netherlanders should have free passage in the frontier towns, with favour and leave of the governors of the same.  
16 After that the said duke should be in possession of the Netherlands, he should work such means, that the said provinces should be united with France, and they to make war together, by common consent, against all those that would invade any of the said countries: provided always, that the Netherlands should not be incorporated with France, but still remain as they were, with their privileges, customs, rights, contracts, and laws.  
17 That for more assurance against the common enemy, and others that should seek to contradict their said contract, as also for the upholding and increasing of the good agreement, amity, and concord, that it hath pleased the queen of England, the kings of Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Scotland, and Navarre, the princes of the empire, the Hans towns, and other princes, potentates, and commonwealths, towns, and allies, to hold and make with them, he should seek means (together with the Estates) to enter into a more strict league with them, for the common good of the country upon the articles and conditions that should and might be agreed upon with the said several kingdoms and estates, with all security.  
18 That he should bind himself to make war, and to maintain the country by such means, as he should have from the king his brother, and of his own patrimony, whereunto the Estates should yearly contribute two millions, and four hundred thousand guldernes, out of the which the soldiers of the Netherlands, and their garrisons, in convenient numbers, should first be paid.  
19 Touching the commander general over the forces of the Netherlands, the said duke should take order therein, by consent of the Estates, and should appoint a general over the French forces, such as should be well thought on by the Estates.  
20 That he should not place any Frenchmen, nor other strangers in garrison in the towns and strong places of the Netherlands, without the consent of the provinces wherein such places should be, and touching the natural borne subjects, he should place them by advice of the aforesaid counsel.  
21 But for better and necessary relief of the soldiers, the provinces should ordain and appoint fit and convenient places for the said soldiers to lie in, in the Winter time.  
22 That all foreign soldiers, both French and others, should be bound to depart out of the country, whensoever the general Estates should desire the same of the said duke.  
23 That he should make no alliance with the king of Spain, either by marriage, or otherwise, neither yet with any other prince or country not united unto them by contract of amity, 
1580  but by advice, consent, and approbation of the said provinces, nor yet make any other alliance or contract to the prejudice or hindrance of the Netherlands, or this treaty.  
24 Provided always, That the other disunited provinces, towns and places, that would subject themselves unto him, and join with the contracted Netherlands, should at all times be received and accepted into that contract.  
25 And touching those that should be compelled thereunto by force, the said duke should dispose of them, by consent of the general Estates, as it should be thought convenient, whether they were of the disunited provinces, or others within the said Netherlands.  
26 That he and his successors should take the accustomed oath usual to be made in every province, beside the general oath to be made and taken, for the observing and maintaining of the said contract: and that if it so fell out, that he or his successors should fail in the performance of any of the points of the said contract, that then the said Estates should thereby be presently discharged of all faith and subjection towards him or them, and should or might choose any other prince, or dispose of their affairs, as they should think good.  
27 Lastly, That whereas the archduke Mathias had been requested to come into the Netherlands, and had acquitted and behaved himself in good sort, according to his promise; the said duke and the Estates should consult together, by what means they should satisfy and content the said archduke.  
These articles were in this sort passed and signed on both parts, although with reference, to be further treated and considered of, thereby to avoid all controversy and dislike.  
At which time there was certain counters made in memory thereof, on the one side having a Lion with a collar about the neck, bound to a pillar, whereon stood the Image of a conqueror, which collar a mouse knawed in sunder, with this inscription, Rosis Leonem loris mus liberas, that is, The Lion being bound, is made free by knawing of the mouse: on the other side stood the Pope and the king of Spain, who (with promise of a holy peace) sought to put the collar again about the lions neck, with this inscription, Liber revinciri Leo pernegat, that is, The Lion being at liberty, will not be bound again. And at Gant there were counters made, whereon there was a ring shutting with two hands, wherein was written jehova, and round about it, pro Christo, Lege & Grege, that is, for Christ, the Law, and the people: on the other side, Religione & justicia reduce, vocato ex Gallia pacata duce Andegariensi, Belgicae libertatis vindice, that is, Religion & justice restored, the duke of Anjou being called out of France, for the defender or revenger of the freedom of the Netherlands.  
The archduke Mathias, brother to the Emperor, governor of the Netherlands, finding himself to be abandoned by part of the provinces, as namely the Walloons, who had sent for him out of Germany, and were now revolted from him, and perceiving that the peace of Cologne took no effect, as also that no manner of aid nor assistance was procured neither from the emperor, his brethren, kindred, nor friends, nor yet from the princes of Germany, notwithstanding both his private and public admonitions made unto his friends of the house of Austria, whereby the general Estates were compelled to seek aid elsewhere, he thought it fit and convenient to take an honourable farewell, finding, that both his and the Estates admonitions, given unto the Emperor, the king of Spain, and the whole house of Austria, were all in vain, although it concerned them very near. For the same causes being moved to resign his government, upon the two and twentieth of july he showed the Estates by writing, delivered unto them by the prince of Espinoy, That it was not unknown unto them, that he having been called thereunto by divers of the chief of the Netherlands, and after that with a general consent accepted and received, and all articles by him promised, well kept and observed, had behaved himself in that miserable estate and troublesome condition, as time and opportunity served, without any regard of his own particular profit, and that with the danger of his life: yet he was grieved, and much moved, that he (by reason of the unfortunate success of the time) could not have the power and means to reduce the Netherlands unto their pristinate freedom, prosperity, unity and quietness, whereunto neither diligence, care, nor good will was wanting in him: and for that the general Estates were then assembled to determine upon the last extremity, touching the relieving and releasing of the Netherlands from their miseries, he said he would not prescribe them any law or rule therein, nor yet be against their profits, but only advised them, not rashly to subject themselves under a strange 
1580  yoke, and doubtful change or alteration, forgetting the Romish empire, and other great alliances, but to consider of his noble house of Austria (and his great love showed unto them) 
The archduke Mathias takes his leave of the Estates.  whereof he was a member, praying them openly to tell him, what they pretended touching him and his house, that he might determine thereon accordingly: saying further unto them, That their promise (touching the charges of his government) had not been performed. Lastly, he showed them his good will and great desire to do them good, offering them all the service he could.  
Touching this declaration, the Estates thought it convenient to give the said archduke all good contentment, with an honourable reward, as also to pay him that which had been promised him for his entertainment, and that he should enjoy the revenues of the bishopric of Vtrecht. In the articles contracted with the duke of Anjou, they made mention of him, saying, That whereas he had been called to the government of the country, and therein had well and uprightly behaved himself, and that the country (together with the said duke of Anjou) should take advice, touching the best means; to give him honourable and reasonable satisfaction: which being long in question, and still deferred, the archduke (by that means) stayed there until the next year.  
And for that in the mean time many and great complaints were made touching the disorders amongst the soldiers, the archduke Mathias and the Estates set down certain new orders 
Orders made by the Estates for martial discipline and other things.  concerning better government to be observed in martial discipline.  
In antwerp they made new orders touching the watch of the town, it being divided into eight colonies and regiments, each colony having under it ten companies, besides six companies of the Guild or brotherhood of the town, being in all 86 companies: no man was freed from that watch, but the magistrates and other officers, and the merchants of other nations, as Easterlings, Englishmen, and Portugals, according to their privileges; all other nations were forced to contribute to that watch, at the discretion of the colonels, as also the old men that were above threescore years of age. There were likewise divers articles (which were very necessary to be used in that watch) published to be observed, upon pain of great punishments. They also built up divers guard houses, where the ordinary guard used to contitinue night and day, which are called corpse de guard, and in every corner of the streets they made certain small sentinel houses for the rounds, wherein every night, and when they preached in the church, ten of the neighbours used to watch, whereby the burghers became expert in martial discipline, and at every tumult and alarm were presently ready in arms▪ every man knowing his own quarter. They likewise entertained divers old experienced soldiers, which used to train them, and to practise them in their arms, being as well provided of all manner of arms, as any town in Europe whatsoever. Upon every great corpse de guard stood written, Excludere facilius, quam expellere: which is, It is easier to shut out the enemy, than to drive him out. Upon the market place, Saepius laesa patientia, that is, Our patience hath been often wronged. Upon the mere bridge, Agere aut pati, that is, Either it must be prevented, or suffered: and upon the Oever, Si in bello securitas, that is, If there be security in war, than it consisteth in watching or resistance. And in every street (where need required) there hung great heavy chains, which could easily be crossed overthwart the streets, whereof certain in every company had charge; which chains were so great, strong, and so many, that they were esteemed to be worth above a hundred thousand gulderns. They likewise fortified the town daily, and made their ditches deeper and broader, and the walls thicker, planting trees all along the same, and made divers turn pikes, appointing officers for every one of them. They likewise made orders about fires, how every man should behave himself, when any fire happened within the town, as also touching the plague, and such like things; the which many other towns in Christendom (since that time) have followed.  
And touching their seafaring, for that it is one of the principallest and profitablest commodities of the country, they made an order, That no ships should go to sea, unless they were well provided, armed, and manned, every one according to their burden, thereby to be freed from all danger of pirates, and that every province and town should have their ships of war ready; whereby they have much increased their shipping and seafaring, which the Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Easterlings had almost taken from them, during their wars: so 
1580  that then again they sailed out of Holland, Zeeland, and antwerp, into Spain and Portugal, and there trafficked freely, using secret and discreet dealing, so that as than it seemed, as if there had been no war between Spain and them, but only with the Spaniards that were in the Netherlands, being for the most part well used and entertained by the inhabitants of Spain and Portugal, and at that time also certain Spanish ships (such as durst) came into Zeeland, & were welcome unto them, having free liberty to sail both out & in, but they durst not long continue, for fear of sea rovers, and other ships of war. The cause why the Netherlanders were so much made of, and welcomed into Spain, was, for that Spain consisteth much of trade of merchandise, as well as the Netherlands, thereby to vent their wares, fruits, and other commodities, having need of the netherlands handyworks, and other merchandises, thereby to maintain their seafaring and trade into the Indies, whereby the king bringeth his gold and silver from thence, and much increaseth his customs, the gentlemen and common people in Spain having most of their livings thereby; for that much of their revenues consisteth in wine, oil, fruit, wools, and such like commodities. But afterward in the banishment or prescription made against the prince of Orange, wherein was mentioned, That all the said provinces aiders or adherents, their goods and debts whatsoever should be forfeit, in what place soever they should be found, they feared that some stricter course would be taken for the search of such things in Spain, but nothing was as then done therein; the Estates of the Netherlands giving warning thereof unto the merchants and sailors, whereby from thenceforth they did traffic more discreetly, dealing under other men's names.  
They of Zeeland at that time (in remembrance of their great care and watchfulness to be had) caused certain counters to be made, on the one side having their arms, which is a lion rising out of the waves of the sea, with this inscription, Vos terra, at ego excubo Ponto 1580, that is, Watch, or take you care for the land, for I keep watch upon the sea: On the other side stood a man, planting of young trees, and behind him hung his hat upon a lance, signifying freedom, with this inscription, Si non nobis, saltem posteris, If they serve not for us, yet they shall serve for our posterity.  
The merchants of the Netherlands (for the furtherance of their trade of merchandise, which as then they used in England) according to the contracts and intercourses made in times passed between the said countries, perceiving, that by reason of the troublesome times and wars, they could have but small aid or relief out of the Netherlands, or from their magistrates, erected a fellowship amongst themselves in England, thereby to maintain their privileges (according to the contracts) in all prince's courts, whereof they obtained licence from the chief magistrates in the Netherlands, bearing date the ninth of june 1580, which was after confirmed unto them by the duke of Brabant and Anjou, and after that, in ampler sort by the king, under the government of the duke of Parma: by virtue of which grant, they chose governors and assistants amongst them, for maintenance whereof, they gathered certain small contributions amongst themselves; but that was soon left off by the loss of the town of antwerp, which was taken by the prince of Parma, whereby the merchants were scattered into divers places; by which means the officers in England respected the netherlands merchants no more than the strangest nation that came into England, without any consideration of the reciprocal contracts and intercourses, or that their merchants in the Netherlands still enjoyed all their privileges, conditionally granted unto them, that they should use the Netherlands in like sort, according to the privileges given them by divers several towns.  
They of Steenwicke observing the earl of Reneberghs proceedings, after that he had gotten Groaning wholly at his devotion, having a care of their preservation, they sent for some of the States men, the better to defend themselves: so as the 21 of july captain Herman Olthof entered with his company, who used all diligence to repair the walls and ramparts, and to provide for all things necessary to maintain a siege.  
This year in October, the prince of Orange had an enterprise upon the town of Maestricht, which he thought to surprise by scalado, but his men being come unto the town ditch, they were discovered, and so returned as they came without any effect.  
The five and twentieth of the same month, the prince of Espinoy (governor of Tournay) caused the town of Conde in Henault to be surprised by the Signior of Estrayelles, 
1580  his lieutenant: but when he had taken it, having no means to furnish it with all things necessary for a siege, knowing that the malcontents were not far off, he presently abandoned 
Conde surprised.  it.  
About this time the lord of Anholt, and Martin Schenck, that held the castle of Blyenbeeke, took a ship laden full of silks, and other costly wares, that was coming down the Rhine, and held it as good prize, which they divided amongst the soldiers, and yet most of the goods belonged to Italians.  
The earl of Renenbergh being master of the field in Friesland (as I said before) and having besieged Swool, intending to take it, as he lay before it, he thought good to send for his new regiment of soldiers, which was coming unto him over the Rhin, especially for that he was in doubt, that he should not so soon get Swool (although he had secret intelligence therein) in regard that the town is strong, and situated in such sort, as it might easily be relieved: as also hearing that the earl of Hohenlo had again renewed his forces in the field, and that he lay about Deventer, and that all the frontier towns were well furnished with garrisons and other necessaries, for which cause he raised his siege. The regiment that was coming over the Rhin to the earl of Renenbergh, he called it the Gelder regiment, for that it consisted of Gueldrians, Vtrechts', Oueryssellers, and others, their colonel being john Streuf van Emmericke: the captains were jacob van Brouckhorst and Batenburgh, son to Anholt, with two companies, and Balthasar van Rossum, Boeck●…holt, Ties●…inghen, Wurtselman, Redenueldt, with two other companies, that were very strong: and for that Anholt served amongst those companies, and had revolted from those of Guelderland, captain Hegeman issuing out of Nimmeghen took the town of Anholt for the Estates, which he sacked, notwithstanding that it belonged to the empire.  
The earl of Renenbergh being fortified by this new regiment, thought easily to have taken Deutichum, being neither strong, nor well provided of garrison: but finding more resistance there, than he expected, as also for that the Englishment of Doesburgh and Michel's regiment did much annoy him, he left it, and put a garrison into Grolle, and so upon the eighteenth of October went before Steenwicke, a weak town, and wherein there was but one company of soldiers, being altogether unprovided of necessaries (which town concerned him much) thereby to free the Drenth, and so to have free passage into Friesland and Vollenhove.  
This siege of Steenwicke I will particularly set down, yet as briefly as I can, because it was a notable attempt, and is very profitable for them to read, that are accustomed to follow the wars.  
To besiege Steenwicke, the earl of Renenbergh had eight and twenty companies of soldiers, whereof fourteen companies were of the Friesland regiment, whose lieutenant 
Steenwick besieged by the earl of Renenbergh.  colonel (called Hans Mon) was slain in a skirmish, in whose place succeeded john Baptista Taxis; nine companies of the new gelders regiment, for that the lord of Anholt stayed with two companies at Anholt and Bredeford; and five companies more of the earls own new regiment, those eight and twenty companies being at the least six thousand strong, for that the companies in those quarters are commonly above two hundred men, the horsemen were about fourteen cornets, most part lancers.  
In Steenwicke lay captain Olthof with his company, captain Cornput having charge to go thither with his company: but some of Steenwicke being of the Spanish faction (notwithstanding this charge from their friends and allies) would not suffer him to enter: for which cause he entered by force, being let in by Olthof his company: but before he went in, he caused his soldiers to swear (after certain speeches used unto them, and the better to effect the Estates business) That none of them should once speak a word of yielding up the town, or deal in any sort with the enemy, before that he himself first spoke or mentioned thereof, upon pain presently to be stabbed by him which stood next unto him: Which oath being taken, they went into the town the day before it was besieged: and for that the earl of Hohenlo had raised certain high Dutch companies with long pikes, serving well for an army, the Estates sent two of those companies, led by Plaet and Stupers' lieutenant, called john van Berenbroeke, scout of gelders, into Steenwicke, they being fresh, wild, and disordered soldiers: the garrison being glad, that they had 
1580  a piece of service whereby they might get some credit, issued out on both sides of the town, and burned down many houses that lay too near it, and got good store of powder and munition by ship into the same.  
The garrison was about six hundred men strong, besides the burghers, that were about three hundred, amongst the which, fifty were such as might well be trusted: they had no governor in the town, nor almost any ordnance, neither any horsemen, only twelve or fourteen horses belonging to the captains and commanders, whereof they had greatest want, to assail the enemy, as it appeared by the service they did. The governors place was supplied by all the captains together, the bourgomaster being joined with them, who made divers orders, both concerning their wants of ordnance and of powder (which they appointed to be made of saltpeter and brimstone) as also for all kinds of fireworks, and divers instruments, both offensive and defensive; that they should not be too lavish of their powder, that the soldiers should be content with their lend, without burdening the townsmen. They likewise took order about corn and victuals, as also touching fire, which to avoid and prevent, they caused all their hay, straw, turf, and all other things subject to the fire, to be laid in the open air, and broke down all the houses covered with thatch, that stood near unto the walls: and above all other things, decreed to make as few sallies as they possibly could, not only for the loss they should thereby receive, and make the soldiers unwilling, but also to spare powder, and to keep the enemy from having any intelligence of the estate of the town: which ordinances were not so well observed as they ought, for want of a governor.  
As soon as the earl of Renenbergh had entrenched himself before the town, and had made bridges of boats over the river of Aa, they of the town were desirous to send presently to the Estates for to be relieved; which captain Cornput would not consent unto, saying, That they should write only touching the estate of the town, and the enemy's camp, without speaking of any relief, and that especially for two causes, the one, that the Estates might conceive no bad opinion of their valour, the other, that the burghers & soldiers should have no doubt of themselves, and their security. This notwithstanding, upon the three & twentieth of October they wrote a letter, which they sent in the night time to Campen, by a bourger called Mathias Kys, wherein they charged the Estates with slackness, and wrote expressly, That it was impossible for them to hold the town above eight days. This letter was signed by captain Olthof, Plaet, and Coen Dierickson, a bourger, and an old soldier, but yet self-willed and untractable; the bourgomaster likewise set his hand to the letter, & at the last they got captain Berenbrocke to sign it likewise, but Cornput would by no means do it, saying, That it was not only a dishonourable thing, but worthy punishment, to bewray unto the Estates their so small experience & judgement, seeing that as than they had not any need of relief; and that princes and lords built and made forts, & put garrisons therein, to defend them from their enemies, & to keep them from doing any further hurt in the country, and not to yield, & give them over at the first summons, but to give them time with all conveniency to assemble their forces, & so with better means & ground of reason to work their delivery; saying, that their improvident and rash writing might give the Estates cause to seek to relieve them with some small forces, whereby they might fail of that which they so much desired, for that in so short a time it was impossible to provide a sufficient force, wherewith to relieve them. To this letter the Estates made answer with very comfortable words & speeches: but not long after captain Cornput wrote the contrary unto the Estates, saying, That as yet they had no need, and that they were sufficiently provided of all things for 6 months, and yet that they should prepare to relieve them with all convenient speed, in regard of the impatience of the burghers & soldiers, more than for any other cause. For which letter the said captain Cornput was much hated of many of the burghers, but at the last he got Berenbrocke & divers others to concur and hold with him.  
About this time, two of the Estates companies of john van Escheda and Roeloef van Linghen, lying in the Kuyndert, upon the three and twentieth of October the earl of Renenbergh sent Aert van Gemmen, Snater, and others out of his camp, to charge them by night, by whom (after some small resistance) they were forced, and the fort taken, in regard that it was not very strong. There Escheda was taken prisoner, and his ensign torn in pieces, but Rodolph van Laughen escaped with some others, but his ensign was taken, and most of the soldiers slain in their beds, and some taken prisoners, after the which they sacked 
1580  the village, and so left it. The ensign they brought with them to the camp, and there drew it at a horse tail round about Steenwicke, with great triumph, and music playing before it.  
The earl of Renenberghs soldiers that lay before the town, in despite that they within the town had burned a mill which stood without, determined by night to burn the palisado before the Gasthouse gate, and for that cause they made many musket shot at the sentinel of the town, to force him to retire, and so (with straw and a barrel full of Tar & brimstone, which they placed there) they set it on fire, and so left it, without any hurt unto themselves, only one man was slain: which they within the town perceiving, and knowing it to be some hindrance unto them, one of Cornputs soldiers offering himself, was let down from the wall, who carrying a leather bucket in his mouth, swum over the ditch, and then taking water up with the same, went easily to the fire, and pulling away the barrel of tar, quenched the fire by often casting water upon it. Which the enemy perceiving, shot at him as thick as 
A resolute exploit of a soldier.  hail, and yet (not without great wonder) none of them hit him, and although the fire burned very bright, nevertheless he went easily to the place, call them villains & thieves, and said, I am Arent van Groeningen, a brewer's son: and so having performed his work, he swum over again, and when he had gotten up on the walls, he was rewarded by captain Cornput with a handful of dollars.  
The same evening there came a high Dutch soldier to the palisado before the wall gate, where he called and cried out with despiteful words against the Estates and the earl of Hohenlo, therewith using many proud words and blasphemies against God: but one of the soldiers creeping in the dark to the place where he heard the noise, leveled at him with his piece, and shot him full into the mouth, and cut that member in two, wherewith he had blasphemed, which by all men was esteemed to be a just punishment of God, laid upon him for the same. His dead body (which his companions would very gladly have drawn away) was borne into the town, and so it was seen where he had been shot.  
The seven and twentieth of October, the earl of Renenbergh himself came into the camp, with charge from the prince of Parma, not to leave the siege, before he had taken the town, and the next day summoned them in the king's name to yield it up, with safety of life and goods, and to carry all they had away with safe convoy; but he had a sufficient and respective answer given him: whereupon he caused five pieces of ordnance to be planted before the town. The burghers in the mean time laboured hard, to make the walls and the ramparts thicker, fearing the Ordnance: but captain Cornput showed them by many reasons, that they might assure themselves better, and with less labour, if they would first make a secret way without the ditches, upon the counterscarpe, whereby the ditches would be so much the wider, and all sallies and retreats thereby much furthered; as also the breaking of the ye, if it should chance to freeze, and all assaults made by the enemy, might thereby be hindered, with divers other advantages: which way being made up, they might easily make bulwarks or ravelins in convenient places, before the walls, and out of the ditches, first breast high, and then to fill them with earth out of the ditches, and so make them thicker and higher: which work (he said) the enemy could not hinder with his Ordnance, and that they should not forget (in making the bulwarks) to place in the shoulders or sides thereof certain casamates, which are low loopholes, from whence they might free the dams, whereon the gates stood, from filling up, and from undermining or digging under: which counsel he continually gave unto them: but the burghers (seduced by one Coen Dierickeson, upon whom they much depended) would not hearken thereunto, but got captain Plaet with his soldiers to join with them.  
In the mean time they of Friesland sent four companies of foot, and some horsemen into 
The exploit of the earl of Renenberghs men.  Sevenwolden, to keep the passage, and to stop the earl of Renenberghes soldiers from running into the country, to force them to contribution; against them, the earl sent jouw Botma, and the company of the town of Bolsweert. Which they hearing of, left the place, leaving only Ferno and Steyn van Malsens companies (with certain horsemen) to keep the place, who defended themselves as well as they could, but they were forced, whereas john van Fer●… and his youngest brother were slain. From thence the earls soldiers went to Sloeten, 
1580  which was but slenderly fortified, for which cause the two companies that were in it, left it, but they were pursued as far as Balck, where one of their captains (called Martena) was taken prisoner: Peter Andreas Greitman van Volega, with his company, lying in the Lemmer, which nevertheless was ensconced, left it, and went to Enchuysen. The earl of Renenberghes forces being increased, went from thence to Staveren, and made the castle up again (which they of Friesland, without any forecast, threw down, before they had fortified the town) and built a sconce at Macklin, running every day before Harlinghen, Franycker, and Bolswort, and forcing the peasants to pay contribution: and although they were of opinion, to let the water overflow the champain country of Friesland, it was not as then to be done, both because the weather was too dry, as also for that the wind served not. This is all which was done in October: now I will show what they did in the camp. In the beginning of November there issued fifty men out of the Gasthouse gate, and set upon a guard, which lay in a hollow place by the loop-sconce, and killed one and twenty of their men, and brought three prisoners into the town. They without entrenched themselves night and day, and began to make a high mount, not far from the Gasthouse gate, whereon they placed seven sconcebaskets, wherewith they of the town being in some scare, filled up the gate with earth, notwithstanding that captain Cornput spoke against it, saying, That the gate so filled up with earth, being battered, would fall down, and so the enemy might the easilier climb up, and have means to mine, and that the loop holes of the gates, were good defences for the town, which they ought not to take away, saying, that it belonged to the enemy so to do, and that they ought not to cut off their own arms for that the loopholes in a town served as well for their defence, as men's arms serve to defend their bodies; and that to assure and defend the gates well, there was no better means than to make the secret ways, and the high counterscarpes which he spoke of before; or if that they would not do so, then (for their better security) they might make a high mount within the town between each two gates, in form of a sharp pointed bulwark, with convenient loop holes, the which they might do, without any danger, which mount would not only serve to defend such breaches as might be made, but also to defend themselves from the shot, whereby the enemy should have no means to shoot with field pieces for their defence; which mounts being fully made (if need were, that the enemy should come to dig under the water, and to undermine the wall) might be joined together by a wall of earth, made along from the one unto the other, and so would it be a new wall or fortification within the town. But those reasons could not sink into the burghers heads, the captains were willing thereunto, and began the mounts; but the burghers (to spare their houses) were unwilling, and so the work went slenderly forward: captain Cornput with the other captains (to make the soldiers willing to work) agreed, that bills should be given them, to pay them six pence a day for their work, after the town should be relieved, but the bourgomaster opposed himself: yet at last, being compelled by necessity, and finding that the counterscarpes could not be miss, in regard that it was hard frozen, and that they must be forced to break the ice, upon the seventeenth day of November they began in all haste to make the counterscarpes. At which time once again the impatienter sort within the town wrote unto the Estates for some relief, but Cornput and Berenbroek wrote to the contrary, and willed them not to be too hasty, but to work wisely and securely: Cornput also sent them his cyphers, and also a means how to speak one unto another with lanterns and firepans, and by day with broad clothes.  
The Estates to make some show of relieving the town, sent captain Stuper with his company to Swart Sluys, and six companies of Hegemens regiment, to lie in a cloister by Vollenhove called S. john's camp, which upon the seventeenth of November were set upon by the earl of Renenberghes forces, where, for that the cloister hath no ditches (although they defended themselves valiantly) they were slain, taken prisoners, and put to flight, where three captains, john van Vianen, Gedeon van Roderen, and Hans Wichmans' were taken prisoners, whereby Stuper was forced to leave Swart Sluys. These were the fruits of the impatient letters written and sent out of the town.  
The eighteenth of November, the earl of Renenbergh began to batter the Ga●…house gate with the powder that they had taken from Hegemans soldiers, and shot down all the 
1580  tops or defences of the walls, and after that, the houses being discovered, they shot 〈◊〉 bullets with wild fire into the town, which presently set the houses on fire, and the sooner, for that many of the houses were thatched, and divers of them full of straw, hay, and turf, whereby the fire was grown great, before they perceived it: they imagining, that the fire had been made by treason within the town: but at the last, when they perceived from whence it came, the soldiers ran all in arms unto the walls, the burghers in the 
Steenwicke ●…red with shot  mean time doing their best to quench the fire, and to save their goods; but by reason that the wind was great, there was at the least threescore and ten houses burned, and certain barns with hay, straw, ri●…, and barley, and (to say the truth) a twelfth part of the town. The fire was so great (by reason of a strong Easterly wind, which then blewe) as it 〈◊〉 the flame quite over the walls, whereby the soldiers were forced to leave a third part of the walls undefended, even in the very same place where the ice in the ditches was not broken: but although the enemy stood round about the town, ready to give an assault, yet because of the fire and flame, they durst not venture, thinking that they within would fly out of the flame upon them, as Foxes do, when men put fire in their holes: but the soldiers stood like Lions. Doubtless it was a fearful thing to see, and yet a great mercy of God, that the exhortations of the captains gave the soldiers such courage, and the burghers ●…o much comfort; as also that it chanced by day, for if it had been in the night time, it had been impossible, but the enemy would have taken the town, as eight and fifty years before it happened in the month of December, in Anno 1522, when as they of Guelderland (after the old manner) shot fire into it by night, and by that means took and sacked it.  
This was the second time that hath been heard of, that such fire was shot with burning bullets into a town, for that it was done by Stephanus Battor, king of Poleland, against Dan●…ke, but in another manner it hath been oftentimes done.  
After this fire, the earl of Renenbergh sent two trumpets, to summon the town to yield, offering them all the grace and favour he could: but captain Plaet answered boldly, whereby at that time he did especial good service to the town; for which cause the burghers began to murmur, and yet at the last got Plaet to agree with them, and thought to have had a general assembly, and to consult upon the yielding of the town: which Cornput refused, saying, That he would not agree to deliver up a town which was not theirs (for that a young maid which beginneth to parley, is half gotten with child) and that he would not yield neither for life nor death: Berenbroeke and Lazarus Austria (Olthof his lieutenant) said the like: so as after many words and much dispute it was agreed, with hands and promises thereunto made and given, That they would not yield up the town, as long as there was any victuals within it to be had. But the next day (being the 20 of November) the burghers fell into a mutiny, and assembled together upon the market place, and with them divers of the soldiers: which captain Cornput hearing of, he caused a great number of the soldiers to arm themselves, and he himself being armed under his clothes, went with Berenbroeke and them into the market place, and spoke to the burghers (who were encouraging one another to yield up the town) saying, Get you home to your houses, you villains, and stand not prating and telling of lies here, to discourage our soldiers, who know what they have to do, and are wiser than you think they are: and when some of them went away, and abutcher standing still, said, What shall be done then, when we have nothing more to eat? captain Cornput answered, That time is not yet come, and when it doth, then will we first eat such a knave as thou and thy fellows are, before we will yield. With which words and many more, they were all driven home again, and all good order and discipline observed by such as were of good government.  
They without shot divers times more fire into the town, but they within the town took an order for the same, that in every street and house, both night and day, the burghers kept watch, and so did the women and children, and when they saw where a bullet did light (which the hole and the smoke showed) they drew the same with iron hooks out of the way, and then having woollen gloves (which they first wet in the water) they took up the bullet with their hands, and (without danger) cast it into the street, where it could 
1580  do no hurt.  
In these and many other actions, the month of November was spent: mean time the wavering and mutinous minds of some of them within continued still; for that captain Plaet was wholly of their faction, whereas Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed themselves, whom they sought to bring in hatred with the towns men, who for that cause were compelled to set their hands to the letters which they did write unto the Estates, to be relieved, and were likewise forced to grant, That a stamp, with the arms of the town (which is an anchor) should be set upon their money, which should be a token, that the same was raised half as high again as it was. The captains would willingly have had new money mynted as it went in Hasselt (the better to content the soldiers) but the magistrate was against it, notwithstanding that thereby all things were raised in their prices, and became dearer, and they which bought any thing for unstamped money, had it much better cheap than others, whereby the burghers themselves were forced to pay much money for the soldiers lend, and for their work.  
In the beginning of December it began to rain, and want of money made the soldiers in the earl of Renenberghs camp to be weary of camping, whereby they within the town made many valiant sallies upon the enemy, which proved very successful, and for that cause they opened the gates again, which they had mured and rampared up, and captain Plaet, and others, that were against the making of any loopholes upon the counterscarpes, were the means to procure the making of them up again.  
In the mean time the prince of Orange and the Estates took counsel how they might relieve Steenwicke, although they saw their forces to be small, and they very unwilling, for want of pay, for that the provinces, and especially Guelderland and Oueryssell (whom nevertheless it most concerned) did not then show themselves as they ought to have done: for which cause, some were of opinion, That it was in vain to spend money or men about the relieving of so weak a place. Others were of the contrary mind, and said, That it was requisite 
The Estates resolution fo●… Steenwicke.  to be relieved, as being a key of Friesland, Vollenhove, and Drenth, which with the marshes held the country round about enclosed, and that the enemy having gotten it, might thereby cut off Friesland from the other provinces, and trouble the seas, having already gotten Swart Sluys, Vollenhove, Blockziel, Kuinder, Lemmer, Staveren, Hindelopen, Worcum, Mocum, Reediep, and Delfziel, all coast towns, and most havens. For which cause it was determined to raise a strong army, and to gather money for the same, to relieve the town: and to that end Sir john Norris (an Englishman) was appointed general thereof, who coming with his forces to Swart Sluys, set upon a new raised company of the enemies (their captain being Otto van Saut) and killed the most part of them, and upon the fifteenth of December set fire on their fort. From thence he went to Meppel, with twenty three companies of footmen, which were not above eighteen hundred men, and a few horse, leaving but three companies in Swart Sluys: for which cause, the earl of Renenbergh sent eleven companies of foot, and six cornets of horsemen thither, to pass over the ice, and so to take it: but they within defending themselves valiantly, Sir john Norris had time enough to come to relieve them, who drove the enemy from thence, so as many of them were slain, and divers drowned on the ice, and amongst the rest, Arent van Gemeghen, a self-willed captain. There Sir john Norris got two of the enemy's ensigns, and arms for five hundred men▪ one of the ensigns he sent into Steenwicke, with about forty soldiers, that carried about 7●…0 pounds of gunpowder in leather bags upon their shoulders. In a certain skirmish made by them of the town, captain Plaet being slain, Berenbroeke was made captain in his place, by commandment from the Estates, but chiefly by recommendation from captain Cornput, Michael Hage being made lieutenant of Stuper his company in his room, and with those commissions there was sixteen hundred gulderns in gold sent to pay the soldiers. And after that, upon the last of December, Sir john Norris fell upon the enemy's camp behind through the marshes: whereupon they of the town also issued forth valiantly, and caused the enemy to fly, breaking some of his ordnance in pieces with hammers.  
During this siege, in December, the earl of Renenbergh had certain enterprises upon other places, as against Hattum, whereas by means of Lodowick van Monthort, the Drossart, 
1580  he caused forty soldiers that went out of the castle of Blyenbeek, belonging unto Schenck, which were conducted by Sergeant Foncheco and the Drossarts son, to get into the castle of Hattum by night: mean time the Drossart himself made the Estates soldiers (being but forty in number) all drunk, and shut them up in a chamber, whilst they of Blyenbeeke entered. With those soldiers the Drossart the same night came down and took captain Haen, that was but a traveler through the town, and two other gentlemen out of their beds, and carried them prisoners into the castle. Which the burghers understanding, and some of the soldiers that kept watch in the town, they supposed, that their enemy within the castle had b●…ene stronger than he was. They of Swool being advertised thereof, sent captain jacob van Mechelen thither with certain soldiers, at which time also they of Deventer and Elborgh sent aid, and so they began to batter the castle of Hattum with six pieces from the town, and presently made a breach therein (although the wall were four and twenty foot thick) so that upon the eighteenth of December they were forced to yield upon composition, by entreaty of captain Hegeman, which was, that the soldiers should depart with their lives, and the Drossart and his son should remain prisoners, who afterwards had his process made by the Estates of Guelderland, and so both he and his son were b●…headed & quartered, because they had sworn to be true unto the Estates.  
The third of januarie, Sonoy (by commission from the Estates) came out of North-Holland to Blockziel, with ships of war, and divers soldiers, and all kind of provision fit to make a sconce, where in a short time he made a strong sconce, which after served the Estates to good purpose, being but a mile from Steenwicke, from whence he could make signs to them within Steenwicke, which revived their courages, as being very impatient. And when as Sir john Norris wished them to send him a man of some experience in the wars, to speak with him about the relieving of the town, they sent Coen Dierickeson unto him, with an instruction, where (amongst other things) it was set down, that he should set upon the enemy, or that if he would not attempt it rashly, he should secretly send them a thousand men into the town, and they would set upon the enemy themselves: against the which Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed, saying, That the dividing of an army (which was neither great nor strong of men) was not likely to do any good, or to relieve them, the enemy being so near; whereof they also advertised the Estates, and how that they were forced to sign to such an instruction. The like contention and discord was daily in the town, oftentimes writing, to have leave to yield up the town, if they were not relieved in short time, saying, That they had not victuals within the town for above six days.  
The like tumults and uproar was amongst them in the enemy's camp, who were kept night and day in continual alarms, in exceeding cold weather, and with want of money, for the which they often called: so that at the last the earl of Renenbergh was forced to absent himself for a while, until he had gotten some money for them, wherewith he contented his soldiers, with many fair promises. The like contention he had with Schencks horsemen, that once before had left the camp: so that on both sides they were in great extremities.  
Upon the nineteenth of january the earl of Renenbergh sent a trumpet with a letter, signed by Martin Schenck and john Struef, wherein they used all manner of persuasions, to move the town to yield; but they had an answer to the contrary by word of mouth. Every day they did what they could to annoy one another, and upon Shrove-tuesday they without the town having often asked them within, if they had almost eaten up all their horses, they within mounted soldiers upon all the horses they could get (being about threescore) with lances, and when as they had therewith braved upon the walls, they went secretly out of one of the gates, and gave an alarm unto the camp, and so went in again at another port, crying unto them, and saying, That they had gotten in a new cornet of horse; so as they showed themselves to have resolutions, and no want of any thing. The like jest was used by the earl of Renenbergh (whereby captain Cornput had like to have lost his life) for that he wrote him a letter, the contents whereof were these.  
Honourable and worthy gentleman, for that by reason of the present frost, you can do no good in the trenches, nor cannot pass the time away by drawing your ring up and down upon 
1581.  your finger, because you have been forced to lay the same to pawn, to pay the soldiers, and besides that, have not wherewith to set your teeth on work, or to cleanse your maw, and yet should have something to busy yourself withal, therewith to pass away the 〈◊〉; therefore we send you the letter here enclosed, to please your humour, dated in the king's camp before Steenwicke the fifteenth of january. In the letter there was a book printed in French, made by Assonuille, or some other, whereof the title was▪ The prince of Orange his letters interpreted, which he sent to the duke of Alencon, with many annotations in the margin, which the prince in his Apology maketh answer unto. By this letter, certain of captain Cornput his enemies in the town, thought, that the enemy had sent some reasonable conditions of yielding up the town unto him▪ and that he for that cause would no●… let them see them, and therefore were desirous to have them, and so made a tumult against him, which was hardly pacified. To this letter captain Cornput made as good an answer, and also sent some Annotations upon the marginal notes of the printed counterfeit. Letters.  
Besides this, to pass away the time, captain Thomas (an Albanois captain) sent to Sir john Norris, to challenge him to fight hand to hand with him, either with lance, pike, sword, 
A challenge sent to Sir john Norris, answered by captain Williams.  or curtleax: whereunto captain Williams, his lieutenant colonel, made answer, that he would fight with him at all the said weapons: which upon certain conditions was undertaken: and having given sureties on both sides, and both the armies standing in order of battle, they two (in presence of them all) met together, and after certain blows given both with lance and curtleax, without any harm to either party, according to the agreement, they drunk one unto another, and so departed.  
The seventeenth of januarie, upon the importunacy of them of the town unto Sir john Norris (as also by the daily intercession of Coen Dierickson, that was with him at Griethorn, saying, That for want of victuals they within the town could not hold out four days) he determined to do some enterprise upon Steenwicker Woldt, being in all (with his English regiment, the regiment of the earl of Nassau, and that of Michiel Caulier, and some companies of Hegeman and Stuper) not above two thousand men: which he certified unto those of the town, who with the half of their men issued forth when it was dark, whereby they miss each other, and so did themselves hurt: and Sir john Norris (for his part) did nothing, for that he came into a field full of trees, the which was enclosed with a ditch, not far from the town. Which the earl of Renenbergh perceiving, brought certain field-pieces thither, and first having made his prayer, he gave a terrible assault against the same, but he was valiantly repulsed, so that he thought it best for him (that evening) to return back again unto his camp, thinking to find him there the next day: but Sir john Norris perceiving in what danger he was, in regard that he had neither victuals no●… horsemen, and that he might (perchance) have been overthrown, if the enemy had enclosed him, was much moved against Coen Dierickson, that had made him believe, that the town was in so great necessity, and therefore thought good to go unto Blockziel, to Sonoy his fortifications; where he understood by certain persons, that the town was sufficiently provided (with all things necessary) for a while: for which cause he determined to stay for the Friesland aid, which he likewise certified unto the town. The earl of Renenbergh once again summoned the town to yield, writing them a comfortable letter, which captain Cornput answered with many annotations, and caused it to be sent him again; which letter was openly read before the camp, in great despite to the earl of Renenbergh. After that, upon the four and twentieth of januarie, the earl of Renenbergh understanding, that Sir john Norris with all his forces lay in the cloister, called S. john's camp, he went thither with a great force, where he besieged him round about, and battering the place, thought to take it, before he should have aid out of Friesland: Sir john Norris presently had great need of victuals, whereby he was constrained and enforced to eat his horses, although Sonoy sent him some victuals from Blockziel, whereas two of his companies overthrew two of the enemies, which were of the like number.  
Wighbolt van Eusum, lord of Nyenvenoort, having made a contract with the Estates, to levy soldiers at his own costs and charges, the which he should entertain by contribution, 
1581.  enforced upon the enemy, the Estates wrote unto him, to help to relieve Steenwicke, who to that end came with six companies of his own, and six Friesland companies, under the conduct of Adrian Meningh (lieutenant colonel to Merode) to Blockziel, with wagons and victuals, being in all fifteen hundred men: which the earl of Renenbergh understanding, he went secretly away in the night time. At his departure from the cloister, he left the wounded, dead men, and his prisoners, and great store of victuals behind him, having besieged the cloister three days, and burned the village of Griethorn. After that, there grew a great mutiny amongst his soldiers, which within certain days was pacified with some money, each soldier having received 21 styvers.  
The last of januarie Sir john Norris came to Oldermarckt, a mile from Steenwicke, with all his troops: for which cause the earl of Renenbergh made divers other sconces, and left his lodging in Steenwicker Woldt: they of the town (for that their gates were battered, and annoyed with sconces) resolved at the last to make a new gate, between the wall and Ostergate, on the North side, which they called Cornputs gate, because he had always given them counsel to make it there, that they might receive their victuals therein from Sir john Norris.  
The fourth of February three Woodcocks (others say Partridges) came flying into the market place of Steenwicke, and were there taken by the soldiers, and eaten. Which being 
An A●…gure at Steenwicke.  told to captain Cornput, he said presently: God sent the unbelieved Israelites such kind of meat, and he for certain will relieve this town; but for that there are three, so it shall not happen until three weeks be ended, because we will not believe him. This prophecy of Cornput (which the common burghers made more question of than the rest) was taken in evil part, as if that he would prescribe so long a time for their deliverance: which he seemed to have spoken, only to lessen the great longing and desire that the burghers had thereunto, nevertheless it appeareth, that God spoke by his mouth, although he knew it not himself; for it was true, for that even the same day three weeks after, the town was sufficiently victualled by Sir john Norris.  
The same day Sir john Norris, the earl of Nassau, Merode, Nienort, Michiel Caulier, Iselstein, Hegeman, and Stuper, with six and forty companies of footmen, being about three thousand five hundred men strong, and six cornets of horse went to Steenwicker Woldt, and encamped himself in the East end, in a convenient place, called Heddinbergh, where there stood many small trees, which served for trenching or sconces; but in the North end, where it was open, he made a defence of wagons: they of the town might discover his ensigns, and know them, being but 2400 paces from thence, and nothing between them but plain fields, meadows, heaths, and marshes, in the middle whereof there stood a new sconce made there by Renenberghs soldiers upon the 31 of januarie.  
To resist them, the earl of Renenberghs soldiers put themselves in order of battle, and at the last (after they had stood so until the next day after noon) they went with their ordnance to assail Sir john Norris camp behind, not thinking to find the Wagon sconce, & gave a furious assault, where captain Hendrike Suater (their leader) was slain, they of the town in the mean time issuing out into the enemy's camp, did them great hurt, and got good store of booty.  
The sixth or seventh of February there was a search made in every house within the town, to know what provision of victuals they had, and they found corn and other victuals sufficient to serve them two months, as well amongst the rich as the poor, who thought they should not have been so narrowly searched, as the rich men, each man being allowed 6 pound of bread a week: for which cause captain Cornput showed the forestallers thereof in what danger they had brought both the country and the town, for that the soldiers fearing want of victuals, were like to have fallen into a mutiny, and been discouraged, and thereby made the enemy to think that they were in great necessity, and gave them more courage: as also that the Estates (through their impatient writing for relief) had been almost compelled to adventure a battle, which (as it appeared) would have fallen out badly for them: but notwithstanding all this, they of the town were still very impatient, and wrote importunately for relief.  
Every day they skirmished, and the earl of Renenbergh still made more sconces between Sir john Norris camp and the town, which they first began under the defence of certain wagons 
1581.  laden with dung, which they placed there by night, and so made their trenches behind them: All the heaps of turf the earl of Renenbergh caused to be burnt, that the way might be discovered, yet for all their great light, they could not intercept one letter or messenger that came out of the town, the which was very strange. At the last captain Cornput caused certain 
Bullets shot with letters in them.  bullets to be made, of two pound weight apiece, thereby to prevent the danger of their messengers: which bullets were shot into Sir john Norris camp. These bullets had two holes, the one to thrust in the letter, the other to put in the fire work, for that by the smoke thereof they might the better be found.  
Upon the fourteenth of February, Sir john Norris sent them of the town word, that they should make three bridges over the river of Aa, and he would give the adventure to relieve them, appointing his men to place wagons along on both sides, and so to convey the victuals into the town, wherein captain Cornput used great diligence, to cause certain sconces to be made without the town, and it seemed as though he would have had sconces made clean through from the town, to Sir john Norris camp: but all he desired was not done, notwithstanding they within made sconces without the town, in the West part, with great toil, hewing the hard frozen earth with hatchets and pickaxes, & made a bridge over the Aa, and so lay in the field without the town; but after signs given on both sides▪ touching the beginning of the enterprise, Sir john Norris in seeking to effect it, found great difficulty, which was, that the wagons could not pass over the hard knobs of ●…osen earth, which lay in the marshes; neither could they effect it without great noise, and therefore for that time he stayed, but they of the town finished their work, and hindered the enemy from making their sconces against them, taking his dung wagons from him, they kept the field night and day.  
The seventeenth of February the great frost began to thaw, which did much comfort them of the town, who were in good hope they should not now have so much cause to fear their enemy's horsemen.  
The 18 of February Sir john Norris began to make a trench of a thousand paces without his camp, along by the old Aa, which was done with great labour & toil, for want of pioneers, and necessary provision. This trench was battered and assailed by the earl of Renenberghes soldiers, but to no end.  
The twentieth of February, a bourger and four soldiers about noon time, went out of the town, and past between the enemy's sentinels and the trenches, yet were not hurt, although 
Steenwick victualled by Sir john Norris.  they were shot at, and pursued from all places round about them; whereby Sir john Norris soldiers were showed the way how they should relieve the town: and upon the one and twentieth of February Sir john Norris by the same way sent certain soldiers with those five persons, laden with an hundred and fifty cheeses, three hundred and fifty loaves of bread, with powder and match bound together: who having thrown it or laid it all upon the bridge, went presently back again: for the preventing whereof, the earl of Renenberghes men came thither, but it was too late. The diligence and resolution of these five men, was rewarded by the captains with certain pieces of gold.  
The next night Sir john Norris made another trench of two hundred seventy two paces long, which drew somewhat nearer the town, whereby his trenches and the town trenches were but eight hundred ninety six paces one from the other, the earl of Renenberghes sconceslying between them, distant from the town seven hundred seventy six paces, the enemy seeking to draw their ordnance through certain places of the Aa, where it might stand better and do more service, but it sunk, so as they could hardly get it out again. And the same night they made another defence of dung wagons, over against the new bridge, thinking to make a new sconce, which they of the town sought by all the means they could to hinder them from effecting it.  
They of the town going on with their trenches, upon the two and twentieth of February there happened a skirmish on all sides, for that Sir john Norris began to skirmish in divers places, provoking the enemy to issue forth, whereupon they placed themselves in order of battle. In the mean time they within the town, passing over the new bridge, carried away all the enemy's dung wagons into the town, wherewith the skirmish grew hot on all sides, the ordnance thundering on both parts. They of the town also fell upon the enemy in divers places, and yet were many times driven back by the enemy's horsemen, but by means of their 
1581.  trenches they always got safely, and with advantage in again, in regard that it thawed so fast, that the horsemen could not pass alover the way. This continued for a while with great fury, whereby it seemed they would fall to a general battle. The enemies began to be weary, and to be hungry, which began about noon time, and so they drew backward, especially the footmen, who after their old manner, in a thousand divers names cried out for money, so that the horsemen could make no longer resistance, but withdrew themselves after the loss of many of them.  
Three hours after noon, when they had scarce rested themselves, they of the town perceiving Sir john Norris soldiers to issue out of their trenches, came out with divers hurdles, and drawing them along the bridge, laid them upon the morish slippery way, being nearer to Sir john Norris trenches than the town: whereby men might perceive the diligence of those that were in extremity, and such as were willing to help themselves: Which done, divers of Sir john Norris horsemen, and a great number of peasant's horses came forward, all laden with corn, meal and powder, wherewith they went unto the bridge, and casting it down upon straw that lay there, ran to fetch more. Many footmen also brought bread and cheeses. While this was doing, the sconces that lay in the way were assailed by captain Cornput and certain soldiers, in the which they threw great store of straw, and burning pitched ropes, shooting bravely into them, with two companies of soldiers that fought like Lions: but they of the next sconces shot lustily at them, yet the townsmen gave it not over, having gotten the ordnance, wherewith they shot at the bridge, which they began to draw towards the town: but the earl of Renenberghes horsemen being sent thither, forced them to retire again into the town, having slain and wounded many men within the said sconces, whereof the next day they found seventeen dead. In the mean time it began to be dark, and every man withdrew himself.  
The earl of Renenbergh being moved at this furious assailing of his sconces, and for that it began to thaw very fast, finding his men also unwilling to lie any longer, and the town twice 
Steenwick relieved, and the siege broken up  victualled before his face, he determined to raise his siege, causing his ordnance and other provision to be secretly gathered together in the night time, abandoning all his sconces: he assembled his men in West-Wicke, which neither they within the town, nor Sir john Norris did once discover, by reason of the dark night, having also no thought of his retreat: and so upon the three and twentieth of February he left the town of Steenwicke, and went to a place called Onnen, marching in order of battle all that day. In the morning Sir john Norris coming to the town, went after him, but yet found it not convenient to charge him.  
They within the town entered into the enemy's forsaken camp, where they found many beasts, flesh, wine, and beer: and the four and twentieth of February all the victuals that Sir john Norris had brought with him, was carried into the town: And by that means the town was delivered from the siege, upon the last day of the three weeks, as captain Cornput had foretold it, after they had been besieged four months; and then was all the hidden corn and other victuals brought forth, the burghers complaining of their great impatience, and yet the money they laid out, was repaid them again by the Estates, and means made unto places round about, in charity to relieve them; and besides that they were acquitted of all burdens with the generality. But they enjoyed their goods not long, for the which they were in so great fear and care, for that the most part of them within one year after died of the plague, which happened in the town, by reason of the stink of blood, and of the dead bodies that lay unburied in divers place: and the goods that they left, fell afterwards into the hands of their enemies: So that this distrust in God (without cause) was not left unpunished, as it had been showed them out of the holy Scriptures.  
The soldiers that had so long defended Steenwicke, thought they should have had some reward given by the Estates; but captain Cornput and Olthof, after long attendance, could hardly get their pay, yet the other two companies of Dutch men under Stuper and Berenbroeke, to whom there was not much due, were well paid. But it was to be supposed, that want of money was the cause of it. Captain Cornput, with the rest of the valiant captains, burghers, and soldiers, got great honour, praise, and glory, amongst all wise men, in regard of their industry, constancy, resolution, diligence, carefulness, labour, and dangers, considering with what people they had to do, as also what small means they had, being simple people, that 
1581.  wanted a governor, ordnance, and horsemen. During this siege Sonoy with a few soldiers, had besieged both the houses of Vollenhove, wherein the earl of Renenbergh had garrison, which were soon yielded unto him.  
The Englishmen, Walloons, and Iselsteins' soldiers, were sent unto the Kuynder, and there besieged the church, which within few days upon composition; was yielded unto them. The companies of the Friesland regiment, under the lord of Merode, went before Lemmer and Sloten, which being battered, yielded up, and after that, the Englishmen and Walloons were divided into several garrisons.  
The lord of Nienoort went presently into the territories thereabouts, whereas they of Groaning had besieged his sconce at Winsum, which heat his coming thither relieved: by the which sconce at Winsum, and those at Winsumerziel, Warsum, Warsumerziel, and other places, he held a great part of the country under contribution. The earl of Renenberghes soldiers were then come into the territories of Steenwick, and lay at Midlesum, where the lord of Nienoort thought to hem them in, but they beat him from thence, and shut two companies conducted by Renoy and Vercken into a church, who were forced to yield, upon safeguard of life and goods, because their captains were absent.  
Oyenbrugh, whose revolt was ascribed unto the earl of Renenbergh, at a skirmish before Loppersum, was shot in the leg, whereof he died in Groaning. The earl of Renenbergh himself, with a company of soldiers, went into Zeeland, and took the house of Boxburgh, fortified Goore and other places, and took great store of booty with him.  
Having related what was done in the camp before Steenwicke, and in other places thereabouts, I will now return and show what was done in the later part of the year 1580.  
The king of Spain having settled it in his imagination, that the prince of Orange was the 
The king of Spain's res●…lution to h●… the pr●… of Oran●… 〈◊〉 ther●….  only man that crossed his designs in the Netherlands, and that he could not reduce Holland, Zeeland, and their associates under his obedience (for as the secretary Escovedo had written unto him, he must first begin with the islands) he thought, that so long as the said prince should live, he should never see an end of those troubles. Wherefore seeing he could not attain unto it by arms in the time of the duke of Alva, and of Dom Louis de Requesens, nor by the policy and practices of Dom john, whereas the towns of Holland and Zeeland in general, were not at the said prince's devotion, nor allied with mighty neighbours, as the provinces of Gueldres, Vtrecht, Friesland, and Ouerissel, he resolved at what price soever, and whatsoever should chance unto him, to practise the means to attain unto his pretended end, and to have the said prince of Orange dispatched, by what way soever: yet something to colour and excuse the fact and the execution thereof, he would use a kind of form of proceeding, as depending upon the order of justice, using first a proscription or banishment decreed against the said prince, whom afterwards he leaves as a prey, abandoning him to all the world. Of which proscription we have thought good for brevities sake, to set down the substance and chief points, being proclaimed by the prince of Parma in two several languages, upon the nineteenth day of june.  
Philip by the grace of God, King of Castille, Duke of Bourgoigne, Brabant etc. He 
The edict of the prince of Orange's proscription.  showeth first, how graciously and favourably the late deceased emperor Charles the fifth, of famous memory, his lord and father, had dealt with William van Nassau to procure him the succession of Rene of Chalons, prince of Orange, his cousin: and although he were a stranger, had advanced and furthered him in all he could: as also the king himself, having made him knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and governor of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, and Bourgoigne, colonel of a regiment of horsemen, and a counsellor of Estate: declaring further all other the favours that had been done him: And to the contrary how unthankful he had been, in moving and procuring the confederate gentlemen to present a petition unto him, bringing in of the reformed religion, with the exercise of the same, and the casting down of images, rooting out the Catholic Romish religion, and chase away the clergy. And lastly, bearing open arms against his sovereign lord: and that he had resisted and withstood all treaties of peace, and had broken the pacification of Gant, and the perpetual edict, carrying himself in most tyrannous manner, ill entreating all the chief nobility of the country, that he might rule and domineer more absolutely among a furious and tumultuous 
1581.  multitude, the good being chased away. And for that all this confusion and misery, which his subjects, he said, suffered, are found to proceed from the counsel, persuasion, and instigation of that wicked hypocrite, by his turbulent spirit, who put all his felicity in the trouble of his subjects: For which causes being (as he said) just, reasonable, and according unto justice, using in that regard the authority which he had over him, by virtue of the oaths of fealty and obedience, which he had often made unto him, for all his perverse and wicked acts, being the sole author, head and contriver of those troubles, and the chief disturber of all his Estates; he declared him a rebel, heretic, hypocrite, like to Cain and judas, having his conscience obdurate, a villain, head of the netherlands tumults, a plague to Christendom, and an enemy to all mankind: And as such a one did proscribe and banish him for ever out of his said countries, and out of all his other estates, realms, and signiories: forbidding all his subjects, of what estate, quality, or condition soever, to live or converse, talk or confer with him, openly or secretly, nor to receive nor lodge him in their houses, nor yet to relieve him with meat, drink, fire, or any other necessaries: Giving all his goods, lands, life, and living, to them could take it. And that it might be the better effected, and brought to pass, and thereby to release and deliver the poor people from his tyranny, desiring to reward and recompense all good actions, and to punish and chastise the bad, and such as are offenders and transgressors, he promised upon the word of king, and as the minister of Almighty God, That if any one would be of so generos a resolution, and so zealously affected to his service, and the public good, as to put in practice and execution the foresaid edict and decree, and to free him from such a plague, delivering him the said William of Nassau, prince of Orange, either alive, or dead, or else to bereave him of his life, that he would give unto him or to his heirs, either in money, land, or annual rent, twenty five thousand crowns of gold, and therewithal forgive him all crimes and offences whatsoever he shall have formerly committed and done: yea if he were no gentleman, to make him a gentleman for his valour: Promising reward and advancement to all them that should assist him in the execution thereof, according to their estates, degrees, and qualities.  
He likewise declared all those that were his associates and adherents, to be banished persons, and their honours, lives, and goods, confiscated, if they did not abandon and forsake him within one month after the publication of the said proscription: and their goods, wheresoever they should be found, either in Spain, or elsewhere, merchandise, debts, actions, or inheritance, to be good prize to them that could take them, etc.  
This banishment and proscription the prince of Parma commanded to be published throughout all the towns of the king of Spain's obedience, by his letters written to the governors and the Provincial counsels.  
This ignominious proscription which the king of Spain made against the person of 
The prince of Orange's Apology to the proscription.  William of Nassau, prince of Orange, did not much advance his affairs, as we may see by the progress of the history. Many men of great quality, that were Neuters, and good Catholics, did wonder much to see the prince of Parma cause it to be published and printed, seeing that he could not pass without an answer, which would touch both the king of Spain and him to the quick: For as soon as the prince of Orange had seen a copy thereof, he made an Apology, the which he caused to be printed in divers several languages, and did dedicat and present it to the general Estates of the countries of the Netherlands, assembled in the town of Delft, upon the thirteenth day of December, to whom he submitted his authority, life and goods, and made them judges of his service and answer, whereof I will make a brief recital.  
Touching the point of ingratitude, wherewith he doth charge him, for his advancement 
His answer for the point of ingratitude.  to the succession of his cousin Rene of Chalon, prince of Orange, he said, That therein he was not bound neither to the emperor, nor to the king of Spain, for that he was his father's brother's son, and that he might give him his lands in Bourgoigne, and the principality of Orange, by his last will and testament, according to the privileges of Burgoigne, called the French county, whereas they may freely give their lands by testament to whom they please, and yet the said king Philip detained them from him, wherein 
1581.  he had been wronged to the value of two millions of gulderns.  
He also complained of the sentence given against him for the signory of Chasteaubellin, the arrearages whereof amounted to 3 hundred and fifty thousand gulderns. And touching the principality of Orange, he said, That no man had any thing to say thereunto, for that he held it of no prince whatsoever, but was his own freely, without any superior sovereign: and that in regard of that principality he had no need of any prince's friendship and favour, but of the king of France.  
Then he showed what services his predecessors of the house of Nassau had done to the 
The services done by the house of Nassau to the house of Austria.  house of Austria. First, cont Engelbert his great uncle, with the baron of Roemont, won the battle of Guynegast, for the emperor Maximilian, with many other great and notable services.  
Then followed his uncle Henry of Nassau, who in a manner had planted the imperial diadem upon the emperor Charles his head, he being absent in Spain, and the prince's electors making often motion to send for the king of France, to make him emperor; wherein he was such an iustrument, as Charles enjoyed that dignity: whereof there could no tokens of thankfulness be showed on Spain's behalf, as other kings and princes had done, and were yet to be seen by some pieces of ordnance which the king of Hongarie had given to his ancestors, as a testimony of their valour and service against the Turk, the which were forcibly taken out of their house in Breda, by the duke of Alua.  
After him followed prince Rene, who restored the loss which the emperor Chales the fifth had sustained by the overthrow of an army, and recovered him the duchy of Gueldres, and in the end died at his feet in his service.  
Saying moreover, that prince Philibert of Chalon, had alone in a manner gotten him the duchy of Milan, and the kingdom of Naples, and with the duke of Bourbon assured him Rome, keeping the pope prisoner.  
And whereas he proclaimed him to be a villain, and a traitor, he desired him to tell what villains, and who they were, at whose commandment the cardinal Granuelle should have poisoned the emperor Maximilian the second: and that he knew what the said emperor had said unto him, and how that he after that time had so much respected the king and the Spaniards, as he durst not after that make profession of the reformed religion, which he notwithstanding held to be the best.  
Touching the governments, honours, and titles, which had been given him by the emperor and the king, he said, they had been exceeding chargeable unto him, having spent above an hundred and fifty thousand florins, without any recompense; and that being general of the army, he received but three hundred gulderns the month, which was not sufficient for them that pitched his tents.  
Touching the order of the Golden Fleece, he faith, That he had been chosen by the chapter 
Touching the order of the golden fleece.  of the said order, & that he was most beholding to the brothers of that order for the same. Saying moreover, That the king himself was fallen from that dignity, in that he had broken the oath which he had taken, by the death of the earls of Egmont and Horn, the marquess of Berghes, and baron of Montigny, all knights, whose process ought not to have been judged but by the knights of the same order, as had been seen in Philip duke of Burgoignes time, by john lord of Luxembourg.  
And for that he was of the counsel of state, he said, That he had often refused it, but that the 
Of the co●…sel of state.  cardinal of Granuelle and others, had laboured to have him called, only to assist them with his authority with the people.  
And whereas his marriage with the lady Charlotte of Bourbon was objected unto him as 
Touching his marriage.  dishonourable, in respect of her profession: he answers, That the duke of Montpenser her father (a prince who was an earnest Romish Catholic) was very well pleased therewith; and in like manner all the princes allied to his second wife, had given their consents: neither had he concluded the said marriage rashly, nor without good premeditation, the which (although she were an abbess) was held lawful, by the opinions and judgements of learned divines and lawyers, and therefore no just cause why the king of Spain should take any exception a-  
cepted. He complained of the revolting of the malcontent Walloons, who had taken upon them to make war against their united friends, contrary to their oaths, & at such a time, when 
1581.  the foreign soldiers and the enemy should have been driven out of the country, and the 
The inconstancy of the commanders of the Malcontents.  town of Mastricht relieved. He likewise complained of the revolted noblemen and gentlemen, who being descended of noble houses and ancient families, should discover their lightness and inconstancy: First, serving the duke of Alva, and the great Commander, like mercenary slaves, and making war against him, after that they reconciled themselves unto him, and became enemies to the Spaniards. When Dom john came into the country they followed him, served him, and practised the prince's ruin. Dom john having failed of his enterprise at antwerp, they forsake him, and call in the prince, whom presently they abandon again, and without any counsel or advice send in all haste for the arch duke Mathias, whom they presently left, and without his privity called in the duke of Anjou, promising him wonders. But seeing they could not persuade him to be their head against the Estates, and them of the religion, they forsake him, and join with the prince of Parma and their enemies, whose counsellors they had so long held prisoners, which showed their lightness and inconstancy.  
Whereas they objected, That he had made himself to be chosen by force and tumult governor of Brabant, he showed, that he had refused it, and that in regard of the lieutenant general's place, he would not accept thereof, without the consent of the commanders that were in the army, which they sent him signed under their hands: The government of Flanders he also refused, notwithstanding the instance that was made unto him by the four members of the country.  
And whereas this proscription found the union of Vtrecht of very hard digestion, he said, There was no better remedy against the disunion of the malcontents, than this union, and no surer antidote against the poison of discord, than concord: Confessing, that he had procured, advanced, and sought to entertain it. As touching the receipt of money, he said, he never meddled therewith. And the rest of the accusations, as the chase away of the nobility, hypocrisy, distrust, and the offers that were made him, being of less importance, he refuted. At the last he came to the sentence of banishment, saying, That all those storms of thunder and lightning, did not amaze him, and that if any Spaniard or other affected to them, of what quality or condition soever, had said, or should say, as this infamous proscription had published, that he is a traitor and a villain, had spoken falsely, and against the truth: And although the use of water and fire was forbidden him, yet he would use the same so long as God should give him leave. And touching the twenty five thousand crowns, with recompense of gentry and pardon for all offences, promised to him that should attempt to murder or poison him, he said, That he doubted not, but God had and would preserve him, so long as he pleased: wherein his enemies had showed their baseness, that not able to vanquish him by the due course of arms, they seek dishonourably to murder or poison him. And although he feared it not, yet if it should so happen (which he hoped God would not permit) he said, there was not so mean a gentleman to be found in any nation, where they knew what belonged to gentry, that would eat and converse with such a wicked and infamous villain, as had murdered any man for money: And that if the Spaniards esteemed such for gentlemen, and that men by such means were advanced to honour in Castille, he said, That it was no marvel if all the world believed, that the most part of the Spaniards (especially those that held themselves nobles and gentlemen) descended from the Moors and jews, and observe that good quality, as engrafted in them from their forefathers, that betrayed our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, and gave judas money to deliver him unto them, that they might crucify him: For which cause he said, he would bear that misfortune the more patiently, if it so fell out. Wherefore he gave the States to understand, that their peace and quiet depended upon his death: for that so long as he was among them, their wars should never have end, and therefore he wished that his death might free them from the miseries which his life procured, the which should be a sweet and acceptable death unto him. That for their cause he had suffered his lands and goods to be taken from him, lost his brethren, yea and his son, and yet he desired to purchase their freedom and liberty with his blood, and that if they thought it fit and convenient, they should presently command the same: saying, That his head was ready, over which no prince nor potentat had any command, but only they, whereof they might dispose as it pleased them, for their welfare. But if they thought good still to use him, and his experience, won by continual toil and travel, together with his life and goods, he was desirous to employ 
1581.  himself in theirs and the Netherlands service, wherein he desired their resolution.  
Whereunto the general Estates upon the seventeenth of December, made answer, as followeth. 
The States answer to the prince of Orang●…s Apology made to the king of Spain.  The general Estates having not long since seen a certain proscript made and published by the enemy, against your Excellency's person, whereby they seek to charge you with some slanderous and unworthy crimes, thereby to bring you into hatred, as if by unlawful means and practices your Excellency should have sought the dignities and governments which you now enjoy: and withal abandoning your person as a prey to them that would bereave you of your life, and thereby deprive you of your honour: Having in like sort seen the answer made thereunto by your Excellency, we find, That for as much as concerneth the Netherlands, it is plain and manifest, that the aforesaid crimes, and false imputations, are unjustly laid upon you. And touching the place of Lieutenant general, & the particular governments which your Excellency now enjoyeth, that a lawful choice and election being made of you, you would not have accepted thereof, but at our earnest entreaties and desires, and have still continued therein at our requests, with the full consent and liking of the country, seeking the same at your Excellency's hands, with entreaty still to continue and hold the same, promising all help, aid, and assistance, not sparing any of their means, together with all obedience unto your Excellency. And for that the said Estates are well & sufficiently assured of your Excellencies good and true service done unto the Netherlands, and which from henceforth they expect and attend of you, they offer and present unto your Excellency a cornet of horsemen, for the better safety and guard of your person, desiring you to accept thereof from them, who acknowledge themselves bound to defend and preserve you. And for that which concerneth the said Estates, and wherein they find themselves taxed by the said proscription, they are resolved with the first opportunity to justify themselves. Given in Delft, etc.  
This answer being printed in divers tongues, was sent to all the princes of Europe, to justify himself of the accusations laid upon him in the said proscription, and to show who had been the first motive and the cause of the troubles in the Netherlands.  
This year died Frederick Schencke of Tautenbergh, bishop of Vtrecht, being precedent of the chamber at Spiers, who in the year 1559 succeeded jordan van Egmont, in the said bishopric, and was the 61 bishop of Vtrecht: Which bishops had governed that country 884 years, from anno 696 till anno 1580. This Frederick was a man of great learning, as doth appear by his writings.  
The eight and twentieth of December died Gerard of Grosbeke cardinal, bishop and prince of Liege, who (contrary to the disposition of the Liegeois) had openly defended the Spanish faction. Some thought he died of grief, for that the country would not yield to the contribution which he demanded. The Estates would have had some prince advanced, who had been better affected to their party, and above all the archduke Mathias, who was then in the Netherlands, whereunto they recommended him, but the partisans of Spain carried it by voices for Ernest, son to the duke of Bavaria, bishop of Fresingen, who had before laboured to have the bishopric and electorship of Cologne, the which he had, together with the Postulat of Munster, with other great dignities: So as we may truly say, That the said Ernest is at this day one of the greatest prelates in Christendom.  
In November past, colonel Balfour, general of the Scots that were under the State's service, being in garrison at Bruges in Flanders, went forth with a troop of horse, and set upon in the village of Wassenare (in Franc of Bruges) certain light horsemen of the prince of Parmaes, the which he defeated: but succours coming, Balfour, who had but threescore horse, after that he had fought valiantly, was defeated and slain, but not without great slaughter of the Spaniards. His body was carried to Bruges, and honourably interred. He was much lamented for the good services which he had done in Flanders: neither died he poor. His wife was brought in bed soon after in the same town.  
In the beginning of May, the deputies of the provinces of the Netherlands, that were sent into France to the duke of Anjou, returned back again, having made choice of him for their sovereign Lord, although some articles of the contract were not fully agreed upon, as that the king for his brother's sake should make war against the king of Spain, which the Estates did much desire, with some others. But the duke found many in France, that did cross his proceedings therein, being of the Spanish faction: for which cause about this time he made 
1581.  a declaration, and putting it in print, he sent it to all the courts of parliament of France, showing his firm and constant resolution, touching the defence and freeing of the Netherlands from troubles, showing, how honourable it was, and what profit it might bring to the kingdom and crown of France.  
About this time there was an enterprise discovered in Brussels, by a miller, which carried letters, who being put to the rack, and tortured, accused the signior of Haussy, and his wife, of certain practices, for the which they were committed to close prison, with the lady of Waerdenburch, sister to the said lady, and others: who were soon after released, except the said lord of Haussy, who continued for a time in prison, with doctor Cornet. But afterwards by the means of the signior of Timpel, governor of the town, who married the said lady of Waerdenburch, the signior of Haussy was set at liberty, and went for a time into France.  
And not long after there was an uproar begun and made by means of a preaching monk (that had been banished out of Gant) called Anthony Ruyskenueldt, who serving there in a certain parish, by means of his preaching he drew divers adherents unto him, who laboured to frustrate and disannul the good resolution which the Estates had taken for their protection and defence, some of them having before consented to the enterprise made by the earl of Egmont, and of others, as of doctor joos Butkens, Andreas Anderlech, the lord and lady of Haussie, and john Cob an English man, who not long before had been hanged and quartered in the said town. For which cause the magistrate of Brussels sought divers secret means to get that monk out of the town, but all in vain: at the last he being more and more suspected, it was resolved that he should by some means or other be forced to depart: which coming to his knowledge, he and his adherents caused a great number of people to assemble together before the governors house, which seditiously cried out, That they being Catholics, neither could nor would endure, that their peacher should be driven out of the town, saying, That they would sooner suffer themselves to be cut in pieces, with many such words more: but for that time they were pacified with fair words: but in the afternoon the magistrate being come thither, they began another great outcry amongst them, and in great rage they began to pluck up the stones in the street, and made a great uproar with their weapons and the stones, the Amptman having a hatchet thrown at his head: but the garrison, and the well affected burghers arming themselves, the uproar ceased. And after that, further information being taken therein, it was found, that divers seditious enterprises had been practised & invented in the cloisters, under pretence of going to mass, as also at the like assemblies of the said seditious preacher Anth. Ruyskenueldt; for which cause, by full consent of the towns men and members of the same, they caused the said Ruyskenueldt and some of his adherents to depart out of the town: determining further, to shut up the cloisters and the churches, that no more such violences should be used by such tumults, as also that by authority of the magistrates, all the images in every place of the town, should be broken down, and that the best part of them should be sold with most advantage, towards the charges of the town, and the relief of the poor. Whereupon a proclamation being made, showing the abuses and dangerous practices of the Papists within the town, it was decreed by the Amptman and magistrates of the 
The exercise of the Romish religion, restrained in Brussels.  said town, for the peace, union, and security of the said town, not to permit, nor allow of the exercise of the Romish religion, in any church or chapel of the same; and that therefore it should wholly be suspended & forbidden, until that other order should be taken in the causes concerning the said town & the country, and that therein they should follow the necessity of the time, as they of the aforesaid Romish religion, certain years past, upon small occasions, had forbidden the exercise of the reformed religion, & namely in an. 1566, and many times after, & for many other causes, which the aforesaid magistrates thought not convenient as then to be declared. The said magistrates therefore command, that every man shall govern himself according to their resolution aforesaid: and that every one should behave himself peaceably, without upbraiding or crossing one another, for any forepast action, in what sort soever it had been done, for that the magistrates by their said proclamation did decree, a general forgetting and forgiving of all actions on both sides, receiving and taking every one, of what religion soever they were, into their safeguard and protection, except three or four that were the chief motives of the last tumult of Ruyskenueldt aforesaid. And if, after that, any 
1581.  man were found to have proceeded against any part of the said ordinance, whereby the common peace of the said town, as also the authority of the said magistrates might be hindered or disturbed, they should be punished as common breakers of the peace, and enemies to the welfare of the town. And that noman might pretend ignorance therein, the said magistrates had appointed the same to be published. Dated in Brussels the first of May, in the year 1581.  
In the end of May captain james of Rensy (having first acquainted them of Ypre in Flanders with his enterprise) surprised the castle of Douxlieu, upon the river of Lys, near to Esteres, belonging to the signior of Vendeville, whereof he was made governor by the four members of Flanders, the which he fortified against them of Arthois, and the Chastileine of Lille, which did much trouble them in their navigation upon the said river: so as in the end la Motte went to besiege it with four pieces of ordnance, and the place was yielded unto him upon hard terms, the said Rensy going forth (not without great fear) after that he had seen seven or eight of his soldiers hanged, who before had held the Spanish party, he himself doubting that he should not have so well escaped.  
The 7 of june M. john Scheyf knight, chancellor of Brabant, died in antwerp, having a little before his death resigned his place to the signior of Lysueldt, counsellor of State. He left a little book, in form of an Apology, which he had written for his justification, against the slanderous and infamous letters written against him by the cardinal Granuelle.  
In the same month they of Gant had an enterprise upon Lille, thinking (with the help of some intelligence which they had) to surprise it early in a morning with bridges and ladders: but they were discovered too soon, and all their design turned into smoke: for the which one john Drumez, a notable merchant of the said town, was accused, with some others: Drumez being found guilty by his own confession, was beheaded, others were hanged, and some less guilty were banished.  
About the same time there was beheaded at Mons in Henault, M. john giles, register of the king of Spain's Exchequer, a reverent old man, having a little before resigned his place to Cronendal his son in law. He was accused to have written letters to them of Brussels, advertising them of some design which the prince of Parma might have upon their town.  
The war was managed somewhat strangely at that time in Brabant, for want of discipline and good pay: whereupon the Scottish men did mutiny at Viluoerden, chase away their colonel Stuart, so as they had much ado to pacify and content them. The like happened in the fort of Villebrouk, the which they could by no means appease, so as in the end they were forced to bring the canon from antwerp. The like fell out at Berghen upon Soom, so as for want of money the Estates and the prince of Orange had so small authority and commandment over the men of war, as it was a pity to see. And although the king of Spain's soldiers were not much better paid, yet was he better obeyed, for that he endured the insolencies and oppressions which they committed in all places where they came, as well in the champain country, as in good towns, and in their garrisons, without any respect, which on the other side was the cause that inhabitants went away, towns were unpeopled, and all trades of merchandise and traffic decayed. True it is, that there came great abundance of treasure out of Spain for the king, as well in ready money, as by letters of exchange: but it came but slowly, and with great charge, besides that the war which he had in Portugal to assure that kingdom, was of an excessive charge: Wherefore as the means were small of either part, it made them of Brabant, Flanders, and Friesland, to maintain themselves with small means, and small forces, all the year 1581.  
In May some troops of base Flaunders, under the command of colonel Moriant, borne at S. Omer, having an enterprise upon some places of Arthoys, demanded passage by Menreville, a great Borough upon the river of Lys, confining upon the country of Laleuwe three leagues from Bethune; the which being too indiscreetly refused, they forced a passage by the sword, the town was spoiled, and then burnt, and some which had saved themselves in a church, were there roasted. You may see what the wilfulness of fifty or sixty men prevailed to defend a turnpike or a paltry barricado, against five or six hundred men, which was the cause that goodly and rich place was quite spoiled. Those troops passing on by 
1581.  the village of Wattou (their design upon Arthois being discovered by their long stay at Menreville) where they thought to force some soldiers of the malcontents, which had fortified themselves in a church, hearing that succours both of horse and foot came unto them, they abandoned it, marching towards Dixmuyden, where they were pursued and overtaken, before they could recover the town, so as they were charged and put to rout, and some were burnt in a barn, whither they had retired themselves with their horses: so the burners were themselves burnt.  
The malcontents in june seized upon the castle of Baerle in Campeigne, which 
Baerle taken and recovered.  they caused to be fortified by the neighbour villages, they lodged in the mean time at Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, upon the passage of Breda. The signior of Stakenbroeke, governor o●… Breda, devised how he might take it again, and to that end went to besiege it with some troops, and two pieces of artillery: but he had not made forty shot for a trial, to see if they would yield or not, and seeing no show thereof, he retired.  
After that, the Estates of Brabant sent the signior of la Guard, a French colonel, with his cornet of horse, and four or five hundred foot to seize upon the castles of Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, the one he took by composition, the other by force, which made them of Baerle quit the place and burn it. La Gardiner marched from thence towards Tillebourg, and Lhoon oped sandt, which he took in like sort with Osterhout, and other forts thereabouts, hoping to make some good attempt upon Eindoven, and Boisleduc. He began now to advance, whereupon the prince of Parma sent the lord of Hautepenne and colonel Schenck, with his horsemen, where there were some skirmishes: but Hautepenne and Schenck returned to Boislleduc, to attend a design, which they had upon Breda, as followeth.  
Charles of Gaure, knight, baron of Fresin, afterwards earl of Beaurieu, brother to the signior of juchy, governor of Cambray, had been general of the Victuals, and of the counsel of the general Estates; who for some intelligence he had with the Spaniards, was put in prison. First he was sent to the Ramekins in Zeeland, and afterwards was brought to the castle of Breda: In the end being tired with his long imprisonment, he began to devise some means for his delivery, and seeing his guard not to be very great, nor yet the whole garrison of the castle, with the which in time he was grown familiar, by little and little he corrupted five or six of them, whereof some having been prisoners with the Spaniard, to procure their speedy delivery, and good cheap, had promised to do him some good service in the town or castle of Breda. These soldiers being thus won, the baron of Fresin sent word to the signior of Hautepenne of all their design: whereupon a day was appointed on the seven and twentieth of june, to put it in execution. These soldiers had given them notice of a certain reparation that was made in the rampar of the castle, where they might mount on foot. The time appointed was the very day when these soldiers should be in 
The castle of Breda surprised  guard, when as Hautepenne and Schencke failed not to come before the castle, to the very place appointed. Then these soldiers drew the rest of their companions to play at dice within their Corpse de guard, whilst that one of them went to see if the troops were arrived, and to show them the passage, so as all together fell upon the sentinels, and chased away the guard, whilst that the others mounted up the rampar, and by that means became masters of the castle, and the next day they fell upon the town. The burghers sought to fortify themselves with barricadoes, against the castle, so as the fight continued four or five hours: but the artillery did so annoy them of the town, as they were forced to give it over: The youth of the town behaved themselves valiantly. Godfrey Montis the bourgmaster was hurt, yet he found means to get to horseback, and so to escape, and so did the governor Stakenbroeck, lea●…ing his wife and daughter in the castle, who were unworthily entreated, which caused him to die soon after for grief. The town was spoiled. The State's men heard not of this surprise until the next day, when it was too late, and all was won.  
Thus the baron of Fresin procured his own liberty, and the signior of Hautepenne got the town and castle of Breda at an easy rate, from whence soon after he made an enterprise upon the towns of Gheertruydenbergh, and Heusden, but yet he failed in both.  
A while after, they of Brabant (to have their revenge) laid an ambush upon Boisleduc, a rich and a mighty town, far better than Breda. The chief and conductor of this enterprise, 
1581.  was Doctor junius, bourgomaster of antwerp: but finding some difficulty for want of horsemen, it proved fruitless: yet for that they would return with some exploit, having taken upon the way a soldier of the garrison of Eindoven, a little town of campaign, he went thither and took the town, in the which he took the captain of the castle, whom he threatened to kill, and in the view of his soldiers offered him some violence, so as by that means he forced them to yield him the castle, in the which there were two companies of foot and a cornet of horse, which for the most part were stripped. This done, he marched to Helmont, which he took also, but he could not get the castle: the earl of Hohenlo arrived there also with some troops, who took certain forts about Boisleduc: this done, they of Brabant returned to their garrisons. Then were the regiments of la Guard a Frenchman, and Stuart a Scottishman, sent into Flanders, to keep the malcontents occupied, whilst that the duke of Anjou should be busied about the victualling of the town and citadel of Cambray: so as that quarter of Brabant in campaign was unfurnished of soldiers for the States, whereby 
Eindoven recovered by the Spaniard.  the Signior of Hautepenne and the earl of Mansfield had good means to go & besiege Eindoven without any contradiction, the which they took again with small toil, the town and castle being not fully victualled as it was intended.  
In the month of May, the thirteen occupations and the six sworn companies of antwerp fearing some uproar amongst the people, and that they would attempt something against their Images, desired the magistrates, that they might take away the costly tables or pictures, that every one of them had standing before their altars, and many others, which had been saved, at the first breaking down of the Images; the which (for that they were very costly pieces, and made by the best workmen) was granted, so it might be done without scandal. For which cause, they shutting the Church doors, broke down their own altars, being nineteen in number, and took down the pictures, and yet there remained three and twenty more, which for a time continued in that sort, until the colonels and captains of the town fearing, that their enemies (under pretence of free exercise of their Religion) would attempt something to the prejudice of the town, made suit unto the magistrates, That the exercise of the Romish Catholic Religion might not be allowed: which the magistrates for a long time denied, until they heard news of the loss of Breda: for which cause (to please the common people) they forbade the exercise of the Romish Religion, and upon the thirteenth of july made a proclamation within the town of antwerp, the contents thereof being as followeth.  
Whereas the bourgomasters and Schepen of antwerp, with the advice of the colonels, 
Orders made in antwerp.  captains, and deans of the six sworn guilds or companies of the town, for the quietness and safety of the same (the care whereof, by the common counsel of the town, is committed unto the said magistrates etc.) have found it fit and convenient, by provision, to forbid the exercise of the Romish Religion. Wherefore in the name of the Scout, bourgomasters, and Schepen aforesaid, it is commanded, That no man whatsoever he be, shall take upon him, within the liberties of the said town, to say any mass either publicly or privately, neither yet to hear it, nor to suffer any other exercises thereof to be done, only baptizing, marrying, and visiting of the sick excepted, and that without any great assembly, as also that they shall bury their dead without any ceremonies, and that only in respect of the burghers and inhabitants of the town, and the liberties of the same, without permission of the same to any stranger whatsoever, coming or trafficking in the same, whereof every captain in his quarter shall have the oversight: and for the exercise of baptizing and marrying, they of the aforesaid Romish Religion should have two places appointed them for the same, as the chapel of Gr●…ian, and the chapel of the hospital of the virgin Mary, in the Churchyard street: and for the executing of the same, there should be six peaceable spiritual persons chosen, which should be sworn unto the magistrates, to follow and observe that Ordnance, without failing therein, upon forfeiture of a hundred crowns, to the benefit of the poor, by them which should seek to do any thing to the contrary, or else to be otherwise punished, as it should be thought meet and convenient. And furthermore, That all persons, both spiritual and temporal, that since the eight and twentieth of july last passed have gone out of this town, or any other of our united places, although that upon some especial occasion they were come again and remained there, should within four and twenty hours depart and retire themselves 
1581.  out of the liberties of the town, and Marquisite of the same, and not return again, unless it were with express liberty and consent of the aforesaid magistrates, and others, appointed to take knowledge thereof, upon the pain aforesaid. Also, that all others (unless it be the English nation) that within the space of four years last passed had come out of any of the united towns, or other foreign places, to inhabit in the said town of antwerp, should depart out of the same, unless that within fourteen days then next ensuing (according to the distance of the places) they brought lawful and commendable testimonials or certificates (in their behalfs) made by the magistrates or consistories, from whence they last came: which they shall show first to the captain and weekemasters, in the quarters where they shall dwell: and if any doubt arise therein, they should address themselves unto the magistrates and colonels of the said town, upon pain aforesaid. Forbidding also every man, upon like pain, to lodge or harbour any such persons in their houses. We also forbid all those, that resort or are conversant among the Spaniards and Italians (those only excepted that are subject unto the guard of the said town) not to keep any long weapons, nor short pieces in their houses, but to sell the same, or otherwise to deliver them, upon assurance of restitution, into the hands of the captains of the quarters, where they use to keep, having only their rapiers and poyniards, which they likewise shall not wear in the streets, upon pain of forfeiture of the said weapons, which shall be taken from them, only by the captains or officers under whom they dwell: also that no stranger, nor such as are not resident, shall bear any long weapons nor pistols, but shall leave them in their lodgings until their departures, unless it were with consent of the captain under whom they do lodge, upon pain of forfeiture of the said weapons.  
The Prince of Parma (this year) thought to have made a certain enterprise upon Flessingue, 
An enterprise against Flessingue, pretended ●…y the prince of Parma, but not effect●…d.  which was practised by Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, ambassador for the king of Spain in England, who by means of certain of his netherlands servants, and one Bouch●…ert an advocate, had secretly dealt with certain netherlands sea captains, who promised to employ themselves to deliver him the town of Flessingue: but secretly they made it known unto the prince of Orange (whose instructions they followed) treating so far as Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, paid some five or six thousand gulderns to the said captains, one of the said captains leaving his young son as an hostage with Mendosa in London. The practice was, That those captains lying with their ships of war (whereof they had command) before the head of Flessingue, should suffer certain ships laden with malcontents to go into the town, that under colour of some other action should lie ready thereabouts. The day being appointed, they of Flessingue secretly reenforced their garrison, thereby to welcome their enemies, and made themselves ready, with all advantage: mean time the prince of Orange sent his secretary Christopher Huges into England, to get the captains son, either by fair or foul means, out of Dom Bernardin de Mendosa his hands (which the aforesaid captain by the prince's advice had delivered to the ambassador in hostage, for the assurance of his promise) the which he should work about the same time that the enterprise was to be effected, so as the boy might not by that means be stayed there. Huges being in London, found means (by the help of one of the prince's halberdiers, as the boy stood at the ambassadors gate) to take him away, and presently conveyed him from thence, notwithstanding that the ambassador and his men began to make great stir about it, but the boy could no where be found. And although the delivering of the boy fell out well, yet the prince of Parma his men came not thither at the day appointed, fearing lest their enterprise had been discovered, by the imprisonment of the lady of Haussy, who about that time was committed prisoner in Brussels, whom they knew to be acquainted therewith, and feared that she might reveal it.  
This year, about the same time that this enterprise aforesaid should have been attempted against Flessingue, the lordship of Flessingue and the Marquisite of Campevere belonging to Maximilian of Bourgoigne, lord of Beveren, were sold by a decree of the Provincial court of Holland and Zeeland, for the payment of his debts, he being dead without issue, and were bought by the prince of Orange for 44600 gulderns, which the town of antwerp would willingly have bought, but the bargain was the rather granted to the prince of Orange, that Zeeland might have him for their protector, who by his will gave them unto his 
1581.  son Maurice.  
Many other exploits were done about this time in the Netherlands, as in Friesland, where the prince of Orange had been in the month of April, being come from Amsterdam (whereas the general Estates were to assemble about the accepting of the duke of Anjou for their sovereign lord) and in the way had visited Harlingen and Leverden, and appointed Sonoy with two companies of soldiers to lodge in the town of Staveren, against the castle wherein Reinard Dekema lay, and held it for the earl of Renenbergh with some 170 men; where Sonoy made certain mounts, with high ramparts or parapets, keeping them within the castle from coming to the walls with their musket shot, for that they had no ordnance within the castle: but Dekema having made the walls up again both high and very thick, he could do nothing to it, before that with six pieces of ordnance (whereof one Thomas Both was gunner) he had beat down their ramparts, & had caused the pioneers to fill up the ditches, and began to undermine the wall, so as he forced them within to parley: but Dekema refusing to accept of the conditions, 
The castle of Staveren won by Sonoy.  his soldiers compelled him thereunto, and delivered him and eighteen Friselanders more prisoners to Sonoy the rest were suffered freely to depart. This castle had the wall next unto the town thrown down again, and presently thereupon Sonoy caused the town to be fortified.  
This town of Staveren is very ancient, and in times past was a lordship, very rich and mighty, a great town of merchandise, and the chief in all those Northern parts, with a very good and a spacious haven, but now filled up with sand: it had great command, even as far Nimmeghen, as it appeareth by an authentic writing graven over the gate of the castle of Nimmeghen, whereas yet is to be seen in old letters this inscription, Hucusque ius Stauriae, that is, Thus far stretcheth the jurisdiction of the town of Staveren, and in another place, Hic finitur regnum Stauriae, that is, Here endeth the dominion of Staveren.  
Staveren in times past was so mighty, as in Anno 1345 with the aid of the Frisons, upon the 26 of September they overcame William earl of Henault with all his army, in Holland, hard by S. Odolf his cloister, where the said earl with many of his men were slain, so that long after there were divers dead men's bones (it being two hundred years since) found unburied in that place: for which cause, in Anno 1545, Mary queen of Hungary, the emperor Charles sister, and Regent in the Netherlands, caused all the dead bones thereabouts to be gathered up, and sent to Staveren, where they were buried.  
In May the earl of Renenberghs soldiers came out of great Auwart down to the Reediep, and thought to make a sconce upon the water, to exclude the lord of Nyenuenoort from the sea: but he being advertised thereof, went to encounter them, & having laid an ambush, he charged & defeated them, slew and took a great number of them, & carried away some of their ensigns. After that, the lord of Nyenuenoort having received 2 months pay for his soldiers of the Estates of Friesland, upon condition, that he should in the Estates name besiege great Auwart, he for that cause went & besieged it with divers companies of soldiers, & brought ordnance before it to batter the fort: but the earl of Renenbergh being advertised thereof, gathered together all his forces from Myddelstum, & other places, the which they did raze & abandon, and so passing over the Reediep, having a new supply of 300 horse, he marched towards Auwart: which Nyenuenoort perceiving, he was in mind to have left the siege, but the most part of his captains were of a contrary opinion, wherein they committed a great error, for that placing the peasants of Friesland among their squadrons of soldiers, they for want of experience, as soon as the earl of Renenbergh came to charge, presently, without any blows given, leapt over the ditches with their long staves, & ran away, which put the rest into rout, every one seeking to save himself, the earl of Renenberghs forces following them, who took Haspelinus & Berenbroeks ensigns, captain Stuper and Vischer being taken prisoners, but not many slain. Many of them fled into the sconce of Auwerderziel, where the earl of Renenbergh gave two furious charges, but he was forced to leave it with great loss of his men: but coming thither again with the canon, and having battered it, and made a breach, after three assaults they forced it, killing all they found in it, where among the rest Schelto jarges, a wise and a valiant captain, was slain.  
The Friselanders presently after assembled the dispersed soldiers again, so that Nynuenoort being made strong with more soldiers, went to his fort of Winsum, but the earl of Renenbergh 
1581.  coming before it with all his power, the fort being not yet finished, nor able to endure the canon, he was constrained by his own men to parley with the earl, so as it was agreed that he should depart freely with bag and baggage, and leave all his other forts. Nyenuenoort being thus overthrown, the earl of Renenbergh was master all over the Ommelands, as far as Doccum.  
In the mean time, the Estates to aid the lord of Nyenuenoort (although too late) appointed Sir john Norris to be general over certain forces and with him eight companies of Sonoy his regiment, with some others, who being made stronger with the remainders of the broken companies, sought opportunity to give the earl of Renenbergh battle, and as captain Schul, with certain soldiers, had taken Monikerziel fort, he took that from them, and forced the earl of Renenberghs troops to go out of the village in Gripskerke in battle. Colonel Sonoy led the forward, and began the charge coldly, by many skirmishes, until the rest came on, and charged in gross, whereupon the Renenberghers fled, and were pursued till they came to Groaning, with the loss of certain ensigns, and seven hundred of their men, besides many which were taken prisoners (and small loss to the victors) they took great store of their arms, which they that fled, were forced to cast away, and yet Sir john Norris had no horsemen with him, but only his own cornet, whereby many of the Renenberghers saved their lives most by means of the ditches: there was also four pieces of ordnance taken from them, and all their provision.  
The 23 of july died George of Lalain, baron of Ville, earl of Renenbergh, brother to the earl of Hoochstraten, for grief and sorrow of this defeat, although his sickness was not without some suspicion of poison: during his sickness, he did often grieve and lament, that he had quit the Estates party, whereby he had drawn himself into such a labyrinth, crying out often: O 
The death of the earl of Renenbergh.  Groaning, Groaning, whereunto hast thou brought me, cursing the day▪ that he had ever seen it. The last 8 days before his death, he exclaimed also upon his sister Cornille of Lalain, forbidding her to come in his sight, seeing that she had seduced him, and was the cause of his perdition. This earl of Renenbergh was son to the lord of Escornets governor of Guelderland for the emperor, who had to wife the daughter of the earl of Renenbergh, & afterwards by the succession of his cousin became earl of Hoochstraten: as also the said George of Lalain succeeded after the death of Cont Herman his uncle by the mother's side, canon of Cologne, to the said earldom of Renenbergh. His elder brother, earl of Hoochstraten, was called Anthony of Lalain, a wise and valiant nobleman, who in the year 1567. retired himself with the prince of Orange out of the Netherlands, & was also banished by the duke of Alva, as we have formerly showed. He died of a shot in the foot, in the first voyage which the prince made with his army into these countries, leaving some children; among others, his eldest was also earl of Hoochstraten, who of the lady N. of Egmont, widow to the earl of Hennin, lord of Capres, left one son after his death. This earl of Renenbergh was a courteous nobleman, & well red in Greek and Latin, a great lover of histories and of music, wherein he spent most of his time. He was an enemy to all tyranny (although he committed that vild act in Groaning, the which he afterwards repented 1000 times) and a great observer of military discipline: he was withal very careful to have his soldiers duly paid. As for his religion, I will not meddle with it: but we may conjecture what the heart was, having red so many books of the learnedest Protestant's, and had conversed so long with them: but the fear of his mother, of the canon his uncle (who had made him his heir) of the earl of Lalain his cousin, and of the persuasions of his sister, had made him to change his party, the which he often repent. Colonel Gaspar Verdugo succeeded him in the government of Friesland and Groaning.  
The Estates of Flanders sent a little army into the quarter of Ypre and Dixmuyden, under the command of the prince of Espinoy, whom they made general, whereof the Signior of Villers, before governor of Bouchain, was marshal of the camp, to make work on that side for the prince of Parma, during the victualling of Cambray. But the Parmo is being stronger in horse than the Estates, he defeated some near unto Dixmuyden. In the mean time the prince of Espinoys men that remained in garrison at Tournay, & in his government of Tournesis, gave many affronts unto their enemies in Henault, whom they annoyed all they could; as in like manner the malcontents did, being lodged in the fort of Hauterive, betwixt Tournay and Audenarde, from whence they did run daily to the ports of either town; 
1581.  who at the same time defeated a rich convoy of ninety wagons (with all sorts of merchandise) going to antwerp, and from thence to the fair of Francfort, being guarded but by some few foot and fifteen horse only. Of all these wagons there were about seventy taken, the rest escaped. This unfortunate encounter made many poor men, who went themselves to Gant and antwerp, to sell their merchandise, of the which there were some taken prisoners, who (besides all their losses) were hardly ransomed. Such encounters were made daily on either side, whereby all traffic both in fairs and markets decayed.  
At that time the Estates had their army encamped near unto the village of Loose, in the Chasteleine of Furnes in West-Flanders, in a commodious place, having but three thousand foot and eight hundred horse. The male contents thinking to raise them from thence, went and encamped at Pont Rovard (called in Dutch Rousbrugghe) where they skirmished daily one with another: but seeing that they prevailed little, and got nothing but blows, they retired from thence with the loss of three hundred men, to go and join with the prince of Parma before Cambray, where they expected the French.  
The Signior of juchy, governor of Cambray, had been forced (but with the consent of the Estates) to treat with the duke of Anjou, brother to the French king, who had sent him certain French companies, led by the Signior of Balaigni, bastard to john of Monluc, bishop of Valence. On the other side, the prince of Parma and the Wallon neighbour provinces, fearing lest the French should settle themselves, and lodge there, sought all means possible to dislodge them by fair means, money, secret practices and intelligences with their partisans within the town; the which not succeeding, the prince thought to force them by necessity and famine, and therefore built forts and made trenches at all the approaches unto the town, as at Marquion, Crevecaeur, Vauchelle, and other places, by means whereof he would besiege them far off by whole years, cutting off the victuals and munition, which before the French brought unto them. So as in the end being annoyed with the said forts and trenches, and by the horsemen which scoured the plains, those of the town grew to want all things, but bread and salt especially; for, as much as would be contained in a woman's thymble, would cost above a penny. For whose succours, the duke of Anjou, according to his promise, made all the hast he could to levy men over all France. But before he could effect it, he was constrained first to seek to pacify the quarrel that was in France, touching the entertaining of the fifth Edict of peace, which some of the Spanish faction did kindle all they could, to cross his design.  
The which being done, and the peace proclaimed in France, he assembled his army about Chasteaudun, consisting of goodly troops both of horse and foot, having the greatest part of the French nobility voluntaries, whom he had invited to do him this great and notable service; with the which were the old companies of men at arms, under the command of the lord of Bellegarde, all amounting to four thousand horse and ten thousand foot; the said duke marching with his artillery in the head of his army towards Cambray, being resolved to give battle to the prince of Parma, if he would attend him. Among the chief of his army there were the marquess de Elbeuf, the earls of la Val, S. Aignan and his son Rochpot, Montgomery, and Vantadour, the Viconts of Tureine and la Guerche, the Vidame of Amiens, the lords of Feruaques, la Chastre, S. Luc, Dieu, la Mauvissiere, and many others, with four marshals of the camp, whereof Feruaques was the chief.  
The Queen mother sought by entreaties and all other means to call back her son (the duke of Anjou) from this expedition, and to hinder him from relieving of Cambray: but he rejected all entreaties as inhuman, having promised the Estates not to fail them in this extremity, which made him to persist in his pretended enterprise. Some gave it out, that the Spaniards sought to corrupt him with great gifts, that he might desist from his intended enterprise: and that many of the French nobility, through the presents which they had received, and large promises, grew into suspicion to have secret intelligence with the Spaniard.  
King Philip hearing of the duke of Anjou his great preparations, supposing that such great troops, being like unto a royal army, could not be raised without the king's consent, he 
1581.  complained by his ambassador of his brothers great preparation, to aid and protect his rebellious subjects of the Netherlands, who were enemies of the true Religion, and of the faith of Christ, against their natural prince, against the Catholic faith, and against a king which was his kinsman and good f●…iend, having never given him any cause of so great a wrong; and therefore he could not believe, that so great forces could be gathered together, without the king's aid and consent: entreating him therefore, that seeing he had received no wrong from him, he would also forbear to injure a king that was his friend and kinsman. Answer was made unto the ambassador, That the French king had never wronged, nor yet thought to wrong a king which was his friend and ally, neither was it fit for his greatness, who carrieth the name of most Christian, to seek the ruin of the Catholic faith, or not to oppose himself against them that should contradict it: That those arms were then raised against the kings will, the which had been so often turned to the wasting, spoiling, and ruin of miserable France; and who would think that it had been with the king's consent? neither could the king at this time frustrate his brother's resolutions, no more than when the Huguenots turned their arms against the bowels of the kingdom: That the king of Spain should employ his forces against those disobedient and obstinate Frenchmen, and punish them as his own rebels, the which should be very grateful unto him. And for that it seemed the French king feared, that under pretext of succouring of Cambray, his brother (the duke of Anjou) might turn his forces against France; or that the Spaniard (if he were victor) should break in upon his frontiers, to be revenged of these fuccours which the king had not hindered, he gathered together thirty companies of men at arms, and threescore ensigns of foot, and sent them to the frontiers of Picardy, to defend the confines of his kingdom against the fury and rashness of either party that should overcome. Whereupon the prince of Parma grew into great fear and jealousy at the approach of the king's troops unto the frontiers: but the French king sent him word, That he should not think that they were sent to attempt any thing against his person, but only to secure the confines of his kingdom against the insolency of the troops that should vanquish, that he might not leave his subjects upon the frontiers abandoned, for that all victories (how temperate and modest soever the general be) are commonly insolent by the disorders of the soldiers.  
With all this goodly train (as aforesaid) the duke approached near to Cambray the sixteenth of August, on which day certain young noblemen of his army being too far advanced, were charged by the marquess of Roubay, Vicont of Gant, general of the prince of Parma his horse, who put them to rout, such as escaped running speedily to the body of their army. At which encounter the Vicont of Tureine and the earl of Vancadour were taken prisoners. The prince of Parma (who was also near unto Cambray with all his forces) making show that he would hinder the victualling thereof, presented himself in battle the seventeenth day with all his army, where he stood six hours in the face of the French, as if he would have fought with them, whereunto the said marquess of Roubay did much persuade and importune him. The duke had no other conceit, but that he came to give him battle, causing his army to advance softly in good order, to receive him, if he would seek to stop his passage unto the town. But the prince seeing his resolution, having taken good view of his forces (like unto the duke of Alva) being loath to hazard any thing, he retired (abandoning all his forts) to Valenciennes, where he encamped.  
The next day (being the eighteenth of the month) the duke of Anjou marching still in good order, approached near unto the town: where, having caused all the victuals and munition (which he had brought in great quantity) to enter, after that he had 
Cambray victualled.  forced the Spanish army to rise, he victualled it to the full, and entered himself in person, where he was triumphantly received with great joy of all the people, and acknowledged protector of Cambray and Cambresis, held simply of the empire, the which in old time were wont to be neuters.  
The twentieth of the month he took a solemn oath in the Cathedral Church, and afterwards in the townhouse, to govern and maintain the said city and country, and the citizens, burghers and inhabitants thereof, in their ancient liberties, freedoms, and rights, after which there was gold and silver cast among the people. The one and twentieth day he departed from thence with all his army, marching towards Arleux and Scluce, with an intent 
1581.  to fight with the Spaniards, who retired further into the country. Then he returned to besiege castle Cambresis, which yielded by composition, having endured 219 canon shot. There went forth three companies with their arms, and their matches out. At this siege, the Vicont of Tovar was slain, and the Signior of Balaigne shot in the calf of the leg.  
The duke of Anjou being come thus far, he was earnestly entreated by the general Estates and the prince of Orange to pass on, and to enter into the Netherlands, having a part 
Castle Cambresis taken by the duke.  of their army in Flanders, under the command of the pri●…ce of Espinoy, and the regiments of la guard and Stuart, all which should go and join with him: but Winter approaching, and his army consisting for the most part of voluntaries, and the best part of his horse, being the king's companies of men at arms, whereof he could not dispose at his pleasure, and withal, the nobility being at discord for the places of honour, there was no means to make them yield thereunto, the voluntaries and men at arms retiring home to their houses: yet there remained some troops to enter into the country, the which not daring to pass by Arthois, returned into France, and took their way along the frontiers towards Calais, where they entered into Flanders, and joined with the Estates army.  

❧ The General Estates of the united Provinces of Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Zutphen, Friesland, Oueryssel and Groeningen, having declared Prince PHILIP of Austria, second of that name, King of Spain, fallen from the Signiory of the said Provinces, by reason of his extraordinary and too violent government against their privileges and freedoms, solemnly sworn by him, have by the way of right and arms taken upon them all the government of the politic Estate, and of the Religion in the said Provinces, in the year 1581.    


THE GENERAL ESTATES 
1581.  of the united Provinces.  
The wicked counsel of the young King Roboam,  
The most unlawful lust that proud Tarquin's mind o'ercome,  
And of those two young kings the great perversity,  
Was th'only cause that did bereave them of their royalty.  
Of twelve Tribes, only one to Roboam remained,  
And Tarquin driven out of Rome, the people strait obtained  
The government, and the chief sovereignty  
Of Rome, and to the Senate did commit th'authority.  
The cruelty of the Inquisitors of Spain,  
That long in the united lands did civil wars maintain,  
In th'end was th'only means and cause, that after we  
The Spanish yoke long time had borne, obtained our liberty.   
THE XII. BOOK. 
1581.   
The Argument.  
THe general Estates of the united Provinces of Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Zutphen, Vtrecht, Friesland, Oueryssel, and Groeningen, took upon them the government of the said Provinces, after they had declared the King of Spain to be fallen from the Signiory thereof by a solemn Edict, having abjured him, broken his seals, absolved the subjects of their oath, and made them take a new 〈◊〉, for the preservation of their country, and obedience to the said Estates. The prince of Parma besiegeth Tournay, which in the end yieldeth. The prince of Orange desireth to quit the place of Lieutenant general, after the departure of the archduke Mathias, and is entreated to continue it, whereupon he gives some admonitions to the Estates, but to small purpose. The duke of Anjou cometh into the Netherlands, is created duke of Brabant. A bargain made by the king of Spain to kill the prince of Orange, who was shot, and in great danger of his life, and the murderer slain. The siege of Oudenarde yielded to the Spaniard. Alost taken by scalado for the duke of Anjou. Death of the princess of Orange. The duke created earl of Flanders. An attempt against the duke and the prince of Orange at Bruges, for the which one was executed at Paris. The duke's army charged near unto Gant by the prince of Parma, but it retires safe near unto antwerp. Lochen besieged by the Spaniard, relieved by the earl of Hohenlo in the Estates name. The strangers called back into the Netherlands by the disunited forces. The French king refuseth to succour the duke his brother, who assureth himself of Dunkirk. Being ill advised, he seeks to seize upon the town of antwerp, where his chief nobility was slain: the like was attempted in divers other towns, whereof the prince of Parma seeks to make his profit, and the duke grows odious, and yet the prince of Orange laboureth to reconcile all, the which he did by the means of the Signior of Bellieure, sent by the king of France. The duke yielding unto the Estates the towns which he had seized on, returneth into France. Another project to murder the prince of Orange, by ●…e Pedro Dordogne, and another at Flessingue, by Hans Hanson. The marshal of Byron retireth with the duke of A●…u his troops. The prince leaving antwerp, cometh into Holland, where there is some speech to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 earl of Holland, but without effect. Imbise called home by them of Gant, he plotteth his own ruin, and is beheaded at Gant as a traytar, after that he had sought to yield it, with Denremonde, to the Spaniard. Ypre yielded by necessity to the Spaniard, and Bruges by the prince of Chymay his practices. Lillo besieged in vain by the Spaniard. The prince of Orange murdered at Delft. Prince Maurice succeeds his father in the government: the town of antwerp blocked up: the river stopped: Gant and Denremonde yielded. The endeavours of them of antwerp: the resolution of the Estates upon the demand of a new prince: they send deputies to the French king, who excuseth himself upon the civil wars. Nymmeghen, Doesbourg, Brussels, Macklyn, and other places yielded to the Spaniard. The Estates men defeated at Coestein, and near to Amerongen: in the end antwerp is yielded. During this siege, the Estates sent their deputies to the queen of England, who accepteth their protection, and sends her lieutenant for their preservation.  
IN the alterations which happen sometimes in an Estate betwixt the Sovereign prince and a people that is free and privileged, there are ordinarily two points, which make them to aim at two divers ends: The one is, when as the prince seeks to have a full subjection and obedience of the people, and the people chose require, that the prince should maintain them in their freedoms and liberties, which he hath promised and sworn solemnly unto them before his reception to the principality. Thereupon quarrels grow: the prince will hold a hard hand, and will seek by force to be obeyed; and the subjects rising against the prince, oftentimes with dangerous tumults, rejecting his authority, seek to embrace their full liberty.  
In these first motions there happeneth sometimes communications and conferences, at the instance of neighbours, who may have interest therein, to quench this fire of division 
1581.  betwixt the prince and his people. And then if any one of the parties groweth obstinate, and will not yield although he seem to be most in fault, it followeth of necessity, that they must come to more violent remedies, that is to say, to arms. The power of the prince is great, when he is supported by other princes, which join with him for the consequence of the example, else it is but small: but that of the people (which is the body, whereof the prince was the head) stirred up by conscience (especially if the question of Religion be touched) the members ordained for their function, doing jointly their duties, is far greater. Thereupon they wound, they kill, they burn, they ruin, and grow desperately mad: but what is the event? God (who is an enemy of all tyranny and disobedience) judgeth of their quarrels, weigheth them in his balance of justice, helping the rightful cause, and either causeth the prince for his rigour and tyranny to be chased away, and deprived of his estate and principality; or the people for their contempt and rebellion are punished & reduced unto reason; which causeth the alterations to cease, and procureth a peace: whereof we could produce many examples, both ancient and modern, if the relation of this history did not furnish us sufficiently.  
So the general Estates of the united provinces, seeing, that king Philip would not in any sort (through his wilfulness) yield unto their humble suit and petitions: and notwithstanding all the offers they could make to purchase a good, firm, and an assured peace, (notwithstanding all the intercessions both of the Emperor, the French king, the Queen of England, and other great princes and potentates of Christendom, yet would he not glue ear to any other reason, but what himself did propound: the which the said Estates did not only find unjust and unreasonable, directly repugnant to the liberties, constitutions, and freedoms of the country; but also contrary to their consciences, and as it were so many snares laid to catch them, which were in no sort to be allowed of, nor received, considering the quality of their affairs and his, according to the time that was then. In the end, rejecting all fear of his power and threats, seeing that they were forced to enter into all courses of extremity against a prince, which held himself so heinously offended, as no reconciliation could be expected, relying upon the justice and equity of their cause, and sincerity of their consciences (which are two brazen bulwarks) they were fully resolved (without dissembling) to take the matter thus advanced in hand, and opposing force against force, means against means, and practices against practices, to declare him quite fallen from the Signiory, pre-eminence, and authority, which before the troubles, the breach of their privileges, rights, freedoms, and immunities, so often and so solemnly swum by him and dispensation of his oaths, he had or was wont to have in the said provinces respectively, whereof they made open declaration by a public Edict, the tenor whereof followeth.  
The General Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands, to all those that these presents shall see, read, or hear, greeting. As it is well known unto all men, that a prince 
The Edict ●…f the general Estates, declaring the king of Spain to be fallen from the signiory of the Netherlands.  and lord of a country is ordained by God, to be sovereign and head over his subjects, and to preserve and defend them from all injuries, force, and violence, even as a shepherd for the defence of his sheep, and that the subjects are not created by God for the prince, to obey him in all that he shall please to command, be it with God, or against him, reasonable or unreasonable, nor to serve him as slaves and bondmen: but rather the prince is ordained for his subjects (without the which he cannot be a prince) to govern them according unto equity and reason, to take care for them, and to love them even as a father doth his children, or a shepherd his sheep, who putteth both his body and life in danger, to defend and preserve them. If the prince therefore faileth herein, and in steed of preserving his subjects, doth outrage and oppress them, depriveth them of their privileges and ancient customs, commandeth them, and will be served of them as of slaves, they are no longer bound to hold him and respect him as their Sovereign prince and lord, but to repute and esteem of him as a Tyrant; neither are the subjects (according unto law and reason) bound to acknowledge him for their prince: so as without any offence, being done with deliberation and the authority of the Estates of the country, they may freely abandon him, and in his place choose another for their prince and 
1581.  lord, to defend them: especially, when as the subjects by humble suit, entreaty, and admonitions, could never mollify their prince's heart, nor divert him from his enterprises and tyrannous designs: so as they have no other means left them to defend and preserve their ancient liberty, their wives, children and posterity, for the which (according to the laws of nature) they are bound to expose both life and goods; as for the like occasions, we have seen it to fall out often in divers countries, whereof the examples are yet fresh in memory: The which ought especially to be of force in these countries, the which have always been and aught to be governed, according unto the oath taken by their princes, when they receive them, conformable to their privileges and ancient customs, having no power to infringe them: besides that, most part of the said provinces have always received and admitted their princes and lords upon certain conditions, and by sworn contracts; the which if the prince shall violate, he is by right fallen from the superiority of the country. So it is, that the king of Spain, after the decease of the Emperor Charles the fifth (his father) of famous memory (from whom all these countries were transported unto him) forgetting the services, which as well his father as himself had received of these countries, and the inhabitants thereof, by the which especially the king of Spain had obtained such glorious and memorable victories against his enemies, as his name and power was renowned and feared throughout all the world; forgetting also the admonitions which his said imperial Majesty had heretofore given him: but chose, hath given ear, belief, and credit unto them of the counsel of Spain which were about him; the said counsel having conceived a secret hatred against these countries and their liberty, for that it was not lawful for them to command there, and to govern them, or to merit among them the chief places and offices, as they do in the realm of Naples, Sicily, Milan, at the Indies, and in other countries which were subject unto the king's command, being also moved thereunto by the riches of the said countries, well known to most of them: The said counsel, or some of the chief of them, have oftentimes given the king to understand, That for his majesties reputation and greater authority, it were better to conquer the Netherlands anew, and then to command freely and absolutely at his pleasure, then to govern them under such conditions, which he had at his reception to the Signiory of the said countries sworn to observe. The king of Spain following this counsel, hath sought all means to reduce these countries (spoiling them of their ancient liberties) into servitude, under the government of the Spaniards: having under pretext of Religion sought first to thrust in new bishops into the chief and mightiest towns, indowing them with the richest Abbeys, adding to every bishop nine canons to serve him as counsellors, whereof three should have especial charge of the Inquisition: By which incorporation of the said bishops, being his creatures, and at his devotion and command (the which should happily have been chosen as well of strangers, as of them which were borne in the country) should have the first place and the first voice in the assemblies of the Estates of the country: And by the adiunction of the said canons, had brought in the Inquisition of Spain, the which had always been so abhorred, and so odious in these countries, even as slavery itself, as all the world doth well know: So as his imperial Majesty having once propounded it unto these countries, upon due information given unto his Majesty, he ceased from any more speech thereof, showing therein the great affection which he bore unto his subjects. Yet notwithstanding divers declarations which were made unto the king of Spain, as well by the provinces and towns in particular, as by some of the chief noblemen of the country, namely, by the baron of Montigny, and afterwards by the earl of Egmont, who by the consent of the duchess of Parma (than Regent of the said countries) by the advice of the counsel of Estate, and of the generalty, had to that end been successively sent into Spain: and notwithstanding that the king had by his own mouth given them hope, that (according to their petitions) he would provide for the contentment of the country; yet that he had since by his letters done the contrary, commanding expressly, and upon pain of his indignation, to receive the new bishops presently, and to put them in possession of their new bishoprics and incorporated abbeys, to effect the Inquisition, where they had begun to practise it, and to obey and observe the decrees and 
1581.  canons of the counsel of Trent, the which in divers points do contradict the privileges of the country. The which being come to the knowledge of the commons, hath given just occasion of so great an alteration among them, and greatly diminished the love and great affection, the which (as good subjects) they had always borne unto the king and to his predecessors. For they called chiefly into consideration, that the king not only pretended to tyrannize over their persons and goods, but also upon their consciences, whereon they held themselves not to be answerable, nor bound to give account to any one but to God only. For this cause, and for the pity they had of the poor people, the chief of the nobility in the country did in the year 1566 exhibit certain admonitions, by way of a petition, beseeching him, that for the pacifying of the commons, and to avoid all tumults and seditions, it would please his Majesty (showing the love and affection, which as a mild and merciful prince he bore unto his subjects) to moderate the said points, and especially those which concerned the rigorous Inquisition, and the punishments for matters of Religion. And to inform the king more particularly thereof, and with more authority, and to let him understand, how necessary it was for the good and prosperity of the country, and for the maintenance of peace and tranquility, to abolish and disannul those innovations, and to moderate the rigour of public Edicts, for matter of Religion, the said marquess of Berghes and baron of Montigny, at the request of the said lady Regent, the counsel of Estate, and the general Estates of all the countries, went into Spain as ambassadors, whereas the king, in steed of giving them audience, and to prevent the inconveniences delivered by them (the which, for that they were not remedied in time, as urgent necessity required, began in effect to discover themselves throughout the whole country among the commons) by the instinct, persuasion, and advice of the counsel of Spain▪ he hath caused all them to be proclaimed rebels, and guilty of high treason, and to have forfeited body and goods, that presented the said petition: And moreover (thinking himself to be fully assured of the country, by the forces and violence of the duke of Alva, and to have reduced them under his full power and subjection) he had afterwards, against the laws of nations (the which have been in all ages inviolably observed, yea▪ among the most barbarous and cruel nations, and most tyrannous princes) imprisoned, and caused the said noblemen ambassadors to be put to death, confiscating all their goods. And although that all this alteration (which had happened in the year 1566, upon the foresaid occasion) was in a manner pacified by the Regent & her counsel, and that the greatest part of them which had presented themselves unto her for the liberty of the country, were retired or chased away, and the rest brought under obedience: yet not to lose the opportunity which the counsel of Spain had long expected (as it appeared plainly the same year 1566, by letters intercepted, which were written by the ambassador Alana to the duchess of Parma) to have means under some pretext to overthrow all the privileges of the country, and to govern them rigorously by the Spaniards (as they did the Indi●… and other countries, which had been newly conquered by them) he by the instruction and counsel of the said Spaniards (showing therein the small affection which he bore unto his subjects of these countries, contrary to that whereunto he was bound, as their prince, protector, and good shepherd) sent into these countries the duke of Alva, very famous for his rigour and cruelty, and one of the chief enemies of these countries with a counsel of the same humour and disposition. And although that the said duke of Alva entered with his army into this country, without any let or opposition, & was received of the poor inhabitants with all reverence and honour, expecting all mildness and clemency, according unto that which the king had so often promised by his letters feignedly written; yea, that he was resolved to come himself in person into the country, and to order all things to every man's content; the said king having besides all this (at the very instant of the duke of Alva his departure) caused a fleet of ships to be armed in Spain, to bring him hither, and another in Zeeland to go and meet him (as the bruit was) to the great charge of the country, the better to abuse his poor subjects, and to draw them more easily into his snares: notwithstanding, the said duke of Alva presently after his arrival (although he were a stranger, and not any way of the blood royal) gave it out, that he had a commission from the king, of chief captain, and soon after of governor general of the country, the which was quite contrary to the privileges and ancient customs thereof: and discovering his designs plainly, he 
1581.  suddenly put garrisons into the chief towns and forts of the country, and then he built citadels in the richest and strongest towns, to keep them in subjection. And by commandment from the king (as they said) he friendly called unto him, as well by letters, as otherwise, the chief noblemen of the country, pretending, that he had need of their counsel and assistance, for the service of the king, and the good of the country: after the which he caused them to be apprehended, who (having given credit to his letters) were come unto him, whom, contrary to the privileges, he caused to be carried prisoners out of Brabant, where they had been apprehended, causing their process to be informed before him and his counsel (although they were no competent judges;) and before any due proofs were made, and the noblemen that were accused, fully heard in their defences, they were condemned to have committed rebellion, causing them to be publicly & ignominiously put to death. Others, who for that they were better acquainted with the Spaniards dissembling, were retired and kept out of the country, were declared rebels, and guilty of high treason, and to have forfeited bodies and goods: All which was done, to the end the poor inhabitants should not aid themselves in the just defence of their liberty, against the oppression of the Spaniards and their forces, by the help and assistance of these noblemen, and princes: besides an infinite number of gentlemen and rich burghers, whereof some he hath put to death, others he hath chased away and forfeited their goods, oppressing the rest of the good inhabitants, as well by the insolency of the soldiers, as by other outrages in their wives, children, and goods; as also by divers exactions and taxes, forcing them to contribute for the building of new citadels and fortifications of towns, which he made to oppress them, and also to pay, the hundredth and the twentieth penny, for the payment of soldiers, whereof some were brought by him, and others newly levied, to employ them against their countrymen, and them, who with the hazard of their lives sought to defend the liberties of their country: To the end that the subjects being thus impoverished, there should be no means to hinder or frustrate his designs, for the better effecting of the instructions which had been given him in Spain: which was, to use the country as newly conquered: to which end, in some places and chief towns, he changed their form of government, and of justice, and erected new consuls after the Spanish manner, directly contrary to the privileges of the country. And in the end (thinking himself free from all fear) he sought to bring in by force a certain imposition of the tenth penny, upon all merchandise and handiworkes, to the absolute ruin of the commons, whose good and prosperity consists chiefly in traffic and handiworkes; notwithstanding many admonitions and persuasions made to the contrary, as well by every one of the provinces in particular, as by all in general. The which he had effected by violence, if it had not been that soon after by the means of the prince of Orange, and a good number of gentlemen, and others borne in these countries, banished by this duke of Alva, following the party of the said prince, and being for the most part in his service, and other inhabitants affected to the liberty of their country, the provinces of Holland and Zeeland had not revolted, and put themselves under the prince's protection: Against which two provinces the duke hath since, during his government, and after him the great Commander of Castille (sent in his place by the king, not to moderate any thing of his predecessors tyranny, but to pursue it more covertly and cunningly than he had done) forced the provinces, who by their garrisons and citadels, were made subject to the Spanish yo●…ke, to employ their persons and means to help to subdue them: yet no ways easing the said provinces, but entreating them like enemies, suffering the Spaniards under colour of a mutiny, in view of the said Commander, to enter by force into the town of antwerp, and there to remain six weeks, living at discretion at the poor burghers charge; forcing them moreover (to be freed from their insolencies) to furnish four hundred thousand florins, to pay the said Spaniards: Which done, the said soldiers (growing more bold through the sufferance of their commanders) presumed to take arms against the country, seeking first to surprise Brussels, and in the place of the ancient and ordinary seat of princes, to make it a nest and den of thieves. The which not succeeding according to their design, they took Alost by force, and soon after forced the town of Maestricht. And since being violently entered into antwerp, they spoiled it, sacked it, and wasted it with fire and sword, in such sort, as the most barbarous and cruel enemies could not have done more, to the unspeakable loss not only of the poor inhabitants, but in a manner of all the nations 
1581.  of the world, who had their merchandise, debts, and money there. And although the said Spaniards by a decree of the counsel of Estate (to whom the king by the death of the great Commander, had conferred the general government of the country) were in the presence of jeronimo de Rhoda, proclaimed enemies to the country: yet the said Rhoda of his own private authority (as it is to be presumed, by virtue of some secret instruction which he had from Spain) took upon him to be the head of the said Spaniards, and their adherents, so as without respect of the counsel of Estate, he usurped the king's name and authority, counterfeited his seal, and carried himself as a governor and the king's lieutenant in these countries. The which moved the Estates at the same instant to agree with the prince of Orange, and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland: which accord was allowed by the counsel of State (as lawful governors) that they might jointly with their common forces, make war against the Spaniards: Omitting not as good subjects, by divers humble petitions, to beseech the king to have regard unto the troubles, oppressions, and inconveniences, which had happened, and were like to follow: and that he would be pleased with all convenient speed possible, to command the Spaniards to depart out of the country, and especially those which had been the cause of the sack and ruin of the chief towns of his country, and other innumerable insolencies and violences which his poor subjects had endured, to the comfort and ease of them that had endured them, and to the example of all others: Yet notwithstanding, the king (although that he made show by words, that what had happened, displeased him, and was against his will, and that he had an intent to punish the heads and authors, and to provide for the quiet of the country with all clemency, as it behoved a merciful prince) hath not only neglected to punish the said heads and authors: but chose (as it appeareth) all was with his consent and former resolution of the counsel of Spain, as certain letters of his, intercepted soon after, do plainly show: by the which it was written unto Rhoda, and to the other captains, authors of all the mischief, That the king not only did not blame that action, but did allow thereof, and commend it, promising to recompense them, especially the said Rhoda, as having done him a singular service: The which at his return into Spain, and to all other ministers of the oppressions that were used in these countries, he did show by effect. At the same time, the king thinking the better to blind the eyes of his subjects, sent into these countries, for governor general Dom john of Austria, his bastard brother, as being of his blood: who (making show unto the Estates, that he did allow of the pacification of Gant▪ promised to send away the Spaniards, to punish the authors of all insolencies and disorders, which had happened in the country, and to take an order for the general peace, and the restoring of their ancient liberties) sought to divide the Estates, and to subdue one country after another. By the permission and providence of God, who is an enemy to all oppression, he was discovered by the intercepting of certain letters, where he was commanded by the king to govern himself in these countries, according to the instructions that should be given him by Rhoda: And to cover this practice the king had forbidden Dom john to see or speak one unto another, commanding him to carry himself unto the chief noblemen, with all mildness and courtesy, to win their loves; until that by their assistance and means, he might reduce Holland and Zeeland, and afterwards work his will of the other provinces. Wereupon Dom john, notwithstanding that he had solemnly sworn in the presence of all the Estates of the country, to observe the said pacification of Gant, yet contrary thereunto he sought by means of their colonels (whom he had already at his devotion) and great promises, to win the Germane soldiers, who were then in garrison, & had the guard of the chief towns & forts of the country, whereof by that means he made himself master, holding himself assured of those places they held, & so by that means to force them that would not join with him, to make war against the prince of Orange and them of Holland and Zeeland, and so to raise a more bloody and intestine war, than had been before. But as all things that are treated cunningly & with dissimulation, cannot be long kept secret, Dom john's practices being discovered, before he could effect what he had designed, he could not bring his conceptions and enterprises, to the end that he pretended: Yet he revived a new war, the which continues unto this day, in stead of rest and an assured peace, whereof he did so much vaunt at his coming. Which reasons have given us great occasion to forsake the king of Spain, and to seek some other mighty and merciful prince, to help to defend these 
1581.  countries, and to take them into his protection: And the rather, for that these countries have endured such oppressions, received such wrongs, and have been forsaken and abandoned by their prince for the space of twenty years and more, during the which the inhabitants have been entreated not as subjects, but as enemies, their natural prince and lord seeking to ruin them by arms. Moreover, after the death of Dom john, having sent the baron of sells, who (under colour of propounding some means of an accord) declared sufficiently, That the king would not avow the pacification made at Gant (which Dom john notwithstanding had sworn to maintain) setting daily down more hard conditions: Yet for that we would discharge ourselves of our duties, we have not omitted to make humble suit by writing, employing moreover the favour of the greatest princes of Christendom, seeking by all means without intermission, to reconcile ourselves unto the king; having also of late kept our deputies long at Cologne, hoping there (by the intercession of his imperial Majesty, and some prince's electors) to have obtained an assured peace, with some moderate toleration of religion (the which doth chiefly concern God and men's consciences) as the estate of the affairs of the country did then require: But in the end we found it by experience, that nothing was to be obtained from the king, by the conference at Cologne: and that it was practised and did only serve to disunite and divide the provinces, that they might with the more facility vanquish and subdue, first one, and then another, and execute upon them their first designs. The which hath since plainly appeared, by a certain proscription, which the king hath caused to be published, whereby we and all the inhabitants of the united provinces, and officers that hold their party, are proclaimed rebels, and to have forfeited lives and goods: Promising moreover, a great sum of money to him that should slay the said prince, and all to make the poor inhabitants odious, to hinder their navigation and traffic, and to bring them into extreme despair: so as despairing of all means of reconciliation, and destitute of all other succours, and aid, we have, according to the law of nature (for the tuition and defence of us and other inhabitants, the rights, privileges, ancient customs and liberty of the country, and the lives and honours of us, our wives, children, and posterity, to the end they fall not into the slavery of the Spaniards, leaving upon just cause the king of Spain) been forced to seek out and find 〈◊〉 other means, such as for the greater safety and preservation of our rights, privileges, and liberties, we have thought most fit and convenient.  
We therefore give all men to understand, That having duly considered all these things, and being priest by extreme necessity, We have by a general resolution and consent, declared, and do declare by these presents, the king of Spain, ipsoiure, to be fallen from the signiory, principality, jurisdiction, and inheritance of these said countries: And that we are resolved, never to acknowledge him any more, in any matter concerning the prince, jurisdictions, or demeans of these Netherlands, nor to use hereafter, neither yet to suffer any other to use his name as Sovereign Lord thereof. According to the which we declare all officers, private noblemen, vassals, and other inhabitants of these countries, of what condition or quality soever, to be from henceforth discharged of the oath which they have made in any manner whatsoever, unto the king of Spain▪ as lord of these countries, or of that whereby they may be bound unto him. And for the above named reasons, the most part of the said united provinces, by a common accord and consent of their members, have submitted themselves under the command and government of the high and mighty Prince, the Duke of Anjou and Alencon, etc. upon certain conditions contracted and accorded with his Highness: And that the archduke of Austria, Mathias, hath resigned into our hands the government general of these countries, the which hath been accepted by us. We enjoin and command all judges, officers, and all others, to whom it shall appertain, That hereafter they leave and forbear to use any more, the name, titles, great seal, or signet of the king of Spain: And in stead thereof, whilst that the duke of Anjou, for his urgent affairs, concerning the good and welfare of the country, shall be yet absent, for as much as shall concern the provinces which have contracted with his Highness, and touching the rest by way of provision, they shall use the title and name of the chief and counsel of the country. And until that the said heads and counsellors, shall be named, called, and really established in the exercise of their charges, and 
1581.  offices, they shall use our name, except Holland and Zeeland, where they shall use as they have formerly done, the name of the prince of Orange, and of the Estates of the said Provinces, until that the said counsel shall be in force, and then they shall govern themselves as it is agreed, touching the instructions given for the said counsel, & the accords made with his Highness. And in stead of the king's seals, they shall hereafter use our great seal, counter seal, and signet, in matters concerning the government general, for the which the counsel of the country, according to their instructions shall have authority: And in matters concerning the policy, administration of justice, and other private acts of every province, the provincial consuls and others, shall respectively use the name and seal of the said province, where the matter shall be in question, and no other, upon pain of nullity of the said letters, or dispatches which shall be otherwise made or sealed. And to the end these things may be the better observed and effected, we have enjoined and commanded, and do enjoin and command by these presents, that all the king of Spain's seals, which are at this present within these united provinces, shall be delivered into the Estates hands, or to him that shall have commission and authority from them, upon pain of arbitrary punishment. Moreover, We ordain and command, that from henceforth the name and arms of the king of Spain, shall not be put nor stamped in any coins of these united provinces: but there shall be such a figure set upon them, as shall be appointed for the coining of new pieces of gold and silver. In like sort we enjoin and command the precedent and lords of the privy counsel, and all other chancellors, precedents, provincial consuls, and all precedents and chief masters of accounts, and others of all chambers of accounts, being respectively in these countries, and also all other judges and officers (as holding them discharged of the oath which they have made unto the king of Spain, according to the tenor of their commissions) that they shall take a new oath in the hands of the Estates of the Province, where they are, or to their deputies, by the which they shall swear to be faithful to us against the king of Spain, and his adherents, according to the form set down by us: and there shall be given to the said counsellors, masters of accounts, judges and officers, remaining in the provinces which have contracted with the duke of Anjou, in our name, an act of continuance in their offices, containing in steed of a new commission, a cassation or disannulling of their former, and that by way of provision until his coming. And to counsellors, masters of accounts, judges, and officers, being resident in provinces, which have not contracted with his Highness, a new commission shall be given under our name and seal, if the petitioners were not found faulty, to be of bad behaviour, to have gone against the privileges of the country, or to have committed some other disorder.  
We also command the precedent and them of the privy counsel, the chancellor and counsel of Brabant, the governor, chancellor, and counsel of Gueldres and the county of Zutphen, the precedent and counsel in Flanders, the precedent and counsel in Holland, the governor, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and counsel in Friesland, the precedent and counsel at Vtrecht, the bailiff at Tour●…●…d Tournesis, the receivors or chief officers of Beoosterscheldt and Bewesterscheldt in 〈◊〉, the scout of Macklyn, and all other judges and officers whom it shall concern, their lieu●…ants, and every of them, presently without any delay, to publish this our decree in all p●…ces of their jurisdictions, and wheresoever they are accustomed to make proclamations, to ●…e end that no man may pretend any cause of ignorance: And that they may keep and observe, and cause to be kept and observed inviolably this our decree, without any favour, support, or dissimulation; for we have so thought it fit and convenient for the good of the country. For the effecting whereof, we give to every one whom it shall concern, full power and authority, and special commission. In witness whereof we have caused our seal to be hereunto annexed. Given at the Hage in our assembly the six and twentieth of july 1581. underneath was written, By the ordinance and decree of the said Estates, and signed I. Van Asseliers.  
According unto this declaration of the Estates, there was a new form of an oath drawn, in manner of an abjuration of the king of Spain, and promise of duty and obedience which every one should owe unto the said Estates, by the public officers, and magistrates of every town and province, as followeth.  
I swear, That hereafter I shall not follow nor yield obedience to Philip king of Spain, nor acknowledge him for my prince and lord, whom I do renounce by these presents, and do hold myself freed from all oaths, and bonds, by the which I might be formerly tied unto 
1581. The form of the oath of abjuration of the king of Spain.  him: whereof finding myself presently delivered, I swear a new, and bind myself to the united provinces, and namely to them of Brabant, Gueldre, Holland, Zeeland, and their allies, and to the sovereign magistrates that are appointed, to be faithful and loyal unto them, to yield them all obedience, aid, and comfort, with all my power and means, against the king of Spain and his adherents, and against all the enemies of the country. Promising as a good vassal of the country, to carry myself faithfully and loyally, with show of all obedience to my superiors: So help me the Almighty God.  
This decree being thus proclaimed, all the seals, counter seals, and secret signets of the king of Spain, were broken and canceled with solemnity, by all the consuls of the said provinces, and others new made, by order of the general Estates, for that which concerned the government, and the affairs of the generality. And as for matters of justice and policy, they used the seals, names, and titles of private governors, and provincial consuls. From that time there was no coins of gold, silver, or copper, made with the name or titles of the king of Spain, but upon stamps which the Estates had caused to be made in every province. All governors, superintendents, precedents, chancellors, counsellors, and other officers, were discharged and absolved from their precedent oaths, and did swear fidelity to the general Estates, against the king of Spain and his adherents, according to the form above mentioned, to whom an act was sent for the continuation of their commissions. Many notwithstanding made great difficulty to abjure the king, and to take this new oath. Among others a counsellor of Friesland, a man of great judgement and experience, called Raalda, hearing this abjuration, propounded in open counsel at Leuwarden, and the renewing of the oath (whether it were through a sudden amazement, or for the affection which he bore to the king of Spain) was so moved and troubled, as he fell presently into a convulsion, and died suddenly. They were then in great doubt, that this would cause the king to arrest all the ships and merchandise of the Netherlanders, that were then in Spain: but the great and extreme necessity of corn which they had at that time in Spain, was the cause that nothing was attempted against them.  
Mathias Archduke of Austria, having (as we have said) willingly resigned up the government 
The departure of the archduke Mathias out of the Netherlands.  of the Netherlands, parted from antwerp the nine and twentieth of October, to retire himself into Germany, with a goodly train and well attended, being richly and honourably entreated by the Estates, at his departure, as well by annual pension, rich presents, ready money, and discharge of his expenses and debts, as in many other gratuities and courtesies, notwithstanding that he was for a time suspected to have had intelligence with the king of Spain, his uncle and brother in law, and that he had a practice against the prince of Orange, his lieutenant (for the which his baker was committed to prison, who having confessed some points of his interrogations, gave cause to the world to give some credit to these suspicions) not for any love he bore unto the Spaniards, but for that, by the calling of the duke of Anjou, brother to the French king, to the duchy of Brabant and earldom of Flanders, he would not willingly have seen these provinces transferred into any other house, than that of Austria, out of the which he himself was issued, and from the which they were like to be dismembered.  
At the same time the prince of Espinoy, governor of Tournay and Tournesis, sent to surprise 
S. Guislain surprised by the prince of Espynoy.  the town of Guislain in Henault, three leagues from Mons. Captain Turquean had the charge of this exploit, whereof he discharged himself happily, so as this town was reduced under the States command, to the great grief of the earl of Lalaine, great bailiff of Henault: but soon after it was recovered again by the prince of Parma, where the said Turqueau was taken prisoner, who was afterwards so tortured, to make him confess the secrets of the city of Tournay, and of the prince of Espinoy, as he died thereof, being in a manner torn in pieces, against all law of arms.  
The prince of Espinoy being called (as we have said before) by the four members of Flanders to command their army, going out of Tournay, he had carried with him the best part of the garrison of the said town, to march towards East-Flanders. The prince of Parma, by the advice of the marquess of Roubay, brother to the said Espinoy, taking hold of this occasion, and considering how much the town of Tournay did import him, for the freeing of the countries of Arthois, Henault, and the Chasteleine of Lille, in the midst whereof it is seated, 
1581.  he made show as if he would follow the prince of Espinoy, and his troops, to make frustrate a certain enterprise which he had upon graveling: but turning head suddenly, he went to besiege Tournay, the which was unfurnished both of governor and garrison, except the castle, where the princess was remaining with the signior of Estrailles, the prince's lieutenant, and 
Tournay besieged by the prince of Parma.  some few soldiers of the ordinary garrison. The siege being laid, the camp entrenched, and artillery planted, in great number, and in divers places, both the town and the castle were battered together with six and thirty pieces, and many mines and countermines were made of either side, after many sufficient breaches, divers furious assaults being given, the which were valiantly repulsed by the besieged, in the which they slew a great number of the enemy: the burghers, boys, wives, and maidens, showed themselves as hardy and as courageous, as the old and well experienced soldiers. In which assaults the signior of Vaux, newly made earl of Buguoy was slain, with the signior of S. Florisse, son to the lord of Glaison, and brother to the earl of Herlies, the signior of Bours (before governor of Macklyn, who had yielded up the citadel of antwerp to the Estates) with many other famous and good captains, as well Spaniards as others: At the which the lord of Montigny, chief of the malcontents (afterwards marquess of Renty) and Gaspar of Robles, lord of Billy, were hurt. At these assaults, among divers remarkable things, the Spaniards having blown up a mine, there were certain maidens labouring at the rampar, buried in the ruins up to the shoulders; the lord of Montigny coming to the assaults, and spying them, taking pity of them, he commanded they should be taken up, suffering them to return safe into the town. During the siege, in the end of November there entered some three hundred horse into the town, under the command of colonel Preston, a Scottish man, who having forced the Germans quarter in the Spanish camp, beat some horsemen, among the which was the prince of Chimays band of ordnance, of the which they carried away some thirty. But these succours did not so much fortify the besieged, as it did them harm in wasting of their provision, and to discourage the burghers (among the which those of the reformed religion were the most resolute) by the report which they made unto them, that they might not expect any succours from the duke of Anjou, who was gone into England, and his troops dispersed, although that the princes of Orange and Espinoy did hope well, that they would join with their forces which they had in Flanders, and so to go jointly and succour them, as the duke had done before Cambray: upon which hope the besieged had always done their best endeavours in all assaults. The princess of Espinoy (encouraging the soldiers and burghers upon the rampar) was shot in the arm.  
In the end the Protestant citizens, upon whom alone depended the whole burden of the defence of the town (the Catholics being persuaded by frie●… Gery, not to defend themselves against the king's men) and withal Arthur bastard of Meleun, signior of Fresne, lieutenant of the town, growing cold, every man did the like, neither did the burghers perform their accustomed endeavours. The princess and the signior of Estraylles despairing of all succours, they resolved to capitulat with the prince of Parma, after some conferences held betwixt her, the marquess of Roubay her brother in law, and the marquess of Renty, called Emanuel of Lalaine, lord of Montigny her own brother: whereunto the prince of Parma did willingly give ear, and the rather for that he began to have want of many things in his camp, especially of money and victuals, Winter also growing on, his men fell sick, and many died of fluxes and other diseases, others grew weak and faint for want of good nourishment, and for cold and other extremities which they endured, which made him to make the more haste, and to yield 
Tournay yielded by composition.  them a good composition: The conditions were,  
That the princess might retire where she pleased, with all her family and household servants, movable goods, and baggage.  
That the garrison should depart with their colours flying, arms, bag and baggage, whither they pleased.  
That the towns men to redeem themselves from spoil, should pay two hundred thousand florins.  
That the Protestants that would retire themselves, and go live in any place that were neuter, should enjoy their goods, causing it to be received by Catholic persons.  
That all prisoners taken during the siege, of either part, should be set at liberty without any ransom. 
1581.   
That king Philip should take the town into his protection, and pardon all that had carried arms against him.  
That they of Tournay should be held faithful subjects, and acknowledge king Philip for their natural prince, who should not alter nor change any of their privileges.  
That the artillery and munition should be delivered untouched, to the said prince of Parma.  
And thus the town was yielded the 29 of November 1581.  
The princess was much solicited by her brother and brother in law, to remain still in Tournay, or at their house of Antoin, and to persuade the prince her husband to leave the Estates, and reconcile himself unto the king. But she continued constant, and retired, with all her family, goods, movables, and jewels, being accompanied by the signior of Estrailles, the soldiers that were in garrison in the castle, and many good burghers and rich merchants, going towards Audenarde, and so to Gant. The signior of Fresne, bastard brother to the prince, remained still in the town, following the king's party, yet living as a private man, and without any credit.  
The town being yielded on S. Andrew's day (whom the Burguignons hold for their patron) and all things set in good order, Maxmilian of Morillon, vicar to the cardinal of Granuelle, in his archbishopric of Macklin, was made bishop of Tournay, in the place of the signior of Oyenbrugghe (who retired also with the princess, for that he had been placed there by the sole authority of the prince of Espinoy) and lives at this day a private solitary life in Holland. It was then time to fortify Audenarde, lying nearest unto Tournay of any town that held the State's party, and to man it with a strong and sufficient garrison. The which the unwilling or unadvised burghers refused, saying, they were sufficient of themselves to defend the town. By reason whereof the signior of Mansard, a gentleman of Tournesis (who had always followed the prince of Orange) being governor of the place, sought by policy to draw in soldiers for the prince and States: Which the burghers discovering, after they had done him many affronts and indignities, having besieged him in the castle, in the end they forced him to forsake the town with his company of foot, refusing to acknowledge him any more for governor, neither was he. The prince of Parma hearing of this mutiny, and meaning to make his profit thereof, he sent certain horsemen, who approaching near unto the town, presented their service, but they would not hearken to them, which made the prince of Parma to go and besiege them, as we will presently show.  
About the end of this year captain Sale, governor of the town of Bourbourg in West Flanders, for the Spaniard, having intelligence with captain Bouffart of the State's party, promised to the prince of Orange and the said States, to deliver them the town, to make his peace with them, and to purchase his reconciliation. Captain Bouffart with some French men of the regiment of monsieur de Villeneufue, were sent for the execution of this exploit, who with part of his men passed over the town ditch, in a certain place where there was least water: the rest which should have followed him, losing their way by the darkness of the night, remained behind. Bouffart thinking that he had been followed, and seconded by the rest, marched on, & entered the town, where the signior of la Motte pardieu, governor of graveling, was at that time. At his entry (which was not without bruit) Sale and his followers went to join with him▪ giving an hot alarm: la Motte & his people coming to encounter them, there was a cruel fight, whereas Bouffart for want of being followed, was slain, and all they that entered with him, were either slain or prisoners. Sale was also slain, desiring rather to die, than to be taken prisoner. And so this enterprise failed.  
On the fifth of December the signior of Bersele (son to the lord of Gaesbeke, brother to the signior of Heze) marquess of Berghen, in the right of his wife, who was daughter to the lord of Petershem, of the house of Merode, having until that time carried himself a Neuter, and lived in his castle of Would, a league from his town of Berghen upon Soom, having gathered certain troops together, with the signior of Haurepenne, governor of Breda, they made an enterprise upon Berghen, thinking to wrest it from the States, and to reduce it under the king of Spain's obedience. For the effecting whereof, having some intelligence within the town, they caused four hundred men to approach, whereof a part entered into the town, by a hole joining to the Sluice, although there was a sentinel placed there, the which at that 
1581.  time was half deaf, besides the fog was so great, as they could not discern three paces off, the which did wonderfully favour their enterprise: But two hundred of those undertakers being entered without discovery, by chance a soldier of the town guard, walking up and down, met them, and knew them, so as he presently cried to arms, the which stayed the rest that would have have entered, finding also some other stop. Yet those that were entered marched in good order through the town, unto the market place, bending towards the port of Would, which they thought to break open by force, and to'draw in the horse which were there attending. The French garrison which was within the town, of la Guards regiment, was at the first much amazed with this sudden surprise: but colonel Allein and captain Durant arriving, they took courage, and charged the enemy with such fury, as they had no means nor leisure to break the said port, all flying to the rampar, to cast themselves down into the ditch, and so to save themselves. Whereof there were some seventy slain, and about an hundred prisoners, among the which was captain Paulo Boboca: captain la Riviere was slain, and there were not many escaped, but were hurt. See how by this enterprise which succeeded not the marquess of Berghen declared himself an enemy to the States, and so he carried himself until his death, which was two or three years after.  
In the mean time the affairs of Flanders were nothing pleasing to the prince of Orange, for the repairing whereof he was much troubled, and yet prevailed little, parting in December from Gant, he returned to antwerp, where on the twentieth day of the month the general Estates being assembled, he gave them to understand, That by the voluntary departure and 
The prince of Oranges desire to be discharged of his place.  retreat of the archduke Mathias (whose lieutenant he had been in the government of the Netherlands) he was in like sort discharged of the said office, and therefore they should otherwise advise for their affairs. Whereupon he was intrea●…d by the Estates, to continue his charge until the end of januarie following, when as they attended the coming of the duke of Anjou. Whereupon he made answer, That seeing for his honour, for the good of the country, 
The States answer to the prince's demand  and for their service, they found it convenient it should be so, he would in the mean time put them in mind of things which had happened the years past, for want of their good government. And although (said he) that the enemy being master of the field, had in a manner done what he would, which they could not hinder, yet (God be thanked) he had not won all: seeing that with all his forces dispersed here and there, he had not much advanced in Friesland and Guelderland, nor yet in Brabant, but had been forced to employ his chief power of men and artillery, in Arthois and Henault, for the war which the towns of Cambray and Tournay made him, having spent a whole year about Cambray, without whose great endeavours Tournay could not have so long subsisted, and the enemy would have been far advanced in Flanders. He said, That a year before (to prevent those losses) he had given the deputies to understand, being then assembled, that they must have three thousand horse, and two regiments of foot of increase. That they were to render thanks to God, and after him to the duke of Anjou, for the delivery of Cambray, the which they had no means to succour, no more than Tournay, and all by their own fault, for if they had those three thousand horse, and the supply of foot with their other troops, and had joined with the duke of Anjou, without doubt they had chased the Spaniard out of the country: being yet to be feared, that by their negligence, delays, and weak resolutions, they would fall the year following into greater inconvenience than before. The which would happen (said he) for that not any one of them in particular, did think that this war did concern his life, goods, wife, children, and posterity, seeking rather their private profit, than the public: and withal every man refused to furnish money, according as he is taxed, without the which neither he nor any man living can make warrè. Not that he demanded the managing of the money, which they knew he never had, nor ever desired, wherewith some calumnious persons (whose knowledge is better) would tax him: but he had thought it good to admonish them hereof, that they might discern and provide for that which was common to them all: seeing it hath been hitherto observed (the which they could not prevent) that not only every province, but every town, hath his counsel of war, his troops and his treasure apart. True it was, they had appointed a general and head counsel, but without authority or power: for where there is neither authority, respect, nor obedience, how is it possible to settle any good order in military discipline, in the revenues, treasure, justice, or policy, and in all other things concerning an estate? Being impossible 
1582  that such a counsel can have any authority or respect, when as they cannot dispose of a penny, as neither he nor that high counsel never yet could. To conclude (said he) behold the fault and the inconvenience, which had hitherto detained them, and wherein they continued, the which (as he had formerly prophesied unto them) would be the cause of their ruin, if God by his mercy did not prevent it. He therefore entreated them to consider well of that point, and to call them that understood it, to the end the blame might not be laid upon him. But if they would take a good course, and foresee it in time, they should find by the effects (as he is bound) that he would not spare any thing that is in his power. Wherein they should strive the more, seeing that his government extends but to the end of januarie; and that for the present there was no other to govern but himself, and to order all things with all convenient speed.  
This speech of the prince, although it were truly and sincerely delivered, yet wrought it small effect: some provinces being of opinion, the war should be referred to the prince and the counsel of State, others said, that they must stay their resolution until the coming of the duke of Anjou. For the hastening whereof the signior of S. Aldegonde, and doctor junius, bourgmaster of antwerp, were sent into England. The princes of Orange and Espinoy, with the other chief noblemen of the country, going to attend him at Middlebourg in Zeeland, there to receive him.  
In the mean time the towns of Doccum, Sloten, Staveren, with the Nyeuwe-zyel in the country of Friesland, being fortified for the Estates, the signior of Merode, governor of that quarter, thought it good to give order for the seven Forests, and to hold them better assured. Whereupon he commanded monsieur Nienwenoort, a knight, to fortify the Borough of Oldenborne, and to lodge there with six companies of foot. Colonel Verdugo, governor of Groningue for the king of Spain, went therefore the 24 of januarie, thinking to dislodge him: but seeing himself so roughly entertained by the sallies of them of the garrison, & hearing of the preparation which the Estates made to succour it, he retired, not without loss: for the knight Nienwenoort, fell upon his rearward, the which he defeated, his men carrying away a great spoil, and many prisoners. Some time after the places of Brouckhorst and Keppel yielded to the Spaniard: Colonel Norris, who was then in Friesland, besieged them, but he prevailed nothing.  
The duke of Anjou (as we have said) gone the first of November into England, being accompanied 
The duke of Anjou comes out of England into Zeeland.  by the prince Dauphin, son to the duke of Montpenser, the earls of Laval (son to the lord d' Andelot) S. Aignan and Chasteauroux, the seigniours d' Espruneaux, Feruaques, Bacqueville, Chevalier Breton, Theligny, and others, whither also came the signior of Inchy, governor of Cambray. He was entertained with great pomp and state by the Queen, where having spent three months in great pleasure and delight, he departed from London the first of February, being accompanied by the Queen, who conducted him towards Dover. And the eight day following, after leave taken, and that the Queen had recommended the affairs of the Netherlands unto him, counseling him to govern them mildly, and advising him above all to win the hearts of the people and of the nobility, and to use their counsel: assuring him, that in so doing, his estate would have a good foundation, and be durable. In the end he embarked in the Queen's ships, which attended him, being accompanied in his voyage by the earl of Leicester, the lord Charles Howard, admiral of England, and the baron of Honsdon, all three Knights of the Garter, and of her majesties counsel. To whom she gave charge to say unto the prince of Orange, and other noblemen, and the Estates of the Netherlands, That the service they should do unto the said Duke, she would hold it, and repute it as done unto her own person. There were also many other English noblemen in his company, as the lord Willoughby, Sheffeld, Windsor, and many knights, as Sir Philip Sidney, Shurley, Parrot, Drury, and the sons of the lord Howard, with divers other knights and gentlemen of account, with a goodly train of servants richly appointed, with the which the Duke arrived at Flessingue the tenth of February, whereas the princes of Orange and Espinoy, and the chief nobility, with the deputies of the Estates, went to receive him, after that they had long attended his coming. The said princes and noblemen put twice to sea in a small boat, to go and salute him, but they could not get aboard his ship, nor come near it, so as he took his long boat to go to land, whereas the prince of Orange embracing his thigh, said, That he held himself 
1582  very happy to see that desired day, when as he might offer unto him his most humble service, all his means, his person, and his life, hoping that he should be the only cause, that the Netherlands (after so long sufferance) should in the end be freed. Whereupon the Duke having embraced him, the prince of Espinoy, and the other chief noblemen, answered in few words and very modestly, Thanking them very heartily for the honour they did him. I 
* john Petit.  did observe at his landing (being then present, & an household servant to the prince of Orange) that the duke going out of the boat to step on land, tripped a little with the right foot, and might have fallen into the water, if he had not been held. Some discoursed afterwards of this small mishap, and took it for an ill presage.  
Being entered into the town of Flessingue (when he could not in a manner see any thing for the smoke of the canon, which was discharged from the town and ships) he was conducted to the townhouse, where his lodging was prepared, and dinner ready, staying there until the next day, from whence after his repast (being then exceeding cold) he wenton foot with all the princes and noblemen, to Middleburg, which is a good league distant from thence, where he was received very honourably without the town gate, by the deputies of the Estates of the county of Zeeland; the burghers being ten ensigns, were in arms well appointed both without and within the town, to guard him. The next day he had a very stately banquet made him at the townhouse, the which was the most rare and sumptuous (considering their small time of preparation) that had been made him in all the Netherlands, which made him admire the riches and sumptuousness of such a town, seated in so small an island, besides the goodly presents which the magistrates made unto him: having stayed until the 17 day, he departed to go unto antwerp, and lodged that night in the fort of Lillo, upon the river of Escault.  

FRANCIS DE VALOIS, DUKE OF ANiou, 
1582  of Brabant, etc. Earl of Flanders, etc. Protector of the Belgic Liberty.  
FRANCISCUS VALESIUS D G DUX ALENSON ET BRABANT COMES FLANDRIAE PROTECT BELGICAE  
By royal race I was the son of valiant Henry  
The second, king of France, and did behold with woeful eye  
The massacre that in my youth in Paris once was made,  
Whereat I was in heart sore grieved, and great compassion had.  
The wars in France once finished, I did then undertake  
To aid the Netherlands, that me their sovereign prince did make;  
Where perverse counsel of such men as envied my estate,  
Seduced me, and made my actions prove unfortunate:  
For seeking antwerp to subdue, in their defence  
They did become my mortal foes, and drove me out from thence.  
So, deadly hated of them all, in France I then retired,  
Whereas in Chastean Thirry death my vital days expired.  
THE twenty ninth of February the Duke of Anjou (to make his joyful 
1582  entry into the town of antwerp, where he was attended in great devotion with an incredible preparation, all his ships of war having their pavilions and standards flying, with a wonderful noise of trumpets, drums, and canon shot) he sailed along the town, whereas all the keys were full of men in arms, and landed beyond the castle, in the suburb beyond the town, whereas the salt pits be called the Kiel: At which place there was a great scaffold made, and richly hanged, where being mounted, there was read unto him in the vulgar tongue, and interpreted into French, the privileges, statutes, and ordinances of the duchy of Brabant, of the town of antwerp, and of the marquisite of the holy empire, which belongs to the same town, and the jurisdiction thereof. The which he swore and promised to entertain upon the holy Euangils, in the hands of the signior Theodore of Lysfeldt, chancellor of Brabant. As in like sort the chief noblemen, gentlemen, and 
The Duke of Anjou created Duke of Brabant.  others there present, his vassals, by reason of the said duchy and marquisit, took their oath, and did him homage, all with great joy of the people, and of all the assistants. Then was he attired by the princes of Orange and Espinoy, with the duke's rob of crimson velvet, surred with Ermines; the prince of Orange saying, Let us make fast this button, that the rob may not be pulled away. Then was the hat put on his head, the prince Dauphin saying to the prince of Orange, Brother set it fast on, that it fly not off. All was performed with great pomp and ceremonies, the which continued almost two hours, there being all that day above twenty thousand men in arms, as well within as without the town. All these solemnities of his reception, investiture, oaths, and homages, being ended, the pensioner of the town of antwerp, called M. john vanden work, made (by commandment of the magistrate) a speech unto the people, showing, That the Duke would in like sort take a particular oath, for the marquisite of the holy empire, and that they should pray unto God, that by such solemn acts, redounding to his honour and gloire, the country might flourish in all happiness and prosperity. This Oration being ended, the Duke took the said oath in the hands of the signior of Stralen, Amptman of the town, who in sign of acknowledgement and obedience, presented him a golden key, the which the duke returned him back again, and commanded him to keep it safely.  
These solemnities being finished, the heralds with their coats of arms of Brabant, Lembourg, and Lothier, bore headed, began to cry, God save the Duke of Brabant, and the trumpets sounding, they cast among the people many handfuls of gold & silver. On the one side of the coins was his picture with his name and titles, and on the other his device, drawn from the virtue of the Sun, with these words, Fo●…et & discutit, that is, He doth nourish and chase away. This done, the Duke going from the scaffold with the princes and noblemen, that did accompany him, went to horseback, being mounted upon a goodly Neapolitan courser, and so went towards the town. Before him there marched in goodly order, first the sergeant majors the officers of the town house, the trumpets of the town, merchant strangers, Dutch and Easterlings, all in white, and well mounted, the English in black velvet, the colonels and captains of the town, than many gentlemen, as well of the Netherlands as French and English: after followed the magistrates and chief officers of the town, as the Amptman, Bourgmasters, Sheriffs, Pensioners, Secretaries, Treasurers, Receivers, and other officers, being followed by the trumpets of the Estates. Then marched in order the deputies of the Estates of every province, first they of the duchy, and nobles of Brabant, after whom followed the chancellor of Brabant, and with him cont Lamoral of Egmont, as baron of Gaesbeke: then his guard of Switsers, being followed by many gentlemen of the country, French and English: after whom came the Duke in his ornaments, having before him, first the Markgrave of antwerp, bore headed, carrying his long rod, the mark of justice: then the baron of Merode, signior of Petershem, who that day supplied the place of marshal of Brabant, carrying a naked sword: the said nobleman marched in the midst of three of the sworn companies of the town, that is of crossbows, archers, and harguebusiers, with as goodly arms as could be seen, serving him as a guard: then followed his French guard on horseback, carrying petronels, attired in crimson velvet, laid with silk and gold lace, the Duke marching in this pomp towards the town. At the port there were six gentlemen, carrying a canopy of cloth of gold, richly embroidered, who attended him, under the which he road alone through the city unto 
1582  his palace.  
At his entry he found a triumphant chariot of the union, on the which was set a fair virgin, 
The duke's entry into antwerp.  richly adorned, representing the virgin of antwerp: and at every corner of a street, where he should pass, scaffolds were made, whereon they did figure divers histories and morals, fit for the reception of a new prince, to serve him as an example and precedent; the which for the most part were interpreted unto him, with many arches, colosses, pyramids, and other shows of triumph. All which solemnities and ceremonies continued until night, the canon still thundering from the ramparts. In the end he was conducted with this royal train unto his palace, in the abbey of S. Michael, where supper attended him, being also prepared for all the noblemen that did accompany him.  
Thursday following (being the two and twentieth day of the month) the duke went unto the townhouse, before the which there was a great scaffold erected, and richly appointed, where (according to the accustomed solemnities and ceremonies) he took a particular oath 
The duke's oath to the town of antwerp.  to the town of antwerp, in the bourgomasters' hands, with an oration to the people, pronounced by the pensioner. Then the Amptman did read with a loud voice in the vulgar tongue to the bourgomasters, sheriffs, officers, counsel of the town, and to all the people, the oath which they made unto the duke, so as lifting up their hands, they did swear fealty and obedience unto him; which done, they cast gold and silver abroad as before: after which the duke, with all the noblemen, French, English and Netherlanders, went and dined in the State house.  
The duke being thus invested in the duchy of Brabant, and the Marquisite of the holy empire, the Romish Catholics of the town of antwerp did importune him to have free and public exercise of their Religion, relying upon the duke's profession of the same Religion: to whom in the end there was granted (by the advice of the prince of Orange and the counsel of Estate) that they might assist at Mass, Evensong, and other ceremonies in the temple of S. Michael's abbey, when as the duke should be present, upon condition, that they should take the oath which was propounded unto them. On the other side, the prince of Orange presented unto him the deputies of the consistories of the Protestant Religion, who came to congratulate his happy coming to this new Estate and duchy of Brabant, offering him all service, fidelity, and obedience, as to their prince and sovereign lord, beseeching him, that he would in like sort receive them under his defence, safeguard and protection, as his most humble subjects and obedient vassals: and representing unto him the example of his grand father Francis the first, they besought him to have learning and learned men in recommendation, and then they ended their speech, with a prayer unto God, That he would give him the courage of David, the wisdom of Solomon, and the zeal of Ezechias. Whereupon the duke answered, That he was glad and very well pleased to see their concord and unity; that he did hope so to govern them, as they should never be frustrate of that good expectation which they had of him, wherein he would imitate the steps of his predecessors; and so thanking them for the love and affection they seemed to bear him, he received them and all the people in general under his defence and protection, entreating them, that they would persever in their profession and good endeavours, promising to maintain them therein, & to gratify all learned men, professors, scholars, and others.  
After the conquest of the town of Tournay, the prince of Parma suffered his army to rest some time in the towns and places which he had recovered from the Estates, where they made themselves to be served and observed after the Spanish manner. And in the mean time he held a counsel with the Estates of Arthois and Henault, not only concerning the government general (which the duchess his mother, being returned to Namur, pretended, as we have said) but chiefly to cause his Spanish, Italian, high Dutch, and Bourguignon forces to return, who (according to the treaty of their reconciliation) were gone out of the country: whereon he did the more insist, pretending that the said article was put into the treaty, only to induce and move the other provinces of Brabant, Flanders etc. to enter into the reconciliation, who if they had reconciled themselves, as they did, the said troops had then been quite excluded, as unprofitable in these parts. But now (said he) seeing it hath not succeeded, and that the unreconciled provinces had now shown themselves greater enemies to the king and them, than ever, having called the French to their aid, it was more 
1582  than necessary for their good and the king's service to have those strange soldiers called back. Whereunto in the end the Estates of Arthois and Henault yielded, for the which an Act was made, which Damp john Saracen, abbot of S. Vaast in Arras, carried into Spain, having his brother N. Saracen (a tailor by profession) with him, whom the king (for the love of the said abbot) made a knight, and afterwards (by means of the church goods, and the help of my lord abbot) he attained to great wealth, and among other things he purchased the Signiory of Alennes: by means whereof, and of his knighthood, this tailor (by the recommendation of his brother) obtained letters of Estate, to be admitted with the chief noblemen in the assembly of the Estates of the county of Arthois: and so might the said abbot (whom the king had made counsellor of Estate in the Netherlands) discover the secrets of the particular Estates of Arthois: for which cause he was afterwards excluded by the ancient nobility of the country, not without an affront, which he digested quietly.  
This abbot (when as all men would seem to make show to be well affected unto their country, against Dom john of Austria) did write a bitter invective against the tyrannous and cruel government of the Spaniards. He was learned and well spoken, a right Courtier, and exceeding ambitious, in the end he became archbishop of Cambray, in which he died, in the year 1598. According unto the dispatch of this abbot, touching the accord which was made with them of Arthois and Henault, the king did presently levy two regiments of Spaniards, two of Italians, and some of the high Dutchmen, both horse and foot, sending seven hundred thousand ducats for the wars of the Netherlands.  
A little before, and also at the same season, the king honoured some noblemen (his vassals) of those countries with goodly titles, but more honourable than profitable. Robert of Melun, lord of Richebourg, and, by his wife, Vicont of Gant (although that in the time of Dom john he had been a great enemy unto him) and governor of Arthois, was created marquess of Roubay, the which being heretofore but a barony, which his mother (the princess of Espinoy) had given him: Oudard of Bournonuille, Signior of Capres, governor of the town and city of Atras, had his barony of Hennin Lietard translated to an earldom: john of S. Omer, Signior of Morbeque, governor of Air, was made earl of Morbeque; but he died before his letters patents came, and his sons afterwards neglected it: N. of Longueval, lord of Vaux, sometimes governor of Arras, was a little before his death made earl of Bucquoy: Maximilian of Villain, Siegniour of Rassinghem, governor of Lille, Dovay, and Orchies, had his Signiory erected into an earldom: and afterwards, Valentine of Pardieu, Signior of la Morte, governor of graveling, of a poor gentleman was made earl of Eckelbeque, the which he had bought of a Frenchman: The king of Spain would also have the marriage to be made and solemnised of the daughter and only heir of the deceased marquess of Renty, brother to the duke of Arschot, with Emanuel of Lalain, lord of Montigny so as the king of Spain did gratify and honour many of his servants with vain titles▪ without any charge.  
The duke of Anjou being newly created duke of Brabant, came into the assembly of the general Estates of the united provinces, in the town of antwerp, with the prince of Orange, to settle some good order for all that did concern the well governing of the country, and to have an assured assignation of two hundred florins a month for the entertainment of his army, besides those troops which the Estates entertained in their frontier garrisons and other places: Those of Brabant had upon their charge the garrisons of Liere, Macklyn, Brussels, Herental, Diest, Villevorde, Hoochstraten, Westerlo, part of that of Berghen upon some; those of the forts of Lillo, Willebrouck, and S. Marguerite, with all the ships of war upon the river of antwerp. They of Flanders had also upon their charge an hundred and thirty companies of foot, and twenty cornets of horsemen, not comprehending the garrisons of Guelderland, Friesland, and overissel: all which being united in one body of an army, and joined with the duke of Anjou his forces, had been sufficient to chase the Spaniards and all strangers out of the country: but all these places must of necessity have garrisons, for fear of some alterations and 
1582  revolts.  
At that time the Estates men being yet in Menin, defeated a great convoy, near unto a village called Warcoin in Tournesis, conducted by two hundred Albanois horse, where they had a rich booty, and many good prisoners. They of Friesland in the beginning of this year, by favour of the ice, surprised the town of Meppel, and the castle of Brouchorst, which they took by force.  
At that time there was a certain Spanish merchant living in antwerp, called Gaspar de Anastro; who seeing his affairs to decline, and that he was likely to become bankrupt, if he were not presently relieved with money by some other means than merchandise, his credit beginning to decay, he then bethought himself of the sentence of proscription given by the king of Spain against the prince of Orange, and of the reward promised to him that should murder him. He being greedy of this prey (after that he had conferred with some of the king of Spain's party, and among others, with Valentine of Pardieu Signior of la Motte, governor of graveling) to put this projected murder in execution, he first addressed himself to a servant of his, who kept his accounts, and (with tears in his eyes) showed him into what danger he was like to fall, and to become bankrupt, if he were not helped with money, the which (he said) there was no means to prevent, but in getting the reward promised in the proscription for the murder: he therefore entreated him (as he knew his secrets) to undertake this act. The young man pitied his estate, and would willingly have assisted him with all means possible, but he excused himself, saying, That he had not the heart nor courage to do it. Then having a little bethought himself, 
A plot laid to kill the prince of Orange.  he said, that there was not any one more fit for such an exploit, than joan Iauvreg●…i (whom he called joanille) Anastro his boy, who might be easily persuaded and advised to undertake and perform it, being a most wicked villain, and resolute to do any mischief whatsoever. joanille being called, they break it unto him, and he undertaketh it resolutely, without any pausing or further excuse: having concluded when, how, and after what manner it should be effected, this merchant Anastro leaving his people engaged, retired himself out of antwerp, and went to graveling to la Motte, to assure the fact. Being upon the way, he writ to joanille, That he should not fail to put two rounds, and to take the measure behind, which was, that he should charge his pistolet with two bullets, and shoot him behind in the head. The day for this execution, was taken upon Sunday the eighteenth of March, which day there was a feast appointed at the duke of Anjou his court, the prince of Orange assisting. But joanille doubting that the press would be too great, and that he should not approach so near unto the prince his person, as was needful to do the deed, he thought it more convenient to execute it at dinner, in the prince his own house, he being at the table. This boy being thus desperately resolved, a certain jacobin Friar (called Peter Timmerman) came to confess him in Anastro his house, fortifying him in his resolution with many sweet words, yet persuading him and making him believe, that he should go invisible, having given him some characters in paper, and certain little bones, as of frogs, which they found in his pockets, with many conjurations and such like fooleries written in his tables. Being thus assured and preserved (as he thought) he drunk a cup or two of Malmsey, and being accompanied with the Monk (who went still exhorting and strengthening him therein) going towards the castle, they came unto the prince his court, whereas his ghostly father having given him his blessing at the stairs foot, left him, and went away. The prince of Orange was set at dinner with the earls of Laval and Hohenloo, the lord of Bonivet, with many other noblemen, and some of the Estates. joanille entereth into the dining chamber, who (being attired almost like a Frenchman) they took him to be servant to some of those French noblemen: he sought to approach near unto the prince his person, but he was so environed by his gentlemen, as he could not get near for to shoot at him behind, as he was instructed; yet he thrust himself forward twice or thrice, and was still repulsed. Dinner being done, and the prince going to retire into his chamber, this boy fixed himself before a window in the hall, close by the door of his withdrawing chamber. The prince passing on (before he entered) showed unto the earl of Laval the cruelties which 
1582  the Spaniards had practised in the Netherlands, the which were wrought in the tapistry; and having his face turned on the left side, this murderer discharged his little pistol, thinking to hit him in the hinder part of the head: but the prince turning at the same instant, the bullet entered in at the throat under his right chap, being so near, as the fire entered 
The murderer shoots the prince.  with the bullet into the wound, burning his ruff and his beard; it broke him one tooth, and pierced the iugular vein, and yet his tongue was nothing perished, the bullet came out at the left cheek, hard by his nose.  
This blow being given (wherewith they were all terrified) one of the halberdiers could not contain himself, but he thrust him through with his halberd, and then a page made an end of him. The surgeons being called, found, that the fire which had entered into the wound, had cauterised the iugular vein, and done him much good, wherefore the wound was not mortal. The murderer being at the first unknown, the blood wherewith 
The murderer slain.  he was polluted and defiled, was washed off, and then he was bound upright upon a scaffold which went upon wheels, and carried from street to street, to see who did know him. He was in the end known, and with that which they found written about him, they were fully assured, that he was Anastro his servant: without doubt, the tumult was great in antwerp, before that he was known; for that (being attired like a Frenchman) they did imagine, that the Frenchmen which were new come, had caused it to be done; neither could the burghers be pacified, until that he was known, and that they were assured, that the prince was not mortally hurt. Presently Anastro his house was forced by the burghers, and the Cassier, the keeper of his book, his servant, the Monk, and in the end he that made the pistol, were all prisoners, but soon after released, except the keeper of his book and the Monk, who (after some days that the body of the murderer had been publicly quartered, and hanged at the town gates) were also hanged and quartered, like unto the murderer. It was to be feared, if the prince had been slain, and the murderer not so soon known, that both the duke of Anjou and all the Frenchmen, yea, and all the Romish Catholics which were in the town, had been in great danger, notwithstanding the great endeavour of the magistrate to pacify the tumult: for the people being much moved, cried out nothing else, but, Behold the marriage of Paris, let us spoil these murderers. The duke of Anjou was much perplexed and troubled in his court, being environed by the burghers and the sworn companies, who were all in arms. I have since heard him confess, That he was never more devout, nor never apprehended death more. He commanded his followers to lay down 
* john Petit.  their arms, and sent to entreat the prince of Orange to take him into his protection, who writ unto the colonels of the town, excusing the duke, assuring them, that neither he nor any of his had any hand in that action; but chose, that he was a mild and sober prince, who sought nothing else but their good and safeties. In the end, the tumult being somewhat pacified, the duke went to visit him, and did also grieve at his misfortune.  
The prince of Parma on the other side, supposing that the prince of Orange was slain, and meaning to make his profit of this accident, writ presently to Brussels, Macklyn, Gant, Bruges, and antwerp, letters full of sweet words, sending them word, That the prince of Orange (who was the sole author of all the troubles) being dead, the king of Spain would use on their behalfs all mildness and clemency, and would forget all that was past, if they would return, and yield themselves under his obedience, for the which (he said) he had full commission from his Majesty: wherefore they should be well advised, whilst that the gate of grace and mercy was open for them, and not to suffer it to be shut again, and to lose so good an occasion as was then offered unto them.  
The duke and the prince of Orange were not ignorant of the prince of Parma his practices: wherefore letters were written in their name, and in the name of the General Estates of the united Provinces, unto the governors and magistrates of the towns of Brabant, Flanders, and other places, to contain them in their duties: and there was a new form of an oath propounded to the Romish Catholics, which they must take, if they 
1582  would remain free in the exercise of their Religion, the which was only allowed in the duke his court: which oath did in effect contain the abjuration of the king of Spain, and fidelity unto the duke of Anjou, as duke of Brabant, and that the penalty of a hundred crowns, imposed upon them which should go unto the Mass, should be taken away.  
The prince of Parma hearing of this oath which the Romish Catholics had taken, who would more willingly have seen him command in those parts, than the duke of Anjou, made and sent forth a proclamation in the king his name, not to discourage them, nor to make them despair of grace and favour: by the which he did pardon the said oath, imputing it to force, and (as it were) extorted from them, if from that time they would submit themselves under his protection and obedience, and show themselves faithful.  
Some three thousand foot and six hundred French horse of the dukes, hearing that the earl of Barlamont, governor of Namur was absent, came in the night with ladders made of 
A vain enterprise upon the castle of Namur.  rope blacked, to scale the castle of Namur, where at that time the duchess, mother to the prince of Parma, was. But they could not carry their enterprise so secretly, but they were discovered, and enforced to retire, leaving their ladders behind them, with some part of their baggage.  
The Signior of Sainseval, with captain la Croix and le Brave, going out of Cambray 
Lens' surprised and lost again.  with their horse and some few foot, surprised the town of Lens in the midst of Arthois: but having sacked it, and thinking to hold it, the prince of Parma sent to besiege them by the marquess of Roubay and the lord of Capres, so as they were not only forced to leave the town and the booty which they had gotten, but also their horses and their arms, the place lying in an open champain country, and not be held; for seeing they had only an intent to spoil it, they should presently have abandoned it: but as it is said, they committed such insolencies and villainies, as God would punish them, taking from them all means to defend it.  
The prince of Orange being hurt, as we have said, the esclarre of the cautere which the fire had made in his wound falling, the iugular vein opened, and fell a bleeding in such abundance, as all remedies which the physicians and surgeons could apply, prevailed nothing, so as they began to doubt of his life: for notwithstanding that they did cauterize it with an astringent cautere, yet the esclarre falling, it bled afresh, so as he grew exceeding weak by the loss of so much blood: in the end they concluded, that nature in time, by the suppression of the iugular vein, and the growing of the flesh, should stop and retain the blood, the which was done: and there were appointed both physicians, surgeons, and gentlemen of his chamber, who for nine days together, every one keeping his turn, should continually, night and day, hold his thumb in the wound, upon the vein that was cut; during which time (Nature working) it closed: and so the prince of Orange (by this only troublesome means) was freed at that time from danger.  
Colonel Martin Schenck of Nydeck, a gentleman of good quality, and a soldier of great enterprises, having been upon the fourth of April surprised in the town of Xenten in the country of Cleves, by the Signior of Hoochsasse, governor of the town of Gueldre for the Estates (whither he was led prisoner, and there detained long) in the end, discontented with his long imprisonment, and seeing himself abandoned by the king of Spain, who made no means to free him (no more than the earl of Egmont, the baron of sells, and other noblemen his subjects that were prisoners) he grew into such a grief and despite, as to be delivered of this captivity, he left his party, and having treated with the earl of Moeurs, delivering his strong castle of Blyenbecke, and other places where he commanded to the Estates, he followed their party, sending his wife and children unto them for a gage of his promise: afterwards he did great service to the Estates, wherein he died.  
The prince of Parma meaning to besiege Audenarde (which is one of the strongest towns in Flanders) before he came near it, he made a show as if he would besiege Menin, and marching 
1582  along the town with his army, the burghers having six companies there in garrison, sent forth three to charge his rearward. But the prince turning head, defeated them, & then 
Audenarde besieged by the prince of Parma.  casting about with his army, he invested the town, being weakened by the loss of these three companies: he planted five and twenty pieces of Ordnance, and took the castle of Gaure, a league from the town, that they might not be relieved that way, nor his camp intercepted of their victuals: he also surprised by practise the castle of Castens, of another side, that he might assure his camp on all parts. Then he battered the town twelve hours together, without ceasing, and made a sufficient breach: but the waters grew so high, as he could not give an assault (notwithstanding that he had bridges to pass the water of the ditch) they within the town having stopped the course of the river of Escaut, which runneth through the town. The Gantois by means of this inundation, did sometimes succour them with small barks. At one time among the rest they thought to relieve them both with horse and foot but the marquess of Roubay defeated them, and pursued them even to the ports of Gant, in the which there were fourscore horsemen slain. There was a great fort without the town, which defended them on that side: the prince of Parma took it by assault, but the besieged sallying forth presently with great fury, chased them out of it, and recovered it again, where there were slain about a hundred of the Spaniards, and but four of the besieged; of such force is a sudden and a courageous resolution. The prince seeing this, and that he prevailed nothing by his battery, caused a bulwark to be undermined of another side; the which having won, he lodged his men therein, whereupon they within the town did presently cast up a half moon before it.  
The duke of Anjou and Brabant being desirous to raise the prince of Parma from this siege, sent for all his garrisons both of horse and foot, and for colonel Norris, with his regiment of English: so as it was supposed, that if the town could have held out but a little longer, there would have been a battle given; but it yielded by composition, in a manner like to that of Tournay: the prince of Parma, for that he would not be forced to raise his siege, nor 
Audenarde yielded to the Spaniard by composition.  to hazard a battle, granted them all they would desire, for else they had not escaped so lightly. The conditions were, That the burghers to redeem their town from spoil, should pay thirty thousand florins within six weeks: All such as would depart and leave the town, should have a years respite to sell their goods: The soldiers leaving their ensigns, should depart with their arms and baggage whither they pleased. It was yielded up the nine and twentieth of April, after three months siege. If they had been assured of succours, they would have held it longer, for they neither wanted victuals, nor any munition of war.  
The duke to recompense this loss, caused an enterprise to be made the two and twentieth 
Alost surprised by the Estates.  of the same month, upon the town of Alost, by Oliver vanden Timpel, Signior of Corbeke, governor of Brussels, Charles of Lievin, Signior of Famas, governor of Macklyn, and the Signior of Thiant, governor of Nieuwenhoven in Flanders. These commanders gave a scalado to the strongest part of the town, whilst that the garrison of Lydekerke gave an alarm on a weaker side, so as they won the rampar by force, fight furiously with loss on either side, whilst that some of the assailants were labouring to break open the port towards Brussels (after that they had cut the corpse de guard in pieces) to draw in the horsemen, without the which, those that were already entered and had won the town, had been in all show the weaker: but the horsemen being entered, they had an assured victory, and became masters of the town, the which was sacked, where the Signior of Thiant was appointed governor, the rest returning to their governments. A little before this surprise, there were above four hundred churchmen retired into Alost, whereof some of the most busy took arms at this surprise, and were there slain; others who had remained quiet in their lodgings, were taken prisoners, and ransomed. Many saved themselves by leaping over the wall. The lord of Monsqueron and the abbot of Nieuwenhoven were taken there, and set at great ransoms.  
The prince of Parma seeing Alost thus taken from him, for a revenge, sent his men to sursurprise the castle of Gaesbeke, belonging to the house of Egmont, two leagues from Brussels: their enterprise was in this manner: There came certain soldiers unto the castle gate, 
1582 The castle of Gaesbeke surprised by the Spaniard.  who said they were of the garrison of Alost, and that they had a good booty, which they would willingly put in safety: they giving credit unto their words, and seeing their cassocks, opened the gate, whereon they seized, and giving entry to the rest of their men, became masters of the place.  
Some other of the prince of Parma his soldiers thinking to do the like unto the town of Diest (belonging unto the prince of Orange) as the duke of Anjou his men had to Alost, they scaled the town, entered as far as the market place, and fought valiantly against the garrison, part whereof went presently to the gates, the which they defended, and kept out the horsemen: so as they that fought in the market, seeing their horsemen, did not second them, fainted, and fled to save their lives, of the which there were about two hundred slain and taken prisoners.  
The second of May there was a general fast commanded by the duke and the general Estates throughout all the united provinces, to give God thanks for the prince of Orange his health, and that they had obtained a good prince, in making choice of the duke, who did defend and maintain them against the Spanish tyranny.  
The lady Charlotte of Bourbon, wife to the prince of Orange, having first conceived an exceeding grief for her husband's hurt, and afterwards by his recovery an incredible joy, being delivered of child, she fell into a continual burning fever, whereof she died the fifth of May, leaving unto the prince six daughters, who had all great marriages. She was buried in our lady's church in antwerp, with a stately funeral pomp.  
The eight of june following, there also died in the same town the lady Mary of Lalain, wife to Peter of Melun, prince of Espinoy, Seneschal of Henault etc. and was buried in the Quire of the Church of S. Michael's abbey in the same town, without the Romish ceremonies.  
About that time the Signior of Hautepenne, son to the earl of Barlamont, made a road with six hundred horse about antwerp, from whence he carried a great booty in prisoners, cattle, and other goods. Captain Alonzo (a Spaniard, who served the duke) a brave soldier, being in garrison in Liere, w●…●…forth with his troop of horse, and charged them, but he was hurt and taken, yet he w●… p●…ntly rescued and carried back into Liere, where he remained sick in his bed of this wound, until that he was traitorously sold to the prince of Parma by a Scottish captain, as you shall presently see. At this time the duke of Anjou his men made another enterprise upon the town of Arschot, with some troops of 
Arschot attempted in ●…aine.  horse and foot: but being entered a good way into the town, they were repulsed, with the loss of thirty men. All this Summer was spent in enterprises on either side, but few succeeded: yet the garrisons of Diest and Herental surprised Tillemont in Brabant for the Estates; in the which there were three companies for the prince of Parma lodged in a cloister, which they defeated in their retrenchment: then they sacked the town, and abandoned it.  
The prince of Parma keeping then his court at Tournay, went to Namur, to receive the troops, which the earl of Martinengues and Dom john of Manriques de Lara brought unto him. The duke of Anjou and Brabant about that time made certain proclamations for his greater assurance, and broke quarter with the men of war, commanding them not to take any enemy to ransom. He also broke the licences (which are certain customs and tols imposed upon all merchandise passing from one country to another) not suffering that any thing should be transported either by water or land unto the enemy, and generally not to traffic, nor to have any correspondency with them, by exchange, or otherwise, in what sort soever.  
The fourteenth of july, the duke (being accompanied by the princes of Orange and Espinoy, and all their train) departed from antwerp to go into Zeeland: from whence on the sixteenth day he went to Scluse, to make his entry the next day into Bruges. The burghers went forth of the town well appointed in arms, to meet him along the river which goeth from Bruges to Dam, having some number of the sworn companies of crosse-bows, harguebusiers, and archers, in very good equipage appointed for his guard. They of the town of antwerp of the same quality, did attend him thither, and then returned home. The duke entering into the town, was received with great humility, by the four members of Flanders, and was 
1582  conducted through the streets with all the honour they could devise, having triumphant arches, lively representations made upon scaffolds, artificial figures painted, statues, pyramids, porches, with such like, and divers kinds of flames and artificial fires flying in the air: whereby they made show how pleasing and acceptable his coming and entry was unto them, receiving him for their prince and lord, as earl of Flanders.  
The duke being in this town of Bruges, there was a great treason discovered, invented by a Spaniard (or a Spaniards son) called Nicholas Salcedo, of one Francisco Baza, an Italian, 
An attempt against the duke of Anious and the prince of Orange's persons discovered.  of a horseman of Fernando of Gonzagues' company, and of one Nicholas Hugot, called La Board, a Frenchman, who were corrupted and set on by the prince of Parma, or his counsel, in the name of the king of Spain, to murder the said duke and the prince of Orange both together, or apart, in what sort soever, as it appeared by the confession and process of the said Salcedo, and by that which happened to Francisco Baza. This Salcedo had been at the dukes request saved from the gallows at Rovan, being accused of coining: being after that retired for a time into Spain, he returned into Lorraine, where he came into the duke's service at the victualling of Cambray, and so followed him continually unto antwerp, thinking to be there employed, and to have some charge: but he was always held in jealousy by the prince of Orange. And as the said Salcedo was very familiar with the Signior Amoral (afterwards earl of Egmont) whom the prince loved not only for the good remembrance of his father, but for that the Countess his mother had recommended him and all her other children unto him at the hour of her death in antwerp: and also for that the said Signior Amoral made profession of the Protestants Religion, and received the Communion: these reasons made the prince to ask him once in secret, what great acquaintance and familiarity he had with the said Salcedo? He answered him, That he had none but for the love of Alchemy: whereupon the prince replied, That he feared some worse matter, advising him to beware of him, and not to converse any more with him, wishing him withal, not to discover any thing of this advertisement to Salcedo. Yet notwithstanding, this young nobleman, whether it were of lightness (or for that it is the nature of man to affect that most which is most forbidde●…●…im) at his first encounter with Salcedo he discovered all unto him. Upon certain advertisements and strong presumptions, Salcedo was apprehended: Francisco Baza was without the court attending for him, and seeing that he came not, in the end he asked for him, and so was in like manner laid hold on. La Board fearing or discovering something, saved himself. Salcedo and Baza being examined upon the advertisements and circumstances which they had to confirm the presumptions of their fact, they did confess and sign it, that their design was to have murdered or poisoned the duke and prince in what sort soever. The young lord Amoral was in like sort examined, who confessed presently, that he had bewrayed unto Salcedo all that the prince had said unto him, touching the conversation and familiarity he had with him. And although he excused himself of that wherewith Salcedo had accused him, yet was he for a time detained prisoner, and after (at the duke of Anious retreat out of the Netherlands into France) delivered. Francisco Baza hearing on the nine and twentieth of july, that being found guilty by his own confession, they would put him to some cruel death, the next day he slew himself 
Francisco Baza kills himself.  in the prison with a knife, whereupon he was drawn to the gibbet, and there hanged; but afterwards (by a new judgement) he was quartered, the which were hanged upon gibbets, with a writing, that he had attempted to murder or poison the duke and the prince, at the persuasion, and by the express commandment of the prince of Parma. Salcedo was at the request of the French king and the Queen his mother sent unto Paris, after the review of his process and his confession, to have received four thousand ducats of the king of Spain, having also revealed some other secrets concerning the person of the king, and of the duke his brother, wherewith some great men in France were touched, the five and twentieth of October he was (according to his sentence) in the presence of the king, the queen his wife, the queen mother, princes of the blood, and other princes & noblemen of his court, drawn 
●…edo 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉.  with four horses, and dismembered alive, his quarters were hanged upon gibbets, and his head planted upon a pole.  
The duke and the princes of Orange and Espinoy departed from Bruges to Gant, the chief town of all the county of Flanders, where he made a stately entry, and there was received 
The duke of Anjou invested earl of Flanders.  with great ceremonies, and joy of the people, and acknowledged for earl of Flanders, 
1582  after that he had taken the oath, and received an oath of the deputies of the four members of the earldom. Then having (according to the custom) renewed the magistrate, he went from thence to Dendermonde, where the like reception was made unto him, according to the capacity of the town, and from thence he returned to antwerp. What happened unto his army all the time that he remained and continued in Flanders, we will presently show.  
The first of August the town of Liere in Brabant, three leagues distant from antwerp, 
Liere betrayed to the Spaniard.  betwixt Macklyn, antwerp and Diest (a good town, and of great importance for all that quarter of Brabant) was treacherously delivered to the Spaniard, after this manner. There was a Scottish captain (called Sempil) in garrison in this town, who complained often of the small entertainment he received from the Estates, and that the Signior of Heetuelt (governor of the town) was not a means to have his company paid, making this his pretext, to treat with the Spaniard, to deliver up the town for a certain sum of money, which they promised him. For the effecting whereof, the first of August he came unto the governor, and told him, That he knew where there was a good booty, desiring leave to go forth, the which he granted: being abroad, he returned about 2 of the clock after midnight, crying unto the guard to open the gate, and that he had brought a booty of oxen, kine, sheep, and wagons with stuff, and that he knew the enemy followed to rescue it, if it were not speedily put in safety. The governor commanded the wicket to be opened: but he cried out still, that they should open the great gate, to suffer the cattle and the wagons to enter, the which the governor refused, sending him word, that he should stay until day to bring them in. Sempil understanding this, entered by the wicket, and having his men in guard at the port, he overthrew the captain, being a bourger, who carried a bunch of keys, the which he wrested from him. The porter seeing this, thinking to go up and to let down the portcullis, he was overtaken upon the stairs, and there slain; and so with the help of his men he opened the great gate, and let in the Spaniards, being about six hundred horse, which the Signior of Hautepenne had gathered ●…ether out of the near garrisons: being entered, they slew all they found armed (the goue●…nour saving himself speedily in his shirt in a small boat) spoiling the town, and ransoming the burghers with all extremity. Captain Alonzo the Spaniard was found there in his bed, being wounded at the encounter before mentioned; and for that he was a Spaniard, and did serve against the king, the Spaniards hung him up by one foot, & so put him to death, than they quartered him, and hung his quarters upon gibbets without the town: which the horsemen of antwerp did afterwards take down and bury honourably in our lady's church, with military ceremonies, for his valour, and the good services which he had done unto the estates and the prince of Orange, although he were a Spaniard.  
The news of the taking of Liere did much trouble and alter them of antwerp, the ports thereof remaining and continuing shut for a time, being doubtful what to resolve: in the end it was concluded and agreed upon, to burn all the champain country of campaign, that the enemy being in that town, should reap no commodity, causing the abbey of Saint Bernard to be fortified (being taken before, and afterwards abandoned by the Spaniards) a goodly place, seated upon the river of Escaut, being a league from antwerp.  
During this time, the duke of Anjou and Brabant had caused his army to pass under the leading of the earl of Rochepot into West-Flanders, about graveling and Dunkirk: the Spaniard thinking to do him an affront, came to take view of him, and was beaten, near unto Wynoxberghe, a league from Dunkirk, where he lost some of his horsemen, & the baron of Balanson (afterwards earl of Varax, brother to the marquess of Warenbon, a high Bourguignon) was taken prisoner by the light horsemen of Colonel Norris, and carried to antwerp. The duke went thither to join with the troops of the Signior of la Pierre, and the Reisters' which the earl of Mansfeldt brought: who passing along the frontiers of Picardy, through the country of Arthois, coasting along the river of Authies, they spoiled all, and took divers castles, as Labroy, Aussi-le Chasteau, & others: which troops by the duke's commission, in stead of entering into Arthois, as they had been appointed, were by a new charge 
1582  commanded to come into Flanders, whereby there was a good opportunity lost in the country of Arthois.  
The duke having stayed some time with his army in that part of Flanders, retired the seven and twentieth of August towards Gant, where the prince of Parma followed him with all his forces, meaning to fight with him, and to defeat him if he could, finding himself much stronger than the duke, who at that time had not above four thousand men, the which went to lodge in a village near unto Gant.  
The next day after their coming to the place, the Corpse de guard of the duke's army discovered the forerunners of the Spanish camp, which came to charge them. The Signior of la Pierre, marshal of the camp, being advertised thereof, put all the troops in order with what speed he could, and seeing the Spaniards approach, he caused some horsemen of the regiment of the duke's guard to entertain the skirmish, where the Signior of Saintseval commanded, giving liberty for the baggage to retire out of the village, to the end that according to the duke's commandment the retreat might be made without fight, considering the inequality of their forces: for without doubt, if they had wilfully made defence in that village, they had been all defeated without any rescue. And although that all the Spanish forces advanced (wherein they did not show their accustomed diligence and fury) and that the duke's men were pressed and pursued, yet they still marched in battle, retiring easily in good order towards the town, for their more safety.  
In the head of the army was the English regiment of colonel Norris, being seconded by the Reisters' of Cont Mansfeldt: after came a French regiment of colonel Boucks, having on his wing colonel Norris, with three companies of English horse, and four others of light horse, Frenchmen: all these made the forward. After marched three companies of French horsemen, and the regiment of Fouquerolles, with all the Dutch and Scottish companies, which made the battle. For there reward, there was the regiment of horse of Saintseval, with a regiment of English, in the which there were many pikes, and some companies of foot of Saintseval that were gathered together.  
The troops being thus ordered, and the Spaniard marching, the two marshals of the duke's army put themselves in the head of the troops, commanding the soldiers to march without disorder, and not to turn their faces. The forward of the Spaniards being about a 1000 horse, and a great battailon of foot, priest and pursued the duke's men, who retired slowly. And as they marched towards the town, notwithstanding the first order (the which was an act of lightness, yet it succeeded well) there were certain ambushes laid a quarter of a league one from another, by the regiments of Fouquerolles and Bouck: so as being seconded by some horse of the forward, they charged so fitly, as the Spaniard increasing still as his troops arrived, they were kept at a stand: and when as they would have passed this high broad way, whereas the ambush lay, they were entertained with such store of shot, as notwithstanding that the army was fresh and full of resolution, yet they lost many men, without any great hurt unto the duke's troops, having still some horsemen upon their wings. In the mean time, the earl of Rochepot, who was yet sick at Gant (whereas many captains also had stayed the day before at the dukes coming) went out of the town, and seeing his men priest by multitudes of Spaniards (who had already seized upon a little hill and the myls near unto S. Lievins' gate) he caused the four companies, which marched in the forward with colonel Norris horse, and some English pikes, to return to the charge, who did so well (especially the English) as they stayed the Spaniard again, who was now come very near unto the town. This made the retreat the more easy for the duke's men; who coming to the rampar with the princes of Orange and Espinoy, were of opinion that the army should retire under the walls, whereas the 2 curtains might gall the enemy, if he should approach any nearer. But the skirmish being renewed again, before they could get thither, and be covered with the rampar of the town, there were many slain on either side, so as the Spaniards recoiled again. As the duke's army being put into battle, retired under favour of the town, the artillery from the rampar whereas the duke stood, played upon the Spaniards, and slew many.  
The prince of Parma being now arrived with the body of his army, seeing the duke's forces in safety, made a stand almost two hours, still renewing the skirmish, whereof followed 
1582  the last charge which was given. Whilst that matters passed in this manner, the duke commanded, that the horse should retire without disorder or confusion, except three cornets which should remain in guard near unto the foot, that by this means they might have time to refresh themselves, and to lodge. The which was not done without good consideration, seeing there was no more question (as it seemed) of fight: yet the prince of Parma seeing the duke's horsemen retired, came again to charge the footmen, whom he drove under the town wall: but he was so well received, as he lost many men, and in like manner there were some of the duke's men both slain and hurt. Night being come, the prince of Parma rallying his army together, and burying about two hundred of his men near unto Gant, and filling all the wagons he could get with dead and wounded men, he was in the end forced to retire.  
The next day the duke's army marched towards Dendermonde, where he made his entry in quality of earl of Flanders: and from thence he took his way to antwerp with the prince of Orange, where they arrived upon the second of September, having left the prince of Espinoy in Gant, to have a care and charge of all things in that quarter of Flanders.  
At that time colonel Verdugo, governor of that which the king of Spain held in Friesland, besieged the town of Lochum in the county of Zutphen. Cont William Lewis of 
Lochum besieged by the Spaniard.  Nassau, governor of Friesland for the Estates, with some small troops (in despite of all the Spanish forces) put certain wagons laden with victuals and other munition, into the town, and then retired: his retreat was very pleasing unto the Spaniards; and therefore about the midst of September, knowing well that they of Lochum (before reduced to extreme necessity) had not received all necessary provisions for a place besieged, and so unfurnished, made his profit of this small relief. Whereupon he fortified himself with good trenches, and made sixteen or seventeen forts about the town. He also made three upon the mountain, whither he retired himself in safety, when need required. The earls of Hohenlo and of Nassau being advertised of his work, having gathered together what forces they could in Gueldre and Oueryssell, making about two thousand foot and a thousand horse, they resolved to go and see the Spaniard again, carrying with them two demie canons and four smaller pieces. Being come near unto them, they skirmished both with horse and foot. Verdugo and his men retiring unto this mountain, made a stand there to see what would follow.  
Two days after, the Signior of Allein commanding a French regiment, went to assail one of the Spaniards forts, the which was most necessary for them: they of the town having made a sally, being seconded by d' Allein his lieutenant, took a fort at the port of Moulin, where there were about four hundred Spaniards slain. And although it were newly assaulted by a great number of enemies, yet were they valiantly repulsed: and afterwards the besieged laboured with such dexterity, as the bridge of the river, which had been broken in that place, was repaired strongly again, and the town victualled the same day by that bridge, better than before.  
The night following two other forts were forced. But the next day the Estates horsemen going to a charge somewhat disorderly, they were easily put to rout, with the loss of two captains, and a good number of men; some slain in fight, others, in cold blood; and so the Estates small army was quickly dispersed. The Signior d' Allein being entered into the town with his regiment, assured it the more: in the which were also the earls, Herman, Frederic, and Henry vanden Berghe, nephews by the mother unto the prince of Orange (who since turned to the Spaniards party) and the chief nobility of Guelderland.  
The Spaniard being not far retired, returned suddenly again, recovered his forts, and besieged it more straightly than before, for the space of five and twenty days; yet could they not keep the besieged from making of gallant sallies, and taking of many prisoners out of the Spanish camp, whether came supplies of six hundred horse and fifteen hundred foot, led by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt and the Signior of Hautepenne: then they summoned it more resolutely than before. In the mean time, the earl of Hohenlo was retired to Zutphen (and afterwards came with the said three earls brethren to 
1582  antwerp) being ready to gather together some troops, to succour Lochum again. And five days after these supplies which came to Verdugo, there went to join with the earl of Hohenlo two thousand five hundred foot, and one thousand five hundred horse, French and Reistres, with the three English cornets, commanded by colonel Norris. With this equipage Hohenlo returned cheerfully the third time to relieve the besieged. His troops were no sooner discovered, but Cont Charles Mansfeldt left his quarter disorderly in all haste, and passed the water to be nearer to Verdugo. The earl of Hohenlo seeing this, marched speedily with the Estates army to lodge in that quarter which Mansfeldt had abandoned; yet they came to blows at a fort on that side the town, in which skirmish there were many slain on either side. The earl of Hohenlo caused a fort to be made in that place, betwixt 
The siege of Lochú raised.  two other forts which the Spaniards held, by the favour whereof, a bridge was presently made, by the which he might commodiously pass over with his footmen, and draw such as were wounded and unprofitable out of the town, whereas colonel Amaurie, being newly arrived with a regiment of Gascoines, entered first of all, having no leisure to refresh themselves, nor to take breath. This done, they built another fort, which favoured the end of the bridge, that it might not be taken by the Spaniards: Whereat Verdugo and Mansfeldt being much amazed, presuming, that the town was relieved; and fearing lest they should go and charge them behind, they began to retire, and to abandon all their forts, and so marching in battle, they went towards Grolle. The next day the Estates men victualled Lochum at their ease, and all the forts which the Spaniards had made, were razed. During this siege, there was slain with an harguebuse shot from the town the baron of Anholt, of the house of Battenbourgh, colonel of a regiment of Germans, who had so much solicited this siege of Lochum, for that his town of Anholt it is not far off, the which was daily annoyed by the garrison of Lochum, even unto their gates.  
This siege raised, and the town thus relieved, the Estates forces went to besiege the castle 
The castles of Keppel and Bronchurst yielded to the Estates.  of Keppel in the said county of Zutphen, the garrison whereof having endured a little battery, yielded by composition, delivering the lord of the place (who had been unwilling to yield) into their hands. From thence they went before the castle of Bronchurst, which did also yield by composition.  
At that time there was some mutiny among the soldiers of the garrison of Brussels, for their pay, yet they protested to keep the town for the duke of Anjou. The prince of Parma would willingly have made his profit thereby, advancing some troops about that town and Alost, as if he would besiege them. They of Boisleduc (which is one of the four chief towns of Brabant) being before summoned by the duke to acknowledge him for their duke and lord, in quality of duke of Brabant, they not only refused it, but offered the prince of Parma an hundred thousand florins to go and besiege Brussels: The which he did not, but only burned some villages of that jurisdiction: and the soldiers were paid to appease the mutiny.  
In the end of September, the duke of Anjou sent Monsieur S. Luc, governor of Brovage, and the colonels Timpel and Seisseval with two thousand foot and five hundred horse, and some pieces of ordnance drawn out of antwerp at the request of the Brussellois, to besiege the castle of Gaesbeke, where there was a company of the malcontents, Walloons, and half a cornet of horse. These commanders being come, and having made some fourscore shot, they within began to pa●…le, having no hope of succours, and fearing to be taken 
Gaesbeke yielded to the duke of Anjou  by assault, they yielded, and went forth with white wands in their hands. This done, S. Luc caused the castle of Thoulouse to be summoned, the which was yielded upon the same terms.  
The earl of Rochepot (lieutenant general of the duke his army) to annoy Liere in Brabant, went with a thousand French foot and two pieces of Ordnance to besiege the castle of Enchoven, being a league and a half from Liere. They of the garrison seeing the Canon planted, being somewhat loath to attend the hazard, yielded like unto the 
Enchoven yielded also.  two others, yet not before the earl and the colonel la guard had been both hurt with shot.  
The king of Spain knowing that he had a mightier enemy than before, would also increase his forces, the which he caused to march from all parts towards the Low countries. And as 
1582  the duke of Montpensier and the marshal of Byron were come out of France into Picardy, to join their army with the duke of Anious other troops, the prince of Parma caused all his frontier places of Arthois and Henault, to be well manned. And about the end of Summer, there came unto him out of Italy, one and forty ensigns of Spaniards, which made five thousand men, under two colonels, Christopher of Mondragon, and Dom Pedro de Pas, sixteen ensigns of Italians, every one being three hundred strong, being also five thousand, under Mario Cordoini, and Camillo de Monte, colonels, besides the Landskneckts, & high Bourgognons, with a great mass of treasure, which the prince received out of Spain, to pay his whole army, where there was besides these four regiments of Spaniards and Italians, of ten thousand men, six regiments of Germans, the colonels whereof were, Robert Goudtberg, the earl of Aremberg, the earl of Barlamont, Dom john Manriques de Lara, cont Charles of Mansfeldt, and the signior of Floion, brother to Barlamont, nine regiments of Walloons, under the marquess of Renty, the earl of Egmont, Gabriel de Liques, the earl Octavio of Mansfeldt, the earl of Manderscheit, Philip of Liques, he that was signior of Bours, the baron of Aubigni, and the signior of Manui. And above all these the regiments of Hautepenne and la Motte Pardieu, besides the Bourgognons of the marquess of Varenbon, with the garrisons upon the frontiers of France, and those that were near unto the united Estates, and the regiments of the lord of Billy, Verdugo, and the baron of Anholt in Friesland, with some companies of horse. As for his horsemen, there were thirty seven cornets, Spaniards, and Italians, and twelve bands of ordnance, which altogether might amount to four thousand horse: So as all the king of Spain's forces in the Netherlands, both of foot and horse, in the month of September 1582, amounted to threescore thousand men, the which according unto the relation of some commanders and Spanish treasurers, cost monthly (if they had been well paid) six hundred sixty eight thousand, eight hundred fifty and seven florins, besides the charge of artillery, carriages, and all other things thereunto belonging, as well in pioneers as otherwise, which could not be less than a third part of the charge of the army: Yet the prince of Parma complained, that of this great number of soldiers, he could not put thirty thousand men to field, by reason of the many garrisons which he was to supply. Without doubt it was a great power, and an excessive charge, which he was to entertain so many years together, Winter and Summer, against his own subjects, and yet prevail little; the which the Romans and other mighty kings and monarches would have reputed great, and sufficient to have effected great matters. Against which forces there were at the same time for the States, as brave, valiant, and expert captains and soldiers in military actions, both Dutch, French, English, Scottish, and Walloons, as the earth could bear. All which forces of either side, being well united and joined together, had been able to conquer a whole world.  
The duke of Anious men being busy about the fortification of a bourg betwixt Valenciennes and Cambray, the prince of Parma went and forced them to leave the work, and to retire: then he summoned Castle Cambresis, in the which there were an hundred and fifty 
Castle Cambresis yielded to the Spaniard  French soldiers, who yielded, to have their arms and baggage saved. Then having taken some other castles and forts in that quarter of Cambray, as Bohain, and others, he then led his army before the little town of Nyvenhoven in Flanders, the which for want of succours yielded, and so did the castles of Lyderkeke and Gaesbeke, with which places, and for that he had his army camped thereabouts, he thought to famish the town of Brussels a far off: but being well provided of all sorts of victuals (into the which there were two thousand French and English foot put, besides the twelve companies, and the four cornets which they had of the ordinary garrison) finding that he should prevail little, after that he had spoiled the country thereabouts, his army having also eaten up Arthois and Henault, he thought to go into the land of Waes' in Flanders: but the duke had so well fortified all the passages, as he could not enter, so as dearth and famine began to creep into his camp, all victuals being cut off and forbidden by the way of France; besides that, Winter drawing on, his soldiers were much tormented with rain and cold, the which his new come Spaniards and Italians were not accustomed to feel: all these considerations made the prince to break up his camp, and to put his men into garrisons. As in like sort the same Winter the duke of Anious Frenchmen suffered much hunger and want, as well by the bad government of the victuals, as for want of good pay, and the rigour of the Winter. 
1583   
The seventeenth of November colonel Verdugo surprised the town of Steenwicke in the 
Steenwick surprised by the Spaniard.  country of Ouerissel, by scaladoe: for the relieving whereof (as I have said) the States had taken so great pains. It happened by the direction of a peasant, who working in the town ditches, had noted one place which might be waded through, by the which he guided Verdugoes men unto the foot of the rampar, being duly informed before, that captain Hans Crom and Bocholt were gone forth with most of the soldiers of the garrison of the town, about some enterprise.  
At the same time the earl of Hohenlo besieged the town of Meghen in the country of 
Meghen taken by the Estates.  Gueldres, the which he won, with some other, neither could the earl of Mansfeldt (who lay not far off with his troops) hinder him.  
The seventh of januarie after the new stile (the calendar being reform this year by the pope) the lord of Boniwet being conducted by a soldier of the country, called Heincker Schermer (who went first up to the rampar) surprised the town of Eindoven in Brabant, near unto 
Eindoven surprised for the duke of Anjou.  Boisleduke, in the country of Campeigne, where there were fifty horsemen Albanois spoiled, most of them having saved themselves, or yielded. From thence the Frenchmen went before Helmont, Horst, and other places of the same quarter, the which they also won; so as it seemed they would besiege Boisleduke, the which was long in great fear, they of the town thinking (for that they had no garrison) to compound with the duke, but his mind was of another prey, as we will presently show.  
The duke by the intercession of his mother (as she made show) had long solicited the French king for succours in his affairs of the Netherlands, against the king of Spain: but the king refused 
The French king refuseth succours to the duke his brother, & some advice concerning it.  him, fearing and foreseeing the danger which might happen unto his realm, seeing he was not assured (if his brother should die) of any recompense: yet he said, That if the Estates would acknowledge him, or else the crown of France for heir and successor unto the duke in the Netherlands, he would then do his best, which the Estates could not well yield unto. The Agents of Spain being in France, near the king, and the duke's adversaries (which was the house of Guise) made their profit of this denial, which was the cause why the prince Dauphin and the marshal Byron, were so long before they entered the country with their army: the which passed not into Flanders, before they had devoured all they brought out of France. Some counseled the king, That to join all the Netherlands in one body with the crown of France (the which would afterwards be invincible) he should not assist his brother, but in his extreme necessity, when as he had exhausted all his means, and so weakened the country, as they should be forced to sue unto him, and be content to receive such conditions as he would prescribe them. Attending which time, and doing so, the king of Spain should be also bare of money and credit: that then the king might make himself strong of men, money, and all things necessary, and should know what contrary designs the princes of the empire, the emperor, those of the house of Austria, and the allies and adherents to Spain might conceive. As for the duke (said they) he will the sooner humble himself, and submit to such conditions as it should please the king his brother to limit him, rather than be forced to abandon to his enemies that which he held, and which had cost him so much. And that the king using this manner of proceeding, and having obtained of his brother what he desired, the country being over toiled and tired with war, having consumed all their means, and seeing themselves frustrate of their hope which they had conceived in the duke's person, through despair ever to be reconciled with the Spaniard, fearing also the proceeding in the calling in of another prince, would demand nothing more, than to give themselves unto him. And as for the other provinces which remained under the obedience of the Spaniard, that he should make open war with all violence upon the frontiers, suffering no victuals to enter, being an easy matter to hinder it, seeing that he had no ports at his devotion. As for the Rhine and Meuse, which are rivers running through the said countries, they were to be stopped, keeping an army in the country of Luxembourg, and being master of the towns thereof, as of Luxembourg the chief, Theonuille, and Malmedi, the Spaniard should eat up the country where he was. They might also make roads and burn the harvest, which would force him to yield; so as the French king did stand upon his guard, without hazarding any thing upon the event of a battle, still lodging upon the advantage. And if it should so fall out, yet might the king better endure it than the enemy, who being once overthrown, could never rise again. Whereas 
1583  being near unto France, he might suddenly recover new forces. But if the king rejected all these goodly occasions, and would not embrace the Netherlands actions, that it was to be feared he should be forced thereunto, if he would not have a new civil war in France. And the duke his brother having no more means to resist the Spaniard, would be contemptible to them that had called him, not only for the great charge they had been at, but also to see themselves frustrate of the great expectation they had of him. That the said duke, rather than they should do him any disgrace, would seek to assure himself of some places within the country, and then would return into France, to complain of the small succours and friendship which he had found in the king his brother, reviving the discourse which he had made the year before to the parliament of Paris, and in other places: that for the greatness of the Estate and crown of France, being freed so long from frontier enemies, which should ease the realm from so many charges and impositions, they should not neglect so goodly an occasion, seeing that their father, grandfather and predecessors had made so long war against the house of Bourgoigne, to conquer in the end but a town or two: and that now the whole country and the towns offered themselves, and were in his possession, the which he might lose again for want of succours from the king his brother. And that therefore seeing he had no assistance from him, he desired favour from the general Estates of France, to prevent so great a disgrace, and not to let slip so goodly an opportunity, which tended to the greatness and profit of all France. Wherefore they counseled the king to consider well of this action, which touched him nearer than any league or amity with the king of Spain.  
Such advice and counsel was given unto the French king, concerning the affairs of the Netherlands, which came all unto the knowledge of the Duke his brother, making him to fall into divers conceits and jealousies, as well of the king, as of those that were chief in counsel about him, and nearest his own person: which seemed to make him run another course, thrust on by his young courtiers: who hearing that his forces being led by the duke of Montpensier, and the marshal of Byron, had passed by Cales, and lay about Dukerke, he sent for them to come into Brabant.  
The Duke being in antwerp, and hearing that his forces were arrived, he caused his army both old and new to approach nearer unto antwerp, into one of the suburbs, which they call Bourgerhout: the Switsers were lodged in another, called the Kyel, behind the castle along the river of Escaut.  
In the mean time, as the town of Dunkirk did import him much, to keep a passage 
Dunkirk assured for the duke.  open, and free from Flanders into France: the duke to assure himself thereof in time, having sent some French men thither, he commanded monsieur de Chamors to seize thereon; the which he did easily, during the absence of the signior of Treslon, admiral of Zeeland, and governor of the town. Chamors picked a quarrel against the burghers, about the division of some booty, so as they fell to blows, and many were slain: And whilst that they of the town had sent to make their complaint to the Duke and the Estates being in antwerp, Chamors having in the mean time fortified himself with more men, chased away the State's garrison, and became master of the town the sixteenth of januarie. This was the first act of ill counsel which the Duke put in practice, which afterwards lost him the Netherlands, and was the cause of his own ruin.  
Without doubt the Duke (of whom for his own disposition they had expected all good, and on whom the Estates of the country had grounded the preservation, health, and maintenance of the people, against the oppression of the Spaniards) had done wisely, and had made himself wonderful great, if he had given credit to the counsel of the prince of Orange and the Estates, who had called him to those goodly principalities and signiories, wherewith he was so lately invested: And that if in stead of preferring the French nobility (who were but strangers in the Netherlands) he had countenanced the Netherlanders, and not have contemned them, and held them in such disdain: for above the ordinary counsel which he had of the said prince and other noblemen borne in the country, although he should not have any other for matters of state, and the government of the country yet he had a secret counsel, which they called The Counsel of the Cabinet, composed of young giddy headed 
1583  French men, most of them being pensioners to the king of Spain, or relics of the actors in the massacre at Paris. This secret counsel put into his head, that neither the prince of Orange nor the States did respect him as an absolute prince, and would willingly have seen him fully obeyed; the which the Spaniards had so much affected, and had been the cause of the troubles and misery which had happened and continued so long in the said countries. For the obtaining of which obedience and absolute command, for the putting in of governors and French captains into all towns and forts, and the excluding of noblemen, gentlemen, and others that were borne in the country, to restore the Romish religion, and root out the Protestants; finally to reduce these provinces into a worse estate, than it may be they had been in during the rule of the Spaniards, they advised him to make himself master of the chief towns of Brabant and Flanders, but especially of antwerp, with the which they thought and bragged to subdue all the world.  
In this counsel there were three sorts of humours of men, every one tending to a cenaine 
Three sorts of humours in the duke's counsel  end, but divers and contrary. The first (which we may say were the best) had no other aim (as faithful servants are bound) but to the greatness and settling of their master's estate, which prospering, they could not but prosper themselves, and those were for the most part young, aspiring to advancement and honour. The others were secret pensioners to the king of Spain, who by a strange alteration in this new estate, sought nothing, but to work for the Spaniard, and to send the duke home, from whence he came, and so corrupted by gifts, presents, or pensions, to fill their purses: and these had most access and credit with the duke. The last were such as looked to nothing but to spoil, relics (as we have said) of the massacrers of Paris, thinking by the spoil of these rich and mighty towns, to make themselves all gold in one day: the which were known and noted for such, who two or three days before the execution of this their design in the town of antwerp, went unto the chief merchants, taking view of the richest jewels, plate, tapestry, and other rich merchandise, making show as if they would buy them, and agreeing upon the price of some: saying, That they would fetch them, and pay for them on such a day, which was the day of the execution: but it had been with the Lion's payment.  
Consider then, if of these last two sorts of men, being of the duke's counsel, an upright prince could make any good use. It was therefore concluded among them in this counsel of Cabinet (whereunto they also called the signior of Thiant, governor of Alost, a stirring young gentlemen, whose humour these counsellors knew to be conformable unto theirs) that this design (without the privity of the duke of Montpensier, the earl of Lavall, and other noblemen of the Protestant religion) should be executed upon the seventeenth of januarie that year 1583, on Saint Anthony's day, as well in antwerp, as in the towns of Bruges, Dendermonde, Alost, Dixmuyden, Nyeuport, Ooestende, Villevorde, and other towns: So as the French men of those garrisons, and other supplies that should be sent unto them, should make themselves masters thereof. And as for their project laid upon the town of antwerp, the which succeeded unhappily for them, it was in this manner.  
The sixteenth of januarie, the eve before the execution of the French men's design upon 
The relation of the enterprise of antwerp.  antwerp, doctor Peter van Alost, bourgmaster of the town, having received some advertisement, that the same night there might be some enterprise made against the town, went late unto the duke, to let him understand, That among so many soldiers that were entered into the town, there might some slip in that were not well affected to his service, who they feared would attempt something to the prejudice of the town: and therefore they entreated the duke that he would foresee it, and that the ●…haynes might be drawn an hour sooner than of custom: Whereunto the duke yielded, after that he had answered, That they had no cause to distrust his troops, which were come to do him and the whole country service: adding thereunto many good words and fair promises. So the chains were drawn betimes, and lanterns with lights hung out at the windows in the streets all night long, as they are accustomed to do in any time of doubt and distrust.  
The next day the duke did confer as well in person, as by his secretary Pin (called Quinsay) with the prince of Orange, the bourgmasters, and the colonels of the burghers, 
1583  sent expressly to that end. And as the prince told plainly and openly, That he knew well, that they had pretended and resolved that day, to force a port, and to draw in the whole army; the duke protested, that he had never any such thought, and that they should have no such suspicion of his soldiers: that he desired to know who had invented that surmise, to punish him as he had deserved: showing what great affection he bore to the confederate provinces, the country of Brabant, and especially to the town of antwerp, seeking by all means to pacify, and to give contentment to the prince, the bourgmasters and colonels: the which was easy for him to do, seeing that their advertisements had no very great ground, neither would they ever have thought that it had been true, much less that his Highness would ever have executed such a design, considering that he did see plainly they knew something, and that they were grown into suspicion. Whereupon the prince persuaded and entreated him, not to go out of the town, nor to take view of his army that day: the which he promised him: But the marshal of Byron being gone the day before to lodge in the army, and having concluded, that the like design should be executed in other towns, 
The foolish & cruel enterprise of the duke of Anjou upon Antuerp  on the same day, whereby all their villainy should be discovered, if they should delay it any longer, about one of the clock in the afternoon, the duke with all his nobility, making in all (besides those which marched before, and which came after) some two hundred horse, and with all his guard both Switsers and French, went out of the town by the port of Kipdorpe, the which they had expressly left open by commandment and charge which he had given them.  
Some of his men which went before, stayed upon the bridge, as if they had there attended his Highness: others which remained behind, ran from one street to another, towards that gate, causing the chains to be let down, as if his Highness should have passed by all those streets.  
Being past the port, and the second draw bridge, one of his gentlemen did counterfeit as if his leg had been broken in the press: some of the burghers drew near unto him, to help him, and to carry him into the town, to the first Surgeon: but he crying out and lamenting (the which he did to win time, until the footmen of the army might approach) seeing the footmen come, drew his sword, and took one of the burghers of the town, which offered him his service, on the head, and withal, all his highness courtiers fell pell mel upon the burghers, being before their Corpse degard, bore headed, to see their prince pass, having no doubt or fear of any such treason to be practised and committed against their town.  
After this beginning the noblemen and gentlemen (except such as past beyond the port) advanced with all the rest of the army, and first there entered four cornets of horse, and seventeen ensigns of foot, crying out, The town is won, The town is won, Live the Mass, Live the Mass: the which they did, by that means hoping to draw all the power of the Romish Catholics, and other the discontented rabble of the town, to hold their party: his Highness pressing his men to enter, and saying that the town was his, and that it was won, caused the Switsers, and the rest of the troops to advance, so as he became master of the said port, without any difficulty, although there had been great resistance: for it was dinner time, when as the burghers were at table, and the most part of the guard were gone home to their dinners, and besides the burghers of that quarter had that day the guard in another place.  
So these four cornets, and the duke's courtiers, with the seventeen companies of foot, being entered into the town, ran over all where it pleased them; some went along the rampar towards the emperor's gate, to seize upon the artillery, as they did: some ran towards the Meerbruge, others through the new street, some along that straight street of Kipdorpe, and one part unto the ramparts of the Red gate, and of Saint Anthony's street, crying continually, Kill, hill, God save the Mass, The town is won. But as soon as the burghers understood, that they pretended by this treason to surprise and spoil the town, going presently with as much speed as they could out of their houses, some armed, some without arms, and in small numbers, they went like gabions close together, & planted themselves before this great troop of Frenchmen, keeping them from passing any further. In the mean time the town drums began to beat, and to give a general alarm, the burghers coming in troops from all parts, 
1583  some by whole companies, who marching in battle, went and charged the French, God (to whom the honour and glory of this victory is to be attributed) giving such courage to the burghers, and the inhabitants, as they made them to turn their backs in all places, and to fly in great disorder out of the town, some casting themselves from the top of the rampar into the ditch, to save themselves, after that they had been masters of the port above an hour, with their colours flying, won the market place and the Mere.  
In the mean time the duke caused his Switsers (being about four thousand) and the rest of his army, to advance, to second them that were already entered: but the burghers having recovered the ramparts, discharged their ordnance upon his squadrons, the which stayed them suddenly, and forced them to retire, finding that all went not well with them in the town; neither could they enter, for the great number of the dead, which lay heaped one upon another in the port, the height of two men. The duke having at the first seen the port won, and that without any resistance or striking stroke his men were entered into the town, he said then to some noblemen (who were not acquainted with his enterprise, and did complain of it) that the town was won, and that he had above four thousand men in it. Whereunto some of these noblemen answered, That it was not yet won, and that within half an hour they should see a change, as it fell out by the grace of God, not without great effusion of blood, of either part: for of the good and valiant burghers (besides them that were wounded) there died some 
The number of them that were slain.  four score, among the which were colonel Vyerendeel, and the captains Balthasar Tas, Renold Michaut, and jasper of Hoemaeker, sergeant mayor to the signior of Schoonhoven. The signior of Waenroy bourgmaster, being gone forth of the town with his highness, marching in rank with the nobility, and hearing this brute, escaped very dangerously, and with the assistance of the said sergeant mayor, caused the chains to be drawn, which sergeant was slain close by him, with divers other valiant burghers, which died fight, to their immortal praise and honour.  
Of the French there were found both within and without the town, upon the ramparts, and in the ditches, above fifteen hundred men, that were numbered and buried, besides such as died afterwards in the town, and the wounded and prisoners, among the which there were many gentlemen and men of quality: Besides there were some fourteen or fifteen hundred taken prisoners, and among them some great personages, barons, and other of the French nobility. And although that the French soldiers would not have spared any one, but would have spoiled the town, and used all sorts of cruelty, if they had been masters, yet after this victory the burghers did not hurt any man, but drew from among the dead many that were yet living and panting, whom they preserved.  
After this gross error the duke retired with his noblemen, and the rest of his army, the same night, to be out of the danger of the town canon, into the suburbs of Berchem, lodging himself in the castle of that place, from whence he writ unto the magistrate of antwerp, with a certain instruction, which he gave unto two colonels burghers, Landtmeter and Scholiers being accompanied by a gentleman of his household, whereunto they of the town would make no answer in particular, referring themselves to the resolution of the prince and the general Estates, who thought it expedient to send their commissioners unto his highness. You may conjecture in what case the prince of Orange was, during this foolish and furious enterprise of the French in antwerp, and whether he were assured of his person, until he heard that all went well with the burghers, and that the French were repulsed: then he went to the ramparts with his guard and gentlemen, to moderate the just fury of the townsmen, who would have played continually with their ordnance upon the duke's army, if he had not forbidden them, yea entreated them: and he came happily to save some of the nobility, yet was he forced to hear and endure some taunts and reproaches of some ill taught burghers. In the end having ceased from killing (which had not lasted an hour) and the prince being retired into his lodging, the burghers fell to spoil and strip the dead bodies, where some got rich spoils, as well of chains of gold and jewels, and of gold and silver.  
The most remarkable among the dead, were the earl of S. Aignan, the marshal of Birons' 
The noblemen that were slain.  eldest son, the earl of Chasteauroux son, a very young nobleman, with the seigniours of Thiant, Seisseval, and others. Among the chief prisoners were the signior of Feruaques, the baron of Beaulieu, the baron of Chaumont, the signior of Fresnoy, and others (whereof 
1583  many were of the Protestant religion, ignorant of the fact) all put under good guard for a time in the fencer's chamber, and from thence they were sent to some burghers, until they were known: Feruaques was carried to the townhouse, and the common soldiers to the prison of Backers tower, and other places, from whence they were afterwards delivered without ransom, and sent by sea to Calais, yet many died of cold, want, misery, and of the stink one of another, the prisons being so full as they could hardly stir.  
Such was the issue and end of this foolish enterprise of the duke of Anjou upon the town of antwerp, thinking by means thereof to make himself more absolute lord, than ever were any dukes his predecessors in Brabant, and to have that full and perfect obedience, which never any had, neither could the king of Spain obtain it, how mighty soever he were. He lost in one day his estate, his credit and his reputation, being forced to fly, and to make a retreat unworthy of his greatness: for from his lodging of Berchem, he went the next day to the abbey of Saint Bernard; having been there one night, going to Villevoorde, he found a second mischief at his quarter of Duffell, to the great loss of his men and baggage, by the inundation of the country, which grew by the opening of the sluices at Macklyn: And if a country man had not showed them a ford, at the old river which was wont to pass from Macklyn to Brussels, the loss had been greater, and he himself had been in danger, as the duke of Montpensier was, who, besides this misfortune, was much grieved for the disloyalty which had been showed to the town of antwerp: for the way was very narrow, and hard to hold, whereas many making too great haste, were carried away by the swiftness of the stream, and there perished. The duke of Montpensier being mounted upon a lusty horse, was in this danger, if he had not been speedily succoured, who being very wet in so cold a season, being come to Villevoorde, after that he had been well chafed, was let blood for the recovery of his health. The duke of Anjou ran to visit him and to comfort 
Montpensier blames the duke for the attempt at antwerp.  him: Montpensier did reprehend him sharply, for the error which he had committed in antwerp, imputing this disaster to his perjury. To whom the duke answered, Cousin, leave these speeches, you will kill my heart. Montpensier replying in choler, looking with an angry eye upon the noblemen which did accompany the duke, being the chief authors of all the mischief, said, Nay, kill the hearts of all those traitors, that gave you that counsel. At which reply the duke of Anjou retired very sad and melancholy, without speaking of any word.  
His Highness being upon the way to Villevoorde, he wrote his letters to them of Brussels 
The duke seeks to excu●… himself, and to accuse them of antwerp.  and Macklyn, laying all the fault of this inconvenience upon them of antwerp, as if they had given him some occasion, saying (wherein he did contradict himself) That it was but a mutiny of his men: whereof the contrary is most manifest, for the same day that he thought to suppress antwerp, he attempted the like in divers other towns, as in Bruges, Alost, Dixmuyden, Nieuport, Ooestend, and Villevoord, and it may be in other places whereas his ministers durst not begin.  
The enterprises which the duke's men had upon Dendermonde, Dixmuyden, and Villevoorde succeeded, but not without great oppression and outrage done unto the inhabitants. But they of Bruges, under the leading of the signior of Fougeres, failed, although there were five companies of French before within the town: for as Fougeres desired to have passage only through the town, to go and join with the duke's army near antwerp, with six companies: Being entered, and in battle upon the market place, Fougeres and the provost general of the French, meaning to stay some time, and rest them there, went to the town-house, to have tickets for their lodging. The burghers discovering this practice, began to put themselves in arms, and thereupon the magistrates commanded Fougeres not to depart from them, but to write to his men, that they should depart presently out of the town, else he should remain their prisoner. In the mean time they provided, that the other five companies of the old garrison, should not join with them that were on the market place, who according to their colonels command, departed out of the town, and so did all the rest. Thus this enterprise went to smoke, and the Brugeois were happily and easily freed from the French, who as Fougeres and the provost did afterwards confess, had made pitiful work in the town.  
There was the like enterprise upon the town of Wynocx-berghe, the which succeeded, but modestly, Colonel Villenenfue a French gentleman and a Protestant, causing Capraine 
1583  Block only to retire with his company of horse, to be master there alone, as he was under the Duke's authority, until he yielded it up by his consent, of the Estates and the Prince of Orange, unto la Motte Governor of Gravelingue, as we shall hereafter show.  
I have thought good to insert here the letters which the Duke of Anjou did write from the castle of Berchem to the Magistrate of antwerp, sending them by the Colonel's Landtmeter and Scholiers, with the instruction which followeth.  
My masters, I send unto you the Seigniours of Landtmeter & Scholiers the bearers hereof, 
The Duke's letters to them o●… antwerp.  with an instruction which they shall present unto you on my behalf; whereunto I attend an answer that I may resolve: the fault shall be yours, if it be not for your good: referring my self then to their sufficiency, I will conclude, praying God to have you in his keeping: from the camp at Berchem. Signed Francis, and underneath, Pin. In a postscript was written, I have thought good to accompany these two Burghers, with this gentleman the bearer hereof, to let you understand my intention more at large. Here followeth the tenor of the instruction.  
His Highness by his wisdom and accustomed patience, after that he had exposed his person to hazard, lost and ruined many gentlemen and soldiers, some in the wars, others by diseases, and the most part by misery, famine and want, to try by all means, to let the people of these countries know how much he desired to draw them out of all the miseries and oppressions which they had suffered, hath in the end found that he laboured in vain, reserving the proof of his saying for another time and place, to discover more plainly to all the world, the spring and beginning of all the mischief, the which was sufficiently known to all good men. The near ruin of the people, with his highness disgrace which followed, hath with great reason (being a Prince as every man knoweth him) much altered his good nature and disposition, seeing himself so unworthily entreated, as he may justly say, that the absolute and sovereign authority was in other men's hands. But the extraordinary indignity which hath been done him this day, with so small respect, yea in contempt of his person and quality, hath so incensed him, as that hath ensued which you have seen, for the which he is wonderfully displeased and grieved. And for that his inclination is yet still disposed to the good of the common weal, and of all good men; he would let them understand it, to know how they would carry themselves to him, before he did resolve of that which he had in hand: whereof they should be entreated to deliver their minds plainly to the Signors of Landtmeter and Scholiers, of whom they should learn more, according to the instruction which his Highness had given them. They should be also entreated to suffer all French men that were in antwerp, to depart and go freely unto his Highness, and the Earl of Mansfeldt also; giving free passage for all his highness movables, of the duke of Montpensier, the Count Laval, Marshal of Byron, the Scigniors of Rochepot, Rochefoucaut, Espruneaux, and Mawissiere the first steward of his household: as also and especially his highness papers, & the goods of the Signior of Quinsay, his Secretary, and his other Stewards, Treasurers, and household servants, against whom he assures himself they have used no rigour, being innocent of that which hath happened. His Highness hath his chief Almoner sick in antwerp, whom he shall entreat them to send unto him, and not to use him unworthily. Made in the camp at Berchem the 17 of januarie.  
These letters and instruction were imparted by the Magistrate of antwerp, unto the general Estates and the Prince of Orange; the particular Estates of Brabant thought it expedient to send Commissioners unto him: whereunto were named, Doctor Elbert Leoninus, chancellor of Geldres, Meetkerke precedent of the Provincial Council of Flanders, both counsellors of estate, and Bloyere Colonel of the burghers at Brussels, to go and treat with the Duke, who was gone to Saint Bernard's Abbey, and that according to the instructions which they had received from the Prince of Orange, with the advice of the general Estates.  
The Duke being arrived at Duffell, he wrote unto Oliver vanden Timpel, Signior of Corbeke, Governor of Brussels, as followeth.  
Mounsieur Timpel, the indignities which I have received by them of antwerp, with very small respect of my quality and person, have so transported me, as meaning on monday last to go out of the town unto mine army, there fell a tumult at the port betwixt them and my 
1583  men, whereas the soldiers lying at Bourgerhout arrived, so as to my great grief there followed 
The duke's letters to moni●…ur Timpel.  great disorder: whereof I thought good to advertise you, and to let you understand that this accident hath nothing diminished my affection, to assist the good with all my means and forces, who in my opinion should not grow cold, as I am assured you will not, continuing in the oath which you have made unto me. I will also continue for my part in my first will and affection: and especially in regard of you, whom I have also known to be a lover of the public good. Entreating you moreover, being at this time incommodated in my army for want of victuals; to provide that I may have some sent me, by some number of boats, as speedily as may be, and they shall be well satisfied and paid. And for that I mean shortly to let you understand more particularly the true and just causes of my grief, I will now make an end, etc. From the camp at Duffell the twentieth of januarie, 1583. Signed Francis.  
Many thought diversly of this enterprise of the duke of Anious: some said it was only to 
Several opinions of the duke's enterprise.  force the burghers of antwerp to pay his army, as the Spaniards had done in the time of the great commander of Castilia, at the day called For a Veillacoes, whereof we have made mention. Others said that the duke being newly come out of a realm, whereas the king commands and hath absolute authority, could not fit himself unto a country, which stands upon their privileges and ancient statutes, desiring to rule after his own will. Some feared that if he had become master thereof, he would have delivered them over to the king of Spain, with whom (they said) he had secret correspondency, and seeing they could not compass it by force and open war, they should effect it by subtle practices, as he had now thought. These men were far from his intention. Some others said it was to settle and establish the Romish religion, and they grounded the chiefest argument of this their jealousy upon the cry of God save the Mass, during the exploit: being also notorious that he had with him divers of the chief massacrers of Paris. And as the name of French men by reason of their insolencies and excess, was hateful both to catholics and protestants, by that cry of God save the Mass, they thought to draw the catholics to their party, and in the end to use them as the rest: this might have some show. But my opinion was, and I have heard it allowed by many of good judgement, that this young council of the cabinet believed, that the duke holding this rich and mighty city, and having caused the castle to be built again, he might by the means thereof conquer all the world. Whatsoever it were, this design must be most pernicious to the one or to the other. To the town if he had prevailed (yet what the issue would have been if it had succeeded, I will not rashly judge) for him if he had failed, as he did.  
Wherefore it is a matter to be duly weighed and considered: as I have heard the marshal of Byron did propound all the dangers unto him, being without the town, even at the very instant when the exploit should begin, showing him the artillery upon the rampar, the chains in all the streets, the burghers become more warlike than ever, by reason of their first losses by the Spaniards, than the dishonour, and last of all the great loss, and irrecoverable blame if it succeeded not, counseling him as much as he could to desist from it. But chose the others said, Why sir, will you for fear of ten or twelve rascals which are at the port, lose the opportunity to make yourself a monarch this day? Whereupon the duke was a while in suspense, but the worse counsel so by their unhappy advise prevailed, that they carried it: God having so in his eternal wisdom decreed to punish these wicked relics of massacrers, and to make them of Antuerp, and the estates more circumspect in their affairs.  
The prince of Parma hearing that this enterprise was thus failed, meaning to make his benefit thereof, wrote his letters to the Bourgmasters, great council, and colonels of the town of antwerp, exhorting them to reconciliation with the king of Spain: the messenger which brought the letters was led into the town with his eyes blinded, which made many to think that they feared some alteration, for some times they might hear the burghers (seeing that the duke of Anjou sought by all means possible to cirumvent them) mutter among themselves, and cry, God save the King. Wherefore it was prohibited by a public proclamation within the town, That no man should presume to speak of making 
1583  peace with the king of Spain, nor to receive any letters from the prince of Parma, for that he had written the like to them of Gant, Bruges, and other towns, so as some towns of Flanders and of Brabant, sent their deputies (among the which was the abbot of S. Gheertruyde) to the prince of Parma, to treat of their reconciliation.  
The queen of England having news of this accident, sent her ambassadors to the Estates, requiring them with all speed to reconcile themselves unto the duke of Anjou, for that it was to be feared, that if they did not agree, the prince of Parma being grown weak for want of victuals, would fortify himself more than before, whereon they should be very careful.  
The same news being come to Rovan, and to Paris, and made much greater than it 
Ambassadors sent to the States from England and France.  was (as if the duke and all the princes and French nobility, had been slain there) the Parisians stayed all the merchants and goods of antwerp, who (the truth of the matter being known) had great difficulty to recover their goods again, and not without some loss. The king sent the signior of Mirambeau, to excuse his brother's fault, and soon after monsieur de Bellieure, a counsellor of state, with letters to them of antwerp, by the which he excused (as much as he could) his brother's error, laying the blame upon his youth, his bad counsel, and the mutiny of his soldiers: promising them, that in reconciling themselves unto him, he would give them all favour and assistance. The duke himself did write afterwards unto the Estates, colouring somewhat his enterprise, and promising them all service, both of his person and means, desiring to enter into some friendly conference with them, and to satisfy them that were distasted. But the common people seemed at the first so much altered, as no excuses could prevail, refusing to acknowledge him any more for the protector of their liberty, and much less their prince: but they termed him an enemy to the public good of the country, so great was their spleen in the beginning, after the deed was done against his Highness: yet it had been much better they had been sooner reconciled together upon some good conditions; seeing that (being thus discovered) they should ever after have less fear of him than before: and it was to be hoped his future actions would be such, as they should deface that first blemish. For the Spaniard (who slept not) being watchful to embrace all occasions, seeing the country destitute of a head, of succours, and of support, might easily have overthrown all their designs, to his great advantage, and the hazard of their fortunes.  
All this being well known unto the prince of Orange, one day in the assembly of the great Counsel (which they call Breeden Raed) in the town of antwerp, being required to speak his mind, touching the reconciliation with the duke of Anjou, he delivered his opinion at large, the which was presented also in writing unto the general Estates of the countries of the Netherlands: where, after that he had excused himself, he said.  
That the Estates should remember what he had propounded unto them, when as by 
The prince of Orange's advice upon the reconciliation with the duke of Anjou.  the losses of Tournay and Maestricht, they were in a dangerous estate, the Spaniard going on still, and prospering: and that it was then needful to seek aid and succours from some great prince, to preserve and maintain them: Entreating them, that they would review the acts, and all that had passed betwixt them and him, when there was question to choose the Duke of Anjou. In doing so (for that it seemed they would blame him for this election) they should see to whom the fault was to be imputed: seeing that he had always protested, That if the Estates could find any other better expedient, that he would follow it unto the death: That they themselves could witness, that at that instant they had no other help, but to call in the said Duke of Anjou, as it was resolved by themselves. Wherefore it were very unjust (although the mischief which hath happened had been greater) to blame him alone for this election, and to lay the fault upon him for that which is past. He would not deny (for that the duke had done and attempted against his oath, according to the treaty of Bordeaux) but that he was fallen from the right of this evocation, & the signory of these countries, whereof he had received the investiture, although that he confessed, That his advice was to call him to their succours. But if they would judge thereof without passion, they must also confess what benefit they have received in three years, 
158●…  that by his means they had made head against the enemy, who at that time had two mighty armies, the which by the grace of God and the duke's assistance, were made unprofitable, the one before Cambray, the other much greater the last Summer. Moreover, that with his succours you had raised the enemy's siege from before Lochum, on which town depends the country of Gueldres, and the county of Zutphen and Ouerissell. That no man could deny the succours which he had given to the reformed churches in France, having been the means to procure them liberty of religion. Holding it most certain, that by the name and arms of the duke of Anjou, the name and forces of Spain were obscured. But in this present action, there were three points, whereon they must resolve. The reconciliation with the Spaniard, for one, or with the duke, for another, and the third is to maintain and defend themselves alone with their own proper means. He said, That for the Spaniard there was no likelihood to effect it, although the name and arms should cease: for if they think to reconcile themselves with him, under the name of the malcontents, as la Motte writes, and that to that end the marquess of Roubay, and the lords of Montigny and Rassinghem, are met (whereunto it seems some yield an ear) he conceives as much as may be in this matter of estate, that those men will not do any thing, without the will of the prince of Parma: whereof they may be sufficiently persuaded by the treaty of Cologne, in the year 1579, made betwixt some private men among the malcontents, and the said prince of Parma: the which was no sooner passed, but they sent them greater numbers of Spaniards and Italians, than ever before. Besides, the treaty which now they may make with the malcontents, would minister matter to the duke of Anjou, to reproach the Estates withal, that whilst he offers to reconcile himself with them, they treat with his enemies: the which should help to justify him with the French king his brother, the queen of England, and other princes and potentates, and make their cause odious. And that to reconcile themselves with the Spaniards, and malcontents, were all one deed. The question is, Whether the Walloons (the Spaniard being retired) would be more tolerable unto them, than the Spaniards, or French, seeing they know well that the said Walloons have the chief charges and commands; one being lieutenant of the army, another general of the horse, the third master of the ordnance, and the fourth general of the victuals and munition. And whereas some imagine, that (treating with the male contents, and the Spaniard retired) they shall be more assured to recover their free traffic into Spain, and that the Spaniard being far from them, they shall be in less fear of surprise, than of the French, who are nearer neighbours. Seeing it is, so, as they hold the French an enemy in the same degree with the Spaniard, experience hath taught by this attempt newly happened, that whensoever the French shall have committed any error, or broken the accord, what support they shall find. But the condition of the Spaniard is otherwise: for having not only the country, the towns, and the dismembered States at his commandment, being in war against the united States, having the chief members thereof professed Spaniards, he shall not need many Spaniards nor Italians, to subject them to his will, those which are borne in the country employing themselves with all violence, under the king's authority, which they have in their hands; whereby the inhabitants shall be easily supplanted, deprived of their religion, and consequently burdened with the yoke of the Inquisition, and spoiled of their goods, privileges, and freedoms (notwithstanding their treaties) without all mercy. Wherefore we must consider, that the Spaniards are nearer than the French, being seated in the midst of both: for which consideration he sees no reason to hearken to the Spaniard, if you will not see religion, liberties, yea and the country lost & ruined for ever. In regard of the duke of Anjou, whom he would not deny (according to the treaty of Bourdeaux) to be fallen from all his rights in these parts, and that he hath no ground to challenge any benefit by the said treaty, whereby it appears what foolish and pernicious counsel he hath followed: considering also the fear in the which both he and his have been since this attempt, the which should make him more wise and circumspect to preserve himself and his nobility, being not the part of a wife and circumspect man, to stumble twice at one stone: that it is common to all men to err, the which may happen unto them, if they do not reconcile themselves with him: whereby may grow so great a jealousy and distrust betwixt the two nations, as afterwards there will be small means to reconcile them. Finally it were to be feared, that they which are about his person would counsel 
1583  him, or that they under his authority, would attempt something against religion. He said also, That he knew well, that some among them thought it not good to agree with one that was not of their religion, for certain considerations. Whereupon they were to consider, that the duke held many good towns in his hands, the which in case they rejected him, he might deliver up unto their enemies, seeing that of himself he should have no means to preserve them: whereby many other good towns should fall into great danger, especially the enemy being master of the field. It was in like manner to be feared, that if they did incense the duke, they should also have the French king for their enemy, who would be more heavy unto them than any other, whereby they should be in danger to lose their navigation both into Spain and France, and also to be suddenly invaded by two mighty enemies. As for the queen of England, although he doubts not but she will disavow the duke's fact, yet will she be sorry, for the great recommendation and good testimony she hath given of him to the Estates: but when she shall understand that it is by their faults that these breaches are not repaired, and that they would not reconcile themselves again unto him, her Majesty will take this refusal in very ill part. They must also consider, how few friends they shall have elsewhere, and how every one will abandon them. And it is to be feared, that if they agree not with the duke, the French will presently lay all passages open to the Spaniard, not only for their victuals, munition, messengers, ambassadors, gold and silver, but even for whole armies, both of horse and foot, which shall quite ruin them; so as they may judge if it doth import them or not. On the other side, they should make a strict examination of their means, if they be able to defend themselves, and to raise the siege of Eindoven, or of any other towns besieged, as when they were supported by the duke's forces: for the doing whereof, they had want of good captains and soldiers of their own nation, not only for that the war hath consumed many, but also for that their countries were small, and that the most part were retired, or might retire to the Spaniard, whom they had been accustomed to serve. Besides, the greatest part of the people are more given to traffic and to handy trades, than to arms: wherefore it should be needful to call in foreign soldiers, which would cost much to levy, to bring hither, and to entertain: so as having once resolved, you must rather trust them of the religion than any other. And as for money every one knew how troublesome it had been hitherto to provide it, only to pay their garrisons: so as it is a wonder how for want of good payment, they could ever maintain their soldiers so well without mutining, seeing that money is the sinew of war, without the which all other provisions are unprofitable: praying unto God to send them means to recover it. The which having well resolved, he propounded unto them an order which they should hold, as well in the government, as in the managing of military and politic affairs, every one maintaining himself in his rank, all which notwithstanding should be without fruit, if money fails. Whereupon he did exhibit unto them a list of the charges of the war monthly, the which being not effectually followed, and observed, their Estate could not subsist. Of the three points above mentioned, he confessed freely unto them, that he had always held the third to be the best, so far forth as they had means: to which end he had laboured four whole years, to induce the provinces thereunto, under a good and firm union, and yet had prevailed nothing. But seeing they had made show that they would not yield unto it, or that they had not the means to do it, it was thought good by themselves, to seek the succours of some foreign prince. And if any one thought to attain unto it by the proper means of the country, without putting in practice the order prescribed and limited by him (considering the slowness of their resolutions) he should prevail no more, than he that thinks to build a castle in the air: and in the mean time he should expose many towns and churches unto danger. And if this counsel, which he gives them, be not allowable (as he hopes it is) for the difficulties which they shall find in the putting it in execution, yet he would tell them plainly and openly, that he sees no reason to enter into any conference of peace with the Spaniard. And if they must of force make a new accord with the duke of Anjou, let them provide that no town fall into danger, and be well assured of all the forces, and that the captains may be to the contentment of the Estates.  
This was the prince of Orange's advice upon the three points of so great importance, entreating them of antwerp to conform themselves unto the generality, without doing any 
1583  thing of themselves, and to take this his advise in good part, protesting, that he would expose all his means, yea his life, for Religion, the generality, and for the town of antwerp in particular.  
We have said, how that Monsieur de Bellieure was come unto the Estates from the French king, as an intercessor for the duke of Anjou his brother. The Estates having heard his Oration, and according unto that which he propounded and required, begun to treat with him in the duke's name, deputing Elbert Leonin, chancellor of Gueldre, and Adolph of Meelkerke, 
Monsieur de Bellieure treateth with the Estates for the duke of Anjou  precedent of Flanders, with some others on their behalf; and for the duke were deputed men of authority, pleasing unto the Estates, among the which was the earl of Laval, the Signior of Espruneaux, and others.  
During all this trouble, the Estates found small support in their neighbours of Germany and England, but from France they had many goodly promises, which notwithstanding tasted of some threats. They had small means of their own to free themselves, and they feared much, that they should be exposed as a prey, and delivered to the Spaniards, which made them to enter the more speedily into the said conference. On the other side, the duke feared least the towns which he had at his devotion should want victuals; being also desirous to free his nobility from prison out of Antuerp, for S. Anthony's day, which made him yield unto unreasonable conditions, giving hope, that hereafter by his good carriage he would wipe away this blemish and disgrace. So in the end they made a provisional treaty the 28 of March, the which was concluded in antwerp as followeth.  
His Highness should willingly content himself to choose his abode at Macklyn, yet considering that they will treat of new articles, and that the ratification of the oath which his highness demands, hath not been presently concluded,  
1 His Highness hath resolved, according unto the offer which hath been made unto him by the Estates, to choose the town of Dunkirk, to reside there for some days, during which time he desires to treat of all things concerning the good of this estate, and to determine all difficulties that are now offered.  
2 His Highness promising upon the faith and word of a prince (that being finished) that he hath no other intention, but is fully resolved to return presently, and stay in the town of Macklyn, according unto the articles contained in the Estates instruction on the eleventh of March last passed, to be assured of the passage of Flanders, promising not to attempt any thing against the estate of the country, the general Estates, nor their deputies, who shall in like manner promise and swear.  
3 Those of his guard, nor of the garrison of Dunkirk, shall not attempt any thing against the inhabitants of the said town, nor the reformed Religion: and his Highness shall have free exercise of the Catholic Religion in any Church he shall please to choose within Dunkirk, even as he had in antwerp.  
4 His Highness shall cause his French garrison to retire out of Villevoorde, having a promise from the Estates, to fulfil all things that shallbe agreed upon: and three of the said deputies shall remain with his Highness, and the town shallbe manned with such as are borne in the country, and pleasing to the Estates of Brabant.  
5 His Highness shall command his army to go and lodge in the quarter of Lempeloo, where it shall be supplied with victuals. And the next day the Estates assuring the sum of thirty thousand crowns of gold to be put into the hands of a Commissary, sent to that end, to deliver them unto the said army, it shall march to Villebroucke, whereas the commanders, colonels, captains and leaders of the men of war shall take an oath, well and truly to serve his Highness and the general Estates: and not to attempt any thing against his Highness nor the Estates, neither in general, nor in particular, but shall employ themselves for the service of his Highness and the Estates, against their common enemies, Spaniards, Italians; and their adherents: and to pass the river, having received money; the said oath being taken, his highness army being paid, and the said sum of thirty thousand crowns furnished, to be divided among the soldiers, according unto a rate which shall be made.  
6 This done, the army shall pass into Hellegat, where it shall in like sort be furnished with victuals, when as the English, Scottish, and other soldiers shall retire to Ruppelmonde, 
1583  and take the like oath unto his Highness. And at the same time, when as the hostages shall arrive, and the said payments be made, his highness having received the hostages, and the garrison of Dendermonde being with him, the town to be left and appointed to such as are borne in the country, and pleasing to the Estates of Flanders, and that he shall march towards Eckeloo.  
7 The army having received these things, in passing at Villebrouck, at the same instant the English, Scottish, and other soldiers which shall be retired out of the land of Waes' shall pass the river of Escaut at Ruppelmonde, to be employed where need shall require: and from that time all shallbe paid equally out of the money that shallbe appointed to that end, and be furnished with victuals, without respecting one more than another. The exercise of the catholic religion shallbe free to them of the army, and in the camp.  
8 Doing this above specified, and yielding up Dendermonde, hostages shall be presently given, for the assurance of the delivery and liberty of all the prisoners that are in antwerp, and other places, detained since the 17 of januarie last passed, together with the restitution of papers which were in a box in his highness cabinet, & were taken in Quinsays lodging, and the goods carried to the townhouse, under the magistrates command, without taking of any exception in regard thereof. And as for the movables which are in private houses, and Frenchmens lodgings, they shallbe also restored, as much as was found in being the tenth of this present month.  
9 His Highness shall also promise, that the decrees made in France shall be revoked, and that the prisoners, goods, and ships arrested at Dunkirk, belonging to any person inhabiting in these provinces, shall be set at liberty. His Highness hath named for hostages, Philip of Schoonhoven, Signior of Wanroy, bourgmaster of antwerp, john of Stralen, Signior of Mercxens, Amptman of the said town, Roger of Leesdael, Signior of Meulem, first sheriff, Noel of Charon, Signior of Schoonwael, bourgmaster of Franc, with the three deputies that were at this present treaty, that is, Adolph of Meetkerke, precedent of Flanders, Henry of Bloyere, bourgmaster of Brussels, and William Euerardi, pensioner of antwerp. Always provided, that if any of the above named cannot come, by reason of sickness, or any other impediment, that then the Estates shall send others of the like quality, to his highness content.  
10 His Highness shall retain two or three hundred horse, and four or five hundred foot, for the safety and guard of his person unto Dunkirk. And if any of the magistrates of Gant or Bruges will come to see his Highness, when he shall approach near unto their towns, they shallbe graciously received and conducted back when they please with all safety: and the necessary bridges of Steeken, upon the river of Waes', and in other places, where he shall pass, shallbe repaired and made up.  
11 His Highness shall carry the hostages to the nearest lodging that he shall make to Nyeuport, whither all the prisoners (detained in antwerp, and elsewhere) shallbe safely brought unto him, with all the papers and movables above mentioned. Provided always, that the prisoners shall pay their charges, debts and gratuities promised, and moderated by the intercession of the magistrate, and that one shall not be stayed for another, nor any goods, if he hath not willingly entered into bond: The Estates making a declaration, that no Frenchmen nor their goods being in antwerp, or elsewhere, are detained but for their proper debts; which being satisfied, they shall remain in full liberty, to dispose thereof as they please.  
12 And after that his Highness hath caused his French garrison to retire out of Dixmuyden, the guard whereof to be given to such as are borne in the country, his highness shall retain the said hostages, until that the prisoners and papers be restored: which done, they shall be released and fully delivered, and are not to be detained for any goods remaining in private houses, where the French had lodged, the same being not in the magistrates power, neither yet for those prisoners, which have not paid that which they owe.  
13 And his Highness shall continue his way unto Dunkirk, there to treat and resolve of all things, concerning the good and greatness of his Highness, and of these countries, whither the deputies of the Estates shall go to that end.  
14 The deputies of the towns and provinces, and all other of these countries, may go freely to his Highness, and stay and return when it shall please them with all safety, as also 
1583  all merchants and passengers may embark and go out of Dunkirk, as they did before. His Highness leaving the towns, out of which he shall retire his French garrisons, furnished with such artillery, munition, and victuals, as is in them, and shall be then found in being.  
15 Upon the conclusion of these articles, the Estates shall advertise their provinces, and shall do their best endeavours, that with all speed they may send their deputies to his Highness to Dunkirk, with full power and authority, to enter into an ample treaty, and to determine and conclude what shall be held most convenient for the service of his Highness, and the good, safety, and preservation of the country. And all persons shall carry themselves indifferently one with another, as well burghers as soldiers, like good brethren and friends, and the traffic and negotiation on either side, as well by sea as by land, shall be free, as hath been accustomed.  
16 His Highness shall write his letters unto the French companies that are in Winocx-Berghen, commanding them to depart out of the said town, leaving the guard thereof to such of the country as shallbe pleasing unto the Estates, and that upon pain of disobedience, and to incur his indignation.  
17 And upon the conclusion of that which shall be determined at Dunkirk, the said Estates shall make an Act, well and truly to entertain and keep it in all points and articles, together with the treaty general made at Bourdeaux the 24 of januarie 1581., and the oath shallbe made which is requisite in that case in such places and towns, where it hath not yet been taken, whereof an authentical Act shallbe delivered unto his Highness.  
18 According to the said treaty, all things past shall be forgotten, from the tumult & trouble which happened the 17 of january, unto the conclusion of this present treaty, with a defence to all persons, of what quality soever, not to offend, revile, or use any reproaches by reason thereof; but they shall carry themselves modestly and courteously one unto another, as it belongs to good brethren and friends.  
19 There shallbe a convenient and safe place provided for the sick men of the army, where they mayremaine until they be cured, and the Estates shall appoint some honest persons to assist them, and to see that they be not disquieted nor molested.  
20 Thus made and concluded in antwerp the five and twentieth of March 1583, his Highness hath promised and sworn, faithfully to observe the contents of these present articles, according to their form and tenor. The 26 of March 1583, signed Francis, and underneath, Pin.  
These articles being allowed by the Estates, and proclaimed in antwerp the second of 
The duke goes to Dunkirk, yielding the towns he held to the Estates.  April, after the payment above mentioned duly made, the Frenchmen went out of Villevoorde, under the command of the earl of Rochepot: and the hostages being delivered, the duke departed from Denremonde the sixth of the month, and on Easter Eve came to Dunkirk.  
On the fifteenth day the French garrison went out of Dixmuyden. The government of Villevoorde was given unto the Signior of Timple, governor of Brussels: that of Denremonde was given to the Signior of Rihoven, great bailiff of Gant, and Dixmuyden to the Signior of Watervlyet, with garrisons in all these towns for the general Estat●…s.  
The duke of Anjou being departed from Denremonde, before he entered into Dunkirk, hearing that the plague was somewhat rise there, he sent to request them of Bruges, that he might lodge in the town: but they (remembering the surprise of Antuerpo, which was yet fresh in memory, and what the Signior of Fougiere had in charge from him) refused him flatly, and so he continued his way to Dunkirk, where he stayed some time.  
They say commonly, that one mischief cometh not alone: for at that time, in the city of antwerp, when as the blood of the Frenchmens wounds was not yet staunched, there fell out another unfortunate accident: for the four and twentieth of February, the place for the merchants meeting, called the Bourse, which is an excellent building, having open galleries beneath, with pillars of blue stone, and shops above for all sorts of ware, was about ten of the clock at night, at one instant set on fire at the four corners, being past help, and 
1583  past any man's knowledge, how it came; some imputing the fault to one thing, and some 
The Bourse at antwerp burnt.  unto another: but the French were not freed from blame, nor the prisoners without great fear; some saying, that they had caused it to be done, to be revenged; others spoke otherwise, and all diversly; but howsoever it came, the loss was very great for the poor merchants. This great fire made the burghers of the town to doubt some treason: wherefore they continued all night in arms, and upon their guards, with the chains of the streets drawn.  
In March one Cornellis of Hooghe was beheaded and quartered at the Hague in Holland, terming himself to be bastard son to the emperor Charles the fifth: he was convicted to have treated with the king of Spain, promising (upon hope to be advowed for his natural brother, and so entertained) to make the united Provinces revolt; and that he had drawn many to be at his devotion, who (when time served) should take arms, to make some new broils in Holland. But he was discovered by his own follower, convicted of his designs, and punished according to his merits, not for that he qualified himself the emperors bastard (whereof some doubted, by reason of his resemblance) but for his apparent practices.  
In the same month there was taken in antwerp, and discovered upon small grounds, a certain Spaniard, called Pedro Dord●…igno, who confessed, that he was expressly come out of Spain, to kill the prince of Orange, and that he had treated with the king himself: although afterwards he would have excused it, saying it was but with his Secretary. He confessed, that passing by Gravelingue, he had conference with la Motte, governor of that place. He did counterfeit himself to be a high German, saying, that he was of Croatia: he was expert in the knowledge of many tongues, having also been at the sack of antwerp: he was red haired, nothing like a Spaniard: there was never any man of so saint a courage after his sentence, for so great an attempt. According unto his confession, he was afterwards strangled, and then quartered, thanking the justice for so mild a death.  
The seventh of April there arrived in Zeeland the lady Lovyse of Coligni, daughter to Gaspar of Coligni, lord of Chastillon, admiral of France, who was murdered at the massacre of Paris, in the year 1572, and widow to the lord of Teligni, brother to the lady of la Nove, who was also murdered at the same massacre: which lady Lovyse, the prince of Orange married for his fourth wife the twelfth day following, in the chapel of the castle of antwerp, of whom, upon the six and twentieth of February, in the year following 1584., he had a son, called Henry Frederic, a prince well bred, and of a great hope.  
The thirteenth of the same month, Hans Hanssz, a rich merchant of Flessingue, was beheaded, who for mere hatred he bore unto the prince of Orange, sought to kill him, and all those that should be with him, setting fire to certain barrels of gunpowder, in a cellar joining to the house where the prince should lodge: and thereof he had treated with the Spanish ambassador, being in the French kings court. He was discovered by another merchant (called Anthony Auquema, a Frison) whom he trusted, thinking to have him his confederate in so execrable an act, but God would not suffer it.  
The town of Eindoven was at this time besieged by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt, in the which, the lord of Bonivet, son to the lord of Crevecuaer, a Frenchman, commanded, with eight hundred soldiers: but by reason of the difficulties that were betwixt the duke of Anjou and the Estates (although they hoped, that the marshal of Byron should go and relieve him) the lord of Bonivet not able to hold it any longer, yielded it, upon condition to depart with their arms and baggage, and their colours flying, whither they pleased: 
Eindoven yielded to the Spaniard.  the said lord excusing it upon the want of powder, having first capitulated, That if within eight days he were not relieved, to yield the town, as he did upon the nineteenth of April, seeing no succours come into the town, as he expected: for during all the siege, the Estates army (under the command of the marshal of Byron) was about antwerp, with great preparation to go and relieve it: but for want of money, the succours could not be ready in time, wherein they of antwerp were somewhat resty, remembering how much money they had voluntarily furnished for the relief of Maestricht, in the year 
1583  1579, so as nothing was done at all, and the town was lost for want of a speedy resolution.  
After the loss of Eindoven, the marshal lying with his army before the fort of Versele in the quarter of Liere in Brabant, after that he had battered it a little, it was yielded by composition the three and twentieth of the same month, captain Wensel, who commanded there, and his chief officers remaining prisoners, and the rest of the soldiers departing with their rapiers and daggers. At this paltry siege, the Signior of la guard, a French colonel, master of the duke's artillery, was hurt by one of his own pieces, which broke, whereof he died, having done great services to the prince of Orange, and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, in their first wars, during the time of the duke of Alva and other governors, having continued there until his death. His body was carried to antwerp, and interred in S. George's church with an honourable military pomp. He had been one of the most valiant, wise, modest, and most expert captains in all the united provinces, a man of great counsel, learned, and well red in the laws, and politic government. He behaved himself worthily at the victualling of Leyden, and therefore was much lamented of the prince and Estates.  
After the taking of this paltry castle, the marshal went to besiege the strong castle of 
Would castle yielded to the Estates.  Would, a league from Berghen upon Soom, from whence the marquess of Berghen, lord of that place (of the house of Gaesbeke) was dislodged some few days before. There was in it six score soldiers, Italians, and an hundred and fifty peasants. Having spent some fifteen hundred canon shot (although there were no sufficient breach made) an amazement seized on the besieged, so as they yielded it by composition unto the enemy, the soldier departing with their rapiers and daggers only the ninth of May, and all the peasants retained prisoners, and put to ransom. The Italian captain (who had commanded therein) at his return to Breda, lost his head for his reward, by the prince of Parma his commandment.  
At that time they of the privy counsel of the united Provinces, whom the duke of Anjou and Brabant had established, coming to antwerp, were declared to be suspended of their offices, by an act made by the general Estates, the which was signified unto them by an usher, forbidding them from thenceforth and at all times to take knowledge of any suits or matters of controversy, until it should be otherwise determined and decreed by the Estates, having treated with the duke. Whereunto they of the counsel opposed, and continued their course in matters of justice, as before: maintaining, that they had been established by commission, not from the Estates only, but by the duke, the which must continue and hold good, until that he had been declared an enemy, and fallen, and that the said Estates had no authority to forbid them, as the duke did afterwards write unto them at large; yet the said Counsel did, not long after, disperse of itself.  
At the yielding up of the French prisoners, which should be made unto the duke of Anjou, there fell a controversy in antwerp, betwixt the burghers and the Signior of la Pierre, (a French colonel, and marshal to the duke of Anjou) for the baron of Balanson, who had been found in the town, being taken at an encounter betwixt Dunkirk & Winocx-bergh: the burghers maintained, that by the fact of the seventeenth of januarie he should be their prisoner, and la Pierre held the contrary, seeing that all the prisoners on that day, & their goods being in esse, should be restored by the provisional accord made with the duke. By virtue whereof, the burghers were debarred of their pretension, and he was afterwards sent away, having paid his ransom. It was he, who (being called earl of Warax) was afterwards, in the year 1597, defeated with his troops, and slain at the encounter of Turnhout.  
The earl of Mansfeldt having taken Eindoven, and some castles and forts of that quarter of campaign, he went to besiege the town of Diest, belonging to the prince of Orange, 
Diest besieged.  where colonel Paul Sohey commanded, with four companies of Netherlanders, and two of English, the which could not in all make above three hundred men: True it is, there were about five hundred burghers carrying arms, but very unwilling, remembering, that since the beginning of the troubles they had been six times taken and retaken: besides, 
1583  the town was very weak, over which certain small hills commanded, so as it might be won without artillery: the which did much discourage the burghers, and made them to fear, that if they held out, the town would be sacked, whereupon they forced the colonel to treat, the which he did, yielding the place upon condition, that the soldiers should leave their colours, and depart with their arms and baggage, as much as certain wagons granted to the captains, could carry. By which agreement, such burghers as pleased might depart and retire themselves, and so the eight and twentieth of May the soldiers retired to Bourgerhout, in the suburbs of antwerp. Colonel Sohey was committed to prison, and the soldiers cast, except the English. But afterwards colonel Sohey justified himself, imputing it to the small number of men, and want of horsemen, to the weakness of the town, and the unwillingness of the burghers, who were stronger than the soldiers, and for other reasons which he alleged, whereof he caused an apology to be printed, and presented it unto the Estates, whereupon he was set at liberty.  
From thence Mansfeldt went to besiege Westerloo in the same country of campaign, 
Westerloo yielded to the Spaniard.  upon the river of Nethe, in a good situation. Some peasants (ill affected to the besieged, and to the Estates) showed the earl of Mansfeldt the means how to cut off the water that ran to the castle half a league off, the which was done, so as the ditch became dry. Captain Vlyet, who commanded within the place, seeing this, and that they battered it furiously, he was advised to yield the place the fifth of june, retiring towards antwerp, where he was wonderfully blamed by the burghers, and put in prison, but he justified himself so well, as he was cleared and enlarged.  
The prince of Parma being at Liere, and meaning to pursue his conquests, hearing, that there was division in the Estates camp, for that the English and Scottish could not agree with the French, the marshal of Byron, general of the army, being lodged at Roosendael, and the English and Scottish about a league off, the said English and Scottish being not fully entrenched, the Spaniard came and charged them with such fury, as a great part of them were defeated, and the rest put to rout near unto Sevenbergh. And although the general Byron were at Roosendael, in a strong lodging, and well fortified, whereas the prince of Parma durst not assail him, yet rising from thence, he set fire on his lodging, and went and encamped under Berghen upon Soom, whereas the prince of Parma went to affront him, but it succeeded not so happily as against the English, being forced to retire, his men in the retreat leaving part of their booty to the Suitsers: the marshal was shot in the foot in a skirmish, but not greatly hurt.  
The prince of Parma knowing that he had to do with an old politic captain, caused 
Zichem yielded to the Spaniard.  his army to march presently away before the town of Herental, having taken the town and castle of Zichem in his passage, the which were yielded unto him by composition, upon the first summons. Having planted his siege before Herental, he sent some of his troops to the fort and abbey of Tongerloo, not fair from thence, the which was also yielded unto him: and having continued his siege before Herental until july, without any profit or any great hope of prevailing, for that they of antwerp (fearing lest after the taking of all these forts and castles, the prince of Parma would come and besiege them) had sent sixteen hundred men thither in garrison, he was enforced to rise with shame and loss in his retreat.  
There was about that time some tumult in the town of Lille, for the establishing of a new governor, after the death of Maximilian villain, lord of Rassenghem, newly created earl of Yseghem by the king of Spain, dying in his castle of Lemme, for that they would have given them a Spaniard to be their governor, and not one that was borne in the country, the which was contrary to their treaty of reconciliation: but in the end the lord of Liques a Frenchman borne was made their governor.  
In the mean time the Estates affairs impaired daily, they having taken upon them again (since the duke of Anjou his folly) the government of the united provinces, yet could they not agree together, some inclining to the Spaniard, others to call in the duke of Anjou again, and some were of another opinion: so as for want of a good and speedy resolution, there was a great confusion in their affairs. The deputies of the Estates were gone to Dunkirk, as it was decreed by the provisional accord made the eight and twentieth of March, to see if 
1583  they could reconcile all discontents: but the duke seeing that nothing was done, and that by their irresolutions, or rather divisions, matters were protracted, growing weary, and seeing his reputation blemished with them which were ill affected, and that the marshal of Bron with his army prevailed little against the Spaniards; and finding withal, that the French nation was generally hated (the which increased daily by their means, that were affected to the contrary party) he grew so distasted, as during the time that the Estates should remain disputing of their affairs, he resolved to go see France. And after that he had sent back the deputies, and the hostages, which had been given him for assurance of the delivery of his nobility and servants, that were prisoners in antwerp, he departed from Dunkirk the eighteenth of june, being accompanied by the prince of Espinoy, and the lord Lamoral of Egmont, being freed from prison at Scluse, at his request, and the same day he landed at Calais.  
The duke of Anjou was no sooner departed from Dunkirk, but the prince of Parma 
W Dunkirk besieged.  (having raised his siege from Herental) sent la Morte, governor of graveling, to invest and besiege it; whe●… the duke had left the Signior of Chamois to guard it, with twelve hundred soldiers strong, as he had made him believe, and furnished with all other things necessary, but of twelve hundred he had not full five hundred men. La Motte began his battery above the haven with four pieces only, and two which played upon the entry of the haven, which was crossed over with two great cables, to stop the passage into the town. The duke having appointed a hundred and fifty men to reinforce it, being in a tall ship, and having a strong Northwest wind, which had been able to break six cables, yet they were afraid, and durst not enter, but retired to Calais. Chamois seeing himself straightly besieged, and that his supplies succeeded not, began to faint, and without any great importunity yielded basely, retiring himself with his troops (which he had made so great to the duke his master) to Calais, where both he & his captains received certain taunting scoffs from Monsieur G●…dan, governor of that place.  
Dunkirk being yielded to the prince of Parma, he went and encamped with his army 
Nieuport yielded.  before Nieuport, the which was suddenly yielded up, without any great toil or charge.  
Upon these doubts, the prince of Orange had caused Oostend to be very well fortified and furnished, being also a sea town upon that coast; the which the prince of Parma went to besiege: but seeing himself so hotly received, and finding it stronger and better furnished than he expected, he retired, and went before Furnes and Dixmuyden, lying in the 
Furnes and Dixmuyden yielded to the Spaniard.  champain country of West-Flanders, the which he took without any resistance, yielding at the first summons. He thought to find the like at Wynocx-berghen, being but a league from Dunkirk: but the Signior of Villeneufe, who was within the town with his French regiment, made such resistance, as he thought it best to retire, and to temporize, hoping to have it in the end. From thence he went to besiege the town of Ypre, one of the four members of Flanders; which siege continued long: we will relate the yielding thereof hereafter.  
The united Provinces being now without a head, or protector over them, the Spaniards embraced the opportunity and occasion, and made use thereof: For finding but small resistance, they made themselves masters wheresoever they came; yea some, who until that day had carried a low sail, and swom (as it were) betwixt two streams, began then to show themselves openly on their party. In the end they wrought so, as through the favour of Seruaes' van Steelandt, great bailiff of the land of Waes' and of his confederates, as of Rowland York, an Englishman, married to the lady of Wolferdoucke, and others, they seized upon the fort of Sas by Gant, which is the entry into the sea for the Ganthois, whereas john of Imbise had passed the day before, returning out of Germany, to 
The Sas seized on by the Spaniard.  settle himself again in Gant, from whence he was expelled, being bourgomaster, in the year 1579. This fort of Sas being gotten by the Spaniards, they presently went and seized upon the towns of Hulst and Axelles, and not long after seized upon Gant itself.  
The prince of Orange hearing, that the people of antwerp (at the instigation of some men under hand) began to murmur against him, and to tax him openly for that which 
1583  the duke of Anjou had attempted against them, saying moreover, That he did countenance him (it may be) to have done world, and to have intended some greater misc●…. To ●…uoid all disorder, seeing that the magistrate durst not punish them that accused him so boldly and rashly, he retired himself out of antwerp the two and twentieth of july, and we●… with all his family to Flessingue in Zeeland, where he kept his court for a time, having left Philip of Marnix, Signior of Mont S. Aldegonde, a gentleman of deep iudgeme●…, and very fit for such a government, for the chief bourgomaster of the town of antwerp.  
In the mean time the earl of Hohenlo spoiling the country of campaign, to famish the prince of Par●…aes army, the signior of Hautepenne was sent thither to hinder it, if he might: but they did no great exploits one against another.  
Those of the garrison of Herental spoiled the town of Weert in the County of Horn: and the prince of Parma his troops did the like unto the town of Steenbergh in Brabant, 
Weert spoiled by the estates.  which was of great importance not only for the said country of Brabant, but also for Holland and Zeeland, joining to the sea of the said provinces. Whereupon the Estates were to be very watchful of Berghen upon Zoome, which is but two leagues off, into the which they put two thousand foot, and four cornets of horse: for the payment whereof, there was five and thirty thousand florins appointed monthly, whereof they of Holland and Zeeland should pay twenty thousand, and they of Brabant the rest. There was already in Herental twelve hundred foot and two hundred horse, as in like manner Brussels & Macklyn were well manned: and so the Estates resolved upon a defensive war only, guarding their frontiers well.  
The private Estates of Zeeland (to restrain and keep in them of Dunkirk) sent forth certain ships of war, the which they caused to lie at the entry or port of their haven.  
The duke of Anjou his men, which had remained in the united Provinces, whom the general Estates had dismissed, and would have sent back into France, were stayed for a time by the prince of Orange, until they had a more ample commission. The duke of Anjou (before his departure out of the Netherlands) sent a gentleman with letters unto the Queen of England, to acquaint her with the reasons of his retreat out of the said countries: but the Englishmen growing jealous of his proceedings, they gave no great credit unto him.  
The Signior of Villeneufe, who was colonel of a French regiment of foot, being in garrison in the town of S. Wynocx-bergh, was fully resolved to defend it, if they came to besiege him: but la Motte, governor of graveling, seeing, that there was no more but that town only in all the quarter of West-Flanders, holden for the Estates, for the getting whereof by force, they must spend much time, and be at an exceeding great charge: he thought good to try the Signior of Villeneufe, to see if he might win him thereunto by promise of pay, or by any other means. But he would give no ear or consent thereunto, until he had received the advice and counsel of the duke of Anjou his master, of the prince of Orange, and of the general Estates of the united Provinces, according ●…nto the which he would dispose and govern himself, were it to live or die. Whereupon they gave him to understand, That seeing there was no means whereby to succour and relieve the town, if he should be besieged, or nearly blocked up, as la Motte did threaten him; therefore he might freely (and without fear of any public scandal or reproach) seek to make the most honourable agreement and composition that he could, as well for his own person, as for his men. Upon which answer, he entered into composition with the said la Motte, promising to deliver up the town unto him, in giving him three months pay for his whole regiment; the which was granted and paid, upon condition, that neither he nor any of his regiment should serve the prince of Orange nor the general Estates for one whole year, but should retire into France. And thus the town of Wynocx-bergh came into the power of the king of Spain, with all the rest of that quarter of West Flanders, except Oostend.  
The marshal of Byron, lieutenant general of the duke of Anjou his army, who (as we have said) had been stayed with his troops by the prince of Orange, until a second 
1583  commandment (the jealousy and distrust of whom and of his men being grown so great, as they would not receive them into any place (although that Brussels, Macklyn, and other frontier towns, which feared the Spaniards siege, would willingly have had some (especially of the Suitsers) in garrison. In the end, being come unto Bierulyet, which is a town and Island in Flanders, being refused to land in Zeeland, he was enforced to go to sea, and to return into France the seven and twentieth of August. In the mean time, the duke of Anjou gave it out, that he would levy new forces, to send them into the united Provinces by the way of Luxembourg. Whereof the prince of Parma being advertised, he sent some of his troops upon those frontiers, and upon Flanders side, to stop the passage: but it was all in vain, for not a man appeared.  
The Estates seeing themselves now destitute and deprived of the means and succours of the duke of Anjou, and that they had no more a head (without the which they thought their estate could not long subsist (after divers deliberations and consultations upon either side) the prince of Orange was propounded to be created Earl of Holland and Zeeland, the which rested without any effect, through the diversity and contrariety of opinions of the towns: although that the most were wonderfully well affected unto him therein, knowing him to be such a one, as they could not easily recover the like, that would more freely expose his life, goods, blood, friends and kinsmen, than he: but fearing he was not powerful enough of himself to defend them, and that it might breed jealousy in kings and princes that were their neighbours, the Estates concluded to send jointly to the French king, and to the duke of Anjou his brother, to crave new succours from them: for which service, the Signior of Lamovilerie, and john d' Asseliers, Secretaries of the general Estates of the united provinces, were deputed.  
During this time, some Ganthois, turbulent spirits, and greedy of innovations, rejecting the duke of Anjou, had written to the duke john Casimire, entreating him to send them back john d' Imbise their bourgomaster, and Peter d' Athenes, sometimes their Minister, both remaining then at Frackenthael, whom they knew to be enemies to the duke of Anjou & the prince of Orange, that by the means of these two (who in former times had been in great credit with the people of Gant) they might work some alteration; whereof Imbyse made good trial.  
In the mean time the prince of Parma having some intelligence of these broils, the more to alter them, he took the navigation from them; and that no victuals might enter by water, he cut off the three rivers which pass through the town of Gant, which are the Escaut, the Lys, and the Dendre: the which he might easily do, holding the town of Audenarde, by which the Escaut passeth, and Courtray, which the river of Lys runs through: then betwixt Gant and Dendermond he made a palisado over the river of Dendre, building a fort on either side of the river against the palisado. He did also seize upon a small river which goes from Eckloo to Gant.  
The bourgomaster Imbise being returned to Gant, and settled in greater credit than before, seeing all these proceedings of the prince of Parma, he began to consider, into what danger the town (and by consequence himself) were like to fall, if he did not foresee it and prevent it in time: and suffering himself to be persuaded by some of his familiar friends, who had been the motives of his recalling home (but especially by the lord of Champagni, brother to the cardinal of Granuelle, being yet a prisoner at Gant, with the bishops of Bruges and Ypre, who gave him to understand, That the prince of Orange (whom he knew he hated deadly) was very importunate to have the duke of Anjou called back again) he sought to put his authority in practice, chase out of the town all such as he knew to be affected to the said duke and prince: among the which, was Adolph of Meetkerke, precedent of the provincial council of Flanders. Then he sent his deputies unto the prince of Parma, to treat a reconciliation for the town with the king of Spain; yea, he spoke it openly, That he had rather have Spaniards there in garrison, than French. Moreover, he cast all them in prison, that did advise rather to reconcile themselves with the duke of Anjou, than with the king: among the which was Doctor Rhyme, a lawyer, and other men of quality. He then thought that he should bring this treaty to a desired end, by reason of his great credit, 
1583  and the authority which he did usurp over all men, no man daring to contradict him: for as he was a most ambitious and high minded man, he alone would have the honour of the reconciliation. And for the well ordering and managing of his affairs, as soon as he was returned back out of Germany, and created bourgomaster in the town of Gant, he displaced all them that had been chosen into any place or office of the town, during his absence, substituting others in their places, at his appointment and devotion. Then he disappointed them of the Protestants Religion of all magistracy, and put Romish Catholics in their places. The greatest and chiefest cause which moved him to send deputies unto the prince of Parma, was, that he had intercepted certain letters written by the prince of Orange, containing a Commission to seize upon his person, and upon all his followers and adherents: Which letters he caused to be read before all the people, giving them to understand, That it behoved him for to stand upon his guard, for fear of the said prince.  
The prince of Parma having heard the deputies that were sent by Imbise, he sent back to Gant the Signior of Manu●…, governor of Audenarde, and colonel Segura, a Spaniard, allied to Imbise by his wife, to treat with the Ganthois. These were very kindly entertained, and much made of by some of the people, which held Imbises party, for whose assurance he had sent hostages to Audenarde. A truce was concluded betwixt them and the Ganthois for twenty days: the which were spent in sending up and down to their confederates, especially into Holland and Zeeland, to renounce their confederation, which had made them to abjure the king of Spain. But in all these practices they found many difficulties, as we shall hereafter show.  
They of Brussels seeing the Ganthois to be wavering, and how desirous they were to reconcile themselves unto the king of Spain, writ unto them letters with a large discourse, persuading them to perseverance, with many allegations, reasons, and examples, exhorting them rather to die, than to renounce their allies, and to join again with the king. They of antwerp sent them letters of the like tenor, entreating them to consider and examine with judgement the consequence of this reconciliation, setting before their eyes the cruelties of the Spaniards, practised upon the poor Indians, against whom they had not (by the thousandth part) the like occasion, as they pretended had been given them by the Netherlanders. In like sort, they alleged the miserable usage of them of Granado by the same Spaniards; who (being once their lords and masters) would pair their nails so short, as they should never have more means at all to scratch. And to the same end and purpose, there was a small book printed in the vulgar tongue, dissuading them, utterly to fly from this reconciliation, terming it deceitful, abusive, yea and treacherous: pretending moreover, that they had no cause to be terrified and daunted at any thing, for that they found themselves strong enough to resist the Spaniards forces; the which they then objected, for that the earl of Hohenlo had at that time a good army in field for the Estates in the country of Gueldres, and that they hoped the Queen of England and the Protestant princes of Germany would give them succours.  
They of Bruges were not a little perplexed for the town of Ypre, their neighbour, being blocked up on all sides, and desiring to relieve it, they sent a convoy of victuals with two hundred soldiers: but coming within two leagues of the town, not far from Vyverbergh, this convoy was defeated, all the victuals taken, the soldiers put to rout, and many slain, the Spaniards having not lost above twelve men. The burghers not content with this loss, provided eighty wagons more, laden with all sorts of victuals and munition, with an hundred and fifty baskets carried by peasants, the which was conducted by three hundred launciers, an hundred muskeeteers, and five hundred harguebusiers, most part Scottishmen. These being come within half a league of the town, the Spaniards sallied out of their forts, in the which there were three hundred horse and two thousand foot, the which charged this convoy, & defeated them quite; so as little of all this provision entered into Ypre, but most of it fell into the enemy's hands. The burghers being very much perplexed for these two losses, sought by all means possible to provide better for their affairs, and to fortify themselves: whereupon they built certain forts and trenches in the most accessible 
1583.  places unto their town, drowning the country round about, which was to be drowned, so as the enemy could not approach; and they did the like three leagues off, at a little town called Oostbourg. And as the town of Menin, lying in the champain country, in the midst of all their enemies, was a great charge unto them, they retired with their Scottish garrison that was in it, and abandoned it, not without great joy of them of Lille and Courtray, betwixt which two it lieth: the which was done by the advice of the prince of Chimay, governor of Flaunders, who then sought means to reconcile himself with the king of Spain, delivering him the town of Bruges, the which he did afterwards.  
At that time there was sharp and cruel war in the diocese of Cologne, for that Gebhard Truchses, archbishop and prince Elector of Cologne, having married one of the Countesses of Mansfeldt, would have retained still the said archbishopric and Electoral dignity, with liberty of Religion throughout all his diocese, maintaining, that his marriage was not repugnant to the word of God. But the Canons and Chapter opposed themselves strongly against him, and (with the assistance of the Pope, and the Emperor) deposed him, and caused him to be excommunicate, choosing in his place Ernest of Baviere, son to duke Albert, than bishop of Liege and Fressinghem, with divers other spiritual dignities. Truchses had fortified himself in the town of Bonne, three leagues above Cologne, where the archbishops do often keep their Court, and have their Chancery. One of the Canons of Cologne, of the house of Saxony, named Frederic; holding part with Ernest of Baviere, and some other of his brotherhood, with their kinsmen, friends, and allies, went unto the field, and took divers places in the new elected bishops name. Truchses having also an army in the field, under the conduct of the earl of Moeurs and of Nyeuwenoort, seized upon the towns of Rhinbergh, Ordenges, and other places. Duke john Casimire came likewise to his succour with some troops, but he did little. Augustus' duke of Saxony should also have sent, but his slackness discouraged the rest: so as they which held Truchses party, retired themselves by little and little. The Bavierois' besieged the town of Bonne, which (by a mutiny of the german soldiers, which were there in garrison) was sold unto him for four thousand Rycx-dallers, delivering the Signior of Truchses, brother to the archbishop deposed, being their governor, into his enemy's hands. In the end, the archbishop of Truchses seeing himself thus dispossessed and chased out of all his diocese, he retired into Holland in the month of April 1584., where he entered into league with the general Estates of the united Provinces, holding still the town of Berke, and afterwards Bonne, which Colonel Schenck surprised, and also that of Nuys, with the which he did much annoy and hurt Cologne, under the government of the earl of Moeurs, and the said colonel Schenck being marshal of his camp.  
In the end of this Summer, the town of Zutphen, Metropolitan of the County of Zutphen, was taken by the prince of Parma, after the manner which followeth: There was a soldier of that garrison taken prisoner by the Spaniards at an encounter, going abroad to seek some spoil: his captain caring not to redeem him, suffered him to pine in prison. He finding this, and being desirous to be freed from this extreme and miserable captivity, presented his service to colonel Taxis, and to captain du Bois, giving them 
Zutphen surprised by the Spaniard.  divers instructions, and showing them the means, how they might surprise and take the town of Zutphen, and reduce it under the king of Spain's command and obedience. Taxis being loath to let slip so fair an opportunity as this (promising unto the soldier, besides his liberty, to give him a good recompense, if the enterprise succeeded well) lodged himself, and captain Bois, with some few of their men, in a little house, not far from the port, where in the day time they were usually accustomed to put some of their men in guard: in which place they likewise should lie hidden, until a sign were given unto them by this soldier. Day being come, and the port opened, the Spaniards sallied out of this house, and charged upon the townsmen, which were come to open the port, the which they forced, won the entry, and so, by the sign that was given unto them, entered into the town: whereof (notwithstanding all the resistance of the burghers) they made themselves masters, and spoilt it; and then they put in a good garrison both of 
1583  horse and foot.  
They of Deventer (which are but two leagues from thence in the country of overissel) being much amazed at the loss of this neighbour town, to keep the Spanish garrison that was in it (passing the river of Yssel) from spoiling the country of Veluwe, even unto the ports of the towns of Guelderland (which are seituated along the river of Rhin) of Vtrecht and of Amersfort, they built a great fort with the help of the Gueldrois, right against the said town, upon the rivers side, but soon after the waters did rise so high, as they were forced to abandon it, and it was presently seized on, finished, and manned by them of Zutphen. And as this town and fort did wonderfully annoy and bring a thousand discommodities to the countries of Gueldres, Vtrecht and Holland, by their spoils and ransoming, the said Provinces interessed, made it known unto the general estates, of what importance this fort might be unto them, by the which they received daily so great loss and spoil: for the preventing whereof, the earl of Hohenlo was sent thither with a little army, who marching by the Veluwe went to besiege it; who seeing that he could not take it by force, he blocked it up round on the land side with divers forts and trenches; so as if they of the fort or town would make any courses into the Veluwe, they must make their passage with boats either beneath or above the said trenches: the which was very discommodious for them, for that the states men being in their forts, seeing them cross the river, troubled them at their landing: so as Colonel Taxis went and environed all these forts and trenches with a good number of horse and foot, they within them (whom the earl of Hohenlo had left there in garrison) behaving themselves very valiantly, although they were not furnished with victuals and other munition fit to make head against an enemy, the which was promised should be sent them; attending the which, they were priest so near, as there was no means to succour and relieve them, without some great force to raise the Spaniards. Yet captain Oger who commanded in the said trenches, had advertised the particular estates of the province of Vtrecht, above twelve days before the preparation which Taxis made to come and invest them, assuring them that they should be speedily besieged. But he had no other succours but four hundred florins to make a small lend to his men, with the which money he was commanded to return, and to set all things in as good order as he could, meaning within few days to send him a good refreshing of victuals and necessary munition. These twelve days were spent in consultation which town or province should send these victuals and succours. In the mean time the frosts grew very sharp, during the which, in the end there were sent from Amsterdam certain wagons with biscuit, but it was too late, for they had no means to enter, the passage being too well stopped.  
You may see what it is to embrace an occasion and opportunity in due time, when it is offered; for when as they had good means to do it, they neglected it, and when they desired it, they could not, and all their expense was fruitless. So it often falls out in long and irresolute consultations, although there be no treachery, where they resolve not speedily to prevent the enemy's diligence. Thus in the end these forts and trenches fell into Taxis hands, being forced by necessity to yield: who considering their extremity, granted them a reasonable composition, suffering them to depart with their arms and baggage, and not tying them by any oath (as he might well have done) not to serve the estates or prince of Orange for a certain time, as commonly they do in places that are forced to yield by necessity.  
In October the Signior of Nyeuwenoort and Assinga Entens took in the country of Gronigue the fort of Fermsum and Orterdam, the which they manned with good garrisons, and built other forts about the town of Gronigue. They also built the fort of Reed, but in vain, being forced to retire.  
The earl Vanden Berghe and his wife, sister to the prince of Orange, his children and secretary, were arrested prisoners in the town of Arnham in Guelderland, being charged to have had some secret intelligence with the Spaniard: whereof a little before one of the said ladies servants (who carried a secret hatred unto the prince her brother) was convicted. In the end, the earl of Vanden Berghe and his children were set at liberty, who soon after went to the Spanish party, and had charge and government of some troops. john d'Imbise bourgmaster of Gant, Seruaes' van Steelandt great bailiff of the land of Waes', and the prince of Chimay there commander, sought all means and occasions, by some notable 
1583  services, to reconcile themselves to the king of Spain. Steelandt first of all yielded up the 
Steelandt ●…eelds the land of Waes' to the Spaniard.  towns of Hulst and Axle, and all other places of the land of waes to the Spaniard, with the fort of Sasz, which is the entry for the Ganthois unto the sea, by the sluices which are there. And the 28 of October, he also delivered up the castle of Ruppelmond to the prince of Parma, who by this means was master of all the land of Waes', and of the river which runs from Dendermond to antwerp, by the which he might with more ease annoy the Ganthois: besides near unto Courtray he caused the town of Dinse to be fortified, and towards Bruges, he had Eckloo and other places at his devotion. The said Steelandt did also practise to deliver three ships of war which he had under his charge into his hands, if the mariners and soldiers which were in them had not disbanded and fallen from him, choosing rather to serve the estates (for that they were most of them of antwerp) than the Spaniard.  
They of antwerp being grieved for the loss of Ruppelmond, did besiege and batter it, but they prevailed nothing; whereupon they cut certain dikes or causies and drowned all the fields and meadows about the villages of Burcht and Calloo. They also built a fort at Burcht and fortified the head of Flanders right against their town. To conclude, they spared no cost, but with one general consent, did voluntarily furnish to the sum of 1300000 florins.  
At the same instant the Earl of Hohenlo entered into Flanders with 19 companies of foot, where he built a mighty fort at Terneuse, right against Zeeland, to assure the navigation to antwerp, and from thence to spoil that which the Spaniard held in Flanders: he also cut through many dikes, which did much harm and annoyance to the country: but as he thought to proceed further, he was prevented by the practices of the prince of Chimay.  
Those which at that time had the government of Gant, having also (as I have said) intelligence with the Spaniard, making a show to put in a new garrison into Alost, of such as were borne in the country, and to retire the English, sought to deliver it to the prince of Parma, but the English would not depart without their full pay and arrearages. They sought to have done the like at Dendermond, whither they sent their commissioners the 27 of October, the which were 〈◊〉 triest, Anthony Heyman, and jeams Summer, with charge to displace the Signior of Ryhoven great bailiff of Gant, and governor of Dendermond: but he being then at Gant and having some notice thereof, meaning to prevent them, went to horseback, and notwithstanding all lets and hindrances, was there before them, taking them prisoners, and seizing upon all their papers and instructions. Summer who was pensioner of Gant, escaped hanging very hardly.  
Afterwards the said English garrison of Alost being mutined for their pay, the Ganthois did not only refuse to give it them, but did threaten to force them out, or else to famish them. In the mean time the prince of Parma did not let slip this opportunity to make his profit thereby, but did solicit them by fair words and promises to pay them; and these English companies not accustomed to endure hunger and want, began to give ear unto him, for that their Colonel sir john Norris and the states were somewhat slow to provide for their pay: 
Alost delivered by the English to the Spaniard.  for the which they intended to give order, but it was too late: for after that the English had chased away the rest of the garrison which were of the country, than did captain Pigot Vincent, Tailor, and others, agree to deliver up the town unto the Spaniard, giving them for their pay, which they received, thirty thousand pistolets. And so the said town was delivered unto the Spaniard in the beginning of December, and filled with Walloons. Most of these Enlish went to serve the prince of Parma, in his camp before Eckloo, but finding that he trusted them not, they ran in a manner all away.  
The prince of Parma being in his army betwixt Bruges and Gant, all devices were put in practice by them that favoured the Spaniard, to advance the reconciliation of the towns of Flanders with the king of Spain: yea by small pamphlets printed in the name of them of the protestant religion, among the which Imbise, Bouckle, and Borlat were at Gant, and the prince of Chimay and his minister Herens at Bruges, in the which it was discoursed that it was not with the Spaniard, that this reconciliation was intended, but with them of Arthois, Henault, Lille, and others already reconciled, or subdued by arms; and that therefore they should enjoy the liberty of religion, and their privileges, according to the pacification: wherefore they made so great a show. Whilst they were thus busied at Gant and at Bruges to talk of of peace, the lord of Montigni was in the fort of Werteren, betwixt Gant and Dendermond, 
1584.  where he had made a Palisado in the river of Escaut, so as they might go on drie-foote from one bank unto another; at either end of which there was a fort, which did stop the navigation from Dendermond to antwerp. In the mean time the Ganthois had their deputies with the prince of Parma at Tournay, to conclude their reconciliation, in hostage for whom, there was in Gant captain Segur a a Spaniard, and Colonel Manui, who with the assistance of the Signior of Chapagni, treated so far with john d'Imbise, as the 24 of March, 1584., he commanded him that charge of the ships, (whom they call deane of the ship writes) to furnish certain small boats, making preparation of ladders, beams, firre-boards, planks, hurdles, and such like, to be set upon the river of Escaut. But as it could not be done easily, nor so covertly but it was discovered, some magistrates went and told Imbise that the common people did not mean that those boats and other preparation should be carried forth, which put them into some jealousy: whereunto he answered, that they should let them go, for he knew well what he did, and that it was for the great good of the town. But the people not being satisfied therewith, the boats being stayed by them, could no●…y any means go forth that night.  
The next day the sheriffs and council of the town being assembled in the town house to resolve upon this matter, Imbise caused his Colonel's company to come down presently in arms, to draw the chains and to environ the place: the which some one of the council espying, going out of the Statehouse to one of the Sergeants, he pulled away his halberd and 
A tumult in Gant.  persuaded the burghers to arms: so as some that were there present with their swords and daggers, and such arms as they could in haste recover, fell upon the said company, tore away their colours, took the captain and all the officers prisoners, and put the rest in rout. In the end, all the town being in arms and the streets full of armed men, they seized upon Imbise and many others of the council, whom they put from their offices, and degraded Imbise of his estates of Colonel and bourgmaster, they cassierd his guard, drew forth of his house the three pieces of artillery which he had in his court before the gate, and then cast him into prison, for that the burghers had intercepted certain letters, which were written that day by the lord of Montigni from Werteren to captain Segura: by the which he sent him word that he marveled much that the boats and all the other equipage was not yet arrived, seeing that he was well informed of the depth of the ditches, and that it was but three hundred foot broad; having also won the captain of Dendermond, and that the night following he would put his design in execution, and that the king of Spain would not fail to acknowledge it. Captain Rowland York was also of this enterprise, who being apprehended, confessed it all. The Signior of Ryhoven governor of Dendermond, sent to the baron of Mortagne his cousin, commanding there in his absence, willing him to seize upon Walter Seton a Scottish man, lieutenant of the horse that were there in garrison, advertising him of the treason that was practised by him, with Imbise and York, to deliver the town unto the Spaniard. The said Seton being apprehended, and having confessed the whole conspiracy, was hanged, and quartered, the thirtieth day of March. Then were there six companies of supplies sent by the Signior of Timpel governor of Brussels to Dendermond. The Signior Charles of Vtenhoven was appointed in the place of Imbise, to supply the place and office of bourgmaster at Gant.  
The fifteenth of May some deputies of Gant being returned from Tournay with the articles of their reconciliation propounded by the prince of Parma (which the Flemish protestants did term to be an accord that was captious, fraudulent, deceitful, and full of dissimulation) the catholics and those which demanded nothing but peace, as well nobles, as the chief and best burghers in the town, being assembled upon the place before the Statehouse, with arms, would have forced the magistrate to accept of the said accord, crying 
A new tumult in Gant.  out openly, Where are they that will have no peace? we will have peace. The protestants being also in arms, and in battle, drew near unto the place, the rest seeing them come, grew fearful, and fled here and there. Yet by the advice of the council, they that had spoken the words, and been the motives and stirrers up of this tumult were put in prison: and they all resolved with a common consent to live and die in the union of the generality, and to persist therein unto the last gasp, rejecting all articles and practices of peace with the Spaniard: And they required succours to be sent them from antwerp and from Brussels, from 
1584.  whence about the twentieth of May they received six hundred foot, and a hundred horse, the which did afterward conduct captain York prisoner from Gant to Brussels, to deliver him to the guard of the Signior Timpel. He was happy to have found such good friends, else he had been in danger to have run the like fortune with Walter Seton. But the prince having pardoned him, he was after wards restored to his credit by the earl of Leicester, which fell out unhappily for the general Estates of the united provinces, as we shall hereafter show.  
In the mean time they of Ypre being thus besieged, or rather straightly blocked up, since the month of September, hearing that they of Gant and Bruges tended to reconciliation with the king of Spain, which they did hope should be general, seeing their victuals and convoys still defeated and taken, so as nothing advanced for to deliver them, and that the succours which they attended from the other three members of Flanders, which are Gant, Bruges and Franc, appeared not, that they neglected them, and that they fell into extreme necessity and want; in the end they were forced (forsaking their constancy and fin resolution which they had to the union of the generality) to give way to necessity, and by the consent of the Signior of Marquette their governor, to treat an accord with Anthonic Grenet Signior of Werp governor of Courtray, commanding then in all the forts which had blocked up the said town.  
The composition was made the twelfth of April, by the which all strange soldiers should 
Ypre yielded by composition.  depart with their full arms, and those that were borne in the country with their rapiers and daggers only: that the town should pay fifty thousand florins to redeem itself from spoil: that the prince of Parma should have four burghers at his choice, to dispose of them at his pleasure, their lives reserved, the which redeemed themselves afterwards for 20. thousand florins: the burghers should be maintained in their privileges, all exercise of religion, and that which depended thereon, should be taken from them, and they should receive an Italian garrison into the town.  
During all the practices of Imbise, and other alterations in Gant and else where, the prince of Orange foreseeing (by the inconstancy of men's humours, and the falling away of towns from the generality) a ruin in their affairs, if they were not supported by some foreign potent prince; he first had advised the general Estates to send their commissioners to the French king and the duke of Anjou his brother, for new succours: and now in the month of March last passed, he procured Colonel Norris general of the English to go into England giving him particular instructions from himself, to impart unto the Queen's Majesty, as followeth.  
First, the prince of Orange doth entreat monsieur Norris to let her Majesty understand on his behalf, that he is fully persuaded and resolved to continue in the maintenance of true religion in these countries, and the liberties thereof, unto the end of his life. And to oppose himself (according to the means which God hath given him) against the attempts of the king of Spain.  
That the said prince hath not been ignorant what great forces the king of Spain hath had heretofore, and what he hath at this present, or may have. He is also well acquainted with his alliances and leagues: and that by reason of his victories, and yet more by his means and practices, which he hath in most of the kingdoms and common weals of Christendom, he hath filled almost all Europe with the terror of his name.  
That the said prince is not also ignorant of the small power and means which God hath given him: and he knows sufficiently by experience, the inconstancy of human things, the variety of men's hearts, and the great errors which are daily committed in these countries, and in affairs of state, and what the inconveniences be which usually follow such confusions.  
But being one the other side assured that the king of Spain's heart will never be moved nor yield to a toleration of religion, and will never endure that it should increase, no not to have it entertained: & to admit that by the persuasions of some he might be drawn to dissemble his bad intent for a time, yet he knoweth for certain that the true invocation of God's name should soon be extinct in these countries, and the liberty generally oppressed. The which the said prince foreseeing, he cannot in conscience desist from his enterprise, with out condemning of himself before God and men.  
The said prince hath long known the inward heart of the king of Spain, and the 
1584.  grounds of all his counsels of estate: And every one knowing how long he hath dealt in the affairs of this country, and of the council of estate, may persuade himself that it is not without reason that he doth attribute unto himself this knowledge. And therefore be entreats all men of judgement, especially those that make profession of the religion, to allow him something which cannot be known but to such as have pierced into the bowels of the affairs of Spain, as he hath often and long time done.  
But he is content that all good men, which have interest in the cause, should consider of that which is set to the view of every man, and known to all the world, and then judge of the king of Spain's resolutions: that is, whether the beginning of this monarchy of Spain, be not wholly grounded upon the strict leagues, intelligences, and correspondencies, which the kings of Castille and Arragon have had heretofore with the Pope; which amities being many years since begun, have still increased, by the continuance of mutual offices which they have done one unto another, the pope augmenting this crown of Spain, and the king of Spain embracing the pope's quarrels against all the world, without any reservation.  
The pope's have augmented the house of Arragon with the realms of Naples and Sicily, and have made the way for the house of Spain to conquer Lombardie, and to hold the princes of Italy subject at his devotion, some by citadels, some by fear, and some by practices, always managed and coloured by the pope's: So as if at any time the house of France hath practised some little favour from the Pope, presently the house of Spain hath felt the foundations of his signiories in Italy to shake, and ready to fall, the history whereof is well known to all men of state.  
If then there were no other reason but this only, the house of Spain knowing well of what importance the estate of Italy is, would never attempt any thing, but as he should be instructed by the spirit of the court of Rome, with the which no good man can have any greater familiarity, than Christ had with Belial.  
But every man knoweth that the great empire at the Indies, which Spain doth at this day enjoy, is due by the Spaniards unto the free gift of the Romish Sea; and likewise the conjunction of the crowns of Arragon and Castille, to the pope's dispensation: as also the conquest of the kingdom of Navarre, and of late of the kingdom of Portugal, and country's subject to the crown.  
For these reasons than we must think, that neither the king of Spain, nor any of his successors after him, will ever separate themselves from the amity of that sea: and consequently, he will be of necessity an open enemy to the true religion, the which can no more endure the the pope and his adherents, than the sea doth a dead carcase.  
And for as much as all the dangers whereunto the said prince may be exposed with these countries, (the which are very great, to judge according unto man) are yet nothing in comparison of the ruin of the true religion, whereof they that persecute it are enemies, and the said prince should be treacherous if he should abandon it: for these considerations, he is resolved (with the help of God) to continue constant in his first resolution unto the end of his life; and (if God give him the grace) so to assure these countries, as after his death, he will leave it able to defend itself against the power of Spain and his adherents.  
The said prince is not ignorant what reports are spread abroad by his enemies, in regard of that which is treated betwixt the Estates of Holland, and his person; and that before that he would yield unto them, he had foreseen and duly considered, both by himself, and with many men of worth and reputation: and moreover, having condescended thereunto, he had protracted the business, to avoid the slanders of the wicked, and the suspicion of some, who are not of themselves bad, but may interpret the said treaty sinisterly, not knowing the true cause and ground.  
But the said prince being unwilling to make any long discourse upon this point, wherein he should do himself wrong, for that it could not be so simply written, but it would tend something to his praise, he is content to say, & entreats monsieur Norris to assure her Majesty, the lords of her council, & all good men, that if the said prince had not been persuaded by many pregnant reasons which have been propounded unto him by many men of quality, whose piety to religion, affection to their country, and wisdom to judge, are well known unto 
1584.  him, that it was necessary and convenient for the preservation of religion, and to keep so many good men from unjust deaths by the cruelty of their enemies, and that others living in simplicity and ignorance should not be seduced by the practices of the children of this world, he had never proceeded further; and yet matters being as they are, if they can show him a more safe way, he protests that he is ready to follow it, and to march constantly after him that shall guide him.  
The said prince doth entreat all good men so to temper their judgements, as they give no place either to slanders or false reports, nor to opinions grounded only upon suspicion, hoping that his word shall be sooner credited, than a bare suspicion, the which may be as soon refuted, as it grows in the spirit of man without ground and assurance.  
Nothing then hath moved the said prince to take that course which he hitherto followed, but this holy resolution above mentioned.  
And if it shall now please her Majesty to understand what means the said prince propounds unto himself for the maintenance of so just and yet so difficult a quarrel, to obey her Majesty, to whom he desires to continue a most humble servant, and not to forget to advertise her as much (as he may) of the estate of his affairs, he entreats the Signior Norris to acquaint her Majesty with that which follows.  
That first of all the great and eternal power of God is known unto him, not only by his holy doctrine where he hath learned it, but also by many experiences which he hath made, and divers effects which he hath felt in the advancement & preservation of the true Church: and first in the time of his ancestors in the kingdom of Bohemia, and in his time in Germany, Switserland, England, Scotland France, and (in the end) in these countries, and even in his own person: And that in all these kingdoms and provinces, God hath made it visibly known to all the world, that he suffered men to propound in their counsels, but he knew how to does pose of all things, and to him alone belonged the honour and glory of the preservation of his people.  
And although that this resolution he settled in his heart, and that he refers himself to his holy providence, yet he knoweth the will of God is, that with his blessing we should use the means which are given and distributed unto us by that singular providence of God. Wherefore looking unto that which God puts into his hand, to use it to his glory: if many times counsels and resolutions succeed not as he desireth, yet he comforts himself in that he hath obeyed God, putting that in practise which he hath made him to see: and being nothing grieved (after that he hath done his duty) that God doth make it known that he is the master and controller of all our counsels, wisdoms, and resolutions.  
This is the cause why he doth first seek so to unite the hearts of all these provinces, as with one resolution and will, they may repulse the violence of their enemies: he hath hitherto felt many contradictions, for divers towns, and many private persons, some through want of courage, and others through manifest treachery, have chosen the enemy's party, choosing rather not the delights of Egypt, but the cruel yoke of Pharaoh (which they will feel (too late) to be insupportable) rather than to endure with the people of God, a temporal affliction.  
And as her Majesty and the lords of her council know well, that there is in the world great diversity and perversity of wills and judgements; he doth also beseech them to consider, that even among them which hold firm against the Spaniard, there are many, whereof part through pride, part by covetousness, and some through error do very much hinder the advancement of that which is most profitable for them. The which the prince will forbear to discourse of, for the small delight her Majesty would take in such a subject, and he in delivering it: the which he refers to the sufficiency and discretion of the Signior Norris, who for his long continuance in these parts, is able to satisfy her Majesty, if it please her to do him the honour to demand it.  
This design was managed a whole year and more, and yet the said prince to his great grief could never effect his intentions, so as every one governing himself after his own fantasy, and he (having only a goodly name and title of honour) could not execute any matter of importance, neither in assailing nor defending; having not the means, nether yet could he aid (as he desired) the towns and private provinces, for that they have relected his counsel, and the means which he laid open unto them, as well to use the means which they 
1583  had, as to seek succour and an assured support in Germany, when it was time.  
By these errors there have not only ensued losses, but also such confusions in the public and private affairs of provinces, and a general ignorance of that which was done and treated, or that should be done; as the said prince could not with his honour write to any, nor advertise them of that which was unknown unto him, and over the which he had no power nor authority. The which the said prince entreats general Norris to represent unto her Majesty, and to beseech her most humbly to hold him excused in this point. And moreover, to let her understand how long the said prince had been in speech with him to take the opportunity of his voyage, to advertise her Majesty more particularly of all things concerning the affairs of these countries.  
The said prince then seeing such disorder, and foreseeing, yea feeling by effect the miseries that might ensue, continuing notwithstanding the soliciting of this general union of all the provinces, not in name, title, or paper, but in resolution, will, means, and faculties, he hath thought it necessary to devise the means, until that this general union might be concluded and put in practice, to unite most of the towns and provinces he could, that they may serve as a firm rampar for a time, to oppose against the violence and fury of the enemy, whilst that the others should resolve in one will: And in the mean time also to prevent all extremities, that the said provinces (in case that worse should happen) should defend themselves by their own proper forces and means, and also succour their neighbours, allies, and confederates, according to their small power and forces, hoping that God would bless and prosper their resolutions.  
According to the which, the said prince hath of late set down a proportion of horse and foot, which may be entertained at the charges of the said provinces which have committed unto him the charge of the war: with the which he will endeavour (with the help of God) not only to defend the said provinces, but also to succour the rest, as he hath done within these few days, and doth now at this present, having sent what forces he could to hinder the enemy's incursions into the duchy of Gueldres, and to chase them out of the said country, if it may be. He hath not also omitted by the same means and forces to succour the country and county of Flanders, in relieving the town of Oostend, and forcing the enemy to raise his siege; making it known to all the world, that the enemy did not think to take the towns of Flanders by force, but by practices and amazement; for as soon as they found men resolute to resist them, they thought it best not to spend their time against such, but to continue their designs with them that had other discourses, which were ill grounded: over whom they have easily prevailed, holding it for a great honour, the which they have not purchased by force, but by the in esolution of many, who (it is said) held their party.  
Since, to favour the town of Gant, which was resolved against the Spaniard, and to keep the enemy from taking away the navigation to Antuerp, he hath caused Terneuse to be fortified with the same forces; and by the same means to entertain the garrison, the which besides the benefit which our men hold and retain thereby, hath disappointed many of the enemy's enterprises.  
And thus the said prince is resolved to continue, according to the occasions which shall be offered, being well assured that a convenient army to oppose against the enemy, and to chase him away, were very necessary. But having not the means without some better resolution of the provinces, and foreign succours to raise it, he is content with that which he can do, which is but little, if it please not God to assist him from above, as he prays and hopes.  
The prince doth what he can to persuade them that have not this resolution, to embrace it, that by their united forces they may break the course and proceedings of the enemy, in the which he will labour unto the end: seeing that such as will not give ear to this resolution, are some of them undone, and some in the way to be undone through their own follies. And although that these affairs be so great and so weighty, as it is impossible for the said princeto bear them, without the singular assistance of God; yet besides all these important affairs, he sees them of Mons Truchses elector of Cologne, to be very intricate, and not in so good an estate as it were to be wished. For he is in like sort assailed by great and mighty enemies, who with open force make war against him, and for his part, he hath not at this day any prince that favours him, and openly assists him; the which hath been very prejudicial unto him, for 
1584.  that he promised unto himself greater aid and assistance than he hath yet found.  
And forasmuch as the conformity of religion, the neighbourhood of countries, and the same adversaries which press him and us equally, should incite us to aid one another with our means; the said prince continues to treat a league and alliance with him, that until it shall please God to give us other succours, we may employ those forces which God hath given us, one for another: having in the mean time (notwithstanding our own difficulties) assisted him with a good sum of money.  
But the said prince knows well, that all the said means (to speak as a man) are not able to resist half the forces of the king of Spain, the pope, and all those that fight under their ensigns, or that contribute to this war: he will therefore endeavour to purchase as many friends as he can, as well by his own means, as the said elector, in Germany and elsewhere, and especially of them of the religion; the more easily to withstand, or at the least to divert the the forces of the enemy, the common enemy of Christendom.  
According unto the which, he hath entreated general Norris to acquaint her Majesty with the forces of the enemies of these countries, and of the elector: Her majesties accustomed bounty, which she hath extended often to them that were in like sort oppressed, and namely the favour which it hath pleased her to show to them of this country, who are much bound unto her, for that the enemy hath been long stayed from the execution of his designs. He shall represent unto her Majesty her happy and royal succours given unto France, and to Scotland, being oppressed for the same quarrel: her Majesty having delivered one of the said kingdoms from the oppression of Rome, and hath given means to the other (living in peace after so many miseries) to quench the blood which did yet flow in all parts, and to purchase a quiet abode for so many good men fearing God.  
In doing whereof, her Majesty hath purchased so great honour and reputation with all that beliving, and shall leave so pleasing a memory to posterity, & hath so won the hearts of all men, as they would as willingly employ their lives for her service, as if they were her natural subjects. And therefore he shall most humbly entreat her in the behalf of the said prince, seeing that the necessity seemeth greater than ever, the enemies bending all their forces against these countries, hoping that after they have compassed their design over this little country, the rest of the world shall serve them but for matter of trophy; that she will be pleased not to suffer, that before her eyes, so many good men, and her most humble servants, should perish by the hands of such as are mortal enemies to her Majesty, to her crown, and to the true religion, whereon above all the princes of our age, she hath been as it were, the sole nurse and defendresse.  
The said prince entreats general Norris to propound some particular means, fearing either to demand too little from her Majesty, considering her power, which he neither can, nor aught to limit; or that he should require too much, considering the extreme necessity which doth press us, referring all to her majesties good pleasure, the said prince hoping that she will be more liberal to do good to this country, than he for his part hath been bold to demand it.  
And although the means of these countries (exhausted with long wars) are very small, yet her Majesty knowing better than ourselves, wherein it may please her to do them of this country the honour to employ them to do her most humble service; and for the great knowledge which God hath given her of all the Estates of Christendom, and especially of her poor neighbours, her Majesty knows, if there yet remains any means to do her service, namely for the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, we humbly beseech her to let us understand it. And the said Signior Norris shall assure her, that the prince will do his best endeavour to give her Majesty contentment, beseeching her to hold as well the said prince, as the general Estates, and particularly them of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, in her good grace and favour.  
He shall also let her Majesty understand, that my masters the Estates have sent their Ambassadors to the French king, and to his highness, and that their commission and instructions are altogether conformable to that which it pleased her Majesty to let the prince understand by sir Francis Walsingham her chief secretary of estate.  
Finally, the said Signior Norris shall most humbly beseech her Majesty, and entreat the 
1584.  lords of her council always to show some testimonies of their favour to the subjects in general of these countries, and particularly to them of Holland and Zeeland.  
Soon after the departure of general Norris into England with these instructions, the prince of Orange received a discourse sent out of Germany to his Excellency, by Cont john of Nassau his brother, persuading him to a reconciliation with the king of Spain, and to reject the amity of the French; whereunto his Excellency made an answer, the which for that it is a discourse of state, and worthy your reading, I have thought good and necessary to set down at large.   

The Prince of Orange to Cont john of Nassau his brother.  
MY lord and brother, I have seen the discourse which you sent me, the which I cannot think proceeds from you nor your judgement, for I find it better and more solid, than to build upon such weak reasons, as are produced in the same writing. Wherefore you shall not take my answer as directed unto you, but unto them that have forged it, and sent it.  
In the beginning the author spends much time to discourse of the great forces and means the alliances and intelligences of the king of Spain, of my small means, of the doubtful events of war, and of the inconstancy of the people's minds; then he speaks of the bad opinion which some of the religion have conceived of me, by reason of the treaty with the French; of the small assurance there is in their friendship, of their former errors, of the duke of Anious small means, and of the fear that the king will not enter a war against so great and mighty a prince: and in the end he comes to discourse of that which concerns our house more particularly.  
As for the king of Spain's forces, I think there is none doubts, but I know them as well as any man living, for that I have had special and long employment in the affairs of these countries, as also having undertaken so necessary and honourable a war, I have for these many years felt them, tried them, and endured them; and whereof I assure myself, that this country (with the help of God) had been long since discharged, if they (whom it concerned and were of the religion, at the least made profession) had not been drawn, some by their own ambition and desire to command and manage the affairs after their own fantasies (although they had no experience neither in matters of war, nor of government) some being induced and persuaded by others, who took pleasure to follow private counsels, far dissenting from mine and them of the public; if those I say had not armed the proper members of this country one against another, and against their own body, by means whereof they have again drawn in the Spanish forces: and the grief is, that such as have committed these errors, being not yet amended, they give the Spaniards means still to have as many victories over them as they please, and until theybe otherwise resolved, they will run headlong into greater ruin.  
I speak this to show, that these great forces are not invincible, seeing that we have seen them in a manner ready to be wholly defeated and chased shamefully out of the country. And in like sort, seeing God hath given me the grace to withstand them so long, it is no wonder if I know them well; so as all these admonitions can teach me no new thing. And as for that which concerneth my weakness, the which I hope (with the help of God, and their good resolution, which are determined to obey me) is not so little as it hath been: neither do I expect that fourscore thousand men shall fall upon me, led by a duke of Alva, as heretofore, when I was much weaker, I have felt them, and yet God did not abandon me, neither I hope will he at this day.  
But as I have discoursed at large in my instructions which I have sent to the Queen of England, whereof I send you a copy, I take the sovereign guard of the universal God for my chief foundation, who hath hitherto made my weakness strong, and I hope he will continue it unto the end.  
And when I come to examine all these difficulties by myself, that is, when I come to compare the king of Spain's forces with my small means, and what we commonly see in the 
1584.  alteration of men's minds; and when as I also discourse of that which may happen after me, I must confess plainly, that if I took counsel of the flesh and human understanding, that I should find great cause and subject of amazement.  
But seeing the question is for the glory of God, and for our consciences, for the liberty of the country, and the preservation of the lives of so many good men (over whom the cruelty of the Spaniards should pass like a deluge of waters, if we should suffer them to recover the power they sometimes had over these countries) I can resolve no other thing, but that having recommended myself unto God, I conclude, that there remains nothing but to oppose against such dangers with constancy unto the end: resolving that for me and mine, there are no dangers comparable to a miserable desertion which I should make of so good a cause, if I should abandon so holy and so honourable a party, the which I have followed unto this present day.  
And whereas he objects that some of the religion love me less than they should, admit it were so, it were no new thing, the which I have long since foreseen; for what man is he that hath had a chief charge, be it in the church or commonweal, that hath not had many enemies, not only of them abroad, but even of such as followed their party, and termed themselves of the same religion? Such an one was Moses, who could not avoid the slanders and mutining of Corath and Dathan: such a one was David who had his Seems: such an one was jeremy, who was buffeted in the temple: and such an one was S. Paul, who was persecuted by them that preached Christ by contention: yet none of them have left to continue constantly in their charges, knowing well that God was their rewarder and not men. In like manner, when I undertook this great charge, I had no other hope, having seen the like happen to many great personages, who upon semblable occasions had sustained the like quarrels in our time.  
But I hope that such men (who it may be are not abandoned to so great ingratitude, so much through their own malice, as by the induction of others) will not continue in that error, but will remember themselves, as many have already done, being warned by their own follies, and so many losses which they have had, following their private affections. And if they should continue unto the end (the which I hope not) yet considering the great number of such as resolve with me, I shall have no great cause of discontentment for any other thing, than for the ruin of those men, who have drawn more upon them by their own rashness, than the enemy by his force.  
But that which hath been hitherto touched in the discourse is not the authors chief design; but me thinks all this beginning is like unto some trials of the disposition of the body, which fencers use, before they play in earnest, or like unto a musicans praeludium: for all these preparatives are made, to fall in the end upon the alliance of France, which is the chief and main point the author means to treat of, and for the which he hath taken so exceeding great pains.  
But I observe in this part, among other things, want of judgement in the author of this writing; for as no man can deny it, but that all doth proceed from the council of Spain, or their partisans, what is he but will presently judge by the viewing and reading of this discourse, that the Spaniard doth doubt and above all things fear, lest the French king should undertake this quarrel: knowing sufficiently by the situation of the countries, by the said kings forces, and by the reason of his friends and servants, what means he hath, not only to aid us, but also to confine the king of Spain beyond the Alpes and the Pyrene mountains.  
And as I can take no better counsel than of mine enemy, to choose that which he feareth, and reject that which he desireth; so I confess, that if I had never so much as thought on the alliance of France, that (having no other inducements or persuasions) this discourse would make me to affect it much, and should give me occasion to believe, that this counsel to treat with the French, is very good, seeing that it is so much feared and distrusted of the enemy.  
The chief reasons are, that there is no assurance with the French, that we shall be circumvented by them, that they are no friends to religion, & that for the good of our house we should 
1584.  not incense our enemies more, having such a weak support as the French. First, to answer to that where he saith, that I have made my name famous enough, I think it needless, for never any such vanity did move me to endure so great travel, and so many losses, and to sustain such and so dangerous hatreds.  
If then they think that the alliance of France be (for the above named reasons) not only dangerous, but also undoubtedly pernicious; what counsel then remains? for as for me, I confess that I am vanquished, by many towns and provinces of this country, which speak not secretly but openly, not before one or two, but before all the Estates, that it is necessary to reconcile themselves with the king of Spain, or to seek sufficient succours elsewhere: and that having sought first to the princes which make profession of religion, and being forsaken & abandoned by them, they found no other means, than to have recourse to the French king, and to his brother. I say I am vanquished, for when as such things are propounded to the Estates, I can make no other answer, but that we must make proof thereof, for if there comes no other good, yet we shall keep the French king from being our enemy, that he shall always keep the king of Spain in breath, and make him consume a great treasure: it shall also be available for them of the religion in France, to live in peace, the which the king hath granted them, the preservation whereof we ought to procure by all means possible. Neither doth the author of this discourse speak any thing contrary to this conclusion, for he himself doth persuade by all the means he can to make a reconciliation and atonement with the king of Spain.  
But if I may not for conscience sake make any agreement with the French king, how may my conscience be dispensed withal to accord with the king of Spain? do they differ in religion? the king of Spain, is he not the best beloved son to the holy apostolic sea of Rome? and the French king a putative son, and that in title only. The king of Spain hath the pope's favour for the foundations of all his greatness: and the pope should acknowledge that he hath not a foot of land, but by the benefit of the ancient kings of France, who doth now requite it with so great ingratitude.  
To say that the king of Spain is the natural prince of these countries, that question hath been long since decided, and put out of doubt, seeing that by a general judgement of the Estates, after so many duties done as well to him, as to other princes, he hath been declared fallen from his right: so as if we must now treat with him, I must treat to submit myself to a stranger and an enemy, yea persecutor of the religion.  
They will object the massacre at Paris, the which as it is not to be excused; how will they excuse also the massacre of the poor Moors, where there were above threescore thousand slain after the accord was made and sworn. And if they say they be no Christians, yet can they not deny that the king of Spain and the pope are more cruel enemies to our religion, than to that of the Moors. If they will not believe me, let them look unto the difference of the effects of that which they have practised against the Christians and the Mahometans, and then let them judge without passion.  
At the least, we cannot deny, but under the government of the French king, there are many towns, castles, villages, and gentlemen's houses, where there is exercise of the religion, the which could never be obtained from the king of Spain, so much he was incensed against the true religion, the which he cannot make show to endure. The like is not found in the French king, who allows free exercise of religion in many and divers places, and where it is not openly permitted, yet is it exercised without any great search, even within the city of Paris.  
I would willingly that some of your divines, which are so ready to judge of another man's conscience, would show me by the word of God (which should be the rule of our consciences and not a zeal without that guide) that we ought to agree rather with the king of Spain (who will demand for the first article, that religion shall be quite abolished) than with the French king (who for the first article will make no difficulty to grant and allow of it.)  
And whereas they say that the French will deceive us, and take away our liberties, seeing for those reasons they hold that we should agree with the Spaniard; it follows then, that you 
1584.  will infer that the Spaniard will not deceive us, but will preserve our liberties. And therefore they add, that all the world will be better pleased that we accord with the Spaniard than with the French.  
I wish that all private passion and affection might be laid aside, and that the persons and all other circumstances might be well examined of all sides, to judge, by whom we should most fear to be deceived, either by the French or the Spanish.  
I will not deny but there is danger on both sides, but if we must pass over one of these two bridges, I think that any man will choose that which is most large and strong, rather than the weaker and narrower. And to judge indifferently of all dangers, in my opinion, we must always regard the power of him that can do harm, and will. But in these two points, we shall find that the king of Spain exceeds the French king without all comparison, if in doing ill we may say that the one exceeds the other.  
The king of Spain's power is such in this country, as without bringing in of any Spaniard or Italian, within less than a year, and without any army he may root the reformed religion out of the country. The multitude of people that favour him, and are of his religion, much exceed all the rest, and will not be backwards in all servile obedience to do all that the Spaniard shall command them, as it is daily seen; for if the enemy wins any town or part of the country from us, the people do presently servilely observe them, and do what they please.  
This cannot be said of the French; for when any opposition was to be made against them, all have jointly banded, some for religions sake, others to favour the Spaniards, as experience hath taught, that such as have most exclaimed against them, have yielded to the Spaniard, and have betrayed the country, although that some ill advised, have esteemed them the better, for that they spoke so ill and so boldly against the French, as the author of this discourse doth. But the end hath showed their drift and intention, which was to deliver us to the Spaniards.  
The old officers which are yet in the country, carry the king of Spain graven in their hearts, & all that have received any rewards, pensions, or recompenses, which are very many; besides, so many that are voluntarily banished, who would come in an instant like pigeons to adove house, the which would not only be at the king of Spain's devotion, but also all the proctor's, solicitors, and ministers of severe decrees.  
By these reasons we may see, what power the king of Spain hath to hurt us, when as he hath even within us all instruments prepared to ruin us, both in goods, body, yea and in soul, if he could: and on the other side, the French have no such might. Neither do I doubt but that the king of Spain and his adherents have as great a will to hurt us, as they have might and power.  
King's never esteem offences light when they are committed against their own persons, by such as they hold to be their subjects: and therefore they hold their subjects that have attempted any thing against them, guilty of high treason. But when such an insurrection and of so great consequence happeneth, as that which we have seen in this country, there is no kind of cruelty but they practise against their subjects; for if nothing hath been omitted that may be called cruel, upon the Indians, who owe no obedience, what mercy can we expect in this country?  
His chief officers have been put in prison, chased away, and their goods seized on, and the ordinary officers have had no better entreaty: his arms have been beaten down, an other prince first called in against his will, unto the government, and after that another chosen to be absolute lord. Shall we think or imagine that he will ever pardon or forgive such things? He I say, who for small pretended faults, hath so cruelly entreated men of that honour and reputation (by their good counsel and service deserving so well of their country) as the earls of Egmont, and Horn, and the marquess of Berghes, and the baron of Montigni: and who hath begun to persecute me and mine so outrageously for so small matters, in comparison of that which hath followed.  
And if God should give me the means (after this reconciliation) to retire myself into some place of safety, although I know not where I may live more safely than in this country; 
1584.  yet this infinite multitude of people, and so many good men which have embraced the religion, and have opposed themselves against this cruelty, whither shall they retire themselves?  
The duke of Alva going out of this country, did vaunt that he put to death by the hand of the executioner, eighteen thousand men. Let us now compare what had been done by the inhabitants of this country, before the coming of the duke of Alva, with that which hath followed, and thereby we shall judge of the king's mind being incensed.  
As for particular persons, first of all the Clergy (which are in number like Locusts) will demand their revenues, their houses, and their goods: and after them, the gentlemen, and all other sorts of people: but finding it not, shall not the poor men of the religion pay for it? yea they who did never benefit a halfpenny by them.  
The said clergy men, nobles, and others, without any reason, but only a poor pretext of religion, have burnt, hanged, drowned, and banished them that had but a little taste of religion: and now being incensed as much as men may be, do we think they will be more merciful, seeing they have not yet cast off the wolves disposition? but chose, it is more augmented, as if one should cast a heap of dried wood into a burning furnace.  
It avails not to say, that many of ours have excelled measure, the which is true: and all good and modest men know that it was not my fault. But do we think the Spaniards can or will make any such distinctions? Nay will it not be a sufficient crime to be condemned, to say he is a Christian? whereby will follow the ruin and loss of life, or at the least of worldly goods.  
All these things cease in regard of the French; but if they will object that they are affected against them of the religion: first, they are not all so, as the Spaniards and their adherents be, who are generally their enemies. The French are not incensed; they have no goods to demand, as the Spaniards pretend. By these reasons we may easily conclude, that if for these apparent mischiefs, it is dangerous to accord with the French, (as the author of this discourse saith) without all comparison, it is far more to be feared in all kinds with the Spaniard.  
In the mean time, I can assure you, that hitherto I have not much busied myself to persuade the Estates to enter into any such treaty. But many provinces and towns of consequence propounding and making open declaration, that they must of necessity accord with the one or the other; I confess that if of the two, we must choose one, I would rather consent to the one than to the other. And withal I add, that every one that is acquainted with the affairs of Spain, must confess, that the king of Spain must of force (to maintain his monarchy) hold himself linked to the pope, the emperor, and other catholic princes and potentates. The French king on the other side, to cl●…ppe his wings, shall be forced to ally himself with them of the religion, and by that means in favouring them, by their aid hinder their greatness, which seek to fill the whole world, as the king his father did unto the emperor Charles, when as he thought to have commanded all Europe.  
And as at that time the princes of the empire (grave and indicious men) did their best and utmost endeavours to persuade the French king to that resolution, whereon depended so great a good for all Germavie; so also our duties should be to do the like: But chose, as if we were grieved that these two princes are not jointly armed against us, we do what we can to unite them by all means possible, not weighing their forces and our own infirmities.  
If they will also touch our house in particular, I am assured that both you my Lord and brother, and I, have done so good offices to the king and emperor, and that the memory thereof is so well graven in their hearts, as the remembrance thereof can never be defaced. The which I desire not to try in any sort whatsoever, but am rather resolved to all extremities for the defence of these countries, religion, and liberty; hoping that God will not abandon me in so just and necessary a quarrel: for the which I pray unto him with all my heart. Made at Delft, the 18. of March, 1584.  
After the yielding up of Ypre, they of Bruges beginning to look back, refused to take a garrison from Holland, the which the Protestants would willingly have received into their 
1584.  town: but the Catholics, at the instigation of the prince of Chimay, who was their governor, and of john Heren his Minister (who was become an Apostata, and afterwards joined to the jesuits sect, having written against his first profession) did oppose themselves against the Estates party, so as there fell a division among the burghers, the Catholics being the stronger: who (after long contention) sent their deputies to the prince of Parma, being at Tournay, to desire to be reconciled to the king, in renouncing the union which they had with the Estates. In what manner this division passed in the town of Bruges, and by what means the Catholics became the masters, we will show it succinctly, beginning to describe what the prince of Chimay was, being called Philip of Croy, son to the duke of Arschot.  
This nobleman in his youth had been well instructed, and was of a quick capacity, the which he afterwards applied ill: being thrust on by an ambitious spirit, to make himself great, he left the party which his father held, which was that of the Spaniard: first, under the cloak of Religion, whereunto he showed himself wonderfully zealous (the issue of his designs having since showed what his heart might be) he let not a Sermon escape, but he was at it, receiving the Communion oftener than any other: yea, he did write a small pamphlet in praise of the Protestant Religion, extolling the duke of Anjou to the heavens, to the blame and suppression of the Spaniard, whom he disgraced all he could: so as if it had not been that his mother was issued out of the house of Halewin a sworn enemy to the Religion, to the prince of Orange, and to all them of the house of Nassau, he might have attained unto the marriage of the prince of Orange his eldest daughter. But having under this mask of Religion married with the lady Marie of Brimeux, Countess of Meghen, widow to Lancelot, earl of Barlamont, a lady much affected to the said Religion, he went first to Bruges, where he was presently made governor; and not long after, blinding the world with this goodly show of Religion, he (in like manner) got the government of all Flanders: during the which, and especially after the duke of Anjou his retreat, matters being thus confused throughout all Flanders (in the which he was an actor) his courses began to be suspected unto the prince of Orange, whom all his counterfeit zeal could not please: who did once write unto him, that he should otherwise govern and moderate the devotion which he seemed to carry unto God, the affection unto his country, and the respect unto his own honour; the which had small credit, and wrought less effect with him. as it appeareth by a small discourse which was dedicated unto him, and printed at Dusseldorpe: in the which all his actions are orderly set down unto him: among others, his practices, thereby to deliver all the country of Flanders to the Spaniards: the means which he had held to overthrow the resolution to receive in the duke of Anjou again: That he had been the cause, that the towns of Dixmuyden, Nicuport, Furnes, and others had been yielded to the Spaniard: That by his means the marshal of Byron, with the Suitsers, and the rest of the duke of Anjou his French troops, had been moved to retire: That the town of Dunkirk had not been succoured: That that of Menin had been abandoned by the Scottishmen: That the dikes were not cut, which might have drowned the Spaniards camp: That he had ill informed the Estates of duke Casimire his succours, to exclude the duke of Anjou: That he had left the garrison of Alost in such extreme poverty and misery, as the Englishmen were moved to yield it unto the Spaniard, who did thereby seize upon all the land of Waes', with many other practices wherewithal he is charged.  
If the actions and dealings of the prince of Chimay were suspected and odious unto the prince of Orange, they were no less unto the Signior jaques de Grise, great bailiff of Bruges, to Kasenbroth bourgomaster, to Maximilian of Horn, to the Signior of Lorkeren, and many others, who were resolved to seize upon his person: for the effecting whereof (although they had the companies of the burghers at their devotion) yet they thought it good (by the advice of the prince of Orange) to impart it unto the colonel of the Scottishmen, and to require his assistance.  
This colonel (whose name was Bloyde) did presently and willingly offer them his service: but soon after, upon the tenth of januarie 1584., a little before it should have been executed, he went and discovered all to the prince of Chimay, who presently sent for the 
1584.  Signior of Grise, and the bourgomaster Casenbroth, telling them what he had heard of their enterprise, accusing most of all the Signior of Lockeren, whom (as being no bourger of the town, but a mere stranger) he put in prison, not daring to attempt any thing against the rest, who were in great credit and authority with the people: but he complained much of them, and did tax them before the magistrates of the town and of Franc, whereby he took greater occasion to advance the reconciliation with the Spaniard as secretly as he could.  
The Signior of Grise being no less perplexed than the Signior of Lockeren, he retired himself out of the town, and after that he had conferred with the Estates, he resolved to return with five hundred men, through the favour of the good burghers: but as the treachery of colonel Boyde was well known unto him, and that he durst not trust in the garrison (although that captain Balfour and others had always carried themselves faithfully in the Estates service) having also taken the advice of them of Zeeland, and of the Signior of Groenevelt, governor of Scluse, this second enterprise was likewise discovered to the prince of Chimay; who finding himself the more grieved, caused all them that were acquainted with this exploit, to be put in prison. Then having grievously accused the magistrates before all the people, he took occasion thereupon to displace them, and to choose new after his own fantasy, whom he knew to be at the Spaniards devotion: by whose assistance he did easily induce the people to this reconciliation, so much affected by him, yea he drew them of Franc and of the town of Dam to his party, and to do as they of Bruges did; the which caused many good countrymen and Protestants to retire, some unto Scluse, others to Oostend, where there was a good garrison: so as the prince of Chimay and his new magistrates were in great doubt, seeking all means (both by promises and money) to draw unto them those garrisons; but they prevailed not: for the finishing of this negotiation of the reconciliation with them of Bruges, the prince of Parma sent the duke of Arschot, father to the prince of Chimay, thither, to the end he might also draw unto him them of Scluse and Oostend, which were of far greater importance unto him, than Bruges: and on the other side, the Estates sent doctor junius thither to dissuade them, who prevailed so much with his reasons, as neither the duke of Arschot nor the prince of Chimay could do any good, considering that they of Gant had renewed a more firm league with the generality. And as a great number of them of Bruges were retired out of the town, it was easy for the prince of Chimay to conclude this reconciliation with the prince of Parma, the which was proclaimed with great triumph and pomp upon the five and twentieth 
Chimay yields Bruges to the Spaniard.  of May, with reasonable conditions, to draw on them of Gant, Scluse, and Oostend. The Scottish garrison which were in it, were left to their choice, to retire, or to continue in the king of Spain his service, of the which few remained: and although that colonel Boyde did soon find how little the prince of Parma did esteem him, yet he durst not trust the Estates. By this treaty of Bruges, they of Franc and Dametas were also reconciled, in restoring the Clergy men unto the possession of their goods, and leaving all exercise of the reformed Religion, suffering every man to live with liberty of his conscience, not committing of any scandal, and enjoying of their goods; the which continued not long. The Signior of Croisilles, of the house of Montmorency, was appointed governor there without any garrison, seeing that the Catholics (who had fled away before) and the Clergy were fully restored.  
The prince of Chimay, after the publication of this treaty of reconciliation, required of the ministers of Bruges (wherein it was thought, that he did both mock them and their Religion) a certificate of his good life and profession. But being departed with his Minister, home to his own house, they soon left their Religion, the prince discharging all his household servants, which desired to continue in the profession thereof: by the which renunciation and treachery, he purchased even with the same party which he took, dishonour for ever, with a mark of inconstancy and lightness. The Contesse of Meghen discovering his heart and his manner of living, would no more follow him, but retired to Scluse, and from thence in Holland.  
The prince of Parma having at that time seized upon the village of Burcht on Flanders side, upon the river of Escaut, half a league from antwerp, and having caused it to be fortified, 
1584.  to keep any thing from passing by water to Gant, Brussels, or Macklyn, they of antwerp sent their ships of war thither, to chase them from thence, or to hinder the fortification, but it was in vain; by reason whereof they made another fort on the other side of the river, upon Brabant side, about the village of Hoboken, right against Burcht, to defend their navigation to the said towns: then they pierced the dike betwixt Burcht and the head of Flanders, the which drowned the whole country, unto Beveren and Calloo. At the breaking of which dike, they made a fort opposite to that of Burcht, the which did batter one another continually with their great ordnance, and with musket shot, having nothing but the said breach betwixt the two forts. But this fort was made by them of antwerp somewhat too late, many ships being passed by this hole to Calloo, during the siege of the town.  
They of Bruges, Franc, and Dam, being (by reason of their reconciliation) well accorded with the king of Spain, yet were they no less free from enemies round about them, than if they had been besieged, for that they of Gant, Scluse, and Oostend cut off their victuals upon all passages: wherefore they did write to them of Gant on the seventh of july, to induce them to their party, showing, that they being one of the four members of Flanders, they had no reason to reject the reconciliation with their king, and not to join with the other three members, already reconciled, alleging many persuasive reasons, the which for brevities sake I omit.  
Hereupon the Estates of Brabant, Holland, and Zeeland sent their deputies to Gant, to show them, that such private reconciliations could never b●…eed a good peace, but rather a dangerous and miserable war, vnsheathing more the enemy's sword against their brethren and friends. And, if it happened that Brabant, with Holland and Zeeland, were in war against them, that Flanders would be more miserably oppressed than ever, considering the hindrance of the navigation by sea, whereof the Spaniards were barred, the breaking of the dikes in the land of Waes', and the inundation which should cut off their victuals on all sides: besides, that France nor England would never suffer the Spaniard to lodge so far within the country, whereby they might doubt to have war against him. And touching the two points which the king of Spain demanded, which was the Romish Religion only, and the absolute obedience which he maintained to be due unto him: as for the Religion, if only the Romish were received there, the reformed then must be quite banished. And to assure this obedience, they must repair and build the citadels up again, and make new, the which must be continually entertained with strong garrisons, and so they should be in worse estate than before.  
These and such like reasons were laid before them of Gant on the Estates behalf, with good hope to bring a goodly army shortly to field, the which should come into the country of Flanders, as soon as they had won the forts of Zutphen, whereof they hoped soon to see a good end; the which retained the Ganthois for a time, and kept them from making of any reconciliation, until that their affairs were otherwise disposed, as we will presently show.  
At that time there was a Diet of the Electors and other princes of the empire held at Bottenberch in Germany, to treat of the means to keep the Empire in quiet, rooting out all distrust which was among the princes, by reason of the diversity of Religion, whereby it was easy to comprehend, that Monsieur Segur, ambassador for the king of Navarre (being sent unto the said princes, to draw them into league with his master, and them of the Protestant Religion in France, and withal, to moderate the difference of Religion betwixt the Protestants of Germany and the French) should return with small fruit of his embassage: for they said, that Augustus' duke of Saxony answered them, That he would not trouble the prosperity of his Estate with the affairs of France; and that the Landtgraue of Hessen had said, That age and experience had taught him, how dangerous a thing it was to enter into league with any strangers. And therefore they did imagine (or else some would persuade them) that the French (under colour of Religion) did seek to make some broils in Germany, and (in the mean time) to assure their affairs, that the prince of Orange and the English might the better settle the estate of the united Provinces, 
1584.  against the violence of the Spaniards, who began now to prosper more than they did before.  
Among the towns of the united Provinces, it was propounded, Whether they should continue the customs imposed for the maintenance of the war (upon all merchandise that came in or went out) or take them quite away. Some said, that seeing the countries and sea towns depend upon the profit which cometh unto them by the traffic and free negotiation of all merchandise, that therefore this imposition was necessary for the maintenance of the war: That the country of itself could not spend and consume the great abundance of commodities which it yieldeth, as butter, cheese, and fish, dry or salt, wherewith most of the people get their livings: That if they prohibit the inhabitants of the country to send them unto the enemy, that other neighbours which have the navigation free, would not fail to furnish them at their own wills, reaping the gain and profit which they of the country (from whence such commodities come) should have themselves, as of their own growing; and in so doing, it were to cut off the chief means they had to make money, to support the charges of the war. Others were of a contrary opinion, saying, That it was a great shame and dishonour to feed their enemies; the which if they did forbear, they should see them perish for want, having no means to put an army to field, nor to besiege any towns, and that thereby should follow the discouragement and mutiny of the enemy's soldiers. To them it was answered, That it was impossible to famish them, being so near unto Germany and France, from whence they might supply their wants. Yet in the end, to avoid all murmur and discontent of the common people, upon the two and twentieth of june it was forbidden by public proclamation, not to transport any thing into the enemy's country, nor to receive from thence into the united Provinces, upon pain of confiscation of all such wares and merchandises. It was also forbidden, to carry any thing into France, lower than Rovan, nor into England, nor into the rivers of Ems and Meuse, nearer than the places which were limited by the proclamation: And that those that would sail towards the West, should be bound to launch into the main sea: and if they were found and taken along by the coast of Flaunders, all should be good prize, and confiscated. The like was required of the French king, and of the Queen of England, for otherwise all this defence had been unprofitable. And there were certain ships of war sent to that end by the Estates, into the rivers of Ems and Meuse.  
Although this defence was in force for a while, yet soon after, the Frenchmen by Callais, and the Englishmen by Dunkirk, furnished the Spanish army of what they wanted, which otherwise had been forced to retire from antwerp: whereupon it followed, that the merchants of the united Provinces did the like, and that these defences were no more observed.  
In May, the prince of Orange and the Estates sent the earl of Hohenlo again with greater forces, to besiege the town and fort of Zutphen, being then well furnished with all things necessary, joining unto him the troops which the Elector Truchses, and the noble Henry of Brunswick had brought out of Germany: with all which forces the earl of Hohenlo besieged the town, in the which colonel Taxis was in person with two thousand men. The earl of Hohenlo took from him at the first the use of the river, both above and beneath: Verdugo seeing that the siege could not be raised without great force and fight, durst not attempt nor hazard any thing; and the rather, for that he knew there was much due unto his soldiers for their pay, fearing that they would not fight without money: wherefore he sent unto the prince of Parma, to have directions from him, and that if he would have him to raise the Estates camp, he should send him greater provision both of men and money. Whereupon the Parmois writ unto him, That he should do his best to force the Estates camp, and to raise them, sending him money for his men, and the regiments of Dom john Mauriques de Lara, of the earl of Aremberg, and of some others, with good store of horse; who being joined with Verdugo, had the honour to raise this siege, without striking stroke, for that the earl of Hohenlo would not attend their coming, nor hazard any thing upon a doubtful battle, but raised his camp in time, and retired part to Deventer, and part to Arnham in Guelderland, and to other towns along the rivers of Yssel and of Rhin, not without many reproaches and 
1584.  scoffs of the common people of those towns, saying, that they durst not fight, and that they had fled before they had seen the enemy. The horsemen laid the fault upon the footmen, who (they said) would not make head against the enemy, until they were paid, as it is the Germans use, when they must fight, whereof there was a good troop, belonging to the Elector and to noble Henry. So the next day after their rising and departure, the king of Spain his men entered into Zutphen without any resistance, where they rested one night, meaning the next day to pursue their victory: but hearing that the Estates army had passed the river, they dislodged not.  
The tenth of june, Francis of Valois, only brother to the French king, duke of Anjou and Brabant, Earl of Flanders, etc. before he was fully reconciled to the Estates of the united provinces, died at Chasteau-Thierry, not without suspicion of poison. At his death he much lamented for that which had been done the year before (through the advice of some pernicious counsellors) in antwerp, and would willingly have repaired it, if he had escaped death. I have heard him grieve nine or ten days before his death, being upon his bed (whither he commanded, I should be called) that having been duke of Brabant, 
john Petit.  he had never been in Brussels, where the palace is of the dukes of Brabant. He commanded me to recommend him to the Signior of Timpel, governor of that town (besides the letters which he writ unto him) and to tell him, that as soon as he should be able to travel on horseback, or in carosse, he would go to Brussels so well accompanied, as the town should have no cause to fear any enemy. By his last Will he did seriously recommend unto the king his brother the affairs of the united Provinces, bequeathing unto him all such right as he had by election, title of donation, or otherwise, in the duchy of Brabant, earldom of Flanders, and elsewhere in the said Netherlands. To the queen mother he gave the Duchy town and citadel of Cambray and Cambresis. There were divers opinions of his death, and of the manner of the poison which had been given him. During his sickness, he did nothing but bleed at divers passages or vents, until that he gave up the ghost. All the time that he lay sick nor in his extremity, he would not have any priest to confess him, declaring publicly, that he had confessed himself sufficiently unto God, and that he had grounded the hope of his salvation upon the merits of jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Saviour of the world, as those have testified, that were present at his death. He desired to be interred with the ornaments, arms, and blazon of the dukes of Brabant; the which the French kings counsel did not think convenient, for fear of offending the king of Spain.  
This death of the duke of Anjou did break the banks which did bound and keep in the overflowing ambition of the league in France, for that they feared him more than the king, but it began now to show itself, as you may read at large in the French Inuentarie, unto which I will refer you, for that it doth belong properly unto that History. He that brought the first news of the duke of Anjou his death unto the Estates in Holland, was within one month after the murderer of the prince of Orange, as we will presently show.  
The third of july the prince of Parma sent colonel Mondragon with five thousand men and ten pieces of artillery, to go and besiege the forts of Lillo and of Lyefkens hoek, both opposite one unto another, at the mouth of the river of Escaut, which goes from antwerp into the sea. The Vicont of Gant (then newly called marquess of Roubay) besieged Lyefkenshoek, on Flanders side, the which he caused to be battered with all speed, being not yet fully finished; where, after he had spent three hundred canon shot, he caused an assault to be given, but at the first charge, they were sharply repulsed. At the second assault he caused certain carts laden with hay and straw to be brought near unto the breach, and to be set on fire, which made such a smoke, carried through the fort by the wind, as the besieged being not able to stand at the rampar, to withstand the fury of the assailants, they were forced; the marquess causing all that he found armed, to be slain, and amongst the rest, many burghers of the town of antwerp, who were come for fresh supplies. He caused some to be hanged afterwards in cold blood, the which was dear for the Spaniards that were prisoners. He also slew with his own hand N. Berendrecht, a captain in the 
1584.  fort, who in former time had been steward to the prince of Espinoy his brother. Colonel Petaine, borne in Arras, seeing the place forced, and the massacre of his men, having almost escaped, was taken, and brought before him, being desirous to see him, whom he also stabbed, and being upon the ground, he caused his men to make an end of him, exercising his accustomed rage and madness upon all that he could meet; for he was of such an humour, as he cared not for the death of a man or two, having begun, ten years before, his first apprenticeship of murdering, upon Cont Philip of Mansfeldt, son to Cont Peter Ernest, governor of Luxembourg in the town of Brussels; and the second a year or two after upon a gentleman named Ponthus Nay, Signior of Chapelle, in the open market place of Bethune, being a prisoner, in the hands of justice. These first beginnings in his youth, could yield no good fruits in his riper age.  
Whilst that the marquess was busied before this fort of Lyefkenshoek, the Superintendents of the town of antwerp (whom it imported more to guard the fort of Lillo) sent a full company of their best trained young men, and some hundred men out of their sworn bands, to fortify the garrison, who in the beginning were but six score men. Soon after, captain Gau (being come from Terneuse) entered with a company of Gascoines: Mondragon being busy to plant his artillery, the said captain Gau made a brave sally upon the Bourgognons, so as he put five companies to rout, with the loss of above a hundred and fifty men, bringing away two captains prisoners. The Signior of Teligny, son to the lord of la Nove, was sent by the Estates of Brabant to command there, who entered with good troops of Frenchmen, whereas a little before there were four Scottish companies entered, being of the regiment of colonel Balfour. Mondragon seeking to plant four canons upon the dike on Zeeland side, these Scottishmen sallied forth, thinking to take it from thence, or else to cloy it: but as the dike was too narrow to make any speed thither in troop, they could not advance themselves, but the Spaniards made head against them; yet they did them a great affront, slew about three hundred of them, and carried away their master myner prisoner with them, who discovered unto the Signior of Teligny all the mines which Mondragon had caused to be digged, remaining after that time in the Estates service, where he did discharge himself both faithfully and truly in his place of Master myner.  
Mondragon, after he had spent five hundred canon shot, and made a fair breach, he made his preparatives to give an assault unto the fort. The besieged perceiving it, they presently made a spacious mine under the breach which they should assail, that having drawn their enemies thither, and then they retiring, as if they gave back, to blow it up. The invention was not bad, if it had been well followed. But as the besieged went out by the said breach, to go and encounter with their enemies, coming to the assault, making presently their retreat and being pursued even into the breach, he that had charge of the said mine, gave fire too soon, so as there were some thirty of their own men blown up, and no harm done to the Spaniards that pursued them; whom the canon of the fort notwithstanding did much annoy, and took from them all appetite to approach any nearer. They of antwerp sent two great canons more, with the which they did dismount a part of the enemy's artillery.  
Colonel Mondragon finding, that notwithstanding all his endeavours, he could not stop the passage of the river, but that they of Lillo received what they needed from antwerp: the better to stop this passage, he caused certain ordinance to be planted on the other side of the river, right opposite unto the sort, and near unto Lyefkens hoek, which might shoot close by the water, even unto Lillo: but for all that, they did not forbear to go in and out, and to pass and repass from Holland and Zeeland to antwerp; and seeing that they made no esteem thereof, he brought other artillery to the dike that was broken at Calloo, where the river was most narrow, assuring himself, that by that means he should take away their navigation: but he prevailed no more than before.  
In the end, the prince of Parma considering the strength of the place, the which had always a port open by the river, and could not be taken away, hearing also, that the besieged were reenforced with fifteen or sixteen companies, and sufficiently provided of all things necessary, he commanded him to raise his siege, not without shame and loss, having 
1584.  spent three weeks before it, and done what he could: yet he left some of his men, near unto Lillo, in certain forts which he had caused to be built at Coesteyn, Oordam, and Blaugarendyck, where he also planted some artillery, to shoot at the ships that went and came from antwerp by the river into Holland, Zeeland, and other places. They do hold for certain, that during this siege, what by sallies, and the canon from the fort, the Spaniard lost not less than two thousand men: whereat we must not marvel, seeing the besieged in six and thirty hours spent two thousand weight of powder. Most of the Estates soldiers that were sent to defend this place, after the Spaniards retreat, were drawn forth, and sent into other garrisons. Those which remained (the greater part of them being French) did mutiny soon after for their pay, chased away the Signior of Teligni, their commander, captain Plucket and other captains, demanding their pay within a short space, the which did much perplex the Estates of Brabant: wherefore they were forced to provide speedily, by reason of the great importance of the place (fearing lest the Spaniard should make his profit and advantage of such a mutiny) so as they were pacified with the receipt of four months pay in money, and five in cloth and apparel.  
Although the prince of Parma had left the siege of Lillo, yet had he planted artillery in divers places along the river upon the bank; whereby they of antwerp knowing him to be master of the field, judged, that he would seek to cut off the passage of their navigation; and would build forts all along the river; the which being furnished with artillery, would command it, and so would retrench the said town, which is the storehouse of all the country of Brabant, from Holland and Zeeland. Whereupon they of antwerp and the Estates of Brabant being then assembled there (among the which there were some barons, and the Signior of S. Aldegonde for the town of Brussels) having taken counsel what was to be done, for the preservation of the said town, they sent the Signior of Grise, lately great bailiff of Bruges (holding still the party of the general Estates) into England, to levy fifteen hundred men under colonel Morgan; for the levying whereof, the Wallon and Dutch churches within that Realm disbursed twenty thousand florins, and they were sent over. They sent likewise into France, thinking that colonel Allein should bring some, but nothing came: for that the money which the said Allein had received to make the levy, was kept by him for the arrearages of his pay, in regard of the service which he had done unto the Estates.  
There was an advice given by the colonels that were burghers of antwerp, who then had taken upon them (although unworthily) the knowledge of all matters concerning the 
The colonels of antwerp abandon Herental.  war, in the said town, and in all that quarter of antwerp, to abandon Herental, and to retire the garrison and the munition, to employ them elsewhere. But this was done with such disorder, as all the powder was lost. After they had provided and taken order for the defence of antwerp, the Estates of Brabant found it needful to entertain fourscore companies of footmen, and sixteen companies of horsemen, as well for the said town, as for Brussels, Macklyn, and other places, whereof antwerp should bear the greatest part of the burden: so as they were forced to charge them with great impositions, which came to above three hundred thousand florins, besides other impositions which they paid afterwards.  
Many of the chief burghers and merchants of antwerp, seeing the fort of Lyefkenshoek thus poorly lost, and their fellow citizens that were in it, so miserably slain; that they had neither prince nor head; that the Spaniard began to build forts upon the river, and to furnish them with good artillery, they began to fear; so as some hundred of them retired out of the town, who were afterwards commanded by a public proclamation to return within a certain time, to help to defend the town, and the place where they had gotten so much wealth, upon pain of confiscation of such goods as they had remaining within the town: yet few returned; yea, there daily retired more and more.  
The tenth of july the prince of Orange having made his residence above a whole year at Delft in Holland, was traitorously murdered in his lodging, at the issue of his dinner, by 
1584.  one balthasar Gerard, a high Bourguignon, borne at Ville Franche, whereof we will relate 
The prince of Orange traitorously murdered.  the history, or rather Tragedy, truly as it happened, and as succinctly as we can. The Spaniards thinking, that they had no other enemy in this world, and that he being dead, they should attain unto their wished desires in the Netherlands, they never ceased, until that (in the end) they caused him to be murdered, after the manner which followeth.  
In May there arrived at the prince's court (being then at Delft) a certain young man, about seven and twenty years old, of a mean stature, and carrying but a simple countenance: who as in passing delivered a letter to the said prince, who demanded of him from whence it came: whereunto he answered, That it was his own letter, whereby he would give him to understand matters of great moment for the service of the country: the said letter was subscribed Francis Guyon. The next day he addressed himself to one of the prince's secretaries, who sent him to Peter●…l Oyseleur, called Villiers, a minister and counsellor to the said prince, whom he requested to procure him an answer of his letter, saying, That he had matters of importance to impart unto him, concerning the country and the Religion. Certain days after, the prince of Orange understanding the tenor of this letter, commanded Oyseleur to hear what he would say●…: and so this gallant gave him to understand, that his name was Francis Guyon, borne at Besanson, and that he had been always a most affectionate servant unto the said prince, being Vicont of Besanson (as he was) and the greatest nobleman in all high Bourgogne: That he had always desired to do him service, and especially since the death of his father, who was borne at Lion, but married at Besanson; who after the enterprise of the Signior of Beavieu made upon the said town of Besanson, was (upon false suggestions) put in prison, and executed, for that he made profession of the Religion. Since which time, for the dishonour of his father's death, and for his conscience sake, he was moved to come and live in a place where there was exercise of Religion: which made him still desirous to retire himself, to serve the said prince: for which occasion he was come out of his country above two years since, with a good horse and arms, to put himself under some company there. But as he passed through the Duchy of Luxembourg, he was desirous to see a cousin of his, called Pre, Secretary to Cont Peter Ernest of Mansfeldt. This cousin persuaded him to remain some time with him; the which he did: yet was he still desirous to be gone, for that he continued there against his conscience, and although he were often intended to depart, yet there was something still which retained him. Notwithstanding at Easter last, God (as it were) forced him to retire, for that there was a priest of Brussels in the earls house, very severe against them that were suspected to be of the Religion, going often into their chambers to see what they did: so as both he and his cousin had a great desire to play him some bad part: for he threatened to accuse them, if they went not to confession and to the Sacrament: which made him retire from thence to Treves, there to pass the feast of Easter: but being returned, this priest demanded of him, where he had received the Sacrament? he answered him, in the Jesuits church at Treves, whereas one of the chief jesuits had ministered the Sacrament unto him. But as this jesuit came unforrunately to Luxembourg, the priest asked him, if Francis Guyon had received the Sacrament at his hands; the other answered, no: whereupon the said priest knowing, that Guyon was in the castle of Fontaine, near unto Luxembourg, with the earl, he came thither, and would have taken him, but he defended himself, and hurt the priest with his dagger, so as he escaped, and went to Treves, from whence he sent to his cousin for his horse and some little money: but as he stayed too long, fearing to be discovered to have undertaken this voyage unto the prince of Orange, to do him service, as he had both desire and means: and in saying so, this impudent affronter drew out of his sleeve a packet full of blanks, sealed by the earl of Mansfeldt, saying, That he had the said seal often at his commandment and disposing, being chief clerk unto du Pre; and that therewith he had given many passports to victuallers and others that had need thereof.  
All this discourse being delivered unto the prince by Oyseleur, he commanded him to inquire of him to what use they might serve. He answered, That therewith they might 
1584.  make an enterprise upon any town in Luxembourg, or if that were too far, it might serve for spies to go through the country. This being delivered unto the prince of Orange, he replied, That there was no means to attempt any thing with those blanks: but they might serve to cause messengers to pass from Brussels to Cambray, commanding, that they should send part of them to Brussels: as for the rest, the prince having conferred with the Signior of Espruneaux, ambassador for the duke of Anjou, an occasion being offered, it was resolved, that Charon, Signior of Schoonwal, returning then into France, should carry him with him, to know if the Signior of Byron (who it was said should be governor of Cambray) could make any use of those seals, to make passports for his men. Whereupon Charon having his dispatch from the prince, was charged to take him with him, as he did. This villain being in those parts, he writ into these parts, That he did hope to see the Signior of Beavieu shortly (he called the murder which was projected by him, Beavieu) who did well temember his father, that died in his service, by whose means he did hope to be advanced, and to attain unto some better estate. See the constant cozenage of this wretch.  
Soon after, Charon sent him back with letters unto the prince and the Estates, advertising them of the duke of Anjou his death. The prince having read these letters, sent for Guyon into his chamber, being yet in bed, to understand the particularities of the duke his death (this wretch did since confess, being in prison, That if at that time he had had a dagger, or a knife, yea, a pen knife, that he had slain the prince in his bed) who, after that he had talked a while with him, he dismissed him. After that, he came usually to prayers and sermons: He read commonly du Bartas works, and especially the History of judith, where there are certain persuasions to encourage men to root out tyrants. Sometimes he borrowed a Bible of the Porter, to read some chapters before him, whereby (under colour of Religion) he grew familiar with some of the prince's household. In the end, his dispatch being made to return into France to Monsieur Charon, he was commanded to depart, having no more to do there. Whereupon he entreated them to give him some money, showing his hose and shoes, which were not worth any thing. The prince commanded, that in delivering him his dispatch, they should give him ten or twelve crowns, the which was done, and he received his money the eight of july. The next day he bought a pistol of a soldier of the prince's guard, called Rene; but finding that it shot not true, he bought 2 more of one called john de la Forest, sergeant to captain claud Caulier, the which he tried three or four times, and found them good.  
The tenth of the same month he watched when the prince should go down into the hall to dinner, from whom he demanded a passport, speaking (as the princess did observe him) with a hollow and unsettled voice: so as she demanded of the prince (her husband) what he was, for that she did not like his countenance. The prince answered her, that he demanded a passport, the which he would cause to be given him. During dinner time, he was seen walking about the stables, behind the house, towards the rampar of the town. Dinner being ended, the prince going out of the hall, the murderer stood behind a pillar in the gallery, with his cloak hanging upon one shoulder, and under his left arm these two pistols hidden, holding in his right hand a paper, as if it had been his passport, to have the prince sign it: as the prince passed, having one foot upon the first step of the stairs, this traitor advancing, drew forth one of his pistols so suddenly, as no man did perceive him before the blow was given, shooting him from the left side to the right, through the 
The prince slain.  stomach and the vital parts. The prince feeling himself hurt, said nothing else but, O my God, take pity of my soul, I am sore wounded: my God take pity of my soul, and of this poor 
His last words.  people. Having spoken these words, he began to stagger, but his gentleman Usher stayed him, and set him upon the stairs, but he spoke no more. Then the Countess of Swartzenbourg (his sister) asked him in high Dutch, if he did not recommend his soul to jesus Christ our Saviour, to whom he answered in the same language, yea, and never spoke more: but drawing towards his end, he was carried into the hall where he had dined, and there gave up the ghost. Such was the end of the most wise, constant, and virtuous prince of Orange. 
1584.   
The murderer assuring himself that he had done the deed, sought to escape by the stables, whereof he had before observed the paslages; and as he was to go down four or five steps of the gallery, he leapt them all at once, wherewith the other pistol fell from under his arm (with the which, being charged, he thought to defend himself) having 
The murderer seeks to escape.  no leisure to take it up, for that he fled away as fast as he could, passing through the stable into the street which goeth unto the rampar. But as he ran over a dunghill, being the nearest way, the straw being long, he fell, yet he rose again, thinking to get unto the wall, and so to cast himself into the towne-ditch, where he was taken by a lackey and an halberdier, with the help of some others, which came running, who brought him unto the Court. At the first he was much amazed and perplexed: but seeing they did not kill him suddenly, and that they would keep him, he began to grow resolute. And as one of the prince his servants said unto him, Thou art a wicked traitor, he answered, I am no traitor, I have done that which the king commanded: what King? demanded one: The king of Spain (my master) said he. And when as captain Bastien, a Frenchman, said unto him: Art not thou a wicked traitor, who hadst thought to have killed the prince, if God had not prevented it? What (said he) have I failed! cursed be the fault. From thence he was carried to his lodging that kept the court, whither the magistrate of the town of Delft came to examine him. There he demanded paper, pen and ink, promising, that seeing he was a prisoner, and as good (said he) as dead, he would lay open the whole truth; the which he did not: adding many lies to some points that were true.  
He confessed, that he was called balthasar Gerard, of Ville-Franche in Bourgoigne, and 
The murderers confession.  that for six years, yea, after the breach of the pacification of Gant, he had had a great desire to kill the prince. He made show of the same desire, for that (he said) remaining at Dole six years before with a Proctor, called john Villain, he took a dagger, and struck it with all his force into a door, saying, I would this blow were through the prince of Orange's heart: for the which he was blamed by one john Guillaume, that kept the bridge at Vret in Bourgoigne, who said unto him, That it was not for him to kill princes. And having heard within three years, that the king of Spain had given sentence of death against the prince of Orange, and liberty to kill him wheresoever they could, he had come in February, in the year 1582, expressly out of Bourgoigne into those parts, to put this sentence in execution, and that being come to Luxembourg, in March, he had heard say, that a certain Biscaine had murdered him: for which cause he went no farther, but put himself in service with john du Pre, Secretary to the earl of Mansfeldt, governor of Luxembourg. But hearing afterwards that he was not dead, but recovered, he then resolved (whatsoever should happen) to execute this design, hoping to find some good opportunity, the earl of Mansfeldt being in field, about the place where the prince should be; to whom he would present some flying seals, and blanks of the said earl: assuring himself, that in time he should find access into the said prince his court, and so effect this his enterprise upon the first occasion, and with the least danger that might be. According to his ancient and inveterate resolution (these are his very words) in November the year before, he desired du Pre, being at Diest, to suffer him to depart, for that he saw no better means to approach near unto the prince, than at that time, the earl of Mansfeldt being to return into Luxembourg: yet du Pre (his master and cousin) entreated him instantly to follow him and serve him, persuading him, that the earl would return soon unto the camp, yea, before a month were expired: but seeing that du Pre protracted the time to dismiss him, being thrust on unto the execution of this design, he resolved to quarrel with him, and so to get away: But being returned to Luxembourg, he thought to retire to finish his work. His master finding, that some one had stolen from him four hundred and fifty crowns out of his coffer, he then stayed in his service, to free himself from suspicion: but the money being found again, he sought all means possible to draw near unto the prince, and to follow some Wallon companies, sent out of Luxembourg into Brabant: whereof he was likewise prevented by du Pre his sickness; the which continued eight days before, and fifteen days after Christmas, before he was fully recovered. 
1584.   
At the last, in March last passed, he took his leave of his master: but before he came into these parts, he went to Treves, where he confessed himself unto a jesuit, who kept him in their College, discovering his design unto him, showing him the flying seals, which he entreated him to keep secret until Easter, and then to acquaint the earl of Mansfeldt therewith: following also the counsel and direction of this jesuit, he also imparted this fact unto the prince of Parma, by letters which he did write in Tournay, and presented unto the said prince: but yet he durst not stay for an answer, fearing lest he should take the stealing away of those seals in ill part. And from thence he came unto Delft, where he presented the said seals, hoping it should procure him some means to execute that which he had pretended, until they thought it convenient to send him into France with Monsieur Charon, to deliver some of these seals unto the marshal of Byron, and other noblemen, holding the duke of Anjou his party. But the said duke dying soon after, he desired to be sent back into these parts, the which the Signior of Charon did, with letters unto the prince of Orange and the Estates, by the which he did advertise them of the death of the said duke. After which time he sought all opportunities to do the deed; and finding none more fit, than to shoot him, either coming from the Sermon, or going out of his chamber to dinner, or rising from the table, the day before he bought two pistols, the which he charged, one with three bullets, and the other with two, shooting that which had three through the prince of Orange his body, having no means to use the other, for the let which was given him by the halberdiers, for the which he was very sorrowful; protesting, that if he were at that time a thousand leagues from thence, he would return to perform the murder.  
All this and more (which were superfluous) was confessed and written by the hand of the said balthasar Gerard, in the keeper's chamber; and there were found about him two bladders somewhat blown, with a little pipe to blow them up, hoping (although he could not swim) with the help thereof to get through the towne-ditches. He used also many speeches to this end, That if the prince had been in the midst of fifty thousand soldiers, if he might have approached near him, he would have done it, yea, and would do it again, being very sorry (for that they made him so believe) that he was not dead: Having asked if he were not hurt, they told him yea: whereupon he replied, That he was very glad thereof, for he could not escape, but must needs die. Afterwards (being in prison) he confessed more, wherein he persisted until his execution, as followeth.  
First (besides his former confession) he voluntarily declared, and without torture, That 
The murderers second confession.  he had not seen the sentence of the prince's proscription, and liberty to kill him, where they could, but five months before; yet he had heard it spoken of, and that some such thing had been proclaimed in the Netherlands. He said moreover, That in May last he had not been eight days in these parts, but he sought to execute his design, if he had had the means, or any hope to escape: That after the death of the duke of Anjou, he presented his service unto the Signior of Charon, that in carrying his letters, he might do that which he had projected: That he had never imparted this deed unto the Signior of Charon, whom he knew to be too sincere, nor made any creature living in those parts acquainted therewith: That he had resolved to do it the day before at dinner time; but seeing no likelihood to save himself, he durst not attempt it: That this day (not able to delay it any longer) he was fully resolved and determined to do it, notwithstanding any danger whatsoever, yea, had the prince been in the midst of fifty thousand men: That he was very sorry that the prince was not dead, but not that he had done his best endeavour, and if he were a thousand leagues off from thence, he would pass mountains, rivers, and all other difficulties whatsoever, to come and effect his purpose. As for the jesuit of Treves, he persisted in his first confession: And moreover, talking unto the standers by, he said: That being in France, he enjoyed no rest day nor night, he was so tormented with an extreme desire to perform and execute this fact: yea, he had quarreled with the other servants, to the end he should take an occasion to send him away: and if he could not have effected his design at this voyage, that at his return into 
1584.  France he would have been of the reformed Religion in some Church, and would have carried himself in such sort, as he would have gotten access into the Consistory, and procured letters of recommendation, to have returned into these parts, and so to find the better opportunity to finish this projected murder.  
Before he was put unto the torture, he confessed, That he had acquainted M. Gery, doctor of Divinity, guardian of the Franciscan Friars at Tournay, with this enterprise, in March last passed; in which confession he persisted, being from the rack; and being brought unto it again, he said, That for that he was a poor companion, and to get some help or means, he had made the prince of Parma acquainted therewith, who commanded the counsellor d' Assonuille to treat more amply and at large with him. This counsellor laying before him the dangers that might be in the execution of so great a fact, said unto him, That he should do a great service unto the king of Spain; but in case he should happen to be discovered, he should not in any sort name the prince of Parma: And telling him of the hard access that he should find into the prince of Orange his court, he answered, That he would call himself by the name of Francis Guyon of Besanson, son to Peter Guyon, sometimes executed for Religion, and lost all his goods; and that he (being but a poor companion) would feign himself to be very zealous to the reformed Religion: and that he would go into Holland to the prince's court, where (to have the better reception) he would present those flying seals: wherewith d Assonuille was well pleased, persuading him to persevere in this resolution, and to effect it, entreating him (as before) not to make any mention of the prince of Parma, for that it would avail him little or nothing, and would be a matter of great consequence, and turn to the dishonour of the said prince.  
The next day he confessed moreover without any torture, that the day before he came unto the court, to see if the prince were come out of his chamber to dinner, and finding him set at the table, he went home to his lodging, and charged his two pistols, and hung them at his girdle on the left side, suffering his cloak to hang down upon his shoulder, that they might suspect the less. He said moreover, that d' Assonuille (after that they had conferred together of this business) promised to make report thereof unto the prince of Parma; the which he having done, he told him, that the prince liked well thereof, and that (if he could effect it) he would be a means he should have the reward, which was promised by the proscription: That d' Assonuille did propound unto him again some difficulties; but finding his courage and resolution, he said unto him: Go my son, if you perform this deed, the king of Spain will accomplish and perform all that he hath promised, and you shall purchase an immortal name. Whereupon he answered, That he would counterfeit himself so well of the Religion, as he might get into some Secretary's service, and by that means watch an opportunity to present some letters unto the prince of Orange, for him to sign, in doing whereof he would stab him into the body with a dagger. Being taken from the rack, he said again, That he did nothing repent him of that which he had attempted against the prince of Orange, and that he would do it, if it were now to be done again, although it should cost him a thousand lives.  
The four and twentieth of the said month he confessed moreover, That d' Assonuille had promised him, That the prince of Parma would be a means, that he should be satisfied of that which the king had promised by the proscription, and that he had undertaken this fact, to make himself rich: That d' Assonuille had showed the said flying seals unto the prince of Parma, who delivered them back again unto him, saying, That he was very well content, that he should make use of them, and that the earl of Mansfeldt should alter his seal, and change it into another manner or fashion: That d' Assonuille had charged and commanded him, that (coming into antwerp) if he should be brought before the Signior of S. Aldegonde, that he should boldly show those seals unto him: and that when he should enter into the town, he should hide them in some place before he came in, and then fetched them again: That the said master Gery having heard his resolution, said unto him, that seeing he had undertaken such a thing, that he 
1584.  should finish it, and gave him his blessing, promising to pray unto God for him: the which the jesuit of Treves did in like manner promise, assuring him, that in case he died in the execution of this design, that he should be put in the number of the holy glorious martyrs: the name of which jesuit he did not know, but as he was called the regent of the college, having a red hair, who imparted this fact to three other of his brethren.  
According to which confessions, wherein he persisted unto his death, he was condemned, the tenor of whose sentence followeth.  
Whereas balthasar Gerard, borne at Fans in the frank country of Bourgogne, belonging 
A sentence against balthasar Gerard the murderer of the prince of Orange.  to the king of Spain, being at this time prisoner, hath confessed, that to murder the famous and mighty prince of Orange, earl of Nassau, etc., deceased, he came out of the said country of Bourgogne into Luxembourg, where putting himself into service with the secretary of the earl of Mansfeldt, governor of the said country of Luxembourg, and there had printed upon paper a great number of the said earls seals, and learned to counterfeit his hand, thereby to get access unto the prince of Orange's court; which resolution of his, he had in March last imparted unto the prince of Parma in writing, being at Tournay, who appointed him to treat of that business with the councillor d' Assonuille, who had promised unto the said prisoner, that if he could effect his design, and execute the king of Spain's proscription against the said prince, that the king should pay him that which was promised by the said sentence, and among other points should give him for recompense, five and twenty thousand ducats.  
That the prisoner having consulted with d' Assonuille touching this execution, had agreed and concluded betwixt them, that the said prisoner should go into the prince's court, and call himself Francis Guyon, son to Peter Guyon of Besanson, in former time executed for religion, and forfeited his goods.  
That under colour to have been zealous to the religion, for the which he had lost his father and goods, & under this borrowed name, and with these seals and blanks, he should seek and endeavour to have access unto the said prince. According unto which resolution, the said prisoner belying his name, and calling himself Francis Guyon, had come unto the said princes court, and the ninth day of the month had bought two pistols, and on the tenth day espying the said prince at dinner in his hall, had gone back unto his lodging or Inn, where he charged the said two pistols, one he charged with three bullets, and the other with two, and then he returned back unto the court, with his pistols hanging at his girdle on the left side hidden under his cloak; that on the right side he had let his cloak hang off his shoulder, that he might not seem to have any thing hidden under it. And that dinner being done, as the prince went out of the hall to go up the stairs to his chamber, the said prisoner had discharged one of his pistols charged with three bullets through the body of the said prince, with which shot (to the great grief and sorrow of all good countrymen) he had been slain: which fact, as a most execrable crime and abominable treason, committed upon the person of so famous and renowned a prince (as the prince of Orange was) ought in no sort to remain unpunished, but rather with all rigour to be made an example to future ages.  
Wherefore the commissioners of the general and provincial council, together with the bourgmaster and sheriffs of this town, upon the examination and confession of the said prisoner, all being duly weighed and considered, have condemned and do condemn the said balthasar Gerard prisoner at this present, to be laid upon a scaffold in the market place of this town, before the townhouse, there first to have his right hand (with the which he did commit that execrable mutther) torn and pinched with two hot burning irons, then to be pinched in six several places of his body with burning pincers, as upon his arms, thighs, and other places where there is most flesh, the which being thus burnt, his members shall be pulled off, and in the end quartered alive, beginning below, and so go up his belly, then to have his heart pulled out and cast at his face, and his head cut off and set upon a pole behind the prince's lodging upon the watch tower, and his four quarters to be hanged upon four gibbets, upon the bulwarks of the Hegeport, Oostport, Ketelport, and Waterslootscheport in this town, declaring his goods to be for feited, to whom it shall appertain: 
1584.  Pronounced unto the prisoner of Delft upon the fourteenth of july 1584., signed, Ʋander Mere.  
The same day the hour of his death was signified unto him, that he might prepare himself for the next day. At the first he was much amazed, cursing the hour that he had ever learned that wicked practice at Dole, wishing, that he had rather been a poor mechanic tradesman, than to have fallen into that disaster; much lamenting his death: yet in the end he said, That seeing he had done and committed the folly, he must now suffer for his folly. And the next day after he was executed according to the sentence.  
Being there a spectator among many others that went to see this execution, I will show 
The execution of the murderer.  you what I observed therein. This murderer, although he had his feet scorched and swollen with the torture, yet he went firmly betwixt two hangmen. He was of a small stature, having the hair of his head, beard, and of all his body shaven, doubting lest he had some enchantment about him, which might be the cause that during his torments he cried little or not at all. Being tied upon the scaffold, he might visibly see the princers and fire which should serve to that use, he might behold the table whereon he should be quartered, with the knives and the axe, and yet all this did not move him. And as the two hangmen were busied to break the pistol (wherewith he had shot the prince) upon an anvil, one of them striking with his hammer, it flew off the handle close by the others ear: whereat the people laughing, this wretch could not contain himself, but that he smiled. Having his hand betwixt two burning irons, so as it seemed a furnace, he lifted it up, as if he would say and show, behold, this is the hand that hath done the deed. And after that he had been tormented with burning irons, the hangmen carried him betwixt them to lay him upon the table: some silly woman said unto the assistants, Why do they thus torment this poor creature? when all is done, he hath killed but one man, and yet he must endure a thousand deaths: The burghers hearing the woman to utter these speeches, thrust her back with reproachful words. Those that were something farther off, hearing a noise, and not knowing what it was, began to murmur, some crying to arms, and beating their drums. The murderer being now laid upon the table, the executioners grew to be somewhat amazed, and were ●…cadie to abandon him, and he as ready to rise from thence, and fly away: whereupon the magistrates cried out unto the hangmen, that there was no danger at all, and that they should perform and do their duties. It is to be presumed, that if there had been any trouble there, or that he had been left alone upon the scaffold, being in that miserable case as he was, he would have sought to save himself. To conclude, in all his torments which he had, he never cried out, nor seemed to feel any pain, for the which he was resolute, and had so vaunted of himself, when he was upon the rack.  
All men that have any judgement, or spark of pity or remorse in them, may see, if Paradise be won by such treacherous and detestable murders (as they seek to persuade the simpler sort of people) seeing that both Law, justice, and Policy are repugnant unto them, Nature doth abhor them, yea, even the prince of Parma his soldiers have blamed and detested it, as also most of the commons of the enemy's party did not allow of it, neither would the magistrates o●… governors in any place suffer (as the Jesuits themselves desired) that any bonfires should be made in the streets, in sign of joy thereof.  
The four and twentieth day of August, the funeral pomp at the interment of the 
The prince of Orange's funeral pomp.  prince of Orange's body was performed withgreat pomp, according to the estate and quality which his greatness required, and his merits, with the Estates of Holland and the united provinces. Cont Maurice of Nassau his second son (the earl of Buren his eldest being prisoner in Spain, and the youngest being but seven or eight months old) was the chief mourner, having on the right side of him Truchses prince elector of Cologne, and on the left hand the earl of Hohenlo, then followed William and Philip earls of Nassau his cousin germane: and after them came the carl of Solins as the last mourner; the rest of the pomp following in good order unto the new temple upon the market place at Delft, where his body 
1584.  was entombed.  
He died at the age of fifty and one years, eleven months, and twenty five days, of a mean 
The prince of Orange's age and disposition.  stature and corpulent, the colour of his hair inclining somewhat to brown, somewhat lean visaged, but otherwise well set of his members. His body being opened to be embalmed, his inward parts which were not touched with the blow, were found so sound and perfect, as by the course of nature he might have lived a great age. He was of an active spirit, and great memory. As for his virtues, wisdom, constancy, and magnanimity, his life, his actions, his toils, and his patience, we will rather leave to all impartial men to admire it, than attempt to describe it, being impossible.  
He had to his first wife, the daughter and only heir of Maximilian of Egmont, earl of 
His wives and children.  Buren, and of Iselstein, by whom he had Philip (at this day) prince of Orange, and Marie countess of Hohenlo. By his second wife daughter to Maurice duke of Saxony, he had prince Maurice marquess of Camphor and Flessingue, who succeeded him in his governments, Anne, who is now deceased, who was wife to Cont William, Lewis of Nassau, and Emilia princess of Portugal. Of his third wife, who was daughter to the duke of Montpenser, he had six daughters, Lovyse the eldest, married to the elector palatin of Rhin, the duchess of Bovillon and vicontesse of Tureine, the princess of Tremoville, Tovars, etc. the countess of Hennau, etc. and two remaining yet to marry. Of his fourth wife, daughter to the Admiral of France, and widow before to the Signior of Teligni, he had his third son, Cont Henry Frederick, at this time he is about twenty and four years old, of whom the united provinees hope great matters, and expect good fortunes, Delft in Holland being the place of his birth.  
By this sudden and unexpected death of the prince, the united provinces were unfurnished of a governor, the which troubled many of the Estates, some fearing that through the disorder or small concord that would be among the Estates, they should not be able to resist the mighty attempts of the king of Spain, and that all would fall into a confusion. Yet 
Grave Maurice chosen governor.  the funerals being ended, the Estates being loath to seem to faint, made choice of Grave Maurice his second son, being then but eighteen years old, for their head, being assisted in his affairs by a council which was given him, the general Estates remaining still in the sovereign government.  
This young prince did thank them for the honour which they did him, promising his best endeavour for the defence and preservation of the country, maintenance of their privileges, and the revenge of the prince his father's death, and not to attempt any thing, without the advice, resolution, determination, and good liking of the said Estates of the united provinces: whereupon the earl of Hohenlo was made Lieutenant to the Captain general.  
They of Gant having kept john d'Imbise their bourgmaster a long time prisoner, finished 
john d'Imbise beheaded.  his process, and found him guilty of treason in many points, by a sentence given by the Sheriffs: they caused his head to be cut off in the open market place, and to be set up for certain hours upon a pole, having confessed before his death that he had deserved it. It was strange to see the ambition and inconstancy of this man in his elder age, being almost seventy years old. I say ambition and presumption, in that he durst first of all oppose himself against the prince of Orange: inconstancy, who (being a turbulent and factious man) had often been the cause of troubles and mutinies in the town of Gant, being ready to cut one another's throat: being retired into Germany, for fear of the prince of Orange: then being called home by the Ganthois, that he should seek to turn to the Spanish party, whom he had in former time so highly offended, especially in the spoiling of so many churches, wherewith he had greatly enriched himself, such was his blindness (as they truly said) that his ambition and presumption had brought him to the very place where he died.  
The prince of Parma after the death of the prince of Orange, by the which he did hope for some alteration in the united provinces, would lose no occasion to make himself master of antwerp, Gant, Brussels, Macklyn, and Dendermond; for the effecting whereof, he thought it fit to cut off the navigation of the river of Escaut, which runs before antwerp, 
1584.  both above and beneath the town (the which he did almost effect and bring to pass) causing many forts to be built close to the river, to batter the ships that would pass and repass from Holland and Zeeland unto antwerp. And although at the first it seemed a ridiculous thing to stop up so large and deep a river, where the tides ebbing and flowing are so strong; yet since experience hath taught, that the prince of Parma his diligence and industry hath made it feasible.  
This opinion of men, that he should not prevail any thing, was the cause of their slackness and negligence to hinder him in the beginning, when as they had good means to do it: he therefore caused a mighty fort to be built at Calloo in Flanders, upon the rivers side, and another right against it at Oordam on Brabant side, which they of antwerp and the Estates did see made at leisure even before their noses: he also caused a channel to be digged with great charge (wherein he continually employed six hundred pioneers, which came from Steeken unto Calloo, being four leagues distant one from another, to bring what victuals and munition should be needful unto all those forts which he had built upon the rivers side. As for his person, and his chief camp, he lodged at Beveren, two leagues from antwerp: he had also a petty camp on Brabant side, in the village of Strabrouke, under the command of Cont Mansfeldt: where as Colonel Mondragon caused a fort to be built, not fair from the castle of Coesteyn, and four others betwixt the said camp of Strabrouke and the river.  
On the other side, they of Zeeland cut the banks on Flanders side, near unto Saftige, the which did drown all the country from Hulst unto Beveren and Burcht, except the Doel and some high grounds near unto Calloo, the which was afterwards of great advantage for the Parmois: for by means of the said inundation, the dike being also broken at Burcht, he caused his ships to enter, coming to Dendermond, which came to Calloo by the drowned land, without any danger of passing before antwerp, for otherwise they had had no passage to come.  
And to tier them of Gant and Dendermond on the other side, he caused a palisado to be made in the said river at Bassecode, a league from Dendermond. Then he went and planted 
Dendermond besieged by the Spaniard.  his camp at Lobec joining to the said town, and sent a herald to summon it to yield. The baron of Montagne, Colonel who commanded in the absence of the Signior of Ryhoven their governor (being then absent in Holland) being resolute at the first with the rest of the captains, answered, that he would keep the town for the general Estates of the country. The prince of Parma finding that they would not easily yield, caused the sluices to be taken up, and the water to be drawn out of the ditch, and then battered a certain bulwark without the town; where having made a very bare breach, he caused his Spaniards to give an assault, who took it with the loss of ten men only, and of thirty that were hurt.  
The besieged who were but three hundred soldiers, seeing their ditches dry, and that they should soon have a breach in the rampar, and besides that, the bulwark which the Spaniards had taken did command into the town; moreover (if they had held three months longer) that there was no hope of any succours, they began to parley, and in the end (though to their great griefs) agreed to depart the seventeenth day of August, without 
Dendermond yielded.  any armour, but their rapiers and daggers only, and that they should be safely conducted unto the fort of Villebrouk. The burghers were free from spoil, and were received into grace and favour, paying sixty thousand florins within three months next following: and if there were any that would depart with the soldiers, they might do it freely, no man should hinder them. There went not above a hundred and fifty soldiers out of the town, but many women, strumpets, and children: the two ministers were kept back against the promised faith, whereof the one was drowned, and the other hanged: the which made many to wonder, that the prince of Parma should so much forget himself, as to suffer it.  
Soon after, on the sixth day of September Villevoord did also yield, being a little town upon the river which goes from Brussels to antwerp, where one must pass just by the port. By this means Brussels lost her navigation, and the prince of Parma began to block it up 
1585.  with some forts.  
The general estates of the united provinces considering with themselves that they had to do with a mighty enemy, such an one as the king of Spain, that his war would be long, and in the end might consume them; distrusting of their means and abilities to subsist and to maintain themselves in their war, they propounded to seek succour from the French king, or the Queen of England. The French king answered them, that he would by no means enter into war with the king of Spain his brother in law, yet he sent monsieur d'Espruneaux (who had been Ambassador with the Estates for the duke of Anjou his brother) into Holland, to understand their demands more particularly: which were, That it would please his majesty to declare himself an enemy to the king of Spain, and to make war against him: that by the frontiers of Picardy, nor any other parts under his obedience, he would not suffer any grain nor victuals to be brought unto the enemy, offering him for assurance the towns of Oostend and Scluse, to put in what garrison his majesty pleased.  
Thereupon the Signior of Espruneaux made a long oration in the open assembly of the Estates, extolling the bounty and power of his king, with the good affection he bore unto them, disgracing as much as he could the king of Spain. In the end (yet without any certain assurance at all) he promised them in the French king his master's behalf, all aid and favour.  
The Estates sent also M. Paul Buys advocate of the particular Estates of Holland, and some other deputies, unto the Queen of England, to make the same request; to the end, that if they could not persuade both to succour them, yet at the least that neither of them might be opposite unto them: yet it seemed they were more inclined to the English, by reason of the neighbourhood, and the ancient alliances betwixt both countries, and also for that they were stronger at sea than the French.  
The prince of Parma having (by the taking of Dendermond) no obstacle, (and withal having blocked up the Ganthois on every side) knowing well that the Estates had no means to put an army to field, which might hinder the fortification of Calloo, upon the river of Escaut, on Flanders side, being lodged at Beveren, he sent Colonel Mondragon to advance the shutting up of the river of antwerp, as well with long heads, as palisadoes on either side, planting many pieces of artillery there, so as nothing could go or pass from antwerp into Holland and Zeeland without imminent danger of the cannon shot, seeking to cut off the passage quite, as he had done a little before to the river of Brussels, by the taking of Villevoord.  
They of antwerp for their part wanted nothing that seemed necessary for their safety, and the preservation of the town: Colonel Morgan with his regiment of English came to their succours, and was lodged in the suburbs of Burgerhout. There was a great sum of money collected in the town to supply all necessities and charges, as well for the entertainment of men of war, as for the fortifications which they made along the river; as at Lillo, Terneuse, S. Anthony's houcke, Vaert, Teligni, Toulouse, Melckhuys, Boureschans, Austerweel, and other retrenchments, and also for the reparation of the ramparts of the town.  
In the mean time the garrison of Cambray made great roads and spoils, upon the country of Arthois and Henault, and sometimes even unto the ports of Dovay, taking all they could carry: whereof the prince of Parma made his complaint unto the French king, who made answer that it was not his fault, neither was it done with his leave or consent: besides, the said town did not belong unto him, but to the queen mother, by legacy and succession from the duke of Anjou her son. Upon this answer, the prince of Parma sent la Motte governor of graveling to run over all the country of Boulenois, from whence he carried away a great booty. The French complained in like manner to the prince of Parma, but he made the like answer, that it was not done by his commandment. The Ganthois having been a long time cooped up, and as it were invested by the enemy, seeing also that antwerp was in as great or more danger than themselves; in the end they resolved 
1585.  to be reconciled to the king of Spain, sending their deputies to Beveren to the prince of Parma the seventeenth day of September: so as after many voyages and conferences, they made an accord or agreement with him, upon condition to receive thirty companies in 
An accord made with the town of Gant  garrison, Bourgognons, Walloons, and high Dutch, by equal numbers, and no Spaniards, to remain there as long as he pleased. These companies being entered, the accord or agreement was published, with all solemnities fit and requisite in that case, the chief points whereof were:  
A perpetual forgetfulness, and absolute pardon for all that had past since the trouble, holding them from that time for good vassals & subjects: that the burghers & inhabitants should enjoy all their goods, as if they had never offended the king of Spain. And to take away the impressions which they might have, that in the end they would confiscate their goods; the burghers were suffered to remain within the town for the space of two years, behaving themselves modestly, and without scandal; and in the mean time to consider if they conform themselves to the catholic Romish religion or not.  
That at the end of the said two years, they might retire themselves freely out of the Netherlands, with all their goods, or else sell them, exchange them, alienate them, or give them in charge to any other, who might send or convey them unto them into any neuter place, where they should please to reside. That all suits ended, and sentences given, as well by the provincial council, sheriffs, or other judges, to avoid all confusion, should be confirmed and put in execution, reserving their appeals to the great council. That all obedience should be yielded unto the king in the said town, as before the troubles; and that he should be restored to all his prerogatives, the which during the said troubles might have been suspended, or any ways altered.  
That all prelate's, abbots, chapters, convents, hospitals, and other religious places, should be restored and put in possession of all their goods, and the town not to be bound to the restitution of any thing that had been heretofore received; unless it were some private person which had received it without any authority from the superiors, whereof the judge of the place shall take knowledge.  
But whereas the prince of Parma is given to understand, that what hath happened within the town, was (to the great grief of the burghers) done by some turbulent persons, which had been expulsed and banished out of other towns, being fled thither, and not by the burghers of the said town: he is pleased, that of twelve men which he had reserved, to dispose of them at his pleasure, only six shall be retained under this restriction: in delivering which unto him, the town should be freed from all misdemeanours past: and if he shall so think it good, to deliver three, in punishing the other three, as it should be found they had deserved.  
Finally, the burghers, for the favour which he had showed them by the said accord, should pay three hundred thousand florins, before that any one of them should depart out of the town, promising after the payment of the said sum, he will hold the Ganthois for good, faithful, and obedient subjects, and will show them all favour possible. Setting first at liberty the lord of campaign, of Bruges, and Ypre, & all others that were prisoners by reason of these troubles.  
The six that were reserved, were M. Anthony Heyman sheriff, and of the council, Lucas Mayaert receiver, Lievin Meynkes, Renier de Pestre, Dominicke Derban, and josse of Vleeschauwer: the said Heyman and Mayaert escaped, Lievin Meynkes was delivered at the suit of a gentlewoman, and the three others were put to ransame. Of the three hundred thousand florins, the king forgave a hundred thousand, that the inhabitants might not be too much oppressed: the rest was gathered of every one in particular, according to their means, or as they were able, so as no man could go out of the town before he had paid his part whereat he was sessed. The lord of campaign made a change of his condition, for having remained eight years a prisoner in the said town, he was now made governor thereof, with a good garrison of Walloons. This done, the citadel which had been ruined, was built again stronger than before. The port of the town which was of old masons work, very thick and flat above, whereon (during the siege which the Estates held before the citadel, in the 
1585.  year 1577, when it was yielded unto them) they had planted certain pieces of artillery, for that it did command over the said citadel, was beaten down to the ground. The town was by little and little dispeopled of the best inhabitants and burghers, which during these two years retired themselves, some into Holland and Zeeland, some into England, and some into neutral places.  
In the mean time the bishops of Cologne and Treves sent the Signior of Melro to the general Estates assembled then at Delft in Holland, to exhort them unto peace: but he could have no audience, being told him, that they had spies enough without him, and therefore he was commanded to depart presently without any delay.  
Notwithstanding that the prince of Parma had planted above an hundred pieces of artillery, great and small, upon either bank of the river of antwerp, yet the ships of Holland and Zeeland passed without any great danger of the cannon; for sometimes there past a hundred or six score, yea more, altogether, whereof by mischance the Spaniards took some one 
The ships enter into Antuerpt not withstanding the cannon.  in the tail, or sunk him: the which they had not done, but they came with the tide out of the danger of their forts, under those which the town of antwerp had built on either side, as that of Toulouse on Flanders side, that of Austerweel on Brabant side, and others. True it is, that there arrived some daily, carrying men and women, whereof some were slain, and others without arms and legs, but all this did not stop the passage, so as there came daily great store of all commodities. And the superiors of antwerp, whilst they had yet this means, had done very well if they had furnished themselves with corn, which the Hollanders would have brought them in great abundance, without any respect of the danger, if there had been vent, and they might have gained by it: so greedy that nation is of gains as they stick not at any perils: and whereas they lose sometimes, they have a saying in Dutch, the which is in English, We must try again, for one lost, two recovered: we must seek it where it hath been lost.  
Many were of opinion, that it had been better to have employed the money of all those forts, and of the great preparations to batter the Spanish forts (such as was that great and fruitless mass of floating wood, the which in mockery was called Elephant, and the end of the war; the which cost above a hundred thousand florins) in buying of corn, and other victuals and munition, and in the levy and payment of more soldiers (for it is admirable what money they spent during this siege) the which if they had done, it may be the town had not been lost: for the winter after that it was yielded up, the frosts were so great, and there were such heaps of ice one upon another, as with the flowing and the ebbing of the tide, and the force of the wind, if there had been twenty bridges, and as many stocadoes, they had been all broken, and the palisadoes tied with chains, cables and anchors had been driven away. But all this was neglected by them of antwerp, & their confederates were careless to hinder the making of the bridge, and the stocado: and this opinion deceived them of antwerp, and their confederates; for although it had been impossible, yet should they not have been so careless to have neglected or contemned the endeavours and expenses of the Spaniard, nor the prince of Parma his great diligence and industry. The which falls out commonly to them which have no regard, or make no esteem of their enemies, and hold things impossible, which at the length, industry, diligence, and labour makes possible, yea easy, as hath been seen in the prince of Parma his great work, the which he advanced as much as might be, whilst that he and a part of his army lodged at Beveren, not far distant from Calloo, and the other part of his army at Strabrouke near to Oordam, on the other side of the river, which made the two heads, where his bridge should be made, to succour them that were in the forts of Calloo and Oordam, if the Estates and confederate protestants should seek in any sort to hinder their work: which they carelessly neglected.  
Besides, they of antwerp were very improvident in one point, that having cut the dike beneath Burcht, to drown all the country about Calloo, they had set no guard at the hole of the said dike: or at the least, their ships of war should have kept the princes flat bottomed boats from passing at noon day, as we have heretofore seen them: for if they had only sunk two hoys in the breach and no more, the two and twenty flat bottomed 
1585.  boats which they of Gant and Dendermond sent to make the bridge, had never passed that way as they did, within cannon shot of the castle of antwerp, and of one of their ships of war, who fearing the artillery of Burcht, durst not once approach them to stop their passage. And when as they were passed without any opposition or hindrance, and come unto Calloo, which was the place they desired to come to, than they of Antuerp sent to build a fort upon the dike, close by the hole called Telignies fort, to keep any more from passing, but it was too late.  
Afterwards they began to build that great mass of wood in form of a castle, floating upon the water, called The end of the war, of cannon proof, with four small bulwarks, and twenty great cannons planted round about it, besides a number of other smaller pieces: the which could not be battered so near the water, but there would remain fourscore musketeers, which could not be hurt, being lodged lower than the cannon could batter. It was very heavy for sail, having three main masts, and three rudders, most troublesome to govern, and also very unfit to resist the violence of wind and tide. With which castle they intended to beat down all the Spaniards forts upon the river, from antwerp to Lillo. There were within it five hundred musketeers, which were so placed, the enemy could not offend them; for this fort (for so it might well be called, if it had continued always in one place) was but two foot above the water, and could never sink, by reason of the great abundance of cork, and empty barrels bound about with iron hoops, which did support it. The ramparts were five foot thick, and the bulwarks ten foot thick, filled with rotten nets, well rammed in, which made them firm, and almost impenetrable. The top-castles of the three masts, were of musket proof, full of musketeers, the which might shoot from above into the midst of a fort.  
In the end when all was done, it was a very chargeable work, and exceeding hard to be governed, as the event did show, before it began to work any effect, remaining in the enemy's power at the first shot, as we will show.  
About this time, there was one which spoke in the open council at antwerp, when as they treated of these preparatives, after this manner. Although (said he) the prince of Parma 
A speech in antwerp tending to an accord.  could not finish his work, and stop up the passage of the river, do we not yet see that he hath made himself so strong on both sides, as it is impossible to chase him from thence? and besides, he is master of the field, and can cut off the passages, so as nothing shall be brought us into the town. He hath near unto him a mighty army, and invincible for us: he hath raised his forts and trenches so high above the water, as the tides ebbing and flowing cannot annoy them. And besides all this, the passage of the river is so stopped, as we can have no traffic of merchandise remaining, without the which the people cannot live, nor the town subsist. Wherefore all these difficulties being well weighed and considered, in my opinion we should seek in time to reconcile ourselves to the king, else this siege will prove but unfortunate for us.  
Some of the burghers muttered the same words as they walked in the streets, so as in the end there were some fifty four who presented a petition to the Signior of Lysuelt chancellor of Brabant, earnestly entreating him to be a means that they might accord with the king. This petition being come to the knowledge, of the magistrate and the Colonels, the burghers went presently to arms, as if the enemy had been at the rampar; but it was only to seek out and seize upon them that had presented this petition, whereof there were some thirty put in prison, and every one condemned to pay a certain fine. Then a proclamation was made, upon pain of confiscation both of body and goods, that none should presume to talk of peace, or any agreement. Yea, there was a new oath propounded, which the burghers should take; which was, to hold the king of Spain and his adherents for their perpetual enemies, that they should never make any peace with him nor his, that they should never speak of it, neither in public nor in private, that if it were offered them, they should not accept of it: concluding, that he or they that should go against this oath, should be punished both in body and goods, according to the exigence of the case. And the more to terrify the burghers, they gave them to understand, with what cruelty the prince of Parma (contrary to his promise before made) had entreated them of the religion in Gant, 
1585.  whereof he had cast a great number in prison. And when as their friends made offer to sue for them, to have them delivered out of prison, and presented any petition unto him, they were answered, that he did not receive any more petitions, and that they should be entreated after another fashion.  
Hereupon the Signior of Saint Aldegonde foreign bourgmaster of the said town (which indeed is the chief dignity) made an oration in the open assembly of the great council of the burghers, to persuade them to defend the town yet half a year longer; before the expiration of which term, he hoped to see a goodly victory over their enemies; and that they should not only chase them from their walls, but with the assistance and succours of many great princes, as of the Queen of England, and the French king, who had taken their cause and protection in hand, they would force him to abandon the Netherlands. Without doubt the half year had not past, from the twentieth of August (when as the town yielded) but the ice had ended the quarrel of this Stocado: the which, the winter following, being in antwerp, I have heard the Spanish captains confess, who could not wonder sufficiently at the great heaps of ice which lay one upon another: and where as they found any stay or let in their passage, they carried all away with the tide: such is the force of the water, the which is much more greater, when as it hath the assistance of the wind.  
The prince of Parma in the mean time advanced his work, not sparing either cost or labour, 
The prince of Parma builds a bridge upon the river of Autuerpe.  until that the two heads of either side, being made as far as was possible they could be into the river, they began with the flat bottomed boats, which they of Gant and Dendermond had sent, to make the bridge, to pass over from the fort of Calloo to that of Oordam, and so from one camp unto another, out of Flanders into Brabant, and back again; the said river of Escaut dividing the two countries. The passage of those two and twenty flat bottomed boats, at the broken dike by Burcht (which they of antwerp did not esteem, nor thought would have been prejudicial unto them) made the prince of Parma to hope for a good and happy end of this great and painful design: yet in the first bridge made of these flat bottomed boats, there was some hindrance, being tied together but with cables: for six or seven mariners boys went thither in the night, and attending the return of the tide, sawed in sunder these cables, so as the bridge being dispersed with the coming in of the tide, some of their boats ran a ground near unto antwerp: but it was soon repaired and made good again; for that other flat bottomed boats, with some ships of burden, and a good number of mariners came unto him daily, by the channel of Steeken, which he had caused to be newly digged.  
At that time there came a spy from the States into the prince of Parma his camp, who was known and brought before him, not without great perplexity, as you may easily guess. The prince seeing him, willed him not to fear, and having caused him to see all his forts and trenches, and all his equipage, which he had prepared to subdue the town of antwerp, then suffered him to depart freely, without any violence done unto him, and commanded him to tell the superintendents of the said town of antwerp, that he was resolved rather to die in that place, and never go further, than to rise, before he had finished that which he had begun.  
They of Holland and Zeeland did in the mean time fortify Berghen upon some, the which they did man with a good garrison, as well of the natural countrymen, as with English, to serve as a bulwark for their frontiers. They of antwerp had also eight hundred Englishmen in the suburb of Bourgerhout, whereof thirty went and yielded themselves to the prince of Parma at one instant, to whom he gave a crown a man. And thereupon he took an occasion to write unto them of antwerp, persuading them, that they should not expect any succour or assistance from the Queen of England, seeing that the English did revolt from their service, exhorting them moreover to reconcile themselves unto the king, promising them all favour and assistance to have them received into grace, although they had grievously offended him. The bourgmasters, magistrates and Colonels of the burghers answered him also in writing, thanking him also humbly for his good will and honest offers, the which they did greatly commend and extol: but being yet bound unto the 
1585.  French, they could not forsake them, unless they would be taxed of lightness, inconstancy, and ingratitude.  
At the same time the Signior of Teligni, son to the lord of la Nove, who the year before had valiantly defended the fort of Lillo against all the Spaniards camp, parting in the night in a galley of antwerp to go into Holland, he fell among the prince of Parma his 
Teligni taken prisoner by the Spaniard.  ships before Calloo, by whom he was set upon: but seeing that he could not hold out, finding himself wounded in the shoulder with a musket shot, after that he had lost three of his men, before he yielded, he cast a letter which he carried into the water, containing certain secrets of the same town, and among others to cut Coesteins' dike. This letter was perceived and fished up, by the which the prince of Parma understood all. Teligni was carried prisoner into Gant, and afterwards he was carried to the castle of Tournay, where he was detained six years.  
The Signior of Saint Aldegonde had insisted long (before that the prince of Parma had built so many forts along the river) to have a fort built at the dike called den Cruydyck, beneath Lillo, in the mouth of the river, and to cut the dike near unto the village of Coesteyn, to prevent the prince of Parma, that he should not build one, and hinder the opening of the said dike: the which the Signior of Coesteyn did advise and urge very earnestly, as one that knew the importance of the place better than any other, and the good that would redound thereby unto the town.  
But this good counsel was overthrown by a rabble of butchers (which make a great company in the town of antwerp) who had their pastures there for their fat cattle, and some others which had arable land in that place, who would not suffer it to be drowned, seeking rather their own private profit, than the common good: and who for this occasion grew into such hatred of the Signior of Coesteyn, as they forced him to forsake the town, and to retire himself to the prince of Parma, unto whom he revealed the counsel which in that case he had given to them of antwerp, and they so mechanikely rejected. By reason whereof he was well entertained by the said prince, who after the yielding up of the town, in requital of this advertisement, he honoured him with the place of Markegrave, which is the most honourable degree of a magistrate in antwerp.  
In Gant after the yielding up of the town, all such as were suspected to be of the protestants religion, were put from their offices, and Romish catholics substituted in their places: and their arms were taken from the said protestants, and given unto the papists who were in their places; of the which the prince of Parma made four several companies, to guard the ports of the town.  
They of Brussels, after that the navigation of the river to antwerp had been taken from them, began to have want of victuals, and other necessary provision, but yet they would not by any means give ear to any accord. The town of antwerp did once relieve them, and sent them a hundred wagons of victuals, the which entered safely with a good convoy, whereby they of Brussels were greatly comforted and relieved: but in their return, they were attended at the passage by the garrison of Villevoord, who defeated them, and took almost all the wagons.  
The prince of Parma having finished all his forts along the river of antwerp, the ships of Holland and Zeeland could no more pass so freely as they had done before, for that the cannon from those forts did shoot close by the water, wherewith many were spoiled; so as of a hundred or thereabouts, which were sent in the feast of Christmas, being laden with victuals and munition, five were lost, two sunk, and three were taken. The prince meaning to try them of antwerp once more by his letters and admonitions, sent them word, among other points, that according unto their ancient privileges which they had sworn, they ought not (seeing they did build so much upon their said privileges) to give a law unto their prince and sovereign lord, and much less to take arms against him: and whereas they did vaunt that the French king had taken them under his protection, that he would presently let them see the contrary, and how much they were deceived, by the kings own letters, the which for the better proof and manifestation, he sent unto them, reproaching them sharply for their rebellion, and yet promising to do his best with 
1585.  the king of Spain, to receive them into grace and favour, if they would reconcile themselves, and give over those excessive propositions and demands which they had before made.  
The magistrates of the town sent these letters unto the Estates, being assembled at Middlebourg in Zeeland, entreating them to advise thereon, the which they said they did not find convenient to open, for fear lest the people (who then seemed to be inclined unto peace) should mutiny against them. And in the mean time the French king sent another Ambassador to the prince of Parma, to quench the brute which was general, that he had taken the Netherlands under his protection; declaring that he would not mingle the quiet of his realm, with the troubles of those countries.  
The Signior of Hemert being gone with a good convoie of horse and foot, to carry another victualling to Brussels, he found trees cut down and laid in the high ways where he should pass: and withal the Spaniards were in all places in guard: seeing that it was impossible for him to pass with his wagons, turning head again, he was charged at the passage of a little river near unto the castle of Eyckhoven, defeated and put to rout, whereas many of his men were slain. After this bad encounter, the Signior of Merode laid before them of Brussels, the small hope they had of any succours or relief from their confederates, who hereafter should have work enough to defend themselves: wherefore considering the great necessity and want which began to press them, he did counsel them to agree with the king.  
Whilst that the river and town of antwerp were thus blocked up with these forts, and 
The Estates consult to whom they shall give themselves.  the river ready to be shut up. The Estates of Brabant, Gueldre, of that which remained of Flanders, of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, Vtrecht, and Oueryssel, being in their general assembly, they consulted, seeing that by the death of the duke of Anjou, they were without a lord, and by the death of the prince of Orange without a governor, to what prince they might best give themselves.  
The French and English were both in fear, lest the united provinces should return unto the king of Spain; who having recovered them, at his pleasure would attempt war against the one or the other. The Queen of England would not willingly have seen the French king grow so mighty, by the adiunction of the said provinces, who by the means of their ships, might have made himself master of the sea, and take from the English their traffic and nego●…iation by sea. In regard of the inclination of the Estates of the said provinces, it seemed (by reason of the error so lately committed by the duke of Anjou) that they would rather affect the English, than the French: the which the Queen of England and her council finding, would not make them assurance of any thing, until they had good towns, and places, of strength, and importance delivered them for their assurance, whereby they might be stronger within their own country, than the Estates themselves were: which made them to bethink themselves, so as some said, that the government of the English would be in that case more wayward and insupportable, than the government of the French, or of any others: whereupon some held opinion, that the religion which the English had common with the said countries, might easily moderate that, and therefore they should not reject the alliance of England.  
But there fell out another great difficulty, which was the doubt of the succession to the crown of England, after the Queen's death; the which might fall into the hands of the Queen of Scotland, although she were then a prisoner: and that she being of the Romish religion, and wonderfully affected to the king of Spain, might deliver up the said countries into his hands: and withal they could not ground any firm assurance upon the king of Scotland. Whereas on the other side, the succession of the crown of France was more assured unto them, seeing that after the king's death, it fell to the king of Navarre, a prince making profession of the reformed religion: besides, France had more means, & power, to defend these countries against the Spaniard. And that by this confederation they should be in perpetual friendship with all their neighbours. And although the king were not of the protestants religion, yet would he give offices to protestants, and other good countrymen, whereby the country, the churches, and their religion, should remain in peace and rest. All this being well debated 
1585.  by the general Estates, and the council of estate, they resolved to offer themselves absolutely to the French king, with the best conditions they could devise and agree upon, without any restriction or reservation, that Holland and Zeeland had been formerly given to the prince of Orange and his heirs, as it had been concluded with the duke of Anjou (the which had bred jealousy (as some said) betwixt him and the prince, and had been the cause of the error which was committed by the said duke in antwerp the seventeenth day of januarie two years before) Finally after long deliberations and consultations, there were deputed by the general Estates, and the chief noble men of the said provinces, the third of januarie 1585., twelve men of account: for the duchy of Brabant, doctor junius bourgmaster of antwerp, and Quentin Taffin Signior of la Pree: for the duchy of Gueldte, the Signior of Oyen, and doctor Elbert Leonin, called Longolius chancellor of Gueldres: for the county of Holland, Arnold van Dorp Signior of Maesdam: for Zeeland, jeams Valck: for the Signiory of Vtrecht, N. de Menin: and for that which remained yet in the county of Flanders, Noel Charon Signior of Schoonwall: for them of Brussels (who were then distressed) Arssees keeper of the seal of Brabant, to the which there was adjoined in the behalf of the Estates, the Signior of Lamovillene; and for the chief of the embassage, the prince of Espinoy, to offer absolutely unto the king all the said countries, with the property, Signiory, and sovereignty, for him and his successors, being French kings, upon conditions limited, and to be limited. All which deputies, (except the prince of Espinoy, who was a long time before retired back into France with the duke of Anjou) having a good convoy of eight ships of war, parting from the Brill, thinking to land at Diep, were through the extremity of fowl weather, forced to go on shore at Bologne, from whence they took their journey to Abbeville in the month of januarie, attending the king's pleasure, having given him notice of their arrival; who commanded them to come unto him to Senlis, whither they went with a goodly train, and were there honourably received, and their expenses were defrayed by the king in all places where they passed: from thence the king returning unto Paris, to have the advice and counsel of his court of Parliament, concerning their affairs (whereof the deputies attended an answer) the said deputies followed him: the success of which legation you shall hear hereafter. I was sent unto them from the Signior of Saint Aldegonde, and the magistrates of antwerp, to let them understand, and consequently 
john Petit.  the king and queen mother, of the estate of the said town which was then besieged, and of the great need they had, together with the towns of Brussels and Macklyn, to be relieved.  
The fourth of januarie the Signior of S. Aldegonde made a long oration to them of antwerp, in the open assembly of their great council, exhorting them with many lively and pregnant reasons, to preserve and defend themselves, feeding them with a continual hope of succours, and of the good success of the affairs of the said deputies. And then the better to provide for the defence of the town, he created four new Colonels, men of action, and capable of such a charge. And moreover he decreed, that such as had absented themselves out of the town, as abandoning it in her greatest need and want, should be called back by a certain day prefixed, upon pain of confiscation of such goods as they had left there: but few or none at all would return for the great danger there was in the passage.  
The countries of Arthois and Henault, being continually tormented and troubled by the garrison of Cambray, made a truce for the space of one whole year, with the Signior of Balaigni, governor of the said town (the which they could not obtain without bribing him) having since continued it for many years, so as this truce brought him in a good revenue.  
The Signior of Nyeuwenoort being in the field in Friesland for the Estates, he cunningly seized upon the village of Otterdom in the country of Groningue, upon the river of Ems, preventing his enemy who thought to lodge there, where in view of the Spaniards he entrenched him, and fortified with all diligence, though they were stronger than he. But having a good number of ships, both great and small, to carry his men in, and the Spaniards being ignorant at the first which way he would turn head, having means to land them betwixt Maeren 
1585.  and right against Embden, they could not overtake him, nor yet march so fast with their horse and foot by land, as he did by water, so as they could not hinder his landing, nor his fortifying. Verdugo knowing how much this place did import, meant in the Winter time to besiege it on both sides upon the dike: and for the effecting thereof, he sent colonel Rhynevelt of Vtrecht, to win it by famine, whilst that the ships of Holland should be retired, by reason of the ice. But the Signior of Nyeuwenoort had set so good an order for all things, as during that Winter they wanted not any thing: so as the Spring being come, the Hollanders ships returned, which (in despite of all the resistance which Rhynevelt could make) did succour the fort, and forced him to retire, having yet (before his retreat) taken three of the Hollanders ships, laden both with victuals and munition.  
Whilst that the town of antwerp was distressed, as we have formerly related, the earl of Hohenlo, lieutenant to Grave Maurice, after that he had conferred with the Estates, gathered together some four thousand men, the which he lodged covertly, not far from the town of Boisleduc, one of the four chief towns of Brabant, and approached as secretly as he could with some companies of foot, and two hundred horse, close unto the town. Captain Cleerhaghen, a gentleman of Brussels, having married a wife in Boisleduc, of the house of Erp, was conductor of this enterprise; who (knowing all the passages) went upon the tenth of januarie with fifty good men, who climbing over the port, seized upon two corpse de guard, whereas no man remained in the night time: the which they did so quietly, and without disturbance, as they were not heard nor discovered.  
The next day in the morning, about eight of the clock, the port being open, those of the guard which were sent to discover, were presently slain by Cleerhaghen and his men; who (at the same instant) enforcing the rest of the guard, the which were at the port, made themselves masters and commanders thereof: and the said captain sent certain soldiers unto the top of the gate, to be assured of the portcullis, whereas they found none but an old man, whom they used in such sort, as they left him in the place for dead. This being done, the earl entered with his two hundred horse, and such footmen as he had near unto the port, who began to run up and down the streets, crying, Victory. At this cry, the soldiers which were appointed to guard and keep the portcullis, went down, fearing lest they should come too late unto the spoil, according to that which the earl had promised them, to abandon the town, if he might become master thereof.  
The day before there was come into the town about forty launciers, Bourgognons, and Italians, and some three or four squadrons of foot, having conveyed certain merchandise thither, else there was no garrison. These horsemen were ready to go to horseback, to return when the alarm was given, not knowing any thing, but hearing of the noise, they made haste to horseback, and went to encounter the earls horsemen, who ran dispersed through the town; whereof they charged part, and slew as many as they encountered thus disbanded. At the beginning they did fight a little: but when they saw these squadrons of footmen come to charge them, they thought they had been betrayed (for they had assured them, there was no garrison) and fled towards the port to save themselves: some which could not get out at the port, cast themselves from the top of the rampar.  
The earl seeing that there was some resistance, and that his horsemen did fight, he posted with all speed, to cause the rest of his troops to advance. In the mean time, the old man, whom the soldiers had left for dead over the port, hearing the noise, and that they did fight hard, and some fled, seeing no man near him to hinder him, being sore wounded, he laboured to let down the portcullis. The earl returning with colonel Iselstein, was much amazed, seeing the portcullis down, and his men to cast themselves over the rampar into the ditch; among the which was the Signior justin of Nassau, bastard to the prince of Orange, at this present Admiral of Zeeland, who saved himself by that means; but many were drowned and cast away: and there died in this ill conducted enterprise four 
1585.  hundred men, through the fault of those spoilers which were set at the portcullis, for else all had succeeded well enough. The earl cursing the fault, retired to Gheertruydenbergh.  
They of Brussels hearing of these news, the famine increasing more and more among them, and being without all hope of succours, they sent their deputies to the prince of Parma, to mediate an accord: but for that they propounded no articles that were pleasing, or to be accepted, he sent them back, more like spies than deputies. The poverty began to be so great there, as many died of hunger. Some to avoid this misery, sought means to fly away, and to escape, if they could possible; but being taken upon the way, the Spaniards chased them back again into the town, or caused them to be hanged.  
They of antwerp were at that time nothing inclined unto peace, and caused a new Edict to be made, prohibiting to give ear to any accord, upon greater penalties than before, causing the burghers to renew the oath in the form that followeth: I swear, that 
The burghers of antwerp take a new oath.  with all my power I will maintain the ordinances of the general Estates, and will help to maintain and defend them, according unto the sentence which they have given against the king of Spain and his adherents, enemies to the country: and that I will never depart from the said ordinances, nor make any accord nor agreement with the said enemies, nor will use any speech openly nor covertly, nor meddle in any sort whatsoever, but will hinder (as much as in me lieth) all motion of accord, unless I be first allowed by the general Estates. And if I may understand, that any thing hath been done or attempted, or is done or attempted against this present oath, I swear to reveal it to the bourgomasters and counsel, or else to the quarter masters of this town.  
In the mean time, the prince of Parma advanced the work of his bridge and stocado, and they of antwerp went slowly to work to hinder it, presuming that he should never effect it: and that whilst a sail might pass, they should not have any need: neither would he trouble the Estates in any other place, so long as they should keep him occupied there. The prince sent a herald unto them again with letters, and a copy of the precedent, being of opinion, that they had not been imparted unto the people: the which (he said) had happened through some turbulent spirits, who sought more their private profit by this war, than the public good, advising them, that through the infidelity of such men, they should not suffer themselves to be carried away to their utter ruin: but rather embrace a peace, which was offered them, and no longer engage themselves with these turbulent spirits: for whereas they persuaded themselves, that the French king would take upon him the protection and government of the Netherlands, and come to succour them, that they were but devices, wherewith they did abuse themselves: And that the French king would not break the league and friendship he had with the king of Spain, to please his rebels, nor undertake a new war, to the prejudice of his own Realm.  
And indeed Dom Bernardin of Mendosa, ambassador for the king of Spain in France 
Bernardin de Mendosa his speech to the French king.  (after that he had been chased out of England) said openly unto the king: That the General Estates and all the Netherlands revolted from their king, had been long since convicted and declared guilty of high treason, both against God and man; the which, (according to the sentence of condemnation pronounced against them by the counsel of the Inquisition of Spain) must be quite rooted out: And therefore that he should remember the league, alliances, and consanguinity that was betwixt him and his master, and not give ear thereunto, but rather chase out of his presence and out of his kingdom such revolted rebels: The which should not only redound unto the good of France (being so near a neighbour unto Spain) but also to all Christendom, which was put all into combustion by such reprobate people: That therein they did manifest wrong unto all kings and princes, to whom such examples go near, and are very prejudicial, if they will give credit, favour and support unto their rebels. The French king answered him, That he would give audience unto the deputies of the general Estates, not as unto rebels, revolted from their lord, but as afflicted people, who complained of the oppressions 
1585.  that were done them: That (in all ages) Christian kings and princes did never refuse to aid the afflicted, neither ought they refuse them, especially such as desire nothing, but to be reconciled to their prince (for that the deputies of the Estates had given the king to understand, That they had made divers and sundry petitions and supplications unto the king of Spain, and could never obtain any answer thereunto) wherefore (and that, according unto the laws) he thought it to be lawful and allowable for every man when right and justice is denied unto him, to seek support where he can find it: and therefore he was not once to be blamed at all, if at the least he did hear them.  
The Queen Mother told the said deputies (making a show of love which she bore them, and to feed them with hope) that as heir to the duke of Anjou her son, she would come in person, and take possession of the town of Cambray, to be the nearer to the general Estates of the united Provinces.  
Many in the Netherlands were of divers opinions concerning this legation of the deputies of the Estates to the French king. Those that were best affected to the king of Spain, could not persuade themselves, that the French king would embrace the cause of the Netherlanders, and that he sought nothing but the quiet of his own Realm. Others made themselves believe (considering the good and honourable reception which he had given them at their coming into France) that the king would take them into his protection, to the which they had charge to submit and yield themselves, and all the united Provinces, both to him and to his successors for ever hereafter. At their coming unto the court, the king sent them first unto his mother; who having conferred and consulted with them about two whole hours together, gave them good hope and comfort. But those of the Parliament of Paris told the French king plainly, That he neither could nor ought to assist the Estates, being rebels to their king, being a matter of too bad example, and contrary unto the law of Nations: yet the king heard them half an hour, and then he entreated them to have patience for a little while, until the coming of the earl of Derby, who was ambassador for the Queen of England, whom he expected; with whom he must first confer withal, before he could give them any answer.  
The said earl of Derby arrived soon after, being honourably attended. He brought unto the French king the order of the Garter, which the Queen of England sent him, as a testimony of her love; the which was very pleasing and acceptable unto his Majesty. The said ambassador did recommend unto the king, in the name of the Queen his mistress, the cause of the Netherlands, to the end the king of Spain might not grow so mighty, as having overcome and subdued them, he should fall upon one of those two Realms. But to the end that we may not pass over slightly the success of this legation of the deputies of the Estates, we will discourse somewhat more at large thereof; wherein the same did chiefly consist, when they had their audience, and what their answer was.  
They had audience given them upon the twelfth of February, in the which they besought his Majesty (the prince of Espinoy speaking for them all) That it would please him to take them, their provinces, and commonalties, into his safeguard and protection, as his own proper subjects and vassals, and under his jurisdiction, as they desired to be, under such honourable and reasonable agreements and conditions, as it should best please his Majesty to grant unto them; the which they would faithfully promise, and bind themselves to obey, by virtue of the Commission and authority which they had received to that end and purpose from all the Estates of the said united Provinces of 
The king's answer to the deputies of the Estates.  the Netherlands. Whereunto the king answered them with a great affection and good grace: That their coming was very pleasing unto him, thanking them much for the honour which they did him by so goodly an offer and presentation, together with the love which they bore him, saying, That before he held himself bound unto the said countries, for the great honour which they had done unto the late deceased duke of Anjou, his brother, of worthy memory: and now he confessed himself to be more tied unto 
1585.  them, by this great and honourable offer which they made him, whereof he made very great esteem, and for the which he wished them all prosperity and happiness, promising to show himself hereafter (on their behalfs) a good, just, mild, and gracious prince: And seeing that they entreated him in what sort he should best please, and how he might with most conveniency, to assist and help them, and to have a future care both of them and of the said countries, like unto a good and careful father, as he hath of his own natural subjects, and that they were ready to bind themselves unto him under some good and reasonable conditions; for the which he gave them great thanks. But seeing that a matter of so great importance deserved to be duly considered and advised of, he thought it very fitting, that their intention were set down in writing, to the end that it might be imparted unto his mother, his Parliaments, and his other counsellors, and then to resolve etc.  
The Queen Mother having heard their reasons, and what they demanded; after that she had conferred with the Signior of Bellieure, the Secretaries of Estate, and other of the king his privy counsel, he gave them a full answer thereof, as we shall hereafter see.  
On the other side, the counsel of Spain having a due consideration and regard of all those things which concerned the people of the Netherlands, did see plainly, that the French king might easily, and with small toil, get the possession of the said countries under his government, whereunto the subjects hearts were much inclined; and that he should want no means for the effecting and compassing thereof: The which did much perplex and trouble both the counsel of Spain and the prince of Parma: for which consideration he did greatly solicit them of the town of antwerp by his letters, to a reconciliation with the king of Spain; fearing, that being in so fair a way to conquer it, the French king should cross his victory, if he should embrace the affairs of the united Provinces.  
He had in December before sent one Augustino Graffino (an Italian) into England; but being a subject of the Popes, he was charged to have been acquainted with the prince of Orange his murder, so as he had no audience at all. And the Spaniards seeing, that their practices prevailed nothing in the united Provinces, nor in England, they bethought themselves of another course, to kindle a new civil war in France, by the means of them of the house of Guise, as you may read thereof more at large in the History of France.  
The French king seeing himself suddenly assailed by the Guisian league, in the which many of the nobility of France, gentlemen, and good towns were engaged and carried away, under a colour of Religion and the public weal; he had no other help or means, but to fly unto his Edicts, forbidding by public proclamation all his subjects and vassals that were under his jurisdiction, to levy any men, or to serve them, without his leave, declaring, that this league and confederacy was ill grounded, and against all reason. But all this availed him little or nothing, being forced for this time to strike sail, and to forbear to accept the offers that were made unto him by the deputies of the Estates of the united Provinces of the Netherlands. And finding himself suddenly oppressed by the league, being without any forces, and the adverse party grown to be so strong, as they might easily have delivered half the country of France into the king of Spain his hands; he gave the ambassadors and deputies to understand (with whom he had begun to treat of the conditions) That (to his great grief) he could not receive them under his protection or government, nor at that time assist them in any sort, saying, That his shirt was nearer unto him than his doublet, complaining much of the violence which the king of Spain and they of the house of Guise and the league did offer him, entreating them to maintain and defend themselves as well as they could, until that he had settled his Realm in peace, promising to aid and help them willingly with his favour and counsel in any thing he could. And as the Queen of England had recommended the united Provinces unto him, in like sort he entreated the earl of Derby (the Queen's ambassador) to recommend them unto her Majesty, that it would 
1585.  please her to succour them, and to take their defence in hand, making the like request unto the Queen by his own ambassadors, and also to the king of Navarre; the which he promised by the faith of a king, and hath been ever since well affected unto the said united provinces.  
The prince of Parma, to finish his work, and to stop up the passage of the river of antwerp from them of Holland and Zeeland, he sent for all the masters of ships, mariners, and shipwrights of Flaunders and Brabant, whom he caused to come to Calloo: So as upon the five and twentieth day of February the bridge was fully finished, whereby they might pass out of Flanders into Brabant, and the passage to antwerp quite stopped up: the which was a singular work, and of great admiration to all the world, being built after the manner which followeth. On either side of the river he had caused a mighty fort to be built; one at Calloo upon Flanders side, and the other at Oordam, on the banks of Brabant, in either of the which he had planted twelve double cannons, which shot even with the water, and the works were advanced as far into the river, as the foundation would suffer it: besides the heads which were made of bridges, set upon piles of fifty foot deep, rammed into the ground, and well bound together. And whereas the depth or the swiftness of the stream would not suffer it, the rest of the bridge, from one side unto the other, was made of one and thirty flat bottomed boats, every one being made fast with two anchors, one before, and the other behind, tied together with strong chains and cables, upon the which were great beams laid cross, and upon them certain planks, which finished the bridge; so as they might pass on horseback, or with wagons and carts, to either side. About a thousand foot from this bridge, both above and beneath, there was a float made of masts of ships, that were bound together, and upon them other masts, crossed and pointed, sticking forth some twenty foot long, like unto stakes, and therefore they were called Stocadoes, all being made fast in the bottom of the water with anchors, like unto the bridge, and on either side of the river bound with chains and cables, unto the heads: so as the bridge and the Stocadoes did rise and fall with the tide, the said bridge being two thousand foot long, lacking but two, from one head unto another: And on either side thereof, there lay five ships of war, well appointed with men and artillery, to withstand the first assault, before they should approach near unto the Stocadoes. Moreover, there were planted on either side of the river, betwixt the two Stocadoes, above a hundred pieces of artillery, both great and small: the which in truth was a royal work; for the making whereof unprofitable, they must use other means than force, or else they should have foreseen it in time, and not suffered them so much to have advanced it: for if they had done their endeavours to break it, as they began the work (the which they might well have done) he had not so easily finished it.  
But being done and ended, they sought to break it with the force and violence of ships of war, as well of Holland and Zeeland, as of antwerp: yet before they could get this preparation ready, and a fair wind withal, as they desired (for the which there was above a hundred ships, laden with men and munition, attending with great devotion) and during all these delays and expectations, the prince of Parma finished this great work, and the river was shut up by this bridge and Stocadoes: The which bred a great discontentment and murmuring amongst the common people, as well of Brabant as of Zeeland; and for the which the Zeelanders did partly blame their admiral Treslon, and others which had had the chief charge: but every man excused himself of this negligence in the prevention thereof (in the which there was also some private commodity or advantage, as it is the usual custom in matters which pass by many heads and hands) yea, they did greatly tax the Hollanders therewith, some saying, that the prince of Parma could not have finished this work without them: and it was generally spoken, that they had delivered him cables and anchors, wherewith he had made his work firm.  
The town of Nymeghen in the country of Gueldres, situated upon the river of Wahal (which is one of the horns of Rhin) was at that time wavering, and it was to be feared, 
1585.  that they would change their party, and fall to the king of Spain. The earl of Moeurs (who was governor) sought all means to draw in a greater garrison for the Estates, the which he could not effect, the burghers opposing themselves, not without great danger of his life, two millers having discharged two shot upon him, wherewith he had been slain, if he had not been armed at proof: and in like manner he was set upon by two brewers, the one thinking to thrust him through with his halberd, and the other striking him on the head with a hatchet, but he was armed.  
This being past, and the tumult pacified, he put such out of the town, as he had noted. Whereupon the burghers took counsel how they might chase away the garrison which was in town: for the effecting whereof, there were fifty men of one resolution, who thought to put it in execution upon the first of March: but there fell out some other occurrents, which stayed it. Being afterwards advised by an old captain to suffer some of the king of Spain's men to enter, who might join with them, they durst not attempt, fearing lest the other burghers, who were ignorant of their design, would rather hinder the entry of the Spaniards, than chase away the Estates soldiers.  
These undertakers were in great perplexity and fear to be discovered: for there were 
How Nyme. ghen came into the Spaniards hands.  five days respite from the day they should have executed it, before their company came in guard. These five days past, and the matter was not discovered. The day of their guard being come, some of this enterprise going the round about the break of day, they found in one quarter, that those that had the guard, were all Catholics, with the which being fortified, they went to the corpse de guard of soldiers, whom they shut up there, and then seized upon the arsenal, and on the market place. The other burghers which were in their houses hearing this noise, ran towards the market place. These undertakers went and met them, telling them, that the soldiers were in a mutiny, and meant to spoil the town. Whereupon every man went to arms, and joined with the first motives of this tumult, to defend themselves, the town, their wives and children, falling upon the soldiers and other burghers which held their party, whom they disarmed, and afterwards chased the whole garrison out of the town, renewing their magistrates, and all their law. Yet at the first they would not receive the king of Spain his garrison; although that Martin Schenck and Camillo de Monte did much insist to put in some, whilst they were in these garboils: The which being pacified, they of Nymeghen sent their deputies unto the prince of Parma, with whom they agreed to submit themselves under the king of Spain's obedience.  
Whilst that this was working at Nymeghen, Taxis, lieutenant to Verdugo, took the 
The castles of Nienbeek and Hackfort taken by the Spaniards.  castle of Nyenbeeke, in the quarter of Veluwe in Guelderland, by force, whereas some of them were hanged, after they had yielded up the castle, and others put to ransom. From thence he went before the castle of Hackfort, the which held out long, and did him much despite: yet being forced in the end to yield themselves unto his mercy, he cut all those in pieces that were within the place, except only one clerk of a band, who was known by a Cannon that was there, at whose suit his life was saved, and he put to ransom.  
Those of Doesbourg, being a town that is seated upon the river of Yssel, which is 
Doesbourg yields to the Spaniard.  one of the arms of Rhine, seeing how the Spaniard prospered, and that they of Nymeghen had had good success in the expulsion of their soldiers, they did the like unto their garrison, and sent messengers for others to Zutphen: so as upon the nine and twentieth of March they concluded with the prince of Parma, as they of Nymeghen had done before.  
The earl of Moeurs was all this time at Arnham, the chief town of the Duchy of Gueldres; the which did in like manner waver: for the which the said earl was much troubled, and would gladly have assured it with a greater garrison, for that he found the burghers to be half shaken, who would soon have followed the example of them of Nymeghen and Doesbourg: wherefore he caused some soldiers to come near unto the port: the watch who was in the steeple giving the alarm (whether that he were won by the earl, or that the burghers mistook him) the townsmen being all in arms, went to another 
1585.  port, than that whereas the soldiers were, who in the mean time entered, making themselves masters of the burghers corpse degard, whom they chased from thence. And by this 
Arnham assured for the Estates party.  means the town was assured for the earl of Moeurs, holding the Estates party; the which was much displeasing to some burghers, who desired rather to have had the Spaniards in their town.  
The tenth of March, Oliver vanden Timpel, Signior of Corbeke, and governor of Brussels, 
Brussels makes an accord with the king of Spain.  after that he had been long besieged, and seeing no hope of succours, made an accord with the prince of Parma for himself, the soldiers, and burghers, as followeth: That the said Signior of Timpel should not for six months space serve in the country of Brabant against the king, nor the captains for three months, nor the soldiers for four months; the which should depart with their arms and baggage: and unto strangers that served them, should be paid what was due unto them out of their entertainment: for confirmation of which accord, there were sent into the town, on the prince's behalf, Richardot Precedent of Arthois, and Garnier, Secretary of Estate. In regard of the burghers, it was agreed, That he should settle again the Romish Religion within the town, and restore the churches which the Protestants had held: That their privileges should be maintained, unless there were any that might minister occasion of new troubles, the which should be consulted of, and moderated by the counsel of Estate: That nothing should be imputed unto them for all the wars past: That they of the Protestants Religion should have two years liberty to do their business, whether to stay or depart: That the king should be restored to all his rights and prerogatives: That the houses of the Cardinal of Granuelle, the earl of Mansfeldt, and of other noblemen, having followed the king's party, which the burghers had ruined, should be repaired and built up again, and all the goods which had been taken there, restored, or the value thereof: That the impositions which they had raised, if they were not unreasonable and unjust, should be paid unto the end of the term. The same conditions were also propounded to them of antwerp and of Macklyn.  
At that time, William of Blois, Signior of Treslon, who in the beginning, in the year 1572, with the Signior of Lumay, earl of March, had taken the Island of Bryel, being Admiral of Zeeland upon the river of antwerp, was sent for to come to Middlebourg; where he was presently committed to prison by the Estates, being charged with many things. But being about to make his process, the Queen of England wrote in his favour, and withal, being able to justify himself, he was set at liberty; yet he lost his place of Admiral; the which was given unto justine of Nassau, base son unto the prince of Orange.  
They of antwerp knowing that the bridge and the Stocadoes were finished, made a great ship, to be a means to break all this work of the prince of Parmaes: this great ship was made of masons work within, in the manner of a vaulted cave: upon the hatches there were laid myll-stones, gravestones, and others of great weight; and within the vault were many barrels of powder, over the which there were holes, and in them they had put matches, hanging at a thread, the which burning until they came unto the thread, would fall into the powder, and so blow up all. And for that they could not have any one in this ship to conduct it, Lanckhaer, a sea captain of the Hollanders, being then in antwerp, gave them counsel to tie a great beam at the end of it, to make it to keep a strait course in the midst of the stream. In this sort floated this ship the fourth of April, until that it came unto the bridge; where (within a while after) the powder wrought his effect, with such violence, as the vessel, and all that was within it, and upon it, flew in pieces, carrying away a part of the Stocado and of the bridge. The marquess of Roubay Vicont of Gant, Gaspar of Robles, lord of Billy, and the Signior of Torchies, brother unto the Signior of Bours, with many others, were presently slain; which were torn in pieces, and dispersed abroad, both upon the land and upon the water.  
The same day the Hollanders and Zeelanders won the forts of Lyefkenshoek (whereas the marquess the year before had committed horrible murders when he took it) and 
1585.  that of Doel, which were not far from the prince of Parma his forts upon the river of 
The forts of Lyefkenshoek and Doel taken by the Estates.  antwerp, that of Lyefkenshoek being right against Lillo. The captain, who had commanded therein, for that he had yielded it up so lightly, lost his head, by the prince of Parma his commandment. The said burning ship struck such a terror into the prince his men, which were within the forts of Calloo and Oordam, as they abandoned them for a time, not only for the fire which flew, but also for the great abundance of water, which the violence of the powder cast into the said forts out of the river; so as the soldiers knew not what should become of them, no more than if the world had instantly perished by fire and water. If they of antwerp had followed, and charged them presently, it is to be thought they would have done some great exploit. But to what end serveth it, to batter a town, to make a sufficient breach, to amaze and discourage the besieged, if withal they will not give an assault. They of antwerp had their forts not a league from them, and their ships of war nearer, which might have made a great attempt. But the wind being contrary, they could not (in a manner) do any thing, but a long time after. The Hollanders which were in the fleet, on the other side of the bridge, heard it, yea, it was also heard into Zeeland, but they knew not what it was: and so they found it too late, that they had lost a goodly opportunity, wherein they might have done some great exploit. The prince of Parma caused that to be soon repaired, which this fire had broken and carried away.  
The eight and twentieth of March, la Motte, governor of graveling, made an enterprise 
An enterprise upon Oostend well begun, but ill followed.  upon Oostend, the which succeeded so happily in the beginning, as he won the old town, in the which there was an old church, from whence he might command with his musket shot over all the town. This part is divided from the new town by a bridge, which the said la Motte had given in guard to one of his captains, attending the rest of his troops, which should enter by the haven: but the soldiers of the garrison, which were within the new town, being in arms, struck such a fear and amazement into the hearts of them which were in the old town as they suddenly abandoned it, and so it was presently recovered by the enemy: the which did wonderfully discontent la Motte, being forced to retire, by reason of the cannon, which played from the town upon his troops, the which he led back, cursing, not knowing to whom he should impute the fault.  
At this time, the deputies of the general Estates of the united Provinces returned from their embassage out of France, after that the king had thanked them, and made his excuse unto them, as we have said; yea, he advised them to depart as speedily as they could, and to stand upon their guards, for fear of them of Guise, having gratified every one of them with a goodly chain of gold: so as the deputies taking their leave, gave his Majesty most humble thanks for the good will which he showed to the united Provinces.  
The Queen of England hearing how the affairs of the united Provinces had passed in France, was in great doubt, that the Estates through despair (not able to defend themselves with their own forces) should be reconciled unto the king of Spain's obedience, beyond all expectation; by reason whereof, she dispatched away the Signior of Grise, great bailiff of the town of Bruges (who had been sent unto her Majesty for some succours of men) by whom she gave the Estates to understand of the good will that she bore unto them, offering them her friendship: for which cause, the Estates being assembled together, to confer upon these offers, they propounded certain points in counsel, whereupon they might enter into treaty with her: yet not omitting any thing that might serve for their own safeguard and defence. And as these parlyes of treaty betwixt her Majesty and them, were somewhat long, by reason of so many sendings to and fro (wherein they must attend the wind) it could not be so soon concluded, nor succours sent as they desired: so as the towns of Brussels and Macklyn, and in the end antwerp were forced to yield.  
Colonel Martin Schenck, and the Signior Bentine, governor of Stralen in Guelderland, for the king of Spain, crossed through the Betuwe in the Veluwe, and presented 
1585.  themselves before Arnham, the chief town of Gueldres holding for the Estates, whereas the garrison sallied out upon them, and there was a fie●…ce encounter, with the loss of many men on both sides, so as neither part had any cause to brag of victory. Schenck was wounded there, and carried to Nymeghen.  
In the beginning of May, they of antwerp sent their great floating fort (called, The end of the War) down the river, near unto the fort of Oordam, where the Spaniards were. But coming too near unto the dike, it run on ground, so as in the end they were forced to abandon it, having retired with the Ordnance and all the provision and munition that was within it: the which fell afterwards into the Spaniards hands. It was a work of excessive charge, the which most men held to have cost a hundred thousand florins, and yet did never service, but to their enemies, who had built it with so great cost.  
The seventh of May, the earl of Hohenlo and Colonel Iselstein came with all their ships laden with choice soldiers, and a good number of pioneers to cut the dike of Coesteyn, to the end that they might pass with long boats and oars near unto the fort of Lillo, through the drowned meadows unto antwerp, leaving the river and the Spaniards forts upon the left hand; the which had been easy to effect, if they could have been masters of the dike, as they expected. But as the earl had put his men in order, and that the pioneers began to dig, the Spaniards charged them with such fury, as well upon the dike, as in their ships with their canon (whereof some were sunk) as after the loss of three hundred men, they were forced to retire unto their ships, and to sail away, saving themselves as well as they could.  
Colonel Verdugo, governor for the king of Spain at Groningue and in Friesland, 
Schuyléburch taken by the Spaniard.  after that he had taken the castles of Rha, Rechteren, and Ruttenberch, in the country of Oueryssel, went with two pieces before the castle of Schuylenburch, a place strong by nature and by art; yet the besieged fearing they should not be able to hold it long, yielded it up.  
Whilst that Verdugo prevailed thus in the country of Oueryssel, Cont William of Nassau, 
Sclickenbourg taken for the Estates.  governor of Friesland for the Estates, with the regiment of Frisons and Waterlanders, besieged the fort of Slyckenbourgh, joining unto Kindert, the which was yielded easily unto him, although it were a place of great importance, to subject the seven forests (which they call Sevenwolden) to contribution.  
At the same time, the earl of Moeurs, lieutenant and chief of all the troops under Truchses, elector of Cologne, having drawn forth some part of the garrisons out of Rhynbergh, 
Nuis surprised and spoiled.  and other towns of Gueldres, both horse and foot, he surprised the town of Nuys in the diocese of Cologne, a very famous town, for the great siege which Charles duke of Bourgoigne laid before it. It was surprised by scalado at the first by a few men, who, without discovery of the guard, went from the rampar to a port, whereas captain Kunyt attended with the horsemen; the which being broken open with hammers, and an engine called a Goat's foot, he entered in with a great noise, running through all the streets: the burghers being awaked, put themselves in defence, some being armed, and some unarmed. The horsemen ran to the Ehenport, where the burghers had ensconced themselves with carts and wagons, from whence they returned, and seized upon the market place. All the resistance the burghers made, was to no purpose, and without order, having been much better for them to have stayed in their houses, and compounded with the earl to redeem themselves from spoil: for this resistance which they made, was the cause that they were sacked, and many burghers taken prisoners. The soldiers had a rich spoil: for that all the nobility thereabouts, the cloisters and abbeys, the peasants, yea, and some of Cologne had sent their goods thither, as to a place of assurance, thinking it safer there than in any place else. Besides the spoil, the burghers were forced to redeem themselves, and to lay down their arms, the which were to be delivered to the earl, or to his lieutenant. The earl made Herman Frederic Cloet, a valiant captain, governor of the town, who from that place did afterwards make sharp wars against all the diocese of Cologne, under the authority of the said elector, but afterwards he had a pitiful end (as we will show) at the recovery of the said town by 
1585.  the prince of Parma.  
Colonel Martin Schenck having taken a disdain, that the king of Spain had made no more account to free him, being a prisoner in Gueldre, as we have said, and that the signior of Hautepenne was preferred before him (and all by the instigation of the burghers) to the government of Nymeghen, he had afterwards such a hatred against the said town, as to be revenged, he desired to be discharged of his regiment, the which the prince of Parma granted him. Then having treated with the earl of Moeurs in the behalf of the Elector Truchses, who was in league with the Estates (and with the consent of the said Estates) he came to serve them in May, delivering unto them for assurance of his faith his strong castle of Blyenbeeke, by means whereof he had so much annoyed the diocese of Vtrecht and the country of Gueldre: from which time he sought many occasions to be revenged upon them of Nymeghen; but in the end they of Nymeghen were revenged of him. Soon after his coming unto the Estates, he surprised the town of Roeroort, at the mouth of the river of Roer, which coming through Westphalia, falls there into the Rhine.  
At that time, Cont Philip of Egmont, prince of Gant, was exchanged with the lord of la Nove, upon certain conditions.  
The two and twentieth of May they of antwerp made new engines to break and burn the bridge and Stocadoes which the prince of Parma had made. For the effecting whereof, they bound sixteen flat bottomed boats together, with irons sharp at the point, to cut the cables of the anchors, which held the Stocadoes firm; the which they let go with the tide: but coming near unto the Spaniards forts, they were drawn by them unto the sands; the which was easy for them to do, after they had once turned them out of the right course of the stream, for that they drew but little water, so as all their pains and cost was lost.  
Afterwards they sent four ships prepared like unto the first, which they had sent down the fourth of April, to work their effect altogether. But as they went not equally, the first was stayed by the Spaniards, and anchored right against the fort of Paysande, which was held by the garrison of antwerp, where having remained some time, it took fire, and did more harm to their own fort, than to any place else. The other two approaching near the bridge, it was opened, and they passed through a good way, before they wrought any effect, which was without any hurt to the Spaniard. The fourth being taken at the beginning by the Spaniards, the matches were found, and put out without any danger, in the which they found good store of powder: and so all this design was more profitable to the Spaniard, than to them of antwerp, who received at this fort of Paysand more hurt than the enemy.  
The six and twentieth of May (as they of antwerp had sent down the day before twelve 
Another design to cut Coesteyns' dike.  such ships with fire, to break the bridge) they brought through the drowned land their flat bottomed boats, near unto the dike of Coesteyn: the Hollanders and Zeelanders having for their parts sent with the tide certain ships with fire, presented themselves before the break of day with a hundred and twenty boats, near unto the said dike, shooting with such fury, as they that were in small forts and trenches of the dike, where they would pierce it, were forced to retire to the great fort. The Protestants having landed upon the same dike, carrying with them sacks full of earth, store of planks and hurdles, with wooll-packes, entrenched themselves suddenly upon either side of the dike, whereas their soldiers lodged themselves, to defend their pioneers, whilst they should be working in two or three places to cut through the dike. The Spaniards made many furious charges to chase them from thence, where they were as well repulsed, with the loss of very many soldiers and captains: for the artillery from the protestants ships shot so into the midst of them, as they never failed; so as they of Antuerp assured themselves of the victory, having been masters of the dike above three hours, commanding their ships laden with corn to approach, to pass through the holes which were almost ready in the said dike, whereby they might have passed safely through the drowned meadows to antwerp. The prince of Parma was not far off, being much perplexed in his mind to see the Protestants so far advanced, and his Spaniards so repulsed, as they had no more any will 
1585.  or desire to attempt it. For as one Pedro de Padille, with eight brave cavaliers, would make the point of a new charge, at his first approach he had his hand shot off, and was afterwards slain: which presumptuous charge was very shameful and prejudicial to the Spaniards. The prince of Parma taking counsel with the old earl of Mansfeldt, what was to be done, the said earl said unto Cont Charles his eldest son: Charles my son, here you must either vanquish, or die. Whereupon there were three pieces of Ordnance brought; the which playing upon them of antwerp, the said Cont Charles came resolutely (with a regiment of Walloons and another of Germans) to charge the Protestants in their trenches on the East side. He was twice repulsed, but at the third time he forced them, and won their fort, whereas they slew all they met, and the rest fled unto their ships, whereof some were drowned, coming too late. Those that were retired to the ships, being loath to give over, stayed so long skirmishing with their cannon and musket shot, as the tide was spent, and some thirty of them being on ground, fell into the Spaniards hands, in the which they found many dead men, and great store of arms and munition for war. Whilst that the Protestants held the dike, thinking themselves to be victors, the earl of Hohenlo and the Signior of S. Aldegonde were gone to antwerp, to give order for the safe keeping of the same dike. But hearing that the prince of Parma had recovered it again, the earl returned through the country to Berghen upon Zoome.  
There died in this fight (on both sides) above fifteen hundred men: among others of the Protestants side, the Signior of Honteyn, governor of the Island of Walchrens, with many gentlemen and captains of good sort. On the Spaniards side there died many more captains and commanders (marching in the head of their troops) than of the Protestants. Most of them were natural borne Spaniards and Italians, as they were also that endured the first charge at their landing, and made the first attempt upon the trenches made by the Protestants upon the dike, as soon as they had made any thing to defend their pioneers.  
The next day (as nothing was done in antwerp, but they were presently advertised thereof in the Spanish camp) news came unto the prince of Parma, that they of antwerp would come with a great ship of war, and three galleys, to free their floating fort; the which (as we have said) was run on ground, and had been abandoned, that being degaged, they might plant it before one of the forts of Oordam or Calloo. The prince to hinder them, sent the earl of Arembergh and the young earl of Mansfeldt with good ships and well appointed; who upon the eight and twentieth of the said month charged the said ship and three galleys, and in the end took the ship and two galleys; the which they brought with the floating fort to Calloo, joining to the bridge which did shut up the river.  
Colonel Hautepenne, governor of Nymeghen, had built certain forts about the town of Grave, to shut it up: in the mean time Colonel Schenck went thither with certain troops for the Estates, thinking to chase him away from that part of the country. But Colonel Hautepenne having drawn the garrisons out of the neighbour towns thereabouts, thought to stop up his passage from coming thither. Colonel Schenck being advertised of his coming, and finding himself too weak to encounter or fight with him, he retired with his forces to Arnham. In the mean time, Verdugo and Taxis did besiege the fort of Berchhooft in the country of Bethune, the which was battered, and endured some assaults: but being undermined, and ready to be blown up, they that were within the fort, yielded it up, and went forth without their arms. From thence Verdugo retired unto his government at Groningue, and Taxis went to Zutphen.  
They of antwerp considering, that all their designs and enterprises, to break the bridge, and cut through Coesteyns' dike, proved vain and fruitless, they began to bethink themselves how they might make an accord with the prince of Parma; to which end the Signior of S. Aldegonde should go unto the camp on Trinity Sunday, being the third of june. But there was yet some let: for they of Zeeland made a new preparation 
1585.  of Hulks, the which with a strong gale and a Spring tide should come with full sails upon the Stocadoes and bridge; and although it could not be put in execution (as it was projected) without the loss of men, yet was it liked and allowed of. But these Hulks approaching to Lillo, the wind began to grow scant, and when the wind was good, the tide was spent, or was against them, so as it was not possible to make them work their effect.  
This falleth out commonly, when they embrace not the occasion which is offered, or neglect it: for (to say the truth) if they had showed half those endeavours in the beginning (when as the prince resolved to make the bridge and Stocadoes) as they did afterwards when it was finished, he had never compassed it, but had been forced to leave all with shame and loss. But there were so many errors committed, from the first day of the siege unto the ending, through negligence, or by contempt of the enemy, as they cannot be excused.  
On the eleventh of july, the earl of Hohenlo going out of Lyefkenshoek, went to assail one of the Spaniards forts near unto it; in the which there commanded one captain Wiiflenen, who defended it valiantly, and repulsed the earls men, whereof some were slain upon the place, and the earl himself had two horses killed under him, the which made him retire. At his departure he cried out unto them of the fort, that they should tell the earl of Arembergh, That of late he had borrowed two of his horses, the which he had brought back, and he should find them before the fort. Three days after, the said earl of Hohenlo did again attempt this fort; but he prevailed no more than he did at the first; for he had one of his captains hurt, and sixteen of his men taken prisoners.  
This Summer, in june, john William, prince of juilliers, Cleve, and Bergh (his father 
The unfortunate marriage of the prince of Cleve.  duke William being yet living) married with the lady jaqueline, daughter to the marquess of Baden; and the solemnities of this marriage were celebrated with great pomp in the town of Dusseldorp, in the country of Bergh. It was an unfortunate marriage for this young prince, not only for that she was given unto lasciviousness and looseness of life (whereof she was publicly convicted) being also barren; but for that she had drawn the Spaniards and other of the king of Spain his soldiers into those Duchies, who have not only ruined them, but have been the cause, that the Estates soldiers have been often there to dislodge them, all redounding unto the desolation of those neutral countries. This good lady died afterwards in prison, being committed thither for her adulteries. She had so filled her husband with diseases, as his senses were much weakened thereby. God doth sometimes send such instruments, when he will punish a prince or his people.  
There was another project to break the bridge before antwerp, made by one of Berghen upon Zoome; the which the general Estates (being then at Middlebourg) did like so well of, as within eight days he came before Lillo with his invention, being of five great ships of fourscore foot long apiece, tied from both sides one unto another, with seven cables wreathed all in one, and with certain long beams fastened from one ship unto another, under the lower deck; which holes were well stopped, so as the water could by no means enter; and above the said deck, under the hatches, there were many empty barrels well stopped, which could not be carried away by the water, although the ships had been full of water, up to the hatches: above the which, and upon the barrels, there was great store of straw, wood, faggots, ropes tarred, pipes full of pitch, tar and rosine, and other stuff, fit to entertain a long fire, which might not be quenched, nor the ships separated one from another, as the Spaniards had done to the flat bottommed boats of antwerp, for that the cables, and other bonds, which kept them firm together, were deep in the water: for in the bottom of the said ships there were many holes stopped with leather; and when as they would sink the ships up to the first deck and barrels, they might easily do it in piercing the leather with a half pike, whereby the water might enter by little and little into the ships unto the hatches and barrels, and no further; so as after they which did guide them, had made those vents and passages through the 
1585.  leather, and set fire on those things which were subject to burn, lying upon the hatches, they had leisure enough to make shift to save themselves in their long boats. In the mean time these ships thus sunk, but not on ground, had gone on burning unto the Stocadoes, which they must needs have burnt and consumed. This design was easy to be executed, and without any danger, being all ready, yet nothing followed; and they did not make any use of it, although that the inventor did offer, that in giving him five or six men, he would put it in execution: but it seemed that God would not suffer it, and that he himself would work his will upon the town of antwerp.  
The earl of Moeurs, Colonel Schencke, and the Signior of Villers governor of Vtrecht were with the Estates army about Amerongen, betwixt Vtrecht and Rhenen, whither Verdugo governor of Friesland for the king, sent john Baptista Taxis his Lieutenant, the three and twentieth day of june, with certain troops of horse and foot, the which he laid in ambush in a wood near unto Amerongen. The earl of Moeurs men hearing that the Spaniards had been seen in those parts of the country, and that they came near unto them, went forth to charge them: the Spaniards to draw them on, made a show of flying, and skirmished faintly, until that the protestants were come into the ambush, than they discovered themselves, and charged them behind, and those which seemed to fly, turned head upon their enemies, and fought valiantly for a long time; till in the end the protestants being compassed in round about, and charged of all sides, were put to rout: all their footmen were in a manner cut in pieces, and four cornets of horse defeated. The earl of Moeurs saved himself in Amersfort, and Colonel Schencke in Vtrecht, but the marshal Villers being sore wounded, was taken prisoner, with some captains and divers soldiers. They thought to have put Villers to death, for that long before in the delivering over of the town of Bouchan he had dealt hardly with them: yet in the end he was set free for a great ransom, and in exchange of other prisoners.  
This overthrow given by Taxis, after a long and doubtful fight, was much furthered by the two sons of the earl of Berghes, who at that very instant came with a troup of fresh horse to help them: these two young earls of Berghes are the prince of Orange's sisters sons, and brought up by him; but for that the Estates had their father in suspicion, they left them, and served under the king of Spain.  
The earl of Moeurs and Schencke having gathered the scattered troops again together, built certain sconces betwixt Vianen, Vtrecht, and other places, and Schencke not long after recovered some part of his loss from the enemy, by the overthrow of two cornets of horse, and after that he had an enterprise against Groningue, but being discovered, he was forced to retire.  
The prince of Parma the more to press them of antwerp, sent some troops from the camp to seize upon one of their suburbs, called Bourgerhout, which they won easily, the place being abandoned by the garrison which fled. There was in the suburb a great fort, which the Spaniards took by assault, chase the soldiers that were in it even unto the ports of antwerp. There was also another fort joining unto it called Sterckenhof, in the which there were some thirty soldiers, Walloons, with their captain, who had the rest of his company at Cantercrois: he refused to yield until that he had seen and heard the artillery, 
Sterckenhof and Cantercrois yielded.  and then at the ninth shot he did capitulate, so as he and all his men departed with their arms and baggage, in yielding up the said fort, and the other, where the rest of his company was, the which was done.  
From thence they went to besiege the castle of Stralen, the which they within it would not yield, unless they might see the cannon; the which being planted, and they offering then to yield, it would not be accepted, but to depart with their rapiers and daggers only. The soldiers which had been in these forts, coming to the ports of antwerp, they of the 
The castle of Stralen yielded.  town would not receive them. But the prince of Parma caused them to be conducted unto Berghen upon some.  
Having the said forts, he commanded the peasants, laquays, and horseboys, to cut up all the corn and potherbs, and to pull up all parsnips, carrots, turnips, and other roots, and to bring all unto his carnpe, willing them to spoil all that they could not carry away, to the 
1585.  end that they of antwerp might reap no commodity thereby. This happened in the end of june.  
At the same time the prince of Parma went to visit his camp at Strabrouck lying on Brabant side. The deputies of the town being come to Beveren, having spoken with the prince, returned the next day, which gave some hope of an accord, for news was brought unto his camp, that they of the town had nothing the first day of june but oat bread, and that the common people cried out that they would have bread or peace. The council of the town assembled often, but by reason of the diversity of opinions, they could not resolve any thing. Of eight Colonels there were but two that desired peace, and of fourscore captains, most of them holding with the people, demanded it. In the mean time they sent many letters from antwerp into Holland and Zeeland, and back again, the which fell sometimes into the Spaniards hands: succours were promised by them of Holland, but nothing at all was done.  
The marquess of Gwast general of the Spanish and Italian horse, encountered two corners of horse of the garrison of Macklyn, the which he defeated, whereas captain Suisse was slain, and some taken prisoners, the rest saved themselves by flight: and soon after the marquess of Renti and la Motte were sent with some troops of horse and foot, and some little artillery towards Macklyn, to importune them of Macklyn, as they had done them of antwerp. At the first they took the fort of Walhem and the Blochmy, then Neckerspal, and some other forts about the town, some of them by force, and some by composition. They took a ship of war going from Macklyn, whereas the scout of the said town was taken, with some other boats laden with victuals and munition.  
All these losses moved them of Macklyn to consider of their affairs, and to give ear to an accord, with the marquess of Renti, unto whom they sent their deputies, who concluded upon certain articles, the which were sent unto the prince of Parma, and were confirmed by him: whereupon the town was yielded, the Signior of Famas governor of the town, 
Macklyn yielded by composition.  and the soldiers going forth with their arms and baggage, having liberty to retire whither they pleased. Of all the captains, only Benguatre (a gentleman of Bethune, brother to the Signior of Ourthon, nephew to Saint Aldegonde) remained with the Spaniards, but very few of his troup of horse. After the departure of the governor Famas, which was the nineteenth day of julie, the Signior of Proneve a gentleman of Bruges, was made governor for the king of Spain. As for the burghers, there was a perpetual forgetfulness granted, and that such as would live in the Romish religion might remain, and the rest should have fifteen days free, to sell and make the best of their goods, and then to retire where they pleased.  
In the mean time they attended the deputies of antwerp at the prince of Parma his camp: but before they returned, the Hollanders would needs make an attempt upon the bridge and stocadoes. They had with great charge prepared two great thundering ships, like unto those of antwerp, in the which there was much powder and great stones, which ships they sent up with the tide unto the stocadoe, which the first brake: but the Spaniards opened the bridge, and it passed through, then taking fire it broke, but did no harm; the other in like sort took fire before it came half way to the bridge. The Hollanders supposed that the first had done much spoil, but hearing the cannon shoot off along the river, they were of another opinion.  
In the mean time they of antwerp began to be extremely priest by famine, which was not likely to be relieved, but in the end they must be forced of necessity to yield, or else the commanders would be in danger by reason of the commons want and discontent, who did nothing but murmur and would have peace: so as the three and twentieth day of july they sent twenty deputies to the prince of Parma, chosen out of the magistrates of the Estates of Brabant, ancient sheriffs, Colonels, captains, and deans of companies within the town: with full power and authority to treat and accord with the said prince, according to the articles which they had propounded in council; which being presented unto the prince, he sent them to the precedent Pamele, & to Assonville, & Richard vander Burcht, being all of the king of Spain's privy counsel, with whom the said deputies having long debated all manner 
1585.  of difficulties, and in the end fallen to an agreement, there was a certain treaty of reconciliation drawn betwixt them, the which was sent by some of the deputies unto the town, to impart it unto the great council, that so upon the view thereof, they might resolve accordingly.  
A little before Philip earl of Egmont (who as we have said, had been taken in his own town of Nyeuhoven, by monsieur la Nove) returned to the prince of Parma his camp, from a long imprisonment, having been kept at Gant, and in the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland, since the year 1579. And in like sort, the said monsieur la Nove, taken at Engelmonster and kept in the castles of Tournay, and of Lembourg, since the year 1580, the said two noblemen being exchanged one for another, but monsieur la Nove was tied to harder conditions than the other, promising upon the penalty of a hundred thousand crowns, never to carry arms in the Netherlands against the king of Spain, if it were not by the express commandment of the French king his natural lord; for which promise, the duke of Lorraine was his caution, and the king of Navarre his counterpledge. It did much grieve and bred a great discontentment in the earl to be exchanged against monsieur la Nove, who was not equal unto him in degree and quality, and the rather in regard of the promise, which he thought to be done purposely to his disgrace: but the sweetness of liberty made him to digest these comparisons which seemed odious unto him. It was confidently reported, that monsieur la Nove taking his leave of the prince of Parma, said unto him, Sir, this town of antwerp cannot escape you, when you shall enter into it, I would advise you to hang up your sword and 
La Noves speech to the prince of Parma.  arms at the gate, and there to end your victories. To whom the prince answered, You say well monsieur la Nove, and my friends do also advise me thereunto; but how may I retire myself, being engaged in the King's service, as I am? Doubtless monsieur la Nove was not deceived, for since the prince of Parma did not any thing that might equal the hundredth part of his precedent happy success in the Netherlands, only after that time he took the towns of Nuys and Scluse.  
The deputies of antwerp that were returned unto the town with the articles of the accord, to impart them unto the people, arrived the ninth day of August, and the next day the great council was assembled, where they were seen and examined, and were allowed of by some, and rejected by others. Whilst they were disputing in council upon these articles, a good number of burghers being tired with this long siege, and not able nor willing any longer to endure the extremity of famine, came unto the market place, where they began to cry out, that they would have peace. Some of the council looking out at the window, and seeing the people thus moved, grew afraid that it would turn to a popular sedition, making report thereof to the whole council, the which did terrify and amaze them in such sort, as they which at the first had opposed themselves unto the said articles, fearing some great mutiny, and that they should be forced by the commons, yielded jointly with the rest, giving the people (there present) to understand, that the peace was concluded: the which did so rejoice them, as without any longer stay, they beat down the duke of Anious arms, and set up the king of Spain's.  
In this treaty of Antuerp, there was great difficulties upon the word scandal, the which by the pacification of Gant had been strictly and bitterly interpreted, the which they desired to have explained, and not to have the word of scandal applied to the least point that should be spoken or done by them of the religion, as it had been often construed to the worst, since the said pacification of Gant; for it had been said, that they should live in liberty of conscience, committing no scandal. This word had been generally taken against all those that would not conform themselves to the ceremonies of the Romish church. The interpreters of this maintaining, that such as would not do as the rest did were scandalous; and therefore this word thus construed and understood, the liberty of conscience was nothing, neither had it been lawful to sing a psalm without scandal. The Dutch chronicle says, that the Signior of Saint Aldegonde insisted much upon this word against the prince of Parma, alleging some points which they would term scandalous: amongst others, that if they did no reverence unto the priests carrying the sacrament through the streets: whereupon the prince of Parma answered, Truly for the last point it were a manifest scandal: 
1585.  saying moreover unto the Signior of Saint Aldegonde, can you not do as the country man did at Rome, who passing along the streets before an Eccehomo, (which is the figure of the representation which Pilate made of our Saviour jesus Christ unto the people, saying, Behold the man) having made a reverence, and passing on, he bethought himself, that Pilate might attribute this honour unto himself: wherefore returning and putting off his hat again, he said, It is to the Christ, not to the Pilate. Do so said the prince of Parma, and think that the honour and reverence which you do unto the sacrament, you do it unto almighty God.  
The eleventh day of August, the prince of Parma received the order which the king had sent him out of Spain, with the accustomed solemnities, the which was also given to 
The prince of Parma made knight of the Order.  the earl of Egmont, the marquess of Renti earl of Ouereinden being at that time there present, and to the marquess of Renti who was dead, as we have said, the old knights assisting, as the duke of Arschot, the old earl of Mansfeldt, and others with the Signior of Assonuille chancellor of the order, the treasurer, and the king at arms, whom they call Toison d'Or, or golden fleece. This was done publicly on a scaffold richly furnished in the fort of Calloo: this being ended, the ordinance in all the sorts thereabouts were discharged.  
The seventeenth day of the month of August, the treaty of accord with the town of antwerp was fully concluded, and signed by the prince of Parma, who promised them to get it signed and ratified by the king of Spain, under his great seal, within four months at the furthest: which accord was proclaimed in the said town of antwerp with ceremonies, on the twentieth day following, the which being set forth in print, we omit for brevities sake.  
This proclamation being made before the townhouse, in the presence of the prince of Parma his deputies, the magistrates and the superintendents of the said town, the Herald or king at arms having his coat on him with the arms of Spain, cried out thrice, God save the king of Spain: the which was seconded by the shouts and cries of the people of the town.  
This being done, the prince of Parma his deputies went to the cathedral church of the said town, the which being blest by the bishop, and the pulpits whipped with rods, and then pulled down, a Te Deum was sung; from thence they returned to the Statehouse, whereas a costly dinner was prepared for them. The magistrates entreated the prince that he would stay his entry into the town for some few days, that they might have some respite to prepare themselves to receive him in triumph, as a victorious prince, with all the honour and pomp they could devise. And all strangers, especially the Genevois, and the companies of trades, did strive who should exceed in sumptuous acknowledgement of their duty.  
So upon the seven and twentieth day of the month, the prince of Parma (meaning to make his entry into the said town of antwerp) sent two thousand and four hundred footmen, Walloons and high Dutch men, and four hundred horse men, with two hundred gentlemen following them, among whom there were many great personages of good account. The bourgomasters, sheriffs, magistrates, and regents of the town went to meet him, and the keys of the town were presented unto him by a fair young virgin, the one being of iron, the other of pure gold, the which he tied to his collar, by his order of the golden fleece. There were along the streets many artificial and costly devices, of pictures, images, statues, and writings, all tending to the prince his honour, glory, and renown.  
At the same time the prince of Parma wrote many letters to the other towns of the provinces of the Netherlands, to persuade them to a submission and reconciliation with the king of Spain their sovereign lord and king, after this manner ensuing. We have heretofore and of late written unto you, and earnestly entreated you in the behalf of the king your natural prince, to consider of the miserable estate whereunto you are now reduced, & to embrace the means to return unto the true obedience which you owe unto your prince, before you fall into greater calamities and miseries than those which hang over your heads, 
1585.  being environed on all sides with the oppressions and ruins of war, which you draw up-upon yourselves: into the which, many towns have fallen, and do now (but too late) lament their misfortune, seeing that we are forced to proceed by the way of arms. Notwithstanding, we have always conceived a good hope of you, expecting a good answer from you, and that you will show yourselves, as it befitteth good and faithful subjects, if our letters may be delivered unto you; for we have been duly informed, that (God be thanked) your hearts are not so much alienated from his Majesty, as many others be, which persist obstinately in their errors. But, for that hitherto we have received no answer, we find that our letters have been suppressed by some, who for their private respects and profit, labour by all the means they possibly can, to nourish and maintain aperpetuall war among you, to keep you in subjection, and to enrich themselves with the sweat of you and your children. Wherefore being moved with compassion, we would not for our parts, spare neither labour nor cost to discharge ourselves, as it belongs to a faithful servant to his Majesty, and as we have now written unto you: That once opening your eyes you should not reject the good means that are offered unto you, to free yourselves of these miseries, matters being not so desperate, but they are yet in your own hands: considering on the one side the kings great forces, which no town can resist, and on the other side his natural bounty, which he shows you, to draw you to your obedience. And if you will give ear and yield to our persuasions, we promise you in his majesties name, such good and courteous usage, as you cannot expect better of so mild a prince, whose desires and thoughts tend to no other end, but to deliver his good country of the Netherlands from such bloody wars, and of his own bounty to restore them to their freedoms and ancient liberties, wherein they have heretofore lived happily: the which we would rather seek to augment, than any way go about to diminish, if the public good required it, to the which we carry a singular affection, and would by all means seek the advancement thereof: Whereof we have hitherto given sufficient proofs and testimonies, referring ourselves to all the world to judge thereon: having always sought & doneour best endeavours to conform ourselves to his majesties will and intention, who cannot but with a heavy and sorrowful countenance behold these countries, which have always, and above all others, been so dear and so much recommended unto him, so much to forget themselves, as he hath been forced to take arms against them: notwithstanding that his Majesty in the beginning of the troubles, had sought by all means to redress it, and to pacific them.  
Wherefore we do exhort you again by these our letters, that you will consider of that which is fittest for you, and that you will give ear unto it, and not carelessly to let it pass without regard, and then you shall find us very ready to assist you in all that shall tend to your good; knowing well, that by the instigations and persuasions of some wicked persons, you have been drawn into this war, which doth now so much importune you: although it hath not been so much through the violent attempts of the perverse (who being but few in number govern you as we hear) as through the timorousness and want of courage in the good. But be it as it may, the way is open unto you, whereby you may return to your first quiet and tranquility, under the peaceful government and protection of his Majesty, your natural prince and sovereign, and of us as his Lieutenant. Wherefore embrace this opportunity, before that war oppress you, and that you feel in effect that which we have long delayed, before we would seek to reduce you by force. If you will hearken thereunto, you shall find us the readier and the more inclined to yield you that on his majesties behalf, which you can desire with reason for your public good. Hereupon we will with patience attend your answer and full resolution, and as our good friends recommend you to the protection and preservation of the goodness of the Almighty.  
The F●…ench king being forced this year in March (by the wars which were very like in a short time to grow within the bowels of his own kingdom through the practices of the league) to refuse the sovereignty of the Netherlands, which was offered unto him by the ambassadors of the united provinces, and to deny them succours as they demanded: he 
1585.  advised them to recommend their cause unto the Queen of England, and to the king of Navarre. The Queen being duly informed of the estate of their affairs, lest they should be forced to make some desperate agreement with their enemies, had sent them many comfortable words, as well by the Lord of Grise, as by master Davison her majesties Ambassador.  
Whereof the general Estates being advertised, during the siege of antwerp, they resolved to give the sovereignty of the Netherlands, absolutely unto the Queen of England, upon lawful and reasonable conditions; or else to treat with her, to take the protection and defence thereof upon her, or otherwise to crave her aid and assistance, by some forces to succour and relieve them.  
And to that end, upon the sixth of june, their deputies arrived in England, which were these; for Brabant (although by reason of the besieging of antwerp not fully authorized) was sent jacques de Grise chief bailiff of Bruges; for Guelderland, Rutgert van Harsolt bourgmaster of Harderwicke, for Flaunders (although likewise not fully authorized) Noel of Charon, Signior of Schoonewall, bourgmaster of Franc; for Holland and Friesland, john vanden Does, lord of Noortwicke, joos of Menin counsellor of the town of Dort, john van Oldenbarnevelt counsellor of the town of Rotterdam, doctor Francis Maelson, counsellor of the town of Enckhuysen; for Zeeland, jacob Valck, a civil lawyer, and one of the counsel of estate; for Vtrecht, Paul Buys doctor; for Friesland, jelgher van Feytzma counsellor of estate, Hessell Aysma precedent, and Laest jongama: all which had full power and authority by procuration, from their several places and provinces, to treat either for the delivering over of the absolute sovereignty to the Queen of England, or else to make a treaty for protection and defence, or for aid and assistance by some English forces: the Hollanders for their parts were resolved and content to deliver over some of their towns unto the Queen, for her security.  
Their deputies procuration and authority was made from the nobility, gentlemen, and towns; as Dort, Harlem, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Gant, Rotterdam, Gorcum, Schiedam, Briel, Alcmar, Hoorn, Enckhuysen, Schoonhoven, Eedam, Monickedam, Medenblick, Woerden, Oudewater, Heusden, Gertruydenberghe, Weesp, Naerden, Muyden, and Purmerend, answering for the rest of the small towns, lordships, and villages of Holland and West-Friseland in general.  
These ambassadors being arrived in England, they were well and courteously received, (and while they abode there) honourably feasted, and entertained at the Queen's charges; and upon the ninth of june were admitted to her majesties presence, being then at Greenwich, where with all honourable and submissive duty, in humble wise they presented their request by word of mouth, delivered by joos de Menin, the effect whereof was as here followeth.  
That the Estates of the united netherlands provinces greatly thanked her Majesty for the honourable and many favours which it had pleased her to show and vouchsafe unto them in their necessities, having not long since renewed and confirmed her princely clemency, when after the cruel murder of the prince of Orange, it pleased her Majesty by her Ambassador M. Davison to signify unto them, the great care she had for their defence and preservation; and after that again by the lord of Grise, by whom she let them understand how much she was discontented to see them frustrated of their expectations, reposed upon the hope they had in the treaty of France: and that nevertheless the care she had for their prosperity and welfares, was not in any thing diminished, but rather increased, in that she saw greater reason to move her thereunto: for the which, the whole Netherlands in general, and every of them in particular should rest bound unto her Majesty for ever, to deserve and requite the same with all fidelity and submission.  
And therefore the Estates aforesaid observing that since the death of the prince of Orange, they had lost many of their forts and good towns, and that for the upholding and defending of the said united Netherlands, they had great need of a sovereign prince, and chief commander to govern the same, who by his power and authority might protect and preserve them from the insolencies and oppressions of the Spaniards, and their adherents, who sought daily more and more all the means they could, with their unreasonable arms & other sinister 
1585.  means, to spoil and utterly root up the foundation of the aforesaid Netherlands, and thereby to bring the poor afflicted people of the same into perpetual bondage (worse than the Indian slavery) under the unsupportable and accursed inquisition of Spain. Finding likewise, that the inhabitants of the said Netherlands were persuaded, and had an assured confidence, that her Majesty out of her princely mind, would not suffer nor endure to see them utterly overthrown, as their enemies expected and desired, by molesting them with such long and tedious wars; the which the Estates (according to their duties, and in respect of their places, in the behalf of their fellows and brethren) were forced to withstand, and as much as in them lay oppose themselves against the manifest slavery, which they thought to impose upon the poor common people, and by their best endeavours to defend and maintain their ancient freedoms, laws, and privileges, with the exercise of the true christian religion, (whereof her Majesty, truly, and by good right bare the title of defendresse) against the which the enemy and all their adherents, had made so many leagues, attempted so many fearful and deceitful enterprises, and treasons, and yet cease not daily to seek, invent, practice, and devise the destruction of her majesties royal person, together with her estate and kingdoms, which the almighty God under the protection of his everlasting goodness hitherto had preserved and kept from all dangers, for the good and upholding of the church of Christ here upon earth. For these reasons, and many other right good considerations, the Estates aforesaid, with one full and free consent, had altogether determined, and fully resolved to fly unto her Majesty, in regard it is an usual thing for all oppressed and distressed people and nations, in their great need and necessity, to seek just aid and assistance against their enemies, from the kings and princes their neighbours, and especially from those that were endued with courage, fear of God, uprightness of heart, and other princely ornaments: and to that end, the Estates aforesaid had sent them, and given them charge to desire and beseech her Majesty, to accept of the sovereignty and lawful government of the said united provinces, upon good and reasonable conditions, especially tending to the upholding, maintaining, and furtherance of God's true religion, and the ancient privileges and freedoms to them due and belonging, together with the government and managing of the wars, policy, and justice of the said united provinces of the Netherlands. And although the said Netherlands had endured divers wrongs, and that many of their towns and forts had been won from them by the enemy, during those wars; nevertheless in Brabant, Guelderland, Flaunders, Macklyn, and Ouerissel, there were yet many good towns and places that held against the enemy, and the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, and Friesland, were by God's grace and wonderful providence still kept and preserved in their whole and entire possessions, wherein they had many great and strong towns, and places, fair rivers, deeps, and havens, whereby her Majesty and her successors, might have good commodities, services, and profits, whereof it were needless to make any longer discourse, and one in special, that by the uniting the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, and the towns of Oostend and Scluse, unto her majesties kingdoms and dominions, she might have the absolute command, government, power, and authority over the great ocean, and consequently, she might have a perpetual, assured, and happy traffic for the subjects and inhabitants of her majesties kingdoms and dominions: Most humbly and submissively beseeching her royal Majesty to vouchsafe of her royal favour and princely bounty, to agree and consent to the foresaid points of their request, and so to accept for her, and her lawful heirs, or successors, in the crown of England, defenders of the true Christian religion, the sovereign principality and chief government of the said Netherlands, and in regard thereof, to receive the inhabitants of the same countries, as her majesties most humble and obedient subjects, into her perpetual safeguard and protection, a people as true, faithful, and loving to their princes and commanders (without vain boasting be it spoken) as any other in christendom. And so doing, she should preserve and protect many fair churches, which it had pleased almighty God in those latter days, to gather together in several countries, being now in many places hardly beset, and sore encumbered and oppressed, and to deliver the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof out of miserable thraldom, who (not long before the wicked and 
1585.  dangerous invasions of the Spaniards) were so rich, and flourishing in all kinds of wealth, by reason of the great commodities of the sea, havens, rivers, traffic, manual trades and occupations, whereunto they are much given, and very apt by nature. She should likewise preserve them from utter destruction, and perpetual slavery both of body and soul, and so effect a right princely and most royal work, pleasing to God, profitable for all Christendom, worthy of eternal praise, honour, and glory, and fitting well the greatness and state of her princely Majesty, including therein the assured security, prosperity, and welfare of her own kingdoms and subjects. Which done, they presented their Articles unto her Majesty with all humility, beseeching God, who is the king of kings, to defend, protect, and preserve her from all her enemies, to the increase of his honour and greatness, and perpetually to hold and keep her in his holy protection and safeguard.  
This humble petition, tending so much to the honour and glory of the most magnificent and royal Queen and princess in the world, was with all thankfulness received at their hands.  
Thereupon the Queen willed them for that time to depart, and in the mean while she assembled her counsel, to confer with them, what was to be done in this so urgent a cause, and to have their advice touching the same. To conclude, she found all her subjects generally addicted thereunto, saying, That she might not by any means altogether abandon or forsake the united Provinces of the Netherlands; alleging the great hatred conceived against her by the king of Spain, for the altering of his Religion in England, which he (not long before) had planted therein: which appeared by the treaty of peace made at Chasteau in Cambresis, holden in Anno 1559, wherein he was very slack and 
The Queen taketh counsel what to do touching the low countries.  careless for procuring the delivery of the town of Calais unto the English again, the which was lost by means of his wars; and on the other side he caused the French to deliver many towns over unto the duke of Savoy, and left her in war, both against France and Scotland, without any assistance.  
They showed likewise the unkind refusal by him made, of passage through the netherlands countries, with munition, arms, and powder, which she as then had caused to be provided and bought by her factor Sir Thomas Gresham, unto whom it was denied.  
Further, That when her Majesty, by her ambassador the lord Vicont Montague, desired the king of Spain to renew and confirm the ancient contracts made between his father, the emperor Charles the fifth, and her predecessors, he would by no means be drawn to yield thereunto.  
That he had suffered the Inquisitors in Spain to persecute her poor subjects with all cruelty and extremity, and commanded her ambassador out of Spain, because of his Religion.  
That his governor (the duke of Alva) in the Netherlands, had used all manner of hostility and violence against her subjects, arresting both their bodies and goods, contrary to the ancient contracts between England and the Netherlands.  
That he had sent an army into her majesties kingdom of Ireland, and with colours flying invaded the said kingdom, upon a supposed gift thereof made unto him by the Pope of Rome, which he thereby excused, intending also to enterprise the like against the Realm of England, as it manifestly appeared by the jesuit Sanders letters, to that end dispersed abroad, and by the jesuit Creyghton, who was then a prisoner: and many other such like practices also were discovered by the dealings of his ambassador Dom Bernardino de Mendosa in England.  
Besides these many forepast injuries, the Counsel laid before her Majesty the danger that she was to expect, if the Spaniard once obtained merum imperium, that is, full and absolute authority in the Provinces of the Netherlands; how he would alter their Religion, break their ancient privileges, and subject them wholly to his will and pleasure: which done, out of his malicious heart and intent▪ he would easily invade England, with the aid of the multitude of shipping and sailors of those countries, together with his Indian treasure: 
1585.  first depriving England of all trade of merchandise with the Netherlands, and within the land procuring domestical dissension; and that therefore she was not as then to let slip the present occasion, nor yet to attend until the Netherlands were fully planted with Spaniards and Italians; for that the war was not undertaken against the Netherlands, but with a further intent and meaning to make a greater conquest.  
On the other side, there was laid before her Majesty, what difficulties and troubles might arise, by entering into war with the king of Spain: as first, that thereby she should break the ancient contract between her and the king of Spain, and that it would not be well thought on, nor by foreign princes esteemed an honourable action, to aid and assist the subject against his lawful sovereign, and that she should hardly be able to contend against so mighty a monarch, so strong of men, money, means, and friendship, which he should have from the Pope, domestical English malcontents, and many other his adherents; whereby she should have work enough in hand to defend herself, with many other objections.  
To these reasons aforesaid it was answered, that therein she should break no contract nor league made with the house of Burgundy, for that thereby she was bound to aid and assist the Netherlands, and to uphold them in their ancient laws and privileges, and not to permit or suffer strange nations to plant and settle themselves there, and so intrude themselves into the government: and that if she let slip this fair occasion, and did not assist them, the French might set foot therein: moreover, that she intended not to aid any rebels against their king, but to protect and defend her oppressed neighbours, whereunto all princes were bound, especially for religions cause, as the Spaniards had done the like to her in her kingdom of Ireland, with her rebels: as also to keep back and prevent the war, with the miseries and troubles thereon depending, if it be not foreseen and prevented: and how dangerous and troublesome soever the wars be, yet were the apparent danger much more and greater, to be overrun by foreign enemies, and therefore it behoved her the more, both in conscience and in honour, to seek to prevent all future danger; for that the provinces of the Netherlands could not be able any long time to withstand the enemy's forces, without some aid and assistance; which being once brought under his subjection, she should be assured to bear the burden upon her own shoulders in England, which would be much more prejudicial, insupportable and chargeable to her; and that therefore it were better to have and maintain war abroad, than within the heart of her own kingdom. As touching the losing of friends, the cause would be so honourable and so good, as she should have the kings of France, Navarre, Portugal, Denmark, Scotland, & other potentates, her well-willers.  
These reasons and allegations thus propounded and answered, were communicated with the aforesaid deputies for the Estates, who at that time made known unto her Majesty, the estate and power of the Netherlands, and what contributions the same were able to raise; as also what the charges of an offensive war would be, and what by love and good government might be hoped for, and gotten from such as were willing thereunto, so as they might be maintained and kept in their freedoms, laws, and ancient privileges: for that it was 
What money Holland had contributed in 9-yeares.  well known and found to be true, that Holland alone, since the pacification of Gant, in 9 years (besides their own charges within the said province) had contributed to the wars in the Netherlands in general, above 3500000 gulderns. It was further declared, how much it concerned the kingdom of England, having been long united to the Netherlands by many ancient contracts, and bound to hold and maintain the same, in respect of the situations of both those countries for that the Netherlands had many great rivers, and England an island lying right over against it, who being enemies, might do great hurt one to the other, and being united together, might rule and have the sovereignty of the great ocean sea, whereby they both get their livings, and without it could not maintain themselves: England having no strong forts, but the high and steep cliffs upon the sea side, the Netherlands many strong towns, which live most by their traffic by sea, & therefore are full of ships & seafaring men, whereby England's steep banks might in time be made unprofitable, & so easily assailed: England also with the great store of good harbours & havens that are in it, might greatly impeach and hinder the traffic of the Netherlands: and therefore in times past these causes especially moved them to make so many reciprocal contracts and alliances one with the other, and 
1585.  not to suffer them to be invaded or governed by strangers; and that not only between the princes of the said c●…ntries, but also with the Estates of the same, as perpetual friends and well-willers.  
These things on both sides well weighed, debated, and considered, had moved the Netherlands, once again to make a motion unto England, and likewise had stirred England to heatken unto their request, and the rather, for that now by means of the untimely death of their prudent protector the prince of Orange, the loss of many towns and castles, and the refusal of aid to them made by the king of France, by the procurement and secret practices of their enemies, they were brought into a miserable and desperate estate: and therefore it was now much to be feared, that by their mistrust and diffidence (the rather because they had many weak members amongst them, which were continually suborned and solicited by the subtleties of their enemies) they might fall into some treaty of reconciliation and peace, or agreement with their enemies, and afterwards invade England with their help and means, to the which they bore no less envy and hatred in their hearts, than unto the Netherlands, as it not long since plainly appeared by the arresting of divers English ships in the havens of Spain, without any speech or cause of breach of peace, cruelly handling and hostilly tormenting the merchants and sailors of the same.  
The Queen of England was herewith not a little in mind perplexed and troubled, being a matter that much concerned both her own person, and her kingdoms and dominions, and therefore could hardly be resolved therein.  
The reasons why the Queen took not upon her the sovereignty and chief command over 
Reason's why the Queen of England did not take upon her the absolute government of the Netherlands.  the provinces of the Netherlands, for an inheritance to her, her heirs, and successors, all wise men persuaded themselves to be these: first, that she was a princess in years, past hope of having any children, and that she had not any man within her kingdoms, fit in all respects to take upon him the command and authority of so absolute a government, and to execute the same as it ought to be done: that she was not mighty enough to rule over both places, because she did not believe, nor could be persuaded, that the power and contribution of the Netherlands was so great and so much as it was affirmed to be (whereas for good considerations they made it not known to be so much as it was) but to the contrary she thought the Netherlands being compelled by extremity, had made it much more than it was, and that her counsel had not taken sufficient information of the estate thereof: that she would not put herself wholly to the hazard and adventure, not only fearing the great pride of the king of Spain, but the inconstancy of France, knowing her own might, and that her subjects were not accustomed to the wars, and unwilling to contribute any great sums of money for the same, especially to aid and assist a foreign nation. Thus did this wise and provident Queen advisedly measure and weigh her own means and affections, (and yet showed her care and commiseration she had of the Netherlands in their miseries) with the assurance of her own estate, first and chiefly to be respected, and after that to aid and assist the Netherlands as time and occasion should offer opportunity. These and many other like reasons moved both parties to the conclusion of a provisional succour for the relieving of antwerp, which at that time was besieged, and much distressed: and thereupon it was contracted, concluded, and agreed, between the Queen of England, and the deputies of the Netherlands, by a contract made the second day of August, that the Queen should send four thousand men to relieve the town of antwerp, and disburse all such sums of money as should be paid for the presting and embarking of these troops, and to be paid them monthly, for three months together, from the day of their mustering, which together with the transportation and other things necessary, was accounted to amount to the sum of forty thousand gulderns, and the three months pay to be 184600 gulderns; which sum should be repaid again within six months after the raising of the siege from before antwerp, and if it were not done, then to be paid within twelve months after the first day of their muster: for assurance whereof, it was agreed by the deputies, that the town of Oostend or Scluse, should within one month after be delivered over to the Queen, with all the provision of munition, ordnance, and other marshal furniture therein: and that she should take seven hundred of the said four thousand men, and place them in garrison in the said town; 
1585.  always reserved, that the said town should continue (concerning the civil government) under the jurisdiction of the Estates of the said provinces, and not be burdened nor charged by the Queen with any thing whatsoever.  
This being thus concluded, sir john Norris, that worthy gentleman, was appointed to be general of these forces, for the relieving of the town of antwerp. The inhabitants of the same town that had fled from thence, (being many merchants and others, as then remaining in the city of London) did willingly and freely give the sum of ten thousand gulderns.  
And after that, when the Queen could not be persuaded to take the absolute sovereignty of the Netherlands upon her, nor yet to undertake the continual protection of the same (although she found her subjects willing and ready, both with their bodies and goods, to do any thing whatsoever she pleased to command them) she dealt with the deputies of the Estates about a contract and treaty of aid and assistance, which upon the tenth day of the month of August was agreed on at Nonesuch, containing these articles hereafter following.  
1 That the Queen of England should send four thousand foot men, and four hundred horse men into the low countries, to aid the same: but presently, after it was agreed that she 
Aide of 5000 foot, and 1000 horsemen.  should send five thousand footmen, and a thousand horsemen, led by a general by her thereunto appointed, which should be a man of authority, quality, and respect, addicted to the profession of the true religion, with other sufficient commanders, all to be paid by the Queen during the wars.  
2 For the repayment whereof, the united provinces of the Netherlands, as well in general 
The time of repayment of the money disbursed.  as particular, should be bound (when it should please God of his mercy, by her majesties help and assistance, to send them peace and quietness) to pay all the money which her Majesty shall have disbursed for them, as well for priest money for the levying and taking of them up, and transporting them over the seas, as for their pay and entertainment, in this manner: that is, all the sums of money that shall have been disbursed by her Majesty in the first year, shall be paid again, within the compass of the first year next ensuing after the peace, and the rest within four years then following, every year one fourth part of the said sum, that shall be found due by just and true musters to be made on both sides, at the first arrival of soldiers into the Netherlands.  
3 And for the better assurance of the repayment of the said money, it is agreed, that within 
Flessingue and the Bryel given to the Queen in caution.  one month after the confirmation of the said contract, the town of Flessingue, and the castle of Ramekins, in the island of Walchrens, and the town of Bryel, with two sconces thereunto belonging, in Holland, shall be delivered over into the hands of such governors, for her use, as it shall please her Majesty to appoint, to be kept by her garrisons, until such time as her Majesty shall be fully satisfied and paid, within the city of London, all such sums of money as she shall have disbursed for them: and if the Estates think it good for the country, and profitable for the common good and unity of the same, that her majesties soldiers shall lie in any other towns, or forts in garrison, that the same shall be taken out of the 5000 footmen, and 1000 horsemen aforesaid.  
4 That the said towns and places so delivered unto her Majesty for her security, shall be 
The towns shall be left furnished with ordnance, etc. as they were found.  provided of ordnance, powder, and other munition fit for war, in such sort and quantity, as the governor general for her said Majesty shall think expedient and necessary, to defend and keep the said towns and places; upon condition, that a just and true inucntorie shall be made thereof, that (when time shall serve) the same may be redelivered again in like order.  
5 That the Estates shall retire their garrisons out of the said towns and forts (excepting such 
Receiving in of English garrisons, but still holding their own civil government.  persons of quality as dwell therein, and are appointed to govern in politic and civil causes) that her majesties governors may have the free command, in all things that concern the keeping and defending of the said places: always to be understood, that they shall not meddle with civil & politic government, but only in cases concerning the garrison of the same.  
6 That neither the governor for the Queen, nor the soldiers of the said garrisons, shall have any dealing, intelligence, correspondence, nor conversation with the Spaniards, nor any 
1585.  other of the Estates enemies, neither suffer it in any man, but to the contrary shall let it, and 
They shall not have any conference or con spiracie with the enemy, etc. The observing and keeping of privileges.  use all kind of hostility against them, in regard of the safety and preservation of the said places.  
7 That the said cautionary towns and places, concerning policy, jurisdiction, privileges, and freedoms, shall be governed according to their general and particular contracts and unions, observing their own laws, customs, and magistrates, without imposition of any manner of taxes, imposts, or contributions, on her Majesty behalf, or for the soldiers.  
8 That the English soldiers of the said garrisons, shall be bound to pay the imposts and 
The English soldiers must pay impost & excise.  excises, as all other soldiers (in the Estates garrisons) do, without abating them, unless it be by the consent of her majesties Lieutenant general.  
9 And that the inhabitants of the towns aforesaid may not be overcharged by the soldiers 
Provision for discipline and pay to be made by the Queen.  of the garrisons, her Majesty shall take order for their pay, and all good discipline: and that the said inhabitants shall not in any wise be molested and troubled, for the accomplishing of any part of the contract, which is to be observed on the Estates behalf, so they do that which in duty belongeth unto them to do.  
10 That when her Majesty, or her successors, shall be satisfied, contented, and paid, all 
Delivering of the towns again when the money is paid.  the money by her disbursed, the said towns and forts with all their ordinance and munition, shall be delivered again into the hands of the Estates, without any exception or denial, and not into the hands of the king of Spain, or to any other enemies of the country; nor shall be put under the command of any other lord or prince, but only for the assurance of her Majesty, and to the profit of the Estates aforesaid.  
11 That the general and the governor of her majesties garrisons, shall be sworn to be 
An oath of fidelity to be made by the soldiers.  true and faithful unto her Majesty, and to the Estates in general, for the safe keeping and defending of the said towns, places, and dependences, and for the maintenance of the true christian religion, as it is now at this present used and exercised in England, and the united Netherlands and to observe and cause to be observed all points of this contract, concerning them: and that the officers, captains, and common soldiers shall take the like oath of fidelity to her Majesty, and to the general Estates of the said united provinces, as also to be obedient unto their rulers and governors. The like shall the inhabitants of the said towns and places swear.  
12 That the soldiers being in the field shall be lodged and victualled at reasonable prices, 
Provision for the field.  without any imposition to be taken for that which is to be eaten, and other necessaries, but shall in all things be entreated like other of the Estates soldiers.  
13 That the governors of the said towns shall be paid their entertainment every month, 
Monthly payment.  which money her Majesty shall cause to be brought unto the same towns: and that the number of the soldiers shall not be greater than the number of the garrisons were six months before the delivering over of the said towns: and it shall not be thought any wrong, if it happen that the said pay be sometimes brought eight or ten days after the time of payment due.  
14 That the governors and soldiers of the garrisons of the said towns, shall have the 
The soldiers shall have free exercise of religion.  free exercise of religion, as it is now used in England, and to that end in every of the said towns they shall have a church appointed for them.  
15 That the said garrisons shall be used as other garrisons that have lain there before them 
Order for victuals.  have been, as well for their lodgings as victuals: and the Estates shall take order, that they shall have victuals at as reasonable prices as the inhabitants of the said towns have, and shall have powder, march, and bullets in like quantity as the garrisons before them have heretofore had, and as other soldiers in other garrisons usually have.  
16 That it shall be lawful for her Majesty (besides the governor general that shall be 
Entrance and permission to fit in the counsel of Estate.  there) to appoint two of her subjects to sit in the counsel of Estate, being men of good quality, and professors of the true christian religion: and also in the marshal's court, as need shall require, to judge of all such persons as the governor and the counsel of Estate shall think good, and as the cause shall require. And that the two governors of the towns that shall have the said garrisons aforesaid in them, shall and may come into the counsel 
1585.  of Estate at any time, when they shall think it most convenient and necessary, for any matter of importance, touching the service of her Majesty, and the benefit of the united Provinces, and yet shall not be accounted nor held for any members of the said counsel of Estate.  
17 That the governor aforesaid, with the counsel of Estate, shall have power and 
The authority of the governor general.  authority to redress all disorders and abuses committed in the Imposts, and to cut off all excessive fees of the officers, and to see that the moneys proceeding thereof be employed to the most profit and commodity of the country, for the better resistance of the enemy, both by water and by land.  
18 That the said governor general, with the counsel of Estate, shall reform the 
Reformation of the Mint.  disorders in the mynts of the said united Provinces of the Netherlands, and reduce them to a convenient number, and that they shall not exchange the moneys currant in those countries, or any others, thereby to enhance or raise the values thereof, without the consent of her Majesty, or her governor.  
19 That her Majesty, or the general governor of her forces aforesaid, with the counsel 
Proviso for public authority & martial discipline.  of Estate, shall take order for the re-establishment and restoring of public authority, as also the upholding and observing of martial discipline, the which at this time are both much decayed, by reason of the equal powers and authorities of governors, and multitudes, or confusion of counsels.  
20 That her said governor general, with the counsel of Estate, shall have the oversight 
The governor shall have oversight of all things without altering religion or privileges.  and ordering of all things concerning the common utility and welfare of the land: provided always, that they shall not take upon them to alter any thing in the aforesaid true Christian religion, neither in the laws, privileges, customs, freedoms, statutes, nor ordinances of the said Estates, provinces, members, towns, colleges, or inhabitants of the same in general or particular.  
21 That neither the Estates general nor particular, shall have any dealing with the enemy, 
No compact to be made with the enemy without consent of her Majesty etc.  without the knowledge and consent of her Majesty: nor yet with any foreign prince or potentate, without her knowledge, or the consent of her governor general aforesaid.  
22 That her said Majesty likewise shall not deal with the king of Spain, nor yet with any other enemy to the Estates, concerning any cause or matter that toucheth the united Provinces 
The Queen shall make no treaty but by consent.  in general or in particular, without the advice and consent of the general Estates, lawfully called thereunto.  
23 That the raising and paying of new forces, which are to be raised for the defence of the 
Taking up of new soldiers, & paying them, to be done by the governor etc.  land, shall be done by the said governor general, and the counsel of estate, with the consent of the general Estates.  
24 That at the death or alteration of any provincial governors, or of frontier towns, the Estates or provinces where any such alteration happeneth, shall nominate two or three 
To change or choose new governors.  sufficient persons, well addicted to the religion, whereof the governor general aforesaid, and the counsel of Estate shall choose one.  
25 That as often as her Majesty, for her defence and security, shall send any ships 
The authority of the admiral of England.  of war to sea, if the enemy send any fleet into the narrow seas, between France and England, or between England and the Netherlands, the Estates shall send forth as many ships to sea, as her Majesty shall then do, so they exceed not in number and charge the limited number, in times past presented in Anno 1584., unto the prince of O●…nge by M. Dyer, or more, as the necessity, and the Estates uttermost means may reach unto, which shall join with her majesties said fleet, and be under the command and appointment of the admiral of England; with this proviso, that whatsoever shall be gotten or won by that fleet, shall be equally divided, according to the charges and expenses disbursed by either party.  
26 That her majesties ships being at sea, shall always have free egress and regress 
Free use of the havens on both parts.  into the havens and streams within the said Netherlands, and there be victualled at a reasonable price: and that the ships of war belonging to the Netherlands, shall like wise enjoy the same privilege and freedom in all the streams and havens of England, and others 
1585.  her majesties dominions.  
27 That the ordering and taking up of all controversies and contentions which may 
To end all questions and controversies.  fall out and happen between any of the united Provinces, or any towns, that cannot be ended by ordinary course of justice, shall be sent unto her Majesty or to her governor general, to take order therein, with the aforesaid counsel of Estate, within the united Provinces.  
28 That it shall be lawful for her majesties subjects to carry their horses (which they 
Free passage for horses.  shall buy in the said countries of the Netherlands) over into England, paying the ordinary customs and charges for the same, upon condition, that they shall not carry them elsewhere.  
29 That the English soldiers that are desirous to go over into England, shall pass freely, 
The Englishmen may pass over with the general's passport alone.  without any other passport than the generals, signed and sealed with his hand; conditionally, that the number of the Englishmen be complete, and that the Estates be not compelled to any further charges, for taking up and transporting of new soldiers in place of them that are gone away.  
30 That the governor general, chief commanders, colonels, captains, officers, and 
The commanders oaths.  other her majesties soldiers, shall take the accustomed oath (as aforesaid) to the Estates of the same Provinces, always excepting the homage and fealty by them due unto her Majesty. This contract was in this form made and concluded at Nonesuch upon the tenth of August 1585.  
In memory of this contract, the Zeelanders caused certain counters to be made, having stamped on the one side thereof the arms of Zeeland, being a Lion rising out of the waves of the sea, with this inscription, L●…ctor & emergo, 158●…. On the other side was the arms of the towns, with this inscription, Authore Deo, favente Regina, that is, The Zeelands' Lion climbeth out of the water by God's power and her majesties aid. And according to the said contract, there were certain soldiers sent over, under the command of Sir john Norris, and others.  
At this time the Queen of England caused a book to be printed, both in English 
A declaration in print made by the Queen of England.  and in French, therein showing the reasons that had moved her, to aid, assist, and protect the miserable and oppressed Netherlands, wherein there was at large declared, what ancient contracts, intercourses, and alliances had from time to time been made and passed, not only between the princes of those countries, but with the Estates and inhabitants of the same, as namely the Gentlemen, spirituality, and Commons, for their particular defence. In the same likewise was showed the barbarous and cruel government and oppressions of the Spaniards used in those countries, and what means the said Provinces and she had sought, to make a peaceable end, but all in vain; and therefore she was now enforced to aid and assist them, for three causes especially: The first, that the Netherlands might be restored to their ancient freedoms, privileges, and government, and so brought to a peace: The second, that she might for her part be assured against the invasion of her malicious and envious neighbours: and thirdly, That the traffic between her subjects and the Netherlands, together with the aforesaid intercourse and trade, might be assured and kept.  
To the same declaration was added the Queen's answer, unto two several slanders imposed upon her, and published by a certain famous libel, written in Italian: The first, for unthankfulness showed by her to the king of Spain, who (as the author reporteth) in her sister Queen Mary's time, had saved her life: The second, that she had sought to procure certain persons to kill the prince of Parma, and that two men were executed for the same. To the first the Queen said, That her faith and fidelity was never in any such question in her sister's time, and much less, that ever any sentence of death was pronounced against her, and that therefore he had no cause why, to seek to save her life, confessing and acknowledging nevertheless, that she was as then somewhat beholden unto him, and that in all princely and honourable manner she had been thankful unto him for the same: Touching the prince of Parma, she said, That she had no reason to be more enemy to him, than to any other of the governors before him, and that she had always held a 
1585.  good conceit of him, and never sought any other course against him, and that every man of judgement might well conceive, that if she should practise his death by any sinister means, yet the troubles in those countries could not thereby be ended, with many other reasons to that purpose.  
According to the contract aforesaid, upon the nine and twentieth of October 1585., the Estates caused the earl of Hohenlo in their behalfs, and in the name of prince Maurice (the lord thereof) to deliver the town of Flessingue and the castle of Ramekins to Sir Philip Sidney, knight, to the use and behoof of the Queen of England, who presently put an English garrison into the same, and was himself made governor thereof. The like was done at the Bryel, which was (by the earl of Hohenlo, and some of the deputies of the Estates of Zeeland) delivered into the hands and authority of Sir Thomas Cecile, knight, governor thereof for her Majesty, where he took his oath in the townhouse, in the presence of the said earl of Hohenlo, and the magistrates of the same town.  
Prince Maurice himself likewise (as marquess of the towns of Campuere and Flessingue) 
Grave Maurice letter to the Queen, for consent of delivering Flessingue into her hands.  by advice of Loise de Coligni, princess Dowager of Orange, the lords of his blood, and others his friends and servants, wrote unto the ambassador of England (as then M. Davyson) touching the delivering over of Flessingue unto her Majesty, saying, That he thanked God for the forepassed contract made between the Queen of England, and the Estates of the united Provinces, beseeching God to bless the proceedings thereof; and that he was very willing, and well pleased, that the town of Flessingue, being his patrimony, should be delivered into her majesties hands; and that although the town was of so great importance, that they in reason (for it, and for many other good services done by his father) might well ask some recompense, notwithstanding, respecting the good and furtherance of the Netherlands, he was content to yield thereunto; and the rather, for her said majesties commodity, hoping (by her good favour) to do her such service, as that (in time to come) both he and the house of Nassau should deserve thanks for the same: and that as the house of Nassau had always been her majesties humble servants and well-willers; so now they thought themselves much more bound unto her, in respect of the said contract made with the Netherlands, which both he and Grave William of Nassau by that their protestation avouched: and so he, with the princess, the children, and the whole house of Nassau, desiring nothing more in this world, than the favour, good will, and assistance of her Majesty, recommended themselves most humbly unto her protection; praying the ambassador to recommend them likewise to the earl of Leicester, desiring him to use all the means he could (if it pleased almighty God to grant it) that some one of great quality should fall prisoner into his hands, that his brother, the prince of Orange, and earl of Buren etc. might be exchanged and set at liberty, and that he would be pleased to be a means therein. As also, that if any new soldiers were to be raised for her Majesties, or the country's service, that those of the house of Nassau might be advanced and preferred to some places of command. And whereas since the death of the late prince of Orange, certain gentlemen of Provence and Dolphin sought to persuade the French king, to grant them the title of the principality of Orange, which (for that cause) was brought in question before his privy Counsel, without any knowledge or consent of the house of Nassau; he besought her honourable Majesty to be an intercessor for them, and (if occasion served) to be a means, that the said house of Nassau might continue in the ancient authority and honour, that his ancestors (the princes of Orange) had always held and maintained, according to the contract of peace made in the castle of Cambresis Anno 1559, between France and Spain.  
And whereas the principal inheritance that belonged unto him and his brother, prince Frederick Hendericke, lay in the earldom of Burgundy, and that there might be some hope in time to recover the same into their hands, he besought her Majesty to aid and assist them, with her favour and authority, unto the French king and the Swissers, bordering thereupon and especially to the lords of Berne, that some means might be wrought 
1585.  for the recovery of the same, as occasion should serve.  
And further, as it was manifestly known, what great loss of lands and possessions, the said house of Nassau had sustained and endured by the king of Spanies, and his adherents means, he besought her Majesty to interpose her authority (good occasion being offered) that they might be recompensed (being now almost deprived of all their inheritance) with some possessions and lands, of the like nature unto those which they had lost.  
And if it should so fall out (as the said prince Maurice and the princess in heart desired) that her Majesty would be pleased to take the chief sovereignty and government of those countries upon her, he besought her to have a regard unto the articles (as she should find them convenient) presented unto her by the Estates, touching the house of Nassau, inserted together, with the articles offered unto her Majesty concerning the sovereignty.  
Also if it pleased her Majesty to employ any men of honour and quality of the country of Germany in her service, he besought her to prefer Grave john van Nassau, as one well affected to do her Majesty any service whatsoever, and one that always had been true and faithful unto those countries, and whose zeal unto religion, wisdom, and experience, was known unto all men.  
Lastly, he besought her Majesty to be pleased to cause some act to be drawn and made, in such order as she should think good, concerning the aforesaid humble petition, made by the said princess, earls, and children of the house of Nassau, to no other end, than only to serve for a sufficient testimonial for those of the said house, to show and bear witness of their endeavours and good meanings, for the welfare and upholding of the said house of Nassau. Written in the Hage the fourteenth of October 1585. Signed, Loise de Coligni & Maurice de Nassau.  
And before the coming over of the earl of Leicester, the general Estates gave unto prince Maurice of Nassau a commission for the government, captain generals, and admiral's place of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, with due respect to be had unto the governor general which her Majesty should send over. They likewise ordained and thought it expedient, to set down the title of the said prince Maurice, which should be used in all commissions and executions of things that should pass out of the Courts of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, in the same manner as followeth: Maurice, prince of Orange, earl of Nassau, Catzenellebourg, Vianden, Dietz, etc. marquess of Campuere and Flessingue, baron of S. Vijt, Doesbourg, of the town of Grave, and of the land of Guycke, etc. governor, captain general, and admiral of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, and since that time there was added thereunto the earldom of Moeurs, and others.  
The nineteenth of December, Robert lord Dudley, baron of Denbigh, and earl of Leicester, son to john lord Dudley, duke of Northumberland, appointed by the Queen of England, to be her governor general over the English forces in the Netherlands, and in all things to represent her person, being followed with a goodly train, arrived in the province of Zeeland, where he was honourably and courteously received: of whom, and what was done by him, we will speak hereafter, and show (while these things passed and were agreed upon in England) what was done in the wars in the Low countries.  
After the loss of antwerp, the Signior of Saint Aldegonde (who had been bourgomaster of the said town, and a chief actor in the treaty with the prince of Parma for the yielding of the town) was fallen into disgrace with the Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands, upon the false suggestions (as he pretended) of his enemies, whereupon he wrote a letter unto the Signior of Metkerke, on the four and twentieth day of October, concerning the peace, the which I have thought good to insert here.   

A Letter of advice written by the Signior of Saint Aldegonde, 
1585.  to the Signior of Metkerke, precedent of Flaunders, touching the peace.  
MY good cousin, I doubt not but you are informed of the particularities of the yielding up of the town of antwerp, and how that since mine enemies (having sought by false and slanderous suggestions, to blame me, and to wrong mine honour) have gotten so great credit with the Estates which govern there, as they have written plainly unto me, that they would not suffer me to remain in the united provinces, I have made many complaints to the Estates of Zeeland, but it hath availed me nothing, so as I am resolved to leave the country, and to seek my fortune, applying myself to that whereunto God shall call me, attending only the coming of my young son, to make him partaker of his father's fortunes: assuring you, that adversities shall never change me, nor take from me the assurance that I have in my God and Father, by his son jesus Christ. I am sorry to see myself reduced to that extremity, to go wandering up and down like a vagabond, deprived of wife, children, and all domestic commodities, yea in my declining age, which hath most need of rest. But I must truly confess, that the miserable estate of our poor country, doth afflict me much more than mine own private fortune; and the more, for that I cannot assist it, neither with counsel nor with action.  
And on the other side, I see in my example, as in a clear glass, that such as govern the helm in this horrible tempest, suffer themselves to be carried away by the winds of reports and passions, not giving place to reason, the which in the end must needs be the cause of all miseries: for this manner of proceeding doth incense many against them, having already too many enemies, and puts them in danger with their own fall to draw the whole country into ruin. We have seen the examples of times past, when as trusting to some smiles of fortune, we made no account to offend all the world, and upon light and vain jealousies, we did often lay the foundations of great quarrels. For the present, it seems that our misery is come to some Crisis, the good or bad conduct whereof will be of great importance, and may qualify the last event.  
I would they would take example of the town of antwerp, and others, which have run headlong into these extremities, and have left no means for their preservation, but what depended on the conquerors discretion and clemency, who if he would have followed the steps of his predecessors (yea and of many among the rest, who having mingled their victories with much blood & proscriptions, have yet purchased the title of humanity and clemency with posterity) I fear the relics would scarce have been preserved. It is true, that the hatred to religion is as great, or rather greater than ever, the which is a great testimony of the wrath of God, and one of the greatest calamities. But yet I think sometimes with myself, that if they laid aside all passion, and would proceed with wisdom and moderation, it might happily be helped, at the least some part of it: a mild word doth oftentimes pacify choler, and time moderates all things. Whatsoever it be, they must seek to avoid the total ruin of the country, and of religion, either by arms, or else by an accord. If they be resolved to arms, they must then take another course than they have hitherto done: they must obey and submit themselves under a head, which may command with authority, they must watch and be diligent when it is time, and not attend extremities. If an accord doth please them, they must also seek it before they be at the victor's mercy. In the mean time, I must confess I should be much troubled to speak my opinion resolutely: but as far as I can judge of the prince's disposition, if ever any equity or reason may be expected or hoped for, it will come from him, or not from any that shall come to govern in these parts. I know well what difficulties there are in Spain, but if they become victors, they will be much greater, and it may be past all remedy; whereas now it may be, that in trying the ford, there would be some hope to escape many dangers on either side. But there is great difficulty to maintain the common people in their duty and constancy, if they once open this gap, and give them any hope of peace. I foresee it well, and therefore they must proceed wisely and with great discretion. But there will always some difficulties arise, the which (it seemeth) may be prevented, if they use therein authority, wisdom, and diligence. 
1585.  We have seen it in the wars of Holland, that they have attempted it twice or thrice without success, and yet we have not seen the public affairs of the Commonwealth run to wrack and confusion: for when as they discovered the shelf, they presently turned away the course of their ship. But there was a good and a wise pilot, who governed the helm, and knew well enough how to fit the sails to the violence of the wind. Having none such now, I know not (if having once let slip a cable) how they shall recover it again, but that the storm will soon overset the ship, even in an instant. It is therefore a very difficult and hard thing to give any counsel or advice in this case, and yet there must be an absolute resolution therein: For you must undoubtedly expect, to have all the burden and extremity of the wars to fall upon you in those parts: you have an enemy that is vigilant upon all occasions whatsoever, hardy at assaults, indefatigable in travel, wise in counsel, and prompt in execution and performance of any thing: And yet on the other side, he is so wise and circumspect, as he doth precisely weigh and consider the difficulties and hazards of war, especially in so strong a country, and so disaduantagious for soldiers. He doth also consider, what small profit or commodity will redound to him and to his master, seeing that howsoever the chance shall fall, he can attend no other, but only the loss and ruin of his own patrimony. Wherefore I think it should be easy to prevent and avoid the danger thereof, if there were occasion offered to do it with honour. Wherefore think well upon this, I pray you, first with yourself, and then with your wise and temperate friends, and consider what you shall think most fit and convenient to be done. For (to speak the truth) we are in all things much inferior unto our enemies; their authority is absolute and firm, and supported and maintained with the title of a great and mighty king; ours is not only floating betwixt the inconstant waves of popular humours and fantasies, but (in a manner) nothing at all: the commanders in the war differ; the means are nothing like; the soldiers are no ways to be compared, neither in number, experience, virtue, nor courage to fight. True it is, that we have the situation of the country for our advantage: but the duke of Alva his time hath showed sufficiently unto us, that the situation thereof cannot hinder the exploits of war, no not in the very hardest time of Winter. And when I do examine the causes and reasons which crossed his prosperity and welfare, I can find but small hope or comfort remaining for us at this present: for on the enemy's side you had the cruelty of the General, the pride of the leaders, the insolency of the soldiers, the extreme overweening of the Nation, the examples of excess that was used at Rotterdam, Naerden, Harlem, and other places, being yet fresh in memory. On our side you had a commander that was of great power and authority, singular wisdom, admirable humanity, wonderful patience, and incomparable dexterity, were it to animate the people, to content the common soldiers, to win the hearts of the captains, to employ men of worth and reputation, and to embrace all advantages both of places and situations, and to judge presently of all defects whatsoever. In the people you had a great disdain of things that were passed, a dislike of the present, and a hope of the future, a great zeal and desire to liberty, and a great love and affection to their ancient government: and yet all this was, Dulce bellum inexpertis. Now it is quite contrary: For on their side, the late examples of clemency and humanity which hath been showed to many conquered towns and castles, dazzle the eyes; the courtesy and discretion of the General winneth the hearts and minds of all men; the severity and discipline used against the common soldiers, taketh away all jealousy and distrust. On our side, I know not if we have a commander, if the governors have any shadow of authority and command, the soldiers and men of war any kind of obedience, or the common people any zeal to Religion, or to liberty: war is hateful unto them, and peace their only wish; traffic and private profit is the thing which they chiefly aim at, and all their hope resteth in the change and alteration of the Estate, and yet no man setteth to his helping hand, to uphold and keep us from utter ruin. I know not yet what hope prince Maurice doth give: yet I believe, that want of experience will daily weaken his forces (especially in the midst of so great disadvantages:) and as for succours 
1585.  to be hoped for from the English; if they be masters, you shall have an alteration of the people; if they be not, you shall reap small profit. We have one point yet remaining, which doth serve as a sacred anchor, to be our stay even in the greatest calamities, which is, that God will preserve and defend his Church in the midst of all storms, whereof I am assured. But the question is, by what means? It may be his pleasure will be to try it under the yoke of bondage and persecution: it may be he will preserve it by the hand of a mighty Cyrus, an Artaxerxes, or an Alexander: it may be he will disperse them into the four corners of the world, and take the light from among them, that have not showed themselves worthy of it. We know, that the church of God is not tied or limited to any certain place: it is Catholic, that is to say, universal, not of Alexandria, nor of Rome, nor of Belgia. The examples of Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Africa, should make us tremble under the mighty and heavy hand of the Lord: Go unto Silo, and see what I have done, saith he: And his Apostle saith, If he hath not spared the natural branches, do you think he will spare you: Wherefore we must not in any case rely upon bare words, and cry, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, or the children of Abraham, and the race of Israel: for God can out of stones raise up children to Abraham, and there are none but the children of promise that are accounted for seed. I am therefore of advice, that we should every one of us humble ourselves under the Lord's hand, that we should hear his word diligently and sincerely, and that we should examine carefully the means which he hath vouchsafed to give unto us; but above all, that we beware of tempting him. I know well, that he is not tied to means, yet his eternal and everlasting wisdom (which hath disposed of the events of all things whatsoever before the foundation and beginning of the world, and hath withal determined of the means and second causes) will not be tempted: and you well know, that it is not fit nor convenient, that for our pleasures he should be enforced to work miracles. We do not allow of it, that our adversaries should seek to draw him to that necessity, when there is any question of doctrine which dependeth immediately of his mouth: and would we do it in politic actions (the which he hath himself, by his admirable wisdom, as it were, tied and bound to the second causes, to be guided and directed by the counsel, foresight, and disposition of his creatures) we know the rule which the son of Almighty God hath given in the Gospel, for them that undertake war against their neighbours: by the which he doth not take away the means from God to give the victory to the weaker party; but he showeth plainly, what the true experience of all ages hath rightly taught us (I speak this by way of discourse) for we cannot by any means avoid the inevitable necessity of waging war, seeing it is but defensive, the which we cannot abandon, unless we will betray the cause and honour of Almighty God, the which we should more esteem of, than all worldly considerations whatsoever, and which should utterly deface all other respects, seeing the great bitterness of the malicious spiteful adversaries of his holy Word to be wholly bend to extirp and root it out, stopping their eyes and ears against all reason whatsoever, and seeking with all the force and violence they can to subject the divine Oracles of the Almighty God to the Ordinances and traditions of mortal men. We must therefore continue the war with all perseverance that may be, and attend the end thereof, even such as it shall please our good God to give it, seeing that the choice and disposition thereof resteth not in our power to determine of. But yet the better to sound the ground of this matter, let us see if this opposition be not subject to a reply: for when I cast mine eye upon the infinite diversity of means which almighty God hath in his divine and everlasting power, to preserve and defend his Church even in the midst of wicked Babylon, and that he holdeth and ruleth the hearts of kings and princes in his hand, to work them and turn them like wax, even at his good will and pleasure, I think then sometimes, and consider with myself, that it is a very strange and wonderful thing, why that in all our actions and enterprises whatsoever we should seem (as it were) to distrust or make any doubt of this his great power and virtue; the which notwithstanding we see more often exercised by him, to the good and benefit of his servants, than that which we attend of him. For without 
1585.  doubt, almighty God is as powerful to bend the hearts of kings and princes to mercy unto their subjects, and to make them do that which they had never before pretended, as he is to give victory and conquest unto them, that without any appearance of means (having no special revelation, nor warrant) attempt war against great and mighty kings and potentates: but he doth it much more commonly: for in persuall of all the ancient histories of forepassed ages, you shall find a thousand examples of the one, and scarce one or two of the other. jacob meeting with his brother, relied upon this support, and sped very well. Sending his children afterwards into the land of Egypt, he gave them no other armour but this. His children being in bondage under the cruelty of Pharac, felt the omnipotent hand of God stretched forth, turning the kings and the Egyptians hearts, sometimes to love, sometimes to hatred, now to cruelty, and then to mercy; sometimes to chase them away, and then again to stay them. And I pray you by what means or miracle did the Israelites obtain health and prosperity from king Nab●…cadnezzar, and afterwards from the kings of Persia, from king Alexander, and in the end from Pompey and the Romans, by the way of arms? Nay chose, their continuance in arms had always drawn them into misery and bondage, and in the end quite ruined and spoiled their goodly city Jerusalem, utterly defaced the memory of the Sanctuary, and dispersed the people into all the corners of the earth, like dust. And thereunto it is referred, when as the holy Prophets of God do exhort us so often to attend with silence and hope, and to suffer the scourge of God to pass from us without opposition. But what? do I therefore wholly condemn arms? God forbid: for I know full well, that the lawful calling, the justice of the cause, and the necessity to preserve and defend that which God himself hath given us in guard, may make them holy and pleasing. But I offer to your further consideration, whether certain experience doth not daily teach and make known unto us, that we may with greater fruit seek an accord, with hope, that God will move their hearts to clemency, who are now so much hardened to seek our ruin and destruction. You will say unto me, that it hath been often attempted, but in vain. I know it right well, and do see plainly, that the greatest mildness and clemency which they use in all their treaties and accords, is still accompanied with a design, to root out Christian Religion in time, and the true service of God, as it is commanded and expressed unto us in his holy Word: and which is more, they are more unwilling at this day to hear it spoken of, than they were ever, I mean amongst the common sort of people. But, in the mean time, I see also, that we have so often attempted arms in vain, and that the more the wars continue, the more the knowledge of God and of true piety decayeth (omitting to speak of the ruin and bondage of our country) and yet they will again try force, and hope even against all hope or likelihood. Why may we not, in like manner, once again try the success of a general accord, and hope (beyond hope) that God will yet at length move their hearts, and do that which he hath not yet done? Without doubt, after that we have a thousand times attempted arms in vain, we may four or five times try the means of a peace and concord. It may happily be in vain; and peradventure with great fruit: and if it doth not produce the good fruits which we attend and hope for, it may be God will cause us to feel some other, which we expected not. If we be refused in so loyal a request, the necessity of our war shall be the greater, and the cause more just and favourable, and it may be God will move the hearts of some other princes, to have pity and compassion on us, and either by force of arms or means of intercession to take our cause in hand, and to revenge our quarrel. All wars from the beginning of the world to this day have once had an end, either by the ruin of one of the parties, or by an accord. To attend the ruin of one party, it is much to be feared, that it would fall upon our side: for the l●…mbe, our head, is a good warrior by the virtue of the spirit, and by the sword of the Word, but he doth seldom employ any substantial arms; whereas on the other side, the beast which maketh war unto the lamb and his followers, is victorious in this world by arms, and is drunk with the blood of Martyrs. An accord hath not always succeeded, after it hath been attempted: our neighbour (France) doth show it, and our 
1585.  own bowels have felt it, and the examples of all ages and nations do witness it: But in the end, when the Impostume is ripe, it must be then broken. But some will say unto me, that they fear too great inconveniences may arise by these treaties of peace; I confess it, and (without doubt) they are exceedingly to be feared, yet a wise man must (with due deliberation) consider of the inconveniences on either side, and where there is greatest likelihood of remedy and help. If they hope to obtain victory against the enemy by arms, to preserve the liberty, laws, and privileges of the country, to defend the true Religion, to warrant the Church of God from oppression and ruin; in the name of God let us resolve to take arms, but let us undertake it courageously and cheerfully, and employ both our hearts and hands therein. But on the other side, if our forces do daily decay, if arms do subject our country and people unto the yoke of strangers, if arms deface all laws and ancient policy, disperse the Church of God, overthrow all true piety and Religion, wipeth out all remembrance and respect of the word of God, and in the end draweth us one after another into our enemy's power; why do we not then look unto that which is most likely to preserve and defend us? We saw by experience, when we had all our forces joined together to uphold us, when we had a head to conduct and direct us, when our means were entire, yet the chief towns of the country were enforced to come to an agreement with the enemy one after another; so as so many towns, so many private accords were made and entered into. We know that these private accords are a ruin and confusion unto the country, and yet we cannot prevent these private accords, nor will not make any motion for a general peace, in time; but are like men that were enchanted and drunk with this opinion, that we must attend and hope even until the last hour of our extremity, and never speak or make motion of any peace, but when we are so near driven, that we can do no more: which is the very cause, that all our actions are not guided and managed by reason, but carried headlong (as it were) by passion and necessity. Without doubt, when we are brought unto the uttermost extremity, it is impossible for us to obtain any good or reasonable conditions from the winning enemy: for the victor doth always prescribe a law unto the vanquished, and he that sighteth, doubteth the danger thereof, and oftentimes is compelled to give ear unto an unequal accord. Wherefore the fittest time on good conditions to make peace, is, when both parties are strong, and fit to abide the fight: but when the one is underfoot, and not able to hold out any longer, there is no time then of reconciliation, but of humility. I do not yet give counsel to make an accord: but if that one town after another shall be forced in the end to agree unto the enemy, I am of opinion, that they should take an antidote against this deadly poison, and begin when it is time: for it is better to treat of a reconciliation for all the towns together, than for the yielding up of one town in particular. But it is greatly to be feared, that if they once speak of a treaty of peace and reconciliation, and that the common people have once any vent of it, they shall confound and overthrow all their course of war, and be enforced to run headlong into ruin and confusion, without any means either to prevent or withstand the same. Verily I believe it, and it is most certain, that this danger proceedeth only from want of authority and command. If this be not now to be redressed, what will it be hereafter, when as we shall have sustained greater losses and calamities? But I think it is yet to be repaired, and that there is much less difficulty or hazard to do it presently, than there will be hereafter. I have always been of opinion, that when the magistrates and governors; and those that are appointed to manage the affairs of the dountrey, hold a straight hand over the people, and do not allow every man to speak of a peace at his pleasure, but reserve the authority and determination thereof unto themselves, they have means to govern the helm, and not to suffer themselves to be violently carried away with the inconstant humours of the giddy multitude. And therefore in this town of antwerp I was of opinion, to punish those that did but speak of any accord, and to expressly forbid, that no man should talk privately thereon; but in the mean time I thought it fit, that the magistrate and the counsel of the town should 
1585.  consult alone of that business, and manage it with all the wisdom and discretion they could. And so it happened, that the magistrate, after the defeat of Coesteins' dike, seeing how we were distressed for victuals, munition, and other necessaries, did make the first motion: but this business was handled private in counsel, with great alterations for a months space, before it was vented to the multitude, the which did avail us much for the accord: but the error was, that it was not propounded, until we were so bare of victuals and other means, as what hard conditions soever the enemy had offered us, we must have been forced to accept them. If happily we had spoken before we had tried the fortune of the fight, we should either have obtained a more easy and favourable accord, or had a more happy success. Wherefore I think that our example may well serve for an instruction. Above all we must consider, Quid ferre recusent, quid valeant humeri, and govern the affairs of our country with wisdom and discretion, and not to stand upon popular opinions. My meaning is not to give you counsel herein, for that were presumption and rashness; but falling upon this subject, I thought good to discourse on both sides, as it cometh often into my mind. I would I were a fit man to serve my country, either for matter of counsel, or action, either in war or peace. But seeing that my misfortune will not permit it, yet it hath been some ease and comfort unto me, to discharge my thoughts in the bosom of my friend, whom I hold to be wife, circumspect, and zealous to true Religion and the good of his country. If there be any thing worthy of consideration, you may make use thereof, and impart it to your discreet friends; if not, in casting my letter into the fire, our dispute shall be ended. In the mean time, wheresoever I shall be, you shall have a true friend, a good kinsman, and a faithful servant, etc.  
Ph. de Marnix.   

This Summer there were many attempts made against Groaning, and the Hollanders and they of West-Friseland (meaning to bring it to extremity) maintained and kept certain ships of war continually in the river of Ems, for that they of the town of Groaning fetched their victuals and all other their provision from the town of Embden, having also intelligence, that the prince of Parma sought to make himself master of the river of Ems, intending to make use thereof for the relief of his army, and to get the command of the town of Embden into his hands, which lay in the king of Spain's way, and crossed his designs, as much as Collen, Liege, Aken, Wesel, and many other towns did.  
The Estates ships of war lying upon the river of Ems, would not suffer any ships to pass up to Embden: whereupon the earl and the town of Embden sent unto the admiral of the fleet, whose name was captain Knoop, and also to the Estates of Holland and West-Friseland, complaining of the great wrong and injury that was offered unto them: but finding no redress thereof, but only good words and many delays, until their enterprise had taken effect, they armed and sent out six ships of war, and some small pinnaces; and for that there were at the least forty ships of their town laden with merchandise, which were kept out and hindered from entering into the said river of Ems by the Estates ships, upon the second day of the month of November they went out of the town, demanding leave of the Admiral for the Estates, to have their ships pass up the river to the town of Embden, who (being then gone down with all his ships unto the mouth of the river, entering into the sea, and lay at Berchum for his best advantage) made answer unto them, That as yet he had no direction nor commandment from his superiors, so to do. But whilst that the Embden ships returned this answer unto the town, and attended their directions, upon the fifth day of the said month of November, there suddenly arose so great a storm of wind and tempestuous foul weather, as all the Hollanders ships were dispersed, and in great danger; the Admiral for the Estates was sunk into the sea, Knoop escaping hardly into another ship: the admiral of Embden was forced to cut down her main mast, and so did many other ships. The Hollanders ships being thus scattered by the handy 
1585.  work of God, the merchants ships got free passage up the river, to go up unto the town of Embden, and their ships of war with them, who (by fortune) tocke a gentleman of Embden, called Onne van Ewesten, prisoner, who served under the Estates, and carried him with them to Embden: which tempest (through the providence of Almighty God) prevented a great quarrel, which otherwise had fallen out betwixt the Estates and the town of Embden: yet the Summer following, the Estates sent their ships thither again, and stayed the coming of the Embden ships, as they had done before; but upon the four and twentieth of june there was an agreement made, by the means of certain Englishmen, who were dealers in it: and yet many times after they fell out again.    


ELIZABETHA ANGLIAE REGINA  
Elizabeth, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defendresse 
1585.  of the Catholic Faith, and Protectrix of the liberty of the united Provinces of the Netherlands.  
When God by grace had me advanced unto my regal state,  
(Which till this time I ruled have in peace most fortunate)  
To serve him, and my subjects good to seek, it was my care:  
And those that forced were to fly by means of bloody war,  
Against them by Spaniards made, I did most willingly relieve,  
And with a fervent zeal to them all aid and comfort give,  
And by what means I could devise, my mind I always bend,  
Their imminent decay and danger great for to prevent.  
And to that end protectrix of their country I became,  
Defending them with all my power (to my eternal fame)  
Wherein no fear of Spanish force ere could my courage quail,  
Nor in my resolution good, make me in aught to fail.   
THE XIII. BOOK. 
1585.   
The Argument.  
THe Queen of England having taken upon her the protection of the united provinces, sent the earl of Leicester to be her Lieutenant. They receive him with pomp, and acknowledge him for governor. The Spaniards prosper in Friesland. Colonel Schencke overrunnes the country of Westphalia. Grave besieged and yielded to the Spaniard. jar betwixt the Estates & the earl of Leicester, who is discontented, and they discontented with him. Nuys besieged by the Spaniard, and taken by assault, whilst they are in parley. The earl of Leicester recovers certain places. jealousy betwixt the noble men of the country and the English, by reason of governments that were given unto the English, and they rejected, whereof the Estates complained unto him going into England. A great dearth of corn in the year 1587. Deventer sold unto the Spaniard, with the great fort of Zutphen. Factions increase betwixt the Estates and the English. Scluse besieged, and in the end yielded to the Spaniard. The town of Gelder sold. The Estates labour to reconcile the earls of Leicester and Hohenlo. Apologies on either side. Leicester fails to seize upon the town of Leyden. He is called back into England, and resigns his government into the Estates hands. Bonne surprised by Schencke. The king of Spain makes a counterfeit show to desire peace with England. Deputies on either side at Bourbrove, who do nothing, whilst the Spanish fleet advanced. Prince Maurice takes his place in the government after the earl of Leicester retreat. The Spanish fleet think to invade England, and is dispersed. Geertruydenbergh sold to the Spaniards by the soldiers that were mutined without cause. The death of Colonel Schencke at an enterprise upon Nymeghen. The death of Moeurs: Rhinberck yielded to the Spaniards. The Estates send succours of men and money unto the French king. Breda happily surprised. The prince of Parma relieves Paris. Prince Maurice recovers many towns and places for the Estates. Groaning straightly priest.  
ACcording to the accord made betwixt the high & mighty princess, Elizabeth Queen of England, and the Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands, her Majesty se●… certain troops of horse and foot, into the countries of Holland and Zeeland, under the command of sir john Norris knight, a gallant soldier (who had long done service to the said Estates, and to the prince of Orange) who came to the rendez vous which was given them in Vtrecht where having past musters, they were presently employed, and led by the earl of Moeurs before the fort of Isselloort, near unto the town of Arnham, upon the Veluwe, where the river of Issel comes out of the Rhin, which fort had been taken by Verdugo for the Spaniard long before: the earl of Moeurs hearing that Colonel Taxis was gone forth the day before, made haste to besiege it, and to batter it, so as the besieged seeing no hope of succours, and fearing to be taken by assault, they yielded 
Isselloort yielded to the Estates.  up the fort by composition, to depart with their lives and goods. Although this siege was not without the loss of some few men, yet the earl of Moeurs and the English were so encouraged, as passing the river of Rhin, they went to besi●…ge the fort of Berchschooft in the higher Betuwe, in the which captain Turc commanded for the prince of Parma: who notwithstanding the weakness of the place, which was showed him by his own men, would needs endure the cannon, but the soldiers mutined against him, and delivered him, with the fort, into the earl of Moeurs hands for the Estates.  
Colonel Schencke had at that time an enterprise upon the town of Nymeghen, by an intelligence which he had with a bourger of the said town, who dwelled in one of the towers of the 
1585.  rampar. This man had in time digged a hollow passage under the rampar, which went from the foot of the said tower unto the street, and had so undermined the wall of the said tower within, having set up the stones again one upon another, without cement or mortar, as with a blow with ones foot they might thrust it down, and thereby have a free passage into the town: for to finish this enterprise, Schencke drew forth certain companies out of the garrisons of Venloo, Gelder, Wachtendonc, Grave, and Blyenbeek, with the which he marched secretly the eight and twentieth of September, in the night: but the night before, this bourger (having let slip certain words) was apprehended, with his son, who upon the circumstances of the said speeches, and his answer unto the interrogatories, was put to the rack, with his boy, and there confessed the fact: whereupon they of the town put themselves secretly into arms: Schencke being near with his troops, having no sign from his man, and being ignorant what place to go to, fearing the matter was discovered, he retired. The earl of Moeurs seeing that this enterprise had failed, resolved to have the town by force, and planted his camp in the village of Bendt right against it, upon the other bank of the river of Wahal, where he did build a mighty fort, the which since was called Knodsenborch: and placing certain ships of war in the river betwixt the town and the fort, to stop the passage from this fort (where he had planted five or six pieces of ordnance) he battered the town at random, and shot fiery bullets into it to burn the houses, but they were suddenly quenched, so as there was not above two houses burnt.  
In the mean time the garrison of Nuys did nothing but hunt after booty and spoil, running even unto the gates of Cologne, carrying from thence oxen, kine, and other cattle, the which did so incense the duke of Cleves, upon whose country (being a neuter) they were daily running (for that they could not go into the diocese of Cologne, but they must needs pass through the duchy of juilliers, of Berghe, or the county of Marck, which are his) as he made a proclamation throughout all his territories, giving all them of his country's free liberty to set upon and spoil the garrison of Nuys, wheresoever they should encounter them in his countries, the which did somewhat restrain the courses of the said garrison.  
The Hans towns of the east country, fearing that by this alliance betwixt the Queen of England, and the Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands, their navigation into Spain would be cut off, they wrote unto her Majesty, entreating her to satisfy them of that doubt. To the which she answered the fifth of November, being at Richmond, after this manner.  
I believe you are not ignorant of the dislike and breach betwixt us and the king of Spain; what will ensue we cannot yet judge: if matters tend to a peace, we will not reject you, as our 
The Queen of England's letters to the towns of the east countries.  ancient allies; but if it grows to a war, you shall understand (as men of judgement may well conceive) that we ought not to suffer our enemies to be relieved with victuals, nor fortified with munition of war: wherefore you may consider, that you ought not to require any thing of us that may turn to our prejudice and disa●…uantage. But touching all other sorts of merchandise, whereby they of Spain or Portugal may not be aided with victuals and munition of war against us, our meaning is not to stop it, but are willing that your subjects ships shall enter with their lading into our ports and havens, at their pleasures, as they have formerly done.  
About that time Cont Charles Mansfeldt marched out of the country of Ravesteyn, with the chief regiment of Spaniards, being four thousand strong, all old soldiers, and passed over the river of Meuse into Bommels Weerd, which is a rich island betwixt the rivers of Wahal and Meuse, the which had not of a long time seen any enemy. The Estates being advertised hereof, were at the first somewhat troubled, but having invested the river with their ships round about the island, the earl was very much perplexed, fearing to be shut up: in the mean time the prince of Parma being returned from antwerp to Brussels (where he had been received with all joy and state, as a victorious prince) hearing in what danger Cont Mansfeldt was, went to horseback, with fourteen of fifteen post horses only, and came to Boisleduc to succour him. This, island which may be easily drowned, is a clay soil, and very miry when it rains. The earl of Hohenlo having environed the whole island with the Estates ships, and broken the dikes in divers places, the country was in a 
1585.  manner covered all over with water: the Spaniards retired unto the other side of the river of Meuse, to a castle highly seated, called Empel, where they might preserve themselves from the inundation, from the frost, and from the winds; besides, they endured much poverty and famine, for they were in a manner besieged by the waters, and by the Estates ships which Hohenlo had caused to enter into the drowned land, being separated from the rest of the prince of Parma his army, the which lay on the other side of Boisleduc, so as they grew to despair, having continued there four days in great misery, by reason of the cold; and if the weather had not changed, it was likely that all this troup (being four thousand of the oldest and best soldiers, Spaniards, that the king of Spain had in all those countries) had been consumed, or else had fallen into the earl of Hohenlo his hands: God sent them a Northwest wind unexpected, with a sharp and bitter frost, so as the fields and meadows began to be frozen, and the water to fall; Hohenlo finding this sudden change in good time, fearing his ships should want water (as without doubt they had) and so not be able to retire them; yea he had been in danger (the Spaniard being six times stronger than he) to have been lost there with all his men: whereupon he weighed anchor and went away. His ships were no sooner retired, but the weather changed, and it began to thaw, so as the towns thereabouts, especially Boisleduc, did help to retire the Spaniards from the place were they were, with boats and barks, being half starved with hunger and cold; whereof many died afterwards, and some had their limbs so benumbed and frozen, as they fell off, and some were forced to be cut off. And thus by a sudden change of the weather they escaped a great danger.  
The prince of Parma thanked them of Boisleduc for their readiness to relieve his Spaniards: he gave unto the poor of the town fourscore fat oxen, and to the town itself a gilt cup.  
The earl of Moeurs was still lodged before the town of Nymeghen, for by reason of the waters the lord of Hautepenne had no means to dislodge him; but the fourth day of November, the waters being fallen, he caused certain barks to be made ready at Nymeghen, to pass his troops to the other side of the river into the Betuwe, causing them to pass along the river towards Bomel, which put the Hollanders ships in great fear, and made them to fly, so as Hautepenne had good means to pass over six thousand choice men, Spaniards, Walloons, Germans, Italians, Burguignons, and Albanois: the English knowing them to be so near, before they retired, they set fire on the church of Lents, as they had done the night before on a gentleman's house, whereas the earl of Moeurs had lodged: they did the like unto the church of Oosterholt, whereas they had a far greater fort than that of Knotsenbourg. The lord of Hautepen meaning to besiege it, caused it to be invested the night of his arrival, but approaching near, they found that the English men had abandoned it with six pieces of artillery, and great store of victuals and munition for war in it. The lord of Hautepenne hearing that they were retired, sent part of his men before the castle of Dornick: they of the garrison burned the bridge themselves: yet the Spaniards gave them so furious a charge, and did so amaze them, as they yielded up the place: the captain was kept prisoner, but the soldiers were slain: the rest of the lord of Hautepennes men which pursued the English took the castle of Boenen, where they hung up all the soldiers that they found in it.  
The sixteenth day of December, the lord of Hautepenne brought his troops to the other side of the river of Wahal, and went to besiege the castle of Duekenbourg, the which he won: the next day the English men which were in the castle of Berckshooft, being terrified with the flight of their companions out of the Betuwe, they in like manner left the place the nineteenth day of December: the same day the Spaniards took the castle of Hoemen upon the Meuse; from thence they approached by little and little towards the town of Grave, meaning to besiege it afar off, in cutting off and hindering their provision of victuals.  
On the twentieth day of the same month of December, the soldiers of the garrison of Nuys surprised the strong castle of Grimmelyckhuysen, which was then held and commanded by captain Hambach for the bishop of Cologne, whereas they slew some 
1585.  of the soldiers of the garrison, and kept the rest prisoners: and thus they made war against the bishop and diocese of Cologne.  
The prince of Parma being at the same time in the co●…ntrie of Brabant with his Spaniards, thought to have put in practice and executed some secret designs which he had upon the Cloender, Rogghenhill, and Geertruydenbergh, by reason of the hard frosts, but they took no effect.  

Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, Lieutenant and Captain 
1586  General for the Queen of England, Protectrix of the united Provinces of the Netherlands.  
ROBERTUS DUDLEUS COMES L●…YCESTER GUB: BELL:  
My Princess, that Protectrix was of the united lands,  
Advancing me to high estate, did put into my hands  
The rule and government thereof, the which (though not long time)  
I managed, unto my power, but in the very prime,  
My government it was so bad, and found so full of trouble,  
That it did not their griefs decrease, but rather made them double.  
So that in fine, suspicion grown twixt me and them, I left  
The country, and in England was of vital breath bereft.  
THe Earl of Leicester, according to the agreement made betwixt the Queen of England, and the Estates, being come on the 30 of December from Flessingue 
1586  to Dordrecht in Holland, accompanied by many earls, barons, and other great personages of England, he was received by the magistrates, council, and burghers of that town with great state. And the 2 of january 1586, he parted from thence to go to the Hage, where he was in like sort very honourably received by the general Estates, with all good reception & shows of joy for his coming: & on the 17 of the month, after many ceremonies, he was accepted for governor of the said countries, 
The earl of Leicester acknowledged governor general.  and sworn to maintain, defend and preserve them, against the oppressions of the Spaniards. And in like manner, the Estates did swear unto her Majesty and to him (as her lieutenant) the conditions & agreement that was concluded betwixt them: which done, the said Estates made a decree, what every province should contribute towards the charges of the war, and so did the Queen for her part, that with their common means, they might resist the king of Spain's power. And the fist day of February the earl of Leicester was by the Estates proclaimed Lieutenant and captain of the united provinces, and commandment given to all the particular governors or their Lieutenants of the said provinces and towns, officers and magistrates, admiral's, colonels, captains, treasurers, receivers, and others, for matters of estate and war, with all that depends thereon, so to acknowledge him.  
At his reception to the government, doctor Leoninus chancellor of Guelderland made an oration, saying, that the general Estates of the united Netherlands, having had so great assurance of the Queen's Majesties, and his excellencies honourable disposition, and favours unto them, and finding it to be a thing necessary, that public authority should be maintained within the provinces, and relying upon his wisdom, experience, and integrity, by common consent, and with one voice they had chosen and named him for their governor and captain general, over the said Netherlands; that is, of the dukedom of Gelder, the earldom of Zutphen, the earldoms and countries of Flanders, & Holland, with west Friesland, Zeeland, and Friesland, giving him full power and authority (besides the title and commission of her Majesty, together with that which was contained in th●… contract made with her) to govern and command absolutely over the said provinces, and their associates, in all matters concerning the wars, and their dependences, both by sea and land and to command overall governors, colonels admiral's, vice-admirals, commanders, captains, and officers, and overall soldiers of the same, both horse and foot, and to that end had appointed an oath to be taken unto his excellency, as governor and captain general, to be true and obedient unto him: besides, that the said Estates gave unto his excellency full power and authority, concerning policy and justice, to be done over all the aforesaid provinces (with the council of Estates which should be chosen) to govern the said Netherlands, as they had been governed before, (especially in the time of the emperor Charles the fifth) by the governors general, according to the lawful customs of the provinces. Understanding that out of the revenues of the said provinces, the governors, officers, and rent-masters should be paid their duties and fees, according to the ancient manner, and that the said provinces, towns, and members of the same should be maintained in all their ancient privileges, laws, and customs, as it should be more at large declared unto his excellency. And touching the government of the country, principally concerning the wars (which cannot continue nor be maintained but by contribution,) the said provinces consent and agree, that besides the aid of 1000 horse and 5000 foot lent them by the Queen, the duchy of gelders, Flanders, and the united towns of Brabant, consent to give the general means of their said towns and villages of the country's adjacent, as far as they had power to command at that present time, and from time to time, as they were farmed, let out, and presently collected, and besides, that all the booties and compositions with the champain countries, made for their safety, where they have no means to get contribution, and such sums as they pay unto the enemy: & they of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, & Friesland, have agreed to give the sum of 200000 gulderns the month; which moneys the said provinces will put into his excellencies hands to be managed by him, with the council of estate that shall be appointed: and besides this, all that shall be received by contribution, and gotten from the enemy, and other means out of the countries of Ouerissell, Drent, and the territories thereof, with other places lying under the enemy's command.  
And further that all the united Provinces were agreed, and had consented, that 
1586.  the convoye money, and imposts, raised upon merchandise, coming in and going forth of those countries, according to the order taken therein the year of our Lord 1581. and the moderation, and augmentation thereof, shall continue and be employed for the charges which they shall be at, for the setting forth maintaining and paying of the ships, and boats of war, which serve and are retained under the said Provinces, and that if need were, are to be set out, according to the contract made with his Majesty, whereunto also all the prizes, and licences should be employed, if his Excellency thought good to permit and allow thereof, and this for the space of one whole year; and if it fortuned that the war; continued long, upon his Excellencies' motion and desire, a new composition should be made before the said year were fully finished, according to the state, and means of the said Province, and as necessity should require. And therewith he humbly disired his Excellency to be pleased to accept and take upon him the said government and authority, and to execute the same, to the honour of GOD, and the maintenance of the Netherlands, promising him that the said states should always hold good correspondence with him, and aid and truly serve him, in all occasions and services whatsoever. Further by their acts and proclamations the said states would command all the Commanders over horse and foot, and all soldiers both by sea and land, to show all obedience duty and fidelity unto his excellency, which they agreed to swear unto and confirm by oath, one unto the other, reserving the homage which his Excellency ought unto the Queen's Majesty. In the Hage the first of February. 1586. Signed. C. Aertsens.  
According to this agreement the Earl of Leicester took the government upon him, and thereupon the States, Officers, Provincial Governors, Colonels, Captains and Soldiers took their oaths unto him, wherein Prince Maurice, and the Earl of Hohenlo and other captains used all the means the could to bring the soldiers thereunto, being accustomed in such accidents to have money given them for a reward. The states upon the Earl of Leceisters' acceptation of the government, had drawn a certain instruction, or order of the Council of Estate, which should aid and assist him in the 
The Earl of Leicester refuseth all instructions.  said government, the contents whereof were how the affairs of Estate and others touching the government of the Netherlands, aught to be lawfully executed with the full consent and privity of the Counsel of Estate, as it is used in all commonwelthes', especially in the low countries, and was also observed by the governors and regents of the same, being great personages, of royal blood, and some of them Queens, but it was answered by the Earl of Leicester, that all instructions were no other in effect, than limitations of his commission, and that the government general of the Netherlands being absolutely given unto him, he should need no such instructions. In the end (to content his Excellency) the deputies of the states said, that he should not be bound to those instructions, but that they were made for the Council of Estate, and that his Excellency was not to be bound to conclude, any matter of importance by plurality of voices, but by the advise of all the Council of Estate being heard, he thereon should conclude, as he found it most convenient for the good of the commonweal. To this resolution the Estates were hardly to be drawn, as well foreseeing, that he not being tide to any instructions might easily be seduced by bad Counsel, and so deceived, (as commonly such kind of men, intrude themselves into Princes Courts, and upon all occasions are ready to strike a stroke, to further themselves and hinder the commonweal,) which in the Earl of Leicester, was most to be feared, in regard he was wholly unexperienced in the nature, manners, and situation of those countries, and had no knowledge, nor judgement touching the Estate of the country, neither yet of good and expert Councelors, and therefore the likelier to fall into greater errors: but the Estates finding themselves in great perplexity touching the government, agreed unto all his desires, as far as possible they might, and withal gave him liberty to choose one Councelor of Estate out of every Province, together with the alteration of the great seal and counter-seale, adding in their great seal a shield of his arms, and for the counter-seale his whole arms, which was never granted to any governor before him. These things being imparted to the Queen, she was much moved 
1586  thereat, esteeming thereby that they sought to engage her further in those affairs 
The Queen of England offended with the states for 〈◊〉 the Earl of Leicester the government.  than she was willing to undertake. whereupon she presently sent Sir Thomas Hennage her Vice-chamberlaine, and one of her privy council into Holland, with letters dated the 13 of February, finding fault that the Earl of Leicester had taken the absolute government of the Low-countries upon him, which she thought very strange, in regard that she herself had refused to accept it, and now to give that unto her vassal and servant, which she had refused, and that without her consent, she thought they offered her great wrong and indignity, as if she had not discretion enough of herself, to know what she were best to take or leave; saying amongst other things, that it was clean contrary to the declaration she had made and put forth in Print, wherein she protested to take on her the assistance of the Netherlands, to no other intent, then only to aid her good neighbours, without any desire or meaning to meddle or make with the protection or sovereignty of the said countries, and that by their action every man might have occasion to judge the contrary: or at the least such as take on them the authority and privilege to judge and censure Princes actions, as they think good, whereby their honour should be much interressed. And that therefore her intent was (to show the uprightness of her proceedings) to revoke and recall the aforesaid authority, and to command the said Earl not to use any further or other authority than was set down in the contract; which if it were well observed, she doubted not but it would extend and reach to the good and furtherance of the common cause: affirming, that her refusal in that point, proceeded not from want of care to further the country's good, and common welfare, but only in regard of her honour, and to stop the mouths of her enemies and evill-willers, referring the rest of her intent unto the bearer of those letters.  
This letter gave the Estates great cause of suspicion, and therefore being in Amsterdam, they made answer thereunto by letters dated the 25. of March, with all humility, excusing the action, and protesting that there was no meaning in them, thereby to charge or bind her Majesty any further-then the contract lead her unto: but that the necessity of the country required to have this authority given to one, for that it was better to have one governor then two: and in regard of her Majesty, they had rather choose o●…e of her subjects thereunto than any other, giving his Excellency no other authorit●…e, than other governors before him had had, and which was always renocable, the word [Absolute] being put in, to distinguish his government from others, that were put in but by proviso, and bound to instructions, as also to procure more obedience and care in the people, for the maintaining of marshal discipline, furthering of the contributions, and better execution of his commissions, and not to give his Excellency the sovereignty therein following the examples of the romans and others, that it was also done, to let and break of certain enterprises of the enemy, as also to comfort and stir up the hearts of the distressed people, and that the recalling thereof would breed great confusion, assuring her that it was not any thing contrary to the contract, the whole sovereignty of the Provinces still resting in the Estates hands, and the government or administration thereof in the Earl, as it did in other governors. The sove raigntie still being reserved, until her Majesty would be pleased to accept of the same, hoping that she would vouchsafe to have a regard unto the distressed and lamentable estate of the country, and that there consisted more in maintaining the authority and government of the Earl of Leicester, then in ordering a great army, as her Majesty should be further instructed by Sir Thomas Henn●…ge.  
Sir Thomas Hennage being returned into England, and having made report of his embassage, the Queen made answer by letters dated the one and twenty of june 1586. that she perceived by their letters that they had done that in regard of their good affection, and upon urgent cause, wherewith she was the better satisfied, in that they confessed their fault, and that they might have given her knowledge thereof before it had been done, wishing them in any case to keep and observe all their promises, to deliver the money over into his hands, and to augment their contributions, giving 
1586.  him full authority t●… execute all things by advise, and as necessity required. She likewise excused the suspicion given out by some, that she sought to make a peace without their consent. This in effect was the contents of the letters on both sides sent and received touching the Earl of Leicester's government, wherewith her Majesty seemed to be some what pleased, but yet it was an occasion that many men esteemed his excellency the less.  
With this authority, the Earl of Leicester was instauled in his government, and the contributions of the country, delivered into his hands, amounting unto the yearly value of four and twenty hundred thousand gilders and above, besides the connoy money, the profits of the admiralty, and her majesties aid, his own entertainment 
A proclamation made by the Earl of Leicester for marshal discipline, and for the prohibiting of traffic with the enemy etc.  being 100000. gilders a year: presently thereupon he set down an order for marshal discipline, amongst his soldiers, and made a proclamation bearing date in Vtrecht the fourth day of April, whereby was forbidden the transporting and carrying of all kind of necessaries, victuals, ammunition for war, or any manner of merchandise whatsoever, unto the enemy and their associates, or to any neutral places, as also all manner of dealing, or correspondence by letters of exchanges, or otherwise, not only with Spain, but with France and the East countries, under what pretence soever it might be, upon pain of death, and loss of ship and goods. The letter to execute these things one jaques Ringoult (a man very familiar with the Earl of Leicester and the only inventor of the said proclamation) had gotten by an extraordinary commission, wholly without the advise of the Council of Estate, thereby to deal and proceed extraordinarily, with those that had any dealings with the enemy, by form of inquisition, search, and examination, searching all the merchants letters, books, and secret accounts, a thing not used nor accustomed in these countries and wholly against many privileges, old orders, and freedoms, of the Provinces and towns; and not content therewith he sought means to have the same order used in England, against the Netherlanders inhabiting there in Sandwich and other places.  
This proclamation and commission much disliked the Estates, and moved them to complain against it. At that time likewise it was put in practice, (& hoped to be effected) to raise a general contribution upon all nations trafficking to sea, for the furtherance of the wars, in regard that England being united with Holland and Zeeland, it might 
The Earl of Leicester sought to force the seafareing men to buy passports, and to contribute something to the wars.  prescribe and give laws, as Lords of the sea, how, and whether men should traffic: which law being set down, the Earl of Leicester, thought to compel all sailors and sea-faring-men, to come and buy passports, or saffe conducts of him, thereby to have liberty, to deal freely in every place, contributing some thing to the wars. But when many letters of complaint concerning the same were sent into England. The Noble Council of Estate, esteemed it a very hard matter for to bring the French, Scots, Danes and East-countrie-men there unto, and thereupon the contribution began to be behinde-hand, and the proclamation standing in force caused great trouble, and hindrance in the Netherlandes, for that by it much traffic was converted, and ceased in these countries, for that many rich merchants, and sailors of Antwerp and other places, (withdrawing themselves and flying from thence) would not stay and inhabit in the low countries, because they might not use there trade as they were wont to do, but went to inhabit and dwell at Hamburgh, bream, Emden, Stood, and diverse other places, from whence they might freely traffic into Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Islands, and by that means made other Nations acquainted both with their traffic by sea, and brought much dealing into many other towns, so that at the last in Holland and Zeeland, they were forced to dispense with that proclamation, and again to permit the traffic by sea Westward, or else in short time, they should have driven all trade of merchandise, and seafaring out of their countries, together with their richest inhabitants, those Provinces living most by fishing, and seafaring, hand-labors and trade of merchandise.  
The five and twenty day of july the Earl of Leicester, being in Vtrecht made an act concerning the erecting of a new tresory in the united Province. whereof he appointed 
1586.  to be principal in that office, the Earl of Niewenar, and Menes governor of Gelderland, Zutphen, and Vtrecht, with authority to sit in the council of Estate: for the second man, he appointed Master Henry Killegray, one of the receivers of her majesties Exchequer in England, and a Councelor of Estate in the low countries: the third person was Reynardt de Aeswin Lord of Barkelo, and for treasurer jaques Reingoult, Lord of Canwenbergh, and for commissioners, Sebastian Lose, josse Teylink, and Master Paul Buys. The Receivers general, the Treasurer for the wars, the Clerk, nor the Usher being not named, but blanks left, to put in their names, one Danell Burgrate being appointed chief secretary, with free liberty to go into the Council of Estate, and there to have audience.  
After the contract and union made by the Netherlands with the Queen was past and agreed upon, the King of Spain caused all the Englishmen through all his dominions, 
The King of Spain arrested the Englishmen in Spain.  to be arrested and their ships and goods confiscate, using them most rigorously, whereupon many of them became men of war, having commissions, from the Queen, for that they might not otherwise do it in regard that as then there was no open war proclaimed with Spain, who being at sea made good use of the said arrest in Spain, for that all ships going or coming Westward, that they could come by, under that pretence, were taken and made prize, and at that time the Netherlanders could hardly deal or traffic into Spain, Portugal, and the Islands, unless it were under Spaniard's names, their Factors dwelling there, and esteemed for natural bred and borne Spaniards, and upon this suspicion the ships were brought into England, and the keeping and possession of the 
The Englishmen of war take the Neitherlanders at sea, and make them prizes.  goods that were in them was delivered into the hands of them that took them, (and if it were such wares as would not keep long, they had authority to sell them,) giving security for restitution thereof, if the said goods were not found to be good prize.  
In the beginning of this winter in january, Taxis Lieutenant to Verdugo Governor in Friesland for the King of Spain, gathered together the garrisons thereabouts, and entered into Westergoe, where having found means and opportunity for to pass through the country by reason of the great frosts and ye he had won Worckcom, Coudom, Hindeloopen, and some other places. The nine and twenty day of januarie it began to thaw; wherefore the Spaniards being loath to be shut up in that watery country, thought to make their retreat, and not to attend any further hazard.  
In his retreat he met with some peasants armed, whom he defeated, whereof some saved themselves in a Church, and refusing for to yield were burnt, from thence they went to the village of Boxom a league from Leeuwaerden where they were told that there was near them 2000 Frisons Protestants, being entrenched with Cartes and Wagons, and having two field pieces, yet the Spaniards went to charge them in their trenches, and as at the first charge the horses which were in the carriages, were amazed and terrified at the great noise of the shot being unacquainted with it, they began to run and break 
Certain Protestants Frisons defeated.  their fort, whereupon the Spaniards charged them very furiously and put them to rout: whereof part of them saved themselves in the Church of the village, and afterward yielded upon ransom. Of the Protestants there died in this charge fivehundred fourscore and six, and about some three hundred taken prisoners. Of the Spaniards very few, some said but five and twenty. Amongst the which Olswald, one of the Earls of Vandenbergh lost his life in the flower of his age. Captain Hendricke van Delden a brave soldier was also slain. Among the Protestant prisoners, was captain stain Malt a Dane, Lieutenant to Count William of Nassau, who was then at the Hage at the reception of the Earl of Leicester. This Gentleman had been sent for by his King, and had taken leave of the Estates, and was richly rewarded by them, so as he was now upon his departure: but by reason of the Earl's absence, the Spaniards being thus suddenly entered into the country over the ice he was entreated to do this service, the which for the love, honour and respect of the said Earl he 
1586.  would not refuse.  
At the same time Colonel Martin Schenck being in Venloo, he sallied forth upon 
80. Spanish horse defeated  eighty Spanish horse having past the river of Meuse, whom he defeated, yet withsome loss of his o●…emen. A little before he had defeated some forty Italien horse of the company of captain Appio Conti, of the which eighteen were slain and twenty two prisoners. The King of Spain hearing of the succours which the estates had gotten from the Queen of England, sent more money by divers means to the Prince of Parma for that as than his soldiers began generally to mutiny. And at that time also the King sent down the Marquis of Guast and of Pescara, the last being of the house of Aualos, with many others: this Marquis was by the Prince of Parma made General of the horse. The seventeen of january they of Antwerp appointed a day every year of solemn procession for the expelling and killing of the French three years before, the which they called the day of the French fury, in perpetual remembrance of the Duke of Anious overthrow, being at that time Duke of Brabant, in the which action the catholics did challenged the greater honour, but they of the reformed religion gai●… said it. In the beginning of February some soldiers of the garrison of Nuys went disguised like merchants to the town of Zybrich: these men hearing that their troops approached went unto the castle (knowing well that the captain was not there) 
An enterprise upon Zybrich failed.  and entreated his wife (all the country as they said being full of Freebooters) to give them a guard to conduct them unto Cologne the which being refused, they stayed a while betwixt the ports, looking of every side, then being resolved, they slew the Porter and seized upon the Castle. The captains wife seeing that they were enemies cried out murder: They to give a sign to their men to make haste, hung an ensign out of one of the towers, And being busy to open them the castle behind, the Bourguers being in arms came running thither: the undertakers quitting all defence, fled into an old tower, to make some defence. But they of the town fearing that their long delay might be hurtful unto them, they set fire of the said tower, and forced the soldiers to yield. They had with them a glazier of the same town and his son, who were carried to Bonne and there quartered.  
About the end of February Colonel Schenck and captain Cloet) who commanded within Nuys) past the river of Rhine with certain troops of horse and foot, marching towards Westphalia, to make an enterprise upon the town of Werel. On the 27. day being come by four of the clock in the morning before the town, they set fire of a house joining to the port, the which flew into the town. The townsmen ran thither from all parts to quench it: on the other side Schenk with his men gave a sudden scaladoin one part farthest of from the castle: and having past the rampar they went to the port, the which they opened so suddenly, as their horsemen were upon the market place before the Bourguers did know the town was taken. There was with in the town a castle which Herman van Weda sometimes Bishop of Cologne, had caused to be built to keep them in awe. The Bourguers fled with such fear towards the castle and in such a throng, as the garrison fearing that the Protestants would enter pell-mell with them, shut the ports against them, letting none in but Gerard Brandt the bourguemaister, and the Lieutenant of the Castle. The town being thus taken, was kept very straightly that none might come in nor get out to carry news thereof. The castle was summoned, but the Gentleman that held it called john Verminkh●…uysen refused to yield. This place was of great importance whereon depended the preservation of all the country of Westphalia. The Captain sent a messenger withal speed to Cont Euerard van Solms, Martial of the country of Westphalia, giving him to understand the estates of the town and castle entreating him to send him some succours, for that he wanted men to maintain a long siege, and also to have some victuals and munition for war. The Marshal sent him presently certain wagons conducted by two hundred and fifty foot, the which entered into the Castle without any encounter, Whereof the Captain retained only a hundred and sent back the rest. In the mean time the Marshal made all the speed that he could to raise men in the country, and to get the Nobility to horseback (as it is their manner when they are 
1586  interressed) so as he made a little army, the which he brought and conducted near unto the Castle of Waterlap, half a league from Werell, whereof the greater part of them were footmen, and all in a manner peasants, with so●… which were the fewer part horsemen.  
Colonel Schinke and Captain Cloet, knowing their enem●…s to be so near, would go with all the speed they could and skirmish with them, on the Sunday the second of March, putting their horsemen into three several squadrons, which went and charged them of Westphalia, which were but three score horse at the most: who having withstood the first charge, wheeling about (according to their customs) to récharge their Pistols, the peasants thinking they had turned their backs to fly, and that they must pay for all, fled away presently as fast as they could: among whom Schincks horsemen fell and made pitiful slaughter of them: among the which there 
The Marshal of Westphalias men defeated.  were thirty soldiers, harquebusiers, of the garrison of Arensbergh, the which carried themselves very valiantly, who seeing these peasants turn head and fly, they put themselves into a deep and narrow way, whereas the horsemen could not annoy them, of the which they overthrew some. Schenck seeing the hurt this handful of men did him, approaching near unto them, he said. Soldiers I have known you well, and now I have tried your valours: wherefore seeing your troops are in 
The bravery of thirty soldiers.  rout, if ye will yield, I will make you a good composition, and entreat you like good Soldiers and men of war. Whilst he spoke these words, one shot at him, and although he aimed at him, yet he touched him not, but slew another heard by him.  
This uncourteous answer did amaze Schencke, and as he returned back, an other shot at the hinder part of his saddle, the which passed through and entered into his thigh, where the bullet remained. And as his men would no more approach, fearing at the least to be dismounted from their horses, he retired, and so did those Soldiers without any hurt or loss. Among the Gentlemen of the Westphalian horse, were slain Hendric and Guytterman van Pleytenberch and Merffart van Borch: Of the Peasants there were slain about three hundred men upon the place, the which lay eight days in the fields before they were buried, and there were about three hundred more drowned in the river of Roer.  
After this defeat or overthrow, Schencke and his men returned to the Town, the which was kept close as before, but that sometimes he sent his men into the country for some booty. They within the Castle were not idle in the mean time, annoying the garrison of the Town with their Artillery: and firing the new gate, whereby they had access unto the town, which Schenckes men could not prevent, by reason of the great Ordinance which played continually from the Castle. Yet Schenck meaning to cut of this passage, built a Fort within the Town, right over against the castle, the which did much annoy the Bourguers, being also forced to labour themselves, so as there were above forty of them slain with the shot of the Cannon.  
The Lord of Hautepenne had goodly troops about Keysers-weerd, with the which he passed the Rhine, and marched directly to Werell, with an intent to besiege it before that Schencke had fully fortified, whereof he being advertised, he resolved to make a retreat in time, the which he might easily do for that Hautepenne came on but slowly. Being ready to make his retreat, (which was the eight day of March) he kept the gates shut all the day, during the which he laded all the spoil upon Wagons, and at nine of the clock at night he parted out of the town towards Ham, and from thence he returned unto Bercke upon the Rhine, carrying with him some thirty of the Bourguers prisoners, to have their ransom, after which exploit Schenck came into Holland to the Earl of Leicester, by whom he was honoured with Knighthood.  
Whilst that the Prince of Parma was before Grave. Colonel Schenck ran over 
1586.  the Diocese of Cologne, spoiling all that came in his way: And the sixth of May, he made a road up to Brulle (whereas the Bishops of Cologne sometimes keep their 
Schenck overruns the Diocese of Collogne.  Court, and have a goodly Palace) but finding them upon their guard, and well provided, he retired, and came before Cologne, making war throughout all the Territory, as well against the Gentlemen of the Champion country, as against the Burghers, not sparing ●…y. At his retreat he forced the Castle of Monqchuysen, and took the Signior of Grosbergh (Nephew to the last Bishop of Liege) prisoner, who was carried to Nuys. The garrison of Nuys, went and built a Fort in the Island which is betwixt the town of Soused and Cologne: This place serving convenient for them to cut of the victuals that came to the Spaniards Camp, if they came to besiege them again.  
The fifth of june there went a ship of war from Nuys, well appointed with men and artillery, the which mounted up the Rhine, and anchor before Cologne, right against Duytsch: The Captain of which ship was called Peter van Allen Vrienden. The Magistrates and Council not knowing what to think of this affront, sent for the Captain to come and speak with them, & to give them a reason of his action; he went boldly and told them that he was come by the commandment of Captain Cloet, Governor of the Town of Nuys, to hold the place, and to receive the toll of all goods and Merchandises that should pass and repass upon the River of Rhyne, in the name of the Prince Elector Trucses, Archbishop of Cologne: And that he would hold all for good prize that should offer to resist him. Heere-uppon the Council made him answer, that it was against the laws and privileges of the town, and of the Burghers, which might not suffer (according to the constitutions of the Empire) that any one of his own private authority, should alter the tolls and duties of towns, muchlesse impose any new and un-accustomed: And that they would not endure that (being thus armed) he should lie before their town, and collect any toll or Impost. This Captain demanded an act of their answer, to send it unto his Commander the Governor of Nuys, the which was delivered him, and he sent it unto Captain Cloet: Who writ unto them, that he had commandment from the said Prince Elector, their Archbishop and Prince; and that to the same end he had sent Captain Peter with his ship, and that if any one would dare to hinder him, that he would force him to obey: And therefore he requested the Magistrates of Cologne not to take it in ill part: The like he writ to the Burghers and Magistrates of the town, that it might not seem strange nor grievous unto them, if they were forced to pay the said toll, and that he suffered nothing to pass without a discharge.  
The Council of the town was in doubt what to do, whether they should chase him away by force or not: Wherewith they were much troubled, the issue of this business seeming somewhat doubtful unto them. In the end they resolved to compound with Cloet (who was come unto the said ship) and yet notwithstanding they did write unto the Emperor, to their Prince's Electors, and to the Duke of Cleves. In the mean time they sent two Doctors, one Secretary, and a sworn messenger of the Town to Cloet, to let him under-stand that this new Imposition did Impugn the Statutes of the Empire, and the liberties and freedoms of the Town: And therefore the Council did not mean to allow of this Innovation. Cloet demanded their answer in writing, to impart it unto Prince Trucses, without whose warrant he might not depart by any means: And so the Deputies retired, whom Cloet had feasted most courteously wiith great love and kindness in his ship.  
After the yielding up of Venloo, the Prince of Parma on the tenth of july, came with all his forces before the Town of Nuys, at the request of the Bishope of Beyern and Cologne, thinking to purchase unto himself great honour and fame by the taking thereof, in regard that Nuys was a good Town, lying not far distant 
The Prince of Parma besiegeth Nuys.  from the Rhine, and much spoken of, for that the valiant Prince Charles Duke of Bourgongne, had spent a great treasure, and lain a whole year in siege before it, and yet 
1586  could not take it. He brought thither a great and mighty army of Spaniards, Italians, Germans, Netherlanders, Bourgognons, and Walloons, lead by the Marquis of Warrenbon, Charles and Octavio Earls of Mansfield, the Earl of Aremberg, john Ma●…riquez de Lara, Bonninc, Liques, Camillo, Capuzucca, Gaston Spinola, and many other Commanders of Regiments. The Marquis of Guast was general ●…f the horse: they had their victuals and munition from Cologne. The Prince himse●…e lay in the strong Cloister of Ghenaden-dael, where he was visited by the Bishop of Beyern and Cologne, the young Duke of Cleves, the Margrave of Baden, and other Princes and Lords. Within the Town of Nuys Captain Herman Cloet was Governor, a wise young Gentleman, who with a thousand soldiers prepared to defend themselves valiantly. Betwixt the town and the Rhine there is a small Island, in the which they of the Town had built a Fort, the which the soldiers abandoned upon the first approach of the Spaniards. A Spanish Captain perceiving it, went and seized thereon with his company: but they of the town sallied forth, defeated all his company, and took him prisoner, and then they quitted the Fort again. Then the Prince planted four Canons in the said I land, six before Neerport, & four before Rhinpoort, to batter the Rampar behind the cloister of Mariembergh, which was the weakest part of the town. The besieged for their parts slept not, but wrought day and night to fortify it, both Bourguers and soldiers: the Governor Cloet did so press them thereunto, as they had scarce any leisure to feed. The Prince having all his batteries ready, and all things prepared to give an assault, as soon as the breach was made, he did first summon the Governor 
Nuys summoned.  on the 24. of july, that if he would yield up the town, he would make him a good composition: if not, that he must attend the extremities of a siege, and the fruits of his assaults. An answer was sent him in writing, that they did thank him for his kind offer: and that knowing him to be a virtuous and a valiant prince, they would willingly treat with him: but being a matter of great importance, wherein they should be well advised, they demanded six hours respite to consult.  
The prince had sent a drum into the Town to demand hostages of either side, and that the besieged should send their Deputies with Commission and full power to treat. But one of the Captains called Faelix Poucher answered, that they found not the prince of Parmas' Articles tolerable: saying, that he had not kept the accord made with them of Venlo, the which the prince denied. During these sendings up and down, the Canons of the camp played upon the town, and that of the town upon the camp against the law of arms: so as the prince who was come near to parley with them, was forced to hide himself in a dry ditch: for the which he blamed Cont Charles of Mansfieldt, master of the Ordinance, at his return to the camp: who excused himself; saying that it was without his privity. Afterwards the Prince sent Colonel Taxis unto the besieged, to know whether they were resolved to defend 
The Prince of Parmas' offer.  themselves, or to hearken to a good composition: who demanding to have the articles in writing, they were sent them by a Trumpet: which were in substance, that they should depart with their colours flying, and with all their arms, goods, baggage and booty, and that he would cause them to be safely conveyed to any place where they pleased, giving them half an hours time to resolve thereupon. Taxis with other Commanders were before the Port attending. This Trumpet remained in the town from noon until night following: about ten of the clock at night one came to tell 
The answer of them of Nuys.  them that the Trumpet was gone to sleep, and that they might go to bed if they pleased, and that the next day they should have an answer. In the end this Trumpet returned the next day about six of the clock in the morning, with this answer. That they of Nuys wondered that the Prince of Parma made war against their town, belonging to the Prince Elector Truchses, and depending of the holy Empire, demanding a truce for six weeks, the which having obtained, they would enter into some reasonable course of an accord. The Prince hearing this answer, and thinking that they mocked him, he caused the town to be battered the same day, with thirty Canons, being Saint james day the Patron of the Spaniards, never ceasing from morning until night, so 
1586.  as there was never a more furious battery heard, having made that day above three 
Nuys battered.  thousand shot. So as Rhynport and Neerport were battered to the ground, with a great part of the wall even unto the river: then changing the battery to the other side of Rhinport towards the cloister of Maryenbergh, they beat down an other curtain of the wall; so as there was a breach above three score foot long, by the which they might look into the midst of the Town. Betwixt the great Church and the Port there was a Tower, whereof part was beaten down: a Spanish Captain adventured to creep up into it, and looking round about him, seeing no man (for that the besieged in that place lay close, by reason of the continual battery) approach, he made a sign with his hand to his men to approach the which they did, and won that side of the Rampar. The Governor Cloet, hearing that the Spaniards were so far advanced, marched thither with some of his men, to chase them from thence, the which he could not do, but that they remained still in the Tower.  
At this charge the Governor Cloet was shot in the calf of the leg, and was carried to his lodging. Soon after one of the Spaniards went out of the Tower to 
The governor Cloet shot in the leg.  the Prince of Parma, telling him that the Town lay open of that side, and that there was no flanks to hinder his entry. This did encourage the Spanish soldiers being greedy of the spoil, thinking the time tedious until they went unto the assault, and the rather for that it was their Patron's day, who they hoped would give them victory. But the Prince of Parma for that it was very late, and night approached, deferred it until the next day, causing the battery to continue all that night following, that the besieged should have no leisure to rampar up that which had been beaten down in the day.  
The next day in the morning the Prince's camp being all in arms, and ready to go to the assault: the Captains of the Town came unto the Governor, to demand his advise and counsel touching their yielding; who seeing himself thus hurt, and being full of pain, he wished them to compound as well as they could, at the least to have their lives and goods saved. Captain Rittall was sent and an Ancient with him to the Prince, to treat of an accord: coming near unto the Camp, an 
They of Nuys offer to yield and are sent back.  Italian Colonel caused them to stay there, until he went to tell the Prince, and to know his will and pleasure touching that which they said they came for, which was to treat an accord, and to yield up the Town. The Prince made answer unto this Colonel, that they should return and attend with the rest, the hazard of the assault. whereupon the Captain and his companion returned, and delivered unto the besieged the answer which had been given them.  
Those of the Town had by four of the clock in the morning descried and seen great troops of horse come out of a wood near unto the Town, every one carrying a Faggot, which they cast into the ditch to fill it up, whereby they might easily judge what their intent was: Wherefore the day being a little more spent, they sent three of their Captains again to the Camp, but at their arrival they were laid hold on and kept prisoners. The Spaniards burned with desire to go to the assault, some say they went of themselves, and were within the Town before the Prince had been advertised or had any knowledge thereof. So the Town was forced of the one side by the Spaniards, and soon after about Meerporte by the italians. The besieged leaving the Rampar, retired unto the Market place, thinking to make it good, but they were soon forced and defeated: the conquering soldiers putting all to the sword that they met in the streets, were they armed or not armed.  
In the mean time the Walloons, Germans and Liegeois were quiet in their quarters, lying by Hochporte, being ignorant what was done in the Town: but as soon as they heard that the Spaniards and italians were within the Town, they fell to scale it on their side, and so did the high Bourgognons. Those that were lodged 
The great spoil and slaughter at Nuys.  in the Island swam over, and made all the haste they could to go to the spoil. The slaughter was great, for that they spared not any.  
There were some two hundred soldiers retired towards Hochport, and had cast down there arms: but the Spaniards stripped them naked, that their apparel should 
1586.  not be spoiled with their blood, & then (the first fury being passed) they did murder them in cold blood. There were three hundred more gotten out of the port (thinking to escape and to make their way by force, or to die in fight) were compassed about by the horsemen, and cut in pieces without all mercy. The town being thus taken, and the Governor Cloets house seized on, he was found lying wounded in his bed; his wife and two sisters being by him: the enemy being entered into his chamber, they willed him to prepare himself to die: wherewith being much troubled, he entreated them to save his life, being a soldier, and that he had in discharge of his duty to his master, done the part of a soldier and an honest man, whereunto answer was made that both 
The cruel death of Cloet Governor of Nuys.  he and his master were banished and condemned by the Emperor, and must be punished accordingly: who seeking to excuse himself, they put a halter about his neck, drew him out of the bed, and hung him out at a window of his house. The Minister and 2. captains were in like manner hanged. Some discoursing of this cruelty, said that Cloet and his Captains had not done ill in their resolution to keep and defend though town for their master, but that they committed a great fault to mock the Prince of Parma, as we have said, having so mighty an army, and so great store of artillery, able to force a stronger town than Nuys.  
It was not sufficient for the Spaniards to have sacked and spoiled the town, but they withal burned it: and yet some to excuse it say that fire fell among certain faggots and old dry wood that was prepared to rampar with, and so took some near houses that were covered with straw. See the end of the miserable siege of this town, the twenty six of july, the which will not in long time be restored to her former estate the desolation was so great. The Prince of Parma being yet in his camp after the taking of the town, the first of August there arrived the Bishop of Verceil Noncio to 
The Pope sends a halloved sword to the Prince of Parma.  Pope Sixtus the fifth, whether also were come the chief Noblemen and governors: This Noncio (having on his right hand the Archbishop of Cologne Prince of Liege, and on his left the Prince of Cleves) brought from the Pope to the Prince of Parma, a Sword and a Hat hollowed by Pope Sixtus own mouth, with letters congratulatory unto the said Prince, for his happy success: in the which there was an express clause that such as should assist at the Mass which the said Noncio should say when as the Prince should receive the Sacrament at his hands with the said Sword and Hat, being first confessed and communicating at the said Sacrament, should have full remission of their sins. Then the Noncio made an oration to all the Noblemen, Governors, Colonels, Captains and men of war there present: exhorting them to carry themselves valiantly, and to die for the Romish Catholic faith, with promise of all Apostolical blessings, and in the end eternal life. Which being done he came unto the Prince, and put the Hat upon his head, and girt him with the Sword, which was richly wrought. The which the Pope sent him, (as the letters made mention) in remembrance of his valour and virtue.  
Whilst that the Prince of Parma was at his siege before Nuys, Prince Maurice and Sir Philip Sidney Governor of Flessing for the Queen of England (to provide work for him in another place) landed at the fort of Ferneuse, with three thousand soldiers, to make a road into Flanders, thinking by that means to divert him from the siege of Nuys; and the twenty five of july they took the town of Axel not far from the Sas of Gant. This did somewhat trouble them of Flanders and Brabant; fearing some greater mischief, so as they of Flanders wrote very importunate letters to the Prince of Parma, entreating him to come to succour them, saying that it was more reasonable and necessary to defend their country then to besiege an imperial town lying out of the jurisdiction and limits of the Netherlands: yet would he not forsake that siege but sent la Motte Governor of graveling, to go and besiege Axel: the which he pretending to do, the states cut the dikes and drowned all the country thereabouts, so as with their shipping they forced them to leave the town. At the same time la Motte by means of a Wallon soldier, called Nicholas Merchant sometimes Sergeant to the company of Captain Brugnastre in the State's service, layded a plot to entrap the chief Commanders , 
1586.  Colonels and Captains of English. This merchant adressing himself to the Earl of Leicester, and some of the deputies of the Estates, giving them to understand that he had good intelligence with many officers and soldiers of the garrison of graveling, and that under colour of carrying of corn thither by sea; bringing men into the haven, they might easily enter into the town. His design was found reasonable, and he had money given him to buy corn and to embark it. This exploit was to be done by Sir Philip Sidney and other commanders. But this merchant having bought and embarked his corn and brought it into the haven, having assured them that those he carried with him and those of the garrison which were of his confederacy, should open the port at a certain hour appointed to Sir Philip and his men: he being come near the town, and finding the port wide open sooner than he expected, he began to doubt, for that some things failed which had been concluded in this enterprise, the which stayed them from passing any further. La Motte and his men (who attended them with great devotion) were greedy of their prey, and thought it long until they entered, sending two or three soldiers to wish them to make haste, but their merchant kept still within the town, and never showed himself, which made them to doubt the more, and in the end to retire. La Motte seeing this, fell upon them that were entered with the merchant, who at the first were well entertained by them of the counterfeit and deceitful faction, but in the end they smarted for all the rest, being about some thirty of the Englishmen that were slain.  
The affairs of the united Provinces were somewhat impaired by the loss of Grave, Venlo and other places, the which the Prince of Parma had won, who prospered more and more. There fell out among the said Provinces and some particular towns a secret jar and disagreement (as it happens often in an estate where as many command) the one seeking to be freed from chage to day it upon his companion: And with all Colonel Schenke (during the time that he served the King of Spain) had noted some men, who gave cause to suspect some of the estates, as if they were not to be trusted, on the other side the Earl of Leicester newly made governor 
The Earl of Leicester discontented.  of divers Provinces, every one having several previledges and freedoms, being heretofore united together under one Prince, by hereditary successions, alliances of marriages, gifts, pourchase, and otherwise; retaining yet still their liberty and the pre-eminences of their estates: he persuaded himself that the authority which he ought to have, by reason of the place which he held in the said Provinces, was much diminished, for that the government and absolute command depended not upon him alone nor of his council: but that the general estates of the united country according to their ancient rights (although that in the Duke of Alva's time this order had been broken) had in regard of them great authority to take knowledge of all things concerning their Estates.  
This bred a jealousy and distrust, the which was afterwards the cause of a greater mischief, for Master Paul Buys (sometimes advocate of the particular Estates of 
Paul 〈◊〉 Prisoner at Vtrecht.  Holland, and appointed a Councillor to the Earl of Leicester,) being at Vtrecht, was put in prison, and there kept, without proceeding judicially against him, nor knowing who was his adverse party. The captains which had taken him, said they had done it by the Earl's commandment, the which he denied. There were also some of the chief of the town, among others the signor Nicholas van Zuylen Scout or Bailiff, and some other private men, who were dismissed and commanded to depart the town by sun setting; who retired into Holland, from whence they sent their complaints in writing unto the Earl, who made himself ignorant of all: so as no man could judge whether it, were by his commandment or not. They of Vtrecht being more incensed against their 
Some banished from Vtrecht.  Burguers that were sent away, they banished them not only out of their jurisdiction, but also out of Holland, and out of all the united Provinces for a certain time, upon pain of consiscation of such goods as they had in their signory and Diocese.  
The states of Holland seeing with what rigour they of Vtrecht proceeded against their fellow Citizens, would gladly have pacified this spleen: but not able to prevail 
1586  any thing, many of these banished men past the Seas, some going to live in the East-countries, and the rest in some other neutral places: some careless of this rigorous proscription, remained in Holland. In the mean time Master Paul Buys remaining 
Paul Buys escapes out of prison.  still a prisoner, and no proceeding against him, by practice, or rather by sufferance of some of the prison, found means to escape out of Vtrecht, and to retire into Holland: whereas his enlargement was confirmed, being bound upon the penalty of 25000 Florins, to appear and to answer to all that should be objected unto him: but never any man came to accuse him.  
During these losses which the united Provinces had sustained, and the alteration in the government of their affairs, their minds were much troubled with a new apprehension of fear, being divulged and spread abroad that the Queen of England was intended to make a private peace with the King of Spain, for her own estates without any regard of the safety and liberty of the united Provinces, her neighbours: To satisfy their distracted minds, and to free them from these doubts and jealousies: her Majesty sent over Mr. Thomas Wilkes with letters to the council of Estate, whereof I have thought good to inserte the copy, as followeth.   

A Letter from the Queen of England, to the estates of the united Provinces, sent by Mr. Thomas Wilkes the 19 of july 1586.  
MY Masters, and our good friends, we have been advertised of late, that notwithstanding the assurance which we have already given you by Sir Thomas Hennedge, of our firm resolution to proceed in this action, wherein we have so willingly embarked ourselves for your defence and preservation: there are some bad instruments among you, who neither well affected to us, nor desirous of the public good of their own countries, have given it out, that we have an intent to make an accord with the King of Spain, and to yield to make a private peace for our own proper advantage, not comprehending the united Provinces, nor caring any more for their safety and preservation, and that you could attend but one years succours from us at the most, with other such like inventions, rather maliciously devised, then grounded upon any discourse of reason. For it is apparent to all men of any sense or judgement, that there is such an indivisible concurrence betwixt the estate of affairs, and the public good of both countries, as we cannot abandon your cause, and leave you to the mercy of your enemies, being so far engaged in this action, and having employed a person of that quality and esteem with us, as is our cousin the Earl of Leicester, without doing wrong and prejudice to ourselves, besides the consideration of our honour, which is so far engaged, wherein we hope we have never made breach, nor given occasion to be justly taxed: and therefore we think that you will not give any credit to the passionate discourses of such men. But yet to avoid the suspicions and iealousnesse which they might breed among the generality, and in the hearts of such as know not well how matters pass, we have thought it fit to send this bearer Master Wilkes, one of the Clerks of our council of estate, expressly unto you: to give you a more ample and certain assurance of our sincere and constant resolution, in any thing that concerns the good defence and preservation of your country, the which we have so deeply undertaken, as our fortune is inseparably conjoined to you. Wherefore it seems expedient and necessary, that we be fully advertised from point to point of the present estate of your affairs, as having therein an extraordinary interest. Wherefore we entreat you to give us therein the best satisfaction you can possible by the said Master Wilkes, to whom we have given express commandment to inform himself by your means as particularly as he can: doubting not but you will confer freely with him upon this subject, as it is fitting, seeing it concerns your private and 
1586.  proper good. And as for our parts you shall always find us ready (as you have formerly done) to perform that which we have promised for the succour and defence of the country. In like manner we attend that for your parts you do that which you have reciprocally offered, the which (to speak freely) hath not hitherto been duly accomplished, as you shall understand more particularly from the mouth of the bearer. Beseeching the Creator, etc. From Richmond the 19 of july 1586. Signed.  
ELIZABETH. R.   

The same month her Majesty did write an other letter to the Prince of Parma, in answer of one written by her concerning a treaty of peace, betwixt her Majesty and the King of Spain, which she refuseth to hearken unto. The tenor whereof was.   

A letter from the Queen of England, to the Prince of Parma, in july 1586.  
THe letters which your Excellency have written and sent by one Augustin Graffigna, being accompanied by one William Bodenham, seems very strange, for that mention was therein made, that you understood by the said Graffigna, how that we had commanded him to make an overture of an accord unto you on our behalfs, & that you had heard it with great pleasure and content: and although we cannot but approve and like of your Excellency's inclination and desire, to bring matters to some good end, offering to that effect all the good means that are in your power: notwithstanding your Excellency must know, that in this business there hath been a great error committed, that in our name, without our knowledge, and against our disposition, and in some sort to the prejudice of our honour, any such person as Graffigna, or any other of better quality, should presume to begin any such matter in our name, or in our behalf, as if we had in that manner (by messages sent unto your Excellency) sought to make a peace with the Catholic King, who hath in such sundry sorts recompensed our good offices with contrary effects, whereby we have been constrained (contrary to our natural disposition) to enter into these actions, the which is to no other end but for the defence of our estate, necessarily conjoined with our ancient neighbours of the Netherlands. And hereupon the said Graffigna being by our commandment demanded by some of our council, if he had received commission from us, or if he had dealt with your Excellency by order from any of our Council, he denied it peremptorily, as your Excellency may see by his own hand writing, the which we have sent you here enclosed: and for a greater proof hath offered to return to justify the same. As for Bodenham sent hither by you, we have caused some of our counsellors to talk with him, and to understand what he had to say on your behalf: Who says that there is a great desire in your Excellency to procure a peace betwixt us and the Catholic King, and to this end (as he says) your Excellency offers to procure authority from the King, to treat with us, by the means of such persons as shall be thought fit, if it may be first known that we have any inclination thereunto: wherein as well the King as your Excellency may understand by our public declaration, what our mind was then, and shall be yet, and how important the reasons be, which have moved us to deal in these actions: not being thrust on by any ambition, or the desire of effusion of blood, but only to secure our own estate, and to free our ancient neighbours from misery and slavery: and to these two ends we have directed our actions, with a resolution to continue them, notwithstanding that by indirect means there are certain rumours spread abroad, (especially in the Netherlands) that we are inclined to a peace, without any respect of the safety and liberty of those our neighbours, who have moved us through compassion of their miseries, and for other just causes of importance, to aid and defend them from perpetual ruin and slavery: and therefore we have had great wrong offered us therein, for such is our compassion of their miseries, as we will 
1586.  not by any means have their safety divided from ours, knowing well how they concur together. And therefore we entreat your Excellency, that you will hold our resolution to be such, notwithstanding any rumour that shall be spread to the contrary, the which is greatly to our dishonour. Yet we would have you persuaded, that if we may see reasonable conditions of peace offered unto us, which may be for our safety and honour, and the liberty of our neighbours; we will as willingly accept of it, as we were unwillingly forced to the contrary. Seeing that we cannot do any thing more pleasing to Almighty God, then to procure a general peace throughout all Christendom: The which should be the chief care of us that be monarch and Princes: and so it is known unto the Almighty (who is the God of peace, and the only searcher of all hearts) how much we have been thereunto always inclined. To whose judgement we appeal, against the malice of all the tongues that seek to persuade the world to the contrary.  
Nuys being taken, the Prince of Parma delivered the empty town unto the Bishop of Cologne, sending his troops to Alpen and Maeurs, and the castle of Crako, belonging to the Earl of Nieuwenar and Maeurs, which he presently took, and from 
R●…inberg besieged by the Prince in vain.  thence they went before Rhinberke, whether he himself came in person the thirteenth of August: where as Sir Martin Schenck and Sir Thomas Morgan an English Gentleman, with about one thousand English, and some seven or eight hundred other good soldiers lay in garrison, to defend it against the Prince. The State's ships of war that were in guard before the said town, being fallen down the Rhine, the Island which lies opposite against the town, was seized on by the Spaniards, who presently planted ten Canons there, but the garrison that was within the town defended themselves so well, by the good conduct of Colonel Schencke, as the Prince prevailed nothing, only he caused certain forts to be built thereabouts. The Earl of Leicester meant to take some course to deliver it: but as he had in the beginning of September planted his camp above and beneath Elten, passing on, he went to besiege the town of Dousbourg, lying upon the river of Yssel. The Prince's men continuing their design upon Berck, after they had finished their forts, subjecteth all the fortresses thereabouts even unto Wezel: Before the which town is that of Bruycke, belonging to the Duke of Cleves, which they seized on, and put some of their men in garrison there: betwixt which two towns of weasel and Bruyck they made a bridge upon the Rhine, to stop the passage of ships that came upward, and that the estates should send no victuals to Berke.  
The garrisons of Ostend, Sluice and Terneuse, after the taking of Axel did great hurt in Flanders, cutting of the convoys that brought corn to Bruges, Ipre, and other places, for that as then there was a general dearth of corn throughout all the country, 
Dearth of corn in Bruges.  in such sort as the poor people within Bruges died for hunger: at which time, notwithstanding their great want of corn, and dearth in the whole Province, the hatred that many of them bare (unto such men as governed the town of Bruges in former times, when the reformed religion was permitted) and yet continued there, trusting unto the liberty and freedom of conscience, which was promised unto them, by the contract made, between the Prince of Chimay, and the Prince of Parma, began as then to break forth and show itself. Whereof Peter van Hauterine, called Brouqsaulx was one, against whom (because he was son to the Bourgomaister Brouqsaulx, that fled from thence into Zeeland for the religion, whereof the foresaid Peter his son secretly made profession) they sought all occasion to trouble and molest him, or else to put him to death; and to that end at last devised (upon untrue and false sugiestions) to charge him to have been consenting to a certain enterprise that should have been made (as they said) against the town of Bruges, under pretence that he should have been present in company, when a Burger of that town (called joos van Peenen) began to complain of the alteration of the time, whereby he had sustained great loss in his merchandise, and said most plainly that it would be much better, if the aforesaid town were united again unto the Provines of Holland and 
1586  Zeeland etc. and although the said Brouqsaulex, excused him of all matters so as they could make no proofeof that whereof they accused him, yet they sought by most unjust means, and unspeakable torments (as by setting him in a chare purposely made and placed before a fire, for the space of nine days and eight nights keeping him continually waking) to force some confession out of his own mouth, whereby they might seem to have some lawful colour to condemn him to death, and although these torments could not make him to confess any thing of that which was demanded of him, and laid to his charge as it appeared by the letters he wrote of his persecution and troubles, and by good means caused them to be conveyed into Zeeland yet upon the thirteen of june 1586: they caused his head to be stricken 
Peter de Bronsqualx & joos van Peenen beheaded in Brugges.  of, with the said joos Peenens, without any lawful proceeding, and against all due course of justice, and besides this confiscated all his goods, directly against the privileges of the town of Brugges, which import thus much, that a magistrate, can not lose both his lise & goods together, wherewith being not yet content, the desired the Prince of Parma to have the point of permission and freedom of conscience granted by the foresaid contract made to the Prince of Chimay (for awhile restrained) established amongst them again, the better to attain unto their purpose & intent of mischievous revenge, and for that cause they banished many others out of the town, in all which indirect courses, the new creptin Jesuits, having most voice and authority, hold this principle or maxim, that all contracts, promises, privileges, and vows, must give place, and yield unto the Catholicque, Romish Church and religion. In the month of August the earl of Leicester having gathered certain troops of soldiers together, sent his vanguard, conducted by Sir john Norris and Sir Thomas Cicile to lie at Saint Seventer by the Rein, and upon the sixth of September went himself from Arneham, to Elten, in the duchy of Cleve, accompanied with Don Emanuel Prince of Portugal, some to Don Antonio King of Portugal, the elector Tucses bishop of Colen, Prince Maurice Earl of Nassawe; Philip Earl of Hohenlo; William Earl of Nassaw, and Philip Earl of Nassaw his brother (both sons to john Earl of Nassaw,) the Earls of Solmes, and Ouersteine.  
The Earl of Essex, general over the English horse, The Lord Willoughby, the Lord North, Sir William Pelham, Martial of the English forces, Sir Philip Sidney, and many others of good estate and quality, where he mustered his army, and found it to be seven thousand foot and a thousand four hundred horse, but knowing it too small a number, to raise the Prince of Parmaes' camp from before Berck (who was reported to be twelve thousand foot and three thousand five hundredhorse) he determined to set upon Doesborch, thereby to move the Prince of Parma to leave Berck. This town of Doesborch belongeth to the Earledom of Zutphen which had the name of Duysborch or Drusus Borch (as some men say) 
The discrip●… of Doesborch  long since given it by Drusius, (brother to the Emperor Tiberius,) that brought the Rehin, from above Arnham, into Isell, to the town of do bourch, being yet called Fossa Drufiana, the town hath high wales after the ancient manner, and broad deep diches; at that time there was in it three hundred Walons, under the command of Captain Samson, and the townsmen that bore arms, were about three hundred more. The Earl of Leicester sent the Earl of Hohenlo, the Earl of Essex, Sir Philip Sidney, and & others with five hundred horse, eight hundred foot men by night to invest the town, and upon the ninth of September followed with his whole army, marching from a village called Elten and causing his trenches presently to be made, so as within three days after, he had planted ten pieces of ordinance, against the town, wherewith he made two indifferent great breaches, but by reason that they within rampared then up again, and made them strong, and also for that the dich was 
Doesborch won by the Earl of Leicester the 13. of September.  sixty foot broad, and above 24. foot deep, the assault was hard to be given, but the diligence, willingness, and forwardness of the soldiers was so great as the Earl of Leicester, resolved to give an assault, appointing the Earl of Hohenlo, with the Duchess and Scots, to begin, and Sir john Norris, with the Englishmen and freezlanders to second them; which they within perceiving, sent word to the Earl of Leicester, that they would yield up the town, upon certain conditions, which were denied them, 
1586  whereupon they yielded themselves, only with safeguard of their lives, and the captains and officers to remain prisoners, and presently Sir john borrows and Sir William Stanley, entered into the town; Sir john Borrows being made governor thereof. After that, to draw the Prince of Parma from Berck, the Earl of Leicester marched towards Zutphen, one of the 4. principal towns of the Duchy of gelders, and yet of itself is an Earldom, and hath a special government within it, being a very strong, and a good 
The Earl of Leicester marcheth to Zutphen.  town, and for that he had intelligence, that the town had no great store of victuals within it, he was in good hope to win it, or else to force the Prince of Parma to come thither, as after he did. Within it there lay john Baptista Taxis, a brave soldier, lieutenant to Verdugo governor of Friesland, & for that this town lieth upon the river of Issell, and by that means troubled the passage into the river of Velue, and Holland, the states long before had made a sconce upon the other side in the Veluwe, but by reason of high floods, they were forced to leave it; they of Zutphen took this sconce, and made it stronger, raising two bulwarks and 4. sconces hard by it, which sconce, they of Holland, 2. years before, had besieged ten months together, but could not win it, & so were compelled to suffer the enemy to overrun and spoil the Veluwe. The Earl of Leicester's forces being somewhat more increased, he brought his army along by the river, right before Zutphen, and upon the 18. of September, made a bridge of boats over the river, within less than half a mile from the town, taking certain gentlemen's houses, as Hackvoort, & Voorden. While the army was thus busied, the Earl of Leicester went to Deventer whereas then they began to mutiny & would not live friendly with them, where by means 
The Earl of Leicester entereth into Deventer.  of bishop Trucse he got 400. foot and 200. horse, to enter into the town and being there, news was brought him, that the Prince of Parma had left Berck, whereupon he made haste to return unto his army, which he presently caused to be more strongly entrenched towards Zutphen.  
The Prince of Parma fearing that the Earl of Leicester, might do some thing against Zutphen, and finding that Berck was to well provided, having taken the Island lying before 
The Prince of Parma ●…aueth Berck.  it in the rain and made it strong, & raised other sconces about it, all well furnished upon the 12 of September he departed from thence, & marched to Weasel, and took Burick a small town in Cleaveland, and the castle, and there made a bridge of ships, and so passed over to the other side, and being over, made certain sconces, to keep both the bridge and his passage, and went to Bunckloo, from whence he sent certain victuals into Zutphen, going himself in person with his vanguard, which the Earl of Leicester, knowing, that the town was not yet fully victualled, he thought the next time they victualled it to set upon the convoy, whereunto he appointed Sir john Norris, & Sir William Stanley, with certain foot, and others with some troops of horsemen. The 22. of September in the morning betimes, the Prince of Parma, caused more victuals to be sent unto Zutphen with the same convoy of his vanguard, as they had before, being 6. or 700. horse, and 2000 pikes and musketeers. They staying in a strong place, by a village called Warn suelt, half a mile from the town, and so let the carts and wagons pass along, which being discovered by a troup of 30. horse: Sir john Norris, the Earl of Essex, the Lo. Willoughby, Sir William Stanley, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir William Russel, and others road thither, with about 200. horse, and 1500. musketeers and pikes, meeting with their enemies before they expected them, by reason it was then very misty: they of the Prince of Parmaes' side, led by the Marquis of Guast upon their watchword given, began to shoot furiously out of their ambuscadoes, being a place of great advantage, as if it had been a sconce, which they on the Earl of Leicester's side manfully withstood, not any one once retiring out of his place, to the no little amazement of the enemy, which being passed, & the enemy not knowing how strong the Englishmen were, and perceiving them to advance; they sent out a cornet of horse under the leading of captain George Cressier an Albanois, which was presently overthrown, and the captain himself taken prisoner: after that they sent Count Hannibal Gonzaga, with his cornet of horse, the which was likewise valiantly charged, put to rout, and part thereof slain, and he himself slain, or deadly wounded, they pursued the rest close under their shot, where the third cornet 
1586.  made show to come to charge them, but it being likewise driven back, they parted one from the other in regard that the Prince of Parma began to send more men to strengthen them. The Spaniards had a hundred men, slain and wounded, on the English part were slain and hurt about thirty men, whereof one was Sir Philip Sidney, being shot into the thigh, as he changed horses, whereof he died within five and twenty days after: A young learned wise & valiant gentleman, & very forward, whose death was much lamented, he was governor of Flessing, and the Earl of Leicester's sister's 
Sir Philip Sidney shot before Zutphen whereof he died.  son, his body was conveyed into England, and honourably buzied with in the Cathedral church of Saint Paul in London, whereupon the Englishmen not knowing how strong the enemy was, withdrew themselves unto their camp, and so did the Prince of Parma unto his.  
The Earl of Leicester sought to get the sconces before Zutphen, and laid his camp in the veluwe upon the Issell, there being an Island that lieth right over against the 
The Earl of Leicester besieged the sconce at zutphen.  town, from whence sometimes men might go dryfoot to the town, which was kept but by thirty men in a small sconce, he caused it in the night time to be assailed and taken, killing some and taking others of the soldiers prisoners, the rest saved themselves by flight. This Island he caused to be fortified and made strong, and so brought his camp, before the sconces by Zutphen, making a bridge from the land to the Island, for that, from that Island he could hinder and keep back any aid that should be sent out of the town to the sconces, and presently made his platforms, and planted his Ordinance, which being certified to the Prince of Parma, and that the Island was taken, he was yet in fear to lose the town, therefore upon the fourteenth of October, he came again personaly with his army hard by the town, and victualled it sufficiently, the Earl of Leicester being not strong enough to impeach him. The next day he departed and went two mile off to Bruckelow, and so to Weslell, and from thence to Burick, where he passed over the rain upon the bridge that he had made, and because he was 
The Prince of Parma victualeth Zutphen.  somewhat sickly, he went from thence to brussels, leaving the Marquis of Renti, Baron of Montigni, of the house of Lalain, general in the camp, the which as then was full of sickly soldiers, and diseased by reason of their want.  
The sixteenth of October, the Earl of Leicester, having battered the small sconce, lying Northward, in the afternoon the same day, he caused an assault to be given, wherein were about three hundred men, and in open view and sight of eight hundred 
The Earl of Leicester takes one of the sconces by zutphen forcibly.  men that were in the great sconce, and two thousand in the town, the Prince of Parma himself being then not above a mile or two from thence, he took it by force, whereas an English Gentleman, called Edward Stanley, Lieutenant to Sir William Stanley, behaved himself most valiantly, leaping into the sconce, by means of one of the enemy's pikes, wherewith the enemy thrusting at him, he clasped it in his hand, and holding fast, (what means soever the enemy wrought to pull it from him) got up with it, and being up, drew out his courtelas, and began to lay upon the enemy, and with that other following him, the enemy was constrained to retire, and so he was the chief means of taking the sconce, for which the Earl of Leicester (as he well deserved) made him knight upon the trench, with a gift of three score pounds starling 
Sir Edward Stanley for his valour made knight by the Bail of Leicester.  yearly pension during his life; at the taking of this sconce there were not above eight men lost, but the Earl of Hohenlo was sore wounded in the face. The Earl of Leicester thereupon, began to make preparation against the next day to assail the great sconce, for that this sconce lying Northward, and the Island Southward, he should quite cut off the passage between the town and the great sconce, which they 
The greatest sconce by zutphen forsaken by the enemy.  in the great sconce fearing, fled by night into the town, before the Earl had planted his Ordinance, leaving all their Ordinance within it, and so that sconce was likewise taken, with other places thereabouts, as the castle of Nienover and Bocx-berghen whereby the veluwe, was freed from all incursions.  
To besiege the town of Zutphen they thought it not convenient, in regard it was too strong, and for that as than it lay enclosed round about by the garrisons of Deventer, Doesborch, Lochum, Deutecum and the sconce, it was to be hoped, that in time by want of victuals, they should be compelled to yield it up, and therefore winter being far advanced, the Earl of Leicester broke up his camp, as the Prince of 
1586.  Parma had done his, placing his men in diverse garrisons, and honouring many of his Captains with the order of Knighthood.  
The sconce being taken, he took order for the fortifying thereof, placing Roland 
Roland york made governor of the sconce before Zutphen  York governor therein, with eight hundred English foot, and a hundred horse, to free the Velue, whereof the states disliked, because he had once before served under them, and after with the enemy, and had been a double traitor, and that therefore his faith was to be suspected. But the Earl of Leicester (being light of credit, and having a great trust in his own nation) offered his own person and honour for assurance of his loyalty. In Deventer he placed Sir William Stanley for their governor, with one thousand and two hundred English and Irish men, and two hundredth horse, for the 
Sir William Stanley made governor of Deventer.  which also the States were not well pleased, being one that had likewise served the enemy. In Doesborch, he placed Sir john Borrows governor with two hundred horse, and eight hundred footmen, as also to keep the castle of Brouchoorst, whereby the garrisons of Lochem, Deutecum, Shevenbergh, and Zutphen were in a manner blocked up.  
The Earl of Leicester hearing that the Prince of Parma was retired, and that it began to be deep in the Winter, and that the soldiers that should have been levied in the East countries, (by some indirect means) being then out of season to raise any more, were all dispersed, having forced the Prince of Parma to break up 
The Earl of Leicester breaks up his camp in November.  his camp before Berke, (from whence Sir Thomas Morgan was newly come) he went to the Hage, which gave many cause of dislike, for neglecting so good an occasion when it was offered, seeing that the Provinces under the Spaniards, were so sore distressed for want of corn, and other victuals, by reason that the Hollanders with their ships had stopped the passages of all the chief Havens, from whence they might get corn, but in the breaking up of the camp his men that were in the Island by Zutphen, were set upon by Taxis himself, but soon relieved, with loss of six or seven Englishmen.  
The Earl of Leicester being returned back unto the Hage, the States moved him to take order, that their complaints and griefs (which in August last passed, and now again were exhibited unto him, and wherein they found themselves much burdened, and in a manner wronged) might be redressed, which they set down in form of a petition, made in the name of the Nobility, Gentlemen, and towns of Holland, Zeeland and Freizland, containing the several points hereafter ensuing.  
First they desired that the money received for contribution, might be put into the Treasurer's hands, chosen by the Estates, and that all the Commissions for any payments 
The State's request to the the Earl of Leicester  to be made, should be signed by the governor, and three of the counsel of estate, of the three several Provinces aforesaid, which they said was only done, and past through the hands of one jacques Ringualt, whom they with many others accounted to be suspicious persons.  
That her majesties aid of Englishmen, being five thousand foot, and one thousand horse, might be kept full and in their complete numbers, besides the garrisons, and that they might be mustered, and paid, in the presence of some one of the States Commissaries according to the contract.  
That the levying of new soldiers, according to the three and twentieth Article of the contract, might be done by the governor, with the consent of the States, that the Provinces and Towns might not be charged nor burdened, above their powers and abilities.  
That according to the four and twentieth Article, no governors of Provinces, Towns, or places, should be chosen, or placed therein, before that three were first nominated by the said several Provinces, whereof the governor with the counsel of estate might choose one.  
That he would observe good marshal discipline, and let no soldiers be suffered to go forth with out commissaries with them, to take a note of their charges and expenses, which by the Provinces are to be paid, that the commons from whom the 
1586.  contributions are to be gathered, might not be over much burdened.  
That the garrisons might be paid, which the Commanders over them complained of, fearing mutinies, and revolts, in regard that the fourth part of the contribution gathered in Holland would suffice to pay their frontier garrisons, and the half of the contribution of Zeeland, for the garrisons of Zeeland, and that therefore the three parts of the Hollanders contribution, and the other half of the Zealand contribution, would serve for the rest of the garrisons.  
That no pioneers nor labourers Wagons, should be forcibly taken out of the country villages, contrary to the ordinances.  
That according to their privileges, no man should be summoned to answer to the law, out of the Netherlands.  
That the authority of Magistrates which was much diminished and decayed, namely of Vtrecht might be upholden and restored again.  
That Vtrecht might not be separated from Holland, but be again reduced under the government of Prince Maurice.  
That the proclamation, dated the fourteenth of August concerning traffic and navigation, and the letters of the five and twenty of August, forbidding the carrying forth of any kind of wares or merchandises, tending to the ruin and overthrow of the Netherlands, might be called in again, and free liberty permitted unto all men.  
That the money belonging to the admiralty, should not be distributed, nor used to any other end, then to the same for which it is appointed: That new or strange manner of collection of contributions might no more be used, and that no more question might be made, against the administration of spiritual goods.  
That concerning the contributions of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland not touching matters of policy, neither yet in the administration thereof, there should be no audience, nor good credit given, unto any person what soever, that had been any dealer in the treasury of Brabant, Flanders, or other the enemies countries, not having any knowledge or understanding of the state of these Provinces, and that his Excellency in all causes, concerning the contribution, policy, or such like affairs, would use the advise and Council of the said Provinces.  
Unto these demands and complaints, the Earl of Leicester made many excuses, and diverse fair promises, that all should be amended, but that as now he had some occasion to go into England, in regard that some matter of importance, and great weight, was then to be handled in the high Court of Parliament in England.  
The states sought all the means they could to stay him from going, but it was in vain, and so the reformation, was deferred tell his return again, whereupon 
The Earl of Leicester at his departure commandeth the government of the netherlands to the Council of Estate, by act dated the 23 of November.  they desired him to leave some good order for the government of the Netherlands, during his absence, for which cause upon the three and twenty day of November he made an act whereby he committed the government thereof to the Council of Estate, with this clause, that all should be done by advise of the general States, authorising them with full power to consult, and dispose of all causes whatsoever, with as full authority, as if he himself were personaly present, not only for marshal causes, but also for policy, according to their good discretions, for the preservation and welfare of the Netherlands, common peace and quietness of the State, and the resistance of the enemy; with this proviso that all dispatches, and commissions should be made and under written, In his name (with his express commandment and authority,) by his Cousin Prince Maurice Earl of Nassaw, and one of the Council of the Noble Estate, being there for the Queen's most excellent Majesty; or in their absence, by two other of the said Council of Estate, and that the said Council of Estate, should deal in all other causes according to their ordinary instructions, without diminishing any of his authority, and that the garrisons of towns and forts, should be placed, altered, and changed, according to their advise and counsel, but in his name, and that the commissions, and authorities of the same, as also the passes, and lodging of the soldiers, in the champain country, should in like sort be made in his name, and no man to deal or meddle 
1586.  therewith, notwithstanding any commission or commandment to the contrary, and that the war by Sea, and the moneys appointed to that end, should rest in the disposition of the Admiral and the counsel of the Admiralty. And further for the ordering of the war, the said counsel of estate, should appoint a sufficient and experienced man, that should sit and consult with them in the said counsel, commanding all governors, Colonels and Captains of horse and foot, both by sea and land, and all Magistrates whatsoever, etc. to be obedient unto the said counsel of estate, as if he were personally present, and that during his absence, or till that it should be otherwise appointed by the general estates, promising upon his princely word, to allow, maintain, and ratify, and cause to be allowed, maintained, and ratified, all and whatsoever the said counsel of estate in his absence should decree and ordain. Dated the 24. of November 1586. subscribed Robert Leicester, and under by order from his excellency.  
Signed Gilpin.   

The same day the Earl of Leicester made an other act of restraint, or recalling of the counsel of estates authority aforesaid, the effect whereof was as followeth. 
An act of restraint made by the Earl of Leicester during his absence.   
That although his Excellency had committed the government of the country unto the counsel of estate, with full power and authority both by water and by land, commanding they should be obeyed in all things, as his own person, as by his act appeared, yet his Excellency's intent and meaning was, that nevertheless, during his absence, he would reserve certain causes to his own will and disposition, and therefore decreed by this other act, that the aforesaid council of estate, notwithstanding the aforesaid commission, and general, absolute, and free power, unto them committed and granted, should not alter nor change any thing touching the government and command of places by his excellency, already given and bestowed, nor touching the keeping of any Castles or Forts, as also that they should not meddle with the chief officers of armies, as generals of horse and foot, nor their Lieutenants, nor with any other principal officers, unless it were with the knowledge and consent, first had from his Excellency, and when any one should chance to die, they should not put any other in his place, but with proviso. They should not discharge any prisoners, nor yet take any assurances. They should not dispose of confiscations, and spiritual goods, without his knowledge or pre-consent. And further that they should put to their helping hands, that the order concerning the English companies may be observed. As also touching the carrying of victuals out of the Provinces, especially of that which groweth within the same, that they should have a special care & regard, that it were done (as much as might be) to the profit of the Netherlands, and so he could be well contented therewith, and that the list of convoys by the general estates, might be augmented as much as possible might be.  
Lastly, touching the nominating of the counsellors of estate, they should have a regard, that nothing should therein be added nor altered, to the diminishing of the authority that belonged to his Excellency, touching the choosing of one in every Province, to sit in the counsel of estate, dated in the Hage the 24. of November 1586. This act of restraint did afterwards cause great jealousy and dislike to grow, it being once known, and thereby procured great hurt and prejudice to the Netherlands, and to the Earl of Leicester himself much disquietness, as hereafter you shall here. Before the Earl of Leicester went out of the Netherlands, he caused his image o●… picture at life to be made of pure gold, weighing three or four ounces a piece, to 
The Earl of Leicester's picture made in gold & given to his friends in the Lowe-countries.  give unto his friends to wear it in remembrance of him, upon the one side was his picture excellently well made, with an Inscription. Robertus Comes Leicestrie & in Belgia Gubernator 1587. On the other side, there was a flock of sheep feeding, whereof some were scattered abroad, and before them a fair English Dog, looking about for the sheep, and many sheep following him, and round about it was graven. Non gregem sed ingratos, and under the Dog was written, invitus defero.  
In September Anthony Perrenot Cardinal of Granuelle, first of all Bishop of Arras, and afterwards Archbishop of Macklyn, died in Spain, having many rich abbeys 
1586  and benefices: he was borne the twenty of August 1517. son to Nicholas Perrenot 
Death of the Cardinal Granuelle.  Lord of Granuell, one of the chief Councillors to the Emperor Charles the fifth. This Cardinal by the quickness of his wit being very ambitious, would govern the Netherlands alone, and overrule the Duchess of Parma that was Governess, and the Princes and Lords of the King's council of State at his pleasure: whereby there grew jealousies and factions among the great men, which were covered afterwards with the cloak of religion: so as to redress it (or it may be to be better served with his council) the King called him out of the said countries into Spain, where he did far worse offices then if he had remained in the Netherlands: for he did so debase the country, and disgrace the Princes and Noblemen unto the King, as by his unmeasured ambition, with the hatred he bore them, and his desire to be revenged of them, he was (to speak plainly) the only Anvil, whereon all the miseries of these countries were forged, the which do yet continue unto this day, of whose life, and actions, we have discoursed at large in the eight Book of this History.  
The Earl of Maeurs was gone into Germany to make a levy of Reisters', which 
The Earl of Maeurs levies Reistres and they mutiny.  they attended with great devotion in the Estates camp before Zutphen: with the which he came down as far as Bremen in the East country, whether the Estates had sent a great sum of money for their pay. These Reistres being come to the rendezvous and place of muster, the Rytmaisters began to mutiny for their pay, for the service which they had not yet done. The Duke of Parma (whose father was newly dead) hearing thereof, sent certain troops into the country of Linghen, to encounter them, and if it might be to do them an affront. At which place some of these Germany horse went to the Spanish party, and the rest disbanded and retired into their country: so as the Earl was left alone with the Cornet of the Rytmaster Plettenberg, and not daring return into Holland by land, being too weak to make his way by force through the enemy, being assured that he should be charged, he embarked with the rest of his men. Some Princes of Germany (in whose countries these mutines had been levied) were wonderfully incensed against them for this base act, and punished some Gentlemen as well by prison, as otherwise by way of infamy and degradation of name, honour, and arms, hearing that they had not wanted any pay, seeing there was money sufficient, the which was sent back into Holland.  
The Duke of Parma having avoided this storm, and dispersed these troops of german horse without fight, which the Estates had expected with such great devotion, he caused his forces to return near unto Zutphen, and commanded to take up all the corn in the country thereabouts, and to carry it into the Town, the which was easy to be done, the Earl of Leicester having retired all his army unto the other side of the river upon the veluwe, about the great Fort which he had taken before, right against the Town: into the which he had put three and twenty companies, Walloons, and natural Duchess of the country, the which were soon after cast and reduced to six Ensigns, what the cause was I could never yet learn. All this summer 
A great drought.  the drought was very great throughout all the Provinces under the King of Spain's obedience, which caused an extraordinary dearth of co●… for the corn being twice or thrice sown, as soon as ever the blade began to appear above ground, it was presently eaten in one night by a kind of little grey snails, which in the day time hid themselves in the ground by reason of the great heat of the sun, and fed only in the night, the which I have seen by experience returning in the night time to my house at 
Devouring Snails.  Till in Flanders, whereas all the ways were so full, as they caused a lo●…thing-in them that went upon them, by reason of their slimy viscosity, which made men believe, that it was a punishment sent from God. It hath not been read of in former histories, nor seen since, that generally in whole countries, a measure of wheat weighing two hundred pounds, should be worth forty five Florins in the market. And as this drought 
An extraordinary dearth of corn.  continued above a whole year, betwixt the year 1586. and 87. (so as in that of 87. they had three pounds of beef for one of bread) many poor people died for hunger and want, as well in Arthois (which is a great corn country) as in Flanders where the plague was very violent, and withal they were much tormented with 
1586  Wolves, which devoured men, women, and children by hundreds: so as Flanders was 
Flanders punished with three scourges this year.  afflicted this year with famine, plague, and with savage and cruel beasts.  
At that time the Estates to keep the Esterlings from bringing of any grain into the said countries, having advertisement that there were certain ships laden with corn at Hambrough to be transported to Dunkirk: they sent some ships of war, under the command of Captain Ludt jacobsen (otherwise called the Great Luth) of the town of Medenblyke in West Friesland, towards the river of Elbe to stop the passage. The said Captain was sent for to Hambrough before the Magistrate, where being demanded what made him presume to enter into their river to stop their navigation and traffic. He answered freely that he had been sent by his Masters the General Estates of the united Provinces, with commandment that both there and in all other places he should make war against their enemies, yea and against all them that would assist and favour them. Whereupon answer being made unto him, that it was a neuter town, and not any ways partial, but free under the Empire: whether any man, as well of the one part as of the other, might come and have free access, as well Spaniards as Hollanders: wherefore they commanded him to depart and instantly to leave their river free. The which having refused to do, until he had the like commandment from his Masters, they cast him into prison, and there kept him a long time until that by letters from the Estates and the King of Denmark he was set at liberty, but 
Captain Luth a prisoner and enlarged.  not without suspicion to have been first poisoned, for that at his release out of prison, he refused to swear never to be revenged for this imprisonment, but only for his own private person, and not for his Masters, if they commanded him, who (he said) had been more interessed therein then he himself. Soon after his return into Holland he died, and there were found in him all the signs, and tokens of one that had been poisoned.  
In the village of Linter near unto Tillemont in Brabant, on the tenth day of December in the night, it did rain blood upon the ice, in the ditches of a Gentleman's house, the drops falling so hot, as the ice did melt, and they did pierce almost a foot 
A prodigy of blood.  deep, as it was observed by many. The Earl of Leicester parted out of the Netherlands in the end of this year, by commandment (as he said) of the Queen of England, to assist in Parliament, whereas matters of great importance were to be treated off. The General Estates of the united Provinces, were not well pleased with his departure, by reason of the discontent and murmuring that was of either side: to prevent 
Deputies of the Estates sent into England to attend on the Earl of Leicester.  the which they sent their deputies to him into England, to be near unto his person, as a Council of Estate: the which were james Valcke (at this present treasurer general of Zeeland) William van Zuylen signor of Nyevelt, just Menin Pensionar of the town of Dordrecht, Camminga of Friesland, and others, with a Secretary, who arrived there in the end of january 1587. carrying him from the general Estates a rich and stately present, which was a cup of the height of a man, of silver and guilt, curiously wrought, in sign of acknowledgement and gratuity. During the discontent of the Netherlanders, for the errors which they said the Earl of Leicester had committed, having exhibited their grievances unto him, and yet received no redress, but dilatory excuses: there was one did write a discourse of advise, touching the abuses which had happened in the state since he came to the Government, the which I have thought good to insert, hoping that the content and profit which the reader may reap thereby, will in some sort recompense the tediousness thereof. In the end of his preface he says.  
I thank God, that he hath sent a wise and discreet Governor to command over these united Provinces, who having no other design, but the glory of God, the peace and tranquility of these poor countries, and the service and greatness of the Queen his 
A discourse of advise to the Earl of Leicester.  Sovereign: it is not to be feared, that he will take in ill part that which with all modesty and respect may be delivered unto him, touching the abuses and errors which have happened in this Estate, since he was admitted to this government. Humbly beseeching his Excellency to consider that it is but his first year of a prenticeship: And how wise, sufficient, and judicious in affairs soever a Prince, Governor or Councillor 
1586.  be, yet being new come into a country, amongst a people so divers of humours and opinions as these Bee; so full of factions and partialities; so troublesome, wayward and importune, by reason of their long and violent infirmity; so extenuated and weakened of means, and almost reduced to despair, and abandoned of the Physicians and of all humane succours: in an Estate which is so pitiful an Estate, confused, disordered and without government: where we can see nothing but clouds of errors, and gulfs of miseries and poverty: And whereas in the beginning he did scarce know the merit, valour and dexterity of any one person: And whether he had also brought new men like unto himself, but yet in all commendable qualities much inferior unto himself. It is no wonder then if he hath found himself for to be set with a thousand difficulties; if he hath contented so few persons, and discontented so many: yea if with in these few months it hath endured so rude and furious a shock, as it was in danger of ruin.  
And although the cure of this disease depends not upon the counsel and advise of a young Physician, and that we may say with Tacitus. Non perinde d●…udicari posse quid optimum factu sit, quam pessimum fuisse quod factum est. It cannot thereby be judged what is best to be done, but that it was ill that was done. Yet there is some hope that we shall not hereafter fall into the like errors, and that we will be no less circumspect than the mariner, who doth all he can to avoid the rock; where he was once in danger of shipwreck, for as an old doctor of the church saith. Non nisi idiotis datur bis ad eundem lapidem impingere, that is, none but fools stumble twice at one stone. Whereunto I will add for my conclusion, the saying of an ancient Poet, Nulla res tam facilis est, quin difficilis fiat si invitus facias. Nothing is so easy but it will prove difficult, if you do it unwillingly. The contrary is true, that to a resolute mind nothing is to high, to great nor to difficult. And we must say with Alexander the great when he incorraged his soldiers. Nihil tam alte natura constituit, quo virtus not possit eniti, nature hath set nothing so high, whether virtue may not aspire.  
The greatest error and the least excusable, is that the treaty hath not been duly observed; and the greatest advantage which these men have had to blame us, is, that the succours promised have never been full and complete, assuring that there were never seven hundred horse nor four thousand foot. Moreover that the musters were never duly made, with the assistance of a Commissary appointed by the Estates as it is fit and necessary, seeing that the country is bound to make restitution of that which shall be disboursed by her Majesty. It were a lean excuse to say, that it was forgetfulness, and that they had spoken of it. But what are words without effects and execution? And to whom belongs this care and charge but to him that is Governor general, who hath command over all other things? What a shame is it if there be more fault and negligence in the Physician then in the sick patient? Infeliriter egrotat cui plus est a medico periculi quam a morbo. He is unfortunately sick that is in more danger of his Physician then of the disease. This people is a sick, weak, extenuated body; you undertake to cure it: next under the Almighty GOD they attend no other succours nor cure but from you: and yet by your delays, negligence and slackness, you bring them into greater danger than they were ever. If you reply that it was in them to bear with your faults, for that they are suppliants and have need of your succours. I answer, first that contracts are in the beginning voluntary, but after they be once made and sworn, they must of necessity be kept of either side.  
Secondly that the Physician which undertakes a cure must first do his duty, and not be found in fault.  
Thirdly this poor people rely upon you, and as I have said, neither can nor willbe delivered but by your means and succours. And you may well think seeing that jealousy and liberty hath brought them to that point as to revolt from, and to incense so great and mighty a Monarch; that if they had any means to preserve themselves by themselves, they would not have addressed themselves, to any other seeing that this craving of succours, proceeds, from the weakness of their own forces, to the 
1586.  end that being united with you they may do that which of themselves were impossible.  
But if neither the succours be complete nor the troops paid as we have seen this winter, that all the English companies have not in five months received one penny what may these poor people expect, but ruin, the which they have for many years and with great toil sought to avoid? So as it seems they are in their hands that will advance their ruin, rather than preserve them. If there were question to pay thirty twenty or ten thousand men, but there are but six thousand and not complete, the which are in as poor terms for their pay as those that are entertained by the country. This doth not only discourage the soldiers which suffer, but doth also bring unto despair, them who having offered the Sovereignty with their liberty bodies and goods to be her majesties subjects: and not able to obtain this grace, have bound and engaged the keys of the chief towns of their estates for the assurance of that which should be disboursed for the entertainment of six thousand men only. The French king Lewis the twelfth suffered his friend and confederate the King of Navare to be ruined when he delayed to send him the succours which he had promised against the Catholic King, who seized upon, and doth yet hold at this day the Kingdom of Navarre, for those which are bound to succour an other, and yet protract the time and are slow to send it, bring their friends into danger and pourchase blame, and are held unfriendly, and by their slackness overthrow the action which should have brought honour and profit to them all: for if they which call are hot in their enterprises, and they which are called are cold, mingling one with the other it makes a luke warm, which is nothing worth, moreover this defect hath made many think that her Majesty had more will to make a peace for them with the King of Spain, then to succour them cheerfully against their enemies.  
They complain much that Captains and officers of the English troops are great gamesters, and convert their soldars pay to their own pleasures or private profit, the which is a manifest theft. That they are not as they ought to be with their companies and charges, whereby there have grown great abuses and inconveniences: yea the last day all the commanders, Colonels and captains, and in a manner all the chief officers of companies both of horse and foot were absent, which fault cannot be imputed but to the general of the army or the governor general of the country.  
That which hath lost the hearts, love and affection, of the soldiers and men of war of the one and the other party is, that they have been worse paid this year than the former: and being accustomed to receive four or five months pay in a year, they have for the most part received but two or three at the most. And in truth if we look into the great and extraordinary charges which have been made in this year more than in the former, we shall not find it so strange: and the fault (if it be a fault) is in a manner excusable, for the enterprise of Axel hath cost a good sum of money: That of graveling (which failed) the camp before Nymegen, when as they took the forts and castles of the Betawe: the victualling and exploit before Grave: the victualling of the towns of the heigh country; the money unprofitably employed for the levying of Reistres: and the last camp before Doesbourg and Zutphen, taking of the forts, assuring of Deventer and of the veluwe: besides the establishment of a council of estate, and a council of the treasure. etc. The officers whereof have been very well paid, gifts and presents of importance to some commanders, recompenses to some private persons yea for services done in times past: reception of Ambassadors; passing of soldiers out of England and Scotland: wagons, S●…yes, Intellligences: voyages of deputies and commissionars and other things as well ordinary as extraordinary. So as the first year it is not possible through the ignorance of affairs to manage the expenses so well as before. Besides that the two hundred thousand florins monthly contribution or any other extraordinary sum, furnished by the estates: the greatest part was not delivered in ready money but abated and defaulked, as well for the transpor of soldiers, as for wagons, and chiefly for munition and victuals bought at a far less price, than they have been delivered in the Town to the Comissaries: 
1586.  the excessive and unreasonable pay of pioneers: besides the deduction of other charges: and yet they impute the receipt, and total expense to his Excellency, as if he had received it all in ready money, or that he alone had had the disburssing and the managing of the said money; the which is false. But if the charges have much exceeded the receipt, and that by consequence they have anticipated for many months the general means and aids of the country: We must either confess that we have been abused in the beginning, in not making an equal estimate betwixt the charges of the war, and the means of the country; or else we must answer as the General of the Greekish army did in the Peloponesian war; being demanded what sum of money would suffice yearly to continue the war, and at what rate they should tax every Province. There is not (said he) any thing certain nor assured in war: They must have as much as they shall spend, and not spend as much as they may have: And if he which builds a new house, makes account to spend as much more as he had set down for his work with greater reason it ought to be done by them that undertake a war, be it offensive or defensive: For that a General cannot forecast all exploits which it shall behove him to make in one year, neither can he divine of his enemy's designs, who will happily provide work for him which he never dreamt of: Besides the losses and accidents which happen daily in matters of war. The which may serve for an advertisement and instruction for such as are deputed to make Treaties, and to resolve upon the form of succours. Yet it had been a great wisdom and discretion, not to have levied and passed more men out of England or Scotland than they had means to pay within that years contribution. The which may also serve for an instruction hereafter.  
The banishment of many Papists out of Vtrecht, hath been found very strange of many both without and within the country: For that most of them are old Chanoins, and Clergy men, whereof some have neither the spirit nor the means to hurt: and that this banishment is contrary to the pacification of Gant, and to the Union of Vtrecht, and as they think against all reason and form of justice: seeing that they had all in former time consented to expel the Spaniard; and have since voluntarily contributed to make war against him: and that without accusation or hearing they have banished them out of the town and Province: For seeing this war is not made so much for Religion as for the Estate (as it appeareth by the Treaties, and among others by the said Union) the one have as great an interest in the preservation of this Estate as the other: And it is unjust to entreat the one worse than the other. But the banishment of five men of quality, hath been justly found of bad example, and of all men held most unjust, as well in the matter as in the form and proceeding: for it is well known that these men have been always sworn enemies to the Spaniards: That they have been the first authors of the establishment of their liberty, and of the reformed religion: They never since make any profession of the Romish religion; although some suspect them to be Papists.  
They have always been employed in all affairs of importance, for their Province and for the State, and they were never before taxed to have committed any remarkable fault in the Estate: Nay it is most certain that they were open enemies to the French party, and that they have always laboured to have the succours of England: And when his Excellency came into these parts, two or three of the chief of them, have employed their pains and done their best endeavours they could, that his Excellency might have the general government and all the authority, yea more than some other Provinces would have had. Whereupon it is said that thereiss manifest injustice in this fact, and a great ingratitude: Injustice, for that they were never accused, heard, nor examined, of any thing, although they have required it with great instance, Ingratitude, in that having favoured, served and advanced the English party, they have received this cold recompense by the English, for although that they pretend the public good, and to avoid a greater inconvenience through divisions and factions in Vtrecht, 
1586  (whereof these were heads of one of the parties) they have been forced to use this rigour: yet they are much deceived in thinking to preserve an Estate rather by Injustice then by justice. Quia Ius et aequitas vincula et fundamenta sunt civitatum. For that justice and equity are the bonds and foundation of Cities, as Tully faith in his Paradoxes; if they have committed a fault, let them be accused, heard, convicted, and condemned: If they will not once hear them in their justifications, what can we think but that there is passion and violence in this action? Besides conscience and the rules of Christianity will admit no reply. Do we ill that good may come of it? If you do otherwise, and think by this Injustice to preserve your Estate, you are Machevells Disciples, who teacheth it, and not our Saviour JESUS CHRIST and his Apostles who forbid it. If you will now say the fault is past: but if we restore such men as are now incensed, we shall commit an other soul and gross error in the Estate, for they are heads of a party, they are of the chief of the Town: They would return into their places and offices, and would trouble our whole Estate: And by the communication which they have had with them of Holland, they will happily favour the Hollanders designs which they practise secretly upon the Town of Vtrecht. And what know we whether (through desire of revenge) they will do as Salinator did unto the romans who had wronged him? or as many others in the like case, and for the like occasion. Heere-uppon intruth I am much troubled to answer you, yet would I not heap one error upon another, but rather follow the example of Aristides, who preferred that which was just and honest, before the utility and profit of the common weal; Then of Them●…stocles, who had advised them to make their best profit of that which was dishonest & unjust.  
As for the imprisonment of Paul Buys, all men have seen the proceeding: The which good men have found so far from justice, as those which before held Paul Buys to be worthy of punishment, for his misdemeanours past, and above all for the crosses which he had given to the good and commendable designs of the deceased Prince of Orange, and began now to do the like to the Earl of Leceister, to whom he had showed himself light, inconstant, and unthankful: Besides other crimes wherewith he might have been charged, accused and convicted: Even these men and his greatest enemies▪ (in hatred of the unjust and extraordinary proceeding which was held against him) began to pity his fortune, and by little and little to change this hatred which they bore him, into a desire to assist and favour him, and to draw him out of prison.  
For as Tacitus said of the Emperor Galba, Dignissimus imperandi nisiimperasset. Most worthy of ruling if he had not ruled. So we may say of this man. Dignissimus Carcere, nisi eo Carcere fuisset inclusus. Most worthy of prison if he had not been shut up in that prison. For besides the fault which they have committed in justice, suffering some Captains and factious persons to use this authority; to ●…eaze upon the person and papers of a Councillor of Estate, the which doth belong only to the Prince and to the Governor general; and then to suffer him to languish six months in a filthy and loathsome prison, without hearing him or arraigning him, notwithstanding that both he and all his ●…inse-men had fought it with great importunity.  
Besides this error I say there is by the same means an other committed in the Estate; which is, that such a man as Paul Buys is reputed to be, the head of a party, turbulent, passionate, revengeful and ambitious, should not have been put in prison, but his process should presently have been made, or at the least▪ he should have been better guarded than he hath been heretofore: Every one foreseeing, that if he once got out he would be revenged on those who he thought had wronged him: as we have seen what broils he hath made since his escape, to the great blame and dishonour of the Governor general, and to the great prejudice of this Estate: Besides the discontentment of all the other Councillors of Estate, and other chief men of this country, who have rightly judged, that if they did open a door to such Injustice, and did abandon men of honour to the rage and passion of private 
1586.  men and of a multitude; the like hanged over their heads, for as Seneca saith. Minatur multis uni qui facit iniuriam. He threatens many, that doth wrong but to one. And the fact cannot be honestly excused, that the captains had not given advertisement but an hour before, for all their oaths and execrations shall never satisfy them who know how the said Captains, the Sheriff Pottere and Master Webbe▪ (one of his Excellencies' household) were then in credit with his excellency, who at the same instant was in Vtrecht. Moreover the said Pottere said to many before his death, that neither he nor any of his companions durst ever have attempted such a thing, without the silent consent of his Excellency, and that they found themselves to be well grounded. If then the said imprisonment were done without the knowledge and against his Excellency's authority, why have they not yet done justice? He that allows and ratefies a fact is like unto him that is the author. This indirect proceeding against Paul Buys, hath been the cause, that he who before was held a wicked man, is now reputed an innocent, and that they have done him wrong, Injustice, and indignity. Finally we must remember the wise advise of Tacitus. Non utendum esse imperio, ubi legibus agipossit. We may not use violence where as the laws are in force.  
The establishing of a Council of the treasure, without the consent and contrary to the admonitions and express will of the Estates, hath been the more odious, for that his Excellency hath appointed for chief thereof, a man that is generally hated of all the Hollanders, and not very well liked of the other Provinces; a man who was known to be of a sudden and violent spirit, an enemy to the Estates, and fit to breed division and jealousy betwixt a Governor general and the Estates. A matter as it hath well appeared since, of most dangerous consequence: and if he had no other quality but the name of a Brabanson, (which all men know is odious to the Province. For the ancient jealousies and quarrels which have been betwixt these two Provinces. And for that the Brabansons in their Province exclude all their neighbours from all charges, honours and offices, and hold them for strangers) so it is that for this consideration, he should have had respect not to discontent so many men and whole Provinces, to advance one only man to a charge of so great importance, and so much suspected by them, who feared that by his means they would search into their administration past. For although the said Council was for many causes and reasons held most necessary, yet seeing it was so fearful to many, they could do no less then to put in pleasing Officers, or at the least such as should not be odious to all men.  
But that which hath most offended the Estates is, that besides the ordinary and lawful means which were granted, they have consented that Ringault should practise his own inventions. The which hath made his excellency unpleasing unto the said Estates▪ and to all the merchants generally throughout all Holland and Zeeland, who were reduced to that Estate, as many talked of going out of the country, rather than to live subject to such a tyranny, as was that which Ringault would bring in upon all the merchants. For although that the breach of Edicts and proclamations do much prejudice the State, yet the course they would have held was so odious as in the judgement of the wise it was sufficient to make whole towns revolt, as Amsterdam, Enchuysen and the greatest towns of traffic in the country. Besides the terror which Ringaults promise struck into them, by the which he should bind himself by that only means in few months to find many millions of gold. The Chancellor Leoninus was wont to say that such inventions did never profit but to him and his like, when as the Duke of Alva or the Governors have demanded their advise by way of consultation. Out of the which they were commonly well paid for their fees and attendance: And yet such inventions were held by them not to be executed.  
You may not then advance to such charges men that are suspected and odious to all the world, we draw out money by indirect or unusual means, for the example of Ringault and of all that ensued, may give a good instruction; what colour soever they will set upon it for the public good and the execution of the laws. 
1586.   
It hath been formerly said, that one of the Articles of the union made betwixt the Provinces, is, that all shall defend and maintain themselves together, that they shallbe entreated a like both of the one and the other Religion, and shall jointly furnish means to make war against their enemies. And although there be no exercise but of one Religion, yet no man shall be molested nor troubled for his conscience: for that Religion is not the only cause of this war, but their liberty and previledges, whereof they are so jealous, as for the preservation thereof, the Chanoins, Priests and other Clergy men, and all the Gentlemen that were Papists in these countries, have made no difficulty to forsake the Pope and the exercise of their own Religion, and to give place to the reformed, knowing well that it was the true and only means to deliver them from the oppression of the Spaniard. And this Estate consisting thus of divers humours and opinions, especially for matter of Religion and conscience, being accustomed to line with liberty of conscience without any molestation or disturbance, having by the said contract and union reserved unto themselves this liberty, the which hath not hitherto been any prejudice to the wars, nor hindered the course of the reformed Religion, or their designs and resolutions tending to the preservation of this Noble Estate, that all with one accord and a general consent have demanded succours from the Queen's Majesty of England; and given the government general to his excellency.  
And finally that it is not specefied in the treaties, nor in the Commission given unto his excellency that he shall charge or Innovate any thing concerning Religion: It follows then that they have been much to blame, not only to offend many private persons, but also to withdraw, the good wills of whole towns, as Leydon, Goude and many others of holland (whereas the most part are of that humour and condition) by the convocation of a Synod, and the authorising of many things for matter of Religion and discipline; the which most good men of the reformed Religion in all other Estates, countries and Provinces could not yet like of.  
Doubtless every good and Religious Christian should wish and procure as much as he may the advancement of Religion. And it is fit, that we should first and above all things seek the glory of Almighty GOD and the everlasting kingdom of Heaven, yet by the same law of GOD we must keep and observe the contract and agreements which we have promised and sworn, yea if they were with the Turks and Infidels, and herein as in all other things we must use wisdom and moderation: not to innovate nor bring in any thing into an Estate, that may cause the ruin of Religion and of the Estate together: first they must do that which is most convenient and necessary in an Estate for the preservation thereof: not to give too much credit to ministers in matters that belong not to their charge and vocation: but tie them to the bounds of their office and profession, the contrary whereof hath been the cause of great discontentment amongst the best and most zealous men, who have at all times seen the inconveniences, which the meddling and violent proceeding of ministers in the affairs the Common weal, have brought unto this Estate. Finally all must be done in due time and to purpose: for although this convocation of a Synod be good, and that it may produce good effects hereafter; Yet this circumstance of time hath offended many; considering the necessity of the war, and the preparations that were then in hand for an army to go against the enemy. Et cum sit ubique virtutis modus, aeque peccat quod excedit quam quod defficit. And seeing there is a mean of virtue in all things, that offends which doth exceed, as well as that which is defective.  
And for as much as the people are so jealous of their liberties and previledges, and so nice of the breach of the least point of them: that for this only cause the Papaists themselves (as I have laid) have left the exercise of their own Religion and altogether have shaked of the Spaniards yoke, and endured a cruel and violent war for above twenty years, that one of the public prayers which the ministers 
1586  do usually make, is that they may be maintained in their liberties and privileges, for the preservation whereof so many Noblemen and Gentlemen have lost their lives, and so many families have been ruined: that in all the contracts, treaties and accords, and in a manner in all their discourses, they talk of nothing, but of their liberties and previledges: and that upon the breach or dyminution of any of them, it is lawful for them to call an assembly of the Estates, and to make their complaints unto their sovereigns and Governors, and never to cease until they have redress and reparation. To conclude if they have not endured it of their Sovereign, how will they bear it at a governors hands? It is therefore more than reason to preserve that dearly for them, which they hold more dear than their lives, and which is more dear unto them than their Religion or the exercise thereof. Being most certain that the greatest complaint, which they have made during the time of his Excellencies' government was for the breach of their liberties and customs: at the least it hath been the colour which they have given to all their new proceedings and alterations which have happened within these four months.  
Also they of the countries complain of the humour and disposition of the English, who they say are proud: that the gentlemen do not apply themselves to their manner of living, and that they are not familiar with the nobility of the country: without doubt the ignorance of the tongue is the principal cause, as also the drunkenness of the men of this country, the which the English do naturally abhor. Besides they of the country should seek it and make much of the English, who come to succour and deliver them, and who so freely spend their goods and means, and expose their lives with as great courage and valour as any nation that ever came into these parts: yet it were a great wisdom in the English, and they should purchase unto themselves a commendation of great discretion and courtesy, if refusing to be drunk with them, they would not openly blame their drunkenness: seeing that the censures of some private persons, shall never cause a whole nation to change their natural disposition: and from such indiscreet reprehensions, there must needs grow quarrels and discontentments. And seeing that the English are their been factors, it shallbe fit for them to converse with them, and to use them with all courtesy and civility. The true means to win the hearts and good wills of a Nation, is to make show that they contemn not their manners, nor disdaigne their Language, being the nature of all people, to be jealous of that which is proper unto themselves.  
And for that without good order and disposition, the affairs are never duly managed, but rather breed trouble in the mind, and confusion in the Estate, as we find daily in this: besides the discontentment which they have which follow their own proper affairs, or those of their Masters, Princes and commonweals: His excellency must of necessity do, as the deceased Prince of Orange did, and all other wise Princes and Governors, which is to divide his time and his hours, as well to sign and give audience, as for the dispatch of other affairs as well ordinary as extraordinary, whereby this profit shall grow, that the multitude of affairs will decrease, which else would grow infinite: and to appoint a certain place in his house for the Secretaries and their Clerks, to the end they may be speedily found. There is no petty Governor but hath his Chancery to that end, with a Master of request to receive, report and answer petitions: And that he send unto the Council of Estate those that belong unto them, being most necessary that the affairs of his house be distinguished from them of the country, and those of the English and of Strangers, from them of the State, to avoid the complaints which have been made heretofore. And thereupon his excellency shallbe entreated that it would please him to send all the affairs of the country both particular and general great and small, to his Council of Estate, to whom he should refer the greatest part of them, to discharge himself of so much care, and win so much time. By this means he shall not discontent any for refusing or neglecting, for they do not readily blame that which a whole Council hath resolved in the presence of the head. Besides his private 
1586  Secretaries are for the most part strangers, and ignorant of the Estate and language of the country, every one of which should have his charge distinctly appointed, according to their skill in the tongues, or according to the affairs, or else according to their capacities.  
That his excellency, should not employ so much time to write letters and to make despatches himself, for that it hinders the expedition of other affairs of greater importance, and greatly discontents the Noblemen and others: which demand speedy audience, it being the Office of a Secretary and not of a Governor. That he rely not so much upon one or two for the affairs of an Estate, giving credit to the advise of others in matters of importance, especially, of the Council of Estate, if they be matters belonging to the country, to avoid the jealousy and reproach of a Council of the Cabinet. Not to keep about him men that are odious, vicious and noted for notable crimes, turbulent spirits and passionate, and which ●…trude themsules into all business. To hold a settled Estate in his house: pay his servants (especially strangers) their wages duly, who have no other means; To command his Steward and Officers to place honest men at his table or at theirs, and to use them courteously, wherein there hath been very bad order heretofore, with scorning and discontenting of many: that the grooms of his Chamber use not Gentlemen, and men of quality that come unto his house, roughly and discourteously, and that his excellency give speedy audience to the deputies of towns and Provinces, and to them that have urgent affairs: the contrary whereof doth discontent and grieve many. To employ Englishmen with them of the country, to make them fit for affairs, and thereby to know the truth of all things the better. To hold better correspondency with the neighbour Princes and Protentates, then hath been heretofore, and above all with the Princes of Germany, for the neighbourhood and importance of this Estate; and with the Princes of the Religion in France and elsewhere: for they be all enemies to our enemy, and naturally jealous of the King of Spain's greatness. To have better spies and intelligence than he hath had, and to hold an order and rule therein, that they may be kept secret, and that the spies may be well and speedily rewarded. To respect and countenance the Princes, Noblemen and Governors of this country according to their ranks and degrees, and to favour their followers, at the least not to contemn them, as it seems they have done. Whereof they have often complained. And for that his Excellency hath few sufficient and industrious men, he must draw that service from many which he cannot do from one. For what one or two cannot do, many may. There remains only to judge and discern whereunto every one is capable.  
When as the Earl of Leicester was first made Governor general of the united Provinces: the Earl of Hohenlo (or Holock) was requested by the Estates (in regard of the great credit he had with the soldiers, being most of them under his command) to move them to take a new oath of obedience unto the Earl of Leicester (for that commonly upon change of Government, they stand upon terms of account and reckoning) the which he performed, upon promise made unto them, to defend and maintain them in the same order and martial discipline, as had been observed in the time of the deceased Prince of Orange, of famous memory, and not otherwise. But when as his Excelcency had given the Regiment which sometimes belonged to Colonel Haultaine Governor of Walchrens, unto Sir Philip Sidney then Governor of Flessingue, most of the Colonels, as Philip Earl of Nassau, the Earl of Solms, the Earl of Ouerstein, with many other Colonels of horse and foot, to the number of two and twenty, fearing that according to their ancient customs, the soldiers serving under them, should not be preferred and advanced according to their degrees and deserts, as a Sergeant to be an Enseigne-bearer (the place being void) and so up-ward, adventuring their lives that by service they might attain to those places of degree and credit which they hoped for, they made a request in their soldiers names to the Earl of Hohenlo, praying and 
1586  entreating him to move his excellency that (according to the promise made unto them) they might be preserved in the same order, as they were in the time of the late Prince of Orange, and that one nation might not be mingled with an other; and that he would be a means to get them their pay, with full account and reckoning, so as 
The complaints of the States soldiers  there might not be daily murmurs and discontents in their troops, complaining that one of the regiments of the Netherlands, and other places that were void, had been already, given unto strangers, which they said would be very prejudicial unto them, as though they were not to be trusted as well as they had been in former times.  
This petition being delivered to the Earl of Hohenlo, he presently offered it to the Earl of Leicester who was much discontented therewith, persuading himself that it came rather from the Earl of Hohenlo himself and the other Colonels, then from the common soldiers, which jealousy of his bred a great alteration in the soldiers hearts, especially seeing daily a change of garrisons, and drawing forth of soldiers, without the advice and privity of the governors of Provinces, and other commanders; by whole means and with whose consent such alterations were wont to be made: and that the Earl of Leicester placed his favourits in all the best, honourablest and most profitable garrisons in the Netherlands: moreoverthat (sense the Loss of Grave) it seemed the netherlands soldiers were despised and basely accounpted of as if there were no trust in their service, as it was then given out, and appeared by a letter written to the Earl of Leicester to that purpose: and the Earl of Leicester himself said unto the Earl of Hohenlo, that he feared that all the Forts wherein the netherlands soldiers lay would in short time be yielded up to the enemy. After that certain words passed 
Aqua●…ll betwixt the earl of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris.  betwixt they Earl of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris (Brother to the General Sir john Norris) as they were at dinner, whereupon Sir Edward Norris sent a letter of challenge offering to fight with him body to body (lying then sick of a hurt which he had received before Zutphen Sconce) which the Earl took disdaynfullie as coming from his inferior, pretending that no private Captain might (upon pain of life) send any such challenged unless it were with the generals leave, and for that the Earl of Leicester did seem to allow thereof, he was much discontented: The Estates themselves did also much dislike it. Of this and many other discontents, the Earl of Hohenlo made an apology, and caused it to be printed at Leyden.  
In the beginning of januarie 1587. the Estates men found means secretly to undermine the wall of Buriche a town lying upon the Rhine right against weasel 
1587.  and being held by the Spaniards: where they had laid certain barrills of powder 
A vain enterprise upon Bu●…ich.  to blow it up, and so to surprise the town and the Garrison within it, but a miller having descovered it, gave notice thereof and so this enterprise succeeded not according to their design. All this winter the Duke of Parma made great provision both for men and money, having assembled the Estates of Arthois, Henaut and other Provinces of whom he demanded some aid of money, and obtained his desires receiving also new supplies of soldiers both from Spain and Italy, with the which he marched in january to the Castle of Wouwe, a strong hold belonging to the Marquis of Bergnen, lying a mile frow Berghen up Zoome in Brabant. There was in it a company of French soldiers, whose captains name was Merchant, who had 
Wouwe castle sold to the Spaniards by a French Captain.  been before in garrison in Grave: who whether it were in revenge of a private quarrel which he had with captain Firenine (who had justified himself at the Hage before, the Estates, of that wherewith Captain Merchant had charged him) or whether it were through ambition or covetousness, having corrupted his soldiers with a promise to make them sharers of the booty, he sold the said Castle of Wouwe to the Duke of Parma for twenty thousand crowns: And from thence these treacherous merchants retired some into France (being loath to hear the name of traitor, as they called them in Antwerp and Brussels until that the Duke of Parma had forbidden by proclamation, not to call them any more so) and some went to serve the Spaniard. About the same time Sir Martin Schenck seized upon a little Town called Roeroort, 
1587.  in the Elector Truchses name: being so called, for that it stands at the mouth of the river 
Roero ort surprised by Schenck.  of Roer (which comes out of the country of Mark and Westphalia) where it enters into the Rhine: which his men held until April following, that the Spaniards forced them to abandon it.  
Frederick King of Denmark, a Prince desirous of peace, sent Caius Ranson, one of his privy council, and a man of great knowledge and authority, to Brussels, to make an 
The King of Denmark seeks to make a peace betwixt the King of Spain and the states.  overture of some means of a peace betwixt the King of Spain and his netherlands Provinces, remaining in the union general of the pacification of Gant, and the treaty of Vtrecht. To whom answer was made, that neither for the King of Denmark, nor for any Prince in the world, the King of Spain would never suffer any change of religion in the countries of his obedience, whereupon Ranson returned with letters unto his King, making only mention of a peace betwixt Spain and England Being on his way homewards, he was encountered in the wood of Soigne, three leagues from Brussels, by some of the States soldiers of the garrison of Berghen up Zoom, who finding him in the enemy's country, took him prisoner, and (being at the first unknown unto 
Caius Ranson being unknown is taken prisoner  them) rifled his baggage: but upon discovery of his person and quality, they carried him to the Hage to the Estates, who made it known sufficiently how much they were discontented for that which their men had unadvisedly done unto him: excusing it as much as they could, and causing all that had been taken from him to be restored again, as well his papers, as his gold, silver, jewels, and other things, or else the value of that which could not be recovered. Whereby the Estates thought to have given him such contentment as he should have no cause to complain unto his King. As in truth the fact was excusable, having been found in the enemy's country, by them that did encounter him, unknown what he was, and who at the first put himself in defence, refusing to make his quality known, the which might move the soldiers the more. And although he had declared himself, yet it had been no new thing to qualify himself for other than he was, to escape the enemy's hands. Besides he was ' demanded by the estares, after restitution of all his goods. If he desired to have any corporal punishment inflicted upon them that had taken him: he answered no, and that they were good companions. Yet being returned into Denmark, he made great complaints unto the King, and did so incense him against the Estates, especially against Holland, Zeeland and 
Ranson complains unto his King.  Freezeland, as he arrested above six hundred of their ships in the Sound, upon colour of the injury that had been done unto his Ambassador Ranson: the which he set at thirty thousand Florins ransom, with the consent of the Estates themselves (who had sent their deputies unto his Majesty to excuse the fact) being loath to contest with him for so small a matter, forbidding their ships to use any force to free themselves from this arrest, as they might well have done if they had would, and had been licenced by their masters and superiors. Of these thirty thousand Florins, Ranson had above a thousand for his share, which paid all his interests.  
The Earl of Leicester before his departure into England, had made sir William Stanley Colloneil of a regiment of Irishmen, governor of the town of Deventer: and Roland York of the great Fort before Zutphen. Stanley had in his garrison 1200. 
Stanley seeks to berray Deventer to the Spaniard.  foot and about two hundred horse, English and Irish, the which was much displeasing unto the estates, for that he had served the King of Spain he had long desired to yield the town unto the King of Spain, and to that end had held correspondency with Colonel Taxis, governor of Zutphen. Neither could he not so modestly contain himself, but it was descovered that he had some bad intent. Yet the estates of Oueryssel knew not how to help it, nor to prevent the danger which they feared, having no means to get him out of the town. For the Earl of Leicester at his departure had charged him not to depart out of that place without his express commandment, besides by reason of the Earl of Leicester's Act of restraint which he made at his departure, the estates could not force him to obedience. The estates finding no other means, had entreated General Norris (in whom they trusted more than in any other, for the good services which he had done to them, and to the Prince of Orange) to go with his regiment, about Deventer as if he would winter there, and so to find some means (which 
1587.  the help of the Burghers) to get into the town. Stanley being suspicions of his approach, or it may be having some advertisement thereof, made haste to agree with Taxis to deliver the town to the King of Spain, for a certain sum of money and other promises of great rewards (which were afterwards ill performed) for the effecting where of she went early in the morning before day, to the Bourguemaistcr of the town, desiring him to open the port of Neurenbercke, meaning (said he) to go forth with his men, to do some exploit upon the enemy, whom he had descovered. Being gone forth, he 
Stanley yields Deventer to the Spaniard.  returned presently before day, bringing with him Colonel Taxis with three Companies of foot, and three of horse, marching directly to the market place where they put themselves in battle, after that Taxis had placed guards in all parts of the town: the which was done so stilly and with so small brute as the townsmen heard not any thing; or if they did, they thought it had been their garrison, so as at the break of day they found they were Spaniards: Some among the Protestants were so terrified, as fearing a massacre, they cast themselves from the top of the walls to save themselves: Taxis having placed all his guards, began to be more assured, for before he was not without great distrust, having with so few men trusted unto Stanleys' word and thrust himself into a town where there was a good garrsion, and a number of brave Burghers well armed, where he might have been taken like a mouse in a trap. Being thus assured, he presently caused it to be proclaimed at the sound of the trumpet, that all men might remain freely within the town, without any wrong done them either in body or goods, living in the Romish Religion, and under the King of Spain's obedience.  
Hereupon Stanley made his excuse both to the magistrates and the soldiers, and sought to justify this treacherous fact, saying, that he neither was, nor could be accounted 
Stanley seeks to excuse himself.  atraitor, in respect that he had done no wrong, unless they would hold it treason to deliver the town to the King of Spain to whom of right it did belong, being long before moved thereunto (as he said) in conscience; alleging many other such like reasons: saying moreover that if any of his soldiers would serve there, they should be well paid by a most bountiful king, and the rest might freely depart, whereupon many, but most of them Irishmen stayed with him, every one having a monet●…es pay given him, and presently the Burghers were disarmed and likewise suffered to depart with Taxis passport, among the which there wore two Preachers. The Burghers houses were not spoiled that they might draw other towns to do the like, only a few were ransacked, among the which the preachers houses were not spared. Stanleys' regiment was dispersed into sundry garrisons, and he himself was left still governor of Deventer.  
At the same time Roland York, (being made governor of the great Sconce before Zutphen, by the earl of Leicester, wholly against the liking of the Estates, with eight 
Roland York's life and treason.  hundred foot and a hundred horse) did in like sort sell it to the Spaniard: This York had long before served under the States, although not with the best credit. In Gant he had been Lieutenant Colonel to john van Imbise, with whom he had conspired to betray Gaunt and Dermond to the Prince of Parma, for the which Imbise was beheaded, and he sent prisoner to Brussels, where at the last by the taking of the town he was set at liberty, and after that employed by the Duke of Parma upon the water in the river Scheld, at the bridge before Antwerp: at length by the means of friends he was reconciled, and returned into England with credit, and from thence came with the Earl of Leicester into Holland, and there was so recommended by Sir Philip Sidney, as the Earl of Leicester his uncle put him in great credit, and gave him this government of the Sconce, who the same day that Deventer was battered told his soldiers, that it would be but lost labour for them to stay there, wishing them rather to take pay of the King of Spain, whereupon his soldiers tore their colours in pieces, and two Dutch companies, with some others went away every man where he pleased, but York went to Zutphen, where he received a reward from the King, and for a time kept company with Sir William Stanley, but without any credit, and there not long after died very miserably, and so Taxis likewise got the sconce. 
1587.  Thus the credulity and light belief of the Earl of Leicester, was the cause of the loss of this goodly and strong town of Deventer, which is one of the Hans towns, and of that important fort of Zutphen, the which the summer before had cost so much to win and fortify. It was not without cause if they began to murmur against the Earl of Leicester having at his very departure placed these two gallants in such important governments. It was no marvel then, if the Noblemen, Colonels and gentlemen of the united Provinces, were discontented, and complained unto the Earl 
Certain speeches used in th●… counc●…ll of State.  of Leicester, to see themselves rejected, to advance such traitors, to the government of such important places, as Stanley, York, and Patton were, of whom we will speak hereafter.  
After the loss of this town of Deventer and of the fort of Zutphen, the Estates of the united Provinces were much perplexed, fearing that all the English garrisons which lay in any other towns and forts, would do the like, and deal with them, as the French in the time of the Duke of Anjou and Brabant had determined to do, all in one day. On the Sunday morning, being the first of February, the council of estate being assembled to provide for their affairs, and to prevent the alterations which the loss of Deventer and the forts before Zutphen might cause: thither came the general estates and the advocate Barnevelt for their part, who declared in their names, that considering the necessity and in what terms the State then stood, they held it more than necessary that the Governors of Provincesshould go into their Governments, there to command by virtue of their commissions: And that to hasten the departure of the Earl of Maeurs, they had resolved concerning the Ritmaisters, as should be seen by the contents of the contract made with them, and the means which they had set down for their pay. Secondly that matters concerning the Admiralty, might be redressed and ordered, for the Government of sea causes, as the service of the country should require, the affairs of estate being in very great disorder, for want of good government; whereupon words grew of either side tending to accusations and excuses; Barnevelt saying, Is this the way to serve the country? whereunto the Lord of Brederode answered, that if they were not contented with the services and toil which the Lords of the council took, but they must daily receive bad words and reproaches as if they were subjects and slaves, they might seek for others that would subject themselves to their slanders and continual exclamations.  
He was also demanded wherein it was so ill governed and ordered, and what were the causes there of? Barnevelt like a man full of passion and choler, answered, that it was the council of the Cabinet, whereas many things were done, which none but they of the council knew, as of late appeared by the Act of restraint, which was made there by some private people, without the knowledge of the council, whereby the authority of the council of estate in the absence of his excellency was quite cut of; And so the council remained here and the authority in England, the which the estates did not hold fit nor convenient. Moreover that in this Government it seemed they did not remember how the deceased Prince of Orange (of famous memory) had governed, who never in a frontier place made a garrison all of one nation, neither was it contained in the treaty made with her majesty that Englishmen should command in all the frontier towns. The which was of bad consequence and not tolerable, having been so ill entreated and deceived by the English Nation; whereunto the counsellor Loozen answered, that they ought not to blame and condemn a whole nation for the offences and misdeeds of some private persons, seeing that other difficulties and greater misfortunes had happened unto the Prince of Orange, especially in the time of the French, who committed other kinds of disorders, his Excellence (deceased) having been much deceived. To the which Barnevelt replied crying out that they had been never so deceived by the french as by the English, their government being incompatible. The which Loozen said could not be inferred, having received so great favours and benefits from her Majesty, and that he knew not wherein the said pretended deceit might consist. At which words the Secretary Gilpin also said that it 
1587.  did not become Barnevelt to exclaim so against the nation, and that he did wrong both her Majesty and his Excellency, in using such words, the which he at the first began to deny and then began to speak of the fact again, as if that had been the cause which moved him, seeking to excuse his undecent words. But Gilpin replied, that it was not the act he made question of, but at his undiscreet words, calling (if need were) the Signior of Loozen and all the Noblemen there present to be witnesses. Master wilkes hearing these speeches which passed betwixt Gilpin and Barnevelt, being in French, began to say that he was sorry to hear, that all the favours and benefits received from her Majesty were in a manner forgotten, considering the small respect which it seemed they bore unto her Majesty and consequently unto his Excellency as her Lieutenant that for a fault committed by one or two wicked persons they would blame all the Nation, the which was no fit course, and would breed but spleen and great inconveniences whereof he wished them to be careful and not give her Majesty any cause of discontentment, the which would redound to their own harm, and by this course they should give her occasion, if they continued, to take it in ill part, and to tell them plainly of their errors. And so that conference ended.  
During this general murmuring against the English there grew daily factions and partialities, some inclining to the Estates, and to the generality of the united Provinces; and others to the Earl of Leicester and the English, either party having many at their devotion, so as it seemed to tend to a division and a dismembering of the Provinces, or rather to a whose confusion of the general Estate; whereupon there was a letter written by a gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, to justify the English Nation, who had been much taxed for this treachery of Stanley and York. The tenor whereof follows.   

A letter written by Warmond of Stochelen a Gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, touching the betraying of Deventer and the fort before Zutphen.  
SIR coming from Franckfort, I arrived in these parts at the same time when as the town of Deventer and the fort before Zutphen were betrayed and yielded up unto the enemy. I assure you I found a strange alteration generally by reason of this loss: and there was nothing more feared than a revolt, like unto that which was made against the French, after the enterprise of Antwerp, yet such as are ill affected have hitherto contained themselves, and been content to revenge themselves with their tongs, blaming generally all the English Nation, and taxing his Excellency with a thousand reproaches, yea they have been so impudent, as they have not spared the Queen of England: as if her Majesty; his Excellency, and all those that are come into the Netherlands, had had no other design from the beginning, but to ruin the country and to bring it under the power and oppression of the King of Spain. And it seems these evil spirits have laid hold of this occasion to vomit out their poison against them who had never before given them any subject of reproach. Without doubt Sir I believe that such as are wise, judicious and well affected to the preservation of Religion and of their liberties, are not the authors of this scandalous brute: but there be the papists and such as are spaniolized, and the spies and pensioners of the King of Spain: who by this means would distaste the people from seeking any more assistance from her Majesty: and reduce them to that point wheere-unto they were once brought at his Excellencies coming into these Countries, which is to make an accord with the King of Spain. But that which hath seemed most strange unto me, is that all men in general are so amazed, as if this Estate were ruined, and that the loss of these places (whereof the one hath 
1587.  not b●…ene ours four months, and the other was well assured) should draw after it the ruin of all the rest, and as if never heretofore any place of importance had been lost, and finally as if there were no hope left to recover this loss upon the enemy. To conclude, in an instant all that were affected to the English party, were so terrified and grew so cold, as they would willingly have given ear to any practices or new inventions, to preserve themselves without England, or at the least without Englishmen, but not without their Angels, the which they knew well they could not want: but above all to free themselves of his excellency, as of him who had been the cause of the loss of these two places, and might in time procure the ruin of all the rest. Yea some have been so audacious as to say in open Council of State, that the Netherlands had never been so much deceived by the French, as they were at this present by the English, writing letters unto her Majesty and to his excellency full of reproach and discontentment, seeking to bring his excellency into disgrace with her Majesty. Doubtless Sir, we must confess that the loss of these two places is not small, for that the country of the Veluwe is in danger to be spoiled by the enemy: but who can deny that it hath not been in the like Estate of late years, even unto September last, that the fort before Zutphen was taken by the English forces, and the town of Deventer assured? Who will say that the Veluwe is much indomaged, having neither been tilled nor inhabited for these many years? Who will deny, but the said country being as it is, may profit us as much as our enemy, and more, for the number of towns and places which we hold there abouts? But is there not a greater prejudice in the loss of the whole Estate which is prepared by the discontentment which they give unto her Majesty by this sudden change, from the devotion they were wont to bear her, and the hope they had in her bounty and assistance? when as she shall understand that they impute the treason and wickedness of two to the whole Nation, and that they wrongfully tax the good for the bad: and for that her Majesty was served by Stanley, and his Excellency by York, they will impute the subjects fault to their Prince, and the servants to their Master. By what law, reason or custom will they prove that this blame is well grounded? and with what art will they keep her majesties love to them, in taxing in such a sort both her and all the Nation?  
As for Stanley it is well known that in former times he had done good service in Ireland, and even since that he came into this country, he hath given good proofs of his valour and loyalty. And although that York had heretofore committed a gross error, yet he hath since carried himself courageously at the enterprise of Axel, and in these last exploits before Doesbourg and Zutphen, having so often hazarded his life in the view of all the world, as he had given the General good cause to trust him. Neither is it the first time that a Commander hath trusted after a fault confessed, nor any new thing to see treasons, treacheries and revoltes in these countries, but it is a new thing, strange, and beyond all reason, to impure unto Commanders and Princes the faults of their soldiers and servants: and for the wickedness of some to blame and tax a whole Nation; as they have done here. They must then by the like absurdity of consequence, condemn the French Nation, for that a Provensall did lately sell the castle of Vow: and the Scottish Nation, for that one captain Simpel delivered the town of Liere. And to come to this Nation of the Netherlands, how many places, towns and whole Provinces have been lost, by the treachery, treason and revolt of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Captains and others, who have made merchandise of them, as of the Earl of Rennenberg who delivered Groningue; the signor of Stakenbroek, Breda: the Lord of Berwoets who thought to have betrayed Berghen up Zoom: the Lord of Bours who delivered the castle of Antwerp, and afterwards Macklyn. john d'Imbise who would have betrayed Gant and Denremonde; the Bailiff of Courtray called Pottelberg, who delivered Courtray by treason: Roeck, Corpets, Cauwegem and their consorts, who delivered the town of Brussels: Colonel T●…er who betrayed Diest. Captain Vlyet who delivered Westerloo: Captain Coenen who delivered Hoochstraten: the Earl of Lalain, Vicont of Gant, the Lords of Montigny, Gognies, la Motte and many others, who were the cause of the defeat of Gemblours. 
1587.  The Lord of Auchy (brother to the Earl of Bossu) who delivered Alost: the Signors of Hemmert, Cobocke and Duban who delivered the town of Grave: the Burghers of Venloo; the Abbots of Saint Gertrude, Manolles and others, who betrayed the Estates: Some of the Council of the Estates of Brabant who delivered Herentals. The Prince of Chymay who was the cause of the revolt almost of all Flanders: and Stryeland Bailiff of Waes', who delivered Ruppelmonde and all the Land of Waes', whereby the enemy came to besiege Antwerp etc.  
Wherefore it is against all right and the rule of Christian charity to think or say that the whole nation is to be blamed in the which there are some traitors, is it likely that she who so willingly did yield to that which other Princes could not or refused to do; who hath employed so great sums of money for the succour of this country who hath been contented to hazard the lives of so many Noblemen, Gentlemen and others of all qualities of her realm, and especially of the Earl of Leicester, whose presence is so necessary in England? She who was content to incur the hatred of so mighty a Prince as the King of Spain, and to embark herself in so deadly a war with him, for that at the instance of these men she had undertaken their defence: who not to break her promise made, nor to make any accord with the King of Spain, but with the privity and approbation of them of the Netherlands, would never give ear to the instances made unto her by divers Princes of Christendom to that end? To conclude, she who had embraced this poor people with such affection, and long expected the coming of the deputies of this country, to treat with them of the means to succour, defend and deliver this poor people, from the oppression which did daily threaten them? Is there any appearance then that she ever had any other design or intent then the good and preservation of this Estate? Yet here they make complaints and tax her Majesty, as if she had brought more harm then good unto the country. Yet they send to treat with her as if she had first sought the protection of this country, or to take the sovereignty, the which (it is well known) she hath often refused: and as if her Majesty and the Realm of England, had the greatest interest in the preservation of this Estate; or that England could not defend itself without this country. As for her Majesty I hope she will make the contrary of this manifest, and that she will not forget the wrong and indignity which is done to her and to the whole nation, nor the ingratitude which they have showed in sundry sorts, as also to his excellency who hath so willingly exposed his life to a thousand dangers: who had forsaken all his greatness, pleasures and commodities in England, to undergo so many cares, toils and discommodities, which do accompany a general in so weighty and difficult a charge: who hath lost his dearest Nephew and his next heir: and who hath given such good proofs of his sincere love unto the people.  
And as for the money which they have granted for the charges of the war, they of his Council and some of the country having had the managing thereof, I doubt not Sir but it shallbe the more easy for him to give a good account, and of all the rest of his actions during the time of his abode here. Whom they tax, to make him odious to all the people countrouling, crossing and overthrowing his decrees, letters and commandments, as if all had not passed by the advice of the Council of Estate: Finally they show great ingratitude to him and to the whole nation, who have so well deserved of this country, seeing there is no benefit so great as to expose one's life for an other, especially when he comes of his own freewill, without hope of reward or recompense, as we know so many Noblemen and Gentlemen have done, yea of the best houses of England, which have accompanied his excellency. Ingratitude is a vice, hateful to GOD and Men, the which GOD doth sometimes severely punish, for that it violates the bonds of humane society.  
It is said in an ancient Latin Proverb: Ingratam qui dixit, omnia dixit. As if all wickedness were comprehended under this name and vice of ingratitude. How much her Majesty his excellency, and the whole nation have bound this people unto them, every one sees, and all Christian Princes know it, and admire it: and posterity 
1587.  will judge better of it. We cannot express the miseries and want which so many poor English soldiers have suffered: which have come into these parts. It willbe proved by some Commissaries of musters, honest men and of credit that the soldiers of the fort before Zutphen, were in December last during the great frost, six days together without any other beverage than ice water to drink: and yet the fort was not besieged nor in danger to be lost: but only through their default who had charge to supply this place and others: besides the other discomodities of hunger and cold which the said soldiers have suffered there, and do yet suffer elsewhere: which breed either death or diseases. Besides is there any one so ingrate or malicious, that will say the English are not good soldiers, for that they cannot endure all these discommodities? as if in all ages, and of late years in many exploits in these parts, they had not given good proofs of their valour, courage and aptness to arms, even amazing many of this country when they have seen them go to assaults and combats with such a courage and resolution, as if they had had no fear nor apprehension of death. But admit they had not adventured their lives and persons, as they have done, yet their great expenses, and the discommodities which they have suffered here, besides the absence from their Wives, Children, Kinsmen and Friends, and loss which many of them have sustained thereby, and all without any hope of recompense or reward, desires that they should be spared in their honours and reputations, yea although they had descovered some errors and imperfections: the which have hitherto been so small as few men have cause to reproach the English for the ravishing of their wives and children, or any outrage done unto their people, or the taking away of their goods, or that they have been quarelors riotors or drunkards.  
Wherefore I hope that no good man in these parts will give ear to these wicked spirits which disperse these scandalous brutes; some to reduce the people to the necessity of an accord with the King of Spain, and others for that they would not lose the credit, commandment and authority which they have in these Provinces, nor see any other Nation here that doth exceed them in valour and prowess: and finally for the fear which they have that his Excellencies coming will obscure their stars, and disperse the clouds and darkness, under the which so many confusions, factions and secret practices, are covered and hatched, tending to the overthrow of all order, authority and lawful government. And I hope also that the wise and best advised will consider, that there is at this day but one only means to preserve this Noble Estate, the which is England, and that it is to great an absurdity, to seek their favour, whom we speak ill of and detract and a great discretion to commit the guard of that to an other, which they cannot keep themselves: especially to a Princess who is free from all suspicion to have ever affected it: to a Princess which hath so many ways showed how much she loves the good and liberty of these Provinces: to a Princess whose crown hath been always allied by many contracts to this country and to the house of Bourgongne: to a Princess who is at this day the only mother and nurse of all the churches of Christendom, and protection of all the afflicted; to a Princess who for that she hath favoured the defence of this country against the oppression of Spain, hath incurred and doth daily, a thousand hazards of her life and States, by the practices of the enemies of Religion and of this Estate.  
To conclude, the resolution of this people to defend their liberty is much to be commended and admired who have so virtuously for many years sustained the indignation of a King of Spain, and resisted the oppression which should fall upon their heads, if they be subdued by the Spanish Nation, having to that end not only exposed their lives, but contributed yearly above a moiety or two third parts of their goods and revenues. But if this money hath not been well employed, his excellency is not to be blamed, but such as have had the managing thereof. Hereupon Sir I have heard some discourse, that they which have the managing of the money and of 
1587.  all authority in this Estate, are for the most part Merchants, Orators of towns, mechanike men, ignorant, loving gain naturally, without respect of honour: and who convert the people's money to their own private: and for that they are men of that condition, borne to obey rather than to command, who having once tasted the sweetness of authority (for that they have not had for some years any sovereign Prince) they have by little and little persuaded themselves that they were sovereigns, and under this name of the Estates, they have in a manner made themselves masters of the Estate; insulting over the people, and controlling him, to whom they had by oath referred the absolute and general government. I think this happens, for that such men are continued to many years in their charges, & being once entered and anchored there, they will command like Princes, and do all things at their pleasures: I know well the assembly of the Estates, hath been in all Estates an invention to bridle Kings and Princes, but they were never called but upon great and extraordinary necessity; neither were the same persons, always employed and sent: but (as it were requisite in this Estate) they deputed some from time to time, who representing the people respectively in the three Estates, came to such assemblies; and their commission, power and authority ended with the assembly, as it is observed in other places. If this custom (which is good and commendable,) cannot be reduced to the first institution, yet in my opinion they should change such men every year, or every six months: lest they should settle an opinion that they are masters and sovereigns: seeing that the Sovereignty belongs really unto the people, to whom they are but servants and deputies. I say in this Estate, where there is no Prince acknowledged nor lawfully advowed. If then there be less danger to be commanded, (and if it so fall out to be tyrannised) by one then by many, and that the like abuse of authority, and continuation of Magistrates and Offices of importance hath caused the ruin of the Commonweal of Rome, as histories makes mention; I see no other remedy for this mischief, but that the people be hereafter wary how they give so great power and authority, and suffer it continue so long in the hands of men of Mechanike and base condition: who grown proud with the command and authority which they have, abuse it daily, as well against the people, who have given them this charge, as against the Governors, to whom the people have referred the government and absolute power, both over themselves and over the whole Estate, And it were necessary to let the people understand, (who of themselves are good, mild and tractable) that this abuse will in the end be the ruin of this Estate: and yet they be not all the Estates (or to speak more properly, deputies of the Estates) of whom they complain, but as they say five or six only, who having gotten credit with the rest, dispose of all things at their pleasures, and for their private passions do bad and dangerous offices to this Estate, and to them that have interest therein: some through envy, jealousy and partiality, others through covetousness, and altogether through ambition and desire to rule alone and always. For this poor people have heretofore long laboured in vain, and for so many years suffered themselves to be fleshed, and in a manner the marrow of their bones sucked out; if at the appetite and by the bad government of five or six men of no sort, they would now without any urgent necessity, run headlong into the danger of a shameful peace with them who attend nothing else but the reduction of Holland and Zeeland, to be revenged of the revolt and rebellion which they pretend. From the which our good God by his holy grace, preserve this poor people, so many good men which are there, so many goodly churches which God would plant there, and that he will give better counsel and more wholesome advise to them that have the managing of the affairs and the conduct of the people etc. From Arnhem the 15. February 1587.  
Your humble and affectionate servant and friend. WARMOND of Stochelen.   

IN the beginning of Winter the Prince of Parma had caused the Earl of Mansfield, 
1587.  to besiege the town of Grave lying upon the Meuse, with four sconces, and 
The town of Grave besieged by the Prince of Parma.  had made a bridge over the river, and shut it up both above and beneath the town, thereby to keep it from victuals and other necessaries.  
In those sconces he placed 1500. men, and appointed 5000. Spaniards to lie about the town, and with the rest of his army he lay half a mile from thence, yet notwithstanding the governor, monsieur van Hemert sallied daily forth, and did much hurt to the enemy. The town of Grave having in this sort been 3. months besieged, the Earl of Leicester went out of the Hage, to Harlem & from thence to Amsterdam, & so to Vtrecht, sending his horsemen being 1400. to Niekerke in the Veluwe, to aid the town of Grave, giving charge to the Earl of Hohenlo, and to Sir john Norris, general of the English footmen, with 2000 foot, and the horsemen (though they were not to be used) to victual the town of Grave. They presently marching forward, went to Molen sconce a mile and a half from the town, and from thence began to ensconce themselves as near to the town as they could, close by the Meuse, between the town of Grave and Batenborch, not far from the Spanish sconces & their bridge, and upon the 15. of April at night, began to work with 300. soldiers and certain pioneers, and ere morning had raised a trench 3. foot high, which the Spaniards perceiving, issued forth to the number of 3000. to hinder their work, and by force drove them from it, having made resistance twice or thrice at the least, but in the end they were constrained to retire, & going back, met with 8. or 900. men, that came to aid them, whereupon they made a stand, and valiantly charged the Spaniards, and forced them to retire beyond the trenches which they had begun, close to their own forts, and in that skirmish slew 4 or 500 of them, & hurt a great number, and amongst the rest 7. captains, and two great personages were slain, taking from them a piece of ordinance which they had brought with them, of the Earl of Hohenloes and Sir john Norris side being half English, half Netherlanders) there was 130. or 140. slain, Sir john Norris himself being hurt in the breast with a pike, and Sir john Borrows had one of his fingers cut off. After that the Earl of Hohenlo, by means of his great piece, won the castle of Batenborch, and an other sconce, and the house of Empel and cut the ditch and let the water run into the land, for that the Meuse by reason of the land waters, was very high, so as he entered into the town with scuits and Boats, and went and victualled it himself, twice, one after the other, furnishing the town withal necessary provision, and more garrison under the government of Mounsire van Hemert.  
The Prince of Parma, being certified that it might be won by assault, upon the twefth of May, went in person before it, and placing a battery of 24. pieces began to play upon the town, both from over the water, and at both the ends, where he spent two thousand shot, and with a false alarm made a show to give an assault to see what they within would do, who were therewith somewhat amazed, and began to faint, whether it were by the advise and Council of some affected to the Spaniards, or by the towns men's means, who feared by an assault to lose the lives both of themselves and of their wives and children, and also by the advise of many well experienced soldiers, the assault could not be but much hurtful and very dangerous for them. The governor Mousier van Hemert seeing the Prince of Parma prepare to give a general assault, the day after to the battery with certain captains, made signs to 
The town of Grave ye●…lded up the 7. of july.  parley, and sent a trumpet about some honest capitulation, which many captains disliked, (having but the day before written unto the Earl of Leicester, that they doubted not, but to keep and defend the town well inoughfrom the enemy,) and by that means the town of Grave was delivered over to the Prince of Parma upon the seventh of july, upon condition that the garrison should issue out armed and such of the towns men as desired it, had liberty to depart the town with their wives and children, and such goods as they had, and for that purpose had ships lent them to bring them to Bommel, those that stayed within the town, likewise had reasonable conditions granted them.  
The Earl of Leicester understanding the Prince of Parmaces intent touching the town of Grave, leaving his enterprise, against Zutphen and Doesburch, resolved (although 
1587.  as then not fully prepared) to set upon the Prince of Parmaes' camp, and with a small army of three thousand foot and one thousand horse, he set forward, and went to Arneham and from thence over the rain into the Betuwe, where he caused divers forts, to be assailed and taken, as the sconces of Bergshoost, and Lutefort, the castle of Bemel and others. Appointing Sir Martin Schenck to take the Island called Sgravenweert, lying by the Tolhuis, where the rain divideth itself in two parts, the one part still holding the name of the rain, and runnet along by Arneham, the other part called 
The fort of Sgr●…uenweert built by Schinck called Schenks sconce.  the Wale, passing before Nimeghen, where he willed him to make a great sconce, thereby to free the Betuwe; which done, when as he thought to have passed over the Wale, and so to have set upon the Prince of Parmaes' camp, news was brought him, that the town of Grave was yielded up to the enemy, whereat he was somewhat amazed, and thereupon being advertised, that the Prince of Parma might peradventure march towards Bommel, he went to Bommelweert, sending his soldiers into all the places round about.  
When as Mounsire Van Hemert came to Bommel, the Earl caused him with other captains, to be committed to prison, and so sent to Vtrecht where their process being made, they were condemned to die, which most part of the Commanders seemed to dislike, in regard that they were no traitors, nor yet had any intelligence with the enemy, but for that the town of Grave was given over, through want of understanding and marshal policy, contrary to the will and intent of the governor General: but it was held a good example, and to the great furtherance of marshal discipline, which at that time was much decayed, and so the execution was referred to the discreti●…n of the Earl of Leicester, who upon the eight and twenty of june caused him 
The Lord of Hemerr beheaded in Vtrecht.  openly to be beheaded, with two captains, Du Bank, and Korf, which execution was by many men thought to be very rigorous, in regard that Mounsire Hemert was a very wise and a brave young Nobleman, and one of the chief houses in the Netherlands, who besought the Earl to grant him his life, and that he might serve the Queen of England, either by sea or by land, at his own charges, and by his valour and fidelity make recompense for his fault committed, but this rigour was the more borne with all, through hope that thereby better marshal discipline would be observed, which nevertheless took small effect: by which means the hearts of most of the Nobility of the Netherlands, were quite alienated from the Earl of Leicester, especially when 
The Nobility of the Netherlands fall in dislike of the Earl.  they saw, that an English captain called Welles whom the Earl of Hohenlo had taken, (being a traitor, and one of the actors to sell and betray the town of Alost unto the enemy) was not executed, but retained into service and put in credit, as also that the fugetive and traitor Rowland York, was likewise in much estimation, and put in credit with many great services.  
The Prince of Parma having gotten the town of Grave he was soon master of Megen and Batenborch and then he presently besieged Venloo, a town both by nature and art veric strong, with double ditches, lying upon the Meuse in Gelderland, and went before it with his whole army, lodging most of his men on the other side of the Meuse in Gelderland, and the rest in Brabant: within Venloo Shenck had his wife, and her sister, and all his household, with seven hundred men of his own regiment, for which cause Sir Martin Shenck, and an English knight called Sir Roger Williams, with a hundredth horse, sought all the means they could to get into the town, but found 
Venloo besieged by the Prince of Parma and won the 28. of june.  all the passages so well guarded, as they could not enter, nevertheless the gave a great alarm by night in the Prince of Parmaes' camp, and past so far through his guards, as they came to the Princes own Tent, and slew very many of his men, but finding the ways round about all stopped up, and perceiving (day beginning to break) that all the camp began to go to arms, they turned back again to Wachtendonck, with the loss of about some forty horse and men that were taken and slain.  
The twenty day of june, the Prince of Parma caused the Earl of Mansfield, to assail the strong village and house of Arsen which was presently taken, and upon the six and twenty day of june he caused a sconce to be placed upon three points or great scutes, and with three hundred Spaniards assailed one Island (lying in the 
1587.  Meuse before Venloo) which by them of the town was made strong, and a sconce made therein to defend the same, which he presently took; whereupon the townsmen (notwithstanding the strength of the town, having once resisted the whole power of the Emperor Charles the fifth) began to be some what amazed, and to speak of yielding up of the town, but the soldiers refused so to do, for which cause they set upon the soldiers that were upon the walls and in the Courts of guard, 
Venloo yielded to the Prince of Parma.  and compelled them to deliver the town over unto the Prince of Parma, which they did upon the eight and twenty day of june, with reasonable conditions, the soldiers to depart with their sword by their sides, with Schencks wise and his household: from thence the Prince of Parma went to Nuys, as hereafter we shall show.  
By reason of the great dearth of corn and other victuals in the country's lying under the Prince of Parmaes' command, they were enforced to bring corn from many places far distant from thence, and that with very strong guards and good convoys, yet many of their convoys were often set upon and overthrown, and this year in the month of May, four hundred Wagons being laden out of the countries of juliers, Cleves, and Liege, with corn and other necessary provisions, being convoied with a strong guard of one thousand soldiers horse and foot were assailed and set upon as the past before Antwerp, by the Noble Lord Willoughby Governor of Bergen up Zoome, with three hundred horse, and good troops of footmen most of them Englishmen, killing the most part of their enemies spoiling all the Wagons and bearing away all they could well carry, and having gotten four hundred horse and a hundred and eighty prisoners, they burned, and scattered most part of the corn, which they could not take with them, for that the garrison of Antwerp began to march out against them. About that time also the Earl of Hohenlo, and Sir William Pelham, Martial of the army for the States, made a great road into Brabant, and spoiled Langstraet, and had certain secret intelligences upon some of the forts there abouts, but they took no effect.  
The ways (by reason of the daily spoils and robbing of the soldiers) being very dangerous to pass without any convoie, and especially in the Diocese of Cologne 
A convoy of 3000. strong going to Colle●…, cut off by their own soldiers and many of them slain.  (which on all sides was sore plagued) for that cause a great number of Gentlemen, Merchants, Country people, and others to the number of some three thousand strong, being assembled at Berghen in the country of juilliers, to go to a Fare as then to be holden at Cologne, with many Wagons and great store of merchandise, were set upon by the soldiers of the garrisons of Bobert, and Ghenadeneal, most part of them were Spaniards serving under the Bishop of Colen, which convoie being (as I say) three thousand strong, had divided themselves into three parts, and had with them about the number of a hundred and fifty soldiers out of juilliers to convoy them, who marching in good order with their Cartes and Wagons by 〈◊〉, not above half a mile from Colen, were by the garrisons aforesaid, assailed and set upon, charging them that were in forefront, and killing all that made any resistance, upon which alarm the second troop coming on to aid the first, were all likewise slain and spoiled, three hundred of them at least, lying dead and scattered here and there in the way, men women and children, gentlemen and divers others were most cruelly murdered, not respecting nor regarding any man whatsoever, and all they had was taken from them. They that escaped fled to Colen, many hundreds of them being sore hurt and wounded, this war being a thing taken in hand by the town of Colen, more of self-will then for any reason they had, only because they would not suffer their Bishop and chief Commander Truxis, to marry a wife, and yet could endure (not without great speech and clamour) that their new elected Bishop, should keep and entertain many other men's wives, and concubines; this murder and spoil made upon the people traveling in this sort was much complained of, but no redress, nor punishment ensued.  
The like disorders and insolencies were committed in many other places of the 
1587.  country, for that the Earl of Niewenard, Sir Martin Schenck, and captain Cloet, made many roads into divers places, and almost upon all the towns of Westphalia, and the Diocese of Colen, burning and spoiling all the country round about, whereby at one time there might have been seen, standing upon the walls of Collen at the least fifty villages and places on fire altogether, besides the robbing, spoiling, and murders by the highways, which was committed by their own soldiers, that ran through the country spoiling and wasting all the towns and villages.  
In this great perplexity, there was a general assembly of the Estates held on the sixth day of February, at the Hage, to redress their affairs, lest they should grow 
Prince Maurice governs in the Earl of Leicester's absence.  desperate. Wherefore by virtue of the authority which they had reserved to themselves, they commanded Prince Maurice of Nassau, son to the deceased Prince of Orange their Governor (whom from the death of his father they had taken care to bring up) to take upon him (in the absence of the Earl of Leicester, at that time Governor general) the managing of the Government with the council of Estate, commanding all Colonels, Captains and Officers, (especially those that were in pay under the Generality of the said Provinces and not of the Queen of England's,) to take an oath of fidelity and obedience unto the said Prince Maurice, as unto their captain general: sending their deputies to that end into all parts, to receive the oath. Not that they meant thereby any way to blemish or dyminish the Earl of Leicester's authority: but only to settle the said Prince Maurice in the particular governments of Holland, Zeeland and Vtrecht, as his father had been: for that by reason of these occurrents some things had been altered in the said governments, against the constitutions and ancient customs of the said countries, which by his means they would have restored: whereby they might hold the other Estates and towns in good terms with them, and the English soldiers in their fidelity and obedience, for that some had murmured (by reason of the treasons of Stanley and York) that they must make a distinction betwixt the good and bad English, whom they must not measure all a like, to the end that the faithful and virtuous (from whom long before as from Colonel Norrys and others they had drawn great services) might not confusedly be comprehended in the number of wicked men and traitors.  
The Estates seeing this dangerous alteration of their affairs, had on the fourth of February written letters of complaint unto the Queen of England and to the Earl of Leicester, with an ample relation of the causes of their complaints, and a representation of the poor estate, into the which the united Provinces were reduced, and the great and apparent inconveniences, if they were not speedily prevented: which letters by reason of their tediousness I thought good to omit, being very ill taken by the Earl of Leicester, who thought himself wronged in his honour and reputation, making them to seem distasteful unto the Queen; who being better informed by the Council of State which remained there with the Earl of Leicester, having in the General Estates name made their excuse for their sharp manner of writing, beseeching her gracious Majesty to impute it to the perplexity of the time, and the grief by them conceived for the sudden loss of Deventer and of the sconce before Zutphen, in the end at the instant request of the Council of State, she sent the Baron of Buckhorst, a Nobleman of her majesties privy Council, 
The Baron of Buckhorst s●…nt into the Netherlands.  and of great authority, into the united Provinces with Doctor Clarke a civil Lawyer, to the end that with the advise of Colonel Norris and Master Wilkes they might pacesie all controversies, and reform all errors to the best contentment of the parties.  
The Lord of Buckhorst being arrived in Holland, about the end of March, in the assembly of the general Estates, he required in the name of the Queen his Mistress a more ample declaration of certain points mentioned in their letter of the fourth of February. The estates entered unwillingly into it, and would have wished that all those complaints 
1587.  had been forgotten, without any further reviving of that wound. Notwithstanding seeing that he urged it so vehemently, they answered by an act of the 17. of june, first they had complained that the Earl of Leicester, would keep no order in his government, nor take any advice from the Estates, or the council of States, as all precedent governors of royal blood, yea the Emperor's sister, had done in the Nethelands. That having in his absence committed the government unto the council, by an act of the twenty three of November 1586, the same day by an other act he had taken their authorty from them, retaining unto himself all absolute power. That he renewed and changed the seal and counterseale of the united Provinces, having set his own arms in the midst of the great seal, the counter-seale being only of his arms which never any Governors had done. That under colour of piety and religion, he believed flatterers and liars, who had taxed the Estates unto him, to be enemies to the religion, sor they had refused the ministers the contents of a petition, tending to new ordinances, and discipline after their own fantasies, as if they would deal in the afrayers of the common weal and the government thereof, the which the Prince of Orange the Nobility and the towns did never like of, to avoid confusion: the said Earl having suffered himself to be so persuaded by those flatterers, as to give leave unto the ministers to make a general assembly of a Synod without the Privity of the Estates, to whom the knowledge of such things belonged. That they had falsely persuaded him that the council of Estate was an enemy to his authority and greatness, and that by their ambition and for their private profit they sought to supplant him, as appeared by a certain discourse presented unto him of the invention of Ringault and Stephen Perret: whom he did so countenance, as he believed what soever they said, giving no credit to any of the council of State: They had possessed him, with such a jealousy and distrust of them so as without the advice of the said council he caused Rose-nobles 
Rose nobles coynedat Amsterdam.  to be coined in Amsterdam, where as they had never been before any mint or sworn officers, against the privileges of Dordrecht to whom this right doth only appertain, as to the first and most ancient town of Holland. The Noble was allowed two florins above the value according to the course of other coins. All which was done not only without the advice of the council of States, but also without taking council of the precedents and officers of the chamber of accompts, nor of the generals of the mint. That he had by the persuasions of the said flatterers made a proclamation of the fourth of April, 1586. by the which the navigation and traffic into France and Spain was prohibited, tending to the ruin of the Country, and retreat of the Merchants and mariners, wherein consisted their prosperity.  
That the Earl had neglected to cause two thousand german horse, three thousand foot and a thousand pioneers to advance, the which being joined with the Queen's army and the States, he might have made himself master of the field, and driven a way the enemy, notwithstanding that the money was ready, and so many advertisements which came: so as instead of making an offensive war, as they might have done, they were forced to stand upon the defencive. That fence the Earl had entered into the government there had never been any general muster of the English horse and foot which the Queen had sent to their succours, notwithstanding that the Estates had often required it, and he as often promised, yea it was found by the accompts of her majesties treasorers, that the entertainment of those horse men had been paid by the twelfth of November 1585. with her majesties money, but upon the country's charge, although the said horsemen were not mounted, nor ready to pass musters in three months after, no not half that number which ought to have been, according to the contract. Besides that by the great numbers of English: Scottish, and Irish, which the said Earl had brought into the country, without the privity of the Estates and directly contrary to the contract, the Provinces have been brought to a confusion, for that they had not balanced this charge with the means and Estate of the country which hath been the cause that the soldiers borne in the country, for these ten months have received but four pays, some three: and some but two: and the horsemen of the country but two pays, the which hath not been but with the prejudice and great 
1587.  danger of the estate.  
That the Earl by the advice of his flatterers, had erected a tresor chamber against the advice and consent of the general Estates, and of the council of State, making jaques Ringault treasurer general thereof, one that was a Spaniard in heart, and worthily suspected. That he had also put men into the admiralties at his own devotion, who had no knowledge of Navigation, strangers, not of Holland nor Zeeland, nothing acquainted with sea causes and much less with war by sea and provision for fleets: which had been the cause that the ports of Dunkirk, graveling and Nieuport had done much more harm unto the Estates, that year then in all the precedent. And withal that he had given commission unto Ringault, to use a kind of inquisition against the merchants, searching not only their store houses and packs, but also their studies, books, registers and papers, without information of any judges, before whom they might have defended and justified themselves, the which they hold here to be Barbarous and Savage, impugning the liberties and freedoms of the country.  
Moreover the said Sycophants did incense the people much against their Magistrates, as in Vtrecht where they have chased away the chief of the country, the like they did unto Master Paul Buys, a councillor of Estate, casting him into prison, without doing him right, not knowing his adverse party. The said Earl had also suffered himself to be so persuaded by these Sycophants, as to call in doubt the disposition of the general Estate of these Provinces, especially of Holland and Zeeland, of the which there was never question in eight hundred year, no not against their enemies: whereof they have been so bold and rash as to discourse and write, counseling him among other things to govern the country without the Estates, and that the government would never be of any force so long as the Estates did deal with the managing of affairs, their authority being but a mere usurpation and tyranny over the people, which belonged only unto the sovereignty and not unto the Estates, who were but servants to the generality. So as they have proceeded so far in some places and towns of the country, as they caused him to take upon him the sovereignty, under colour to refer it unto her Majesty of England. These men seeing also in what credit the house of Nassau was in this country, for the great services which they had received from the deceased Prince of Orange, his brethren and allies, they sought to undermine the foundation. And as they had no means to supplant and disappoint Prince Maurice of his governments of Holland and Zeeland, the which were given him after his father's death, and ratesied by the contract made with her majesty, to dismember the said government of Holland, they made a private commission to Dericke Sonoy of the government of Northolland (otherwise called West-Freezland) of Gorcum to captain Claeragen: of Vianen to the Signior of Locren, of Muyden to captain john Bacx, to govern them absolutely under the Earl's authority without the advice of the Council of Estates.  
As also there were other private Governors which were put into the towns of Gelder, Vtrecht, and Oueryssel, all which governors would never in the least point yield unto Prince Maurice governor of Holland, not unto the Earl of Maeurs governor of Gelder, Vtrecht and Oueryssel: so as he hath brought in divers governors with equal power in one Province, the which could not be without confusion: Yet there was no redress, notwithstanding many admonitions that were given unto the Earl. They complained also that that the town of Deventer and the great fort before Zutphen (which were two of the keys of the country) had been committed to Stanley and York, contrary to the liking of the Estates, who held them to be no better than traitors: And although the Earl had engaged his person and honour for their fidelities, yet they found by experience and to their loss that errors committed in matters of State, are not to be repaired by gage, pledge nor caution. And as it seemed that these flatterers and bad councillors, sought nothing more than the ruin of the country. The Nobility and towns (to discover the ground of all) had seized upon the person 
1587.  and papers of Stephen Perret, whereby it was known that the said jeames Ringault was 
S●…phen Perret a prisoner.  the chief motive and conductor of all the troubles, a mortal enemy to the Estates and the country, secretly reconciled to the Spaniard, and making profession to overthrow all good dessigns and advise, and to break of all good correspondency betwixt the Estates and the Earl: as it appeared sufficiently by the banishment of the best Burghers of Vtrecht, whom he called, vetus fermentum.  
All which having been imparted unto the Earl by the deputies of the private Estates of Holland, and finding it true, he decreed that Ringault should be put in prison, promising to do good justice, and commanding the Provincial council of Holland and west Freezland to make his process, yet he wrought so by the means of his adherents and partisans as he was enlarged, and for that he should not be answerable to the jurisdiction of Holland, he was led to Vtrecht; there to be head of the mutins, and to divide Vtrecht withal that diocese from Holland, using persuasions without ground to the Earl and to some English Noblemen, that the Estates and the council of Estate were enemies to religion and to the Earl's authority, for which cause the said Ringault was discovered by the papers that were seized on, being a very hypocritical Spaniard, and a dissembling counterfeit, seeking but to enrich himself with the country's money, then to play bankrupt and so retire to the enemy's party: As he did since, where they scorn him, suffering him to die in prison at Brussels like a beggarly rascal, being detained for his old and new debts: Finally to the end their councils and practices should not be hindered by the Earl's absence and retreat into England, they caused him to sign this last act, whereof mention hath been made, by the which the authority of the Estates and council was restrained in the main points concerning the preservation of the country the which he reserved to his own will and disposition, especially the change and renewing of English garrisons, holding the chief towns and forts of the country. The which was done so secretly, as neither the general Estates, the council of estate, or any private person did ever hear speak of it until that Stanley refused to obey the counsel of Estate, producing the said act for his defence. They declared also that after the yielding up of Deventer and the forts of Zutphen, if the fidelity of general Norris and some Englishmen that were of the council of State, had not been, it was to be feared that the garrisons of Berghen up Zoom, and Ostend (after the example of Stanley and York) had done the like, considering the familiarity they had with the enemy: to whom the English soldiers fled by troops, leaving their Sentynells' and Corpse de guard.  
whereupon amidest so many doubts and distrusts, so many practices and factions among the commons: so many complaints of soldiers for their bad pay considering, also the danger that might grow by the want of a Commander, the general Estates of the united Provinces thought it expedient (having no other means to be assured from so mighty an enemy) seeing that the respect of her Majesty of England and the Earl's authority failed them then, to take some course themselves: restoring the governor's of Provinces to their first authority, and setting a good order for their soldiers, for the preservation and fortification of their frontiers, and to send their ships of war to sea against the enemy, the better to incorrage the subjects. They remembered also the passports given in England by the Secretary Bourgrave, under the Earl's name as governor of the united Provinces, the which they said could not be good in law: for that a governor hath no command out of his provinces: and besides it was against the good of the country. They also gave a reason for the enlargement of Paul Buys, concluding in the end that the letter of the fourth of February, had been written advisedly and with mature deliberation by the estates, who have been always accustomed to proceed roundly and plainly and without any dissimulation, to impart unto their Lords, Princes, and governors, any thing that might grieve or charge the people. The which they have always found the most safest course, and least offensive to their Princes, that used reason and justice, seeing that for the love of the commons they descovered the naked truth unto them, to disswad them from that which slanderous and false practices might induce them to believe, and so abuse them, to the 
1587.  prejudice of their honours and reputation. As also there shall be nothing found in the said letter but the pure truth, proceeding from the sincere affection which they bear unto their dear country, to her Majesty, and to the honour and authority of the said Earl. And fearing happily that her Majesty by some sinister impression of the said letters had withdrawn the affection which she did bear unto their affairs, whereon depends the health of their estate, and that at other times the like had happened upon their petitions: they found nothing more expedient then to send her a copy, relying upon her majesties singular bounty and wisdom (whereof they had heretofore tasted) when she should be more particularly informed of the whole estate of the country, whereby she may be the better inclined to grant them some extraordinary succours, to repair that which was shaken, according to the tenor of the said letters.  
This answer and ample declaration was made by the general Estates the seventeen of june: with the which the Ambassadors and some other of the English nation, after many disputes and replies, had cause of contentment. But the Earl of Leicester was not well pleased therewith, as he showed afterwards by his justification, the which he caused to be printed at his return from England, coming to succour Scluse: being much discontented with the Lord of Buckhurst, Doctor Clarke, Master Wilkes, and especially with general Norris, whom he caused to be called home, to be sent into Ireland to his government: the Estates were very desirous to keep him still (having done 
General Norris called home into England.  them good service after the loss of Deventer and Zutphen, and well maintained her Majesties and the English men's honour and reputation) and to make him marshal of their army which they intended to bring to field, for the relief of Scluse, under the command of Princc Maurice, and the Earl of Hohenlo, but of force he must go as he did, with great commendation, and testimony to her Majesty, both from the general Estates, the Estates of Holland, the Earl of Hohenloo, and others, of his good and faithful service.  
The Queen herself was not well pleased with the declaration made by the Estates as she let them understand by her letters of the thirtieth of june, to them. The 
The Queen discontented with the Estates letters.  which were sent by Sir Henry Killegrey and Master Robert Beale, whereunto the Estates answered with all mildness and modesty, excusing themselves, and informing her Majesty better. During all these factions and partialities, the Duke of Parma continued the course of his prosperity: meaning to besiege Scluse, a Town and Castle standing upon the Sea-coast, the which is the very Port of the mighty, goodly, and rich town of Bruges in Flanders, three leagues from thence. For as nothing past in Holland and Zeeland betwixt the Estates and the Earl of Leicester touching their division, but he was daily advertised thereof by some that were at his devotion in the said countries, (yea as it was said) by some that had great dealing with the affairs of Estate: 
The Duke of Parma prepares to besiege Scluse.  he thought it now time to provide them some work towards the Sea-coast: for the effecting whereof he had caused great levies of men to be made in Italy, under the leading of the Marquis of Guast, Camillo Capisucca, Carlo Spinella, Alexandro de Monte, and others, making show as if he would go to the Veluwe. Some of his men had lain about Bruges ever since May, and now and then increased their numbers, seeming as if they had lain there, only to stop the incursions of them of Ostend and Scluse. His soldiers being come all together, on the seventh of june, he marched out of Brussels with nine companies of horse, and the next day came to Bruges, all his army following him to besiege Scluse.  
In the mean time Arnold of Groenevelle, a Gentleman of an ancient house in Holland, Colonel of a regiment of foot, and governor of the said Town and Castle of Scluse, feeling this storm approach, and doubting it would fall upon him, or upon Ostend, seeking to provide for it and prevent it with all the diligence he could: on the 
The Signior Groenevelt governor of Scluse.  fifteen of june he did write unto sir William Russell, son to the Earl of Bedford (who had succeeded sir Philip Sidney in the government of Flushing for the Queen of England) as to his nearest neighbour for some help: sending him word that after diligent search what provision was in the said town, he found not sufficient to hold out long: whereupon Sir William Russell dispatched his Secretary wtih Nicholas of Meetkerke his 
1587.  Lieutenant presently to Prince Maurice, and to the Estate of Zeeland, requiring them to succour Sluice with men, victuals and munition of war. But having no comfort from them but promises, the Zeelanders not holding the danger so great, as the Signior of Groenevelt made it by his letters: Sir William Russel commanded his Secretary and his Lieutenant Meetkerke, to gather together, with the help of the Magistrate, all the grain they could within the town, and to send it presently to Scluse. So as the same day a ship being laden with corn, parted from Flussing and entered into Sluice 
Sir William Russel Lord gou●…nor of Flussing sends corn to Sluice and men.  without danger, whereof the Governor Groenevelt was very glad. And by the means of Sir William Russell, there came from Berghen up Zoom and from Ostend three companies of foot to Flussing, to the which the Governor added a forth drawn out of his own garrison, these four companies were near eight hundred men. The Queen of England hearing that the Duke of Parma's design was upon the sea coasts of Flanders: either against ostend (which she had taken into her protection) or Scluse: she sent Sir Roger Williams and some English Gentlemen to Ostend: but being ●…ere arrived, and hearing that the Spaniards camp was planted before about Sluice, they went to Flushing to join with the said four companies, and the twelfth of june they entered with certain ships laden with corn, arms, powder, boullets and other munition into the haven of Scluse, but not without great danger of the enemy's 
Supplies of men and munition sent to Scluse.  cannon, who the day before had taken one of the forts without the town, called Beckeaf: and held the mouth of the haven, where he had planted great store of Artillery. These succours being happily entered, the governor Groenevelt did write again unto the Estates of Zeeland requiring great succours of Victuals and especial of munition of war: but the ships going forth to carry this message, were taken in the mouth of the Haven, so as after that time, none could go in, nor get out. The Duke of Parma had one part of his army lodged in the I'll of Cassandt right against the Haven of the town, at a place called Ter-Hofsted and another part at Saint Anne Termayden, right with the which he forced a fort which the Estates had built upon the sea shore at Blankenberg, by the which he freed his camp; and the vittualls that came unto them from the courses of them of Ostrend.  
The beeseeged behaving themselves very valiantly, made many gallant and furious sallies upon the Spaniards, in the which they slew very many of their enemies, but notwithout some loss of their own men. Among the Netherlands which won most honour were Nicholas Meetkerke Lievienant Colonel, son to the precedent of Flanders: Charles Heraugiere at this time governor of the town and Castle of Breda, Nicholas of Maude, son to the Signior of Mausart and others: among the English there was Sir Francis Vere now governor of the town and land of Bryele: Sir Roger Williams; Colonel Huntley, Captain Thomas Baskeruille and others. The forth of july, Patton Colonel of a Scottish regiment, and commanding in the town of Geldes in the absence of Colonel Schenke, following the steps of Stanley and York, sold the 
Patton a Scottish-man yee●…ds Gelder's to the Spaniards.  town unto the Lord of Haultpenne, for the King of Spain, for thirty six thousand florins, with an express condition that he would reserve unto himself the spoil and ransoms of certain of the chief and richest Burghers. His enterprise was executed in this manner. The Earl of Leicester being offended much with him, had threatened to cassier him, and to put Stuart in his place: he to prevent this and to be revenged of the disgrace, having treated and concluded with Haultepenne, he gave them of the town to understand, that Colonel Schenk had sent him order to keep his men ready in arms that coming the night following with his horsemen they might go together to an enterpize the which was easy to be believed, for that Schenk was often accustomed to make use of the garrison of that town in that manner.  
His men being thus in arms, Patton instead of Schenk drew in Haultepenne: The Burghers descovering this to soon, put themselves in defence, but it was in vain, many flying into the castle which they were forced to yield, paying their ransom. By this treason Colonel Schenck lost his horses, arms, and all his movables and 
1587.  treasure, which Patton seized on: And as the Proverb says. From the Devil it comes, and to the Devil it goes. For all this wealth which Schenck had, came by spoils. This Patton by the means of his great wealth gotten this ways, married the poor widow of Ponthus of Noyelle, Lord of Bours, who helped to pull the Castle of Antwerp out of the Spaniards hands as we have said before. This Lady was of the house of Bieure whom the Lord of Champaigny thought to have married, but his gout, and Pattons' money hindered it, the very same night that he should have been made sure to her.  
Prince Maurice of Nassau having (as we have said) the government of the United Provinces, committed unto him, in the absence of the Earl of Leicester, being very desirous to draw the Duke of Parma from the siege of Scluce, he caused 
Prince Maurice m●…kes a road into Brabant to divert the siege of Sclu●…e  the Earl of Hohenlo his Lieutenant, to make a road into Brabant with a small army, which his men did spoil; and burned twenty two villages, and two small Towns, making a show as if they would besiege Boisledu: which he then thought easy to be done by reason of the high waters, and the dearth of corn, wherewith the Towns were as then but badly furnished. But the Duke of Parma having more men than he needed before Scluce, he sent Haultepenne (Barlaymonts' son) with two and forty companies offoote, and twenty five troops of horse, who encamped at Bixtell, not very far from Boisleduc. In the mean time the Estates protracting the succours for Scluce, they began to feel the want of the Earl of Leicester, and to desire him, many saying that his authority and presence was very necessary.  
The which the Earl understanding, supposing that this should recover his honour which had been interessed by their former Imputations and reproaches: Having obtained leave from her Majesty, he parted from England, and returned 
The Earl of Leicester returns into Zealand.  into Zealand the sixth of july, with many soldiers which he brought with him, where he was attended with great devotion; where he made preparation to succour Scluce, and to raise the Duke of Parma from the siege. Prince Maurice hearing of his coming went unto him, accompanied by General Norris (who was then to go into England) Colonel Schenck and other Colonel's, with their troops, as well of Netherlanders, English, as Scottish: Leaving the Earl of Hohenloo, with three thousand men horse and foot, in the jurisdiction of Boisleduc, to keep the Frontiers of Holland, attending greater forces from Gelderland, Freezeland, Vtrecht, and other places, which came not. Yet notwithstanding the Earl of Hohenloo left not to besiege the Fort of Engelen, the which he took by force and razed. The Lord of Haultepenne being come to raze the siege, was encountered by Hohenlos' horsemen and defeated: He was by mischance hurt with the bough of a tree which fell upon his neck, being broken down with a piece of great 
Haultepenne defeated and slain.  Ordinance from the ships, whereof he died the fourteenth of july in the town of Boisleduc.  
The Earl of Leicester being returned into Zealand for the relieving os Scluce, the General Estates came unto him, unto whom Doctor Leoninus made a speech in his Excellency's behalf: Giving them to understand that he was very glad of 
D. Leonlnus sp●…ech to the general estates in his Excellency's name.  their arrival, hoping that by his presence he should be assisted in the executions of some military exploits that were in hand, and required expedition, the which (especially the relief of Scluce) his excellency did so much affect, as neglecting his own private affairs he had made haste to return into these parts for the preservation of the general: whereunto his Excellency hath brought so great an affection, that although he finds his honour interessed by reason of some scandals which have been razed during his absence, and certain letters which were sent into England; yet he desires not by reason of those mistake, the said exploits of war, and other affairs concerning the public good, should be delayed; entreating them to enter into conference, concerning the Estate of the men of war, their pay, arms, munition and necessary victuals, to the end that Scluce might be relieved in convoied to Bresque, where they were received by the ships of Zeeland and transported 
1587.  to Flussingue. Thus was Scluce (after that it had been valiantly defended for the space of two months) in the end given over for want of succours: for the which it seems they that defended it were but hardly censured by the Estates, in giving it up so soon. Whereupon Sir Roger Williams in his book called a discourse of war, makes a brief relation of the service they did within the town, and to justify their proceedings, the which I have thought to insert here for the Readers better satisfaction of the particularities.  
I protest (saith he) by the faith of a soldier, that what I write is true; As near as I can remember we kept the town of Scluce some three score days: divers think it 
Sir Roger Will●ams words in his discourse.  no time, for that Harlem, Mastricht and others were kept longer: little do they think how those two places were furnished with all things necessary, when as the lesser of them both had in it six thousand hands to fight and work. Let us be rightly censured, I will prove that Bouvines was the most furious siege, since the Duke of Alva's arrival, unto this hour, the which began and ended in less than twenty days, and yet there were more captains and soldiers spoiled by the sword and bullet, then at Harlem, which continued ten months: experimented captains will confess that they fury of all breaches are tried in few hours. We were not in Scluce one thousand six hundred men to fight, work and all: we had to keep (accounting the two forts) above two miles and a half. It is well known that before we entered, the town had lost one fort. If we showed any valour in our entry, let Sir Henry Palmer and his seamen, with them of Zeeland judge: the danger was such, as of the vessels which carried us in, five were taken the next coming out.  
The third tide Sir Charles Blunt (afterwards Lord Montioy and Earl of Devonshire) offered fifty pounds (besides the commandment his masters and mariners received at his embarking) to carry us in some necessary provision from Sir William Russell, than Lord Governor of Flussing, who indeed was the causeof our entry, resolution and quick dispatch, sending unto us a good quantity of victuals and munition; and to say the truth without his importunity and diligence, we had not entered: and then the world knows the town had been lost without blows, as a number were in those countries, far better than Scluce.  
The better sort do know, had I and my companions made merchandise of our lives as tradesmen do of their wars we had not entered into Scluce, for our directions were but for ostend we were battered with thirty Cannons and eight Culverins on Saint Jacob's Eve, from three of the clock in the morning, until five in the afternoon, whereas they discharged above four thousand Cannon-shor. By the Dukes own confession he never saw so furious a battery in one day. We were made saultable above two hundred and fifty paces betwixt siue of the clock and seven: we were above five times at the push of the pike for our breach, where we spoilt the enemies in great numbers: who descovering our trenches within overthwart the breach, quieted their furies: afterwards we kept the town eighteen days, the enemy being lodged in our port, rampar and breach above three hundred paces; in the which time he passed six paces through the port, to beat our trenches within: we kept our fort until we were made saultable more than our troops could guard, unless we would quit the town: being mined, we countermined them, in the which we fought nine days with sword, target and pistol: at our breach, port and rampar we fought daily with pikes, short weapons and stones, besides our shot, for those eighteen days. As for our sallies, let the enemy testify. The duke of Parma being entered, he asked me which was Baskerville, who standing before him, I showed him, whom he embraced, and turning towards his nobility, he said: there serves no Prince in Europe a braver man: true it is that at one sally captain Thomas Baskeruill had the point with an hundred Corslelts of the best sort, who charged and made to run 8. Spanish Enseigns of the Tertia Vecho, and hurt their Malster dol Campo: indeed he was seconded by a number of others; but himself was principally known by certain prisoners, and his great plume of feathers: Sir Francis Vere was also noted by his red mandilion, who stood always in the head of the armed men, at the assaults of the 
1587.  town and fort, being twice hurt, I and other of his friends, requested him to retire: to whom he answered, that he had rather be killed ten times at a breach then once in an house. Captain Hart most valiantly swam in and out to acquaint the Estates, with our wants and dangers: the world doth know what picks and jars there was betwixt them at that time, such as none can deny there was a full resolution taken to enter in by water. The world doth know our army by land retired at midnight from Blankenborough to Ostend. Let envy and malice speak what they list, truth may be blamed, but it shall never be shamed. We were lost men but for our own wits and resolution: our powder was all spent so far, as we had not to maintain half a days fight, the enemy had gotten so far into our rampar, as their shot flanked into our trenches: for eighteen nights together, we lay continually Officers and all at our breach, and there eat our meat: we had not four field pieces of twenty left unbroken with their Ordinance: we endured in the town and fort seventeen thousand four hundred and odd Cannot shot. And whereas malicious tongues speak of our assault, I protest we endured one assault in the fort, both at the breaches and mine, from nine of the clock in the morning until two in the afternoon, whereas the brave Marquis of Renty was hurt, the great captain Mounsire La Motte lost his arm, and Mounsire De Stripigny Colonel of the Bourgognons was slain, with divers captains and officers: besides by their own report they had slain at that assault about seven hundred men, and as many hurt: we had hurt and slain at that assault above a hundred and fifty: whereas Colonel Huntley, Sir Edmond Udall, Sir john Scot, Captain Ferdinando Groge, Master Sentliger, Captain Nicholas Baskeruille, with divers other Gentlemen and Officers behaved themselves most valiantly, both at that assault and at all other services. During the said siege, Captain Francis Allen swam in with Captain Hart after the breach was made, and during his time none showed greater valour. Truly all the Dutch and Walloons with their companies, showed themselves constant, resolute and valiant, especially those brave and valiant captains Metkerke and Heraugier: We were but four English bands, near two hundred men strong a piece by reason that we divided amongst them some two hundred and fifty Musketeers, who by the means of the Governor of Flessingue came with us from his garrison, from Berghen and from Ostend. There were many Lieutenants, Enseignes and Sargents adventurers besides those soldiers: the better half of our men were slain, for 1600. English, Walloons and Flemish, we carried not our seven hundred.  
In respect of our losses our captains asked pay for the whole numbers: wherefore the Estates and others would not confess our losses to be so great: from the first hour of our entry until our going out, none came to us but such as swam in. The duke of Parma himself asked me in the presence of many, what our losses were? I answered him the truth as near as I could. He himself with divers others assured us that he had lost before Sluice five and forty Captains, besides other Commanders; and more soldiers than he had lost at Nuys, Bercke, Grave and Venloo.  
Some objected also, if they had been in such danger at Sluice, why did the duke of Parma yield them so large a composition? I know no reason but this, six days before we gave over the town, all the captains and officers met in Council, having seen our dangers and some finding the heat of our succours, we assigned the Articles of our composition, and swore all to have them granted unto us or to die, and to bury the town and castle, and then to escape as we could through the drowned lands. The copy of those Articles with other letters we sent unto the Earl our General and to the Estates, the which fell into the enemy's hands, by reason the messenger was slain in swimming by their boats and palissadoe on the river. This is well known unto all our companions, for the Marquis of Renty out of his trench told it openly before all our guards at the breach, that one Owen a Welsh Gentleman had much ado to put my fowl hand into Italian for the Duke. We also made a sally where we lost two Officers, who showed them our resolution, the which we maintained being face to face with the Duke in our parley, and returned once from him into the town, thinking that he would not yield to some of the articles: but his own wisdom, 
1587.  or his council persuaded him to send for us again, and to sign them all. But I protest upon the faith of a Christian, and I think all my companions will do the like, that for my part I know not how we might have kept the town twelve hours longer with the loss of our lives, had we been all desperate, if it had pleased the enemy to attempt us: but it is most true, rather than to have accepted of any base conditions, most of us would have ended our lives in that place. I protest I write not this to condemn any one in particular nor in general that should have succoured us, nor to rob the least defendant of his right: for I confess myself the simplest captain of half a dozen that were within the town, three or four of them (were they known and rightly judged) are sufficient to conduct double that garrison in any army in the world, & to command a greater troop having authority. These are Sir Roger Williams own words to justify the yielding up of Sluse.  
After this loss of Sluice, the Earl of Leicester determined to stop up the mouth of the haven, but the officers of the admiralty and others were of opinion that it could not be done, yet the Englishmen thought otherwise: whereupon suspecting the Zeelanders, he sent into Holland for certain old ships, the which were granted, yet it was not done: but on the other side sense that time the haven is much bettered, by reason that the sea hath scoured the sand away. The loss of this town made them to murmur much against the Earl, (especially the common people) who hearing of the 
The Earl excuseth himself  accord, retired himself into Zeeland; imputing the loss of this town to the want of men, money and other means, greatly taxing the admiralty of Zeeland and the officers, namely one Martin Drooghe, whom he caused to be put in prison, where he continued six months until that the Earl being retired the second time into England (having justified himself of that wherewith he was accused) he was set at liberty, and restored to his credit.  
Those that were affected unto the Earl's party, excused him and laid all the blame upon the Estates, accusing them, that they sought to take his authority from him and to command themselves leaving him but the vain title of a Governor. The Earl passing by the Island of Zeeland arrived the seventeen of August at Berghen up Zoom, (a town held also by the English, where as the Lord Willoughby was governor) from thence the Earl sent some troops into Brabant, to make an enterprise upon the castle of Hochstraten, the which succeeded not. From Berghen he went to Dordrecht whereas 
The general estates held at Dordrecht where the Earl excuseth himself.  the general Estates of the Provinces assembled. The Earl being in the open assembly of the general estates, made a long speech: by the which he first excused himself and grieved much for the treasons of Stanley, York and Patton, by whom he complained that he had been basely deceived: the which he said might have happened to any captain, general of an army or governor of a country and state, were he more politic and of greater experience than he was. That they were not the first traitors which had deceived their masters in the said united Provinces. As for the relieving of Sluice, he would maintain that it was not his fault, having there in employed his best endeavours.  
That the three thousand or 2500. men which had been promised him for supplies, and the hundred thousand florins had failed, of the which (calling the treasurer general to witness) he had received but thirty thousand in ready money. That the said Estates knew well themselves, how ill he had been served by the sea captains and officers which had been given him: who made him believe (to divert him from these succours) that if they had passed on, being before the town the enemy would from the other side of the Sluice of Bruges sink all their ships with his Artillery, notwithstanding they were sufficiently informed three was an other depth under the castle, where as they might lie without any danger as he said it appeared by the report of captains and soldiers that were come from them of the town. So as he could not put in execution the desire he had to succour it, and therefore the blame was not to be laid upon him but upon them that had failed of their duties, and not furnished that which was needful, according unto that which had been decreed betwixt him and the Estates.  
Whereupon, after they had laid before him the letters written by him in june before out of England to secretary junius, tending to fortify and incorrage such as he 
1587.  knew affected to his party in the towns and countries of Holland and Zeeland. Descovering thereby that at his return he pretended to govern and command in the same manner as the Emperor Charles and King Philip his son had done, and if he should be restrained of that authority, that he would abandon the Netherlands quite, and retire himself into England. Whereupon the Nobility and towns of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland presented a declaration unto the Earl in writing dated the twentieth day of August, which they intended to have given him before, but for some 
The State's declaration to the Earl of the Leicester.  good considerations they had forborn to offer it till then. Declaring thereby (as duty bound them) how much they held themselves bound unto her Majesty, for her great care of Religion, and the good of those countries, and that it had pleased her to employ his Excellencies' person: seeing that it had not stood with her good liking to take the sovereignty upon her, to whom they would have yielded as great respect and subjection, as ever they did unto the Emperor Charles the fifth or to any other Prince whatsoever: but for that they did find by experience, that there are divers seditious and busy headed fellows, which labour to sow dissension, and to breed discontents, betwixt the Estates of these countries and his excellency, seeking to blemish and disgrace the authority of the Estates, and to make his excellency absolute Governor in all respects. They let his excellency understand (to the end that all jealousies, and distrusts might be laid aside and forgotten) that they did and do yet understand, that for want of a natural Prince, the sovereignty of those countries returned unto the Nobility, Gentlemen 
For want of a natural Prince the government returns to the Noble gentry and towns.  and Towns, and that after the King of Spain (who heretofore had been their natural and sovereign Lord) had left those countries; all acts of sovereignty were lawfully exercised by the Estates; and in that manner they had contracted with divers Princes, and namely with her Majesty, and thereupon by a general consent, had given unto his excellency the authority of Governor and Captain General over those countries. And furthermore to stop the mouths of ill affected, and contentious persons, they showed that the Estates were not presented by any private persons, but by the Nobility, Gentlemen and Towns: so as they are much deceived which think that the Estates consist of certain private persons, and that the faults wherewith such men charges them, cannot justly be imputed to them, and the rather, for that the Estates have always conceived and understood, that if any one should intrude himself into their assemblies, or meddled with their proceedings, although it concerned himself, he ought to be punished for examples ●…ke: beseeching his excellency that if he could name any such men, they would assist him to have them punished, according to their deserts. And whereas question was made by those busy headed fellows, whether his excellency had the like authority given him, as the Emperor Charles the fifth had: or the like in every respect that the Governors of the Netherlands (which are by them appointed) ever had: They besought his Excellency to understand, that although the Estates, Governors, Officers and Ministers of justice, in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, and of other Princes his predecessors, were not by oath bound unto the Governor General of the Netherlands: yet the Estates held themselves bound unto his excellency being in the Netherlands, to be obedient unto him, according unto the lawful custom and manner, with joint and conferred authority, not meaning thereby in any respect to impeach or derogate from their due authority, but that it still belongeth unto, and resteth in the general Estates, and the Estates of the particular Provinces, as the Emperor Charles the fifth did in times past, when as he made the Duchess Lady Marguerity; Queen Mary, the Duchess of Savoie, & others, governors general, yet he committed not the sovereignty unto them, but reserved it unto himself: and so it was now with those countries, ever excepting that which hath been since altered, by the contract made with her Majesty.  
And they likewise understood, that all matters in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth were at the disposition of the General: so should they now be at his Excellencies' disposition and of the council of Estate, according unto the act of transferring the government unto his Excellency, understanding that in making any dispatches the instructions which were given, or any thing else that was accustomed to be decreed and published in the Emperor Charles his name, shall now be made, decreed and published in the 
1578.  name and under the seal, counter-seale and signet of the general estates, in such causes as concern the whole Estate of the united Provinces in general: but if they touch any particular Province, they shall be done in the name and under the seal of the same 
The form of the oath made by the men of war.  Province. Also that all Governors of Provinces, general or particular, Colonels, Captains and other officers and men of war, shall be bound by oath to be obedient to the united Provinces in general: to his Excellency as governor general thereof, and to the Provinces and Towns of the same, wherein they shall be particularly employed: and that all of them in general shall be obedient unto your Excellency as governor general, and the Colonels, Captains, Officers and soldiers to the Governors of those Provinces wherein they shall be employed, and to their Lieutenants, Captains and Commanders, that are now or shall hereafter have charge over them.  
Touching the absolute power which is given unto his Excellency in matters of war: the Estates understand that the same shall extend and have power over all soldiers and men of war both by sea and land, as well her majesties succours, as those that are otherwise in pay, and entertained by these countries, to command them when time serveth to march against the enemy, or to go upon any other enterprise or service, and to execute justice and martial law, provided always that his excellency shall not levy any more soldiers, then may be well entertained and paid out of her majesties succours, and the contributions which are raised in the country, according to the resolution of the Estates. They desired further that their wars by sea, might be ordered by the Admiral of the sea, and the placing of garrisons, by the governors of particular Provinces. And to the end there might hereafter be a better union, correspondency and trust entertained betwixt the Estates and his Excellency, they desired redress of that which (by turbulent and busy headed fellows, who in the year past, in placing of any Governors or superintendents of towns and quarters, and in the conferring of any principal Offices as well civil as criminal) had been done contrary to the act of the transferring the Government. And withal to cause those things to be put in execution, which the general and particular Estates (according to the contract made with her Majesty, and the act a foresaid) in the declaration formerly made unto his excellency did request: craving likewise that to that end he would be pleased to put from him, and not to give any credit (in matters concerning the country,) to all such as shall seek to set division betwixt the Estates and his Excellency, and consequently such as seek to bring the country into confusion, and his Excellency's honour and credit into danger and disgrace.  
To this declaration made by the Estates, the Earl of Leicester made answer to the first six articles, upon the margin thereof, saying that he neither sought nor affected 
The Earl of Leicester's answer to the declaration of the first of September.  any greater authority, than what the general Estates had given him by the foresaid act, wherewith he was well content, not seeking in any sort to diminish the authority which belonged unto the Estates, neither yet desired he to make any question thereof, but only sought and wished that his authority might in all things be duly upholden and maintained according to the contract, and the honour of the place, whereof the Estates had put him in possession, without any derogation or restraint: and that no alteration might be allowed nor used in his titles, neither yet in his accustomed seals, by the consent of the Estates; but as it had been observed by his last fore passed Predecessors in the general government.  
As touching the oath, his Excellency held it not convenient that the soldiers should take an oath to the particular Provinces or Towns, neither yet to their governors or lieutenants, but it was not only a new invention, but to be feared, that so many oaths would breed both confusion and contempt among the soldiers, and that it ought to be looked unto, according to the nineteen Article of the contract made with her Majesty: understanding that the soldiers entering into garrison in any of the Towns, should swear (notwithstanding the oath by them made unto his Excellency and the country) that they shall keep and defend those towns for the Estates & the general governor; and that they should not do nor practise any thing secretly that might be prejudicial 
1587.  unto the said towns, with this clause, that his excellency shall have power to displace, change or call forth such garrisons at his pleasure, when occasion is offered. To the other articles he agreed in general terms if they were to be done, always respecting time and occasion, not thinking it fit, that for want of such things, the country's service should be neglected; touching the last point he desired a more ample declaration, whereupon the Estates of Holland made a more plain declaration, the which they delivered upon the twenty four of October, as you shall hereafter see. Whilst that matters passed in this manner betwixt the Estates and the Earl of Leicester, there grew daily more hart burning and jealousy betwixt them, so as the Earl of Leicester kept not among the Estates but was still resident at Flussing Dordrecht, or Vtrecht, all things passing betwixt them by messengers; 
The estates seek to reconcile the Earls of Leicester and Hohenlo.  who by insinuating did many bad offices, and were the greatest cause of all the troubles.  
Besides this alteration, there was at that time a great heartburning betwixt the Earls of Leicester and Hohenlo which the Estates sought to reconcile: whereupon they sent on the eigh-teene of August, the Lords of Capell and Noortwick, the councillors Cooper and Camminga, William Bardesius, and jacob Walck of the council of estate, unto the earl of Hohenlo (being a man much esteemed and beloved of the soldiers to whom the Estates were greatly beholding for many good and valiant services) who was then at Campfeere in the Island of Walchrens, entreating him to come to Midelbourg to the Earl of Leicester, to end all controversies betwixt them, and to acknowledge 
The Earl of Hohenlos' answer to the estates.  him for governor in the behalf of the Queen of England, the which he ought not refuse to do, for that Prince Maurice, whose Lieutenant he was, had acknowledged him for the governor, and had promised him faith and obedience. To whom Hohenlo answered that he was a free Earl of Germany, & no way subject unto the Netherlands, nor tide unto them by oath, and that he had before refused the Archduke Mathias, and the Duke of Anjou and Brabant, and therefore he was not yet resolved to subject himself unto his Excellence having some reasons not to trust him, not only in regard of the difference betwixt them two, but also for the quarrel betwixt him and Sir Edward Norris to whom he imputed the only cause, or at the least that he did maintain him therein, and made him a knight. Moreover he said that he sought to alter the garrisons under his command without his privity, and that he had not kept his word with him in certain things which he had promised him to do whereupon being entreated by the deputies (for the good & well fare of the country) to be somewhat tractable, for that the one or the other must yield, and to assist them with his advise and council. He said that the united Provinces ought not in any sort to withdraw themselves from the Queen's Majesty of England, nor from the Earl of Leicester requesting them to give him an honourable passport, that he might retire himself to his friends into Germany: or else into Denmark: And that it would please them one day to remember the services which he had done to the united provinces during all their wars: as well unto the Prince of Orange, Prince Maurice his son, as under the said Earl of Leicester: being ready to deliver up all the towns, castles, forts, men of war, artillery: and other things where he had any command into the hands of Prince Maurice and the Estates, to be governed according to their ancient rights and priviledes, as they were in the time of the Prince of Orange of famous memory: The which he said he desired, for that he saw that by some sinister practices the country was ill governed.  
And that some which did openly bandy themselves against the sovereignty of the Estates, and did thereby purchase great credit among the people, should be first punished and then banished from court, which done and the Estates restored to their former authority, he would willingly apply himself to any thing, and acknowledge the said Governor but especially the Queen's Majesty with all honour and obedience, so as they should have no cause to complain of him, entreating them with all not to give any cause of offence or discontentment unto her Majesty.  
The Earl of Hohenloo being entreated to say so much himself unto his Excellency, and to do as Prince Maurice had done, he said that for that time he could do no more, 
1587.  desiring them not to trouble him any further, until the authority of the Estates were restored, and the lawful privileges of the Provinces maintained as before: and touching Prince Maurice, he said he was a vassal and subject, but he was a free german Earl, and that they could not compel him, unless he would freely of himself consent thereunto: and yet he would continue a friend and well-willer unto the united Provinces, wherein he had already served fourteen years together, and had spent a hundred and fifty thousand collars above his entertainment in their service, entreating them to report favourably of him: and so after many other words and honourable protestations, the Deputies took their leaves. This conference was the twenty of August, but no good end could be made, by reason of the bad offices which were done by some ill Instruments, by a mistaking which happened, the which bred a great alteration in the country. Upon the twelve of September the Earl of Leicester advertised the council of Estate by his letters sent from Vtrecht, that whereas he had brought many soldiers with him out of England for the relief of Scluce, which until that time he had maintained without any charge or burden to the country, and being resolved to send them presently back again into England, he had been requested by them to stay them, for that they daily expected the Duke of Parmaes coming to besiege Berghen up Zoome; and having kept the said soldiers some weeks aboard the ships, without any refreshing, he was forced to lodge them in Maselant, Sluyse, Delfshaven, and other places thereabouts, in such order, and with such pay as he had appointed for them, holding it a shame they should make so small esteem of these 
Great consusion by mistaking betwixt the Earl of Leicester and Hohenlo.  English soldiers, which (above her majesties ordinary succours) were sent unto them. In the mean time he was advertised that the Earl of Hohenlo about the nine & twenty and thirty of September, had assembled a great number of soldiers about Williams-stat, intending to dislodge his said soldiers from Delfshaven, as one of the chief men in Delft had advertised him, whereof he was not informed by any light reports, but by men of such credit, as he could not choose but believe it: whereupon he desired them to take some speedy order therein, saying, that he would no longer endure any such indignities, that every man should in that sort have soldiers by himself, and that the Earl of Hohenlo did all as it pleased him, and therefore he desired to know if they had given him any such authority: If not, than he wished them to command all Colonels, Captains, Officers and Soldiers, to desist from their enterprise presently, and from all other factions, and to observe the oath which they had sworn unto him, upon pain of punishment if they failed therein, and that if they delayed to execute his commandment, he should be forced according to the authority and place which he then had; to take order for the same, finding that his great patience served to no other end, but to encourage and fortify the bad, and to advance their leagues and factions, thereby to bring those Provinces into misery and confusion.  
After that he sent an other advertisement unto the Council of Estate, how that the Earl of Hohenlo continued still in his former pretence, and that he had sent for soldiers out of Naerden and Viana, and for certain horsemen, & had sent some towards Lillo, and to other places, & all by his own authority. These complaints bred a great alteration among the Council of Estate and the general Estates, the which did threaten some great inconvenience. But ten or twelve days after upon good information, it was found to be a mere practice of some pickthanks and seditious persons, for that Prince Maurice being demanded what it meant, and they remembering themselves, they found that the Earl of Hohenlo had gathered these soldiers together at William-stat to do some great exploit upon the enemy about Lillo near Antwerp, whereof Prince Maurice advertised the Earl of Leicester, whereunto upon the sixteen of September, he made answer, and allowed of the said enterprise, thanking him for his diligence therein, wishing them all good success. But the Earl of Hohenlo being advertised by some of his friends out of Holland, that the Earl of Leicester took the pretence of that exploit in evil part, he gave it over, and sent his soldiers back again into their garrisons, before he could have any intelligence of the Earl of Leicester's consent where-by it 
1587.  appeared that all mistake and other dislikes proceeded only from false reports, sinister conceits and jealousies, the which began before the Earl of Leicester's going out of the united Provinces and increased much in his absence by certain accidents, the which sense his return were more aggravated and inflamed, b●… reason of the complaints on both sides, and for that the Earl of Leicester had had little conference with the estate, nor conversed much with them sense his last coming over, whereby the affairs of the country were much interessed, and little or nothing was effected for want of good correspondency. Of all these controversies the Earl of Hohenlo caused an apology to be printed, whereas all his reasons are set down at large against the Earl of Leicester, answering that which he had propounded in his declaration of the seventh of September: whereunto for brevities sake I will refer the reader. 
The Earl of Leicester's declaration to the estates.  The Earl of Leicester being much moved with the declaration delivered him at Dordrecht, and with some other occations which passed; he made an answer in manner of a replycation to the estates, being then at Dordrecht, bearing date the seventh of September. Showing, that whereas the Queen of England, and all other Princes had refused them, pitying their estate, being zealous to religion, and affecting the ancient law and league betwixt England and the house of Bourgongne, had been moved to aid and assist them, whose Majesty at their instant su●…e had sent him over into those parts, upon whom they had imposed the government thereof, the which he (preferring the love he bore unto those countries, before his age which required rest) had taken upon him and did his best endeavour for the good of the common cause, but being called into England upon urgent causes, there happened during his absence the betraying of Deventer & Zutphen the which he excused and much grieved at. He showed moreover that his honour and authority in those parts had been brought in question, and much restrained, and withal that they had written letters unto the Queen of the forth of February (though not with full consent of all the Provinces) not only to dishonour 
The Earl complains of their letter to the Queen the forth of February.  him thereby in those countries, but also to bring him into disgrace with her Majesty beingful of false & slanderous reports: yet having reconciled all with her Majesty, he was now returned over again. He then excused the loss of Scluis through the want of men and money, which had been promised, laying the blame upon the officers of the admiralty and the Captains of ships: He made mention of the quarrel betwixt him and the earl of Hohenlo, and of the estate of the wars, and how they should proceed therein. As he expected some resolution from them of all these things, new matters were brought unto him by their deputies touching the Sovereignty, tending to the limitation and diminishing 
If the estates means were not sufficient there was bope of a peace.  of his authority, contrary to the act, and the letters sent from Middlebourg unto her Majesty; by which their show of small esteem, and cross proceeding, there was great loss to be expected in Gelderland, the which he protested ought not to be imputed unto him, being ready to do his best endeavour to impeach it, so as he might have the men and money that were promised at Middlebourg. But understanding that the want of money, and deferring of the soldiers, was by some imputed to the need and poverty of the Provinces, as unable to bear so great a burden: by others to the treaty of peace which her Majesty had begun with the duke of Parma, he therefore (for the better ordering of their affairs, & to further their resolutions) advised them to make a general assembly at the Hage, and there to consider of their own power and means, and whether it were sufficient to maintain the wars, that he might be certified by a true information what their means were, and that in so doing her Majesty would continue her aid, if not, there were no reason that her Majesty (if they were not able to maintain their wars) should be forced to bear the whole burden: for they might well think her majesty was to consume a great treasure, for the defence of her Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and that she had wars with the King of Spain, only for their sakes: wherefore if their means with her majesties succours were not sufficient, there was some hope of a peace to be made with the duke of Parma, which her majesty meant not to yield unto: And whereas it was given forth that at the instance of the king of Denmark she had proceeded there-in, it was a false sugiestion, the contrary whereof might appear by her majesties sending of Sir Francis Drake into Spain; and his own return into the Netherlands, so as they were able to proceed therein; and yet her Majesty 
1587.  was not restrained by the contract, from any treaty of peace, although she be content not to seek any for these countries, without their privity and consent. But if they could not raise sufficient means to maintain their wars, he demanded what they would have him to do therein with her Majesty, or what they desired more.  
If they thought good to continue the government in him (according to the act) with the ordering of their contributions, to be at his and the council of Estates disposition: and that they could make it apparent unto him, that with her majesties ordinary aid, they were able to continue the wars, he was content they should use him therein, so as they maintained him in the same authority, which until that time he had enjoyed. But if their means were not sufficient to defend the country, or that they did not affect him to be their Governor any longer, he should be forced for the preservation of her majesties honour and his own to protest against them. 
The Earl desireth m●…re contribu●…ion.   
And if they understood by their act of the ordinary contribution of two hundred thousand Gilders the month, to give him leave and limmit thereunto, he would not take the charge upon him, not holding it sufficient to pay the garrisons, according to the Estate set down by him, much less to maintain an army in the field; wherefore if the could make no better means, nor raise any greater contribution, he knew no reason for his stay there, nor how he should do them any good; whereupon he desired their resolution, to advertise her Majesty, that she might provide for her own affairs.  
Lastly he said he had in charge to tell them, that her Majesty was moved to aid and assist them, not only by reason of the ancient leagues betwixt England and the Princes of those countries, but also and especially for the contracts made for the intercourse of traffic of both countries, as it appeareth by the Charters and Instruments made by divers towns and Provinces of the same, as of Dordrecht, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Bryel, Middlebourg, Campheer, Zeerickzee and others, which Instruments, were yet extant to be seen, and for that cause her Majesty was pleased to aid and assist them at 
The Queen desireth to entertain the ancient contracts.  their requests, to the end that seeing her majesties royal intent towards them, they for their parts should endeavour to do that which were requisite, not only in regard of good dealing, but also in respect of the contracts, intercourses, instruments and former conditions made with those countries, and for the last contract touching their aid. This declaration was sent by the Earl of Leicester, to certain towns, with letters, wherein he complained that they had charged her Majesty and him, to have dealt with the enemy for a peace, to the prejudice and ruin of the country, and that he came to deliver the towns into the Spaniards hands, whereof he excused himself, desiring them to send him an answer in writing to his declaration. Whereunto the Nobility, Gentlemen and Towns of Holland and Westfrisland being assembled in Harlem, made answer on the sixteeneth of October as followeth.  
They showed how that in the year 1572. they had lawfully begun war against the King of Spain, for the preservation of those countries, the maintenance of Religion, 
The Estates answer to the Earl of Leicester's letters.  and the defence of their ancient previledges, under the command of the Prince of Orange, but fearing they should not be able to continue it, they sought aid from the Queen of England, and to that end they sent their Ambassadors over, in the year 1573. and again in the year of our Lord 1576. after that they sought for succours from the Duke of Anjou, and after his death from the French King (but all in vain) desiring him to embrace the sovereignty of these countries. In the end being put in good hope of her majesties aid and assistance, by her Ambassador Master Davison and others, they offered the sovereignty unto her, by their Ambassadors, from whom they obtained a gracious aid, as appeareth by the contract, for the which they most humbly thanked her Majesty, and were the more highly bound unto her, in that it had pleased her to send his Excellency over to govern the said forces, and to direct their wars, both by action and good counsel, for which also they gave him great thanks, in that he would accept the Estate and Commission of Governor and Captain general of the united Provinces: and that for their parts they had not sought to withdraw their hands from the full performance of the contract, nor of the act of delation of the governors 
1587.  authority, nor yet withdrawn the contributions, nor once failed in any point of their duties; hoping also that they had not neglected to give his excellency all honour; respect and thanks due unto him. True it is, that withal dutiful respect, they had presented a certain complaint unto his excellency before his going over into England; wherein there was nothing contained, but only the service of her Majesty and of his excellency, together with the preservation of the country, being content with his going into England, so it were but for two or three months, so as in his absence the general government (according to their resolution) might be committed to the Council of Estate, and the particular governors of the Provinces, leaving them lawful authority for the same. But for that within ceraine weeks after his departure, it was found; that by a certain act, not only the authority of the Council of Estate, but also that of the Governors of Provinces, touching the general government, was restrained, and that among other things, the betraying of Deventer and Zutphen (the which was sufficient 
The ●…states compl●…ine of the act of restraint.  discovered) followed, but by reason of that act it could not be prevented. The Estates to avoid the like practices, yet not to blemish his authority, but for the restoring of the authority due to the governors of the said Provinces, were forced to take some order therein. That which was written by them unto his excellency after the betraying of Deventer and Zutphen, proceeded of mere grief and necessity, and yet was done so secretly, in regard of his honour, as it was not known to the common people, before that the copy thereof was sent out of England to Vtrecht, (and a motion made unto the Estates that had written the letter to disavow the same) with certain other letters of the tenth of March, dispersed among the common people; and that the letter sent unto 
They excuse t●…e bitterness of their ●…etter of the 4 of February.  her Majesty, was to no other end, but to have her majesties Ambassador that was to besent over the better instructed: but hearing that it was hardly censured, they said that they meant not thereby to charge his Excellency but such as had wronged and abused them, desiring him withal to impute the sharpness of their letter, to their office, & the oath they had taken, the free liberty of the Estates of those countries, but especially to the treason then committed, rather than to any evil intent in them. They thanked his Excellencies for showing his noble courage and disposition, notwithstanding the precedent misfortune, in that he was resolved, not only to be an earnest intercessor for those countries, but also to come over again, and that he had done his best endeavour for the relieving of Scluce. As touching the promise of soldiers made to him by the Earl of Hohenlo, they knew not what to say, thinking that the Earl would satisfy him therein. They commended his proclamations made against seditious and popular factions, beseeching him that it might be duly executed. They said they would do their best endeavours to end the controversy betwixt him & the Earl of Hohenloo, which they thought proceeded from the matter in question, touching the authority of the Provincial Governors, being in hope to bring it to a good end. They showed how ready they had been to furnish money for the levying and paying of certain troops of horse and foot in Germany, for the service of the country, that they might have an army in field for two months. Also their paying of soldiers, and the furnishing of the towns with victuals and munition. That they had dealt with their Admiral Prince Maurice, touching their war by sea, hoping and desiring that it might go forward. That the Nobility and States of Holland had presented a certain declaration unto his excellency being in Dordrecht, desiring some conference, and that there might be a good correspondency betwixt his excellency as Governor and Captaime general, the general and particular Estates, and the governors of particular Provinces; that the charges of the war should not exceed, as near as might be the means of their contributions: that order might be taken for the repairing of that which had been done the year before contrary to the contract, and for the punishing of such as sought to sow dissension betwixt his Excellency and the Estates. That it was no wonder if the Estates complained when any extraordinary burden was laid upon them, for if it be well weighed, how the country of Holland (which now for these 15. years hath maintained wars against so mighty an enemy: & hath borne so great burdens, these two last years, only towards the ordinary charges of the wars within the country, besides the wars at sea, & divers particular 
1587.  charges, as fortifications of fronter towns & forts, lodging for soldiers, & many other 
The Hollanders contribution in two years.  known and unknown charges have brought in, and paid at the least thirty nine hundredth thousand gilders; they may easily suppose that so great a sum of money could not be levied without great difficulty: so as there was no cause of complaint against them of Holland, having brought in much more than was spoken of in England, notwithstanding their great losses by sea, and otherwise by their shipping and trade of merchandise: which made them to wonder that such a motion should be made, to look into their Estate, & to consider if their contribution with her majesties aid, were sufficient to maintain the wars, as they ought to be. The Prince of Orange with the help of God, and without any great aid from her Majesty (the towns and forts being then unfortefied) did withstand the enemy with less than half the charges they were now at, and yet entertained great forces both by sea and land, without any questions of further assurance or better means: and therefore there was no reason now to do it, unless that men disinherited more now then at other times, in the grace and mercy of God. In respect whereof, seeing they found that her Majesty would not take the sovereignty of the country upon her, nor yield to any greater succours, there remained no other hope, but with the help of God, and their contributions to settle some good course for their wars, and to entertain so many horse and foot, as they might well pay, observing good order, unity and discipline, and lastly to expect from God a good and prosperous end. They said they knew not of any proclamations made by them, whereby her majesties subjects should be molested in France, but they had more than once complained against the proclamation made in Vtrecht dated the 4. of April 1586. forbidding all traffic, without once hearing the allegations of the Estates touching the inconueniency and discommodity thereof; the which would have been a great hindrance unto all those Provinces, and have bred a dislike between them and their neighbours. Touching 
The Estates hoped that the Queen would make no peace without them.  the dealing for a peace, they had so great confidence in her Majesty and in his excellency, that according to the contract, they would do nothing therein without the consent of the general Estates. They had herd what the King of Denmark had propounded in anno. 1586. and what was done therein: as also of her majesties answer touching the employment of Andrea's de Loo. They had been likewise advertised by word of mouth from the Lord of Buckhurst, and what his excellency had certified them by Walck and Menin councillors of Estate, the which was secretly imparted unto the Estates of the country, to have their advise therein, where her Majesty was not spoken of, but with all honour and due respect, giving no cause whereby any suspicion might grow, that they should report her Majesty had sought a peace without their consents; and therefore they which had invented such false surmises, deserved to be punished. That the Estates of Holland, determined to observe the contract made with her Majesty, to put to their helping hands for the maintenance of his Excellencies' honour & authority, & were likewise content to contribute the monthly sum of 200. thousand gilders, to be at the disposition of his excellency and of the Council of State, with condition that the other Provinces should do the like, and that out of their contribution the garrisons & the charges for the wars, which was to be disbursed in Holland & for the which they had given their words, should first be paid. They spoke of some other particularities, as that the State of the wars made with the Lord of Buckhurst, was not so chargeable, but that if her majesties aid of 5000. foot and 1000 horse were complete, and the contribution of 200. thousand gilders a month well paid, it would serve for the maintenance of their wars and some over plum remaining towards the levying of a good number of horse & foot, for certain months in the year, and when need were to bring them to field, being well managed. Touching the preparation of ships of war, the Estates did always understand that the prizes taken at sea, would not only be found sufficient for the defraying of that charge, but being well used, there would be a surplusage to be employed in the offensive wars. Having made this answer to every point of the Earl of Leicester's propositions, they besought him that it might be favourably interpreted, and that reposing their trust in God, his Excellency would continued his noble resolution in the defence of those countries; and so by the help of GOD, with her majesties promised succours, being complete and 
1587.  orderly mustered, and the contributions of one hundred thousand guilders monthly besides that which shallbe gotten by force and otherwise out of Brabant, Gelderland, Flanders, Oueryssel, and other places belonging to the enemy, the charges of the war should be sufficiently maintained, with good order and martial discipline: and by converting, of the convoie and licence moneys to the most benefit of the country. The which would not only be a means to uphold and fortify the Provinces, but also a great advancement of her Majesties and his Exelencies honours & reputations, and no small prejudice to their common enemy, without seeking of any doubtful and suspicious peace, or to despair of their country's cause. Lastly the Estates humbly thanked her Majesty, for letting the countries and towns understand her gracious pleasure, concerning the continuance of the ancient contracts and treaties which have passed, and have been always maintained between the Kings of England and the Princes of those countries; as also with certain particular towns in those Provinces, and that for their parts they would take such order as her Majesty, his Excellency and the English Nation, should find their zeal and desire to maintain all love and good Neighbourhood, desiring his Excellency that he would favourably recommend their answer unto her Majesty. Besides this answer the general Estates gave him an other answer, for the better cleared of some 
Another declaration made by the Estates to the Earl of Leicest●…r 16. October.  points propounded unto him at Dordrecht the 16. of October. Showing that the Estates desired to continue his Excellency in the same authority, which by the contract made with her Majesty and the act of the general Estates was given him: desiring him that (for the ceasing of all controversies) it would please his Excellency to keep the oath which he had made unto the Estates at his first entry into the same: and that by certain acts, and namely by some letters written by him to his secretary junius, bearing date the 10. of july, the authority of the Estates was brought in question, they thought it convenient to make a more plain declaration thereof, containing the force of their authority, the which they said they were bound by oath to justify and maintain, for if they were not lawfully authorized in the sovereignty by the Provinces, than had they no power nor authority, to put the King of Spain from his Inheritance, nor to make war against 
That the Estates have lausu●…l authority over the Provinces.  him, nor yet to deal in any sort by contract or otherwise, with the French King and the Queen of England, neither yet to confer the government to his Excellency which they nevertheless had done upon a good ground and foundation, and by the Estates in all things held and observed. And therefore they desired redress of that which had been done on his Excellencies' behalf, more than to his authority belongs: his authority being all one with the Governors of those Provinces under the Emperor Charles the fifth who although they were great personages and Princes of his own blood, yet he always reserved unto himself, to make peace or truce, to begin a new war, to make leagues and alliances with foreign Princes and countries: the making of proclamations and decrees concerning the Estate of the land. The altering and changing of the mint and standard, the restraint of traffic, and dealing with neutral and foreign countries, proclamations whereby neighbour Kings, Potentates and commonweals should be offended. The bringing in of new rights and customs. The augmenting of contributions and charges for the wars, above that which was formerly granted by the consent of the country, and many other such like. But those things which belonged to the disposition of the governors general, the Estates meant should be at his appointment, to dispose and order the same by the advise of the Council of Estate, chosen both out of them of the country, and of her majesties subjects: and that such things should pass under his Exclencies' name, as had usually passed under the governors name in the time of the Emperor Charles the 5. And that in the Estates name, which did usually pass under the name of the Emperor Charles the fifth which would in no sort be contrary to the contract made with her Majesty, neither yet against the act of declaration of the commission, of the government and authority, of the Estates unto his Excellency,  
The second point of controversy, was the oath of fidelity to be made by the soldiers, 
The Estates desire an oath of the soldiers accord●…ng to the contract.  and the authority of the particular Governor of Provinces; and for that they found some mistaking of the oath to be made, they desired that according to the contr●…ct the soldiers should swear fidelity and obedience to the Provinces in general, and to his excellency as Governor general of the same, as also to those Provinces, towns and 
1587.  members thereof, where they shallbe employed or placed in garrison: And that they shall obey his excellency as Governor general; and that the chief Colonels, Captains, Officers and Soldiers, shall in like manner swear to be obedient to the particular Governors of Provinces, and to their Lieutenants, wherso ever they shallbe employed, and this for the maintenance of the rights of Provincial Governors, saying that the change of garrisons, and distribution of soldiers, aught to be done by them, for if they had had that authority, and the form of oath afore recited had been observed, they had not lost the town of Deventer, nor the fort by Zutphen, but (being discovered long before) it had been prevented by the Governor: and for that cause the Estates were 
The Estates desire to have the authority of particular Governors maintained.  moved the more to maintain the rights of the Provincial Governors, as well to see the oath of obedience performed and kept, as for the alteration of garrisons, and yet no new matter, neither yet any dyminishing of his authority, having a power over the said Provincial Governors, as being sworn unto him, whereby he might execute all things with good order, for that the Estate of those Provinces and towns were best known unto them. But contrariwise not long since, a private person had charge to place certain English companies in Vtrecht, and to arm them, and then to take others forth, without the privity or the consent of the particular governor, which they could not yield unto, for that both their oath and the contract were against it, as being a breach of the chief rights and customs of the country, for the which they had been in continual wars for so many years. Moreover they neither ought nor could abridge the house of Nassau, nor Prince Maurice (in regard of the honourable services done by the Prince of Orange of famous memory, who neither spared life nor living for the defence of their previledges) of the authority which of right belongeth unto him, and by oath and promise was given him, before his excellency came into those countries.  
They were likewise compelled to see that the soldiers pay, and all martial causes were so governed, as the charge might be borne out of the contribution of the Provinces: and out of the particular contribution of every Province, the charge of the same Province, for the which they stood bound, should be paid, for otherwise great confusion might grow. They said that they were summoned by the second member of the Estates of Vtrecht (according to their oath and promise made) to a stricter union, for that some men not only English, but natural borne country men, ignorant of the Estate of these Provinces, or rather seeking their own private profit, attributed the whole government of the country absolutely unto him, wherein they absued his excellency. And so they concluded this declaration, with a hope of God's blessing, and of good success in their wars. Besides the former declaration, the same day being the 6. of October they delivered unto the Council of Estate (being under his Excellency) a certain writing, in the name of the nobility, gentry and towns of Holland and Westfrisland, containing the order which from time to time had always been observed in those countries, for the maintenance of their previledges, freedoms, laws, and commendable customs: the which for that is worth the noting) I have thought good to insert as it was written. The Nobility, Gentry and towns of Holland and Westfrisland, representing the Estates 
A declaration of the Estates of Holland and Friesland touching their previleges.  of the said Provinces, have (upon mature deliberation) according to their oaths & duties, thought it fit and necessary by this their declaration to set down the true and lawful Estate of the countries of Holland and Westfrisland, hoping that every man that shall read the same, will censure it as favourably, as the troublesome Estate thereof requireth. It is evidently known that the Provinces of Holland, Westfrisland & Zeeland, for the space of 800. years hitherto have been governed by Earls and Countesses, to whom by the nobility, gentry and towns, representing the Estates of these countries, the inheritance & sovereignty thereof was lawfully given, who behaved themselves with such moderation and discretion in their governments, as they never undertook any war, or to make a peace, to raise any contributions or taxes, or to do any thing concerning the Estate of the country (although they were always well provided and furnished of wise Council consisting of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the country) without the advise and consent of the gentlemen and towns, whereunto they were by writing 
1587.  orderly summoned and called; and besides their own assemblies they have always and in all causes given the said gentlemen and towns, a favourable audience, credit and good resolution, upon all things whatsoever they had to propound unto them, concerning the Estate of the countries. The which being as lawful a kind of government as ever any was, or hath been known, did produce fruits which tended especially to the honour and reputation of the said Earls, together with the welfare of the country and the Inhabitants thereof. As first of all, that the Earls of Holland, Zeeland and Friesland, within the compass of so small a Government, have been in great honour, respect and estimation, with all the Princes and Potentates of Christendom, as appeareth by the great and mighty alliances they had by marriages, with most of the greatest Princes in Europe, and that in the year 1247. William the second of that name, Earl of Holland etc. was chosen King of romans: that they have always been victorious, and valiantly defended the frontiers of their countries, against their enemies how mighty soever they were whereby they were of no small esteem withal their neighbours: and we may truly speak it, that the countries of Holland and Zeeland, for the space of eight hundred years, were never conquered by force, nor brought under by foreign, nor yet by civil enemies. The only reason that may be given of this, is, that they always held and maintained a good and perfect form of unity, love and correspondency, between the Prince and the Estates of the country; for that the Princes (who of themselves had no power) without the Nobility and towns, could not do any thing, having commonly no more means than the revenues of their domains, for the defraying of their household, and paying of the ordinary officers. It is also well known what authority the country had, to bring their Princes (being misled by bad counsel to the hurt of the country) to reason and conformity, not only by petitions and declarations, but also by severely punishing of all such as had in any sort abased or disorderly governed their Prince's affairs and authority, whereof many examples are yet extant to be seen.  
It is also manifest that the charge and office of the Estates was to be careful to providetutors, governors and guardians for their Princes in their nonage, as the like was done for Earl William the fifth of that name, being distracted of his wits. Lastly it is out of all doubt that the administration of the sovereignty of these Provinces was at all times executed by the Estates: and when as by disorder, minority, frenzy, or any other accident, the countries were destitute of good government by their Princes, they have oftentimes chosen a governor to guide and direct them, commonly called a Protector, the which was also observed in the time of the government of the house of Bourgondy, as after the death of Duke Charles and the Duchess Mary his daughter, at which time Maximilian seeking by force to innovate and alter many things contrary 
During the minority of the Emperor Charles the Estates had the sovereignty.  to the authority of the Estates, he brought the whole state of the country into great extremity and danger: and the Emperor Charles the fifth himself during his minority, was by the authority of the States provided of Tutors, and the country of fit and convenient governors; who always respected (although in many things the liberty of the country during the government of the house of Bourgondy was much diminished) the Estates of the country, always foreseeing that his own Estate could not be settled by any other means, seeking to bring his son the King of Spain to the like opinion and consideration, telling him plainly, that his Estate would be in danger whensoever he began to discountenance the Estates of the country, as he now findeth, both to his, and to the country's hindrance and decay, for no man can impute the beginning of these wars to any other cause (whatsoever the world may say) but that he sought by arms, 
The contempt of the Estates cause of the troubles.  to compel these Provinces to that which the States being assembled (in regard of their previledges) held inconvenient, especially in matters which concerned the Estate of the country. All which (although we hold it questionless) we have thought good to set down, for that many are herein much mistaken, persuading themselves that the assembly of the Estates, representeth no other thing then as they in their imaginations will conceive thereof, and as the qualities of the persons appearing in the said assemblies, in outward show do merit and deserve, and of the causes and serious matters therein 
1587.  by them handled and censured: As if those persons deputed by the Nobles and Towns of the said Provinces, did hold and account themselves to be the Estates, and thereby to have the Sovereignty of the Country in their hands, and that they may after their own santasies, dispose of all causes and matters belonging to the government of the State, usurping unto themselves the whole disposition thereof at their pleasures: but those that have a nearer insight into these and other greater matters, which have been brought to pass by the Prince, with the aid and assisstance of the Estates (and especially those things which have been done within these fifteen years in these countries of Holland and Zealand) will easily find that the authority of the Estates consisteth not in the presence & power of thirty or 
From whence the authority of the Estates is derived.  forty persons, more or less, being assembled in one of their meetings: And even the Agents of the King of Spain, who with these and such like arguments, have always sought to under-mine our privileges, & to bring the authority of the Estates into contempt, having at no time found how much they have been deceived in their opinions. Now then for the better discovering from whence the authority of the Estates groweth and hath her beginning, you must consider that the Princes which from time to time have lawfully governed & reigned, have not only begun their government by the consent & love of the commons, but have ruled with such moderation, as the whole members & body of the common weal (whereof they were chosen to be the head) were by them maintained, united and inseparable; the which could not be done (Princes being often misliked by wicked and ambitious persons) if that the commons had had no means to draw them to reason & conformity, & at all times to oppose themselves against all lewd & wicked persons; and for the maintenance of their liberties and privileges, in the behalf of all the members, not only to admonish and advise their Princes, but whensoever any of them did govern tyranously (by means and aid of the country) to oppose and resist them, and for these respects the subjects of these Provinces are divided into two Estates, that is the Nobles and the Towns. The Nobility & Gentlemen are accounted for one member, in regard of their dignities and births (the which without vaunting is as ancient as any other) & for the honours which they enjoy in these countries, whereby most of them have all sorts of jurisdiction, as well criminal as civil, whereupon all occasions concur & agree together concerning the estate of the country & are present in all assemblies, and there give their opinions with the Deputies of the towns. The towns for most part have one kind of government, that is an assembly of Councillors or rulers (called Wetschaps) or the wisemen chosen out of the best Burghers of the same; & those in some towns are 40. in some 36 24. or 20 persons, 
How the town of Holland & Zealand are governed.  which manner of making such assemblies is as ancient as the towns themselves be: Such as are once chosen, continue so while the live, or as long as they inhabit there, and when any one dieth or giveth over his place, the said assembly with the consent of the Burghers chose an other to make up their number. This assembly hath all power & authority to consult, resolve & dispose of all matters concerning that country, & their own towns, and whatsoever the said Burghers do resolve & decree, is by all the Inhabitants observed and done, against the which not any of them once opposeth himself, or refuseth to obey. By these assemblies the ordinary Magistrates are every year chosen, that is 4. 3. or 2. Burguemaisters & 7. or 8. Schepen to serve for one year: in some 
The Council chose the Burguemaisters & Schepen.  towns those elections are absolute, in some by nomination of a double number, of which the ordinary number is made full by the State-holder or the Prince's Lieutenant. The Burguemaisters' officers to govern in all politic causes, as well concerning the treasure & revenues of the town, as the welfare & preservation of the same, being committed to their charge and government. The College of Schepen attend only upon the ordinary administration of justice as well cryminal as civil, and have authority to execute the laws in all causes whatsoever. By these Assemblies of Magistrates, the absolute government of the towns of Holland and West-Friseland is administered, the Princes of the country not once meddling with the government, but in the placing of one officer, who in their names seeth justice duly executed. This is a brief description of the true form of government of the towns of Holland and Zeeland. 
1587.  From whence you must understand that those assemblies of Magistrates and Schepen, being joined together with the nobility and gentlemen, do undoubtedly represent the whole state and full body of all the country, towns and commonalty, and it cannot be thought that a better form of government can be divised, whereby (with better 
The form of government.  intelligence of all the proceedings of the country) matters may be resolved, nor their resolutions with more unity, consent and authority better executed: so as it is no wonder if these Provinces have continued so inseparable, and as durable as any State whatsoever. Now to bring these particular counsels of nobility and towns into one assembly, it cannot be done but by deputies appointed by them to supply their places; to which end, when as any matter of importance (concerning the estate of the country) is to be consulted of, & that it is requisite to call them together: every town sets down what they mean to propound in the said assembly; and so send such deputies as they best trust, with such charge and commission as they think best, for the good of the commonweal. The nobility and gentlemen appear in a competent number, & every town sendeth one Bourguemaister and a councillor, or more, as occasion and the importance of the cause requireth. And moreover those deputies during the wars (by reason of the multitude of business) have commission to consult upon all causes, concerning the preservation of the country, and therein to give their advise and resolution, especially to maintain the rights, liberties and privileges of the same: and to oppose themselves against all such as shall seek to infringe them. And these deputies 
What the Estates be.  thus assembled together, represent the Estates of the country, not that they themselves in their own persons, or by their own authorities are the Estates, but only by the force and power of their commissions from the towns and places from whence they are deputed, without presuming that any private man through his own ambition and pride may prefer himself to be of that commission: being not the nature of these countrymen to be ambitious, but rather hate it, and are enemies to all ambitious persons, & therefore there is no cause why any such thing should be doubted in so free an election: and much less that any man during the troubles which it pleaseth God to send upon these countries, should affect any dealing or command in the country, whereas there is nothing to be expected but trouble and dislike of the enemies of our cause, who spare not to abuse the best qualified persons in the country with false reports, & oftentimes cause sinister opinions to be held of those that have done very good service to the country; for which cause they are forced to account the accepting of the said commissions Inter munera necessaria. And all those that have had any intelligence of the affairs of this country, can witness, what dissension many times grows, and with what difficulty the deputies are brought to accept of those commissions, who returning home again from these assemblies, make report unto the Magistrates of the towns and places from whence they were sent, of all matters that had past.  
Wherefore you must understand that those which affirm the sovereignty of the country to consist in the Estates, their meaning is not of any private persons, or deputies 
Whence the sovereignty of the Estate●… proceedeth.  of towns in particular, but of their superiors, as of the nobles, gentlemen, towns and commons, whom by the power of their commission they represent. And so diverse Princes and Potentates, and even the Queen's Majesty herself, treating with the general Estates, and his Excellency receiving the commission of governor general from them, have esteemed them; we cannot be persuaded that any man will upon any good ground, maintain, that the nobles, magistrates, and counsels of towns, have not the same power and authority touching the government of the country now, which others before them have had, or then had, when as they made the contract with her Majesty, & made his Excellency governor of the country: else question might be made, not only of the force of the contract made with her Majesty & his Excellency's commission, but of all that had been done for these 15. years, the which was a practice of the enemy. By these reasons and arguments we think to have sufficiently proved, how necessary a thing it is to preserve the authority of the Estates, as being the foundation whereon the common preservation of the country consisteth, the which without the ruin & decay of the commons, cannot be overthrown: and that the Estates have as great authority 
1587.  now in all respects as ever any had (touching the Sovereignty of the country) under any Prince in former times. And thus it was resolved a●… determined in the Hage, the sixteenth of july, and decreed that it should be registered, and a copy thereof made, In Harlem the sixteenth of October 1587. And underneath was written; By order of the Estates of Holland. Signed: C: de Rechter.  
My Author hath with your patience, made this digression to show what the Estates be, and what their authority is, for that it is a very material point to be understood, and a great question in this history.  
After that the Prince of Parma had taken Scluse, he turned all his designs to fortify himself upon the Sea, with an incredible charge, causing new channels to 
The Duke of Parmas' new design.  be digged in Flanders, to pass a kind of flat bottomed boats through the country, and to bring them to the Sea ports, especially to Dunkirk and Nieuport, to join with that great sea-army which the King of Spain had begun to prepare three years before, and so with their joint forces to set upon England; and afterwards upon the United Provinces. As if these two armies of Spain and the Netherlands had been sufficient to subdue all the world; whereof you shall hear more hereafter. For which consideration the Duke of Parma suffered the Hollanders & Zealanders a while in rest: having his mind wholly bend to this great and high design. The which was very happy for them, by reason of the alterations, factions and divisions that were among them, the which increased daily with great bitterness; publishing invectives and Apologies one against the other. So as if the Spaniard had charged them during these divisions, which were so great as they were ready to fall from words to blows, without doubt they had made a great breach. At this time generally throughout all Holland and Zeeland they were in great fear and perplexity, not only by reason of the contention betwixt them and their governor the Earl of Leicester, but also in regard of the dissension grown among themselves within the said Provinces; whereupon it was to be feared that the Queen of England would withdraw her forces, and then every one would follow his own humour; the good with a good zeal and affection, although many times with great mistaking: & the wicked with bad and evil intents, yet making an outward show of good meaning: Which moved the Spirituallitie to call a 
The Ministers persuade the Estates to reconciliation with the Earl of Leicester.  Synod, where they resolved by four Ministers of the word deputed in their names, to recommend unto the Estates the welfare and preservation of the Christian religion, and the unity and good correspondency with England, and with the Earl of Leicester: the which was performed by letters. whereunto the States made answer, that they had it in highest & greatest recommendation, wishing them to be vigilant & careful among themselves, not to suffer any to enter into their Churches, nor into the ministery, that under pretence of religion sought to resist the Magistrates, and to 
The Estates answer.  bring them into hatred, dislike and jealousy with the common people, as it happened in Flanders to the Prince of Orange of famous memory, to the total ruin of the Churches there; and that now by the means of strange and unaccustomed government they might do the like, which they knew had been both sought and practised. That they were resolved to observe the contract made with her Majesty, as they were bound, and to maintain his Excellency in the authority which belonged unto him. Lastly they desired them to direct all their actions to the building up of CHRIST his Church; and to let the Churches of Flanders be a glass for them to look in, and to pray unto GOD for their head and other Magistrates; with many other admonitions.  
Upon the same subject the Scout, Burguemaisters, Schepen and Council of Vtrecht; writ very earnestly unto the Estates of Holland, the one and twentieth of September, 
The Magisstrates of Vtrect write unto the Estates.  charging them in a manner, as if they meant to shake of the Queen of England and the Earl of Leicester, and to dislike of the contribution: whereunto they of Holland made answer the sixteenth of October, saying, that their letter seemed to be written in passion by certain strangers newly crept into the government, who sought 
Their answer.  to cover their contentious factions, by bringing the Estates of Holland into jealousy: assuring them of Vtrecht that they would carry themselves in such sort as their neighbours 
1587.  should have no cause to dislike of them, observing the contract, and yielding unto the Earl of Leicester such authority as was promised him, and which the Provinces might endure, for the which they were bound to be more careful than they of Vtrecht, as having pawned their towns to the Englishmen for security thereof, for the which they of Vtrecht had given but their bills in writing: And that they needed not exclaim against them touching the contribution of Holland, when as it was apparent that for many years (besides their ordinary contributions) for the necessary garrisons of Towns and Forts in Holland, and the charges of the wars by sea, there had been eight or nine thousand foot, & ten or twelve hundred horse entertained by them towards the assistance and aid of their neighbours the united Provinces, advising them to be careful not to fall into controversy with their governors, as they of Gant, Bruges and Boisleduc had done. The factions were so great at this time in Holland, as some of the greatest towns did utterly reject the Earl of Leicester's government, 
The Earl of Leicester seeks to seize upon Leyden.  refusing to acknowledge him, or to receive him or his men any more. And he on the other side sought to draw some unto his party, as well by the persuasions of his servants and his creatures of the same country, as by surprises: as among others they sought to seize upon Leyden, whereas divers of the inhabitants, most part strangers fled out of Flanders and Brabant, with Captain Cosmo Pesarengis, a Piedmonto●…s, and Captain Nicholas de Mawlde, son to the Lord of Mansaert (who had a company within the town) sought to make themselves masters thereof, to imprison all the magistrates that were well affected to the Estates, & so to bring in the Earl of Leicester, with such authority as they thought good. But before they began their enterprise, it was discovered unto the Magistrates, by a Bourger called Andrew Schot, whereupon they apprehended one jacob Volmar a Fleming, & Captain Cosmo Pesarengis, and committed them to prison. Maulde escaped, but he was afterwards taken near Woerden by the Lord of Poelgeest, and brought back to Leyden, where being examined, he confessed the enterprise without any torture: whereupon the Magistrates of Leyden to maintain Prince Maurice his authority, being governor of Holland, and of the Estates of the country, on the 26. of October, they condemned the said Volmar, Pesarengis and Maulde to lose their heads; holding it according to their laws to be an Act of treason, not only in such a town as Leyden, but if it had been attempted in any of the lesser towns, & according to the custom there, the same day they cut off their heads. The two first heads were set upon pikes at the Ports, but Mawlds head (in regard of his honourable house and family) was buried. He was much lamented (even of the judges themselves) by reason of his youth, his good disposition, and the services which he had done to the Prince of Orange, and for that of late he had carried himself so valiantly within Scluce during the siege. The Earl disavowed this enterprise, and purged himself before the Queen, who was not pleased that he should so far exceed his Commission, as to attempt upon any Towns, seated in the heart of Holland, as Leyden is. At Vtrecht there was a book made & put in Print, tending to the excusing of such that were executed, the book was dedicated to the Earl of Leicester, but at 
The Estates do wisely conceal the cause of the execution at Leyden.  Leyden it was expressly forbidden to be bought or sold within their town and jurisdiction, upon a great penalty, as being a seditious and scandalous libel, yet many disliked of this execution, for that the Estates during these divisions did not make known the reasons that moved them thereunto, the which notwithstanding for great and weighty considerations they did wisely conceal, in regard of the Earl of Leicester, which reasons were not then to be laid open, yet the Estates were the worse spoken of: but all men of judgement, especially such as had seen the process, and the offenders own confessions, esteemed this execution to be just and necessary, whereon the estate and welfare of the country depended.  
The 11. of September a Captain of the Estates horse, being with his company in 
Meppel surprised by the Estate●….  the country of Westphalia near unto Lengen, about the town of Meppel, he sent 12. of his men on foot, to crave leave of the Magistrate of the town, that they might enter to buy victuals and other necessaries: being at the Port and letting them know the cause of their coming, and that they desired not any thing but for their money: the 
1587.  guard not fearing any surprise, were presently charged by these twelve men and the port seized on, whereupon the Captain arrived with his troop of horse and made himself master of the town. Being unable to keep it with so few men, they of Holland Ouerissel and Vtrecht sent them some supplies, with the which they held it for a time, but lying to far of for the estates, and heard to be victualled, when soever it should stand in need, Verdugo having a fort at Hassel, half a league from it, which might hinder the passage. They thought it best to abandon it, having profited nothing in that quarter, which is neuter, but only made poor families.  
Whilst these factions were in Holland, there grew a great quarrel betwixt Colonel Diricke Sonoy gevernor of North Holland, and the town of Enchuysen, for that he had received confirmation of his government (the which had been formerly given him by the Prince of Orange, & confirmed by Prince Maurice his son) in an other sort and quality from the Earl of Leicester the fourteen of October: and for that the said Sonoy sought to secure and settle himself in his government, causing captain Dwenuord with his company to leave the town, and to bring other companies thither, to which end he had persuaded his Excellency to come to see the towns of North-Holland, meaning under colour of his presence and authority to assure himself of the government: the which being disliked by the Bourguers, for that long before they and other towns with the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Holland by force of their Union, were bound by oath to defend and maintain the priviledes of Holland and West-Freezland; having solemnly accepted of Prince Maurice for their governor of Holland Zealand & West-Freezland they could not (in respect of their oaths) consent 
The town of Enchuysen desire the earl of L●…icester to forbeate to enter into their town being jealous of Sonoy.  that the government of West-Freezland, should be in that sort separated from Holland & Zeeland, and consequently (against alorder) taken from the house of Nassau: whereupon after divers assemblies & conferences, they found no better means to prevent all inconveniences, & to maintain the peace in North-Holland, then with due respect and reverence, to entreat his Excellency to defer his coming into their town, till a more convenient time, when as they might receive him with more security, greater joy, and full consent of all the Burghers, humbly beseeching him not to mislike thereof, so as for that time there was not any thing done, but after they grew to further question as you shall hear. The second day of November Cont William Lewis of Nassau, son to Cont john governor of Freezland for the estates, married the Lady Anne of Nassau daughter to the Prince of Orange, and sister to Prince Maurice who lived but three years in marriage and died of child. About this time there was much speech in England touching the affairs of the Netherlands, as also about the Earl of Leicester's authority and government and of the proposition of peace, many holding with the Estates and others against them: some thinking that with two hundred thousand gilders a month, well governed, together with her majesties aid of 
Speeches in England touching the Netherlands.  five thousand foot and a thousand horse complete and well paid by the Queen, besides that which might be gotten by booties in the frontier towns, and by convoys and licences that might be spared, over and above the charges disbursed for the maintenance of the ships of war, a defensive war might be well maintained, and withal an army for certain months every year brought into the field, so as the managing of the money, and contri●…utions, might not be committed to private persons, but to the noble council of estate. All this was presented by some unto her Majesty in manner of a declaration, and that there ought no peace be spoken of as being altogether uncertain, and that the propositions of peace might be a means to separate and breed division in in the united Provinces, as every one by the first reconciliation would pretend their own furtherance: that the colonels, captains, and soldiers, would every one seek to be the first should make his composition: and that the king of Spain would gladly make peace with the united Provinces, that so he might with more ease overrun and conquer England: and that the kingdom of England (although it had many enemies, by reason of the goodly situation) gneeded not to fear him much, having Holland Zealand and Freezland for friends; but the great number of ships and sailors, and the wealth of the said Provinces, being joined with Spain, were dangerous for England, as 
1587.  it appeared the last year by the bringing in of so many ships laden with corn, of what power they are at sea and how they stop the rivers of Elbe and Ems with other havens; showing also what great means they had to impeach the trade of merchandise, and the free venting of the English clothes and other commodities. And if they were able to do so much now being in a manner forsaken of all the world, what will they do when they shall be joined to the power, countenance and authority of the King of Spain? which would strike a great fear into Denmark and other countryies, and therefore they concluded that her Majesty should do well not to forsake the united Provinces, neither yet to discomfort them, lest they should be constrained to make a private peace. The Queen of England finding that these divisions & partialities betwixt the 
The Earl of Leicester called home into England.  Estates and the Earl of Leicester, increased daily more and more, sense his departure out of England into Holland, she resolved to call him home into England, and to make him give over his government. In the mean time the council of the estates laboured to make a reconciliation betwixt them, whereof they were in great hope, and to that end had written to the Earl of Leicester. But the Queen's Majesty, (all matters set a part) sent for the Earl to come into England, who (before he had received the said letter from the council of estate) did write unto the general estates on the 26 of November, saying.  
THat he was much grieved, that her Majesty was so displeased, with their bad carriage 
The Earl of Leicester's letter at his departure out of the Netherlands.  towards him, without occasion, having given no advertisement thereof, whereupon her Majesty had commanded him, by one of her servants, to return again into England touching certain especial affairs, saying that it grieved him much he had not the means while he remained there, to adventure his person, in some service for the country as he desired, and had always earnestly pretended, protesting before God that he should depart from thence with a good and a clear conscience, as having done no more th●…n his quality and place required, leaving the rest to be answered by them that openly seek the overthrow of God's Church, and of so many poor people, to satisfy their own private wills and appetites, but he meant not thereby to charge well minded men, who he hoped would conform themselves to her majesties good will and pleasure: whom it had pleased to give so favourable aid and assistance to these Provinces, as by the charge which her Majesty had given to her Ambassador (a Gentleman of good esteem & well affected to the good of the country) more plainly will appear. He could be content to be a means to further their cause to her Majesty so as they made any account to hold and esteem her as a friend according to the contract made with her, with that which thereunto belonged, as reason requireth, until that by her Majesty and a common consent, it shall be otherwise determined: whereunto he desired their answer with the first. And as he found by the contract made with her Majesty, that the Governor general appointed by her should together with the council of estate have the ordering and managing of the chiefest causes concerning the estate and the wars, therefore he thought it convenient in his absence, that the authority should remain in the hands of the council of estate, according to the contract, where the said ambassador should be resident in her majesties name: and that all dispatches shall be signed by the chief of them there resident, the which should continue until it were other wise provided by her Majesty, whereof he would advertise them with all convenient speed, and for the command of the English forces under the Queen's pay, her Majesty had appointed the Lord Willoughby, to whom he had given in charge to hold good correspondency with them, with the council of the state, and other commanders, & so he referred them to that which Master Harbert had in her majesties behalf to show them. Subscribed, Your good friend ROBERT LEICESTER.  
THis letter came unto the Estates hands the second of December, whereupon the 
The estates write to the Earl of Leicester.  next day after the general Estates wrote unto the Earl of Leicester how that they understood of his going into England, beseeching him to recommend the estate of the country unto her Majesty, saying they had written unto the estates of the particular 
87.  Provinces, to meet together, who for want of sufficient authority were not yet all come, at which their meeting, they would resolve upon certain deputies to be sent into England, to deal with her Majesty about the affairs of the country. So within few days after the Earl of Leicester departed out of the Netherlands, leaving the Lord Willoughby general of the English forces, and Doctor Harbert her majesties Ambassador, to solicit the general Estates toyeeld unto a peace.  
The Earl of Leicester being returned into England, the Queen commanded him to resign his government of the Netherlands into the hands of the general Estates, from wome he had received it, the which he did the seventeenth of December by an Act under his hand as followeth.  
ROBERT Earl of Leicester Baron of Denbighe etc. Lieutenant for the Queen's 
The Earl of Leicester resig●… his government of the united Provinces.  Majesty of England, Governor and Captain general of the United Provinces: To all to whom these presents shall come greeting. As it was her majesties pleasure to give us the charge to be her Lieutenant general of all the forces, sent by her for the aid and assistance of the united Provinces, according to a contract made with the Estates concerning the same: whereupon the said general Estates had also imposed upon us, the government of the said Provinces, both for matters politic, and of justice, according to the commission, and Act of declaration of the same government, Dated the first of February, 1586. And for that the present Estate of this Kingdom requiring it, we were commanded to return home into England, for her majesties service: And for that by reason of our absence we cannot execute the authority as we should, and as it is necessary to be done, for the good and prosperity of the country. Therefore we give you to under-stand, that our desire is for the cause aforesaid to be discharged and unburdened of our said government, and place of Captain general, of the said united Provinces, as also of the commission and charge given us to that end, and that by this Act signed and sealed with our hand, we have resigned, left, & hereby do resign and leave the same: In such sort that we will from henceforth wholly leave of and refuse to have any dealing in the same commission given unto us, by the aforesad Estates, in what manner soever it were, leaving it unto them to proceed therein by advice from her Majesty, as they shall find it necessary and convenient for the good & welfare of those countries. Given at London under our hand and seal: the 17. of December. 1587. Subscribed Leicester.  
This Act was presented to the Estates by Sir Henry Killegrey upon the first of April 1588. being Agent there for her Majesty: With excuse that it came no sooner to his hands: Which Resignation the Estates caused to be generally proclaimed throughout all the Provinces, to the end that every man might know he was discharged of his oath to the Earl of Leicester, remaining only bound to the united Provinces, States and Towns etc. So as after that no man would acknowledge any government of that of the Estates and the soldiers no other Captain general then Prince Maurice, and the Earl of Hohenloo his Lieutenant.  
The twentieth of December Colonel Schenck being at Rhynberghe, having gathered out of the neighbour garrisons some four hundred foot & three hundred horse; 
Schencks enterprise.  he marched near unto the town of Zulpich in the Diocese of Collogne upon the frontiers of juilliers, where he lay quiet for three days, doing wrong to no man, until that his troops were fortified No man could judge what his design was: many thinking it was but to spoil the Territories of Collogne, against the which he had a great spleen. But on the two and twentieth day, being risen with his troops, he made a show to march towards the quarter of Eyssell, the brute whereof came presently to Bonne, being four leagues from Collogne. But turning head, he passed at noon day through a wood at the Village of Rhybourg, and so marching on, he advanced to the midway betwixt Bonne and Brulle: Where he made a stand in a little grove, until that night approached. Then taking the lower way by Buhell and Bourchem, from whence they of the Castle shot at his men, passing close by their ditch, the which they might hear easily at Bonne: and to the end they of the town should have no adaduertisment, he sent certain horsemen, before who stayed all those they met. Approaching 
1588.  near the town about eight of the clock at night, he rested a while, to feed his men and horses in the villages of Transdorp and Endich. Then coming near unto the town with his ladders (although he used them not) having passed by Popeldorf, (whereas the Archbishops of Cologne have a palace) he placed his footmen along the river of Rhine, & were not discovered nether by the keeper of Popeldorf, nor by the guard of the town, for that the season was dark and rainy. And to take away the noise of his men which were under the town, there was one of his soldiers gotten into a hog's coat beating the swine continually to make them cry. And in this sort the colonel stayed until three of the clock after midnight, during the which he caused a great Petard to be made fast to a postern gate towards the key of the river of Rhine, close by the toll house, the which was seldom opened, where he lay still observing the rounds of the town, as they passed by the light of a Lantern, and seeing no more to pass, growing near four of the clock imagining that night works to be past, and that the officers were gone to their rest, he commanded them to set fire to the Petard, the which gave so 
Schenke surp●…seth Bonne  great a blow, as not only the Port, but a part of the wall was overthrown, by the which the soldiers entered in a throng unto the second port, the which was not so strong as the first, which they beat down suddenly with hatchets and pikeaxes. Being entered into the town some of his men ran unto the ramparts and the Boulwarks, and others unto the Market place, the which they seized on without any resistance, there being neither captain nor commander to put the soldiers and Burghers in order for their defence, or that did any thing, except one Canonier, who made a shot, with the which he slew Hans Wichman, and soon after the said canonier was overthrown with a small shot. This being done they beat down Stockem port, by the which the Ritmaister Gerard van Balen entered with his cornet, the other horsemen being already entered by the postern. The colonel who was entered at the first with the footmen went then to horseback, and ran throughout all the quarters of the town, placing his sentinels and corpse de guard, forbidding upon pain of death to spoil, until they were well assured. The Burghers hearing this great noise and terror of the petard, the trumpets sounding and the drums beating an alarm with the soldiers cries, kept themselves close in their houses, for wheresoever the soldiers discovered any light, they shot through the doors and windows, Schencke placed his horsemen in the Bishop's Palace to preserve the chancery. So after that he had set all things in good order, being master of the town he abandoned it to his soldiers, who spoiled it and put the Burghers to ransom, entreating them no otherwise than it it had been an 
Bonne spoiled and ransomed  enemy's town taken by assault: Charles bill governor of the town hearing the noise which the petard made, & the alarm, escaped half dressed and fled towards Confluence. He had been advertised two days before that Schenks men were lodged about Zulpich, whereupon he sent a good part of the garrison to keep the neighbour villages from spoiling, yet he was sufficiently warned that there were mad lads would come to visit him: whereunto he answered: that he must take the care of it: for the which Schenck did afterwards flout him.  
This town of Bonne being well assured for Truchses, Schenck resolved to keep it, causing it to be rampared and fortified in all places, and then did furnish it withal things necessary for a town of war: withal he caused a fort to be presently built right opposite on the other side of the river of Rind. The Duke of Cleves and juliers advised Ernest of Bavaria, Bishop of Cologne and Liege, to make a friendly accord with Schenck, or at the least (to get more time to make preparation to besiege it) that he should make a truce with him. As touching an accord which was propounded by the Duke of Cleaves commissioners, Schenck would willingly have given ear unto it, except some points concerning the contribution: But it seemed unto Bishop Ernest that this accord, would be some blemish to his reputation authority and greatness: and that there-by he should incense the King of Spain: so as nothing was done, desiring rather to call the Duke of Parma to his succours, to his great charge, and his subjects ruin: who afterwards sent the Prince of Chymay 
1588.  to besiege it as we shall here.  
The second of December, some of the Estates men surprised Ville-woord, two Leagues from brussels, the which they spoiled but being situated in the champain 
Ville ●…orde surprised by the estates.  country and not able to keep it, they abandoned it; in their retreat, some lewd persons se●… fire of it, so as many houses were burnt. The Queen of England being importuned by the king of Spain to make a peace (who under this pretext sought to lul her a sleep until that his sea army were all ready) was resolved to give ear thereunto and to enter into some conference with his Deputies, the place of their assembly being appointed 
Deputies from the Queen unto the states  at Bourbrove in Flanders: and to that end she sent in October passed unto the general estates of the united Provinces, Doctor Herbert one of her Masters of request and joachim Ortels agent in England for the said estates, to understand their disposition and resolution toward a peace: giving them charge to protest openly that either they must send their Deputies with hers to treat of a peace or else she would call back her troops into England.  
The Estates having assembled all the Nobility, gentlemen and towns, notwithstanding all foreign and homebred troubles, the mutinies of their soldiers: civil factions: and the threats of the great Spanish Armado, which they were well informed was coming with so great a power, weighing all circomstances with a constant and firm resolution, they absolutely rejected all treaties of peace with the enemy. And although they had given the Queen's Ambassadors a very resolute answer, yet this year 1588. 
Deruties sent from the estates into England.  they sent Sebastian Loze and Leonard Cazembroot two councillors of estate, unto her Majesty to dissuade her from all treaty of peace, for the which these were partly their reasons. That in respect of her majesties honour they were to conform themselves to any thing that should be pleasing unto her: yet they thought it fit to advertise and forewarn her, that she could not expect any firm and assured peace from the king of Spain being the head of the holy league, which all former acts & contracts do plainly testify, for there is no disposition in the King of Spain to yield to the free excercise of the reformed religion: wherefore they besought her Majesty to surcease all treaties of peace for a while, saying that time would soon teach them more experience: desiring to know what conditions the Duke of Parma propounded, and what her Majesty purposed to demand on their behalfs, and how she meant to proceed touching the ancient alliances betwixt her Kingdom and the Netherlands. Moreover, it was to be considered, that the Estates of the united Provinces, were not to be held so poor nor desperate in regard of their power and willingness, to raise necessary contributions for the common defence of the country, seeing that in the said Provinces during the espace 
The contributions of the Provinces in two years.  of two years, (whilst the Earl of Liecester was governor) they had levied four score hundred thousand gilders, which amounts to eight hundred thousand pounds' starling, only for the extraordinary charges of casual war by sea and by land, and that the Prounices' being well and orderly governed, were able not only to contribute the like sums; but to raise more, so as they had no reason to despair of the success of their affairs.  
In regard of the situation and strength of the Provinces which are united: that there is no country in the world stronger than it, having yet above sixty towns and forts able to resist the enemy's forces, where by they were not afraid of the enemy's approach, neither yet doubted to make head against him, wherefore their country's cause was not to be held desperate. As for the divisions and factions that were within the said Provinces, they would presently cease, the treaty of peace being broken of, and that her majesties resolution might be openly delivered, that for the maintaining and preserving of those countries in unity and concord, she would appoint some Nobleman of quality (according to the contract which they had made with her) to govern the same, and observing all good order, to yield unto every one his due, according to his office and authority, which hitherto had not been done, and was the fountain of all mistaking. The treaty of peace would bring with it a despair both in the maintaining of religion 
1588.  and policy, and an abandoning of the country by the best Inhabitants: and among such as are not yet well grounded and settled in religion, a kind of suspicion and falling from the Church of God. And they of the Romish religion should be thereby the more emboldened and daily fortified.  
Many of the reformed religion and good commonweals men, would presently make difficulty to contribute their money, as thinking ready money their best merchandise to take with them, when they shall be forced to forsake the country. And they of the Romish religion would refuse and hinder the contribution, there-by to press them to a peace. The chief Colonels, Captains, and Soldiers both by sea and land would be the worse paid, and would fear that a peace being concluded, they would be little esteemed: and for that cause they would practise private mutinies and treasons, to purchase the enemy's favour, and to get what money they could, to the apparent loss of many frontier towns and forts. The provinces and towns that are most divided and in contention one with the other, and have always been so, would now by procurement of the enemy (in case it happened) seek their private reconciliations, notwithstanding all promises whatsoever made by them to the contrary. Through the apparent disorder of men of war, the ceasing of contribution, with many other inconveniences which might happen, the common people would be drawn into disobedience, and the affairs of the country brought in question: the which (although she would cease all speech of peace) her Majesty should not be able to prevent, neither by her own nor by the Estates authority, so as the enemy should have means to prescribe what conditions he pleased. A peace being once concluded, yea with the fairest and best conditions, the one half of those that are best resolved in religion, would go out of the country: and the rest would some secretly & some openly forsake the religion, and so stay within the country. The King of Spain being once received and acknowledged for Lord, within three months he will have most of the officers and magistrates of the towns and provinces, at his devotion, to do whatsoever he should command them. The chief of the Estates of Holland shall be the Earl of Egmont, the Earl of Aremberg, as Baron of Naeldwike, the Earl of Ligny, as Baron of Wassenare, and many such Lords of the enemy's faction. These and such like will draw the other noblemen and gentlemen unto them: and the Magistrates of towns will depend upon them, as it hath been always seen time out of mind.  
In the first three months there will be a hundred occasions offered to revenge themselves for matters past, as well upon the inhabitants of these countries, as upon her Majesty and her subjects, to the apparent ruin of religion, not only in these countries, but also in England and in other nations. And the wars continuing, the affairs in France concerning religion may be the better secured. The King of Spain may die, and after his death a better peace may happily be obtained. In maintaining this just and upright cause, we ought above all things to rely upon the grace and assistance of God, maintaining his honour, glory and holy word, and the rather for that we have so often felt his gracious helping hand, during these troublesome wars. Besides these reasons there was at the same time a book set forth in Print, entitled; A necessary consideration upon the treaty of peace, with this sentence, as a most assured means to deal with the enemy, to have him in jealousy, una salus victis, nullam sperare salutem. In which book the Author (besides many ancient Histories) produceth the examples of our time, of the Protestants in Germany, the Duke of Saxony and the Lansgrave of Hesse: and of the Protestants in France, all which were circumvented by their too much trust and confidence, & on the contrary side, they which opposed themselves valiantly in arms trusting in the power of God, and the equity of their cause, as those of Magdebourg and of Rochel, not only held and maintained their religion, but also were the causes of the restoring of religion both in Germany and France.  
He showed likewise that kings and Princes do not easily forget nor forgive such as have borne arms against them, and these Provinces have not only borne arms against their King, but have rejected and wholly forsaken him, altered religion, and have dealt with other Princes against him, with many other reasons which he set down to dissuade 
1588.  them from all treaties, the which for brevities sake I ommit, counseling the Netherlanders in his conclusion, to be true and united among themselves, and not to trust any man, but to pray constantly unto God, and so to hope for a good issue.  
About the same time the Estate minted a certain coin for a perpetual memory, upon the which there was a Lion graven tied to a pillar, (whereon stood the image of 
A certain coin made by the Estates.  the Duke of Alva) with a collar termed the inquisition, the which a Mouse gnawed in pieces, with this inscription Rosis Leonem loris mus liberat, that is, the Mouse sets the Lion at liberty. On the other side stood the Pope and the King of Spain, with signs of peace, flattering him to stand still until he were tied again, but the Lion refuseth it, with this Motto. Liber, vinciri Leo pernegat, which is, the Lion willbe no more bound, the arms of the Netherlands being most Lions of divers colours.  
These declarations afore said notwithstanding, the Queen of England priest the Estates very earnestly by Sir Henry Killegry, to have their resolute answer, who desired 
Commissioners sent out of England to treat with the Duke of Parina.  them on the second of March, to send their deputies to Ostend to meet with her majesties Ambassadors, who were already gone thither, to treat with the Duke of Parma, he showed them likewise that her Majesty took their long delays in evil part, for that she could not with her honour protract it any longer, nor excuse herself any more unto the Duke of Parma, as if she had mocked him. She gave her Ambassadors express commandment, to treat of a good peace, for the sending away of foreign soldiers; the permission of Religion, and the continuance of the previledges and liberties of the country; And this was her resolution: and although the Estates sent not their deputies thither, yet would she discharge her conscience and honour therein, both before GOD and the world. The Lord Willoughby also gave them to understand on the fifteenth of March, that if the Estates would live in unity among themselves, and leave to molest them of Medenblick and others well affected to her Majesty (who did but make show of their thankful minds) if the King of Spain would not yield to a good and an assured peace, as well for those countries and the inhabitants thereof, as for herself, than would she continue her aid and favour to wards them, as she had done from the beginning.  
Thus was the Queen of England resolved to treat of a peace, moved thereunto by certain persuasive reasons, and it may be doubting of the country's ability, together with the dislike she had of the division that was betwixt the Estates and their soldiers, who peradventure made their case more desperate than it was: finding also that the 
The reasons that moved the Queen of England 〈◊〉 treat.  charge would grow very great to continue her aid, having been in hope at the first, by a good defensive war, to make a speedy end of their troubles. On the other side, the peace which she should make would be profitable for the trade of merchandise and shipping in her countries. But the chiefest reason that moved her thereunto, was the earnest motion made unto her by the Duke of Parma, with whom she had proceeded so far as she could not with her honour refuse to give him audience. The Duke for his part (like a good practitioner in the art of dissimulation) sought to lull the Queen a sleep, and to make her secure land careless to provide her forces to resist the King of Spain's great army: or else through the fear thereof, to force her and her subjects to draw the Netherlands to a peace against their wills, having four principal sea towns in his hands, with the assistance of the havens upon the coast of England, which he meant to use for the relief and harbour of that great fleet, for the conquest of the united Provinces: but to treat of a particular peace with England alone, it was no part of the Duke of Parmaes' meaning: as holding the conquest of England easy, light and assured, the which was contrary to the Ambassadors design, who sought rather to make a private peace for England.  
The English sought to sound the Duke of Parmas' meaning & so by a parley of peace, to alter their design for the sending of this great Armado, or at least to stay the proceeding therein for that time, for that the hearing thereof could not be prejudicial unto them, thinking Champigny meant sincerely in that he spoke, touching a particular peace being affected thereunto, as it seemed afterwards, by the quarrel which grew between 
1588.  him the Duke of Parma, and Richardot concerning the same.  
But before we relate what past in this treaty, and of the Spanish army, we will first discourse of what happened in the mean time in the Netherlands. Upon the 26. of February a Spanish garrison lying in Deventer and the towns thereabouts (it being 
Hattem atempted by the Spaniards with great loss.  a violent hard frost) thought with planks laid upon the Ice, and with ladders to surprise the Town of Hattem in Gelderland; coming thither in the night, and having planted their ladders against the walls, some of them got up, crying victory, the rest followed after, with such a press, as the Ice in the ditches broke, and many of them were drowned.  
Verdugo Governor of Freezland for the King of Spain, about the same time, caused seven ships of war and a Pinnase to be made ready at Delfziell near unto Groaning, 
Verdugo arms s●…ps of war at Delfziel.  to keep the River of Ems in subjection, and to take all ships that should pass to Embden; but especially to have an assured Port for the Spanish fleet if need were, but they stayed not long there, after that the Spanish army was passed.  
Although the Earl of Leicester had resigned his government to the United Provinces, yet there remained many of his favourites in the country, who hoped to be advanced by his means, and therefore they did what they could to have him return thither again, and in the mean time to keep his resignation from the Estates knowledge, whereby, and by other practices they set great division in the towns, stirring up the people to mutinies, and most part of the soldiers that lay in garrisons: As at Geertruydenberg, Medenblicke, Naerden, Worcum, Heusden, Brakell & other places; but Heusden was first pacified, by three months pay given unto the soldiers, and Brakell being besieged by the Earl of Hohenloo, was forced to yield.  
In Medenblicke there lay Colonel Dericke Sonoy, who had been long governor of North-Holland, and had carried himself faithfully and valiantly in all services for those countries. He having had a new commission for his government from the Earl 
A mutiny at Medenblick●….  of Leicester, the which was held to be an injury done unto Prince Maurice of Nassau, governor of South and North Holland (to whom it belonged to give him that commission, as to his Lieutenant) being after the loss of Deventer and Zutphen, required to take a new oath to Prince Maurice, as his Governor, he refused to do it in regard of his new commission, unless he might be first discharged of his oath made unto the Earl of Leicester, which matter was for that time pacified. After that Prince Maurice sent Captain Aert van Duvenuoords company to Medenblicke; but they misstrusting something would not receive them: whereupon Prince Maurice and the Earl of Hohenloo, (having no other company but their household servants) went thither, but they were likewise shut out of the gates, this notwithstanding was also pacified, for that Sonoy said he was sorry for it, and that he had no cause of any misstrust, but much controversy growing thereupon till january 1588. Sonoy still made use of his commission, which he had received from the Earl of Leicester, over North-Holland: saying, that as he had it in times passed from the late Prince of Orange, so he would hold it still, & that although Prince Maurice was called Governor, yet had he as much authority in those places, as Maurice himself, as it might appear by his commission. The Estates of Holland holding this to be a great blemish to their authorities, commanded him to keep but a 150. soldiers within Medenblicke, and to send the rest to be employed for the service of the country, where they should appoint; but he having only 5. or 600. men, made answer, that he could not spare them, being to use them for the defence of himself and his government: whereupon the Estates (persisting in their resolution) produced two letters from the Earl of Leicester, whereby he was commanded to yield up his authority to the Estates, in regard that by the contract he could not dispose of that government, whereupon the soldiers began to mutiny, saying, that they would not leave the town before they had their full account & reckoning for 72. months, which were due unto them; and disarming the Burghers, they carried all their arms into Sonoys house, & compelled them to give them their pay weekly. This caused mutines in other towns, being of the same regiment to whom they writ, lying in Gelderland, Friesland & Ouerysselle. Sonoy being incorraged, by the English 
1588.  and their faction, told the soldiers, that they had taken their others to the Queen of England, whereupon the Estates sent unto them the Lord of Famars', the Lord of Swevensel, Peter Kies Bourguemaster of Harlem, and Master Adrian Anthonis Bourguemaster of Alckmar, who offered them their account and reckoning, and better pay than they had formerly had, but they would not hear any man that was sent unto them, but fetched their pay from the villages round about, whom they used like enemies: so as in the end the matter grew to partake, for that the general Estates would not allow any such authority to be given to private governors, as by their resolution made 1577. plainly appeared, when as they made the Prince of Orange their governor, which Colonel Sonoy would not hear of, pretending his Commission to be made otherwise. The soldiers refused all obedience, standing upon their oath made to the Queen of England, or to the Earl of Leicester in her name (wherein notwithstanding the general Estates were named) saying that they would have their full pay of all that remained due unto them, whereof notwithstanding they had received very near two third parts. At the last, the Estates of Holland resolved to force them to some conformity, giving the charge thereof unto Prince Maurice, who thereupon brought some troops before the town, with some armed Burghers of the towns there abouts, and some ships of war, under the command of the Marshal Villiers, who had not been long before that time delivered out of prison. He kept them straightly in, which made 
Medenblicke besieged by the Estates.  the soldiers begin to bethink themselves. In the meantime upon the second of March Sir Henry Killegray put up a certain declaration unto the general Estates, in favour of them of Medenblicke, and upon the fifteenth of March the Lord Willoughby confirmed the same, complaining of their rigorous proceeding against the said soldiers, and others well affected to her Majesty, the which was nothing else, but a sign of thankfulness for many favours received at her hands: and therefore he said her Majesty could not refuse to countenance them, and had commanded him to let them understand, that she was resolved, (if they would not cease their quarrel with them of Medenblick) to withdraw all her forces and aid into England, and let them defend themselves, as well as they could, without troubling himself any more with their affairs. These speeches being delivered with some vehemency, made the Estates to bethink themselves. But when as the general Estates and Prince Maurice had written letters dated the first of March, showing the ground of that division; The Queen upon the 27. of March wrote her letters to the Lord Willoughby, commanding him to reconcile 
The Queen refuseth to speak any more for them 〈◊〉 Medenb●…ke.  Prince Maurice and Sonoy, for that she could not expect any good, by the accepting of such offers from divers towns, who sought to yield themselves into her hands, whereby rumours might be spread abroad, that she sought cunningly and underhand to get towns into her power, and so to deliver them over unto the enemy, and thereby to seek to make her own peace, or else to force the Estates to such an agreement, as she pleased; and therefore she willed the Lord Willoughby to persuade all such towns to be obedient unto the general Estates, and that he should not meddle with any of them, neither yet countenance them. Whereupon the garrison of Medenblike began to faint, seeing the Earl of Leicester's government to be resigned into the Estates hands, for the which cause they had begun their mutiny, yet the siege continued unto April in the year of Lord 1588. and so by the means of the English all was pacified, the soldiers of the garrison going out of the town with passports, and Prince Maurice his soldiers entering into their places. Colonel Sonoy went to Alckmar to make his excuse. To whom afterwards they of Medenblike and others did great harm, spoiling his house and goods: and afterwards in the year 1590. he went into England to make his complaint unto the Queen, as you shallhere after hear.  
In Westfriseland there arose great troubles, for that divers sought to persuade the Queen to take the sovereignty upon her, or else to have an absolute protection under the Earl of Leicester, with full authority: but the general Estates knowing the Queen's majesties mind, and seeing the sinister practices of the Earl of Leicester they sought to bring them to obedience by compulsion, and for that cause they took the Precedent Doctor jelger Aysma, a worthy and a zealous (but yet a very violent) man, and committed 
1588.  him with others to prison, thereby to daunt the rest of that faction, the which in the year 1589. was somewhat pacified.  
About this time in March, the garrison of Geertruydenberg began to mutiny, under pretence of service for the Queen of England, and would neither accept of the 
A mutiny in●… Geertruyden berg.  Estates, Prince Maurice, nor of any other governor, neither would they treat with any man but with the Lord Willoughby, general of the English forces, tearing their Cornets, Ensigns and Banderolles in pieces, carrying themselves in all sorts like traitors, and sworn enemies of the country, taking and ransacking the boats and ships which passed along betwixt Holland and Zeeland, but at the last by the mediation of the Lord Willoughby they had two hundred sixteen thousand Gilders paid them in ready money, upon certain conditions, the which were not well observed by them, as hereafter you shall hear, and so the mutiny for that time ceased.  
Colonel Sehenck, Martial to the Prince Elector Truhcses, having surprised Bonne (as you have heard) Ernest Archbishop and Prince of Cologne and Liege, having rejected all treaties of accord which the Duke of Cleves did labour, he sent to the Duke of Parma for succours to besiege it, who (having charge to attend the great army that 
Bonne besieged by the Prince of Chymay.  was coming out of Spain, against England) sent the Prince of Chymay (the only son of the Duke of Arschot,) with diverse troops both of horse and foot. And for that most of the Commanders lay then in Flanders, with the Duke of Parma, being ready to pass over into England, (as they thought) Verdugo Governor of Frizeland, with Taxis his Lieutenant were appointed to aid them. Don Manriques de Lara was also sent thither, to give them instructions, as being well acquainted with the situation of the country, but he stayed not long there, but returned into Flanders, to do some exploit against the English. Schencke seeing this storm approach, and that the Princes of Germany had refused to meddle in these Prince's quarrel, the one having sued for succours of the Protestants, the other of the Romish Catholics and of the Spaniards; he went as Marshal to Truchses, to an Imperial diet held in Germany. Where he declared that by commandment of Prince Truchses, he had 
Schinek goes to an imperial diet.  seized upon the Town of Bonne, having wrested it out of the Spaniards hands, for that it is an Imperial town the which the King of Spain did seek to incorporate to himself, as if it had been his own inheritance. That he could hardly defend it against so mighty an enemy: offering to deliver it up to the Empire, who might easily defend and maintain it, seeing that he had taken it with so little labour, admonishing the Princes and Estates of the Empire, that it was high time to prevent the Spaniard, lest he crept farther into their limits, for whatsoever he got was hardly got from him again, and that which they might now prevent with small charge, should not be neglected, seeing it would not be recovered but with great difficulty. Wherefore the Germans should now make show of their wisdoms and discretions, before that the Spaniard by his diligence (as he had lost it by negligence) should recover it: who not satisfied with that, (seeing himself planted there) would not fail to extend himself into their territories. Showing moreover that if the Prince of Orange had with small means made war, and withstood the attempts of so mighty a King: with greater reason they should strive to resist him, and to prevent his haughty designs: Preventing not only the recovery of the Netherlands, which he had lost by his own fault, but also to conquer Germany, and all the kingdoms of Christendom, to make himself a sole and absolute Monarch. The Marshal Schenck sought by these speeches, and other reasons which he propounded, to stir up the drowsy spirits of the Germans. whereunto answer was made him; That experience had made them sufficiently wise, in the assistance 
An answer made to Schenck at the Imperial diet.  which they had given unto France and the Netherlands: and that the present matters were so far advanced, by the forces and succours which the Bishop of Cologne had procured from the Spaniards: whom he had caused to enter into the limits of the Empire, as there would be little good gotten, although they should free the town of Bonna. That they had sufficiently known, what advancement the assistance of the French King 
1588.  brought unto the affairs of the Duke of Anjou his brother: and of the Queen mother to Don Anthony King of Portugal against the King of Spain, at the conquest of the Island of Asores: and that the Queen of England had succoured the said Don Anthony with men and ships, all without any profit, wherefore it seemed expedient to the Princes of Germany, not to oppose themselves against so mighty a King who is also one of the Empire, being more fit to entertain his love and friendship. Being very well known that some Princes of Germany had been forward enough to succour the Prince of Orange against the said King; whom they would no more incense, nor bandy themselves against him, seeing that he pretended not to wrong them, but only to succour a Prince and archbishop elector, And the rather for that the French King sought his friendship and the Queen of England had sent her Ambassadors to Bourbourgh in Flanders to treat a peace with him, and therefore it was not fit for the Germans for Truchses' pleasure, to oppose themselves against him, knowing how their army had sped which they had sent unto the King of Navarre.  
Whilst that Schenck was at this diet in Germany, the Prince of Chymay was at the siege of Bonne where in the beginning john Baptista Taxis, an old soldier was shot, whereof he died, and was honourably interred at Cologne: they within the town defended themselves valiantly, there commanders being Otto Baron of Potlits, Christopher 
Bonne yielded up again.  Wolf and others; at the last having been half a year besieged, and finding that there was no means to be relieved, and that more forces came against them under the command of the Earl of Mansteldt, being sent out of Flanders as soon as ever the Spanish fleet was past, upon the twenty nine of September they yielded up the town, the garrison departing with their arms, bag and baggage. The beginning of this year (after the Earl of Leicester's retreat) was full of troubles, as well in Zeeland, as in Holland and Vtrecht: for as the said Earl (upon his last return) into England had been at Campuere, whereas he had fortified the captains of his party against the Estates, as he had done in like manner at Arnemevyen, so as both these towns opposed themselves against the Prince and the council of estate, refusing to acknowledge 
Sir William Russel entertains them of Campuere in the Queen's obedience.  any other superiors than the Queen of England and the Earl of Leicester as her Lieutenant, wherein Sir William Russell Lord governor of Flusshing and of Ramekins for the Queen, after the Earl's departure entertained them daily, as well by his own words, as by letters, having commission from her Majesty to keep the Captains and soldiers of those two towns of Campuere and Arnemuyden at her devotion, and the Burghers themselves desiring to be under her majesties command as Flushng was, to the end that they might enjoy the same privileges in England that the Flushingers did. But such as under-stood not the reasons of this negotiation did impute it to some dislike which Sir William Russel (now Lord Russell) had conceived against the estates, for that presently after the death of Sir Philip Sidney (before he was chosen governor) they had given away the Regiment of Zeeland to the Earl of Solms the which (said they) he expected, for that Sir Philip his predecsseor, had been colonel thereof: whereupon they conjectured that he grew in jealousy of the estates, seeking to make himself master of the Island of Walchrens, the which was but a conjecture and is disavowed by himself, protesting that he affected the Estates, and the good of the general cause and that he honoured Prince Maurice, and the house of Nassau as much as any man.  
And whereas at that time there was some doubt that the Duke of Parma would come into the Island of Walchrens with a great number of small boats and Pinnaces, which he caused to be built in Flanders; the Estates thought it fit to send a cornet of horsemen into the Island. Whereupon the said Sir William Russel required the Estates of Zeeland, and after that the council of estate being at the Hage that his company of horse which he had in garrison at Berghen up Zoom, might be sent thither, promising to keep it in good discipline: But in the mean time, and whilst that he expected an answer, the marshal of Villiers company was sent thither. The which did so discontent Sir William Russel, as he sent to Scotland and over all the Island, putting it to their own choice whether they would have his company or that of the 
1588.  Marshal of Villiers, who was newly come out of prison from the enemy, & might be 
St. Williá Russel writes to the Council of Estate.  corrupted, so as they freely make choice of his company, whereupon he writ letters unto the council of Estate, by the which he complained much of the wrong was done him, in preferring an other company before his: which gave him just occasion of distrust, and to believe confidently that they practised something against him: For which consideration he would not suffer that any garrison should enter into Walchrens so near the places of his government: saying that they had no reason to wonder, if in so turbulent a time he stood upon his guard, seeing that both his government, his honour and his life depended thereon.  
To the which letters the council of Estate made answer that they were sorry that the sending of the Marshal of Villiers company had given him any cause of distrust: seeing 
The Council of Estates answer.  that according to the Estate of the country and the concurrence of time, nothing could happen more prejudicial unto them, then mutual jealousies, for the which they thought they had given him no subject: For as for the said troup of horse, it had been sent by Prince Maurice and not by them, having proceeded therein according to the order of his patent, and the authority which he hath, as Governor of Holland and Zealand, only for the conducting of the Peasants and them of the champain country, to the guard of the Sea-coast, fearing lest the enemy should attempt something: For the which service three score horses were sufficient, which small number could not attempt any thing against the places of his Government. Moreover they held those horsemen to be of no service there, doing more harm then good: wherefore they were resolved (at prince Maurice return) to speak unto him to call them back: Entreating him therefore not to importune them any further to have his company there. They said also that the protestation he made by his letters, not to endure any soldiers in Walchrens, nor about Flushing, and Ramekens, had much troubled them.  
Having also forbidden at Sooetelandt, not to receive any of the Estates soldiers: Wherein they would advertise him, that he opposed himself directly to the Contract which they had made with his mistress the Queen of England, extending his authority and command over the Champion country of Walchrens, the which belongs only to the Governor general, or to the particular of the Country: Wherefore they entreated him in any case to forbear to attempt any thing to the prejudice of the said contract, for the inconveniences that might happen unto him Entreating him also to lay aside all jealousies, and bad impressions which he might have conceived of them, the which they never had of him, but have fought to entertain all good amity and correspondency with him, for the service of the Queen his mistress and the united Provinces: assuring him they would never endure any thing that should tend to the disseruice of her Majesty, and impairing of his charge and authority. This answer was dated the second of February.  
This troup of Villiers horse being arrived in Walchrens, the Estates of Zealand had appointed that thirty of them should be lodged in Middelbourg, eighteen at 
They of Campuere & Arnemuyden refuse to obey the Estates.  Campuere and twelve at Arnemuyden The Magistrates of Campuere and Arnemuyden refused to receive them, protesting not to receive any soldiers, but such as should be sent by order from the Earl of Leicester, their Governor general. But not content here-with, they made a contract with the Captains of the garrisons, the which they confirmed by oath, signed and sent it into England to the Earl of Leicester who was very well pleased with this message. The Estates of Zealand seeing the unwillingness of these two towns, sent the 18. horse which should have been at Campuere, to a village called Haek & the 12. of Arnemuyden to Middelbourg, until they were employed elsewhere, Here-upon as well the General as the particular Estates of the united Provinces, seeing these factions, & the boldness of the English & their Partisans to increase daily: and that all garrisons carried themselves as if they were no more subject to the Estates, not to the preservation of the country: having considered all things, & meaning to settle a good order (although they were yet much troubled with them of Medenblick) they sent in March Prince Maurice into Zeeland, only with his household train. Being but newly 
1588.  arrived and in conference with the Estates of Zeeland; Behold there presently arrives the Lord Charles Howard, high Admiral of England, with nine or ten ships of war, bringing with him two hundred and twenty thousand florines to pay the English troops. This sudden arrival of so many ships of war in such a jealous season, 
Prince Maurice retires himself notwithout cause.  made them presently to murmur, that he might make himself master of the Island of Walchrens, and carry Prince Maurice into England. Whereupon the Prince retired suddenly from Middelbourg, and went to the ships of war which the Estates do commonly entertain in the river of Antwerp, lying before the fort of Lillo, whether he might safely retire himself when he pleased.  
The Lord Admiral (hearing that the Prince was departed) sent Sir Edward Hobby and Peter van Heyl●… with charge from her Majesty, to treat with him, to remove all jealousies, and if it were possible to raise the siege of Medenblike. Whereof the Prince excused himself honestly, referring that business to the general Estates, and to them of Holland. They of Campuere and Arnemuyden were exceeding glad of the Lord Admirals coming, hoping that he would make himself master of Walchrens and raise the siege of Medenblike. But being come to no other end but to convoy the money safely, having a fair gale, he returned five days after. Then came Prince Maurice presently back to Middelbourg; From whence he did write unto Sir William Russel by james Valcke a Councillor of Estate, to consider of the means how to remove all these distrusts, to the service of God and of the Queen's Majesty, the prosperity of the united Provinces, and the confusion of their enemies, who sought their advantage in such disorder.  
The signor of Valcke, (who was a man of judgement) being entered into conference with Sir William Russel, he sought to purge himself of all that had been done, saying: 
That he had not done any thing but by express ●…rant.  that for his part he was ready to do all good offices. Whereupon Valcke went to Campvere (whereas Mandemaker the treasurer general of Zeeland, with some others, were detained prisoners) promising them all good and favour, if they would acknowledge and obey Prince Maurice as their chief and Governor, but the Captains would not give ear to any thing until they were first assured of their pay, and to continue still in their garrison, with some other conditions. Sir William Russel excused himself also, that he might not meddle with the money unless he had other order out of England. And in this Estate the affairs stood, until that the common fear of apparent danger of the Spanish fleet, made them to take an other resolution.  
In the meantime the Queen by the instigation of some that were about her Majesty, 
The Queen's letters to the Estates.  who were enemies to the Estates, did write unto the general Estates, charging them that they entreated them of Vtrecht ill, and had cruelly proceeded against them of Leyden, growing also very bitter against them of Medenblike, whom they held besieged, wondering why they should be so rigorous against all those that showed any love and affection to her Majesty, which proceeded only from a true feeling of the benefits which they had received from her, with many other like reasons, set down in the said letter. Whereunto the Estates answered. That they had never used any other then civil and honest admonitions to them of Vtrecht, for that they had chased away their 
The Estates answer to the Queen.  best Burghers, and committed the government of the town to strangers, who had nothing to lose in the whole country. As for the matter of Leyden, that they had proceeded judicially, as upon a notorious crime. And for Medenblike, the malice of them of the garrison was the cause thereof, and therefore they deserved to be punished. Prince Maurice did also write unto the Queen, complaining much that the towns of his inheritance (out of the which both he, his Brethren and Sisters and all those of the 
Prince Maurice writs to the Queen.  house of Nassau, had their maintenance) as Campuere and Geertruydenberg, (the which alone was worth forty thousand gilders a year rend) were fallen into mutiny, under colour of her majesties service, and in great danger to be absolutely lost▪ Complaining also that Sir William Russel had charged him, to have meant to attempt against the town of Flussing, and to wrest it out of his hands, wherewith he held himself to be much wronged, desiring that it might be honourably repaired, and that speedily, considering the exigence of the cause. 
1588.   
The Queen considering the danger which consisted in these discontents, seeing the Spanish army at Sea approaching, and ready to fall upon the one or the other: the which they could not resist, nor preserve the Estate of the country, but by good union and mutual correspondency: (division being like to cause the ruin of both) she sent a very kind answer by her letters to Prince Maurice, giving him all contentment, dis-avowing all mutinies, as well of the English, as of other soldiers that sought to shroud themselves under the cloak of her service: and to that end she did also write expressly unto the Lord Willoughby, to Sir Henry Killegrey, to Sir William Russell, and others, as also to the general Estates. By reason whereof the garrisons of Campuere and Arnmuyden were pacified, with a certain sum of money (having kept the treasurer Mandemaker a long time prisoner, & committed many 
partialities begin to cease.  Insolencies) and afterwards cast: and the resignation of the Earl of Leicester's government being published: all factions and partialities began to cease, and the general Estates to recover their first authority.  
The Captains of these mutinies in Campuere and Arnemuyden, being cashiered and discharged from their garrisons by the Estates, thought themselves to be very hardly dealt withal, after their long service, for the which having long solicited the Estates who little regarded them; In the end in the year 1590. they sent a petition 
A petition by the Captains discharged, to the Queen for recompense.  unto the Queen of England, showing the many years they had spent in the Estates service, and how faithful they had continued; till that upon the seventh of September, 1587. when as the Earl of Leicester went from thence into England, they were commanded (without an express commission from her majesty or himself) not to depart out of their garrisons with their soldiers, according to their oath of fidelity taken in that case to her Majesty, the Earl of Leicester, and the general Estates, with a promise that if the Estates should refuse to pay them, that showing their due obedience to him, he would in the Queen's behalf, give them their entertainment: Whereupon for the better defending of their town▪ by the advice of Sir William Russell they had increased their comp●…ies twenty five and thirty men a piece, for the which they received money of Sir William Russell to bestow upon their soldiers, all for her majesties service, who by her letters of the twenty four of February, 1588. charged them to credit and to follow the advice of the said Sir William Russell, who had also both by word of mouth and by letters (which they showed) desired them to continue constant in their resolution, as they had done, and were yet ready to live and die in her majesties service. After which it pleased her Majesty by the Lord Willoughby and Sir Henry Killegrey to discharge them of their oath, with command to be obedient unto the Estates of the united Provinces: So as they entered into treaty with Prince Maurice and the Estates, which contract was not held with the Captains, her said supplyants', but to the contrary they were discharged from their garrisons, and their companies, entertainments, and after-reckoning taken from them, and all for the faithful service they had done unto her Majesty: and so were fallen into disgrace with Prince Maurice and the Estates, forgetting all their former services, whereby they had as then lost all their credits, honours, and reputations, in regard whereof they desired her majesties favour and aid, and to be accepted into her service. This petition was signed by Captain joos vanden End, Cor nellis Palant and Peter de Costere: the like was made by the other Captains as Ambrosio le Duck, Adrian Ost & others, all desiring to serve under the English Colonels, but they obtained small recompense from the Queen, who thought it not to stand with her honour, to entertain such Captains against the liking of the Estates, for that her own English soldiers were (by virtue of the contract) bound by oath unto the Estates, yet she gave her Agent commission, to entreat the Estates for them and to deal in their behalfs: But they will have their authorities known and better observed, by punishing of such offenders, for example to others.  
The Estates of the united Provinces beginning now again to flourish in their authorities & thereby to resume their superior command, as in former times: the Earl of Leiceister having resigned his place of Governor: And for that there was scarce any 
1588.  in England fit for such a government, in whom did concur the knowledge to govern 
Opinions on both sides touching the government of the Nether lands.  in civil causes & to make war against so mighty an enemy: wherefore many in England were of advice, to suffer the Netherlands to govern, and to follow the wars themselves, and the Queen only to aid them with money, or else to pay her own soldiers, whereby they might maintain their own Provinces in unity: But others (especially such as had entertainment in the Netherlands, under the Earl of Leicester) sought to persuade the Queen, that the united Provinces by means of the confused government among them, decayed daily more and more, and went to ruin, so as all her money would be lost, and she herself left in great hatred with the King of Spain, unless she would take the sovereignty, or absolute protection upon her, by her Lieutenant, with full authority; but it was hard to find a Governor among them with all qualities fit for such a charge (especially for that soon after in Septem. the Earl of Leicester died, of whom there was great hope, that he should have been sent again for Governor, with limited authority) some others likewise at the same time were named, as the Lord Willoughby (having then had some experience of those countries) the Lord Gray of Wilton, and Sir john Norrice, but they were not held capable for so great an office of State: Yet the Earl of Leicester's favourites persuaded themselves that all things would be well governed by some English Governor, and the Council of Estate, having two English Councillors in it, & certain Englishmen also in the treasury, all under the Queen's authority, according to the contract made in the year 1588. And so they were of opinion that the countries might be well governed, and incorporated under her, in some sort acknowledging the general Estates, and the Provincial Governors, especially for the levying of the contributions.  
But the general Estates duly weighing all things (although at that instant they were engaged in great difficulties) held that kind of government to be very uncertain, knowing the English to be unacquainted with the affairs of that State: The Queen being a woman, and then of good years, that her majesty was not ambitious, but only sought to govern well and wisely, and to secure herself and her own Estate: And if that they should rely only upon the assistance of her Majesty & her followers who had nothing to lose within their countries, they feared that upon some sudden disaster, they might be scorned & abandoned, as they were continually threatened, when as any thing fell out otherwise then was expected, or else they should be persuaded to hearken to a peace, contrary to their minds, or have daily causes of distrusts given, the Englishmen seeking all the preferment, & the Estates being loath to be, servi servorum, whereupon they resolved to continue in their authorities, and to maintain the same as well as they might.  
But news came daily of the coming of the Spanish fleet, which made both parties to incline to a good union in these dangerous times: they were incited thereunto by certain counters that were made: On the one side whereof there was graven two Oxen ploughing, parted with the arms of England & of the Netherlands, with this inscription; Trahite aequo iugo: That is, draw evenly: On the other side were two earthen pots driven upon the waves of the Sea, with this inscription: Frangimur si collidimur: If we strike one against another we break.  
Thus the disorders and divisions began somewhat to decrease, the Lord Willoughby (being a good & well minded Nobleman) had at that time appeased the controversy in Naerden, and laboured to do the like in Vtrecht, which the Estates seemed desirous to requite, preparing their ships of war for the common service of her Majesty and the country, against the coming of the Spanish fleet, and moreover (the which was more than the Queen herself desired) they agreed to take up a thousand sailors in the Netherlands for her majesties service.  
We have before made mention, how that the Queen of England, had very earnnestly priest the united Provinces not only by the Earl of Leicester, but also by her Ambassadors, to join with her in the treaty of a peace, and what reasons had moved her (notwithstanding their resolute denial) to proceed therein, and to attempt it whilst that the coming of this great army of Spain was bruited over all Europe. 
1588.  To which end she sent her Commissioners on the four and twenty of February 1588. to Ostend, which was then kept by an English garrison, under the government of sir john Conway. The Commissioners names were, Henry Earl of Derby, the Baron of Cobham, Lord warden of the cinq Ports, both Knights of the garter, Sir james a 
The commissioners sent to treat with the duke of Parma.  Croft Knight controller of the Queen's house, and all three of her majesties privy council, Doctor Dale, and Master john Rogers, both Masters of Requests. For the Duke of Parma, and in the King's name, were sent Maximilian Earl of Aremberg, Knight of the treasury, and governor of Antwerp; Monsieur Richardot, Precedent of Arthois, councillor for the State, and of the privy council: john Mace Doctor of 
The commissioners for the King of Spain.  the law, Councillor and Advocate fiscal in the council of Brabant, and Blaminius Greiner, Secretary of the council of Estate: these came to Bruges in March after, where by messengers sent from one to another there was a long disputation about the precedence, and where they should meet, and whether hostages should be given of either side, for their securities: after which they met in certain Tents set up under Ostend, where the Spaniards gave the English the precedence. After three months question, the English yielded to go to Bourbrough in Flanders, without any hostages, where upon the sixth of july they began to enter into treaty.  
Among many propositions and disputations, on both sides touching the Spanish Commission, and other things, the Queen of England's demands were: To have a present truce or surceasing of arms, being thought necessary for both sides, thereby 
The Queen's demands.  to stay and divert the coming of the Spanish fleet, which the Spanish Commissioners seemed to incline unto, seeking to persuade them that it was not intended for England. Moreover they demanded the renewing of old contracts and intercourses, the sending away of foreign governors and soldiers out of the Netherlands, for the Queens own safety: and the restitution of such sums of money as the Queen had lent unto the Estates of those Provinces, the which the King had promised in his perpetual Edict made at brussels. For the Netherlanders they demanded; that they might enjoy their ancient liberties and privileges; be governed by their natural born countrymen, and not by Strangers; that there might be a toleration of religion for two years at the least, and in the mean time the religion to be ordered and established by the Estates: and that the articles of the pacification of Gant, and of other treaties might be observed And as concerning the towns that were in her majesties hands, they said that (the foresaid articles being concluded) her Majesty would yield unto any reasonable conditions, that all the world might know she had not taken those towns into her possession for her own use and commodity, nor for increase of her dominions, but only for her necessary defence and assurance, etc.  
The King of Spain's Commissioners made answer to these propositions that they were content to revew the contracts, but it would ask a long time, and therefore 
The Spaniards answers.  they desired to proceed to the concluding of a peace: Touching the sending away of strange soldiers, the King could not resolve thereon, until that the Hollanders and their associates did submit them, and so long as the Frenchmen were in arms. Concerning the money lent, they said the King was not informed thereof, and that he must first see the account. Touching the privileges of the Netherlands, the Queen had not to do therewith, and that there was no reason to prescribe the King a law, how he should govern his subjects. Concerning religion, and the exercise thereof, the King would not hear of it, but was content to grant a toleration, such as he had allowed unto the towns that had submitted themselves under his obedience. As for the pacification of Gant, they would not hear it named, for that the Prince of Orange and the Estates (by whom it was made) were the first that broke it, as they said.  
Whereunto the English commissioners replied, that the contracts might be renewed by proviso, and afterwards reform or made better, by Commissioners appointed 
The Queen's replication.  by both parties: for the sending away of foreign soldiers, it was the only cause that had moved her Majesty to enter into the treaty, foreseeing the dangers incident thereunto, if strangers should continue still in the Netherlands, the which remaining in that estate, the Queen for her own safety and assurance could not leave 
1588.  arms: nor the netherlands Provinces be assured of any peace, as long as the foreign soldiers were within the country.  
Touching the money which the Queen had lent, and that she then demanded from the Estates, the King himself was bound for it, by his Edict made at Brussels, as well for that which was lent unto them before the said edict as for that which was sense or that should be lent: yet the Queen sought not that money from the King, but only that the Estates might have liberty from him, to collect money for the payment thereof: concerning the privileges of the country, her Majesty said she had a special interest therein: first in regard of Neighbourhood: Secondly for that she was especially nominated in several pacifications, and thirdly for that it was not possible for her subjects and Merchants to enjoy their previledges in the Netherlands, unless the Provinces themselves were allowed the same: so as her Majesty should have just cause to complain, if those preveledges were denied them, which had been agreed unto by the pacification of Gant, the perpetual Edict made at the reconciliation of Arthois and Henault, and generally consented unto at the treaty of peace made in Collogne by the Duke of Terranova, at the intercession of the Emperor and the Duke of Cleaves: and if the netherlands Provinces might not be governed by such as were borne in the country, there was no hope to bring them to any good and firm peace.  
And for the point of religion, if the King would not hear of any toleration of the exercise thereof, than they of the said Provinces should be forced to for sake the religion wherein they were borne and bred from their youths, or be constrained to live in perpetual exile out of their countries, by which means all those that would not leave their religion, would for sake the country whereby it should become desolate: Neither could the King with any reason refuse his subjects that which in times past was by his father the Emperor Charles permitted unto the Germans: and by other Princes, and namely by himself in his perpetual Edict, and that by the advise of the best and the most learned Doctors in divinity and councillors of estate, the breaking whereof had been the cause of all the tumults and troubles in the Netherlands, as also in France and other places, and was likely to bring many more inconveniences to the King in his old age, and likewise to his son who was yet but very young.  
To all the points of this replication, the King of Spain's commissioners, made none but dilatory answers to no effect. In the mean time the Queen of England was advertised of an English book printed at Antwetp, written by Doctor Allen, who 
Cardinal Allens book against her Majesty.  not long before had been made Cardinal at Rome, being an admonition to the Nobility of England and Ireland to execute the Pope's sentence against her Majesty, which executions the King of Spain had taken in hand (as Allen said) and the Duke of Parma was appointed by the King chief Commander in that action. The Queen was also advertised of a Bull sent forth by Pope Sixtus, containing many false and scandalous points against her Majesty, wherein was also contained that he had concluded with the Catholic King to employ all his power and means to expel the Queen out of her Kingdom, straightly commanding all her majesties subjects, in a most fearful and thundering manner, to aid and assist the great, noble and invincible army prepared to that end, under the command of the Duke of Parma. The 
The Queen sends to the Duke of Parma about the in vading of England and his answer.  Queen being made acquainted with these things during this treaty of peace, she commanded Doctor Dale one of the commissioners, to go and speak with the Duke of Parma in person, and to charge him in good sort with the things contained in these advertisements, and to know his direct answer, whether he were not appointed to be general over the army that was then preparing in Spain, and of the enterprise thereby pretended, and to tell him, that if it were true (as she could heardly believe it) she meant no longer to continue the treaty but to call home her Commissioners.  
The Duke of Parma made answer to Doctor Dale, that he knew of no such book, neither had he any knowledge of the foresaid Bull sent forth by the Pope: neither had 
1588.  he attempted any thing of himself but honourably, in regard of the dislike that was betwixt her and the King his master; and that as a good and faithful servant, he was to execute his masters commandment, with many such Courtlike speeches: But her Majesty was not satisfied with that answer, for that he did not say directly, whether he had under-taken to invade England or not with that army; wherefore she resolved not to call home her commissioners, yet commanding them to treat with the Spanish commissioners by word of mouth, and try if by that means (better then by writing) they might find more reason and better furtherance: But to the contrary and beyond their expectations, they found that the longer they continued in this treaty, the less hope there was of any good conclusion The King's Commissioners telling them, that they were grieved they had spent so much time about the matter, and that the King of Spain had kept fifty thousand men in pay almost a whole year, to lie still and do nothing, to his great charge, by the means of that treaty, and so they blamed one an other. At the last the King's Commissioners said 
The last answer of the Spanish commissioners.  plainly touching the religion, that the King of Spain were better to give his one and only Son unto them of Holland, then to allow them the excercise of their religion: And that the Queen had no more to do to trouble herself with the religion of his countries, than he had to meddle with the religion in her Dominions: As for the pacification of Gant, they would not hear of that, for that it had been broken by the makers thereof; saying that the Prince of Orange had received a just reward for the same. The foreign soldiers might not be sent away, so long as there was any war with Holland and fear of France. To conclude, they refused all the English demands. But Sir james a Croft (riding privately to Bruges) showed secretly unto the Precedent Richardot and to monsieur Champigni, certain articles concerning a peace, but much to the prejudice of the united Provinces, which Champigni seemed to like well of, being very desirous by that means to have the use of the English Havens, for the harboring of their Spanish fleet, for the which afterwards there grew great dislike betwixt him and the duke of Parma.  
Before the departure of the English Commissioners, the Earl of Derby (to discover the Spaniards intents) asked them if they intended to have the cautionary Towns delivered over unto them without any conclusion: But the Spanish fleet approaching then in August, broke off all further conference, either side hearing the shot at Sea, and so all dissembling was laid aside, and the Duke of Parma was found contrary in his word, having protested to some of the English Commissioners upon 
The treaty of peace broke off.  his Princely word and faith (as the English reported) that the army came not for England, if they could agree upon the foresaid articles of peace propounded But the Queen observing the constant resolution of the united Provinces, and seeing the fleet of Spain already before her door, she called home her Commissioners, whereupon they desired a convoy to conduct them safely from thence, being in some fear for that they had no hostages: but after fifteen days stay, they got a passport with certain wagons and a convoy to guard them to the Frontiers, whether the King's commissioners did very honourably conduct them, for the which they gave them great thanks, & much commended the Duke of Parmaes' honourable disposition, having kept his word so justly with them.  
Now I come to that great Spanish fleet, whereof although there have been some petty discourses written and published in our own language, yet for that it concerned the united Provinces as well as England, I have thought good to make a brief relation in this history, for posterities sake, both of the preparations and the success.  
The King of Spain having long forecast and sought by what means he might bring the Realm of England into subjection, and so to re-establish the Catholic religion there, hoping by that means to repossess his inheritance in the Netherlands: for that being once Lord over England, he might easily debar them of all traffic by Sea, the which (not without great and probable reasons) was held easy to be done, by such as were best acquainted with the situation of England and the Netherlands, together with the traffic and commerce of the said countries. Whereupon 
1588.  the King of Spain having prevailed little with one and twenty years war in the Netherlands, he concluded with his privy council, once again to invade the Netherlands by sea, the which he had often attempted, but not with sufficient forces, whereunto he should now be constrained to use a greater power, in regard that 
The King of Spain prepares to invade England and the Netherlands.  England was then his enemy, the situation of which great Island is such, as it may hinder all traffic and negotiation in those parts whatsoever.  
Whereupon he was fully resolved first to invade England, which Escovedo Secretary to Don john of Austria; and many subtle Spanish and netherlands spirits, with some English rebels, held more easy to be conquered then Holland and Zeeland, persuading the King that it would be much more profitable to invade both England and the united Provinces by sea at one instant, then to entertain continually a mighty army, to prohibit the traffic of England and the Netherlands into both the Indies. For the effecting whereof in the beginning of this year 1588. he had gathered together so great a fleet of ships at Lisbon, as in many hundred years before the like had not been seen North-wards in the Ocean seas. In the which there came so many great Commanders, Noblemen, and voluntary Gentlemen, as there was not any house of honour and credit in Spain, but had a son, brother or nephew in this action, who all thought with this invincible army (as they termed it) to win eternal honour, and to make themselves rich in England and the Netherlands. The description of this army, and of every particular, was set forth in Print by the Spaniards, whereof I will make a brief rehearsal.  
Portugal did furnish to this great fleet, under the conduct of the Duke of Medina Sidonia General of the whole Army, ten great galleons, two small ships, thirteen 
The description of all the ships. sailors and soldiers.  hundred Sailors, three thousand three hundred soldiers, three hundred fifty pieces of great ordinance, and all other things necessary. biscay under the command of the Admiral john Martinez de Richalde, brought ten galleons, four pinasses, seven hundred Sailors, two thousand soldiers, and two hundred and fifty pieces of ordinance. Guypusco under the conduct of Michael de Oquendo furnished ten galleons, fourteen pinasses, seven hundred sailors, two thousand sailors, & four score pieces of ordinance. Andolozia under the command of Pedro de Valdez, ten galleons, one pinnace, eight hundred sailors, two thousand four hundred soldiers, & two hundred sixty pieces of ordinance. Italy, under the leading of Martin de Bretendona, ten galleons, eight hundred sailors, two thousand soldiers, and three hundred and ten pieces of ordinance.  
Castilia under the conduct of Diego Floris de Valdez, fourteen galleons, two pinasses, a thousand seven hundred sailors, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and three hundred and four score pieces of ordinance. And under the command of john Lopez de Medina, there were three and twenty hulks, seven hundred sailors, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and four hundred and ten pieces of ordinance. Under the leading of Hugo de Moncado, there were sent from Naples four galliass with 1200. slaves to row in them 480. sailors, 870. soldiers, and 200. pieces of ordinance. Out of Portugal under the conduct of Diego de Medrana, were sent four galleys, with 880. slaves, 424. sailors, 440. soldiers, with ordinance accordingly.  
There were two and twenty pinasses, and other small ships, under the government of Don Antonio Buccado de Mendoza, with 574. sailors, 479. soldiers, and 193. pieces of ordinance. Besides all these, there were twenty Caravels laden with owers, ready for the great ships if need required, so as they were one and other a hundred and fifty sails, well provided, in the which they had above 8000. sailors, and 20000. soldiers, besides the commanders, officers, and voluntary gentlemen, and 2650. pieces of ordinance. Their ships being so great as they might have carried three score thousand tons in burden.  
The galleons being above 60. in number, were exceeding great, fair, and strong, and built high above the water like Castles, easy to be fought withal, but not so easy to board as the English and the netherlands ships, their upper decks were Musket proof, and beneath they were four or five foot thick, so as no bullet could pass them. Their Masts were bound thick about with Ocham or pieces or fazeled ropes, and armed 
1588.  against all shot. The Galliass were goodly great vessels, furnished with chambers, chapels, towers, pulpits, and such like: they rowed like galleys with exceeding great owers, each having 300. slaves, and were able to do much harm with their great ordinance.  
In this great fleet were one thousand six hundred great brass pieces, and above 
The description of the ordinance and munition.  one thousand Iron pieces, to the which were two hundred and twenty thousand bullets, four thousand six hundred Kintals of powder, one thousand kintals of Lead, one thousand two hundred Kintals of Match, seven thousand Muskets and Calivers, ten thousand partisans and halberds, with murdering pieces, double canons, 
A Kintall is a hundred weight.  and field pieces, with great store of furniture for carriages; mules, horses, and whatsoever was necessary for an Army either by sea or land. There was bread and biscuit provided for six months, every one having allowance of half a hundred a 
Description of the victuals and other necessaries.  month. Wine for six months, Bacon six thousand and five hundred Kintals, cheese three thousand quintals, besides flesh, rice, beans, pease, oil and vinegar, and twelve thousand pipes of fresh water: they had great store of torches, lanterns, lamps, canvas, hides, and lead to stop holes made with great ordinance, and other things needful for their use. This army cost the King thirty thousand ducats every day, as Don Diego Piementell confessed, reporting the same to be two and thirty thousand strong.  
In this army were five regiments of old Spanish soldiers, of the Tertios of Naples, Sicily and the Terceraes commanded by five masters del Campo. The first was Don 
The Commanders of the army.  Diego de Piementel, brother to the Marquis of Taveras, and cousin to the Earls of Beneuent and Calui, he was a Knight of the order of Saint john, and was allied to many of the best houses of Spain. The second Colonel, was, Don Francisco de Toledo brother to the Earl of Orgas. The third Don Alonso de Luson. The fourth Don Nicholas de Isla, or Patritio Anselmo. The fifth and last Augustin Mexia, (brother to the Marquis de la Garda) who was afterwards made governor of the castle of Antwerp, each Colonel having in his regiment two and thirty companies, besides the Italian and Portugal bands. No women nor whores were suffered to enter into any ship, upon pain of great punishment, but such women as were with them, hired ships and followed the army, and were most cast upon the coast of France.  
The General of this mighty army was Lodovicus Perez, Duke of Medina Sidonia and Baron of Saint Lucas, a Knight of the order of the Golden Fleece, (the 
Chief officers and gentlemen.  Marquis of Sancta Cruse, who was named for that charge, being dead not long beford) john Martinez de recalled, a wise Gentleman, was Admiral. Don Francisco Bovadille Martial: And for chief councillors in the war, Diego Pimentel, Flores de Valdez, Pedro de Valdez, Michael Oquendo, Don Alonso de Lieva, Don Diego Maldonado, Don Georgio Manriquez, and many others. Don Martin Alarson was Vicar general of the holy Inquisition, and with him above a hundred Monks, Jesuits, and other religious men. There were many Noblemen, and above one hundred and twenty Gentlemen of good esteem, adventurers, that went at their own charges, to win honour, among the which were the Prince of Ascoly, the Marquis of Pennafyel, the Marquis of Barlango, with many other Marquises and Earls of good account.  
Whilst this army was in this sort preparing the Duke of Parma received commandment from the King to make ready his forces in the Netherlands, to join 
The Duke of Parmas' preparation to join with this army.  with this army, whereupon he sent for ship-writes and workmen out of Italy, to build ships, setting many thousands on work, to dig and deepen rivers, especially the river of Iperlee, to bring certain ships from Antwerp to Gant, and so to Bruges, where he gathered together above three hundred small Boats, lading them with victuals and munition, the which he thought to bring to Scluce, and so into the Sea, or through the new deepned water of Iperlee, into the other havens of Flanders. He had also prepared three score and ten flat bottomed boats, which lay in the water of Watene, every one able to carry thirty horses, with bridges made to ship and unship them. There were also two hundred flat 
1588.  bottomed boats more ready in the haven of Newport, but not so big as the others. In Dunkirk they had made ready two and thirty ships of war, and having want of sailors, he sent to Hambrough, Emden, Breme and other places, to hire them: he expected five ships from Hambrough well appointed with many sailors, and had hired five ships that then lay at Dunkirk. These ships he went to lad with great store of piles of wood, made sharp at the ends with Iron pikes, and at graveling he had twenty thousand empty cask, which might soon be made fast one unto the other with cords, like a bridge; with all other furniture to make bridges, to stop havens, and to pile up waters: and to that end he had provided within Nieuport a mighty great heap of faggots, and all other provision for sconces. He had shipped many saddles and bridles, and other furniture for horses, and horses also for carriages, with ordinance, and all other necessary provision for the war.  
near unto Nieuport, he had lying under the command of Camillo master of the camp, thirty companies of Italians, two of Walloons, and eight of Bourgognons, 
His forces.  every company being a hundred men. At Dyxmewe he mustered four score companies of Netherlanders, three score of Spaniards, three score of high Duchess, and seven of rebellious and traitorous Englishmen, under the leading of Sir William Stanley and others, which were ready to take ship. In the suburbs of Cortricke there were four thousand lodged, and at Watene nine hundred horse with the Cornet of the Marquis of Guast who was general of the horse. To this great enterprise and imaginary conquest, diverse Princes and Noblemen came, from diverse countries. 
Great noble men came into Flanders.  Out of Spain came the Duke of Pastrana, who was said to be the son of Ruy Gomez de silva, Prince of Mileto, but he was held to be the King's Bastard son: the Marquis of Bourgou, one of the Archduke Ferdinand's sons, by Philippina Welserime, Don Vespasian Gonsagua, of the house of Mantua, a great soldier, who had been Viceroy in Spain: Don john de Medici's, bastard of Florence, Don Amedeus bastard of Savoy, with many such like, besides others of meaner quality.  
Sixtus Quintus Pope of Rome, forgot not likewise to send forth his Crusado (as he useth against the Turks) published by his Bulls for the furthering of this great 
The Pope's help towards the conquest of England & the Netherlands.  enterprise, with great persuasions, the which were Printed in all places. The Englishmen and the Netherlanders scoffed at these Bulls, saying, that the devil was become a thief by the high way, and cared not for such passports. It was said he had given the realm of England to the King of Spain, with the title of the defender of the Christian faith, commanding him to overrun the same, upon condition that he should hold it as feudatorie of the Sea of Rome, and to that end the Pope should contribute a Million of gold, the one half to be paid presently, and the other when England, or any notable haven therein should be won. The Queen hearing of this great preparation in Spain, she sent forth her ships of war, with other merchants ships, the greatest to lie at Plymouth in the West parts under the command of the Lord Charles Haward, Lord high Admiral of England, and of many other Noble men of quality; and the small ships (being some forty or fifty sail) kept the narrow Seas, betwixt Dover and Calais, under the conduct of the Lord Henry Seymor, son to the Duke of Somerset. The united 
Preparation made by the Netherlands.  Provinces first of all (in regard of the shallows and flattes of their coast) made provision of twenty small ships, to keep all the havens of Flanders, from Lillo in the river of Scheld, unto graveling by Calais, putting great garrisons into their sea Towns: and when as this great army of Spaniards should be ready to come, they sent forth Captain Loucke of Rosendale, with five and twenty or thirty ships, to join with the Lord Henry Seymor, but when as the ships were forced by a storm to leave the Flemish coast, and to sail back into Zeeland: it being passed, they put to sea again, and with them justinus of Nassau the Admiral, and Ioy●… Moyer, vice-admiral of Zeeland, being in all about five and thirty ships, from a hundred and sixty to five hundred tun burden a piece; very well appointed with great store of good sailors, and 1200. old soldiers, all Musketeers, chosen out of the regiments, and well acquanted with the sea, being fully resolved to fight, and to keep the Duke of 
1588.  Parma from bringing his fleet out of any haven in Flanders, whereon consisted the greatest part of their safety.  
Upon the nine and twenty day of May 1588. this great and mighty army of Spain, put to sea, and sailed from Lisbon to the Groin in Gallicia where they took in more 
The army of Spain puts to sea.  men and munition, it being the nearest haven to England. Being at sea they were scattered by a tempest, the Duke of Medina entering again into the Groin with four score ships, the rest following as well as they could, except eight of them which had 
Dispersed by a tempest.  spent their Masters. Of the four Galleys which came out of Portugal, one by great fortune was saved in that haven, the other three were driven into Bayon upon the coast of France, whereas one Davy Gwin an English slave with divers French and Turkish slaves, first overcame the one, and then won the rest, whereas Don Diego de Mendiana was slain, the slaves saving themselves in France with these Galleys they thought to have driven the Zeeland ships from the coast of Flanders, and so to have drawn the Duke of Parmaes' ships out of the havens.  
The Spanish army being refreshed, and their ships rigged again, receiving daily commandment from the King to put to sea, on the one and twenty of julie, they 
They put to sea again.  went out of the Groin, and sailed till they came to the entry of the English channel, from whence they sent certain small Pynnasses, to the Duke of Parma, to certify him of their coming and to will him to make himself ready to join with them. The Spanish fleet being discovered by an English pinnace and the Lord Admiral being advertised thereof, when he little expected them, supposing that the fore said storm would have kept them longer in harbour: on the nine and twenty of july, early in the morning, he made all the hast he could to get his ships out of the haven of Plymouth, embarking his men not without great trouble and difficulty: the same night he himself with six ships only put forth to sea, and the rest following as fast as they could.  
On the thirty day of julie at noon, they had a sight of the Spanish fleet, the wind being then fouth-west, holding their course (as it seemed) directly for Plymouth, but perceiving the English ships without the haven, they sailed along the coast, wherein many of good judgement thought they committed a great error; but they 
The Commission of the Spanish army was to join with the duke of Parma.  had express commission to sail directly towards Flanders, and both together to assail England about Margat, but it is reported that the chief amongst them, and such as had greatest experience in sea causes, as john Martinez de recalled, Diego Flores de Valdez and other's, showed great reasons, and said that it could not otherwise be, but that great difficulties would arise in their proceedings, having such limited instructions, alleging many things that were to be observed in such actions, as whether, wind and tide to get out of the havens of Flanders, and to enter upon 
Difficulties for the effecting of the Spanish commission.  the coast of England, as also dark and light moonshine nights, roads and depths, all being subject to the winds and other several dangers: but their Commission was, they should follow their instructions, and anchor about Calais, where the Duke of Parma should come to him with his flat bottomed boats, and so pass on under the protection and government of the great ships, or else whilst they were in sight, should sail along and land his men in the Downs, but as the prisoners confessed they chief design was to have entered into the mouth of the river of Thames.  
And as the Spanish fleet passed along by Plymouth, the English army made presently towards them and got the wind of them. On the one and thirty day the English bore up close with the Spanish fleet within musket shot, the Admiral shooting very hotly against the Vice admiral of Spain, which when the Spaniards suspecting, and perceived that the English played so on them with their great Ordinance, they kept very close together in order of battle, and in the form of a half moon, carrying but little sail, for that they would not lose any of their company, and holding their course in that manner, one of their great Galliass was wonderfully battered by the English ships and they sailed so close and near together 
1588.  as the chief Gallion of Sicilia (wherein Don Pedro de Valdez, Don Basco de silva and Don Alonso de Sayas with other Gentlemen were, broke her mast against an other ship, whereby it was not able to follow the fleet, neither would the army stay to help her, but left her behind, which the Admiral of England descrying (being loath to lose the sight of the Spanish fleet) passed by her in the night, with as many ships as could follow her, for that Sir Francis Drake (who was appointed that night to bear the Lantern) had five great Hulks in chase, the which were separated from the Spanish fleet, and found them to be merchants ships of the East countries: so as the English Admiral did all night follow the Spanish Lantern, and in the morning found himself to be in the midst of his enemies, whereupon he made all the hast he could to free himself of so great a danger. On the first of August Sir Francis Drake 
Don Pedro de Valdez ship taken.  met with Don Pedro de Valdez ship, having four hundred and fifty men in her, whom he summoned to yield; after some parley, Don Pedro (understanding that it was Drake, whose fame was so great) yielded himself, and was well entreated. In this ship there was some part of the King of Spain's treasure, about fifty five thousand ducats, which was all made prize.  
The same vice-admiral Oquendos ship was set on fire, in the which there was great store of powder and munition, it was burnt down to the water, and very few of the men saved, this ship was also taken and carried into England with many poor men, miserably burnt, yet the powder being under the hatches, was miraculously preserved. This night the English Admiral had followed the Spanish fleet so close, as in the morning he was alone among his enemies, so as it was four of the clock in the afternoon before that all his fleet could reach him. It is said that at that instant Don Hugo de Moncado General of the Galleasses, did press the Duke of Medina to give him leave to charge the Admiral, which by no means he would grant, in regard of his limited commission.  
Upon Twesday the second of August, the Spanish fleet was thwart of Portland, and then the wind came Northward, which was against the English, but they recovered it 
A fight before Portland.  soon again, for they were small ships and of better sail; that day there was a very great fight between them, but the Spaniards seeing the English ships maintain it so valiantly all the day long, they gathered themselves again together, and sailed on their intended course, which was to join with the Duke of Parma about Dunkirk. In this fight a great Venetian ship with an other small ship of the enemies were sunk. The English army increased daily, being about one hundred sail, but most of them too small ships to board the Spaniards, except two or three and twenty of the Queen's great ships, which only made the greatest fight. Thither also came many Noblemen, as the Earls of Oxford, Northomberland, Comberland and others, with many knights and Gentlemen of the best houses of England, to win honour.  
The third of August the sea being very calm, the fight continued only between the Galliass and the English ships, who for that they went with owers had some advantage to continue fight, but the Englishmen shot chain shot, which did cut both their sails, tackling and owers in pieces, but they grew to be very scant of powder, so as they were forced to send to shore for more. On the fourth of August, the Spanish army being before the I'll of wight, the English Admiral did valiantly assail the Spanish Admiral, being accompanied by some of his best ships, as the Lion wherein was the Lord Thomas Howard, (now Earl of Suffolk) the Elizabeth jonas, commanded by Sir Robert Southwell; the Bear by the Lord Sheffeld: the victory by Sir john Haukins, and the Gallion Leicester, wherein was Captain George Fenner, the Spanish Admiral was then accompanied with the best of his ships and in the midst of them, where there was a dreadful noise of Canonshot, within three or four hundred foot distance: at the last the Spaniards sailed on before the wind. On the sixth of August being Saturday, the Spaniards cast anchor before Callais, being resolved as it seemed to stay there, and so to join with the Duke of Parmaes' forces, and the next day the English fleet also cast anchor, and lay close by them, within shot one of an other, and thither came the Lord Henry Seymor, with his fleet of ships, the which had lain at the 
1588.  lands end, in the mouth of the river of Thames.  
The Duke of Medina advertised the Duke of Parma of his being there, and many Noblemen and Gentlemen went to land, to refresh themselves, and among the rest the Prince of Ascoly (who was held to be the King of Spain's Bastard son) a gallant young Gentleman, who by good fortune was forced to stay on shore, for that he could not get aboard, whose ship withal the men was afterwards drowned in Ireland. The Duke of Parma having heard of the coming of the Spanish army upon the coast of 
The duke of Parma prepares himself.  England, made all the hast he could to employ his person in this exploit, and to that end had given the government of the country unto the old Earl of Mansfield, going himself in pilgrimage to our Lady of Hall in Henault: and from thence to Brugges, where he arrived on the seventh of August, riding the next day to Dunkirk where his ships attended him, where he heard the shooting of both the armies, and at the evening as he entered into Dixmuyden, he was advertised of the success thereof.  
Upon Twesday being the ninth of August, he returned again to Dunkirk, even as the army passed by, not one of his ships daring venture to put forth, by reason of the five and thirty ships of Holland and Zeeland, commanded by justin of Nassau their Admiral, which lay there to keep the passage, that none should come out of the haven, neither any of the smalller ships of the Spanish army aid and assist them, for they had no cause to fear the great ships, by reason of the shallonesse of the water: But the 
His troops are not ready shipped.  Duke of Parmaes' men were neither shipped nor yet ready, only the runagate soldiers of Sir William Stanleys' regiment being seven hundred strong, were already shipped: thinking at the first entrance into England to be the leaders, the rest of the soldiers seemed unwilling to set forward, finding their small number of sailors to be very backward, and their provision of bread, beer and victuals not all ready and wholly unshipt: the sailors did fear the ships of Holland & Zeeland, which they found did both brave and threaten them, which made them hourly to run away, fearing they should have been forced by the soldiers to put forth, and to adventure that which could not be done; then they wanted the Spanish Galleys which were lost upon the way, with the which they might have driven the ships of Holland and Zeeland from the coast. The Spanish fleet lying thus at anchor before Callais, staying to hear from the Duke of Parma, for the effecting of that which they had in commission from the King: it was resolved amongst them (as it was afterwards descovered) that upon the twelfth of August being a dark night, to put that in execution which they had intended on either side▪ whereupon the Admiral of England and his council resolved, (by the express commandment of the Queen herself, as it was said) either to force the Spanish fleet from their anchors, or to burn them: whereupon they suddenly appointed some of their waste ships, out of the which having taken all that was good, and filled them with great store of wildfire, and other stuff, that would easily burn, charging the Ordinance full of Powder, Iron and Stones, upon Sunday 7. of August two hours after midnight (the men having left 
A notable stratagem used by the English to drive the Spanish fleet from their anchors.  them, and they beginning to burn) they sent them before the wind and tide right among the Spanish fleet, which fire being in the night time, struck such a terror, confusion and alarm among them, (fearing that these ships might be laden with powder and stones, such as the Ingenier Frederik Innebell, had used three years before against the duke of Parmaes' bridge upon the river of Scheld) as they cried out the fire of Antwerp, the fire of Antwerp, so as every man did presently cut his cables, and setting sail put to sea confusedly. In which fearful cry, the great Galliasse fell foul upon the cable of an other ship, and could make no way, and by that means her rudder slipping out was lost, so as for want of a helm to govern it, it was driven by the force of the sea upon Callais sands, the which was followed by their Pinnaces, & in the end boarded by the English long boats. Don Hugo de Moncado General of the four Galliass, making some resistance, but after some fight he was shot in the head and slain, with many other Spaniards, some leapt into the sea to save themselves, whereof divers were drowned. Don Antonio Manriquez the countroller General with a few others escaped, and were the first that carried the certain news of their success into Spain.  
The great Galleass having in it three hundred slaves and four hundred soldiers, 
1588.  being thus taken, they were three hours unlading the munition and other things that were found in her, and there they also found fifty thousand ducats of the King of Spain's treasure, the slaves being all loose and at liberty, the English would have burnt the ship, but Mounsieur Gourdan governor of Calais would not suffer them, finding it to be hurtful both for the town and haven, wherefore he shot from the town and drove the English from thence.  
The same morning, as the Spanish fleet (after their great fear and disorder) had again put itself into Battle: the English army began to charge them valiantly before 
A sight before graveling the 10 of August.  graveling, but they chose rather to pass a long with a forewind before Dunkirk, then to open themselves, or to alter their ranks, standing wholly upon their defence. The English had not above 22, or 23. ships fit to board the Spaniards (who were ninety great ships at the least) but the English had the advantage, being better of sail, and could easilier wind and turneabout them going close up to them and discharging their broad sides, and so continued the fight with their great and small shot all the day long, until their powder and bullets began to fail them: so as they thought it not convenient to board the Spaniards in regard of the greatness of their ships, and for that they kept themselves so close together, being content to have driven them from Calais and Dunkirk, and from joining with the Duke of Parma, but especially for that they had forced them to sail before the wind, and to pass a long beyond their coast. That day the Spinjards received great hurt, both in their ships and loss of men, by reason that many of their ships were shot betwixt wind and water. In all these fights the English lost not one ship, nor any man of quality, nor above a hundred 
The Spaniards loss in the last fight.  men in all. There were so many of the Spanish ships shot under the water, as in the night and the next day, two or three of them sounke, among the which there was a great ship of Biscaye, whereof some of the men were saved, who showed that the commanders of that ship had stabbed one another, for that one of them persuaded the rest to yield, so as the other thrust him into the body with his poiniard, whose brother revenged his death in stabbing him, and therewith the ship sounke presently.  
The same night two great galleons of Portugal of fourteen or sixteen hundred tons a piece, were forsaken by the fleet, the one called Saint Philip, the other Saint Matthew, being shot so under water, as they could hardly keep themselves upright. In the Saint Philip was Don Francisco de Toledo, brother to the Earl of Orgas, and one of the 5. colonels with other gentlemen; whose mast being shot down; they sought 
Two Galleons brought into Zeeland.  to save themselves in Flanders, but finding it impossible, the chief men escaped in boats, and the ship was taken by the Flusingers. In the Saint Matthew was Don Diego de Piementel, an other of the Colonels, being brother to the Marquis of Taveras with many other gentlemen and Captains: having a great leak before graveling, the Duke of Medina sent a boat for him and some of the chief to save themselves, but he to preserve his honour resused it, than he willed him to stay by him, the which he could not do, by reason that the water came in the night time so fast into the ship as they were forced to keep fifty men continually at the pump, to keep the ship above water: but at the last seeing himself forsaken by the Admiral, he sought to run her on ground upon the coast of Flanders and to save his life, desiring aid of the fishermen, but being descried by four or five ships of war which lay upon the coast, they made towards him: bidding him yield, which he refusing, they all shot at him, and slew above forty of his men, so as he was forced to yield himself into the hands of Peter vander Does, who brought the ship into Zeeland, with the other, the which (when as most of the goods were taken out of them) through negligence sunk under the water. another small ship being forced to run a shore about Blankenbergh in Flanders, Sir john Conway manned out 2. or 3. fisher boats (for that the Spaniards were already gone out, and had taken forth two pieces of ordinance and brought them on shore) to take and ransack the ship, who drove the Spaniards from her, and brought the spoil into Ostend. On Monday the eight of August the Spanish army being in this sort assailed, they thought it best (having done as much as they had in charge) to retire themselves, so kept together with small sails until they were past Dunkirk, being 
1588.  followed by the English; the next day having gotten somewhat before, they set on more sail, seeming to have more desire to fly then to fight, whereupon the Lord Admiral of England, sent the Lord Henry Seymer with the small ships back again, to join with the Netherlanders, who lay before Dunkirk to keep in the Duke of Parmaes' forces, and he with the greatest ships followed the Spaniards, but the wind rising, and the Spaniards bending their course towards Norway, making show as if they sought means only to get away, and to commit themselves to a dangerous Northern navigation, the English fleet, (wanting both powder and shot) returned back into England, leaving some small pinasses to follow them, and to bring advise what course they took.  
The Spanish fleet being in the North seas took a fisher boat of Zeeland, with 
The Spanish army in despair.  twelve men in her who were carried into the admirals ship, and sailed with them into Spain: at their return home, they reported that whilst the English fleet followed them, they saw a white flag preparing to be set up in the poop, in token of yielding, or at the least to parley, fearing to pass through the Northern seas: but being dissuaded by certain Clergy men, and seeing the English desist from following them, they changed their resolution. Those fisher men also reported that in the Duke's ship there was a place made Cannon proof, wherein the duke himself with twelve persons more remained all the time of the fight, and that of 1200. men that were in the ship, there were 300. slain and hurt. Thus the Spanish fleet having lost ten or twelve of their best ships, with four or five thousand men, having many sick and wounded aboard their ships, wanting many necessaries for their ships, despairing of any aid from the Duke of Parma (who expected their return, and continued still his preparation) they resolved (if the wind would serve them) to sail home into Spain behind Scotland and Ireland: hearing that they should find small relief in Scotland, and that Norway, could not supply their wants, they took all the English or Scottish fishermen they could, to serve for pilots, and doubting they should want fresh water, they cast their horses overboard, and so they passed betwixt the Orcadeses and fair Island; landing in no place, but sailed so far Northwards as they were under three score and two degrees and two hundred and forty miles from any land: Being there the Duke of Medina commanded all the ships to take the best course they could for Biscay, and he himself with twenty or five and twenty ships, which were best provided of fresh water, kept his course very high into the sea, which brought him directly into Spain, but the rest being above forty, under the leading of the vice-admiral, held their course nearer 
Many of the Spanish fleet cast away upon the coast of Ireland.  unto Ireland, making towards Cape-Clere hoping to refresh themselves there, but the wind being contrary, a great storm arose out of the southwest, about the second of September, and cast most of them upon the coast of Ireland, where many of them perished, and amongst others the Gallion of Michael d' Oquendo; one of the four great Galliass, two great Venetian ships, called la Ratta and Balanzara, with many others, to the number of 36. or 38. ships and most of the men. Some having a Westerly wind got again into the English seas, some were taken by them of Rochel, and a great Galliasse was driven by tempest to Newhaven in France, two ships were cast away upon the coast of Norway, so as of a 134. sail that went out of Lisbon, there returned but 53. ships great and small into Spain. And having 30000. soldiers and mariners in that army, the loss of men was very great according to the rate of the ships; and after their return many died of sickness, wounds and other misfortunes which they had gotten in this voyage. The Duke of Medina Sidonia (a wise and provident Prince,) who had taken 
The Duke of Medina excuseth himself.  this charge upon him much against his will, excused himself by his pilots, and upon the want of aid from the Duke of Parma, who was not ready, so as he had leave to return home to his house to rest himself, yet many spoke very hardly of him for this action. divers Noblemen and Gentlemen died: as john Martinez the 
Many Spanish Noblemen and Gentlemen died soon after their return.  recalled, who died soon after his return, and Diego Floris de Valdez, Michael d' Oquendo, Don Alonso de Lieva, Don Diego de Maldonado, Francisco de Bovadillo, and Don Georgio Manriquez, all of the Council of war for the army. Many were drowned, as Thomas Perenot of Granuelle, Earl of Canterroy, Cardinal Granuelles 
1588.  brother son, Don Diego de Piementel Colonel of two and twenty companies of Spaniards, with others were taken prisoners in Zeeland.  
In Ireland many Gentlemen of good account were drowned, and divers of them were slain, by the Irish and by Sir Richard Bingham, at that time Governor of Conocke. There were brought out of Ireland into England, Don Alonso de Lucon, Colonel of two and thirty companies of the Neapolitain bands, Don Rodrigo de Lasso and two Gentlemen of the house of Cordua, whom the Queen set at liberty, to have Mounsire Teligny released, being then a prisoner in the castle of Dornicke by Antwerp. To conclude, there was no great house of any account in Spain, but that lost a brother, son or Nephew in this action.  
In the Netherlands, the blame of this unfortunate success, was laid upon the Duke of Parma, as General, upon Mounsire la Motte, (who had the greatest charge to provide for the Arimie) and Commissary Drinckweart, countroller of the provision: who excused 
The Duke of Parma and la Motte being blamed excuse themselves.  themselves, saying that the Spanish fleet came to soon, and that it was impossible to ship all things necessary for such an army in fourteen days, the ships being scarce ready; and that the Earl of Barlaimont who had twelve ships appointed him for his men, found them so unready and leaking, as many of them were half full of water, the fault whereof was put off from the one to the other, so as the Duke of Parma caused some to be hanged which had not discharged their duties, and being badly spoken of by many, he blamed the Spaniards delays, saying that they perceiving many English and netherlands ships lying before the havens of Flanders, they held it impossible for them to get forth, when as their mighty army durst not offer to charge them. His commission from the King was (if it were possible to bring both their fleets together) to hazard a battle. But to venture the King's army so slightly, being unprepared, and not so well furnished with ships and sailors as it should have been, and thereby to hazard the loss of so many brave Noblemen and Gentlemen, as were therein, would be no honour nor credit for him: yet being persuaded by some that the Spanish fleet would return back again, he continued his preparations for all things necessary for the army by land.  
Thus did the great GOD of battles fight miraculously for the preservation of England and the united Provinces, who with his powerful arm scattered (like a heap of dust before the wind) that mighty and (as they termed it) invincible Spanish fleet, to the shame and confusion of the furtherers thereof. The duke of Parma hearing for certain that the Spanish fleet was passed quite away, without the which he could not do any thing: being loath to remain idle, he brought his army out of Flanders (the 
The duke of Parmaes' design to besiege Berghen.  which was quite wasted) into Brabant, and being very melancholy and discontented for this disgraceful success, he resolved (contrary to the advise of his Council at war, and especially of Colonel Mondragon) to go and besiege the town of Berghen up Zoom, whether he sent the Marquis of Burgau son to Ferdinand Archduke of Austria, with his Regiment of Lansknetchs, newly come out of the country of Tyrol. Peter Ernest the old Earl of Mansfieldt, the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly.  
The seventeenth of September he came thither in person: where being arrived, he commanded the Marquis of Renty (before Lord of Montigny) to attempt the Island of Ter-Tolen with his Regiment, at a place called Vosmeer which divideth Tolen from Brabant, and so to besiege it as well by sea as by land. The Marquis (being accompanied by Octavio Earl of Mansfield) thinking to enter it with eight hundred men, through the favour of two thousand musketeers which lay upon the dike of Berghen, they were repulsed by George Euerard Earl of Solms, Colonel of the Regiment of Zeeland, so as having given two furious charges and prevailed nothing, they retired with the loss of four hundred men, all shot in the head, the which only appeared above the water: the Marquis of Renty and Octavio Earl of Mansfieldt sticking so fast in the mud, as they could hardly be drawn out. The Zeelanders had but one man slain and two hurt, having a good parapet upon the dike for their defence.  
About that time they of Arthois and Henault made a truce (the which continued some years) with the Lord of Balaigny governor of Cambray, to be freed from the 
1588.  incursions and spoils which were committed of either side: whereunto Balaigny did willingly yield, that by the means of this truce, he might restore the making of fine Cambray cloth, and so maintain his reputation with the people, and confirm his government and authority. The Archbishop of Cambray, son to the Lord of Barlaimont, had some times practices upon the said town, by means of his intelligence with the Canons and Burghers. But Balaignies policy, and especially his wives, did still discover them, so as such as dealt in it proved but bad merchants.  
We have made mention before, of some division grown betwixt the towns men 
A declaration of the troubles in Vtrecht.  of Vtrecht, and the spirituality, who would be esteemed the chief members in the said Town, which the Burghers would not yield unto, fearing they were too much affected to the Pope and the Spaniard, against whom the Politicians sought to assure themselves in making of a standing council, whereas before it was changed yearly, not acquainting the Estates of the Province therewith. Afterwards (the Earl of Leicester being Governor general; having ended this former controversy) it happened that certain men somewhat addicted to the Romish religion, and others, being chief rulers in the said Town, good commonweals men, and such as had furthered the union of Vtrecht with Holland, and been careful of the welfare of their country, were charged with certain practices against the unity of the Church: for the which (through the Earl of Leicester's countenance and authority) they were not only sent out of the Town, but banished out of the Netherlands, (as you have heard) and commanded to remain in neutral places, choosing new officers at their own pleasure, which bred great dissension in the Town, the which continued two years.  
The Estates of the united Provinces fearing that the enemy was a great means to maintain this division in Vtrecht, hoping thereby to breed some greater faction and disorder among them, finding that diverse of the chief actors, were strangers in the town and territories of Vtrecht, in the which they had no lands to lose, whereby they had the less care for the welfare of the same, and that the best townsmen, and such as were most careful for the State, were banished from thence: they sought by all good means and entreaties, to have the banished men restored to their houses, goods, and offices, which had been taken from them, which being by no means granted, upon mature deliberation and advise, they practised all the secret means they could (being thereunto solicited by the said banished persons) to place soldiers in the Forts of the said territories, and especially in Vtrecht, to secure the same, fearing that if the enemy should besiege the Town, wanting the best Burghers, and the rest in division, and with a small garrison, that it might be soon taken, being most certain that the intruded officers (fearing to be displaced) would not be persuaded (upon any extremity) to receive any aid from them of Holland: and for that they of Vtrecht were grown jealous of these practices, they were the more careful to defend themselves against them of Holland, then against their common enemy. For this cause the Estates of the united Provinces, commanded Adolph Earl of Moeurs, etc. Governor of Gelderland, Vtrecht and Oueryssell, to keep within Vtrecht, and to put in practise their secret designs, seeking all opportunity to effect the same. To which end on the seventh of October this year 1588. when as the ancient custom of the Town was to be observed, and their Magistrates changed, they of the Town had sent their deputies into England to be recommended from thence for the continuance of their places, but (the Earl of Leicester being dead, and they finding but small assistance there, it seems for that the Queen had been otherwise informed by the Earl of Moeurs, who had likewise sent into England about the same business,) they were deceived of their expectation: so as the fifth of October, the Town being full of trouble and dissension, the Captains of the town desired the Senate and the Captains of the garrison, to have liberty to make inquiry in all places of the causes of these rumours, and to certify the Bourguemaisters thereof, which being granted them, instead of pacifying all disorders, they secretly practised how to effect their pretended enterprise, and to fortify themselves, 
1588.  the which they began to put in practise the same evening, thinking that night to seize upon some of the contrary faction, and to put them in prison, without the privity of the Bourguemaister or the Earl of Moeurs: wherewith the Earl being made acquainted (being very circumspect) he secretly began to fortify himself with diverse Captains, Commanders, and friends, which he had within the town, keeping a strong guard about his house, as if he feared some attempt against his person, calling the townsmen to aid him: the other Captains of the town (who had taken arms, and placed themselves in guard about the town) at ten of the clock in the morning sent for their Bourguemaister Provinck (otherwise called Deventer) unto the 〈◊〉 house, who being come thither, he first took order that the chief leaders of the contrary watch, should not be molested, but be brought into the townhouse, and there kept under the protection of justice, assembling the Senate, to know the cause of this alarm, and to pacify it: But in the mean time the Earl of Moeurs authority was of such force among the Townsmen (by reason of the general discontent betwixt the soldiers and them) as they perceiving the Earl to be armed, the one half stood still, and the other half followed him, so as he prevailed 
The Earl of M●…urs reconciles Vtrecht with Holland  over them of the town: and as Captain julian Claerhagen (who lay with his company in the said town, (hearing of this tumult) was going unto the townhouse, he was suddenly thrust into the body, yet he died not of the wound, his company and the company of Mounsieur Villiers stood still, and so did the English horsemen, who took part with neither side: by this means the tumult was presently appeased, which being done, the Bourguemaister Provincke was brought from the townhouse, and committed prisoner to the Earl's lodging; and after that the Scout Trillo and one of the Captains of the watch: the next day the Earl took order for the government of the town, according to their ancient privileges, and not long after the banished men returned home again: First taking an oath not to seek any revenge in regard of their banishment, but to live lovingly and quietly together. Many witnesses were produced against the said Bourguemaister, who was examined upon divers interrogatories, and after forty two weeks imprisonment set at liberty, and the rest likewise, so as the town and territories of Vtrecht were once again reconciled to Holland, conforming themselves in all things with the rest of the united Provinces, wherein the Earl of Moeurs did very good service, and behaved himself well.  
Now I must return to the siegeof Berghen: the Duke of Parma seeing the repulse 
The action at the ●…use of Berghen.  which the Marquis of Renty had received at the Island of Ter-Tolen, and that he could not impeach the succours which might be sent unto the besieged by sea out of Holland and Zeeland, and finding that the siege would be long and tedious, he entertained a practice for the delivering up of the great North Sconse, which stands at the head of the haven: the discourse whereof I have thought good to set down plainly as I had it from the chief actor himself, both in regard of himself, who is very near unto me, and of the History to the which it doth belong, but most of all to satisfy such as either ignorantly or maliciously have detracted from this service, sugiesting a mere falsehood and untruth, the which he offers to maintain by all the courses fit for a Gentleman and a soldier: and this was the manner of it.  
The Duke of Parma having marched from Dunkirk through Brabant with his army, being betwixt twenty and thirty thousand strong, he sent certain officers before to view the commodiousness of the ground before Berghen, (which he meant to besiege) as well for the planting of his ordinance, as for the quartering of his men. One of these officers who was a commissary of the ordinance called Pedro de Luco, and an other named Thomas Swegoe, (who professed himself to be an Italian) were taken prisoners by certain soldiers of the garrison of Berghen, who were at that time sent out as Scouts, which prisoners being thus surprised, were committed to the safe keeping of master Readhead, who was then appointed by the Lord Willoughby to be deputy Provost of the town of Berghen. These prisoners had not 
1588.  continued many days in his custody, before that William Grimeston (having had some conference with Swegoe,) found cause to suspect him to be an Englishman borne, and thereupon devised with Readhead how to discover him; who having good opportunity to discourse with them, for that they were in his custody; he told Swegoe that he was much discontented, with his entertainment and usage on that side, wishing that he were with the King's forces, under the command of Sir William Stanley, under whom he had served in Ireland. whereupon Swegoe wished Readhead to be merry and of good comfort, saying that he was an English man, and borne in Seething lane in London, that his Mother was one of the Queen's women, and that he had a sister which attended on the Lady Lomley; protesting that it was a happy time for Readhead that ever he was taken prisoner, and if he would be advised by him, he would be the means both to advance him to great wealth, and to make him live in great reputation: whereupon Readhead did willingly yield to perform any thing that he would direct him in.  
Then did Swegoe acquaint the foresaid commissary of the ordinance with all this conference which had passed betwixt him and Readhead: whereupon the commissary told him, that if he could deliver any port of the town, or any of the sconces, or any piece of ground of advantage, he would assure him he should be so bountifully entertained by the King, as he should never want whilst he lived; to whom Readhead made answer, that he had no command neither within the town nor sconces, but he had a friend who he knew was as greatly discontented as himself, whom he would acquaint therewith, not doubting but to effect their desire. The same day Readhead did confer with William Grimeston, (who had then the command of Captain Thomas Baskervile his company lying in the North Sconse) and told him that he had discovered the foresaid Swegoe to be an English man, and that if he would secretly join with him, he doubted not but they should give the enemy a great overthrow, do good service to the country, and purchase great credit and advancement to themselves: whereunto Grimeston did very willingly assent, who presently went and advertised the Lord Willoughby their general, of all that had past; who seemed to be very glad thereof, willing the said Grimeston to proceed in this practice, and to promise to deliver up the North sconce unto the Duke of Parma, and for a discharge of Grimestons' dealing in this action, the Lord Willoughby gave him a warrant under his own hand.  
Then did Readhead bring Grimeston to the commissary of the ordinance, and to Swegoe, who told them in what manner Readhead had broken with him, and that he was willing to do the King service, but he would have some assurance how he should be entertained, for that he was not able to live in his own country, and had many friends of worth; all which he must forego, and therefore he would be assured of some certainty: whereupon the commissary of the Ordinance and Swegoe, did assure Grimeston of the Duke of Parmas' honourable dealing with him, if he did perform that service, and deliver up the North sconce: wherewith he seeming to rest satisfied, the commissary of the ordinance and Swegoe did write three letters, one to the Duke of Parma, an other to sir William Stanley, and the third to Owen, of all their practice and proceedings, which letters they could not devise to send without discovery, whereupon Readhead told them, that rather than the service should be any way hindered or protacted, he himself would adventure to carry the letters, whereof having given copies to the Lord Willoughby, he passed with them accordingly in the night time through Grimestons' sconce, to the enemy's camp, where at his coming the Sentinel gave an alarm, and some five or six shot were discharged at the said Readhead, but in the end he was received by a Sergeant, and some two shot, carrying him presently to the Marquis of Renty, who (after many questions) sent him with a Captain and some twenty soldiers unto the Duke, unto whom he delivered his letters, which when he had read, he sent for his council, and for Sir William Stanley, who examined the said Readhead of diverse matters, as well of the strength of the garrison within the town, as how they were furnished with munition and victuals, with sundry other 
1588.  questions concerning himself and the service he had in hand? how he came out of the town without descovery? and how he could return again? with many others, all which were answered to their contents.  
Then the Duke of Parma desired to know when he should have the sconce delivered unto him, whereunto Readhead made answer, that he could not tell, for that it was in Master Grimeston to perform, who had the command thereof: And if it pleased his highness to send some one with him whom he might trust, he would bring him to confer with Master Grimeston, by whom he should understand his full and certain resolution, wherewith the Prince was well pleased, and said that he would send one with him to talk with Master Grimeston, protesting to deal honourably with them, and to perform whatsoever his men had promised, with an increase: whereunto Readhead made answer, that for his own particular he did vereliebeleeve it, because he heard him speak it, but to satisfy Master Grimeston and to encourage him the better to effect the service, he desired him to have it under his hand, whereunto he did willingly consent: And at that instant Readhead brought away certain Articles signed by the Duke, the which he delivered to Grimeston, and with him the Duke of Parma sent one Alford a Yorkshire man and a guide to speak with Grimeston, and the chiefest reason was to know when he should have the sconce delivered: Whereupon Grimeston willed Alford to tell the Duke, that he could not appoint any certain time, for that he was suspected for his Religion, and had many eyes to overlook him. But when he had made all matters clear and ready to be performed, he would come over to the Duke, beseeching him in the meantime to have patience, and not to think the time long, for that it should be effectually performed.  
On the sixth of October being Sunday, Grimeston and Readhead went to the Duke's Camp, about eleven of the clock at night, where they were quietly received without any great alarm in the camp. Being entered, Grimeston was presently mounted and sent away, and Readhead stayed the Duke's coming (who was viewing of certain ordinance which he had caused to be planted, to hinder a passage by water) whereof the Duke being advertised, he came presently away, commanding a horse for Readhead, with whom he discoursed all the way to his Tent, being three miles: Grimeston attended him at the entry of his Tent, whom he took very kindly by the hand, bidding him welcome: And after many questions made by the Duke to Grimeston, concerning the Estate of the town besieged, wherein the said Grimeston dealt directly and plainly, knowing it to be his safest course, the Duke having so good intelligence out of the town, in the end the Duke desired to know when he could be sit to perform the service which he had undertaken? who presently answered that he should have it delivered unto him on the Wedensday-night following, which was Grimestons' guard night; whereupon he took his hand, and commanded Sir William Stanley, Hugh Owen and divers other captains to be merry with Grimeston and Readhead, who conducted them to an other Tent where there was a banquet prepared, being in the midst of it, there were two gold chains sent from the Duke, one to Grimeston, the other to Readhead. The banquet being done, they were re-conuaied to the Duke, who after some more questions with Grimeston concerning the intented business, he gave them leave to depart, commanding they should be mounted upon two of his own horses, and Sir William Stanley with Owen Salisbury to guard them to the water side, which they did accordingly, and so taking leave one of the other, Grimeston returned to the Lord Willoughby acquainting him with all their proceedings, who said that it could not be performed as Grimeston had concluded it with the Duke, for that he was altogether unprovided, having neither Ordinance planted nor a Portcullis made, nor such Commanders with him to be partakers of the service, as were in the country. And therefore if one of them did not return to the Duke the next night after, to put it off for three days more, it was all nothing which they had done.  
whereupon Grimeston moved the Lord Willoughby to call Readhead, and to encourage 
1588.  him to go again the next night, to win a longer time; which he did, and coming into the camp, he found the Duke ready with his troops of horse to second his foot, thinking to have entered the sconce presently: But as soon as he heard Readhead say the sconce could not be delivered that night, he fell presently into a great rage, laying his hand on his rapier, and swearing that he did think it was but a stratagem to cut his throat, whereof if he were assured, he would kill Readhead with his own hands: but Readhead gave him so great reasons for this delay, as he rested satisfied, promising that Grimeston should deliver it unto him, or lose his life; whereupon the Duke took his hand, commanding him a cup of Sack, and so dismissed him for that time. Sir William Stanley came back with Readhead to the water side, who upon the way entreated the said Readhead, if it were a stratagem, to tell him, and he would never reveal it: but he made him answer that there was nothing but truth; Then he gave Readhead a watchword, that when they should enter the sconce, they might send in some hundred or two hundred men before, that himself and the rest might enter with safety; all which Readhead promised should be done. Having taken leave of sir William Stanley, he returned to the Lord Willoughby, and acquainted him with what had passed, and what sir William Stanley had resolved to do by his watchword, all which his Lordship willed him to keep secret, and to acquaint no man therewith; and in the mean time he made all things ready to receive them.  
Upon the night prefixed, betwixt eleven and twelve a clock, being as dark as pitch, Grimeston according to appointment, went forth to conduct them into the sconce, who coming to the Duke's quarter, where his troops were ready, they demanded for Readhead, and said that they thought it was a plot to cut their throats; but Grimeston answered that Readhead had slain one of the governors men in the market place, and that except the expedition of that service did save his life, he would be hanged for the fact: yet for all that they would not trust him, but sir William Stanley caused his hands to be bound with a match, and appointed a Sergeant to lead him with his dagger drawn to stab him, if he discovered any treason, and so they came unto the sconce, where there entered not above forty, whereof some twelve were slain, and the rest taken prisoners. The alarm being given, Grimeston did strike up the sergeant heels which held him in bonds, and so got to his company, who was likewise in danger to have been slain by his fellow soldiers, if GOD had not preserved him; the Duke's forces that were without the sconce, when the alarm was given, being four thousand men attempted to force it, and to break down the Pallessado, being then a lowe-water, but they were repulsed, and the water flowing, were forced to retire. There were in this action slain, drowned, and taken prisoner, betwixt four hundred and five hundred of the enemies, all being men of especial note.  
This is a brief and true relation of all that action performed by Grimeston and Readhead, which some malicious papists, or ill affected to the State, have given out to have been under-taken by the receiving of the Sacrament, wherein they protest and will maintain it, that they have spoken falsely, untruly and dishonestly, unless they take a banquet and a couple of gold chains to be a Sacrament. The Queen in recompense of this service, did give unto Grimeston a hundred pound in money, and an annuity of fifty pounds a year during his life, causing him to be sworn an Esquire for her body; to Readhead she gave a hundred pounds and forty pounds a year during his life, commanding him to be sworn an ordinary Sewer of her chamber, which place he still enjoyeth under his royal Majesty.  
The Duke of Parma having received this disgrace, and seeing his bad success against the Isle of Ter-Tole, without the which he could not fully besiege Berghen, the 
The Duke of Parma raiseth his si●…ge from Berghen.  which might be relieved at every tide by the ships of Holland and Zeeland, through the favour of the great sconce, he raised his camp, and put his men into garrisons. His retreat was the ninth of November, having besieged Berghen six weeks to his great loss and shame. After the Duke of Parmas' retreat from Berghen, Prince Maurice went to his town of Campuere, where he took possession of the Marquisate of Vere, being his inheritance, with the accustomed ceremonies, in the which he caused 
1589.  pieces of silver to be cast abroad, on the which were graven the arms of Nassau and 
Prince Maurice installed Marquis of la Vere.  la Vere, tied together with a double knot, with this circumscription; Nodus indissolubilis: on the other side was an arm armed holding a sword, and the devise; je maintiendray Nassau. There was an other kind of coin with two hands joined as if they plighted their faith, out of the which came Mercury's Caduceus, the writing about it was; Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit, that is; Unity and consent make small forces firm and strong. He had received the like honour at Flushing, but by reason of some jealousy betwixt the English and the Estates, it was deferred until August the year following.  
Whilst the Duke of Parma was at the siege of Berghen, Charles Earl of 
Wachtendonk besieged and taken.  Mansfield lay before Wachtendonck, a small Town in the upper quarter of Gelderland, the which having refused to yield upon summons, he began to batter it, but prevailing little by reason of the great difficulty there was to come unto the assault: he resolved to ruin all that was within the town, which was very little, to which end he caused two great and high cavaliers or platforms to be made, whereby he might discover all that was done in the town, whereon he planted his Artillery, which scoured over all, so as the besieged were forced to abandon both streets and houses, and to keep in their caves and sellers; so as in the end despairing of all succours, they were forced to compound the twenty of December, the soldiers departing with their rapiers and daggers only. About the same time and before (the Netherlands being in these troubles and garboils) many bordering upon those countries, which were to receive 
The subjects of the Netherlands arrested out of the country for the State's debts.  money from the same, for the which they had the Estates bills formerly made, whereby they bound their subjects to the payment thereof, understanding that for want of payment it should be lawful for the said creditors to arrest their subjects and their goods which dwelled out of the Netherlands, as it hath been often used in Germany and the East-countries; so as for the like debts, and for the arrearages of rents for divers towns, many netherlands Merchants of Antwerp and other places, were arrested, and their goods stayed, and actions entered against many netherlands Merchants inhabiting in London, upon such bills of debt, the which bred great troubles.  
The united Provinces at that time were much troubled about the like cause with the King of Scotland, who this year, about the two and twenty of August, sent his 
james King of Scotland sends to the united Provinces for pay due to Colonel Stuart.  Herald unto the united Provinces, to will them within forty days after his message done, to take order for the satisfaction of their martial debt for service done unto them, by certain of his subjects, as to Colonel Stuart, and to other Captains and soldiers which had served under him in the Netherlands, which amounted to above five hundred thousand gilders, else he should be constrained to give the said Colonel and his associates leave to execute his letters of Mart, granted unto them already by the advise of his council, and so pay themselves: to prevent this danger, and all other controversy which might grow betwixt the King of Scotland and the said Provinces: the Estates sent Master Leonard de Voocht one of their council of 
The Estates send Monsieur de Voocht to the King of Scotland.  Estate unto the King, with Commission to inform his Majesty, that the united Provinces, and especially they of Holland and Zeeland (who were most threatened, and in greatest danger of the said letters of Mart) were not to pay any thing unto the said Colonel Stuart and his associates, of his pretended debt, which (they said) grew, when as they served the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois and Henault, under the government of Mathias Archduke of Austria, and after him under the duke of Anjou, by whose Commission the said Colonel Stuart with his regiment, served in the said Provinces, whereas they of Holland and Zeeland had not any thing to do touching the payment of soldiers which served in those Provinces, but ever since the pacification of Gant had divided themselves from them, as touching those payments, and by contract made between them, had agreed to aid them with 25. companies of foot, and a hundred horse, wherewith they contented themselves. And that it was against the common custom of all Kings, Princes, potentates & commonweals, to seek to get old debts for service done long since in wars by letter of reprisal, so long 
1589.  as the wars continued, and that it is an usual thing amongst them to appoint such debts to be paid at such days and times as their State may best spare them without denial, or constraint of their neighbours: and that in such sort the Emperor Charles and the Kings of France, England, and Denmark, yea and the King of Spain himself, were indebted many million, unto such as had served them in forepassed wars, the which was not yet paid.  
The Estates gave commission unto their Ambassador to return by England, to inform the Queen of his proceeding in this business, and to entreat her Majesty that 
The Queen writes unto the King of Scotland in favour of the united Provinces.  she would be pleased to compound this controversy betwixt the King of Scotland and them: whereupon on the tenth of November she wrote very effectually unto the King in favour of the united Provinces: and not long after the Estates sent the said Master Voocht and john vander Wercke an other Councillor of Estate into Scotland by sea, who satisfied the King so well in all points, as the aforesaid letters of reprisal ganted by the King unto Colonel Stuart, were called in. The Estates finding themselves somewhat eased of the fear they had of the Spanish fleet, and of the mutiny of their soldiers, having thereby reestablished their authorities, they resolved to settle a better 
The policy of the united Provinces touching martial affairs.  course for the government, finding the great unwillingness that was generally among the soldiers, as then serving in the Netherlands, by reason of their bad pay, during the Earl of Leicester's Government, whereupon they determined to establish a new order in martial policy. First, they compared their charges of the war, with the means of the said Province, and for that cause discharged divers companies both of horse and foot, which had been entertained by the Earl of Leicester, more than the said Provinces could well pay: And finding that by reason of their long and continual war, there were many which pretended to be behind hand with their pay, for former service, they caused all the Colonels, Captains and Officers to promise by oath not to importune the united Provinces, for any such old debt during the wars, upon condition that every man's account and reckoning should be cast up, and whatsoever should be thereby found due unto them, they took order should be paid at such days and times as the said Provinces could well spare it, and so cut off all yearly pensions formerly granted for them their wives and children.  
Thirdly the Estates took order that the monthly payments which from thence forth the soldiers should receive, should be accounted at 48. days to the month, causing the 
48. days to the month for the payment of their soldiers.  Colonels, Captains & common soldiers to swear that they should rest satisfied with such pay, but the entertainment of superior officers, was appointed to be paid at 32. days to the month. And to the end that good order might be observed concerning the payment of the soldiers which serve in the said Provinces, the Estates appointed the said soldiers to be kept in garrisons in the said Provinces, according to the order made concerning the contributions wherewith every Province was charged, according to 
Their care to pay the soldiers where they serve.  their abilities, whereof ensued many notable effects, especially that the contributions of the respective Provinces, were not divided, but truly employed for the furnishing of their several taxations, made for the payment of the soldiers which were in each several Province. Secondly that the soldiers might know in what Province they were to demand their pay, and if any default were made, they might presently know how to seek remedy for the same from the Council of Estate.  
And finding that the charges of war grew so great, as the ordinary contributions were not sufficient to defray the same, the said Provinces were content to be rated extraordinarily, over and above the old contribution, which every of the said Provinces used to pay, whereof the Council of Estate had the disposition, and employed it for the extraordinary charge. And it was agreed that at the end of the year the said Provinces should assemble and account together, to see if every of them had paid there new and old contributions orderly as they ought, and what remained unpaied.  
The means whereby the said Provinces raise their particular monthly contributions, are not alike in every Province, for they of Holland and Zeeland (being the richest and mightiest Provinces) do raise their contribution by excises and impost rated upon 
1588.  wines, beer, cattle, gold, silver, silk, wollen-cloathes, horned beasts, soap, salt, vinegar, aquavitae and many other things, the which are every six months by certain commissioners appointed by the Estates of the said Provinces let out to farm: and besides this by the poundage rated upon all lands, according to the yearly value thereof, and if the revenues and taxations within the particular Provinces, will not extend to the sum ordained to be paid by them, in ordinary and extraordinary contributions, then that which is found short, is either made up by the towns in Holland, or else it is laid upon the rest of the general division, that is equally and by a general consent, whereof the towns are satisfied again, either by selling or letting out of certain rents belonging to the whole country of Holland, or in money, out of the poundage which is collected generally out of the whole Province aforesaid.  
Some Provinces have other means to raise their contributions, as the situation and condition of the Provinces may afford, of the best means they can devise for the preservation of the said Provinces towns and villages, which prescribed contribution is not to be diminished, but must be paid out of such means as they shall find least prejudicial to their subjects. With these and such like means, the united Provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Friesland, have not only valiantly defended themselves against the power of so mighty a King, but also (as it shall appear) with the aid of Gelderland and Oueryssel, have oftentimes made offensive wars against the said 
The united Provinces have done great exploits with small numbers of men.  King, and have taken whole Provinces, with many strong towns and forts from him, wherein the said Provinces have never employed any greater power in the field (besides the garrisons of Burghers in their towns and fronter places) then 12. or 13000. foot and 3000. horse well furnished and provided of all kind of munition for the war, as the necessity of the place besieged required; having always maintained their soldiers both in field and in garrisons in good discipline, punishing open offences, reforming abuses and satisfying the interessed.  
The war by sea is maintained by the Estates in as good order as that by land, appointing in their sea Provinces an office of the Admiralty, which consists of divers persons of good judgement in politic affairs, or else in traffic by sea, and are divided into five several places, where they have their ordinary residence, as at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Horn or Enchuysen for Holland; at Midlebourg for Zeeland, and at Harlinghen or Doccum for Friesland, of the which Prince Maurice (as Admiral General of the sea) is the head. In whose name all commissions and orders for the war appointed 
Prince Maurice is ●…dmirall and chief of a●… the rest.  by the said Officers of the Admiralty, are sent forth: the Officers under him are sworn and receive their commission from the general Estates. The Admiralll hath three or four Vice-admiralls, which keep in Holland and Zeeland, in places that are most convenient upon the sea-coast, as in Holland john van Devenvoord Lord of Warmont, and under him Peter vander Does and john Gerbrantson. In Zeeland justin Nassau and under him joos de Moor.  
The Officers of the Admiralty direct all the wars by sea, by advise from the general Estates, and to that end they receive such money as is paid for convoys and Licenses rated upon goods going out and coming in, according to the order set down by the general Estates, which taxes are raised higher every year by the said Estates, if necessity require it and be thought convenient for the good of the Netherlands. The money rising of the said convoys etc. is collected by sworn Officers, appointed by the said courts of Admiralty, and is employed to the payment of the soldiers which 
Convoy money employed for the wars by sea.  serve by sea, and are at the charge of the generality, as also for the building and repairing of ships of war, and for the rigging and furnishing them with all things necessary, the which is a very great charge in respect of the great number of ships of war which they are forced to entertain continually.  
The war by sea is ordered by the Admiralty in this sort; first they appoint divers ships of war to watch the haven towns, which are under the enemies command, as before Dunkirk, Nieuport, Ostend etc. Secondly there are certain ships of war sent out to keep the seas. Thirdly they use yearly to send out some ships of war to defend the fishermen, which take herring and cod upon the coasts of England, 
1588.  Scotland and thereabouts, fourthly as the merchants ships sail out of the said Provinces to traffic with France, England, Scotland, Denmark: and other places, they are safely convoyed by certain ships of war, to defend them from their enemies and from pirates at sea. Lastly they have a great number of small ships appointed for the wars, which they use within the land, to keep their rivers and fresh waters from Invasion of the enemies, as also for the besieging of towns and forts, which lie upon the said rivers. The said admiralty hath authority to punish offences and reform disorders committed at sea, to determine of prisoners ransoms taken: to value the prizes of all goods brought in by sea Captains. And to the end the sailors should do their duties and fight willingly, every one is allowed his part of the prizes which they have taken, according to his place, and they are often times rewarded by the admiralty for their good services, besides their monthly wages. This year the State's garrisons made divers incursions into the enemy's country: they of Heusden and Geertruydenberg 
Courses made by the State's garrisons into the enemy's Countries.  in Brabant went forth with eight hundred men, horse and foot (the horsemen taking up the footmen behind them) and went to Tilborch by Boisleduke whereas some of the Duke of Parmas' troops lay, whom they charged and defeated, whereof divers being slain the rest fled into the church, but they durst not stay to force them fearing that upon the alarum, the garrisons there about would issue forth and charge them, and so they returned back with good prize. The like did they of Berghen up Zoom, being less than a hundred soldiers (whereof five or six were horsemen of captain Baxe his company) and led by a Sergeant, they went to do an exploit upon Botchloon, whereof they failed, yet they passed valiantly through a company of soldiers and came to Thienen, where there lay five or six companies of Spaniards, into the which they got by reason that the town is great, and drove out the Spaniards, putting three companies of them to the sword, and then spoiled the town: the enemy attended them at their coming forth being about four hundred strong, but they making head valiantly, not only forced through them, but came safe to their garrison withal their booty which is a thing almost incredible.  
The Zeelanders being about seventy strong, past over the water into Flanders, and there cut of a convoie going to Cortrick, where besides the foot there were above two hundred horsemen, and thirty Merchants which did ride; the Zeelanders first charged the horsemen with their shot, and took some of them, and then defeated the rest, carrying away as much booty as they could, and so returned into Zeeland. Sir Martin Schenck in like sort was not Idle but made road as far as Momedi, and in December he had secret intelligence with some of Nymeghen, meaning to undermine the wall, whereas the ditch was not very deep, and so to blow it up, but by reason of some store of rain which fell about that time and stood in the diches, he could not effect his design. There were many subtle enterprises attempted about this time of either side both in Brabant, Gelderland and Freezland, sometimes with profit, sometimes with loss, for that there were many good soldiers of either side, who sought daily to win honour and credit. Sir Martin Schenck to recover some of his losses in the beginning of November made a sconce at Herwerden upon the Rind without the consent of the Estates, which was some impairing of their public authority, but by the persuasion of Prince Maurice and the Lord Willoughby he had a great charge given unto him that he should throw it down again.  
The English garrison in the Brill began to mutiny for their pay, being somewhat long ere it came: that garrison lying in such sort, as the soldiers had good means to help themselves by incursions upon the enemy, but for that their pay (according to the contract) was to be brought out of England, the Estates of Holland disbursed the money for the Queen, and so stayed the mutiny. The enemy's garrisons being also in great want and misery began to mutiny for want of pay, for that the King's Indian treasure was not able to countervail the great cost and charges of 
Mutiny under the enemy for pay.  his wars, part of those wants were supplied by the King of Spain's name and authority, and yet not so well, but divers of their soldiers put themselves under the Estates, where they might have surer pay, and better means to help themselves by incursions.  
In the beginning of this year the garrison of Geertruyden bergh began to mutiny again, it is a town belonging to Prince Maurice, lying right against Dort, upon 
1589. The second mutiny at Gheertruydenberg.  the Mecwe or Vlack, which is a water made by the Rhine and the Maze: this garrison suspecting that something might be attempted against them, they presently disarmed the Burghers, and stayed all the ships and boats that past by, taking contributions, burning villages and committing all insolencies as enemies to the Estates. Upon the six and twenty of November past, the soldiers being persuaded to union, they made answer by writing the which (they said) was signed by Sir john Wingfield Governor of the town, the Englishmen and other captains, that they would all die before they would deliver the Burghers their arms again, and being sent for to serve in any place they made them this answer that they were all resolved to serve under the enemy rather than under Prince Maurice or the Estates; who considering of this their resolution, and finding that they entertained all fugitive soldiers, and sought to incite other garrisons to the like rebellion, having received intelligence that from the second day of February this year, they had been in treaty with the Duke of Parma: Prince Maurice (with the advise of the Estates) resolved (seeing that the Lord Willoughby, Sir john Norris nor Master Bodley could not prevail with them, and that the Lord Willoughby was as then to go for England) to besiege the town both by water and by land, considering the danger thereof, and of the 
Prince Maurice besiegeth Geertruydenbergh the 25. of March 1589.  towns lying about it: and so coming before it the five and twenty day of March, he sent a kind letter to them of the town by a drum, giving them to understand that the Governor Sir john Wingfield and other captains had threatened to deliver the town into the enemy's hands, and what a dishonour and danger they should thereby purchase unto themselves, offering them all contentment, whereunto they made answer, that they would rather seek aid from the enemy, then yield to Prince Maurice or the States, threatening to hang up his messenger.  
The town of Dort did likewise write unto them but they tore their letters. And when as the Lord Willoughby wrote his letters on the eighteenth of March, to Sir john Wingfiled his brother in law, desiring him to find means to come away rather than his presence should give any cause of offence: Sir john Wingfield refused it, saying that he had sworn to live and die with the soldiers, as long as they would hold that town for her Majesty and the good of the Netherlands, who protested to deliver it rather to the enemy then to Prince Maurice or the Estates, with other words to the like effect. In the mean time Prince Maurice did what he could to win the town, and began to batter it furiously, they within defended themselves, yet there was a reasonable breach made, and being ready to give an assault, they within cunningly offered a composition by a minister and a deputy, whom they had sent forth to treat with the Prince and the States, to whom the Articles were delivered, with the which they returned, so as there was great hope of an agreement. But the soldiers having repaired this breach in the night, and the waters being grown so high by a tempest as they could not use their Ordinance, perceiving both by signs of fire out of the town, and by letters sent to Breda, what secret dealing they had with the enemy, as also by letters from the Duke of Parma from Brussels, bearing date the 24. day of March, and from Breda of the 29. of March from Odoardo Lansavechio, which they within the town had received, hearing also that the Duke of Parma was within few miles of the town; Prince Maurice resolved to withdraw the siege, that they might have no just occasion to pretend they had been forced to yield the town unto the enemy, hoping by that means to move the best minded soldiers to consider thereof, and to be better advised; and to that end on the second of April he offered them again all favour and contentment, showing them that they were deceived by the vain speeches given out concerning the Queen's authority, sending them divers acts and discharges made to that end by her Majesty, & letting them understand what a dishonour these disordered dealings might be unto her. And upon the fourth of April he wrote unto them by master 
1589.  Levinus the minister, saying, that he sought not the life neither of officer nor soldier, 
Offers made by Prince Maurice to the garrison of Gheertruydenberg.  but assured them that as many as would continue in pay should be still entertained, and such as would not, might depart whether they pleased withal they had: so as they would assure the town unto him. To whom they made answer the same day, that their full resolution was to stay there in garrison, and to do the like service they had done before, and that they would make choice of their own Governor.  
On the fifth of April Prince Maurice did again offer them all security, and to perform whatsoever they would else demand by contract, desiring them to send their deputies unto him, but all was in vain, for that upon the ninth of April they received the Duke of Parmaes' deputies into the town, with whom they compounded to yield the town for fifteen months pay, and not any of them would yield unto Prince Maurice 
Gheertruydenberg sold to the Duke of Parma by the garrison.  but only two soldiers, such power hath greediness of money whereas prodigality beareth sway, and the fear of GOD is rejected, and yet they cloaked their treachery, with a pretence of the Queen of England's service. The townsmen were kindly dealt withal, they had a general pardon, and licence to depart when they would, or else to stay for the space of two years, without any molestation of Religion, and all their previledges confirmed, so as they tended not to the prejudice of the King's authority. The soldiers were pardoned whatsoever they had committed, promising to procure them the like in Germany, Luyke-land and Collen, and for that the Duke professed to love and honour good soldiers, (such as they were) he was content to accept and receive them all into the King's service, with restitution of all their goods confiscate; and such as desired not to serve should have the like freedom, and might stay six months within the town, and cause themselves to be paid by lawful means out of the assignation of contribution given them before by them of Brabant, Holland and Zeeland. And in recompense of the good service which they had done unto the King therein, he gave them ten months pay, which the States ought them, and for a reward five months pay more, all in ready money, that they might go out with credit. All such as had fled from the King's service, and were then there with them, were pardoned for their sakes, all prisoners should be ransomed, and upon payment thereof made let go, except they were spiritual persons, who should pay no ransom: and that Sir john Wingfield and Charles Honings should depart when they would with all their households, goods and movables, and that they should have passports given them to that end. This was concluded at Breda upon the tenth of April 1589.  
The garrison being in this sort paid, rewarded and gone out, the same day Charles Earl of Mansfieldt entered the town. The Estates of the united Provinces proclaiming 
The garrison of Gheertruydenberg condemned for traitors.  both the Governor, Captains, Officers and all the Soldiers, Traitors and Rebels, condemning them to be hanged where-soever they should be found, with promise of five pounds in reward for every private soldier, and ten pounds for every Officer, to them that could bring any of them to the Estates, and their goods confiscate, all their names being set down in the proclamation, being to the number of six hundred and fifty persons. These soldiers living in the Duke of Parmaes' army, were for a long time despised and scorned by the name of Merchants, many of them were afterwards taken in the united Provinces, and presently hanged for example to others. Sir john Wingfield with Captain Honnings retired themselves into England: He is much taxed in this action by the Estate, but it seems he had but the bare title of a Governor, and no commanding power over the garrison, who compelled him to do what they pleased, the which seems to be true, for that they set a guard over him during all the time of the siege, as I have heard himself affirm, neither was it in his power to yield the town unto Prince Maurice.  
During the seek of this town there were slain of the State's side these captains, Wolffart van Brederod, vander Aa, Landas captain of Prince Maurice his foot guard, and Cornellis Adrianz Schaeps; and above fifty more, there were hurt Peter vander Doës' vice-admiral of Holland and captain Sydenborch, the marshal of Villiers was also 
1589  shot, whereof he died not long after, a good soldier and one that had been always faithful unto the united Provinces.  
This loss of Gheertruydenberg did much prejudice the united Provinces, wherefore they presently stopped up the river with ships of war both to hinder their fishing and passage out of the town by water. The thirteen of April Cont Charles of Mansfeldt went with a small army from Gheertruydenberg into the quarter of Boisleduke by the Duke of Parmas' commandment, where he took the Castle of Lobben the which he 
Many castles yielded to the Spaniard.  was forced to leave three days after. On the seventeen of May he also took the Castle of Daetoren near unto Heusden: on the twenty one day passing out of Boisleduc, his men took three ships of war of Holland, lying at anchor in the river of Meuse above Buchoven, and the next day he went before the castle of Hemert, which he took: The castle of Blenbeeke (which colonel Schenck had held so long as his own patrimoney, being situated in the upper quarter of Gelderland) was also yielded unto him the twenty five of june after that it had been a while besieged: and the sixteenth of july the castles of Puydroyen and Brakel, the which was afterwards abandoned, and burnt with the whole village. But going to camp before Heusden the same month he was forced to rise with shame and loss. The same month three companies of the Estates horse were surprised near unto Boisleduc by the new garrison of Gheertruydenbergh, 
The Cornets of the estates horse defeated  and defeated, the one was of Prince Maurice his guard whereof Rysoyer was Captain, the second the Signior of Kynschys and the third the deceased Marshal of Villers, whereas Rysoyer and Kynschy with divers horsemen were taken, the rest were put to rout. Whilst that the Earl of Mansfeldt with the duke of Pastrana and the prince of Ascholy with many ships and boats, besieged the house or castle of Helena in the I'll of Bomel: Prince Maurice, the Earl of Hohenlo and the Earl of Solms, drew the garrisons about Heusden together in the month of August, and by force victualled the town in the face of the enemy, who lay not far from it. The Castle of Helena had been sore battered with nine hundred shot at the least, whereupon Sidenborch the governor 
The Castle of Helena taken by the Duke of Parma.  yielded the twenty four of August, by means of a dissension fallen among the soldiers, who were most slain, whereof afterwards he excused himself. From thence the Duke's army marched to Lovesteyn, lying at the end of the I'll of Bomel, and they made a sconce meaning to take Lovesteyn, but the waters being very much risen by reason of great store of rain which had fallen, they were forced to leave it.  
In September the Duke of Parma supposed by the enclosing in of Heusden, and the taking of Hemert, Helena and other sconces there abouts, that the country was sufficiently guarded on the one side Hemert to pass over the Meuse into Tielsche-Weert, and so to go to Buren or Vtrecht, but the Spaniards (who had the forward under Colonel Lieva) having some quarrel with the italians, and being set on by the Duke of Pastrana & the Prince of Ascoly, (who were no great friends to the duke of Parma) would not pass over the river, but cried out vive el Re, fuora il mal governo, and when the Earl of 
A mutine among the Spaniards.  Mansfeldt would have forced them to pass, they shot at him, and drove him away & so went to their garrison in the Grave: And for that Prince Maurice had gathered together great forces stopping their passage, and besieged the castle of Helena round about with sconces, being the winter time, the Duke's army was forced to leave the field, fortifying the Castles of Hemert, Helena and the Sconces at the mouth of the Deymse by Boscher. This year the Duke of Parma was very sickly, which some thought to proceed for that on the 10. of November before coming from Berghen up Zoom & riding to Mechline, he fell into the water: where unto other misfortunes were added, as the Melancholic humour which did possess him for the unfortunate success of the Spanish army, and his dishonourable retreat from Berghen, for the which (by the means of the Dukes of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly) he was reproached and flouted at: It might also be furthered by an other occasion, for that having taken up certain hundred thousand of Ducats by exchange, to be paid in Spain, by the practices of such as loved him not, they were not discharged, so as he was forced to give the Italien Merchants in Antwerp contentment out of his own coffers. Moreover at the same time his uncle, the great Cardinal Farnese died in Rome the three and twentieth 
1589.  of March, a man on whom he much depended. All these crosses made him sickly 
The Duke of Parma goes to the ●…paw.  and very melancholy: So as in May he went to the Spawe in Sweborn, and lodged at Mentfort or thereabouts, drinking daily of those waters for the recovery of his health.  
Before his departure he called together the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault, to aid the League of France both with money and men, and 
An assembly of the Estates under the Duke of Parma.  to take it out of the rents wherewith the revenues were charged. They were content to yield to his desire in many things, although they were much impoverished by reason of the great taxations which were imposed upon them, the which were raised with harder conditions then upon them in the united Provinces, who had free and open traffic in all places, where as they that lived under the King's command, did fly daily out of the Country by reason of their small traffic, dearth of all things, & bad protection so as the Duke of Parma grew daily to be more despised and hated, not only of the Country people, but also of the Spaniards, who imputed the bad success of the Spanish flcete only to him, for that he was not ready nor provided of Sailors, neither had forecast the dangers that might ensue, so as his enemies the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly, knew well how to blemish his credit in Spain, as we have said before.  
About the same time he had sent certain Mules laden with rich Tapestries and cloth of Arras with other costly things, out of the Netherlands to be transpo●…ed into Italy: passing through Lorraine or the Franch Conty they were set upon 
The Duke of Parmas' goods taken in Lorraine.  and taken away, the which afterwards was openly reported, and did manifestly appear, that it was done by advise from Spain, whether it were by the Kings own command, or his Counsels, or by the practices of such as loved him not, I know not, but it was a great hindrance unto him, and bred a great dislike in him against Spain.  
Moreover there fell a controversy with great reproaches, betwixt the Lord of Champigny and the Precedent Richardot (the Duke of Parmas' favourite) and afterwards with the Duke himself, concerning the treaty of peace at Bourbrough, betwixt the Deputies of the Queen of England and those of the King of Spain, of which number 
Dislike between the Duke of Parma & Champigni.  Champigni and Richardot were, but both of divers opinions: Champigni sought to deal roundly and sincerely in the said treaty of peace, the which being obtained, he persuaded himself it should much advance the King's affairs, having liberty to enter into the Ports and Havens of England for the safeguard of the great Armado, which was the way to conquer Holland and Zealand, and to subdue the Estates. But Richardot had contrary instructions from the Duke of Parma to break of the treaty, holding the conquest of England easy, according to the advise and project which Don john had left in writing at his death: for the which monsieur Champigni was much offended in regard that he had past his word to the Queen of England that there was no other intent but to deal sincerely and uprightly, so he was thereby disgraced and proved a liar: whereupon after the bad success of the said army, Champigni complained thereof in many places, and writ divers letters unto the King, showing that the only cause thereof proceeded from the negligence and indiscretion of the Duke of Parma: whereupon he grew into such hatred of Champigni, as having written unto the King that all would go to ruin in the Netherlands, if speedy remedy were not had, & especially then when as he was ready to go to aid the League in France, & therefore he thought it not fit to leave such backe-biters & controllers behind him in the Country, so as 
Champigni●… forced to leave the Netherlands.  he obtained leave to send Champigni out of the Netherlands, the which he put in practice with no small rigour, commanding him to dislodge out of the Netherlands, and to retire into Burgongne within a very short time: Champigni ask him the reasons why, the duke answered, to teach your tongue to keep silence, & your pen to write better: so as no entreaty, nor intercession of his friends could prevail, nor the indisposition of his body, being scarce able to travail, desiring that he might rather continue in some Cloister of Capuchins or jesuits, but all was in vain, and so he was forced to live a banished man in Bourgongne so long as the Duke of Parma lived. The Duke seeing himself maligned and slandered by them that were and aught to be 
1590.  near his person, to justify all his actions (as they of Arthois and Henault were more 
Richardot 〈◊〉 by the duke of Parma ●…to Spain.  affected unto him then unto any other Spaniard, that might aspire unto the government) he sent the said Richardot precedent of Arthois into Spain unto the king, to answer in his name to all objections and slanders, wherewith they had filled the King's ears, and to bring back a continuation of the duke's commission in his government of the Netherlands in despite of his enemies. Whilst that Richardot was in Spain the duke went the eight of May toward the Spawe (as we have said) for his indisposition, his servants and other italians complaining openly at the Spawe, that the Spaniards had dressed their master in that manner, having his belly and legs sowlne.  
The Duke of Parma being much distasted both of Spain and Spaniards, he wanted no remembrance●…s to put him in mind of the King's displeasure, being charged to have been the cause of the bad success of the King's Army, and that great Princes do not easily forgive nor forget conceived displeasures: and that it were better for him to look to himself, and (following Machavells council) rather make himself Lord of 
Ba●… Council given to the ●…ke of Parma.  the country, whereunto he had good reason to aspire, in regard of the Spaniards hatred towards him, and the wrong which was done to his son Raynutius, touching the crown of Portugal, whereunto he had better title (as they said) then the king himself. And that if he would attempt any thing in the Netherlands, whether it were with the title of Sovereign, or as Protector or Lieutenant thereof, he should want no friends within the country, nor well-willers without it, as France, England and the united Provinces themselves, with whom secret treaties might be made, whereby the Netherlands on the other side, might obtain a good and free enter course of traffic, for the good of the whole country, for as then he had to many overseers, both before behind and round about him: it being well foreseen long before by the council of Spain, having therein taken example by the proceedings of Don john of Austria. Others thought he would defer the execution of his desseigns, till after the death of the King of Spain, being very old, and that the house of Farnese was wont to be subtle and covetous enough yet always wary and very circomspect: But the King granting his desire, and at the last sending for the Duke of Pastrana into Spain he was well satisfied: And for that the King was fully resolved to aid the Leaguers in France at Richardots return out of Spain, he recommended that business unto him, as the fittest man for that action, and he for his part resolved to undergo the charge, being a fit means to purchase more honour, and for that cause he made all the hast he could sending both men and money to the frontier towns and gathering an army together in Arthois, wherein La mot had the chiefest charge, who not long before in April thought 
Pr●…paration to aid the league ●…n France.  to have surprised Ostend, by the secret intelligence with some of the soldiers, but he failed of his purpose, whereupon the garrison of Berghen up Zoome with that of Ostend and others, spoiled Gramont, or Geecsbergh.  
On the twenty of September the duke of Parma went from Spawe to Aken or Aix la Chapelle three leagues of, having three companies of horse with him: there he was honourably entertained and presented with divers gifts. In that town he did visit the chief relics, which are joseph's breeches, the virgin Maries smock, the sheet wherein john Baptist was buried, Charlemagnes chair, and some other petty ones, and from thence he went to Bins to be nearer unto the frontiers of France. This summer Berke was besieged by the Duke of Parmas' forces, Colonel Schencke came in the end of july with many ships to relieve it with victuals, mounting up the river 
Schenck rele●…ues Bercke.  within a league of the town, from whence he carried such store of victuals and munition as they had need of by land, and entered safely therewith into the town.  
Cont William Lewis of Nassau Governor of Freezland for the Estates, was daily at wars with Verdugo Governor of Groaning for the King of Spain, to whose aid the Duke of Parma sent seven Companies of foot and three of horse, the which marched through the Country of Westphalia and the Conty Vander-Lippe, and so to enter into East Friesland and then into the country of Groaning. Colonel Schenck 
1589  being adverised of the course they held, having gathered together all the men he could out of the garrisons of Gelderland, he went & attended these troops upon the heath or plains (which they call Lipper-heyde) where he defeated them, and put them to rout, 
Schenck defeats some of the 〈◊〉 of Parmas' troops.  taking from them all the money which they had brought to pay the garrison of Groaning and other near places, which the King held in those parts of Friesland. Schenck victualled Berck and defeated these troops in less than eight days, about the beginning of August.  
The third day after his victory being fortified with all the forces he could get 
Schencks unfortunate enterprise upon Nymeghen.  (carrying a spleen to them of Nymeghen) he went from his sconcse called the Bril or Vossenhole, lying by Tolhuys, and sailed along the river of Wahal, that he might come to Nymeghen by night, having sent his horsemen by land: It was a very still night and the tide very high, so as they could not advance much with their ships being unfit to row, and they came on so slowly as day began to break. The Punts or smalller vessels for that they went with owers, came on first and gave an alarm to the town, so as the Burghers and some soldiers went to arms: whereupon Schenck not staying for the rest, resolved to give an attempt before it was day, and landed by the Maie-gate, then presently taking two Rams which he had brought, he went to Saint Anthony's gate, the which (although it were very strong) he broke open, and so got through certain iron grates and windows into a house, which they took, from whence they thought to cease upon the market place, being not far from thence; in the mean time the rest of the ships came on, and shot into the town, and they of the town at them. The townsmen being in arms began to assail the house a far of, but to small purpose, until they had brought two field pieces before it, wherewith they shot into it, and with that the soldiers and then the Burghers got in and drove Schencks soldiers out again, the rest being not yet come: In the mean time the horsemen with some footmen were busy to get open the Hessenche gate, but they began to late, for before they had beaten of the locks and bolts, it was day light, so as they within the town casting stones and other things upon them, forced them to leave it.  
This succeeding so unfortunately on every side for that they came too late, and were descovered by the daylight, every man, yea & the women of the town being in arms, all the ships with the men being not come forward, Schenck with his men were forced to retire back again unto their ships, which retreat was with such confusion, disorder and fear, as every man sought to save himself as speedily as he could; whereupon there leapt so many into four or five great boats that were nearest, as three of them sunk with the weight thereof, so as such as could not swim were drowned, whereof Sir Martin Schenck himself was one: who was oppressed with the weight of his Armour and could not help himself: The ships that were laden did drive down half 
Schenck drowned.  a mile beyond the town, by a village called Ostenholt, where they cast Anchor, missing their Commander: One of their great Puntes or boats full of men, did drive before the stream to Saint Hubert's Tower: from whence they could not get, but were slain in great numbers with stones thrown down out of the said Tower; some leapt into the water to save themselves; and in the mean time four more of their ships full of men stood and beheld that Punt, but by reason it was a calm they could by no means pass by, but at the last two of them escaped away, and the other two fell into the enemy's hands, but the soldiers got away: within the town there were not above eight or nine found dead and wounded, but without there were a hundred at the least. This unfortunate mischance happened upon the leaventh day of August, Corn. llis Zeghers and jacob Ween being Bourguemasters of Nymeghen.  
The townsmen of Nymeghen being somewhat eased of their fear by this victory, took certain scutes and boats, and went to see if they could with their nets and hooks get any men or booty out of the water; where amongst the rest they found a man with a fair armour and well apparelled, which being brought to land, they knew it to be Sir Martin Schenck, by the marks he had about him, 
1589.  as a wound in his head which he had gotten before Steenwicke, an other on his side, which he had at Arnham, and the third on the forehead: and after that they had hanged two prisoners which they had taken, the Burghers in revenge, powered out 
〈◊〉 bo●… 〈◊〉 by th●…m of Nymeghen  their rage upon his dead ca●…case, the which they quartered and hung up ignominiously at the four corners of the town, and his head was set over Saint Anthony's gate, but not long after they were taken down again by commandment from the Marquis of Varembon, Governor of Gelderland for the King of Spain, for that many poor Townsmen of Nymeghen were slain and murdered for it in many places; and so the head and quarters were laid in a coffin and kept in a Tower, till that the town was taken three years after by Prince Maurice, and then it was buried very honourably and with great solemnity, after the manner 
His bo●…y ho●…bly ●…ed.  and order of a soldier, and laid in the great Church before the high Altar in the Dukes of Gelder's tomb, Prince Maurice and all his train accompanying the body.  
Thus did Sir Martin Schenck of Nydeck (one that had tried his fortunes on both sides to his great honour and reputation) end his life, being one of the most resolute, valiant and politic captains in his time, which his worthy enterprises and exploits do well witness, as his many victories, his relieving of the castle of Blyenbe●…ke, 
The life and com●…ndation of Sch●…k.  where he besieged the beseegers, and forced them to leave the siege. His stratagems were likewise notable, as the winning of Nymeghen and Breda from the Duke of Parma, but being badly rewarded for his service, he left him and went to aid the Elector Trucses and his adherents.  
In his youth he was fi●…st page to captain Enchuisen, and after that to the Earl of I●…elsteyn whom he with other captains besieged in a sconce before Goore, and there he took his master prisoner. He did win Werle in Westphalia, and behaved himself poll●…tickely and valiantly in the taking of Bonna, with many other memorable enterprises, which deserve an honourable remembrance: he was made knight by the Earl of Leicester: when he died he was but young; he was very strong and hardy, and always brought up in the wars; a great enterpriser, and active beyond all measure, and sudden in his actions, for when as the enemy thought him to be drunk and fast a sleep, he would be many times either upon their walls, or before their gates: he was liberal and well beloved of his soldiers. His very enemies would confess and say of him that he knew how to take towns and forts, but he could not hold them when he had them, but that was no disgrace, nor any blemish to his reputation being but a private Gentleman, and no King nor Prince, for he left the keeping of them to his captains. Being high minded, somewhat wilful and rough of behaviour, he was many times held in disgrace with the Estates, but at the last he applied himself to the time, and for that the Marshal Villiers died not long before, it was thought in time he should have been advanced and preferred to that same place.  
After the death of Colonel Schenck, the Fort which he had built (called then the spectacle, or the Fox's hole and now Gravenward, although most commonly 
A muti●…y in the ●…ort of Grauenw●…erd.  they call it Schenkes-sconse) which during his lifetime had been kept in very good order and discipline, mutined for their pay, the which they said resolutlie the would have, or else they would find them that should pay them. And it was given out that they had already begun to treat with the Duke of Cleves to yield it unto him. But the Earl of Meurs coming thither the fifteenth day of August, pacified all, promising them upon the word o●… an Earl, they should be paid and satisfied, making it his own debt.  
In the beginning of Summer William Earl of Nassau Governor of Friesland for 
Wars in Friesland.  the Estates made a certain enterprise upon Delfziel, for the effecting whereof, he attempted the Fort of Rheyde, which is almost an Island, lying in the river of Ems, right against the town of Emden, which he battered and took by force, the which he fortified and made a very strong sconst Island: and then he took some other small forts thereabouts: the duke of Parma to hinder these petty victories sent both men and 
1589.  money to Verdugo governor of Groaning, but Colonel Schenke defeated them upon the plains of Lip, as we have said. The twenty of October William Earl of Nassau took an other sconce called Saltcamp, lying in the mouth of the Reedeep, and entering it by force in the sight of Verdugo, (who could not prevent it) he slew eighty men therein, and took many prisoners, this sconce lieth in a marish, stopping the passage upon Reedeepe unto Groaning.  
The twenty eight of August, the Earl of Meurs with the garrisons of Lochem and other near places, entered into Westphalia: And for that the great Borough of Grave two leagues from Munster the chief Town of Westphalia, did 
Grave in Westphalia spoiled  commonly entertain the Spaniards which came from about Groaning and did favour them more than the estates men: being that day a great free fare especially for horses and much frequented, they entered into it, sacked the fair and all the inhabitants and merchants that were come thither, carrying away a great spoil. The general estates to make their navigation to France and England free, manned forth a good number of ships of war to convoy their merchants, and to defend them against those of Dunkirk and other ports which the Spaniard held upon the coast of Flanders, which ships were set in guard before the said havens, besides many others that were upon the rivers of Ems, Rhine, Meuse, Wahal, Leck, and other places, where as the enemy might have any passage to make his courses into the united Provinces, so as all the ships of war which were entertained at that time by the estates (besides their pinasses which is like a small galley) and the hoys of munition came to a 114. sail, and oftentimes more, as the necessity of the time and occasion required. It happened at that time that one of the estates ships (whereof jacob Antonissen, vice Admiral of Harlem was captain, but not then aboard for that he was sick) lying with other ships in guard before Dunkirk, while the rest of his company had the enemy in chase he being alone, certain fisher-boats well manned and other ships of Dunkirk cunningly 
A resolute act of one of the estates captains at sea.  set upon him, grappled with him and boarded him, where after they had fought along time and valiantly defended themselves, finding themselves in the end too weak they set fire on their powder, and blue both themselves up, and a great number of them of Dunkirk that had boarded them, few only escaping by swimming, and burned the ships that were fastened to it.  
The Dunkirk being now very strong at sea by reason of the great prizes which they took daily from them of Holland and Zeeland, where with they did so enrich their soldiers, as they tempted many sailors and soldiers of the united Provinces, to run thither and to serve them, and so they kept in the north seas, and took divers English men, Netherlanders and fishermen, and put them to ransom, for assurance whereof they took out the masters, pilots and merchants and whatsoever was good within the ships and then let them go. The Englishmen for their parts made no means to prevent these spoils, but the united Provinces first somoning all their sailors and soldiers which served under them of Dunkirk (having committed no heinous crimes) to come from them, promising them a pardon, they appointed a great number of ships to keep the seas, so as they took divers ships of Dunkirk, and hung up the men presently, of whom the gallows hung full in some towns of Holland and Zeeland, for an example unto others, as unworthy to be ransomed: whereby their number being somewhat decreased, they durst not put forth so boldly as they had a fore time been accustomed, until that they joined themselves with the leaguers of New-haven and of the river of some keeping in their havens.  
The town of Bercke lying upon the Rhine, and belonging to the jurisdiction of Cologne, being penned up (though not very near) by divers sconces made and strongly guarded by the Duke of Parmas' forces, the Estates were still forced to victual the same by strong hand, either by the Earl of Meurs, Mounsire Villiers, or Colonel Schencke.  
This year in january they made a bridge over the Rhine, and thereby used to victual 
1584.  the town, the enemy looking on them, but being to weak in horse, he was forced to endure it, and in july after they made a sconce above Rees, the better to relieve it, which the Marquis of Varambon would willingly have hindered, but he could not. The two and twenty day of September the Earls of Hohenlo, Meurs and Ouerstein passed with goodly troops of horse and foot for the Estates into the Betuwe, to dislodge those Spaniards, that were entered into the Island of Bomel. But being advertised thereof they were to wise to attend them, and repassing the Meuse, after they 
The ●…paniards chased out of the Island of Bomel.  had burnt the castle of Puydroyen and some other places, they returned into the Mairie of Boiseleduc in Brabant.  
At that time Mounsire Balaigny Governor of Cambray was wavering, keeping both the Kings of France, Spain and the league in breath, and drawing commodity from them all. When as the league sought succours from the King of Spain, offering him the towns of Guise, La Fere and Peronne in pawn, the Spaniard demanded over and above to have Cambray: whereunto Balaigny opposed, meaning as he said to keep it for the Crown of France, whosoever were King, but rather for himself. The Duke of Parma building upon certain intelligences which he had with some of the Clergy and Burghers of the Town, sent the Marquis of Renty, Charles Earl of Mansfeldt, and la Motte Pardieu thither, who came with their troops near unto Cambray the fifteeneth day of September, attending the effect which they expected of their intelligences; which was that making a general procession on the nineteenth day, the Chanoins and Burghers of that faction should keep a port open by the which they should give entry to the Duke of Parmas' men. But Balaignyes' wife (who was very cunning) having vented this mine, being advertised by some one of the enterprise, (whom she had won) they were disappointed, for the which the Dean of the Cathedral Church with some Chanoin●… and Burghers were committed to prison, who at Balaignyes' return (being then absent) were executed.  
The Earl of Meurs to victual the town of Bercke, sent the Earl of Ouerstein, the Baron of Poetly●… and Sir Francis Vere thither with a thousand horse and two thousand foot, knowing well that the Marquis of Varambon was there attending with eight hundred foot, and five hundred horse to hinder the said victualling. These three Commanders being upon their march with some Artillery, they set upon a fort which was called the Roynettes of Cologne, the which they took and manned with a good garrison: from thence passing the water near unto the castle of Loo, having now past Teckenhof, the Marquis thinking to charge them in the rear, he found that (contrary to his expectation) he was valiantly withstood by Sir Francis Vere with four Companies of English, and by Christopher Wolf's Cornet of 
The Marquis of Varambon defeated by the ●…states.  Reyetrs being on the wing of the rearward: so as this charge turned into a Battle, whereas Varambon lost above 600. men upon the place, with ten Enseignes and three Cornets, besides the prisoners, and above 200. horse, whereof the English had six score for their part, and amongst them there was one which the Marquis did use to ride on, who had now saved himself by flight. Among all the prisoners there was not any one of reckoning, but a petty Italien Count, Cousin to the cardinal Caraffa, who was wounded, and one Lieutenant. There were not above foure●…eene Knights, Captains and Officers slain, whereof one was the Marquis of Cico, Nephew to Spinelli, Master of the Camp; john Antonio Caraffa and Alonzo Palagano both captains, and seven Ancients, most Neapolitaines'. Whilst they were in fight Count Charles of Mansfeldt came posting thither with threescore and ten companies of horse and foot, but the Earl of Ouersteyn, the Baron of Poetlys & Sir Francis Vere having won this victory made haste to recover Berck with their convoy and victuals. The Earl of Mansfeldt thought to have met with them in their return, but they took an other course, passing the Rhine near unto the fort of Rees. This encounter was the 15. of October. The same month the Earl of Mansfeldt having made provision at Nymeghen of all things needful to besiege a town, having marched away with his horsemen from Boisleduc towards Grave, passing by a little wood, he was saluted with a Volley 
1589.  of small shot, which wounded some horses, wherefore having caused the wood 
A dear bravado of 35. soldiers.  to be compassed round about and searched, they found 35 soldiers there, whereof 30. were slain upon the place, and the other were hanged.  
Whilst that the Earl of Mansfedlt made preparation to go and besiege Berke, the Earl of Meurs to succour it (as he had done twice or thrice before) gathered together all the men he could, being at Arnhem, the chief town of Gelderland, in 
The vnfor●…nate death of the Earl of Meurs.  the Duke's Palace, where meaning to make a trial of some fire works, the powder was unfortunately set on fire, wherewith a part of the Chamber was blown away, and he burnt, and drawn from under the ruins of the house, whereof he died within few days after, full of pain, whereby the succouring of Berke was broken of and yet it held out three months longer.  
The Earl of Mansfeldt had resolved to besiege Berke after an other manner, having prepared all things necessary, he came out of Bommels-Weert, where 〈◊〉 had battered the sconce of Vorne ten days together in vain, and in November he ●…oke the Sconce of Reez aforesaid, the which by reason of the dry wether and the lowness of the water, they did yield by composition, whereby the besieged could not be now well relieved, who having great want of victuals, and finding that their succours failed them; the Estates considering also that this town being so far from them would be over chargeable to victual so often, they did consent that the besieged should make the best composition they could with the Spaniard: so as in the end of january 1590. the town of Berke was yielded to Charles Earl of Mansfeldt for the King of 
Berke yielded to the Earl of Mansfeldt.  Spain, the Captains, Officers, and all the soldiers going forth with their full arms, and baggage, the Drum sounding, Colours flying, matches light, and bullets in their mouths, and to carry them away they should have fifty ships and Scutes with convenient Convoy, and a Captain called David Soper a prisoner should be discharged without ransom. The Burghers likewise had good conditions, and so Berke (otherwise called Rhynebercke) was given over: It is thought that there were certain secret promises made, which caused the garrison to yield more willingly, as that the Countess of Meurs (than a widow) should quietly enjoy her lands by circumscription, as being a member of the Empire and Neutral. Thus the Duke of Parma took in the towns and places in the Territories of Cologne to the use (as he said) of Ernestus Bishop of Cologne, but he kept the chief places with good garrisons, as Rhynebercke, Bonna, Nuys, Keysersweert, and after the taking of Bercke, he had some designs upon the Towns of Cleves, Goch, Reez, and Emric, belonging to the Duke of Cleves, but all was in vain, his enterprise being discovered.  
There was not much more done this year neither by the Duke of Parma nor yet by the united Provinces, the Duke (being busy to send men and money into France) stayed at Bins in Henault, where the Duke of main and other commanders of the League came to speak with him: on the other side the united Provinces sent unto the French King ten thousand pounds starling, with victuals and munition of war, by the Lord of Brederode (issued from the Earls of Holland and Zealand) justine of Nassau Admiral of Zealand, and the Signior of Pree Agent there for the Estates. And the Queen of England sent him first twenty thousand pounds starling, by Sir Edward Stafford then her majesties Ambassador with some powder, munition for war, and ships to serve him: & within 15. days after being besieged in Deep by the League, the Queen sent the Lord Willoughby over with 4000 men to his succour. The general Estates had long before reduced all the enemy's Frontier Countries to certain ceasments and contributions of money, payable monthly, as well upon the lands as upon the Country houses, Villages and unwalled towns, which had no Forts to supply the payment of their frontering Garrisons. By which contributions the Peasants and Inhabitants of the said frontering places were freed from the courses, spoils and ransoming of their Soldiers: The which without all doubt was a very great ease for the poor people and labourers and other good people, who might freely do their work and follow their 
1589.  traffic and merchandise with all safety, going and coming freely into the towns and Forts of either party.  
This was against all right in the wars of forepassed ages, who would not yield any thing unto their enemies (as the Duke of Alva caused a poor peasant to be hangged, for that he had been forced to carry a bottle of hay to the Prince of Orange's Camp before Maestricht) and it was also dangerous. But the profit which did rise thereby, did countervail the pain to provide for the dangers which they feared. The which the Spaniard might in like manner do for his part, who might reap far greater commodities thereby then the Estates. But no man smarted so much as the Lord of the soil and proprietary, who by reason of these contributions, did not receive half the revenues they were accustomed to do. Mondragon Governor and Castellan of Antwerp, notwithstanding the profit which the King of Spain reaped thereby, did forbid 
Mondragon forbids con●…tions.  the Inhabitants of the Champion country to pay any more contributions to the Estates: The which they did not bring in as they had been accustomed: Which made the Estates seek to force them (that occupied such houses and land) thereunto by the way of arms. whereupon Captain Marcelius Bax brother to Paul Governor of Berghen up Zoome, with his company of horse and part of his brothers, went often to field to make these executions, so as one day among the rest the Village of Vlrich was burnt, for an example and terror to the rest, they having done some displeasure unto the garrison of Berghen, and this was the last of November.  
In December Marcellus Bax with other Captains went forth of Berghen with 160. horse and 70. foot to attend for a Convoy of victuals which was to go from Antwerp to Steenberghen, conducted by three companies of high Duchess: being in ambush 
A Conu●…e defeated by the Estates men.  they charged them upon a heath, where they defeated them quite, took Colonel Maldits' prisoner, with the three Captains and many others, as well soldiers, Merchants, victuallers, as peasants, with all their wagons, victuals, munition and baggage, among other booty his men found new cassocks for Don Fernando of Gonzagues' company of horse, with great store of good and rich merchandise, but they paid dearly for it, for many of their horses were slain or wounded by the Germans shot, who in the beginning had entrenched themselves with their wagons, and could not have been forced, had not the 70. shot followed at the first charge. Bax lost three of his best horses, two in the fight, and the third being shot in divers places brought him home to Berghen. The three companies of Germans were 400. pikes & 200 musketeers and small shot: they sent two Enseignes to Prince Maurice, and the pieces of the third with all the booty they kept for themselves.  
Cont William of Nassau having taken from the Spaniards in the country of Groaning, the Forts of Immentes, Soltcamp and others, he did fortify them to keep all that quarter of Friesland under the Estates contribution, with the help of the Forts of Otterdome and Rheid lying above Groaning: There fell out also a great jealousy and discontentment betwixt the inhabitants of Groaning and their Governor Verdugo, they of the town complaining that he sought to bring in a garrison, seeing that since the retreat 
They of Groaning discontented with their Governor.  of Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, as also during the time they held for the Estates, they had always defended themselves well without any garrison. Whereupon Verdugo seeing that the Earl of Nassau did still prosper, and that he had small assurance of them of the town: He writ unto the Duke of Parma, entreating him to send him supplies of men: who presently dispatched away Cont Herman Vanden Berghe, with twenty two companies, as well Spaniards as others, to receive the which at the passage of the Rhine, Verdugo went with certain troops; but hearing that the Estates were entered into the country of Groaning, he turned head. These companies sent by the Duke of Parma, having past the Rhine, marched towards Oldenzeel, & by the Tuente in the quarter of Ems, to enter that way into the country of Groaning: Cont William of Nassau was also fortified by the coming of the Earl of Ouersteyne with five hundred horse and some foot: so as the Spaniards and the States men went to camp upon the Frontier, one near unto an other, but without any blows: Wherefore they of Groaning seeing that it was against them that either party aimed: and above all that Verdugo had sent for those 
1589  forces against them, they stood more upon their guards then ever, and were more fearful to be surprised, knowing well that all towns were ruined, whereas the Spaniards keep a garrison, and in effect the champain country endured no less at that time of them who were their friends then of the Estates men whom they held for enemies: neither were they of Westphalia (which is a neuter country) free. The town of Aix la chapel called by some Aken, an old imperial and rich town, lieth between Cologne and Mastricht, and by means of the troubles in the Netherlands was of late 
The description of Aix la Chapel●….  years become very populous and of great traffic, by reason that it is a free neutral Town, many of the reformed religion fled thither with their whole families, so as they grew to so great a number, as it seemed the magistrates by common consent would have allowed them free exercise of religion within their town, if they had not feared the authority of the Emperor and the power of their neighbours: yet had they liberty enough to exercise it privately within some great houses, whereat the Catholics did much murmur especially their neighbours the Dukes of Parma and Cleves, who for that cause (under pretence of other quarrels) obtained divers commissioners from the Emperor, to authorize the neighbours about them, as the Dukes of Parma and Cleves and the country of Liege to compel the town of Aix to obey his commandments. But for a long time they excused themselves with modest and reasonable answers; till now about this time the King of Spain and the Duke of Parma thinking it in vain to bring any more regiments into the Netherlands, until they were assured of the neighbour country's towns, as of Emden, Wesel, Aix and others, holding 
The King of Spain's at t●…pts against Aix and other towns.  it not fit to suffer the Netherlanders (whom they termed rebels) to settle themselves there, wherefore they thought good to begin first with them of Aix, thinking themselves in a manner assured of the countries of juliers and Cleves, by reason of the old Duke's infirmity, whom they had long governed by a Spanish affected council, and as for the young Duke, who was but simple, and married to a daughter of the house of Baden an earnest Catholic Princess, they feared him not. In the territories adjacent thereunto as Cologne, Liege and Munster, they had placed Ernestus of Bavaria to be Bishop, being there creature, whereby the King of Spain did hope that in the end he should have the dominion of those places, when as the inhabitants by incursions and the spoils of war should be brought to extremity, as they of Vtrecht had been in the year one thousand five hundred twenty seven, under Hendricke Bishop of Bey●…rne: they were in hope also by some means to get the town of Cologne and Emden, omitting no practice nor stratagem: for the effecting of this their design, they had often dealt with them of Aix by the Emperor and the Duke of Cleaves, and now at last the Duke of Parma by authority from the King, as Duke of Brabant and Limbourch, and upon pretext of being Protector of the town of Aix, he sought by Proclamation to cut of all the previledges which that town of Aix claimed in the Netherlands, and declared openly that he did not account it a neutral town, whether the fugitive Netherlanders should fly for refuge, and enjoy 
The King of Spain's proclamation against them of Aix.  their lands and possessions in the Netherlands, as was granted unto such as did dwell in neutral places, wherefore he commanded them to depart and leave the said town of Aix, and either to return into his dominions, and there to live like good Catholics, or else to go and inhabit in other places and that within the space of fourteen days after the publication of the said Proclamation, within the towns of Antwerp and Mastricht, upon pain of forfeiture of the said graces and previledges, and all their goods movable and immovable: commanding all his Officers to see it presently published, proclaimed and put in execution. This proclamation was made at Bins the tenth of December in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred eighty nine.  
And in the beginning of the year it was signified unto them of Aix; The Mayor and Sheriffs (which were fled) seeking by this means to overthrow the authority of the great Council of the town, had been first suitors for it to the Emperor and the Duke of juliers as one of the Protectors of the aforesaid town: whose Council (and among the rest one Shynckern Amptman of the town and Castle of Iuil●…ers) 
1589.  did solicit it with the Bishop of Liege, who procured it from the Duke of Parma in the King of Spain's name, to whom the Emperor both in this & many other things, referred much. The reason was that after the retreat of strangers, (whose goods and reunues did lie most in lands in the Low-countries) through the aid of their Partisans they might return, and dispossessing the Magistrates of the reformed religion, settle themselves in their places, but for this time they were disappointed of their expectation: yet afterwards in the year 1598. they addressed themselves unto Cardinal Albert of Austria, who undertook it.  
This proclamation did spoil many of the chief of the strangers, for that they began to cease upon their lands & goods in the Netherlands, which dwelled in Aix, wherefore some retired to Cologne, others into the country of juilliers: Such as went to Liege were presently chased away, some continued there still, and some redeemed themselves for money, purchasing safeguard from the Duke of Parma at a dear rate, for a year, or half a year, more or less, being forced still to renew them still at the same price, the which was held mechanike and dishonourable in such a Prince. The of Aix made petition unto the Prince's Electors at an Imperial Diet held at Spires, and to the Emperor to have their privilege confirmed.  
By reason of the wars in France in Anno 1589. the Estate of the Netherlands was then much altered, for that the Provinces of Arthois, Henault, Luxembourg, Namur, 
1590.  and others, bordering upon France, were then to defend themselves, from the invasions of the French, in regard the King of Spain (as head of the holy League) took upon him to aid and assist the rebels of France, giving the Duke of Parma charge to have 
The United Provinces have some by rea●… o●… the wa●…e; of ●…rance.  a care thereof, for the which in the beginning of this year 1590. he assembled an army upon the Frontiers of Arthois, which he sent into France under the command of the Earl of Egmont: by which means the united Provinces had some time and respite to breath, after their long miseries and intestine wars, which they had endured against so mighty an enemy. And for that the government of many is most tedious and dilatory, but wise and provident in resolution, so in the two years last passed, they had spent their time to advance their affairs first appeasing all factions betwixt the Estates and the English, and the mutinies of their garrisons, great wisdom, policy, money and discipline being thereto requisite and necessary, the Queen of England being well pleased they should govern among themselves, as we have formerly declared.  
Concerning religion (whereof the government of the country much consisteth) they had always an especial care to follow the necessary resolutions of the general Estates, in the time of the late Prince of Orange, making a religious peace, and having a dislike that men should i●…gine their consciences should be forced otherwise then by good instruction, good living and by prayer. And finding them of the reformed religion (the most zealous to defend the liberties & welfare of the Netherlands, in regard they had been many times persecuted for religion by the Spaniards) to be well united together, they therefore grounded their foundation upon the greatest number: and for that the 
The policy of the united ●…states concer●…ng r●…gion.  Estate and government consisted of so many heads and opinions, they sought to reduce this diu●…rsitie of minds and opinions into one unity and consent, for the good & welfare of the country, whereof they had an especial care, in regard of their continual wars, in which unity their only support & maintenance consisted, as by their common seal (wherein standeth a bundle of Arrows bound together) appeareth: and for that consideration they never forced any man's conscience, but only seditious Sectaries, as certain Anabaptists and Munsterians, and such as were il conceited of the Magistrates, for that they punished Malefactors with the sword of justice; to them they allowed no open assemblie●…, other sects (whereof God amend it, there have been to many for a long time) they thought good to suffer them for the present time & to reclaim them if they could, by preaching and sermons, made in the reformed Churches, with commandment to live in brotherly love, and to win them with love and charity: the reformed using to that end in their Churches a certain Christian discipline, to avoid scandal and ill speeches.  
Those of the confession of Ausbourg (which seek to divide themselves from the reformed 
1590.  religion) were allowed to have preaching and exercises (with careful oversigh) in certain towns. The Catholics also had no public exercise of their religion allowed them, the which was done in policy, because of the wars, attending a time until it should be otherwise provided for, and resolved by the country or general Estates, after an assured peace. The Catholics made no great question about their baptizings and burials, and touching marriages, it was decreed by a public proclamation, that all such as were not of the reformed religion, (after law full and open publication) coming before the Magistrates in the towne-houses, were orderly given in marriage one unto an other.  
And to show that their only care was for unity, religion and liberty, this year they caused certain counters to be made, having on the one side two hands gripped fast together, and holding six arrows bound together with this inscription, Deo iwante. On the other side was a strong pillar, standing upon a great square book called religion, and upon the pillar was a hat, which signified liberty. This pillar was fast bound by six strong arms noting the six Provinces of Gelder's, Holland, Zeeland, Friesland, Oueryssel and Vtrecht, with this inscription under the foundation called religion, Hac nitimur: and over the hat of liberty, Hanc tuemur, as if they would say, By the force of truth and unity, grounded upon religion, with the help of God, we enjoy and maintain our liberty.  
For the general government of the Provinces, they had a counsel of Estate, consisting 
The united Provinces ruled by a council of Estate.  of gentlemen, and lawyers, where the Queen of England was to have two counsellors, but at that time there was but one, which was Master Thomas Bodley (now a Knight) and Master Gilpin Secretary of the said counsel; this council had the ordering of all causes in every Province, the general Estates being not always assembled, who commanded over this council of Estate: and besides this every particular Province had their private council.  
After the death of the Prince of Orange they did choose Prince Maurice, Earl of 
Prince Maurice made Lieutenant general.  Nassau, Governor of Holland and Zeeland, Admiral of the sea, and Lieutenant general of their forces, and Philip Earl of Hohenlo; an old soldier and of great experience his Lieutenant. Vtrecht, Oueryssel and Gelderland, did likewise at that time choose Prince Maurice for their governor. William Lodowick Earl of Nassau, eldest son to john Earl of Nassau was governor in Friesland, a soldier of good experience and politic. Prince Maurice was from his youth trained up by his father in the wars, and in affairs of Estate, and was his second son (his eldest brother Philip William, who is now Prince of Orange and Earl of Buren, being yet kept prisoner in Spain) and for that cause being very fit to supply the place he was chosen chief General and Commander over all their forces both by sea and land. In matters concerning the land, he was to be ruled by the advise of the council of Estate, and touching the sea by the admirality: and certain Comities were appointed under him, when any thing was to be done concerning the country, and the limits of their liberties, by whose advice all causes touching the state were directed in the army, and the particular affairs concerning Government and Policy by the Council of war, chosen out of every Regiment and Nation serving therein. And for that Holland was the greatest strongest and mightiest of all the united Provinces, therefore many causes which were handled in the council of Estate, were done by the advise and council of john van Ouden Barnevelt, Lord of Crimpel, Advocate of Holland, in regard of his great wisdom and experience.  
The Netherlanders have as great means to bring in money for the maintenance 
The means how the Estates levy money for their wars.  of their wars, as ever was heard or seen in any Country, the which is done willingly, with a general consent, and with little hurt and prejudice to the Inhabitants, and by that means the country grew rich, mighty and strong, for they suffered any thing to be carried unto the enemy paying license for the same, especially such things whereof they had abundance and superfluity, and that there subjects by making, working and carrying it thither may get any thing, arising 
1590.  or abating the rate of the licence, as they found the enemy to have need of their commodities, moderating it in such sort as the enemy could not buy it better cheap in any place then of them. They suffered the enemy to bring any thing unto them that they had need of, especially such things as they could not well have but from thence, paying but small custom or license money, and contrariwise making them to pay great custom for things which they brought, whereof they had no need, having still a great regard unto their trade of merchandise and especially unto their seafaring and fishing.  
Besides this they could so well husband their money and employ it to the best profit, as all Potentates, common weals, and commanders in the wars might take example 
The Est●…es good husbandry for the employment of their money.  by them, capitulating with their Colonels, Captains and soldiers as strictly as they could, yet always paying them well, which made the captains to complain oftentimes for that a captain serving under the enemy or in other places, might reap more benefit by a Company of men, than a Colonel under the Estates by ten companies but it was uncertain. And for that the united Provinces did pay their men duly and truly, there was very good discipline held among their soldiers, so as wheresoever they passed throughout the country, they were well used, and welcome in all places, for that they found their necessaries always ready for them, the which was truly paid, whensoever they dislodged to any other place, and throughout all the Provinces they did severely punish thieves and such as offered any violence.  
They did not usually entertain any great forces, but they had old, valiant and well disciplined soldiers with the which they did many great exploits. At that time they 
What number of m●…n the v●…ted Provinces entertained.  had about twenty thousand foot and two thousand horse, besides the Burghers, whom in time of necessity, they employed and paid as soldiers. They entertained about a hundred ships of war at sea and within their rivers, being all well appointed; and whensoever they came from any service, their men were presently to be paid. Besides this ordinary charge of ships, sailors and soldiers, they took order by a general consent for a certain provision of money to be made, for the entertaining of an army in the field, for certain months in the year, with ordinance, pioneers and a supply of soldiers, to make an offensive war, to enlarge their fronters, and also to aid the French King, with money, munition and men both by sea and land.  
The Queen of England also paid to her soldiers in the garrisons of the Brill, of Flushing, and to those that aided the Estates within the country twelve thousand five 
What the Queen of England paid every month to relieve the Estates. The united Provinces rich by their wars.  hundred twenty six pounds starling every month, accounting 56. days to the month according to the contract, besides extraordinary charges for transportation of soldiers, and the apparel both for horse and foot, which was yearly to be provided.  
By this provident care and wise government of the Estates and their assistants, the united Provinces were exceeding rich and mighty, yea in the midst of their greatest wars, which commonly makes any country poor and miserable, and yet they rob no man at sea, but were rather robbed, and at land they used but the ordinary course of war: and this is evident by their fare, great and costly buildings in their towns, their strong and great fortifications, their abundance of Ordinance, and great numbers of rich and wealthy inhabitants, who for that their wanted houses for them to dwell in, many were forced to dwell in ships, whereof they have many in that country, very sweet, fair and necessary for that use: and some towns have been constrained to enlarge their walls for the building of more houses, with such havens, walls, bulwarks, gates and sumptuous works, as it were admirable to be written; the which may well be seen by many towns from Westfriseland along to Walchrens in Zeeland.  
In the beginning of this year, a regiment of Spaniards complaining for their pay 
The Spaniards murine and surprise Cortrey.  began to mutiny, seeking what towns of Flanders they might surprise for their pay, so as in the end they found a good opportunity to cease upon Cortrey, whilst that all the people were busy to see two freebooters of the Estates side burned alive, they entered into the town with a furious and fearful alarm, in the which there were some Burghers slain, making themselves masters of the town and living at discretion. 
1590.  They sent to other Spanish garrisons to do the like, and to join with them in their mutiny. They thought to have done the like at Bruges and other places, but they were prevented, the Burghers standing upon their guards, having such an example of their neighbours before their eyes. They continued long there in this mutinous humour, behaving themselves very insolently to the townsmen, and the inhabitants round about, which the Prince of Ascoly himself could by no means appease, but they retained him forcebly for a while as a pledge, but this disorder proceeding from the covetousness of the Officers at the coming of the Earl of Fuentes out of Spain, was partly punished, who caused the Lord of Sanfoy and other Officers to be committed to prison, and some to be executed, taking a better order for their pay out of the treasury of Brussels.  
All these mutinies were thought to be by the provocation of the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly who hated the Duke of Parma, and sought by that means to do him an affront, but he surmounted all, having received a continuation of his commission, and commandment from the King of Spain, to go and succour the league in France. Being at Bins in Henault, the Duke of main chief of the 
The duke of main comes to the ●…uke of Parma.  league, carrying himself as Lieutenant of the Estate and crown of France coming to confer with him, with some other Noble men of the league as we have said. The Spaniards that were mutined in Courtray durst not refuse to make this voyage with him into France, being the King's pleasure, for the effecting whereof, they made haste to ransom the poor Burghers, threatening to burn their town, so as they forced them to pay the uttermost of all their arrearages, in what money, and at what rate they pleased.  
The fourth day of March Breda was surprised for Prince Maurice, being his inheritance, after this manner. The signor of Herauguiere a gentleman of Cambray, captain of a company of foot under the united Provinces, being in garrison with his company and some other soldiers in the island of Voorn near unto Bommel, under the command and authority of Count Philip of Nassau governor of the towns of Gorrichom, Vaudrichom or Vorcum and Lovestein, and Colonel of a Regiment of foot. This Earl after the retreat of Prince Maurice out of those quarters, did impart unto the said Heraugiere (whom he knew to be a hardy and valiant captain) a certain design which the Prince would willingly have made upon the town of Breda, and the means that were offered for the execution thereof, which was by a certain man which went with a little bark laden with wood, the which he did often carry to the castle of Breda, or by an other boat of the like bigness which did use to carry turf unto the castle: which two men had been long time greatly affected to do some service to the general cause of the united Provinces, as they had often given good testimonies: whereunto captain Herauguiere made answer: that first of all he did most humbly thank the Prince and the Earl for the honour which they had done him therein. That he for a long time had dedicated his life and fortune to the Prince's services, as all his actions might well witness during the wars: desiring nothing more than by some great and notable exploit, to show the sincere affection of his heart in that behalf, and how little he valued his life, in regard of the love he bore unto the Prince. And therefore if it so pleased him, there should not be any one that would more willingly employ himself in so gallant and honourable an enterprise. And having discoursed together of the importance of this action, and of the means to put it in execution, and duly considered of all dangers, he resolved (according to the Earl's commandment) to go to Prince Maurice at the Hage in Holland, being newly returned from the army, to determine fully of this business.  
Herauguiere being come thither, and having conferred with the Prince of the manner 
Breda surprised for Prince Mauric●….  of the execution, and of the number of choice and resolute soldiers that should be needful to be employed in the action; they found at that time no better expedient▪ than to attempt it by a boat laden with wood. But as this enterprise was protracted by reason of the great and long frosts in winter; in the end of February the Prince sent 
1590.  for Herauguiere, letting him understand in the presence of captain Edmont (now Colonel of the Scots) that a fit time was offered to put it in execution, and that he held the best means to be by a boat of turfs, the master whereof was called Adrien van Berghen. Herauguiere who wished nothing more than to be at work, desired the boatman might be sent for. To whom (having been well examined upon all circumstances) instructions were given what he had to do; and commandment given him not to treat with any other from that time but with Herauguiere: who then went towards the Fort of Noortdam where his company was in garrison, and the man with his boat to a village called Leur two leagues from Breda, where he was to take in his turfs. Who having laden and being ready according to the order, he advertised Herauguiere for the putting it in execution on the Twesday following, as it had been resolved by the Prince, sending him word by captain Lambert Charles (who for this service was afterwards made sergeant Mayor of Breda) that it was necessary to anticipate the day, and to begin on the Monday, for that the Receivor of the castle did press him to deliver his turfs: The said Lambert made such speed, as having spoken with the Prince at the Hage, he returned presently with answer to Herauguiere, that the Prince would be ready at the place appointed, with a number fit for the exploit.  
In the mean time Herauguiere according to the charge he had from the Prince, sent to divers garrisons for many Officers, with the most choice and resolute soldiers. Out of the Colonels company of Count Philip of Nassau sixteen, led by captain john Logier: from the garrison of Heusden (whereof Mounsire de Famas was Governor,) sixteen led by captain john Fernel: from the garrison of Clundert of the Signior of Lieres men being governor of the Island, twelve, commanded by captain Matthis Helt his Lieutenant, and of Herauguieres own company Gerard des Pres a Squire with four and twenty soldiers. On Sunday the five and twentieth of February, about ten of the clock at night, after that he had acquainted the chief Officers with his design, knowing that the boat attended them, the which lay at Swerttenbarchsweer, they marched that way as covertly as they could for the space of some six hours, yet they could neither find boat nor men, the which did much trouble them, fearing that they should be discovered, and therefore they resolved, secretly to return: Being upon the way at a village called Terheyden, as they crossed the river, the boat man, excusing himself for this fault, which had happened (as he said) by his companion, who fell a sleep, himself doubting that all was dashed, and that he must burn his boat, as if the matter had been too much descovered, and that he could neither go forward nor backward, but with great and apparent danger: Whereupon being demanded if there were means to return the next day, having considered a little thereon, he answered yes. And to fall no more into the like error it was decreed that the mariner himself should go and fetch them at the castle of Sevenbergh, and so they parted one from an other.  
Night being come, the mariner failed not to come unto them, assuring them that it was time to march. Before they departed Herauguiere sent word unto the Prince (who was come with good troops unto Clundert) of all that had past. Then they went on with such speed, as with in two hours they entered all into the boat, and were not descovered; where they endured great discommodities for that the wind was contrary, so as they continued there from Monday at night until Thursday in the morning, with great cold, hunger and other extremities.  
But seeing the impossibilities to pass on by reason of so many difficulties, they resolved to advertise the Prince, for that they would not do any thing without his leave, unto whom they sent one of the mariners with letters, whereunto the Prince made answer, entreating them to have patience, one day longer, and charging them not to depart from thence before they advertised him. They seeing no change in the wether, & wanting victuals, they resolved to go forth to refresh themselves a little: & so they returned to the fort of Noort-dan on the thursday morning before day, where they stayed until eleven of the clock at night and then their boatesman returned saying, 
1590.  that he thought the wether was changed and groan more commodious yet he would not assuer any thing, only he did think the Ice could not annoy them, which the company understanding, they departed with a good resolution, and entered into the boat at a place called the warren, being but a quarter of a league from Breda; so as on friday by nine of the clock in the morning they were with their boat before the Herourie, which is near unto the castle, And betwixt ten and three in the afternone they were brought within the outwardest bar of the Sluice the which was presently shut behind them: where staying, a corporal of the guard of the castle came in a little skife to search the boat, entering into the mariners cabin, he opened a little door which looked unto the pomp, where there was but a board betwixt it and the soldiers. Having searched it well, and not able to judge that there was any thing in it but turfs (for at that time very happily, and without doubt by the providedence of God no man did cough or make any noise, as they had done before and after, not withstanding any prohibition) he shut the Caban door, and so retired, During their abode in the boat, Herauguiere was forced to hear and endure from some private soldiers many complaints and reproaches, telling him, that he had brought them to the Butchery and to an assured death. But he answered them courageously, that they were in no sort better, nor equal to himself: and that being their commander under so generous a Prince, it would be a perpetual infamy to abandon so honourable an enterprise, basely and for want of courage. That they which spoke thus should remember, that oftentimes to watch the merchant and the poor passengers like thieves, they made no difficulty to endure all discomodities of wind and rain: whereas now for so glorious an enterprise, they would show themselves unwilling, whereof they should be much ashamed. As for himself that he had rather die then fail of his duty: and in the end threatening them that if they did otherwise, he would be their adverse party to demand justice of their covardise and treachery, so as vanquished by his admonitions, they all resolved to ●…zard their lives, not any one daring to speak a word.  
Whilst they expected the return of the tide to enter into the Castle by the great Sluice, the boat was fast upon a bank of sand, unknown to the boate-men, the which did trouble them very much, fearing that by the water which entered into her they being up to the mid legs, the boat would sink and they all should be drowned, wherewith the boatsman himself was very much perplexed, expecting no better, until the return of the tide they mending their boat, they grew more assured. On Saturday about two or three of the clock in the afternoon, the Sluse was open, by the which the boat was brought into the Castle, being drawn in by some of the soldiers of the garrison, therein like to the indescreet and miserable Troyans', who made a way into their town for that great wooden horse which was their overthrow.  
There boat being thus drawn into the midst of the Castle, the Sergeant Maior commanded the boatman to furnish turf for every Corpse de guard, so as there were such a number taken away, as the light began to shine upon the soldiers, through the crannies of the Planks, which supported the turfs, under the which they were hidden in the bottom of the boat the which bred a new fear, doubting they would proceed to discharge the boat. But through the policy and industry of the marryner, who gave a piece of silver unto the labourers to go drink (as he was accustomed to do) the work ceased in good time, saying, that they had wrought too much for a Saturday at night, and that they must discharge the rest on Monday following. Then the Sergeant Maior gave order that but one of the mariners should remain in the boat, and the other should go and lie in the town. Thus Herauguiere and his soldiers continued betwixt hope and fear until eleven of the clock at night, causing them to pump often, that they that co●…ghed might not be heard: and to the end that when they should go forth, the guard should not hear the noise: yet they sent a soldier to demand what it was that made such a noise: the marryner answered him, it was the pump, which he was enforced to use often for that his boat was old, wherewith they were satisfied, and in this sort he continued pumping 
1590.  until twelve of the clock. Herauguiere seeing then that it was time to work, having admonished every soldier of his duty, and to show themselves men of courage and resolution, he willed the Marryner to make all the noise he could at the pump, to take away the noise of their going forth Those that were first appointed to land went forth as covertly as they could, to whom they gave their arms as they went forth. Being all landed without descoverie (an admirable thing being so near the Court of guard where there was a sentinel) Herauguiere divided his troop in two, he appointed two captains Lambert and Fernel to lead one of the troops towards the Court of guard on the side of the town haven, on the Southeast: and he with the rest marched along the munition house, under a false port towards an other Court of guard at the port towards the town. Herauguiere marching in the head of his troop, met upon the way an Italien soldier, who being demanded who goes there, he answering in his own Language, Am●…go, was seized on, and commanded upon his life to hold his peace; being demanded of the number of the soldiers that were in the said Court of guard, and in the whole castle, he said they were three hundred and fifty men, comprehending those that came out of the town in the evening, to fortify the guard, which hearing, it made him keep him a while, and when the work should begin, to kill him. Herauguiere seeing that the soldiers did demand curiously of the number of men, which the prisoner said were within the castle; he answered them that he was well informed they were but fifty, (to hide the enemy's force) and that it was no time then to debate thereof.  
Then marching instantly towards the Court of guard the sentinel cried out, Who goes there? Herauguiere made no other answer, but thrust him through the body with his pike: then was the alarm given of all sides, and the fight grew furious: for they of the Court of guard and the round, seeing themselves surprised, defended themselves valiantly, so as they endured the first charge a long time, keeping themselves strong in the said Court of guard, out of one of the which there went an Ancient, who encountered Herauguiere bravely, and hurt him in the arm with his sword but he overthrew him, and there he was slain. But seeing they could not draw them out of the Court of guard, he commanded his men to shoot through the doors and windows, which made them to cry out for mercy, entreating they might have fair wars; But Herauguiere seeing that neither the time nor the occasion would suffer him to use mildness, but that he must withal speed make himself master of the place, they were all in a manner presently slain. Before that all this was ended captain Paulo, Antonio Lancavechia, the governors Son, and commanding in his absence, being retired into the dungeon, made a brave sally with about some thirty men, and charged the other troop (whereas Lambart and Fernel were,) furiously, who withstood him as resolutely: so as Lanca-vechia with such as escaped of his troop, were forced to retire unto the Dungeon, himself being hurt, and so was Fernel with a shot.  
In the mean time the alarm grew hot in the town: some advancing to set fire on the castle gate, notwithstanding the shooting of Herauguieres men, who were there, and had defeated that Court of guard, whereof being well assured, he run speedily with some of his men to charge an other Court of guard, near unto the great platform, where there were fifteen or sixteen soldiers, who were soon defeated. About two hours after, Prince Maurice having heard the charge, the Earl of Hohenlo his Lieutenant arrived, with the forward, and for that (by reason of the ice) they could not open the castle gate towards the fields, they entered by a palissadoe of the river near unto the Sluse whereas the boat came in. The Earl being arrived, Lanca-vechia (who before had begun to parley) compounded with him, that he and his troop should depart with their lives only.  
Soon after followed the Prince bringing the rest of his troops, being accompanied by the Earl Philip of Nassau and Solms his coussins, the Lord of Famas general 
Prince Man●… t●…  of the ordinance, the Admiral justin Nassau, the Admiral Verdoes, Sir Francis Vere and others: who being busy to give order for the entering the town at two ports which 
1590.  answered unto the castle, a drum desired leave for some Burghers to approach and to parley with the Prince, the which was granted, so as in less than an hour the appointment was made, by the which the Burghers (to avoid the sack of the town, and the spoil of their goods) should give two months pay unto all the troops that were come thither with the Prince: in consideration whereof the Burghers laid down their arms: and instantly the Prince sent Ʋander Noot, captain of his guards, with his company, to seize upon the townhouse, and some others into divers other places, to assure himself of the town.  
We must note that in the beginning of the alarm given in the castle, the Marquis of Guasts company of horse and five other companies of Italian soot, being dismayed and fainting, notwithstanding that many Burghers fearing the spoil (as in deed it was to be feared) provoked them to make defence, but they fell into such disorder, as breaking 
The Italien garrison Hies out of Breda  open one of the town gates; they fled away shamefully. The Duke of Parma, hearing of this, and not able to endure this loss and disgrace, yea the Spaniards and other of the King of Spain's servants laying all the blame upon the italians, and rejoicing therear, he committed the chief Commanders to prison, and cut off some of their heads in Brustelles, as of Caefar Guerra, julio Gratiano of Tarlantino Lieutenant to the Marquis of Guast, and the Corporals who searched the boat. 
The Duke of Parma cut of the captains heads that Red   
This town and castle of Breda was miraculously won, without any great bloodshed, and yet they had divers skirmishes, only one of them that first entered fell into the water in the dark and was drowned, and not any hurt but Heraugiere and ●…rnel, and a gentleman of Count Philip's company, called Nicholas Genietz, who being made Ancient, died soon after of that wound, and of the garrison of the castle there were about forty slain.  
For this victory all the united Provinces did generally give God thanks and made fires of joy, and in memory thereof, they caused certain pieces of gold, silver and copper to be minted, whereon was graven. Breda a servitute hispanica vindicata, ductu Principis Mauritii a Nassau. 4. Martii 1590. that is, Breda upon the fourth of March in the year 1590. by the means of Prince Maurice of Nassau, was freed from the Spanish slavery: On the other side stood the castle dicth with a turf boat, and the soldiers coming forth, with this inscription; Parati vincere aut mori, & Inuicti animi premium that is ready to win or die, and the reward of an invincible courage. Prince Maurice with the consent of the Estates, gave the government of the town, castle and territory of 
Herauguiere made governor of Breda.  Breda to Heraugiere; captain Lambert Charles was made sergeant mayor, and the other captains and private soldiers each had one of the said pieces of gold with a sum of money given him, and promise of preferment when time and occasion served, each one in his degree. The scippers were also rewarded, with pensions during their lives, and other preferments. The town was presently provided for out of Holland (according to the order before taken by Mounsire Barneveldt) of all things necessary for a year and a half, and that was done within less than ten days, placing therein four hundred horse and one thousand and two hundred foot, the Burghers likewise reduced themselves into five companies and kept watch among the soldiers under their leaders. The Estates gave unto Heraugiere a cup of silver and guilt made like a boat, with the which he did this exploit, with other rich presents.  
The tenth of March Charles Earl of Mansfeldt went out of Antwerp with good troops of horse and foot to lie about Breda to stop their incursions, and to keep the peasants from spoiling, who presently put garrisons into Osterhout, Ternigh 
Coat Charles of M●…dt takes Sevenberghen.  and other convenient places, and took Sevenberghen where they used great cruelty: At Heyden a village between Sevenberghen and Breda he built a great Sconce with a bridge over a water called Mercke, whereby to stop the passage by water to Breda, thinking thereby to keep it from victuals and other necessaries. In May he besieged Nordam Sconse, lying upon the water by Sevenberghen, where at that time Captain Mathyas He●…t was governor, he was in the turf boat at the taking of Breda: upon the thirteen and fourteenth of May he battered it with seven pieces of Ordinance, having spent at the least twelve hundred shot, he gave a very 
1590.  fierce assault, and brought a great ship before the Fort, placing many musketeers in the top of the Castle, to drive them within the Fort from their defences, making divers bridges to get to the walls to give an assault, and in that manner he attempted it twice, but his men were valiantly repulsed, with the loss of two Italien Captains, Horatio Fontana of Modena, and john Francisco Pagano a Neapolitaine, with divers others, and some Netherlanders of very good account, he lost at this assault at the least six or seven hundred men, the loss was the greater by reason that fire fell into the ship, and burned both it and all the men within it, whereupon he was forced to leave the Sconce, and to retire with many wounded men, so as Captain Mathias Helt won great honour, and the Estates soon recovered Sevenberghe and the Castle.  
In the mean time the united Provinces had gathered together a small army, under the command of Prince Maurice and the Earl of Hohenlo, who marched into the Betuwe, and encamped over against Nymeghen, whereupon the point of the River of Wahall they began to build a great Sconce, to keep the town from provision on that side: The Earl of Mansfeldt (finding himself to weak to fight with them) came to Nymeghen, & finding that the Prince intended to make a Sconce there, he planted certain Ordinance within Nymeghen, which drove them from their work and battered it down: Then he went and lodged in the land of Cuyck, along the River of Meuse, and Prince Maurice stayed all that Summer thereabouts to make up his Sconce, both in the view and in despite of the Ordinance of Nymeghen, who by the Earl's commandment shot continually against it; and yet in the end of july it was finished and made reasonable strong, the which they called Knodsenbourgh, in despite of the Knodsendragers of Nymeghen, for so were the townsemen 
Knodsenborgh sconce built by the states.  of Nymeghen called when they grew contentious, and brought the Knodsen into the streets: It was victualled and furnished of all things for six months, wherein there were four or five hundred men placed, under Gerrard of Yough, after that he lay in the Betuwe and made the River of Wahall his defence, meaning in time by continual shooting to tyer them of Nymeghen, and to that end from Bomell to the Tole-house or Shencks Sconce he placed soldiers, and by the aid of some ships of war kept the River of Wahal to stop the enemy's passage, for that the Earl of Mansfeldt lying in Cuick, and daily growing stronger made a show as if he would pass the River of Wahal, they of Nymeghen importuning him thereunto, who otherwise by reason of the Sconce were very much weakened.  
The Estates caused a new Channel to be cut cross the Betuwe, to draw the water of the Rhine into the Wahal beneath Nymeghen, and defended it on either side with good banks, that they might ascend and descend the River of Rhine by the Wahal, without any danger of Nymeghen. By this channel and the banks the lower Betuwe unto Dordrecht is greatly defended from Inundations: they spent most part of this Summer in building of the Fort of Knodsenberg, and in making of this Channel.  
The Estates made also an other strong Fort in the Island of Voren by Herwerden, above Bomel, the which was done by the Earl of Solms, whereby they of Gelderland (as much as was before united with the other Provinces) received Prince Maurice for their Governor, the rest by the King of Spain's command was governed by the Marquis of Varrenbon a Bourguignon.  
In Friesland certain inhabitants of the town of Groaning, made a motion unto the Queen of England to receive them into their protection, which she refused to do and yet she caused her Secretary to command Sir Francis Veer (who lay then about Doesborgh with his English regiment) to take some order for them with William Earl 
Groaning craves protection from the Queen of England.  of Nassau and the council of Estate, and although they had assembled about three thousand foot, yet they of Groaning would receive no garrison into their town, but without it they offered to deliver certain places if they thought well thereof, upon 
1590.  condition that they would not by any means treat with the Estates, but with the Queen of England, whereupon they broke off: And for that Verdugo their Governor had more men sent unto him from the Duke of Parma, he complained by his letters of the fifteeneth day of March, which were intercepted, that his soldiers mutined for money, and that in steed of money they had sent him more men, whereas he solicited the Duke of Parma chiefly for money, so that as than he had three score and five companies of foot, and five Cornets of Reistres, but at the last having 
The fort of Immentil. in Frizeland taken by Verdugo.  found means to pacify his soldiers he took the s●…onse of Immentil, part of the garrison being gone forth about an enterprise: from thence he went to Nieuwelt which made William Earl of Nassau to go to field, having some troops sent unto him from the camp before Nymeghen, under the leading of the Earl of Ouerstein, and encamped at Colum, Verdugo lying right over against him about a mile on the other side of Vpslach, where they lay long to get some advantage one against the other, but little done, there were divers enterprises taken in hand, and some convoys cut off.  
This Summer there was an assembly of the deputies of the Electors of the Rhine and other Princes of the Empire at Cologne, whereas it was declared by the deputies of Cleves, Westphalia, and Saxony, what great losses, spoils, and ruins they were forced 
An assembly of the Princes of the Rhine at Cologne.  to endure, by reason of the wars in the Netherlands: making complaint especially against the soldiers which served under Verdugo and Emanuel de Vega, which continually overranne and held the territories of Munster and the Earldom of Benthem in contribution: and in like sort against Charles Earl of Mansfeldt, who committed the like outrages in the Duchies of Cleves and juiliers and the Earldom of Lip: And in the territories of Cologne by john Manriques de Lara, taking in of abbeys, and noblemen's houses, and building of divers sconces to keep the country in a we and subjection.  
They showed moreover that the like insolencies were committed by the soldiers of the united Provinces, and therefore they desired their advise, and help both of men and money, to prevent these spoils and incursions, either by persuasions or by force: but the fruits of this assembly were small (for that many of the deputies were affected to the Spaniard) but they only referred all to an other meeting at Francfort, whether they should come with more ample commissions and instructions, and withal have recourse unto the Emperor and the Princes of the Empire: they also concluded, that in the mean time they should send Ambassadors in their names, both to the Duke of Parma and the united Provinces, entreating them to yield up all those Forts and places which they held upon the Rhine, belonging unto the Empire, whereby their incursions might be stopped, and the river of Rhine (which belongeth unto the Empire) freed. Moreover it seemed, (or at the least they gave it forth) that at their next assembly it should be concluded, that whosoever refused to yield unto their request, should be forced thereunto at the charges of the Empire. The Ambassadors which they sent were Gaspar van Eltii State-holder of Langstein Adam Gants Baron of Potlitz, councillors to the Electors of Mentz and the Count Palatin. Otto van Welmernechuysen, State-holder 
Ambassadors sent from the Princes into the Netherlands.  general of the nether Circle of the Rhine: Wynant van Perordt chief chamberlain of the Duchy of juilliers, john Bauman and Bernard van Puts, deputies for the said borders.  
These Ambassadors went to brussels, but they prevailed very little there, after which they desired a passport from the united Provinces and so came to the Hage, whereupon the three and twenty day of August, they had audience, and delivered their charge in writing, giving them to understand, that the Electors and Princes of the Empire on both sides the Rhine ', Westphalia and lower Germany, after their due commendations, were forced to complain of the great spoils which were committed, and the great contributions which were exacted of their subjects and that without respect of the Lords and Princes of those countries, they held many 
1590.  Forts upon the limits of the Empire, and entertained a great number of ships of war, in the Rivers of Rhyne, Ems and others, to the great oppression both of ●…aylers and Merchants, whom they forced to pay licence money, the which was very hurtful and prejudicial to those countries, against all good neighbourhood, and contrary to the promise which they had made unto the Empire: whereby they said, that such as governed in the Netherlands for the King of Spain, excused themselves, saying that by reason of their forcible actions, they were constrained to do as they had done, wherefore they were sent unto them to inform them of their bad neighbourhood and to request them both to forbear from any further attempts, and to repair the losses which they had sustained, and to ruin their Forts, or else to deliver them up unto the Lords of those Territories, to call home their ships of war, and to exact no more licence money of their Merchants, but to suffer them to have free traffic: to keep their soldiers in better discipline, and to refrain their incursions into the country, and likewise not to follow nor pursue the enemy marching upon the Territories of the Empire; which if they refused to do, they gave them to understand, that the Prince's Electors and others, would no longer forbear, but were fully resolved with the assistance of the rest of the E●…ectors Princes of the Empire, not only to give ear to the complaints of their oppressed subjects, but also to receive them into their protections, according to the customs of the Empire and all good laws: whereof they desired a short, speedy and pertinent answer, that they might make report thereof accordingly, annexing thereunto divers particular complaints, for actions done by private persons, as the taking of Forts, etc.  
Whereunto the general Estates of the United Provinces made an answer in writing on the 23. of ●…eptember, as followeth.  
The general Estates having duly considered of the necessity of the present time, first give thanks unto the Prince's Electors, and other the Estates of the aforesaid 
The Estates answer to 〈◊〉 ●…lecots 〈◊〉.  Territories of Germany, for their good and friendly admonition; desiring to entertain peace and good neighbourhood with them: And praying them to persuade themselves, that for their parts they had not spared, neither would, their best diligence and endeavours, to let both the Electors and the rest of the Estates of the Empire, as also all other Kings, Princes, Potentates and common weals know, that notwithstanding all their continual wars (whereof the United Provinces to their great hindrance and almost ruin had borne the greatest burden) the natural love and affection of the Inhabitants thereof, was yet in full force & vigour: So as next after their native country, they had nothing more recommended, nor precious unto them, than love and unity with all the world, and especially with their friends and neighbour countries, and above all that they might attain to that long desired peace and unity of the country. Wherefore they were discontented to hear themselves charged to have broken that League that was wont to be betwixt them and the borders of the same Empire, especially of them from whom they expected all aid & assistance, with a relenting compassion of the miseries fallen upon the Netherlands, in the which there had been so many fires kindled, as it was impossible to quench them, but the smoke would fly into the neighbour countries, being a needle's thing to seek to extinguish those flames of fire, for that in the very heart and midst of these countries (which are inseparably bound one unto an other) there is nothing sought but continual kindling and increasing of the said flames, unless they held it an easy matter to cure the outward members of the Country, when as the heart itself is inwardly sick and consumed.  
But whereas they were charged (although they might freely and with good consciences protest, that they had always disliked, and been much discontented, for the wrongs and injuries done unto their neighbours) to have suffered their soldiers to commit all violence and insolences against their neighbours, their commissions, decrees and proclamations published in that behalf, can sufficiently witness, and the punishments inflicted upon the offenders and breakers of the same have manifestly declared the contrary, and that the fault was not in the said Estates: besides it might be well presumed that neither they nor the Council of Estate, could so restrain the insolency of soldiers, 
1590.  nor observe such good discipline therein as necessity required: and yet that the greatest part thereof had happened through the sinister practices of the enemy, and that good order could not always be maintained among unruly soldiers, the which is not to be held strange, for the Estates themselves were much troubled in that case, as suffering the greatest wrong. Nevertheless they had rather in the mean time endure a little disorder for a time, upon hope of speedy amendment, then to expect a greater mischief, and altogether at one instant (to the utter ruin and destruction of the Netherlands in general together with their neighbours) fall under the insolent and proud command of such, as under the pretext of spiritual government have made such bloody proclamations, which forbid the reading of holy Scriptures, and do execute the laws by their Inquisitors in steed of judges, making so turbulent a Council as the like was never heard of in the Netherlands before: And seeking nothing else but (contrary to their promises and solemn oaths) to violate and tread under foot the liberties, rights, and privileges of the Netherlands, to spoil, ruin and root out all the Nobility, and chief men of the country, and to oppress the poor commons with intolerable imposts and exactions, thereby to get an absolute government over the Netherlands, and to aspire the more easily to their pretended general Monarchy.  
And it appears their designs and intents have always tended to that end, by the taking into their hands of all the richest Abbeys and spiritual livings of the country: for that they must chiefly root out all the Prelates, being the first members of the Estate, in most of the Provinces, & raise up and plant in their places a new kind of people, maissters of Heretics, bearing the name of Bishops, creatures of this new pretended Monarchy: to the end that these new Bishops joined together might continue and sit fast in their new power & authority, to serve as spies in these countries for the Spaniards, and to take true notice of them that would oppose themselves against this new Monarchy, & also by that means to ruin the second member of the Estate of that country which is the Nobility and gentry, whereof they have brought part miserably unto their ends, and disarmed the rest, pretending it a sufficient cause, that they had presented humble petitions unto their King, beseeching him to forbear to shed any more innocent blood, the which was imputed to them for high Treason: for which cause alone, they resolved to make war against the Netherlands, and to overrun it as it were a new conquered Country: And lastly they sought to bring the Estates and the Commons under so great tribute, exactions and impositions as never were heard of, whereby they might have a yearly contribution & revenue, to uphold and maintain their absolute power and Dominion.  
Touching their intent to attain unto their pretended Monarchy; Germany itself might produce many examples which divers yet living could witness: as it was very apparent by their unjust taking of many towns and Provinces in the Netherlands, belonging unto the holy Empire, and by the shedding of the innocent blood of the chiefest Noblemen, Gentlemen and other rich Burghers of the country, by many thousands: The absolute government they held in Naples, Milan and other places in Italy. The detention of the Crown of Portugal from Don Antonio his near kinsman. The unjust intent and purpose (and the execution thereof put in practice) to conquer the Realms of England & Ireland, the spoiling and forcible detention of many towns belonging to the Empire, and lastly the daily enterprises & invasions made upon France with whole armies. All which doth sufficiently show what they aspire unto under this Spanish government, when as the Noble Kingdom of France doth with a woeful voice, cry, sigh, and bewail her imminent decay and ruin. It is most certain that all they which at this time aspire unto the Crown of France, do it not in regard they doubt of the King's lawful right unto the Crown, but their disseinge is, that they imagine it would be a great hindrance to the absolute Monarchy which the Spaniards pretend, if the said kingdom of France should continued in the ancient line, & to that end authority was given to bear arms against their natural king, to aid the spaniards, not for that they would live freely and unbound and enjoy that quietly which God and nature had given 
1590.  them: but to force your King to renounce the religion, wherein he had been borne and bred, & to leave the crown: wherein you may observe a strange alteration, for that not long since it was acoumpted capital treason, for the subjects to crave of their Dukes, Earls, and Lords, with all submission and humility, and with the purchase of great sums of money, to have liberty of conscience allowed them: whereas now the subjects of France, not only enjoy the freedom thereof, but are also set on to lay violent hands on their kings Crown, unless he will change his religion. These be the privileges which they usurp, to do all that (which they blame & discommend in others) without any restraint of law, yea commanding over the law itself: that is over the consciences, lives & goods of poor men, after their own wills; and so by outward shows and devices (though apparently false) abuse the simple people, and misled their innocency, forcing a belief in them, that it is lawful to bear arms against their true and natural King, without any just cause or exception against him, but only that they might be absolute masters of the said Kingdom. Wherefore the subjects of the Netherlands are not to be condemned, (if they foreseeing the designs of this pretended Monarchy: setting before their eyes many strange examples of foreign Nations, and the cruel executions of the chief Noblemen, Gentlemen, and many thousands more in the Netherlands) do oppose themselves against it, and do that which wives, children and subjects, may lawfully do against their husbands, parents, and Lords, in the like case: is it not then against reason they should be held for disturbers of the public peace, or such as would attempt any thing contrary to their promise and oaths, or against the constitutions of the holy Empire, the Estates being assured that they have hitherto sufficiently acquitted themselves, according to their power, wherein they persist: desiring (for that they did of old time belong unto the holy Empire & were so accounted) that they might by means of the holy Empire (as a member of that body) obtain some aid and assistance, against the oppression of their enemies; which they have often desired and sued for, both by humble petitions and by their Ambassadors, and now again desired the same, to the end that according unto the constitutions of the holy Empire, all strange soldiers might be sent out of all the Confines of the Empire, and that both the upper and the nether parts of the Netherlands might have free intercourse of traffic one with an other, as in former times they were wont to have.  
But if this their request might not be allowed of, nor granted (whereof they had no doubt) they then desired the said Electors, and the rest of the Princes and Noblemen of the Empire, not to misconstrue their actions in those troublesome and chargeable wars, whereby they should with more courage and allacratie, bear this great burden (which in their necessary defence increased daily) and proceed therein as they had begun, that the said Netherlands by their means and ability (which doubtless are not small) might not in the end be made Sedes Belli to the ruin and overthrow of their neighbours, and be an instrument to raise and uphold their absolute pretended Monarchy. That the Estates being forced by mere extremity to bear arms, and that whatsoever ensued, was to be accoumted as In terminis defensionis, to defend and preserve that which belonged unto them, and to recover that which by force, practices, or any other unjust means, had been wrested from them: having no desire to force or withhold any of their neighbour towns, Castles or Forts: & therefore they see no reason why they should be entreated or commanded to forsake any places which they held. Touching Sgraven-veerts Sconce, whereof question is made, the Estates are fully informed that it lieth in the jurisdiction of Gelder's and not of Cleves, as it is pretended: it was built at the great charge of the united Provinces, by the late Colonel Sir Martin Schenck, after whose death it was preserved from the practices of the enemies, and hath been maintained ever since by the Estates, not to wrong or prejudice, but to stop the enemy's Eruptions into their Provinces; being allowed by the Imperial Laws in cases of necessity to build Forts upon their neighbour's Territories: But to avoid all questions that might grow touching the said Sconce, the Estates did assure the said Electors, that they desired not to proceed therein but by all just and lawful means, whereof they should have no cause to complain, meaning to have made a more ample proof touching the said Sconce, if the Estates of Gelderland had 
1590.  sent their deputies thither, whom they daily expected, who do constantly maintain it to be in the Duchy of Geldres, as at their coming they will plainly show. On the other side the Spaniards had built & made forts, in the territories of the Empire, and in the Duchy of Cleves, where there have no title nor interest: and have taken and detain many good towns, not forced thereunto by necessity for their own defence, but to oppress their neighbours and to enlarge their absolute pretended dominion, as hath appeared by their letters which of late have been intercepted: wherefore the Princes and Estates of the Empire ought to have an especial care, lest the Bishopriks' there a abouts belonging unto the Empire, fall (some by force and some by practices, corruption and other secret devices) into the hands of the creatures of Spain: who hereafter watching their opportunities, will deliver their governments into their hands upon whom they have depended the, like whereof hath been seen in our time. What their intent is to yield up the towns and places which they hold, may well appear by their late attempt to surprze the towns of Gogh & Rees, the which the Estates supposed, was not unknown to them, and that the new Sconces built in the Bishopric of Cologne, was for their good, and by their directions. Moreover there is no reason to think that the Estates were the first which attempted to surprise their neighbours Towns and forts: and it shall appear that to this day not any of the said towns have been taken by them or their commandments: And if for a time (upon urgent neces●…ie yet without their commission) any such thing hath happened: they have been restored by the estates to the right owners again: having had no desire to deal in those actions which had happened in the Bishopprike of Cologne, being very apparent by whose commandment those things had been done. It is true the soldiers under the Estates service did aid and assist the Elector Trucses, but it was done, when as his enemies not only called in the Spaniards to aid them, but after that they had taken and held diverse towns and places, whereon great consideration ought to be had. It hath happened not long sense that their soldiers have taken the strong fort of Luttekenhoven, for that the enemy had great advantages thereby, being very commodious for him to effect his warlike attempts against Freezland: and in like manner they had taken the fort of Buricke, which the enemy had built there, and manned it with a good garrison, thereby to spoil the country, they have also taken the town and castle of Buricke itself which was held by the enemy. And seeing they had done these things as well to take away the enemies advantages as to keep the country from spoil, they ought to consider that those places were not taken from their neighbours, but from the common enemy of those countries, and yet to make known their sincere intentions, they desired to live in amity and friendship which the Electors and Princes of Germany, and by no means to surprise and hold their neighbours towns and places, they were presently content to yield them up into their hands to whom they did belong, that the enemy might pretend no colour to detain those places which he had taken and held. And if happily the Estates soldiers in their necessary exploits, or in the poursuite of the enemies, have in any sort spoiled or hurt their neighbour country, it was done against their wills, which they would never have left unpunished, but that they respected the necessity of the time: being their usual manner and custom to maintain their soldiers at the charges of their own Provinces, and not at their neighbours cost: whereas it hath been and is daily seen, that whole regiments of the enemy's soldiers, both of horse and foot, have been maintained and lodged many months in the neighbour countries, not so much to annoy us, as to ruin the country, whereby they might the sooner attain to their pretended absolute dominion, for proof whereof the enemy giveth very small or no pay to those regiments & companies which he maintaineth at the cost of the neighbour countries: whereas the estates (to observe good discipline, & to prevent all disorders in their soldiers, and also to free their neighbours from all exaction) do continually give such reasonable pay (according to their abilities) as it might be doubted in so great and long a war, whether the greatest Potentate in Europe ever gave better.  
It is true that the Estates to their great charge, entertain ships of war which lie at 
1590.  ancher not only in the sea, but also in the rivers and common passages, the which is not done to hinder or prejudice any man, but for the necessary safeguard of mariners and merchants, against the force of the common enemy, who also maintaineth much shipping, only to rove at sea, & to spoil passengers. The estates have greater cause to use this kind of defence than any other, being a matter of great importance, & necessary for their Provinces. And in the mean time the subjects of the Empire and the country people reap no small commodity, by the said ships of war, being paid, & kept in good discipline as they are. And seeing that the seas and rivers be juris publici all men being allowed to he at anchor therein without offence; there is no cause why this action of the Estates should be ill taken, for that they only seek to stop and hinder the enterprise, and incursions of their enemies. And whereas the Estates towards part of their charges, which they are forced to undergo, to free the sea and rivers from Pirates, are compelled to raise certain convoy and license money, upon all goods and merchandise going out of the country, it is done to their great grief as being more prejudicial to their Provinces and the inhabitants thereof then to any others: whereunto they would never have given consent, if necessity had not enforced them, for that the prosperity of their Provinces, depended on the trade of merchandise, the which si much hindered by such impositions, and is as burdensome unto the Provinces themselves, as to their neighbours, which convoys and licenses are not used in any other places, but in their own havens and pasages with all convenient order.  
In the mean time it seems strange unto the Estates, that any should dislike of their proceeding therein, seeing that many Princes, and common weals, living in peace and free from all enemies, do (without any urgent necessity) impose the like exactions, yet the Electors and other Princes of the Empire, may rest well assured, that these burdens willbe withdrawn, the affairs of the country being once reduced to their defined end, and their necessities ceasing, and if in the mean time any disorders shall be committed by the soldiers, either by water or by land they shall be severely punished. And to show how much they dislike all disorders and spoils, the good orders which they had made in the fort of Sgravenweerd sense the death of Colonel Schencke, do sufficiently witness, where they have discharged all Tolles and such like impositions which were exacted contrary to their wills. Moreover if any soldiers being in the Estates service, either by water or by land, shall be convicted to have slain, beaten, or rob any man, burnt their houses, or any way wronged their neighbours; the Estates will by all means seek to punish such offences as they deserve, or will be content that due punishment shall be done upon them by the said Electors. etc. and other their neighbours, so as it may be done without partiality, recommending therein the mutual correspondency which ought to be betwixt friends and neighbours. Thus much the General estates of the united Provinces (being requested by the Electors and other Princes and Estates of Germany) thought good to give for answer: once again desiring the high and mighty Prince's Electors and others, that they would vouchsafe to be favourable and assistant unto the said united Provinces of the Netherlands, who as now stand as ramparts and Bulwarks for them, against the general necessity of imminent danger.  
They also entreated the Ambassadors, to make a favourable report of their answer, unto the high and mighty Prince's Electors and others: hoping that almighty GOD (whose powerful arm, had hitherto wonderfully preserved these countries) with the aid and assistance of their friends, allies and neighbours, will send them a speedy, happy and long expected issue, in the affairs of their common welfare. Lastly whereas the Noble contesse of Nieuwenar. etc. widow to the Noble Earl Adolph Earl of Nieuwenar, Muaers. etc. complaineth that against the constitutions, Laws and ordinances of the empire she hath (contrary to all law and reason) been deprived and is yet of certain Lands and goods belonging unto her, and lying in the confines of the Empire, and under the protection of the same: The said Estates desired the heigh and mighty Prince's Electors of the Empire, etc. that through their authority order may be taken for the restitution of the said lands & goods, and that the said countess in her sorrowful widoes Estate may be no longer thus wrongfully oppressed. Given in the Hage the 
1590.  thirteen day of September in the year 1590.  
Unto this answer made by the Estates upon the twenty five of September the Ambassadors 
The replication of the german Ambass●…ors to the Estates answer.  delivered a replication, wherein they promised to make a favourable report of their answer, but touching the fort of Sgravenwert, they said, that they must (according to their commission) make answer: that it seemed very strange to them, to hear them pretend that it stood upon the territories of the Duchy of Geldres, whereas they were certainly informed, that the said Sconce, for the space of a hundred years, beyond all memory of man had been a certain issue or current of water, which ran from the town of Cleves into the Rhine, (as the land of Alwinch) lying in the duchy of Cleves, and that the Dukes of Cleave had from time to time received rend for the same, as being their own inheritance, and such as had hired it of them did enjoy it peaceably without any molestation of them of Gelderland, or any others, for that before that time it was separated from the firm land by a small water-mill, the which hath been since eaten away by the river of Rhine: that at this time the said water or river is called Vossegat, they of Gelderland never laying any title or claim thereunto, as it also appeareth by a special contract made at Brussels, between the Emperor Charles the fifth and the Duke of Cleaves, in the year of our Lord 1545. the 2. of january, which treaty was called the confirmation of lands of inheritance, having in it an Article which maketh mention of the limits, wherein there is no mention made of Sgravenweert, being then in the possession of the said Duke, as also in the treaty made before Maestricht in the year 1549. in October, where mention is made of the said Sgravenweert, without any question between the said Princes touching the possession thereof. And since that, Sir Martin Schenck in the year 1586 had begun to make up the sconce, there had always complaint been made touching the same, so the Estates could not deny the restitution thereof. And moreover they said that they must of force let the general Estates understand, that they had no jurisdiction neither upon the Confines nor yet in the rivers of the Empire, although they pretended that they were juris publici common, and therefore they had no right to keep their ships of war there, to the prejudice of merchants and sailors, to prevent the which, no doubt but the Empire would take some good order, therewith desiring their resolution upon those particularities, as also concerning the other complaints.  
The French King being this year at the siege of Paris, and having reduced it to great extremity, the Duke of Parma was priest by the Duke of main and them of the league, to go and relieve it: And being in july at Brussels, he sent for the Estates of the country, letting them understand that he was of force to go into France, to the relief of Paris, appointing in his absence old Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt, Governor and Captain general of the Netherlands by proviso. It is said that a motion was then made unto the Estate, to accept and acknowledge the Prince of Spain, the King of Spain's only Son (though then absent) to be their succeeding Lord, the which was done only to try the people's disposition.  
The Estates on the other side laid before him, how unfit and unnecessary they held it to make an offensive war in France, and how prejudicial it might be in time to the fronter Provinces of the Netherlands, but whatsoever they could pretend or object, it was held more convenient to maintain the wars in France, then to attend it in the Netherlands, holding it most certain that the warlike French King would seek to reduce those Provinces under his command, with the aid and assistance of the united Provinces of Holland and Zealand.  
The Duke of Parma having taken his leave in Brabant, he went from thence into Henault and so into France, taking with him about eightteene Cornets of horse, most Italiens, besides those that were sent before him, and some of the bands of Ordinance. Of foot men, he had his own Regiment, the Regiments of Noyer-carmes and the Lord of Frenes: ten companies of Camillo Capres, ten Companies of Ballisons; and about three thousand Duchmen of Barlaymonts and 
1590. The Duke of Parmas' forces that went to relieve Paris.  Ar●…enbergs regiments with three and twenty companies of the mutinous Spaniards which were in Courtray, which three and twenty companies reckoned themselves to be eighteen hundred men, and caused themselves to be paid for three and twenty months after that rate, and yet they were not above twelve hundred strong: but to cry quittance with them, the money was raised four in the hundred higher than it was before. These troops altogether were about ten thousand foot, all old soldiers, with a good number of horsemen, besides the remainder of the Earl of Egmont's forces, and other that came unto him upon the Frontiers. He left behind him in the Netherlands under the Earl of Mansfeldt (who had the charge of Martial affairs) about eight or ten Cornets of horse, and the rest of the bands of Ordinance, and about six Regiments of foot, with many companies of several Regiments: with the Duke there went the Prince of Ascoly the Prince of Chasteavetrane 
Who went with the duke into France.  and Don Octavio, both sons to the Duke of Terranova, the Prince of Chymay, the marquess of Renty, the Earls of Arremberg and Barlaymont, and Don Sancio de Lieva with divers others: john Baptista Taxis was superintendant of the Army, La-Motte general of the Ordinance, Don Alonzo Idtaguez and Don Antonio de Sunega Colonels of the Spaniards, Pedo Galeran and Biazio Capezuca Colonels of the italians: With this Army well furnished with Artillery, Munition, great store of Wagons and all other necessaries, the Duke of Parma, in great pomp marched through Henault into France, in the month of August, his Halberdiers, Archers, and his Cornet of Reisters', were all appareled in crimson velvet, the Reisters' being all embroidered with white Flower de Luce's, and marching in that manner near unto Cambray, they had an eye unto the town, but monsieur Balagn●… was too vigilant for him. At Meaux he joined with the Duke of main, and there took charge of the whole army. What happened during his abode in France, I leave to the French Inventory, where it is related at large.  
The Duke of Parma having relieved and entered into Paris, winter being come, and therefore not fit to besiege any towns, in regard his army was full of sick men, having great want of provision, for that nothing could come unto him out of Henault, neither could the old soldiers which were appointed to come with some necessaries under the leading of Verdugo, pass: He in the end of November, resolved to leave France, finding some dislike grown betwixt his soldiers and the French, and that the towns of France would not receive any garrisons of his, besides the united Provinces had gotten such victories in his absence, as his presence was very necessary, so as in December he came to Brussels. It is thought that the third part of his men died of hunger, poverty, sickness, and by the sword, and that all the Hospitals in in Arthois and Henault were filled with those that returned home, whereof many died.  
At the same time died Emanuel of Lalaine Lord of Montigni, and marquess of Renty by his wife, who was daughter to the last marquess, of the house of Croy, a wise Noble man and of great experience, and one of the chief of the Nobility serving under the King of Spain: a man of great authority and command: at the first he was held in great jealousy, although he held with the generality, for that he affected the Spaniards much.  
Whilst that the Duke of Parma was in France, Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt being his Lieutenant, wanting the King of Spain's chief forces he had no means whereby to do any thing that was of importance. But in the mean time Prince Maurice slept not, but came unto the field with an Army, to perform a promise which was made by him and the Estates unto the Princes of the Empire, for the restitution of the Forts and places held on either part in the Territories of the Empire: Whereupon he went along the Rivers of Rhyne and Meuse, where he recommended all the Castles and Forts which the Spaniards held, as the Castle of Hemert the 27. of September, that of Heel the 3. of October, the Town and Castle of Buricke right against Weasel, the Fort of Grave, beneath the Rhine in the Duchy of Cleves; and at Kenhoven in the diocese of Cologne, causing all the forts to be 
1590.  razed which the Spaniards had built along the Rhine upon the lands of the Empire, which done passing his army into Brabant, he took the Fort Terheyden at the mouth of the river of Breda, which the Earl of Mansfeldt had built not many months before: then he took the Fort of Roosendael, and after that besieged the Town of Stenbergh, the which yielded by composition: Then he sent a part of the garrison of Breda and of Berghen up Zoom to scour the country, who running over the country of Campeigny, took the town of Tillemont in Brabant by scaladoe, but being a great thing and heard to keep, after they had spoiled it they left it, and every one being laden with booty returned to his garrison.  
The Burghers of Venlo in Gelderland, finding themselves tyranously oppressed by 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 w●…y their garrison.  the soldiers of their garrison, and could not be eased by any entreaties, nor their complaints heard: in the end seeing the signor Bentinck their Governor absent; they consulted together how they might free themselves of their garrison which consisted of italians and Germans, but these were somewhat more modest than the italians. The Bougers having acquainted them with their intent which was to drive out the italians; the which done they should have the more profit, and therefore entreated them to assist them in this execution, or at the least (if by reason of their oath they might not do it) that they would stand still as Neuters, and not put themselves in arms against the Burghers. The which having promised, they of the town being all in arms, commanded the italians to depart, if not, they knew well how to force them, and so being retired, the Burghers would not disarm themselves, nor leave their guards until they were all forth. But the people were not satisfied to be so rid of the italians, but they would do as much to the Germans, whom they chased away with all the reproaches and indignity that might be. Bentincke (who was then busy about the raising of a new Regiment of foot) would gladly have been revenged of this indignity: But the Burghers to be rid of him also, caused his wife and all his family to depart: and so he lost his government and the King of Spain's favour, and with all his Regiment was soon after quite dispersed, whereof a part being suddenly surprised betwixt the towns of Aix and Mastricht, was defeated by the Estates men.  
Behold how Bentincke of a petty companion grew great, and fell again into the same Estate. They of Venloo, did write their excuses, unto the Earl of Mansfeldt, and to the council of Estate at Brussels, promising to continue constant in the Catholic religion and in the King's obedience, and not depart from the one nor the other, neither had they chased away their garrison to▪ seek any innovation, nor to attempt any thing against the King's service, but to free and deliver themselves, their wives and children, from the barbarous cruelties and execrable villainies of those Italien soldiers and others, the which they could no longer endure: And they entreated it might not be misconstred not taken in evil part, seeing that the King should not be thereby prejudiced, and that they would keep the town under the King's obedience and service without a garrison.  
The Spaniard had at that time built a Fort joining to the town of Hovy in the country of Liege to keep the river of Meuse subject from all which came from above, in the which was captain Grobbendonc but with a hundred men. The Estates angry that the Spaniards should play the masters in that manner, and hinder the navigation of the river of Meuse, they sent some eight hundred men, who being camped before 
The Fort of Hovy yielded to the Estates.  this Fort, they priest the captain to yield upon the first summons, if not, if they took it by force, they would not leave a man alive: The besieged knowing themselves to weak for so great a number, and that the place was not to be held long against any great force, having small hope of succours, they offered to yield, upon condition to depart with their full arms, bag and baggage.  
But the Statesmen knowing that the place was filled with the goods of the neighbour villages, brought thither for refuge, they would make no other composition but to depart with white wands, as they were forced to do: being gone forth the Fort was razed to the ground, the Estates men returning into Holland laden with 
1590.  spoil, and the others with empty hands into Brabant.  
They of Zeeland had at that time an enterprise upon Dunkirk, which they thought to surprise by scaladoe in the night. The design had not been ill plotted by Colonel Nicholas Meetkerke, with three thousand foot and one hundred horse 
An enterprise upon Dunkirk in vain.  which were embarked: but the wind being contrary, and driving them back upon the coast of Flanders, it made the Flemings grow into suspicion, and so they were discovered. Yet having landed, the said Meetkerke showing unto the Earl of Solms and to Sir Francis Vere the place where he meant to assail it, being upon the edge of the ditch, they were all three hurt with shot. Six days before the garrison of ostend surprised the town of Oudenbourg near unto Bruges in Flanders, where there were about the number of four hundred soldiers, the which they spoiled and burnt.  
The nine and twenty day of October the Spaniards sought to surprise the town of Lochem with three carts laden with hay, every one having two or three soldiers 
An enterprise of the Spa●…ds upon ●…hem but in vain.  by it attired like Peasants with forks. The first being passed over the draw bridge, the porters son and an other boy (as it is their custom and right) began to pull as much hay as they could whilst the carts were betwixt the two bridges; And the cart making no haste, one of them took a soldier that was hidden under the hay by the foot, and presently cryied out treason, treason, whereupon the soldiers leaping out of the carts slew them that were in the Court of guard: But the Townsmen putting themselves in arms, Francis Ballochi sergeant Mayor, made head against them, and boat them back beyond the bridge, the which was presently drawn up; and so this enterprise failed for want of horsemen. The Sergeant Mayor of Zutphen was the undertaker, who was slain within the town and buried there.  
In the end of December the Earl of Ouerstein entered with a good troop of horse into the country of Westphalia (for that they did still maintain the Spanish faction) 
The country ruined by both parties.  and spoiled many villages about Munster and the Diocese of Paterborne; The like did the Spaniards in the country of Liege, without any mercy: Where the bishops council complained at Brussels, first to the Earl of Mansfeldt, and then to the Duke of Parma at his return from France: But they had small succour or comfort, nay it was told them, that if their Prince and Bishop were not a good Spaniard, that his country must endure more: And that they had no cause to company for what was past, seeing that they and the King of Spain maintained one quarrel for the defence of the Catholic and Romish religion.  
The Duke of Parma had certain intelligences in the town of Breda, which he hoped to surprise by their means who were corrupted, but they were discovered, and such as were of the practice were laid hold on, and afterward executed. The Spaniards sought to do the like upon certain towns in the country of overissel and in divers other places.  
Whilst that the Spaniards continued in their mutinies about Herentall and other places, the Estates freebooters (which are adventuring soldiers without 
Courses of the Estates freeboters.  pay) Hollanders and Zeelanders, made a road into the countries of Brabant and Flanders, spoiling all they encountered; and oftentimes the ships which went from Antwerp to Dendermonde and Brussels: yea they were so bold and hardy, as to demand a tribute of ordinary passing boats, which went and came daily betwixt Antwerp and Brussels.  
Sir Edward Norris Governor of Ostend in Flanders; Brother to Sir john Norris General of the English, went with a good part of his English garrison on the fifteen day of February in the year of our Lord 1591. to set upon the Fort and 
Sir Edward Norrys takes blanckenberg  village of Blanckenbergh in the night, lying by the sea side betwixt Scluse and ostend▪ the which he took, the soldiers of the garrison retiring themselves into a very strong Fort the which was upon the downs, and were afterward the next day summoned them to yield by a drum: whereunto they would made no 
1591.  answer, but shot at the messenger and slew him, the which did so incense Sir Edward Norris and and all the English, as they took it by force and slew above a hundred, few of them being spared or saved. This Fort was raised and the Scluces of the Sea broken and burnt, than Blanckenbergh was abandoned, carrying away the Artillery they found in it. The same day some soldiers having failed of an enterprise upon the Castle of Crimpen within the Diocese of Cologne, they fell upon certain horses and passengers, whom they took prisoners, but being encountered by the garrisons of Nuys and Meurs, they were defeated and lost all their booty. The same month of February the Signior of Teligni son to monsieur la Nouë having been taken (as we have said) upon the River of Antwerp, going to Lillo, in the year 1584. was released out of the Castle of Tournay, in exchange of two Spanish Knights which had been prisoners in the Castle of Ramekins in Zealand, since the defeat of the Spanish army, in the year. 1588.  
At that time the Earl of Ouersteyn and Sir Francis Veer, took in the name of Prince Elector Truxes, the Castle of Colenborch near to Ordange, at their return from an 
Coll●…ch taken by the Estates.  enterprise which failed upon the town of S●…calen in Gelderland. The Peasants thereabouts came presently and environed this Castle, summoning it to yield, but they within made answer that they were soldiers, and not accustomed to yield up any place to clowns, and so they were constrained to retire But the Castle being afterwards besieged by certain soldiers, it was yielded to the Signior of Milendoncke, whereas one Hans van Gulich (who had been the conductor of the enterprise) was hanged at the Port.  
The tenth of April they of the garrison of Breda surprised the Castle of Tournhout, by the means of a Brewer's man, who did usually carry beer thither by Cart: Who (being come with his Cart and beer within the Port) overthrew the Sentinel into the ditch, and slew an other, at which brute those which lay in ambush just by an old burnt house came running, who recovered the Port, and made themselves masters of the place.  
Prince Maurice and the general Estates began this Spring to gather their forces together, and to provide all things necessary for to go to field, and to besiege towns and 
Great preparation made by the Estates.  places of strength, reenforcing their companies both of horse and foot. Then making show as if they would attempt something upon the towns of Boisleduc or Geertrevydenberghe, they caused forty Canons to be embarked, and some dikes to be seized on towards Boisleduc, and ready to be pierced, to make a passage for the ships into the country, and all the troops were brought to Breda: so as they could not conceive any other but that it was for one of the two above named towns, who began to fortify themselves, to make gabions, and to set all things in order. The Duke of Parma fortified the garrison of Gheertruydenbergh, and furnished it with all necessary munition. In the mean time Prince Maurice departed with a hundred ships great and small, feigning to enter into the River of Meuze: but turning suddenly he mounted up the River of Rhine towards Arnhem, and from thence slipped into the River of yssel, where in a very short time with a good Northerly wind, he came near unto Zutphen.  
The two and twentieth of May, fifteen or sixteen soldiers under the command of Sir Francis Veer, going out of the garrison of Doesbourg in the Country of Zutphen attired like country people, some men, some women, came by the break of day before 
A politic surprise of the great Fort before Zutphen  the Port of the great Fort, which is upon the rivers side right against the town of Zutphen, bringing eggs, butter, cheese, herbs, and other commodities which they had in their baskets, staying there and leaning upon their staves, as Peasants do when they rest themselves, attending the opening of the Port: which being opened, a part of the garrison came forth, and past the water to the town: The counterfeit Peasants entering in at the Port, they of the guard demanded some eggs, others butter, whereupon one of them drawing forth a pistol from under his coat, discharged it at one of the Guard, and so did all the rest: at which noise their companions came running, who lay in ambush under the conduct of Sir Francis Veer, who made themselves masters 
1591.  of that Court of Guard and consequently of the whole Fort: In this exploit there died not above one man on either side, but all were taken prisoners.  
Prince Maurice hearing of the good success of this gentle enterprise, went thither withal speed with his Army, and invested the town of Zutphen causing his 
Zutphen besieged by the Estates.  Artillery (which was at Doesbourg) to advance, and having made a bridge upon boats, to pass five horses in Front: At his first approach (which was the eight and twentieth of May) the Earl of Ouersteyn (having very inconsiderately advanced near unto the town ditch) was shot and slain upon the place: they had some difficulty to draw away the dead body, which the besieged thought to have for his spoils. The same night they made their approaches, and the Canon was planted with such speed, as it was not credible, that in so short a time they could be drawn out of the ships, mounted upon their carriages, and brought to the place of battery, the which was done by the Mariners which the Prince had brought with him, who were very expert and active in such business. About noon the Canon began to play, but soon after the besieged began to parley of a composition, demanding some days of cessation of arms, within the which if they were not relieved, they would yield, to have their lives, arms and baggage saved. They had some hours granted them that they might resolve, in which time if they did not yield, there was no more grace for them. And whereas the garrison was small, and the town so great as they could not man the Ramparts if they came to an Assault, finding also that they would soon make a sufficient breach to assail them, and that they wanted victuals, and especially salt, powder, and other munition of war: It made them so fearful, as they durst not attend the hazard of an Assault: knowing well that their succours were yet far off, and nothing ready, and that they could not hold out so long, but they should be forced: Wherhfore they yielded the same night, their 
Zutphen yielded to Prince Maurice.  capitulation was that they should depart with their rapiers and daggers, and as much goods as they could carry upon their necks: Whereas the Prince entered, and the same night he sent all his horsemen to invest the town of Deventer which is but two leagues from thence, causing his Artillery to march the next day, with the rest of the Campe. Thus was the Town of Zutphen won, with that mighty Fort: In Holland they had news of the taking thereof, before they heard of the siege.  
The Prince being before Deventer, having quartered his Army of either side the River, and made two bridges above and beneath the town, to go from one 
Deventer besieged by the Estates.  Camp unto an other. The Canon being planted where he meant to batter it, On the ninth day of june being Whitsonday, by the break of the day he began to play on either side of the Port with eight and twenty double Canons, and having discharged some Volleys against the Rampar, he sent to summon the town by a trumpet. Cont Herman vanden Berghen made answer, that he recommended him to his cousin: But as for the town he would keep it for the King his Master, as long as he breathed. Having received this answer, there was no more any question of stay, but the Canon played continually from morning until night, with such fury, as it was thought they could not possibly have endured so many charges, without danger of breaking: For in a very short time they spent four thousand shot, during this violent battery there were certain ships brought into the Haven, upon the which they made a bridge, and in the mean time men were sent for from every quarter to give an assault: The first charge was given to the English at their instant entreaty, showing themselves so earnest as they contended who should have the point. The second charge fell to the Scots: And the third to the Earl of Solms and to Floris of Brederode Lord of Claeting, all very resolute and in good order. But as the Bridge made over the Haven (as it often times falls out, the most haste the worse speed) proved too short, and could not reach to the end of the Kaye, the assault could not be given as it was appointed. Yet some of the English which had the point, being at the end of the bridge; cast themselves down and leaping up to the kaye, ran to the breach, where as an Ancient mounted with his colours being 
1591. The bravery of the Engli●…h:  followed by some others, who were repulsed by the besieged: the Ancient was hurt, but few were slain: but by reason of the shortness of the bridge the rest could not follow, and they retired. The besieged being resolved to endure an assault, were at the breach with seven companies, whereas the canon had such an advantage on them twice as they could see nothing but heads, arms and legs fly: And there was Count Herman hurt with a slate of the wall, which slew almost as many as the cannon, and struck off captain Mullers head, just by Count Herman. The next day in the morning being ready to renew the battery, they had word from the town that they demanded a parley, whereunto Prince Maurice yielded, giving them leave to depart with their arms and baggage.  
During the siege of Deventer there came a gallant Albanois out of the town, to the Prince's camp, challenging any man to break a lance with him, like an other Goliath; 
A combat before Deventer.  Prince Maurice commanded his men to forbear this challenge: but Charles Ʋander Cathule signor of Rihoven a Ganthois, impatient of his brags, entreated leave of the general to break a Lance, the which they did without any advantage, and then they drew their swords: but the Albanois had a pistol which Rihoven did not see, who running at the Albanois, he cut off his hand that held the pistol, which fell to the ground, and his hand hung still by a piece of the flesh, and so he was taken prisoner, confessing himself to be vanquished, and putting his chain of gold about Mounsire Rihovens neck: Prince Maurice sent him back to the governor with a letter, and gave him his liberty, as being sufficiently punished for his pride.  
The Prince poursuing his victory advanced towards Steenwick, and passing on he entered into the country of Groaning, where he besieged the great Fort of Delfziel, the which yielded easily the first of july. Then he went before Oslach, whereas the garrison thinking to carry themselves more valiantly than the first, attended a battery of four cannons: But seeing a breach almost made, without attending any assault, on the seventh day of the month they yielded, to depart without arms or baggage. The like happened to the Fort of Immentil the leaventh of the same month, and to that of Dam, which were all Forts about the town of Groaning.  
The Duke of Parma being importuned to succour Deventer, (not thinking they should carry it in so short a time) went to field, and camped at the abbey of Marienboom in the country of Cleves, betwixt the towns of Zanten and Calcar, being resolved to make a bridge to pass the Rhine two leagues beneath Wezel, and to charge Prince Mauricee his camp: But being come thither, and hearing of the taking of Deventer, and that the Prince was marched far into the country, and had taken Delfzyel etc. he returned with his army into Brabant, not without some murmuring of the captains: Where he was entreated by them of Nymeghen to free them from the Fort of Knotsenbourgh, which the Estates held right against the town, upon the Betuwe, and did much annoy them with their cannon, so as they could not rest quiet in their houses, and withal the navigation was quite taken from them He to cease these murmurings and discontents came to Nymegen (whilst the Prince was before Groaning with an intention to besiege it) and with as many barks and boats 
Kno●…senborg besieged by the Duke.  as he could recover, he entered into the Betuwe, and the third day of julie planted his siege before this Fort: whereas the Earl of Mansfeldt with his Regiment was camped on the West side, Barlaymont on the East, Bossu, Beaurains and other Colonels were dispersed here and there in the country, the horsemen were lodged in a village called Lent, on the North side. The Duke's army was great, where there wanted no Artillery, the which was commanded by La Motte; making their approaches the Spaniards lost many men.  
The two and twenty day of julie the battery began with six pieces, and then with three more, so as there were two hundred and thirty shot made that day, and it ceased about seven of the clock at night, having made a small breach, a Spanish Ancient mounted, being followed by some Irishmen, who skirmished with the besieged, until they were forced to retire. Prince Maurice hearing that the Spaniard was come into the Betuwe, leaving Groaning 
1591.  he went thither, going down at Arnhen in Gelderland, he passed the Rhine there, upon a bridge which he caused to be made with all speed, meaning to do the Spaniard an affront. Having laid an ambush of horse and foot not far from the Rhine under the conconduct of the Earl of Solms and of Sir Francis Veer Colonel of the English: he sent two Cornets to view the Duke's camp, who being descovered were charged by six companies of horse, among the which the Duke was one, who at the first made some show of resistance, but turning their backs suddenly they fled, the Spaniards following 
The Duke's horsemen defeated.  them until they had past the Ambush: then they that fled turning head again they were compassed in of all sides, & charged so furiously, as in a short time they were all defeated, or put to rout: many were slain or prisoners, among the which were Don Alphonso d' Aualos bastard brother to the Marquis of Guast, Don Pedro Francisco Nicilli leading the Duke of Parmas' company with his Cornet: Cont jeronimo Manfredi Lieutenant to Don jeronimo Caraffas' company with his Cornet, captain Padilla was sore hurt, whereof he died in Arnhem; the Signior of Lievin brother to the Lord of Famas of the company of Biasio Capesuca and Anthony d' Agina, a Spaniard, with many Italien Gentlemen slain upon the place and above two hundred and fifty horse taken. The Duke of Parma being in a high place within Nymeghen, did with his own eyes see this defeat of his men.  
The news whereof being come unto the camp the whole army was so amazed (knowing 
The Duke's army being amazed leaves the siege.  the Prince Maurice was come thither in person, & hearing that the ships of Holland were coming down to shut them in) as without any stay they trust up their baggage and left the siege of Knotsenbourg: abandoning two pieces of ordinance which they could not carry away, and some great boats which were sunk. The Duke parted the 26. of july with his son Rene or Raynutius Farneze (being newly come out of Italy,) excusing himself as well as he could, and making fair promises to them of Nymegen, who at his departure gave him some skoffing tawnts: and having left his army under the command of Verdugo in a village called Cranenbourg, he went to the Spa, abandoning Nymegen, as despairing to succour it: whereof the States made their profit soon after.  
They of Collogne (desiring to entertain a neutrality and to live in amity and good neighbourhood with the general estates of the united Provinces,) sent their deputies to 
They of Cologne send Deputies to the Estates.  the Hage in Holland in August, whereupon an answer was made them in writing the 19 of September. That the estates desired nothing more than to entertain amity and good correspondency with them of Cologne, as well in general as in particular, so as they meddled not in any sort with their wars, nor with that which depended thereon and so doing there should be no hindrance nor wrong done to any persons, goods nor merchandise of the inhabitants of the said town and country of Cologne: whereof commandment should be given to all the garrisons of the united Provinces. The Estates also entreating them of Collogne to be favourable to the Lady Walburge Contesse of Meurs and Nyeuwenart in her affairs, considering the wrong which their Bishop and Prince Earnest of Bavaria did her, in the detention of her rents and revenues lying within his diocese.  
The said estates did in like manner make answer by writing on the 30. of October to the complaints & grievances of some deputies of the neighbour Provinces, and the states of 
The Estates answer to the complaints of them of Liege.  the country of Liege, touching some excess and disorders committed by the Estates men of war, and for some prisoners: whereby among others the taxed the Bishop and Prince of Liege (who is also Bishop of Cologne) to be a partisan and favourer of the Spaniards their enemies: whom he supported in his country by the seazure, confiscation and descovery of their goods that served them and held their party, against all right and duty of neutrality. That the country of Liege was justly wasted by the Spaniards and other soldiers of the league, whereof they maintained whole regiments. That they made the Villages contribute to entertain them. That in the said country of Liege they did not only proceed against them of the religion, after the manner of the inquisition of Spain, but also against their men of war, 
159●…  by extraordinary cruelties, without any form of justice: And chose the Spaniards and other enemies did not only remain unpunished for the disorders which they committed; but were also supported, assisted and succoured. By reason whereof although they were well inclined to entertain all good amity and neighbourhood with the Country and Inhabitants of Liege, yet for these former reasons, and in consideration of the treaties they have with other great Princes and Potentates concerning their wars.  
The said Estates could not yet resolve any thing touching that business, but they would be more amply informed, and better instructed. And then if they found that the Liegeois sought their friendship with a good meaning and intent, and desired to live like good neighbours with the united Provinces, for their parts they would let them of Liege know that they would not fail (so much as in them lay) the like duty. Since the which, matters passed in such sort, as the Liegeois promised to remain more neutrals than they had done in former times; and that they would suffer the Estates men to pass through their Country with their Arms and booty, to a certain number both of horse & foot, so as they were led by their Captains and Commanders. And so began the traffic betwixt Liege and Holland, by the way of Breda.  
Prince Maurice after that he had (in a manner) chased away the Duke of Parma from Nymeghen, and refreshed his Army some few days, after their great marches, one while into Friesland, an other while into Gelderland, making a show to mount up the River of Rhine with his ships, he turned suddenly down, and went in-Flanders, 
Hulst besieged and taken by Prince Maurice.  to the land of Waes', where with all speed he planted h●…s siege before the town of Hulst; the which finding itself not sufficiently fortified, neither with men, nor with any other things necessary to endure a long siege, the battery and the assaults which the Prince might give them in a short time, they agreed to yield the twentieth of September: upon condition to have two years free excercise of the Romish religion within the said town, and that they should have but five companies of foot and two of horse in garrison: Whereof George Euerard Earl of Solms; was made Governor, for that he was Colonel of the Regiment of Zealand. 〈◊〉 Mondragon Governor of the Citadel of Antwerp, hearing of the loss of this town, he gathered speedily together four thousand foot and a thousand horse, with whom there joined a thousand Spaniards of those which had continued at Courtray: With the which troops he thought sure to recover it: But at his approach he found some dikes broken, and the town so well foritified with men and munition, as he was of an other opinion; and retired without attempting any thing at all.  
The nine and twentieth of September died john Earl of East Friesland, younger brother to Edsard Earl of Emden. He was a Nobleman full of piety, who only sought the peace and quiet of the country, and of the town of Emden, which some (yea of the Contesse wife to Edsard and sister to the King of Sueden) sought to trouble, by innovations, contrary to their privileges, whereof we will speak more hereafter.  
In the same month there came Ambassadors to Cologne in the emperors name (but at the instance of the King of Spain) Salerin Earl of Ysenbrugh, Noble Simon Earl of Lip, the Bishop of Wirtzbourgs brother, the Baron of Pernsteyn and Rhede, with certain Doctors of the Law; these were sent to try if there were any 
Ambassadors sent from the Emperor about a peace.  course to be taken for a peace betwixt the King of Spain and the united Provinces: They were first to go to Brussels to the Duke of Parma, as they did to the King's great charge. And from thence they were to go with passport to the general Estates at the Hage: demanding which passport the Estates desired them to spare the cost & labour, & not to come unto them to that end: seeing they found no assurance in any treaty they could make with the king: as his letters intercepted written to Don Guilaume of S. Clement's his Ambassadors which the Emperor did sufficiently show, that it should be but a feigned and counterfeit peace: besides they could not treat of any peace without 
1591.  the advise and consent of their confederates. Yet notwithstanding this answer the Ambassadors sent the Baron of Rhede unto the Hage in the end of the year, who remained there about three months, and returned as wise as he came: The Estates giving him their answer by writing, containing the causes why they could not treat with the King of Spain, and the reasons of their distrust, with which answer he departed.  
They of Bruges seeing the town of Hulst taken, & finding themselves environed with many enemies, as Ostend, Axle and Terneuse, they were suitors to the Duke of Parma that they might be under the Estates contribution, and (seeing their town could not 
They of Bruges perplexed.  subsist without commerce) to traffic into Zealand with a passport, paying the ordinary customs, as they of Antwerp did by Lillo, and they of Gant by the Sas, the which the Duke refused, but afterwards they obtained it of the Archduke Ernest of Austria.  
Sir Edward Norris Governor of Ostend, would willingly have brought the country of Flanders, near unto his garrison under contribution, thereby to fortify himself, 
Sir Edward Norris seeks to bring Flanders under contribution.  & to de●…end his town the better from the violence of the sea, and to supply all necessary reparations, the which he pretended to do of his own private authority. But the general Estates finding it to be of great consequence would not allow thereof. whereupon (the said garrison being entertained and paid by the Queen of England) he went and made his complaints of this prohibition to her Majesty, who at the first seemed to justify his doing.  
But when as the Estates had duly informed her of the importance of this action, and how prejudicial it would be, appertaining only to the Sovereign Governor, and that it would be a very bad example, whereby the other Governors & Superintendants (for at that time the title of Governors seemed odious to the Estates, giving unto them that had the like charge but the name and quality of Superintendents) would in every town play the petty Kings, as experience had taught sufficiently in France. Norris yet seeking to proceed in the levy of these contributions, he so incensed the Queen as she commanded him to keep his house, and would not suffer him to return to his government, until that the Estates themselves were intercessors for him: the which they did for the respect they bore unto general Norris his Brother, who had done them so many good and faithful services.  
After that Prince Maurice had ordered all things well in the town of Hulst, having caused his army to embark, and commanded all the horsemen he could recover under the Estates service, to march speedily into Gelderland: he mounted up the River of 
Nymighen besieged by Prince Maurice.  Wahal, and the fourteenth of October landed all before Nymeghen, besieging it both by water and land; then he made a bridge over the River, to go from one quarter unto an other, through the favour of the Fort of Knodsenbourg, which the Estates had built on the other side of the River right against the town. And although at the Prince's first coming, they of the town showed themselves very courageous, playing continually with their Canon to hinder the approaches: yet soon after, seeing the great trenches; the preparation for mines; the battery of forty two Canons, planted in five several places: most part of the Burghers, yea they that were most partial and best affected to the Spaniard, were more willing to yield then to hold out. The which did also make three companies that were in garrison to faint, although at the first they seemed very resolute. whereupon the Burghers and soldiers agreed to send their Deputies unto the Prince, who went unto him the twentieth of the month, that is one Bourguemaister, two Lieutenants and an Ancient, in pledge for whom, the Prince sent three men of very good account. And as they could not agree that day for the difficulties which did arise on either side: they of the town demanding chiefly to retain the Romish religion, or at the least the free excercise of both: and upon the number of the Estates soldiers which they should receive in garrison, the next day they agreed: which being concluded, the Prince sent in two companies (either being two hundred strong) before the garrison came forth, so as the soldiers of both parties (being enemies) continued quietly until the next day within one precinct of walls, without injuring one an other, either in word or deed: so as the 22. of the month the Signior of Gheleyne, captain Snator 
1591. Nym●…gen yielded.  and john van Veerden went forth with their three companies, marching towards Grave and carrying with them their full arms, colours flying, and all their baggage. In this manner Nymegen was reduced under the command of the Prince and the Estates, who appointed Cont Philip of Nassau, cousin germane to the Prince, to be governor thereof. This was the conclusion and end of their victories and happy success that year, 1591. In the which (a remarkable thing) they won the towns of Zutphen, Deventer, Hulst, Nymegen, all towns of great importance, with so many forts (whereof we have made mention) as well in the country of Groaning as other places: defeated the Spaniards in field, and forced the Duke of Parma to raise his siege from before the sort of Knotsenbourg, and all with such celerity, as it is scarce credible they could have entrenched themselves and planted their cannon in so small a time as they were before either of the said towns; so great and spacious are the towns of Zutphen, Deventer and Nymegen, standing upon great and broad rivers, as the Yssel and the Wahal, both arms of the river of Rhine.  
We have showed before how that Colonel Martin Schenck, having failed of his enterprise upon the town of Nymegen, was there drowned, and through the fury of the Burghers his dead body cut in four quarters, the which hung long upon the ramparts, and his head on a Lances point in the top of a tower: but the Marquis of Varenbon Governor of Gelderland coming to the town, whilst it held for the Spaniard (knowing him to have been a brave cavalier) caused them to take down that spectacle, and that the body thus cut in pieces should be put in a coffin the which was done and laid in a tower: where having been found at the yielding of the town, Prince Maurice caused him to be honourably interred, with a goodly military pomp, where he assisted in person, being followed by all the Commanders, Colonel's, 
Schencke honourably buried by Princ●… Maurice.  captains, magestrats of the town (being renewed) a great number of soldiers, and the common people, unto the great temple, where he was buried in the monument of the Dukes of Geldres.  
There was a Provost Martial in Brabant called Danckart, who before had served the Estates in the same office, but having been taken in the castle of Eckeren near unto Antwerp, by the Spaniards, to free himself he promised to do the King great 
The end of Provost Danckert.  service: And having obtained a new commission, he pursued the Estates Frebooters with all violence, yea some brave soldiers both of horse and foot, when he could catch them going to the wars, or to the picory or seeking any advantage upon the enemy: whom without any respect of their passports, or putting them to ransom like soldiers (seeing there was no quarter broken) he caused to be hanged, some he burned, and roasted with a slow fire, whereupon he grew so odious and detested of all the Estates soldiers, as they swore if they could once get him, to show him the like measure without any mercy. And it fell out that they took him the leaventh of December, in an Ambush which they had laid without the town of Liere in Brabant, with thirty horse, which they took and put the men to the sword: as for him they did cut of his nose, and both his ears, and having dragged him a long time at a horse's tail, in the end they roasted him alive with a slow fire of straw. The like happened in Flanders to an other Provost whom they call Rooderoede, that is to say Red Rod, who was slain in fight: his Lieutenant being taken was burnt in a hollow tree with a fire of straw.  
The French King having resolved in the end of this year to besiege Rovan, the leegue sent presently to sue for aid of the Duke of Parma, who being retired confusedly from Nymegen, and returned to Brussels to attend the coming of the Emperor's Ambassadors. He who would not fail them, according to the express charge which he had often received from the King of Spain his master, which was to lay all other affairs aside for the advancement of his design upon France, he caused his army to march by the country of Henault, whereof meaning to take a view near 
The Duke of Parma goes into France to relieve 〈◊〉  unto valenciennes, news came unto him of the arrival of the Ambassadors to treat of a peace; wherefore the Duke of Parma commanded his army to march by small journeys towards Picardy, he went post again to Brusseles, to give them audience, where 
1591.  having conferred with them, and appointed Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt his Lieutenant in the government of the Netherlands, under the obedience of the King of Spain during his absence, he returned speedily to his army. They reason why he marched thus slouly, was to make himself the more necessary to the league, and under the show of arms to manage another design, which was to procure the Estates of the league, to give the crown of France to the Infanta of Spain whom they should promise to one of the heads of that party. What he did in this his second voyage into France, you may read at large in the French Inventory. The French King having resolved to besiege Roven, the Queen of England (at the instant request of his Ambassador) sent him over to his aid 4000 foot and 200. horse, under the command of the earl of Essex with some ordinance. And the general states of the united Provinces did also send him over Philip Earl of Nassau, who brought about 3000. foot, and among them the company of Prince Maurice his guards being 200. pikes and musketeers, under van Noot their captain, with eight cannons and some culerins, with all necessary munition. In the end of this year prince Maurice had an enterprise upon the town of Gheertruydenberge, going from the Hage with 1600. men, thinking to give it a secret scaladoe: the ladders were let up, but being descovered they of the garrison defended themselves so valiantly as he was forced to retire, without doing any thing, with the loss of two of his Captains. All the winter this year 1591. there were of either side, betwixt the Spaniards and the Estates, many enterprises and surprises, amongst the which the Estates garrison within Nymegen surprised the town of Alpen belonging to the countess of Meurs.  
The Provinces that were under the King's subjection lay more open to the spoil then the united Provinces, which were well defended with great rivers and forts: the 
Orders for Frebuters  number of such as ran up and down the country to spoil all passengers increased daily, most of them putting themselves under the Estates, and were called freebuters, being of no companies, not under any command. To prevent these insolencies and spoils, they of Brabant sent forth their Read Roeden or provost, commanding the country people upon the sound of a bell, to aid and assist their Officers or else of themselves to set upon those Freebuters. And for the redress of these disorders, the Estates of Brabant on the fifth of November this year agreed to give thirty five thousand gilders a month, for the space of half a year, to be raised upon such wares and merchandise as were sold in Brabant at a certain rate, as for a hogshead of French wine and an Aune of Remish wine eight gilders, and so upon corn, flesh, fish, soap, gold, silver, silks and other things: the like orders were made in Flanders, and else where. And in the Duke of Parmas' second voyage into France, the Earl of Mansfeldt governor in his absence, gave order for the raising of three hundred soldiers in Brabant for 3. months to free the country of Frebuters, especially the rivers, which were much annoyed, and the mart ships and passage boats often spoiled by them, and this they should do instead of the contribution which they were enforced to pay them: the which was to be levied upon the country villages, woods, medoes, pastures, fishponds. etc. Whereupon many of these Frebuters were taken and cruelly executed in divers places, which the united Provinces did little regard, for that they harboured themselves among their troops, and did no service unto the country; and therefore they made an order that none should go forth upon any exploit, unless they were twenty five or thirty strong, and to be lead by a Captain; Lieutenant, Sergeant or some Officer, and that they should suffer no frebuters to live among them whereby the Country was soon rid of these Frebuters to the credit of honest soldiers.  
The mutinous soldiers in Brabant, being come into the land of Vase, were satisfied by the Duke of Parma, so as the forts against Hulst were the more easily built, after which they made Sconces against ostend, at Blanckenbergh, Oudenbergh, and other places where they committed many insolencies, for being commanded to march with the Duke of Parma in his second voyage into France, they behaved themselves so insolently at Oudenbourg by Sluyes, as the Inhabitants were constrained to fly away with the best of their goods, and the soldiers taking what else they found good, brought it into 
1592.  the market place before the town house, meaning to sell it there at an outcry to them that would give most, but finding no buyers, they broke all in pieces and burned it. They also took away all the ornaments of the Churches, beating and ill entreating Priests, who entreated them in the Burghers behalf, and so those countries were spoiled, not only by Frebuters but also by their own soldiers. At Sea there were certain Spanish and Biscaine Freebuters which had gotten Netherlanders to be their Pilots, who taught them the way to sail behind England & Scotland into the North seas, where they 
Spanish Frebuters at sea.  took certain fishermen, which ships they manned, and took other ships with them, but the ships of war of Holland which guarded the fishermen pursued them and took them, and bringing them to Rotterdam, hung 39 of them.  
In the begnining of january, in the year 1592. William Duke of Cleaves juilliers and Monts, Earl of Marck, Lord of Ravestine etc. died being 76. years old in his town of 
The death of the Duke of Cleves.  Dusseldorp: he had been a quiet and peaceable Prince in his time, after that he was reconciled to the Emperor from the prime of his youth both he and his wife (who was daughter to the Emperor Ferdinand) were troubled of their senses, and in their speech. They have spoken diversly of the causes of these accidents. At his death were present the Duke of Deuxponts his son in Law, and the Duchess of Prusse his daughther, pretending in his lifetime the administration of all those Dukedoms and Signeures, as well for the weakness of his senses, as of Duke john his only son: But nothing followed, by reason of the oppositions made by the Emperor, the Pope's legate and the Duchess, wife to Duke john, being of the house of Baden, and of a contrary religion to the Duke of Deuxponts and the duchess of pruss, who all met the year before at Dusseldorp, to treat. Those of Groaning being oppressed of all sides by the Estates forces, which cont William of Nassau held in many forts there abouts, fearing to be besieged in the spring, they sent their deputies with letters to Peter Earnest Earl of mansfeldt, lieutenant of the government of the Netherlands in the Duke of the Parmas' absence, letting 
The Groningeois send deputies to cont Mansfldt.  him understand into what miserable Estate they were reduced, having always continued constant in their faith and duties to the King, and that their condition grew daily worse. These letters being full of grief and commiseration, fell into the estates hands. By reason whereof Verdugo Governor of the said Town went thither in person. The Earl of Mansfeldt hearing thereof & understanding the complaints of them of Gronning, writ lets of comfort unto them, grieving with them for their miserable estate, and the rather for that he himself had not means to assist, and free them from the oppression and violence of their enemies, but that he had written unto the King and sent their letters, beseeching him to have pity on them and to give order for a levy of men, not only to defend them but also to recover all those forts which they had lost, and to chase the enemy out of the country: of which letters he expected a speedy answer. And in the mean time for that it should not seem they would abandon them, he sent them nine thousand florins (having demanded thirty thousand) to relieve their poor commons. And that he had treated in Antwerp with some merchants of Hambourg to assist them with some quantity of powder, and that he laboured to have the 
Cont Mansfeldt writs to them of Groaning.  soldiers which were on the other side of the river of Rhine, wherein he did persist, whilst that Verdugo should remain in Brabant to solicit what should be here after most fit and necessary to be done: finally he entreated them to continue constant, and to have a care of them-selves, and of that which did concern them, and not to suffer the honour which they had purchased by their fidelity, to be now blemished and quenched: but that it may be said of them that the Groningers have loyally persisted unto the end in the obedience and service of their Prince and King.  
Afterwards they of Groaning sent unto the Emperor, to let him understand, how that sense the year 1536. they had freely and willingly given themselves to the house of Austria, upon condition that they should be maintained and defended by them against all their enemies: the which in reason they ought to do, and not to abandon them to those dangers, wherewith they see themselves daily environed: And to assure and free them from fear, they must not (as they had usually done) send small suplyes, of two or three thousand men with a little munition but they must employ a mighty 
1593.  royal army: and that the presence of the Earl of Mansfeld, than governor was very necessary. The Emperor sent their griefs and complaints from Prage to the King of Spain accompanied with his own letters: the King received them the twenty of April in his Escurial, by the which he entreated him to succour and assure this good imperial town which was so faithful unto him. The King did thank the Emperor for the care he had of the said town, promising to take some order: whereupon he commanded the Earl of Mansfeld by his letters, that all other affairs set aside, he should go into Freezland, and free the town of Groaning from all fear. But as it was a tedious and dangerous piece of work, and could not be done without the winning of all Friesland, the greatest part whereof being under the obedience of the Estates, and the government of William Lewis Earl of Nassau: and withal the states and Prince Maurice provided him work in Brabant, being also forced to entertain some troops upon the fronters of France, he could do no more at that time then send Verdugo with a supply 
A small supply o●… small profit sent by the Spaniard i●…to Freezland.  of some 6000. men, horse and foot, part, under the conduct of the earls Herman and Frederic vanden Bergh brethren, who did nothing worth memory, but recovered sometimes a little fort, sometimes a trench, and sometimes a Barricado in this country of Friesland: finally it was not to besiege or to take any Towns by force, but by surprise, if they could.  
At the sametime in the beginning of this year, the german regiments of the Earls of Arembergh and Barlaimont did winter in the Duchy of Luxembourg, where they endured much misery, after they had eaten all they could get from the poor peasant, and for want of pay, many ran away so as their companies were not half full: whereof the said Earls wrote into Spain unto the King, complaining that they little regarded them nor their company, and that without money they could no longer stay them. To conclude by reason of the Duke of Parmas' absence in the wars in France, and to relieve Roven, there was nothing but complaints, as well of soldiers for their pay, as of the towns and champain country for the oppressions they endured.  
Prince Maurice by the intelligence which he had with the Baron of Pesch, made an enterprise upon the town of Mastricht in March, for the effecting whereof he gathered together in Cempeine some four thousand men horse and foot, and with certain boats which he had upon the river of Meuze, had entered on the side of Wyck (the which is a part of the said town, situated upon the other bank) whilst that ascaladoe should be given in an other place: But the ladders being found to short upon 
A frutlesse enterprise upon Maestricht.  the noise they made, they took the Alarm in the town, which terrified them in the boats so as they did not their duties. And so this enterprise failed, and the Prince returned without doing any thing, being much discontented that his men upon the river had carried themselves so faintly: and the Baron being discovered to have been of the enterprise, he retired with the Prince into Holland, where afterwards 
Berieyck taken by the Estates.  he had the command of a company of horse. In returning from this voyage by Cempenie they took the Castle of Berycerke as they passed: the Spaniard to recover it, posted presently thither, and besieged it but the Estates sent some troops, who chased them from thence, and freed the Castle from siege.  
They of the garrison of Nymeghen, passing by the countries of Geldres and of juilliers, entered into the quarter of Eyffel, and set upon the Abbey of Steynfeldt, near unto the town of Sleyden, in the which there were some peasants, who at the first made a little resistance: but they were forced, and the said Abbey spoiled. This happened for certain indignities which the Monks had formerly done unto them.  
There was at that time some speech betwixt the particular Estates of the country of Oueryssel and Cont Herman vander Bergh, to raze certain forts of either side. Those of the Spanish party did ruin Goor and Twyrkloo, and the Estates Dorthet and Verworden: whilst they were upon these terms, Captain Gerard of Beversfort with a very few men seized upon the Castle of Saesfeldt, the which was ill guarded by captain Leucama. The Earl hearing of this surprise, would proceed 
1592.  no farther in that which had been concluded for the razing of these Forts, unless the castle might be yielded, the which was done, and the other Forts were ruined according to the convention.  
The seven and twenty of April about two hundred of the Estates soldiers of the 
The ●…states men defeated.  garrison of Westerloo in Campeine (the which a little before they had surprised) went to make a road into Brabant, betwixt Louvain and Brussels, where they were encountered by the Spaniards and quite defeated, so as few escaped but they were afterwards spoiled by the Peasants near unto Dyestheim. There was at that time two factions in religion within the town of Vtrecht, the one were called by some the consistorians, 
Two 〈◊〉 in religion at Vtrecht  the other the jacobits, these were so called by reason of a minister in Saint james church, who gave more liberty unto his troop: And the other was so termed by reason of the consistory, which doth excercise discipline and ecclesiastical censure. The consistorians four or five years before, when as the Earl of Leicester had the government (by whom they were favoured) had chased some of the chief of the jacobits out of the town, who were well allied, and most esteemed amongst the common people. On a certain day, when as the consistorians doubted nothing, some of the Burghers put themselves into arms early in the morning, and went unto them who had most credit in the consistory, whom they took prisoners, leading them presently towards the port, and so thrust them out of the town, calling back those which had been before chased away, amongst the which was the signor of Brakele Burguemaister, a gentleman of a good house.  
At that time Prince Maurice made a voyage to Midelbourg in Zeeland, whereas the particular Estates of the Province were assembled, he required that he might be furnished (for their parts) of that which was necessary to raise the body of an army the next Summer, for the besieging of some towns. The which being resolved, and having determined some other affairs in that quarter of Zeeland, he returned into Holland, where having gathered together all his troops, leaving but half garrisons, the which he filled with the Burghers of the neighbour towns, in those places that were upon the fronters, having commanded his cousin Count William to do the like in Friesland and Oueryssel, he resolved to go and set upon the town of Steenwyck, the which he had let alone the year before, and yet after the taking of Zutphen and Deventer, he would willingly have besieged it, if the Duke of Parma coming with his army into the Betuwe had not called him from thence (as we have said) to fight with him, and to make him leave the siege of Knotsenbourg, the which he did. But seeing then that by the Duke of Parmas' absence, (who was with his army in France for the relief of Roven) there was no likelehood to succour it, nor to make him raise his siege.  
Before the siege of Steenwick, the Spaniards had an enterprise upon Enchuysen, 
An enterprise upon Enchuysen.  which they thought to have surprised, by the means of a Sailor who dwelled in that town, who not long before had come out of Spain, where he had spoken with the King himself about this exploit, and had received money both for himself, and to corrupt some Captains and Commanders: But this Sailor made it known unto Prince Maurice, from whom he had such directions as he persuaded the Spaniards, that the enterprise might be easeliest effected by the haven, for the which they should send some thousand men from Steenwyc (which lay not far from thence) in an evening, in certain ships, the which might come thither without any suspicion by means of the said Bourger, for that some of the captains and chief Burghers were already engaged in the enterprise, who did assure them of their credits that all was well prepared for the effecting of their design; and the better to confirm them of Steenwyc in this conceit, he that laid the plot, offered to deliver himself for hostage to them of Steenwyc, and to endure all torments if they were not truly and faithfully dealt with all, but they growing into some jealousy, the enterprise surceased, whereupon Prince Maurice sent his army presently to besiege Steenwyc.  
He came before the town the eight and twenty day of May the which he did invest on that side which goes from Ommen to Gyethorn, and of the side of the forest: 
1592.  Captain Anthony Coquille a Wallon commanded within the town with sixteen companies of foot, among the which there were many of those traitors which had sold Gheertruydenberg to the Duke of Parma, and of those which at the taking of Deventer had sworn not to serve the king of Spain against the Estates for one year: whom Coquielle called unto him, and they all swore to defend and keep the town unto the last drop of their bloods.  
The rowne being besieged on all sides, and the camp sufficiently entrenched; on the eight of june he planted twenty four cannons, the which did batter continually with such fury, as the earth did shake above a League of, and there were reckoned that day above seven thousand shot: the Signior of Famas general of the artillery sparing neither bullets nor powder, so as towards night he was forced to cease the battery, for that the cannon being very much heat, shot over the town into Cont William of Nassaus' quarter, and slew some soldiers. The battery ceasing, the besieged made a scoff at it, sweeping their rampar, as if it had done them no more harm than the sweeping of a besom, with many opprobrious words, from the which it is hard to restrain indiscreet and ill conditioned solldiars. The thirteen of the month the battery began again more furious than before, from four of the clock in the morning until six at night; and although the breach were not sufficient, yet the Prince caused five squadrons to approach as if he went to give an assault; but they passed no farther at that time. The besieged did often make very furious sallies upon the Estates camp, sometimes upon one quarter, and sometimes upon another, where still they got some thing, and retired like gallant fellows with some prisoners, whereof they did hang some without the rampar. Among others they made a camisado on the seventeen of the month with about 500 men and winning the trenches they fell upon the company of Captain Olthoven, which they defeated, and there the captain and his lieutenant were slain: Captain Cornput of the Estates regiment of Freezland invented a certain engine of wood in form of a tower with three stages, the which was let up and down by vises, so heigh as they might descover any thing that was done in the town. In either of those stages there were certain musketeers, which scoured the streets, so as they durst not show themselves, and much less upon the ramparts, whereupon the besieged peerst through their houses, so as they had no need to go into the streets, and they uncovered all the houses that were thacht with straw lest they should shoot fiery bullets into them. And as this engine did much hinder their coming to the rampar, they planted certain pieces of ordinance to beat it down, with the which they sometimes carried away some of the pieces, and slew some of the men, so as in the end neither for fair promises nor for threats they could get any soldiers to enter into it, but this instrument remained unprofitable and not used, being called by them in their language Lymstanghe, that is to say a lyme-twig to catch birds withal, meaning that it served for no other use at all but to loosemen without any profit.  
The twelfth of june Frederic Prince Elector Palatin of Rhine, duke of high and Low Bavaria married the Lady Lovyse of Nassau, eldest daughter to the deceased Prince of Orange, by his third wife, the Lady Charlotte of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of 
The Prince Elector 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lovyse of Nassau.  Montpensier, a Prince of the royal blood of France. This young Princess was conducted from the Hage in Holland by the young Earl john of Nassau his Cousin germane, and by the Lady of Nassau countess of Schwartsenbourg her Aunt, and the Signior of Saint Aldegond, representing Prince Maurice her Brother: She was conducted to Cont john of Nassau her Uncle, to the Castle of Dillenbourg, in the country of Nassau, whether the said Prince Palatin came and married with her; She was honourably and richly endowed by the general Estates of the united Provinces, acknowledging the great services they had received from the Prince of Orange her father.  
About the end of june Verdugo knowing that the besieged within Steenwick had want of powder, he sent two hundred and fifty soldiers every one with a bag of ten or twelve 
1592.  pounds' weight, to make a trial if they could get into the town, and for their greater assurance he sent a man before to advertise what hour they should come, that the besieged might at the same instant make a sally upon that quarter, whereby they might enter with more ease. But this man being taken by them of Prince Maurice his Camp, and well examined, he descovered the succours that were to come, the which failed not at the hour which the governor had set down, who being watched for upon the passages of those two hundred and fifty men two hundred of them were slain the rest escaped as well as they could. The besieged understanding and finding their men to decrease more and more, having lost cont Lodovic vanden Bergh, the captains Blundel of Hessel, the Lieutennants of Steenbach and Camega with many others, seeing also that there was no hope to be delivered, and that as well their victuals as munition began to fail them, they thought to yield up the town by composition. But Prince Maurice demanding all those merchants of Gheertruydenbergh at his discretion, there was nothing concluded at that time: alleging that from the beginning of the siege, they had all sworn to live and die equally together: by reason whereof the condition of the one ought not to be worsethen the other, desiring rather to die fight then being prisoners after the town was yielded to be hanged, as their sentence did import: whereupon the Prince caused his battery to be doubled with sixty pieces of Ordinance, which did thunder into the town: besides three mines which played the fourth of july, and made such a murder of soldiers which were on the top and at the foot of the rampar, as the could see nothing but men flying in the air, and it made such a breach as they might go on horseback to the assault: Prince Maurice desiring to view the operation 
Prince Mourice shot.  of those mines, approaching somewhat near, he was shot into the cheek from the town but without danger, whereof he was soon cured. The besieged being amazed at this thundering, despairing of all means to hold out long, fearing to be taken by assault, having such great and large breaches, they consented all with one accord to parley and to make a composition, the which Prince Maurice yielded unto, and the next 
Steenwyc yielded by composition and other towns besieged by the Estates.  day being the fifth of july it was concluded: the besieged departing without arms, and swearing not to carry arms against the Estates beyond the Rhine in half a year. In this sort was Steenwic yielded to Prince Maurice by composition, under the obedience of the general Estates after it had endured 29000. Cannon shot, the Prince having lost about one thousand and five hundred men and many hurt, among others Sir Francis Vere General of the English and Sir Horatio his brother, William van Dorp Colonel of the Regiment of West Friesland, whereof he died and many others. The town being yielded, Captain Beresteyn was put into it with four companies, the Estates army remaining thereabouts, until the ramparts were repaired, the ditches made clean and raised and the trenches made even. The Merchants of Gheertruydenberg (not comprehended in the accord) as many as could be taken of them were hanged; Captain Coquielle, who had commanded in the town during the siege, and all his men, with those that were hurt and sick, with all their baggage, were convoyed unto the Conty of Benthem in the frontiers of Westphalia.  
About the midst of july Colonel Mondragon Governor of the Citadel of Antwerp, was sent with three thousand men and five pieces of Ordinance, into the country of Cempeine to besiege the Castle of Westerlloo, the which yielded the eighteenth of the month by composition. Passing on he went before Tournhout, which yielded also the twentieth: and that of Berghey the one and twenty, by which three places the Estates did always afflict Brabant and the country about. Prince Maurice pursuing his victory of Steenwick, marched with his army before the town and strong Castle of Covoerden, in the country of Tuente; and drawing forth of his camp some twelve hundred men and five pieces of Artillery, he went towards the town of Otmarsen in the said country; whereas at that time Alphonso Mendoza a Spaniard commanded: who seeing that he could do little or no service in the town with his horse during the siege, he retired in good time with 60. horse, promising them of the town that he would deal▪ so with the Governor Verdugo, as he should bring them succours. The Prince being camped before the town, he commanded the Signior of Famas as general 
1592.  of the Artillery, to plant his battery, the which being done, the same night the Seignor of Famas being near unto the cannon, he was shot into the head, from the town, by the sound of his voice with the which he was struck dead and never spoke word. The Prince did much lament him, having been one of his chief councillors for the 
Famas General o●… th●… ordinance 〈◊〉 th●… 〈◊〉 slain.  wars and sitter than any other man to govern the ordinance. The besieged hearing of his death would attend no more greater extremity, but some cannon shot; knowing well that if they continued obstinate the Prince would revenge on them the death of that gentleman, whom he had so much loved, and therefore they yielded: They being gone forth, and a garrison put into it for the free Estates, the Prince came with his small army to his camp before Covoerden.  
The Drossart of Covoerden hearing of the coming of the Prince's camp burnt the town, and beat down all the gardens and hedges about it, for that he would leave no coue●…t for the enemy, yet the Prince entrenched himself by little even to the brink of the castle dich, the which is strong by situation, by nature and by art, and held impregnable. There was a ravelin near unto the port which defended the bridge, the which was presently battered down: yet the besieged made furious sallies; and one among the rest at noon days, in the which they cut in pieces a whole company both Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient, of the which there were only eleven soldiers saved. To hinder these sallies, it was thought good to plant certain ordinance to break the bridge, the which was done. This summer was in the beginning very dry, so as they might with more ease besiege this place round about, yea in the bogs and marish places. And as the castle ditches were deep and large, after they had drawn forth as much of the water as they could, they were by little and little filled, rolling earth of ten or twelve foot broad only, and as the ditch filled up, they covered it in the night with planks set upon props or prillers, being like a gallery underneath, the which they continued by little and little, until it came to the foot of the rampar. The planks above were always covered with earth and flags, that the besieged could not set fire of it, nor the ordinance could not hurt it. Then by this gallery they came to the sap of the rampar which nothing could hinder. And as the said rampar was armed with great bodies of trees, and arms of trees laid cross, and strait with earth, and some bavines betwixt them, this earth being taken away they resolved to set it on fire.  
Whilst these things pass in this sort, the Duke of Parma knowing of what importance this place of Covoerden is as being the key of all the country of Freezland, Drenthen and Groaning, he sent about four thousand foot and six hundred horse under the leading of Verdugo Governor of the country of Groaning, to pass through the Estates camp, or to force Prince Maurice to retire. Being come thither and finding the Prince well entrenched he went and campt at Enlichom, to cut of the victuals, which came unto the Estates camp from towards Zwol. But after he had stayed their some days, Verdugo seeing that there came abundance from other places, he resolved to try his fortune, and to set upon the trenches: The which was very successful in the beginning; for the Spaniards had passed one, and began to cry out victory. But they were at the 
Verdugo coming to relieve Covoerden is repu●…st.  same instant entertained in such sort by the Earl of Hohenlo, who came running thither with all speed, that as many as were entered, remained upon the place: And then began the cannon of the Camp to play through the thickest of their squadrons, so as they were forced to make a retreat always skirmishing yet marching away like soldiers, as if they had resolved to come a second time. The besieged seeing their succours retired being without all hope, finding their ramparts to be so sapped, as there remained nothing but to set fire on them, their defences and parapets quite beaten down, so as there was not any man that durst show himself if he were not weary of his life, they were content to yield the place by composition. Verdugo being thus retired with his troops, and Covoerden fallen under the obedience of the Estates; Prince Maurice who 
Covoerden yielded by composition.  during the siege would not go out of his camp to fight with the Spaniards (fearing to lose so good an occasion as was offered to make himself Master of that place) after that he had put a garrison into it, and given order for the reparation of the ramparts and ruins thereof, and for the making plain of his trenches, he parted withal his 
1592.  army and pursued the Spaniards, marching towards the Rhine, thinking to pass it at Bercke. But the Prince following them at the heels, as they had no means to make their passage there, Verdugo finding his men so much discouraged as they slipped away in small numoers, passing along the town of Wezel (the Prince pursuing him still, meaning to do him an affront) he went and campt under the favour of a little town in Westphalia called Bucholt: whereas the Prince would willingly have charged him, if the Spaniard had not so well observed his retreat: whereas there was but one narrow passage to come unto him, and a great bog or moorish plain betwixt both. For which consideration the Prince not able to approach near unto him, being loath to pursue him any further, (for that Autumn was well advanced, and the moist wether and the bad time of winter approached) he left him there; and went back with his army, sending every man to his garrison until the Spring following.  
After the Duke of Parmas' retreat out of France from the relief of Roven, the leagguers held an assembly of Estates at Paris, and the partisans of Spain were in hope that the Duke of Parma would return the third time with a mighty army, to perform some great work, and assure the Crown of France to the King of Spain, or to the Infanta his daughter, but death cut of his life and all his enterprises, for marching towards Picardy with an army of seven or eight thousand men horse and foot, his forward being near unto the tree of Guise, he stayed in Arras to call an assembly of the Netherlands, that were under the King of Spain's obedience, He had been always sickly and ill since his last retreat: Being in the town his sickness increased in the beginng of September, and he died the second day, in the Abbot's lodging of Saint Vast. 
Prince of Parma dies.  His body was conducted through Lorraine into Italy with eight scorehorse all in mourning. They say that he ordained in his testament to be buried in a Capuchins weed. He was much lamented by them of Arthois and by many others, who are of a milder disposition than the Spaniards or the jesuits, by whom he was not much moaned, He was held the honestest man and (although an Italien) a less dissembler than any of the former governors which the King of Spain had sent into the Netherlands: jealous of his honour, and holding his word above all things. He died being about forty eight 
His commendations.  years old. Being dead and opened, they found his vital parts much perished: so as he could not havelived long. He lies interred in his town of Parma. At his funeral in the town of brussels, there had like to have fallen out a great tumult, for that the Earl of Mandsseldt marching after the hearse, as his Lieutenant, and then the officers of his household, the Spanish gentlemen would have marched before the italians, who kept them back by force: as in truth it was not then the Spaniards rank. The like funerals were made unto him in many towns of Italy, and the tenth of April 1593. in Rome, as the great champion and defender of the Romish Church, of the which he was standard-bearer by inheritance: and there was a statue of marble set up for him in the Capitol, after the manner of the ancient Romans.   

With this inscription. 
1592.   
QVOD. ALEXANDER. FARNESIUS. PARMAE. PLACENTIAE. DUX. TERTIUS. MAGNO. IN. IMPERIO. PRO. REPUB. CHRISTIANA. GESSERIT. MORTEMQVE. OBIERIT. ROMANIQVE. NOMINIS. GLORAM. AUXERIT.  
S. P. Q. R.  
HONORIS. ERGO. MAIORUM. MULTIS. SECULIS. INTER. FUSIS. REVOCANDUM. CENSVIT. STATVITQVE. CIVI. OPTIMO. EIUS. VIRTUTIS. SVAEQVE. IN. ILLUM. VOLUNTATIS. TESTIMONIUM.  
EX. S. C. P.  
CLEMENTIS. 8. P. M. ANNO. 11. GABRIELE. CETARINO. I. V. C. JACOBO. ROBERO. PAPIRIO. ALBERO.  
CELSO. CELSO. CAPO. REG. PRIORE.  
Besides the Duke's Image there stood a fair table wherein was written as followeth.  
ALEXANDER. FARNESIUS. OCTAVII. F. PARMAE. ET. PLACENTIAE. DUX. 3. PROVINCIAM. NACTUS. BELGICAM. PHILIPPIS. HISPANIARUM. REGIS. IMPERIA. DETRECTANTEM.  
MAstrichum urbem munitissimum expugnavit: Birronium Gallum diversarum partium Ducem, collatis signis praelio vicit, Dunchercham, Gandavum, Brugas, Hypras, Denremundam, Bruxellas, Exclusam, aliaque plurima Belgiae Oppid●…, aut vi cepit, aut ad deditionem compulit, Antwerpiam humanis viribus inexpugnabilem, ingenti ad scaldin flwium operum magnitudine circummunitam, in deditionem accepit: Nusium acceptum, Coloniensi archiepiscopo reddidit. Belgas omnes qui continentem incolunt, in Philippi regis potestatem, & add Roman ecclesiae obedientiam reduxit. Hasce ob res, alisque fortiter gestas S. P. Q. R. summus imperator elogio, prope maiorum triumphus, quorum gloriam aut vicit, aut certe aequavit, ornatus est.  
ALexander Farnesius son to Octavius the 3. Duke of Parma and Plaisentia, being Governor of the Netherlands which disobeyed the King of Spain, wan the strong town of Mastricht, defeated the Marshal of Byron general of the French army, he took Dunkirk, Gand, Bruges, Ypre, Denremonde, Brussels, Sluys, and many other towns in the Netherlands. Antwerp invincible to be won by man's force lying upon the river of Sheld, he forced to yield. He took Nuys and restored it to the Archbishop of Cologne, All the Belgic Provinces upon the main land he subdued to the King, & brought under the obedience of the Romish Church, for which and other his worthy deeds, he hath been honoured with the title of Emperor by the city of Rome, deserving a triumph, such as were made to the ancient Romans, whose glory if he did not surpass, yet did he equal it. This standeth in Rome, for his honour and perpetual memory.    

The Argument of the 
1592.  fourteenth Book.  
COnt Philip of Nassau runs over the country of Luxembourg, with some of the Estates, troops: Prince Maurice beseegeth Gheertrudenberg, and takes it in view of a royal army led by Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt, who beseegeth Crevec●…ur in vain: war made in Freezeland by Cont William of Nassau for the Estates. The Earl of Solms makes war in Flanders. Otmarson in Oueryssel and many other forts in Freezelond recovered by the Spaniard: The Archduke Ernest comes to be Governor of the Netherlands for the King of Spain Michael Revichors a Priest undertakes to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: whereof the Archduke Ernest being taxed, he seeks to excuse himself by his letters to the Estates, whereunto they make answer: The said Archduke makes war against the King of France, Prince Maurice delivers Cowarden, beseegeth Groaning and takes it: Peter de Four pretends to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: Cont Philip of Nassau joins with the Duke of Bovillions troops. The marriages of the Earl of Hohenlo and the Duke of Bovillon: Huyville and the Castle surprised by the Estates in the country of Liege, and soon recovered by the Spaniard. The death of the Archduke Ernest: Colonel Mondragon a Spaniard comes near unto the Estates camp, he is pursued by Prince Maurice. The Earls Philip of Nassau and Ernest of Solms are hurt, taken prisoners and die; Cont Frederic of Nassau remaining prisoner. The Earl of Fuentes makes sharp war against the French King: The Spaniards offer a peace in the Netherlands: Liege in Brabant surprised for the states, but recovered the same day. Cardinal Albert made governor for the King of Spain, he takes Calais from the French King, who recovers La-fere from the Spaniard. The Cardinal beseegeth Hulst in Flanders, the which in the end yieldeth. The king of Spain dispenseth with himself for the payment of his debts. The English and Estates ships takes Cadiz in Spain. The Mareshall of Byron makes war in Arthois, he takes the Marquis of Var●…nbon governor of the country. A league betwixt the French King, the Queen of England and the Estates against the Spaniard: Prince Maurice defeats the Earl of Varax by Tournhout who is slain there. Amiens surprised, by the Spaniard, besieged and taken by the King, the which Cardinal Albert offers to succour in vain: Prince Maurice beseegeth and takes the Towns of Alpen, Meurs, Rhinberg, Grol, Brefort, Enscheyde, Old●…nzeel, Otmarsom, Goor and Lingen, all in three months. The King of Denmark's Ambassador to the Estates, and to wh●…t end. The King of Spain makes a peace with the French King: The Admiral of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor, and to what end: Peter Pan under takes to kill Prince Maurice, and is executed. The Estates subjects sail to the East Indies. Atumult at Emden: the King of Spain gives his eldest daughter to Cardinal Albert.  
AFter the Death of Alexander Farnez●… Duke of Parma Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt his Lieutenant during his absence in France, was by provision appointed to the government by the King of Spain of all that which remained under his obedience in the Netherlands, attending the coming of Ernest Archduke of Austria, the Emperor Rodolphus Brother, being chosen for Governor, lieutenant and Captain general. To which Earl of Mansfeldt (as the Spaniards have never fully trusted the Noblemen of the Netherlands) there were joined in all affairs, the Earl of Fuentes a Spaniard, Brother in law to the Duke of Alva, and one Stephano Ybarra, superintendant of the King's treasure, a Spaniard also: without the advice of which two he could not do any thing, neither yet treat nor dispose of a denier.  
About the end of this year 1592. as Cont Charles of Mansfeldt, was sent unto the fronters of Picardy, to provide work for the roialists, to the advancement of the league, and to besiege Noyon, the which he did and took it, the King being otherways employed: 
Cont Philip of Nassau goes into Luxembourg.  the united Estates on the other side sent Philip Earl of Nassau with some 4000 horse & foot into Luxemburg, to make some enterprise as well upon the town of Saint Vyt (belonging to Prince Maurice by inheritance) as else where; and also to force them to their contributions. The Earl of Mansfeldt, father to Count Charles, to make head against him, sent the 
1593.  Earl of Barlaymont thither, with the garrison of Liere, Macklin and others places, both Spaniards and italians. But Count Philip seeing his men laden with booty, which they had gotten as well in Luxembourg as in Cempeine, he retired quietly, without any loss. The government of the King's country, being (as we have said) put into the hands of the Earl of Mansfeldt the father (an old and politic captain) with the assistance of the said Earl of Fuentes, Stephano d'Ybarra and other Spaniards, and of the Spanish faction: they were of opinion to break quarter, and (as they were wont to say) to make foul wars, not suffering any soldiers of what quality so ever, captains or other Officers, to be ransomed, nor exchanged for other prisoners, thinking thereby to make their men more resolute to fight, and to vanquish, or die: for if they escaped 
The Spaniards break quarter with the Estates men.  and were no●… slain in the fight, being prisoners there were no ransom, exchange nor mercy for them: And by this means they should also cool the heat of the Estates souldi●…rs, from the doing of such violent executions by the right of war, for the levy and payment of their contributions: for they made a general defence upon all the fronters joining to the confederate Provinces, with other accustomed places, dated the fifth day of january in the year 1593. not to pay any such easments and taxes to the Estates collectors and Receivors. But Mansfeldt and his associates were much abused by this manner of proceeding for their soldiers (who commonly seek more for profit then honour) had rather draw a ransom from their prisoners, then deliver them into the hangman's hands; or by this wilful breaking of quarter, to suffer themselves to be hanged. Moreover the gentlemen, the Clergy and such as received rents, were more willing to pay a light contribution to the Estates, to save the rest, then to receive nothing at all, and moreover to have their castles, houses and farms burnt, at the first road they should make. The united Estates made a publication to the contrary, of the 27. day of February, by the which they declared that the Spaniard sought nothing else by the breaking of quarter, and for biding to pay the contributions, but utterly to ruin 
The Estates proclamation to di●…anul that of the Spani ards touching breaking of quarter.  all the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof: And therefore they signified unto them of the Champion country that were of the adverse party, that if they did not advise otherwise for there saf●…ties after the 10. of April next ensuing, that there would be no quarter for any person, place, Bourrough or village (as now many did reside there and were free, with any safeguard of the said Estates) lying under the command of their enemies. This countermand of the Estates was the cause that all the world ran to Brussels to complain of the first proclamation, so as nothing was put in execution, but all things remained as they were. And to speak truth the Spanish party had lost much more thereby, than those of the Estates: for one soldier which the Spaniards could have slain or hanged, the Estates would have had three. The said Spaniards associate in the government made no difficulty to forbid the contributions, and to expose the poor people and others in prey, seeing they never came to any combats, nor had any houses or foot of land, that might be ruined, not caring what men suffered  
Prince Maurice doubting not but the Earl of Mansfeldt Lieutenant for the King of Spain, was fully resolved to hinder him this year 1593. from some good design, meaning to prevent him, before he should have means to advance: he made haste together his army together in the beginning of the spring, and the 28. of March he came with all 
Gheertruydenberg besieged by Prince Maurice.  his forces both by sea and land, before the town of Saint Gheertruydenberg, to besiege it, and by a long or a short siege to carry it. And whereas there was a Fort within musket shot of the town, called Steelhof (which is as much to say as a gardin of thieves) the which hindered him from making of his approaches on that side, and kept the passage for victuals towards Osterhout, he must first of all win this Fort, the which they of the town did every night relieve with new guards; for the preventing whereof the Prince thought i●… good to cut off the way and to separate it from the town: which being done, he soon ma●…red the Fort, the which yielded the seventh day of April, going forth with their baggage only. This Fort being yielded the Prince approached near unto the town, ●…nd by foot and foot won the counterscarpe, of the Ditch, where as the soldiers (as if they had burroes in the ground) lodged themselves 
1593.  covered from the town canon on the West side, appointing Cont Hohenlo his Lieutenant to quarter with the regiments of Cloetinghen and Locren on the East side beyond the water in the village of Ramsdonch, about half an hours passing from the town, where being entrenched, a bridged was made to pass the water from one quarter to an other, for relief if need were. The Prince with the Regiment of Cont Henry Frederic the younger brother of the Earl of Solms, the Seignor of Graenevelt, and of Balfor a Scotishman, camped on the West side. And for the entrenching of his camp, he had the hearts of his soldiers both in general and in particular, so at his devotion, as with an incredible celerity, and for a small reward, preforming the duties of pioneers (a rare thing) they finished all the trenches of the camp, the which a good soote-man could hardly go about in four hours. The trenches were divided by ravelins, flanking and answering one another, as if it had been a strong town, every ravelin being furnished with two pieces of ordinance at the least, according to the necessity of 
The form of the trenches in the camp before Gheertruydenberg.  the place, before which trenches there was a dich about thirty foot broad: And asthough there were many marish places and full of bogs, the which were not easy to pass; yet in steed of a counterscarp to the said ditches, there were great piles driven in, which remained four foot high above the ground, to the top of every one of the which, there was a long pike of iron fastened before, that any man striking thereon suddenly in the night, he should not be able to pull it out of his breast (being one chained unto an other) without making of a great noise so as a man might hold himself better assured in that camp, then in the strongest town he could choose, for speaking without flattery, & that which jobserued, the discipline which the Prince used, and the readiness and obedience of the soldiers was so great, as the peasants in the neighbour villages came and 
john Petit.  lodged in the camp for refuge, not only with their wives & children, but also with their horses, kine, sheep, and other cattle, yea even with their hens to save them from the Spanish army, which they knew to be upon the way selling unto the soldiers (as in an open town market) their butter, eggs, milk, cheese, and other commodities, yea the proprietaries or farmers who had errable land within the circuit of the Camp, had liberty to till it, the which will seem incredible to such as have been inlicentious and ill governed armies: if an infinite number of the inhabitants of neighbour towns, yea which were under the Spaniard as Antwerp, Mons, Tournay, Lille and other towns coming with the Estates of Holland's passport, for their affairs, which came to see it and to play in the camp, had not been true eye witnesses with me. The Earl of Mansfeldt hearing that Cont Charles his son, had discharged his duty well on Picardy for the service of the league, having taken Noyon, he sent for him to come with all 
The Spaniards mutiny against Cont Charles.  his troops, and to join with his army near unto Gheertruydenberge. As Charles was upon his return at Aussyle chasteau (belonging to the Earl of Egmont, half in France, and half in Arthois, divided by the river of Authie) meaning to do justice upon a Spanish Captain who had ravished a young maid of Hesdin: presently all the Spaniards took arms against him and against all his Wallon soldiers, whom they put to flight and spoiled all their goods, making a head among them whom they call Electo: and being thus mutined, they seized upon the town of Saint Paul, the which they fortified, and from whence they held in subjection and did ransom all the quarter of Arthois, which they call the heigh country betwixt Hesdin, Bapaulmes, Arras, Bethune, air, and Saint Omer, whom they did force to bring unto them every week both money and victuals, which mutiny continued a whole year before it could be appeazed. After whose example, the italians and walloons (which were in the country 
The italians and Walloons mutiny in Henault.  of Hennault) did mutiny soon after, and did fortify themselves at Pont upon Sa●…bre: from whence they did force the Country there abouts to pay them nine hundred florins a day, the which they of Mons were to furnish every week.  
The garrison of the town of Berke upon the Rhine did no less, and as the country thereabouts belongs to the diocese of Collogne, or to the Duchy of juilliers, having no means to ransom it, besides the ordinary customs, they charged all ships and merchandise which must of necessity pass that way with great impositions, dividing 
1593.  the money every day betwixt them.  
Prince Maurice and the Estates Camp, being thus entrenched, defended and disciplined before Gheertruydenbergh, towards the land, the town was in like manner shut up by Sea, with about a hundred ships great and small, to keep all things from 
Gheertruydenberg shut up by water.  entering. Besides there were a great number of ships full of victuals and munition, by the Prince's quarters: so as there was abundance of all things, and good cheap. The like there was on Cont Hohenloos' quarter, so as nothing wanted on any side. As for the horsemen the Prince knowing they would be to more use in the town of Berghen up Zoome, Breda & Heusden to cut of the enemy's victuals, who began to make head at Tournhout, he retired a small number which were camped at large, betwixt the Prince's quarter and that of Hohenloos', in a place hard to come unto by the Spaniards, by reason of the waters, but always ready by means of bridges, to succour either of the quarters.  
The Earl of Mansfeldt being resolved to try all means to raise this siege; approached with his army (being about twelve thousand men) to Osterhout, about half a league from the Estates Camp: where he kept himself entrenched two days. But as upon that side (which was towards the Prince's quarter) there was no access, as well for the marrishes, as for the mighty trenches, and fortifications of the Camp: Changing his place he went and camped on the East side, in the Villages of Waesbeke and Capelle, near unto Cont Hohenloos' quarter: to whom Sir Francis Veer was sent with six hundred English and about a thousand Frisons. Mansfeldt being camped there, without 
Cont Mansfeldt dares not force the Princes Campe.  any show that he would force the Estates Camp, still attended some good aportunitie: for he foudd there was small means to go to it by force: and that the Prince's Camp (although at the most there were not above seven thousand men in it) was as sufficient in the weakest part, as a good strong place, and could not be attempted without battery, and the hazard of men, and with small hope of any honour to be gotten: like an old, wise, and advised Captain (who would not rashly adventure any thing) he continued about three weeks in that place, seeing with his own eyes all that was done before the town, and not able to help it, nor prevent it, but with his good wishes. At that time, besides the battery which did tear down the Rampar of the town; the Prince caused galleries to be made in three several places, to come to the sap, as he had done the year before at Covoerden; one of the which was so far advanced, as it came within 14. or 15. foot of the Rampar, to the which the ditch was almost filled with the ruin of the breach, which was fallen.  
The four and twentieth of june being Saint john Baptists day, on the which the Earl of Mansfelds' soldiers had bragged that they would come (it is an ancient superstition in the Romish Church) and make Saint john's fire in the town, a soldier of the Estates Camp, of the company of Captain Haene a Tourneisien, adventured to pass the town-ditch of Gheertruydenberg about one of the clock in the afternoon, mounting up easily by the ruin of the breach, which was made at the ravelyn of the Port of Breda: being aloft, he showed the countenance of the soldiers besieged, that were in guard, whereof some dined, some slept, and others lay at ease. This soldier made a sign to his companions to follow him, showing that it was time: whereupon the Captain with the rest of the company, and Captain Boevine, casting themselves into the ditch, got up to this ravelyn, and won it, they slew some, and chased away the rest that were in guard, whom they pursued even into the town: where there was one taken, who was brought unto the Prince.  
Upon this Alarm the Signior of Gissant (Governor of the town) being in arms to come unto the Rampar (as the canon from the Camp ceased not) was slain with a 
The Signior of Gisant Governor of the ●…ne slain.  stone shot out of a mortar, and many about him hurt, and among others the Sergeant Maior: The besieged seeing this ravelyn won; their Governor dead (who was the third Governor, which had been slain during the siege) and in the Scots quarter the ditch in a manner filled up, so as they feared it would be finished the night following, and so might be charged in two or three places at one instant, they sent their Deputies and among others the said Sergeant Maior, wounded as he was in the head, to the Prince 
1593. Gheertruydenberg yielded by composition.  to treat of an accord: where upon hostages were sent for them of the town, whilst that they remained all night in the camp to treat of the yielding up of the town: so as the composition was made upon certain conditions, the which were confirmed the next day, whereof the Prince did remit some, for whereas at the first by the treaty it was said, that the soldiers should depart without arms, he suffered them to carry them and their colours rolled up on their shoulders, until they should come unto the last bridge of the camp, and then deliver them into his hands, the which they did: And departed with their arms and baggage the fifth of that month, marching towards Antwerp. There happened nothing remarkable in this retreat which I observed. There were yet remaining two or three of those soldiers, which had sold that town unto the Duke of Parma, one of them being hidden in a cart under baggage and grass that overthrew by mischance in the fair way a musket shot from the town, in the midst of the Estates soldiers as they stood in arms, among whom he had marched, so this poor msierable wretch was hanged with the two others.  
All the garrison being gone forth, most of them being heigh Bourgognons and Germans, coming to the last bridge, whereas the Prince (accompanied with the Earls 
Sixteen ensigns de●…red to the Prince.  of Hohenlo, Solms, and others) did see them pass. Every ancient, delivered his colours into the Prince's hands being sixteen, the which he sent to the Hage. The same day the town was yielded, the earl of Mansfeldt sent some troops of foot to descover Cont Hohenlos' quarter, against whom was sent the Earl's company of horse, led by captain Cloct, with Sir Francis Veer, and his Cornet and some others, who defeated these footmen, and brought two captains Wallones prisoners, who being brought into the camp, were much amazed to see the town yielded, for Mansfeldt knew nothing of it until that day in the evening he espied bonfires within the town, and in the Estates camp, with shooting of the ordinance and their small shot. Thus this town (which the Spaniards held impregnable) was taken in the sight of the King of Spain's army, commanded by a brave old Captain, who (to say the truth) was twice as strong as the Estates. But we must also confess that the Prince (by reason of his forts and entrenchments) had a great advantage: had the Spaniards been twice as strong the approach unto the Estates camp, was so hard and dangerous, which grew by Prince Maurice his diligence, and the slackness of Cont Mansfelt. Mansfeldt to be revenged of this affront, hearing of the yielding up of the town, he marched presently away with his army into the quarter of Boisleduc and camped before Creveceur (lying upon the river of Meuze at the mouth of the channel, which is called Dise) Going towards the town, that by the means of this fort he might command the river, so as nothing should go down to the towns, of Heusden, Gorrichom and Dordrect, nor mount upwards. Prince Maurice hearing that he had turned head that way, he presently sent Floris of Brederode Lord of Cloetinge●… brother to the Lord of Brederode, with his regiment by the same river to the fort of Crevecaeur, causing his ships of war, with boats and artillery to follow, the which sailed so happily with a westerly wind, as (without any let) they came and cast anchor just before the Fort. The Prince being assured that Mansfeldt began to plant his canon and had resolved to batter it went himself in person, with the body of his army, with the which he passed into the Island of Bommel, 
Cont Mansfeld forced to leave the fort of Crevecaeur.  going to camp in a village called Heel, right against the said fort, the which he supplied with artillery, which the besieged did so employ, as Mansfeldt (having his quarter drowned with the waters which did rise) was forced to retire his army, and to camp half a League of. In the mean time the said channel was stopped, that nothing could go in nor out. In the end after that Mansfeldt had stayed there some time, made a great spoil, especially of the Hoppe grounds (whereof that country is very full) his men leaving not a pole unburnt, so as the hops were spoiled; he left this place of Crevaecuer in peace, to his great grief.  
Behold what little honour this old soldier got before these two places of Gheertruydenberg and Crevecaeur. This fort had been first built by the Spaniards, who gave it 
Why Crevecaeur was to called.  that name, for that it held the river of Meuze in subjection, to the great grief of the Hollanders, and especially of them of Dordrecht, by reason of the merchandise which 
1593.  came by this river unto them out of the country of Liege and higher. But the Estates having taken it from them, left it the same name, for that it was a heart-breaking to them of Boislduc, who could receive nothing by water, but through the favour of this Fort: whereas they must pay unto the Estates their tolls and customs, and whereas their ships are searched as they pass, and must yield an account if they be well freed at their coming out of the country.  
Whilst that they made war in this sort in Brabant: William Lewis Earl of Nassau, governor for the Estates in the country of Friesland, going the 4. day of April from Oosthorne, came the 13. to camp at Bellingwolderziel, the which he fortified, to cut off the passage to Borentanghe. Colonel Verdugo governor of Groaning for the King 
War in Friesland.  of Spain, presented himself, as if he would hinder him from making of this Fort with 2500. horse and foot. But finding it almost in defence and well furnished, he durst not attempt it, bu●… retired from thence: so as the Earl had good leisure and means to finish it: And such men as he needed not in his army, he sent to his cousin Prince Maurice. Verdugo fortified himself with 3000. foot and eight cornets of horse, thinking to do the Earl an affront, who then lay quiet within the Fort of Newoort two leagues from Groaning, expecting the return of his troops, which he had sent unto the Prince, the which were sent back unto him after the taking of Gheertruydenberg: So as he was renforced with twenty companies of foot and twelve cornets of horse, with the which he went to field and besieged Gramberge, with six pieces of artillery, the which he won, with some other small forts thereabouts. Then having victualled Covoerden and Otmarsam, he went before the strong castle of Vedde, the which yielded as soon as the battery was planted, with the other fort, by the which they crossed the river. Winschooten was abandoned, and by that means the Earl made himself master of all the passage of Boerentanghe, the which he went about to fortify with all speed, before the 
Gramberghe yielded to Cont William.  succours came which the Earl of Mansfeldt should send unto Verdugo, being two thousand foot, eight hundred horse, eight pieces of ordinance, and two hundred wagons, besides three hundred horse more led by Verdugoes Lieutenant, the which passed at Linghen the fifth of September, expecting greater troops from about Namur. This fort of Boerentanghe was then wholly finished, which cut off the passages to the town of Groaning: the walls were a pike high, with five Bulwarks well flanked: the ditches were 80. foot broad, very deep and full of water, having five companies of foot in it. The place was well munitioned for two months, neither could they cut off the victuals which came unto it from Westphalia side: Cont William appointed captain Frederic of jongh to command in the place.  

MAURICE OF NASSAV BORNE 
1593.  Prince of Orange; Marquis of La Vere and of Flushing; Earl of Nassau, Meurs, Catsenellebogen, Diets, Vianden, etc. Baron of Breda etc. governor of Gelder, of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Ouerysell. Great Captain and Admiral general of the united Provinces of the Low-countries.  

MAURITIUS D. G. NATUS AUR PRINC: NASSOV MARC VERAE ET VLIS ET BELG PROVIN GUB.   
The Spaniard filled with rage and deep disdain,  
To have his faith-breach quit, and be expelled  
For his Injurious and Imperious reign  
In Holland, Zeeland, and the rest he held;  
Bard from revenge, unable to refrain  
His wrath against that good united State 
1593.   
Practised a murder, at a costly rate;  
And cut my Father's vital thread in twain,  
Half cut before: An act unparalelld  
For foulness: but thanks Heaven (behold what gain  
He got by this) my father's awful fate  
Virtue and valour ever curbing Spain  
Survive in me: the Spaniards scourge and awe  
Am I that ever will uphold NASSAV.   

SURCULUS FACTUS ARBOR.  
The Branch is made a Tree.  
I Must advertise you, that this picture of Prince Maurice should have been placed in the year of our Lord 1589. presently after the Earl of Leceister had left the Government of the united Provinces, but not as Governor of those Provinces, but only as General of the Estates army in those Provinces, as he hath continued unto this day, the which being through negligence omitted in his due place, I am enforced to insert it here (though somewhat improperly) rather then to leave it out altogether, he having done such worthy and memorable services to the united Estates.  
Whilst that the Spaniards and their adherents impoyled all their wits to continue the miseries of France, hoping by the means of a parliament held by the league, so to trouble the Estate and to breed such a confusion, as in the mean time they should have good means to advance their designs upon the Netherlands, England and upon France itself. Henry the fourth was solicited by some councillors near unto his person, and from divers other parts, to leave the open profession of the re●…ormed religion, and to adhere unto the ceremonies of the Romish church. Their 
The French King counseled to become Catholic.  reasons were, that to chase away the Spaniard, and to get Paris and other towns of the league for himself, he must of necessity take from them of that party the mask of the Romish catholic religion, wherewith they did shadow their rebellion. That whilst the King made open profession of the reformed religion, those of the contrary faction (being far more in number) would follow the duke of Mayene and house of Guise, who through the favour of the Pope and the King of Spain, would find means to entertain the fire within his realm, the which (said they) was worth a paltry mass, neither would it be lost for a few ceremonies. Although that these advises were encountered by notable advertisements from other councillors, yet it seemed the King was somewhat inclined thereunto, and that the deputies of the Princes and Noblemen of his Council, conferring with them of the league (to prevent the election of a new King,) put them in hope of it: and to attain thereunto with the more ease, they procured certain learned Prelates to assemble, in whose presence this business should be debated at large. Whereupon the King directed his letters to many, bearing date the 18. day of May, appointing them the 15. of july to come before him, assuring them that in so doing they should find him ready and tractable to do that which was befitting a most Christian King, who had nothing more dear unto him then the zeal of God's service, and the maintaining of the true church. This action did not greatly please the heads of the league. Whilst the Deputies assembled to confer of religion, and that the Estates of Paris proceeded in their affairs, whereas the heads of the league had their general designs in regard of the election of a new King, yet all tending to one end, which was to enteraine the war in France: the court of parliament at Paris meaning to disappoint all these practices, and to chase the Spaniard out of France, pronounced a decree on the 28. of june, as followeth.  
Upon a declaration made by the King's attorney general, and the matter being debated in Court, all the chambers being assembled, having never had any other intention but 
1593. A decr●… made by the court of parliament against the league and Spaniards.  to maintain the Catholic, apostolic and Romish religion in the Estate and crown of France, under the protection of a most Christian, Catholic and French King. We have decreed and do decree, that warning shallbe given by the precedent le Maistre (being assisted by a good number of the court) unto Mounsire de Main Lieutenant general of the Estate and crown of France, in presence of the Princes and Officers of the crown, being now in this city, that no treaty be made to transfer the crown to any foreign Prince or Princess. That the fondamentall laws of this realm shallbe kept, & the decrees made by the court for the declaration of a catholic & French king shallbe executed. And that he employ the authority which is committed unto him, to the end that under the pretext of religion, the crown be not transferred to any, against the laws of the realm: and to procure as speedily as may be the people's quiet, being reduced to extreme necessity: and moreover we do at this present declare all acts which shallbe hereafter made for the establishing of any foreign Prince or Princess, to be void and of no force, as made to the prejudice of the Salic law, and other fondamentall laws of this Realm.  
The Duke was much discontented with this decree; seeing all his designs crossed, whereupon he grew into some high terms with the Precedent, who answered him and other leaguers, very resolutely. In the end after many meetings, letters and answers betwixt the deputies of the King's part and them of the league, according unto the conference which had been appointed, in despite of the duke of Mayene and the heads of the league, the persuasions of such as desired the King should make profession of the Romish religion, prevailed, so as the king who since his retreat from the court of France (above 15. years before had made open profession of the Protestants reform religion, (against the advise of his ministers and others) went to the mass in great solemnity to Saint Denis church the 25. of july, and from that time he went usually to the exercise 
The King changeth his religion.  of the Romish religion, whereof he did advertise his Parliaments by his letters the same day, which did much amaze them of the religion, yet did they not forsake their profession. The duke of Mayen and his chief assistants seeing a part of their designs crossed, by that which had happened, and that on the other side the Spaniards sought to entertain the fire of divisions by the election of a new King, whom they would marry with the Infanta, who (as duke Charles of Bougongne with his daughter Mary entertained all the Neighbour Princes) served for a Leure for the King of Spain, to draw unto him all the petty Kings of the league.  
To the end they might give some colour to their affairs, and frustrate all the practices of Spain, they began in july to negotiate a general truce, so as after some journeys to & fro it was concluded, in 22. articles at Vilette betwixt Paris & S. Denis, and proclaimed the first of August both in Paris and S. Denis. Notwithstanding this general truce, the heads of the league and Estates at Paris did not forbear to pursue their designs. And as they had before opposed themselves at Rome, by the means and favour of the King of 
The league crosseth the King at Rome.  Spain's Ambassador, against the negotiations of the Cardinal of Gondi and the Marquis of Pisavi, deputies unto the Pope, in the behalf of the catholic Princes & Noblemen of France, before the said 25. of july. In like manner they resolved, to work so as the King (of whom they spoke very odiously) should not be received, but they did contradict him as much or more than before, by the railing and seditious sermons of some, sorbonists; by declarations made to the contentment of their adherents; by secret attempts; and by sinister practices at Rome, to cross and hinder the duke of Nevers voyage, who went thither in the King's name to make his submission and acknowledge his obedience unto the Pope, wherein the ambassador of Spain and the chief of the jesuits procured him great crosses and lets: as appears by a book which was set forth of the said duke's embassage, and of the crosses he received in the King's name.  
As for the Sorbonists and other seditious preachers of the league as well in public as in private, both before and after the truce, their discourses were nothing else, but that the mass which was song before the King, deserved the name of a ballet or stage-play: that it wasmpossible the King should be converted; that the Pope could not make him a catholic again, with other such incivill and strange propositions. In regard of 
1593.  the declarations made by the chief of the league, to recomend themselves unto their partisans, to make a secret attempt upon the King's councillors that were least affected to the catholic religion, and to engage the realm in greater troubles and calamities then ever. They caused to be published under the authority of the duke of Mayene as Lieutenant general of the Estate and crown of France, the entertaining of the council of Trent, the which in the time of the precedent Kings could never be allowed nor received by the courts of parliament, nor the French church. It was published the eight of August, with a new form of oath, the which they did for the upholding and maintaining of their league against the King, whom they sought to have treacherously murdered, by one Peter Barriere called la Bar, borne at Orleans, who being descovered, 
The league pract●…th to have the King murth●…red.  arraigned and found guilty, was broken upon the wheel in the said month of August. During this general truce, their were sundry discourses and many propositions made for the settling of the affairs of the realm. The King who desired nothing more than the reunion of his subjects, and the abolition of that pernicious party of the league, laboured to reconcile and to win unto him the duke of Mayene, with offers of charges and very honourable advancements. The duke having in his opinion many strings to his bow, stood upon doubtful terms, sometimes be promised, and then he refused again, prot: acting the business with many delays, and under hand procuring that the decision which was made by the Sorbonists in the year 1590. in the month of May should take place, which was, That Henry of Bourbon was declared incapable, and fallen from all right and pretension to the crown of France, although he did reconcile himself and adhere to the Romish religion. The Agents of Spain both in France and at Rome, did further and advance all these rebellious practices, crossing the Duke of Nevers all they could in his negotiation. On the other side, the people and many great personages continued in their old song of the incompatibility of the exercise of two religions within the realm, and many were of opinion that the King should not be admitted nor received, unless he would first promise to banish all them of the reformed religion, or at the least cause the public exercise of the religion to cease.  
There was yet an other sort of people, well affected to the league, and yet seemed to be friends to the public quiet and tranquillity of the land, who secretly and under hand gave out speeches of the King's weakness and disability: saying that he wanted means to force obedience, and that he had to mighty, yea invincible enemies, who would soon tread him down and ruin him. That France would but languish under his reign, and in the end after many calamities and miseries, she should remain a prey to a more powerful master: this by their estimation was the King of Spain, whose greatness they did so magnify and extol, his double pistolets (said the true hearted Frenchmen) having dazzled their eyes, and blinded their understandings, they also 
The league commends the King of Spain.  sought to terrify such Frenchmen as were fainthearted and not well assured, with his name. Finally they had for the most part been so seduced, by the practices of the heads of the league, as they admired nothing but the greatness and Majesty of the King of Spain, in comparison of whom that of France was little esteemed.  
Whilst this truce continued, the King resolved to call an assembly at Mante of some of the greatest personages of his realm, to consult & consider of divers affairs: among others the deputies of the reformed religion came thither in November, whom the 
Complaints made by them of the religion.  King commanded to come before him on the 12. of the said month, having given them audience and heard their complaints, upon many breaches of his Edicts, and strange wrongs and injustices done unto them throughout all the Provinces. He said unto them in the presence of many Noblemen, and of the Chancellor. 
The King's s●…erch to them of the religion.   
My masters, I have sent for you hither for three reasons: the first, to let you understand from mine own mouth, that my conversion hath caused no change of my affection towards you. The second is, for that my rebellious subjects had made some show to give ear unto a peace, the which I would not enter into before you were called, to the end that nothing should be done to your prejudice, as you have been assured by the promise made by the Princes of the crown, who did swear in my presence, that there should not be anything treated in the conference of peace against them of the reformed religion. 
1593.  The third is, having been advertised of the ordinary complaints, touching the miseries of the Churches in many Provinces of my realm, I would willingly hear them and take order for them. Moreover you may believe that I affect nothing more than to see a good union betwixt you my good subjects, both Catholics and of the Religion: and I assure myself that no man will hinder it. It may be their are some malicitious spirits which will seek to cross it, but I hope to punish them. I assure you that the Catholics which are about me will maintain this union, and I will be a caution and pledge that you will not separate nor divide yourselves from them. I have this contentment in my soul, that during all the time that I have lived, I have made proof of my faith and integrity to all the world. Nor any one of my subjects hath trusted in me, but I have relied more in him. I believe your informations, and command you to depute four of your number, to treat with such of my council as I shall appoint, to whom I will give this charge, and to resolve of what shall be held fit and convenient. In the mean time if any among you have any affairs with me, they may have access with all liberty.  
Afterwards the King's affairs remaining long in suspense and the heads of the league continuing in their perverse courses to trouble the estate of France, they of the religion remained in their accustomed condition, until that the league was dispersed and vanished. I have made a long digression concerning this act of the French Kings conversion to the Romish Religion, the which I have presumed to insert here for the rareness of the example, although it doth not properly belong to this subject, but now I will return unto the Netherlands.  
The 24, of july George Euerard Earl of Solms, passed into Flanders by commandment 
The Earl of Solms makes war for the Estates in Flanders.  from the Estates and from Prince Maurice his cousin, with 800. horse and 2500. foot he entered into the land of Waes', where he sent his horsemen to invest the fort of Saint jans Steyn and the footmen to the village of Steeken, where there was a fort held by the Spaniards, the which they abandoned before any siege, flying to the fort of Waert upon the river of Escault, right against Antwerp, whereof there were some thirty horses taken, having at their retreat burned the village. The Earl's horsemen met with eighty Spanish horse near unto Saint Nicholas Bourg, all which were slain or taken prisoners. This done the Earl went with his artillery before Saint jaques fort, the which was yielded unto him, and that of Saint jans Steyn. The which having soon performed, he spoiled the whole country of Waes', for that they refused to pay their contrybutions. Such executions were done by the way of arms, when as the Inhabitants of the country living under the Estates safeguard, refused to pay the said contributions, or were forbidden by the enemy to do it, wherefore it is a great indiscretion and wickedness in governors, which forbid upon pain of burning the peasant's houses, to pay any contributions, being well known unto them that refuzing so to do, they shall be forced by their adversaries, sometimes, to their total ruin: seeing that neither party can reap any profit by fire and burning, were it not better to suffer these poor labourers to keep their houses hole in their poverty, and that (seeing it cannot be prevented) either party reap some profit, and not through wilfulness (under colour that they which make these defences, have no thing to lose) for a small benefit which the enemy should reap, thereby to lose all, and make the country desert? so as neither the one nor the other party can make any use of it, in the passage and lodging of soldiers when they would.  
The Earl of Solms hearing that Mondragon was parted out of Antwerp, to come and meet with him with 2000 foot and six cornets of horse, which should be folrowed 
The Earl of Solms return without any encounter.  by ten Cornets more, after that he had razed all the forts which he had taken, leduced the country of Waes' under the estates contribution and done what he would before the enemy was on horseback, he made an easy retreat (without any encounter), to the place from whence he came, carrying with him 4000 head of cattle of all sorts-On 
Otmarsum won by the Spaniard.  the other side Cont Herman and Verdugo played their parts in Freezland: and besieged the town of Otmarsum in the country of Tuent, which the Prince the year be, fore had taken in less than two days: the which being no town of Importance after it had been battered from morning till noon, it yielded by composition, which 
1593.  was that the soldiers should depart without arms or baggage, promising not to serve 
Many Forts in Friesland won by the Spaniard.  in Friesland against the King of Spain for six months: the Captains, Lieutenants, Ancients, and Officers, remained prisoners until they had paid their ransoms. From thence they went before the strong Castle of Wed, which they took by assault: Then they took the Forts of Auwerzyel, Schyloteren, Grysemyncken and Gransberghe where they slew all. This done they approached to Covoerden, a very strong place (as you have heard, when as Prince Maurice took it) and well furnished with victuals and munition; so as finding no means to force it, as the Prince had done the year before, they blocked it up, and made Forts upon all the approaches, to force it to yield in the end through want.  
Cont William of Nassau knowing that Cont Herman his cousin, and Verdugo, were strong in field, being at the siege of the mighty Fort of Borentange, he kept himself close in a sure place, expecting succours from Prince Maurice his cousin, the which Sir Francis Veer General of the English brought unto him. Verdugo meaning to charge him (seeing he could do no good upon the Fort of Borentange) he raised his siege secretly, thinking to fall upon the Earl of Nassaus' trenches on the sudden when he 
Verdugo attempts the Earl of Nassaus' trenches in vain.  was not looked for, the which fell out in the month of October, but a soldier going out of a little Fort hard by it, having discovered the Spaniard in good time, gave the alarm very happily, which presently put all the Earl's camp into arms: so as he sent forth some few (being loath to hazard more) to skirmish with them, and to keep them in breath. Verdugo still thought to draw him to the field, but the Earl knowing it was not fit, would not do it: this skirmish continued seven whole hours: Verdugo seeing there was nothing to be gotten but blows, retired, with great loss towards Groaning; Balfour Colonel of the Scots under the Estates service was shot in the foot there; a Captain and some others slain besides those that were hurt.  
Verdugo having thus blocked up Covoerden retired towards Oldenzeeel, and from that time his army began to waste, so as in the Forts which he had built about Covoerden, his soldiers died of hunger, cold and poverty, whereof a great number ran a way, yea whole companies, with their colours in their pockets: Cont William seeing himself freed of this army, he put his troops also into garrison, as at Visch-Vliet, Soltcamp, and other places towards Borentange. The King being advertised of the Duke of Parmas' death, he promised them of the Netherlands that were under his obedience, to send them in his place for Governor, Ernest Archduke of Austria, his Nephew, brother in law and cousin, being at that time Lieutenant to the Emperor his brother, in his Kingdom of Hongary, Croatia, Stiria, Carinthia and other Provinces. whereupon the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault etc. for that they would not be long without a Governor, sent the Earl of Sorres with other Noblemen into Germany, unto the said Archduke, coming first to Prague in Bohemia, where they found Don William of Saint Clement the King of Spain's Ambassador at the Emperor's Court: whom they besought to deal with his Imperial Majesty for the calling home of his brother out of Hongary: showing how necessary his coming was into the Netherlands; & the rather for that (said they) the King's affairs in Friesland did prosper and were much advanced, by the good endeavours of Cont Herman Vanden Bergh and Verdugo: whereupon the Archduke being sent for, he came to Court, took his leave of the Emperor his brother, and passing by Nuremberg and Wirtsberg, going down the Rhine, he came to Collogne, whereas Ernest of Bavaria his cousin the Archbishop Elector, having feasted him, he accompanied him into Luxembourg, where he arrived the 17. of january. 1594. and from thence to Brussels.   

ERNESTUS ARCHDUKE OF AUSTRIA, 
1594.  Lieutenant Governor and Captain General for the King of Spain in the Netherlands.  
ERNESTUS D G ARCHIDYX AUSTRIAE DUX. BURGUND COMES TIROLIS BELGI PROVIN GUBERN  
My step-brother and Cousin, Spain's great King  
Seeing the sick Low-countries brought so low,  
So near a full and fatal overthrow,  
And by the wrack of wars all ruining  
Forced from his bloods dominion; having past 
1594.   
His promise, to allot their government  
To some of his own stock; For me he sent  
Into Croatia, where my state was placed  
Near the Hungarian frontiers: I assent  
(Perforce) and found a country all defaced,  
Yet ruled: And ere I did was forced to bear  
A guilty slander, but God knows me clear.  
THe last of january 1594. Ernest Archduke of Austria being accompanied by the Archbishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, the Marquis of Baden, the Duke of Arschot, Prince of Chymay, the Earls of Mansfeldt, Sores, Fuentes and many other Noblemen, as well Germans, italians and Spaniards, made his entry into Brussels, the which was so rich and stately, as if the natural Prince of the country had been come, with an exceeding great charge, in all sorts of splendour, by lively representations, try umphant Arches, Pyramids, tables, pictures, with other excessive sumptuousness; the which continued three days, most part of the town neglecting their work. At the end whereof he called the Estates of those Provinces which he was to command, to Court, to acquaint them with his commission, and the authority he had from the King for the government of those countries, as his Lieutenant, Governor and Captain general over them; whereof the letters were publicly read. The Earl of Mansfeldt (to whom by the death of the Duke of Parma, the said government had been committed by provision) rising from his place delivered his charge into his hand: which done, both he and all the Noblemen and States there present, did swear all fidelity and obedience unto him in the King's name.  
The second of February they of the garrison of Groaning through the favour of the Ice, made a brave enterprise upon the great Fort of Delfziel, they came along a causey 
A brave enterprise of the Groningers upon Delfziel.  where there was no ditch at the rampar, but what was on that side shut up only with a palisado, the which they had pulled down, before that they of the Fort could discover it, or put themselves in arms: so as part of the undertakers had already gotten to the top of the rampar: But they were presently so furiously repulsed, as the combat continued above two hours. And by very good fortune there was one of the Estates ships of war, with sixteen pieces of Ordinance, which shot in flank through them or Groaning, & made a great spoil of them, so as they were forced to retire with great loss. For at their retreat they carried away five and thirty sleds laden with dead bodies and wounded men. Doubtless without that ship of war those of the Fort had been in great danger to have been forced, but they escaped with the loss of one Captain and some fifteen or sixteen soldiers, besides those that were very sore hurt.  
The Estates about that time to augment their army, made a levy of a regiment and some german horse, under the command of the young Earl john of Nassau. And 
The Estates increase their army with new troops.  in like manner the Queen of England did suffer them to raise a new regiment of English, under the command of Sir Francis Veer General of all the English in the State's service. The same month of February the Prince had an enterprise upon the town of Boisleduc in Brabant, which was too much discovered. Yet he was in those parts with good troops, as if he had more designs in hand in that quarter, to keep the Spaniards by that means from passing into Friesland to succour Verdugo, but he suddenly fell upon the town of Maistricht, as we will presently show.  
In March whilst that the Nobility and all the archdukes Court at Brussels, dreamt of nothing but sports, justs and Tourneys, news came that Prince Maurice and the confederate Estates, prepared to go before Boisleduc. whereupon the Archduke 
The Archduke Ernest makes two armies.  having assembled his Council, to resolve what was to be done all that Summer following: it was concluded to raise two armies, one to hinder the Prince's entry into Brabant, and the other to make war in France by Landercy, whereof the Earl of Mansfeldt had the charge. The 19 of the month the Estates of the united Provinces 
1594.  published an Edict, prohibiting all Libels, pa●…ils and scandalous writings, as well against Religion as against the State, enjoining all Printers not to print any thing, before it were visited by them that had authority, and to keep their original copies to confer 
An Edict made by the Estates concerning printing.  them with their impressions, and to see if sense the visitation there had been any thing added that was worthy of censure, and withal to put to the names of the authors: And that by the tenth of April following they should appear and swear to observe the orders contained in the said Edict: with a prohibition to all persons residing under the jurisdiction of the said Estates, not to make any assemblies where Mass should be said, or any exercise of the Romish Religion celebrated, upon the penalities, set down in the edict; nor to carry any other than a secular habit, upon pain of confiscation thereof, to their benefit to whom the Magistrate should appoint it Moreover forbidden all schools which shall not be allowed by the Magistrates, Bailiffs or Lords of the place holding heigh and base justice, or by their officers and judges: And the said schoolmasters not to teach their Deciples any books contrary to the Christian doctrine and the reformed religion, upon the penalties contained in the said Edict. In the same month on Michael Renichon an Apostate priest being come to Breda, was descovered first upon suspicion, and committed to prison. Being examined, be confessed 
Michael Renichon comes to murder Prince Maurice.  that he was come thither to murder Prince Maurice or his young Brother, upon which confession he was sent by the Seignor of Heraughiere (Governor of Breda) unto the general Estates at the Hage in Holland, where being convicted he was condemned to die. His whole confession you may read in his sentence, as followeth. Whereas Michael Renichon borne at Templours and Curate of Boissiere in the country of Namur, prisoner at this present hath confessed, being delivered from the torture and hath sufficiently appeared, that being disguise in the habit of a soldier, he parted from brussels 
The sentence of Michael Renichon.  the fourth of March, with letters from Cont Floris of Barlaimont, and from thence he went to Lovuain, Diest, Herentall and Tournhout, where through favour of the said letters he had a convoy to bring him to Breda; where being arrived the twelfth of the said month, he delivered unto the Governor of the said place, certain letters of the Earl of Barlaimonts, directed unto Captain Langon, who had sometimes commanded in the Castle of Tournhout, containing that the bearer was come thither by the express commandment of the Archduke Ernestus of Austria: The said prisoner declaring also, that he had been charged to descover unto the governor, some enterprise upon the town of Breda, the which he did colour with certain unlikely reasons, wherein he did persist, saying that he had been some years secretary to the Abbot of Marolles, and that a little before he had been advanced to be Secretery to the said Earl of Barlaimont: the which he afterwards confessed to be but an invention of his, yet would he not declare the causes why he was come thither, till that on the first of April being brought to the Hage he had attempted to hang himself with his arming points tied to a bar in the prison, where he was found half dead, having the bloody marks of a halter about his neck, and his speech much impaired. And that the said prisoner the second day of the month, and sense at divers times had confessed, as well by mouth as by his own hand writing: And on the twenty day being freed from the rack had declared and affirmed that by reason of certain suits with the inhabitants of Boissiere for the revenues of his benefice, and for that the country thereabouts was all spoiled and ruined by soldiers, he had been constrained to abandon his charge, and to have served it by a chaplain, going himself to keep a school at Namur, and had never served neither the Abbot of Marolles nor the Earl of Barlaimont: but that he was a Priest and Curate of Boissiere: and that the enterprise upon Breda was an invention of his own. That being known unto the Earl of Barlaimont, having supped with his gentlemen, he was afterwards carried into the Earl's chamber, who demanded of him why he lived in so mean estate, and spent his time in so base a condition, seeing that he should want no means nor good usage if he would have a good and bold courage and advance himself: whereupon the prisoner having presented his service, the Earl sent for him again in the end of February last by his Chaplain, 
1594.  calling him from school. And at night having discoursed in the presence of some others, of a certain enterprise upon the town of Breda, the Earl caused the prisoner to come alone again into his chamber, telling him that he would acquaint him with a matter of great importance, if he would employ himself in the King's service, with promise that he should be richly rewarded, whereunto the prisoner consented: afterwards by the commandment of the Earl, he went with him to Brussels, whereas the Earl went often to Court to the Archduke: But going once among the rest, he commanded the said prisoner to follow him: where (following him still) having crossed through many chambers, the Earl entered into the archdukes chamber, whereas the prisoner had means to see him by a little of the door which remained open, but the Archduke could not discern him. And as he thought to enter into the chamber he could not, for that the door did shut, yet not so close, but that he might easily hear the Archduke and the Earl discourse, sometimes in latin, sometimes in Spanish, under standing that at their departure they spoke of a recompense: And as the Earl went out, the Archduke being at the door, said: Cumulate, et largo foenore satisfaciam: then the Earl coming into the withdrawing chamber, said unto the prisoner that he had talked with the Archduke of their affairs, & that the Archduke would appoint him two hundred Philip's Dallors. At night after supper, the Earl being alone with the prisoner in a chamber, said unto him, that he had charge from the Archduke to root out or cause to be rooted out by a third person the Earl Maurice of Nassau, and that he had a ready some men appointed to put it in execution, & in case that if the prisoner would also employ himself there in (the which he might well do) that both he and his should be richly recompensed, and that he should be saved: saying moreover that he had 15000 crowns to deliver (upon the first news) to them which had committed this murder. whereunto the said prisoner answered, that it was out of his profession having never carried ●…es. Here-upon the Earl persisting with many reasons and great promises, that it was the King's pleasure and the Archdukes, the prisoner undertook it, promising to do therein all he could possibly: and demanding how he might effect it, Barlaimont said unto him that Cont Maurice was a young Noble man, familiar and of easy access, and therefore he should find good opportunity, if he made not too great haste, but did manage this business with shoes of lead. That being come to the Hage, or to any other place where the Earl should be most resident, he should find the rest that were sent to the same end, being six in number, and that the prisoner should be the seventh, that if one failed the other might speed. That being here he might buy a pair of good pistols, the which he should keep always as clean as a clock, either of them charged with two bullets, with the which he should shoot Cont Maurice through the body, or that he should murder him by any other means he could devise, as he might confer thereof more particularly with the rest being arrived there: and how soever he that did best effect it, should be best recompensed: that there were other men also which must be made away, as Barnuiel or Barnevelt, Longolius and Aldegonde. And in case the said prisoner could murder any of them he should be highly recompensed. Commanding the prisoner from that time to conceal his own name, and to take an other, and that he should attire himself like a soldier. Then after divers speeches the Earl of Barlaimont sent for an other man whom the prisoner could not name, the which he said was one of the six, to whom having discovered what the prisoner had undertaken, the same man called him his Camerado or chamber-fellow, saying that he would soon follow him into Holland, with other speeches. Declaring moreover that since the Duke of Parmas' time the said six men (being all murderers) had been entertained in the Court as Gentlemen, at the King of Spain's charge, to employ them in matters of consequence, against his greatest enemies, and that in the mean time the said Barlaimont had received by his Secretary, from the hands of Stephano D'ybarra, the sum of two hundred Phillip's Dallors, the which Secretary did tell them unto the prisoner in divers coins, which he did write down in a certain book that was found about him, mounting to the sum of 500 florins. That the said prisoner being ready to go from Brussels to Antwerp, the 
1594.  other man conducted him unto the boat, and said unto him, that he thought they should be sent to Leyden: The prisoner ask him where it was, and to what end? He answered that Leyden was a Town and an University in Holland where the young Prince of Orange did live at his book, and that they should be sent thither to catch him out of the way and to kill him. After that time the prisoner following Barlaimonts' commandment attired himself in a soldiers habit, calling himself Michael of Trivieres, and went from Antwerp to Tournhout with the Earl of Barlaimonts' letters to Larigon: But fearing much that he was gone, he returned again to Brussels, from whence he went with others belonging unto the Earl towards Lovuain, Diest, Herental and Tournhout.  
Wherefore the councils appointed by the general Estates of the united Provinces, for the examination and judgement of this present fact, finding it a matter of very bad consequence, the which cannot be in any sort tolerate in a country of justice without danger, prejudice or ruin of the good and public quiet, but aught to be rigorously punished, having taken council and advise therein, after grave and mature deliberation, doing right in the name and behalf of the said general Estates of the united Provinces: Have condemned and do condemn the said prisoner to be led to the place of exemplary justice of this Court, there to be executed by the sword until he be dead, than his body to be cut in four quarters, and hung up at four ways coming to the Hage, and his head set upon a stake for all men to behold: declaring his goods to be confiscate. This sentence was pronounced unto the prisoner in open audience of the Court of Holland the 3. of june. 1594. and executed the same day. 
The Archduke sends to purge himself to the general Estates.   
In the beginning of May the Archduke Ernest, to purge himself of the accusations wherewith Michael Renichon the Apostate priest had charged him in his confession, under colour of writing concerning a peace to the general Estates, he sent Otto Hartius and Jerome Coeman-lawiers' unto them, with letter's as followeth.  
MY masters; the love and natural inclination which we have had from our birth, to the good and public quiet of these Netherlands, & the great displeasure we have always had, for the troubles, dissensions and calamities thereof, have been the chief and greatest occasion to persuade and move us to undertake the government thereof. Trusting fully that the Almighty will give us the grace in the end to deliver them from this burdensome destroying and ruinous war, the which hath continued so many years, to the great dissolution and spoil of the said countries, and the prejudice of all Christendom: for if we shall consider their prosperity past, in the which they were maintained whilst they were united in good peace and concord under the lawful and due obedience of the house of Burgongne and Austria: the good order which was then in all things, as well in matters of justice, policy and martial discipline, by which they have been renowned and preferred before all other Kingdoms and common weals, together with the great riches which they did enjoy by means of the treaties, alliances, confederations, navigations and traffic which the had with Portugal, Spain and the Indies: we are assured that there is not any man of judgement, but is very much grieved to see this lamentable alteration which hath happened in these countries within 25. or 30. years, besides an infinite number of charges, taxations and weighty burdens, wherewith the poor commons are surcharged, & are at this time forced to bear in divers quarters: And who with all doth not desire that some good means may be speedily put in practice for the reducing of the said countries to their ancient Estate, public quiet and concord, whereunto all our thoughts are also bend: Being come into these parts with that inclination and intent, leaving the good company of his Imperial Majesty our most honoured Lord, & our other brethren, Kinsfolks and friends, the place of our birth and breeding, the government of so many goodly Kingdoms & Provinces, whereof the charge was committed unto us, and many other goodly and great commodities, which are not needful to repeat, hoping that we should find you tractable & ready to yield to our desire and intention. And although we doubt not, but this is well known unto you, as well by common fame, as by the report of some men: and that it is not as pleasing unto you (the which we desire withal our 
1594.  hearts) to see yourselves and all your posterity, in assured peace and tranquility: yet we would not fail to make an offer thereof unto you by these presents, as well to root out all old jealousies and distrusts, as to let you understand more particularly our good and sincere inclination, and what you may freely attend of us. And as the matter doth touch you nearest: so it is your duties to lay before your eyes, and before all them that are under you, the happiness, prosperity and safety which both you and the whole country may reap thereby, having been so long afflicted and almost ruined by these continual wars. As for the happy success which you have had these years past, as the events of war are variable and uncertain, which may make some forget their former losses and miseries, and not to remember those which are to come; and so persuade themselves that they are secure and safe, neglecting the good occasion that is offered. Wherefore it were most expedient to call to mind many things past, and divers examples, remembering that they could not obtain that by entreaty and prayers, which a little before might have been had with honour and reputation. Wherefore we entreat you lovingly and friendly, that after you have duly consulted and considered; you yourselves will propound unto us such honourable, reasonable and tolerable conditions, as thereby we may (the sooner the better) know that you seek not the continuance and prolongation of this war, which brings with it (besides many other discommodities) nothing but oppression of the people as it is well known to all men. But rather that by these means we may attain unto a good, happy & firm peace. For our parts we will let you understand by the effects, that there is nothing counterfeit hidden in us, as not seeking a dissembled but a true and firm peace. So as all our actions are just and sincere, to the advancement of the public good And if in like manner for your parts you carry the like zeal & good affection, you will show in what estimation you hold us, & that you desire to provide for that which is most requisite & profitable: as the like shall be more amply declared unto you by Master Otto Hartius & Jerome Coemans' Lawyers, the bearers hereof, to whom we refer ourselves, with offers of our love to you. Praying God to send you a good & happy life. From Brussels the 6. of May. 1594. These two Lawyers being come to the Hage in Holland and the cause of their coming known, they had audience in the Assembly of the general Estates. the 16. of the month, whereas Doctor Hartius spoke after this manner.  
My Lords whereas of late we have had passport from the Council of Estate, to come into these parts to treat of some private business, for the which we most humbly thank 
Doctor Hartius speech to the Estates.  them, & all those that have therein employed themselves, with serviceable offers of acknowledgement in our quarters, to those that shall have any need of us. This being come to the knowledge of my Lord the Archduke Ernest, it pleased him to charge us to salute your Lordships on his behalf, with offer of his love: and to let you understand that the chief cause which moved him to come into these parts; was the singular love & natural inclination which he hath always had to the good & quiet of these countries, hoping that God would give him the grace to see them by his means united again & restored to a good peace, and sincere amity, as they were before the beginning of these intestine troubles: to which end, and the better to make his intention known, he commanded us to bring the letters which we delivered unto your Lordships the 12. of this month: thinking that you have understood sufficiently thereby, that he hath no other care, but to restore these countries & the inhabitants thereof, to a sincere, durable and not counterfeit reunion: and although some years passed they have often tended to the same end, and made some trials, but in vain; yea having set down some form of an accord, they have by mistaking of some (whom it is not needful to name, and I would to God there were no memory of them) fallen into the precedent wars, so as your Lordships (having conceived some jealousies and distrust) seem inclined to reject all such conferences and treaties, especially for that of late years your affairs have a little succeeded according unto your Lordship's desires. Yet his Highness trusting that you will not wholly rely upon this momentary prosperity which is subject to alteration (whereof the motive causes may easily fail) would wish (as all others do that love the public good) that your Lordships would resolve, in laying before your eyes, first that all worldly things have their times and seasons: And as there are 
1594.  times of jealousies and distrust, so likewise there come times of confidence, when as they should trust one an other, and provide as well for their own safety, as for their posterities. Secondly that there was never in any part of the world any such dessertion or controversy, but at length it was ended and reconciled, more by treaties and good accords, then by force of arms: for that war produceth fruits so prejudicial to the good of the people, as commonly one dislike or quarrel breeds an other. Thirdly that it was never profitable for any Prince's Estate or common weal, to have refused or rejected honourable and assured treaties of peace. Whereof we had rather pass over the examples which we have in our memory, with silence, then by the rehearsal thereof to publish the errors and omissions of any.  
And whereas your Lordships may at this present be restrained by some distrust, (speaking under correction and with reverence) it is against reason, for that the treaty which is now offered, is in an other time and season upon divers occasions and dispositions, yea it is left to the discretion and arbitrement of your Lordships with other persons: that is with his Highness issued out of the house of Austria, whose sincerity, judgement and virtues, are proper and befitting a Prince well bred: whereby we have seen seven or eight Princes of the house successively attain unto the Imperial Diadem, not by right of inheritance, which doth admit as well bad Princes as good, but by the free and voluntary election of the Prince's Electors, and the commissioners of the Estates of the Empire, grounded upon the virtues and constancy of the Prince whom they choose: as it appeared of late in the person of the Emperor Maximilian the second, his highness father, having been so mild and temperate, as he is to be held a rare and singular instrument to reconcile all controversies in his time, concerning religion and the common weal, holding them in such equal balance, and ending them in such sort, as his like hath been seldom seen Whose examples and steps his Highness desiring to imitate, thought it good to send you his letters by us: Which we doubt not but your Lordships have received with as good an affection, as we are assured they are written with truth and sincerity. Wherefore we do most heartily and humbly beseech you, that it would please your Lordships to consider duly of the contents thereof, and to give such answer unto his Highness, as both he and all men of honour, may have speedy cause of content, in the expectation and hope which they have of your Lordship's wisdoms and discretions. Offering that if your Lordship's representing this honourable Assembly, or any private person shall be offended, or doubt in any point or article, touching the understanding of his highness letters, we are ready & hope in that which concerns our duties to give them such reason, as they shall have cause of contentment: this is the effect of that we had charge to deliver unto your Lordship, by virtue of your letters of credit, entreating you to take it in good part. And withal by your leave and liberty we will add: that his highness understanding, that by the declarations and confessions of a certain prisoner, he is charged to have attempted to have the Prince of Nassaus' Excellency murdered, by the hands of the said prisoner or otherwise, according to the charge and order which he had from the Earl of Barlaimont, he saith that it is an impudent & insupportable slander, being a thing which never entered into his highness thought, out of whose house there never proceeded so infamous and treacherous an act, neither by the grace of God never shall. And for the knowledge of the mere truth, we have thought it good to require your Lordships in his highness name, that it would please you to send the prisoner with a good and safe guard, & with Commissioners deputed, to Antwerp or to brussels, upon his highness promise, to be returned safe & sound into their powers, at the time and place limited. Or else to cause him to be transported to Breda, a town under your Lordship's command and jurisdiction, there to be examined & confronted with the Earl of Barlaimont (who being accompanied with certain Commissioners in his highness name shall appear there in person) upon certain circumstances & particularities, such as shall be thought fit and expedient, granting sufficient passport respectively to that end. Or else that your Lordship will appoint 
1594.  some other form of proceeding such as they shall find most expedient in that case, to descover the truth, which may serve to discharge his highness, and to prove his innocency, to the honour of the judges here: the which in that case no man would in any sort suspect that for certain private considerations such words had been delivered by the said prisoner, or otherwise to have bruited it abroad, to the prejudice of an others honour, or to hinder some design intended by his highness.  
This was Doctor Hartius oration, but he was required to deliver it in writing, the which he did, and being signed by himself and Coemans', it was answered by the Estates as followeth.  
The general Estates of the united Provinces in their assembly, having opened and red the letters of the mighty and most famous Prince Ernestus Archduke of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, etc. being closed up and sealed with his highness seal of arms, in brussels the sixth of this present month of May, and received the twelfth of the same by the hands of Otto Hartius and Jerome Coemans' lawyers, and upon the insinuation made by them the next day being the thirteeneth: and having heard them propound on the fifteeneth what they had in charge (by virtue of a clause of credit inserted in the said letters) the which they have exhibited by writing. To make their good and sincere intention known unto his highness, they have declared and do by these presents declare, that sense the time they have been forced by extreme necessity to take arms in hand, for the preservation of the liberty of the netherlands, together with their ancient previledges, as well of the members thereof, as of towns and inhabitants in parculiar, to divert the oppression of the Spaniards and their proud government over the consciences bodies & goods of the subjects of the said countries, and of their wives and children; their intention and desseign had always been to use those arms (with the grace of God) against the Spaniards and their adherents, with full trust and confidence, that the almighty would bless their good and just intentions, as they had sufficiently tried: The which hath been so much the better known, not only to concur with the good of the said countries: but also of all Kings, Princes and commonweals their good neighbours: having by the mighty hand of that great GOD, not only their designs and means been blessed, but also the hearts of the said Kings and Princes their neighbours stirred up and moved to maintain their good and just cause: whereof they attribute the honour to his divine bounty above, wholly relying upon his immutable power, attending from his hand a good and commendable issue of this heavy and hard war, having a firm hope to see these Netherlands speedily and generally united, and restored to their ancient beauty and prosperity: whereunto they aspire and do their best endeavours, having tried (whereof the remembrance is yet fresh unto them) the commodities and sweetness of peace, tranquillity and union: feeling on the other side the discomodities, toils, and troubles of war. But as they did most humbly thank his highness, for the declaration he had made by his letters, of the good will and affection which he bore unto all those that do sincerely affect the peace, concord and prosperity of these countries: So had they in like manner great cause to complain before God and the world, of those that under false practices and colour of peace, do seek to shed the innocent blood of Christians, and to advance the suppression and total ruin of these Netherlands, wherein the council of Spain (finding themselves now offended in the highest degree) labour more than ever by all means possible; using to that end most unreasonable and unjust proceedings, to the ruin and desolation of these Provinces: Seeing it is well known to all men, how they have behaved themselves with all extremity, and namely to the effusion of innocent blood by the hands of their executioners, so many thousands of poor persons, men and women of all qualities: among the which there were some of the chief noblemen of the country: with the breach of the prerogatives, freedoms, liberties and Belgike rights of the members and towns, as well in general as in particular. Besides many murders, burnings, violences, exactions, commissions, and so many other foul and execrable acts: notwithstanding after so many petitions and supplications, yea by the sending of embassage into Spain, the Marquis of Berghen and the Baron of Montigni, who were entreated contrary to the law of Nations, notwithstanding also the intercession of some great Potentates, to 
1594.  the end that the said countries, the members and towns, with all the good inhabitants thereof, might be maintained in their goodly liberties, privileges and ancient rights, and that the oppression of their consciences, persons and goods, (which the Spanish nation and their adherents do excercise) might be rooted out, which hath been the cause to bring them to those extremities. By reason whereof it shall please his Highness to understand and take in good part, that the said Estates in this business of so great weight, and so important for the good of those countries, and the maintenance of their subjects, proceed in that form and manner which every man sees at this day. And that they can hardly believe, and much less be assured, of that which they speak of the change of humours in the Council of Spain, for that such changes (with greater probabilities) have been heretofore partly believed, to the great prejudice of these countries: For in the beginning of this war, the cruelty of the Spaniards was so great, as they did root out all they could bring under: And that before that (for a thing so worthy, as is the preservation of a country against strangers) they had attempted any thing, either by effect or council: When as not only the Champion country, but even many principal towns were evil entreated by murders, spoiling, burning and other execrable acts: until that in these parts they had resolved to entreat all the Spaniards and their adherents which they could get as rigorously: to let them see by the effects, that they of this party had no less courage and resolution to maintain so just a cause, than they to tyrannize over them, and to seek to bring them into bondage: Being well assured that nothing should be attempted by them against these countries, but it would turn first to their disadvantage. This did somewhat moderate their bloody council, with a show of alteration of their humours: but in such sort as finding it to be too hard and difficult to compass their designs by force, they made show that they would hearken to some reason: and thereupon were appointed the first beginnings of a treaty, in the year 1574. So as the Estates of Holland & Zealand, using their ancient plainness and natural virtue, were moved to set down their grievances, as well by letters as by mouth, and to demand redress. But the fruits of this beginning of a treaty, were on Brabant side the surprise of Antwerp, by the Spaniards, which histories call the day of Fuera Veillacoes: and of the side of Holland, Zealand, and their associates, the two hard sieges of the good town of Leyden: the which by the grace of God, and fidelity of their confederates and their own valour, was preserved from the attempts of their enemies, yea with so extraordinary an amazement of the Spaniards; as (God making them presently to faint) they fled confuzedly out of Holland: soon after they failed to surprise Vtrecht, as they had done the same year before of that famous City of Antwerp. This first deceitful treaty being passed, a second was prepared the year following 1575. in the town of Breda, at the intercession of that mighty Emperor Maximilian the second his highness father: wherein appeared plainly by their acts, how little the Spaniards were inclined to the good of the country: the which had no other fruits but greater preparations to war then ever: whereof soon followed the taking of Buren, Leerdam, Oudewater, Schoonhoven, Bomene, and the siege of Zirixee. Afterwards the Spaniards and their adherents, by robbing, spoiling, burning and other execrable cruelties, yea by surprising of towns which held their own party, they governed themselves with such excess, as the Estates in those parts could no longer endure them, proclaiming them public enemies to the country. whereupon followed the union and confederation made at Gant in November 1075. betwixt all the Provinces of the Netherlands for the preservation of their rights, liberties, privileges and freedoms: It is well known to all men how disloyally and fraudulently this union was approved by the Spaniards, and what fraud and deceit was used in it. The letters of Escovedo, the breach of Don john's oath, the manifest declaration of the Council of Spain, brought by the Baron of sells, and delivered at Macklyn, together with the negotiation treated at Lovuain, in the presence of the Ambassadors of many Princes and Potentates, might give 
1594  sufficient testimony in the years 1577. and 78. It is also well known how deceitfully, shamefully, absurdly and prejudicial, the Assembly held concerning a peace in the City of Cologne, ended. During the which not only the Provinces of Arthois and Henault with some private towns, were seduced and drawn to a particular treaty, but they also used all kind of violences against the good town of Maeistricht, having many secret and false practices, in the other Provinces, towns and members of the same, to breed some alteration, and bring them to their ruin. It is also well known what tricks they have used to circumvent them of Flanders; what goodly presentations they made unto them, and yet how mournful and lamentable the issue was. Whereto did the treaty of peace tend in the year 1587. and 88 and what deceit or rather violence was hidden under it, the great Armadoe of Spain, which arrived during this treaty (the which was held at Bourbourc) all defeated and sunk, by the powerful hand of that great GOD, hath sufficiently showed: since in the year 1591. the designs of a peace procured a new by the Emperor (being entreated thereunto by the King of Spain) with all these Netherlands, have been discovered by the armies sent from time to time out of the said countries against the French King, whereby we may more amply observe, that the Spaniards and their adherents in all their wars do make the advancement of the Romish religion their pretext: But (if they will confess the truth) they labour for nothing but to settle and confirm their pretended Monarchy, to domineer over all Christendom, and to spoil all Kings, Princes and common weals of their rights and lawful prerogatives, as it appeared in the behalf of the Queen and Realm of England, by that proud and mighty army, in 88 of the which they did publicly sing the triumph before the victory, the which they caused to be printed and published. And if we will look into the war and negotiation of France, from that year unto this day; and especially in that they sought to transfer the Crown of France not only from the lawful King, and all the Princes of the blood; but also from the French nation into that of Spain, under the name of their Infanta: The which the Duke of Feria and other Spanish Ministers treated there by commandment from the Council of Spain, it requires no other proof, but the decree given in the Parliament of Paris, and their justifications which are fallen from their League. Many letters intercepted and the effects do witness, that their practices & usage of the countries of Cologne, Strausbourg, the Duchies of juilliers, Cleves and Mont, and likewise of the good town of Aix, tended to no other end. Finally how often hath it been countermined by the chief Princes of Italy. In what esteem do they hold the conquest of Holland and Zealand, joined with the other Provinces, to make Sedem belli of them, or rather an assured rendezvous for all Christendom. So as they had rather quit some part of Christendom to the Turk, then abstain from making war against the Netherlands, or to withdraw any part of their soldiers which are appointed against them. Finally how they do handle the Emperor, the Prince's Electors, the Potentates of Germany, yea all the Estates of Christendom (only for the advancement of this generally Monarchy of Spain) appears plainly by the letters signed with the King of Spain's own hand, whereof the Copy translated is here-unto annexed, the Original remaining in this Court, which letters do also make mention of the point propounded by his Highness: Which is, that the intention of the Council of Spain is, that his Highness should treat sincerely of the affairs of Christendom, and namely to leave the Netherlands in peace, for that it appears by them that the Earl of Fuentes, Don William of Saint Clement and Sephano D'ybarra, all three of them Spaniards, are appointed to be his chief counsellors in matters of the Netherlands, with charge that the said strangers should instruct his Highness in which of the Noblemen of the Country he might trust, how he should govern the Provinces, and how he should govern the Provinces and how he should subdue those which are united and confederate. The Estates doubt not but his Highness hath understood, that of late through the Instigation of the Earl of Fuentes and of Stephano d'Ybarra, Doctor Lopes Physician to the Queen of England, upon promise which they made unto him of fifty thousand crowns, had undertaken to poison her Majesty, who 
1594.  having accused Emanuel, Lovis Tynoca, and Stephano Ferreira Digama, as adherents to this execrable murder, were all executed. As also the said Fuentes and Ybarra had plotted by the hands of Emanuel Andrada (who had undertaken it) to poison the French King, with a nosegay of flowers or roses without any powder, and yet with so subtle a poison, as the smelling thereof should cause his death without remedy. Speaking nothing of that which shall be found in the difinitive process of Michael Renichon, who calls himself Triuteres a Priest of Namur, who two months sense disguise in a soldiers habit, had been sent from brussels into these united Provinces, together with other murderers corrupted to that end, to murder my Lord Prince Maurice of Nassau borne Prince of Orange, yea and his excellencies youngest brother being but ten years old, studying in the university of Leyden, not to take him away as they did the Prince of Orange and Earl of Buren that now is, his elder Brother, out of Lovuain by violence against the rights and previledges of the country, and against the laws of Nations: but in effect to murder him after the same manner that the council of Spain caused there father of happy memory to be slain: whereby his highness and all the world may undoubtedly know, by what people and by what means the good inhabitants of the country are circomuented, and how little the Estates can be abused, when they shall judge, that the present offers of a treaty of peace on the Spaniards behalf, shall proceed out of the same affection and shop, that the precedent did, which are formerly mentioned. And rather, for that in respect of their majesties of France and England allies to these countries; matters will appear more heinous and pernicious then ever, so as the humours of the council of Spain cannot be in any sort changed to the good of these countries, as also there is no likelehood, they (finding themselves wronged in the highest degree) would be more bening, and yield more unto them now then before the said offences, or else that they can entreat these countries (over whom they pretended a right) more mildly, than the Kings, and kingdoms of France, England and Scotland which are equal unto them in dignity and authority. Whereupon the said general Estates, by reason of their duty and oath, are so much the more bound to keep themselves from the false and cautelous practices of the said council. Especially for that the said murders in these united Provinces, and against the French King and the Queen of England, together with the open war against the crown of France, have been manifest, and continued sense his highness coming into the Netherlands: And although that all these pretexts did cease, which they with reason insist upon, yet their alliances, leagues and communication of affairs do require: And admit we may well believe that his highness is displeased at such murders: yet we ought not to have so great a regard thereunto as to the designs and intentions of the King and his council of Spain, from whence his highness received his commission and authority: and that in this quality they may at all times revoke him, and appoint an other in his place: against which change, they cannot in any sort assure themselves. And withal the said general Estates cannot comprehend that within these Provinces nor without (allied with one firm bond of confederation with the Queen of England the French King, and other Princes, potentates and common weals, as well friends to these countries, as to all the comonalty of Christendom) they may bring any fruit by the overture of a treaty of peace which is offered, but they are resolved to rely upon the hope which they have in GOD and attend from his all-powerful bounty and clemency (although they have always and do daily observe that worldly things are subject to change) a happy and commendable end of their just cause, not only in regard of the united Provinces, but also for all the others of these Netherlands, to the advancement of his glory and holy word, and the prosperity of all the Belgic Provinces. Thus done and resolved in the assembly of the general Estates at the Hage, the 17. of May. 1594.  
This answer was given to Doctor Hartius and Coemans' with an Authentical copy 
1594.  of the King's letters, whereof mention is made in this answer: the which having been intercepted and brought unto the Estates, two were found dated from S. Laurent (which is the Escurial) of the 14. and an other of the 15. of October, and of the fourth and seventh of December 1593. signed with the Kings own hand, directed to Don William of Saint Clement his ambassador in Germany. By the first of the 14. among other clauses, and whereof the Estates answer maketh mention, there was that which followeth.  
Touching the pacification of the Estates rebelled, seeing you are so fully informed of that matter, you can tell how to manage it, in case there be any means or likelehood to 
An extract of the king of Spain's letters.  conclude it. And you shall let all the world know that he seeks the public good, and to requite me for the good esteem I have of him, that he may effect this business, as the importance thereof did require. Finally you shall give colour by all possible means to this business, to the end it may be effected, seeing it willbe so great a good for Christendom. All this is briefly touched unto you, hereafter you shallbe advertised of all occurrents: and you for your part shall advertise us: (both before and after your departure towards Flanders) particularly what your advise is upon every point, and what you think fit: Moreover upon the way you shallbe careful to advertise my cousin of such of my Estates as shall come to him, and of those that shall write unto him; to the end that without any show of distrust, he may be wary and vigilant, and not suffer himself to be carried away by uncertain advertisements, but that he may know the humours and intentions of every one. And after his arrival, he must have this consideration, to discern the persons whom he must trust. To which end you shall take particular informations from the Earl of Fuentes and Stephano d' Ybarra, who will also dicipher the Estate unto you, and the humours of men which are in government, upon whose discipline, as also upon the distribution of their pay, it shallbe needful there be a great change: for which there are in those parts particular dispatches of ours etc.  
And by that of the seventh day of December he saith, speaking of the Emperor, the Archduke Ernestus, the Turk and the Princes of Italy.  
As also you shall represent unto them, that for that which concerns the Turk, it shallbe no prejudice, as heretofore you have let them know more particularly, and you shall advertise me of all that shall pass. Without doubt he hath reason to apprehend the losses which he hath made of Vesperin and Palotte: and to complain that they take no order to prevent a greater loss: It were expedient (if it might be) to accommodate matters by an ordinary course of truce, and of a greater present: and that you seek to win the good wills of the Bashaws by gifts, for it is the ordinary and only remedy for difficulty concerning them. I think you have already condoled with the Emperor in my name as touching his troublesome travel: and that you know how to govern yourself therein, that I be no further engaged, but he rest satisfied with my good will. You shall do well to pursue that which you have already propounded: which is, that to attain unto the pacification of Holland and Zeeland, the point is, there may be forces ready, that afterwards they may give the better assistance against the Turk. Touching the Diet which you say they treat of, order shallbe given for that which shallbe fit, and you shallbe advertised, as you shall do the like, of that which you shall understand concerning that business: for they write from Rome, that if it may be without calling of a diet, they will give the Emperor some contribution and means. It is necessary you should advertise me particularly of what passeth betwixt you and Cardinal Mandrucio in matter of leagues. And in the mean time that we shallbe besied to give you answer, that you seek to practise with him, but yet in general terms, letting him understand that to make this design easy, it shallbe requisite above all things, to make the Princes of Italy resolute, in taking away all difficulties, seeing they have so great an interest in it. And in regard of the title of a King, which the Duke of Florence affects, you shall hinder it: whereof be careful: but as for that which concerns the Duke of Ferrara, you may assist him, so as the investiture agreed with the person, whereof I have formerly written unto you, this shallbe the best etc.  
IF the general Estates had been scrupulous before, and distrustful to treat with the 
1594.  King of Spain, these letters did make them much more suspicious: wherefore Hartuis and Coemans' returns as they came with this answer from the Estates. The Archduke was loath to employ any greater personages, knowing they should not prevail any thing: but the reason why he sent the said deputies under colour to propound a treaty of peace, was to no other end, but to justify himself, of the fact which Michael Renichon had undertaken, wherewith he had so charged him: the news thereof being at that time come to Ratisbonne, to an Imperial Diet, where there had been some speech, for the choosing of the Archduke King of romans.  
The Archduke Ernest for the first fruits of his government, sent Charles Earl of Mansfeldt with an army to make war against the French king▪ on the frontiers, in the country 
Capelle taken by Mansfeldt.  of Tyrace, where he besieged Capelle, the which being summoned would not yield, hoping the King would succour them, as he intended, having sent the duke of Bovillon with 12000. foot and 2000 horse to that end. But being upon the way, the besieged fearing their succours would come to late, seeing their ramparts beaten down with Mansfeldts continually battery, they yielded the town, and the duke returned with his army. Coevorden being as we have said straightly blocked up by Verdugo and Cont Herman vanden Berghe, Prince Maurice having some great design, would first free this place▪ wherefore he went to field with the best part of the Estates forces, to set upon the ●…orts which 
Prince Maurice frees Coverden.  the Spaniards had there abouts, or to give them battle if it were offered: But Verdugo and the Earl hearing of his approach, made a retreat, and abandoned all these forts, which they had built, and kept seven or eight months, to their great charge and no profit, leaving Coevoerden at liberty, the which was presently refreshed with men and victuals.  
Passing on from thence which his troops, and causing his army to advance, he resolved to besiege Groaning, the which he was about the last year▪ But before we enter into 
The Estates go to besiege Groaning.  the siege, we will speak a little of the Estate of the town. Groaning is a strong ancient town, which some think to be that which Pliny calls Phyleum, fair, well fortified and the best peopled of that part of Friesland, on this side the river of Ems and Dollard, seated in a country which is very pleasant and fertile, the which makes also one of the seaventeen Provinces of the Netherlands. This commonweal was heretofore annexed to 
A brief description of Gronning.  the Diocese of Vtrecht for a hundred years, so as they did acknowledge the bishop for their Lord and Prince both spiritual and temporal: until Frederic son to a Marquis of Baden, than bishop of Vtrecht, in whose time the factions of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers reigned in Friesland (whereof we have in the beginning of the history made ample mention:) in the time of the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, who by reason of the miseries which these two factions were cause of throughout all Friesland, took occasion to give this signory of Groaning, with all Friesland in fee to Albert duke of Saxony, to enjoy them as Governor hereditary under the Emperor, of whom they were held. But as the Frisons refuzed to receive him, in the end he persuaded the Nobility to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord: with whose aid he made sharp wars against the Vetcoopers, with whom the Groningers joined them selves. But captain Foox the duke's Lieutenant, did so tyre them, as they were glad to reconcile themselves unto the Duke, upon condition (amongst others that they should leave the possession which they had had in Oostergoe, Weestergoe, and the seven Forests, and should pay two and thirty thousand florins in gold. The other towns in Friesland, (amongst the which Lewaerden is the chief) submitted themselves under the Duke's protection. But soon after the Lewardiens having slain their Lieutenant, did rebel by the instigation of them of Groaning. The duke of Saxony returning with an army reduced them unto reason. They of Groaning fearing to be forced (by the mediation of Frederic (bishippe of Vtrecht) obtained a truce for six months. The Duke being returned into his country of Misnia, having left Duke Henry his son for Governor in Friesland, the Frisons sought the third time to free themselves from his subjection, and besieged Duke Henry in the town of Franiker.  
The father hearing these news and the danger wherein his son was, posted thither with an army, raised the siege and freed him: And then he sought to punish the 
1594.  rebels of Groaning, as the motives of this revolt. The bishop of Vtrecht sued again for them, & obtained them a new truce, during the which Albert died, and by his death Groaning was freed from his siege. But not able to live easily and at peace, they went to besiege Dam which Edsard Earl of East-Friseland held in Duke Albert's name: to draw them from thence, Huge Earl of Leysnich besieged Groaning very straightly: then had they recourse again to the Bishippe of Vtrecht, who procured them a peace for four years. The which being expired, Cont Edsard (whom Duke Henry being then in Misnia had left for his Lieutenant) and captain Vito of Draecksdorp, did block them up with two great forts and besieged them round about, The Burghers having endured this hard siege all the winter, wanting all things necessary, and seeing the towns of Oueryssell fail them in the succours which they had promised, they resolved to treat with the Saxons. But they soon altered their opinions, for that captain Draecksdorpe had caused the noses and ears of two Burghers to be cut off, and so sent them back into the town, for that they would not put themselves to ransom: The Groningers moved with this cruelty, left the Saxons, and accorded with Cont Edsard yielding him the town, upon condition that he should never suffer it to return under the government of the Dukes of Saxony. The Earl accepting of these conditions, entered in May after in the year of Lord 1506. and received the oath of fidelity of the Burghers, which done he built a citadel there without any contradiction, and placed a good garrison therein. George duke Saxony did challenge it, but it was in vain: by reason whereof Cont Edsard was cited to the Imperial chamber, and there commanded to deliver up the town to the Duke of Saxony, which he did not, whereupon he was banished the Empire.  
In the end Duke George came with nine thousand men horse and foot, being assisted by the Duke of Brunswick, where he not only besieged Groaning, but spoilt all East-Friseland Cont Edsards' inheritance, taking many castles and forts: so as the Earl was forced to leave Groaning to go and succour his natural subjects, and having soon after lost Dam, finding his forces to weak, to make head against so great Princes, he quite abandoned them of Groaning: who seeing themselves forsaken and the danger that hung over them, they fell to consult amongst themselves of making an accord with the Duke of Saxony: sending their deputies unto him, with offer to yield up the town, reserving their previledges and certain other conditions: among others, that it should be lawful for them to raise the citadel, which Cont Edsard had built. The which Duke George refuzing, the deputies returned, after they had told him that never he nor any of his should be Lord thereof. Hereupon the Citizens took a new advise to choose an other Prince that might defend them against the Saxons. So with a general consent they made choice of Charles Duke of Geldres, who greatly affected this Estate: sending William van Oyen General of his horse thither, who being entered into the town, the citadel was razed in his presence. This done the Burghers took their oath in his hands to the crown of France, and to the duke of Geldres. This did cause a great war betwixt these two dukes, George of Saxony, and Charles of Geldres, betwixt the which the battles were often variable: but in the end the Saxon discontented with this inconstant government of Friesland, yielded up all his interest unto Charles Prince of Spain, afterwards Emperor, for two hundred thousand crowns, and so leaving Friesland he returned into his country of Misnia. Hereupon grew a great and a long war betwixt the Bourguignon and the Gueldrois: the duke having made the Earl of Emden his Lieutenant there.  
In the end the Groningers refuzing to pay a certain tribute, of ten thousand florines of gold, which they had promised him, he forsook them, and was abandoned by them, after that he had been acknowledged twenty years together for their Prince Protector. Hereupon the Groningers having assembled their Estatets they sent to demand succours of the Lady Marguerite, the Emperor's Aunt, Dovager of Savoy, and Governess of the Netherlands, promising him the same tribute which 
1594.  they had paid to the Duke of Geldres. She (who desired nothing more than to enlarge the limits of her nephews Estates) sent George Schenck of Tautenburg, governor of Friesland thither, who entered into Groaning the eight of june, and received the people's oath in the Emperor's name, recovering all which the Geldrois had held in a short time, but there was an accord made afterwards betwixt the Emperor and the duke, as you may read in the fifth book. From the year 1536. that town hath remained under the obedience of the Emperor and the King of Spain his son, unto the year 1576. that by the mutynie of the garrison against their Colonel and governor Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, it submitted itself under the generality of the united Provinces, and afterwards in the year of our Lord 1580. it was again yielded to the Spaniards by George of Lalain Earl of Rheneberg, under whom it hath suffered much unto this year of our Lord and Saviour 1594. that it was reduced, under the general union of the confederate Provinces of the Netherlands, as you shall here.  
After that Prince Maurice had relieved Coevoerden, he came with all his army being a hundred and five and twenty companies of foot and six and twenty cornets of horse, with artillery and all other things necessary conducted as well by land as by the rivers which are within the country, and camped the 21. of May before the town of Groaning, about the which (after that he had with great speed entrenched his whole camp) he caused six great forts to be made upon all the approaches, well furnished with men and good artillery. Of the which that of the West part had ten companies of foot and twelve pieces of ordinance, and the rest accordingly. The chief camp was on the West side, betwixt the Drasport and the tower of Drentelaer: betwixt the which were the ravelin of Oosterport, the Heereport, the Pasdam, with a case mate, (otherwise called Breemers buyck) and the plat form at the end of the waters, all mounted with good artillery, the which might greatly annoy the camp; yet did Prince Maurice cause his ordinance to be planted on that side: which was against the tower of Dehtelaer five pieces, against the Ravelin of Oosterport ten, against Heereport twelve, against the Asses hoof six, and two or three against the platform.  
The Prince had his own quarter retrencht apart within the great trench, upon the way of Helpen near unto Horen: and Cont William Lewis of Nassau his cousin, Governor of Friesland, in the midst of the camp, with the Frisons, English, Germains and Zeelanders. They of the town had made all necessary provision to defend themselves, and to endure a long siege, so as they neither wanted victuals nor munition of war: true it is they had no garrison within the town, but it was before their port on the side of Drentelaer, as you go to Dam and Delfziel, and to the fort of Schuytendyep, which is one of the suburbs of the town serving for a small haven for that which comes from Emden through the country: which garrison they might receive into the town whensoever they pleased. And withal they had the fort of Auwerderzyel which did defend that side, in the which there were some 100 and thirty men: which Cont William before all others went to besiege, he battered it, and the nine and twenty day of May took it by assault. The besieged seeing themselves forced, laid down their arms, and entreated to have their lives saved, but for the proud answer which they had made unto the drum which did summon them, they were all cut in pieces, with the Lieutenant of Lankama Governor of the town, excepting some few which saved themselves at the first by swimming, when they see their rampar forced.  
Prince Maurice having won this fort made his approaches nearer, and having summoned the town to submit under the union of the Estates: they answered that the Prince should stay a year before he made that demand, and then they might consider of it, but not before. Upon this answer, the cannon being planted as we have said, it began to play furiously against the Tower of Drentlaer, the which stood not long before it was beaten down, and against the ports and Ravelyns above named, the which were strangely torn: besides that the fiery bullets, and other fire works which were shot into the town, did much amaze the besieged. The English and Scottish 
1594.  were lodged within the counterscarpe, along the town ditches near unto the artillery, upon whom the besieged did sometimes sally with loss of either side. One night 
A brave sally of the Groningers.  being fallen upon the English quarter, they slew a good number having surprised them suddenly: but of the besieged there was the son of a Bourguemaster slain, and some other Burghers. This they did often, until their passage out of their ports was cut off, so as they could sally forth no more. And besides the battery, the Prince began then to mine. Heerport was most ruined, for on that side was the chief battery. They of the town failed not to shoot into the camp, amongst others (as it was reported) one of their bullets fell just into the mouth of one of the Prince's cannons being charged and ready for to shoot, the Gonner giving fire, sent back that bullet with the other which he had charged into the town, the which was a strange accident.  
The fourteenth day of june, whilst that the Prince was busy before Groaning, the Archduke spent his time in all sorts of triumphs and sports, at his proud and stately entry into the town of Antwerp. Where in the end it was propounded how they should succour Groaning, the charge whereof was given to the Earl of Fuentes, but there wanted money, and having no means to levy forces, the town could not be relieved. In the mean time Prince Maurice hastened his mines, two were finished, that by Heerpoort was advanced above twenty paces under the ravelin, which was wont to be the Citadel, (which the Spaniards since the first troubles had built, and was after ruined by the Burghers). The besieged seeing no show of succours, and Prince Maurice did still so press them with his continual battery, which had ruined all their Bolwarkes and Ramparts, they began to despair, and to whisper of an accord among themselves: especially some (who in their hearts loved their country) desiring rather to see the State's men within the town than the Spaniards: and thereupon they sent their deputies unto 
Deputies sent to treat.  the Prince, to treat of an accord. But they of the King of Spain's party, (among the which were the chief of the town, the Prelates and other clergy men) stronger in number and authority: to avoid all murmoring, and contain the people in their obedience, caused (although it were not without some popular tumult) captain Lankama Lieutenant to Colonel Verdugo to enter into the town, with five companies which 
Lankama enters the town with five companies.  he had in the suburbs of Schuytendyep. The deputies that were sent unto the Prince, hearing the mutiny which happened in the town, for that they had drawn in those companies, returned confused without any effect. Then the Burghers holding the Spaniards party, and the soldiers, promised to aid one an other, and to hold good unto the end, until the King of Spain should send them some succours. The Prince seeing himself abused by this pretended capitulation, continued his battery and his mines, and to do what else he could against the town, within the soldiers did what they could with the inhabitants of their party, so as there were to the number of four thousand great shot came out of the town into the camp.  
On the fifteenth of july the my of the Ravelin of Oosterpoort being ready to be blown up, the battery began again very furiously against the said Ravelin, to batter all that down which the besieged had rampared up, (on the which were eight pieces of ordinance the which were made unseruisable) with some show of a breach. The Prince commanded his men should be put in order of battle, by squadrons, as if he would assail the Ravelin: the besieged seeing them in this order, fortified the place with men, which presented themselves to defend the breach, in the mean time fire was given to 
A mine which wrought great effect.  the mine, the which was blown up so fitly, as a great number of them that were with in slew up into the air, whereof many falling into the ditches, were drowned, and some were cast even into the camp. The mine having wrought his operation, the Prince caused an assault to be given, the which was a little maintained: but the amazement was so great, as the besieged leaving the place, saved themselves by the Oosterport, into 
A Ravelin won by assault.  the town, being covered by this Ravelin.  
This being won the assailants entrenched themselves against the town, after they had found four pieces of brass Ordinance and two of iron, buried in the earth which the mine had raised. 
1594.   
The besieged having lost this Ravelyn and some hundred footmen in it, began to faint, having no more hope of succours. The next day they resolved by a general consent, as well Burghers as soldiers to send one of the Bourgmaisters called john den Boer, with a drum unto the Prince to offer him the town, upon condition notwithstanding that he should summon it once more the next day to yield. Being come unto the Prince and being heard, after that he had asked the opinions of 
The Groningers offer to yield.  his Council at war, he answered that he had summoned it sufficiently and that he would summon it no more, holding it already in his power. But if the Burghers thought it good to send their Deputies to treat of the conditions of an accord, they might do it. Or if they desired to try their forces in making a longer resistance and attend the extremities of a general Assault, they should see (with too late a repentance) what should befall them. The besieged being perplexed with this sudden and threatening answer, sent unto the Camp the nineteenth of the month, john Balen Captain and Bourgmaister, Frederic Musey Bourgmaister also, Albert Eli, Vlgert Vlgerson Sheriffs, john Gryt Official, john Assera Commander of Wirsum, 
Deputies from Groaning.  Rudolph Certs, john Malder, Poppo Euerard Secretary, Henry Honincke Interpreter, and john Lubects, Sanders of Groot-velt Lieutenant to Cont Frederic vanden berghe, to treat with the Prince and his Council of their Accord. Who sent for them in hostage to the Town, the Signors of Sousfeldt, Swartsenbourg and Grise vander Noot Captain of his Guards and other. The conditions of the compositions were a while debated, in the end the besieged seeing there was no remedy, agreed to yield the town, and to deliver it into the Prince's power, upon the conditions which follow.  
1 First, that all offences, injuries and acts, done from the beginning of the troubles, and last alterations, as also whatsoever hath passed during this present siege, as well general as particular, both within and without are pardoned and forgiven, as 
Articles of the treaty of Groaning.  if they had never happened at all, whereof there shall never be any mention, molestation, nor search made at all, upon pain for all them that shall▪ go against it, to be reputed and punished as mutines, and troublers of the public quiet.  
2 Second: Those of the Magistrates and the inhabitants of Groaning, promise by these presents, to remit themselves into the general union of the united Provinces, and to adhere unto the general Estates of the said Provinces, and to be faithful and loyal unto them. According unto the which the town and country of Groaning as one of the members of the said provinces, shall assist the other confederates, faithfully, firmly, and inviolably without dissimulation: Entertaining good amity and correspondence: and that at all times and upon all occasions, they shall do their best endeavours to repulse and chase out of the Netherlands, all Spaniards and their adherents, which have and do seek (against equity right and reason) to oppress and ruin the Inhabitants thereof, to bring them to perpetual bondage, and to make them slaves for ever.  
3 Item they of Groaning shall hold and enjoy all their privileges, libertles, rights and freedoms.  
4 Item the town and the Ommelands' coming to appear and to give their voice unto the generality, with all that may depend thereon, they shall govern themselves according unto the which (after hearing of the cause) shall be set down and decreed by the general Estates.  
5 That the most Noble William Lewis Earl of Nassau shall be received and held for Governor of the town and country of Groaning, according to the commission which he hath received from the said general Estates. And that the controversy which is betwixt the Town and the Ommelands, or that may grow, shall remain suspended, until it be ended by the said general Estates or their Committees.  
6 That in the town and country of Groaning there shall be no other excercise but of the reformed religion, such as is at this present used throughout all the Provinces, 
1595.  and that no man shall be disquieted nor molested for his conscience. And that all Monasteries and Clergy men shall remain in the estate they are in at this present, until that the Estates have sufficiently redressed the Estate of the town and country of Groaning: And then order shall be given for the enjoying of the goods and entertaining of Clergy men, provided always that the Commanderies of Wyrsum, Wyt●…ert and Osterwyrum shall be held & entreated as other Commanderies lying in the united Provinces.  
7 That for assurance of the generality, and of the town, and to prevent all inconveniences betwixt the Burghers and Inhabitants, they of Groaning shall receive 5. or 6. companies of the generality, and with the advice of the Magistrate, and with the least oppression of the Inhabitants that may be, they shall have money furnished them at such a rate as shall be hereafter agreed upon, by the said Cont William and the town and country together.  
8 Touching the razing of Forts it shall be done as need shall require and with the knowledge of the said general Estates.  
9 That the town and country of Groaning shall for the levying of means and contributions for the good of the common cause, be bound to conform themselves hereafter with other Provinces that are contributory.  
10 All taxations and contributions which unto this day have been contributed and received, as also the revenues whereof accounts hath been made, the accounts shall be held good, and that which hath not been brought, they shall come and account for before the old Law, but yet they shall have no authority to receive the remainder.  
11 That all such as are fled or banished out of Groaning or the Ommelands, or their heirs, shall be restored to all their goods that are not alienated, wherein modesty shall be used.  
12 And in regard of movable goods which have been alienated, be it for debt or for mortgage, as also those which have been confisked: the interessed may take their goods again unto them, redeeming them for their own uses within four years, restoring the money that was paid and the rent of the money: Out of the which they shall defalk the revenues which the purchaser hath received. And if there grow any question, they shall be referred to the decision of a competent and ordinary judge.  
13 It shall be lawful for all Burghers and Inhabitants of the ●…wne of Groaning, Clergy or Secular, to remain freely within the town, or to retire into any other neutral towns and places where they shall think good, and there reside enjoying their own proper goods, but not go to the enemy's party.  
14 In this treaty shall be comprehended all strangers of what quality or nation soever, remaining at this present in the said tow●… and there to continue their residence, taking the oath of fidelity, or else they may retire again to a neutral place.  
15 All letters of rent, mortgages, pensions, debts and charges, of all Abbots, Prelates and ecclesiastical persons, as well strangers as natural, being during the troubles retired into the town of Groaning: appointment for their nourishment and entertainment, shall remain at the decision of the Estates, or the Magistrate of the Province or town, under which those Monasteries or Colleges are situated, from whence they grow, to do as they shall think fit according unto right and equity.  
16 The Deputies of this Town of Groaning being at Brussels in commission, with their servants and goods shall be also held for reconciled and comprehended in this accord, provided always that they return within three months.  
17 The Burghers that were taken prisoners during the siege shall be set at liberty paying their ransoms.  
18 The government of the Town shall belong unto the Magistrate: Provided notwithstanding that the said magistrate and the Iurates of the commons, shall for this 
1594.  time only be established by his Excellency and the said Cont William, with the advice of the council of Estates. And from that time forward the election of them of the Law shall be made according to the ancient custom.  
19 They may not by conformity of union transport nor resign the town of Groaning to any Kings, Princes, Lords, towns or common weals, without his good liking and common consent, nor yet build any citadels.  
20. Those of the Magistrate, Burghers and Inhabitants of Gronning, shall take the oath of fidelity required to the generality, as other towns have done.  
21. All provisions, be it of money or munition of wars, victuals, artillery or other things sent into Groaning, or belonging unto the King of Spain, or that have been otherwise brought in during this war, shall be delivered unto the generality, or to their commissaries.  
The accord for the men of war, the which was made with captain Lankama lieutenant to Colonel Verdugo, captains, and officers as well for themselves, as for their soldiers, having been in garrison in the town of Groaning and at Schuytendyep was after this manner.  
First that the said Lieutenant Colonel, all the capaines officers and soldiers (except such as had served under the Estates) their wives, followers and baggage may freely 
Ac●…ord 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 within Groaning.  depart, with their full arms without any molestation or stay to their persons or goods, only they shall be bound to deliver their Enseigns into his Excellency's hands, which done they shall be safely conducted by the Drowned towards the Governor Verdugo, wheresoever he shall be found to have planted his camp, and from thence beyond the river of Rhine, with promise for 3 months they shall not serve on this side that river.  
His Excellency for the more easy transporting of their baggage, wives, children, sick and hurt men, the which may endure to be carried in wagons, shall cause them to be furnished with eighty wagons to serve them, and to be led by a commissary and a safe convoy, such as it shall please his Excellency to appoint, the which shall convoy them unto Otmarsum, or at the farthest to Oldenziel: And the said Lankama shall be bound to leave some of his Captains in pawn for assurance of the said wagons until their return.  
All Captains, Officers, and soldiers, who by reason of their wounds and infirmities cannot endure the travel, shall remain still in the town until they be reasonably well cured; and they shall have passports given them to return to their companies, be it by water or by land.  
That Captain Wyngarden having paid his charges shall depart without ransom, as in like manner all soldiers, victuallers and wagenors of the Camp being prisoners within the town.  
That all the goods of the Governor Verdugo being within the town shall go freely forth, and shall be carried unto the place whereas they that have the charge, shall think it convenient or else they may remain safely within the town until the said governor shall dispose of them.  
That all horses or, baggage belonging to any officers of the King of Spain being now absent, shall pass freely, and be conducted with the rest of the soldiers.  
That all men at this time residing in the town of Groaning, of what nation or condition soever. Offcers and others, as well Clergy men, and two jesuits as other temporal men, may depart with their wives, children, families, cattle and goods, and enjoy the same convoy and safety.  
And if any of the said Inhabitants, be it man or woman, by reason of some let in their affairs, cannot depart with the said men of war, they shall have six months granted them from this present accord, during the which they may stay here and do their business, and then retire themselves with their goods and families, be it by water or by land, whether they please.  
The Lieutenant Colonel, Captains, Officers and soldiers, this accord being signed shall presently without any delay, depart out of Groaning and Schuytendyep.  
Made in the Camp before Gronning the 22, of july. 1594. behold how this strong 
1594.  and mighty town of Groaning was forced and brought into subjection in two months space.  
After that the ramparts of the town of Groaning were repaired, all the trenches of the eampe laid even, and the law and Magistrate renewed, Prince Maurice carrying 
Prince Maurice return ●…s victorious to the Hage.  back his army, entered victoriously into Amsterdam, where he was received with great pomp by the Magistrate, with all shows of honour, love and joy. The like was done in other towns where he passed returning to the Hage, with goodly and rich presents, the which did stir up his young and noble courage to greater attempts, tending unto virtue.  
This summer the Emperor called an assembly of the Princes of the Empire at Rheinsbourg, whether came the three Electors of Cologne, Mentz, and Treves, William Frederick Duke of Saxony administrator of the Duchy of Saxony. Frederick Lodowick Palsgrave of the Rhine. Maximilian duke of Bavaria. Casimire and Ernestus brethren Dukes 
An assembly of the Princes of the ●…mpire in Germany.  of Saxony of Coborch, whose father was prisoner in Gothia. Frederick duke of Wirttenberg: George Lodowick Landgrave of Luchtenbourg, the young Duke of Holst, Christian Prince of Anholt with divers others, and the Deputies of sundry Princes, and imperial towns: And for the King of Spain and the house of Bourgongne there came Charles Philip Baron of Croy, Marquis of Haurec and others. Besides the three spiritual Princes Electors, there were the Bishops of Salsbourg, Writenberg and others.  
In this assembly the Emperor moved the Princes of Germany for aid against the Turk the which was granted: whereas there grew some controversy among the Protestant Princes towns, for that the Palsgrave of the Rhine and some others did not so strictly maintain the confession of Ausbourg, as others did, namely the administrator of Saxony, who during his administration would have the opinion of Mathias Flaccus Illiricus and jacobus Andraeas again maintained throughout all the territories of Saxony, the which had been somewhat moderated by the deceased Princes, so as he caused all such as any way opposed themselves to be persecuted and expelled out of all universities and other places, under the names of Caluenists and Zwinglians, whereupon in Lypsick and many other places the Caluenists were spoiled and their goods violently taken from them, whereupon many fled, and were received into the Palsgraves' country: For which at the said assembly the Saxon Protestants would have separated themselves from the Palsgraves' Ambassadors in their general petition, which the greater part would not assent unto, but rather desired unity & love. And for that the young Palsgrave Frederick was much spoken against as differing from his father in points of religion, there was a confession of the faith made in his name, the which was published in these terms.  
I am not shrunk nor fallen from the religion which my father held, the which was grounded upon the writings of the Prophets and apostles; who in his life time believed neither in Martin nor james, but only in Christ, the like Simbolum, and the like grounds of faith I do also constantly hold, defend and protect, and will do to my 
Frederick 〈◊〉 of the Rhine makes consessio●… of h●…s faith.  power: My father did greatly dislike of the Arrians, Nestorians, Eutichians and Anabaptists, and of their mad opinions, which I also being his son do as much abhor. My father in like manner disliked of the abusers of Sacraments, the which are of two sorts, the one make Idols of the Sacraments, and honour the sacramental signs as the things themselves, and the other hold them but for bare signs, the which I also dislike. And now I come nearer, my father disliked of the Caluenists and Zwinglians, the which I his son would in like manner do, if they were like unto the Vbiquitari and Flacciani, that is if the truth, the power or the presence of Christ upon the earth were denied by them. But herein I am more fortunate than my father, for that I know that under the name of Caluenists, the truth of the relligions' Orthodoxy is by the contentious people of Germany much slandered and persecuted; the which without doubt the good Prince Eector my father, would have found if God had lent him longer life. This error the two mighty Saxon Electors Augustus the father and Christianus the Son (being great, valiant & wise Princes) began to discover. D. Luther's writings I do no less esteem than my father did, but yet I hold them unwise which esteem whatsoever was written 
1594.  by him and others, to be pure, as gold or silver. At this assembly it was resolved that some good course should be divised for the settling of a perfect peace in the Netherlands in regard of the great complaints which were made by the bordering countries, being subject to the spoils and incursions of either party. This peace was held very difficult to effect: Being held a matter impossible to draw the King of Spain and the house of Austria to relinqish and disclaim by any contract, the right and title which they had to those rich & mighty Provinces of the Netherlands: And on the other side they found no Possibility to reconcile the united Provinces unto the King of Spain, as it appeared plainly in their answer made unto the Archduke Ernestus: yet being in hope of some good means, they resolved to send certain Princes unto either party, to reconcile them if it were possible, or else to make report in whom the fault was, that according to the custom of the Empire they might force them thereunto, whereupon there was order taken for a certain sum of money to be levied, to defend the fronters of the Empire against both parties.  
Although the Prince had yet time enough to do some good exploit the rest of this summer 1594. and means to recover some place or two in that quarter of Freezeland: yet by reason that the French King demanded succours, the Estates army was in good 
A new desseinge to murder Prince Maurice.  time put into garrisons. In the beginning of November there was a certain soldier taken near unto Lillo; he was of Nivelle in Brabant, and his name was Peter du Four having served sometimes in the foot company of Prince Maurice his guard; who came expressly to Lillo, to find some means to return into the said company, and being there to watch his opportunity to murder the Prince, the which you may read in this sentence pronounced against him and executed in the town of Berghen up Zoom, wherein are contained his confession and other circumstances of his arraignment as followeth.  
Whereas, Peter du Four born at Nivelle, a prisoner at this present and freed from 
The sentence pronounced against Peter du Fou●…  his bonds, hath voluntarily confessed, that some years past being in service under the united Provinces, as a soldier in divers companies going from one unto an other, in the end he left the garrison of Breda to go into France, where he served under the artillery, both in the town of Capelle in Tyrasch, during the siege, and in the camp before Laers in Launoy, until the taking thereof, from whence being returned into the enemy's country, he continued with some kinsfolks and friends of his: and among others with Gheertrude Maribo his Aunt, dwelling near unto Nivelle, whereas he was persuaded to serve the enemy, for the effecting whereof, and to make him known unto La Motte the said Gheertrude (who was well known in his house) led her kinsman unto brussels, who being brought unto La Mott, he asked him what resolution he had to serve the King of Spain, whereof the prisoner finding himself assured, he opened unto him an enterprise upon this town of Berghen, and had divers conferences with La Motte concerning that matter: In October last he was presented to the Archduke Ernestus, to whom La Motte having declared that it was the man who had resolved to do the King service, he was thereupon received by the said Archduke, who said unto him that he should not want any money in recompense of his service, whereupon the Archdukes Secretary discoursing with the prisoner in the Archdukes chamber, where there were more of the council, he was questioned with concerning the particularities of this enterprise of Berghen, where upon his declarations and project being put in writing by the said secretary in their presence, the said prisoner signed it with his hand and swore unto it, yet the Secretary and other councillors in the same place and presence, laying aside this enterprise of Berghen, made other questions unto him, and persuaded him to undertake to kill Prince Maurice of Nassau, making him great promises to do it, teaching him certain means how and in what manner he might effect it. Among others that the prisoner should seek to put himself again into the company of the Prince's guard, where he had formerly served, where without doubt he should be easily received, seeing that sense his retreat from that place, he had served the French King, and had a sufficient 
1594.  passport from the Signior of Mammed commissary of his majesties artillery. And that in this sort having access, he should watch a fit opportunity to execute this design, when as his Excellency should go forth to ride or hunt, or coming from the sermon, or else when the the prisoner should stand sentinel, and that his excellence should pass before him at some extraordinary hour, or when he should find his best opportunity to shoot him through: to which end the Secretary did advise him to charge his piece with two bullets. All which speeches were delivered in the place and presence above mentioned. That at the same instant one of the said councillors, went in the same chamber to the Duke's bed side, and returned to the prisoner, carrying from the one unto the other what was spoken concerning that matter. The which being thus concluded, it was set down by the said Secretary, who caused the prisoner to sign and swear it. Then he was brought by one of those councillors before the Archduke who spoke unto him in these terms. Facete quel que m'auete promesso, amassate quel Tyr●…: which is, do what you have promised me, kill that Tyrant, whereupon the priso●…er answered him, Io lo faro. I will do it. The which having thus promised unto the Archduke, he was the more confirmed in this wicked design for that d' Assonuille told him that by virtue of a mass which should be said in his presence the next day, he should be invisible both during the execution, and after the deed done. To which end he was the next day brought by the Secretary to a mass in the Chapel at brussels, then was there certain money delivered unto him, besides that which he had formerly received.  
At his departure he was admonished by some of the said council, that if he should by mischance be taken prisoner, that he should beware to reveal the fact so simply, as he had done which lately had undertaken to murder his Excellency, who revealed it indiscreetly by his own fault, for if he should be a prisoner, he must of necessity die, and they would always deny what he confessed and give him the lie. With this wicked and murderous resolution, he parted from Brussels, and went to Antwerp, having letters of commendation to the governor of the castle: from whom he had a passport who termed him a merchant, that he might pass their forts more covertly, as he hath done, coming near unto the fort of Lillo, where they went to discover him, and there seized on him, from whence he was brought unto this town, where having been judicially examined at divers several times, first he plainly confessed this design, and all that had past touching the enterprise of this town. Then being examined what service the enemy thought to draw from him, in the end he did acknowledge this cruel plot above mentioned. The which being received from his own mouth, after his first second and third confession touching this fact, and the fifteen of this month being brought into the town house, in the open assembly, and hearing of the commissionars appointed for this cause by the general Estaes': and seriously exhorted not to accuse any one wrongfully, much less a Prince of so heigh a place and calling as the Archduke, and those of his council: yet he persisted in his former confession, confirming the undertaking it by his own hand. All which being duly considered of, and that such attempts, to the terror and example of others ought to be punished with the extreme rigour of justice; The said commissioners, together with the Magistrate and council of this town of Berghen up Zoom, have said and declared, and do declare judicially by these presents that the said Peter du Four a prisoner, hath forfeited both body and goods, according to the which they have and do condemn him to be led to the public place of justice of this town, and there bound to a gibbet and strangled till he be dead, than his head to be cut of, and his body to be quartered, which shall be hanged at four parts of the town, and his head to be carried to Lillo (the place where he first arrived) there to be set upon a stake to the view of all the world: declaring his goods to be forfeited, and to be applied to the profit of the generality. Thus done and pulikly pronounced in the ordinary chamber of justice in the town house of Berghen up Zoome the seventeen of November 1594. Signed by commandment of the said commissioners, 
1594.  and the same day it was put in execution.  
IN November Prince Maurice marched with his army and the council of Estate of the ●…ited Provinces towards the town of Arnhem in Gelderland, as if he had some great exploit in hand in that quarter, in Freezland, or in the diocese of Cologne, as at Rhynbecke or some other place. But in the end he sent Cont Philip of Nassau his cousin with two regiments of foot, five cornets of horse and some field pieces towards Luxembourg, to join with the Duke of Bovillons' army, whom the French King had made his Lieutenant in that joint war with the Estates. But the said Earl understanding that there were four thousand Swisses come to serve the Spaniard, and that the italians which were mutined at Sichem might soon be pacified, with all which (being together) Cont Charles of Mansfeldt might charge him, he thought it good to take his way higher by the Country of Treves, and to send back Sir Francis Veer with all his horse, except two Cornets. And so the Earl marrcht with his troops by Sarrebruche coasting the town of Metz, the Earl of Mansfeldt still following at the heels, to do him an affront, if he might find an advantage; But Nassa●… marched always in good order of battle, still making head, so as Mansfeldt durst not charge him, and the ninth of November the Earl of Nassau joined his troops with the Duke of Bovillons' army, Sir Francis Veer returned with his horsemen by the Duke of Deux Ponts country, knowing that Mansfeldt and Cont Herman Vanden Bergh attended him at a passage towards Maestricht, marching along the Rhine the which he passed the nineteenth of November, and arrived safe in the country of Geldres, to the great content of the Prince and the Estates, who were in a manner unfurnished of all their horse.  
During the siege of Groaning, the council at Brussels being much troubled to pay six hundred thousand gilders to the mutinous Spaniards in Saint Pol: the italians began also to mutiny, first there were six companies of Don Gaston Spinolas regiment, being not above three hundred and fifty men, which lay at Arschot who had been six or seven years unpaid, these being in mutiny, they procured two other companies which lay at Sichem to join with them, for that the place was of more strength; with whom there presently joined both horse and foot of other nations; as Albanois, French, Walloons, Dutch, and some two hundred Irishmen of Sir William Stanleis' regiment. These being all old soldiers, and some two thousand strong, they chose for their Electo or general one Stephano Capriano a Milanese, for their governor jeronimo Spadino; for Sergeant Maior one Sacramuss●…, and for assistants Biotti and others; for paymaster one Fracassa, and for General of their horsemen they made choice of G●…orgio Malagna, and of Baptista for his corporal, who had served twenty years in the wars, with divers other officers, chase a way their Captains: these troops sent for victuals and munition to Louvain and Diest, and made the whole country to contribute even unto the gates of Antwerp and Brussels, whereupon the Archduke sent 〈◊〉 Iaco●…o Bellgioige an Italien Earl unto them, who after much entreaty, received from them in the end eleven Articles the chief whereof were.  
1. That they would be paid all their arrearages.  
2. That they would have a general pardon.  
3. That they might have fifty passports, for their officers to depart freely out of the country whether they pleased.  
4. That they might have a place of retreat for such as were sick or hurt in the King's 〈◊〉 service.  
5. That the arrearages due unto any that died in the King's service, might be paid unto their heirs.  
6. That they should not be kept from any munition for the space of a whole day, upon pain of corporal punishment: with such like demands which the Archduke 
1594.  Ernestus and his Spanish council did much mislike, which made them to entreat the rest of the italians very mildly, and to send Camillo Caractiolo, Prince of Anelino, to see if he could bring them to any better conformation, but it was in vain, whereupon the Spanish council resolved to force them to obedience desiring the said Prince to accept of that charge, but he refused to fight against his own countrymen: then they propounded it to Mounsieur La Motte who with divers others thought it not convenient to be done. In the end they resolved to send Don Lovis de Velasco thither with certain Spaniards, among the which there were some private soldiers which refused that service, for the which some were secretly put to death, and others banished. This did incense the italians the more, seeing the Spaniards which were mutined at the same instant at Pont sur Chambre, were paid, and commandment was given to all the country round about not to furnish them with any victual, nor to pay them any contribution: The Bishop of Liege was also persuaded not to give them any relief, who for the defence of his country had levied some 800. foot, against whom the mutineers sent Georgio Maragna and Giovanni Baptista Rossi with other captains, who put the Liegios to flight, and slew some 70. of them, so as the Bishop thought it fittest, for him to compound with them for 15000. gilders. When as Don Lovis of Velasco with his Spaniards (with whom were joined the Spaniards which had mutined in Saint Pol (who had received six hundred thousand gilders) with some Walloons of the Earl of Solms regiment, and others, being in all four thousand men▪ had begun to ensconce themselves neereunto the italians, they then complained that this disgrace was offered them upon spite and hatred which the Earl of Fuentes and d' Ybarre bore them, who sense the Duke of Parmas' time had in all things preferred the Spaniards before the italians: And that whereas the Spaniards did mutiny, they did pardon them and found present means to satisfy them: so as these two nations were so incensed one against another as on the thirteenth of December they fell to blows, whereas there were about four hundred Spaniards slain, among the which was Pedro Portacarero cousin to the Earl of Fuentes, with forty seven captains and officers more and small loss unto 
The mutinous Italiens and Spaniards fight.  themselves: But in the end the Spaniards took certain forts from the italians and forced them to abandon the town of Sichem, not without loss of either part. Prince Maurice and the Estates were not in the mean time without some fear that if during the sharp winter they should be reconciled they might through means of the ice (the frost being great) attempt some thing upon Holland, or some other place, wherefore they wrought so as the italians offered their service to the French King, so long as the King of Spain should retain all their pay, and not satisfy them all arrearages whereupon they did write unto the French King the last of November, entreating him that he would be pleased to receive into his service and under his protection them and 
The mutined Italiens offer their service to the French King.  all their companies being a thousand and two hundred foot and seven hundred horse, all old soldiers. The King having seen their letters, and what they required he referred the business to Prince Maurice and the general Estates of the united Provinces, to whom he recommended them. According to which answer the said italians sent two captains on their behalf john Baptista Sossy and Homodormy, to the Hage in Holland with letters of credit, and power to treat with the said Estates, or their deputies in the town of Breda, upon safe conducts demanded by them. Their letters were written when they were yet in the town of Sichem, whereunto answer was made that if they were forced to leave the town they should be assisted. And being afterterwards forced thereunto, the Estates and the governor of Breda promised to retire them under the said town, and into Langh-strate, and that they might come freely into the said town to buy their provisions and necessaries. This mutiny of the King of Spain's Italiens, fell out happily for the Estates, for the Spaniards spent a long time, seeking to force them: the which was furthered by the mutiny of the Spaniards and Walloons at Pont upon Sambre, who supported one another and in the mean time the Estates were not molested nor disquieted neither by the one or the other.  
In the end of winter they were offered by Ernestus to have their pay, with many 
1595.  other preferments (the Archduke fearing lest they should make some composition with Prince Maurice) so as in February 1595. with the privity and consent of Prince Maurice (from whom openly they confessed to have been relieved) they obtained the foresaid Articles, and were to remain at Thienen, the which they 
A composition made with the mutineers.  might fortify, until they were fully satisfied, and in the mean time they should receive daily from Brussels thirty stivers for a horseman, twelve stivers for a footman, thirteen crowns for the Electo, ten crowns for the Council, and six crowns for the Sargaint Mayor every day: So as altogether amounted to some 500 crowns a day: And for hostage they had Francisco de Padiglia, whom they kept safely. This was about the time that the Archduke Ernestus died: And thus they continued seventeen months, until that Cardinal Albertus came into the country. In the mean time they sent five companies to the Earl of Events being before Cambray: And whereas Liere was almost taken, they came as far as Maclyn to relieve it: But in the mean time they abandoned Mario Homodormy, Baptista Rossi and two others (who were their Comitties in Breda) most shamefully proclaiming them enemies, for that Fuentes had so done; but they were pitied by some of them, who sent them maintenance: At the last in the year 1596. when as the Cardinal went to besiege Hulst, they were accounted with, and received three hundred & thirty thousand crowns, and the contribution which they had received amounted to three hundred sixty thousand crowns, besides the contribution they had received before they went to Thienen, and the place was fortified at the charge of the country.  
As for them upon Pont Sambre, being once pacified, they were sent under the command of the Prince of Chymai to stop the courses of them of Cambray upon the country of Henault, and they were lodged about Haurec, whereas they remained so long as they ruined the whole country thereabouts of Henault and Arthois, more than any enemy could have done. The Duke of Bovillon Lieutenant to the French King of his army in the country of Luxembourgh, and Cont Philipe of Nassau Commander of the Estates troops, being joined together in Luxembourg, having taken the towns of Yuois, Momedi, Vireton-Srete and other places, after they had spoiled that quarter, the Earl meaning to return into the united Provinces, with four Cor nets of horse, he found himself in the midst of all Cont Mansfeldts footmen, through the which he passed, with the loss of three score men, and two of his Captains: the which happened for that the Duke by reason of the high waters could not succour him. But two days after those two Noblemen meeting with eleven of Mansfeldts Cornets, defeated them, whereas many were slain upon the place, besides the prisoners, among which was Mansfeldts Lieutenant. Afterwards the said Duke and Earl had sundry designs which succeeded not, as upon the town of Thionuille and other places, and as they needed the French Kings Army elsewhere: And the general Estates had also very great need of their troops; they divided themselves: The Duke returned into France, and the Earl marching with his men along the frontiers of Picardy, went and embarked at deep, 
Cont Philip returns by Sea.  from whence he returned into Zealand: Holding it very unfit for him to return the same way he came, by reason of Cont Mansfeldts troops, who at that time went into Hongarie to serve the Emperor against the Turk, where he discharged himself faithfully and honourably being Lieutenant to the Archduke Mathias of Austria, general of the Christians army: during the which service the said Earl died (after that he had obtained goodly victories against the Turk) in the town of Graen the year following.  
The French King being at Amiens did write his letters on the seventeenth of December to the Estates of Arthois and Henault, the which he sent by a Trumpet: by 
The French King writes to the towns of Arthois & Henault.  the which he did advertise them that if they did not forbear to succour the rebellious Leaguers upon the Frontiers of Picardy and elsewhere, he was resolved to make war against them, giving them time to consider thereon until the end of january following. To which letters they made no answer: upon the receipt of this 
1595. The Archdukes proposition in the Ass●…mblie of the Estates at Brussels.  letter, the Provinces under the King's obedience, assembled at Brussels upon the first of january. 1595. only the Clergy & the Nobility, but not the Towns. Where at their first session the Archduke made a declaration in Spanish, the effect was, that the King had written unto him and charged him as his good Brother and Cousin, that he should endeavour by all possible means to unite the country by peace, and to free it from the spoils and miseries it had so long endured, for which cause alone he had left his ease and was come thither to effect his majesties good desire; as appeared by the letters written with his majesties own hand; the which so moved him, as he could not but summon the Estates to appear there before him, to impart these good news unto them, and that they had considered upon a very good course to attain thereunto: Wherewith they should be made acquainted the next day following by the Precedent Richardot. There were present in this Assembly, Stephano D'ybarra and Don Diego de Varra, but the Earl of Fuentes came not, for that the Duke of Arschot had protested he would not give him the place next to the Archduke, which honour the Emperor and his Majesty had given him, the which he would not suffer a stranger to take from him: Whereupon the Earl of Fuentes and Charles Earl of Mansfeldt (who took the Duke's part therein) meeting together, they beheld each other, without any salutations on either part: But nothing was done at all the first day, the which was spent in compliments after the high Dutch manner: Whereat many of the Assembly, especially the Bishops and Clergy murmured.  
The next day the Duke of Arschot laid open the general necessities of the countries 
The duke o●… Arschots speech in the Assembly.  of Arthois and Henault, and the miseries they endured by reason of the French invasions, and how requisite it was his Highness should provide some speedy remedy for these mischiefs, the which for many urgent considerations ought not to be deferred: Saying that they had long since understood his majesties good will, the which should be apparent to all the world, if they might once taste the fruits thereof, which it seemed the Archduke would endeavour to procure them, but when it was in manner too late, the whole country being ready to revolt, if they once swerved in the least point of service concerning their indifferent duties. They had long since complained, and made their great wants and necessities known unto the King, who by the laws of nature was bound to hear them, and to defend and protect his subjects: And that if their cries and complaints unto his Majesty could not be heard by reason of the great distance betwixt him and them, nor the imminent dangers and mischiefs, which now threatened them much more than the forepast, be prevented, they should be forced to take some speedy course therein themselves, and that having brought the same to pass, they would yield such reasons of their Action unto his Majesty (submitting themselves therein to the judgement of all Christendom, and calling them to witness) as no man should have just cause to charge them, that they had done more than what nature and necessity had taught them. The which they had resolved to show in effect, if they did not hope for some speedy help by this present Assembly. Having delivered these words very eloquently and plainly, all the Clergy cried out Amen, saying that it was their whole intent, and that it required a very speedy execution. There was also many Noblemen, as the Prince of Chymay the Duke's Son, the Earls of Arembergh, Bossu, Solve, Barlaymont, Ligni and others, who all consented hereunto together.  
Then the Duke of Arschot made further complaint in the behalf of the Provinces touching the great burdens which were laid upon them by strange soldiers: especially by the Spaniards, who were countenanced and encouraged by the Earl of Fuentes and other strangers, which ought to give place to the natural borne subjects of the country, and follow the council of the Nobility thereof, who were best acquaihted with the affairs o●… the same, or else they would withdraw themselves both from the Kings and the country's service, and regard their own particular, with many other reasons, all tending to a peace with the united Provinces, the which the said might easily be effected, if the foreign soldiers might be sent away into Turkey, thereby freeing 
1595.  the united Province from all suspicion, and so they might treat with them as with neighbours, and not as Rebels.  
The Archduke Ernestus seeing the Estates to press him thus unto a peace, he let them understand how much he had laboured to reconcile the united Provinces, who would by no means hearken unto it, and that he could not proceed any further therein, without some prejudice and blemish to his majesties authority and honour: And therefore he desired their advice in three points. First whether the necessity were so great, as the King must of force do it. The second if it were fit and convenient to offer more unto the enemy than had been already offered, as to refer the conditions of peace unto their own discretions. The third whether any other treaty of peace were to be made, and how that might be effected. Whereunto the Estates made a full answer in writing: showing, that peace was both reasonable, necessary, honourable and easy to be concluded: Whereunto the Archduke (as it seemed) consented, promising to recommend it in such sort, as he doubted not but the King of Spain would be easily persuaded thereunto: And that he would also move the Pope and Emperor therein, who had already demanded the opinions of divers learned men (who were well acquainted with the question of the Netherlands) and among the rest of the learned councillor Wesenbeeke, as then remaining in Wittenbergh) what they thought thereof, wherein all Christendom seemed to consent and agree, desiring them in the mean time to persist in their accustomed duties and ancient unity, until that he received an answer from the King concerning the same: but notwithstanding all these good words and fair hopes, the Archduke Ernestus letters sent unto the King of Spain in September, being intercepted by the united Provinces, contained nothing else, but that there was not any thing to be done in the Netherlands, but by force and violence. To the like effect were the letters written by Don Guillaume of Saint Clement from the Emperor's Court, the which were intercepted: that the rebels should be brought to that extremitiy, as they must be forced to seek and sue for a peace etc. But their resolution pleased not the Archduke, nevertheless his seeming to consent, and his fair promises satisfied the assembly for that time, so as by reason of his death (which followed not long after) all alterations were prevented.  
The French King seeing that they of Arthois and Henault did not vouchsafe to 
1595. The French King proclaims war ag●…nst the King of Spain.  make any answer to these his letters, he caused an Edict to be proclaimed, made at Paris the seventeen day of january, by the which (for the reasons therein contained) he declared the King of Spain and the Netherlands under his obedience his enemies, denouncing open war against them. The which he did also cause to be proclaimed throughout all the fronter towns of his realm.  
According to which the like Edict was proclaimed in Brussels on the King of Spain's behalf, against the French King whom he called Prince of Biarne, and all his subjects that held his party, except the Leaguers, the which he termed the good confederate French Catholics, whom he promised and protested to aid, favour and succour, with all the means which almighty GOD had given him. And the like he promiseth unto all other of the French Nation, be they towns, commonalties 
The King of Spain proclaims war against the French.  or private persons, that within two months after the said publication shall forsake him, and give sufficient testimony, that they are no enemies to the Romish, Catholic and apostolic religion, nor to his Majesty. This Edict bearing date the seventh day of March, was in like manner proclaimed throughout all the towns of the Netherlands under the King's obedience.  
The Archduke Ernestus on the 19 day of February had in his own name made a proclamation and prescribed an order which he would have observed to defend himself against the courses and attempts of the Prince of Bearne, carrying himself (said he) for King of France, who had begun war: with other points how they should govern themselves towards French leaguers, who had before made 
1595.  their residence in the said Countries, or should hereafter come and remain there. And hereupon the wars grew hot of either part: The French running daily even to the ports of Arras and Mons: And they of Arthois to Amiens, Peronne, and farther into Piccardy.  
On the seventh day of that month of February, Cont Philip of Hohenloo, Barron of Langenbergh did marry (in the castle of Buren) with the Lady Mary of Nassau, daughter of the deceased Prince of Orange and of the Lady of Egmont, daughter to Maximilian 
The Earl of Hohenloo marries the Lady Mary of Nassau.  Earl of Buren the which he had by the Lady of Launoy the only heir of the house of Launoy. This marriage had been in question during the life of the Prince her father, but for certain reasons it was deferred unto that day: The general Estates sent the chief of all their deputies to honour this marriage, as well with their persons, as with rich and stately presents worthy the merits and the memory of the deceased Prince of Orange, and the long and faithful services of the said Earl of Hohenloo, whereof the many scars which he carries on his body, of the wounds which he hath received in the Estates service, in the life time of the said Prince, and under Prince Maurice his son, to whom he was and is yet Lieutenant, may give sufficient testimony.  
The same Winter the Vicont of Turene, Duke of Bovillon (having gotten the title of duke by his precedent wife, who was duchess of Bovillon and the only heir of the house of la Mark) married with the Lady Elizabeth of Nassau, second daughter 
The duke of Bouill●…ns marriage.  to the said Prince of Orange, which he had by his third wife the Lady Carlot of Bourbon, the solemnities of which marriage were celebrated in the castle of Sedan, whereas at this day they keep their Court.  
The eight day of February the signor of Herauguiere Governor of Breda, having with him twelve companies of foot and fourteen cornets of the State's horse, surprised the castle and then the town of Hue in the diocese of Liege, the which is one of the Bishop's palaces, situated upon the river of Meuse, with a goodly stone bridge over the river, and within five leagues of the town of Liege. Thirty men did this exploit lying hidden in a house joining to the castle, and right against a window which they got unto with ladders made of ropes. Having thus won the castle, they seized upon the town, whereas the guards thought to make defence, but seeing Herauguiere follow with so great troops, they laid down their arms and were content to receive a garrison into the town, the which Herauguiere did place there and in the castle likewise, which he began to furnish with all things necessary, reducing all the neighbour country that was subject to the King of Spain about Namur and in Brabant to contribution, being resolved to hold that place to have a passage and a retreat on the other side of the river of Meuse. In the mean time, part of the horsemen being in garrison in Hue, going forth to seek their adventure, near unto Momedy they met with seven carts laden with Italien Merchandise, as velvet and other sorts of silks, with gold and silver lace, appointed for the 
A rich boo●…y taken by the Estates men.  town of Antwerp, the which was all spoiled and the booty divided amongst them. And as they of the garrisons of Berghen up Zoom, Breda, and other places under the 〈◊〉 command n Brabant, thought to retire home with their booty, being come near unto Tillemont, hearing that captain Grobendonc was upon the passage and attended them with some certain horse and foot, they divided themselves into three ●…roupes, whereof the one was encountered and defeated. Besides the booty, Grobendonc took about some threescore horses, most of the men being slain.  
The one and twenty day of February after a long languishing sickness, the Archduke Ernestus died, younger brother to the Emperor Rodolphus, and son to Maximilian the second, being forty and two years old, having been but thirteen months. Governor 
The dea●…h of the Archduke of Aus●….  of the Netherlands for the King of Spain his uncle, brother in law and cousin. Some gave it out that he died of very melancholy and grief, to see matters go so against the hair; Frst for the marriage of the Infanta; Secondly for that he did see the affairs of the Emperor his Brother, and of all the house of Austria, succeeded 
1595  not well against the Turk: then for that he found his hope frustrate (being a man of a quiet spirit) of a peace and union which he pretended to make in the Netherlands: for that he saw himself to be contemned of the Spaniards, who taxed him to be to heavy for the wars: for that he had not in three months received any letters from the King of Spain, and for that he see himself so villainously accused of two attempts to murder Prince Maurice, by one Michael Renichon and Peter Du four; whereof (notwithstanding his good disposition and all the excuses he could make) he could not purge himself from suspicion. If it were so that he were culpable, (as he was accused by them that were executed for this fact) such as have well known him, say that it was much against his natural disposition, and seek to discharge him, saying that Barlaimont and La Motte, had supposed unto them that were executed, some parsonage like unto him, making them believe that he was the Archduke, the which might easily be done. Whatsoever it be, he had the reputation to be a modest and a mild Prince. His death bred no alteration nor change, every man attending the King's answer touching the Articles of the peace, projected by him and by the Estates of Arthois and Henault, as we have said.  
This surprise of the town and castle of Hue, did much trouble Ernestus of Bavaria, Bishop of Liege, Prince Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, who complained 
The Bishop of Liege come plain●…s to the Estates for the taking of Hue.  to the general Estates of the united Provinces, demanding punishment of the undertakers and breakers of the neutrality and good neighbourhood betwixt the said Estates and country of Liege, together with reparation of damages done by their men.  
The Estates answered them at the first, that they held not the place but for a certain time, and not to do any wrong to the Inhabitants and subjects of the country of Liege, but to serve them for a passage, the which might as well be granted 
Hue taken again by assault by the Spaniard.  unto them as to their enemies in the towns of Bonne, Berke and divers other places belonging to the said Prince Elector. And as the general Estates were very long (in his opinion) before they could resolve or agree, upon the restitution and reparation by him required, he fled for succour to Brussels, to the King's council, who presently sent the Earls of Fuentes and Barlaymont with the Lord of La Motte, who besieged the town, and took it by an assault the thirteenth day of March with great slaughter of them of the garrison, whereof some saved themselves in the castle the which the Bishop caused instantly to be battered in the mines, wherewith Herauguiere being terrified, expecting no succours, he yielded up the place, going himself forth with one horse, and the soldiers with their rapiers and daggers, and as much baggage as they could bear.  
About that time Prince Maurice went in person to an enterprise upon the town 
Prince Maurice enterpri●…e upon Bruges.  of Bruges in Flanders, but by reason of the darkness of the night the way being very long from their landing, the troops being strayed out of the way, and the Princes guide having lost his course, they were forced with great labour and toil to return without any effect.  
In the same month of March George Euerard Earl of Solms, Lieutenant to Prince Maurice in Zeeland and Colonel of the Regiment of Zeelanders, Governor of Hulst in Flanders, married at th●… Hage in Holland, the Lady Sabina of Egmont, Daughter to Cont Amoral of Egmont Prince of Gaure and of Steenhuysen, and of the Lady Sabina of Bavaria Palatin of Rhine. The general Estates did honour the solmenyzing of this marriage with their Deputies, and did gratify them with rich and stately presents, in requital of the services which the Earl of Solms had done them, and did them daily, as also for the alliance which he hath with the house of Nassau.  
The eight and twenty day of March the river of Meuse did swell and rise so high, as about nine of the clock at night the banks were carried away near unto Gorrichom; and that quarter of Papendrecht was wholly drowned. The town of Schoon-hoven did suffer much by this inundation, the which had carried away 
1595.  the walls, (the town being full of water,) if they had not broken a dike a little higher to give free passage to the violence of the stream, by which means Schoonehoven was freed, but not without great loss and hurt of that which the water had spoiled in Caves and otherwise.  
They of Dordrect which is the first town in Holland, after the example of Amsterdam and other towns of Holland and Zeeland, having long before designed to make their town greater, towards that land which they had recovered from the water, they began the four and twenty day of julie to lay their plot, and to begin their first work, the which being finished will be a great beauty and commodity to the said town.  
Prince Maurice being camped with the Estates army before the town of Groll in the country of Oueryssel, the Council of Spain at Brussels, (to hinder this design,) sent Mondragon with some troops, with an intent to make him dislodge from thence, or to do some affront to his camp. The Estates being advertised of his coming, (to whom they had made the Spanish forces greater than they were) fearing that the Prince with his small army should be engaged, they were of opinion not to hazard his person and his whole camp, for such a paltry place, but that he should retire from thence under the town of Zutphen. Mondragon seeing he could get no advantage of him, and thinking that he had won honour enough to draw him from that place, and made his camp frutlesse for that year, (which was declining) he made his retreat to go and pass the river of Rhine at Berck above Wesel: but the Prince being better informed of his forces, and in what estate his army 
Prince Maurice pursues Mondragon in his retreat.  was, meaning to give him a Camisado before his retreat, pursued him with his troops beyond the river of Lip.  
The second day of September Cont Philip of Nassau a valiant Nobleman and exceeding resolute, was sent by the Prince (his cousin) to view the Spaniards camp: upon the way he encountered two of the enemy's cornets of horse, the which he defeated, although the Prince had commanded him not to fight until that he were come to him with the body of his army. Some of these horsemen that were defeated, escaped, and gave the alarm to their whole camp: whereupon Mondragon flies to their rescue: the Earl (although he had means to make an honest retreat, and so for to join with the Prince who was not far of) with the young Earl of Solms his cousin (a Nobleman of great hope) would not give back: but made it good against all the force of the Spaniard, after they had fought well and 
Philip Earl of Nassau and Ernestus Earl of Solms hurt, taken prisoners and die.  endured their enemies long, in the end they were both overthrown, sore hurt, and taken prisoners: they were carried to Bercke, whereas within very few days after they died. Mondragon entreating them and using the best manner and order he could, causing them to be carefully dressed, and sending the Princes own Surgians unto them, and being dead he sent their bodies honourably to Wesel. Cont Ernestus of Nassau Brother to Cont Philippe (of whom the Estates and the Prince his Cousin hoped for great matters in time to come) was also prisoner. This was a petty battle of young and hot bloods, who proved but bad Merchants that got nothing.  
The Prince's army being somewhat amazed at this rout, it was nor thought convenient wilfully to pursue a victorious enemy, although it were a dear victory for him, having lost three men for one. Thus Mondragon past his army, the which he safely conducted home into Brabant, and the Prince turning head again, was advised by the Estates to send two thousand men to serve under the French King.  
In this year of our Lord 1595. there fell a great quarrel betwixt Edsard 
A controversy betwixt Edsard Earl of East-Friseland and Emden.  the third Earl of East-Friseland (since it was reduced unto an Earldom, and fell into his house) and the town of Emden, which is very famous, of great traffic, and one of the Hans and Imperial towns. This quarrel had his beginning and first motive in the life time of Cont john Brother to this Earl Edsard, a peaceable man, zealous to the reformed religion, and a great protector of the privileges of the town of Emden and of the whole country: Whereas on 
1595  the other side Edsard provoked by his wife (who was daughter to the King of Sueden) and would gladly have commanded like a Queen in that town (notwithstanding their Imperial privileges) sought to change the Estate of religion, according unto the confession of Ausbourg, with the constitutions and customs of the said town, as well in matters of policy, as Church government, even unto the distribution of the public alms, and other deeds of charity, the which the Earl would have depend upon his sole authority. Against the which the Magistrates and Burghers opposed themselves constantly, and their heartburning grew so great on either side, as they fell to arms. But as the Earl (who had his Castle within the said town demanteled) feared some bad event of this war, their controversy was referred (by a mutual consent) to the arbitrement of the general Estates of the united Provinces of the Netherlands: who sent their Deputies to hear both parties in their fort of Delfziel, lying upon the Dollart and the River of Ems, two Leagues from Emden, to reconcile them and decide their quarrels as they did by arbitrary sentence, the which was very well accepted, both of the one and the other. But afterwards it was rejected by the Earl, so as they of the Town were forced to have some recourse unto the Emperor, and to the Imperial Chamber, where they obtained a definitive sentence, according to their desires, as you shall hereafter here.  
The town of Ham except the Castle, in the country of Vermandois, and that of La Fere, were then (having been before delivered unto the Spaniards by the Leaguers) in the King of Spain's power. The French King had at that time his Army lying before La Fere (the which was a camp ill governed and tedious, although the King were there himself in person) the Earl of Saint Pol and the Lord of Humieres hearing that the Signior of Gomeron Governor of the Castle of Ham, was at Brussels, and had agreed to deliver the said Castle unto the Spaniards for a certain sum of money, and that he had sent word unto the Signior of Deruillers his Brother in law and to his wife to yield it up.  
The said Deruillers refuzing to do it, made a contrary accord with the Earl of Saint Pol and Humieres to give them passage by the castle to win the town upon condition (as the said Gomeron had engaged himself for the delivery of the said castle) that he should have the chief prisoners of the Spaniards that were in the 
The town & castle of Ham recovered for the French King  same town delivered him to redeem his Brother in law. The Duke of Bovillon and the abovenamed two Noblemen being entered with good troops into the castle the twentieth day of june, they of the town were presently advertised thereof, who entrenched themselves against the castle, so as they must needs attempt it by force.  
The French Kings men having been twice repulsed, despaired in a manner to become masters thereof, if the Duke of Bovillon and the Lord of Humieres had not assured and encouraged them to continue, so as after twelve hours fight and more, they entered the town with the loss of the Lord of Humieres; who was slain there, of Captain la Croix, with some twenty Gentlemen and about six score soldiers, where there were s●…aine above seven hundred Spaniards, italians, French Leaguers and Germans, the rest were taken prisoners, among the which were the Colonel of the Neapolitans, the Colonel of the Germans, and Marcello Caracio, for whom the Signior of Gomeron was redeemed. The King did much lament the death of the Lord of Humieres his Lieutenant in Picardy, a brave and valiant Knight, who had done him faithful service.  
The Earl of Fuentes a Spaniard, being then Governor by provision of the Netherlands for the King of Spain, (expecting the coming of the Cardinal Albert of Aus tria the Emperors Brother) had then sent the Prince of Chymay, now Duke of Arschot and of Croy, to besiege the town of Chastelet in the same country of Vermandois, whilst that he himself was with the body of his Army before Cambray. Mons de la Grange was within Chastelet with 600. soldiers, where he defended himself valiantly 
1595.  but after that he had endured many assaults, he was forced to yield it up, having an honourable composition: And by this means the Earl of Fuentes did press Cambray the more.  
Chastelet being thus won, the Earl of Fuentes went to besiege the town and Castle of dourlan's, a small town, but well seated upon the river of Anthy: Valentine de par dieu, Signior of la Motte, governor of graveling, General of the Artillery for the 
Doughty lans besieged by the Spaniard.  King of Spain, (being near unto the Artillery to prepare the battery) was shot into the head from the town, whereof he died soon after, and was carried to be buried at Saint Omer: making an end of so many wars, and so great services which he had done unto the King of Spain, being now grown very old; not long before he had purchased of a French Nobleman, the Lordship of Eckelbeke, (a goodly thing) in Flanders, which the King of Spain erected to an Earldom in recompense of his loyal services, and so he died in the bed of honour, and was buried with the title of an earl. He was a French man borne, a gentleman in the beginning of very small means, both his 
La Motte slain before dourlan's  father and he (being young) came to serve the Emperor, at the Camp before Teroanne, at the first he was entertained by the Lord of Bignicourt, a Knight the of order, where he had his first advancement in quality of a Squire to the said Nobleman: until 
His disposition.  he was captain, then in the beginning of the troubles, besides his company, he was Sergeant Mayor of the Earl of Reux his Regiment, during which time he committed great cruelties in Flanders, against them of the religion. Then he went to be Lieutenant to the Siegnor of Croissoniere governor of graveling, after whose death (being slain before Harlem) he succeeded in the said government and continued until his death and had afterwards great charges (as well in the service of the general Estates, during their general union (as of the King of Spain, to whom he did never any bad service, what show soever he made) as of Colonel, general of the Artillery, Marshal of the camp chief and conductor of divers honourable exploits and enterprises, the which for the most part succeeded happily, with other titles and degrees of honour, in the which he gathered together great wealth. He died without children although he had one daughter by his first wife, the which died being ready to marry. He had to his second wife the daughter of the Lord of Croix, of the house of Noyelle of Arthois. He was one of the most politic (although he were unlearned) and subtle Captains of his time.  
monsieur de Villars governor of Roven and Newe-haven, being come with certain troops of horse and foot to relieve the besieged within dourlan's, was encountered and charged by the Earl of Fuentes men, and put to rout, many of his men were 
Villars and his troops defeated near unto dourlan's.  slain, he himself being overthrown from his horse, was taken prisoner, having his leg broken, afterwards the Spaniards stabbed him with their daggers in cold blood for that he had forsaken the league and reconciled himself to the King. dourlan's being in this sort besieged by the Spaniards and the Castle furiously battered, the forts betwixt the town and the Castle won, and by the blowing up of a mine, a small breach made: the besieged (who thought of nothing less than an assault) holding the breach not assaltable, yet the Earl of Fuentes caused a furious assault to be given, with such a multitude, as the soldiers thrust one another forward with their shoulders to make them enter the breach, such as it was, the which they having 
dourlan's taken by assault by the Spaniards.  forced, at a confused cry of victoria, victoria, the besieged grew amazed and abandoned this breach, every one beginning to fly and to save himself as he could. And so the town was taken at this assault the last day of june, whereas the slaughter was very great, but their insolency against wives and virgins exceeded all measure. It is a strange thing that a thousand five hundred men which were within it among the which there were so many bragging Gentlemen and of the Nobility, could not repel such an assault, at so insufficient a breach, but it seemed that GOD would purge France of these Lees of the league, who had but for faction sake reconciled themselves unto the King. About that time the Earl of Fuentes (under colour to punish a certain mutiny 
1595.  made of purpose by the Germans, who were in garrison in the town of Brussels) thought to draw two thousand Spaniards into the town, the which the Burghers discovering prevented. So as for spite (being in like manner kept out of Macklyn and Vittevorde) they fell upon the Champion country of Brabant, who by this means were more afflicted by their own men, then by their enemies: besides the dearth was generally very great: which made the poor commons to weep and to lament their miseries, yet knew they not to whom to fly for remedy to relieve their wants.  
For which consideration, the Estates both of the Clergy and the Secular, of those Provinces which remained under the King of Spain's obedience, but especially the Nobility, were moved of themselves to seek some means of peace, and after divers conferences together, having received passport from the Estates of the united Provinces, to send their Deputies into Zealand to the said Estates, and to Prince Maurice. 
The Estates under the King of Spain seek peace of the united Provinces.  They deputed the Signior of Lyesvell sometimes Chancellor of Brabant, in the Duke of Anious time, with Hartius and Maes Lawyers, with a Secretary of the Duke of Arschot. The which on the fourteenth of April came into Zealand, where they conferred with Prince Maurice, being accompanied by james Valck treasurer general, and Christopher Roels' Pensioner of the County of Zealand, requiring that they might be admitted to propound some way of an Accord betwixt the King of Spain and his reconciled Estates, with the said Prince and the confederate Estates of the united Provinces.  
Whereupon the Prince made answer, that the general Estates confederate, had no intent to treat but with the said Estates of the reconciled Provinces, and not 
Prince Maurice his answer to the Deputies of the reconciled Estates.  with the King of Spain, against whom (as their mortal enemy) they were allied with other neighbour Princes, who were also his enemies, and that they had long since abjured him: Wherefore they held him so irreconcilably offended, as they knew well he could never forget the wrong, which he holds hath been therein done him. But that upon the first opportunity he would be revenged, building upon the Canon of the Council of Constance: Cum hereticis non est servanda fides. But if the Estates under the King, would faithfully and sincerely, enter into any conference of peace: that the said confederate Estates of the united Provinces were content to convert their wars into peace and friendship, therewith sending their resolution in writing, containing four Articles, which they must resolve upon, before they would begin to enter into treaty with them, which were.  
1 First, that they should cause all strangers and soldiers to depart out of the country, and to reduce themselves into an absolute freedom, whereby they might treat of a peace without the King, and that the Deputies and Estates of the said Provinces 
Articles propounded by the united Estates.  which should treat of a peace, should be appointed by them without the King, with whom the general Estates of the united Provinces would then treat, as desiring nothing more than to see those long and bloody wars converted into an assured and firm peace upon good and tolerable conditions.  
2 Secondly that nothing should be altered nor changed in religion, but it should be referred to the discretion of the Estates of each Province: and that no man else should deal therein.  
3 That the Provinces which were willing to treat of a peace with the united Provinces, among other conditions must be content to enter into treaty with the French King and the Queen of England, and to undergo all the charges of the whole body of the general Estates, all the debts where-into the united Provinces are fallen, for the defence of their liberties against the Spaniards and other strangers.  
4 Lastly that peace being made upon those and other conditions, the said united Provinces offered all their power, and means to help to maintain the other Provinces in their liberties and freedoms, and to oppose themselves against all that should seek to molest, wrong or dismember them.  
In this case the said Ambassadors had no other commission, but to move a treaty of peace, betwixt the King and his Estates on the one part, and the united provinces 
1595.  on the other, so as the question between them now was whether the king should be comprehended therein or not, whereupon the Ambassadors returned again speedily, and made report what had been propounded, the which was sent into Spain with the opinion of the said Ambassadors.  
The Articles of the confederate Estates were by some (which held the King of Spain's party) very ill taken, and by others (which desired a peace) in some sort tolerated saying, that they were not altogether void of reason, and that by a good conference they might be easily moderated. And therefore considering the quality of the time which priest them, and the poverty and lamentations of the people, they should not let slip so good occasions without treating: and if they did absolutely reject the said conference of peace, it was to be feared that the united Provinces would make stronger and firmer alliances with their neighbours, whereby they should be frustrate of all hope, ever to attain unto it. Seeing that the Estates of the said united Provinces, by reason of their waters and rivers together with their infinite number of ships, with the which they did sail into all the parts of the world, had better means to maintain themselves then they had, who have no havens nor ships to compare, being also environed by three mighty enemies, the French King, the Queen of England, and the said confederate Estates: who had no more to do but to defend their fronters with small garrisons. Moreover they said, that the King of Spain needed not to doubt, that his Estates and Nobility, (which were so much bound and affected unto him) would by the said conference conclude or yield to anything, that should be contrary to his honour, greatness and authority. And if it should be so, that the King for the good of his people, and preservation of his countries, should make no difficulty to yield a little.  
And the rather for that by the said Articles, the confederates did not demand that the reconciled Provinces should change their Princes, Estate, Government or religion. And that of all which should be concluded by the said conference, the confederate 
divers opinions upon the Articles propounded by the con●…ederat Estates.  Estates should more trust the reconciled, than the King, by reason of their distrust and fear of his power, and desire of revenge, the which they needed not to fear in them. Besides that by this treaty of peace, they should much weaken their enemies, there being some hope that the French King and the Queen of England would consequently become their friends, who demand nothing more than the retreat of the Spaniards, and of all strange soldiers, their natural enemies: the which being retired, they shall no more have any such great occasion of war: for assurance of whose retreat, they might give good hostage; whereunto the Earl of Fuentes did willingly offer himself, retaining the king's authority.  
whereupon such as were Spaniards in heart, and who preferred the King's affairs before all other things would in like manner have his honour, greatness, authority, reputation and generally his rights and prerogatives preferred and be first observed: and that they should rather force the confederates to reconcile themselves unto his majesty, their natural Prince: who notwithstanding so many wrongs and indignities which he had received from the said confederates, was yet ready to treat mildly and sincerely with them: for the which they should entreat, and sue unto his Majesty: wherefore it was more than necessary, that his Authority should be interposed, as a principal party, whom it did chiefly concern. Otherwise that in excluding the king from the said conference and treaty, they give him occasion to make war against themselves, being not qualified nor authorized from his Majesty. And that the confederate rebels, nor all their actions nor doings had not deserved so great honour, nor he so small respect.  
Besides it did not belong to them to prescribe conditions to their Sovereign (that by treating only with the Estates) to exclude him under colour of their doubts and distrusts: and that their heresies and rebellions were the true causes and grounds for the which they would not acknowledge the King their natural Prince, neither will they ever acknowledge him with a good heart, whatsoever is done to them. 
1595.  Wherefore if they would not comprehend the King in their treaty, that it could not pass without to great prejudice to his greatness, and to their duty of obedience and fidelity, by the which they are bound unto him. The which ought not to be tolerated, that his authority should depend upon his vassals and subjects, which were rebels and heretics.  
Thus spoke they which from the beginning of the troubles in the year of our Lord 1566. would never hear the other party and who enriched themselves by the civil wars, at the charge, and with the sweat and blood of the poor commons: speaking in this sort directly against the opinion of all good and well affected countrymen: to whom these violent courses (for thirty years passed) could not be pleasing. All these allegations of either side, betwixt the reconciled Estates, the good countrymen, and them that were Spanish, were not to advance any great matter in the treaty of peace, (so much desired by the Commons, the Nobility and the Clergy as indeed it took no effect). But to entertain the people, and to keep them in obedience, they made them believe that great Princes should deal in it, having once received the King's answer, upon the said Articles. And on the other side the general Estates of the united Provinces made a manifest declaration, that it was not their fault they entered not into conference of an accord: but the Spaniards, and of their council, who did stick more upon that which they said depended of the King's authority, then of the preservation of the commonweal, and the good of neighbour Princes, which they regard least: having no other sound in their mouths, but that, Our King is mighty etc.  
About this time there was a letter dispersed abroad and in many men's hands, some 
The opinion of a learned man touching the peace.  said it was written by that learned Scholar justus Lipsius, who being desired by certain councillors to deliver his opinion whether it were better to have war then peace, made answer bearing date the third of january in the year of our Lord 1595. Saying, that the King had three several enemies: the French, the English and the united Provinces, two of them were foreign, and the third a domestical enemy, rather to be termed a rebel then a right enemy; for the first two, if the house of Austria stood not in fear of the inhuman and barbarous Turks, the King might easily bridle them, proceeding in his war with good discipline, employing his treasure well, and advancing men of merit to places of command, but in regard that the Turk threatened Christendom, it was to be considered whether it were better to make a peace with these two foreign enemies, or with either of them, seeing that the Hollanders were in a manner out of heart, having both the French and English to their aid; what then were to be expected from them, if we made peace with one of these foreign enemies, as namely with the Queen of England, who hath in her hands the two strong entries of Zeeland and Holland? being of an opinion that she would not stand very much against a peace, both in regard that she was a woman, as also for that her treasure was well spent and exhausted, having but a small means, and for that the wars were maintained against the common people's minds, who desired nothing but traffic and freedom.  
The cause why she entertained these wars, was more for fear then for any great hatred: the greatness and power of the King, and the valour and dexterity of the Spaniards for these threescore years had been fearful to all neighbour Princes. Wherefore to bridle that great power, and to free her from fear, making no show of any ambition she would dissolve this union, for deeds and not words exalt kingdoms.  
The like was also to be hoped of the French King, who very secretly and seriously seeks for peace, in regard that his Kingdom is new, his Estate yet uncertain, and the chiefest of his Nobility factious; all which considerations persuade him to make a peace; as also his treasure being wholly wasted and spent, being supported by strangers, both secretly and openly. But whether the King of Spain would desire to make a peace with him or Noah, he knew not but to make a truce 
1595.  with him, or surceance of arms for a time, could not be prejudicial (reserving all titles and lawful pretences) for what security were there to be expected where the successor and succession is uncertain? wherefore having the French King of the one side, who will not enterprise much if he be not urged, we might easily deal with the English. Touching the united Provinces, that war would be most prejudicial, and without hope of any great gain; for they had good orders and discipline among them; they had a certain reason, the best towns, and good soldiers, who were much incorraged by fresh and late victories, and their government and union was hard to be broken, as long as the war, fear and suspicion endured; wherefore we must have a small peace, or an abstinence from war for a time, The Hollanders being more covetous than ambitious, and always in such a war, any little peace or truce is a furtherance to Princes, who can take fishes with golden nets. The Majesty of Princes is of great force to draw men's hearts, when there be any probable reasons to move them, men should undermine their enemies, especially in their popular government, sowing division amongthem who now through fear are so firmly united and having a surceance from arms by means of a truce, we might be able to effect many secret practices. And for an example of the like nature, Sextus Pompeius in the war he made against Augustus Caesar, holdding Sicilia and Sardinia, he brought all Italy into extreme want and misery, who by a short peace procured his own ruin: where it was concluded betwixt them that all such as had fled away, might return home again, and that the soldiers should be discharged and sent away, whereby Menas Pompey's chief Captain was secretly corrupted with gifts, and then it appeared, that that shalloe witted captain Pompeie, who not long before was held another Neptune, commanding both sea and land, was forced to fly in a small ship, and to yield his neck unto his enemy's sword, and so within less than a year that great war was ended: This he held to be the best course, finding that war was the cause of all corruptions and miseries, and was able to bring the mightest kingdoms to ruin.  
At this time the better to satisfy the common people a rumour was spread abroad that the Princely Cardinal Albertus should come to govern the Netherlands, and 
Ships of Holland and Zeeland discharged in Spain.  succeed his brother Ernestus, and to make him the more acceptable and pleasing unto the people, many Esterlings and netherlands ships (which had been stayed in Spain, to go as men of war, to meet with the Indian fleet which was then to come home) were discharged in divers havens, and set at liberty: And in Siville the Duke of Medina Sidonia told the merchants, and sailors of these ships, that the King had expressly commanded it should be done, being moved thereunto by the Cardinal of Austria, and that from henceforth all the Netherlands ships might freely come into Spain and pass away again, to the which end all men that would desire it should have passports granted them, hoping that in time they would be more mindful of the King's gracious favours, and submit themselves under their natural sovereign Prince. And to the end the united Provinces should be the better persuaded of the King's love and favour towards them, he set Philip of Nassau (who is now Prince of Orange and Earl of Buren, who had been long restrained of his liberty in Spain (free and at liberty, but as it is thought at the instance of the Prince of Spain, and the Cardinal aforesaid, that he might go with him into the Netherlands.  
After the taking of Chastelet and dourlan's, as we have said, the earl of Fuentes meaning to be spoken of and to make his authority eminent during the time of his provisonall government, limited until the coming of the cardinal Albert of Austria, and 
Cambr●…y besieged by the Spaniard.  to return with some honour out of the Netherlands into Spain, undertook a greater action than any governor before him had ever done: which was to besiege the town and Citadel of Cambray: the which (although it were an Imperial town) did acknowledge the French King for their Prince, under the government of the Lord of Balaigny bastard to john of Monluc Bishop of Valence. In this siege (during, the which there entered into the town, but very late, (the hearts of the Burghers being lost) the Duke of Rothel, son to Lewis of Gonsague Duke of Nevers, brother 
1595  to the Duke of Mantua, with the Lord of Vyck, (a brave and wise Cavalier) the Earl of Fuentes wrought so by battery and mine (having many of his factions in the town among the Clergy) as the Burghers being wonderfully incensed for the indignities which Balagny had done them, and for the insolencies and oppressions of his soldiers, not able to endure any longer, on the second of October after they had won the Swisses that were in garrison within the town, to be at their devotion, and not to hinder their treaty with the Earl of Fuentes, having no hope of succours, they yielded up the town by composition, and upon certain conditions among 
Cambray yielded by the Burghers.  others, that they should have none but Walloons in garrison (remembering still how badly they had been entreated by the Spaniards, being there in garrison in the year 1558.) but this promise was not long kept, but they were since in far worse estate then in Balaignies time. The French garrison which was within the 
☉  town (seeing the Swissers agreed with the Burghers to treat of the yielding up of the town) retired into the Citadel to Balaigny: where at the first they made show to defend themselves, but having been summoned once or twice upon promise of a good composition if they yielded, and threats if they should long contend (which accord Fuentes said he would make in favour of the Duke of Rothel and of the Duke his father) it did so tereifie Balaigny, as on the seventh of October, he delivered the Citadel into the Earl of Fuentes hands, in the name of the King of Spain.  
About September this year the Governor of Breda had an enterprise upon Lyre in Brabant two Leagues from Antwerp, with certain troops of horse and 
Lyre surprised & lost again.  foot: which town he surprised by Scaladoe, having put the Sentinel and the Court of guard to the sword, and breaking open one of the Ports about five of the clock in the morning, he drew in his horsemen and the rest of his foot. Against whom Alonso de luna Governor of the town made some resistance in the Market place, and at the townhouse; but finding himself to weak, he retired over one of the Ports with his men, resolving to make it good, until he had some succours from Antwerp, whether he had sent with all speed: the which arrived the same day by the same Port, whilst that Herauguieres men (who should have laboured to dislodge them and pursued their victory) were most busy to rob and spoil: and he not able to rally them in time, being dispersed here and there, he resolved to save himself, with as many of his men as he could. Thus the spoilers were spoiled and defeated, after that they had been masters of the town above eight hours, not caring to win the said port, and yet Herauguiere did cry out, importune, threaten, and strike. There were above 500 of them slain, besides prisoners, and the loss of horses. This should serve as an example for all other undertakers.  
Cardinal Albertus being upon the way towards the Netherlands, and bringing with him Philip of Nassau, Prince of Orange and Earl of Buren: the Estates of the United Provinces being advertised thereof, they wrote a letter unto the Prince, bearing date the 22. of December 1595 as followeth.  
My Lord, it was no small joy and contentment unto us all to hear of your delivery 
The united Estates write to the Prince of Orange.  from so long and undeserved imprisonment, as well in remembrance of the great services which this Estate hath received from my Lord the Prince of Orange your father of famous memory as in regard of the murder which was committed upon his person, which considerations do continually bind us to love and affect all such, as have the honour to belong unto him, especially your Lordship, who have so pitifully spent not only your youth, but even the best time of your life in the tedious and melancholy prison, the which you could not bear without great grief for the death of your honourable father, the which was procured as unjustly as your imprisonment: & yet your Lordship hath therein showed great constancy, as the necessity of the time & cause required: in regard whereof we thought fit to congratulate your liberty: but my Lord as we are informed the enemy pretends to effect great disseigns by this action of your honours delivery, to the great prejudice of this Estate: & for that it will be no small grief & discontent unto us, to have any cause to alter and withdraw that entire love and affection which 
1595.  we bear unto you (although we do confidently believe, that your Lordship will never be made an Instrument for the Spaniards, to undermine and overthrow our freedom, built up with such great care, diligence and wisdom, by your honourable Father the Prince of Orange, who for the maintenance and defence thereof was so cruelly murdered; and thereby to blemish that worthy memory, which is everlastingly to be had of him.) For which cause they have thought good to entreat you, that if your Lordship should have any desire to come into these Provinces, that it would please you to stay your journey for a while, until a more fit and convenient time, whereof we will advertise your honour, & send you to that end fit assurance according to the orders which we have set down all along our frontiers, not suffering any one to enter into these our united Provinces, without our passport. And so assuring ourselves that your Lordship will take this advertisement in good part, we will here-with end, beseeching GOD 
☉  to send your honour long life and happy days.  
This letter being delivered to the Prince coming to Luxembourg, he made answer thereunto, bearing date the first of February, as followeth.  
My good Lords, I thank you most heartily, for the contentment you receive by my liberty, and for the good remembrance you have of me, as appeareth by your letters. 
The prince of Orange's answer to ●…he Estates.  And although until this time I have not been allowed to make my love known unto you, who have always so well deserved; yet I hope by this good occasion of my delivery, to show you such effects to your good like and contents, as you shall have no cause to complain or be discontented therewith. And when-soever any occasion shall be offered, whereby I may let you know how much I desire to do you service (as he that affecteth nothing more in this world, then to see his poor oppressed country restored to her ancient flourishing Estate) I will not undertake any thing but with your good like, and to your content. And I hope that you for your parts will not refuse any duty and service, that may help to settle a peace, & make an end of so great troubles and miseries, to the general good of all these Provinces, which God grant may succeed for this service, and give you my Lords the full fruition of all your good desires, recommending myself most earnestly unto you all. From Luxembourg. Signed.  
Philippe William of Nassau.  
The Executors of his father's testament upon the last day of December against his coming, sent him ten thousand gilders in ready money, as part of his own goods: 
The Prince of Orange meets with his sister in the Duchy of Cleves.  and in October after, at the said prince's instance, by means of intercessors, it was concluded that there should be a meeting in the Duchy of Cleves, between him and his own sister by the mother's side, now Countess of Hohenlo, where they did salute & visit each other, conferring about their patrimonial goods; where she had licence to send him tapestry, hangings, and other household stuff, making great shows of love & friendship one unto an other. The general Estates sent monsieur Hessels one of the Council unto him to congratulate his coming, and to let him understand what order had been taken about their revenues in Breda, lest he should have some false reports made concerning the same.   

ALBERTUS CARDINAL OF AVStria, 
1595.  Lieutenant and Captain general for the King of Spain in the Netherlands.  
ALBERTUS. D. G. ARCHIDUX AUSTRIAE. BELG PROVIN: GUBERNATOR.  
Fifth brother of the house Imperial  
Of Austria was I borne, and seeing fate  
Failed ●…ne, in lands and means proportionate  
To my great birth, became a Cardinal  
But my great Cousin having evermore  
From my green years accepted my advise  
In points of statisme; by his Kingly choice  
Graced me with place of chief Inquisitor.  
And thinking none of all his lineage bore  
Perfection fitting such a match of price  
As Isabel, chose me, but first of all  
Styled me these lands Lieutenant general.  
THE Cardinal Albertus of Austria (long attended with great devotion in the Netherlands, by the King of Spain's subjects, all believing 
1596 The Cardinal of Austr●…a comes to go ●…rne the Ne therlands o●… th●… wing of ●…ne.  that he would bring a good peace, and an assured reconciliation with the united Provinces) arrived at Brussels the eleventh of February, bringing with him Philip of Nassau Prince of Orange elder brother to Prince Maurice, having been kept as it were in a prison at large in Spain since the year of our Lord 1569. where he was received with great pomp, every man casting his eyes upon him as upon the author of the country's quiet. But contrary wise (instead of propounding some means of union and peace, at his first arrival, as his brother Ernestus had done) he was no sooner acknowledged for Governor, but he prepared to make war both against the French and the united Estates. And for his first beginning he would attempt an exploit long before projected by Valentin De par Dieu signor of La Motte, Governor of graveling: the which the Earl of Fuentes (not content with his victories of Chastelet, dourlan's and Cambray) would willingly himself have put in execution in his time: but it was reserved for the first fruits of honour which the Cardinal should get in the Netherlands at his arrival, which was the taking of the town of Calais, a sea port of great importance, which the French recovered from the English in the year 1558. the which he went 
Calais besieged ●…y ●…he Cardinal.  and besieged: whereas the signor of Vysdossein Nephew to monsieur Gourdan was Governor, who had commanded there since it was conquered by the French, until his death, and then his Nephew succeeded him. There was but a small garrison both in the town and castle: although the Governor were well advertised, that all their preparation was against that place, yet was he so unfortunate and indiscreet, as he would neither fortify himself with men, nor make any provision for a siege. Yea the general Estates and Prince Maurice sending him some succours, he would receive but two companies, which were those of captain Dominique and of Gron, who had not the credit to enter into the town at the first, and much less into the castle, but they were put into a poor ruined sort at the head of the haven, called Richbanc (the which had been a stately ●…ort built by the English and ruined at the conquest of the French, the which Gourdan nor his Nephew Vysdossein never took any care to repair, as it was requisite, considering the importance of the place where it was seated) and some part of them in the suburbs along the haven, and before the port which they call Courguet, the which was nothing fortified: where as the Cardinal made his first attempt, so as those two companies were chased from thence, after they had fought valiantly, there was captain Gron slain, the rest retired fight into the town, whereas 
Richbanc and Courguet won.  they had small assistance and credit given them by the Inhabitants. As the Cardinal wanted no intelligence nor favourers within the town, the inhabitants were easily persuaded to yield it up by composition, which was, that every one should remain quietly in the possession of his house and goods. Vysdossein never made any offer to hinder this composition nor the yielding of the town, neither did he interpose his authority, nor do any endeavour to suppress the first authors of this treaty with the Spaniard. Where with the French King being much incensed, sent th●… signor of Champanolles who (notwithstanding that the town was straightly besieged 
The town of Calais basely. yielded.  round about) entered into the castle behind, with some hundred men. Where being entered, he sought to order all things, and with the Estates soldiers (the which at the yielding of the town, had retired thither) and those which were of the ordinary garrison, having encouraged the signor of Vysdossein, and could him how highly the King was displeased for so yielding up the town, he resolved to attend all extremities rather than to hearken to any accord.  
But the disorder was great, the ordinance being ill mounted, wanting Gunners and many other things necessary for the defence of such a place, so as the Cardinal having made a sufficient breach, he gave at the first a general and very furious assault, at the which the signor of Vysdossein, (who desired rather to die, then to leave the place being taken, in regard of his honour, whereof the King did so 
1596 The castle of Ca●…ais taken by assault.  much accuse him) was slain and some others of his captains, so as notwithstanding any resistance they were forced, and the castle taken at the first assault, with the slaughter of all that were found armed, whereas few of the Estates men escaped. There captain Dominique and his Lieutenant were taken prisoners.  
The Cardinal having had such good success at the taking of Calais, which was the seventeenth day of April, he went presently to set upon the town of Ardre the which is held the strongest little place in France, in the which there was a good garrison, for so small a place, of twelve hundredth men, and as well furnished with ordinance (where there was a Magasin of munition like unto that of Calais) as any small town in France. Yet as soon as the Cardinal had at his first approach taken the base town, the which is nothing but an entrenchment of a number of poor cottages and gardens towards Gynes, whereas the cattle were wont to pass 
Ardres besieged and base●…y ●…lded to the Cardinal.  ditches and ramparts) having planted his ordinance before the town, and begun to batter the Ravelin, the which they call the feast, (so named by reason of a feast which was sometimes made there betwixt the Ambassadors of the Emperor, and the Kings of France and England) the wall being nothing at all shaken nor the parapet beaten down, neither yet their defences broken: the signor of Bois de Annebout Governor of the town, yielded it, and the Cardinal had it good cheap, having camped before it eight days.  
To speak truly, many were amazed at this sudden yielding, and at the small resistance which they made in so strong a place: I cannot impute the fault thereof, but to the covetousness of the governors wife, who for fear to lose her goods and treasure, might persuade her husband (who otherwise I have known to be valiant and a wise gentleman) to yield, for fear (that being forced as the castle of 
I. Petit.  Calais was) to lose all. If this be not the motive, I know not what else could move the Governor to yield, unless the unfortunatnesse of the French made them then to faint and to forget their duties, for that as Mounsire la Nove saith, the success of arms is variable.  
During these two sieges of Calais and Ardres, the Fench King was yet before La Fere, the which seven days after the delivering up of Ardres, in the end yielded unto the King by composition. The Seneschal of Montlimart one of the league, and Don Aluarez Ozorio a Spaniard, having with their soldiers endured all the toils and all discomodities that could be invented, having the town full of water two or three foot deep, and suffered a thousand difficulties for the space of five months and more that they were besieged. The composition was very honourable 
An honorabl●… composition at La Fere.  for the besieged, who departed with their colours flying, drums sounding, with their full arms and baggage, drawing after them a double cannon marked with the arms of France, and so they retired towards Cambresis.  
When as the Cardinal of Austria, by the taking of Calais and Ardres, had tried the courage and resolution of the French, meaning to return an other time, he now meant to try what spirit was in Prince Maurice and the Estates soldiers. Then carrying back the body of his army out of that quarter of Picardy (having first manned those places with good garrisons) and dispersed his troops as well in Flanders as in Brabant; He first made show of some troops in the Land of Vaes to them of Hulst, in the East quarter of Flanders, only to blind their eyes; then he caused Mounsire Rhosne a French Leaguer, now marshal of his camp, (before Lieutenant to the Duke of main) to march with the number of some five thousand men through Antwerp, as if he went to go to Berghen up Zoom, or to Breda.  
Prince Maurice had no sooner news that the Spaniard had showed himself about Hulst, but he posted presently thither to set all things in order, but hearing that he had taken the way of high Brabant, he dislodged from thence, and went speedily to Berghen. The Cardinal had written a short letter unto Rhosne (the which was given unto a Gentleman to deliver unto him, but not before that he were come to a certain place near unto Hochstraten). This letter contained no other thing, 
1596.  but that upon sight thereof he should presently return: As he did, and past the next day through Antwerp, the same way he went, to go into the Land of Waes'.  
In the mean time Colonel La Borlotte, an adventurous soldier, and very fortunate in his attempts: to enter into the territory of Hulst, having chosen the flower of all the soldiers of his Regiment, with some others, he hazarded himself with certain shaloupes or long boats, to pass a channel betwixt the fort of the flower of Blomme, which the Spaniards had formerly built, and one of the Estates forts, called the petty Rape: the which he passed notwithstanding the Estates ships of war, the which did no way impeach him: and yet Prince Maurice had expressly recommended the guard of that passage unto them, the which they might easily have defended with their shaloupes and small Galleys, if they had not been so negligent: Wherefore finding no resistance, he passed through the favour of the fort of Blomme and of that of the great Rape, which the Spaniards had also built opposite to the petty Rape: betwixt the which and the town, the Estates had another great fort, called the Moervaert, from the which unto the town, there was a good trench well manned.  
Prince Maurice seeing that the Cardinal had deceived him, he parted suddenly from Berghen and came to Hulst, to give order for all things: Having recommended the 
Prince Maurice returns 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  town to George Euerard Earl of Solms his cousin, and furnished it with men, to be the nearer unto it, he retired in the beginning to the fort of Santbergh, from whence he sent new supplies unto the town, as he could get them to come. This passage being gotten by few men (the which the garrison of the town might easily have defeated, if at their landing they had sallied forth upon them) La Borlotte caused more men to enter daily by small numbers. And when as they were well fortified, they of the town intending to chase them out again, went forth to charge them, but they were so well entertained, as they were forced to retire with shame and loss, amongst others captain Nyvelt and Pottey were taken prisoners. The Spaniard being incorraged by this, and daily fortified with more men, he went and set 
〈◊〉 Rape 〈◊〉  upon the fort of petty Rape, wherein there might be some thirty men, the which he took.  
After that time there were gallant skirmishes made daily betwixt the Spaniards and them of the town, and the forts of Moervaert and of Nassau, which was a fort of one side of the town. On a Thursdaie amongst the rest, the Spaniards came suddenly to charge the trench (the first time that there ever was any guard) betwixt Moervaert and the town, along the dike thinking to lodge there themselves, and so divide the fort from the town, but they had such a welcome, as having lost some thirty men, and many hurt they were forced to retire, being chased even unto their quarter. Yet notwithstanding resuming courage and having fresh men, they returned with great cries according to their custom, and forced the Protestants to recoil 
〈◊〉 ●…lotte 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  even into their trenches, having lost three or four men, and amongst them captain Broucsaulx Sergeant and thirteen hurt, yet in the end the Spaniard was forced to leave the party. At these two charges, there died of the Spaniards besides the common soldiers, three captains, one a Fleming called Steenlandt, one Diego a Spaniard, and Doyon a Frenchman: the which being sent for according to quarter, were found dead.  
The next day Colonel La Bourlotte came himself in person, and had almost surprised them that were in the trench, having laid down their arms, and labouring with the spade to fortify themselves: yet he was so well entertained, as having small hope of getting it, he thought it best to retire. This trench did much import both the one and the other: Wherefore captain Boevury and Haeve being in Moervaert sallied forth with their companies, whereas captain Haeve was shot in the knee. Captain Bercham was killed with a cannon, and his Ancient was slain; for the better defence of this trench, the Protestants made a point, in form of a halfmoon.  
Those of the town did often make gallant sallies, still getting something, and 
1596 The Spaniard 〈◊〉 his Canon and plants it.  retired with small loss. In the mean time the Spaniard past his Ordinance, now one piece and then an other: Of the which he planted three against the Fort of Moeruaert, and placed as many in the Fort of Flower, that he might beat them within the trench upon the flank: And he planted three others upon the old dike, betwixt the Flower and Moeruaert, the which did much annoy Prince Maurices ships, of war. But notwithstanding all their shooting against Moeruaert although they had made a sufficient breach, yet did it avail them nothing, for that they could not make their approaches, but they must first take the trench which goes from the fort unto the town, being defeated by a half Moon.  
The Prince would gladly have recovered the petty Rape, which the Spaniard took easily at the beginning, for the effecting whereof he made a half Moon before the fort of Spitsenburch, meaning there to plant six pieces of Ordinance, that having this little fort, he might shoot close by the water upon the shaloupes in the which the Spaniard, did usually pass their horsemen: for at the beginning there was no means for them to make a bridge. They of Moeruaert had also planted one piece of Ordinance to play upon the said shaloupes, of the which they sometimes sunk one. That which did most of all concern the besieged, was the defence of this passage, to keep the Spaniards from passing, and from making a bridge upon boats, as he did afterwards, the which he could not do before he had taken Moeruaert.  
On the eighteenth day of july there came four Cornets of horse from Berghen up Zoom, the which entered into the territory of Hulst, by the part which they 
The Estates horsemen defeat some Spaniards.  call Campen: Where at their first arrival they defeated some three hundred Spaniards, whom they surprised in the country going a freebooting, then having burnt three mills to incomodate the Cardinal's camp, they returned: for they could not have stayed long there without great danger of being beaten: And to have lodged in any fort, there was no likelihood, for want of forage, neither could they have served to any great use.  
The Spaniards to be revenged of this loss, came the same night at ten of the clock with great fury to charge the counterscarpe of this great trench, which was betwixt Moeruaert and the town: And did so tire them with redoubled forces, as in the end he became master thereof, but not without great loss of his men. Yet not content herewith, about three of the clock in the morning he returned with new forces, and gave so furious an assault unto the trench, as those within it (being amazed 
The Spaniards win the great trench.  with the late loss of their counterscarpe) fell presently into rout and fled, some towards Moeruaert, and some under the town, to their great confusion, and the great joy of the Spaniard, by that means dividing Moeruaert from the town. His Artillery in the mean time was not idle, continuing his battery still upon the fort of Moeruaert with nine pieces, seeking to make a breach and to assail it by the trench which he had won. In the end having made a sufficient breach, and finding that the Protestant soldiers began to faint, (whereof they did most tax the Frisons) the Spaniard caused the Fort to be summoned, in the which Captain Beauty commanded, who could not persuade the soldiers, but they refused to fight; some putting out their Matches, and casting down their arms; so as he was forced to 
The Fort of Moeruaert yielded to the Spaniard.  yield up the place by composition to depart with their arms and baggage, the which they did the ninth of july, retiring to the Fort of Spitsenburch to be embarked there.  
Prince Maurice was greatly grieved for this loss, and so much moved against the three companies of Frisons which had been in it, as he would gladly have punished them after the manner of the ancient romans (which was to execute the tenth man) if fear of some greater inconvenience had not stayed him. The Spaniard by the taking of this Fort of Moeruaert, had free passage for all his army in the territory of Hulst, than 
Hulst besieged near.  he began to approach near unto the town, and planted three Canons upon a Mill mount, with the which he did much annoy the town, shooting at random through the streets and houses, so as the besieged were no where safe, but at the foot of the rampar, 
1596.  and in their sellers: and withal he filled up the old haven to make it a passage to the Fort of Nassau, there to plant his Canon. In the Town there were about three thousand men full of courage, and resolved to die, or to defend it from the enemy, they were commanded by the Earl of Solms, under whom were four Colonels; john of Egmont, Tack-hettinck Lieutenant to Cont William Lewis of Nassau, john Piron, and 
Cont Solms hurt.  the Admiral of Zirixee. And when as the said Earl being shot in the leg, could not go up and down, nor perform those duties which he had formerly done with great care and diligence: Colonel Piron was appointed superintendant over the other Colonels, who discharging his duty well, being acquainted with such sports, caused three mines to be made, by the which the besieged might when they pleased sally forth to skirmish.  
The Spaniard having stopped up the old Haven, and planted artillery there, he thought thereby to annoy the Estates ships, and to cut off their passage to the town, seeking in like sort to vex the Fort of Nassau, but it was so far off, as they could do little hurt to either of them, so as it was no hindrance unto the ships, but they went and came daily into the Town.  
On the three and twenty of july this present year 1596. the besieged made a sally by the mine at the port of Beguines, into the nearest trenches of the Spaniards 
A brave sal●…ie made by the besieged.  camp, out of which they chased them, having surprised them suddenly playing at Cards: but they returning to the charge with new forces, the besieged retired, always skirmishing, and the Spaniard pursuing them; but they were so well entertained with Musket shot and Canon from the town, as in an hour and a half which this skirmish lasted (both parties being obstinate) he lost many brave men, whereas the besieged lost only three, and had but few hurt.  
The last of this month of july, Colonel Piron who never rested day nor night from his charge, being upon the Rampar, he was shot in the cheek under the eye, the which did make the besieged very heavy, for he was forced to go out of the Town to be cured; finding himself unable to do any service during 
Colonel Piron hurt.  this dangerous wound. In the mean time the Spaniard approached still nearer and nearer unto the Town, so as on the first of August they began to fortify even before the port of Beguines, in the ditch of the Boulwarke, so as they had no more to do, but to fill it up and to undermine the Ravelin: but the besieged had so mined themselves, as it was all hollow, so as the Spaniard could have done little good: having planted his ordinance in as many places as he could, the which did sometimes batter the Rampar, and sometimes the houses and other buildings of the Town at random; being but a harquebus shot of. Yet for that he could not do any thing against the Fort of Nassau, by reason it is all environed with water, and that the Canon of the haven that was filled up, was too far of, he could not hinder the passage of ships, but that five or six Galleys and Shaloupes came in daily at a full Sea. And although the Spaniard did continue his battery for to make a breach, yet the besieged showed themselves very diligent and laborious to rampare it up, working both day and night, so as although they had made a sufficient breach, and been Masters of the port of Beguines, yet had they advanced little, and in the moving thereof they must have lost many men; for the besieged had made within the Town through the houses 
A half Mo●…ne made within the town.  (which the enemy's Canon had torn and rend in pieces) a half Moon, with a good and strong ditch, which had not been very easy for them to win: the circumference whereof from the port was all hollow with under-mining, the which they might very easily have blown up, if they had offered to force them on that side.  
The second of August the Spaniard having continued his battery all the day long, with fourteen pieces of Ordinance, both against the Ravelin, the Rampar, and the port, about six of the clock at night, he gave a very furious assault at the point of the Ravelin, which they called Duivels got, the which he carried, but with great loss: but being, entered the besieged blew up the said point by their mine, which made 
1596  many fly up into the air and some were buried in the ruins, about ten of the clock he gave a charge at the Ravelin of the port of Beguines, where he was so received by Captain La Cord and the Lieutenant of Captain Potey, either of them with two squadrons as the Spaniard was forced to retire with loss: the cannon and musket shot 
T●…o furious aslaults at Hulst.  flew so thick, as (according to the report of a Wallon soldier, who fled into the town, for that (as he said) he had slain a Spaniard) in those two charges, and the two days before, the Spaniard had lost above eight hundred men. Among the which Rhosne Marshal of the cardinals camp was slain with a cannon. There died in a manner all the Captains of la Borlottes regiment, with some Noblemen of note. Of the besieged Captain Poteys' Lieutenant was slain, with some few others, with seven or eight Frisons, the which were drowned passing over a narrow plank in h●…st at their retreat from the raveline which the Spainards' had won: who in less than twenty four hours gave four furious charges to that little Ravelin at the port of Beguines, but at every time they were valiantly repulsed by La Cord and his men, with the favour and assistance of them of the town, who failed not to cast wildfire and other burning matter upon the assailants, so as they were still forced to retire with shame and great loss. The Spaniards came unto the assault armed in such sort from head to foot as they seemed little hills of iron, which did move, and yet they got nothing by blows. 
Custom confirms and assures the courageous.  The besieged being by daily continuance, and accustomed to receive them with a wonderful courage and resolution, and the more they did see the slaughter of their enemies, the more resolute they were to die, although they had many wounded, the which were presently embarked and sent into Zealand, either to Middelbourg, Campoere, Flussing, and Arnemuyden. On the other side the hospital of Antwerp, Gant, Macklyn and other places, being as full of Spaniards, Walloons and Germans as they might be, so as many were left in barns in the villages, which caused great murmuring among the cardinals men, and especially of the common people, who lamented the loss of so many men, which they said were led wilfully to the slaughter, in seeking to force so little a place, in the which their were so many soldiers, neither was it yet wholly besieged, but they had still means to have a port open behind, when they pleased.  
The fourth of August after noon the Spaniards returned to assault the Ravelin at the port of Beguines, with great fury and fearful cries: but if they assailed it valiantly, it was as resolutely defended: the two companies of Zeeland (which were that of 
another assault at the port of Beguines.  the Signior of Cats, and of the Admiral of Zirixee) behaved themselves so valiantly with all sorts of arms, offensive and defencive, as the Spaniard was forced to give ground and retire back. The sixth of the month the Spaniard blew up a mine which he had made under the breach of the said Ravelin, wherewith some of the besieged were carried away, yet not many, the Spaniard being in arms in his trenches, attending until the mine were blown up, he came the fourteenth time to assail the said Ravelyn, and to chase away the besieged, as well by the ruins of the mine, as by the port, which was beaten quite down. Here upon all they of the town were ready to receive them, and to keep them from passing any further at a certain parapet, which they had made behind the breach. There they fought long, every one doing his uttermost endeavour, the Spaniards for victory and to win the town at his assault, and the besieged to defend it, and to preserve themselves: so as in the end the Spaniards were forced to recoil, and to quite that which they had won, retiring the same way they came, except one who was taken upon the port armed from head to foot, who said he was one of those Entretenidos, which are pensioners to the King of Spain, as English, Scottish, Irish and many others.  
After that the Spaniard had been thus chased from this Raveline, with great slaughter of his men, the besieged made a new trench in the midst of it in form of a parapet, the which they kept until the mine (which they had in hand) were ready to blow up, if the Spaniard should return, who in steed of enseignes of war, in this 
1596.  last charge and assault, they used Banners such as Churchmen carry in processions in the rogation week. Of the besieged Captain Egger a Scottishman was carried away with a cannon shot, and many other soldiers were slain and hurt: From that time it was decreed, that of the four Regiments which were within the town, every Regiment should have the guard of the said Ravelyn in his turn, to the end that all the burden should not lie upon any one of them. There were in the town ten companies of Zeelanders, (which before had always guarded it) ten of Hollanders, ten of Frisons, and ten of English and Scottish, those that were not in guard there, should be always armed, and remain at the foot of the rampar. Moreover the besieged (to fortify themselves the better towards the said Ravelin) made an other half Moon which stretch into the midst of the port of Beguines, neither did they cease labouring day and night at their ramparts. Colonel Dorp after the retreat of Colonel Piron (by reason of his hurt) was sent into the town, where he did execute his charge 
Colonel Dorp in the place of Colonel Piron.  with great care and diligence. The Spaniard having approached to Absdal, planted three pieces of ordinance there, to hinder the entry of the ships by the new-haven, and some Falcons, the which did reach unto the fort of Nassau, although it were far of, and withal they did batter the Churches and highest houses in the town the which was made like to a heap of stones, for there was no safety for the soldiers but at the foot of the rampar, and in caves and sellers for other men and women, whereof most part were gone out of the town, sense the beginning of the siege.  
The seventh day of the month, the besieged being at the guard of this Ravelin, took an alarum, and the Spaniard showed himself, than the besieged making a show to retire into their trench, the Spaniard poursued them into the Ravelin, whereupon they of the town give fire to their mine, which blew many brave soldiers of the enemies into the air, some being buried alive, and some cast far of into the diches and other places, which was a pitiful thing to here, the lamentable cries of men dying and wounded, so as there died many of either side, but most of the Spaniards.  
The thirteenth of the month the besieged took twenty men out of every company, the which going by night out of the fort of Nassau, lay close until noon, that the tide was quite spent. They had prepared two shaloupes with all things necessary 
A brave sally from the fort of Nassau  to make a bridge thereon, upon a little creak, the which they did and were not discovered by the Spaniard: then they marched with a resolution to the enemy's trench, the which he left, and fled to his fort of Absdal, where there were some pieces of ordinance, with the which they shot continually upon the fort of Nassau, and at the ships: yet the besieged going on entered this fort, chased away the enemy, cloyed their artillery, slew about a hundred men, and brought away prisoners, a Captain, a Lieutenant and an Ancient. The Spaniard came in haste to succour them with eight companies of foot and two Cornets of horse, whom the besieged did charge along a channel where there was a bridge: the Spaniard thinking to retire over it in haste, being overcharged with the multitude, it broke: so as there were many drowned, and such as thought to save themselves by swimming, were slain in the water, among the which there were three Captains which offered great sums of money to have their lives saved: but there was no pity nor mercy at this time. Having thus with honour chased away the Spaniard, they returned in the same order that they came, and repast the bridge which they had made, having not lost above four men, and some few hurt, among others, captain Potter in the head, and two Sargeants which were cured, carrying their first prisoners sasely into the fort of Nassau.  
The same day about three of the clock in the afternoon the Spaniard minding secretly to discover the mine which the besieged had under the Port of Beguines, by the which they were wont to go unto the Ravelin, which the Spaniards had won before: the besieged perceiving it, they went and stopped up this mine presently, leaving only some little crannies open at the point thereof, towards the 
1596  Spaniard: Who coming to visit the place with some Officers well armed, four musketeers which were at these holes, did salute them with good steel bullets, and slew some. The Spaniard seeing they came with targets and corslets of proof, to stop this mine, against the which the besieged caused two or three barrels of powder to be suddenly brought and fired, which blew up those that were about to stop it, so as many were slain, besides those that were hurt and burnt, which died afterwards in great torment.  
This ravelyne being thus won, as we have said, having no other flanker about 
The poor estate of Hu'st.  the town, it was easy for the Spaniards (having so long battered it furiously with thirty pieces of Ordinance, and made a breach of above forty yards wide) to plant himself in the rampar, and to lodge themselves pike to pike with the besieged, who had no other defence but fire and stones: In which estate they maintained themselves three weeks. And although the Earl of Solms was so hurt all that time, as he could not go, yet there was not any thing done without his direction, as if he had been every where in person, the which was speedily put in execution by the four abovenamed Colonels. Yet for all this the Spaniard had not done any thing, if they had not come to the sap, and mine, the which they advanced so fast, as within three days after they should have given fire, to have wrought the effect the night following, to their advantage, which the Captains perceiving, notwithstanding 
The besieged begin to parley  their resolution the day before to live and die there, as they had also promised to the Earl of Solms, they held it convenient to enter into treaty with the Spaniard, seeing there was no means to resist these forces long with their honour (being almost twenty thousand men) who might force them in divers places by assault, the besieged being not above fifteen hundred fight men, or else after their mines had wrought their effect, to enter in a throng. And besides the loss of the town, it was likely the soldiers would be defeated and put to the sword, to no purpose: the which the Earl having well considered, and duly weighed all inconveniences, he yielded unto the captains advice, to the end that within four or five hours after they should not be constrained to do it by force, with disorder, and without any hope of an honourable composition, which they might then do with order and to their advantage. It was also to be seared (as most commonly it often falls out in sieges) that some one of the besieged might fly unto the enemy's camp, and inform him of the estate of the town: The which out of all doubt would have made th●…m hasten their ruin. And that which did confirm the said Captains reasons the more, was the small likelihood, yea the impossibility of speedy succours, in case of urgent necessity to raze and dissodge an army, so far advanced in their enterprise, and of such power and might: judging that the succours which the Estates were wont to send to refresh a place besieged, could not suffice for any long resistance, against such a Camp, which had such advantages, the which could not by any means be taken from them without double force. Wherefore they began to treat the sixteenth day of the month. The Spaniard (being ignorant of the estate of the besieged, and of the extreme necessity they 
A Capitulation made by them of Hulst  were in) was glad to give ear unto them: and the eight and twentieth of the month the accord was made betwixt the Cardinal of Austria and the Earl of Solms, in manner as followeth.  
The Earl of Solms with the Colonels, and Captains, Officers and soldiers being within the town of Hulst, having sent yesterday to enter into conference, and to yield the town unto the King of Spain upon reasonable conditions. His Highness being very willing to favour such as do their endeavours in any exploit of arms, doth grant and promise in the word of a Prince, unto the said Earl of Solms, and generally to all other persons of what quality, nation or condition soever they be, being at this present within the said town without any exemption, these points and articles which follow. 1. First that the Earl of Solms with all the soldiers 
The articles of the accord  may go away freely either by water or by land, whether they please, with their colours flying, drums beating, matches lighted, bullets in their mouths, 
1596.  arms, baggage, horse, carts, trayses, boats, shaloupes, and generally whatsoever belongs unto them: and meaning to go by land, either all or part, they shall be conducted in all safety: and if to that end they have need of any carts, they shall furnish them, giving security for their return.  
2 In regard whereof the said Earl of Solms shall be bound to yield up the town unto the King, with the Fort of Nassau, and to depart out of the said town and Fort, as soon as the boats shall come: The said Earl promising upon his faith to send for them with all the speed that may be: And to lodge presently upon the breach▪ the Marquis of Teruicos regiment, who shall have charge given them, not to do any harm, nor to pass any farther during their abode there. And for assurance of their abode there shall be given in hostage unto the Earl, the said Marquis of Tervico and the Earl of Sorres.  
3 All prisoners taken during the siege of any side, of what quality soever they be, having not compounded for their ransom, shall be set at liberty paying the charges only.  
4 All Burghers and inhabitants without any exception, may freely depart with their goods and movables either by water or by land. And they shall have a years time to sell, allienate and transport their said movables and inmoveables; and that time being passed, they may enjoy them, causing them to be governed by some receiver, which shall have his abode in some neutral town or place: and such as will stay may remain quietly without any molestation, & enjoy all their goods, both within the town and without, and in all places of his majesties obedience: with remission, abolition and perpetual forgetfulness of all that hath hitherto happened, having no need to seek any other discharge then this present treaty, so as they live hereafter as his majesties good subjects ought to do: and they shall be maintained in their ancient privileges and accustomed freedoms. And in regard of the Burghers & proprietaries which are retired during the siege, they may return freely with their wives, children and goods, and enjoy the benefit of this present treaty. So concluded the 18. of August 1596. signed Albert and George Euerard Earl of Solms: which treaty was put in execution accordingly.  
They had persuaded the Cardinal that the taking of this town was more easy than he found it, thinking to carry it as lightly as he did Calais and Ardres: 
The town of Hulst a dear conquest to Cardinal Albert.  But he found other men, and in better order than in these two towns: So as it cost him at this siege (which continued about two months) besides his great charge, about threescore Captains, besides other Commanders, Colonel's and men of mark, and above five thousand soldiers at the least, Yet (how dear soever) he had the honour to carry it: unless he would say as Amurath Emperor of the Turks, who being nothing joyful of the victory which he had gotten near unto Varna, said: That he would not often vanquish in that manner.  
Touching the yielding up of this town, some judging of matters of war according to their own imaginations (speaking their pleasures in their tabletalk) would have taxed the Earl of Solms and some Colonel's and captains, as if they had yielded it out of season, imagining that if they had yielded it but eight days longer, the Cardinal had been forced to raze his siege: but they show not the reasons why, nor 
The Earl of Solms taxed for the yielding of Hulst purgeth himself.  what should have moved the enemy to retire; and they do not dream of the inconveniences (which are doubtful in war) that might have happened in these eight days. To stop whose mouths, the Earl of Solms in the name of all the rest, yielded so good an account of that action, both to the general Estates and to Prince Maurice, as they had good reason to be satisfied and appeased. Only they of Zealand were somewhat discontented, it may be for some words used by the Earl, and mistaken by them.  
The twentieth of November the King of Spaynepuplished a proclamation or Edict given at Pardo, by the which he complains that the great quantity of gold and silver which the Indies furnish him yearly, with all his revenues and treasure are exhausted and consumed, and his royal patrimony in a manner spent, for the great charges 
1596. The King of Spain proclamation whereby he dispenseth with himself for the payment of his debts.  and expenses, which he says, he bears for the defence of Christendom and of his dominions. The cause whereof he imputes to the great and excessive damage he suffers, and interest, which he pays by the taking up of money by exchange, and other contracts which are made in his name with the Merchants: by reason whereof all his demaynes, aids, with the ordinary and extraordinary reveneves are held by others, so as matters are come to that extremity, as he hath no treasure to help himself withal; seeing that the Merchants and Bankers, (who until that time were wont to furnish him by exchange) excused themselves and made difficulty to deal, for that they held in their hands, and in their power all the revenues and royal demaynes, for the helping whereof, he found nothing more convenient and fit nor of better justification, then to cause the royal treasury to be raised and repaired of the wrongs and Injustice which it hath suffered by reason of these rigours of charges and interests, which he hath suffered and tolerated in the time of contractions, to avoid greater dangers, as the want of providing for the atfayers of the war and that which depends thereon, had been; the which he intends to remedy by these means: being impossible to use others upon the occasions which are offered: meaning (for the taking away and abolishing of the said interests) to resume and make use of all the assignations which he hath given and transported to all Nations and Bankers, for what sums of money or contracts soever, that they have made with them, by his commandment, sense the decree and general order set down by him the first of September in the year 1575. and the fi●…t of December in the year 1577. unto the twenty of November in the year 1596. which Assignations given, upon all, or any part of his demaynes, he holds suspended, so as the Merchants shall not enjoy nor receive them: but the money that shall rise thereby shall be put into his coffer and that all contracts for en●…rests shall cease, approving all that which in this regard hath been resolved and decreed by the Presidents, and those of his royal council, and of his treasure, for that all hath been done by his especial commandment.  
This Edict signed Io el Rey, and by commandment from his Majesty Gonzalo de vera, bred a great alteration among the merchants, as well in Spain, Italy, as at 
Many bankrupts by reason of this Edict.  Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Middelbourg, so as many fell Bankrupt making this their pretext: And Cardinal. Albertus' letters of exchange being sent back unto him and protested, made him for a time to lose his credit, and kept him bare of money, so as he could not attempt any thing against his enemies for the space of three or four months.  
About the end of August the Marshal of Byron being followed by some troops 
The Marshal of Byron makes war in Arthois.  of horse and foot past the river of some, and the first day of September he entered into Arthois, seized upon the Castle of Imbercourt, forced certain good Borough towns to redeem themselves for great sums of money, and being accompanied with five Cornets of horse, he charged the Marquis of Warembon, Governor of Arthois, who thought to defeat the marshal he having five or six hundred horse, but he himself was put to rout and taken prisoner, which gave a terrible alarum to all the country of Arthois: then he overrun the country of Saint Paul, took the town and some other places. Some peasants defended themselves out of their steeples and quarries of stone (as in such accidents they have no other retreats) but they were roughly entreated in regard of such as remaining in their houses did stay the violence of their enemies by contribution of money and victuals. All this was done in eight days.  
Cardinal Albert understanding of the taking of the Marquis of Warembon, he sent the Duke of Arschot in his place: who whilst he entered into Arras▪ had the French of an other side setting fire of one of the suburbs within hargubuse shot of the town. And for that they were laden with booty, the Marshal being loath they should lose it, r●…red safely with them unto the frontiers of Picardy. 
1596. 〈◊〉 ●…nch 〈◊〉 again 〈◊〉 Arthois.   
Being discharged the one and twenty day of the month they entered again into Arthois, about Bapaulme, spoiling Hebuterne, Beruiller, Courselles and other places, sacking the Peasants that made any head against them. The duke of Arschot camped with his forces close under Arras, and entrenched himself carefully, being resolved not to hazard any thing, knowing well with whom he had to deal. The French set all places on fire, carried away more booty than before and returned quietly, making a course towards Bethune, air and Teroanne, from whence they carried much cattle and many prisoners: then they retired and camped in the plain of Agincourt, and yet no man made head against them in this second voyage, for the space of ten days. The duke of Arschot being renforced with eight hundred foot joined to the Regiment of La Borlotte, he parted from Arras the fifth of October, and went and camped at Saint Pol, whereas the Marshal of Byron leaving him, he entered seven days after 
The French enter the third 〈◊〉 into Artho●….  with his horsemen again into Arthois, and being followed by his footmen, he stayed at the abbey of Mont Saint Eloy three leagues from Arras: and on the thirteenth day he did run even unto the ports of Dovay, then having spoiled all, he returned into Picardy, about some four or five days after the Duke of Arschot (having recovered Imbercourt) dismissed his little army, putting his companies into garrison.  
In the beginning of january in the year of our Lord 1597. Prince Maurice being 
1597. The Cardinal's army at Tournhout.  advertised from divers parts, that Cardinal Albertus was resolved either by secret practices or by open force, to attempt some great exploit that winter to the disadvantage of the united Provinces: The Cardinal having to that end lodged his army in December passed, at Tournhout in Brabant, consisting of four Regiments of foot, that of the Marquis of Trevico a Neapolitaine, in the which there were five hundred appointed (Officers of many companies) that of the Earl of Sults, reinforced with an other Regiment of Germans, Colonel La Borlottes Regiment, and that of the signor of Hauchicourt, under captain Cocquielle his Lieutenant, these two Regiments of Walloons being supplied with new men, in their places that were slain and dead since the siege of Hulst, and of five cornets of horse of Nicholas Basta, Don john of Cordua, Alonso Dragon, Grobbendonc and Gousman: having for Commander and chief of the whole army, the Earl of Varax, Barron of Balanson, Brother to the Marquis of Warembon 
The Earl of Varax chief of the Spanish army.  Governor of Arthois, at that time a prisoner in France, the Cardinal having commanded many companies of horse and foot, as well Spaniards as other Nations, to march towards that camp, with necessary munition for some great action.  
Prince Maurice to prevent him, studied how he might by some notable piece of service, give a good beginning to the new alliance and confederation which they had 
Prince Maurice resolves 〈◊〉 set upon the Cardinal's army.  lately made with the French King and the Queen of England. And although there seemed to be many difficulties in this resolution of so great importance, not only in regard of the discommodity of the season, being in the very heart of winter, and the time very variable and inconstant, sometimes disposed to freeze, sometimes to thaw, but also for the great distance of the garrisons, some being above twenty leagues from others, from whence they must draw their soldiers, with that which was necessary for the execution of his enterprise, a hard matter to manage secretly, and to draw them to a fit and commodious place, but the Spaniard should discover it. Yet the Prince laying aside all difficulties, drew together in less than eight days, and as secretly as he could, into the town of Gheertruydenberghe, about six thousand men, foot and horse, with all that was needful for his enterprise. The Estates according to their custom having appointed one day of public prayer, to crave his divine help, the two and twenty of january in the town of Gheertruydenbergh, to part the next day, with his horse and foot, two cannons and some field pieces, and to march with all speed day and night towards the Spaniard, to force him in his lodging at Tournhout by the break of day: the Prince being accompanied by the Earl of Solms and Sir Francis Veer general of the English.  
The same day the Prince arrived at Gheertruydenberghe, there arrived almost in two 
1597  hours space above 150. boats full of men, furniture and munition of war, whether also came the same day Sir Robert Sidney Knight (now Vicont Lisle) Governor of Flussing, with three hundred of the choicest soldiers of his government, and the Lieutenant Governor of the Bryel, with two hundred English more.  
The Earl of Hohenloo, Lieutenant general to the Prince, having a little before prepared himself (with the consent of the general Estates, and of the said Prince) for a voyage into Germany, for his own private affairs, being stayed some days 
The Earl of Hohenloo comes to the battle.  by reason of the inconstancy of the weather, and lying upon the frontiers of the united Provinces, had news that the Prince had sent for (with all speed) a good number of horse and foot towards Gorrichon, for the 21. of january, whereby the Earl did gather, that this sending for men in the midst of winter, was not done but for some matter of great importance: wherefore laying his voyage aside, he resolved to be an actor at it.  
The Earl of Varax General of the Spanish army, being advertised of the Princes approach, with his forces and artillery: whereas he should have fortified his lodging, or gone to encounter the Prince in good order, and chose a place of advantage with his lusty men to fight with them that were wet, weary, and tired with the length and discomodity of the ways (the which seemed the most safe and honourable for him,) who had the reputation among the greatest Commanders, being in a manner as strong as the Prince, and both his horse and foot held for the best Soldiers which the King of Spain had in his service, yet for fear he left his lodging in the night, without sound of Trumpet or Drum, or making of any noise, 
The Earl of Varax retires from Tournhout.  retiring to Herentall, four leagues from Tournhout, a town of the King of Spain's party, where he thought to save himself and his men.  
The Prince coming to Tournhout at the break of day, and finding his enemy gone, resolves to follow him, and to overtake him (if he could) with his horse, commanding his footmen to follow with all speed. A quarter of a league from Tournhout towards Herentall a certain number of Spanish foot, through favour 
The Prince pursues the Spaniard.  of a wood, kept the passage of a little river, the ford whereof was long and uneasy for horsemen, the which could not pass but one by one: and it was no less troublesome for the footmen, having no means to pass it but by a narrow plank. Wherefore the Prince (to make them quit this passage) commanded Sir Francis Veer, and Ʋander Aa, Lieutenant of his guards, to charge them with two hundred Musketeers, the which they did, and chased them away. This passage being won, he followed and overtook the enemy a mile from Tournhout, upon a plain, the Regiments marching a hundred paces one from another. That of the Germans was the first, Hachicourt next, la Barlotte the third, and the Neapolitans the last: on the right hand marched their horsemen in three troops, being covered on the left wing with the foresaid wood, and their baggage was sent before: when as the Prince who with half his horsemen (being divided into six troops) remained behind▪ did see the Earl of Hohenlo, whom he had sent before with the other half of the horsemen (divided also into six troops) so far advanced as he might charge the Spaniarde in the flank, as he had commanded him, he sent Sir Francis Veer, Sir Robert Sidney, and the rest of the horsemen, to set on them behind, and he with the body of the army stood firm, to second and relieve them if they were repulsed.  
According to this order, the Earl of Hohenloo, and with him the Earl of 
The Earls of Hohenlo and Solms charge first.  Solms, charged the enemy in flank, and the other Commanders fell upon the rearward with such fury, as notwithstanding all their resistance, the Spaniards ranks were broken, his horsemen put to flight, and both his foot and horse which could not save themselves by running, were all defeated and overcome. There it appeared that pikes were not able to resist long Pistols (which in the country language, they call Carabins) the which are long pieces, that the horsemen (having left their lances) carried in this battle.  
In the which there were above two thousand men slain upon the place, with the 
1597. The Ear●…e of V●…rax slain, and his army defeated.  Earl of Varax their General, who for he was too simple attired for such a Commander, was not known. There were above five hundred prisoners taken, and among them many that had charge, with a young Earl of Mansfeldt. The Prince carried back seven and thirty enseignes and one cornet. That which made his victory absolute, was the small loss of his men, for (the which many would not believe, and yet it is true) he lost but nine men in all. Whereof Dounck a captain of horse was hurt, and died a while after, and a flemish Gentleman called Cabillau, were two, and very few hurt.  
After the victory the Prince went and lodged at Tournhout, where he had left his artillery with some of his footmen, under the charge of the signor of Herauguiere: Governor of Breda. Whereas after that the castle had endured three volees of great ordinance, it yielded by composition, to depart with their lives and goods, which being done, the Prince retiring the eight day of February towards the Hage, he sent all his troops to their garrisons, having done this happy exploit in so short a time.  
The Cardinal did much grieve at this loss, the which disappointed the designs which he had as well upon the Island of Tolen, as in the country of Zuyt Bevelandt. After which neither he, nor his did budge, till afterwards seeking to be revenged of the French, the Governor of dourlan's, with the Spanish garrison which was in Saint Polin Arthois, (being mutined, or at the least making a show to be in a mutiny) made an enterprise upon Amiens, the chief town in Picardy, the ninth day of March, on a sunday about eight of the clock in the morning, the which succeeded happily for 
Amiens surprised by the Spaniard.  him, and the town was taken without any resistance. The Earl of Saint Pol being within the town, and finding no man to make head against the enemy, seeing all lost, he fled away, abandoning his wife and all his family, unto whom the Governor showed himself very courteous, sending back the Lady and all her train, and not suffering them to receive any wrong.  
The town being taken, the Spaniard showed himself tractable enough; but six days after, making a show to mutiny for their pay, they spoilt it, and then ransomed the Inhabitants, without any respect of Clergy men, or others. The King had a little before made a Magasin or storehouse for the wars there, and had sent forty great cannon pieces with all the carriages, and powder, bullets and munition fit for them. This was the greatest loss which the King made: for the Inhabitants were not much lamented, for that they would never receive any garrison, although they were within six leagues of their natural enemies within dourlan's.  
The King was fully resolved to have made hot war this summer in the year of our Lord 1597. in the country of Arthois, but the surprise of this important town, and the taking of Calais and Ardres from him by the Spaniard; made him to change his design, and turn all his thoughts to recover the town of Amiens. The sixteenth day of March the Spaniard made an enterprise upon the town of Steenwyc 
The Spaniard fails to surprise Steenwyc.  in the country of overissel, after the manner which followeth. The day before, some troops assembled at Ham near unto Ommen, at a certain hour of the night, from whence they parted by secret, and unknown ways, carrying with them certain portive bridges with the which they had means to pass, and not go through any villages, so they were no where discovered: but about two of the clock after midnight they came near unto the town, and lodged themselves in gardens which are behind a rampar (called Rondeel in their language) until that the Moon was quite down, which was little after three of the clock: Being then dark they gave a hot alarm at Onighen port, and at that of the hospital, with about two hundred men, and the sound of trumpets, drums and fearful cries, according to their custom.  
In the mean time about a hundred of them that were in the gardens, went closely into the town ditch, carrying ropes, hatchets and scythes to cut down the palissadoe on the North side, by the which they go from the rampar to the Churchyard, where 
1597.  they gave a very furious charge, with about three hundred men, led by Captain Zanthen. The sentinel having discovered them, gave the alarm: whereupon the Burghers and soldiers being in the nearest Corpses de guard, and those which dwelled in that quarter of the town being awaked, some half naked ran to the rampar, and the number increasing in an instant they made a brave defence, and repulsed the first charge, they being chased behind the rampar, an other troop of three hundred men led by captain Malagambo, approached to second and assist the first: then soon after came the third troop of three hundred men under the leading of Captain Harman ven Ens, who also gave a charge, the which continued almost an hour, with such a vehement force and fury, as they heard it to Blocxyel and to Cuinderl. Those of the town defended themselves valiantly both with shot, stones and all kind of other defensive arms.  
The assailants thinking to divide themselves into two troops at th●… foot of the rampar, to charge in two places, seeing it prevailed nothing for the great resistance they found, in the end they made a more quiet retreat then their approach was, carrying away (through the favour of the night) as many of their dead men and wounded as they could, so as there were but two of there dead men remaining in the ditches, whereof the one was some Lieutenant, and at the foot of the rampar eight or nine hurt and half dead: the which were dispatched: except two that were carried in●…o the town, whereof the one was Lieutenant to Malagambo, who declared the project and success of this enterprze. Of them within the town, there was but one Bourger called Cornellis Been slain, and one Martin Jacob's a gunner hurt, whereof he died afterwards, with some nine or ten other Burghers, and four and five soldiers lightly hurt, and soon cured. These undertakers at their retreat, lest in the town diches, all the instruments which they had brought for that exploit, from whence (with the seventeen Wagons full of dead men and hurt) they carried little honour: yet the town made a fair escape, for it was in danger to have been suddenly surprised. 
Prince Maurice makes an enterprise upon Veuloo which succeeds ill.   
In May Prince Maurice had an enterprise well laid but succeeded ill, upon the town of Venloo in the country of Geldres, at the which he was in person with some horse and foot. The exploit should be done with two ships at the opening of the towne-gate which was towards the river of Meuse. The first and least ship (wherein were the leaders of this enterprise) with Captain Mathis Helt and his Lieutenant did their endeavours well, about fifty men that were in it, seizing at the appointed hour both upon the Kaye and the port, but as the second ship being the greater, could not so easily mount by reason of the violence of the stream, and for that the ships lay so before the town, as he could not come near to land his men, which were more in number, the Burghers had time (whilst that the others kept the port) to put themseles into arms, and to charge captanie Mathis, and withal the mariners of Liege which were in their ships shot at him and his men behind: so as being unseconded, the Burghers recovered the port where as the said Mathis and Schalck Captain of the ship were slain, and Mathis Lieutenant being wounded, was carried away upon pikes by certain English soldiers. And so this enterprise failed, to the great joy of the Burghers.  
At that time Sigismond King of Poland and Sueden, at the request of the King of Spain, sent an Agent of his unto the general Estates of the united Provinces (who took upon him the title of an Ambassador (called Paul Dziali a gentleman of his household, 
Ambassadors from the king of Poland to the Estates.  and one of his Secretaries, who arrived at the Hage in july, and was very honourable received by the Estates and Prince Maurice. His chief charge was to move the states and the Provinces in his Master's behalf, (being a mediator for the King of Spain) to give ear unto a peace. This Ambassador extolling the King of Spain and his power unto heaven, and lighty esteeming the Estates, seemed to threaten them in his masters behalf, if they did not yield unto the proposition of his legation: yet the Estates gave him the reception and did him the honour which his quality and person 
1597  required, making him but a short answer, as the Queen of England did in like manner, unto whom he also went.  
The Emperor also sent in the beginning of August to persuade them to a peace, at the instance of the King of Spain: the Agent which he sent to the general 
An Agent from the Emperor to the Estates.  Estates and to Prince Maurice, was Charles Nutzel of Honderpuihel, his councillor in the kingdom of Hongarie, who had audience the tenth day of the said month.  
His legation was, that the Estates would admit and hear certain Ambassadors in the behalf of the said Emperor, and other Princes of the Empire, to propound some means for a peace betwixt them and the King. To whom a short answer was made, that they could not change their first resolution; wherefore that it would please his Majesty not to take their refusal in bad part, the which they did not by contempt, but rather to avoid his indignation, which they might incur, if such Ambassadors of so great state, should not return from them with something pleasing to his Majesty, being most certain that if they desired to propound any thing of a reconciliation with the Spaniard (the which was not lawful for the Estates once to think of) it would be but labour lost, else they would not refuse the said Ambassadors as they never yet had refused any, especially from his Imperial Majesty; besides the Estates being in league with the French King and the Queen of England, they could not without their privity and consent begin any thing, especially in a matter of so great weight, which concerns their government: wherefore they besought his Majesty that he would hold them excused.  
The French King presently after the surprise of Amiens by the Spaniards, sent certain 
The French King prepares to besiege Amiens.  troops of horse and foot about the town, especially to those places where there are bridges upon the river of Some, as at Pont Remy, Picqueni, Corbie and other places, attending until his army were ready, to besiege it near.  
Cardinal Albertus (whom it did much import to preserve this town for the King his Master, as being the chief key of France towards Arthois) sent all his Spanish forces to the fronters, besides the garrisons which he had in cambray, Chastelet, dourlan's, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin and divers other places in those quarters, taken from the French, that he might at need break the French Kings siege, and raise it by force if it were by any means possible. But he could not be 
Cardinal Albert resolves to succour Amiens.  so soon ready, for want of money, or otherwise, so as before he could bring his army to field, the King had so well entrenched his camp, as the Cardinal held it not convenient to charge him: although that having put his men in order of battle, with his artillery, he had once or twice made some show, yet having no intent to hazard any thing, so as the town was forced to yield in September following, even in view of the Cardinal.  
Whilst that the Cardinal was in those quarters of Picardy, with the King 
Prince Maurice goes to field with his Army.  of Spain's forces, the general Estates of the united Provinces and Prince Maurice, having stayed their army from going to field until August, for that they would first see which way the Cardinal did turn head with his army, doubting not but he would be kept very long there, (although he could not raise the King from his siege) to serve for a bridle for the French, that they should not overrun Arthois.  
In the beginning of August in this year of our Lord 1597. the Estates and the Prince having resolved for to free the river of Rhine, the aforesaid Prince caused all his army, with the Artillery to march, as well by land, as by the rivers of Rhine and Wahal, with three or four hundred ships of all sorts towards Rhinbercke: and before he came there, passing close by the town and castle of Alphen, (belonging to the Contesse of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart) which might annoy his camp: he approached only with two pieces of ordinance, which he caused them that were in garrison there for the King of Spain to see, being about 60 men: who being summoned, and offered a good composition, if they did yield before the Canon was planted, 
1597  finding themselves too weak to withstand an army; and being loath to lose themselves through wilfulness, they yielded both Town and Castle into the Prince's 
Alpen yielded to the Estates.  hands the eight of August, departing with their arms and baggage, seeing they had not attended any force, but only threats.  
The same day the Prince advanced with all his army before the town of Rhinberck, the which was that night all invested by land, the ships of war and boats remaining before Wezel in the country of Cleves, for that they could not easily 
Rhinbercken vested.  mount up the Rhine: but the next day it was in like sort invested by water, and the town ships taken, with a little Island in the midst of the Rhine, opposite unto the town, where the Prince planted some pieces of battery, besides those that were in the ships of war, from whence he battered a great Tower in the Bishop's Palace, (which commanded upon the said river) until they had made it unprofitable.  
The besieged made not any sally worth the writing, only they did importune the Camp with their Canon, and among others they shot once near unto the Prince's Tent, into the Pavilion of the Siegnior of Sonsuelt his Councillor, and in his youth his Governor, the which came close by his head, as he rested himself upon a Mattras, touching only his breeches which he had laid at his bed's head, without any other harm: whereupon they made a terrace the height of a man or more, to defend the Prince's Tents.  
The nineteen day of the month, the Prince having planted his battery at the strongest part of the Town, being about six and thirty pieces: he caused it to play from ten of the clock in the morning, until four in the afternoon, that the wall began to fall, and to make a breach: the which did so amaze the besieged (who were not less than a thousand fight men, which being resolute might have endured many assaults,) that although there were not a sufficient breach, yet they required (that whereas they were summoned to yield) to parley: the which the Prince did not refuse to give ear to, to spare his men, and the effusion of blood: so as they agreed that by the next day the Governor, Captains, Officers, Soldiers and Mariners, should depart with their full arms, colours flying, Drums beating, carrying away all their movables and baggage upon a certain number 
Rhinberck easily yielded to the Estates.  of Wagons, with good convoye to conduct them unto the Town of Geldre: with whom all men, as well Clergy as Say men might depart, and all the King of Spain's officers: upon condition that what belonged to the King of Spain, with the ships, and also the movables of the Countess of Nyenwenart being in the town should remain there still: and the Burghers should be maintained in their freedoms and privileges.  
Without doubt it was a speedy and easy purchase, of so strong a town, and or so great importance, which did so much harm to all her neighbours, and especially to them of Wezel, for that they make profession of the Protestants religion. The besieged might well for their honour have held it some certain days, and endured two or three assaults, and the rather for that Cont Herman vanden Berghe, marched with goodly troops of horse and foot to succour them, at the least to refresh them with men, the which he might well have done, considering the distance of the guarders one from another in the Prince's camp.  
But as it is an ordinary thing, the greatest bragger's are not the most resolute soldiers; so Captain Snater Governor of the town (who with his great words had braved the Estates and the Prince in Nymegen before he yielded it) was at the first sight so amazed and terrified, (fearing that his bravadoes would be remembered) as he presently fainted and lost all courage: He was in truth much to blame to have yielded it so lightly, for the which he was long in prison, notwithstanding his excuse upon the soldiers, who (he said) would not endure an assault, who on the other side laid the blame upon him. Yet I have not heard that they were in any sort punished, but chose the same soldiers mutined soon 
1597  after in the town of Gelder's.  
This town being thus yielded, to the disgrace of Captain Snator and the besieged, 
The Archbishop of Cologne de●…nds Rhin●…ck as natural.  the Archbishop and Chapter of Cologne (of whose jurisdiction the town is) sent there deputies unto the Prince, being yet in his camp, and afterwards to the general Estates at the Hage, requiring them to leave the said town, as being of their jurisdiction, free and neutral: but the examples of the towns of Bonne and Nuys, with the harm which the said town did unto the Estates, giving free passage to the Spaniards to go into Freezland, and the robberies and insolencies which were committed by the garrison thereof, was the cause that at that time they gave them small hope to recover it so easily from them, who had spent so much to win it.  
The yielding of this town did so amaze them that were in garrison in that mighty fort, seated also upon the Rhine (which captain Camillo Sachini governor of the 
The fort of Camillo a●…doned.  town of Maeurs, had caused to be built and called it by his own name the fort of Camillo) being two hours going from Rhinebercke, as without attending any siege, seeing only two ships of war approach, having set fire of it, they abandoned it with two pieces of Artillery: which the Prince seeing he caused it to be presently ruined, whilst that he was busy to repair the breaches, and to make plain the camp before Rhinebercke, then having viewed the town and Castle of Meurs, the situation and the country about it for the planting of his camp: after that he had left a sufficient garrison of horse and foot in Rhinberck, under the charge of Captain Schaef, he caused all his army to march the twenty six of 
M●…urs besee●…y the ●…es.  the month towards Meurs, the which he besieged, making ready to force it; but the seventh day following, which was the second of September, before they had endured one cannon shot, although both town and castle were places of a reasonable strength, and had eight or nine hundred men in them, wanting nothing for their defence, especially in the castle: yet they were so faint-hearted by a sudden amazement which took them, hearing the summons that was made to yield, and thinking of the little or no means that was made to succour Rhinberck, which was much stronger and of greater importance, hoping for no succours when they had done their best, being loath to be scackt, they were resolved before they would endure a battery of twelve pieces (which wee ready) to enter into treaty, and to get the most honourable composition they could, which the Prince having other desseigns, and to win time, granted them to depart the next day, being the third of September, withal their arms, horses, and baggage, their colours flying, 
Mures yielded  drums beating, bullets in their mouths, matches light, and besides to carry away one field piece the which had never been used during all the Estates wars, but to win time (having much work elsewhere) they did grant them all they demanded: Moreover they had some Wagons granted them to carry away their baggage, and a good convoy to conduct them to some other place of more better safety.  
Prince Maurice having thus freed the Rhine and cut of the Spaniards passage into Friesland, after that he had settled a good order in these three towns and castles, the which he had gotten in one month, with a little labour or loss, he resolved in like manner to go and free the country of Friesland and Oueryssell: 
Prince Mau●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  so as on the eight of September he passed the Rhine with all his army, at Rhineberck, causing his ships of war and munition to fall down the Rhine at Ysseloort into the river of Yssel, unto Dousbourg in the Conty of Zutphen, being determined to set upon Grolle, the which having besieged two years before, he left, for that the Spaniards under the leading of Colonel Mondragon governor of the castle of Antwerp came to cut of his victuals: before which town he came with his army, and did invest it the eleventh of September, in the which there were some thousand two hundred soldiers that is ten Captains of foot, and three Cornets of horse, under the command of Cont Frederick vanden Bergh, brother to Cont 
1597 Grolle besieged.  Harman who then carried himself as governor of all Friesland for the King of Spain.  
The first thing which Prince Maur ce did after that he had well entrenched his camp, was to draw the water of the diches, and then to make galleries through them, even to the foot of the rampar, that they might go covered to the sap. The town was reasonable strong and could not be easily won without a good battery, as well to take away their defences, as to make a breach to come unto the assault, wherefore he planted twenty four pieces of ordinance: so as john Bovuier master of the fireworks played the devil in sending forth his fiery bullets, the which set fire of the town in divers places, so as the besieged were much troubled to quench it, who in the mean time did their best endeavours to defend themselves, shooting with their great ordinance through the camp, and sometimes sallying forth. But as the rampar was already undermined in seven or eight places, and the galleries in a manner finished to go to the sap, and all the artillery ready planted; the Prince (an enemy to the effusion of humane blood) being loath to ruin the poor people without inevitable necessity, and desirous to spare his men as much as might be (as it is always his custom to batter furiously without intermission, until he hath made a breach, and then presently to give an assault) but 
Grolle summoned.  he would first summon Cont Vanden Bergh and the besieged to yield, the which he did the seventeenth of the month, promising them a good composition, if they did yield, and not attend the fury of the cannon: otherwise if he were forced to take it by assault, they should feel the fury of a victorious enemy provoked by their obstinacy to revenge.  
The besieged seeing the Estate of their town half burnt, the galleries, sappes and mines, the great store of ordinance and all things ready to force them, having little hope of succours and much less than the towns taken beyond the Rhine; they were willing to yield to a good composition, and not to attend any further extremity, promising to yield, and to depart the next day with all there arms and baggage, 
And yielded.  leaving their Enseignes and Cornets, upon condition not to serve against the Estates on this side the Rhine for the space of 3. months, and that they should retire beyond the river of Meuse. The horsemen leaving their horses at the Prince's discretion; wherewith he might mount some of his men, if it were his pleasure: but using of his accustomed courtesy and bounty, and to let his enemies know that he wanted not, he gave them back again to one of their Captains, an Italien which begged them, rather than to the Earl of Va●…den Bergh, although he wear his Cousin germane Brother and Sister's children. He granted them in like manner a great number of Wagons to carry away their hurt men and baggage, unto the Rhine. Thus was the town of Grolle yielded, at which siege there was no great loss of men of either side, but the loss fell upon the poor Burghers, who had their houses burnt.  
The Prince having laid the trenches of his camp even and put a sufficient garrison into Grolle, on the first of October he went with his army before the town and Castle of Brefort, in the same country of Ouerysel, places by nature strong having but two approaches to them, one before, and an other behind, but otherwise environed round about with marshes and bogs, and besides so fortified by the 
Brefort besieged by the Prince.  industry of man, as they seemed impregnable, being manned with three hundred good soldiers which were sufficient for the capacity of those places, under the command of a Lorraine Captain. The Prince the better to make his approaches, and to win a passage, caused many bavins and faggots, hardelles and planks to be cast in those places which were most inaccessible, upon the which on either side there were gabions planted with twenty pieces of ordinance to batter the ravelins which covered the two ports on the East and West sides, and a certain tower which did annoy on the West part: then he caused a gallery to be made through the ditches, to go to the sap if need were.  
This done, and all things ready to force it, the Prince caused the besieged to be 
1597.  summoned to yield themselves upon promise of good usage. This captain of Lorraine refusing to give ear unto it, the Prince caused three vollees of Cannon to be shot, and then he summoned them again. But the besieged growing obstinate, relying upon the strength of their town and castle, imagining that the cannon could 
Brefort Summoned and refuseth to yield.  not do them so great harm, as experience taught them afterwards, but to late: the Prince commanded to batter the Ravelins and ports of both sides with all fury, the which was done from nine of the clock in the morning until three in the after noon and a breach made at the Ravelin on the North side, the which was son won by the bridges which he caused to be presently made: The besieged seeing this Ravelin beaten down, and that their begins to be a sufficient breach to give an assault, yea to have gone upon horseback, and that the army was put in battle to assail them, they made a sign that they should cease the battery, and they would parley. But 
The besieged desire to parley but to late.  their first obstinacy was the cause that the Prince would not forbear, until that he see an easy breach, and the women and children upon their knees, holding up their hands and crying for mercy, the which prevailing nothing, and the battery soon after ceasing, some soldiers advanced (it may be without charge) to go and view the breach, where being aloft and seeing no man to defend it, they entered, and were presently followed by others, who charged the besieged, which began to fly, and 
The town won by the breach & they retir●… to the Castle.  to make their retreat towards the castle, whereof there were some seventy of the hindermost slain. The Lorraine Captain durst not retire himself, (fearing lest his former wilfulness would make his own men to kill him) but he hid himself in a mine, where he was found and led prisoner to the Prince, who pardoned him and gave him his life.  
The Prince would gladly have kept the town from spoil: and have spar●…d, the poor people, and avoided all disorders and insolencies, which usually happen in the like accidents, standing himself a long time in the breach to keep and defend it, and would not suffer that any of the inhahitants should be taken prisoner nor ransomed, yet was the town partly spoiled by them that entered first: but being forbidden the spoil was not great: and the Burghers had not been in very ill case, if a soldier seeking some adventure in the night, with a wisp of straw burning (for want of a candle) had not set fire of the house the which spread over all the town, 
The Castle yielded.  and could not be prevented, so as the whole town was burnt except eight houses. The soldiers that were retired into the Castle cried out for grace, yielding unto the Prince's mercy: who gave them all their lives, leaving their arms, and paying a convenient ransom, who having left the most apparent among them for hostages for the said ransom, the rest retired towards their other troops, as those of Grolle had done. The money which grew by these ransoms, was divided by the Prince among the soldiers, reserving no penny to himself, wherein he showed his bounty and clemency, for he might by the law of arms if he had pleased, entreated these obstinate men roughly, as the Spaniard doth in the like case, causing all to be hanged or slain: but the Prince is of so mild a disposition, besides his other virtues, as he always prefers clemency and mercy before rigour and malice. As for his buunty and liberality he gave sufficient testimony thereof to the horsemen of Grolle, as we have said  
The Prince having taken the town and Castle of Brefort, and having given order for all things, he turned head with his army towards the town of Enschede, the which was great, but none of the strongest, nor yet of the weakest places, meaning to make himself Master thereof before he passed any further. 
Enschede yields to the Prince.  Having made his approach with twelve pieces of ordinance, and caused it to be somond, the garrison which was within it being better advised than they of Brefort, seeing there was no hope of succours for them, and that those strong and important places had been won without any show of succours: they demanded that they might depart with their arms and baggage: the which the Prince granted them, yet without Wagons and convoy, upon condition to pass beyond the river of Meuse. Thus the sa●…d garrison departed the same day the Prince arrived, being the 
1597.  seventeen day of October, the which were but two small companies, who held it for honour enough to have seen the Prince's army and cannon.  
The next day the Prince went and planted his camp before the town of Oldenzyel, in the same country of Oueryssel, reasonably great and well peopled, having three 
Oldenziel besieged by the Prince.  double walls, and as many ditches, in the which there were six hundred soldiers. The Burghers who would not willingly see their town spoiled with the cannon, nor their lives and goods in danger, knowing well that howsoever, they must needs be taken by force or by accord, either soon or late: and that attending longer they might have the worse composition, seeing the ordinance and that they began to draw the water out of their ditches, they persuaded the soldiers that they might with one general consent, enter into capitulation: so as on the two and twenty day they sent a drum unto the Prince, to let him understand their minds: whereupon 
And yielded  after a little parley, it was agreed that the soldiers should depart the next day with their armies and baggage, upon the same composition that they of Enschede did: And moreover that such as would depart, and could not so speedily do it by reason of their affairs, should have three months time to finish all their businesses, and then to depart freely without any desturbance whether they pleased, with their goods and movables.  
Whilst that the Prince was before Oldenzyel, he sent his cousin the Earl of 
Otma●…sum yielded to the Estates.  Solms to besiege the little town of Otmarsum in Oueryssel, before the which Charles of Lievin Lord of Famas, General of the Artillery for the Estates, had been slain in year of our Lord 1595. where having given three volleys, with four small pieces, the garrison (being but of one company) required that they might depart with the composition of Enschede, the which was granted them; so on the one and twenty of October the town was yielded, the soldiers departing with their arms and baggage. Those that were in garrison in the town and fort of Goor, seeing the Prince's happy success, & how he still prospered, being loath to attend the hazard of themselves, 
Goor abandoned to the Estates.  they abandoned those places to the Earl's pleasure, who presently caused the forts to be ruined by the peasants of that quarter, who were very glad to be employed about so good a work, whereby they might recover their quiet and liberty. All the country of Ouerssel being freed, by the taking of Grolle, Brefort, Enschede, Oldenzyel, Otmarsum and Goor, and of some forts, which the Spaniard had held there, the whole country having been by reason of them extremely afflicted even unto the gates of Deventer, Campen, Zwol, Hasselt and Steenwyc, chief towns, of the country of Oueryssel under the Estates obedience, for the which they are bound in duty to thank the Prince, who performed so great a work in so short a time, and with so little oppression, the which the whole country did afterwards very thankfully acknowledge.  
To finish the Prince's victories for this year, and to free the countries of Friesland, 
The towns and castle of Lighen ●…emune in that q●…rter.  Oueryssel and Gronning, so as the Spaniard should hold nothing beyond the Rhine: there yet remained the town and castle of Linghen (places of great importance) being the passage by land, towards Hambrough, Breme and other towns of the East countries, being neighbour to the country of Westphalia, and the Counties of Emden and Oldenbourg, making a signory and petty Estate by itself, which the general Estates had heretofore given to the Prince of Orange, father to Prince Maurice, in recompense of the liberty which they had recovered by his means and service.  
Cont Frederic vanden Berghe, after that he had yielded up the town of Grolle 
Cont Frederic in Linghen.  by composition, had retired himself into the castle of Linghen, which was all that remained of his Government on that side the Rhine, being fully resolved to keep both the one and the other, and there to set up his rest: for that the places were very strong, and furnished with six hundred good men, the flower of all the King of Spain's forces in that quarter of Friesland, with a cornet of horse, and some ten or twelve very good brass pieces of ordinance, besides iron ones. The Earl assuring himself that he should be besieged, he caused certain houses near unto the town to be burnt, 
1597.  the more to annoy his cousin the Prince's camp, and had done more, if he had not been hindered by the sudden coming of the army: winter being then at hand, and the wether likely to prove bad.  
The Prince retiring out of the country of Oueryssell causing his army to march that way on the twenty eight day of October, the same day he did invest the town, and for as much as on that side there were no enemies to be feared but those which he besieged, he therefore (the better to accommodate his soldiers) lodged them a little at large, and most of them in peasants houses, the country being very much peopled. The Prince himself was lodged in a Gentleman's house, near half a mile from the town, and his horsemen dispersed.  
The approaches were easy to make, for that the town hath many little hills about it, so as in a short time (the season being reasonably mild) his men lodged in the 
The Prince doth in●…t Linghen.  counterscarpe, even upon the edge of the ditch, out of the which the water was soon drawn, then were there certain galleries made through the ditches, especially on the castles side. The slow arrival of the great ordinance, was the cause the battery was not so soon ready: yet to take away their defences, the Prince did presently employ those few which he had brought with him: but when the rest were come, he caused four and twenty cannons to be planted against the castle: the which on the second day of November did batter with such fury for eight hours together, at the two Ravelins, that Cont Frederic seeing their meaning was against the castle, drew all the ordinance out of the town into the castle, with the which he made an exchange with the Prince, causing his men to sally often forth, with loss of either side.  
The galleries being finished against those two Ravelynes (whose work the besieged could by no means hinder, by reason of the continual thundering of the cannon and of the small shot, and that all the defences of the rampar were taken away) the Prince commanded his men to sap the said two Ravelyns: Frederic perceiving it, and knowing his cousins usual course, which is, that having a sufficient breach, he goes presently to the assault, he therefore desired to make a good retreat in time, whereupon being summoned, he desired to parley, and to enter into capitulation.  
The Prince did the more willingly give ear unto him, for that he feared the season of the winter, which until that time had been very favourable, and to 
Linghen yielded by composition.  win time to carry back his army. Wherefore on the twelfth day of the month, Frederic accorded to yield, and to depart with arms and baggage, furnishing him with certain wagons unto the next village: delivering the castle the same day into the Prince's hands, who instantly put men into it; the Earl retiring his men into the town until the next day, that he departed.  
It was a strange thing of these brethren of Vanden Berghe, that of all the places which the King of Spain committed unto them, they could never keep one against the attempts of Prince Maurice their cousin, as Deventer, Steenwic, Grolle, Linghen, and all those other petty places in the Country of overissel, which the Prince won this summer. They say that the Spaniard did of purpose put them into them, to the end that if they had them in guard, he should not incur the dishonour to lose them himself, whereof they would not have failed no more than these of Vanden Berghe, who always showed themselves faithful and ready to do the King of Spain their Master service.  
Whilst that the Prince was camped before Linghen, the King of Denmark's Ambassadors came unto him, which were Arnold Witfeldt Chancellor, and Christian 
The King of Denmark's Ambassadors in the camp before Linghen.  Bernekar a Councillor, who would not depart, until he was master thereof. These Ambassadors returning from their Embassy out of England, came to the same end to the Hage in Holland in the beginning of October, to the general Estates of the united Provinces, where having had their dispatch, and returning into their own country, they would needs see Prince Maurice as they passed along.  
The some of their Legation which they did deliver as well by word as by writing, 
1597.  on the ninth of October, was.  
THat Christian King of Denmark at this present reigning, remembering the good love and neighbourhood which King Frederic his Father had in his life time with the deceased William of Nassau, Prince of Orange, the said general Estates, and generally with all the Inhabitants of the united Provinces, who had ever sought, and laboured as much as he could possibly, that not only the said united Provinces should be once discharged of those long, cruel and devouring wars: but also that they and all Christendom might be restored to an assured peace and quietness. So as it was to be hoped that this so holy a design and intent of their said Lord and King would have taken good effect, if it had not pleased God to take him so suddenly out of this world. But now that his present Majesty their Prince and Lord, having succeeded the King his father, not only in his realms, and Estates, but also in his Christian and Godly virtues, to follow his steps, in the entertainment of amity, good neighbourhood, and correspondency with the said united Provinces, by demonstration of the love and affection which he bears them, desiring nothing more than to see them discharged of these miseries and calamities, and of whatsoever might grieve or annoy them, which desire and zeal hath moved his Majesty, to send them as his Ambassadors unto his excellency and their Lordships, to understand if they had any inclination, and could be content, that his Majesty with other Christian Princes and Potentates, should deal and labour that these long wars and public calamities (common to them all) might once be suppressed and quenched, and peace, (so much desired) generally settled and planted, hoping that the King of Spain, their adverse party might in like manner be drawn unto it. And the general Estates may rest well assured, that the King their Prince, would not herein seek nor procure any thing that should be prejudicial to the Protestants religion, in the which his Majesty hath been borne, bred and brought up, and with the grace of GOD will continue unto the end: but only procure the means by the which they might be preserved and maintained, with increase of their happiness. Whereupon his Majesty doth most affectionately entreat the said Prince and Estates, that they will give ear unto it, and resolve to propound conditions and Articles, whereby they may be inclined to enter into conference, and that the King their Master might be thereof informed by them: which his holy and Godly intention, his Majesty had made known unto the renounced Queen of England, Elizabeth his dear Sister and Ally, with all good and wholesome admonitions and exhortations, upon the horrible amazements, doubtful events, and imminent dangers of this war; as in like sort he would have them represented unto his Excellency and their Lordships.  
His Majesty requiring also the said Estates, that all neutral persons, which have no community with this bad war, might have free navigation, comerece and traffic of Merchandise, into any place whatsoever, so as they forbear to carry any munition of war unto the enemy. And much less that his majesties natural subjects should be restrained, in regard of the perpetual contracts, neighbourhood, friendship and good correspondency, which hath always been betwixt his subjects and them of the united Provinces, to whom the like is freely allowed in all his havens, passages and straits.  
Then afterwards having been intercessors for Steyn Maltesen, Amptman of the castle of Bahuysen in Denmark, that he might be paid the arrearages of his account for the services which he had done to the particular Estates of Holland and Friesland. The said Ambassadors having in his majesties name wished all happiness and prosperity unto Prince Maurice and the Estates, with offer of his love and good neighbourhood, in im●…tation of his Ancestors, and especially of the deceased King, his Lord and Father: And they for their parts did offer unto the Estates their humble service. Beseeching them above all that they might carry unto the King, their Lord and Master, in the Estates behalf, a good and a pleasing answer.  
Whereupon the general Estates of the united Provinces made aswere unto the said Ambassadors, as well by mouth as by writing, the four and twenty day of October, 
1597.  as followeth.  
THat the Lords of their assembly deputed and representing the said general Estates, 
The Estates answer to the Ambassadors.  had been exceeding glad to here and understand the good remembrance which his Majesty had retained, of the friendship, neighbourhood, correspondency, and ancient contracts which had been of long time betwixt the crown of Denmark, Norway etc. with the Provinces of the Netherlands in general: and especial of the good opinion which the worthy King Frederic the second of that name King of Denmark etc. had of them, and of the worthy remembrance which he hath had of the deceased William of Nassau Prince of Orange. etc. The said Estates having never had any doubt of the love and good inclination of the said King, to the united Provinces, which gives them the greater cause of joy, for that his Majesty doth offer to continue and persever therein, for the which they did most humbly thank him. Hoping that they neither have, nor ever will neglect any endeavour, that may serve to entertain and augment his majesties good will and affection to them and the said Provinces.  
That the said Estates will never forget the good affection which the deceased King did carry to these Provinces, desiring to retire them from under the heavy burden of war, and to restore them to peace and rest: assuring themselves that his Majesty now reigning, hath not only inherited his father's Kingdoms and Estates, but also his virtues, and the same inclination which he had to the friendship, good neighbourhood and correspondency with the said Provinces. Whereby they do firmly believe, that his Majesty desires nothing more, then to see the prosperity and health of these countries, by the rooting out of all acts of hostility, and of all that might be prejudicial and chargeable unto them: for the which they hold themselves so much the more bound unto his Majesty. And as they do herein know his good will, so they hope that by the reasons hereafter produced, his Majesty will believe; that the said Estates have never desired any thing more, than once to see an end of this war, and it changed into a good and firm peace, for the attaining whereof they have done what possible they could: for their safeties, preservation of their religion and good of the country. Whereas chose on the King's behalf; and of the council of Spain, in all conferences of peace, as well in his name as otherwise they seek nothing but practices and cunning shifts to surpress the country and the good Inhabitants thereof. As it appeared by the first conference in the year of our Lord 1574. betwixt the Lord of Champigny in the King of Spain's name, and the signor of Saint Aldegonde, for the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the which went to smoke, for that they would not yield to the least point that was demanded for the safety of religion: being the Spaniards only intention during the said conference, to breed a division betwixt those two Provinces, and so being masters of the good town of Leyden, to lodge themselves safely in the heart of Holland. The which (by the fidelity and good endeavours of the said Prince and Estates, together with the besieged in the said town: by the help of GOD) was prevented. The like was seen in that solemn assembly held at Breda, in the year of our Lord 1575. at the intercession of the Emperor Maximilian, having sent the Earl of Swarlsenbourg thither: at the which refusing to yield any thing in the King's behalf, touching the reformed religion, nor allow the general Estates of all the Netherlands to assemble together to that end, in like manner there came no good of it. But during the time of the said convocation, the Spaniards did so much by their practices and warlike attempts, as in few months they got more upon Holland and Zeeland, then otherwise they had done in many years.  
Afterwards as by the grace of God (the which the King of Spain hath sought by all means to break) the Provinces subject to the oppression of the Spaniards, freed themselves, being assembled and in the end confederated with the said Prince and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, and their associates in the town of Gant. Whereas they have made the pacification which followed, with an order corcerning religion, 
1597.  and the convocation of the general Estates of all the Netherlands. As after the death of the great Commander Don Lovis of Reguesence, and before the conclusion of the said Pacification, Don john arrived in the country of Luxembourg: whereas many of the said Provinces treated with him, and in the end agreed (notwithstanding the said Pacification and union which followed) to receive him for their Governor, except those of Holland and Zeeland and their Associates, who opposed themselves, for that the King of Spain would not consent unto the said pacification, nor the assembly of the general Estates, but conditionally that it should not derogat, nor prejudice the Popish and Romish Religion, and that the said Estates should sweat to entertain the same. And Don john being received into the said government, he not only sought to suppress the Provinces whereas he commanded, but would also force them to enter into war against them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associates, whereunto they would not yield: he than took arms again, and called back the Spaniards, the which by the treaty of Gant were gone out of the country, having secret practices with the german and Wallon garrisons, to be assured of the town and Castle of Antwerp, and of many other places, seizing upon that of Namur, whereupon the Estates of Holland and Zeeland being again required to send their deputies, unto an assembly of other Provinces, being reunited together, they were long in treating an other accord with the said Don john: But when they could not attain unto it upon reasonable and just conditions that were propounded unto him, they were forced again to return to an open war, and to go to field of either side.  
In the mean time the King of Spain sent the Baron of sells, to the general Estates assembled at Brussels, who in outward show presented some means of peace, but in secret he laboured to corrupt the one and the other, especially the heads of the army being then camped at Gemblours: whereof he gained some, which was the cause. of the rout of the said army, by the absence of those Noblemen that were retired at the same time: when as the Estates to show their good and sincere intention and desire to a peace, called Mathias Archduke of Austria to their government. After which rout, the said Archduke, Prince of Orange and some others of the chief Noblemen, with the general Estates, appointing to raise a new army, there was an other conference of peace propounded: and thereupon a convocation was held at the request of the Baron of sells, in the town of Macklin, whether the Earl of Bossu and some other Noblemen of the Estates were sent: but all that was done there, was that the Baron of sells corrupted the Siegnior of Bours governor of the town of Macklin, so as within few months after it was yielded up and lost from the Estates.  
Afterwards there was an other conference of peace held in the town of Lowaine, whereas the Ambassadors of the Emperor, of the French King and of the Queen of England assisted: but for that they would not yield unto the least point which was required touching reformation of religion, all proved but wind. As in like manner they could not do any thing in that great assembly at Cologne, in the which the Emperor (that now is) was a mediator by his Ambassadors, Electors and Princes of the Empire, by reason that they would not provide for the safety of the said Religion, nor for the Estate of the country, according to their ancient rights, and previledges: during which assembly, the disunion of the Wallon Provinces was practised, and of some of the chief of the Nobility, with the reduction of the town of Boisleduc and others to the Spanish party, some by practices, some by force.  
So as in the end the states seeing that neither by intercession nor by any other means they could attain to a good and an assured peace, the were forced to resolve to choose an other Prince, whereupon most part of the said Provinces did choose and call in the Duke of Anjou and Alencon, the only Brother to the French King: after they had by, sufficient declarations, and by Edicts publicly proclaimed the King of Spain to be fallen from all right of Seigneurie and command, which he 
1597.  was wont to have over the Netherlands. And although the reasons why this hath happened be notorious to all the world; yet it merits to be succinctly related in this place: which is, that the ground of all the wars and miseries of the Netherlands, is, for that the King of Spain hath sought to suppress the previledges, freedoms, liberties, policy, form of government, and other rights of the said countries, whereas he pretends to make this his Rendezvous, and seat of war, to the oppression of all neighbour Princes, and especially of them that were fallen from the Romish religion. The which the Princes, chief Noblemen, and Estates of the said countries, being not able to endure, the King of Spain took occasion to send the Duke of Alva with a mighty army into these parts, to execute his said design, by whom he caused the Earls of Egmont and Horn to be apprehended, with a great number of Noblemen, Gentlemen and good Citizens, whom he did publicly and shamefully execute, banishing an infinite number of people, and chase them away, to the great grief and sorrow of the poor inhabitants which remained. Yea the Marquis of Berghes, and the Baron of Montigny, sent a little before into Spain, by the Governess, to show the imminent danger of the said Countries, and to seek for remedy, the King against the duty of a good Prince, against his oath made both in general and in particular, and against all law of nations, caused them to die, and did confiscate all their goods. Making Citadels in the chief Towns of the country, bringing in a new form of justice, establishing a supreme council, called a Council of the troubles, in Flemish Blout-raed, that is, a Council of blood, all against the previledges; And under colour of a general pardon, abolishing generally all the right and privileges of the country, to govern at his pleasure, forgetting not in the mean time his chief designs upon the neighbour kingdoms, seeking occasions of quarrel to invade them by arms. The which GOD prevented, stirring up the Prince of Orange, who entered into the said countries with two mighty armies, until that he was settled in his governments of Holland and Zeeland.  
This was not yet sufficient for the King of Spain, that in those countries there are above a hundred thousand persons dead for the religion, and that by his charge the Duke of Alva hath caused above twenty thousand to be executed by the hangman, but he must withal quite ruin whole towns, and murder most part of the people, as the Towns of Macklyn, Zutphen, Naerden, Oudewaeter, and others which may serve for precedents: And besides that, he was cause of the Prince of Orange's murder by a public proclamation, who had always carried himself as a Father of the country: the which gives the Estates the more occasion to persevere in their just conceptions. Whereby it is apparent, that these united Provinces have good reason not to submit themselves under the subjection and rule of the King of Spain, nor to enter into any Treaty with him of a perpetual peace. And the rather for that they have found by experience, that all the conferences of peace, (how sincerely soever they have been made by the Mediators and Intercessors,) have been a ways held by the Spaniards, tending to some practices or enterprises: that having made some division or breach between them, then suddenly to overrun and disperse them.  
Besides in their particular Treaties with the Towns of Gand and Bruges, the King of Spain's ministers propounded in the beginning goodly conditions, yea for matter of religion: but when they came to resolve, they would not once suffer them to open their mouths upon the least point. The fraudulent treaties of the enemies, and the ways of hostility which the Spaniards have used against the State and Crown of France, for so many years, do sufficiently show, that all they do is but to suppress religion. And the like happened in the year 1588. when during the Treaty of the English with the Spaniards at Bourbourg in Flanders, that great sea-army thought to invade England. And withal the Estates cannot enter into any treaty with the King of Spain, for that since the murder of the Prince of Orange, they have chosen Prince Maurice his son for the chief, whom God hath endowed with 
1597.  so many graces and heroical virtues, as he not only defends and preserves these united Provinces, but doth also augment and dilate their limits and jurisdictions; with the aid and favour of the Queen of England, who like a most Christian Princess, considering the power and ambition of the Spaniards, and their manner of proceeding, hath always for the good of all Christendom favoured the said Estates, with whom they are in league, upon promise not to make any peace with the said enemies without her privity and consent.  
That since the King of Spain hath continued war against all Kings, Princes, and potentates, under colour to maintain the Pope and his religion: but the true cause is to domineer over all Christendom, the which he hath showed plainly against the French King, by reason whereof the said French king hath also made a league with the Queen of England: into the which these united Provinces have been received, being bound not to treat any peace with the Spaniard without both their consents, whereof the Estates hope that the king's majesty of Denmark will consider of the ambitious designs of the king of Spain, and of his council, against all kings and Potentates, and especially against them that have forsaken Popery: even so all Christendom should desire to join in the same league, asuring themselves also that his Majesty by his great wisdom will not only judge how unfit it were for these countries to return under the yoke of the Spaniard, to the total suppression of religion, and their utter ruin, but also how prejudicial it would be to neighbour kings and Princes, if the said Provinces were brought again under the King of Spain's subjection: and that he should command over their soldiers, ships, and marrines, having the means in his power, by the money which the said Provinces have by reason of the wars been forced to levy for their defence and preservation: the which being at his devotion, would give him means to entertain twenty thousand men continually, with the which he would do greater exploits against all other neighbour Kings and Princes, than he could do with the revenues and domains of his other realms and Provinces, yea of his Indies.  
That the King of Spain hath been always a persecuter of the religion, the government of Spain and Portugal, and the great council of the Inquisition do sufficiently show it, with that goodly title which he gives himself of Defender of the Pope's authority, who attributes unto himself, and usurps the power to transfer kingdoms from one King or Prince unto an other. Moreover the said Estates do most humbly beseech his Majesty to believe that the beginning of a conference of peace with the King of Spain is full of difficulties, and secret designs, which cannot be prevented. For as with other Kings, Princes and commonweals conferences of peace do cool men's affections to war, or at the least doth hinder the means: the same reason hath greater efficacy with these Provinces and towns: for that many would imagine that the reasons which had moved the said Estates to enter into conference were so solid, and built upon a foundation of such assured conditions, as they could not fail to attain unto a firm peace, the which would cause many inconveniences, for to think that the united Provinces could make any peace with the King of Spain without the extirpation of the reformed religion in the said countries, and without bringing the inhabitants thereof under the absolute obedience of Spain; it hath been delivered at large by word of mouth unto the Ambassadors, that it cannot possible be performed.  
The said Estates do also besiege his Majesty to believe that they are very sensible of the great miseries and calamities which these countries have suffered and do suffer during these present wars, and of the effusion of humane blood. And in like manner they do duly weigh and consider of the commodities which a good peace should bring by the cessation of arms. But seeing that (besides the interest of all Christendom, and of Kings, Princes and neighbour common weals) this conference of a peace with the Spaniards, would be so prejudicial and hurtful to the Estate of these Countries, as the ruin thereof and all the inhabitants might thereby ensue. For these 
1597.  considerations their Estate cannot endure to have any other overture made, but it behoves them to attend an other issue from the hand of GOD (whereon they have grounded all their hope) by a good reunion of the other Belgic Provinces, or otherwise. And therefore the said Estates do humbly beseech, that it would please his Majesty to receive their resolution in good part, and in respect thereof not to carry less affection to them, than subjects and inhabitants.  
As for that which the said Ambassadors have charge from his Majesty, to insist unto the Estates, that all neutral persons which have nothing common with this war, might freely sail and traffic into all places, so as they carry no munition of war to the enemy, and especially his majesties subjects, in consideration of their her editary contract and good neighbourhood. The said Estates declare that they confess most willingly, and will always confess, that they are greatly bound unto his Majesty by reason of the said hereditary contract, neighbourhood and good correspondency, and in like manner for the security and favour which the inhabitants of the united Provinces receive throughout all his dominions, in regard whereof sense the beginning of these wars unto that day, they have endeavoured to show unto all Kings, Princes and neighbour commonweals, and especially in respect of the said King of Denmark for matters of naviyation and traffic, all good neighbourhood, correspondency and friendship. And that in this consideration they would not hinder the subjects and inhabitants of the realms and countries of the said King, nor any other neutral persons, from the navigation into Spain, Portugal or any other western parts under the King of Spain's dominions or obedience, or any other neutral countries what soever, no more than their own subjects and inhabitants of the united Provinces.  
Touching Steyn Maltesen Colonel to his Majesty, and Amptman of Bahuysen, of whom mention is made in the said proposition. The said Estates declare that it is not long sense, that having taking information upon his pretensions in quality of Lieutenant to the most famous William Lewis Earl of Nassau, governor of Freezland, they have given him all satisfaction, and over and above at his departure a gratuity of a chain of gold, so as in regard of his services done unto the said Provinces, he cannot pretend any thing. And as for the service which the said Colonel pretends to have done as Captain of the company which was raised by the deceased Captain Schagen, since the twenty one of October 1580. unto the first of February 1586. that the Seignor Nicholas Malt his Brother succeeded in his place, he was in like sort paid, as other Captains which were in the same service had been, and are daily according to the order and use of the country, with the which all soldiers content themselves without any contradiction, leaving the rest of their pay unto the end of this war. And in the mean time if it happen, that at the great suit and instance of any Captains which leave their service, for some good considerations, be it for their poor estate or otherwise, they come to accord with them, it is done with such a small composition, abating that which ought to be abated according to the order: that in that case there would be little coming unto the Colonel upon the account of his services, wherefore the Estates assure themselves that the said Colonel being better informed thereof by their letters, will the more willingly have patience with the rest, and attend the end of this war, rather than to accept of so mean a Composition, as hath been told him by mouth.  
Finally the said Estates do humbly thank his Majesty for his good affection towards them: beseeching God withal their hearts, that it will please him to preserve his person, his realms, Estates, countries and subjects, in a happy and prosperous government, good and long life, to the good and quiet of all Christendom. As for them, that they would never fail of their duties and service, in all good affections towards his majesty the which they not only desire to continue, but also will strive more and more, and at all times will be ready to do their best endeavour to increase it. Thanking likewise the said Ambassadors of their great pains which they 
1597.  had taken in this legation: Entreating them earnestly that they would be pleased to make a good and favourable report unto his Majesty of the good affection and humble inclination which they have unto him, with their humble recommendations, etc. Made at the Hage the 24. of October. 1597.  
The said Ambassadors having received this answer, departed, after they had been stately entertained by the Signior of Pipenpoix, a Gentleman appointed to that end by the Estates, as Steward: assisting at every meal to bear them company, two of the Deputies of the Estates: and being richly and honourably gratified with goodly presents, they went (as we have said,) to see, Prince Maurice, in his Camp before Linghen, where they were likewise well entreated and defrayed, as long as they remained in the Estates territories, taking their way from thence towards Denmark.  
According to so many Ambassages and pursuits tending to a peace, at the great instance of the King of Spain: Cardinal Albert his Lieutenant, sent in the beginning of the year 1598. his Commissioners unto the French King, the which were, 
1598. The king of Spain seeks for peace.  the Precedent Richardot, joan Baptista Taxis and Lewis Verreyken, Audiencier, to seek some good course for a peace betwixt him and the king his Master, who should be his father in law (the Infanta of Spain being promised him in marriage) whereunto the Queen of England and the general Estates of the united provinces did also invite him. For he knew well that so long as those three great and mighty countries of France, England and the Netherlands, should be united together in such a league as they had sworn, that his affairs could not succeed well, his power (although it were very great) not being sufficient to encounter all their three forces together: fearing that he should not only be forced to cast up that which he had devoured in Picardy and elsewhere; but also to lose the rest of his Netherlands, and by their joint forces to be assailed in Spain.  
On the other side the French King much incensed at the indignities which he had received of his own subjects, leaguers and others; knowing the desolation of his country, and that his subjects by this war were so impoverished, as they could endure no more. And to recover that by the way of arms, which the Spaniard had taken from him in two or three years before, he must employ much time, lose many men, and spend his treasure, which he found to be greatly exhausted. And that Picardy was so ruinated, as it was nothing but a desert, so as there was no 
The French King gives care to a peace.  means to feed an army there, for the recovery of Calais, dourlan's, and other places: wherefore he was advised by his Council, to send his Deputies thither, which were the Lords of Bellieure and Sillery, both of his council, and the General of the Friars as a mediator; to enter into conference with the cardinals Commissioners, making the place of their assembly at Veruine, where they continued long before they could resolve.  
The Queen of England, and the general Estates sent their Ambassadors into 
Ambassadors sent from England and 〈◊〉 Estates into France.  France, concerning this treaty, as nothing pleased with this conformity of the French King with the Spaniards, but they returned without any effect. The Estates Ambassadors by reason of the contrary winds, came too late, the Treaty of peace being concluded with the Spaniard. Yet going to the king to Nantes, they were welcomed, much made of, and had private audience, whereas the king assured them of his love and good affection to the said Provinces; so as they returned reasonably well satisfied from his Majesty. Yet the Estates sent other ambassadors to the Queen of England, to confer of that which was to be done, or not 
The Estates send Ambassadors to the Queen of England,  done concerning this peace: the said ambassadors were john Duyvenvorae knight, Siegnior of Warmont, Admiral and great forester of Holland; Master john Vanderwerck Councillor of the Estates of Zeeland, and john Hottinga a Squire, both Deputies of the general Estates. And although it seemed according to the league made in the year 1596. betwixt France and England, in the which the united Provinces were comprehended, that the King should not have proceeded in this treaty of peace with the Spaniard, without the consent of his allies: yet the French King thought 
1598.  himself sufficiently discharged in that behalf, to have invited and summoned the Queen and the said Estates: who by their refusal or delays could not bridle his will, having given the Ambassadors both of the one and the other sufficiently to understand, how necessary peace was for his kingdom, to restore and put his poor subjects in breath, his condition being contrary to the Queens and the Estates, who preserved and maintained themselves by war, and he on the other side did but ruin his realm thereby. In the end he concluded the said peace with the cardinals Deputies, in the name of the King of Spain their Master: the articles whereof I have set down briefly and succinctly, as followeth-  
1. First it is agreed, that the Treaty of peace concluded and resolved, betwixt the 
Articles of peace betwizt the French king & the king of Spain.  said Kings, Henry the fourth, and Philip the second, in confirmation of the articles contained in the treaty of peace, made at Chasteau Cambresis 1559. betwixt the said Catholic King, and Henry the second the French king, deceased, of high and worthy memory, which treaty the said Deputies have a new confirmed in all points, without innovating any thing, but all shall remain firm, except that which shall be expressly derogated by this present Treaty.  
2. According to the which, from the day of the date of this present treaty, betwixt the said Kings, their children borne or to be borne, heirs and successors, realms, countries and subjects, there shall be a good, firm, sure and stable peace, confederation, perpetual league and amity: they shall love one another as brethren, procuring by all means, the good, honour and reputation, one of another, and shall avoid as much as they may the hurt one of another. They shall not favour nor maintain any person, to the prejudice one of another; and from this day they shall cease all acts of hostility, forgetting all things past, the which shall remain abolished, without any future mention thereof. Renouncing by this present treaty, all practices, leagues and intelligences, which may tend to the prejudice of the one or the other, either of them promising never to do any thing, nor to procure to be done, that may tend to the hurt and prejudice of the other, nor to suffer their vassals or subjects to do it directly or indirectly. And if hereafter any, of what quality or condition soever they be, shall go against it, and serve by land or sea, or in any other sort, to aid and assist, to the prejudice of either of the said Kings, the other shall be bound to oppose himself, and to punish them severely, as breakers of this Treaty, and troublers of the public quiet.  
3. And by means of the said peace, and strict amity, the subjects of either side whatsoever, may (in keeping the laws and customs of the country) go, come, remain, frequent, converse and return in peace, from one unto the other, in trade of Merchandise, or conversing and treating together as they shall think good, by land, sea, or rivers. And their subjects shall be defended and maintained, paying the duties in all accustomed places, which shall be appointed by their Majesties, and their successors.  
4. All letters of Mark a●…d reprisal which have been given for what cause soever, shall be suspended: and hereafter none shall be given by either of them, to the prejudice of the others subjects, but against the chief offenders, their goods and adherents, and that in case of manifest denial of justice: whereof and of the letters of sommation and requisition thereof, those that pursue the said letters of Mark and reprisal, shall make proof as it is required by law.  
5. The towns, subjects and inhabitants of the Counties of Flanders, Arthois and other Provinces of the Netherlands, together with the realms of Spain, shall enjoy the previledges, freedoms and liberties, which have been granted by the Kings of France, predecessors to the most Christian King: and in like manner the towns, subjects and inhabitants of the realm of France, shall also enjoy the previledges, freedoms & liberties, which they have in the said Netherlands, and in the realm of Spain: as every one hath here●…ofore enjoyed and used them, and as they did enjoy them by virtue of the Treaty made in the year 1559. and other former Treaties.  
6 It is also agreed in case the catholic King, should give or transfer by testament, 
1598.  donation, or resignation, or by any other title whatsoever, to the noble Infanta the lady Isabella his eldest daughter, or to any other, all his Provinces of the Netherlands, with the counties of Bourgongue and Charolois: that all the said Provinces and Counties, are meant to be comprehended in this present treaty, as they were in the year 1559. together with the said Lady Infanta, or he in whose favour the said King hath disposed it, neither shall it be needful to make a new treaty to that effect.  
7. The subjects of either Prince, as well clergy as secular men, shall return (although they have served the contrary party) into their benefices and offices to the which they were preferred before the end of December 1588. except Curates, others being cannonically called: and to the enjoying of their immovable goods rents, and annuities, seized on and held by reason of the war, begun in the said year 1588. to enjoy them from the publication of this peace, and in like manner of those which are since fallen unto them, by succession or otherwise, without making any question, or demanding of any of the fruits before time received, since the seazure and holding of the said immovable goods, unto the publication of this present Treaty, nor of the debts which have been consumed before the said day: and it shall be held for good and available, the partition which shall be made by the Prince, his Lieutenant or Deputy, in whose jurisdiction the arrest was made, and the creditors of such debts shall not be allowed to sue for them, in any sort whatsoever, against them to whom the said gifts were made, nor against such as by virtue of such gifts and confiscations have paid them, for what cause soever the said debts may grow, notwithstanding any bonds which the said creditors may have, the which for the effect of the said confiscation, shall remain by the said treaty, void, and of no force.  
8. And the said subjects and servants of either side shall return into their immovable goods and rents, notwithstanding all donations, concessions, declarations and sentences given by contempt, in the absence of the parties, and they not heard, by reason of this war, which sentences and judgements given, both civil and criminal shall remain void, without any effect, as if they had not been, restoring the said subjects to the full possession of their rights, as they had them before the beginning of the war, neither shall they be molested or troubled for any public charge which they have had, whether it were for the victuals, managing of money, or otherwise, during the wars, whereof they had yielded an account before them, who had power to command it: Provided always that the said subjects and servants be not found charged with other crimes and offences, then to have served the contrary party: which may not return into the territories of the said Kings, before they have obtained their pardon and letters patents, sealed with their majesties great seal, whereof they shall be bound to pursue the verification, before the Courts and officers of their said Majesties.  
9 Such as have been preferred to benefices of either side, being in the collation, presentation or disposition of the said Kings, or other lay persons, shall abide and remain in the possession, and enjoy the said benefices, as being duly and orderly preferred.  
10. In favour of this peace, and to give both the King's contentment one of another, it is agreed that they shall restore really and without fraud one unto another, whatsoever shall be found to have been taken, seized and held by them, or others having charge from them, or in their names, one in another's country. That is to say, the most Christian King shall yield unto the Catholic King, the possession of the county of Charoloys, with the dependences and appurtenances, to be enjoyed fully and peaceably by him or his successors, to hold it under the sovereignty of the Kings of France: and if there shall be any other places found, which have been occupied since the said peace 1559. by the Christian King, or by his command, they shall be in like manner restored, and all within two months, from the day of the date of these presents.  
11. And in like manner the Catholic King shall restore unto the said Christian 
1598.  King, such places as shall be found to have been by him, or others having charge from him or in his name, taken, seized on, or held since the treaty of Cambresis, that is, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, dourlan's, la Capelle, Chastelet in Picardy, Blavet in Brittany, and all other places which the said Catholic King hath held in the realm of France, since the said treaty, and are yet detained by him or his.  
12 In regard of Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, dourlan's, la Capelle, and Chastelet, the said places shall be restored by the Catholic king or his ministers, effectually without fraud, and without any delays or difficulties, upon any pretext soever, unto him or them that shall be deputed by the most Christian king, precisely within two months, from the day of the date of these presents, in the same estate they now are in, without pulling down of any thing, or weakening them in any sort, not pretending nor demanding re-inboursment for the fortifications done in the said places, nor for the payment which they may owe unto soldiers or men of war being there. And this restitution shall first be made of Calais and Ardres, and then of the rest, so as all may be restored within two months.  
13. As for Blavet, the restitution shall be also made effectually and faithfully, without any delay or difficulty, under what pretext or colour soever, to him or them that shall be deputed by the most Christian king, and that within three months from the day of the date of these presents. And the said Catholic king may ruin and beat down the fortifications made by him or his, in the said Fort of Blavet, and other places, which shall be restored by him in Brittany, if any there be.  
14. Restoring the said places, the Catholic king may carry or cause to be carried away all artillery, boullets, arms, victuals, and other munition of war, which shall be found in the said places at the time of the restitution. And the soldiers and men of war, which shall depart out of the said places, may carry with them all the movable goods which belong unto them: but it shall not be lawful for them to exact any thing of the inhabitants of those places, nor of the champain country, nor to endamage their houses, nor to carry away any thing belonging to the said inhabitants.  
15, And to the end the soldiers which are in Blavet, may the more speedily retire into Spain, the most Christian king shall fit them with ships and mariners: in which ships they may embark their artillery, victuals, and other munition of war, with their baggage, being at Blavet and other places, which shall be restored in Brittany, giving security for the restitution of the said vessels, and sending back of the mariners within the time that shall be appointed.  
16. The Deputies do promise for assurance of the restitution of the said places, as soon as this present Treaty shall be ratified by the most Christian king, to deliver him four hostages, such as he shall choose, being subjects to the said Catholic king, the which shall be well and honourably entreated, befitting their qualities: which restitution being made, and really performed, the said hostages shall be duly set at liberty without any delay. Provided always, that the restitution of the six places in Picardy being performed, two of the said hostages shall be delivered, the other two remaining until the restitution of Blavet.  
17. And touching matters contained in the Treaty of the year 1559. which have not been executed according to the articles thereof, the execution shall be made, in that which is to be executed, as well for the tenor in fee of the contie of Saint Pol, the limits of the countries of both Princes, lands held in surcease, exemptions of customs, and foreign impositions pretended by them of Bourgongne, Bishopric of Teroane, abbey of Saint john of Mant in the Duchy of Bovillon, restitution of some places pretended of either part, according to the said treaty, and all other questions which have not been decided, as it was then agreed: there shall be deputies and arbitrators appointed of either side to that effect: as hath been resolved by the said treaty, who shall assemble within six months, in places appointed for the same, if the parties agree, if not they shall appoint some other place.  
18. And for as much as in the division of the lands appointed to the dioceses of Arras, Amiens, Saint Omer and Boulogne: there are some villages of France under the Bishoprics 
1598.  of Arras and Saint Omer, and other villages in the countries of Arthois and Flanders, belonging to the Bishops of Amiens and Bologne, so as oftentimes there grows disorder and confusion; it is agreed that having the consent of the Holy father the Pope, commissioners of either side shall be deputed, who shall assemble within one year, in some place appointed, to resolve of the exchange which may be made of the said villages, to the best commodity of the one and the other.  
19 All prisoners of war being detained of either side shall be set at liberty, paying their charges, & what they may otherwise justly owe, without being tied to pay any ransom, unless they had first agreed & promised it: and if there be complaint made of the excess thereof, the Prince in whose country the prisoners are detained, shall moderate it.  
20. All other prisoners subjects to the said Kings, which through the calamity of the wars may be detained in their majesties Galleys, shall be presently delivered and set at liberty without any delay, upon what pretext soever, demanding nothing for their ransom nor charges.  
21. And there shall be reserved unto the said Catholic king of Spain, and the Infanta his eldest daughter and their successors, all their rights, actions and pretensions, which they pretend to belong unto them in the said realms, countries & signories, or elsewhere, for any cause whatsoever, the which neither he nor his predecessors have not expressly renounced, to make his pursuit by an amiable course of justice, & not by arms.  
22. And touching that which hath been said by the Catholic kings deputies, that to attain unto a perfect peace, it was requisite that the most excellent Prince and Duke of Savoy, should be comprehended in this treaty. The Catholic king desiring and affecting the good and preservation of the said Duke, as his own, for the nearness of blood and the alliance he hath with him. The which is also signified by Gaspar of Geneve, Marquis of Lullin, councillor of Estate, Chamberlain and Colonel of the said Duke's guards, his Lieutenant and Governor in the Duchy of Aoust, and the city of Vrce, his Deputy as appears by his commission here-unto inserted, that the said Duke his master hath the honour to be issued from the brother of the Christian kings great grandfather, and from a cousin germane to the Queen his Mother: that his intention is to give the king contentment, and as his most humble kinsman to acknowledge him with all honour, service and observance of friendship, to give him better satisfaction hereafter of him and of his actions, the which time and occasions past would not give him the means to do; and he promiseth unto himself of the said king, that knowing this his good affection, he will use the same bounty and show of love unto him, which the last four kings did unto the deceased Duke his father of happy memory.  
23. It hath been concluded and agreed, that the said Duke shall be received and comprehended in this treaty of peace. And to signify the desire which he hath to give the most Christian king contentment; he shall restore the town and castle of Berra, within two months after the date of these presents, faithfully and without delay or difficulty, upon any pretext whatsoever: and the said place shall be delivered by the Duke, to him or them that shall be deputed by the king precisely within the time, and in the same estate it is now in, without demantling or weakening it in any sort, or demanding re-inboursement for any fortifications made in the said town and castle, nor for that which may be due unto the soldiers being in it, leaving all the artillery that was within the place when it was taken, with the bullets that shall be found therein fit for them, and they shall have liberty to retire those pieces which have been brought in since, if there be any.  
24. It is also agreed, that the said Duke shall disavow and abandon Captain la Fortune, being in the town of Seure in the county of Bourgogne, and that he shall not give to him ●…nor to any other that shall usurp the said town against the most Christian kings will, neither directly nor indirectly, any aid or favour.  
25. And touching all other questions & differences betwixt the most Christian king and the said Duke of Savoy, the said deputies in their name do agree, for the good of the peace, that they shallbe referred to the judgement of our holy father Pope Clement the 8. to be decided by his holiness within one year, from the day of these presents, according 
1598.  to the answer given by the said King in writing the fourth day of june last, being hereafter inserted. And whatsoever shallbe decreed by his holiness, shallbe fully executed and accomplished of either side, without any delay or difficulty, or any pretext whatsoever. And in the mean time until they shallbe otherwise decided by our holy father, matters shall remain in the same Estate they are at this present, without any alteration, but as they are enjoyed of either side, not being tolerable to extend themselves any further, to impose or exact contributions, out of the territories of those places, which are held by either party.  
26. And according unto this it hath been agreed, that from this present there shallbe a firm and stable peace, amity and good neighbourhood, betwixt the said King and Duke, their children borne and to be borne, heirs and successors, realms, countries, lands and subjects one of an other, without any breach upon what pretext soever.  
27. The subjects and servants of either side both Clergy and temporal, although they have served a contrary party, shall return and enjoy all their goods, offices and benefices, as hath been said for the subjects of the two Kings, the which is not to be understood of Governors.  
28. As for prisoners taken in the wars they shall be entreated as it is agreed betwixt the two Kings as it is before expressed.  
29. And the treaties made heretofore with the most Christian Kings Kenry the second in the year 1559 at Chasteau Cambresie; Charles the 9 Henry the 3. and the said Duke of Savoy, shallbe in all points and articles confirmed; but in that which shallbe derogated by this present treaty, or by others, and according unto this the said Duke of Savoy shall remain with his countries and subjects, a good neutral Prince and common friend to the said Kings. And from the day of the publication of the said treaty, the commerce shallbe free and assured betwixt their countries and subjects, as is contained in the said treaties, and hath been used by virtue thereof, and the orders contained therein shallbe observed, especially in regard of the officers which have served the said Kings, although it were derogated by any other treaty.  
30. Notwithstanding there is reserved unto the said most Christian King and to his successors, all their rights, actions and pretensions, which they challenge to belong unto them by reason of the said realms, countries and signeuries, or else where, for any cause soever, the which he nor his predecessors have not renounced, to make his pursuit by any amiable course of justice and not by arms.  
31. In this peace shallbe comprehended by a common consent of the most Christian and Catholic Kings (if they will be comprehended). First on the Catholic Kings part our holy father the Pope, the holy apostolic sea, the Emperor of romans, the Archdukes his brethren and cousins, their realms and countries, the Electors, Princes, towns and Estates of the holy Empire, obeying him: the duke of Bavaria, the duke of Cleves, the Bishop and country of Liege: the Hans towns, and the Contie of East-Friseland. And the said Princes do renounce all practices, promising hereafter not to make any, neither within nor without Christendom, that may be prejudicial unto the said Emperor nor unto the Estates of the Empire, but they shall procure with all their means the good and quiet of the same: so as the said Emperor and Estates of the Empire, carry themselves respectively and amiably to the most Christian and Catholic Kings, and do nothing to their prejudice. And in like manner shallbe comprehended, the Cantons of the Swisses of high Germany, the Cantons of Grisons, and their Allies, the Kings of Poland and of Sueden, the King of Scotland, the King of Denmark, the duke and signory of Venise, the duke of Lorraine, the great duke of Tuscan, the commonweals of Genoa and Luca, the duke of Placentia, the Cardinal Farneze his brother, the duke of Mantua, the duke of Urbin, the chief houses of Colonne and Vrsins, the duke of Salmonette, the Lord of Monaco, the Marquis of Final, the Marquis of Massa, the Lord of Plombin, the Earl of Sala, the Earl of Calorino, to enjoy in the like manner the benefit of this peace, with an express declaration that the most Christian King may neither directly nor indirectly, by himself, or by any others molest any of them. And if the most christian King pretends any thing against them, he may seek it only by law, before competent judges, and not by force. 
1598.   
32. And on the behalf of the most christian King shallbe comprehended, if they please, the Pope, the apostolic Sea, the Emperor, the Prince's Electors, Clergy and Secular, towns and commonalties of the holy Empire and especially the Cont Palatin Elector, the Marquis of Brandenbourg, the duke of Wyrtenberg, the Landtsgrave of Hessen, the Marquis of Hansbac, the Earls of East-Friseland, the Hans towns, according to the ancient alliances, the king and kingdom of Scotland according to the ancient treaties, alliances and confederations which are made betwixt the Realms of France and Scotland. The Kings of Poland, Sueden and Denmark, the duke and signiory of Venise, the thirteen Cantons of Swisses, the three Cantons of Grisons, the bishop and Siegneury of the country of Valays, the Abbot and town of Saint Gall, Clottenberghe, Mulhausen, the county of Neufchastell, and other allies and confederates of the said Cantons. The duke of Lorraine, the great Duke of Tuscan, the Duke of Mantua, the commonweal of Luca, the bishops and chapters of Merz, Thoul and Verdun, the Abbot of Gozzo, the signor of Sedan, the Earl of Mirande. Provided always that the consent which the catholic King give, to the comprehension of the Earls of East-Friseland, be without any prejudice to the right which the catholic King pretends to their countries: as in like manner the defences, rights and exceptions of the said Earls against it shallbe reserved: all with declaration that the said catholic King may not directly nor indirectly, by himself nor by any others molest them. And if the catholic King pretends any thing against them, he may pursue it by law before competent judges, and not by force in any sort whatsoever.  
33. And there shallbe also comprehended in this present treaty, all others which by common consent of the said Kings may be named, so as within six months after the publication of this treaty, they give their letters of declaration and bond, as is requisite in that case.  
34. And for the greater assurance of the peace, and of all points and articles contained therein: this treaty shallbe verified, proclaimed and registered, in the court of Parliament at Paris, and in all other Parliaments of the realm of France, and chambers of accounts of the said Paris: as in like manner it shallbe proclaimed, verified and registered in the great council, and in all the courts and chambers of accounts of the said catholic King in his Netherlands, after the same manner as it is contained in the treaty of the year 1559. whereof expeditions shallbe given of either side within three months after the publication of this present treaty.  
Which points and articles above mentioned and comprehended, with all that is contained in every of them, have been treated, accorded, past and promised by the deputies, in the names above mentioned. The which by virtue of their commissions have promised and do promise upon bond of all the present and future goods of their said Masters, that they shallbe by them inviolably entertained, observed and accomplished, and also that they shall deliver one unto an other authentical letters, signed and sealed, whereas all this present treaty shallbe set down word for word, and that within one month after the date of these presents, in regard of the most christian King, the Cardinal the Archduke, and the duke of Savoy: which Archduke shall promise to procure the like letters of ratification from the catholic King, within three months after. And moreover the deputies have and do promise in the said names, that the letters of ratification of the most christian King, Cardinal and Duke being made. The said most christian King Cardinal and Duke, shall solemnly swear upon the cross, the holy Gospel, and canon of the mass, upon their honours, in the presence of such as it shall please them to depute, to observe and fulfil fully, really and faithfully; the contents of the said articles: and the like oath shallbe made by the catholic King, within three months after, or when he shallbe required. In witness of which things the said deputies have subscribed this present treaty, in their names at Vervin the twelfth of May in the year 1598.  
The Cardinal Albertus of Austria, to whom the Infanta of Spain was promised, and 
1598. The Admiral of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor.  had been of a long time appointed to be his wife (although the King had entertained the Emperor, the Archduke Ernestus, and the petty Kings of the League in France with hope of this alliance) had before the treaty of peace, by the King's advice and commandment, and of his council of Spain, sent Don Francisco de Mendoza, Marquis of Guadalesta, Admiral of Arragon, in embassage to the Emperor, to demand six points of great importance of him, the which if he had obtained and put in execution, they would have greatly served for the augmentation of the lymmits of his Estate, joined to them of the Infanta, and to make war with more ease against the general Estates of the united Provinces. To every of which points, answer was made by the Emperor, and replied unto by the Admiral, and by his Imperial Majesty again answered, the which we have thought good to insert in this place the better to conceive the Cardinal's designs, the which he hath sought since to put in execution by the said Admiral of Arragon, although with little success and less honour, as we shall see. The first of these six points was.  
That it would please his Imperial Majesty, (for the reasons which had been afterwards 
The first of the six points demanded of the Emperor.  delivered unto him) to make the King of Spain vicar of Beçanson. This vicariat or Vicontie of Beçanson (which is an Imperial town in the County of Bourgogne) did belong unto the deceased William of Nassau, Prince of Orange, whose goods (which were very great) the King of Spain had confiscated, lying in the French country, and throughout all the countries of his obedience. Wherefore he required that the Emperor using the right of confiscation, against the said Prince, and his children; would confer upon him the Vicontie of Beçanson: by means whereof, he might in succession of time, get into his power and control by his officers; all the changes, counter changes and other businesses which pass at Beçanson, for France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, the which do import him much to know: but above all to have an entrance into the duchy of Bourgongne. To whom the Emperor made answer.  
That his Imperial Majesty was not ignorant, how much it did import the towns under the King of Spain's obedience that were neighbours to Beçanson, that the said town should be maintained in peace under the devotion of the Empire. Wherefore his Majesty would advise as soon as might be, by what means he might grant the said Vicariat. And although by this answer the Emperor did not flatly refuse the said Vicariat to the King of Spain, yet the Admiral, after that he had thanked his Imperial Majesty, made show that he was not much pleased with this answer, and said, that he took it for a repulse, after such great pursuit: showing that without regarding the excuses which some ill affected to the Empire might pretend of some alliances, it should for the same reasons, be the sooner granted, thereby to make the Emperor's authority more eminent, and more commodiously to prevent all mischiefs which grow on every side. And as the beginning in every thing seems most difficult, which being once well advanced makes the work half perfect; So if his Imperial Majesty doth pass the said Vicariat (as it is already granted) they will easily find the means to confirm it, and to put it in execution.  
The Emperor seeing himself thus importuned and priest, desiring first to see what the issue should be, as well of the treaty of peace which they expected, as of the marriage of Cardinal Albertus his brother, and of the designs already projected upon Germany, being loath to do any thing in haste, which he might afterwards repent and reap small honour by and the French King take it in very ill part: he answered again. That for certain great considerations he must confer with the Princes of the Empire touching the aforesaid Vicariat. And to the end it might be done with great authority and assurance, he would exhort them to second him. Entreating the King of Spain in the mean time, for to take this delay in good part. And thus much for the first demand. The second was.  
That his Imperial Majesty would openly declare himself against those that hinder the 
15981 The Admiral●… second demand.  progress of the peace betwixt the Estates of the Netherlands. This was as much to say as by an intestine civil war to set all Germany on fire, which was the main point whereat the King of Spain and the Pope had long aspired: whereof they had oftentimes seen some little flames, the which notwithstanding by the wisdom of the Princes were soon smothered and quenched. Whereupon the Emperor answered. That upon this article he attended the report of such as had been deputed by the Empire, whereof his Imperial Majesty would not fail to advertise the King of Spain upon all occurrents: and how much his Imperial Majesty desired that the said countries might be reduced to a good peace. These deputies were certain Ambassadors, as well from the Emperor, as from the Princes of the Empire, who sent Charles Nutzel of Sonderspuehel to the Estates, to request them to receive the said Ambassadors, who had a short dispatch, as we have said. The Admiral replying to this answer, sought to tax some Princes of the Empire, and to incense the Emperor against them, as if they had been the favourers and supporters of the wars in the Netherlands: saying. That it would please his Imperial Majesty to embrace the action of the Netherlands, that what hath been begun may not be in vain, and that when it shall please his Majesty to understand how the Princes of the Empire (which have the charge) stand affected: that it will then please his Imperial Majesty to judge betwixt his Majesty and his rebels. Giving all the world to understand whose fault it is that the peace is not advanced; punishing them that are coulpable according to the pains appointed by the constitutions of the Empire: and the rather for that sufferance and dissembling it, doth feed and nourish the mischief.  
By this reply the King of Spain could not more openly accuse the said Princes of the Empire than he did, counseling him to punish them, as those which by their winking and dissimulation, gave nourishment unto the mischief, hindering the course and advancement of the peace. But the Admiral did therein much mistake himself, being ignorant, or at the least not considering, that the Estates of the united Provinces, having absolutely rejected & abjured the King of Spain, refusing to trust any more in him: had resolved never to enter any more with him into any conference of peace, nor with any other coming on his behalf. Wherefore the Emperor (who had so often priest them by his Ambassadors and Agents, and had now sent to them again, but in vain) said. That unto that day he had given sufficient proofs of the good affection he bore to the peace of the Netherlands, and when he shall have heard the report of the deputies, he will proceed as far as his authority, will extend. The third demand was.  
That his Imperial Majesty would appoint a Governor and council in the countries of 
The third demand.  Cleves and juilliers etc. Thereby the King of Spain or the Cardinal Albertus, his future son in law, did plainly descover, how they did gape after these duchies of Cleves and juilliers, & the other Estates & Signeuries of Duke john of Cleves, rainging at this present in good and perfect health. Grounding upon this hope, that the said duke being without children, and therefore his Duchess, Earldoms and Signeuries, should by right fall unto the Emperor, who should give them unto his brother Albertus. Or else, (the which hath appeared by the effects) that he would not attend duke john's death, but seize upon them by force and practices in his life time, as the said Admiral sought to do soon after, and in deed did too much, yea he was expressly commanded from the court at Brussels (as we will show hereafter) not to desist for any thing in the world, from the conquests of the duchies of Cleves, juilliers and Berghe: seeing there was speech of marrying this Duke john, with the Duke of Lorrains' daughter, as after happened. Wherein the Emperor seeming to be of the same hope and expectation with the King of Spain, answered: As for the countries of Cleves & juilliers, his Imperial Majesty had resolved to send one or two good catholics thither, to avoid some greater inconvenience. In the mean time the king of Spain should look to keep good guard on his side, and make account of all needful succours, the which notwithstanding must be done with discretion: to the end that such as pretend any interest should have no cause to enter into suspicion: which the Emperor himself is forced to 
1598.  entertain, by reason of the concurrence of time.  
This answer did the more confirm the King of Spain's designs, and the silent pretension of the Emperor unto the said countries of Cleves, juilliers etc. So as it seemed this was the very fable of the bears skin, for his reply. He required that it would please his Imperial Majesty, to declare as soon as might be his intention touching Cleves and juilliers, that thereupon the Catholic King might have his forces ready. He required also that his Imperial Majesty would send for the Princes pretending right to the said countries, that hereafter they should not meddle, nor seek to make any Innovations, tending to the blemish of the Emperor's authority, or the prejudice of his Catholic majesty, yea that his Imperial Majesty should call away the commissioners that were at Duysseldorp, as Authors of bad practices: to the end that his Catholic Majesty be not forced to use other means. And although it were a decent thing to respect the Princes, yet they must not be so negligent and careless, as in taking away the mischief which might happen without, they neglect to provide for that which might miscarry within.  
This reply did plainly lay open the King of Spain's designs upon the countries of Cleves and juilliers, requiring that the Emperor, would send for the Princes pretending right (the which are Princes of the Empire that is, the duke of pruss, and the two Brethren dukes of Dieux Ponts, by their wives, Sisters to duke john) and to charge them not to attempt any thing to the diminution of his Imperial authority, for that the Emperor maintained, that for want of a lawful heir male, the said duchies should by right of the see fall unto the Emperor their sovereign; as being masculine sees of the Empire. And the said Princes pretending (in case the duke should die without heirs) maintained to the contrary, that they might (as in France and in other realms and countries) as well fall unto the females as males: the which the alliances of the said countries, which have not always been under the same Prince, by marriages of one with an other, had well declared in times past. And as for that which he sayeth to the prejudice of his Catholic Majesty, there could be no other, (by reason of the multitude of other heirs) but to the prejudice of the designs of his pretended usurpation. For the preventing whereof, there was an assembly of Estates held at the same time at Duysseldorp, the chief town of the duchy of Berghe, where the Duchess of pruss and one of the duke of Deux Ponts, where present with the Emperor's commissioners (who for that they would proceed roundly and sincerely, not discovering the King of Spain's designs, are called Authors of bad practices:) and the deputies of the King of Spain, who in this Diet, made show not to fear any thing more (with a certain Nuncio of the Popes who was of the same metal) then that these countries should fall into the hands of some Protestant Prince, (whom they called heretic) such as the Princes pretending interest are, which would be (as the King said of the town of Aix) to pernicious a thing for his neighbour countries, which might be infected with the poison of their heresies: the which is alway the foot of their song. To whom the Emperor being willing to show himself conformable, said. As for Cleves and juilliers he would send for the Princes pretending right, that they should not meddle, seeing it belonged only to his Imperial Majesty to dispose among them, hoping they would obey him. Wherein the Emperor might have been deceived, for these Princes would not so soon have yielded unto him: and this had been an occasion to put all Germany in war and combustion.  
The forth demand was. That the sentence given against them of the town of Aix, might be presently put in execution, without any delay. It did greatly import the King of Spain and Cardinal Al●…ertus, for the attaining unto their designs, to have the town of Aix (situated in the country of juilliers, near unto Lembourg) at their devotion: the which they could not easily obtain, so long as the Protestants were Masters thereof, and the stronger, who failed not to be vigilant and to keep a good guard for their own preservation: wherefore he required the execution of the sentence given against them in the Imperial Chamber: which was in effect the re-establishment of a Catholic Romish Magistrate in the said town, the extirpation 
1598.  of the Protestants religion, and the exclusion of the Protestants themselves: the which being executed, he held himself then assured. As Cardinal Albertus with the assistance of the Bishop of Liege, the executioner of the said sentence, by virtue of the Emperor's commission, hath done since, to the disolation of the said town, and especially of those that did pursue it, who for the most part died soon after their re-establishment: and those which remain languishing in misery. And although the Emperor touching the said town of Aix, had the like desire with the King of Spain, yet the Admiral full of choler replied. That in regard of them of Aix, they could not exceed the bounds of ordinary justice, as being unworthy, that they must exceed the execution of the sentence, for that the lymmited time is almost expired, and there is no likelehood that the time will draw them to obedience, but rather make them obstinate: else the Catholic King shallbe forced to provide for it by such means as he shall think fit. What the Emperor answered to this rash reply, may be seen in the demand following, which was.  
That it would please his Imperial Majesty to provide some speedy remedy for the Hans 
The fifth demand.  towns, to restrain the boldness of English pirates. The King of Spain to play the good companion, and to make himself necessary to the towns of the East country, as Lubeck, Rostich Hambourg, Bremen, Stoade and others (of whose service he hath most need) will let them understand by this demand, that he hath a care of them, although he knew well that the Emperor could provide no other remedy then that which he had formerly done; which was to forbid the towns of Staple, and to banish the traffic of English clothes. So as the English merchants retired themselves, and sent their clothes to other places. Whereunto answer was made that his Imperial Majesty, had propounded in the last imperial Diet held at Ratisbonne, divers complaints of many Hans towns, to the Estates of the Empire: the advice of which Estates was written unto the Queen of England, who did answer so impertinently and discourtuosly, as it is better to conceal it then to publish it. Whereupon his Imperial Majesty hath thought to surcease, until other like or more grievous complaints shall come, to provide for it by the Imperial authority: the which his Imperial Majesty is fully resolved to employ, whereby they may easily conceive that there is not any thing ommitted that concerns justice and the duty of an Emperor. The impertinent and discourteous answer of the Queen of England unto the letters of the Estates of the Empire, was that she was not much terrified, neither did she regard the threats which were sent her: and that her men did not set upon any of the Esterlings ships, but such as did carry provision for war, unto the Spaniards, the which she had forbidden by a public proclamation, and signified it unto them. As some year before she had written the like to them of Hambourg; among other points of her answer, she said, that she did not impute the threats contained in their letters, to their greatness, but to the ignorance or fault of their Secretary: which showed sufficiently that her Majesty wa●… not terrified with any threats of whom soever; and withal she knows well that the Emperor of himself hath no means to hurt her, nor to make war against her. Whereupon the Admiral insisting very earnestly to show himself a good servant, replied. That it was more than necessary, his Majesty should declare his pleasure concerning the Hans towns, and provide some speedy remedy, and not to tolerate any longer the insolencies of the English, who did gnaw the bowels of the Empire. To which importunities of the Admiral, the Emperor knowing well that he could not otherwise provide for it, answered both to this demand and the former. That at this present the Emperor cannot resolve any other thing touching the town Aix and the Englishmen, then that which he hath formerly answered. Finally for his sixth demand the Admiral propounded. 
The sixth demand.  As the King of Spain had no other means to reduce his rebellious subjects to obedience, but by force: that it would please his Imperial Majesty, to suffer 6. or 7. Regiments of soldiers to be levied on the lands of the Empire, at divers times, and when they should have need: whereupon the Emperor answered pertinently, knowing well to what intent the King of Spain demanded it, the which he had never done before, saying. That it was fit to attend the report of such as are deputed to make motion of 
1598.  a peace, before he granted any Commission to levy soldiers. And in case the Estates will not govern themselves according unto reason, than they may take occasion to use strict and severe courses, nither could the Catholic King doubt in any sort of the good affection of his Imperial Majesty, for that his patience hath suffered him for so many years to make the like levies of men. The which notwithstanding was never granted to his adversaries: who yet have levied some, but without the knowledge of his Majesty having no means to hinder them, as he would gladly. And to have his imperial Majesty grant any such thing unto the king of Spain by patent, or by letters of commission it were not fit nor convenient, considering that they have need of many men against the Turk, whereby a murmuring throughout all the Empire were to be feared, yet his Imperial Majesty is content underhand to yield him as much as may be. And if the Estate of the affairs of Hongary will in any sort suffer it, to satisfy his desire, and that openly. Although that this answer was but a kind of complement, as the discourse doth show, the Spaniard ask no leave most commonly to make any such levies, the which he doth when he pleaseth, and when he hath money; yet the Admiral to put the Emperor & the Imperial Chamber in quarrel with the neighbour Princes & potentates, if that might be granted him by patent, he insisted by his reply. That patents might be dispatched, containing a commission to levy men upon the lands of the Empire, notwithstanding these reasons alleged to the contrary, which concern the respect of the Princes of the Empire, and the war of Hongary, the which in this case should not fall into consideration, for that the Emperor hath been suffered to make the like levies in the Netherlands against the Turk. And whereas the Emperor promiseth to suffer it underhand, that were not sufficient, seeing that no man can make any levy without leave.  
It is the ordinary practice of the Spaniard rather to suffer the Turk to rule and domineer, then to cease making war against the Protestants of the religion, especially against the united Provinces, whom they hold to be worse than Turks. Whereunto his Imperial Majesty answered, that he could not grant unto the King of Spain, a general patent or leave to raise as many regiments of soldiers as he pleased, seeing that in former times it was not done: they might well have given leave heretofore to raise some Regiments along the river of Danou, confining upon the Turk, wherein he would gratify him more, if it were possible. But seeing that his imperial Majesty is not strong enough to endure the burden of this war without the assistance of the Princes of the Empire: there is no doubt but at the first camp, and upon the first occasion, they would charge him and reproach him therewith: whereby his contributions which he hath but by entreaty, and support of the said Princes, would fail him and grow short. Finally the Emperor desires, that the King of Spain, as well in this regard as in all other things, would rest assured of his love and good affection: And how acceptable and welcome this his Ambassador was unto him. These were the King of Spain's demands unto the Emperor, the which will appear more plainly, to what end they tended, by the said Admiral of Arragon's actions, being entered into the limits of the Empire with the King of Spain's army; as we will show in the end of this year of our Lord, 1598.,  
The Estates of the united Provinces had a very expert Master of their fireworks, 
The death of john Bou vier the master of the fire works.  called john Bouvier a Liegeois, who by his inventions had made sharp war against the Spaniard, in all the towns which Prince Maurice had besieged, coming to the government unto that day. In May being busy with his servants to fashion certain grenadoes or bales of wild fire, with other fire works for provision in the town of Dordrecht, in the places appointed to that end, it happened by misfortune, that the fire with the which they do use to melt the rosine and other consuming and devouring stuff, fell amongst it, and so came to the grenadoes, and balls of wildfire full of small cannons charged with bullets & heads of nails, which firing one after another, made a noise, as if a thunder bolt-burst forth, and slew the master and 3. of his servants, & carried away the top of the store house, with a great terror, the which doubled twice, having some respite betwixt, the fire lying smothered in that ruinous matter, so 
1598.  as no man durst approach, fearing some greater mischief: the which was much to be doubted, for that in the sellars underneath there were many barrels of powder, the which were not touched; the nature of fire being rather to mount upward, then downward. Yet the loss was very great, and the Master was much lamented of the Prince and States. Behold how this devilish art required his Master, as the devil is accustomed to pay his servants.  
At the same time there was another treason discovered, the which was undertaken 
another treason against Princ●… Maurice.  at the persuasion of the Jesuits, against the person of Prince Maurice, by a Fleming called Peter Pan, a poor bankrupt, borne in the town of Ypre. Who upon certain speeches delivered by him, and some suspicion gathered thereby, was apprehended in the town of Leyden in Holland. You may read the whole discourse in his sentence, and the progress of his wretched and treacherous design, as followeth.  
Whereas Peter Pan borne at Ypre, a Cooper by his trade, having been a Broker 
His sentence.  or bankrupt Merchant, and at this present a prisoner in the behalf of the Scout or Bailiff of Leyden, hath confessed, being out of Irons, and free from torture, that some years passed he being accustomed to make provision of Butter for the College of Jesuits at Dovay. It happened that one Melchior Vande-walle, servant to the said jesuits, cousin germane to the prisoner, about fiveteene days before Shrovetide, came unto the prisoners house at Ypre, requiring him to send Butter for their College. And as the prisoner was then absent from his house about his affairs, the said Vande-walle stayed two or three days for him, during the which time he had speech with Mary ●…oyets his wife, who was much addicted to the Jesuits, (as she afterwards told him) to kill his Excellency, whom he called Duke Maurice. That being returned to his house, the said Melchior Vande-walle had used some speeches to him of it, building upon the prisoners words that he was wonderfully decayed in his estate, having no means to satisfy his creditors. The said Vande-walle telling him in effect, that he knew how to free all, if he would go into Holland and find the means to kill his Excellency. And as he made some difficulty to do it, he was solicited by his own wife thereunto, saying, that he should make no difficulty to kill such seducers and perverters; and that if she had been a man, she would undertake it and execute it herself. And yet the said prisoner being still in doubt to undertake such an action, the said Melchior Vanden-walle desired him to go with him to Dovay, to confer with the Fathers, assigning him to the Rector of the Jesuits. Afterwards the said Vande-walle being returned to Dovay, the said prisoner to reckon with divers persons, and to make his business strait, especially with the said Jesuits at Dovay, went of Ash-wednesday from Ypre towards Lille, from thence to Tournay, and so to Mons, where he was for a time arrested for debt; from thence he returned towards Tournay, and so went back again to Mons, where he was again arrested, but being delivered, he went to Valenciennes and so to Dovay, where he was in the Rogation week, and did eat three or four times with the Provincial, Provost and Rector of the Jesuits, with whom he made his accompts, so as there was coming to him some five pounds six shillings starling, for the which they referred him to one Nicholas of Lalain a Merchant of hemp. That being with the said Provincial, Provost & Rector of the jesuits, they had some speech again with him, of that whereof Melchior had spoken, which was to murder his Excellency, showing him the means, that being a Cooper by his trade, he should go into Holland, where he should work some five, six or eight months, either at Delft, Leyden, or at the Hage: And in the mean time he should watch some opportunity to kill the Prince, either with a knife, Poniard, or Pistol, which he should buy and carry in his pocket, to use, were it at the Court, in the street, or in any other place, where he might find his best advantage. And the more to encourage the Prisoner, the Provincial made as it were half a sermon, with a long discourse of the merit of such a work, and what a sacrifice it would be to kill such a man, who did seduce, yea murder so many poor souls: whereby he might purchase Paradise, which having done he should find the means to escape, and save himself as well as he could. And if it should chance that he should die there, 
1598.  that he was assured to go directly into eternal life, and that he should be lifted up into heaven both body and soul, with many other enticing words: so as in the end by the goodly persuasions and sweet words of the said jesuists, (wherein they are their craft's masters) he suffered himself to be so seduced, as he undertook to put it in execution, through despair, by reason of his debts, so as he never thought of any danger that might befall him, nor of his wife nor children, in regard of the profit which he did hope to reap thereby: for the said jesuits had promised and assured him, that in executing this murder, he should have two hundred pounds' starling, which should be paid him by the treasure of the town of Ypre, by fifty pounds by the year, taken out of the hundred pounds which the said jesuits receive yearly out of that town, by reason of their Seminary and instruction of the youth in the Latin tongue. Secondly that there should be given unto the prisoner the office of messenger of Ypre worth a hundred pounds a year: And although the office were not in the jesuits disposition, yet he should rest assured thereof, seeing it was but the writing of a letter, the which they durst not refuse: Thirdly that Hansken Pan his son should be made Chanoine of Tournaye. Upon all which presentations and promises the said prisoner having confessed himself the next day to the Provincial, going to say mass, he had absolution, and thereupon received the Sacrament. During the which confession he promised again to execute this design. Whereupon the Provincial said unto him, these words, Go in peace, for thou shalt go like an Angel in the guard of God. And to advance his voyage he received a letter of exchange from the said jesuits for twelve pounds to receive at Antwerp of one Francis Thibault dwelling near the jacopins, with which dispatch and resolution the prisoner parted from Dovay, came to the abbey of Flines from thence by Orchies to Tournay, then to Oudenarde, Dendermonde, Basserode and so by boat to Antwerp: where having received the said twelve pounds, he sent eleven pounds with his cloak and his breaches to his wife by one Deric Bul dwelling near the corn market of Zeeland, to maintain her house and to cloth her children: sending withal a letter to his wife, and writing that he went into Holland for the business she wot of, and that she should pray unto God for him. So the prisoner, with this resolution and without passport, having hidden himself in a ship came into Zeeland, and from thence came into this town on Saturday the 23. of May. But being arrived here he had changed his mind, and was not intended to do any thing (as he saith) considering with himself that undertaking such an act to kill such a person, and to put the country into great garboils, he did run headlong to his death: and therewithal had a remorse of conscience. Of which confessions the prisoner having been often heard and examined; in the space of ten or twelve days, and still persisting, without any torture or irons, with protestation that all was true, and that therein he would live and die. The said prisoner having at every time a great grief of heart, falling upon his knees, with his hands lift up to haven cried for mercy, and that they would pardon him, seeing they had so seduced him being an innocent, promising that if they would save his life, to do (as he said he had the means) great service unto the country, and that he could soon deliver them some Jesuits.  
All which being of bad consequence, having in this sort intended to kill and murder the said famous Prince Maurice, borne Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassau etc. Governor and captain General of the united Provinces, and by that means deprive the said Provinces of their head and of the great and notable services: which they receive, and which by the grace of God he doth for the defence and protection of the said Provinces and the good Inhabitants thereof, together with the preservation and defence of the Christian reformed religion, and of the freedoms, liberties and privileges of the said countries; to the rooting out of the imperious rule of the Spaniards: and to put the said Provinces into great trouble, danger of ruin, and entire desolation. The which ought not to be tolerated in a country of justice: but that such wicked, abominable, and execrable designs, attempts, and murders, should be punished with all extremity, to the terror and example of others. To the end that not any one shall hereafter suffer himself to be seduced and suborned, by this bloody and murderous jesuitical 
1598.  sect, the which as it is notorions to all the world, seek out a thousand practices, treasons and murderous designs, and put them in practice, to murder all Kings, Princes and Potentates, which will not adhere to the Pope's superstitions (which they call the Catholic, Romish Religion). Whereupon the Sheriffs of the town of Leyden, having seen and heard the criminal conclusion taken by the scout of the said town against the prisoner, for the causes above mentioned. Having also heard the confession of the prisoner, with the informations and all other circumstances. And having thereon the advice of the deputies of the Estates of Holland and West-Friseland, with opinions of the great and Provincial counsels, being thereto required by the said Estates, having considered all with mature deliberation and council, doing justice in the name and behalf of the sovereign Magistrate of the countries of Holland, Zealand and West-Friseland. They have for the cause above mentioned condemned the said prisoner, where they are accustomed to do justice upon malefactors, and there to be executed by the sword. And his head to be set upon the Boulwarke of Witteport, his body to be cut in four quarters, his bowels to be buried, and his quarters to be hanged upon the four gates, declaring his goods to be confisked to the benefit of the country of Holland. Thus done and judged by Master Francis Ʋander Merwen, jan Isenhoursen Ʋander Nesse, Franc Cornelisen Van Thorenulyet, Cornellis Thibour, Clais Cornelisen Vanden Noort and jan Van Baesdorp the younger, the two and twenty day of june, and the same day the prisoner was executed.  
The King of Spain sent unto Cardinal Albert in the beginning of this year, about 
Four thousand Spaniards sent to the Cardinal.  four thousand foot of Spaniards, under the leading of Don Sanchio de Leva, being commanded by four Colonels, in forty ships great and small: whereof the small entered into Calais without any danger, for that the Estates ships of war were forced to way anchor by reason of the foul wether. But the torment being passed, they came time enough to take one of the greatest, in the which there were 150. Spaniards, Alonzo Sanches de Villareal and two Pilots; & to make four more run on ground, the which the Spaniard did willingly to save the soldiers that were in them. These pilots being brought to Flussing and examined, confessed, that there were twelve Galleons sent to the Tercers, to fetch the treasure which was come from the Indaes': and that they had left some 70. ships at the Groin whereof four were furnished like men of war, with about 2000 Spaniards and Italians. The general Sanchio de Leva having lodged these troops in divers parts in Flanders, went to Brussels, which made many suppose that the Cardinal did not greatly trust the soldiers that were borne in the country, which made them begin to contemn him. On the other side the general Estates of the united Provinces, perceiving that the traffic and negotiation with Spain (by reason of the 
The united Provinces sail to the Indeses.  daily arrests of their ships, goods & mariners) decayed: finding themselves freed from the bridle of the Spaniard (who would never suffer them to sail to the East or West Indeses, to Guinea, nor to the Molucques) they gave leave to their merchants to sail thither, yea they assisted them with artillery and other munition, to go and seek trade in the East Indies, and in those Islands, whereas the Portugal had no command. So as four ships were set forth by the merchants of Amsterdam, the one named Maurice, (of the Prince's name) the 2. Holland, the 3. Amsterdam, and the 4. being but a pinnace, was called the Dove: these having doubled the Cape of Bona Espranza, seen the Island of Madagascar, been at Sumatra, at java Maior, in the town of Bantan, at Saint Helena and in many other Islands, from whence they brought certain boys whom they caused to learn the Dutch tongue, they returned into Holland in August the year before. And this year 1598. (as in the first voyage they had not made any great profit) meaning to return with the same ships, an other company of merchants joined with them raighting forth eight ships, all called by the names of the eight united Provinces: their parted from Texel the first of May, they return and success you shall hear afterwards.  
Balthazar of Moucheron (who had before sent to descover the strait northwards) did also send two ships out of Zeeland to the said Islands, the one called the Lion, the other the Lioness. And in the like manner certain merchants of Middelbourg sent forth three, the Sun, the Moon and an other: the Moon discharging her cannon 
1598.  right against England, the portholes being through negligence left open, the ship (whether that she were ill ballasted, or that the helm was not turned in time) lying on the one side, the water entered suddenly and in such abundance, as it was not possible to recover her, but she sunk presently, with many men and much silver, which they had to buy their commodities.  
another company of famous Merchants of Rotterdam did set forth five ships, whereof the Admiral was called the Hope, and commanded by james Mathieu a worthy merchant. These parted the 26. of june from the Island of Bryele, with about five hundred men, among the which there were many soldiers: taking their course to Bresil, and to the straits of Magellan, and so farther to seek their adventure and traffic. The eight and twenty of March the signor of Moucheron sent five ships more with a hundred and fifty soldiers and two hundred mariners, by the consent and authority of Prince Maurice, under the conduct of captain julian Van Cleerhagan, as general (of whom mention is made in the tumult of Vtrecht) and of Gerard Stribos as Admiral, having all charge to go to the Island del Principe. Their voyage in going was not so fortunate as Moucheron would have desired, for whereas it is commonly sailed in two months, they were almost five upon the way, having great contrarieties of wind, and some mischances, they arrived at the Island del Principe on the ninth of August, whereas they found the ship of Anthony Clere which was of their company, in the which Cornellis of Moucheron Nephew to the signor of Moucheron commanded. Who being well known in the said Island, by reason of his great traffic he had had with them, and having prepared all things for his uncles service, he gave directions unto the General Cleerhagen, by the which he made himself master of the place without striking stroke, for the said Cornellis had advertised the Islanders before, that the signor of Moucheron was in person in the fleet, who passing that way was desirous to salute them, and to recommend his men unto them, who commonly past that way; entreating them in his name that they would go aboard his ship. So as both the new and the old Governor, the father Vicar of the place, and all the officers unto the number of fifteen of the chief came aboard, where they were very kindly entertained.  
Then after they had made good cheer, the general Cleerhagen lets them understand why he was come thither with his fleet; delivering them the letters of the signor of Moucheron, with the commission and will of Prince Maurice, of whom they depended. These Islanders seeing themselves thus surprised; seemed to be very glad of their coming: and consented presently to their demand, and after they had taken an oath of fidelity in the hands of the said Cleerhagen, they went all to land, whereas the general was in the name of the signor of Moucheron proclaimed Governor of the Island. There after the oath taken, the Spaniards and Islanders thinking to shake of the yoke (which yet was not after the Spanish manner) made a conspiracy, by the persuasion of the father Vicar, and in an instant came with great fury to assail their men, but they were so withstood as their design proved vain, which they finding they scattered and retired themselves, but lest they should grow strange, there was (by the advice of the generals counsel, and of all the Commanders of the fleet) a pardon proclaimed of all that was past, the which made them return, and submit themselves again unto the general; betwixt whom and the Portugals and Islanders was made a new accord more stricter than before. So as they lived a month or six weeks in good peace and quietness. But as the said General Cleerhagen carried himself in all his actions like a disordered man, regarding more his own particular then his charge, having no respect to the order that was prescribed him, and careless to build up the forts which had been designed, having good means to effect it. The which the Portugals and Islanders considering, they conspired again: which being come unto the General's knowledge, he found means to seize upon the author, which was the Padre Vicario, meaning to make his process and to do justice: And as Francis Fort Nephew also to Moucheron, treasurer of the Island with Stephen Quaresmo the judge, went to visit the said Vicarios house, being negligent of their business, they were both slain by the slaves of the said Vicario, which caused a third tumult: for the 
1598.  council being incensed with this treacherous act, they presently dispatched Vicarios process, who was condemned and hanged with one of his complices, which made a friend of the Vicarios to send for succours to the Island of Saint Thome, to the Governor Don Antonio de Meneses, who about a month after sent the Governor of castle del Mina●…in Guine with five hundred soldiers: who so persuaded the slaves and the Islanders, as they resolved all jointly together to make head against the signor of Moucherons' men.  
In the mean time the general Cleerhagen, being suspected to have been of the faction with them which had caused Le Fort and Quaresmo to be murdered, and thereof accused and reproached to his face by one of the sea captains; seeing his malice descovered, he fell sick of grief and melancholy, so as he died within fifteen dai●…s. And as he had in no sort observed the orders which the signor of Moucheron had prescribed him, nor had any care of the health of his soldiers, he was the cause that most of them fell sick. So as after the death of Cleerhagen the Admiral Stribos succeeded in his place: who had not so good means to resist the enemy as he desired. Yet taking courage, being very active and willing to take pains, not considering the Clyma●… of the country, labouring at the fortification of the place (the which Cleerhagen should have done in the beginning) to give example unto others, he fell also sick, and having had the Government about three weeks he died. The rest of Moucherons' men seeing themselves deprived of their head, made as it were a petty Senate of four men, which were Cornellis Moucheron, George Speelberch, Adrien Leo and Stephen jansen, upon whom all matters both for policy and war in the said Island should depend. But after they had endured the crosses of their enemies about a month, seeing themselves destitute of soldiers, the began to faint, and to lose all hope to maintain themselves long in a place so far from succours, against so many and so strong enemies, in regard of the small number of men they were: In the end being neither chased nor forced away, they did abandon the place, and the fort of Pavesson, after they had set fire of it all, and then they embarked and went to sea. Fifteen days after their departure, the said signor of Moucheron sent them supplies both of men and victuals, but they came to late. Behold how this Island was won and lost in a short time: the which is a place of great importance for the commodity of the haven, which is great and capable to hold five hundred ships, the which in time might have been a great benefit to the united Provinces.  
Many other ships went this year out of Holland and Zeelande, as well to the East and West Indies, Bresil, castle de Mine, as to other coasts of Africa and Guine●…, the which were esteemed to be about four score ships: Besides those which sailed into Suria and Greece, as to Constantinople, Aex●…dria, Trepoli, Patrassa, Chio, Al●…ppo and others, by grant and previledge from the great Turk, obtained by the French Kings Ambassador, under the banner and name of the French King, as well as the French did in the year of our Lord 1569. which previledge was dated in the month or moon Ranazan in the year of Mahomet, a thousand and six, which comes to the year of the incarnation. 1598.  
There fell out at that time a new trouble in the town of Emden, which was. That 
New troubles in Emd●…n.  the said town finding itself greatly indebted by reason of the precedent tumults, and which did yet continue against the Earl of East Friesland their Protector, as well for the pursuing of their right, as to pay the annual pension which according to their treaty they did owe unto the said Earl. Having now but small means left to maintain themselves against the practices of the said Lord, but that the Magistrate with the consent of the Bourgois, should raise some new Imposition to supply their wants. The which having propounded to their citizens, the Earl labouring to recover his former usurped authority, the which by the contract of Delfzyel had been limited, he practised by the means of some men which were corrupted, to be at his devotion, to hinder the grant and consent of this Imposition, thereby to make the town of Emden poor and needy. Hereupon he gained a Cofrer (which was one that had some charge of the treasure) to whom commission was given in writing, 
●…8  to stir up troubles, and to draw partisans unto him, who together might have kept a port open, by the which his soldiers (the which he had long before levied upon divers pretexts) might enter into the town. And the more easily to attain unto it, and to give some respect and authority unto this enterprise, he sent two of his young sons into the town, who remained in the Castle attending the execution. This master Cofrer came with his commission to certain men of the Flaccien sect, which is a kind of religion covered under the cloak of that of the Martinists (who they say hold the confession of Ausbourg) of the which he won some so far as they consented: among them he came unto one which had been of the said sect, but he was retired and become of the Protestants Religion; who discovered all this practice unto the Magistrate, who presently sent for the Cofrer, and after some questions and denials, in the end he confessed that he had such a commission from the Earl, the which being in the hands of one of the young Noblemen in the Castle, he offered to fetch it himself and to bring it them, whereupon they let him go. But afterwards bethinking themselves they caused him to be followed and well guarded in his house where the said commission was found. The night following he was led to the council house, where he was often examined, and in the end put to the rack, where he confessed that one john Groenen brother in law to one Fonck who at that time was at Brussels with the Cardinal Albert, and had hereto fore been prisoner in Holland for the like cause (but delivered without any harm) was the chief conductor of this business, with some others, who were all taken prisoners, and their papers seized on. whereupon some of the Magistrates were deputed to go unto the Castle to the young Noblemen, and to let them understand that it was ill done of the Earl their father (and of them if they had any knowledge thereof) to seek to go against a contract so solemnly passed by him, and authorized by the Emperor, whereof they excused themselves saying, that they had not herd speak thereof: And although they were required to remain in the town, yet not daring attend a popular tumult, they retired the 9 of May. Among the papers of john Groenen, there were found many copies of letters and instructions written unto the Earl, and some letters from Fonck: which said that seeing the Earl did find that he was abandoned by the Emperor and the Empire (for that they of Emden had a little before obtained a sentence against him to their benefit in the Imperial Chamber at Spier) that he must seek some other support else where: so as there was no better, none more ready, nor more mighty, than the King of Spain, nor that would willingly undertake it, that he should practise to make himself master of the town: which having done, that he should suffer the King of Spain to entertain the head of an army in his Conty of East Freezland, who might serve him, as well by land upon the rivers of Ems and Dollrad, whereby he might be restored to his first authority. The insatible ambition of man is strange, his Earl who had more credit in the said town, than any of his Predecessors in the said Conty, (who of gentlemen had by arms gotten this estate over their neighbours, were it by right or wrong, whereof he was the fourth Earl) ever had; yet not contenting himself with the Magistrate and people of the said town, which is one of the Hans Imperial towns, held immediately of the Empire: and that they had freely and willingly received him for their protector, and in respect thereof did give him an annual pension or gratuity: he sought by all means to make them his Vassals, yea rather his slaves, and to deprive them of all their Imperial privileges, granted by so many good Emperors, taking violently from them their ancient liberties and freedoms. But in the end he reaped little honour & less profit of all his attempts, surcharging his poor subjects of the champain country to maintain his attempts against the said town. But let us finish this business: Among the said papers there were some found making mention of this enterprise and how it should be managed, whereby the Maigistrat knew plainly what the Earls practise and intent was, which made them seek to seze upon the partisans of this conspiracy, whereof some fled and left the town, whereupon the Maigistrate was induced (although that the town were greatly charged) to give order to the captain to levy 300. men at their charge, writing unto Cont William Lewis of Nassau, governor of the countries of Freezeland 
1598.  and Groaning for the Estates, that it would please him for their preservation, if need required, to assist them with some men, to be ready at hand The said governor not only granted them, but he also caused some of the captains of the neighbour garrisons to discharge some of their men, who were presently entertained by them of Emden: so long as this trouble continued, which was to the end of May, and was appeazed by the death of the Cofrer and of john Groenen, who were beheaded, and by the banishment of some other prisoners, whereof some were condemned in great fines. Then the Earl took occasion to complain of them of Emden to the Imperial chamber, accusing them 
The Earl complains of them of Emden to the Imperial chamber.  to have broken the contract, whereupon he obtained a commission of adiornement, the which was signified unto them, to appear in the said chamber the 16. of August the same year 1598. At which day he propounded for a complaint, among other things that they of Emden had with the soldiers of the united Provinces, made an irruption upon the lands and jurisdictions of Marienhove, Visquart, Prostthumb and other places: to have taken many prisoners, to have put to death john Groenen and john Kemp's, after they had grievously tortured them; to have unworthily entreated his two sons, the Earls john and Christoper being at Emden with his instructions and by his commandment: to have used a notary ill; to have forced a new oath from the youth of the town, with other points, whereupon the Earl and they of Emden entered into new quarrels one against another, and the old were revived; of the issue whereof we will treat in the year following.  
We have made mention of an Edict made by the King of Spain at Pardo, by the which he dispensed with himself not to pay his debts, retayn●…ng all his assiguations 
The King of Spain makes a new contract for the payment of his debts.  upon his revenues, given by him in payment unto Merchants which had furnished him with great sums: But now meaning to discharge his conscience better, and feeling himself at the graves brink, he made another contract of the 14 of February this year 1598. with Hector Pocamillo, Ambrosio Somola, Francisco de Maluenda, and john jacomo Grimaldi, having ample Procuration from all the other Merchants, who dad negotiated with his Majesty for the lending of money. By the which contract having first excused himself for that which was given at Pardo, he confirms the assignations given by him upon the said demaynes, upon condition that for an over plus and new Loane they should furnish him with the sum of seven millions, and two hundred thousand ducatspaiable every month, two hundred and fifty thousand ducats to the Archduke, Cardinal Albert, to defray the charges of the war in the Netherlands, and that for the space of 19 months, whereof the first payment should be expired the last of january, the said year 98. making for the Netherlands four millions and a half. The rest to be paid in his realm of Spain, or else where, at his good pleasure, And by this means the King of Spain (being resolved to give his daughter the Infanta unto the Cardinal Albert) would show that he would not leave him in need of money for the continuance of the war against the united Provinces.  
There is in Flanders a fort called Patience, which a Wallon corporal in the year 1595. delivered unto the Estates of Zeeland, there were this year some French men in 
The fort of Patience sold by the French unto the Spaniards.  garrison in this fort, who dealing after the same manner with the Estates, sold it and delivered it unto the Spaniards. In the midst of April the Duke of Writembergh Earl of Montbeliard, sent an ambassador to the united Provinces, to demand that his subjects might traffic freely & under their safe conduct throughout the Netherlands by the river of Neckar, which descends into the Rhine, and that they would furnish him with some sufficient man for rivers and waters, to make the said river of Neckar more navigable. His demand was granted touching the commerce; and with the Ambassador there was sent on john Bradley, a man very expert in water works. The 9 of july the town of Calais was restored to the French King, into the hands of the Earl of S. Pol and the 
Calais and the other towns restored to the French King.  Siegnor of Viques who was made Governor, entering into it with 2000 men, after that the artillery and munition had been drawn forth, according to the contract, and sent to S. Omer. The Spanish troops within Ardes and dourlan's, being mutined for their pay, made some difficulty for a time, but in the end they were pacified, and went out in August following: the like did they of Monthulin, Chastelet and la Capelle in Tyerash: 
1598.  But Blavet was not so soon yielded, until that the Duke of Merceur was reconciled unto the King, treating the marriage of Caesar Monsieur the king's Bastard and Duke of Vendosme with this Duke's daughter, whereupon Blavet, and all other places which had been held in Britain, in the name of the Infanta of Spain, were yielded.  
The King of Spain finding his strength and health to decay daily, being desirous to see an end of the resolution which he had taken, to give the Lady Isabella his eldest daughter in marriage to the Archduke Albert his Nephew, although he were advanced 
The King of Spain gives his eldest daughter to Cardinal Albert with the Netherlands and Bourgogne.  to great Ecclesiastical dignities, and namely to the rich archbishopric of Toledo: he called in his presence (in the town of Madril) the 6. of May Prince Philip his only son, being about 20. years old, being accompanied by Don Gomes d' Auila Marquis of Vellada, governor and Lord Stuard of Prince Phillip's house, Don Christophel de Mora Earl of Castel-Rodrigo great commander of Leon, all three councillors of State, and Nicholas Damant Knight, councillor, Precedent and Chancellor of Brabant, with the secretary for the affairs of the Netherlands, Laloo, and no more, whereas the rosolution of the session and transaction of the Netherlands made by the King unto his said daughter, was read, signed, and sealed in the French tongue as followeth.  
Philip by the grace of God King. etc. To all present and to come that shall see, read and hear these letters, greeting. Whereas we have thought it fit and convenient as well for the general good of all Christendom, as of our Netherlands, not to defer any longer the marriage of our dear and well-beloved eldest daughter the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia: 
A copy of the letters of transaction of the Netherlands to the In●…anta.  being the more inclined thereunto for the preservation of our house, and for certain other good respects; In consideration also of the love we bear unto our most dear and well-beloved brother, cousin and Nephew, the Archduke Albert, governor and captain general of our Netherlands, and of Bourgogne in our name, having cast our eyes upon his person, and choosing him to be future husband to our eldest daughter, as well by the consent of our holy father the Pope, who hath thereupon granted his dispensation, as also having imparted it to the most high, most excellent and most mighty Prince, our most dear and well-beloved brother, cousin and nephew, Rodolphus the second of that name Emperor of the romans, and in like manner to our most dear & well-beloved good sister the Empress his mother. All which considered, and to the end our said daughter may (as reason requires) have means according to her graces, virtues and merits. And the rather to give a testimony of our behalfs of the great love and affection which we have always borne, and do yet bear unto our countries of the Netherlands and Bourgogne, we have resolved to give unto our said daughter, in aid and favour of the said marriage our said Netherlands, and all that depends thereon, in the form and manner as shall be hereafter set down and specified: And that by the means and mediation, will and consent of our most dear and well-beloved good Son Prince Philip our only Son and heir, according to the advertisements which have been given by us and our said Son, to the heads and Noblemen, knights of our order, councillors and Estates of our said Netherlands, being under our obedience, together with them of our country and Conty of Bourgogne, who have showed and testified by their answers, the joy and contentment which they have had of this our kind resolution: the which they know and confess to be so necessary for the good of our Netherlands: Being the true means to attain unto a good peace and union, and to be discharged of this painful war: wherewith they have been afflicted for so many years; which peace and rest we have always wished and desired, considering also (the which is notorious to all the world) that the greatest happiness which a country may enjoy, is to see themselves governed by the eye and presence of their Prince and natural Lord. God is our witness of the pain and care we have often had that we could not perform that in person which we willingly desired, if the affairs of great importance of our realms of Spain, had not tied us to continue our residence there, and not to absent ourself, as we yet are bound at this hour. And although for the age of the Prince our son, it seems, it might be now more convenient, then at our first voyage, yet the will of GOD hath been such, having given us so many Realms and Provinces, in the which there want never affairs of great importance, by reason whereof his presence is here very 
1598.  requisite. Wherefore we have thought it expedient to take this good resolution, not to suffer the Netherlands to run into the inconveniences which they have done heretofore together with the reasons of portion and partage, which we ought to make unto our said daughter the Infanta, according to her merits & the greatness of her birth. Wherefore we give all men to understand, that desiring now to put duly in effect, that which hath been resolved by us: to transport unto our said daughter the Infanta, in advancement of the said marriage, all our said Netherlands and Bourgogne, in manner and form, and with the conditions hereafter mentioned.  
1. The first condition is: that the said Infanta our daughter, shall join in marriage with the Archduke Albert, and that by way of donation or gift, she receive our said Netherlands, and the Contie of Bourgogne: and in case the said marriage should be hindered by any occasion whatsoever: then this present donation or session shall be void and take no effect; as in that case we do presently revoke and disannul it.  
2. Item, that the children and successors of this marriage, be they males or females, lawfully borne and no bastards: although it were by a future marriage, the elder going before the younger, and the male the female, shall from hand to hand successively be heirs in the same degree of all the said provinces jointly, without taking away or eclipsing any thing. Declaring that the eldest son or daughter of the father deceased, shall be preserre●… before the Uncles or any other of the collateral line.  
3. Item upon condition, that if there be neither son nor daughter (which God forbid) of this marriage: or that they be dead, after the death either of the Archduke Albert, or our daughter the Infanta, coming of this present marriage, the said donation, session and transport, shall be void & of no force. In which case if our said daughter the Infanta should remain a widow, her lawful portion on the father's side, & her donation of the mother's side, such as shall belong unto her, shall follow her: beside that which we or our son the Prince shall do for the love we bear her. And if the said Archduke Albert, should survive the said Infanta, he shall remain Governor of the said countries, in the name of the Prince Proprietary, to whom they shall fall.  
4. Item upon condition, that if all the descendants males and females proceeding of their marriage should chance to fail, so as there should not any one remain that is called to these countries. In that case they shall all return unto the King of Spain, which shall be descended of us. And according to this donation and session, in that case we make him donatarie presently, as being given unto him.  
5. Item, upon condition, that whosoever shall be Princess and Lady of the said Netherlands, shall marry with the King of Spain or the Prince his son, that shall be then living, with a dispensation, if need shall require. And if then they have not the will nor the power to make any such marriages for themselves, in that case the Lady cannot take any husband, nor meddle with any donation, nor any part thereof, without the advise and consent of us and our heirs and successors in our said realm of Spain, which shall be issued from us. And in case of contravention, all that hath been given and granted, shall return, as if this donation, session and transport had never been made.  
6. Item upon condition that our said daughter the Infanta, nor any other called to the said succession, shall not for any cause whatsoever, part nor divide the said countries, nor give or exchange without our consent, & of those shall succeed us in these realms.  
7. Item that every Prince and Lord of those countries, shall be bound to marry their sons and daughters with our consent, & of those shall be our heirs Kings of Spain.  
8. Item that our said daughter the Infanta, nor her husband, nor any of their successors, to whom the said countries shall descend, shall in any sort whatsoever, negotiate, traffic, or contract to the East and West Indies, neither shall they send any sorts of ships, under any colour or pretext soever: upon pain that the said countries in case of contravention shall be forfeited by them. And if any subjects of the said countries should presume to go contrary to the defences; the Lords of the said countries shall punish them by confiscation of their goods, & other grievous pains, yea with death.  
9 Item, that if the said Archduke Albert our good cousin, should suruie our daughter the Infanta, leaving either son or daughter, that he shall have the government of such son or daughter, with the managing of all their goods, as if our daughter the Infanta 
1598.  were yet living. And over and besides our said cousin the Archduke, shall in that case enjoy and reap the fruits during his life, entertaining the said children according to their quality, giving unto the eldest son or daughter the country and Duchy of Luxembourg, and the county of Chiny, which shall belong unto them, to enjoy it during the father's life: after whose decease that child shall have all as sole heir. Being here expressly declared, that this clause of usufrute shall be understood, only in favour of our good Cousin the Archduke Albert; and not to be drawn in consequence. To the end that none of his successors may urge any precedent, nor pretend right in the like case.  
10. Item for that it is the principal and greatest bond above all others: that all the children and descendants of the said marriage, shall follow the holy religion which doth now presently shine in them, and shall live and die in our holy Catholic faith, as the holy church of Rome doth teach and entertain: and that before they shall take possession of the said Netherlands, they shall take an oath in the same form that it is set down in the article following. And in case (which God forbid) that any of the said descandants should decline from the said religion, and fall into heresy, after that our Holy father the Pope hath pronounced them so, they shall be deprived of the administration, possession and property of the said Provinces: and that the vassals & subjects thereof shall no more obey them; but they shall admit and receive the next that is a Catholic of the same descent, which should succeed unto such a one that is fallen from the faith: and that heretic shall be as if he were naturally dead.  
Ego juro ad sancta Dei evangelia, quod semper ad extremum vitae meae spiritum, sacrosanctam fidem Catholicam quam tenet, docet & predicat, sancta, Catholica & Apostolica Ecclesia 
The oath of the Prince ●…f the Netherlands.  ●…omana (communium Ecclesiarum matter & Magistra) constanter profitebor, & fideliter firmiterque●…redam & veraciter tenebo; atque eam a meis subditis teneri, doceri & predicari (quantum in me erit) curabo. Sic me Deus adiwet & hec sancta evangelia.  
11. Item, that for the greater assurance and confirmation of the peace, love, and correspondency which ought to be betwixt the King and his realms, our descendants and successors, and the Princes and Lords of those countries, being also our successors, enery one of them which hereafter shall come unto the possession of the said Netherlands and Bourgogne, shall advow, approve, and ratify, what is contained in this article.  
12. And for a much as our intention and will is, that the said articles shall take full effect by their meaens. We give, grant, quit, transport, renounce and accord, in gift of fee, & in the best and most available form, way and manner, that may be devifed by law, to the Infanta Isabella, Clara, Eugenia, our most dear and best beloved eldest daughter, All our Netherlands, and every Province thereof, with the Country and County of Bourgogne, comprehending that of Charolois therein, the Duchies, Principalities, Marquisats and forts, which are in our Netherlands and Bourgogne, together with all the regalities, and all sorts of jurisdictions, which we might pretend by reason of the same, as also all pre-eminences, guards, and all other kind of sovereignty whatsoever, in the same form they are now, or may be ours, to have the full possession as we have had, without any exception, upon charge notwithstanding, that they shall inviolably observe all here above mentioned, & the Pragmatic made by the deceased of immortal memory, the Emperor my Lord & father (who is in glory) in the month of November 1549. touching the union of the said Netherlands, without consenting to any separation thereof, for any cause whatsoever.  
13. And it is our intention: that in regard of this donation, our said daughter the Infanta, and her future husband the Archduke Albert, shall be charged and bound, to pay and acquit all debts, made by us, or in our name, or by his deceased Imperial Majesty upon our patrimony and domains of the said Netherlands, and of the Contie of Bourgogne; and they shall be also tied and bound to bear and discharge all the rents, annuities, for life, and all other donations, pensions and recompenses, which his said Imperial Majesty, we or our predecessors have made to any persons whatsoever.  
And so we do make, create and name by these presents, our said daughter the Infanta, Princess and Lady of the said Netherlands, and Earl of Bourgongne and Charalois.  
We do also grant unto our said daughter, that over and above the particular titles of every of the said Provinces of the Netherlands, and county of Bourgoigne, she may also write, entitle, 
1598.  and name herself Duchess of Bourgoigne, notwithstanding that we have reserved (for so long as it shall please us) for ourselves, and for the prince our son, the said title of Duke of Bourgoigne, with all the rights that may belong unto us, together with the sovereignty of our order of the Golden Fleece, whereof we retain the power unto ourselves, to dispose hereafter as we shall think most fit. We consent and agree, and do suffer our said daughter the Infanta, giving her absolute & irrevocable power, of her own private authority, without any further consent to be demanded, by herself, or by her deputies sent to her future husband, to take full and absolute possession of the said Netherlands, and of the county of Bourgoigne, and Charolois: And to that end to cause the general Estates of the said country to assemble, or the particular Estates in every province, or else to observe any other course that shallbe thought fitting for this donation, session, and transport, to signify it, & to take an oath to the Estates and the subjects of the said countries, to demand the investiture and admittance to every piece and signiory, if the case shall so require: As also to receive a fit oath of them, to bind them to all that whereunto they were reciprocally bound by precedent oaths. Anduntil our said daughter shall have taken, or caused to be taken in her name, the real possession of the said Netherlands and county of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in that manner as it is set down by her patent, we do make and constitute ourself possessor thereof, in the name and behalf of our said daughter.  
In witness whereof we will and ordain, That the same letters patents be delivered unto her, granting unto our daughter the Infanta, to retain, admit, and establish in the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, Governors, judges, and justices, as well for the preservation and defence thereof, as for the administration of justice and policy, and the receipt of revenues, or otherwise. And moreover, to do all that which a true princess, lady of the inheritance of the said countries, by right, or according to the customs, might or aught to do, and as we have done, and might yet do; always observing the conditions hereunto inserted: To which effect we have quitted, absolved, and discharged, and do quit, absolve, and discharge by these presents, all bishops, abbots, prelates, and other church men, dukes, princes, marquess', earls, barons, governors, heads and captains of the country, towns, courts, precedents, men of our counsel, chancellor's, them of our treasure and accounts, and other justices, captains, men of war, and soldiers of forts and castles, their lieutenants, knights, squires, vassals, magistrates, burghers, inhabitants of good towns, boroughs, franchises, and villages, and all and every of our subjects of our said Netherlands, and the county of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and every of them respectively, of the oath of fidelity, faith and homage, promise and bond, by the which they were bound unto us, as to their lawful prince and sovereign lord: willing and expressly commanding them, to swear, and to accept the said Infanta our daughter, for their true princess and lady, and to give her their oath of fealty, faith, and homage, promise, and bond, after the accustomed manner, according to the nature of the countries, places, fees, and signiories. And moreover, that they show unto her and to her future husband, all honour, reverence, affection, obedience, fidelity, and service, as good and loyal subjects ought and are bound to their lawful prince and natural lord, as they have hitherto made demonstration. And to supply all defects and obmissions, as well in law as in fact, which may be omitted in this present donation, session, and transport, and which might be well inserted, of our own motion, certain knowledge, and full and absolute royal power, which by these presents we will use, we have derogated, and do derogate to all laws, constitutions, and customs, which may impugn and contradict these presents: for such is our good will and pleasure. And to the end that all that is formerly said, may be for ever firm and stable, we have figned these presents with our name, and caused our great seal to be hanged thereunto, willing and commanding, that it shall be registered, to be held of force in every counsel and chamber of accounts. Given in our city of Madril the 6 of May 1598., of our reigns of Naples and jerusalem, the 45, of Castille, Arragon, Sicily, and others, the 44, and of Portugal the 19 It was paraphed N. D. V. Signed philip's. And underneath, By the King signed A. de la Loo.  
This resignation was also ratified by the letters patents of prince Philip, at this time king of Spain, the 3 of that name, as followeth.  
Philip by the grace of God, Prince, son and only heir of the Realms, Countries, and 
1598.  signiories of king Philip the second of that name, my lord and father, To all present and to come, greeting. Whereas my said lord and father hath resolved to marry the lady Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, our most dear and well beloved good sister, to the Archduke Albert, our good uncle and cousin: And that according to the same his Catholic Majesty hath determined with our liking and consent, being thereunto induced for certain great reasons and respects for the common good, namely for the general quiet of all Christendom, and in particular for the peace & tranquillity of the Netherlands, to the end that our said sister may be provided for according to her quality and great merits, to give unto our said sister the Netherlands, and the county of Bourgoigne, in that form and manner as it hath been made and passed, as it appeareth by the letters patents which my said lord and father hath caused to be made, signed with his hand, and sealed with his great Seal, whereof the tenor followeth word by word. Philip etc. All which being here above inserted, it is not needful to repeat.  
We let them know, that having particularly understood all that is mentioned therein, considering the public good that may thereby come unto Christendom, especially by reason of the singular love which we are bound to bear, and do bear unto our sister the Infanta, for her graces and great merits, we commend, approve, and allow, and by these presents hold for good, notwithstanding any prejudice that may grow thereby to us or our successors hereafter. And for the same reason we consent, and are content by these presents, that the said Netherlands and county of Bourgoigne and Charolois, shall be given and transported to our good sister the Infanta, as my said lord and father hath done. And to the end it may subsist the better, for the greater assurance, corroboration, and strengthening of that which his Majesty hath disposed and decreed in favour, and for the advancement of our good sister, we dispose and ordain as far as it is needful by these presents, in favour thereof, and in the same form and manner in every point, of our own proper and free will, & without any extortion, constraint, deceit, fraud, nor any respect, fatherly reverence, nor fear, nor by any other indirect persuasions; our will and intention being, that the said countries shall belong and appertain unto our sister the Infanta, Isabella Clara Eugenia, and to her successors, conformable to the disposition of the king my lord and father. And to the end it may take full effect, and remain firm and stable for ever, we have renounced, and do renounce by these presents, in favour of our good sister, for us and our successors, all benefits which may by right come to us or them, to contradict these presents; or that it were by the law, Derestitutione in integrum, to the which we have renounced, and do renounce by these presents: for our resolute and determinat will is, that nothing whatsoever shall be of any force and efficacy against this donation, session, and transport, which hath been made of the said Netherlands, in the manner and form above mentioned.  
Whereupon we have given our faith, and taken our oath upon the holy Euangilists, which we have touched with our hand, to hold, maintain, observe, and keep, and cause to be held, maintained, observed, and kept, punctually all that hath been said, without any excuse or exception, nor yet to suffer any other to use any: The which we do affirm and promise by the word of a prince, and that we shall give all aid & assistance for the full accomplishment thereof, for that it is our sincere and resolute will. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters patents to be made, the which we have signed with our own hand, and caused to be signed by the secretary of estate for the king my lord & father, for the affairs of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and to be sealed with the great seal of his majesties arms, hanging thereunto in strings of gold. To these were present as witnesses Dom Gomes d'Auila, marquess of Velada, our governor and lord steward of our household, Dom Christophel de Mora, earl of castle, Roderigo great commander of the Alcantara, a gentleman of his majesties chamber, and butler for our person, Dom joan d'Idiaques great commander of Leon, all three of the counsel of state, and Nicholas d'Amant, knight, also counsellor of state, and keeper of his majesties seals for the affairs of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, chancellor of his duchy of Brabant. Given in the city of Madril, in the realm of Castille, the 6 of May, in the year of grace 1598. Paraphed M. E. R. T. Signed Philip, and underneath, By the commandment of my lord the prince A. de la Loo.  
These two patents of the king's resignation, and of the prince's agreation, were both sealed with one seal in vermilion wax, with strings of gold.  
These instruments being thus read, past, signed and sealed in authentic form, the prince of 
1598.  Spain rising, went and kissed the king his father's hands, thanking him for the good affection he bore unto his sister: then going to his said sister, he did congratulat with her, for the good which she had received that day; who rising, in like manner went and kissed the king her father's hands, and gave thanks for his favours and benefits: as in like sort she did thank the prince her brother, and so the assembly broke up. The rest of the day was spent in joy and sport in the court; yet more had been continued, if the king's indisposition had not been, who began now to grow very weak.  
Two days after, which was the eight of May, the empress, sister to the king, and mother to the archduke Albert, came to court, being accompanied by the ambassador of the emperor, her son, the marquess of Vellada, Dom Christophel de Mora, Dom joan Idiaques, and others, whereas the marriage spoken of was confirmed, the Infanta binding herself by an oath in the hands of the empress, to marry the archduke Albert of Austria, according to his majesties good pleasure: Whereupon the said lady empress bound herself reciprocally, that the said archduke her son should take her to wife, by virtue of a special procuration which he had sent. Then the Infanta advanced to kiss the hand of the empress her aunt, and future mother in law, but she retired her hand, and would not suffer it, and for a greater show of her love embraced her very fast. In the end, after many kind speeches and mutual courtesies, as the empress retired, the Infanta bending down upon her knee, would again have kissed her hand, which she pulled back, and making her to rise, the empress kissed her cheek, and so they parted. All this being thus performed, the Infanta sent a procuration in quality of princess of the Netherlands, to the archduke her lord by marriage, and future spouse, as followeth.  
Isabella Clara Eugenia, by the grace of God Infanta of all the realms of Spain, Duchess 
The Infantaes procuration to the archduke.  of Bourgoigne, of Lothier, of Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxembourg, Countess of Flanders, Arthois, Bourgoigne, Palatine of Henault, of Holland, Zeeland, Namur, and Zutphen, marquess of the holy Empire, Lady of Friesland, Salines, and Macklin, of the country and city of Vtrecht, of Ouerissel, and of Groaning, To all present & to come, that shall see these present letters greeting: Whereas, as well for the good of all Christendom in general, as for the Netherlands in particular, and for other good considerations, it hath pleased the king my lord and father, for the advancement of my future marriage, by the dispensation of our holy father the pope, with our most dear and well beloved cousin the archduke Albert, with the good liking, allowance, consent and assistance of the high and mighty prince our most dear and well beloved good brother, to make a gift, session, and transport, unto us, of all the Netherlands, and of Bourgoigne, according to the letters patents which have been made and signed respectively with their own hands, the sixth of this present month of May, with other our letters patents, touching the acceptation of the said donation and transport: To the end that the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, might be by us, our heirs and successors, held and enjoyed in manner and form, and according to the conditions particularly comprehended and expressed in the said letters patents; by the which his said Majesty hath granted unto us, with absolute power, and irrevocable, of our own private authority, not being bound to require any other consent or agreation, to take and receive by us, or by procuration to our future spouse the archduke Albert, the full and entire possession of all the Netherlands and county of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and to that effect to do in particular according to the said letters patents. We therefore make it known, for the reasons above mentioned, and to follow in every point the will and pleasure of his Majesty, yea to advance all that in that regard may be necessary before our departure towards the said countries, we have of our certain knowledge and absolute power, authorised and given full power and commission irrevocable, as well general as special, to our future spouse the archduke Albert, in our name, and on our behalf, by himself or other his substitutes, as he shall think fit, by virtue hereof, at once, or at divers several times, to do all things, as well in our name, and in our behalf, as in the behalf of the Netherlands and the county of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in general, or by the Estates of every province in particular, that shall be requisite and necessary to be done and passed; respectively to take, accept, or retain in our name, the full, real, and entire possession of all the said countries, and of every province thereof, and of all that doth depend, to 
1598.  enjoy them fully and peaceably without any contradiction, let, or molestation: Causing the Estates of the said countries, either general or particular, to be called to this end, and to take the oaths required in our name. And moreover, that our future spouse the archduke Albert, shall do all that we ourselves might do if we were there in person, without any more special commission, than is contained in the said letters. Promising in the word of a princess, and upon our honour, to hold it for agreeable, firm, and stable for ever, and to observe, and cause to be observed, and inviolably and faithfully accomplished, all that by the said archduke Albert, our future husband, or by his committees and substitutes, by virtue of the said letters shall be done and passed, in regard of the said absolute and real possession of the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, in the manner and form as it is mentioned in the said letters patents of donation, session, and transport, whereunto we refer ourselves, without doing any thing to the contrary, nor suffer to be done, directly, nor indirectly, in any sort whatsoever; for such is our pleasure. In witness whereof we have signed these presents with our own hands, and caused it to be signed by the secretary of my lord and father, for the affairs of the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and sealed with his majesties great seal of arms, hanging in strings of gold. Given in the city of Madril in the realm of Castille, the 30 day of May, in the year of grace 1598. Paraphed N. D. I. V. Signed, Madame Isabella, and upon the fold, By the commandment of the Lady Infanta, Signed A. de la Loo.  
This procuration was accompanied with letters from the king and the prince his son, unto the Netherlands, with promise not to be left in danger, for that which should be needful (if a good peace could not be made) for the supporting of the charges of the war. We will now treat of other things, attending news of this resignation of the countries of the Netherlands, and of the Infantaes marriage with the archduke Albert, at the court in Brussels.  
About that time prince Ernest of Bavaria, archbishop and elector of Cologne, and prince 
Ambassadors from the elector of Cologne, to the Estates, for Rhineberek.  of Liege, sent his ambassadors (which were the young earl john of Nassau, and the signior of Soppenbroeck, to the general Estates of the united provinces, to pursue the restitution of Berck upon the Rhine (the which prince Maurice had the year before taken by siege from the Spaniards) upon promise that their enemies should have no passage that way. The Estates having answered pertinently to the said ambassadors, yet considering that the said town was a great charge unto them, and more prejudicial than profitable, and necessary to be double fortified, prince Maurice having counseled them to yield it, if they would not otherwise provide for it; besides that it was too far from them, and not able to endure a long siege, they resolved to deliver it upon certain conditions, if the said elector could obtain them from cardinal Albert, yea in the end they would have yielded it upon the electors simple promise, not to suffer it to fall any more into the Spaniards hands, if the cardinal had not set the admiral of Arragon on work about another design. Notwithstanding the towns of Moeurs and Alpen were at that time, with the consent of the Estates and the archduke Albert, restored free, the one unto the countess of Moeurs, the other to the lady Dowager Palatine, widow before to Henry lord of Brederode.  
The process against the magistrate and counsel of the imperial town of Aix la Chapelle, 
A sentence against the magistrate of Aix.  having remained long undetermined in the chamber of Spyer, was (to the great desolation of the said town) decided this Summer by sentence, the which did banish and proscribe all them of the magistrate and the counsel, together with their adherents, abandoning both their persons and their goods, appointing for executioners of the said sentence, the archbishops of Treves and of Cologne, with the duke of juilliers: who finding themselves too weak, called the archduke Albert to their aid. This sentence was signified to them of Ayx by an imperial herald: They were much troubled and perplexed at this rigorous sentence, which they did little expect, having been assured from some princes and towns, that the matter should never come to proscription (but Dom William of Saint Clement, the king of Spain's ambassador, and the admiral of Arragon, pursued it to this extremity.) They did see on the one side of their town the archdukes army, and on the other that of the emperor, appointed for Hongarie, and their town nothing strong for to endure a siege: whereupon they took a short resolution, and defended all exercise of the Protestants religion (both of that of Ausbourg, and of the reformed) within their town, and sent to the 
1590.  archbishop of Cologne, prince of Liege, their neighbour, entreating 'em to be an intercessor for them; who did write unto them of juilliers and Lembourg, who (not thinking what might happen unto themselves, and was so near them) began to oppress them of Aix, driving away their cattle, and taking them prisoners where they could catch them. These letters from the elector of Cologne, did somewhat restrain the acts of hostility of them of juilliers, & of Lembourg: Whereupon the magistrate continued in the government of the town, as before, until it were otherwise ordained. Soon after their adverse parties (which were those of the old magistrate, being fugitives for their lewd demeanours) brought four or five hundred of the duke of juilliers soldiers into the town, who displaced the one, and placed the other. Those that were disappointed had their houses for prison, until it were otherwise decreed: whereof 
The lamentable estate of Aix.  some of the chief, especially two bourgmasters, the signior Colin, and doctor Vercken, seeing themselves threatened by the clergy, found means to get secretly away. These magistrates being restored, were not only filled with Catholic Romans, but they deposed all officers of the town, little and great, base and other, and placed new, all Catholics, even unto the hangman: They also changed all the midwives, physicians, comforters and keepers of sick persons, appointing all Catholics, and deposing the others.  
Among them of the magistrate that were restored, there was one john Ellerborne, a sheriff, who of himself, and without constraint had been a fugitive, having since the year 1590. called many merchants, and other substantial men of the Netherlands, that were fled unto Aix, into justice to the imperial chamber, for the payment of the arrearages and account of his services, in quality of captain of the horse (who, to speak the truth, was a base coward, and a drunkard, and had done nothing but hindered the service, spoiling, robbing, and deceiving all the world) who not able to do what he would with the merchants, at the very time of the sentence he obtained letters of reprisal against them, the which at the return of the magistrate restored (whereof he was one) he put in practice, causing it to be executed (among others) upon Lewis Malapert, and jean Vivien, great merchants, from whom, especially from Vivien (although he died of the plague) he caused all his goods to be taken, yea even his bed. Whereof complaints came to the general Estates of the united provinces, who having written divers times to them of Aix, yea even with threats, matters were somewhat moderated with Ellerborne, who restored all for a certain sum of money.  
About that time there was great preparation of men made for Brabant, with provision as it were to raise a camp, whereupon the united Estates gave charge to the earl of Hohenloo to guard the quarter of Bomel with twenty four companies of foot, and four cornets of horse, that the Spaniards might get no footing there, for that they saw that the archduke Albert did draw men from all parts, coming from France and other places.  
The duke of Cleves and juilliers having his senses better settled, was this year put in possession 
The duke of Cleves recovers his senses  of many of his towns. Prince Maurice to gratify him, sent him two goodly horses by his chief counsellor the signior of Sonsfeldt: and then there was much speaking of a marriage betwixt the said duke and the duke of Lorrains' daughter, the which took effect the year following. Let us now return to that of the Infanta of Spain, with the archduke Albert.    


ISABELLA AUSTRIACA. PHIL. II. CATH. HIS. REG. FIL.  
ISABELLA CLARA EUGENIA, INfanta 
1598.  of Spain, Duchess of Brabant, of Lembourg, etc. Countess of Flanders, Arthois, Bourgoigne, etc. Palatine of Henault, and Namur. Lady of Salines and Macklin.  
My father minding for to make a royal marriage  
Twixt me and th' Archduke Albert, gave me for my heritage  
The Netherlands, with Burgundy, and County Charolois,  
To hold in chief of Spain (and I of him did make my choice)  
But the conditions over hard, and far too strict withal,  
Retained the Netherlands in too much servitude and thrall:  
But Gelder, Friesland, Utrecht, and the Hollanders, also  
Ouerissel, Groaning, Zutphen, and Zeeland, will not once show  
Obedience to the Spaniard, nor the house of Austria,  
And do the great'st revenue of my living bear away:  
But Brabant, Flanders, and Arthois, Henault, and eke Lembourg.  
To me are true, with Burgundy, Namur, and Luxembourg.   
THE XV. BOOK. 
1598.   
The Argument.  
Cardinal Albert assembles the Estates at Brussels touching the donation of the Netherlands. The articles propounded unto the Cardinal upon the receiving of the Infanta. He leaves his Cardinal's habit, and goes to fetch the Infanta. He writes to the united provinces, and causeth the prince of Orange to write to prince Maurice his brother. The Estates resolve rather to war, than to a feigned peace, and send their Ambassador to the Queen of England to that end, who doth in like manner resolve to war. The Admiral of Arragon marcheth with the king of Spain's army towards the Meuse, takes Orsoy and some other neutral places. Prince Maurice camps at Gelderscheweert. The death of Philip the second king of Spain. Ambassadors from the princess of Cleves to the Archduke Albert, and his answer. The murder of the Earl of Bro●…ck by the Admiral's men: He takes many towns in the country of Cleves, besiegeth Rheinberck, which y●…elds: he threatens them of Wezel, and passeth the Rhine: against whom prince Maurice fortifies himself, and brings his army to Doesbourg, where he attends him. The inferior circl●…s of the Empire assemble at Dortmont. The Admiral takes Deutecom. He wastes the neutral countries of Westphalia, Berghe, Mark, and Munster, and takes many neutral towns, where his Spaniards commit horrible cruelties and inhumanities'. The princes of Germany take it ill, and procure a decree from the Emperor against him, which he regards not, and against the Estates, who justify themselves. The princes of Germany arm against the admiral. He brings his army into the Isle of Bomel. The Estates army at sea spoils the Canaries, and some other Islands. The army of the princes of Germany consumes. The Spaniards retire from Bomel, and build S Andrews fort. Prince Maurice entrencheth himself in the head of the enemy. The archdukes army retires out of the Isle of Bomel, leaving S. Andrew's fort and Crevecoeur well furnished. Soon after the garrisons mutiny for their pay. Prince Maurice besiegeth these two forts, the which yield, and the garrisons serve the Estates. The archdukes and the Infanta's coming into the Netherlands, and their installment. The Emperor sends unto the Estates concerning a peace. The Estates resolution to make war in Flanders. Prince Maurice besiegeth Nieuport, takes some forts from the Spaniards: overthrows the archdukes army, he being in person, and takes the admiral prisoner, the which is called, The memorable battle of Nieuport: then he returns with his army into the united provinces. The exploits of the galley of Dordrecht.  
THe acts and dispatches of the donation of the Netherlands, made by the king of Spain unto the Infanta his daughter, for the advancement of her marriage with Albert Archduke of Austria, as then a Cardinal, being come to Brussels in julie, the said Cardinal Archduke caused them presently to be published, and copies to be given forth; together with the agreation of the prince of Spain procuration from the Infanta, and letters sealed up from the king and the prince his son, to the governors and Councillors of all the Provinces, which were under the obedience of Spain: commanding them to send their deputies to Brussels, with commission and full authority, by the 15 of August following. Where the deputies of every Province in particular being arrived at the day appointed, the next day they assembled in the town house to show their commissions, and to treat upon that which was to be done concerning the said act of donation, and letters come out of Spain; whereupon in the beginning there grew many difficulties: and although there were diversity of opinions, upon the accepting of the Infanta by her procuration, and to take the oath unto her, in regard of the privileges of the country, especially of the duchy of Brabant, the which receiveth no princes but in their own persons: yet all being well considered, in the end all controversies ceasing, the cardinal archduke, in the 
1598.  name of the said lady, and by virtue of her procuration, was accepted, and an oath taken, upon certain conditions, which follow.  

1 The first article contained the agreation of the donation and transport of the Netherlands, 
A sum of the articles propounded to the cardinal at Brussels.  together with the marriage of the princess and lady thereof, with the said cardinal.  
2 The second, how she should be received, and the oath taken.  
3 That his highness should consummate the marriage within three months.  
4 That the king shall give an act, that the twelve articles comprehended in the said transport, shall not be in any sort prejudicial unto the Netherlands.  
5 That he shall free the country from all contributions, oppressions of soldiers, and other exactions, and that hereafter his highness shall be contented with his revenues.  
6 That all foreign soldiers shall hereafter be under the kings pay and entertainment, the which shall be employed in field upon the enemy's frontiers.  
7 All german soldiers and such as are borne in the country, shall be entertained and paid as far as may be, and that the surplusage shall be discharged by the king.  
8 That all offices and governments of provinces, towns, and forts, shall within one year at the farthest be delivered into the hands of the noble men of the country, to govern.  
9 All extraordinary councillors shall be reduced to the order that hath been accustomed. And the great council of Macklin, with that of Brabant, and the council of estate, shall be filled with them that are natural borne in the country.  
10 That all provinces, countries, and towns shall be entertained and maintained in their ancient rights, privileges, and freedoms.  
11 His highness shall be bound to return into the Netherlands by the month of may next coming.  
12 That her highness during her absence shall appoint a governor in the said countries, which shall be of her blood, who shall be bound to swear to all that which the king hath sworn.  
13 That it shall be tolerable for the general Estates, by the intervention of his highness, to enter into conference with them of Holland and Zeeland touching a peace.  
14 And until the country may be furnished with noblemen, natural borne of the country, they shall depute three to go with his highness into Spain, and to thank the king.  
15 That his highness shall be bound to entertain all above mentioned, and at his return with the Infanta to take the accustomed oath in all the provinces.  
16 That the governors, captains, nor men of war shall not attempt any new thing during his highness absence.  
17 His highness at his return shall be bound to assemble the general Estates, to labour together for the redressing of the affairs of the Netherlands.   
All above mentioned being thus past, and the said cardinal archduke sufficiently acknowledged and accepted for their future prince, according to the promise of marriage betwixt him and the Infanta, meaning to uncardinall himself, and to enter into the consummation of the said marriage according unto the pope's dispensation, he went to Hault a little town in Brabant 
The archduke Albert leaves off his cardinals weed.  three leagues from Brussels, commonly called, Our lady of Hault (in old times a famous place of pilgrimage) where he laid down his cardinals hat and habit upon the high altar, the which he offered unto the said lady. He had also upon expectation of this marriage, resigned his archbishopric of Toledo, by virtue whereof he was head of the Inquisition (which of right belongs unto the said archbishopric) by the which resignation they said he retained an annual pension of 50000 ducats (for it is not less worth than 300000 a year.) This done, he began to give order for his voyage, and for the government of the Netherlands, to the which during his absence he named his cousin a cardinal also, Andrew archduke, son to the archduke Ferdinand, who was brother to the emperor Maximilian, and therefore cousin german to Albert, joining with him the council of estate. He appointed Francisco de Mendoza, admiral of Arragon to be general of his army, & Cont Herman vanden Berghe marshal of the camp, with other commanders and officers to put in execution, during his absence, the resolution which was taken at Brussels touching the frontiers of Germany, whereof we will hereafter discourse more at large. To bear him company according to the articles, there were deputed Philip of Nassau, prince of Orange, etc. (to whom his sister the countess of Hohenloo sent a good sum of money to make his voyage, being of the revenues of his demeans in 
1598.  Holland and Zeeland) the earl of Barlaymont, and the earl of Sores (noble men borne in the country) and many ladies and gentlewomen, amongst them the countess of Mansfeldt widow to the earl, and dowager to the earls of Henin and Hochstraten, and many other young noble men and gentlemen desirous to see Spain, the triumphs & state of the prince of Spain, and of the said archduke and Infanta.  
All things being thus prepared, the archduke parted with his train from Brussels about the midst of September, taking his way (as he said) towards Prague, to see the emperor his brother, to confer with him of the affairs of the Netherlands, and of his designs upon the territories of the empire: and from thence to go to Grets to fetch the lady Gregory Maximilienne daughter to the archduke Charles of Austria, who was brother to the emperor Maximilian the second, betrothed to Philip of Spain. This princess was borne in the same degree with the prince of Spain, that is, of her father's niece; for the king of Spain and the archduke Charles had either of them married his niece: which princess the archduke Albert was to conduct into Spain, to accomplish her marriage with the said prince, and the archduke his with the Infanta altogether.  
The said archduke before his departure, had written on the 18 of August, to the general Estates of the united provinces, containing in substance that he went to marry with the Infanta, with whom he had the Netherlands in dower; wherein he had already proceeded so far, as most, & the greatest part of the provinces had received him for their lord and prince. That he desired nothing more, than to settle a good peace in the Netherlands: and now seeing it was manifest, that the king was resolved to separate the said countries from Spain, thereby to take away all jealousies and causes of distrust, yea and the war itself, he required the Estates that they would enter into consideration, and remember, that wars must once end by peace, and that therefore they should conform themselves with them of Brabant and Flanders, & yield to a general peace, and receive and acknowledge him for their prince and lord; for the which he had authority from the general Estates of his provinces, whereunto he expected their answer.  
There were letters also from the prince of Orange unto prince Maurice his brother, and from the duke of Arschot and the marquess of Haurec, containing; That seeing the king of Spain had divided the Netherlands from Spain, there should now be no more doubt on that side: and therefore they persuaded him to do his best endeavour, there might be a good peace made, wherein they knew he could do much: that he should lay before his eyes the honour of his house, to the which he could never do better service, seeing that all other provinces had already acknowledged and received the said archduke etc. To all which letters there was no answer made, neither by the Estates, nor by prince Maurice.  
The peace betwixt France and Spain being concluded, and the towns yielded on either side, as we have said; there was yet a time limited for them that would be comprehended in this peace, according to the clause contained therein. All this time they talked of nothing but of peace in England, many and divers discourses were made thereon: the Queen finding 
The Queen of England send●… unto the Estates.  herself priest (the French king being disbanded from the union, and the united provinces not to be persuaded to submit themselves under the obedience of Spain, holding the transport of the Netherlands made unto the Infanta in suspicion) sent sir Francis Vere unto the general Estates of the said provinces, being general of all their English forces, to understand plainly what their resolution was, either to peace or war: if not to peace, than what means they had jointly with her to bear the burden of the war; whereof she demanded a speedy and absolute resolution: whereof she desired to be duly informed by men well qualified, having full charge and commission to deliver their resolutions.  
Whereupon the Estates meaning to advice and resolve in their general assembly, all difficulties and discommodities on either side being propounded, debated and well balanced, seeming rather inclined and resolved to war, than to a doubtful peace, were it never so beneficial, they had at that instant news brought them, that the signior Daniel vander Meulen of antwerp, remaining at Leyden in Holland, had suddenly been sent for, with a passport from the archduke, the which came from his brother in law, who feigned himself to be extremely sick) to confer with him before his death, & that he should come to antwerp; where being arrived, he was sent for to Brussels (as he was a very sufficient man, and well acquainted with affairs of Estate) before the counsellors Richardot and Assonuille, the abbot of Marolles, and the marquess of Haurec, one after another; who demanded of him, if there were no means to make a general peace among all the provinces of the Netherlands (& this was only to hear his opinion) whereunto he answered, That concerning that matter he had not any charge. Then they declared unto him, to the end he might tell it again, That the king 
Goodly offers made by the archduke unto the united Estates.  of Spain and the archduke Albert were intended to make a peace, in what sort soever: and thereof to give such assurance as should well content them, they would leave unto the united provinces their Religion, their form of government, and they should have contentment given them, from the least point unto the greatest. They said moreover, That the king was wonderfully affected to prince Maurice, held him in great esteem, and desired not to impair his estate, but rather to confirm and make it greater: yea, he would gladly see him General of the army against the Turk; so much he was esteemed of all men for his virtues and valour. That they would suffer all them that were in the government of the united Provinces, to continue still in their offices, estates, and dignities, and would promise to continue their children in them, being capable, if they would only give ear unto a peace, and acknowledge the said archduke Albert for their lord and prince. These and such like speeches were used unto him: being carried before the archduke, he said as much to him in Latin, entreating him, that he would make a good report thereof, when it should be fitting.  
All this being understood by the Estates, they presently conceived, that these baits tended to no other end, but to breed some division in the country, and to move the commons: as if they desired to continue the wars without cause or reason, whilst that they might (according to their saying) enter into an assured way of peace. They did easily believe, that both the king and the cardinal would gladly have seen prince Maurice in Hongarie, and that to him and the united Provinces there should be made what promises they could desire, if they could only get but that point of them, as to acknowledge the said archduke for their prince, supposing if that were done, that he should easily become master, first, of them that had charge of the government, and managing of affairs (who would presently seek to creep into his favour) and then generally of the government of the Provinces.  
Some thought these speeches were but a common bruit, to draw the Estates to give ear to a parley, and to enter into conference, as some years before they had in the like manner circumvented them of Bruges and Gant, which they caused to be bruited abroad, only to make a trial, and then go back from it when they thought good; such speeches serving to no other end. Thither were also brought unto the Estates certain letters, intercepted both in France and in England; by the which the king of Spain gave contrary instructions unto the cardinal archduke, which were, That in the treaty of peace with France, his Rebels (for so he called the united Estates) should not be comprehended, but upon condition, that the Romish Catholic religion should be received and established in all places, the king's sovereignty and dignity maintained, the old officers, which had been displaced and chased away, restored, and that those which remained, being capable and fit, might be admitted, if they were Catholics and not heretics, and besides, they might promise them a general pardon: that the French king ought not to procure any thing else, if he were as he should be, that is, a Catholic.  
This instruction conferred with the former speech, & with many other advertisements, the Estates seeing how they sought with fair words to abuse & cirumvent them, conceived that there could nothing grow of such a peace, but a change of religion, and a translation of the government out of their hands, unto banished men and Spaniolized, more covetous of revenge than the Spaniards themselves. And therefore not any one having served or had any office in the said Provinces, might remain, knowing that with such conditions, & no other, they should be yielded to the Infanta, who would bridle them in the same manner that the Spaniard had done: Whereupon the Estates, nobility and towns in general, resolved not to give ear to any peace or truce, but to support the burden of the war to the extremity, and to attend such an issue as it should please God to send them, rather than to abandon their country, and to receive their enemies into the government thereof: but rather to procure and advance what 
1598.  they should find needful for them, & especially to give contentment to the Queen of England. Hereupon they appointed a greater number of deputies in their colleges, and in the general Estates, sending into England as her Majesty had required, certain notable ambassadors, to induce her to continue the war with them against the Spaniards: the which were john van Duyven Word knight, signior of Warmont, of Would etc. john van Oldenbarnevelt signior of Tempel, first councillor and advocate for the Estates, and keeper of the seal of Holland and west Friesland, john van den work councillor and orator of Middlebourg, john van Hotting a esquire, councillor and deputy for the general Estates, & Andrew Hessels chief councillor of the council of Brabant established at the Hage, for that which depends of the united provinces, who also had some particular charge from prince Maurice, as being of his ordinary council. Who being arrived in England, they had audience of her Majesty, and were graciously received by her, sending them to treat with her council of all matters, whereof her Majesty desired to be satisfied, and for the which they were sent thither in the Estates name; so as in the end having given contentment unto her Majesty, they agreed upon all things the sixth of August. According unto which accord and resolute determination of the Estates to maintain themselves by arms against the king of Spain and the archduke Albert, her Majesty did also resolve for her part to the continuance of the war, the which could not be so prejudicial unto her as to the Spaniard, who being always armed both at sea and land, entertained her rebels in Ireland to small profit: whereas her Majesty on the other side, might get from him as well upon the coasts of Spain and Africa, as at the east and west Indies, the which she did for the most part at the charge of her merchants, who are greedy of gain. And although her Majesty at the same time had received some loss in Ireland by the earl of Tyron, through the favour of the Spaniards, yet in September following, their accord was past and solemnly ratified on either side, after that the said ambassadors were returned into Holland.  
The signior of Buzenual ambassador for the French king with the general Estates of the united provinces, parted (presently after their ambassadors) from the Hage, to go unto the king, & to know his pleasure, if after the conclusion of the peace with the Spaniard, he should be continued in his embassage: but the peace being finished, and he having dispatched some of his private and domestic affairs in France, he was sent back again into Holland by the king his master, to continue his charge there. At his return he propounded many reasons and excuses to the Estates, which had moved the king to make peace with the Spaniard, assuring them, that he would be no enemy unto them, nor contrary to their government; but as much as lay in him (the peace excepted) he would favour them, and continue in their alliance, with promise to pay them the money wherewith they assisted his Majesty during the wars.  
Whilst that the archduke Albert disposed of the affairs of the Netherlands with the council of Spain, or Spaniards in heart, at Brussels, and made his preparatives for his voyage, Francis of Mendoza marquess of Guadaleste, admiral of Arragon, and general of the army, began to march towards the river of Meuse: prince Maurice hearing of his approach about the end of August (the Estates having lain still all the summer, watching which way he would turn the head of his army) made them also ready to stand upon their guard, that the Spaniard should not pass the Rhine: and as there was at the same time a ship of war of the Estates in the river of Meuse before Venloo, whereof one john de Raet a Hollander was captain, the Spaniards assailed it, took and burnt it, where they had but six prisoners, the rest saved themselves by swimming.  
In the beginning of September the admiral past the river of Meuse with all his army near unto Ruremond; it consisted of 178 ensigns of all nations, Spaniards, Italians, Bourgognons, Germans, Walloons, Irish, and others, making about five and twenty thousand foot, and twenty eight cornets of horse, beside other twelve which he left in Brabant; so as all the archdukes forces (among the which there were many of the relics of the French league) might be about 30000 men (the which without doubt was a goodly army, able to amaze a world) the which being past the Meuse, dispersed itself at large in the country of juilliers, the diocese of Cologne and country thereabouts, so as approaching near the Rhine, the admiral sent colonel Borlotte to pass first, and to help to make the passage for the rest; 
1598.  the which he did at the village of Kerckraet, betwixt the towns of Cologne and Bonne, whereas he drew down all the boats he could find: having passed only with eight hundred men of his regiment, and some field pieces, with the which going down the Rhine lower than Cologne, he chased away all the Estates ships which were upon the river. Having gathered all the boats he could together, he passed the rest of his regiment, and some more artillery. The admiral Cont vanden Berghe and other noblemen of the army marched that way, and approaching near unto the Rhine, they came first with their troops before the town of Orsoy, seated upon the Rhine, and belonging to the duke of Cleves, being easy to fortify, the which duke William had begun to compass in with ravelins, after the manner of the castle of Antuerp, whereof the foundations are laid, but for the great charge they left it unperfect, which notwithstanding might be easily finished: which town the admiral summoned, and required to have it opened, that he might pass the Rhine: the signior Horst marshal of the country of Cleves, and the secretary opposing themselves, pretending their neutrality, the admiral took an axe, and began to beat upon the gate, his men taking down the sides of their wagons of Brabant, which are very long, would have scaled the wales: wherewith the burghers being terrified, upon promise that they would but pass the Rhine, they suffered him and his men to enter. Having the said town at his devotion, he presented himself before the castle (in the which there were a garrison of some soldiers for the duke of Cleves) with three Capuchin friars, and a hangman, holding many halters in his hand, ask them if they had rather be hanged, than to yield the castle; the which did so terrify the soldiers, as they presently yielded the place, where he went to lodge, and from thence did seize upon and ransom all the small towns and places thereabouts. He presently caused Orsoy to be fortified with all speed, whereas there past three regiments of Spaniards, with that of the earl of Busquoy, and twelve cornets of horse, the which did camp right against the said town, whilst that the admiral caused a mighty fort to be built at Walsom, for which fortification he cut down all the trees in that quarter, the which he did betwixt the first and the eight of September, before that the archduke Albert was parted from Brussels.  
The Estates of the united provinces, and prince Maurice, being awaked at this sudden invasion, began to think of their affairs, and calling together their ordinary garrisons, which had been idle all the Summer, they sent them to the rendezvous about Arnhen in Guelderland, embarking great store of artillery, bridges, boats, and all other things necessary, whither the prince parting from the Hage went unto them the fourth of September, and the eight day he went to the fort of Gravenweert (commonly called Schenks Sconce) where he had the first news of the taking of the town and castle of Orsoy, and that one part of the Spanish army had passed the Rhine, and did fortify at Walsom, to keep the passage free and open of either side.  
The admiral's men did run over all the countries of Cleves, juilliers, Cologne, Mont, 
The oppression of the Admiral's soldiers.  Mark, Munster, and other quarters of Westphalia, spoiling, ransoming, kill, and murdering, finally committing all the excess and insolencies they could in any enemy's country. And notwithstanding the neutrality which the archduke Albert had granted unto the lady Dowager, Palatinesse of Rhine, they seized upon the town of Alpen, and other places thereabouts. The countess of Moeurs, who a little before had obtained the like neutrality, was forced to open her town, and to see daily against her will the Spanish Hidalgoes at her table, having much ado to content them, and fearing worse, but having no means to retire herself, she was forced to have patience.  
Prince Maurice being in the fort of Gravenweert having understood by a prisoner of the Spanish camp, that one of the young earls of Embden was with the admiral, soliciting him to send his army before Emden, being in controversy, as I have said, with cont Edsard his father. The said prince and cont William of Nassau, his cousin, governor of Friesland and Groaning, did write unto the magistrates of the said town, advising them to stand upon their guards, offering them succours, yea a garrison, if they had need, being of advice to fortify some places and approaches thereabouts, before that the enemy should prevail. And upon this report (which was very credible) the prince and earl were troubled, for the countries of Friesland, Oueryssel, county of Zutphen, and other frontiers on the other side of the Rhine: they sent to fortify the garrisons in all places; and the prince himself went the eleventh of September 
1598.  to Doesbourg and Deutecom with some horse, to order things there (Doesbourg is a town situated upon the river of yssel, where the Spaniard might make the shorter passage) upon the way he encountered with his aunt the countess Ʋander Berghe, mother to the earls Herman, Frederic, and Henric, servants to the Spaniard, being in the admiral's army, who had solicited the general Estates, and obtained it, that her castle of Wulft might not be demanteled, and that the town of saint Heeren-berghe (in the which the Estates had a garrison) being freed from it, and laid open, might remain a neuter town, showing forth an act of the archduke Albert's, that he would not attempt any thing against that place, whereby the country might receive any harm; making her three sons also to promise the same, upon pain to forfeit all manner of justice (the said town holding in fee of the duchy of gelders) and to lose all their goods lying there. The said lady had showed a certain act of the archdukes being cardinal, but since that he took possession in the Infantaes name, it was necessary to renew it, the which was not yet done, for which cause she came with her daughters to meet him and salute him, promising to cause the said town to be presently demanteled (the which she did to preserve it from ruin, knowing well that the Spaniards would not fail to besiege it, by reason of the Estates garrison that were within it) and within 8 days to send an act from her sons, & as soon as might be to advertise him of the renewing of the archdukes, whereof she did assure herself: whereupon it was granted, that the town of saint Heeren-berghe should remain neuter, and that the company of captain Poelgheest should depart, as it did. And by that means the lady obtained that which she had long sued for: this pretended encounter was happy for her. The like neutrality was also granted for the town of Anholt, from whence the garrison did also retire, and from Bronchorst.  
In the mean time there were certain letters brought unto prince Maurice, the which were 
Letters intercepted from the Spanish camp.  intercepted from the Spaniards camp, written by captain Henry of Chalons, bastard son to Rene of Chalons prince of Orange (who had stolen away the daughter of the earl of Mansfeldt, by whom he had this captain Chalons) unto the said Peter Ernest earl of Mansfeldt his grandfather by the mother; whereby he acquainted him with the estate of the Spanish camp, the taking of Orsoy, the admiral's resolution to hold & fortify the river of Rhine on both banks, to have a free passage, before he would proceed any farther, which he thought should be upon the quarters of Friesland, if the lateness of the season did not withhold him. That they had been as far as Berck, and chased away the Estates ships of war, viewed the town, and done nothing else. That the 9 of September there was an alteration in the camp among the Spaniards, which if the admiral had not pacified by his authority, their army had not been fit to do any great exploit, but only to ruin the poor country of Cleves.  
The 13 of the month, after council held and resolution taken, where prince Maurice might best camp with the Estates army, to make head against the Spaniard, and to stop him from entering any part of their limits, were it into the higher or lower Betuwe, or the Veluwe; the prince went and lodged at a village called old Seventer, not far from the town of Seuenter, seated upon the bank of the river of Rhine, before the which there is a fair goodly island (called den Gelderschenweerd, that is to say, the island of gelders) where he camped as well upon the firm land, as in the said island, making a bridge opposite to the Church of the village, and an other on the other side in the midst of the island, about 100 yards long, made of fir boards, upon 44 great barks, to pass his horsemen from the camp into the Betuwe, where they were commodiously lodged, with danger of the Spaniard, who must of necessity pass the Rhine, or the Wahal. In this isle of Guelderschen-Weerd, which he had entrenched and fortified whereas the river was narrowest and easiest to pass at a low water, whereas he planted ten cannons, five demie cannons, and ten field piece. Thither came the earl of Hohenloo unto him, with some supplies of foot drawn out of the frontiers of Flanders. A while after, as the town of Zutphen is great and spacious, and hath need of a great garrison to guard it, the prince (to reinforce it, and to furnish it, with the towns of Groll and Brefort, with all necessary munition) sent the earl of Hohenloo with some supplies of foot, fourteen cornets of horse, and four pieces of ordnance of iron, as good as demie cannons, the which the earl did perform happily, in view of the enemy, who was not then far off. 
1598.   
Now I come to the declining & death of Philip the second, the catholic king of Spain, I hope the curious reader will not hold it tedious nor impertinent (if being related at large in the French inventory) I should here again make a new discourse of the same subject, and in a manner in the same terms, being so written by mine author. I am very loath to distaste the judicious reader with any idle or needless repetition, but this being a matter which doth so much concern the subject of this history, I should wrong mine author (who might be condemned of great negligence and indiscretion) if I should omit to relate the catastrophe and end of that great king (passing it over in silence, and as it were in a dream) who hath been the main subject of this history, and hath filled the greatest part of this volume with the acts of his life.  
Besides it might hereafter breed a confusion in the reader, to have no distinction made of the father and the son, seeing there are so many matters following which have their dependency upon his life and death.  
The king of Spain (after the resignation of the Netherlands to his daughter the Infanta) 
The end and death of the king of Spain  decayed daily in his health, so as finding his forces to fail him, having sometimes a fit of an ague, through the extreme anguish of his gout; being devoutly addicted to his cloister of saint Laurence, and taking great delight in his court of Escurial, he desired to be transported thither, contrary to the advice of his physicians: being brought from Madril thither within the compass of six days, his pain increased in such sort, as he despaired of help, and began to prepare himself to die, causing the sacraments to be administered unto him. Then he would have Dom Garcia Loiola consecrated archbishop of Toledo by the pope's legate, the archduke Albert having resigned unto him, retaining a pension of fifty thousand ducats a year.  
After which, he had an apostume upon his right leg, and four others upon his breast, the which did amaze his physicians, so as they called doctor Olias from Madril, who altogether by the council of Licentiat Virgayas, applied plasters to these apostumes, the which being broken, they cast forth a great quantity of stinking corrupt filth, with great abundance of lice, so as they could hardly cleanse them, and he was therewith so extenuated, as four men were feign to lift him out of his bed in a sheet. The physicians said those lice did grow of that corrupt filthy matter, the rest of his body being to anatomy. His patience during his extreme torments, was very great.  
In the beginning of September he called for the prince his son, and the princess his daughter, in the presence of the archbishop of Toledo and others, and showing his body unto his son, he said unto him, See prince what the greatness of this world is, behold this poor carcase, all human help is vain: willing them provide for his funerals. He called for his coffin, being of brass, and caused a death's head to be set upon a side cupboard, with a crown of gold by it. Then he sent joan Reys de Velasco, one of his chamber, for a little casket, causing them to take out of it a rich jewel of precious stones, the which he gave unto the princess his daughter in the prince's presence, saying, This jewel came from your mother, keep it for her sake: he also caused a paper to be drawn out, which he delivered unto the prince, saying it was an instruction how to govern his realms and countries: after which he caused a whip to be taken forth, at the end whereof there appeared some signs of blood, and commanding it to be lifted up, he said, This is blood of my blood: not that it was his own blood, but the emperors his father's, who did usually punish his carcase, and to that end he had kept it to show them.  
Then he disposed of all things concerning his funeral pomp; which done, he recommended unto his children in the presence of the pope's Nuntio, the holy sea of Rome, the Pope, and the catholic religion, desiring the Nuntio to give him absolution of his sins, and to bless his children, recommending his daughter to the prince his son, and charging him to keep his countries in peace, to appoint good and discreet governors, and to reward the good, and punish the bad. He commanded to set the marquess of Monteiar at liberty, conditionally that he should return no more to court.  
As for the wife of Antonio Peres, sometimes his secretary, he commanded that she should have liberty, and retire to a monastery. He pardoned all such as had been put in prison 
1598.  for hunting, and such as were condemned to die, so far forth as the mercy of justice shall bear it. Then he commanded them all to retire, but only the prince his son, to whom he said; My son I have desired you should assist at this last act, that you might not continue in ignorance as I have done, whereby you may behold the end of kings, and of their crowns and 
The king's speech unto his son.  sceptres: death is ready to tear my crown from my head, to set it upon yours. I now recommend two things unto you, that you continue obedient to the church, and do justice to your subjects. The time will come when this crown will fall from your head, as it doth now from mine: you are young, I have been so: my days were numbered and have their end; God keeps an account of yours, and they shall likewise end.  
It is reported that he enjoined him with passion to make war against heretics, and to maintain peace with France; which done he bid his children farewell, by embracing them, and then willed them to take their rest.  
The prince going out of the chamber, asked Dom Christophel de Mora, if he had the royal key, who answered, yea: give it me said the prince; to whom the Mora answered, your highness will pardon me, it is the key of trust, the which I may not deliver without the kings express commandment: whereupon the prince said, It is well, and so passed on. Afterwards Dom Christophel returning into the king's chamber, and finding him somewhat better, he told him that the prince had demanded the said key, but he durst not deliver it without his majesties leave: whereupon the king said, that he had done ill. Afterwards feeling himself to faint again, he demanded the extreme unction, the which was ministered unto him by the archbishop of Toledo. He called for a certain crucifix that was kept in a coffer, which was the same which his father had held when he died, with the which he would also die. Two days before he died, his doctors had given him a drink of jacinthes, whereof he said in taking it, that his mother the empress, a year before she died had drunk the like; saying, that he should not die that day, nor the next, for that a religious man had foretold him the hour of his death. Then the prince returnig to see him, de Mora kneeling down, kissed the key and presented it unto him, the which the prince took, and delivered it unto the marquess of Denia. And as the prince and his sister were before the king's bed, he said unto them; I recommend unto you Dom Christophel de Mora for the best servant I ever had, and all my other servants, use them well: and so embracing them again, and taking his last farewell, his speech failed him, remaining two days in that estate, until the 13 of September, at three of the clock in the morning, when he gave up the ghost, being 71 years old and about 4 months.  
He had not been much subject to infirmities in all his life time, he was but of a mean stature, and of a fair complexion, flaxen haired, which grew white, resembling rather a Dutch man than a Spaniard, he had a high and a broad forehead, with somewhat a thick lip, the hereditary mark of the house of Austria: he had not the quickness of spirit which his father had, but very vigilant and laborious, spending both the day and night in affairs, yea sometimes whole nights. And notwithstanding his device, which was, Nec spe, nec metu, yet he still aspired to great designs, which he conceived in his imagination, the which did trouble him much more than was needful, or that he could bear. Withal, he was always doubtful, yea fearful, so as sometimes matters succeeded ill by his timidity, the which having been undertaken with a courageous resolution, had been far more successful. By nature he was close and counterfeit, seeking to cover his faults rather with the prejudice and disgrace of another, than of himself: and whosoever had once offended him, was not easily received again into favour, yet he was more bountiful than covetous, and more stayed than well advised▪ Having such great power and means, both in lands, men, and treasure, he effected very little, and (except the conquest of Portugal) he lost more than he won: he was devout in his religion, nay rather superstitious, giving great credit to jesuits; yet not so much, but that he would have the clergy yield unto the temporal command.  
The paper which the king delivered unto the prince his son, being an instruction to govern his kingdom, contained this discourse which followeth, or the like in substance. 
1598.   
My son, I have been often in care to leave your Estates in peace, but neither my many 
The king of Spain's instruction to the prince his son.  years of life, nor the help of other princes, could ever effect it. I confess that I have disbursed in less than three and thirty years, above five hundred ninety and four millions of ducats, the which have bred me nothing but grief and care. True it is, I conquered Portugal, but as France did lightly escape me, so may this be wrested from me. I would to God I had followed the counsel of my deceased father, of most happy memory; or at the least, that you would believe and follow mine: I should then bear my crosses more willingly, and should die more contented, leaving you in this vale of misery. Behold therefore what I leave you for an everlasting testament, over so many kingdoms and states, to see as in a glass, after what manner you shall well govern yourself, after my decease.  
Be always very vigilant of the alteration and change of other kingdoms, to make your profit thereby, according to occurrents. Keep good guard over them that are most inward with you in counsel. You have two means to entertain your realms of Spain; the one is the present government, the other the traffic to the east and west Indies. As for the government, you must either depend upon the nobility, or upon the clergy: if you favour church men, be sure to keep the other still in awe, as I have done; but if you strengthen yourself with the nobility, curb the clergy as much as possibly you can. If you seek to entertain them equally, they will exhaust you, and withal you shall disturb your kingdoms, and never come to any certain resolution: the balance shall rather be on the other side. If you will lean to the nobility, then hold friendship with the Netherlands, for that they are friends to the French, English, and some provinces of Germany: neither Italy, Poland, Sueden, Denmark, nor Scotland can assist you therein. The king of Scotland is poor, Denmark draws his revenues from foreign nations, Sueden is always divided, and besides ill situated, the Polonians are always their king's masters; although Italy be rich, yet is too far off, and the princes are diversly affected.  
On the other side, the Netherlands are populous in men, rich in shipping, constant in labour, diligent in search, hardy to undertake, and willing to suffer. True it is, I have given them unto your sister, but what imports that? there are a thousand escapes which you may use when opportunity serves. The chief are, that you always maintain yourself guardian to her children, and that they change nothing touching religion; for these points taken away, you have quite lost those countries: and soon some other kings will present themselves, who by means will bind them unto them, whereby you may be undone. If you think to fortify yourself against this with the clergy, you shall provoke many enemies, I have tried it: yet keep good correspondency with the pope's, be bountiful and courteous unto them, be great with such cardinals as are most inward with them, and seek to have a voice in their conclave. Hold friendship with the bishops of Germany, but trust not the distribution of their pensions to the emperor: let them know you, they will serve you the more willingly, and receive your gifts more thankfully. Do not countenance such as are of base condition, neither respect the nobility and commons equally; for seeing I must now speak the truth, their pride is great, they are very rich, they must have what they desire, they will be burdensome unto you, and in the end will be your masters.  
Make use of nobles of the chiefest houses, and advance them to benefices of great revenues: the vulgar sort are not so needful, for they will cause you a thousand crosses, which will consume you: believe not any of them, if they be not of quality. Discharge yourself from English spies and French pensions: employ some of the noblemen of the Netherlands, whom you shall have bound unto you by fealty. As for the navigation of the east and west Indies, therein consists the strength of the kingdom of Spain, and the means to bridle Italy; from the which you shall hardly rerstaine France and England: their power is great, their mariners very many, their sea too spacious, their merchants too wealthy, their subjects too greedy of gain, and their servants too faithful. I have excluded the Netherlands, but I fear that time and men's dispositions 
1598.  may change; by reason whereof you must do two things: change your officers at the west Indies often, such as you call home, employ them in the council for the Indies: and so in my opinion you shall never be circumvented, but the one or the other will make known the benefit unto you, aspiring to more honour. See how the English seeks to deprive you of that commodity, being mighty at sea both in men and shipping: as for the French, I do not much apprehend them. Strengthen yourself with them of the Netherlands, although they were part heretics, and would so persist, upon condition that they might freely sell their goods in Spain and Italy, paying the royal customs and other duties; and in obtaining passport to sail to the west or east Indies, they should put in caution, & take an oath to discharge their goods in Spain at the return of their ships, upon pain of punishment in doing otherwise: I think they will not refuse to observe it. By this means the treasure of the Indies and Spain shall be common, and shall be united to the traffic of the Netherlands, and then both France and England must go without it.  
My son, I could represent unto you greater matters, for the conquering of other kingdoms, but you find in my study, the discourses which have been offered me to that end. Cause Christophel de Mora to give you the key presently, lest such secrets should fall into any other persons hands. I did cause some of the minutes of these instructions to be burnt the 7 of September, I fear there are some imbesilled, be careful to seek them out. I have this added, that if you can like of Antonio Peres, seek to draw him into Italy, or at the least, that he engage himself to serve you in some other of your kingdoms, but never suffer him to come into Spain, nor to go into the Netherlands. Touching your marriage, the instructions are in the keeping secretary Loo. Read this note often which is sealed, and written with mine own hand. Have an eye always to your most secret councillors: acquaint yourself with cyphers, discontent not your secretaries, keep them always occupied, whether about important affairs, or otherwise: make trial of them rather by your enemies, than by your friends. If you happen to discover your secrets to any familiar friend, keep always the substance thereof within your own bosom, reveal it not to any.  
This instruction was preserved from the fire, among those papers which the king had commanded should be burnt: whatsoever it be, it may be as well true as likely, by the circumstances that are noted therein.  
The sixteenth of September prince Maurice being advertised that a great supply of victuals, artillery, and munition should come from the town of gelders unto the admiral's army, with a convoy of 1500 foot, and two cornets of horse, he parted from his camp, being accompanied with the earls of Hohenloo, Nassau, & Solins, and all his horsemen, leaving the signior sergeant mayor of the army, to have the care of the camp in his absence; and having passed the river of Wahal in great boats, near unto Bomel, he thought to watch for the said convoie, betwixt Venlo and Orsoy, and there to charge them; but the Spaniards having some notice thereof, provided otherwise, so as the prince returned back without any effect.  
After that, some mariners of Bomel and of Tyel, which had run away unto the enemy, 
A hardy attempt of certain mariners of the Spaniard.  came on the twentieth of September with a bark covered, to set upon one of the Estates galleys, being in guard upon the Rhine, right against the town of Rees, suffering their bark to fall down with the stream, as if it had been through negligence, having but one man at the helm, until it came to strike against the prow of the galley, whilst that the mariners were at their prayers in the morning before beakefa●…, not so much as dreaming of any surprise by such a boat, whereof the mariners having lift up the covering with their shoulders, and cast it into the water, they boarded the galley, and began to charge the men being thus suddenly surprised; whereof some of them were slain, and others hurt. The captain called Simon janson of Eeedam, saved himself, with nine more in his boat, and so escaped their hands. So these mariners being masters of the galley, they took out their iron pieces of ordnance, and all that liked them, and abandoning the galley for that it was old, they set fire on it. The 25 of that month, the duke of juilliers estates assembled, to resolve what was to be done touching the taking of the town of Orsoy, and other 
1598.  attempts made by the admiral. Some among the said Estates did secretly favour the admiral, knowing well that what he did was by the king of Spain's commandment (with whose double pistolets they had been long fed) and of the archduke Albert, all which was done with a pretext to make war that way against the united provinces, and after an other manner than all the other governors (for those were the archdukes brags at his coming into the country) yet notwithstanding all difficulties, the said Estates of Cleves did resolve to send and summon the admiral to restore the said town of Orsoy, seeing he had said it was but to have a passage over the Rhine: and that if he refused it, and that they must go by way of force, they would write unto the earl Ʋander Lip, captain general of the inferior circle of Westphalia, that from thenceforth he should not suffer them to levy any more men in his quarters and circle, for the wars of Hongarie; but for the defence and preservation of the country, they should gather together all they could, and employ the money which was gathered and appointed for the wars against the Turk: and that he should with all speed assemble the five inferior circles in the town of Dortmont, to resolve of the means how they would assist them of the duchy of Cleves. Moreover, that the duke of Cleves would write unto the emperor, princes, and imperial towns, and especially to the four princes electors of the Rhine, to the duke of Brunswic, and Landtsgrave of Hessen, making his complaints of the great wrong was done to him, and to all his countries, and demanding succours to remedy it, and to divert a greater mischief. The said Estates did also depute some among them to go unto the five circles, when they should be assembled, and to require some speedy remedy. As in like manner they deputed some to them of Cologne (who favoured the admiral's actions too apparently) to persuade them not to send any victuals nor munition unto the Spaniards camp, as they had always done. There they also decreed that there should be a good garrison put into the town of Duysseldorp.  
Sibilla princess of Cleves the duke's sister, had before and soon after written unto the archduke being at Nivelli on his way towards Spain, and by her ambassadors she made the duke's complaints and her own, of the taking of the said town, and other the admiral's attempts: to whom the archduke answered in these terms.  
Most worthy and dear cousin etc. The complaints and grievances which your Excellency's 
The archdukes letters to the princess of Cleves.  ambassador, and of the most famous prince the duke your brother hath made unto us, have not been much pleasing to us to hear, touching the conduct of the king of Spain's army; seeing they might well think and consider, that such a passage of a royal army would be burdensome to your Excellency, and your subjects, and that the lodging which they had taken in the town of Orsoy, would make many to censure it diversly. But so it is (whereof you may rest assured) that we never had any thought to prejudice your lands and countries with the king's army, nor to give you any occasion of complaint. But seeing that we were once moved to assail his majesties rebels, and them of your Excellencies by arms, the which being concluded in council by mature deliberation, whereof we have thought good to make you acquainted, that it must be exploited in that manner, your Excellency, no more than our dear and well beloved cousin, we hope, will not take it otherwise than in good part. As for that we do presently leave the town of Orsoy as you demand, and ruin the fort of Walsom, your Excellency shall understand, that for the present time, we cannot use any other passage over the Rhine, to effect our design, but we will do it upon the first opportunity, according to our promise: and that the king's soldiers in their passages, and in the quarters where they are presently lodged, shall be held in such order and discipline, as neither your Excellency, nor the duke your brother shall have any more complaints of their subjects, as they have hitherto had: and that we will entertain good and loyal neighbourhood together, the which we thought good to signify unto you by these presents, with our sincere intention etc.  
Contrary to these promises, all this month of September, whilst that the admiral did sojourn at Orsoy, his men being dispersed over the country of Cleves, took the towns of Alpen, Santhen, Calcar, Goch, & Gennep, not without murders & a world of insolencies: 300 of whose horse went before the town of Cleves (where the duke was in his palace) seeking to enter into the town, upon promise that they would leave the duke peaceably in his castle, the which being refused them, they returned with disdain; and five days after they returned, 
1598.  making the like demand, saying, that they had charge from the admiral, and that in case they refused, they would seek some other means: but they returned as il satisfied this second time, as at the first.  
In this assembly of the Estates of Cleves, the duke and his sister being there in person, the princess behaved herself courageously, encouraging the said Estates and their nobility, yea sometimes with tears in her eyes: And there were letters written on the duke's behalf and hers, unto prince Maurice, thanking him for the good order he held to keep their countries from oppression, entreating him to continue it, and to preserve them as much as he could, and not to be discontented against them, that the enemy had lodged so long in their country, but rather that he should have pity and commiseration of them. And as the deputies of the inferior circles were then assembled at Dortmont, they were required by the Estates of Cleves, to send cont Ʋander Lip to the admiral, to pursue the restitution of Orsoy: but it was far from thence, and the admiral made no account to leave it so lightly.  
Prince Maurice, whilst that the admiral did fortify Orsoy, meaning to take a view of his whole army, he caused it to be put in battle, by squadrons under the mountain of Elten, in a great plain of heath, if haply the Spaniard, who had past the Rhine, should have any desire to charge them: but no occasion being offered, the prince was glad to see the good order of his horse and foot, and their resolution and desire to affront the enemy.  
The admiral having finished his fort of Walsom near Orsoy, on the 29 of September he 
The admiral summons Berck.  sent to summon the town of Rhineberck, by friendly letters written to captain Schaef governor of the town, whom he knew to be very sick of the plague (the which was at that time very hot in the town) who made him no other answer, but, That they were in conference with the prince elector of Cologne, to deliver it into his hands, whereof he expected an answer, wherefore he could say no more unto it at that present. Before Berck there was a little island in the midst of the Rhine, whither prince Maurice (expecting it would be besieged) had sent three companies to entrench themselves there; who finding the place not only discommodious, but that at a low water the enemy might pass easily over, and cut their throats, they retired into the town, although they died very fast there, having not above four hundred men left. The admiral not content with this answer, writ again to captain Schaef, sending him word, That notwithstanding the said conference, he should deliver the town into his hands by provision: And he did in like manner write unto the captains wife, promising to give her a good recompense, if she could persuade her husband. But it was all labour lost: besides prince Maurice hearing of Schaefs sickness, had appointed captain Hedduic to be governor of the town, so as the admiral being forced to use other materials than ink and paper, on the 10 of October he came to invest it.  
They of Wezel, the chief town of Cleveland, goodly, rich, and a place of great traffic, 
They of Wezel write to the admiral, 〈◊〉 his answer.  and thinking to light a candle before the devil, they resolved to send him some goodly presents to appease his wrath, that he should not force them, as he had done other towns of the same country, on the other side of the Rhine, writing unto him, and desiring a passport for their deputies, horses and wagons, that they might bring him the said gifts and presents safely. Whereunto the admiral answered in substance, That it was not his intent nor custom, to accept any presents to divert him in any sort from his duty, for the profit and service of his friends: but rather he required, that they all together, according to the necessity of the time, should do their endeavours with him, and labour to take away the occasions and causes of all the miseries wherewith the Church and Commonweal were so torn and dismembered. By reason whereof, seeing the chief point to serve the common good, and to purchase his favour, consisted therein, that they could not send him a greater present, than to let him understand that they endeavour to cut off the causes of this mischief, and to restore the Church and Commonweal to the estate they were in before the troubles: the which hoping should be accomplished by them, they should therein make him great presents, and might spare the charge and danger of sending to him. From Orsoy the 12 of September.  
The earl Vanden Broek, did in like manner write the twentieth of the month unto the admiral, entreating him to send him a safeguard for his castle of Broek, his family and subjects. Whereunto the admiral answered in these covert and doubtful terms, alleging the contracts and mutual bonds betwixt the king of Spain and the duke of Cleves, for the defence 
1598.  and preservation of the Catholic religion, and the public quiet: in which terms the said earl maintaining himself according to his duty, he should be received with all love into his protection, and honoured according to his merits, the which should be a firmer safeguard for him than paper.  
Yet cont Vanden Broek having received certain advertisements, that the Spaniards were 
The earl of Broek besieged in his castle, and yields.  resolved to force his castle of Broek, on the 6 of October late at night, he sent away his wife, daughters, and gentlewomen, meaning the next day to doc the like with the chiefest of his goods, the which he could not execute: for the next day his castle was wholly invested, some canons planted by the break of day, and battered the same day. The 8 of the month the earl parled with the Spaniards, and made a composition, which was, That the soldiers that were in the castle should depart with him, and be conducted to a place of safety. Whereupon the castle was yielded, and he went forth with his men, which were choice soldiers: but he was presently laid hold on by the Spaniards, and taken prisoner: the soldiers, being about forty, were carried into a near field, where they were not only disarmed, but stripped naked, and then miserably massacred. There were yet six of the duke of juilliers men (who being loath to trust the Spaniard) had slipped out of the way, until the greatest fury were overpast: In the mean time they did in like manner disrobe the earl, whom they would have used as they had done the soldiers, if a captain had not retired him into a chamber apart, and by that means his six soldiers had their lives also saved, yet they stripped two of them as naked as when they came from their mother's womb, whom in derision they planted on either side of the earl, yet at the earls instant suit they suffered all six to depart. In the mean time the earl had a guard of halberdiers in his chamber, and not any one of his own people might come near him, but the signior of Hardenbergh his cousin, and one page.  
The tenth day of the month the captain appointed for the guard of this castle, came and 
The earl of Broek murdered.  told the earl, That he might go walk, if he pleased: Whereunto he answered, yea, if it might be without danger. After dinner he had a desire to walk with the captain, being in whose company he feared nothing: as he went he espied much blood spilled upon the way, and said unto his page, See here the blood of our servants, if they have an intent to do as much to me, I had rather to day than tomorrow. Going on unto his water mill upon the river of Roer, he was knocked down with a lever, others say with the staff of a halberd, or pertuisan, and laid all along, saying only with his hands lift up to heaven, My God, etc. and then he was thrust twice or thrice through the body, and remained there dead upon the place, until the twelfth of the month. Behold how miserably this poor nobleman was murdered, yet could not this dead carcase be at rest, for the Spaniards burned it to ashes, to do a disgrace to his religion.  
A while after the Spaniards took the towns of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, in the 
The admiral doth ransom the town of Wezel.  same country of Cleves, and all other places and frontier forts thereabouts, chase away or murdering the garrisons that were in them, and committing a thousand other insolencies. The reason why the admiral did not receive any presents from Wezel, was, that he meant to draw some greater benefit from them. After that he had written ample letters unto them in Latin, of a mere Jesuits stile, seeking to have them restore the exercise of the Romish religion, he sent his army before the said town, and did threaten them in such sort, as they were glad to send away their ministers, and to receive priests and Jesuits, to say service in the temples, according to the Romish church. And moreover, he forced them to a very hard extortion, in so poor and miserable a time, which was, to provide him an hundred thousand ricx collars, and a thousand quarters of corn; wherewith the soldiers made show to be discontented, thinking in taking of the town to become all gold, yea they would have fallen upon them that had made this taxation. The first payment of the hundred thousand collars being come, the Spaniards would not receive them but in weighty money (that is to say, at the same price that collars had been coined in the beginning, which differs not much less than a third part from that they go for at this day) or else they would break the treaty of accord which was made with them: the which bred a division in the town, in the which there were three hundred soldiers of the duke of juilliers, two thousand bourgesses masters of families, and two thousand young men, handicrafts men, and workmen, so as some of them had rather be doing against the Spaniards, than suffer themselves to be so oppressed by such exactions, without any 
1598.  ground, right, or action: But the marshal of the country dissuaded them; and it was their best course, for if the Spaniards had but burnt their suburbs and their country houses, it had been thrice more prejudicial unto them: besides the marshal laid before them, That admit they had repulsed an assault, two or three, yet the Spaniard would not have cared for it, but would have returned so often (having men enough) as he would have carried it, and then should they lose all without redemption. The duke's soldiers hearing this resolution of the inhabitants, and that they were in terms to do the one or the other, being in some fear of themselves, and making their excuse, that their time limited was expired, they retired. The judge of the town hearing the obstinate and unreasonable demand of the Spaniard, said openly, That if they were not content with the first accord, and that it might not be otherwise, that with the help of God they would provide for their own defence, and would rather fire the town themselves, and abandon it, and seek their safeties as they could. This resolute answer did cool the Spaniard, who was very glad to have the money.  
The admiral having caused Rhineberck to be invested, his Spaniards entered into the 
The admiral besieges Rhineberck.  island which is in the midst of the Rhine, both on horseback and on foot, upon whom they of the town played with their canon at their pleasures, yet they charged them that were there for the Estates being but lightly entrenched, which trenches they won, they also planted two pieces upon the side of the river, from whence they did shoot against the fort which was in the island, which the bullets did pierce through and thorough: the which the governor observing, he appointed a sergeant, and seven or eight men only to remain in the sort, and that the rest should retire under the town; where being arrived, the said sergeant and his men should follow, after they had set fire of their cabens: the canon of the town and the ramparts being planted full of musketeers, favoured their retreat, and so they came safely into the town, quitting the said island, whereof the Spaniards (not daring to approach presently, for fear of some hidden fire) seized the next day.  
On the twelfth day the Spaniards having entrenched themselves within their camp, they made three batteries, either of four pieces at the point of the island, to take away their defences: they planted two canons more, and two lesser pieces before cassel port and the bulwark.  
The fourteenth day (being a mist) they approached nearer, unto a sluice near unto the Rhine port, without the half moon which was before the town. Being thus ready to batter it, Alphonso d'Aualos caused it to be summoned by a drum in his own private name. In the mean time the magistrate of the town persuaded the governor to demand a passport of the admiral, for a messenger which they would send unto the prince elector of Cologne, to see if they might not obtain, that the said town might be neutral. Whereupon, and for this summons the captains, and Nicholas Wippart auditor, being assembled, they resolved to hold out unto the end, refusing the magistrates propositions, to avoid all doubt and jealousy: And although they had received instructions from prince Maurice, what to answer when they should be summoned by the admiral; yet seeing they were summoned privately by a colonel, they thought it good to answer the drum, That they would keep the town for the service of God, of prince Maurice, and the Estates unto the last man, and that the said drum should return no more unto them in that behalf, if he would keep himself safe from bullets.  
This drum being returned with his answer, the Spaniard began to discharge all his 
The powder in the town set on fire.  ordnance, so as about nine of the clock they set fire of a tower, whereas the powder was, the which blew it up into the air, so as there was no more powder left in the town, but what the soldiers had in their flasks, and what the gunner's had by the ordnance. This tower was close by the castle near unto Rhine port, and as all the doors and windows were well shut, they could not judge but that the fire entered with a shot, the wall being not above a foot thick, and so it fell among the powder. Howsoever it came, there were an hundred and fifty barrels of powder blown up, so as they thought the town would have sunk, not only carrying away many houses, but also a good part of the rampar near unto Rhine port. Captain Lucas Hedduic, governor of the town had been slain, and many soldiers which were in the half moon, the port whereof was carried away. The which the Spaniards perceiving, 
1598.  they came to burn the portcullis, but they were hindered by fresh men that were sent thither to succour the town.  
The town having had this great mischance, the breaches being not easily to be repaired, and the besieged finding themselves in want of powder, the captains being assembled with 
Rhineberck yielded.  the auditor, to confer what was to be done, they held it convenient to treat of a composition, whereof any delay might be very prejudicial and dangerous, being impossible to repulse the assaults which might be given them; wherefore striking up the drum at Sant port, they required hostages, that they might send their deputies to the admiral. Whereupon Alphonso d'avaloes sent two Italian captains, and out of the town there went captain Loon and Fovillan, who in the end agreed to yield the town, departing with their arms and baggage, but their colours wound up, without any drum sounding, or fire in their matches: That all that would might depart with the soldiers, and they should give them forty wagons, with a good convoy to conduct them unto Zanten, upon promise, that for four months they should not carry arms against the king of Spain, nor the archduke Albert.  
And in this manner the town was yielded upon the fifteenth of the month, unto Dom Alphonso d'Aualos, who showed them great courtesy, in requital of the good usage which prince Maurice had given him at the Hage, when as he was taken prisoner in the Betuwe, when as the duke of Parma did besiege the fort of Knotsenbourg, right against Nimeghen, and that part of his horsemen were defeated, which forced him to raise his siege, and to retire from thence.  
Prince Maurice had the last day of September written unto the deputies of the inferior circles 
Prince Maurice writes to the deputies of the circles.  of Westphalia, being assembled at Dortmont, hearing that they were come thither to consider of the means whereby the lands of the empire might not only be freed from the Estates soldiers, but also from the Spaniards; and in like manner how the towns of either party, upon the territories of the empire, might be delivered free to their princes and lords, the which was very pleasing unto him to hear: Wherefore he would not conceal it from them, how that the worthy prince elector of Cologne, had required of the general Estates of the united provinces, to have the town of Rhineberck delivered unto him: The which the said Estates were resolved to perform, yea to give caution that hereafter their soldiers should not attempt upon any towns on the limits of the empire, so far forth as the said deputies, princes, and noblemen, together with the members of that lower circle of Westphalia would be answerable, that their enemies should in like manner deliver up those towns which they held of the empire, and would promise not to attempt hereafter upon any more, nor build any forts there, so as they should have no more cause to fear on that side.  
And seeing the said Estates have not taken the said town from the prince elector, but have wrested it by force from the enemy, so as by right they might retain it, yet they were ready upon those conditions to yield it to the natural lord, seeming to them as reasonable, that their enemies should deliver the towns and forts which they held of the empire, not unto the Estates, but unto their princes and natural lords, who by force, and contrary to the laws of the empire, had seized on them, and contrary to their promises: For if they should suffer the enemies of the said Estates, to make war against them by the means of imperial towns, that the said deputies (being men of judgement) would think it no less lawful for them, than for their enemies. The which, for the singular love and affection they bore unto the empire, they could not conceal, being loath thereby to move the electors and princes of the empire, for that there is not any thing can be more pleasing unto them, than the prosperity and peace thereof, which they would with all their powers seek to entertain and advance: entreating them with all affection to enter into consideration of this important business, and so to resolve as they shall think fit and convenient for the entertainment of a general peace and neighbourly love, etc. From the camp at Gelderschenweerd the last of September 1598.  
After which letters on the fourteenth of October came to the prince's camp certain deputies from the duke of Cleves, to let him understand, how that the admiral did daily swallow up and devour the towns and places of his countries, and that those of the circles of Westphalia, had agreed to levy three thousand foot to put in garrison into the frontier 
1598. Deputies from the duke of Cleves to prince Maurice  towns, attending the emperors resolution, upon such disorders and oppressions: for that the said duke of Cleves and the prince's electors of the Rhine, had written unto his imperial Majesty, That if it were not done now at this very instant, when as his brother, the archduke Albert was with him, that they were resolved to take the matter in hand, the said deputies protesting before prince Maurice and the counsel of war, that whatsoever the enemy did or practised against them, was not by any counterfeit dissembling of them of the duke's country, but by mere force, violence and outrage, to the great grief of their prince, and of all his countries and subjects.  
The admiral having received this money above mentioned from Wezel, and much more from other towns which he had ransomed, with some other money from Brussels, he gave some pay unto his soldiers, whom he caused to pass the Rhine, leaving garrisons in the towns which he had taken in the duchy of Cleves: then he went and passed the river of Lip, near unto Wezel, whereas there grew some question betwixt him and the commanders, what course he were best to take, whether towards the country of Ouerissel, or descend down the Rhine. Cont Frederic vanden Berghe would gladly have had the army entered into Ouerissel and Friesland, but Dom Lewis de Velasco refusing to march, considering the lateness of the season, and Winter at hand, said openly, That to lead the king's army so far into a country whereas they might want victuals and other commodities, was the way to ruin. Whereupon the admiral took his way to Bocholt, writing to all the towns of the diocese of Munster, to bring him money, victuals, and munition. By reason whereof the general Estates of the united provinces, did write unto the governors and superintendents of the said diocese, that they keep themselves as carefully as they had hitherto done, else they could not hold them for neutrals, that should assist their enemies in that manner.  
Prince Maurice having heard this diversity of opinions of the commanders of the Spanish army, meaning to work securely, fearing lest he should come suddenly upon him in this village, near unto Seuenter, where he was, and cut him off from the towns of the county of Zutphen, his intention being to lead his army to Doesbourg, and to leave that lodging, he caused the church in that village to be fortified, where he planted three batteries upon the approaches, and some half moons without the trenches, the which was done with wonderful expedition, whereby he assured the passage towards Doesbourg. Then having taken view of his army within the island of Gelderschenweerd, the which he found to be about two thousand foot, leaving these forts, and the town and castle of Seuenter, well furnished, he led his army to Doesbourg, part whereof he lodged in an island opposite, being in the midst of the river of Issel, and part of it at the back of the town towards the fields, in trenches which he had caused to be made, well defenced with good artillery, there to attend his enemy, if haply he should have any desire to come and fall upon the said town of Doesbourg, there to get a passage over Issel, and an entry into the Veluwe.  
And as the rivers of Rhine, Wahal, and Issel, were risen seven or eight foot higher than of custom, the prince caused a ship of war to come down from towards Rees the last of October, to cut the dike of the river of Hetter, above Emmeric, the which was finished the same night, the pioneers being defended by 1200 horse, which the earl of Hohenloo had there, so as before it was day the water running with great force through the hole, drowned the country whereas the Spaniard was come to lodge. The Spaniard seeing this, went thither speedily with many musketeers, which shot furiously at the earls men, who notwithstanding stood firm, until the enemy having brought some artillery upon the dike, they were forced to retire from thence, as the ship of war did in like manner: and then the Spaniard laboured with all diligence to stop this hole, the which they the same night did, to their great content.  
The admiral having brought his army as low as Emmeric (although that the said town, at the instance of the deane of the Jesuits, had obtained, that they should not be charged with any garrison, for the which they had an act of the admiral's hand) yet he caused it to be summoned, to give passage to his artillery: the which being granted, he became by that means master of the town, where he placed a good garrison. The deane (being a resolute 
1598.  man) seeing himself deceived, he went unto the admiral, with three of his own letters of promise, that the said town should not be in any sort oppressed (as the Spaniards mildness and courtesy was generally well known, where as they might be masters) to whom seeing his resolution to enter, he spoke after this manner. Without doubt the Gueux (meaning the Estates) 
The deane of Emmeric's speech to the admiral.  have reason of distrust, seeing that the Spaniards promise much, and perform little: You have by this army distracted the hearts of a thousand, that were well affected to the king of Spain, who otherwise would have been devoted unto him. Seeing it can be no otherwise, we must make our complaints unto God. Whereunto the admiral made no answer, but, That the events of war were variable, and changed ten times in an hour, but for the present he could do no otherwise. Yet he did them this favour, that they had none but Landsknets in garrison. He had done the like at Rees, whereas he had left Spaniards and Italians, as also at Iselbourg, whereas the burghers were miserably entreated, and some murdered. Then he marched with his army, and camped at the foot of the mountain of Elten, from whence he sent the fifth of November, four regiments before Deutecom, in the county of Zutphen, to besiege it. If the earl of Hohenloo had been duly advertised of their numbers, he had charged them with his horse; but thinking the whole Spanish army had been there, he forbore. He was sent by prince Maurice with the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, and half the Scottish men, to the fort of Tolhus, that the enemy should not slip into the Betuwe, the which he furnished with some artillery, to keep it with the town of Hussen; the prince remaining with the rest of his army at Doesbourg, to defend the Veluwe on that side, whither he caused his bridges & boats to be brought, the which he had in Gelderschenweerd, leaving it well furnished and fortified.  
The eight of November the admiral being come to the camp before Deutecom with the rest of his army, without summoning it, he planted 4 pieces of ordnance against the port of Doesbourg, thinking to take it suddenly, and so to terrify all the other small neighbour towns, which battery continued until the next day at noon. The town is small and weak, having then but four companies in garrison, which were not sufficient to defend so poor a place, against so mighty an enemy. The night following the admiral caused fourteen pieces more to be planted on both sides of the port of Doesbourg: whereupon the besieged seeing that port almost battered down, and thrice as many canons planted, they began to saint, as well the soldiers, as the burghers, especially for that they had not vouchsafed to summon them, fearing lest the enemy would force them, to cut all their throats, and by them give example to the other towns. Whereupon the magistrate and the captains thought it good, to strike up a drum, and demand a parley: which being done, captain Ghyselaer and la Grappe, with two bourgmasters, went forth to treat with the admiral, the captains demanding that they might pass out as they came in, and that the burghers might remain there half a year quietly to sell their goods and retire afterwards if they please, and as for the others which would remain, they should be maintained in their liberties and freedoms: Whereunto the admiral at the first would by no means yield, commanding them to retire, if they would not yield simply to his mercy. Whereupon the town captains propounding unto themselves, that they had yet threescore barrels of powder, the which (rather than they would yield to mercy) they would employ to blow up the breaches and to set fire on the town, and burn all their provision, corn, and other munition, before the enemy should enjoy them, and die there all themselves, before they would yield upon such a composition. In the end it was agreed, That in regard of the soldiers, they should depart with arms and baggage, leaving their colours, and promising not to carry arms in Holland, nor Zeeland, against the king for six months. As for the burghers, he would not yield to any conditions of agreement by writing, but promised them upon his word, That they should not be wronged neither in body nor goods: wherewith the bourgmasters contented themselves, seeing they could obtain no more, and so yielded, the four companies departing the same day, being the eight of November. This town had held the party of the Estates of the united provinces above twenty years.  
From thence the admiral went before the castle of Schuylenbourg, wherein captain Dort commanded for the Estates, with his company: he caused him to be summoned, that in case he attended the canon, both he and all his men should be hanged: but the captain being loath to yield it so lightly, he caused it to be invested the same night, and brought ten pieces of ordnance, beginning to batter it the ninth day in the afternoon, continuing it until night, 
1598.  and most part of the night, making his preparations to assail it the next day, with many boats (the castle standing in a marish ground, having but one approach) ladders, hurdles, and planks. Captain Dort seeing this, and finding himself too weak to endure many assaults, he gave ear to a parley, on the eleventh day, and in the end was forced to depart with a white staff only.  
Prince Maurice having news of the taking of Deutecom, and of the fort of Schuylenbourg, thinking now that the admiral would come and charge him in his trenches by Doesbourg, he attended him there in good devotion the 11, 12, and 13 days of November. But whereas by reason of the Estates neighbour garrisons, victuals could not come freely to the admiral's camp, the prince's men cutting off his soldiers by little and little, so as his army decreased, and did melt away like wax, as well by famine, want, and misery, as for that the enemy did leave them daily, and withal his soldiers disbanded and fled from this misery, every one having in three days but one loaf of very black bread, and water his fill, so as some of his men being taken prisoners, did affirm, that his army was decreased above seven thousand men; yea a lieutenant of horse being brought prisoner before the prince, did protest that he had not eaten any bread in five days, besides other great discommodities which the Spanish army endured: For these considerations the admiral durst not attempt any thing more upon the limits of the Estates, desiring nothing more (Winter being at hand) than a good lodging for his army. For as cont Frederic Vanden Berghe said, Against his cousin (whom he called prince Maurice) there was nothing but blows to be gotten. So as on the 16 of November after a long consultation, the admiral found no better advice, than to carry up his army into the countries of Cleves, Munster, Berghe, and Marck, to lodge his troops there during the Winter: What they did there you shall soon hear.  
Whilst the admiral was yet in counsel what to do, prince Maurice having some doubt of the town of Lochem, which had been so much recommended unto him by the Estates, and of the town of Zutphen, he sent a company of footmen, and some gunner's to Lochem, thinking the admiral would go against it: and he himself went to Zutphen, to see all things well ordered, where finding all well disposed, he returned the same day to Doesbourg, having given order for the making of two new ravelins, whereof he himself laid the plot, as he did in like manner at Doesbourg. The deputies of the lower circles of Westphalia, whereof cont Ʋander Lip was chief, and captain general, being yet assembled at Dormont, hearing the complaints which were made from divers parts, of the admiral's irruption upon the territories of the empire, and the oppressions and insolencies of the Spaniards, they decreed about the midst of November, to write unto the emperor, and to the four princes electors of the Rhine, that it would please his imperial Majesty, and their excellencies, to write both to the admiral, and to Brussels to cardinal Andrew of Austria, bishop of Constance, governor in the absence of the archduke Albert; and in like manner to the general Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands, that either of them should restore the towns which they held by their garrisons upon the territories of the empire, yielding every of them to his prince and natural lord. The substance of which letters was:  
That as soon as the archduke Albert was gone out of the Netherlands, Dom Francisco de 
The deputie●… of the circles letters from Dortmont.  Mendoza, admiral of Arragon, duke of Veraguas, marquess of Guadaleste, governor etc. had entered with an army of about thirty thousand horse and foot, into the duchy of Cleves, and had taken the town and castle of Orsoy, chase away the duke's garrison, and passing a good part of his army over the Rhine, had fortified the village of Walsom right against the said town. From thence he went into the duchy of Mont, and besieged the castle, and abode of the noble lord Wirick van Daun, earl of Falckenstein, signior of Broeck: which castle of Broeck (which is a fee of the said duchy of Mont) he had besieged and battered, and notwithstanding that the said earl, upon condition of faith and promise made of liberty both for body and goods, as well for his own person, as for his soldiers (some being the dukes, and some his) had yielded by composition, yet the soldiers were some of them stripped and murdered, and some ransomed, and then the said earl was secretly murdered, with a strange and unheard of cruelty (whose widow was come to complain unto them, notwithstanding that he was a neuter, and had always carried himself as an officer and faithful servant 
1598.  to the said duke his lord, having before demanded 〈◊〉 safeguard from the admiral, expecting nothing less, than any such violence) spoiling and carrying away all that they found in the said castle. Moreover, the Spaniards and the admiral's men had taken in the countries of Cleves, the towns of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, by force, committing great insolencies and outrages, taken the frontier forts, murdered and chased away the garrisons that were in them, ransomed the town of Wezel at an hundred thousand collars, and one thousand quarters of corn: We do not speak how that within these two days they have summoned some towns in the country of Munster, and forced them to receive garrisons for the king of Spain: besides, they have overrun and spoiled the quarters of Essen and Werden, the signiory and castle of Frankenbergh, belonging to the earl of Schauwenbourg, and Wenelickoven, in the county of Benthem, the castles and forts of Lo, Wynendael, Driersfort, Resau, Impel, Dornic, Luchausen, all the country of Cleves, without any respect unto the duke, making his residence in the said country, spoiling and robbing monasteries and churches, and reducing the poor country people into so miserable estate, for these eight weeks space, as it is impossible to write it, and for the which they never can answer before God. And that in the mean time the Estates of the united provinces, were also crept into the duchy of Cleves, and had seized upon the town and castle of Seventer, and the fort of Tolhus, the which they had battered with their artillery, and taken many prisoners, both clergy and lay men, out of the country of Munster. That Dom Gaston Spinola, governor of Limbourg, under colour of the execution of the sentence of proscription given against the imperial town of Ayx, had forced two gentlemen's houses, Frankenburch and Heyden, from which places his men did great outrages to all men they encountered. And in like manner the Spanish garrisons exacted certain thousands of collars from the villages of the high quarter of Gueldres; with many other complaints: Requiring therefore that it would please their excellencies to be mediators to his imperial Majesty, that some remedy may be had etc.  
Whereupon the said princes electors did write on the 12 of December, the sameyere 1598., emperor after this manner.  
Most gracious Emperor, we doubt not but your Majesty hath been fully informed, not 
The prince's electors letters to the emperor.  only of the lamentable complaints of the afflicted circles of Westphalia, which are too apparent, but also you have heard by common fame, how unjustly the countries of the duke of juilliers have been in hostile manner invaded, by the armies of the two parties in the Netherlands, especially by the King of Spain's soldiers, his towns and places taken, his poor subjects spoiled, taken, ransomed, murdered, and otherwise tormented: whereof they would more amply inform his imperial Majesty, by the instructions thereunto adjoined, quoted A. B. C. Saying, That they must needs confess that such attempts will sound strangely throughout all the empire, to the scandal of his Majesty, and contempt of his decrees, which may prove very prejudicial to the members and estates of the said empire, if such unreasonable attempts, eruptions, and insolencies of strange soldiers, were not prevented by good and sufficient means, and their boldness suppressed. That not only the circles and countries at this present afflicted, would be utterly ruined, but also that they the prince's electors and nearest neighbours could not otherwise conjecture, but that in the end they should be paid with the same money, invaded, and drawn into the like calamities: Nothing doubting, but that his imperial Majesty doth consider how contemptible this may be both to the holy empire and his imperial Majesty, and that without attending any advertisements from them, he hath forecast how for the greater safety of the country those things might be prevented: this present fact being a matter of wonderful consideration, that the guiltless members of the empire, upon the sudden without any cause given, and contrary to the promise and good words of the deceased king of Spain, and the late governors of his Netherlands, and (as we hope) against the will and commandment of our most dear lord, friend, and cousin, Albert archduke of Austria, should be spoiled and made a prey to these strange soldiers. And to all the admonitions and entreaties that can be made, they have no other answer, than that they can give no other reason for all this, but that it is so decreed in the counsel of Brussels, that the holy empire with all the dependences and allies, should be subjecteth unto their intolerable servitude, and submit themselves under the government of 
1598.  Brussels, as it should please them to command, as being bound to bear all such undeserved burdens as it would please them to impose. Wherefore in consideration of these causes above mentioned, we princes electors, not only upon the complaints of these afflicted countries, but in regard of the consequence which may follow of all these oppressions, have given order to our men, to remain in some commodious place, and to be watchful over all, and foresee how they might prevent those invasions of the enemy; by whose reports the forces of either side seem so great, as in our judgements there must be fit remedies used: yet we have given the said archduke and the cardinal of Austria's vicegovernor at Brussels, to under stand of all these disorders, to the end they should command the captain general of the king's army, to forbear hereafter from all such outrages, and insolencies, with order for the restitution of towns and places, and the damage they had endured, hoping that they like renowned Germane princes, will with their hearts affect the health, good, and honour of the empire; and that they would not fail of their duties, in all they may do for the advancement of the Germane estate. And we have in like manner written unto the general Estates of the united provinces. That for their parts they should depart out of the limits of the empire, and forbear to attempt any thing against it, the which is to be hoped. By reason whereof we that are seated upon the Rhine, by the knowledge which is given us of these disorders, are forced openly and without dissimulation, to beseech your imperial Majesty, to interpose your authority, after full information of all. That it would therefore please your imperial Majesty (whereunto we know you are wholly inclined) to seek to pacify these dangerous inconveniences, and to remember how earnestly and with what zeal the general Estates of the empire did propound it, and entreated you at the last diet at Ratisbone, as also that the voluntary contributions were not granted to any other end, but to prevent all courses, passages, lodging, and spoils. And that against such violences, your imperial Majesty should use authority, that the holy empire fall not into contempt, to have abandoned the country to the spoil of strange soldiers; and that being suddenly surprised, it should come to ruin and desolation: but that it would please him to deal so by mild means, as these poor afflicted countries may be freed from their intolerable miseries. And besides, that all the other provinces of the empire may be preserved and assured from such invasions. And as we remember that your imperial Majesty, and the general Estates of the empire, had an intent heretofore to send ambassadors to both parties that make war, we would now make the same prayer, and instant request, and will most humbly beseech your imperial Majesty not to neglect it, but to seek by all means to suppress such extraordinary insolencies; hoping that God will put to his blessed hand, and send us a more happy season, than we have hitherto had, and that thereby there may follow a good peace, as well for the holy empire, as for the two parties that make war.  
The which for the care we have of the good and quiet of the empire, we could not forbear to show unto your imperial Majesty, with all humility, hoping you will not take it in ill part, but rather will excuse us by reason of the importance of the cause; and that, of your imperial clemency, you will provide for this public mischief, so as the poor countries afflicted, may be relieved and eased, that the general reputation of the holy empire may be kept, to the protection of those provinces that depend thereon. And seeing that the Estates of the circle of Westphalia, by virtue of the imperial constitutions, have required us and the prince's electors of the upper circle of the Rhine, to assemble ourselves on the tenth day of januarie nextcomming, in the city of Cologne, to resolve upon these important affairs: We therefore most humbly beseech your imperial Majesty, that you would be pleased at the same time and place, to send (if it be possible) your majesties gracious resolution, or declare if that we with the aforesaid circles, may not advise and seek by all possible means to divert this mischief.  
And in case we may not have this charge and commission, and that a more ample declaration from the holy empire be required, that it would please you to advise the deputies of the deputies of the said Estates, in case they be required by them that are oppressed, or others to call unto their succours or counsel the other circles, and give charge to the deputies touching that matter, for the next assembly: wherein your imperial Majesty shall do a 
1598.  work worthy of his clemency, the which may serve for the assurance and quiet of the afflicted countries, and of all those of the Empire: Praying God etc.  
In the mean time, and before these letters were sent unto the emperor, M. Charles Nutzel, signior of Sonderspuhel, commissioner and counsellor to his imperial Majesty, being come by his commission to preserve the country of Cleves, to have all things restored, and to treat of the duke's marriage with the princess of Lorraine, he writ unto the admiral the last of October from Cleves: By the which he complained, That according unto the promise 
The emperor's commissioner writes unto the admiral.  which he had made unto him in the town of Gueldres, to restore the town of Orsoy to the duke that was lord thereof, within ten, twelve, or twenty days at the most; and that after he had taken the town of Rhineberck, all his troops should be sent out of the country: yet having trusted too much unto his promises, and the word of a prince, he found himself circumvented and deceived, having received nothing but words full of air, and seen the effects full of hostility: reproaching him, that he had gone in person from one town unto another, ransoming them, some for great sums of money, others for victuals and munition, the which he said he had seen with his eyes: Being a question how this will be taken by the emperor (in whose name he said he remained there to preserve the country) and not only of the other princes of the empire, but of all Europe, whom it doth concern in general, the which they may easily conceive, who having their lands and jurisdictions thus afflicted, would gladly see them freed, and assured hereafter. That the houses of Cleves and Lorraine were now presently allied by marriage, and that of Lorraine with the crown of France: besides other alliances with other neighbour princes, all which will be amazed, and great wounds, which are not yet well cured, will be revived; all which (being well affected, as he said, unto the Spaniards) be brought into consideration. That now a Catholic prince, who with all his means, with a Catholic zeal, hath preserved and maintained the Catholic Religion, should be in that sort trodden under foot, yea in a manner devoured quick, when as (leaving the enemy at rest) they come and power out all the discommodities of war, upon the kings own kinsmen; when as churches are abused, religious women forced, and all that was consecrated unto God, profaned: when as they offer force and violence to ambassadors, who by the laws of nations should be free and assured, as it is said did happen unto other ambassadors of the duke, descending down the Rhine to come unto the town of Cleves, who would not say, but as this tends chiefly to the prejudice and contempt of religion, and of that which doth most concern the honour and reputation of the house of Austria? the which (according to the saying of Hystorians) through mildness and sincerity, have been happy in their enterprises and success, procuring with all their means (the which not friends only, but enemies will confess) that they might not be taxed to have raised or managed an unjust war, to blemish them, and to make them odious and contemptible to all the world. And not only to provoke the wrath and vengeance of God against the king of Spain, but also against the authors and practisers of such cruelties. I beseech you (said he) what good can you expect of such incertain things, when as they are worse entreated than the stranger? the kinsman, and the enemy, the innocent and the guilty, the good and the wicked, are all held in one rank. And to the end I may discharge my duty, I am resolved to write all these woeful and tragical practices, so prejudicial to the whole empire, and send them to the emperor, entreating you in the mean time to take order, that such oppressions and outrages may cease, that the towns, forts, and castles, belonging to the duke of Cleves, may be restored. That the troops may be withdrawn, the damages repaired, and that no more occasion may be given of further ruin; the which by right and reason ought to be put in execution, and would prove honourable unto you: Whereof I will attend a good and courteous answer. From Cleves the last of October 1598.  
The oppressions committed by the Spaniards, whereof the commissary complains, & which 
A discourse of the insolencies committed by the Spaniards.  were sent by attestation, quoted by number & alphabet, together with all the admiral's proceedings, were, That his men took & spoiled, without any respect of safegards, and much less of neutrality, betwixt the rivers of Issel & Lip in the duchy of juilliers, first the castle of Diesfort, belonging unto the signior of Willich, steward by inheritance of the duchy of Cleves, 
1598.  notwithstanding the safeguard set up at the gate, the which they spoiled, with all that the poor country men (trusting in the said safeguard) had brought in thither for their refuge and succour.  
Item, the castle of Billingof, belonging to them of Bernsau, the which being taken at the third assault, they slew all they found within it, and then spoiled it. The castle of Oberenbergh, belonging to the signior of Marnholt, was also spoiled.  
Item, after they had robbed the cloister of Schlenhorst, they drew all the Nuns into a troop, stripped them naked, ravished them, and entreated them tyrannously. The castle of Asseldt being taken and spoiled, they threw the men which they found in it, from the top of the tower into the ditches. After they had spoiled the castle of Gran, belonging the steward of the country, they carried all away prisoners that they found in it. The castle of Hackenhuys, belonging to the signior of Ilf, they spoiled. They did not only spoil the castle of Impel, belonging to the signior of Diepenbroek, and carried away all the corn, cattle, and other goods, but they burned the base court, and tore an infant out of the mother's womb, being ready to be delivered. Rossau, belonging to the signior Godd●…rd Williche, was wholly spoiled. Wenge, appertaining to them of Gar, and the village Domic spoiled. The strong castle of Hind, belonging to the signior of Graustein, was also ruined, and all burnt that was about it. The monasteries of Mariendale and Fryet were spoiled. And all the villages about the said castles, endured a thousand outrages and strange indignities which were by them most cruelly executed both against men and women. We have mention before of the castle of Vanden Broeck, and what they did there: besides they have entered into the rivers of Lip and Roer, spoiled the castle of Wewenhuys, belonging to them of Hueffen, and burned the base court of the castle of Fuert, appertaining to George van Syburch:  
Item, the castle of Mamich, whereof the widow of Capelle was owner, burning the base court. The castle of Essand, belonging to the signior Wittenhorst, spoiled, beaten down, and burnt, with divers others. And going higher towards the country of Munster and Westphalia, on the three and twentieth of November Dom Lovis de Velasco, general of the Spanish artillery, came before the town of Dortsen, with letters from the admiral, requiring the bourgmaster and counsel to open their gates, and receive a garrison: Whereunto answer was made him, That it did not belong unto them to open their gates to any strange soldiers, without the advice and commandment of their lord and prince, the elector of Cologne: Moreover, they had not deserved any such usage of the king of Spain, wherefore they required four days respite to advertise their lord and prince. But they replied, That they should not have an hours respite to take counsel, and therefore they should presently say yea, or no, whether they would open their gates, and do what they demanded: and if they did it not presently, they had brought that with them which should master them before night, and then they might think what would become of them. They of the town insisted to have but two days (saying, That it had not been heard of, no not in time war, to receive strange soldiers without the privity & consent of their prince) but they could not obtain it, the messengers retiring, who had made this summons, there presently approached many troops near the town, who began to entrench themselves with all speed, and to plant nine pieces of ordnance to batter it, as if it were an enemy's town. The burghers seeing these sudden acts of hostility, not able to prevail any thing by prayers nor entreaty, began somewhat to defend themselves, shooting certain volleys into their camp, hoping that the general upon better advice would forbear; but it prevailed nothing, the Spaniards continuing their battery, until they had overthrown a great part of the wall, so as the same night, or the next day they had gone to the assault, for the which they made a bridge over the river of Lip, bringing their men at night even to the foot of the counterscarpe. And although the burghers had rampared up that which was battered, and somewhat assured it against an assault, having chased the soldiers from the counterscarpe, yet the next day they began their battery again, the which did not only batter down all they had rampared, but did so tear the houses along the street of Lip, as no man durst show himself at the ramparts. The Spaniards making preparation to assail them, about noon they shot fiery bullets into the town; wherewith the poor burghers being terrified, and abandoned of all succours, knowing well 
1598.  that their prince was ignorant of all this, and too far to deliver them from these attempts, being unable of themselves to resist them, in the end they consulted how they might preserve their lives, wives and children, so as they sent certain deputies unto the Spaniard, to offer him the town, upon the best conditions they could obtain: the which being accorded the general Velasco entered with thirteen hundred men, and demanded the keys, with all the arms and munition in the town, the which was not done without great oppression of the good burghers.  
The Spaniard having got footing in the jurisdiction of Reckelinhuysen, some of his troops marched towards Dortmont, whereas they demanded entrance to lodge one thousand horse all Winter, which if they refused, they would come so well accompanied, as they should have no cause to thank them. Whereupon they of Dortmont answered, That being a free imperial town, they were not subject to the king of Spain, neither had they any need of horsemen: wherefore they entreated them to suffer them in peace, giving order for their ramparts, towers, and fortifications: Wherefore the Spaniards retired for that time, and went into the county of Marck, where they took the towns of Vnna, Kam, Lun, and Ham, with Lunkenhuysen, and Herberum, all by sieges, threats, or otherwise. And although that Postule of Munster, archbishop of Cologne, seeing the Spaniards bend towards Westphalia, had sent some of his counsellors, and certain deputies of the chapter of Munster, to the admiral, to entreat him, and advertise him that those things were contrary to the constitutions of the empire: but nothing could withhold the Spaniards from the besieging of Bocholt, the inhabitants whereof to save themselves from oppression, being too weak to maintain a siege, resolved to compound upon certain conditions, the which were not very well kept. So as in the same country of Munster, there fell into the Spaniards power the towns of Koesuelt, Borcken, Bemsdorp, Halterens, Dusmont, Lunduncknuys, Stadtloon, and Sudloon; and their pride was so great, as they spared not Ahours, one of the archbishop's palaces, nor Horsemeir, whither they were carrying provision for him to keep his court, with the castles of Werde, Frede, and Ottenstein: yea Contarez a Spanish commissary went in view of the archbishop, with certain troops towards the towns of Alem and Brockem, which they surprised by policy saying they were the Archbishop's men, as also the towns of Rene, Warendorp, Tolgt, and Senderhorst.  
They made no difficulty to command the town of Osnabrughe, to furnish them a man of massy silver and gilt, or two hundred pounds' weight of pure gold. They made the like demand unto them of Badenborne, the which they ransomed, commanding the bishop to chase away the Protestant ministers, nay there were two Wallon colonels, the baron of Hachicourt, and the earl of Busquoy, that were not ashamed to demand of the earl of Oldenbourg, provision of money to pay their soldiers, or else they would send them to Winter in his country: to whom the earl made as brave a refusal.  
In all places whereas the Spanish army was lodged, they would not suffer the burghers and inhabitants to meddle with the corn which they had in their garners, to feed their families, yea in peasant's houses whereas they found no provision of corn, they forced them to go and provide it at what price soever. They would none but the whitest bread, mutton, and pullets, and drink wine, saying openly, That they were bound to assist the king to subdue his rebels, as being a member of the empire, wherefore it was reason they should lodge and nourish them. They would have all places opened unto them, and did wonderfully threaten the Protestants, especially the earls Ʋander Lip, and of Benthem, from whom they did extort the signiory of Wevelickhove, and others. When as some advised colonel Barlotte to carry himself more modestly, and that the princes of the circles might take it ill: he answered (pointing with his finger) As much as that cow. And when any of the prince's ambassadors sent to the admiral, had their dispatches, the Spaniards made mouths at them, and asses ears, with other disgraces, terming them Lutherans: to conclude, they esteemed the Germans no more than dung.  
Besides the Spaniards insolencies before rehearsed, they committed others in the quarters of Marck, Westphalia, Munster, and thereabouts, where they did hang up many peasants, some by the feet, some by the hands, and some by the privy members. In the village of Reek they bound three poor peasants to pikes near to a willow, and did roast them like unto a 
1589  piece of flesh upon a spit. It is not possible to express the execrable ravishing and forcing of wives and maidens which they committed, whereof we will relate some. Seven Spaniards having bound the judge of Duslemont in a chair, they presently after ravished his wife before his face. They bound a young virgin's hands and feet to four stakes in the ground, and the hair of her head wound about the fifth, and then they forced her: the like they had done before to a maiden in the castle of Broek. It was not enough for them after the taking of the castle of Billichoven, and other gentlemen's houses, to have forced many honest wives and virgins, but they did set their heads downward, and their legs upward (being stripped naked) in the feathers of beds, and in this manner did use them so inhumanly, as it is a shame to write it; with many other barbarous acts, which are not fit to be written.  
All these detestable cruelties were set down in writing, and sent unto the emperor, and to many princes of Germany, whereupon the duke of Brunswick made a proclamation over all his territories, of the nineteenth of December 1598., wherein were briefly contained all the attempts and cruelties of the Spaniards, exhorting all his subjects to take arms against them. The archbishop of Cologne who was much interessed, did write unto the Landtsgrave of Hessen, on the ninth of December, requiring his advice what was to be done in these occurrents. The six princes electors by their letters on the 12. of December, did write unto the Emperor at large, advertising him of all these cruelties, and complaining greatly that his imperial authority was contemned and trodden under foot by the Spaniards; for the redressing whereof they desire succours. The archduke Albert being come to Milan, he writ in his own excuse unto the governor of the prince elector of Saxony on the 28 of December, where after he had made the Estates of the united provinces the cause of all these miseries, he maintains that the duke of juilliers and the lower circles are bound to aid and assist him against the said Estates, accusing also the earl Vanden Broeck to have done acts of hostility against the king's men, as if he would say (and as the admiral hath since said) that he had well deserved it.  
Upon the letters from the electors, the emperor did write unto the archduke Albert on the thirtieth of December, complaining, that notwithstanding so many letters written to cardinal Andrew of Austria, than governor of the Netherlands, and to the admiral; namely, on the 24 of October, and on the 14, 19, and 29 of November, by the which he commanded reparation of these oppressions, and restitution of exactions, and that the Spanish army should dislodge, yet nothing had been effected, but rather those insolencies and cruel attempts had increased more and more: then making a repetition of some of the said attempts and oppressions, and of divers admonitions which had been made unto the cardin●…l and admiral, he entreats the archduke that he would command the admiral to carry himself more modestly. The same day the emperor did also write unto cardinal Andrew of Austria, admonishing him of his duty, that his imperial Majesty be not forced to take another course to remedy it by his imperial authority. And in like manner he sent unto the admiral, the complaints which he received daily, of the excess of his men of war, commanding him that presently without all delay, he should retire his troops out of the limits of the empire, yield up the towns and places to their masters, restore the money that had been extorted, deliver prisoners, both clergy and lay men, punish the murderers of cont Vanden Broeck corporally, restore unto his wife her jewels, and all that had been taken out of the castle, upon pain of default, that he should be forced to use his imperial authority etc. this letter serving but for a kind of advertisement.  
The emperor did write the like unto the Estates of the united provinces, of the same date, and from the same place, that for their parts they should quit those places which they held upon the territories of the empire, releasing prisoners, and forbearing to attempt any further etc. To which letters of advertisement, both to the one and the other, the emperor added his proclamation, or imperial commandment, the which we have thought good to insert here, and first that of the admiral, as followeth. 
The emperors proclamation against the admiral.   
Rodulphus by the grace of God, elect emperor of the Romans, always Augustus' king of Germany, Hongarie, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Sclavonia, archduke of Austria, duke of Bourgoigne, Stiria, Carinthia, Crain, and Wirthemberg, earl of Tyrol etc. To our well-beloved 
1598.  Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admiral of the kingdom of Arragon, marquess of Guadaleste, commander of the knights of the order of Val de Peunas, captain general to our most dear brother Albert, archduke of Austria, and to all commanders of the said army, colonels; captains, lieutenants, ensigns, officers, and in general to all men of war, both of horse and foot, of what name, estate, condition, or quality soever they be, to whom this present Imperial commandment shall come, or be signified, so far as they shall be found camped, or lodged upon the lands, or in the towns, forts, places, and rivers, belonging to us and the holy Empire, or the members, estates, and allies thereof, either by water or by land: We let you know, that the princes and estate of the circle of Westphalia, and especially of the most famous john William duke of juilliers, Cleves, and Berghen, our well-beloved cousin, have of late time continually advertised us with all reverence, and have grievously complained, that you admiral have come out of Brabant about the month of September with a mighty army of above thirty thousand men, having taken your passage through the duchy of juilliers towards t●… of Cleves, and that the eight of the said month had assailed and taken the town of O●…soy, belonging to the said duke of juilliers, the which having fortified and furnished with your garrisons, having caused many thousands of your men, both horse and foot, to pass the Rhin, and made a fort to be built before it upon the territories of Cleves, driving all the cattle, both great and small, away, and spoiling all the neighbour quarters, carrying yourself to the poor people through violence, murders, spoils, and ransoming in such sort, as the like was never seen nor heard of in any war: so as all the inhabitants and subjects have been forced to abandon most part of their goods, houses, and inheritances, and whatsoever they had gathered together with their great toil and sweat, to nourish them in Winter: yet not content with this, your soldiers have gone before a castle, held in fee of the said duke of juilliers, whereas the deceased Wirick Daun, earl of Falckenstein, called Broeck, made his residence, they battered it with the canon, so as in the end the earl yielding, upon faith and promise of assurance of body and goods for him and all his; yet most part of the soldiers were cut in pieces, and the said earl, notwithstanding that he had required a safeguard from the admiral, not fearing any inconvenience, as he went to walk, with the consent of the captain of the castle, was very miserably murdered. In the mean time the said soldiers have seized upon the towns of Buderycke, Dynslaken, Holt, Rees, Emmeric, and other places of the said duchy of Cleves; as also many castles, gentlemen's houses, boroughs, towns, and villages have been besieged, battered, assailed, and forced to yield unto them, and have been destroyed and ruined, whereas many (both clergy and lay men) had been very poorly and miserably entreated, some strangled, some massacred, carrying themselves most brutishly and villainously to wives and virgins, the like whereof was never heard of. Besides that, the inhabitants of the town of Wezel have been forced to compound with you and the commanders in the war, for a hundred thousand collars, half in hand, and the rest within few days after; and besides that, to furnish them with a thousand quarters of corn. The signiories and castles of Crudenberg, of Wenelinckhoven, the houses and ducal forts of Loo, Wynendael, Dyershorst, Rassau, Impel, Dornic, and Luckhausen (although the duke himself kept his court not far off) have been reduced into extreme misery and desolation: besides so many other places, which have been taken, spoiled, and consumed to ashes, whereof an ample declaration hath been sent us: yea, some have been so audacious to brag in the camp, that there was an intent to seize upon the duke of juilliers person. And moreover, you admiral have not only sent your men into the country of Munster, and summoned the towns thereof to receive the Spanish garrisons within two days, but your soldiers have also forced them that would not receive them, Alexander Vehle, a colonel, having presumed to offer unto the bishop's vicar, and the counsellors of the diocese of Munster, a list of the quarters where they intended to Winter their soldiers; and to take thirty places more, besides those that had already yielded: the territories of Essen and Werden, being wholly destroyed and ruined: many spoils being also made by the garrisons of Gueldres upon the villages and near farms; so as the tilling of the land, and all traffic and commerce of merchandise must needs cease, with many other concussions and violences; for the preventing whereof, we are continually required and besought by the chief princes electors, 
1598.  and other princes of the empire, in the behalf of the poor afflicted and desolate. Considering that all these invasions are done wrongfully and unjustly, and are not excusable, that you admiral have presumed to invade our said countries, and those of the holy empire in hostile manner, before peaceable and quiet, being bound unto us by oath, with so mighty an army, without defiance, summation, or advertisement; and especially at such a time, when as neither we, nor any of the other princes, nor Estates, did expect any dislike or quarrel from the king of Spain, and much less from our dear brother the archduke Albert, nor yet from the general governors of the Netherlands; but rather attended all good and sincere friendship, neighbourhood, correspondency, and neutrality, and not to be in this manner spoiled and ruined: Having heretofore written often and seriously unto you, to let you understand our intention, and that of our dear and well beloved brother; but seeing that you have not in any sort respected our letters, we are forced to provide for it, and seek to prevent it by a severer course. Wherefore we command you admiral of Arragon, of our imperial power and authority, and all your commanders, officers, and soldiers, as well in general as in particular; and first those that are not under our obedience, nor subject to the empire, upon pain of death, where they shall be taken, and all other our subjects, depending mediately or immediately of the holy empire, members, vassals, men holding in fee, or having goods, and possessions there, upon pain of banishment and proscription of the holy empire, and the loss of all benefices, freedoms, privileges, dignities, fees, and goods, in what places soever they be, lying, and being within the holy empire, or the Estates, and allies thereof: the transgressor's being apprehended, upon the fact, to be put in execution, without any further inquiry or information. We do expressly enjoin and command, that you, and all others (presently upon the sight or signification of this our imperial charge and commandment, or the authentical copy thereof) shall retire, without any further indammaging our countries, or the lands of the holy empire, nor the towns, castles, gentlemen's houses, boroughs, forts, nor villages, belonging to the duke of juilliers, and Cleves, nor to the diocese of Munster, nor elsewhere, of what name and quality soever they be: and that presently you quit and restore them unto their lords and masters, repairing all damages which you have done them: and that you restore unto them of Wezel, before your retreat, the money which you have extorted from them. And to the end that you admiral shall make it appear that the wicked murder of the earl Vanden Broeck doth displease you, you shall cause all them that murdered him, to be corporally punished, according to their merits, restoring unto the countess his widow, all the goods, gold, silver, jewels, and plate, which were taken from her, or the just value thereof. That all persons as well ecclesiastical as civil, armed and unarmed, be set at liberty by you, without any ransom. And that hereafter you shall not attempt any thing more against the said countries, places, subjects, or others, nor oppress them in any sort whatsoever, nor yet show yourself slack, nor disobedient, if you will avoid the above mentioned pains, according to the which you shall order and govern yourself: for such is our intention and will. Given at our castle of Padibrath the thirtieth day of December, 1598. Signed, Rodulphus.  
The emperor did write in like manner to the general Estates of the united provinces, commanding them to retire their forces out of the country of Westphalia, and other places of the empire, upon pain of imperial proscription, in substance as here immediately followeth.  
Rodulphus etc. To all and every the Estates general of Holland, and Zeeland, and the provinces associate unto them, their colonels, commanders of horse, and their lieutenants, 
The emperors commandment to the general Estates.  captains, ensigns, officers, and generally to all their men of war, both of horse and foot, howsoever they be called, and of what quality or condition soever they be, to whom this present commandment, or the copy thereof shall come or be signified, so far forth as they be lodged or entered upon our limits of the holy empire, the Estates or members thereof, or that are under their protection & government, or in any towns, forts, and castles. We give you to understand, that we have seen and heard the 
1598.  complaints and grievances of our princes and Estates of the lower circle of Westphalia, and especially of the most famous john William duke of juliers, Cleves, and Mont, our most dear and well beloved cousin, how that in autumn last, as well the king of Spain's soldiers as yours, have entered and lodged in the said quarters, committing great spoils: and that among others, many electors, princes, and noble men, had instantly required and besought us to interpose our imperial authority. And although we have written thereof at large unto the commander and captain general of your united provinces, by letters of the nineteenth of September, and the second of October: yet we understand, that you have not only neglected it, but do even at this hour maintain your army in the territories, of the duchy of Cleves, and that of late you have taken the town of Seventer, and the fort of Tolhus, called Colnits, and that you have also seized on the town of Vreda in the country of Munster, and carried away many persons, both spiritual and temporal, out of that quarter, unto the town of Groll; the which neither your captain general, nor you, nor all your men of war can iusti●…ie, in a friend's country, allied unto the holy empire, having sworn faith and loyalty unto us, and having no community with this war. Considering also, that our princes, electors, lords, and estates (expecting no acts of hostility from you, but all amity, and good correspondency) redoubling now their complaints, with those of the poor afflicted, beseech us, that we will take some more rigorous course, and settle a convenient order.  
Wherefore we command you all in general, and every one in particular, of our imperial power and authority▪ that is, those which are not our subjects, nor vassals of the empire, upon pain of death, wheresoever they shall be taken; and for the subjects, mediate, or immediate, vassals, and freed men, remaining under the holy empire, upon pain of proscription, and privation of all their benefices, privileges, freedoms, rights of fee, goods, lands, and inheritances, wheresoever they be under us, and the holy empire: that as soon as ever that this imperial commandment, or the copy thereof shall be signified unto you, you cause all your forces to retire out of the limits of the empire, without doing any more wrong unto any person: and that you restore unto their lords and masters, all the towns, castles, gentlemen's houses, places, forts, retrenchments, places where they take toll, by what name soever they be called, to repair the damages, enlarge all prisoners whatsoever, depending of the holy empire without ransom, and never to attempt in hostile manner any thing against them, nor the lands and subjects of the empire, nor to do otherwise, nor to show yourselves unwilling, as it doth concern you, and you desire to avoid the said punishment. According to the which you shall rule yourselves, for such is our pleasure. Given at our castle of Padibrath the 30 of December, 1598. Signed, Rodulphus.  
To these two imperial commandments directed to the admiral of Arragon and his Spaniards, on the one part, and to prince Maurice and the general Estates of the united provinces on the other, there were letters added from the emperor, bearing the same date, admonishing them to obey the said commandments respectively. But for that the admiral did not much regard his letters and commandment, but continued still his old course, delaying it all he could, until that his army had passed the winter upon the frontiers of Germany, whereas they did rob and spoil round about; the prince and the Estates could not in the beginning retire their men so soon as they desired, and leave an enemy behind so near them: yet soon after they delivered unto the duke of Cleves his town of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus.  
We have showed in the year 1595, before the archduke Albert's coming into the Netherlands, how favourably they dealt in Spain with the Netherlanders, releasing all their ships and men which had been stayed for the king's service, and granting them free liberty to traffic into Spain: but this winter news came out of Spain, that they made straight search and inquiry, among all the Dutch ships which were found in any ports of those countries, of whence they were (notwithstanding their bills of lading, & that the owners & sailors were of neutral places, as of Emden, Breme, Hambourg, etc.) & whetherthey had any Netherlands merchants partners with them, of whence their merchants were, & where they were borne, and so found matter to arrest, attach, & confiscate many ships in divers havens in Spain, committing the masters and sailors to prison, and putting many of them in the galleys; yet a great number of them, by means of the common people, who disliked of this rigorous course, escaped 
1599  and fled away, being forced to leave both ship and goods behind them. In Andolousia and some other places in Spain, if they did but suspect any netherlands merchant or sailor to have been in the Indian fleet, or at the taking of Cales, they examined and tortured them, and being confessed, they were made galleyslaves without redemption. In Portugal they dealt more mildly with the Netherlanders, for that the Castilians which governed there, durst not presume any way to break their privileges, so as most of them got safely home.  
For confirmation, and to excuse this rigorous proceeding, Andrew cardinal of Austria, 
A proclam●…tion in the 〈◊〉 name▪ forbidding all traffic into Spain.  governor of the Netherlands for the Infanta, by a proclamation bearing date the ninth of February, 1599 showed what the king of Spain late deceased had done to quench the civil wars, not only by arms, but by all mild courses, offering them a general pardon, and granting them free commerce and traffic into Spain, that it might not be taken from the Netherlanders by other nations: and that in former times peace had been offered them at Br●…da and at Cologne, and had been often propounded by the emperors ambassadors, yet would not be accepted: yea the French king had desired to comprehend them in his peace, the which was rejected by them. Moreover, that the king had sent the archduke Er●…stus and the cardinal Albert to be governors over them, for that they complained so much of the Spaniards government, which his favours and kind usage they also despised. In the end the king of mere compassion and love, resolved to give the Netherlands unto some private prince, and so bestowed them by donation upon the high and mighty princess his daughter, marrying with the archduke Albertus, who in her name had assembled the Estates at Brussels, commanding and suffering them to write unto the united provinces, to reconcile them unto the king, whose messengers returned without any resolution, which proceeded from an obstinate unthankfulness towards God, their prince, and native country; having no commiseration nor compassion, to think that the empire was much troubled and oppressed by their wars, Christendom invaded by the Turk, and the Netherlands miserably spoiled and ruined: making the simple people believe that they lose not thereby, but that they have free trade of seafaring, fishing, and merchandise, growing richer and mightier by war, than ever they were; which grew, for that they were suffered (by passport and licence) to trade freely with the provinces under the king's obedience, and also to have liberty to fish, the which were nothing but means to nourish and increase the wars.  
For which cause, the king her brother had forbidden them all traffic into Spain, until they should show themselves obedient subjects, as they had been in times past. And therefore she by the good advice and counsel of the governor, cardinal Andrew her cousin, and of the council of Estate, did forbid all communication, traffic, and trade of merchandise, with the aforesaid Hollanders, Zeelanders, and their adherents, whether it were by their substitutes or others, until such time as they should be reconciled unto his Majesty, or unto her, as their sovereign and natural lady and princess: forbidding all men to transport any money, or wares etc. by sea, rivers, or by land, directly or indirectly unto them, nor yet out nor from those provinces, which refuse to obey her, to bring any wares merchandise, or other things growing there, or coming or passing from or through those countries, upon pain of forfeiture of the said goods and merchandise, and otherwise to be extraordinarily punished, revoking all passports, grants, and licences, which have been heretofore given: and for that cause we disannul all safegards granted for fishing and navigation: and as for passports given to travelers, they shall be also revoked, giving every man a months respite to consider thereof, and to conform themselves. And yet she means not to exclude her subjects from all grace and favour, nor yet to take from them all means of reconciliation; but rather to offer them the same conditions, which have been heretofore offered, and such as may stand with reason.  
This proclamation being published, the second of April 1599, another was made by the 
A proclamation made by the united Estates to forbid traffic with Spain●….  united provinces, to forbid all trade into Spain, or into those countries which were subject unto him, as also concerning the giving or receiving of any safegards from their enemy, thereby to traffic or fish freely, upon pain of punishment and confiscation of their goods,, with promise to take good order for the freeing of the seas and fishing; and 
1599  withal forbidding all sailors and pilots which should be taken prisoners by the enemy, to pay any otherwise than was appointed by them to be paid: ordaining that all ransoms and losses should be levied upon the officers and subjects of the villages of Brabant, Flaunders, and other provinces under the enemy's command; besides the contribution which they used to pay unto them for the common cause, giving the charge and command thereof unto certain committees thereunto deputed.  
The general Estates also caused a proclamation to be published in Friesland, against the 
A proclamation made in Friesland forbidding contribution to the enemy.  enemy's safegards, who by letters and threatenings sought to force them of Friesland to pay them contribution, upon promise of safeguard and defence from them; and for that cause forbade all correspondency by letters and otherwise with them: and commanding every man upon the sound of a bell, or any signs of fire made, to chase, spoil, kill, or at the least to take prisoners, all soldiers belonging to their enemies, that should adventure to enter into their territories, declaring all quarter to be broken with their enemies without any exception, upon pain to be punished in like manner as the enemies themselves should be: assigning unto every one that should in that sort spoil, kill, or take prisoner any of the enemy's soldiers, the sum of fifty gulderns for his pains: and whosoever should present any one for not observing the contents of this proclamation, or that had harboured, or had correspondency with the enemy, 25 gulderns for a reward.  
This year there were three ships set out of Holland, to discover a mine of gold about Guiney, who sailed to all the islands thereabouts, and some that were not inhabited, which they called the salt islands, for that the water which was beat up by the sea, through the heat of the sun, congealed and became hard salt, the which is exceeding fine, white, and very strong, and better than any other, very fit to make refined salt, which costs nothing but the fetching, lading, and bringing away, whereas eighty or ninety sail of the greatest ships of burden of Holland and Zeeland, find their freight yearly, and make great profit, the voyage being but short, for some have made it in eleven weeks, others were somewhat longer, as wind and weather did serve them; the which is likely to prove a great hindrance to Spain and Portugal, especially by the restraint made in Spain, where they were accustomed to fetch their salt; whereby the Spaniards were much deceived, supposing that one navigation would hinder another, especially that into the east countries: but it hath been found otherwise, for that this year in the beginning of April, there came unto Amsterdam at one time six hundred and forty sail, most of them great ships, out of the east countries, most being laden with corn, wood, masts, sparres, deal, pitch, tar, flax, wax, etc. which altogether brought at the least thirty thousand tons, and had one with another four pounds' starling for the freight of a last (which is two tons) so as by that computation they did earn sixty thousand pounds starling at the least for freight: whereby it may be truly said, that seafaring, fishing, and trade of marchadise, is the Netherlanders mine.  
This winter the united provinces prepared not only for a defensive war, as they had done some years before, but also to offend the enemy, who lay so strong upon their frontiers with their winter army, as they were forced to raise new regiments, and more cornets of netherlands horse men. First they gave to Ernestus earl of Nassau, a commission to levy a regiment of high Duchess of ten companies, every commission being two hundred men, the which were raised about Emden. Monsieur la Nove had charge to bring two thousand men out of France into Holland, of those which had so long served the king there at their own charges, hoping the king would be the more willing to restore the money which they had disbursed for the entertainment of those men, especially the money being paid unto his own subjects and vassals. They also entertained a thousand Suitsers which had served in France: they added nine cornets more to their horse men, one cornet being under prince Maurice, his lieutenant was joncker Walraven van Gent, son to the lord of Oyen, two cornets under the old and young earls of Solines, and the rest under monsieur Timpel, Balen, john Bax, La Sale, Cloet, and Hamelton a Scottish man. The Scottish footmen were also made comple●…, every company consisting of an hundred and fifty men, and the colonels company of two hundred. They would willingly have had more supplies out of England, but they durst not move the Queen, for that she had long before written unto them for 2000 Englishmen to be 
1599  sent over, for her wars in Ireland, offering to send 2000 new soldiers in their places, which they could not refuse; and for that at that time there were 27 companies of English, they sent six whole companies, and out of the rest they chose the worst men they could find to make up the number, which was ill taken: in whose places the Queen sent over about two thousand new soldiers under Sir Thomas Knowles, who expected to be colonel over them, but he could get but a company, and the rest of the men did serve to fill up the other companies.  
They further made a proclamation concerning their musters, for the preventing of all deceit, 
Orders made by the Estates for their horse and foot.  by keeping their companies full, with all other orders necessary for the wars: as first that under the Reisters' no man might serve, but upon his own horse, which horse should not be less than fifteen great handfuls high, according to a measure made of purpose. The Reisters' themselves were to have a headpiece, a gorget, a breast, and a back, two poldrons, a gauntlet to hold his bridle, a short piece or pistol, the barrel being two foot long, and a short sword, according to a measure appointed to that end: and if any one wanted any of the said furniture, he might not pass musters, or else he was checked and debarred from some part of his entertainment. Some in every cornet were allowed to have horses to carry their necessaries, who (besides the furniture above named) were to be armed with thighs, knee pieces, and culots (which is a piece of armour to defend the reins of the back) with another short piece like unto the first: their armour was to be caliver proof, and they were allowed a boy who should carry a piece like unto the other. The horsemen called Carabins, were to have a headpiece, a gorget, a breast and a back, a sword and a piece having a barill three foot long, and a good horse.  
At that time they used no more lances, for that they could do but small service, unless they were running in their full career, but in stead thereof they did use pistols or short pieces, and did wear cassocks or liveries as launciers were accustomed to do. The footmen which carried pikes, were to have a headpiece, a gorget, a back and a breast, a sword or rapier, a pike of eighteen foot long, and that upon a penalty, and the one quarter of those that did bear pikes, were to have poldrons to their elbows.  
The musketeers were to have a headpiece, a rapier, a musket, carrying a bullet whereof ten would make a pound, and a rest. And the harguebusiers must have a headpiece, a rapier, and a good caliver, bored for a shot of 20 or 25 bullets in the pound, every one having pay accordingly. Thus much I thought good to observe, that posterity may know what arms men used in the Netherlands in those wars.  
In the end of januarie 1599, certain cornets of Reisters' of the united Provinces, with some companies of foot, under the leading of edmond's, a Scottishman, and others, made a road into the countries of Lembourg and Luxembourg, for that they brought not in their contribution orderly as they had promised, whereas they made a great spoil upon them of Kelinsberch, and others, taking many horses and great store of booty from them, and bringing away many gentlemen prisoners, who were forced to answer for the said contribution. They also revenged themselves for certain Reisters', which had been hanged as freebuters by the Provost Schenckern, near juilliers, whose bodies they caused to be cut down, and honourably buried, and in their return they took certain horses from the baron of Grobendonc, and after that they overthrew a troop of soldiers, which were gathered together for some secret enterprise upon Breda. This enterprise notwithstanding was attempted on the seventeenth of February, by a soldier called la Roche, who had been laboured by Grobendonc, governor of Boisleduc, and by Augustine Mexia, Castellaine of antwerp, to give entry to the king's forces into Breda, promising him two thousand crowns, with other preferments: but he discovered it to prince Maurice, who with Govert Montons and Monsieur Heraugier, governor of the town, devised how to entrap these undertakers, wherein la Roche discharged his part well. The seventeenth of February the baron of Grobendonc and Augustine Mexia came secretly in the night with four thousand foot and eleven cornets of horse, before Breda, whereas secretly (and yet cunningly) the gate was set open for them, and all things well observed both within and without: but in regard of the great care that is to be taken in such cases; for that divers of the burghers, and some of the soldiers of the castle which lay in the town were drunk, the governor and Montons 
1599  were in some doubt, and therefore they caused a bridge to be drawn up, and so disappointed their design, only giving charge and commandment to discharge the ordnance as the enemy approached, the which was done disorderly, for the reason aforesaid, yet the Spaniards marching circumspectly, finding themselves to be deceived, and being then so near the town, they would have offered to have forced it, but it was in vain the bridge being drawn up, yet their resolution kept them of the town from sallying out upon them: and it was thought there were some hundred of them slain, and so they retired without any more loss.  
There was another enterprise attempted upon Nymeghen, by the earl of Bothwell, who had been banished out of Scotland, and lived then in the court at Brussels, who in April had practised with a gentleman called William Libboth, and one Robert Lumsden, with promise of 3000 crowns for a reward, to betray the town unto the Spaniards, having good means to effect it, for that there lay four companies of Scottish men within the town. There was also one M. Thou, whom they both knew well, and trusted, for that in former times he had been of the Bothwels faction in Scotland, whom they acquainted with this practice, expecting aid from him; but in the end he discovered the whole plot, so as Libboth and Lumsden were apprehended, and committed to prison: the said Lumsden having been most eager about this practice, being condemned was executed at the Hage, much lamenting his treason.  
About this time there happened a strange accident in Deventer, committed by one 
A preacher murdered at Deventer.  Henrick Achteruelt, who traitorously murdered one M. Schorickmans' a minister in the said town: this Henrick Achteruelt being in the church, whereas the said preacher had made a sermon, and was come down out of the pulpit, walking behind the choir between two men, this Achteruelt followed him, and thrust him into the neck with a knife which had two edges, clean through the throat, and cut a piece of his tongue, wherewith the minister fell down, and died presently. Having done this villainous act, he ran out of the Church, but being followed by the officers of the town on horse back, he was taken and racked, where he confessed that he had done that deed willingly, in regard of his doctrine, and for the zeal he bore to the catholic Romish religion, to the which end he had caused the said knife to be made, to effect that meritorious deed; for the which he was condemned and executed as a murderer.  
This winter upon the eighteenth day of januarie, the garrisons of Lillo and Liefkenshook-skonce lying upon the river of Scheld, set upon the sconce of Veyr in Flanders, right against antwerp, who going behind the drowned land, suddenly entered it, and slew all that made any resistance, taking all that was within it, where they found good booty and jewels, which came out of the castle of antwerp, by means of the mutiny of the garrison there; and among other things they found a case of pearls, of great value, and took many prisoners, which they put to ransom, and so returned back again to their garrisons.  
The division continued still at Emden, betwixt the earl of east Friesland, and the town, by the practices of the Spaniards, and the king of Poland, so as the contract made at Delfziel was broken, and a faction growing in the town of Emden, for the advancing of the earls pretences: this faction consisted of merchants, owners of ships, and sailors trading into Spain, who as then hoped, by means of the prohibition of trade into Spain, and the Spaniards rigorous proceeding against the Netherlands (who secretly under other men's names had great dealings in Spain) to draw the whole trade into their hands, whereof the Netherlanders being debarred, they should also in all appearance lose their trade in the east countries, and so all that traffic would also fall into the hands of them of Emden. This faction being strong, by the encouragement of the earl, and such as were affected to the Spaniard, was well liked of the common people; so as the magistrates and rulers of the town, were forced to seek some means to prevent it, and to levy certain soldiers to oppose against enemy's designs, for the which they wanted money, having no means to take up many, being overcharged with the payment of certain sums of money unto the earl, according unto the contract and agreement made at the town of Delfziel, wherefore the united provinces found means to aid the town with twenty thousand gelders, the town and 
1599  burghers binding themselves unto the Estates for the payment thereof, wherewith they levied some soldiers under certain captains and commanders, remembering divers p●…sidents of the duchy of Cleves, Westphalia, the town of Wezel, and others, wherefore it much behoved them to stand upon their guard: yet they of the contrary faction sought to make themselves masters of the town, so as in the month of April there was likely to have been a great tumult within the town, whereas they had shut up the magistrate and about some forty others in the town house, and in the mean time the contrary faction resolved to send to treat with the earl; which they of the town fearing, they made means unto the Estates to send them some soldiers with all speed: to whom captain john vander Corput was sent, with certain companies, who being near unto the town, and the earls messengers coming to Emden, met with them of the town, unto whom captain Corput spoke, and took them away with him, saying, there was no reason the town of Emdèn should agree with the earl, unless the united provinces (according to the contract and agreement made at the town of Delfziel) might have their voices and consent therein: by which means the pretensions of the said factions for that time ceased. Not long after Edsard earl of east Friesland died, leaving five sons by his wife, who was daughter to the king of Sweathland, their names were cont Enno the eldest, Gustanus, john, Christopher, and Charles'; whereof, Enno until that time was called baron of Esens by his marriage with the heir of Esens, who took the rule and government of the country upon him: his brother Christopher went to serve the archduke Albert in the Netherlands, who made him colonel of a regiment of foot, the which he raised this year in Brabant, and elsewhere.  
Enno earl of Emden coming to the government (by the mediation of john Frederick bishop of Breme, son to Adolph duke of Holst, and of the duchess dowager of Holst, the said Enno having for his second wife married one of his daughters) made an agreement with them of Emden, and with their adherents, together with the united provinces, according unto the contract made at Delfziel four years before. This accord was afterward proclaimed in Emden the sixth day of October, in the year 1599, and cont Enno was installed in his earldom.  
As certain troops were levied this year in France by monsieur la Nove, for the united provinces, cardinal Andrew of Austria governor of the Netherlands, sent the earl of Bassigni, son to the lord of Boytel, to hinder the same, and to make complaint unto the king, for that he had suffered such aid to go unto the rebellious Netherlands, contrary to the contract and agreement of peace: whereunto the king made a short answer, saying, that he understood that such as went thither were Huguenots, who went to aid their brethren, for that the war which he had been constrained to maintain with the leaguers (wherein they had faithfully served him) had made him so bare as he could not reward their services, whereby they might have means to live quietly at home in their houses: and that if the cardinal had need of as many leaguers out of his realm, that he was content to grant them to do him service: and if it should be construed to be against the peace, he said that he should not be found to be the first that did infringe it, but rather the king of Spain, who supported the duke of Savoy against him, whereby he did not yield the marquessate of Salusses unto him, whereunto he had so just a title, as all the world did know: and besides he had suffered an army of 30000 men to enter into the duke of Cleves country, being his friend and ally.  
In the beginning of this year the old countess of Arembergh (a wise and discreet lady) 
The death of the old countésse of Aremberghe.  widow to the earl of Arembergh, who was slain in battle by Lodowicke's earl of Nassau, dicd at Sevenberghen, where she lived as in a neutral place; so as upon the 24 of February, they of Holland decreed that her lands and goods (which were of great value in Holland, & by her death descended unto her two sons, who as then served the king, being their enemies) should be again confiscated, and so held to the use and benefit of the country. But omitting to speak of any other thing, we will return to the admiral upon the frontiers of the empire.  
The prince's electors of the Rhine, and of the inferior circle of Westphalia, having their deputies assembled in the city of Cologne the 21 of januarie, to take some future course 
1599  for the admiral's disorders, by way of arms, seeing that the emperors letters were of so small credit with him: to that end they did write to the princes and estates of the circle of Franconia, and the lower Saxony, to move them to join with them, and with their common forces, to chase the Spaniards out of the limits of the empire, and that the said princes, to the number of five circles, would to that end, send their deputies of Conflans, on the 11 of March following, the which they did.  
In the mean time the emperor did write again from Prague the 11 of February, 1599, to cardinal Andrew of Austria, governor of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, reiterating his commandments, with other letters to the like effect to the admiral; who on the other side, as it were in despite of the emperor and the princes of the empire, took Emmeric again, being in the country of Cleves, the which prince Maurice had before taken from them, and delivered to the duke free.  
The archduke Albert meaning to excuse himself of all these disorders, by his letters written unto the emperor from Milan on the 29 of December, he seems to lay the blame upon cardinal Andrew, that the imperial commandment for the retreat of the Spaniards out of the territories of the empire, was not executed: whether he did it feignedly or with a good intent, may well appear, by the taking again of Emmeric.  
The deputies being at Cologne, by letters of the 21 of januarie, made their complaints unto the emperor, as well of the admiral and the Spaniards, as of prince Maurice and the Estates army; beseeching, that they might have an imperial army granted them (which ought commonly to be of forty thousand men) to force both the one and the other to depart out of the territories of the empire, and repair the hurt that was done. Whereupon the admiral sent a commissary in his name to Cologne, to treat with the said deputies of the princes and Estates, but especially with that of cont Ʋander Lip, captain general of the lower circle of Westphalia: which commissary, before he would propound any thing in the assembly of the deputies, required a copy of the reasons why the admiral was sent for, with the names of all the deputies, and of the princes, lords, and Estates their masters, saying, that if they thought those affairs should be decided according to the constitutions of the empire, they were deceived, but it was his intention that they should be ended according to the form of a council of war: whereupon answer was made him, that seeing he avows himself to be for the king of Spain, the archduke Albert, and the cardinal Andrew, they would see his letters of credit, and hear his propositions: the which being seen, the commissary would not say any thing until the next day.  
In the mean time the deputies of the princes and Estates of the circles being somewhat divided, the commissioner sent to the deputies of cont Ʋander Lip, that they should send one to confer with him, which was only to have a delay for the delivering of his propositions, the which he said he would at large in writing on the sunday following. At which day, the said commissioner being in the assembly of the deputies, he presented a certain justificatory writing in the admiral's name, promising as soon as might be to retire the Spanish forces out of the limits of the empire. The letters which the admiral had written unto the deputies of the circles assembled at Cologne, from Rees the twentieth of januarie, to excuse himself, 
The substance of the admiral's letters to the deputies at Cologne  were full of allegations, pretending an urgent necessity, which had moved the king of Spain to come and lodge his army in those quarters, that he might the better by that means subdue his enemies the Estates, laying before them the great benefits which the empire had received from the king of Spain, and the house of Burgoigne; wherefore it was reciprocally bound to serve and accommodate him therein; saying, that he was not come thither with any bad intent, to incorporate any man's lands, or country, or to wrong any man, but through extreme and urgent necessity, and with sincere affection which he bore unto the empire, and the preservation thereof, accusing as much as possibly he could, the Estates of the united provinces, to be the only and chief cause of these miseries, for that they would never reconcile themselves unto the king, notwithstanding so many goodly treaties which have been offered, with the intercession of the emperor & other kings and princes of Germany, nor yet the grace which the king of Spain hath done them to have transported all his Netherlands to the Infanta his daughter, with the archduke Albert; 
1599  so as they have been forced to take a very rigorous course. And seeing that the king & the said archduke had made him General of their army, to employ it as soon as might be, and to march into the king's country, which was held by the enemies, they have thought they might well allow them so much, as to pass by the frontiers of the empire, to take from the enemy those places they held, and afterwards restore them to their lords. In the mean time, by the long expectation of the prince elector of Cologn, after the yielding of Rhinberck, and the retreat of the enemy's ships upon the Rhine, the said army by the diligence of the archduke (pretending to ruin Schencks fort, situated upon one of the corners of the Rhine) had stayed still: but afterwards being suspected of delay in the pursuit of this design, we have brought it (said he) along the Rhine, to advance that business by his presence and ours. And being come thither, the which by reason of the treaties and negotiations was a long work, it was forced to remain there, as well to assure the river of Rhine, and defend the town of Orsoy, as for other considerations. They were forced to use the town of Burick, to disappoint the enemies, and to hinder their designs. In the mean time victuals and forage being wasted, considering the complaints of neighbours, many things have passed: among others, the fact of cont Vanden Broeck, who for his accustomed cruelty, and for the hatred he had formerly borne them, falling upon them that went to forage, and putting them to the sword, remembering it, and being incensed to revenge for former affronts, having neglected and contemned our brotherly admonitions, desiring rather to practise arms than to entertain amity, if any thing hath happened unto him more than we would, it was with our grief and dislike, and whereof we are resolved to do justice. And when as the neighbour countries came unto us to complain of the wrongs and oppressions which they said they had endured, we have given them just and lawful excuses to every point: so as after we had taken Bergh, to prevent the policy of the enemy, as soon as we had received money and victuals from them of Wezel, according to their redemption and accord made with us, to distribute among our men, and to raise the army which we brought to Rees, and having well furnished it, we came to Emerick in view of the enemy, a town seated upon the Rhine, near unto Schencks sconce, the which being strong both by art and nature, of hard access by reason of the waters, ill to batter, and worse to assault, leaving it there, we took the high country and went before Deutecom, the which yielded, and so did the castle of Schuylenbourg. Whilst this past, being in counsel what was to be done, whether to lead the army up higher and farther into the enemy's country, or not, considering the variety of the season, rain, cold, and swelling of the rivers, the depth of marish and muddy ways, and the poor estate of the soldiers, being impossible to hold them longer in the rain and wind, after long consultations, by the reasons of war, the injury of the time, and the preservation of the army, it was held most expedient to winter in the nearest places, that is, in the countries of Cleves, Munster, Marck, Cologne, about the Rhine, and beyond the Meuse, that they might thereby both stop the enemy's courses, entertain the king's army all the winter, and have it ever in a readiness. By reason whereof, we have seen what the common necessity required, which was the shortest course, and the most expedient for us to hasten, as we have courteously done, according unto military order: seeing that through the shortness of time we had not leisure to demand nor attend the consent of superiors, who by their difficulties and tedious disputes, might have been the cause of greater danger. Against the which, as many by reason of the strangeness of the fact, neither knowing the danger, necessity, nor profit thereof, have made their complaints unto their princes, who apprehending the hindrance of their subjects, have also complained unto us, we have answered them courteously, commending the good amity of the confederate lords of the Rhine, and of their country against all inconveniences; putting them in mind of the kings great benefits, and of his hazard, to preserve the country & territories of the empire from utter ruin, to the prejudice of his own affairs. Finally, we gave them to understand the kings just intention and ours in this action, having demanded nothing more of them, but that we might winter for a time, not to hold any thing, nor to do any manner of wrong or oppression, earnestly entreating them to put in balance according to equity, the benefits which they have received from the king, against the small hindrances which the lodging and entertaining of his soldiers 
1599  may cause them suffer, in regard of that which his enemies had caused them to endure, if this army of the kings had not restrained them. Finally, having laid before them the assurance there was (were it by peace or war) that rest and tranquility would ensue: that it would please them to bear this common fortune modestly betwixt them and the king, and contain their subjects for a time with patience, and rather make the best interpretation of this action to the emperor, and other princes of the empire, than by bad reports and fruitless and false complaints, and bad conceptions, aggravate the kings sincere actions, bringing our innocency into danger, and it may be, under a pretext of commiseration and succours required, kindle a fire which would spread over the whole empire, the which may not be quenched, but by the general ruin of the whole. By which friendly behaviour and admonitions, we had thought to have cut off all occasions of complaints, and that there should be no more mention made unto the emperor, nor in any other courts and estates of the empire: whereof, notwithstanding, we understand the contrary, and fear that in this assembly (through the exclamations of some, moved with hatred and spleen conceived against the king and the catholic religion, or through indiscretion, or malice, t●…usting too much to the light promises of the enemies of the country, or through ingratitude, or such like) that such false reports are again brought in question. By reason whereof, we have thought it expedient, as we have done by letters to his imperial Majesty, and by word of mouth to M. Charles Nutzel, his majesties commissioner in these parts, to oppose upon every article, the king's merits and justifications, against such frivolous complaints, and to send them in writing to the princes and estates of the empire; and to you in your assembly, entreating you in his majesties name, and ours, not to have any sinister impression without cause of his majesties sincere intention, by an undue commiseration, or spleen, rising from a little disorder, which be the ordinary fruits of war, lest you fall into greater inconveniences and troubles, which would be the cause of a far greater mischief, whereof you should reap nothing but a late repentance. But rather using your accustomed wisdoms and discretions, according to the love and affection which you bear to the public quiet, measuring the good with the small losses and hindrances which have happened upon the frontiers of the empire, joining to these of the king, you will interpret it in the best sense, and comfort and feed with hope such as have been partakers of these losses, giving others which are far off to understand, to what a good end all may sort, without giving credit unto the complaints which have been wrongfully made, as well unto the emperor, and unto the estates of the empire; the which being most notorious, should suffice any man of understanding, to excuse and justify his majesties actions and ours. Yet for that in these concurrents of time, some men's judgements are so depraved, as these novelties sound so strangely in their ears, as they neither can nor will comprehend the true ground; and therefore matters remain thus obscured and darkened. For whose better satisfaction, we think that the king hath therein satisfied, if (as these false reporters, by lies and slanderous suggestions, do charge his Majesty) we on the other side do show by the deduction of alliances and treaties, as well of the whole empire, as of the princes and estates, with the house of Burgoigne, that his Majesty in stead of services against his enemies and rebels, hath received disseruices: although that according unto divine and human laws, yea and according unto the constitutions of the empire, they were thereunto bound and obliged. Contra●…iewise, it appears with what bounty, moderation, clemency, and with what charge his Majesty hath, amidst so great troubles and tumults of war, preserved the whole diocese of Cologne, and neighbour countries, being in great danger to be all lost, and the catholic religion suppressed and put down; and that to the great hindrance of his own affairs. By which merits and good deeds, they of the diocese of Cologne and Westphalia were the more bound, so as no man of judgement, if he will not be noted of ingratitude, can justly blame his majesties actions, nor ours, touching the lodging and wintering of his army, contained with all military modesty: and they should not give place to so many fruitless clamours and complaint, at the least if such men be any thing affected to their country's good, to stir up in stead thereof new troubles, & new wars, whereof there can be nothing expected but fire and flame, and a total devastation. Wherefore we trusting in your wisdoms and discretions, and assuring ourselves that you will therein do all 
1599  good offices to his Majesty and the Estates of the empire, seeking nothing more, than by the effects to attain unto a good peace, and to discharge the frontiers of the empire of the said army, as soon as may be; wherein if through the presumption, rashness, or bad practices of some I be hindered, we protest openly, that the blame of all the mischief shall be laid upon the authors and procurers of those hindrances, and not upon the king. And to the end that the reasons here produced for his majesties justification and ours, may be the better represented unto his imperial Majesty, and to your excellencies, and the necessity which hath forced us thereunto, we entreat you, that in stopping your ears to all false reports (which else would increase daily) you will now resolve to assist this war with all your means, and to convert it to a good peace, with which hope we will attend your judgement and advice, beseeching God, etc. From Rees the twentieth of januarie 1599 Signed, Francis of Mendoza, great Admiral of Arragon.  
The same deputies of the admiral, on the seventh of February following, presented a certain declaration in the assembly of the deputies of the princes and Estates of the said five circles, in the said town of Cologne, in the name of the king of Spain, the archduke Albert, the cardinal Andrew, and the said admiral, in a sharp and jesuitical stile, in the which are related particularly and at large, the justifications, reproaches, instances, and pursuits made unto the emperor and to the princes summarily set down in the admiral's letters: All which discourse seems rather to be made in contempt and mockery, and the more to incense the Germans, as if they did them great wrong to complain of the admiral's actions, and of his army, and that they were yet beholding unto them. The which they did only to win time, and to have the bad season of winter spent, and to see if the Germans would do any thing, as it seemed they threatened them. This discourse is so tedious, as it would tyre the reader, and so impudent and arrogant, as we have thought good to omit it. To the which answer was made, and all the points of the reproaches, and accusations, made in the said declaration, examined, debated, and rejected as false & calumnious, to the prejudice of the emperor's honour, of the princes and the Estates of the empire.  
The fifteenth of December, the same year 1598., there died in the town of Leiden in Holland, 
Aldegonde & Longolius die.  that worthy and learned parsonage, Philip of Marnix, signior of S. Aldegonde, who was much lamented of all learned men, being about threescore years old, who in his time had done great services to the prince of Orange, and the general cause of the united provinces. The next 
〈◊〉  day there died in the town of Arnhem, doctor Elbert Leonin, called Longolius, chancellor of Gueldres, sometimes professor, and a great lawyer in the university of Lowaine, a man of great knowledge and experience in affairs of estate, of a quick conceit, and sound judgement, having also done great services to the said prince and States. He was above 80 years old when he died. In two days together the united provinces of the Netherlands, lost these two learned men.  
Cardinal Andrew, governor of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, 
The elector of Mentz answer to cardinal Andrew,  did also send Fernando Lopes de Villa nova, governor of Carpen, to the emperor, with the like justifications, with express charge in passing, to excuse and justify him to the prince elector, archbishop of Mentz, and to make the emperor and all the princes and states of Germany deaf and blind, if it were possible, although they did hear and see plainly. The prince elector of Mentz, gave him a short and resolute answer, which was in effect, That he could not allow of that which the said cardinal and admiral had attempted upon the territories, and against the constitutions of the empire. That for his part he would not fail in that which concerned his duty for the preservation of the peace and quiet of Germany, being in that manner troubled and interrupted: And that for his better counsel, he did advise the said cardinal, to retire his army out of the confines of the empire, as soon as might be, and not to attend unto the end of April, to repair all injuries, to restore that which they had extorted, and make satisfaction for the damages which they had suffered both in general and particular: In doing so the princes and Estates of the empire should have reason to excuse that which was past, and to allow of the urgent necessity, by the which they seek to purge and justify the said actions. This answer was given to Fern. Lopes by the said prince elector, the 25 of February 1599  
The Estates of the united provinces sent in like manner their justifications in writing, of all their actions, to some of the prince's electors, and others in Germany; whereof the substance 
1599 Letters from the united provinces to the princes of Germany.  was, That they had received their letters, containing the complaints of the circles of Westphalia; for the wrongs and oppressions which the countries of Cleves, juilliers, Cologne, and Westphalia, did suffer by the soldiers of either party: By the which letters they were required to retire their soldiers out of the confines of the empire, without any delay, restoring the towns which they held, pulling down the forts which they had built, and leaving the countries, towns, and estates of the empire in their ancient peace, quiet, and tranquility: Whereunto their answer and resolution was in like sort requisite. In answer whereof the said Estates protested, That they were very sorry to hear of any such complaints, and the more, for that they were put in the same rank with the Spaniards and the admiral, who had not forborn to besiege, batter, force, and take the towns, castles, forts, and houses of gentlemen in the country of Cleves, and the circle of Westphalia, with murders, burning, spoils, and ravishing of wives and virgins, without any respect of what estate, condition, or quality soever; wherewith not content, they have by their garrisons and threats, forced some of the said towns, over and above their ransoms & concussions, to change their religion & policy, which they had for many years passed quietly enjoyed, under the authority of your excellencies, and other princes, wherein the king of Spain had no title nor interest, and therefore had no reason to colour his attempts.  
Whereas for their parts (say the Estates) nothing hath been done but by mere constraint and necessity (which hath no law) for the preservation, maintenance, and assurance of their united provinces, and the which without any contradiction, according to the law of arms, and martial discipline, may be done, whereunto they have been forced. By reason whereof they besought their excellencies, and all men of judgement in matters of war, calling them to witness, if considering the admiral's attempts (seeing they had no other means to make head against the enemy, but in preventing him, and in fore-occupying the places which he himself had incorporated) they had seized first thereon, and put in some of their men, for that the Tolhus which they had seized, was not sufficient to resist the admiral's forces, who in the end would not have failed to have come thither (where the inhabitants should have been entreated with the like mildness that they were in other places) and thereby to have had an entry into their united provinces: Besides, they never had any intent to seize upon one foot of land belonging to the empire, nor to any prince or lord that were a neuter, to hold or retain them as proprietories, as (they said) they had of late assured his imperial Majesty, the prince's 
oh  electors, and namely the prince elector of Cologne, with whom they desired nothing more, than to entertain all good alliance, amity, correspondency, and good neighbourhood: maintaining themselves in that sort, without diminution of their estate, until they might once see an end, whereunto they have always aspired, unto that hour, and the which they have sufficiently made known by their resolution, to restore the town of Rhineberck to the said prince elector of Cologne, to hold that under the laws of neutrality, if that had not been prevented by the siege which the admiral laid before it, who thereby would give colour to his attempts unto those, who through impatiency would not look unto the ground of the matter: Which attempts are the more manifest, by the taking and surprising of towns and places, and the alteration of religion and policy: whereby he doth not only advertise the princes and noblemen, but he doth teach them plainly, how he will entreat both them and their subjects, upon the first opportunity, to erect the Spanish Monarchy. They have well found by experience, how willingly and freely (said the Estates) in the year 1590. last past, they did at the request of the said princes and estates of the empire, deliver up divers places which they had taken from their enemies, being situated upon the territories of the empire, hoping that the enemies would in like manner yield up those which they held, and which they had promised the said princes and estates to yield, being also held of the empire, as it is well known to all the world: Which yielding of their parts, and refusal of the enemies, hath been so prejudicial unto them, as in the end they have been constrained to besiege and force Alpen, Moeurs, and Berck, according unto the good success which they have had. It is also well known, how they have since yielded the towns of Alpen and Moeurs, without restitution of any one penny of that which they had laid out to conquer them, and how they had offered to do as much for the town of Berck, with the declaration of the true means to entertain the limits of the empire in peace, so far forth as the enemy (who did all he could to the 
1599  contrary) did not hinder it: which their good and sincere intention hath been so much the more apparent, for that according to the order set down by prince Maurice their general, to chase away the enemies garrisons out of the town of Emmeric, they have done it, and being satisfied therewith, have yielded the town unto his prince. Whereby your excellencies and other princes may judge of the sincerity of their actions, without any doubt or distrust of them: but that you would rather seek the means, by the which the Spaniards and their adherents might be chased out of all Germany, and prevented of their pretended monarchy, driving them even beyond the Alpes, to the end that the members and subjects of the empire may be delivered and freed from so great troubles and dangers, wherein for these many years we have pretended and done our best endeavours, and are yet resolved so to do: wherein we hope and trust, that God will move the hearts of kings, princes, potentates, and commonweals, and opening the eyes of their understanding, they will take the defence of their common cause in hand, running all jointly to quench this fire, which begins now to flame. For the which we pray unto his divine Majesty both night and day, beseeching most humbly, that it would please your excellencies, and the other princes, to take and interpret our reasons and justifications here set down, in good part, and as the sincereness thereof do deserve. Praying the Almighty etc.  
During all these rescriptions and justifications of either side, the Spaniards had, like harbingers with chalk in their hands, run over and foraged the frontiers of Germany in Westphalia, Cleveland, Marck, and Bergh, the which neither writing nor threats could make them forbear; making their greatest excuse, that they would first have the Estates deliver up that little which they held upon the confines of the empire, as the Tolhus, and the fort of Gravenwerd. By reason whereof the deputies of the circles of Franconia, of the Rhine, of base Germany, of Westphalia, and of base Saxony, assembled at Conflans, to consult what was to be done, to reduce Germany to quietness, and to cause the Spaniards retire, freeing as well those places which were situated upon the river of Rhine, from their garrisons, as all other places of the territories of the empire. And in like manner those which the Estates of the united provinces held, with reparation of damages and spoils made by either party upon the territories of the empire: According to the which they did write unto the said Estates the tenth of April, commanding them in the emperors name and the princes, to retire their garrisons out of the confines of the empire, to deliver up the towns, and to ruin the forts which they had built, (namely that of Gravenwerd) to repair the damages done by them, to punish the breakers of the peace, and the perturbers of the public quiet of Germany, to restrain the courses and spoils of their soldiers, that hereafter the territories of the empire may be freed from such spoils and oppressions, and that the traffic and commerce may be restored.  
Whereunto answer was made by the said confederate Estates, That they had hoped and did 
Letters from the Estates to the deputies of the circles.  verily believe, that they had given contentment upon the like points unto his imperial Majesty, and to the princes, by their precedent letters, whereof they sent a copy unto the said deputies: for that nothing had been since attempted by them upon the territories of the empire, having no other intent, but to make head against the admiral, and to resist his mighty army, by preoccupation of those places, where their troops were lodged; of the which without doubt the admiral would have seized, that by the favour thereof he might get an entry into their provinces. Assuring the said deputies, that they had never any intention to seize upon any one foot of land belonging to the empire, nor to any country that was neuter, but have rather sought to win and entertain with good friendship and neighbourhood, all princes, potentates, and commonweals, wherein they desire to continue as much as may be, and the assurance of their estate may bear; as in effect they had sufficiently declared, when as (notwithstanding all the barbarous insolencies which the Spaniards practised before their eyes, in the duchies of Cleves and Mont, and in the dioceses of Cologne and Munster) they had carried themselves temperately and modestly, and had done more, if the Spaniards had not brought their garrisons so near: for which cause they could not restrain their soldiers, but they must sometimes go to discover them, and to skirmish with them: so as the deputies had no just cause to distrust their good and sincere intention. Assuring them, that as for those places which they held, and were of necessity to hold for their safety upon the territories of the empire; that as soon as ever they had abandoned those quarters, that they also for their parts would quit 
1599  them, and give order for the excursions of their men of war. And whereas the deputies required, That the Estates would abandon and ruin the fortof Gravenweerd: they showed that the country and jurisdiction of the duchy of Geldre, had always maintained, and did yet, that that place is of the signiory and dependence of Geldre, and not of Cleves. And if the duke of Cleves would not be therewith contented, that in that case they would be mediators to the Estates of Geldres, and the county of Zutphen, which are of their union, that they would consent to have this controversy decided by the said deputies, according to the treaty passed in the year 1544 betwixt the emperor and the duke of Cleves, by the which the said difference hath remained unto this day undecided, so as they cannot now do otherwise. They entreated them, that their answer and sincere declaration might be taken in good part, and that they would be mediators unto the emperor, the princes and estates of the empire, that the Spaniards might effectually leave the towns and places which they held upon the confines of the empire: that in the like case they might for their parts deliver all, and give more cause of contentment to the emperor. This answer was sent from the Hage in Holland, the 12 of May 1599  
The said deputies of the circles being again assembled at Munster, writ their letters unto the 
The deputies write again to the Estates.  general Estates of the united provinces, on the 15 of May, insisting chiefly upon the restitution and abandoning of those places which the Estates held upon the confines of the empire, especially for the fort Gravenweerd, the which doth the Spaniard more hurt than all the rest. The said deputies did also complain, that the Estates entertained some of their troops in the suburbs of Emden, and that they caused the 
* It is a mineral matter which they use about copper. The Estates answer.  Montaigne of Calmine, in the country of Lembourg, to contribute, and that for the execution thereof their men had burnt certain mills to beat copper. Whereupon the Estates answered, That for the first point of restitution of places, they thought they had given them contentment by their letters of the 12 of the said month, and by the copy annexed, written unto the emperor, and to the princes of the empire: for that the places which they held were only for their defence, manned with a moderate garrison, and well paid, the which did not oppress the inhabitants, whereas if the Spaniards had held them (whereof they would not have failed, if they had not been prevented) they must have attended nothing but ruin & desolation: assuring them again to have them, as soon as the Spaniard should be retired. As for those men which they had in the suburbs of Emden, it had been done since that the Spaniard had past the Rhine with his whole army, & had sought to make himself master of that town, aswell by the disunion that was within it, as by the troops he had about it: for which consideration they had been moved to send some troops to prevent any such enterprise, not only for the assurance of the said town, & of the good inhabitants, but also for the service of the empire, and the estate of their provinces, the which they entertained with great charge & good order for their pay: Having (according to the promises made by them to the earl deceased, and to the senate of the said town (when they made an agreement betwixt them at Delfziel) to cause the said treaty to be observed) sent their deputics thither, to make a good peace betwixt the new earl & the senate, and if it were possible to reconcile all their quarrels and discontents. And that when as the danger of Spanish practices shall cease in those quarters, by this peace which they do mediate, they would then speedily retire their men, whereof they have given charge unto their commissioners: Entreating them, that they would interpret this action in the best sense, and excuse it as done for the service of the empire: remembering that the magistrate of the said town hath not yet made any complaint of our soldiers.  
As for the contributions of the Calmine, that they should not take it in ill part, to advance the Spaniard, for that if they get any contributions out of the enemy's country, the Spaniards draw much more out of theirs: that it is according to the law of arms, wherein they have done no wrong unto the empire. That they had no knowledge of the burning of any mills, if it be not by some exploit of war, wherein it is very hard (although they should be very sorry any such thing should happen) to restrain the incensed soldiers, promising to take such order, as their soldiers shall be hereafter more temperate and modest in their behaviour.  
Henry jules duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg, postule of Halberstat, hearing the many complaints of the barbarous cruelties committed by the Spaniards upon the frontiers of Germany, fearing lest this canker should spread further, and creep into the bowels of the empire, 
1599  had on the nineteenth of December the year past, by his proclamation, exhorted his subjects and vassals, to be armed and ready upon all occurrents to repulse the attempts of the Spaniards: wherein he was seconded by prince Maurice, landtgraue of Hessen, who having levied good troops of men, with those that the Estates of the circles, above named, joined unto them, made a goodly body of an army, none but Germans, being about ten thousand foot and three thousand horse, whereof noble Simon earl of Lip was general: Philip earl of Hohenloo commanded the duke of brunswick's troops, and George Euerard earl of Solins, those of the landtgraue of Hessen, and Oliver of Timpel, signior of Cruybeke, was called from the service of the general Estates of the united provinces, to be general of the artillery to the said army, without the assistance of which Estates, to speak the truth, the said army had wanted many of the chief commodities which they had need of.  
This army being on foot, the Spaniards left their lodgings about the end of April, in the quarters of Westphalia and Munster, the which they left miserable and desolate, coming along the Rhine, to the towns of Emmeric and Rees: then the army approached, and came and besieged the fort of Walsom, right against Orsoy, on the rivers side, which the Germans took, after which the army spent almost two months idly in those quarters, to the great discontentment of the said princes of Brunswick and Hessen, & of their lieutenants. In the end cont Ʋander Lip causing it to descend lower on the same side of the Rhine, the admiral of Arragon retired his Spaniards out of Emmeric the 7 of May, displacing the bridge which he had upon the Rhine, and carrying it down before the town of Rees, and having well managed the said town with a good garrison, he passed over the greatest part of his army, and having cast a portative bridge upon the river of Meuse, he entered into the island of Bomel, betwixt Rossum and Driel, upon either bank of which river he entrenched himself, and built a fort.  
The Germane army having the town of Emmeric at their devotion, being abandoned by the admiral, cont Vandr Lip besieged Rees, a little town, and of small defence, being unworthy to stay such an army, in which camp (besides the discontentment of the commanders and soldiers) there were many wants from the beginning, and had been more, if the Estates had not relieved them, whose army also was not far from them. This sudden and unexpected descent of the Spaniards into the isle of Bomel, made them of the town to waver, so as many of the inhabitants retired with what they could carry away. Whereof prince Maurice being advertised, he posted thither with all speed, with some of his horse and foot to assure them, the which did much encourage them of the town. Without doubt if the admiral at his first entry into the island, had gone directly to the town of Bomel (the which lay then open on the one side, by reason of their works which they made at the ramparts and bulwarks) it had been in very great danger. At the Admiral's first arrival into the quarter of Bomel, he besieged the fort of Crevecoeur, whereas captain Spronck commanded for the Estates, who after it had been battered, having endured some assaults, he was forced to yield by composition, he and his men departing with their full arms and baggage.  
The Estates seeing the last year how the king of Spain drew unto them with his army, when as the admiral past, they resolved to make war against him in his own country, by sea, not with any hope to get any thing from him, which they would keep with their forces (which had been too far from them) but to annoy him and his subjects: for the effecting whereof they would prepare an army at sea, of fourscore sail of ships, of Hollanders, Zeelanders, and West-Frisons, divided under three admiral's, whereof Peter vander Does was admiral general; his ship was called Orange, and carried an orange coloured flag: William Diericsen Cloyer was captain of the ship. The second was jan Gheerbrandiz, carrying a white flag, and the third cornel is Ghyleynsem of Flessingue. Captain Sturme was lieutenant colonel, with some companies of foot, and great store of mariners: so as there were about 8000 soldiers and sailors, the which being well provided, stayed but for a wind.  
Prince Maurice being at Bomel, and resolved to set upon the admiral's bridge, which he had made upon the river of Meuse, he sent for most part of the said mariners: whereof the admiral being advertised by two French men which were fled unto him from the prince's camp, this enterprise was not followed, and the mariners were sent back.  
The admiral after he had provided for the defence of his bridge upon the Meuse, approaching the town of Bomel, he besieged it afar off. Prince Maurice made trenches without 
1599  the town (to hinder his near approach) from one corner of the river unto the other, the which he manned with good troops; yet the Spaniard left not to approach near, and to bring his artillery to batter the town at random, as he did, so as colonel Murrey, a Scottish man, being upon the rampar, and viewing the countenance of the Spaniards camp, was slain with a canon. And as the prince's army was part of it in the town, part in the trenches, and the rest on the other side of the river of Wahal, he was forced to make a bridge of boats upon the said river, before the town, to pass from one quarter to another. The Spaniard to annoy this bridge, planted certain pieces of ordnance upon the river side, to batter it in flank, doing much harm unto passengers, and in the town. In the mean time the besieged (who notwithstanding were not besieged but on the one side, having the river and their bridge always free) requited them, their men being in the trenches, were daily in fight with the Spaniards by whom they were also often assailed, with loss of either side, but more of the Spaniards, of whom they did daily carry great numbers hurt to the town of Boisleduc; so as the Spaniards were forced to leave their approaches, and to retire further off, and in the end to abandon all their trenches near unto the town.  
The Spaniards being parted from their camp with four thousand foot, and a good troop of horse, appearing plainly that it was for some exploit or enterprise, which they supposed to be upon the town of Breda, prince Maurice having some intelligence thereof, parted from Bomel, & past the Meuse to enter into Brabant, near the town of Wandrichom, with sixteen cornets of horse, and some foot, thinking to surprise some of his enemies; but they were advertised, and retired speedily to Herental, fearing a second battle of Tournhout, and so the prince returned to his army in the town of Bomel.  
The sea army of the Estates did set sail the five and twentieth of May, to go and brave the Spaniards at their own doors, so as upon the eleventh of june, coming near unto the Groin, they met with two Spanish boats, and having taken a Spaniard out of one of them (they being also sent to discover them) they understood, that they were advertised upon that coast of their coming, and that they were in arms, that at the Groin there were four thousand foot, and some horse. Whereupon the general having called his captains aboard the admiral (within canon shot of the fort, which shot among their ships) they found it not fit to attempt any thing upon that quarter: so hoisting sails, they took their course towards cape S. Vincent, so as having past the islands of Lancerotta, Allegansa, and Forte ventura, they discovered the great island of the Canaries, where they arrived the six and twentieth of june. We will speak soon of their success, but now let us return to the affairs of the Netherlands.  
Whilst that the earl Ʋander Lip was with his Germane army at the siege of Rees, and the admiral in the island of Bomel, the deputies of the circles of the empire, being now assembled 
Letters from the deputies of the circles to the Estates.  in the town of Huxar, they writ unto the Estates the eighteenth of june, tending to the same complaints of their troops lying in the suburbs of Embden. Whereunto answer was made the tenth of july, being conformable to the others. And soon after the deputies writ other letters from Huxar to the Estates, wishing the Estates to forbear to do any executions upon the lands of the empire, for the countess of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart, seeming to reproach the Estates, as if they would not suffer such executions to be done in their jurisdiction. Whereunto the Estates answered, That seeing the wrong which was done unto the said countess, detaining her goods and revenues in the diocese of Cologne, against all right and reason, they had often requested the prince elector, and the chapter of Cologne, that they would suffer her to levy and receive them, the which had been often rejected by means of some of her enemies in the said chapter: But in the end there was a certain agreement made, the which notwithstanding they would not perform. Wherefore seeing the said lady's husband is dead in our service, they could not refuse (as to a poor desolate widow) to grant her letters of reprisal, and so they are to be understood.  
Afterwards the said deputies sent a trumpet with letters on the three and twentieth of june, demanding a safe conduct for a certain number of them, who would come unto the Estates 
The Germane deputies send to the Estates for a passport.  to treat with them as well of the points and grievances above mentioned, as of other matters concerning the quiet of Germany, and the preservation of the public good: which trumpet was presently dispatched with a safe conduct, with an answer on the eleventh of july, in the 
1599  which are set down the insolencies and oppressions of the Spaniards in the countries of Westphalia, Cleves, Cologne, Marck and Mont: and that for their own defence, the Estates had need to make use of the towns which they held as it were by way of lone of the country of Cleves. But as the journey to come into Holland, seemed too troublesome for the deputies, they desire by letters of the fourteenth of july, that the Estates would send to them and to cont Ʋander Lip general of the army of the circles, being camped before Rees, certain commissioners, or their ambassadors, to treat of the above mentioned points: Whereupon 
The estates send commissioners to the deputies.  the Estates sent Nicholas Bruninck counsellor to prince Maurice, & Daniel Ʋander Meulen; where being arrived in the camp before Rees, on the fifteenth of August they had audience in the counsel of war, before the said cont Ʋander Lip, Otto Van Starchedel, lieutenant of Cassel, for the landtgraue of Hessen, Isaac Craft for them of Brandebourg, Christopher Conincx Merck, for the duke of Brunswic, & doctor Amandus Rutterscheir chancellor of the said army. At which audience of Bruninck and Ʋander Meulen there were propounded four points: the first was, The restitution of Gravenweerd: the second was, The reparation and restitution of damages, which the Estates men had done upon the territories of the empire: the third, Liberty of commerce, and cassation of licences: and the fourth was, Caution, that hereafter there should be no more oppressions, nor incursions made by their soldiers. To all which points there was an ample and pertinent answer made by the Estates deputies: Three of them were but faintly maintained by the General and his assistants, yea, it seemed they were reasonable well satisfied with the allegations of the said deputies: But the reparation of damages and oppressions, was disputed with great vehemency; for the Estates commissioners did lay before them, & did aggravat the great damage and losses which the Estates of their united provinces had received from the enemy by the land of the empire, who not only used it for a passage, but to ease his country where he commanded, and to entertain his army there for many months, making it his rendez vous, and the seat of war: wherefore the Estates could do no less, than to seek the enemy where he was. That if by any such occasion their men had at any time exceeded, that they were sorry for it, and had done what they could to redress it, causing restitution to be made, & punishing the offenders: but that which the Spaniard had done, was with a purposed intent. The imperial deputies maintained, That if the Spaniard did ill in seizing upon the land of the empire, yet the Estates should not do the like, but they should have attended their enemy in their own limits. Whereunto answer was made, That the lands held by the enemy was not the empires, so long as they held them, and that it was against reason to bind them to hold that place as neuter, which made war against them: that it was not for the Estates to dispute, by what title, or with what authority the enemy had usurped the said places, but it did belong unto the said imperial deputies; who having taken order for the dislodging of the enemy, the Estates would let all their neighbours see by the effects, what difference there is betwixt their neighbourhood and the Spaniards. But the deputies of the Estates did conjecture, that under colour of these restitutions and reparations of damages, the Germane did hope to draw some money from the Estates: but there was no mention made there of any restitution of places held of the empire, and usurped by the emperor Charles 5, nor of the town of Emden, neither yet of the countess of Moeurs, which as yet seemed, served but for matter of cavillation, whereof mention is so often made in the letters written by the said imperial deputies to the united Estates.  
The Estates had a day or two before the arrival of their deputies at the imperial camp, delivered up unto the Germans the fort of Tolhus, the town of Seuenter, and some other forts there abouts; as afterward the Spaniards (to show some willingness of their parts) abandoned (but it may be, being forced thereunto) knowing the preparations that were made for the town of Genep.  
The Deputies of the Estates hearing that the Germane army was levied but for three months, 
Counsel propounded to join both the armies against the Spaniard.  the which being expired, might perchance be continued three months longer, they did represent unto the earl of Hohenloo for the duke of Brunswic, to the earl of Solins for the landtgraue of Hessen, and to the baron of Creange for the marquess of Ausbach, the difficulties which would grow by this continuation, & the small likelihood there was for them to win any honour, and to assure the credit and the Estates of their princes, without the conjunction, directly or indirectly of the Germane army with prince Maurice, whereby they should 
1599  have means to ruin the enemy, and to settle Germany at quiet: but there was need of a speedy resolution, for that all hope of good success consisted in celerity, and that not making this conjunction in time, & to purpose, they might lose both their charge and pains, making them soon subject to reproaches & slanders: wherefore they should do well not to lose any time, but to send speedily unto their princes, & to advertise them of the true estate of the affairs, and of their danger, in case they suffered themselves to be abused by any treaty with the enemy.  
The said general and imperial commissioners, did importune the commanders of the Spanish 
Letters from the imperial commissioners to the chief of the Spaniards, like to them of the Estates.  army with complaints, no less than they had done the united Estates, upon the same points of reparation of damages, restitution of places held by them, liberty of commerce upon the Rhine and caution for the preventing of such oppressions hereafter. Whereunto the Spaniards made divers evasions. In the mean time the general approached his army near unto Rees. Doctor Yenburch was sent by the Spaniards unto the general and the imperial commissioners, on the 16 of August: at his arrival he talked to every man of the reparation of damages, and the charge he had to deliver up Rees: but the next day he denied all, saying, That he had no such commission, entreating them, that they would give him three days time to advertise his masters, every man knowing that the Spaniard sought nothing but to win time: so as they were discontented with this kind of proceeding, yet after they had disputed much against him and threatened him with the conjunction of the Estates army, with that of the princes & circles of the empire, in the end they granted him these three days, for there was no show that they would begin to force the town of Rees, having no preparation but what the Estates had lent them, and sent them: besides the jealousies and distrusts which were in the said camp, were the cause that they imputed those things to practices and malice, which haply proceeded from the ignorance and want of experience of the general, being accused of some, as if from the beginning he had had a bad intent, that in leading the army up and down here and there, he had caused them to spend two months and advanced nothing, and that he had a meaning to dissolve the army, and make the companies disband: and that himself had solicited the emperor, to be employed in a treaty of peace. Others spoke well of him, that he had a good mind, and that they did what they would with him, but they complained of his insufficiency, which was the only cause of these disorders; the which after the retreat of the army were better known. In the mean time all agreed, That there were some dangerous people about the general, to whom he was too open, who gave advice unto the Spaniards, of all that past among the Germans, holding Freniz, marshal of the camp, in greater jealousy than any other, by reason of which distrusts there was no respect among the commanders contending one against another, by advancing nothing for the general: yea the Spaniards sought to corrupt some in the camp, as it was discovered by letters of captain Palants and others, who thought to draw away two or 300 horse at a time: besides the free access of them of Rees unto the camp, did debauch many. Whereupon the general was constrained to make a proclamation, That no man should presume upon pain of death, to confer, eat nor drink with the Spaniards, nor with them of the said town. Finally they held this body of the Germane army, as a Poliphemus, who having lost that one eye which he had goes without any conduct, losing by little & little his vigour, blood and life, finding no hope of recovery, if prince Maurice did not approach with his forces, and by his good conduct and direction, restore it both sight, blood, and life. But their matter must be far sought, and if there had been any good disposition, yet the Germans durst not: notwithstanding money coming afterwards unto the camp from the princes, it revived the Germans, and began to daunt the Spaniards. What the issue of this army was, we will presently show: and now we will return into the island of Bomel, and see what the admiral of Arragon and prince Maurice did, fronting one another.  
The Estates having for a long time held a fort in a little island called Voorn, which is in a manner of an oval form upon the banks whereof are good trenches, which they must win before they could enter into the island, the which lies in the midst, at the meeting of the two rivers of Meuse and Wahal, the which having with their mingled course environed the said island, either of them notwithstanding run in several streams, until they come to win in one body of a river near unto Gorchom, whereas the island of Bomel fails at Lovestein. This strong fort was a great gall unto the Spaniard, to which if he could he would have done some affront. So as the admiral and colonel Borlotte, who was the chief conductor of this enterprise 
1599  in the island of Bomel, saw there was no good to be done against the town, for that they had come on so slowly: for we must confess the truth, that if at their first entrance into the island, they had marched directly unto the town, which lay then open by reason of their works, and before that prince Maurice had leisure to assure it with great new trenches without, doubtless he had put it in great danger: the which having neglected, they thought they had done sufficiently in the beginning to have freed a passage into the said island. So all the town being well assured by the princes coming, the supply of men, and the finishing of their fortifications, 
The Spaniards retire from Bomel.  retiring on the 5 of june with all their losses, behind the said town, and further into the island, they went and lodged at a village called Rossum, being but a good canon shot from the fort of Voorn, where he remained almost a month without any attempt, but the making of some trenches. Prince Maurice knowing well that the Spaniards design was upon the fort of Voorn, after that he had long attended to see if he would pass the river, and to annoy him in his passage, in the end he passed himself in the night with 3000 men the third of july, & came to his enemy's quarter at Herwerden, having at his back the joining of the river of Meuse and Wahal together, where, with an incredible celerity, he entrenched himself against his enemies in the form of a half moon, of the height of 2 men, with ditches 12 foot broad & 6 deep, & of so great a circuit, as they easily might have lodged six or 7000 men. The Spaniard discovering this work the next day, being the 4 of july, made suddenly, thinking to hinder it, he came in the afternoon with some troops of foot and horse, and presented himself before this half moon, thinking to draw the prince's men out of their trenches: but they being advertised, that the enemy was in ambush, hidden behind the dikes, kept themselves quiet: the which the Spaniard seeing, he returned soon after to charge with great troops, falling upon these trenches of the half moon like a sudden lightning, with such violence and fury, as some having past the palisadoes, fought hand to hand. The prince's men under the valiant command of sir Francis Veer, monsieur de la Nove, and colonel edmond's, defending themselves courageously, repulsed them. The captain who had forced the palisado, lay slain upon the place, to retire whose body they made a second charge, at the which they carried it away, but not without great loss of their men. That which made the greatest spoil among the Spaniards, were eleven pieces of ordnance, planted in three batteries upon the fort of Voorn, and three pieces from the trenches of Varyck and Hessel, the which shot directly through the Spanish squadrons, with the musketeers which galled them in flank above the river: all which forced them to retire, having lost seven captains, many officers, and above 700 soldiers, besides those that were hurt. At these charges there marched in the first ranks among the Spaniards, two monks, carrying crosses, and banners, whereof the one was slain, and the other taken prisoner, being hurt in the head. Prince Maurice lost the sergeant mayor of sir Fr. Veers regiment, being general of the English, with some ten or twelve soldiers, and some twenty hurt.  
The 5 of that month a troop of Spanish horse, with 400 musketeers, thinking to surprise the prince's guard, were so entertained, as having lost a captain, & left a Spanish earl behind them prisoner, they retired with loss and shame. We will leave them for a while in the island of Bomel, in face one of another, and will speak of the success of the Estates army upon the coast and islands of Spain, having left them in the road of the great Canaries.  
The 20 of june Peter vander Does, general of the Estates army, being arrived with all his 
The success of the Estates army at the Canaries.  fleet before the town of Alegoena, he cast anchor under the great castle which is on the Northwest part of the town, from whence the Spaniards began to shoot at him and his whole fleet, so as causing those ships to approach nearest which had the greatest ordnance, he began in like manner to batter the castle, which was called Gratiosa, spending some time in this sort: during the which the general had his main mast pierced through, and his fore mast somewhat perished, the vice-admiral, which was the great ship of Amsterdam, had six or seven shot through her, which slew some soldiers before they could get into their boats to go to land. Those of the castle having tried what ship ordnance could do, began to cool their first heat of shooting. In the mean time the soldiers and mariners having gotten into their boats, rowed towards land, whereas the islanders attended them in great numbers upon the sea shore, with three small pieces of artillery. The general being in his boat, having caused all the others to come about him, approaching near unto land, they saluted one another with their musket shot, the islanders keeping their ground firm: the which the general considering, 
1599  and that for want of water they could not get to land, he himself leapt first into the water 
The army lands.  up to the girdle, and so did all the rest, marching resolutely to land, notwithstanding all the resistance of the Spaniards, who defended the landing place very valiantly; yet they got to land, not without some loss of their men, by reason of the difficulty there was in landing, whereas the Spaniards did also loose some forty men, before they would abandon the landing place; among others the governor of the town being on horseback, had a leg shot off with a great piece: the Estates general was hurt in the leg with a pike, and had three thrusts upon the body, but they were light hurts, and if one of his men had not slain the Spaniard which encountered him, he had been in danger of his life. The soldiers of the army having thus gotten to land, and the boats returning to their ships to fetch new supplies of men, the islanders abandoning their artillery, and carrying away their governor with one leg, they made their retreat towards the town, leaving six and thirty of their men dead upon the shore. The general having all his men together, he put them in battle, being four and twenty companies, with so many colours flying, and so they marched one and twenty in front. They of the great castle, seeing the landing won, were so terrified, as from that time they made not a shot. The Estates men being thus in battle, three of their mariners came running to them from towards the castle, bringing the general word, that they of the castle would yield, if they might have their lives and goods saved: whither he presently went, being accompanied with some captains, to whom the place was presently yielded, trusting unto his favour 
The castle of G●…atiosa yielded to the general's mercy.  and mercy, leaving their arms, nine pieces of brass ordnance, and six of iron, with all the provision and munition, there being eight and fifty persons prisoners, the rest had been slain by the canon: These prisoners were put into a Spanish ship, which the army had taken, except three of the chief of them, whom the admiral had reserved to inform himself more particularly of all things. Having received this castle into his power, he caused the king of Spain's ensigns to be taken down, and the colours of prince Maurice to be set up in the place.  
Toward the evening this petty army was divided into three squadrons, whereof the one was set at the foot of the rampar of the town, the second under the mountains, and the third, being the rearward, along the sea shore, and so they continued all night in arms. Early in the morning the next day, they marched all together in good order under the town, where they continued a while ready to fight; but as the canon from another castle joining unto the town, did much annoy them, and made a great spoil among their squadrons, carrying away sometimes five or six at a shot, the general Ʋander Does being somewhat entrenched, and having made his platform for his battery, he planted five pieces of ordnance, the which he caused to be brought from the castle he had lately taken, wherewith he shot but one volley that night: in the mean time the besieged having planted some pieces against the Estates battery, did them much harm. The night following they stood all again in battle: the islanders had some field pieces also upon a mountain, wherewith they shot into the camp.  
At the break of day, being the eight and twentieth of the month, the general Ʋander Does caused his battery to begin, playing with four pieces upon the castle, and the fifth against those which the islanders had upon the mountain, the which continued about four hours. The besieged in the castle had set upon their ramparts and bulwarks, in manner of parapets and defences, certain packs of wool, and pipes full of stones: but the canon passing through these pipes, the stones did them more harm than the canon itself, the which slew many of their men, broke their defences, and disordered their artillery, than were there four companies sent toward●… the mountain, to dislodge them that were with the artillery, and in the mean time the general caused fire to be set to the town gate: the which they of the castle (whose ordnance was dismounted and spoiled) and they of the mountain having discovered, and the townsmen seeing their port on fire, abandoning both town, castle, hill, and artillery, they fled all towards the mountains, to holes and caves, which they have there, carrying away the best of their goods, plate, and jewels, and saving themselves with their wives and 
The town & castle of Alegoen●… abandoned.  children as well as they could.  
About noon the general caused two ladders to be fetched from a church without the town, and brought thither, whereof the one was too short: he himself mounted with some soldiers, 
1599  one man in front, up to the town walls, where they found no opposition; and being entered in this sort, his men ran directly towards the castle. The Spaniards at their retreat had left a mine, with a match, the which took fire before the Estates men were entered in so far, so as this mine did them no harm: being entered, and having taken down the king of Spain's ensign, they set up that of prince Maurice, whereas they found five pieces of ordnance, with all that belonged. The town and castle being thus won, the general put his men again into battle, 15 in front, as if he would take a view of them, in a low plain within the walls of the town. Some soldiers brought one unto him that was borne in Flessingue, whom they had drawn out of prison: whereupon the general went himself with some captains unto all the prisons, from whence he freed about 36 prisoners, who gave him to understand, That the towns men flying towards the mountains, had carried with them two prisoners, the one an English man, the other a Dutch man, which were condemned to be burnt, who had been a long time prisoners in the Inquisition. Towards the evening the quarters were made, and the whole army was lodged within the town, every captain having his quarter apart, except such as were appointed to be in guard without the town, at the descent of the mountains, whereas the islanders did sometimes show themselves in great troops. The town was spoiled of all that remained, the best being carried into the mountains: whereupon the general caused a proclamation to be made, whereby no man might appropriate any goods to himself, but all was to be carried into the admiral, according to the decree of the Estates.  
The next day being the 29 of the month, some mariners got up into the mountains, to seek 
The Estates men slain in the mountain●…  some adventure, but the islanders being better acquainted with the passages than they, crossed them, and slew some 20. Towards night the general sent some 300 men to a little castle, half a league from the town, but the garrison seeing them come, abandoned it presently, and fled towards the mountains, whereas the Estates soldiers found three pieces of ordnance, and having left a squadron of men in guard there, the rest returned to the town. The last day of june the general commanded, that the wine, oil, and all the goods which they had gotten should be embarked. The Spaniards which had fled into the mountains presented themselves divers times to treat with the general, but having heard their first demands, which he held impertinent, he sent them back, and would no more hear them, commanding his men not to advance any further into the mountains, than their lost sentinels were set, in the mean time making haste to embark the booty. On the 1 of july he caused his minister to preach in the chief church of the town, whereas he assisted with above 400 men, to give God thanks for this victory and happy success, and to pray unto him, to bless and prosper all their enterprises. The third of the month, after that he had shipped all the bells, artillery, munition, and other goods, abandoned by the islanders, the general sent 2000 men into the mountains, to assail them which were fled thither, who at the first made head, where there was a brave fight, where although the Spaniards had great advantage, yet retiring further into the mountains, the Estates men not knowing the passages, and not daring to pursue them, after they had lost 70 men, and one sea captain, they returned to the town.  
The next day the general having put all his troops in battle, after that he had blown up 
The army retires and burn●… Alegoen●….  the castle of the town with a mine, and burned all the churches and cloisters, both within and without it, in the end being ready to make his retreat, having drawn forth all his men, he caused the town to be set on fire: then they came to the first castle which they had won, called Gratiosa, distant half a league from the town, whereas they all embarked in their shaloups and boats, and being entered into the ships they kept the sea. They were no sooner embarked, but the islanders came presently from the mountains, and ran to rescue the fire, the which they quenched as well as they could. The general before his embarking had left a mine in the castle of Gratiosa, the which took fire presently after, and blew it up in the air. The general being at sea, he called all the captains both of land and sea to counsel, to consult what was to be done, and to inform himself, of the most expert mariners and pilots, of the situation and landing of the other islands in those parts. In the mean time there came certain Spaniards to the sea shore, carrying tokens of peace, and desiring conference: Whereupon the general sent a bark which brought them aboard, and hearing that it was for the prisoners which were taken in the castle of Gratiosa, having received their ransom, he suffered them to go, and returned them all free and glad men unto the town, so far as their ransoms would 
1599  extend.  
The eight day of the month the general having hoist sail with all his fleet, carrying with him the rest of the Spanish prisoners which had not been ransomed, they did for a while (by reason of a contrary wind) coast along the island of the great Canary, unto a corner thereof, where they were forced to cast anchor, discovering the island of Tenariffe, which is one of the Canaries, there they sent all their boats to land, for fresh water: The mariners before they returned to their boats, burnt great store of wood laid upon heaps along the sea shore, but yet they encountered not any one Spaniard in this watering. Having set sail again with an inconstant and troublesome wind, on the 12 day they were in sight of the island of Gomorrah, in the which there was a small town, whereunto the admiral with the white flag, with his vice-admiral and a pinnace, approached, at whom there were certain great shot made: whereupon retiring themselves out of the danger of the canon, they cast anchor. The other ships (which were yet far off) did what they could all night to approach. The next day the general Ʋander Does having gathered together all his fleet (which had been much dispersed by reason of the foul weather) called a counsel, where they resolved to set upon that island: the which was done, and four companies were sent to land in the valley right against that corner where they were at anchor: which being done, all the ships approached near unto the town, before the which they cast anchor, and from thence they made certain great shot against the town, but they answered them not, neither did they make any resistance, although there were four brass pieces in a little castle near the shore, the which they buried, seeing the army approach. Then were there six companies more landed, who came unto the town without any resistance, all being fled away with that which they could carry into the mountains, which the four companies which were first landed in the valley perceiving, they advanced towards the mountains, to stop their passage, and to get their booty. The Spaniards which were hidden in the caves, having suffered them to pass unto a descent, finding themselves strong enough for them, they burst out, and compassed them on every side: The soldiers of the fleet seeing themselves hemmed in, they fought for their lives, & slew many of their enemies, so as in the end they freed themselves, with the loss of 80 of their men, among the which there were 2 lieutenants: the rest which escaped, returned towards the evening to Gomorrah, the which was seized on, and guards set in all places: the houses were searched, and all places digged, where they thought that any thing might be hidden, whereas they found certain pipes of wine, and not any thing else at that time. Some soldiers going in small troops to the mountains, to seek adventure, were defeated, ten and twelve at a time.  
The general Ʋander Does having made a general muster of his men, to see how many he might have lost, commanded his men to embark the wines, three pieces of ordnance, and the bells which he could find, with the rest of the spoil which the islanders could not carry into the mountains; then on the 16 day he shipped all his men, being resolved to send three or four hundred men on land the next day, to seek them that were fled into the mountains: but they had so cruel a storm that night, as it was put off, serving as an advertisement to the general to spare his men, and not to send them lightly into danger, yet 300 men went into the valley, whereas but three days before their companions had been surprised: but they found no enemy, and being loath to enter into the mountains, they returned with a little field piece, and two barrels of powder, which they found there. And seeing that the islanders kept themselves in their caves and hollow places of the mountains, and that there was no more there to be gotten, having set fire of the town church and cloister, they went to sea, leaving the island all desolate. The islanders seeing them all embarked, came down speedily from the mountains to quench the fire, as they of Allegoena in the great Canaries had done. The fleet remained the 20 day still at anchor in the road. Behold how these two islands of the great Canaries and Gomorrah, which for many years had felt no enemy, were conquered, spoiled, and burnt, by the sea army of the Estates, the which was levied to no other end, but to do an affront to the king of Spain, their capital and mortal enemy, and to annoy him as well by sea as land, without any intent to keep or hold any thing: so as having carried away all they could find in the said islands, they fired them, and so abandoned them. And so, 
Quicquid delirantreges plectuntur Achivi,  
Seditione, dolis, scelere atque libidine & ira. 
1599    
For we may say of them, as well of other places, and especially of that which the frontiers of Germany had suffered and endured of the Spaniards the winter past, The poor people were not in fault, but oftentimes they pay which were not the debtors.  
This exploit being thus performed, not content to have scoured the seas, and to have fronted the enemy of the Estates in his own country, but meaning to attempt something else, and thinking for the small resistance which he had found, that he had no need of so great a fleet, nor of so many mariners, and to have them which he should keep with him the better furnished, he resolves upon good counsel to send away half his ships; whereupon he calls all the captains and officers aboard, where after he had thanked them courteously for the good and faithful service which they had done unto the Estates of their common weal, and to prince Maurice their captain general, and great admiral of the united provinces, and prayed unto God to continue his favour and blessings to them all; he appointed 35 ships to return home into the united provinces with one admiral, which was captain jan Gheerbrandtsen, and having taken his leave of him and the other captains, and recommended them to the tuition of God, they took their course eastward, and he with thirty six of the best ships, and best appointed with men, and all other things necessary, for two or three months bend his course westward. The fleet of jan Gheerbrandtsen being often scattered one from another, arrived in September safely in Holland.  
The general Ʋander Does sailed westward with his fleet, towards the island of S. Thome, 
The progress of the Estates army at sea.  right under the equinoctial line, along the coast of Guynee, not far from the island del Principe, which is one of the Portugal islands, inhabited and governed by natural Portugals, abounding in sugar, which is their chiefest traffic, whereof he became master, with small toil or loss, having won the town of S. Thome. But as the air of that climate is very violent, hot, and intemperate, for men coming out of a country near unto the Northern region, more accustomed to temperate cold, than to the extreme heat of the line; (whereas the soldiers remaining in the town and island, had lain longer upon the ground than was fit, or their natures could endure, and to refresh themselves had filled their bellies with such waters as they found, the which were more hurtful than profitable, and it may be had been corrupted and spoiled by the islanders and inhabitants of the place) there fell a sickness among them, in a manner contagious, whereof there died many in great torments: which the general Ʋander Does finding, having shipped all the spoil which he could find in the town and island, and Francisco de Meneses governor thereof being taken prisoner, he put to sea, and bend his course homeward: notwithstanding, being infected with the venomous contagion of the air, there died a great number of them, wherewith the general Ʋander Does was likewise touched, whereof he died, and in a manner all the captains and officers: of the captains there returned only Regnier Camp and Calwart, the rest, and above three parts of their men, both soldiers and sailors were buried in the sea with their captains and officers, so as they had scarce men enough to bring home their ships and booty, who in the end returned one after another into Holland and Zeeland.  
It is true this sea army had been very chargeable to the Estates, and they lost many men, but they neither esteemed the loss, nor the profit of the booty (the which I hear did in a manner countervail the charge) in regard of the affront which they think they have done unto the king of Spain, whilst that his Spaniards braved it in the island of Bomel, against whom it seemed that their men and money might have been better employed.  
Now let us return to the two armies in the island of Bomel, betwixt the rivers of Wahal and Meuse, that of the Spaniards lying at Rossum, and prince Maurice in the little island of Voorn, and thereabouts along the dikes, and in his trenches. The Spaniard finding that (by reason of the Estates forces, and the situation of their camp) he should prevail nothing, having attempted twice or thrice (but in vain) to enter into the island of Thiel, hoping that the winter following, through favour of ice, the river being all frozen, he might easily pass the Rhine, the Wahal, and other rivers, to have entry and access into the Veluwe, or into some other part of the country of Gueldres, or the diocese of Vtrecht, and so into Holland, having resolved to retire the body of his army (which had suffered infinite discommodities in that island of Bomel) and to put it into garrisons, meaning to keep a place of arms & seat for the war in those parts. 
1599   
Whilst that the admiral's army and prince Maurice were in field, and near one another, cont Lodowick of Nassau went forth of the camp on the eight of August, with ten cornets of horse, passing over the river of Meuse, between Batenbourg and Ravenstein, and marched towards Genep, where he found the ways very bad; in Longstrate by the town of Grave, they were pursued by Ambrosio Landriano, who with some twenty cornets of horse charged him in Longstrate, but he got out and resisted them valiantly, forcing one of the cornets to fly, but for that he could not discover Landriano's strength, he retired back again to Genep: those which were led by Marcellus Bax, and Lievin Seis, lieutenant to john Bax, having received no great harm, saved themselves and passed over the Meuse, having lost about an hundred in Longstrate, whereof the more part were taken, and yet they brought away two hundred forage horses, and 25. prisoners with them.  
The admiral's army lying for the most part in Brabant, prince Maurice sent his cousin William earl of Nassau governor of Friesland, with 10 cornets of horse, & 24 companies of foot, giving 
Deutecom taken by William of Nassau.  him commission to take 26 companies more out of other places, with ordnance and munition, and to take the town of Deutecom from the enemy again, who went before it on the 24 of August, making his trenches on the 25 day, and the next day he planted two pieces of ordnance, and then an other, and so began to batter it; which they within finding, they demand to parley at the first summons, making their composition to depart: the which they did on the 27 day, with four ensigns, Dom juigo de Ocaola being governor, who also commanded the castle of Schuylenbergh, the which was also yielded, for that hearing of the coming of the Germans army, whereof there was great brute, and being besieged by the Estates, he had called forth the soldiers, fearing that otherwise he should not have any good composition, nor yet a convoy. These two places being taken, the Estates were again freed for their passage all abouts to the Rhine: they put a garrison into Deutecom, whereas they found 52 barrels of powder; which done the earl returned to the prince's camp on the 29 of August.  
He therefore caused a mighty fort to be built in the village of Rossem, a very commodious 
S. Andrews fort built by the Spaniard.  place, being the narrowest part of all the island of Bomel, bordering upon the rivers of Wahal and Meuse, with five great bulwarks, whereof two to the north and northwest, and two others to the south and south west were washed by the Meuse, having without that counterscarps upon either river, like unto a half moon, which made two little forts, being distant some 1400 paces from prince Maurices half moon at Herwaerden, which covered his fort of Nassau in the island of Voorn. This fort cardinal Andrew of Austria lieutenant general to the archduke Albert in his absence, and his cousin german, caused to be called by his name, the fort of S. Andrew, without doubt, an inexpugnable fortress, for the building whereof, they cut down all the willoes and other trees in the island of Bomel, the which was left naked of trees.  
Which fort (commonly called the key, and by some the spectacle of Holland) being finished, the Spanish army retired from thence, and was put into garrisons, but soon after they fell to mutiny for their pay. By reason whereof, after that the cardinal Andrew, the admiral of Arragon, and other commanders and councillors of the Spanish army, had duly observed and considered that (notwithstanding the bridges of ice, which God had given them upon the said rivers, the waters being so frozen as they might easily have passed both on foot and horse back) the forces which prince Maurice had left in those quarters, would have hindrens and annoyed them much, they thought it not fit to attempt any thing, or at the least not to attempt to pass there, whether it were for fear of being beaten, or having past, of a thaw, which would have stayed them, like mice in a trap: besides, it may be they had not their soldiers at commandment, by reason of the said mutinies, as soon after it appeared very plainly.  
The german army being disorderly broken up & dispersed, Genep was taken from them on the fourth day of November by the admiral, who also threatened to besiege Emmeric, the which was held yet by the Germans: monsieur de Rheyet governor of the town doubting it, and seeing the Spaniards lie before Genep, he sent unto prince Maurice for aid, all the rest of the Germans being gone, who presently sent colonel edmond's and Duuen●…ord with fifteen companies of foot, and five cornets of horse with monsieur Sidleniskie, who coming 
1599  before the town on the sixteenth of November, and thinking to enter, they found the townsmen and some of the soldiers in quarrel, contrary to the governors mind, who durst not then adventure to let in those supplies, who stood still, and knew not what to do. In the end colonel edmond's went to the Rhine gate, wherewith the burghers fell into an uproar; in the mean time certain Germans who were well affected to the Estates, being within the town, broke open the gate, and so he got in with the loss of few men, and then marched along to the stone gate, which they opened, drawing in the rest of their troops: and so taking order for all things within the town, the colonels with monsieur Sidlenisky, and the horsemen left the town, placing ten companies there under monsieur de Rheyet, for the guard thereof, and to prevent the admiral's design, who seemed to have an intent to pass with his army along the Rhine, by Berck and Rees, and so to enter into the earldom of Zutphen.  
Thus Emmeric continued still under the government of monsieur de Rheyet, but in the united provinces pay: his Germans which lay in the town (although they were promised to be duly paid, to make them the more willing to serve) were so jealous of the others, and so inconstant as they could not be stayed, for that the duke of Brunswick (whose men they were, had forbidden them, and called them home, making show as if he would employ them against the town of Brunswick, with whom he was in quarrel at that time, and so upon the eighteenth day of januarie, in the year 1600 they left the town: and so through the jealousy of these princes, the best resolutions were crossed, and quite overthrown.  
Thus the great preparation made by the princes and Estates of Germany, which continued the space of a whole year, vanished away like smoke, losing thereby much of their 
The end of the Germans enterprises against the Spaniards.  reputation, and discovering their own weakness and divisions, which defects the wisest men did judge the Spaniards would afterwards make use of, to their advantage, whensoever they should command absolutely over the Netherlands, thereby to make some conquest upon the frontiers of the empire; for it appeared plainly that the admiral sought to effect more by policy than by force, spending more money than blood in all his enterprises: for when as the admiral saw that prince Maurice had gotten Emmeric again, he had no will to attempt any thing more that year in Cleveland; wherefore he did not only forbear to take any more towns for the wintering of his army, but he also resolved to abandon Rees, which served him to no use, but as an unprofitable frontier town, from the which he could make no great incursions, nor much annoy his enemy; neither could he well hold it, but either it should be forced, or else he should be constrained to keep a strong garrison, to his great charge, and a bad report of all men: for which considerations he caused the sconce before the town to be razed, and on the 18 of December left it and went to Rhineberck, hoping to get it easily again, if prince Maurice once left it; to which end there were ambassadors sent from the princes of the empire to treat thereof: at the same time also he left Genep.  
The united provinces made offer unto the princes of Germany to take all the towns lying upon the Rhine for their uses, and to free the river of Rhine and the frontiers of the empire from the invasions of the Spaniard, with certain troops of horse and foot, paying them for it, but they could not agree; for many princes and towns were of opinion to levy and entertain four thousand foot, & a thousand horse, for the defence of the frontiers in the winter time; but those of the contrary faction crossed it, for that the Spaniards, that winter, sent Charles earl of Egmont, and their counsellor Heest, as ambassadors unto divers princes of the empire, giving them to understand, that they would leave all the towns and places which they held, excusing whatsoever had been done, and promising recompense for all wrongs which had been committed by them.  
The Estates of the united provinces (although they had made but a defensive war this year) found themselves in great want of money, and the more for that they had set forth a great fleet at sea, the which had cost above twelve hundred thousand gulderns, whereof as then but few were returned. They also grew bare by the levying of so many new soldiers, whom they meant to entertain but for a time, and yet they kept them still in pay; so as upon 
1599  the 29 of October they mustered their whole army, and found it to be 10600 foot strong, besides their horsemen. Moreover they had spent much money in digging and making of sconces, and kept in pay many ships, boats, wagons, horses to draw, carriages for artillery, with other extraordinary charges, amounting to above twelve hundred thousand gulderns, besides the soldiers pay: for which cause they appointed an assembly of the Estates to be held at Gorchom, whereas the general Estates, the council of estate, prince Maurice, and William earl of Nassau met together, to consult how they might abate the charges of their army, seeing the disorders among the Spaniards, for want of foresight and keeping of accounts, the which might serve them for a precedent. They were also to take order in Zeeland, for the keeping of the galleys in the haven of Scluce, and to determine of some things concerning the princes of the empire, with other like.  
Whereupon order was taken that a general reduction should be made of their soldiers, and that they would hold no more in pay than the estate of the country would afford▪ and that they would discharge as many ships, wagons, and other trains, as they might conveniently, and dig no more than they should be forced unto, and yet they would have a new passage made through the Weert, right over against S. Andrews fort, that they might pass freely up and down the river of Wahal, without any let of the said for't. And moreover touching the admiralty, and sea causes, that all things might be ordered in every province, after the best manner that might be, and for the keeping of the mouth of the river of Scluce, which they would not have abandoned, but have the galleys still fought withal, they also devised to have a●…konce made at Niewer haven in Flanders, but it was not done for want of money, & yet the men and the ordnance was ready.  
Lastly, they resolved to do some exploit in the enemy's country, meaning to move certain high Duchess, when as then lay still at Sevenaer, to serve them a while, but they could not effect any thing, for that those soldiers would not serve the Estates; wherefore they resolved upon a reduction and discharge of some of their soldiers, & the abating of their charge. In this assembly they also devised how to raise some good sums of money against the next year.  
Upon the 21 of November the earl of Busquoy, who had been taken prisoner before Emmeric, was delivered, paying 20 thousand gulderns for his ransom, & Paul Emili●… Martinengue for 1000 gulderns ransom, according to the quarter newly made and agreed upon for captains and colonels of horsemen.  
Upon the 20 of November prince Maurice began to break up his camp, and dismiss his troops, but yet he resolved once again to attempt some thing against Crevecoeur sconce, 
Prince Mau●…ice breaks up his army.  or else against Boisleduc, but being ready to march with certain troops, and 60 wagons with all kind of furniture, there fell so great a storm of wind, rain, and snow, as they could not possibly march; so as upon the 28 of November he broke up his army, leaving the Voorn, Hesel quarter, and all the small sconces well appointed with men.  
All this time there was an order taken by the general Estates, that execution should be done upon the villages and peasants of Brabant, which would pay no contribution: and to that end there were 12 cornets of reisters, and two thousand foot, appointed by prince Maurice to go into Brabant; but having their commission, and being all ready to march, the foul weather (before spoken of) kept them from passing the water, neither could they get to Louvain as they had charge, so as they could not do any thing; but on the 29 of November they fell upon a company of poor peasants, who would have made head against them at Baller, whereas they burned certain houses. Captain du Bois would needs march further into the country, but he was wounded, and his cornet slain; yet this road did so terrify the peasants of the country thereabouts, as most of them brought in their contribution to the Estates, as they had decreed.  
Upon the sixth of December john earl of Nassau, son to old john earl of Nassau and Dildenbourgh, and brother to William prince of Orange, who was murdered in Delft, came to the Hage in Holland, and had audience in the assembly of the general Estates, touching the arrearages of his father's lands, which was the pretence of his coming, yet many did conceive, that he had some secret charge from some of the german princes, but all 
1599  was kept secret, and nothing ensued, although the earl of Hohenlo were a mediator betwixt them.  
The admiral of Arragon having discharged his army, with great discontentment of the 
The admiral breaks up his camp, and pays not his soldiers, who mutiny.  soldiers, for want of their pay, among whom there was a rumour spread abroad, that the archduke Albertus would pay no arrearages to his soldiers, but from the time of his instalment, and that they must seek the rest at the king of Spain's hands, the which was very unpleasing unto the soldiers; whereupon many of them mutined. The Germans of Slegels' regiment being in Herentales, with a company of Albanois horsemen, under Nicholo Basti, took the small town of Peer by scalado, whereas many of them were slain, but they put the burghers to the sword, and spoiled the town. john jacomo, earl of Belioioso, was sent to pay them with good words, but they would not hear him speak, nor let them in. Henry earl of Berghes soldiers took three hundred oxen before the gates of Cologne, being brought thither to be sold, whereof part were ransomed. Many such like insolencies were committed in other places: such as were interessed by the soldiers, made their complaints at Brussels, but had no answer; they had only a certificate given them, that they had done their messages, and made their complaints.  
About the last of December the Spaniards being 1200 strong of all nations, horse and foot, took Weert and Kempen, and fell upon the town of Hamont, making a general mutiny, the footmen did choose john Alonzo Maiolichino, an Italian, for their Electo, and the horsemen Giovanni Martin's; to whom Gaspar Sapena, a colonel, was sent to pacify them, whom they refused to hear, and chased him away.  
In the end of the year, an ambassador sent from them of Westphalia, had audience of the general Estates of the united Provinces, where he complained of the great wrongs and oppressions done unto them by the Estates soldiers in their territories, desiring to know, if it were done with their privities and consents. Whereunto the Estates made answer, That they were very sorry for it, and would take order to prevent it, saying moreover, That they wondered why those of Westphalia had made so small resistance against their enemies, having made such great complaints unto the emperor, and drawn the princes and Estates of Germany into arms; and when as their brethren and allies were in the field, they drew their necks out of the collar, and not only abandoned them, but did help and assist the enemy, which might haply be a cause to move their soldiers to use that unlawful rigour against them, taking them for their enemies, as being the cause of their own and their neighbour's harm, through the great affection which they had borne unto the Spaniard. The like answer was also made by them unto others, which came from thence to complain, yet they did write unto their troops, commanding them to carry themselves discreetly, & to respect neutral places.  
The archduke and the Infanta having consummated their marriage in Spain, came into Italy, and so arrived at Brussels in November 1599, but before they would be installed, and enter into the government, they did what they could to procure a general peace: to which end they moved the Emperor (who did much affect the greatness and welfare of the house of Austria) to send an honourable embassage unto the Estates of the united Provinces, to persuade them to yield unto a peace, for the good of the empire and of all Christendom.  
The ambassadors which were appointed to this charge, were Salentin earl of Isenbourg, Harman earl of Manderscheyt, and Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, knight. Being come to Grensaw, they sent a trumpet unto the general Estates, with a letter, to desire a passport, to come freely and deliver what they had in charge: whereunto the Estates made answer as followeth.  
Right honourable, we have received your letters, dated at Grensaw the eight of October, 
The Estates letter to the emperor's ambassadors concerning a peace.  whereby we understand, that the emperors Majesty hath given you in charge to deliver unto us certain points which concern his imperial Majesty, and by consequence the whole Empire, craving first a passport and convoy to come personally unto us, for the preventing of all mischiefs, which may daily happen in these troublesome times, desiring also a time and place to be appointed to deliver your message and to receive our answer: wherein we could not choose (in regard of the duty which we owe unto his imperial Majesty 
1599  and the whole empire) but let your honours understand, that we hold ourselves much bound unto the high and mighty imperial Majesty, to the prince's electors, and others the Estates of the empire, that it hath pleased him and them to give your honour's charge to bring this message unto us, which we understand to consist of two points; first, to procure a treaty of peace betwixt the high and mighty prince Albert archduke of Austria, with the noble Infanta of Spain, and us: and secondly, for the restitution of places belonging to the holy empire, and ceasing from incursions into the territories thereof.  
Touching the first point, may it please your lordships to remember what was set down by us at large in our letters unto his imperial majesty, in the year 1591., as also what answer was made by us unto the baron of Rheyt, upon the like propositions; and also in anno 1594, unto the letters of the archduke Ernestus of famous memory, and in the years 1595 and 1596 unto the high and mighty imperial Majesty, the elector of Mentzes, the archbishop of Salsbourg, the administrators of Saxony, Philip Lodowick vander Nieubourgh, and the estates of Cologne and Nurembergh, as also to the ambassadors of Poland and Denmark, and lastly unto your honours and to Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, concerning this point, whereof the copies are hereunto annexed, whereby his imperial Majesty, and the whole Estates of the empire may easily conjecture, how this may be effected: and although it may be alleged that the estate of the Netherlands since that time is much altered, by reason of the pretended gift of the said countries unto the Infanta, besides the death of the old king of Spain, with the ensuing marriage of the archduke Albertus and the Infanta; yet it may be avouched that the united provinces have now more weighty and more invincible reasons and arguments to move them not to treat of any peace with the Spaniards, or with the archduke and Infanta (as depending of the Spaniards) than ever they had, as may appear by a proclamation set forth by us in April last, in the which we have briefly set down certain chief points, whereby the king of Spain that now is (under the government of the archduke) hath showed himself more rigorous against these countries, and the inhabitants thereof, and against the members of the empire, concerning their rights and privileges, than the deceased king his father did: and that under the archdukes command great severity hath been showed against the Christian religion, and not only the united provinces, but also their neighbours, namely the confines of the empire have been so unworthily entreated, as it is strange that the members and Estates of the empire do not seek reparation of the wrongs, injuries, and oppressions done unto them, by force; and the rather, for that he that was general for the king and archduke, being priest to observe what had been promised, hath openly protested upon the very frontiers of the empire, that he could not observe the promises made by the archduke, for that God and the king's service required other proceedings; saying, that notwithstanding the said promises, he would not forbear to use all force and violence, by murdering, spoiling, burning, and other execrable actions against the territories and subjects of the empire, as also in changing and altering of laws, policies, and religion: which proceedings should be displeasing unto the archduke; yet they keep still the towns of the empire in their possession, and brag that they have gotten a great victory against the forces of the empire, as it may be sufficiently proved, having no intent to yield up the said towns so usurped, but to hold them for their own use and commodity. Moreover it was never more apparent than at this present, that the Spaniards and their adherents design is perpetually to disturb and subvert the Estates rights and privileges of the Netherlands, and utterly to ruin them, to the unspeakable prejudice of all neighbour kings, princes, and common weals, but especially of the Estates of the empire, whom they seek to overrule, & to keep the archduke with the Infanta & their heirs in perpetual subjection, not allowing them authority to yield any thing unto the petitions of the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof, concerning the Catholic religion, and other principal points belonging to the well fare of the same. We shall not need to speak of the letters, by the which it is agreed that always four or more of the chief towns or forts in the Netherlands, shall have Spanish garrisons in them, nor yet of the secret advice given by the late deceased king of Spain, unto the king that now is, showing by what means he may always take occasion to regain the Netherlands; but it shall suffice to produce the said pretended donation, whereby the archduke, the Infanta, and their successors, have for ever promised, and bound themselves by oath, to follow the wills and appetites of the Spaniards, 
1599  not only in regard of the freedoms, rights, and privileges of these countries, but also for the disposition of the succession of the Netherlands, the protection and bringing up of their heirs by the Spaniards, and the power and prerogative which the kings of Spain will have to dispose of them and their children's marriages, or to give in marriage to whom they please, to hold the Netherlands of them in chief, and to restrain them from their free navigation and trading by sea; and all and every of these points, upon forfeiture of the same: adding hereunto, that they and their heirs shall be bound to hold and maintain the catholic Romish religion, upon the like penalty, as doth plainly appear by the articles of the said donation hereunto annexed: so as there is small reason for the emperors Majesty, the empire, or these provinces, if they will maintain their respective freedoms, privileges, and religion, to enter into any treaty of peace with the archduke, considering the late rigorous proceedings both in the Netherlands and upon the frontiers of the empire. And it is manifest that the treaty not long since made between the Queen of England, the Spaniards, and the archduke, was according to their old manner, under colour of a treaty, to effect some further design; as the army sent of late years out of Spain to invade England doth sufficiently witness: as also in August last the like should have been done, if almighty God by his grace had not diverted that pretence, forcing them to employ that fleet to follow our ships of war, which were then sent out upon the coast of Spain. Besides the archduke and the Infanta have such great spirits, as notwithstanding they cannot pretend any right to the united provinces by the said gift, or by any other title, yet by their proclamations they publish & hold them for rebels: actions unworthy of so great princes, the which can never be forgotten.  
Touching the second point, we hope not only by presentation, but actually, to have made manifest our just and true intents unto the emperors majesty, the prince's electors, and the Estates of the empire, so as it seemeth strange to us, we should be further molested and troubled, for that we seek to bring our common enemy to reason, and to abate his pride.  
By these and many other reasons, it may be thought unnecessary that (for the preservation of the honour of the emperor's majesty, and of the whole empire) your lordships should come hither to treat of the said points, which we also think not fit: wherefore we have not sent you any passport to that end; hoping that the emperor, and the Estates of the empire, having seen these our letters, will conceive our meanings herein, which is, that we hereby desire to ease your lordships of the pains and trouble which you may endure in this journey; humbly beseeching the emperors majesty, and your honours, to have a good conceit of us, and to advance the cause of the Netherlands, wherein the welfare of the emperor, the service of the empire, and our good consisteth, and we will not fail always to acknowledge and requite the same unto the honours etc. Dated in the Hage the seventh of December, 1599  
This letter being delivered to the emperors ambassadors, they returned an answer on the 8 of December, as followeth.  
Right honourable, we have received your letters, and understand by the contents thereof, 
The ambassadors answer to the Estat●… letter.  that you are informed (ex relatione aliorum) of our coming, and of the effect of our embassage: we must confess, that touching the restitution of places belonging unto the holy empire, and the damages received thereby, we have especial charge to solicit both parties in all friendly manner; but concerning the other point, it is not intended that we by the emperors commandment should enter into any new treaty of peace with you, but only for the furtherance of a treaty which was begun at Regsensborgh, in the year 1594, the which the prince's electors, and the electors of the Estates of the empire referred to some other convenient time. And concerning the other points contained in your letters and copies, touching the doubts risen between the king's Majesty of Spain, and the Netherlands, to the great dishonour and prejudice of all Christendom, experience hath taught us to judge thereof, as time and occasion shall serve. And although we have commission from the emperors majesty, our gracious lord and sovereign prince, to treat with either party; yet you may assure yourselves, the emperors majesty, the prince's electors, and other Estates of the empire, 
1599  know how to remedy the wrongs done both by the Spaniards, for their parts and by you of the united provinces; & not to free the empire, but also the oppressed members thereof, from all unneighbourly force and invasion: yet his Majesty at the earnest request of the prince's electors, and Estates of the empire, hath thought good to impose this commission upon us, as your honours at our coming shall understand more at large. And although, according to these our instructions graciously given us by the emperor, we may not (as it seems by your letters) be heard at this time, nor allowed to show them unto the general Estates, yet we doubt not but you will dutifully consider them, and not upon any colour or presence whatsoever, contrary to the commendable custom of all nations, and to the blemishing of the emperor's authority and reputation, refuse to give us a passport, and without hearing us speak, so skornfully reject the instructions sent unto you by the emperors majesty, and the whole empire, the which are done with a good intent; but rather accept friendly and thankfully thereof, and take them in good part, whereby the cause may be advanced, and so without further delay we may proceed to a neighbourly audience of you, and the discharge of the commission and embassage received by us, the which according to our instructions we are to deliver unto you. The consideration whereof, in all friendly manner we recommend unto your honours, etc. and therewith we commit you to the protection of the almighty, and ourselves unto your friendly censures. Dated as aforesaid etc.  
The general Estates having received this letter from the ambassadors, they made a reply, the which, for that it is very long, & in manner a repetition of the former. I have thought good for brevities sake to omit, and to touch only at the principal points. First having made protestation of their duties and service to the emperors majesty, & the holy empire, they insist, that for many urgent reasons they could neither directly nor indirectly, enter into any treaty of peace with the king of Spain, or the archduke and Infanta, & that not only in regard of the welfare of the united provinces, and the inhabitants thereof, but in respect of the Queen of England, and other princes and common weals their neighbours, and the good of all the inhabitants of the Netherlands, sighing under the burden of the Spanish yoke.  
Touching the restitution of certain places which was demanded, they answered that they held them for their own safeties, & the emperor's service, & not only to free the united provinces, but also the territories of the empire from the invasions and oppressions of the Spaniards; in which places they entertained garrisons at their own charge, for their necessary defence. That they would give contentment to certain ambassadors which were at that instant come from Cleves, juilliers, and other territories of the empire to the same end, so as the emperors majesty, nor the Estates of the empire should have no cause to dislike of them: protesting that they had no desire to hold any lands out of the united provinces, nor to do any wrong unto their neighbour countries, offering to deliver up Emmeric and the Tolhus, as soon as the enemy should do the like, and to give security not to take any place upon the frontiers of the empire, nor to build any sconces, nor to make any incursions upon the territories of the empire, so as the enemy would make the like promise, & give the like security. After that they make an ample relation of the Spaniards proceedings for the space of 15 months, and the great insolencies committed by them upon the territories of the empire; all which they had done as they said in contempt of the emperors majesty, and of the holy empire. In the end they persuade the prince's electors, & other estates of the empire, to oppose themselves against the enemy, and to revenge the wrongs done unto the empire, that hereafter he should not dare to attempt the like. Lastly, they desire them to censure of their proceedings, as tonding only to the service of the holy empire, and that they would give the emperors majesty, the prince's electors, and all the Estates of the empire to understand in what honourable respect they held them, & would be always ready to do the like unto their honours, to their best abilities.  
Whilst the Estates were framing of this answer, the ambassadors came to Brussels to deliver their charge, whereupon the first of February they had open audience of the archdukes, they being accompanied with the admiral, the prince of Orange, & divers other noblemen. Charles Nutzel made the speech; the effect of his oration was, that they did congratulate (in the emperor their brother's name) the archdukes coming into the Netherlands, showing how much the emperor desired to plant peace and quietness in the Netherlands, who 
1599  was bound by his office to defend the friends and allies of the empire from all force and invasion: then he passed to the restitution which the archdukes were to make of the town of Rhineberck to the elector of Cologne, and the satisfying of them of Westphalia, & the countries of Cleves, Mark, and others, for the wrongs and oppressions done unto them the year past. Whereunto the archduke made answer in general terms, That he thanked the emperor for his great love and kindness, promising to send him an answer in writing, whereby the sincerity of his heart unto the holy empire might be the better known (whereof he said he was no unprofitable member) and how much he desired the peace and good of those countries, which as then were his, and that there should not be any defect in him to enter into any honourable condition of peace, that he might not be the cause (as it was never his intent) why his neighbours should endure any harm or wrong by his soldiers, the contrary effects whereof were to be ascribed to the condition and fruits of war, and not to the disposition & wilful sufferance of the commanders etc. And so being feasted by the archdukes, & receiving divers presents, they returned back to the emperor, by whom not long after they were sent again, about the same subject.  
After the archdukes coming into the Netherlands, he wrote a letter with his own hand unto the Q. of England, advertising her M. of their arrival in the Netherlands, and what great desire he had to make a peace with his neighbours, & to renew the old league & alliance which their house for many years held with the K. of England, for the effecting whereof he said he had full power from the king of Spain. Whereunto the Q. of England made answer, That she had always sought that peace, which might tend to the general good of all Christendom, whereunto she would willingly give ear, seeing they said they had authority from the king of Spain to treat, but that she was bound in honour, as the united provinces in like sort were, not to enter into any treaty before she had first made them acquainted therewith, and known their resolution, if they meant to be comprehended therein, to whom she would send, to know if they would join with her, or that she should treat alone by herself, the which when time served should be made known unto them. Moreover, her Ma. did congratulate the archdukes coming into the Netherlands, & the rather, for that she had had an uncle of their blood, who had done her great honour, and therefore she wished the Infanta all good. These letters with others being sent to and fro by 2 brethren, called jeronimo and jasper Coyemans, at the last there was a treaty of peace agreed upon, but it took no effect.  
Whilst that the archdukes did labour by all means to bring the Netherlands to an uniform obedience under them, news came, that the duke of Lermas secretary in Spain was committed to prison, for a discourse which he had written, saying, That the last deceased K. of Spain had pretended to erect a Monarchy in the Netherlands, and there to make his Sedem belli, being more commodious for use that than Spain, in regard of the great rivers bordering on the neighbour countries, and the commodity of the sea, together with the great numbers of ships & sailors, the discovery whereof it may be was ill taken by some, yet in February after he was set at liberty. This Winter the duke of Arschot came to Cruyninghen in Zeeland, whither his lady the countess of Meghen came from the Hage to meet him, where they continued together for certain days, upon hope of further reconciliation, there being some dislike betwixt them, as it was said, for matter of religion, but many thought it was rather to make some propositions for a treaty of peace: but for that the Estates held it not convenient for them, there appeared no man in their behalfs, so as upon the 19 of November the duke returned again into Brabant, and the countess his wife unto the Hage.  
The archduke Albertus being now 39 years old, for that he was borne on the third of November 1560, and the Infanta Isabella 33 years old, being borne on S. Clares day 1566, being 
The installment of the archdukes.  come to Brussels, they sent for the Estates of their dominions, who by commission from their generality, came thither to congratulate & salute them, with whom they took advice about their installment, and for the making of their joyful entries into the chief towns, according to the ancient custom, disposing of their officers and household servants according to their Estates, imitating the ancient orders of the houses of Bourgoigne and Spain, rewarding many of their servants with offices. At their requests, and to do them honour, the order of the golden fleece (the sovereignty whereof the king of Spain reserved to himself) was given unto prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the marquess of Haurec, the 
1599  earl of Arembergh, who also was made admiral, to Florents' earl of Barlaimont, Charles earl 
Knights of the golden fleece made.  of Egmont, Philip of Croy earl of Sores, and to the admiral of Arragon his general, in recompense of his services, seeking to bind many others unto them, by rewards and preferments.  
Their court and train was magnificent and stately, having a stable of seventy or eighty great horses, eighty coach horses, and 150 mules, the earl of Sores being master of their horse. There attended on them sixteen or eighteen pages, all which were noble men's sons; besides a guard of halberdiers and shot, with other officers, so as the charge of their court was esteemed above two thousand gulderns a day, besides officers and servants wages: Don●… Roderigo de Lasso was captain of the guard on horseback. They sent ambassadors into all places, to entertain friendship and good correspondency with their neighbours, as into France they sent the prince of Orange, and others elsewhere.  
They moved the deputies of the provinces, which were come to Brussels to congratulate their coming, to further their instalment, and joyful entries, wherein there did grow some difficulty, for the provinces in general, yet by several petitions demanded the performance of certain articles, and the peace which was promised them by the archduke, before his departure into Spain, and then they said they would proceed to their installing, standing upon this point, to have foreign soldiers sent out of their towns & forts, & to have all places of importance kept & guarded by them that were borne in the country; saying openly, that they had been advertised for certain, that the archdukes before their departure from Spain, had promised to entertain Spanish garrisons in divers towns and castles of the Netherlands, for their safeties, and to seek to raise a certain contribution of four millions of gulderns yearly, for the maintenance thereof, which bred a great jealousy among them, so as at that time they could not resolve upon the installing, unless the three articles following (which they said were more than necessary) might be performed. That according to their privileges, all strange garrisons and soldiers should be sent out of the country: all offices executed by such as were borne in the country, and a peace concluded with the united provinces, by th●… counsel and advice of the Estates of those provinces.  
But concerning all these doubts, a messenger was sent into Spain, and secret conference had with divers men; many Machi●…uilian persuasions were used, as that the towns and forts being planted with garrisons, and the provinces full of strange soldiers (against whom there was no striving, they being masters) it was best under that yoke, to choose the least evil, being forced thereunto through fear and compulsion, and that the instalment and oath made by the provinces in t●…at manner, could not be of force, being as it were compulsive, and that therefore they might at all times break it, with many such reasons more. It is said the Infanta alleged, that she was not bound to take any oath at all, as her predecessors had done, for that the country was given her by her father: the which was hardly censured. But the archduke being duly informed hereof, thought it best and least prejudicial for them, to undertake those points, and to swear to maintain their privileges, that so they might get possession, and after when time served, find some starting hole. With these considerations on both sides, & not without secret persuasions, they agreed upon their instalment, according to the ancient manner. All things being thus concluded, upon the 24 of November they were honourably received 
The archdukes install●…ent at Lo●…aine.  and installed in Louvain, whither the deputies of the smaller towns, & of the 4 chief towns came as of Boisleduc, Antuerp, Brussels, and Louvain, which made the third member of Brabant; for the second member there appeared the barons of Bassigni, Gromberghen, and Weesemale, the earl of Arembergh, the marquess of Berghen up Zoom, the prince of Orange, and the duke of Croy and Arschot: and for the clergy, which was the third member, there appeared the prelate's of saint Gheertrude, Eueruode, Diligem, Tongerlo, Heylichstem, Grumbergen, Villers, and Vlierbeque; all which presented themselves before the archduke & the Infanta, who were accompanied by the ambassadors of Spain, the duke of Aumale (who was banished out of France) the marquess of Haurec, the earl of Mansfeldt, the admiral of Arragon, the precedent Richardot, & the auditor, who read the joyful entries (signed and sealed by the archdukes) openly both in Latin and Dutch: which the Infanta kneeling upon her knees, did first swear upon the holy Euangils to observe, and after her the archduke: which being done, the three Estates aforesaid, in regard of their principalities, and the 
1599  estates and towns of Brabant and Ouermase, took their due oaths of obedience, & then all the privileges of Brabant were confirmed and sworn unto. From Louvain they returned to Brussels again upon the eight and twentieth of November with great state, whereas the triumphant Ark, made at their first entry, stood yet still undefaced, and there they were also installed, they of the town giving them a present of plate, which was esteemed to be worth 20000 gulderns.  
From thence upon the fifth of December they entered into the castle of antwerp, and so on 
The archdukes installing in antwerp.  the eight of December they made their joyful entry into the town, where they were most honourably, sumptuously, and triumphantly received: first, there road before 56 officers or wardens, of 28 several occupations of the town: after them 26 Wyckmasters, appareled in purple, velvet, and silk: after them followed such as had been magistrates in the town, being 17 in number, all knights and men of good account, whose names, for brevity sake, I omit: after them went four officers, called the short Road, and the long Road, & the four Secretaries of the town; then followed the four Clerks of the town: after them came the Estates pensioners, who are also of the counsel of the town: then followed the treasurers, the bourgomasters, and Schepenen of the town: after all followed M. Henrick van Varigh, Schout and Margrave of the land of Rhyne, and john Dammant, amptman of the town, both knights. The archduke made four of the bourgomasters' knights, with these ceremonies: they kneeling down one after another before the archduke, the earl of Solre standing by him, and giving him his sword, he gave each of them three several blows upon the right shoulder, and therewith he made him kiss the pommel of his sword: which done, the archduke said: I make you knights in the name of God and S. George, truly to defend the Christian faith, the church, justice, and all widows and orphans. On the 10 of December the archduke and Infanta, after a mass said by the bishop of antwerp, went unto the townhouse, where they were installed upon a scaffold, and sworn with the accustomed ceremonies; the form of their oath was as followeth.  
We Albertus and Isabella Clara Eugenia, princes of Spain, by the grace of God, archdukes 
The form of the archdukes oath in antwerp.  of Austria, dukes of Burgundy, Lorraine, Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, and Gelder, earls of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Tirol, Burgundy, Palatin, Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namur, Zutphen, & Margrave of the holy empire, lord of Friseland, Salines, Macklyn, Vtrecht, and the territories of Ouerissel & Groningue, let you understand, that I Albertus archduke, as husband to the foresaid Infanta, and I the Infanta as princess and heir of these countries and provinces, do promise to fulfil and accomplish that which upon the 21 of August ann 1598., was by us and in our names promised and sworn to all and every one of the Estates of the Netherlands in particular (as then assembled at Brussels in the great hall of the palace) and moreover do swear, that we will uphold and maintain the rites of the Church, and of the Margraveship of the holy empire, and in general all their statutes, privileges, charters, freedoms, rights, liberties, and customs, both new and old, as also the privileges of our joyful entries, which were given and granted by us and our predecessors unto the Estates of Brabant, none excepted, and to hold and maintain them, and cause them to be held and maintained fully and wholly in every point, and that we will not do any thing contrary to the same, neither in all, nor in part, in any sort whatsoever, and that we will do all that good and lawful lords and Margraves of the holy empire are bound to do unto their good subjects in the said Marquessate, and whatsoever is innovated contrary thereunto, we will amend and reduce it to the former estate, as God and all his holy Saints shall help us.  
Whereupon the magistrate in the behalf of the town (speaking unto the auditor of the town in Dutch) holding up his fingers, took his oath as followeth: We bourgomasters, 
The oath of the magistrate of antwerp.  Schepenen, counsel, & inhabitants of the town of antwerp, all in general, and every one in particular swear unto you, right high and mighty princes, Albert and Isabella Clara Eugenia, princes of Spain, by the grace of God archdukes of Austria, dukes of Burgundy, Lorraine, Brabant, Lembourg etc. earls of Habsbourg Flanders, Arthois etc. our sovereign lords & lawful princes, who are here personally present, that we shall and will be good and true subjects unto you, and do all things that loyal and faithful subjects are bound to do for their lords and lawful princes, so God us help and all his holy saints.  
Moreover according to the ancient manner, there was an instrument or writing drawn 
1600  of this solemn oath taken on both parts, and at the request of the Margrave was signed by both the princes, and their names set down as witnesses, that were at that time present, in this manner. Given in our town of antwerp the twelfth day of December, 1599, in the presence of the right worthy and reverent father in God, the bishop of Tricaricensis, the pope's Nuntio, Bàlthazar de Suniga ambassador for the king of Spain, the duke of Aumale, the earl of Mansfeldt, the duke of Arschot, the prince of Orange, the marquess of Haurec, the earl of Arembergh, the earl Vanden Berghe, the marquess of Berghen up Zoom, sir john Richardot knight, john Berlij precedent, Christopher van Assonuille, monsieur van Alten knight, Nicholas Dammont knight, and chancellor of Brabant, besides other officers and standers by. Signed, Albert and Isabella. underwritten, by commandment of their highness, & signed Vereycken.  
This was done in every place with great solemnity and triumph, as upon the 28 of januarie at Gant, whereas the last of januarie they of Bruges and other places took their oaths by their deputies, the 3 of February it was done at Cortrick, the 6 at Dornick, the 9 at Dovay, and so in other towns.  
Whilst the archdukes were riding abroad to be installed, prince Maurice undertook an 
Wachtendonck in Gueldres taken by prince Maurice.  enterprise against Wachtendonck, a very strong town, lying in the higher parts of Gueldres, upon the river of Niers, the which was recovered from the united provinces some twelve years before, by Charles earl of Mansfeldt, having besieged it two months; to which end upon the two and twentieth of januarie he gathered together eight cornets of horse about the cloister of Bebber by Cleef, and some eight hundred foot under Lodowicke's earl of Nassau, and colonel edmond's, who began to march thither-wards in the forenoon, with certain wagons, and by night came to Nyekerke by Wachtendonck, where they rested a while, and then they went forwards towards the town, some went over the ice, and some through the ditches, and so got over the walls into the town, whereas there were not above eighty soldiers neither in the town nor in the castle, for that the horsemen which lay in it were gone forth to seek for booty, and to spoil the fort of Wandersluyten, where they were encountered by certain soldiers of the garrisons of Bonne & Buyler, & defeated: prince Maurice his men were no sooner entered into the town, but the burghers took an alarm, yet they found small resistance, so as they became masters of the town without any difficulty: then they placed certain musketeers upon the town wall, to shoot at any they should discover within the castle, whereas monsieur van Gileyn governor of the castle was hurt in the throat, and an officer, with one other slain. The governor having not above thirty soldiers within the castle, sent with all speed to Ruremond, to the earl Vanden Berghe for aid, who presently caused all the garrisons thereabouts, to march thither, but it was too late; for cont Lodowick of Nassau was come with his horse and foot, whereas some of his horsemen left their horses, and among the rest, the lieutenant of prince Maurice his company, got over the ditches, and so upon the castle wall, whereas at last he persuaded the soldiers to yield, upon promise of their lives: one of the governors maids being of a stout courage, ran to the walls with a fork in her hand, and therewith overthrew a ladder whereon there were five men climbing up.  
By this means on the three and twentieth day of januarie they did win the town of Wachtendonck, which town lying in the upper parts of Gueldres, in a marish ground, among the towns which as yet are held by the Spaniards in that province, was of great importance for them, to cross the admiral's proceedings.  
There lay certain companies of Spanish footmen thereabouts, who were in great danger to be discovered and charged, for that neither the town of Gueldre, nor any other place would receive them, by reason of their disorders, and of the general mutiny. This enterprise thus happily performed by cont Lodowick and colonel edmond's, was very beneficial unto them, for that the peasants thereabouts had brought all their best goods into the town: who after they had taken good order for the estate of the town, they departed from thence with their horsemen, leaving Lewis vander Cathulle lord of Rihove for governor of the town, with all the footmen; & for that the town was unfurnished of match, scoops, spades, and other furniture upon the 5 of February colonel edmond's went thither again, to carry such necessaries as they wanted. 
1600   
As it was said before, certain of the archdukes soldiers were mutined: the archduke by the advice of the admiral, had resolved to punish them, being a necessary and fit medicine for such a disease, and to that end he caused three pieces of ordnance to be drawn out of Mastricht, having two thousand Bourgognons which were newly raised by the marquess of Varrabon, and two thousand Walloons, to whom there was least due, which he meant to employ against the mutinous soldiers, which would not be pacified without money: but they found few of them willing to march, some of the leaders objecting the inconveniences which might grow, by suffering dutiful and quiet soldiers to fight against desperate mutineers, putting him in mind of what had happened between the Italians and Spaniards at Sichem, in the year 1595, and that it grieved and discontented many men, to see such rigour used against poor men, whom mere necessity forced to demand their own. They laid before him the danger of a general mutiny, if he took that course: Wherefore he resolved by the changing of garrisons, and other exploits which Borlotto had in hand, to prevent all further mutineis; yet they mutined more, as at Crevecoeur, and in S. Andrew's fort: so as the archduke finding no other means to pacify them, he granted the mutinous companies at Hamont, that they should go to Diest, and there stay until they were paid all their arrearages: whereupon they were conducted thither by Tessada Master of the camp, being two thousand foot, & one thousand horse, where they were to receive daily fourteen stivers for a footman, and twenty eight for a horseman, until their account and reckoning were paid them. Yet notwithstanding, whether it were that their pay came not time enough, or for some other reason, eight hundred of these horsemen, & one thousand footmen, went into the Wallon countries, as far as Berghen, Henegoe, and to Dornick, whereas they forced the country men (who had not paid them any contribution since they were in Hamont) to pay them their contribution, wherein no admonitions of john jacomo earl of Belioioso (who was sent unto them) was able to dissuade them.  
The garrison of the castle of Carpen, being but two and twenty soldiers, and some horsemen, 
The soldiers of Carpen mutiny.  mutined also, and received two hundred Spanish horsemen in to them, to whom Fernando Lopes their governor was sent, but he could not pacify them, until it was August following.  
Part of the Spanish army lying about Boisleduc, betwixt Grave and Venlo, the commanders 
Mutineisin the Spanish camp  thought it dangerous to lie near the mutineers, finding some of their men both horse and foot to go unto them daily, especially Walloons and Italians, so as they were grown to be three hundred horse, and five hundred foot, and went to Hamont, from whence many of the Spaniards were gone to Diest, who after the manner of the mutineers, had chosen them an Electo, whose name was Brunoro Grabieli di Augubio, and for the horsemen Pietrantonio Genevef d'Alessandria, and all their officers were Italians, as fittest for that vocation. Whereupon Joys de Velasco, fearing that more of his men would run away, he passed over the Meuse to Arson, and so marched towards Berck, and lay in the villages of Nidekerke and Oudekerke, not far from Venlo, but the same night three hundred of his horsemen, and some of his footmen left him, and went to the mutineers, whereby the archdukes affairs concerning the wars were but in ba●…estate, until that more money came.  
It was said before what was done by the united provinces, in the winter time, concerning the wars, now I will show what preparation they made for the summer wars. In winter they sat in counsel, to procure a consent from the provinces, for the levying of certain money towards their wars: where they found many difficulties, partly for that the admiralty in every place was bare of money, and much behind hand, for that their receipts grew short, by reason of the restraint of licences, whereby each party thought to weaken other. The Indian ships were also of more charge than profit unto them, and their traffic into all places was small: besides, the galleys being at Sluice, bred no small fear in them of Holland and Zeeland; so as there was a speech they would ensconce the Hage, and place a garrison of horse and foot there.  
The beginning of the year 1600 being spent without any exploit, the garrisons of the forts of S. Andrew and Crevecoeur, for want of pay (being behind hand for many months) began to mutiny, chase away their commanders, captains, and officers, having all the winter (which was very sharp and long) endured very much, as well by cold, as other discommodities, 
The garrison●… in S. Andrewe●… fo●…t, and in that of Creuec●…ur, mutiny.  to whom (by reason of the prince's soldiers) there was no free access, without great 
1600  convoy, although they did protest sufficiently, that they would continue in the service and obedience of the king of Spain, and of the archduke Albert of Austria, his son in law, demanding no other thing but their pay, whereon the archduke Albert, and the Infanta of Spain, duchess of Brabant, his wife, seemed careless.  
Prince Maurice, who was in like manner retired (being yet watchful upon all occasions) with the rest of his forces, having very well manned the town of Bomel, the fort of Nassau in the 
The fort of Creuecoeu●… besieged, and yielded to the prince.  island of Voorn, and his other trenches, being desirous to embrace this occasion, and to make his profit of these mutinies and alterations of the enemy's soldiers; winter being past, he appointed the rendez vous for his army about Rotterdam, and at Willenstadt, and he parted the eighteenth of March 1600 from the Hage, and came to Dordrecht, whereas embarking two days after with a great troop of noblemen, colonels, commanders, and captains, he mounted up the river of Meuse, with some two hundred sail unto the fort of Crevecoeur (whereas the Spaniards were likewise mutined.) Being landed with his army the one and twentieth day, he began to plant his canon, at the first he summoned the place to yield upon certain good conditions. There were four companies of Walloons within it, who remembering their former mutiny, and the small hope there was of any timely succours (although that their mutiny were pardoned, or at the least they had so promised them) and seeing what hast the prince made to force them, they yielded to a composition which was offered them by the Estates, and the four and twentieth of the month they yielded the fort unto the prince, whereof two companies, not trusting unto the Spaniards courtesy, did willingly put themselves into the prince's service, and the other two (as they had free liberty given them) retired themselves unto S. Andrew's fort.  
This fort of Crevecoeur being so easily gotten by the Estates and prince Maurice, seeing this beginning to promise a good and a happy end of his designs, he entered with his army into the island of Bomel, to try S. Andrews fort by siege, to the which he approached the six and twentieth day of the month, although the time and season were very vn●…itas well by reason of the continual rain, as for the cold, so as most part of the time his men were forced to lie covered in the ships, dispersed here and there upon the rivers of Meuse and Wahal.  
The prince was no sooner come before the fort, but he built many forts to assure his camp, 
The prince builds many forts.  in frontier places of Brabant, by the which the Spaniard might have access to succour the said fort, and in like manner to importune him. Among others, he built a fort in the village of Hesel, and in the compass of the territory of the said village, seven small sconces, which were called the seven Planets, and three in the village of Rossum, above the entrenchments of the one and the other, opposite upon the North and the West to S. Andrew's fort. And to the end that the ships sailing upon the river of Wahal should not be in danger of the canon of S. Andrew, the prince caused a channel to be made, which turned out of the river, and fell into it again: which channel was called by the name of S. Andrew's Crosse. On Brabant side, beyond the river of Meuse, the prince caused seven other forts to be built in a great circuit of ground, from the village of Maren unto Kessel, being three hundred paces distant one from another, yet joined one to another with good trenches, in the which they might safely lodge good numbers of horse and foot. And on another side of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, another fort in the village of Alem, joining to the which were the Estates ships, and a bridge over the Meuse, to pass their men out of the isle of Bomel into Brabant, with some other batteries betwixt Alem and Maren, besides those that were at the point of their trenches at Rossum, opposite to S. Andrew; with another upon the Meuse, upon Brabant, called Knol S'chans, about 1600 paces distant from the fort of Alem. And the better to hinder the approach of the Spanish forces, at all these forts built upon Brabant side, betwixt Maren and Kessel, and at Lit●…enham, or at every end of a half moon which the prince had caused to be built, were two small sconces, like unto the others. He also caused a bank of the river of Meuse to be cut, joining to two of his sconces in the village of Littogen, by the which the river did flow over all the champain country near unto the town of Bo●…sleduc, which took all means from the Spaniards to set upon the prince's forts upon Brabant side, and much less upon them that were in the islands of Bomel and Tyel, and betwixt the two rivers of Wahal and Meuse, whereas the prince had his chief forces, as well along the dike, as in the said forts and trenches. 
1600  He had also made another bridge upon the Meuse, right against the fort of Kessel, joining to the which was another part of his ships of war, and other barks with victuals and munition, as there was in like manner near unto the bank, that was cut at Littogen, with so many entrenchments within the circuit of Maren, Kessel, Hesel, Alem, Voorn, and Rossum, as it is impossible to describe them perfectly by writing, nor make them to be conceived with seeing of the purtraict, the which is very industriously cut in copper. By reason of all which forts and trenches, prince Maurice was to stand to it, and to attend the Spaniards strongest attempts, his whole camp being so well fortified, as 50000 men would have been much troubled to have forced a quarter: for proof whereof colonel Borlotte having sworn to raise the siege with 2000 men, having approached to the village of Os, and there stayed some time, he was forced to retire as he came, and return into Brabant, confessing since, that he found no means nor access to effect any thing.  
The prince having thus entrenched and fortified his camp of a great circuit, and taken from the Spaniard all hope to force him, especially by reason of the waters, so as the besieged in S. Andrew's fort were not free from the inundations, being forced to lodge like coneys in their ramparts, in great misery and poverty, suffering extremely, upon hope that they should be relieved, reconciled, and paid, doing their best endeavours to reconcile themselves with their canon: so as the prince could not well approach to batter them in breach, by reason of the waters, but the whole month of April was spent in shooting at random one at another: but on the first day of May, the waters beginning to fall, the prince commanded, that in a dark night in the wain of the moon, they should make their approaches with good trenches, towards Rossum and Herwaerden, there to make his batteries: and soon after he sent a drum to summon the besieged, who although they seemed to be resolved to hold the place for the king of Spain, and the archduchesse his daughter, yet they gave some ear unto him, consenting to enter into treaty. According to the which upon the 4 and 5 of May, there were sent unto them the signior of Vchtenbrouck, colonel of the regiment of Vtrecht, and Ʋander Aa, captain of the prince's guards: at which conference the besieged seeing small hope of succours, and the uncertainty of their reconciliation, and much less of their pay, they demanded of the Estates, the arrearages of their service which the king of Spain did owe them, and for the which they were mutined, which came to the sum of 500000 florins. Whereupon an offer was made unto them of 125000, which they would not accept, having also discovered a sign which was made them at Boisleduc (being within less than two leagues) which gave them to understand, that they should be relieved within less than four days; so as this treaty was without effect, beginning again to thunder with the canon after their accustomed manner, until that on the 8 of the month, the besieged seeing the prince's men to be much advanced, even to the foot of their own counterscarpe, and that they began to make two bridges, to come unto the assault, after that a breach were made, the four days of their hope being expired, and seeing no advancement of any succours, about two of the clock in the afternoon the same day, they cried unto the pioneers which wrought in the trenches close by their counterscarpe, saying, That they desired to parley with some deputies from the prince and Estates, if it pleased them to send unto them & hear them: to which effect there were 2 or three messengers sent at their request, unto the prince and the deputies of the Estates. Whereupon the prince with some noblemen and colonels, went to horseback, and came into the trenches, without the which at the half moon which S. Andrews fort had without their counterscarpe, the said signior Ʋander Aa, and another captain had some conference with them: whereupon the besieged sent 8 deputies in a boat, the which were brought unto the prince's trenches, the prince sending back 4 of them, entered into the treaty with the rest, granting unto them willingly and freely whatsoever they could in reason demand, being loath to lose so fair an occasion, fearing (the which he did foresee, and it fell so out soon after) another overflowing of the rivers, the which had forced him to abandon those approaches and trenches which he had before S. Andrew, and to retire his canon with great toil. The composition being concluded and made, there was promised 
S. Andrewe●… fort yielded.  them 125000 florins, and to remain within the fort until that the money were paid them: promising & swearing unto the said prince, That they would keep and defend it faithfully for the Estates and the said prince, and to obey such captains and officers as should be appointed them by him, renouncing and revoking the oath which they had made unto the K. of Spain, 
1600  or the archduke Albert. Moreover, these were the articles.  

1 That the sick and wounded should be sent to some town of the united provinces, 
The articles of the accord.  who should receive their parts as much as should rise due unto them, out of the said sum of one hundred twenty five thousand florins: and that there should be a gratuity given unto widows out of the same sum.  
2 All soldiers which had heretofore served the estates or the said prince, should have their pardon, and should be paid what was due unto them out of the said sum.  
3 All such as would retire, should be satisfied out of the said sum, to whom good passports and safeconducts should be given, and that the said soldiers should be as well entreated as the best the Estates could have.  
4 Those which were come from the fort of Crevecoeur, should be also paid as the rest.  
5 That to all soldiers having been under the prince's service, requiring leave to depart, and a passport, it shall not be refused them, so they demand it not unseasonably.  
6 Nothing shallbe reproached unto them, of that which is now done.  
7 The soldiers may, with the prince's advice, choose 8 captains of the Walloons regiments of the baron of Hauchicourts and of the Marquesses, and three of the Germans.  
8 All Commissaries, Provosts, Brewers, Bakers, Victuallers, and all others that would retire, shall have good and safeconduct. The chaplain may also retire freely with all his ornanaments, church furniture & baggage, to whom safeconduct and convoy shallbe given as unto the rest.  
9 That all reformed sergeants and corporals, having had pensions in the K. of Spain's service, shall have the like entertainment, remaining under the prince and Estates.  
10 All Commissaries, captains and officers, shall have a surplusage and increase out of the said sum, proportionable to that which every soldier shall receive.  
11 That to morrow commissaries shallbe sent into the fort, to take an inventary of the artillery, munition and victuals that should be found therein.  
12 Being gone out of the fort, the soldiers shall take the same oath which others have done that serve under the prince and Estates.   
All these conditions being granted and accepted, the 8 of May in the evening, Cont Ernest of Nassau required the soldiers of the said fort, in the prince's name, and for his sake, to give a falue with their canon and small shot, in sign of victory, the which they did thrice with their muskets and harguebuses and then with their canon.  
Finally, on the 11 of the month, the soldiers as they went out of the fort, were paid by the poll, by the Estates commissaries, being 1124 men passed by muster, the least of them receiving 106 florins. All which being departed, the prince sent in four of his companies, and before that he himself entered, he suffered all burghers, citizens, merchants, and other inhabitants of the united provinces, which through curiosity and zeal to their country, were come, and desired to see, to enter in great numbers, and to view it both within and without. Then he entered with all the chief of his army, and having well viewed the place, he returned unto his quarter.  
As for the article before mentioned, that nothing should be reproached unto them which was past, that was in effect presently kept. For as on the tenth of the month, after the accord was made, a French soldier would have entered in despite of the soldiers of the garrison, being yet in guard (who being repulsed by them, he began to injure them, call them traitors and merchants of forts) he was laid hold on, and by the law of arms condemned to die, and then delivered by the prince's commandment to them of the fort, to be shot to death, or to do with him as they pleased, who notwithstanding pardoned him, and sent him back.  
After that the soldiers of the fort had received their pay, being all gone forth, they were presently embarked, and sent by water into garrison into divers towns in the said provinces. Behold how this fort, which was held impregnable, was easily gotten by the Estates, and not only the place, artillery, munition, provision of war and victuals, which was more in value than 125000 florins, but also a great troop of as brave men as the king of Spain had of a long time in his army, all choice men, and old experienced soldiers, whereof they made good proof at the battle of Nieuport, as you shall presently hear. And although the negligence 
1600  or want of means of the archduke, although this place did so much import him, as the Spaniards called it the Key whereby to enter into Holland, and the other united provinces, whereon depended a great part of his honour, having lost so many men, and spent so much money, before he could bring it to such perfection, as when it was delivered to the Estates. If it were not through want of means, nor by the archdukes negligence, but of his commanders in the war, captains, commissaries, or treasorers, I know not how they could answer it, nor discharge themselves before him: and yet it hath not been heard, that any one hath been called in question for it: for what could such valiant men have done more, having 20 months pay due unto them, being half buried alive in the earth, like mouls, environed round about with water, without any avoidance, half naked, all tattered, starved with cold, and smoked up like red herrings, having suffered infinitely, during the season of a tedious winter, and unto their yielding: seeing themselves in the goodliest season of the whole year, abandoned of all succours, having so long attended them in vain, notwithstanding their great endeavours? What could they have done, but in the end to fall into despair, or to do that which otherwise they would never have done? For* my part, I cannot blame them, and much less accuse them, it belongs unto them that are interessed: but if they will weigh this fact in the just balance of military discipline, and 
john Petit.  the rules of war, it may be they will excuse them.  
They found in this fort 96 barrels of powder, certain thousands of bullets, 18 pieces of ordnance, and other sorts of arms and munition in great number, with a great quantity of wheat, rye, corn to brew with, and other victuals and provisions.  
They of Groningue, and the country thereabouts were this year discontented, for that being 
The Estates force them of Groningue to pay their contribution.  behind hand with their contribution, for the space of 3 years, and taking no order for the payment thereof, being at the least 400000 gulderns, the Estates of the other provinces, were forced against their wills, to use some forcible execution (a bad and unfit precedent, especially in the time of their civil wars) giving the charge thereof unto monsieur Temple, with 800 foot, and 200 horse, who with some other companies of Friesland, upon the sixteenth of March entered into Groningue, partly against the burghers wills, who the next day forbade the burghers to watch, and in the end dealt very severely with them; and yet William earl of Nassau laboured what he could to have them mildly entreated, whereof some particular persons were the cause. But to prevent all further inconveniences, in the end there was a citadel built, the Estates pretending that both the town and the territories of Groningue were in great danger, by reason of their great weekly markets, whereas there was so great a concourse of people, as the enemy might easily by that means attempt something against it: so as they were forced to keep a continual garrison there, of twenty, or twenty five companies. For which cause they resolved (not without great dislike and murmuring of many men) to build up a castle, the which after long disputation, and much contrariety, was begun the next summer, at the North end of the town, which the surveyors and workmen said, would not cost above 70000 gulderns, which made them yield thereunto the more willingly: but in the end they found the charge to be above 400000 guldernes, the which was more than the arrearages of their contribution amounted unto, so as the surveyors and masters of the work had small thanks for their labour. Gaspar van Eusum was made governor thereof with 6 or 800 men.  
They of Zeeland complained, that they were not able to levy the general contribution 
They of Zeeland complain of their charge  which they were rated to pay, for the further maintenance of the wars both by sea and land, laying open all their means, both contributions and other, unto them of Holland, desiring they might be discharged of so great a tax, or else to have some aid of men and money, with other necessaries for their defence, the warrelying most upon them. They of Holland and Vtrecht seemed to be well content, and promised to pay their rate as they had done the year before, advising them to provide for the defence of the country, with all the means and speed they could.  
They of Gueldres and Ouerissell seemed also to complain: yet all in general thought it fit to take the advantage of the time, whilst their enemy's soldiers were in mutiny, and to make better resistance against the galleys at sea, whereupon they resolved to devise all the means they could to raise money, to make a good offensive war the next year.  
Prince Henry, youngest son to William prince of Orange, having been with his mother in France, and now returned again into the Netherlands, the general Estates thought it good to 
1600  acquaint him with the affairs of the country where he was borne, and to that end (although 
Henry prince of Orange made one of the counsel of Estate in the united provinces.  he were but seventeen years old) they made him one of their counsel of Estate, that he might see and hear what was done concerning the affairs of the country, so as upon the 17 of March was his first sitting.  
The archduke Albertus and the Infanta, being installed in most of the provinces under their obedience, they now found themselves much perplexed for money, so as the Spaniards, Italians, and other nations, fell generally into mutiny, and spoiled all the country, forcing the peasants to pay them contribution, so as they feared a greater tumult, if it were not speedily prevented: for which cause the general Estates under their command were assembled, whereas upon the eight and twentieth of April, being at Brussels, the archdukes both by mouth and writing, made these propositions unto them, by the precedent Richardot and d' Assonville.  
My lords, it is not unknown to every one of you, how much you have longed after this assembly, in regard of the great zeal you bear unto the advancement of your country's cause 
Propositions made by the archdukes, to the provinces under their command.  which you think is too much neglected: the like desire their highnesses have also had, since their first coming into these countries, the which had been long since effected, if the time spent in their instalments in these their countries, had not been some let, being necessary for them to begin with that ceremony, not only to give the common people contentment thereby, but also to accomplish that which was promised, before my lord the archdukes your prince's departure into Spain: and now having proceeded thus far, the cause of this assembly being well known to every one of you, for that you may have been particularly informed thereof in each of your several provinces, it shall not be needful to make any long discourse of that which is here to be done, touching the advancement of the country's cause, for that your princes long much to hear what you intent to propound unto them, being well informed of the business, having also no intent to offer any new matter unto you, but that wherewith you are already made acquainted. And their highnesses think it sufficient, that you know, and are assured, that they are come hither to live and die with you, and to do all offices befitting good and mild princes: hoping withal, that you for your parts will not fail to do the duties of good and faithful subjects. And if you desire to understand more of their loves and affections towards you, it shall appear by that which they now desire at your hands, which is, To be careful and provident for the present estate of your country, which (to their great grief) they find to be in far worse estate than they would have it. It discontents them to see you surcharged with so great burdens, yet they have not undertaken to disguise any thing unto you, nor yet to feed you with any vain hopes, or to hold you in suspense: for they know there are many great difficulties, to surmount the which we must both labour and sweat, having no better means to be unburdened thereof, and to free ourselves from these difficulties, which seem to environ us round about, than to show our power and force according to our abilities, always with the help and assistance of God, the which shall never be wanting, if we pray heartily unto him. The chief cause therefore of this assembly (in regard of the great and general complaints, and the disorders which grow daily by such long and bloody wars) is, That their highnesses desire, that all in general, and every one of you in particular, will endeavour yourselves to give him counsel, how it may be effected, and to set down the necessary means to be used, for the maintenance of the common cause, & the settling of some good course, for the profit and commodity of the country. I do not prescribe in what manner it should be done, wherein they desire to have your wise advice and counsel, having no other intent, but to govern all things well, as their future actions shall make manifest. But to proceed to a point of greater importance, whereon we must resolve, is either Peace, or War: Peace were more beneficial unto us, which without doubt is that which you much desire, and your princes much more than you, being naturally inclined thereunto, and desiring to govern you in peace and quietness. If therefore you know any means how to attain unto it, you shall do well to impart it unto their highness, wherein they will hear you with all attention, and stand always ready with open arms, to receive the strayed members, and to unite them again to the whole body, from the which to their own great prejudice (through the persuasions and instigation of some men) they have indiscreetly separated themselves, and (which is worst of all) have so hardened their hearts, as no reasons, offers, nor means, have hitherto been 
1600  of force to draw them to any reconciliation.  
If this than be no more successful than the former, we must of force take arms in hand and prepare to war, for the maintenance whereof we have a million of advantages above our enemies: for besides, that God doth commonly aid the just cause, we ourselves are without all comparison the stronger, yet we will not deny but we have our means and chief maintenance from that great monarch of Spain, whereas the unspeakable treasure of Peru and the Indies lie open unto us, in regard that the young king loveth the high and mighty Infanta, his sister, so dearly, and showeth more bounty unto her, than the deceased king her father. But it is true, all must not come from thence, we must put to our helping hands, that we may once free ourselves from these miseries, and for that cause you are called to this place, to advise with one consent of the means how to maintain the wars, until it shall please God to send us a good peace.  
That which is allowed monthly by the king of Spain, amounteth unto two hundred and fifty thousand crowns, and what more is to be added thereunto, must be raised in these countries: wherein you must resolve what course you think fittest, to employ the money coming out of Spain, and that which shall be levied here, thereby to keep better martial discipline, to suppress all complaints and disorders, and to content the common people.  
Moreover, you must have a care for the payment of your ordinary garrisons, and the repairing of your frontier towns and forts, the which must necessarily be done, for that they are in great danger. Besides all this, you know that every man must live of his own, the which is to be understood both of princes and private men. The inheritance and patrimony of our princes is their demeans, whereof in times past the dukes of Bourgoigne, who were our princes, and their predecessors, did live, reserving it for themselves and their houses, but being once united with Spain, our princes grew so mighty, having so many other estates and kingdoms, as they made no estimation of the revenues of these countries for their own maintenance, but did bountifully employ and pawn the revenues of these countries, for the necessities of the war, and for the defence and preservation of the country, in such sort as it is scarce able to pay the rents, whereunto you must have a great regard, as being bound by nature to discharge those debts, which were made for you, that our princes may have means to live, and not be burdensome unto their subjects. It is to be hoped that this may be effected in few years, whether it be by such means as you yourselves shall find out, or that their highnesses shall propound unto you. In the mean time they desire you to provide them means whereon to live, until their revenues may be freed from all such debts. If these things may be effected, we shall have means to bridle our enemies, to keep our soldiers in discipline, to prevent all disorders, and to pacify the daily complaints, which are very great and many, to the great trouble and grief of their highnesses and of all good men. Wherefore my lords you are to proceed herein, and to conclude with one general consent, what you shall think possible and convenient, as if you were all children borne of one womb; and whereas you cannot agree, their highnesses shall in friendly manner give you their advice, and show you such means as are likest to be effected, that so all jointly and with one common consent, may seek to uphold and maintain the body of this estate, which hath been so mighty and flourishing.  
These propositions being made, & for that daily, besides the mutinies in Diest, Hamont, & Bilsen, the other garrisons also mutined, and forced all Henault, and the champain country of Brabant to contribution, meaning to do the like in Arthois, as they had done in the countries of Liege and Lembourg, so as they were constrained to resist them by force: It was therefore mentioned in this assembly (for the preventing of further inconveniences, & to appease these mutinies) that the Estates should levy 50000 crowns presently, the which was granted, upon condition, That it should be defalked out of the first money that they should agree upon to pay 
The Estates demand an exposition of the propositions.  unto the archduke. And entering into further treaty, the general Estates desired a particular exposition of every point, as well what numbers of soldiers they were to maintain, and what country soldiers they should be, what their entertainment would amount yearly unto, and what was sufficient for the maintenance of the admiralty, ordnance, munition, victuals, etc. and what all would amount unto: Provided always, that first of all the mutineers of Diest, Hamont, and Bilsen, should be satisfied and paid.  
Whereunto, upon the 23 of May, the archduke made answer, That it was hard to be done, 
1600  letting them understand, that he would desire no more than should be needful to maintain 
The archdukes demand  10000 foot of the natural borne subjects of the country, besides the ordinary garrisons, and 5 companies of light horsemen, besides their ordinary troops.  
For the maintenance of the admiralty, they thought it necessary to have 30 thousand gulderns a month.  
For the repairing and fortification of frontier towns, 300000 gulderns a year.  
For the freeing of the demeans and revenues, a provisional yearly sum of 200000 gulderns, to be made for the maintenance of their houses.  
Touching the payment of the old debts, and the mutinous soldiers, they did hope to have some help therein from the king's bounty, and that they would take upon themselves the charge of paying the strange soldiers, with the money which was to come out of Spain, being 250000 ducats a month and not charge the Estates therewith.  
After this, the Estates desired to know what assurance they should have out of Spain, for 
The Estates desire to know what the sta●…e of the wars would be.  the payment of the said 250000 ducats monthly, and how that money should be employed, that the soldiers might be kept in good discipline, without any charge to the common people, both for service money (which is their lodging) carriages, and other things: for that having no good orders established, the country might be wasted, and made unable to give their princes any aid: and therefore they held it necessary to make an account and reckoning with the soldiers, and to acquaint the king of Spain therewith, that by his bounty they might be paid their arrearages: desiring also to have a particular note what garrisons should be paid by the country, as also, if furnishing the full sum demanded of them, they should not be discharged of wagons, pioneers, etc. and of all other things that concern the wars, as for the passing of soldiers through the country, and that they should live upon their own pay in the champain countries, etc.  
To these and the like points the archduke made answer the 12 of june, assuring the 250000 crowns a month, declaring moreover their private meaning and intent in 13 articles, the which for brevities sake I omit.  
Whereupon the general Estates, on the 27 of june, made answer unto every several article, and among the rest that touching the assurance of the 250 thousand crowns a month, which should come out of Spain, such orders might be taken, as the Estates might taste the effects thereof: desiring moreover, that some able and trusty messenger might be sent unto the king, to beseech him to continue the said payment of 250 thousand crowns, not only that year of 1600, but until the first of januarie 1602: and also to hasten the extraordinary provision for the payment of the old arrearages unto the soldiers: the Estates desiring leave to write particularly unto the king concerning the same: and in the mean time, for their better securities and contents, they besought their highness, that it might appear every month, how it had been performed: And so they made answer unto the rest of the articles.  
In May past, Walborgh, countess of Nieuwenar, Horn, Moeurs, etc. died, who had to 
The death of the countess o●… Moeurs.  her first husband Philip of Montmorencie, earl of Horn, who was beheaded by the duke of Alva, and then she married with Adolp earl of Nieuwenar, Alphen, etc. having no issue by either of her husbands. By her testament she gave the earldom of Moeurs to prince Maurice, the earldom of Horn, with the town of Weert, and all her movables, unto Euerard earl of Solins, who had married with Sabina countess of Egmont; the barony of Bedborgh with the appurtenances, she bequeathed unto the earl of Benthem, and made the Estates of the united provinces her executors, who had assisted her much in the defence of her right: but as soon as the duke of Cleves understood of her death, he sent certain soldiers to seize upon the town and castle of Moeurs, as depending upon the duchy of Cleves; and not long after, when as monsieur Cloot went thither with certain soldiers, to take possession thereof in prince Maurice his name, he was repulsed by them of Cleveland, but the next year following, when as the town of Berck was won again by prince Maurice, it was delivered to monsieur Cloot, who was made governor thereof. There was a great sum of money offered to prince Maurice for the said earldom of Moeurs, but he would not in any wise sell it.  
In the same month of May Harman earl of Manderschelt, and Charles Nutzel, ambassadors for the emperor, came to the Hage, who delivered their embassage unto the Estates, 
1600  which was, To command them to make restitution of such places as they held in the territories 
Ambassadors sent from the empero●… to the Hage.  of the empire, with reparation for the wrongs and damages which they had done upon the frontiers of the empire; saying, That the emperor wondered they had not performed the contents of their letters of the 31 of januarie, by the which they had promised to deliver up such places as they held in their possession, belonging unto the empire, whereas the Spaniard had left Rees Emmeric, Lobith, and other places, and they on the other side had taken more places, and held Emmeric still, thereby giving the Spaniards cause of jealousy and distrust, it being an open contempt against the emperor and empire.  
And as touching the sconce of Gravenweerd, commonly called Schencks sconce, which the estates did pretend to stand upon the territories of Gueldres, seeing it still remained sublite pendente, it was requisite it should be delivered into the duke of Cleves hands, or else by form of sequestration, it should be put in some neutral hands, until the law had determined of the situation thereof.  
They also demanded restitution of the ransoms and other booties gotten by them from the subjects of the empire, and assurance that no such excess should be committed hereafter.  
Moreover, they said, That they had express commission, to complain of the wrongs done by their soldiers in the territories of Aix, whereas they made the peasants to pay contribution even unto the gates of the town; as in like manner in Westphalia, juilliers, and the territories of Cleves, as also of a sentence given by them against those of Gelekerke. Besides, that the rents of the Foukers of Ausbourg, were detained from them in Friesland, wi●…h such like complaints: wherefore they desired there might be certain committees appointed to take order therein, and that in the mean time there might be a truce or surceasing from arms, hoping that by the intercession of the emperor and the empire, the adverse party would be drawn to consent and agree thereunto.  
Whereunto the Estates of the united provinces made answer, on the seventh of june, saying, 
The Estates answer to the emperor's ambassadors.  That they humbly thanked the emperor, and the princes of the empire, for the great care they had of the Netherlands: and that for their parts they had always sought to yield all due respect and honour unto the said princes, and to the empire, according to their best means, with restitution and satisfaction, according to the order set down at Renisbourgh etc. being much grieved to hear that the emperor should be so falsely informed, of their taking of any new places, since the Spaniard had delivered up those places which he had held. And as for Emmeric, they desired them to consider that the town was not yielded up again by the Spaniard; but the Spaniard holding it by force from the empire, their general, prince Maurice, had taken it from them in the year 1598., and delivered it unto the duke of Cleves, to whom it belonged, with condition, not to suffer any Spanish garrison to enter any more into it, and that, when as in the year 1599 the Spaniards took Genep, and Rees, and attempted to take it again, the burghers of the town desired them to send in certain soldiers for their defence, where they have ever since continued.  
Touching the castle of Lobith, they said, it was never in the Spaniards power, but in the year past, when as the Spanish army marched that way, they were forced to put a garrison into it for their own securities, as they did in Sevenar, and other places; which garrisons (as soon as the Spaniards were gone to Bomelerweert) they retired again, the which they were also ready to do at Emmeric, if the Spaniards would promise not to take it again, and would leave Rhineberck, with other places which they still detained; and that the duke of Cleves would suffer prince Maurice and the earl of Solins quietly to enjoy the lands of the countess of Nieuwenar and Moeurs, given unto them by her last will and testament. They said, they had thrice since the year 1597 restored such places to the empire, as the Spaniards had taken from it, and therefore they hoped that now the fourth time they would not urge them to make restitution before the Spaniards did the like.  
As for their title to Gravenweerd sconce, they said, That whereas in the year 1586 the Spaniards had resolved to build a sconce in that place, thereby to have an entry into Guelderland and into Cleveland, they were prevented by them, who had built a sort there for their defence, without any complaint of them of Cleveland, as being upon the territories of Gueldres: at the last they of Cleveland pretended to have certain civil jurisdiction over the same, and 
1600  yet the sovereignty of Gueldres was not any thing prejudiced thereby.  
The fort being made in the year 1590., the Estates of the united provinces informed the emperor, what right they had thereunto, wherein as then there was nothing done, so as they proceeded in the fortification of the place, and therefore they hoped (that seeing it was built upon a void piece of ground, adlegitimam defensionem) they might hold the possession thereof: and for that it was a place which concerned their enemy much and that the duke at that time made no complaint touching the same, they were of opinion therefore, that he made no motion for the restitution thereof, but only by the practices and persuasions of the Spaniards. And as for putting of the place into the hands of some neutral persons, and they to be charged with the garrison, that would only be a means to pleasure the Spaniards.  
Touching restitution of damages, they said, That they thought the Spaniards ought to do it, who wilfully had entered into the confines of the empire, to make it their passage into Holland, so as they were unwillingly forced to oppose themselves, and if thereby any incursions were made into the empire, it was done against their wills, and contrary to their proclamations, and if they had not suffered the Spaniards to enter into their territories, no such inconveniences had happened.  
Concerning them of Aix, they promised to take so good order therein, as they should have no cause to complain, so as they would remain neutral, and not more partial to one party than to another. The like they answered for them of Cologne, juilliers, and others, protesting to be sorry for any wrongs that had been done unto them. And as for the Foukers' rents in Friesland, if it were found they had any right thereunto, they would take order they should have speedy justice.  
Touching the foresaid embassage determined on at Renisbourgh, tending to the making of a peace, they said, That it appeared, that both the deceased king of Spain, and the king that now liveth, sought nothing else, but to bring the countries of the Netherlands under the Spanish yoke, the which was especially intended, by the donation of the said countries unto the Infanta, by the which gift the Archduke and Infanta are bound by oath, to govern according to the will and disposition of the king of Spain, contrary to the privileges and laudable customs of the Netherlands, as also that the protectorship and marriage of the princes of the Netherlands, is reserved to the pleasure and disposition of the king of Spain, the country's freedom being infringed, and thereby made feudatorie, in perpetuum, to the crown of Spain, the liberty of navigation restrained, and at the king of Spain's disposition, being also sworn, for ever to maintain the Romish Religion, and none else, and that all those conditions should be so strictly observed, as for the least breach they should forfeit the said countries.  
Besides, that the donation of the Netherlands served them for a justification, and to prove that there was no good meant thereby, as it appeared in the beginning of their government, for that the king of Spain had violated fiden publicam, by committing so many sailors and seafaring men of the Netherlands to prison, whom his father suffered to come into Spain for his own good and profit. And that the archduke also since his entry into the possession of the Netherlands, had broken his passports and safeconducts, commanding that the poor fishermen should be spoiled at sea, during the time of their passports.  
Moreover, That the admiral of Arragon had entered in hostile manner into his neighbour's countries, forcibly taken their towns, used all cruelties towards the inhabitants, proclaiming others that have nothing to do with him, rebels etc. All which being duly considered by them, they had great reason to think, that it could neither be honourable nor profitable for them to acknowledge the archduke, nor yet to treat with him nor the king of Spain: And therefore they humbly besought the emperor and the empire, to consider of all these things with equity and reason.  
After this, the emperor's ambassadors persisted to have them grant liberty for the ambassadors appointed by the estates of the empire, to come & make relation of their embassage, who might have other reasons to allege, wishing them to consider of all they had delivered. Whereunto the Estates replied on the 12 of june, That they had sufficiently considered of the points concerning restitution and reparation, and found by the proceeding of things since the year 1594, 
1600  that the resolution taken at Rhineberck was not good nor profitable, neither for the empire, nor for the Netherlands, desiring them to press the Spaniards to repair the hurt which they had done in the country of Moeurs; and that for their parts they would do their best endeavours to give the emperor contentment, and take order to prevent all future incursions. There was also a motion made by the ambassadors, to have the town of Wachtendonck made neutral, thereby to prevent all incursions, which the Estates held to be an unreasonable demand, it being theirs by conquest, taken from their enemies in Guelderland.  
In the end the emperor's ambassadors dealt in such sort with the Estates of the united provinces, 
Emmeric yielded by the Estates to the duke of Cleves  as they did willingly consent to deliver the town of Emmeric to the duke of Cleves, upon promise, That the emperor's Majesty and the empire, should procure the archduke to yield up the town of Rhineberck, unto the prince elector of Cologne, and so both parties, to free the frontiers of the empire from further molestation and trouble: Showing by the effects, that they desired nothing but friendship and good correspondency with the empire, protesting not to hold any thing belonging unto the empire, unless it were Gravenweerd, whereon they had built Schencks sconce, which weert, or piece of land, being in question to whom it should belong, they pretended to hold it until the cause were decided. And so the town of Emmeric was delivered up to the duke of Cleves, the lord thereof, in june 1600, to the contentment of the said duke and ambassadors, who went from the Hage to antwerp, and so to Brussels, to procure the restitution of Rhineberck unto the elector of Cologne: but the archduke was gone into Flanders, about the war there, so as the ambassadors were forced to follow him to Gant, where, upon the 14 of july, they (with other ambassadors) desired him, That Rhineberck 
The archduke refuseth to deliver Rhineberck to the Elector of Cologne.  might be restored unto the elector of Cologne, as the united provinces had already done upon their words; but they could not then obtain it, the matter being referred to a conference, which by means of the ambassadors was concluded, between the deputies of the united provinces, and the committees for the Estates under the archdukes command, as Brabant, Flanders, etc.  
About that time the signior of Briaute, a young gentleman of good esteem in France, captain 
Briaute fights a combat, & is slain treacherously.  of a company of horse in the Estates service, very valiant, & exceeding jealous of his honour, was in garrison in Gheertruydenbergh: upon certain words of disgrace, as well against his own person in particular, as against the whole French nation in general, simply reported, and vainly spoken by a soldier, who had fled from the Estates party, called Lekerbitken, that is to say, a delicate morsel, for his valour being made lieutenant of a horse company to Grobendonc, governor of Boisleduc (Briaute, doing therein wrong to his reputation, to make question to a base traitor, for words of so small moment, being usual among soldiers, for he was one of them which had sold Gheertruydenbergh to the duke of Parma) he sent him a challenge, to fight with him single, five to five, ten, or twenty. This was accepted by Lekerbitken, of twenty to twenty on horseback, and with such arms as they used in the wars. The day and place appointed, prince Maurice sought to dissuade him, showing the sleightness of the quarrel, and the disproportion to equal his person with a traitor and renegado: but no persuasions could prevail. Briaute made choice of nineteen, almost all French men, and went out of his garrison, giving the governor to understand, that it was with the prince's consent, and having given him (in case he were slain in this combat) his best arms (the which were as fair, rich, and as curiously wrought, as any prince could wear) he went out of the town to the place appointed for the combat, midway betwixt Boisleduc and Gheertruydenbergh, where finding not his enemy, courage and heat made him advance further than he should have done, meeting him about half a league from Boisleduc. Upon their approach they charged equally, Briaute and his company with two long pistols only, and Lekerbitken with petronels, and long pistols (the two champions having before given marks how to know one another, Briaute by a great white plume, and the other by a red) Briaute having chosen his adversary charged him furiously with his troop, and notwithstanding all their harguebusadoes, shot him in at the beaver, and overthrew him: Lekerbitkens brother was likewise slain, and two or three more of his company, so as it seemed that Briaute should remain victor: but they of Boisleduc to revenge the death of their commander, charged more furiously than before the which terrified some of the French, so as they fled, and left their captain in danger, who was taken prisoner with a kinsman of his, the rest were slain or put to rout. Briaute and three 
1600  of his company being led prisoners to Boisleduc, Grobendonc being before the port, attending the return of his men, and to know with the first how the combat went, seeing not his lieutenant, he demanded where he was? Answer being made him, That both he and his brother were slain: He replied, And why have you not slain these men? at which words his men fell upon Briaute and his cousin, whom they murdered in cold blood. I leave it to others censure, whether this fact of Briautes be to be imputed to magnanimity of courage, or to vanity and presumption, and Grobendoncs commandment, to murder, or to an action of war. But in my opinion he should not have done it, neither should Briaute have been so vain, as to challenge a traitor to combat: and Grobendonc should not have endured the affronts and disgraces which the kinsman of Briaute did him, having been challenged to fight body to body, yea by his younger brother, being but eighteen years old, the which he basely refused, not knowing how to excuse this fact before the archduke, nor the captains and men of honour.  
The islands of Zeeland, as Walchrens, Schouwen, Zuytbevelandt, Tolen, and others, especially 
The Estates resolution to make war in the country of Flanders.  that of Walchrens, finding themselves oppressed by the six galleys which jeronimo Spinola, a merchant of Genes, had obtained of the king of Spain, the which (notwithstanding the Estates ships of war, which were in guard at sea) he had brought into the haven of Sluice, from thence to rob and spoil the united provinces; besides the great spoils which they of Dunkirk made daily at sea, as well upon them of Holland and Zeeland, which fish for herrings, as upon their ships, merchandise, and passengers, required the general Estates of the united provinces (seeing there was no more danger towards Holland and Gueldres, by the taking of the forts of S. Andrew and Crevecoeur, and by the freeing the island and town of Bomel) to help to free them from the said galleys and Dunkirk, and by that means divert the wars from Holland and Gueldres, into the country of Flanders, against the sea towns of Dunkirk, Nieuport, and Sluice, making themselves masters of the sea, after they had once wrested the said towns from the Spaniard, which did so much mischief.  
This attempt seemed weighty, and full of difficulties, yet the Estates remembering the goodly victory which God had given them in the isle of Bomel, that the old regiments of the archdukes Spaniards and Italians, were generally in mutiny for their pay, the which by all presumptions was not easy to find, nor for them to pacify them, by reason of the great arrearages that were due unto them; and therefore entering into Flanders with their whole army, there should not be any one to hinder their design, hoping to take one of those three towns, before the archdukes army should be ready. All being well debated, and resolution taken, the prince sent for as many ships as he had need of, from all the sea towns of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, to embark his troops, both horse and foot, with his artillery, victuals, provisions, and munition of war, in great abundance, assigning to every one his quarter, and the time when they should all come to the great rendezvous, to the number of about eight and twenty hundred sail of all sorts, fit for such a voyage, as well to fight at sea, as to land men, the which had never been seen in any expedition in the Netherlands, so as there past in one day betwixt morning and night, above 2000 before the town of Dordrecht, the which was a pleasant thing to behold.  
All which ships being come to the rendez vous in Zeeland, before the island of Walchrens, under the castle of Ramekins, staying for a wind to carry them to Oostend, upon the coast of Flanders under the Estates obedience, there to land, having had none but a Northerly wind, all the time they lay at anchor, with the which they could hardly land at the town, the prince doubted that their long stay might give the archduke leisure to gather his army together, before that he should be entered into Flanders with his army: wherefore, leaving Zeeland, he embarked the 19 of june in his pinnace. The deputies of the general Estates of the united provinces were likewise at Flessingue, the which were the signors of Kevenburch, Oldenbarnevelt 
The deputies of the ●…es go to assist the prince.  Ʋander Dussen, and others for Holland and West-Friseland, the signior Fernand●… Alleman for Zeeland, Renesse Ʋander Aa for Vtrecht, the signior Franckena for the lordship of Friesland, and the signior Alberda for Groningue, the Ommelands, and the rest, to assist the prince with counsel, and to attend the will and pleasure of God, having some few days before commanded a fast and public prayers, that it would please God to bless their designs; whereupon the prince and all the commanders and captains being aboard, seeing 
1600  the wind constant in that corner of the north, with the which it was not possible for them to land at Oostend, he took another resolution, with the deputies of the Estates, to advance their design by land, although it were at the first appointed by sea (the which had been the shorter, and the more commodious) and the same day weighing anchor about noon, they set sail with about 1500 vessels, leaving the rest (whereof they had no great need) before the castle of Ramekins, there to attend a good wind to carry them to Oostend. The same night the prince arrived with his army before the town of Bierulyet, which is a little island upon the coast and jurisdiction of Flanders, not far from the Sas (which is the sluse of Gant going to the sea) from whence he sent the earl Ernest of Nassau his cousin, with such ships and men as he thought necessary, to land near unto the fort of Philippine, which was held by the Spaniards, and to get it as soon as possibly he could: those of the fort did only make shot with the cannon, but being amazed at the great number of ships, and seeing that it was intended against them, they yielded up the place by composition to depart with their rapiers and 
The fort of Philippine in Flander●… ye elded to the prince.  daggers, the which was done the same night, and the next morning early the prince landed, where having taken a view of his army, with the deputies of the Estates, leaving the forts of Patience and Ysendicke which were near and held by the Spaniards; on the 23 of june they parted from Philippine and marched towards Asnede, where the castle being summoned, yielded, without attending the canon, the soldiers departing with their arms & baggage, the sconce that was there, and the barricadoes of the church being abandoned.  
The prince and his army being entered into Flanders, in the midst of their enemy's country (whereas the Spaniards had so often desired to see them) the ships which had transported them being discharged of their victuals and munition, were dismissed, and returned home. The 24 day the prince parting from Asnede, came to lodge at Eckloo with his whole army, from whence he parted the next day. After his departure the peasants used some cruelty against some of the Estates soldiers, hanging them up booted and spurred: in revenge whereof (yet without any knowledge or commandment from the prince) some soldiers (which could not be afterwards known) returned, and burned the whole borough. This was wont to be one of the greatest and goodliest boroughs in Flanders for traffic and handiworks. The same day the prince parted from Eckloo, he arrived at the village of Male, a league from Bruges.  
The same day the wind being come fair to sail to Oostend, some forty barks of the fleet, which carried baggage being left (as we have said) under Ramekins set sail, being guarded by three ships of war; but (as it happens in such cases, that some are always more forward than others) the galleys of Scluse fell upon them that were most scattered, and could not advance by reason of the calm, so as they took eighteen or twenty of them, and the ships of war could not help them, nor pursue the galleys to rescue the booty. And when as the Spaniards had taken all that was in them, with the masters, mariners, and passengers prisoners, not able to carry away all the said ships, they burned four and let the rest go. At this encounter captain Blanckart captain of one of those ships of war (not able to be seconded by the other two, by reason of the contrary tide, and the calm) was set upon by the said galleys. He had fifty good men aboard, who defended themselves courageously, and repulsed the Spaniards thrice from off their hatches, which they had won: finally, they defended themselves in such sort, as after they had lost 22 men, and all the rest hurt, but eight, among the which, the captain was so wounded, as within few days after he died, having their ship shot through & through, lost their main mast and yard, & so torn, as it could not be more, those which remained whole, refusing to yield, although they were grappled fast unto them, but threatened the Spaniards (whereof the captain himself had given charge to one of his men) that rather than they would yield, to set fire of their own powder, and blow them up, and so the one should be as rich as the other. Wherewith the Spaniards being terrified, they abandoned it suddenly, being all torn with the cannon, and in this estate it was brought to Flessingue: the Spaniards going to their hole at Scluse, with the booty which they had taken from the rest of the other ships, among the which was the baggage of cont Ernest of Nassau, and the baron of Sidleniskie, sergeant mayor of the prince's army, that of sir Robert Sidney governor of Flessingue, of captain Wernhard du Bois, of doctor Strabanus the princes physician, of two of his surgeons, and the rest was belonging to poor victuallers. Captain 
1600  Blanckart died in Flessingue, where he was honourably interred with a military pomp.  
In the mean time prince Maurice marching with his army in battle, passing through the country of Flanders, he came the 26 of june to jabeque, passing almost by the ditches of Bruges, at whom they made some shot, but did him no harm. In the mean time the prince and the Estates wrote letters both to Gant and Bruges, and to the villages of their jurisdictions, and to other neighbours (who could not believe that the Estates design, nor their army had been so great, but that it was a road only, made by some adventuring troops) that their intent was not to spoil the country; but that their design and desire tended to the general freedom of their country, and the expulsion of the Spaniards and their adherents: requiring them therefore to join with them, and to furnish them with a good sum of money to help to supply the charges of this war, the which would turn to their great good and profit. But (according to their expectation) it was but wind: and chose the Brugeois who before had been free from soldiers, did now receive a garrison into the town: the peasants being for the most part retired into the towns, leaving nothing in their houses, wherewith the prince's army might be in any sort accommodated, so as the soldiers endured great wants, being forced by reason of the great heat and the small store of victuallers which followed, to drink stinking water; yet the prince did forbid upon pain of death, first of all fire, and then all sorts of insolencies to the peasants, and especially to wives & maidens: the prince coming the next day with his army to Oudenbourg, the which was abandoned by the Spaniards, as in like manner the fort of Snaskerke, Bredene, and some sconces here and there, for that they were not to be held against so mighty an army. The spaniards left in Bredene four pieces of ordnance. The prince stayed two days at Oudenbourg with part of his army, sending the Walloons, French and Suitsers to Oostend, to besiege the fort of Albert upon the downs, within canon shot of the town, toward Nieuport, and two other forts more within the country, called Isabella & Grotendorst: that having that of Albert, he might have free & easy passage betwixt Oostend & Nieuport, which town he had resolved to besiege.  
The same 29 day of june jan of Duyvenuoord knight, signior of Warmont, admiral of Holland, having a good wind to get out of the road of Ramekins, with 10 ships of war, & some 150 ordinary barks laden with victuals and munition of war, being come before the fort of Scluse, four of the galleys seeing that by reason of the calm they could not advance, came and charged the fleet, thinking to carry away some part thereof, but approaching near, and the wind rising, they were so galled with the great ordnance from the ships of war, as they were glad to retire, with great loss of their men, and one of their galleys was so beaten, as had they not laboured very much at the pump, it had been in danger of sinking: they had very many men slain, for they might see the blood of such as were slain upon the hatches, run out at the scuppet holes. And it was an admirable thing, a gallie-slave Turk, as he rowed, his chain was taken away with a cannon shot, having his garters left on his legs, and a piece of the chain, without any other harm; so as seeing himself unchained, desirous to get his liberty, or else to die (as such poor souls desire often to die, and had rather die than live) he cast himself into the sea, and began to swim towards the Estates ships of war, where at the first they shot at him, but showing his garters and the piece of the chain, he was known to be a slave which had escaped, so as he was received into one of the ships, and well entreated. The 28 of june, the prince having his camp at Oudenbourg, made a journey to 
Albert's fort before Oostend besieged, and yielded to the Estates.  Oostend to give order for the siege of Albert's fort, and to resolve upon that of Nieuport with the Estates deputies, the which being done, he returned the next day to his camp: that morning they began to batter the fort of Albert with four canons, the which did so terrify the besieged, as about ten of the clock before dinner they yielded, to depart with arms and baggage, leaving four pieces of ordnance in the place. The prince at his dislodging from Oudenbourg, left john Piron colonel of a regiment of Zeelanders, with seven companies of foot and two of horse, of captain Wageman and Lambert, and one company in the fort of Snaskerke, to keep those places, and to stay the Spaniard for a time, if he would advance, & with all to serve to give advertisements upon all occasions, what course the enemy took.  
The prince being upon the way with the body of his army, he passed above the forts of Isabella and Grottendorst, at a bridge lying betwixt them and the town of Nieuport, and went and camped close by the downs, and near unto the town, with all the forces he had, causing 
1600  the French which had taken Albert's fort to approach presently; the Walloons and the 
Nieuport besieged.  Suitsers arrived the same day, about three of the clock in the after noon: so as the first day of julie, the prince having past the haven of Nieuport, with a good part of his troops, and won the fort of Dam, half a league from thence, the Spaniard having abandoned two other forts that were not to be held, the one upon the downs, the other upon the dike joining to Nieuport, where there is a tower serving for a lantern to seafaring men, he went to besiege the town, camping on that side which looks towards Dunkirk; cont Ernest of Nassau his cousin remaining with his regiment, and the Scottish men camped on Oostend side, and so to besiege it on both sides the haven, the which he meant to do with all speed, before that the Spaniard should interrupt him (as it was ever the prince's course to entrench his camp with all diligence, and not give the enemy leisure to come and disquiet him; wherein he hath a singular grace to win the hearts of the soldiers, who in that case serve him willingly for pioneers) doubting not but the archduke would do what he could to prevent him, and being well acquainted with the diligence of the Spanish captains, who in affairs of great importance are not idle nor sleepy. For as soon as the archduke Albert had intelligence that the prince was entered into Flanders with his army, conjecturing quickly what his design might be, quite contrary to that which the commons had imagined, he dispatched post upon post to the Spaniards, and other soldiers that were mutined, he prays, entreats, protests, threatens, promiseth wonders, exhorts, chargeth them with their faith and loyalty, accuseth them, that if they fail him at this need, to be the cause of his and their own ruin: finally, he, the Infanta his wife, their commanders, governors, and captains, labour so hard, as upon assurance and hostages they draw them to field, with the which in few days (and in a shorter time than prince Maurice or the Estates did imagine) he frames an army of twelve thousand foot, and about three thousand horse, with the which he makes haste (promising unto himself an assured victory) to come and encounter the Estates army, were it in field, or in their camp and trenches.  
The prince and Estates were ill advertised of this sudden preparation, for that their spies were on all sides taken, so as not any one returned. Finally, hearing for certain that the Spanish army marched and approached near unto them, whereof they were advertised by captain Wageman, whom colonel Piron had sent expressly from Oudenbourg, advertising them that the archduke came to charge them in person, & to understand his pleasure what he should do in extremity. Piron had been advertised of the archdukes coming, by the rout of some horsemen of Oudenbourg, whom he had sent to the war to discover some thing.  
The deputies of the Estates being advertised hereof by Wageman in the fort of Albert, they presently dispatched a post unto the prince, who was in his camp on the other side of the haven at Nieuport, to whom there was no access to confer, but at a low water, for the which they must always attend. But the deputies having taken a resolution, that it was necessary to go and meet with the enemy, and not to suffer himself to be cooped up betwixt Dunkirk and Nieuport, where there was no retreat for the army, they advertised the prince thereof; who having also therein taken the advice of his council at war, he resolved to pass the haven, and to fight with the enemy, if he came and offered it: the which notwithstanding he could not instantly do, but must of force stay till the next day, by reason of the high water, and the multitude of ships which lay in the channel, the which he would cause to retire into sea, as it was done according to his commandment, meaning to take from his men all thought or hope to retire and save themselves by sea, but that they must either fight or die: commanding cont Ernest of Nassau in the mean time, to go with the regiment of Scottish men, and that of the Zeelanders to encounter the Spaniards at the bridge, which they had first passed, joining unto their enemy's forts, to stop the archdukes passage, if it were possible: the prince assuring himself that he would come that way, having no other passage, for the country was full of water: the which the archduke did with all speed, having taken the forts of Snaskerke and Oudenbourg, which were not to be held against so mighty an army, the which were yielded by a composition, signed by the archduke himself. By the which it was said that colonel Piron and all his men being in the fort of Oudenbourg, should depart with their arms, ensigns, and baggage. But being ready to issue forth, colonel 
1600  Piron seeing the mutined Spaniards stand ready with a countenance, as if they meant to cut them in pieces, having protested that it was against the accord (which they meant to do unto them) he retired back again, and there stayed, declaring that he would not come forth, but would die all fight, if they might not be assured to have the accord kept, as it was made; the which Dom Lovis de Velasco general of the archdukes artillery, did especially mediate, yet were they spoiled of some of their baggage and horses, and their ensigns violently pulled from them, contrary to the composition. But those of Snaskerke comprehended in the same accord, where captain Busignt commanded, escaped not so easily, for both he and his lieutenant, with captain Eindoren of cont Ernest of Nassaus' regiment, were at their coming out of the fort, slain in cold blood, and almost all their soldiers, except some who being stripped into their shirts saved themselves by their heels. Of which treachery and cruelty the archduke excused himself, laying the blame upon the mutined Spaniards, with whom he said, his authority at that time had small credit, being like men half mad; but whatsoever it was, these mutineers did soon after receive a just recompense and reward for their treachery and cruelty, having carried themselves so insolently upon so small a victory.  
Colonel Piron being come to Oostend with such men as could escape the enemy's fury, having acquainted the deputies of the Estates of the accord that was made with him, signed with the archduke Albert's own hand, and underneath, By commandment from his Highness, Vasseur, they did then believe, that the archduke was in person in the army, the which before neither they nor prince Maurice could imagine. Whereupon the prince was presently advertised, that the archduke was there in person with all his forces, and that Oudenbourg & Snaskerke were recovered again by the Spaniard, advising him to be ready in good order, and resolute to encounter the enemy. Whereupon the said colonel was sent by the prince to join with Cont Ernestus and the Scottishmen, & to stop the Spaniards passage at the bridge, or at the least to stay him a while, until that the prince should repass the haven with his army, and cause the ships to retire as he did, bringing with him six pieces of ordnance in the head of his forward. Cont Ernestus being upon the way, and marching towards the bridge with two pieces, he found, that part of the enemy's army was already past, against the which he must needs fight, to stay them a while. But as the Spaniard advanced his passage, and his number increasing continually, the party being too unequal, the earl having maintained the skirmish a long time, and very valiantly, not being able to subsist any longer, he was forced 
Cont Ernest and Scottish men defeated.  to give back, after that he had lost his two pieces, and about 800 men, most part Scottish men, and among them captains, Arthur Stuart, Robert Barckley, Andrew Murray, john Kilpatrich, john Michael, john Stoachem and Hugh Nyesbeth, Scottish captains of sir William edmond's regiment: whereof Murray and Barckley being prisoners, having received their faith that held them, were afterwards most inhumanly murdered in cold blood, even in their arms that had taken them. After the same barbarous manner were slain the captains Turquean, la Grappe, and Walraven, of the regiment of colonel vander Noot of Zeeland, and captain Ghistels a Zeelander also, of colonel Pirons' regiment: most of the soldiers that were not slain in the fight, being taken prisoners, were against all law of arms, miserably murdered. Cont Ernest, colonel edmond's, and some other captains were pursued unto Albert's fort, whereas they saved themselves yet some of their men were slain, even at the palisado of the said for't.  
The victorious Spaniard puffed up with this good success in the beginning, and to pursue his victory, holding the Estates army (in his opinion) already vanquished, and prince Maurice, and prince Henry, with their hands and feet bound, having resolved not to leave one living in the whole army, but those two princes, to serve him as trophies, which design was solemoly sworn by the captains and their officers, as since it hath been voluntarily confessed by the mouth of many of them that were prisoners in Holland, and I myself have heard it 
john Petit.  averred in Vtrecht, and that they had horror to take such an oath.  
The archduke having past the bridge with his whole army, began to march with a stately countenance towards his enemy, upon the sands of the sea, carrying with him eight, pieces of ordnance, with 9 cornets of lances, 5 companies of harquebusiers on horseback, 〈◊〉 of cuirasses, and 600 Spanish and Italian horse, of the mutineers of Diest, three regiments of Spanish foot, two of Italians, 5 of Walloons, 2 of Burguignons, 4 of Germans, with some companies 
1600  of the regiment of cont Frederick vanden Berghe, all bending directly towards Nieuport, 
The archdukes army.  with an intent to charge the prince, and the Estates army in their camp and trenches, assuring themselves of victory, by their morning's good success: but the archduke found himself deceived in the opinion which he had conceived of the prince, finding that he had repast the haven, and that he attended him in good order, and with a resolute countenance to fight with him. Then the archduke and the admiral of Arragon began to think otherwise of their affairs, abating some part of their first heat, so as making no such haste as before, they began to dispose of their battalions and squadrons, and to come and charge the prince along the seashore, the tide being far spent, so as there was a great distance betwixt the water and the downs. The prince observing his enemy's countenance, having disposed of the order of his army, as his little leisure would give him leave (without any amazement for these first losses, the which he kept secret, for that he would not discourage his soldiers) having the wind for him, and the sun in his enemy's faces, he fronted them a while in order of battle, being thus disposed.  
Cont Lewis of Nassau, lieutenant of the Estates horse, brother to cont Ernestus, and cousin to the prince, had the leading of the forward, with his company of horse, that of cuirasses 
The order of the prince's army.  of the prince, commanded by the signior of Gant, son to the signior of Oyen, a Gueldrois, the company of Cont Henry Frederic, the prince's brother, led by captain Bernard, and that of Goddart of Bertenborch, in the first squadron of the right wing. Upon the left, the second squadron was led by captain Macellus Bax, with his cornet, and that of the signior Paul Bax, governor of Berghen up Zoom his brother, that of captain la Salle and of Peter Pavier, having in the midst of the said squadrons, and in the head of the first battailon, the prince's company of guards, commanded by the signior vander Aa, captain thereof, & the company of the earl of Hohenlo, led by the signior of Strydhorst, with Sir Francis Veers regiment of Englishmen (being general of all the English nation, that were under the Estates service) himself marching in the head of his colonel company, with that of captain Hamond Yaxlee, his sergeant mayor, of Denis, of Daniel Veer, of Hamont, of Ogle, of Tirrel, of S. Calisthenes Brooke, of Foster, of Fairfax, of Grant, & of Holcroft. In the second battailon was colonel Horatio Veer, brother to the general sir Francis Veer, marching also in the head of his regiment, with the companies of Sutton his lieutenant colonel, of sir Th. Knowles, commanded by captain Petfyn, of Cecil, of Purton, of Morgan, of Meetkerk, of Scot, of Vavesor, of Caius Hartewiston, & of Dexbery. In the third battailon commanded the signior Tacco Hottinga, with his company, that of the baron of Sidlenisky, sergeant mayor of the army, led by his lieutenant, of Gasper Euwsum, by his lieutenant, of Michael Hago, of Frederic Gronsteyn, of jean Kyef, of Hans van Osthem, of Hans Vryes, of Hans Zagreman, of Quirin Blanw, of Edsard Groenesteyn, of Egbert Honing, of Holsteyn, of Assuerus, of Gerrit Schau the younger, of Arnsma, and of Ripperda, which was the regiment of Friesland, under cont William Lewis of Nassau their colonel, governor of the said country of Friesland, of Groaning, and of the Ommelands, cousin to the prince, and brother to the earls Ernest, & Lodowick of Nassau. These 3 battalions of foot making 41 companies, having the foresaid 2 squadrons of horse upon their wings, made the forward. Cont George Euerard of Solins led the battle, with his cornet of horse, that of joos Wyernch Clout, and of john Bax: the said 4 companies were led by cont Frederick in the first squadron on the right wing, & upon the left, captain Goddard van Balen, led by his cornet, that of fir Fr. Veer commanded by his lieutenant, and the cornet of sir Edw. Cecil: & in the midst of the said 2 squadrons, there marched first the regiment of prince Henry Frederic of Nassau led by Daniel of Hartin, signior of Marquette, his lieutenant colonel, with the companies of jean du Bolt, Antony of Sancy, of Francis Marli, Francis marshal, Philip de la Lou, jean Nemmery, jonac Durant, & Gabriel of Nowelles, whom they called the New Gueux, the which was wont to be the regiment of the baron of Hachicourt, in the archdukes service, & were come out of S. Andrews sort, as we have said. In the second battailon were the Suitsers, being but 4 companies, & then the French under monsieur la Nove, the which were put into 2 battalions, the first was commanded by the signior of Domeruille, lieutenant colonel, & the second by captain du Sault, both of la Noves' regiment, of Semendiere, of Mareschot, of Hamelet, of Cornteres, by his lieutenant (for he had been slain two days before at Albert's fort) of Formentiere, of Vernevil, of Pont Aubert, and of Lefort. Which four battalions making 25 companies of foot, and two squadrons of horse, 
1600  made the battle: In the midst whereof was prince Maurice, to have an e●…e both before and behind him, being accompanied by prince Henry Frederi●…k his brother, a young prince of 16 or 17 years old, whom the prince would gladly have had retired, to the end (said he) that if he himself died in the fight, yet the Estates of the united Provinces, should have another general to command over then a●…mie, to repair it if it should be put to rout, but it was not possible to persuade him to re●…ier, entreating and protesting that he would live and die with his brother, and that he would not choose any other fortune; which doubtless w●…s sign of a great courage in so tender an age. The rearward was led by Oliver Vanden Timpel knight, signior of Corb●…ke etc. with the cornets of horse of Wernhard du Bois, of Hamelton, of George Couteler, under the conduct of du Bois. In the which there was also three battalions of foot, the first was the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, with his colonel company, led by his lieutenant, of captain Huseman his lieutenant colonel, of Strael sergeant mayor of Massau, of Imbise, of Clotwits, of Balthasar Eawsum, of Python, of the old company of cont Ernest by a lieutenant, of Andrew Breeder, of Crimits, of Lucas Wenser and of George Verkele. In the second battailon was the regiment of the Lord of Ghistelles, with his colonel company, that of cont Euerard of Solins led by his lieutenant, of Aeneas Treslon, of La Movillerie, of Langevelt, of Raysse, and of Floris van Wyngaerden. In the third battailon was the regiment of colonel Huchtenbrovik, with his colonel company led by his lieutenant, of Marlin sergeant mayor of the regiment of north Holland, of that of the signior of Timpel, by Belin his lieutenant, of Dericke de loughe, of Ruyssenburch, and of Calwaert, being in all 27 companies of foot, and three cornets of horse, which made the rearward. Such was the disposition of the army of prince Maurice, and the Estates of the united provinces.  
The earl of Hohenloo was left behind in Guelderland, with 24 companies of foot, and 6 cornets of horse: fearing that if all the Estates forces had been in Flanders, the enemy might in the mean time have attempted some thing in those parts, or in the ●…sle of Bomel, who would gladly have been there, & so did the Prince and the Estates wish it, when as they saw the Spaniard so near them with all his forces. But the wind did never serve to come to Oostend neither before nor after the battle: where there were also some companies of foot and horse left for the guard of the town.  
The deputies of the Estates being at Oostend, having news of the defeat of cont Ernests troops, & seeing the archdukes army march with all speed towards Nieuport: they thought it then their best course, to continue within the town, to have their refuge unto God, and to implore his aid, as they did in their council chamber by M. john Vuytten bogoerd their minister at the very instant when as both the armies were ready to fight.  
On the other side the Spaniards, especially two or three of the old commanders, who were best experienced in such actions, observing the resolute countenance of the prince, and the disposition of his army, which seemed ready rather to come and charge them, than to attend the shock, they see they should not find that which they had conceived in their imaginations, their enemy being in better order, and more resolute than they expected: for they did confidently believe that the prince would retire with his army into the ships, & that they should come time enough to charge before they were all embarked, where they looked to get a great booty, through the confusion that would be among them. But seeing the army in battle, & the ships in the midst of the sea, they began to doubt that there would be blows. Some were of opinion not to fight, and that it was sufficient to have viewed the enemy's countenance, seeing their soldiers began to be weary, having marched five or six days together, and with their first fight before noon, but they should seek to recover the fort of Albert, and by the favour thereof and others, entrench themselves there with all their army, to cut off the victuals which came from Oostend to the prince's camp, couping them up, betwixt Nieuport, their army, and the sea. Which council without doubt, had been most available for them, and most prejudicial to the prince. But the archduke and some of his commanders, grown too proud with their first victory, impatient of all delay, and boiling with heat to fight, gaping after their prey, as if the beast were already taken, reject all council, and resolve ●…o charge the prince, at what rate soever.  
The prince having put his army in battle, as we have said, & viewed the Spaniards countenance from one of the highest downs, he caused 6 pieces of ordnance to be advanced on 
1600  the sands, betwixt the downs and the sea, in the head of the forward; then entering into counsel with his commanders and colonels, what was fittest to be done, whether to suffer the enemy to approach nearer, to get some advantage, or else to go and begin the charge first: all being well debated, they resolve to advance, and to charge the enemy, and thereupon being informed (according to his demand) by captain Mortier and Fernel, gentlemen of the artillery, commanding at those six pieces, that the enemy was near enough to be endamaged with their cannon; he thereupon gave them charge to shoot, as they did: all the commanders being retired, every one to his battailon, the prince having encouraged his soldiers, recommends unto them their honours, lives, and the fruit of the victory, telling them that there was the place where they must either vanquish or die in fight, or else drink all that water of the sea (which he then showed them) to save themselves: then falling down upon his knees, he made his prayers, and implored God's aid and succour, and so did all his soldiers.  
About two of the clock in the after noon, the prince's army marched with great courage 
The charge begins.  and resolution against the Spaniards, and having let pass some volleys of great shot, which did no great harm, but only one piece passed through a squadron of English footmen, he began to charge along the sands, his cannon having endamaged the Spanish horsemen, who finding themselves galled on that side, and withal the vice-admiral of the Estates hovering up and down the road, did annoy them; leaving the sands they entered into the downs, and then were there two demie canons planted upon one of the highest downs, which commanded round about: in which downs they did fight long, and in divers charges, the victory being long in balance, under a doubtful fight, inclining sometimes to the one party and sometimes to the other, first one retiring, and then another; the which no man can particularly describe, for that the greatness, heat, and fury of the fight was in the downs, among those sandy hills, in seven or eight several charges, so as no man could discern what was done in all places, by reason of those little hills, but only that which was before his eyes, the downs hindering the sight of that which others did. So as in this battle, every one was for himself, taking away the knowledge as well of those that prospered in their arms, as of such as wanted help, which made them think that every one had enough to do for himself, without caring for his companion, and that here he must either find his victory, or his grave.  
The battle continued so long, as the tide came up to the foot of the downs, so as there were some among the Estates Frisons, who seeing some of their horsemen turn their backs (the which fell out often on either side) thinking that all was lost, and flying into the sea to get to their ships, were drowned; yet the body of the Frisons returning to charge on the one side, general Veer, and colonel Horatio his brother with the English on another side, the signior Domeruille with the French, and the other colonels in other places, being encouraged by the prince, did so gall and tyre the Spaniards & Italians that were mutined (who were more obstinate in the fight than all the rest, and behaved themselves as valiantly as any soldiers could do) besides cont Lodowick of Nassau, the earl of Solins, the captains Gant and Balen, charged them so furiously with their horsemen out of the downs into the meadows, as they durst return no more into the downs for fear of the prince's cannon, which did much annoy them, so as being priest by these troops, their footmen being defeated of another side, and all their cavalry disordered by the prince's battle, they find that all their resistance was in vain, and that their soldiers were too weak to endure so great force; so as every one seeks to save himself, some flying towards Nieuport, & the rest to other places of easiest access for them. The duke of Aumale retired being lightly hurt.  
The archduke seeing this disorder, having no means to recover that which he had but 
The archduke flies, and the prince had his arms and his horse of combat.  newly lost, he leaves his arms, and turns head with the first towards Bruges, where he saves himself, but looseth all his household, artillery, and baggage, and abandons all to the victor's mercy, who in his fury kills all be encounters, without respect, mercy, or ransom. The slaughter of the mutined Spaniards (who had been most wilful in the fight) was very great, receiving a just reward for their cruelty in the morning, the Scottish men sparing not any one for an expiation of their companions that were slain the same day; yea their choler and rage was so great, as they that fled and were overtaken, were slain like beasts, and some were murdered being prisoners, even in their arms that had taken them, and would willingly have saved 
1600  their lives. The victory continued until night, chase, taking, and killing. The blood of men slain died the fields, and the slaughtered carcases lay dispersed over the country, upon the lands, downs, and meadows, so as the number of them that were slain on the archdukes part exceeded 6000, and about 800 prisoners, who were in great danger of their lives, even the admiral 
The loss on the archdukes side.  of Arragon (being taken prisoner and led to Oostend) if he had not been in the prince's company.  
The prince and the Estates as well at the first encounter in the morning, as at this battle 
The l●…sse on the prince's side. The dead men.  lost above 2000 men, among others Bernard, Couteler and Hamelton, captains of horse, and some 20 captains of foot, but no man of mark. On the archdukes side were slain, the earl of Saume, the earl of la Fere, the Seneschal of Montelimar, the baron of Pimereul, Chassey Ottigny son to the precedent Richardot, Dom Gaspar de Sapena, colonel, who died at Oostend, Dom Diego de Torres, Dom Gaspar de Loyaza, Dom Gonzalo d'Espinola, Dom joan de Pardo, Dom Garciade Toledo, Dom Lopes de Capata, Dom Alonzo Carcamo, Dom Lovis Faccardo, Sebastien Velasco, Sebastien Doteloa, Christoval Verdugues, Mettheo d'Otteuille, joannetin de Casa nueva, the pay master Alines, and many others which are yet unknown to us, and cannot recover their names. Among the prisoners, besides Dom Francisco de Mendoza admiral of Arragon, lieutenant general of the archdukes army, there were Dom Baptista de Villanova, who was conveyed 
The prisoners  to Horn in Holland, Dom Alonzo Ricquel to Delft, Dom Gonzalo Hernandes de Spinosa to Vtrecht, Dom Pedro de Montenegro to the Hage, Dom Pedro de Velasco to Berghen up Zoom, Dom Pedro de Leusina to Enchuisen, Dom Antonio de Mendoza to Berghen also, with Dom Francisco de Torres. Among them of the archdukes household, there was the cont Carlo Rezi, Dom Diego de Gusman, and Mortier, all three pages, and Dom Pedro de Monte-maior, a gentleman taster, his physician, barber, harbinger, rider, cook, porter, the grooms of his chamber, some of the archers and halberdiers of his guard, and in a manner all his household: 3 priests or monks, 40 ancients, 37 pencioners, which are ancients and sergeants reform, as they term them. They lost six pieces of ordnance, and those two of cont Ernestus were recovered: there were 
The booty.  136 ensigns of foot taken and 5 cornets of horse, comprehending the mutineers standard, and the colours that were lost the same day were recovered.  
Prince Maurice being victorious, did camp that night upon the place of battle, & the next day he returned with his army to Oostend, leading the admiral of Arragon with him, whereas he, the deputies of the Estates, the commanders of the army, with many captains and others assisting, gave solemn thanks unto God for such an unexpected victory proceeding from his only hand. The prince stayed at Oostend until the sixth day of the month, to take some course for the supplying of his companies that were spoiled, whilst that the soldiers did refresh themselves of their labours past.  
Such as discourse of war at their pleasures, and consider not the variable events which do often happen unlooked for, would have wished that the prince should have pursued his victory after another manner, and that the deputies of the Estates being in Oostend, should have sent forth both the horse and foot that were in the town, to cut off the passage at the bridge, by the which the Spaniards were come, the which was the archdukes only retreat, where they might easily have been taken; and besides, they might have made a great booty of their baggage, which remained behind. But such as talk thus (although it had been well done) do not say, that the deputies might well conjecture, but they could not precisely judge what the issue would be: so as they were not certainly advertised of the victory, until it was complete by the defeat and flight of the enemy, so as they could not have pursued them so suddenly, but they would have passed the bridge, as they did, and broke it after them, being late before the victory was assured. Besides there is an ancient proverb, That you must make a bridge of gold to a flying enemy. And although the prince, besides those troops that were in Oostend, had horse and foot enough, that were fresh and fit enough to pursue them; yet contenting himself with the victory, and to remain master of the field, he did forbid his men to follow after them, for that he would not hazard them too much: what did they know, whether the archduke had any fresh troops beyond the bridge, who fortifying them that fled, would either through shame or despair have made them return to the charge?  
Others demanded, why the prince (seeing his enemy was defeated, and the country of Flanders and Arthois shaken) returned not presently before Nieuport; or at the least, that he 
1600  besieged not the forts about Oostend, the which (it may be) would have yielded presently, whereby he should have assured the town better, and made the whole country contribute? To whom I must answer, That the town of Nieuport was not to be taken suddenly, nor yet the forts, which are almost inaccessible by reason of the waters (as it hath been well known since) were not to yield so easily, as such conquerors have imagined: into the which colonel Barlotte (a resolute soldier, and not to be terrified with small matters) was retired. Moreover the prince assured himself that the archduke would seek to repair his army with all speed; and therefore he would willingly attend the earl of Hohenloo his brother in law, with his troops to fortify his camp. Besides there were many things to be ordered: so as he could not have less than five or six days liberty to provide for all necessary occasions, and for his soldiers to refresh themselves; and withal in a manner half the army was busied to provide for their companions and cameradoes that were wounded, and to have them dressed, & also to assure themselves of their prisoners, whereof a great number of them were also hurt.  
The fifth day after the defeat, the prince being gone to set down again before Nieuport, 
The prince returneth again to besiege Nieuport.  having again past the haven, called back his ships, landed his canon, entrenched his camp, and made his platforms for his battery; the same night there entered three regiments of foot into the town (the which they could not hinder, for that the place was not fully besieged) besides the five companies that were in garrison in the town before: so as the besieged about the twelfth of the month made a gallant sally with about a thousand men, betwixt one and two of the clock in the afternoon, and came and charged the prince's men in their trenches, joining unto the town, with a furious skirmish, the which was so well maintained, and the besieged so repulsed, as they were forced to retire: but not content therewith, they returned the next day, but they prevailed no more than at the first, neither was there in both these skirmishes, any great loss on either side.  
All which, the prince having well considered, and the multitude of men that were within the town, that it would not be easy to take by assault, without greater forces than he had, and without a long siege; the which would greatly have weakened his army, and it may be have wasted the tenth part of his soldiers, the which at that time, and according to the place were few enough, which he had no need to waste prodigally, for such a paltry place, the which at his departure he must of necessity have abandoned (although he had forced it) or else to have been in danger to have been soon taken again; besides at that time there was nothing to be gotten there: therefore he resolved to raise his camp, and to make an honest retreat. Wherefore on the 17 of the month, he commanded to embark all the cannon, the tents & pavilions, and at the first high tide to have the ships get out of the haven, to return towards Oostend, being resolved to besiege the forts of Isabella, Clara, and Grottendorst: to the end also that he should be no more in danger to be shut up, as the enemy had thought to have done, knowing well that the Spanish commanders prepared for a new army, to have their revenge if they might. Moreover in besieging the said forts, if he were willing to attend them, and to fight with them with such forces as might have come unto him; he had Oostend always at his back, whither he might at all times retire himself without danger, and go to sea whensoever he pleased to return into Holland. So the next day the prince having repast the haven of Nieuport with his army, he went to besiege the fort of Isabella, lodging in the meadows towards the sea, near unto the downs; on which side, by the means of Clara & Grottendorst, the said fort might have been relieved at need: wherefore he caused 2 pieces of ordnance to be planted on the downs, looking towards the approaches, & 4 others upon Oostend side, near unto the fort of Albert, to batter that of Isabella, and the 19 of the month he planted 6 cannons more, and somewhat nearer, with which 10 pieces he began to batter the next day, 2 or 3 hours only; whereby they did conceive that he must use greater force, or else he should prevail little. Notwithstanding, though all things were ready to make two other batteries, yet was it not battered after that time; they made a show also as if they would undermine it: but at the break of day the Spanish army being fortified with new supplies showed itself, and campt near unto the fort of Clara without any let, for that neither it nor the fort of Grottendorst were in any sort besieged; from whence the commanders of the army sent to refresh all those forts, both with men and munition; to the which they had free access, by reason of the cutting of the ditches in the meadows, the which are necessary in that country of west Flanders. Some said the prince should have done better, first to have 
1600  attempted the fort of Grottendorst, which was not very well fortified, by means whereof that of Clara had been separated from the fort of Isabella, betwixt which two it is built.  
And as these 2 armies of the Spaniards and Estates were in front one of another, but could not annoy one another, but by light skirmishes, by reason of the forts and the situation of the country; the Spaniard having all the firm land at his commandment, and the Estates having that only haven of the sea, Oostend, to furnish them with all their commodities, whither they could not at all times go aboard nor get out: seeing therefore that he should profit little in battering of the said fort, where although he had made a desired breach, yet could he hardly have given an assault, for that he must have encountered with two enemies at once, one in front at the breach, and the other at his back out of the enemy's camp. It was therefore resolved to make a retreat, and to content themselves for that year with that goodly victory which God had given them in that part of Flanders. Whereupon on the 24 day of the month, all the artillery was taken away to be embarked in the haven of Oostend, whereas the ships were entered, except those four pieces which were upon the downs near unto the fort of Albert, and the first two which they had planted in the prince's quarter before Isabella fort.  
Whilst this was doing, on the 25 day, colonel Barlotte being in the first trenches of the counterscarpe of Isabella fort, or within the fort itself, having showed himself too much, he was shot into the head with a musket, whereof he died instantly, being much lamented by the archduke but nothing by the Spaniards, Italians, nor any other commanders; for that his fortunate success, having made him presumptuous & a bold speaker, it did procure him hatred among the great, for that he persuaded himself that nothing could be well executed without him. And to speak the truth, of a poor soldier of fortune, a barber as he had been, having passed through all military degrees, he had by his valour attained to a colonels place, & to other goodly charges, having been often employed in dangerous exploits, wherein he did always acquit himself happily for his master's service. At his death he left great wealth to his children.  
Prince Maurice and the deputies of the Estates, having caused the fort of Albert to be ruined and beaten down, as much as they thought good, he embarked his cannon and retired his garrisons out of all the forts which he had won from the enemy. And the last day of julie, after that he had left 51 companies of foot, and 7 cornets of horse in Oostend (having not ships sufficient to embark them all) to have the town well manned, until they might see the Spaniards resolution, whether he would besiege it or no; having set good order for all things, the prince and the council took their course for Zeeland. Being at sea, the galleys of Scluse came in a calm (for otherwise they came not forth) to affront some of their ships, thinking to get some stragglers, but the wind being somewhat risen, they could not retire so speedily as they would, but they were well battered, and lost many of their men. The prince being returned with his army into the united provinces, and having divided his men into their ordinary garrisons, to refresh them after so painful a voyage; the archduke in like manner retired the body of his army out of Flanders, except some companies which he left for the guard of those forts, and of such as he found abandoned, repairing that of Albert in a short time, and leaving them all, as they continued unto the siege & yielding up of Oostend; which moved the Estates also to retire their horsemen, and 27 companies of foot, the rest remaining there in garrison.  
At that time the signior of Wackene, vice-admiral to the archduke, remaining most commonly 
The cruelty of the vice-admiral of Dunkirk.  at Dunkirk, to be revenged for the death of the Spaniards, and others which had been slain at the battle of Nieuport, went in person to sea with seven or eight ships of war, and fell upon a poor company of fishermen of Holland and Zeeland, which were fishing for herrings; who although they had certain ships of convoy dispersed here and there (as they make their fishing in a great compass of the sea) the foremost being too far off to help the hindermost at need, so as the ships of war appointed for their guard could not equally defend them all alike: the vice-admiral (a Fleming by nation) yet with the fury of a Spaniard, enters in among them, and takes fifteen or sixteen of the said ships (which they call Buisses) and having taken all that was good in them, retaining the pilots & masters of the ships, he nailed all the mariners and fishermen under the hatches, making holes in the keels of the ships, so as they sunk by degrees, and yet those poor miserable wretches that were shut up, could not come forth to save themselves, or, at the least, to do their best endeavours, 
1600  being drowned like mice in a trap: A cruel act, and most lamentable to see, and hear the cries and sighs of those that were so miserably drowned. Of this cruel and inhuman act, the Signior of Wackene went himself to carry news to the court of Spain: for the which at the beginning he was commended, honoured, and recompensed by the king: but all good men, which loved their honours on either party, did hate and detest him. He died afterwards very miserably in that court.  
The Estates being assembled at Brussels, they acquainted the archdukes, by what means they might attain unto a peace with the united Provinces.  
First, they gave them to understand, That the reasons why they of Holland and Zeeland would not subject themselves under their highness obedience (as it appeared by divers of 
The Estates show the archdukes means how to make a peace with the united  their letters and speeches) were, that (notwithstanding their highness presence, and the privileges of the country, sworn and confirmed by them) they saw the Spaniards and strange soldiers had still the guard and government of the chief towns and forts of the country: as the castles of antwerp and Gant etc. the towns of Grave and Liere, the forts of Flanders and Denremonde, the Sas of Gant, the town and castle of Sluice, Nieuport, Dunkirk, the town and castle of Cambray, with divers others.  
This (said the Estates) might be easily redressed, by removing of those strange garrisons out of the said towns and castles, assuring themselves, that their highness authority might be confirmed as well by other means, considering the loyalty and constancy (whereof there hath been sufficient proof made) of many towns, which have no strange garrisons, as Arras, S. Omer, Bethune, Ryssel, Valenciennes, Dovay, Berghen in Henault, Alost, Dornick, Namur, Maestricht, Brussels, Macklyn, Louvain, Venloo, Boisleduc etc. and therefore, if their highness thought it good, there should be soldiers borne in the Netherlands put into those towns, when the Spaniards should leave them.  
The second objection made by the Estates, was, That a peace could not be concluded, so long as the Spaniards held the chiefest governments (the which was contrary to the privileges of the country) as in the town of Lembourg Veert, the country of Cambresis, Bruges, antwerp, Gant, Dixmuyden, Liere, Nieuport, Dunkirk etc. which difficulty said they might easily be removed, for that there was store of noblemen and gentlemen borne within the Netherlands, to whom the government of those towns and castles might well be committed, being bound as strictly by oath unto their highness, as those Spanish governors were unto the king of Spain; otherwise in time their highness might be deprived of those towns and castles, by such as would pretend to hold them for the king of Spain, to the utter ruin and desolation of the whole country: for which reasons they of Holland and Zeeland did confidently believe, that those towns and castles were yet in the possession and under the command of the king of Spain, and not of their highness.  
The third point was, the liberty and freedom of religion, wherein they excused them of Holland and Zeeland, for that their highness had sworn by the donation made unto them, never to yield thereunto; which point said they, aught to be referred to divines to dispute, & to the consideration of princes.  
The fourth reason which the Hollanders did object, that the provinces under their highness command, by virtue of the said grant, seemed to be held in fee of the king of Spain; whereupon they said, that as it had pleased their highness to signify often unto the Estates of Brabant, that they had no meaning the Netherlands should be held in fee of Spain, so now they would be pleased to entreat the king of Spain to vouchsafe to write his letters of certificate to the contrary, and to let them understand that he hath no such intent, although there be some likelihood, considering the contents of the grant.  
The fifth objection was, that they held it not convenient that the Netherlanders should be restrained from their traffic to the Indies, which they said was as much as to strive against nature, to forbid the Netherlanders that trade, upon such conditions as they should think good, for that they ought to have free passage to all places, as well as the Spaniards.  
In the sixth and last point they showed the distrust which they of Holland and Zeeland had, that if a peace should be made with their highness, how it should be observed from point to point, and what assurance they should have for the same: for the freeing of which doubt, they thought it convenient, that liberty and free passport should be granted to them of Holland 
1600  and Zeeland, to come and be admitted to sit in the assembly of the general Estates, and there to entreat of a peace, or of a truce and cessation from arms, wherein they thought themselves best assured, having authority from their highness, always with this exception, that in regard of the provinces under their highness command, there should be nothing altered touching their religion, nor their highness authority, but they should treat only about restitution of lands, goods, and privileges; and the conclusion of the peace should be made upon these conditions, That if it should so fall out, that all things concluded with them of Holland and Zeeland, were not fully and directly observed and kept from point to point, that the general Estates should bind themselves to see them observed and kept, and to that end should aid and assist them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associates; and for not performance thereof, the general Estates should be wholly discharged from their oath taken unto their Highness: for the observing whereof, the general Estates should bind themselves by oath unto the united provinces of Holland, etc.  
Herein it seemed the general Estates of the provinces under the archdukes command, failed somewhat of the main point which the united provinces aimed at, who said, they would never be subjecteth unto the Spanish government, for if their sheaf of arrows were once divided and broken, they would be as strongly united again. Thus much was treated of at Brussels, and what ensued, you shall hereafter hear.  
The general Estates had a galley, called the black galley of Dordrecht, for that it was built there, carrying 10 or 12 pieces of ordnance, whereof there were two canons in prow, and two in poop, manned with rowers, whereof some were voluntary for pay, as well to row, as to fight at their boarding, besides the soldiers that were in it, under captain Wipeul, who had for his lieutenant that gallyslave Turk, which had escaped by swimming from one of the galleys of Sluice. This galley was sent to Flessingue in Zeeland, to draw Spinolaes' galleys thither. During the time it lay there at anchor, the captain had discovered, that three of those galleys of Sluice had taken a merchants ship of Zeeland. Whereupon he pursued them, and at the first charged one of them so furiously, as being well beaten, he forced it to retire into their hole. Then the captain rowed unto the two other galleys, who had seized upon the ship, the which he took from them in despite of them, forcing them to retire, with no small loss.  
On the 29 of November the said captain with his galley, and four long boats well manned, went and set upon the admiral ship of antwerp, in the midst of the river, before the 
A gallant exploit done by the black galley.  town, the which was one of the goodliest ships that was under the archdukes service, in the which there were 16 brass pieces, 10 of iron, 6 to shoot stones, & many harguebuses acrocke, the which he boarded suddenly in a dark night, cut some in pieces, and some leaping over board were drowned: then he took the ordinary merchants ships of Brussels and Macklin, in every one of the which there were 4 brass pieces, besides others, and five other ships, which they call Heus, serving to convey victuals and munition which went to Sluice, and to other forts which the Spaniards held upon the sea coast, and upon the river, appointed as the merchant ships were. All which ships and prisoners he brought to Flessingue, passing at the mercy of the enemy's canon at Ordam, and other forts upon the river of antwerp. This was an act of able and resolute men, the which caused a great amazement in the town of antwerp, where they kept their gates shut two days, for fear of some treason. They took in these ships 50 brass pieces of all sorts, which were more worth than the galley had cost at the first to make and rig, although in the beginning they had held it to be unprofitable, and the charge lost, but other effects since have showed the contrary.  
The archduke having (to his charge) after the battle of Nieuport, gathered together some new troops of soldiers, after prince Maurice his return into Zeeland, he sent most of them into Brabant, under the command of Dom Lovis de Velasco, lodging the greatest part of them between Duffel and Macklyn, not very far one from another, doubting prince Maurice his horsemen, who did greatly spoil the country round about. The mutinous soldiers of Hamont held the town and castle of Weert still for their security, having 14 stivers a day delivered them for every soldiers pay, and yet they made great spoil in the country. The archduke also reform his old soldiers, both horse and foot, especially the Spaniards and Italians, and reduced divers companies into one. 
1600   
We have showed before how the emperor's ambassadors moved the archdukes for the delivery 
A treaty betwixt the provinces under the archduke and the united provinces.  of Rhineberck unto the elector of Cologne, but they referred it to a treaty of peace which was then in hand, saying, That they daily expected a passport from the united provinces, for the deputies of the Estates under their command, as Brabant, Flanders, etc. who were at that time in antwerp, attending the said passport; the which being sent by them of the united provinces, the deputies appointed for the Estates of Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, Gueldres, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Namur, Ryssel, Dovay, Orchies, Dornic, Tornesis, and Macklin, being assembled at Brussels, went to antwerp, and from thence to Berghen up Zoom. Their names were, Gerard of Horn, earl of Bassignie, son to the lord of Boxtel, of the house of Horn, governor of Macklin, Philip van Bentinghe, lord of Bite and Paffenhowen, colonel and steward of Montfort, M. Henric Coet, pensioner of Ypre, and others; who upon the 19 of july, came to Berghen being brought in by mon●…eur Bax, governor of the town, who met them some quarter of a mile off. There they found some eight or ten deputies for the Estates of the united provinces, whereof monsieur van Oldenbarnevelt, advocate for Holland, was one, where they were all feasted by monsieur Bax.  
The next day being met together, the letters sent from the Estates assembled at Brussels, unto 
The contents of the Estates o●… Brussels letters to the united Estates.  the Estates of the united provinces, were there read, the contents whereof was, To show how desirous they were to enter into a treaty of peace, with the Estates of the united provinces, showing how good and necessary a peace would be, and what miseries and calamities follow wars; praying them once to unmask themselves, to lay aside all jealousy and distrust, and to enter into this treaty of peace with sincerity of hearts, etc.  
Which ended, the deputies of the united provinces rose up, and went into a corner of the 
Barnevelts answer to the general Estates.  hall, where having conferred together, they sat down again, monsieur Barnevelt speaking for them all, said, That they rejoiced much, to hear the general Estates assembled at Brussels, so well affected to a general peace and union of the whole Netherlands, as they had sent natural borne subjects and members (wishing well unto the Estates) unto them, whereof some were their kinsmen, and had livings among them: for which their great good will and affection, they gave them hearty thanks, taking God, the world, and their own consciences to witness, that they desired nothing more, than a godly, just, and assured peace: but in regard of many strange oppressions and cruelties, used by the Spaniards and their adherents, they had great cause of distrust, whereof he produced some examples. He also laid open the admiral's violence and cruelty, not only to them, but to their neighbour countries, who notwithstanding were better affected unto him than unto them, with many such like reasons: so as they could not believe, but that all such violent actions were resolved on by the archduke and his counsel, intending to do the like unto them, when time and opportunity served: Therefore (they said) they were not in any sort resolved to enter into any treaty of peace with the Spaniards or their adherents, unless that the general Estates would take arms with them, to chase all strangers out of the country, and then the whole provinces would find means to unite themselves together, and so reduce them again to their former estate etc.  
Whereunto the deputies for the Estates in Brussels made answer, That it was very credible, 
The answer of the deputies of Brussels.  that by the retreat of strangers, and the committing of towns and castles into the hands of such as were borne in the country, all doubts and distrusts would be removed, and matters reduced to the ancient order: But looking precisely into this action, they were of opinion, That as long as the united provinces continued in arms, and made war, it was not fit nor convenient for the Estates in Brussels to reject the king of Spain's aid, therewith to defend themselves against such as made war against him.  
Whereupon either party conferred together, and then sitting down again, monsieur 
Barnevelts reply.  Barnevelt said, That they held the donation made by the king of Spain to the Infanta, to be false, and of no force, for that it was therein expressly set down, That if the archduke died without children, the Infanta should return into Spain again; and if the Infanta died, the archduke should remain in the Netherlands but as governor thereof, and the country return again unto the king of Spain. And moreover, if they had any children, they should not marry but with the house of Spain. It was also decreed by the same gift, That the subjects of the Netherlands should not trade unto the Indies, and that upon forfeiture of the said countries: concluding thereby, that they were now more subject unto the Spanish servitude than ever, 
1600  for that in consideration the archdukes had bound themselves so strictly unto Spain, and that the general Estates of those provinces had likewise sworn to be true and faithful unto them, as to their natural lords, that of force that yoke must needs ensue. He also said, That touching the points of communication specified in their letter, with their instructions and verbal propositions, the deputies of the united Provinces, having duly considered thereon, they found, that the whole transport made by the K. of Spain to the Infanta his daughter, tended merely to the prejudice of the Netherlands, in regard that the archdukes, & the Estates also with them, were so strictly bound unto the king of Spain, as in their opinions they could not safely deal concerning a peace, neither with Spain, the archdukes, nor with the Estates, as their sworn vassals; neither had they sufficient authority to do it. They also said, their commission extended not so far, as they could maintain and effect that which should be concluded betwixt them, and therefore they desired to have full assurance thereof, before they would enter into any conference or treaty of peace. Lastly, they said, That if they might be freed from the archdukes and the Spaniards, they for their parts would suffer them to live in their former Estates, and between them they would make a form of government, where all men, both Catholics and Reformed, might use their own religion, and live in freedom of conscience.  
Whereunto the deputies of the Estates of Brussels made answer, That they had a prince, 
The Estates of Brussels answer  without whom they desired not to do any thing, being in good hope that all matters by the help of good mediators might be so well reconciled, as their highnesses in the end would agree with the Estates, and both parties be well satisfied.  
And touching the assurance which they demanded, they said, They must not set the cart before the horse: for if the treaty of peace were once begun, the deputies of the general estates should have ample commission to treat with them, and whensoever they came to the main points, they would secure them in such sort, as they should rest satisfied, concluding, that they would not forsake their princes, nor attempt any thing but with their like and consents; so as the conclusion of a peace must proceed from the archdukes, and not from the Estates.  
Whereupon the deputies of the united provinces gave them to understand, that they were bound by contract to divers princes and states, not to make any peace with the Spaniards, nor the archdukes, without them, to which end they had caused divers decrees to be published, being also desirous to advertise the said princes and commonweals, what their instructions and propositions were, the which they would do in such friendly manner, as all men should find that they desired peace and unity, entreating them of Brussels to do the like, and to persuade the Estates, to get the Spaniards out of the towns and castles of the Netherlands, and to place such as were borne in the country etc.  
And thus the conference between them ended, the deputies of the united provinces giving 
The conference breaks up at Berghen.  letters sealed up unto the other deputies, bearing date the 22 of july, containing a discourse of all their conference, and recommending the peace unto them, wherewith the deputies departed from Berghen, and returned to Brussels, making report of all that had been done.  
Upon their return, the Estates being assembled at Brussels, finding by the report of their deputies, that there was no peace likely to be concluded (the united provinces having so lately gotten a victory before Nieuport) and that their provinces were in the mean time to be defended, they resolved to raise a good sum of money, according to their ancient and laudable custom, who never left their princes in need, but liberally assisted them: whereupon they agreed, to impose a tax of two shillings upon every chimney throughout their country, and consulted how to find means to entertain 10000 foot, and 3000 horse, which they found would cost them 320000 gulderns a month, and to that end, upon the 4 of july, when as they 
32000 pounds ●…ing.  had received news of the archdukes overthrow, they delivered their fourth declaration unto the archdukes committees, containing many several points.  
First, That the mutinous soldiers should be paid, and all other soldiers kept in good martial discipline.  
That the Spanish Tribunals, called de la Hazienda, and de la Visita, that is, Treasorers and Overseers of the Spanish treasure, being 250 thousand ducats a month allowed by the king of Spain, might be reform, and that they should have no further dealing with the accounts of the natural borne subjects of the country, unless it were with such as were indebted unto them upon some former reckonings. 
1600   
That the Estates were content to undertake the discharge of the admiralty, the payment of the garrisons, and the repairing of the forts, according unto the list propounded unto them.  
They also undertook to furnish 250 wagons for an army, and to entertain ten thousand footmen, and the ordinary horsemen of the country, for a year; upon condition, That they should be freed from the five cornets of light horsemen: Whereunto they all agreed, desiring that the archduke might be advertised thereof.  
These articles were delivered: whereunto the archduke made answer the sixteenth of julie, whereby he seemed to yield unto the chief points. And the same day the marquess of of Haurec gave the Estates to understand, That the archdukes desire was, they should resolve upon some means touching the freeing of the demeans, and for their yearly revenue.  
Touching the freeing of the demeans, the Estates desired they might not be charged therewith, until a peace were made, and as for their yearly revenues and entertainment, they yielded to 250 thousand gulderns yearly, as it was propounded, the which should be borne by the whole provinces in general; and that upon condition their highnesses should reform their households, discharge all superfluous servants, and reduce it to the ancient orders of the dukes of Bourgoigne.  
After this the Estates began to consult, how they might raise these sums of money; the prelates and gentlemen concluding to impose a tax upon victuals, and upon all apparel, and also upon all wares and merchandises, wherewith they acquainted them of Flanders. Whereupon 
A tax imposed upon victuals.  the two estates agreed, with the good liking of the third estate, to raise these sums upon corn, wine, butter, flesh, etc. viz.  
Upon a measure of Brabant, called a sester of wheat, four stivers.  
Upon the same measure of Rye or Meslin, 3 stivers.  
Upon every aume of French, Rhenish, or Spanish wine, 8 stivers.  
Upon a barrel of beer, valued from 2 to 4 gulderns, 6 stivers.  
Upon a barrel of beer valued from 4 to 6 gulderns, 12 stivers.  
Upon a hogshead, and upon all foreign beer, 24 stivers.  
Upon every ox or steer of 3 years old and upwards, 30 stivers.  
Upon every cow or heifer, 20 stivers.  
Upon every wether or calf, 5 stivers.  
Upon every ewe or ram, 4 stivers.  
Upon every lamb, goat, or pig, 2 stivers.  
Upon every hog, 8 stivers.  
Upon every milk cow both winter and summer, a stiver every month.  
Upon every ox or cow that is put to pasture to be made fat, 2 stivers.  
But the deputies of the other provinces seemed to make some difficulty hereat, desiring rather, that a division should be made, and that every province should have his portion set down, with a fit moderation, as they were able to raise it, and that the prelates and nobility should consent to pay two third parts of a fourth part of the whole sum; upon condition, that their privileges which had been broken, should be restored, and the tolles taken away, after the ancient manner.  
They of antwerp made divers difficulties, concerning the taxes imposed upon victuals, saying, That they had paid part of their debts out of the excises raised upon victuals, and that the said excises were partly farmed unto merchants, who had disbursed 150 thousand gulderns for the archdukes use, before his going into Spain, and that they had been contributary for the payment of the mutined soldiers in the castle of antwerp; desiring that consideration might be had thereon.  
Upon the ninth of August they consulted again, touching the conference which had been betwixt the Estates of Brussels, and the united provinces, to see how they might reunite the provinces which were fallen from them, the which was deferred to the report which should be made by the deputies of the contrary side, unto their committees, wherein as then they could not proceed: But in regard of the former conference, and for that the enemy presumed to have a great advantage, it gave them more cause of distrust than hope: 
1600  wherefore they concluded, that their princes were in the mean time to be aided, yet not to forget the treaty of peace, which could not be suddenly effected, and therefore they must take order for the war. To which end the general Estates at Brussels set down the archdukes demands, with a note of the several sums, what they would amount unto, whereby they 
The whole charge of the archdukes demands.  found that the entertainment of the ordinary garrisons a●… that time for 8450 men amounted monthly unto 81120 gulderns.  
Ten thousand foot divided into five regiments, all natural borne subjects, amounted unto the sum of 128700 gulderns a month.  
Fifteen companies of bands of ordnance, which should serve six months with full pay, and six months for half pay, one month with another, amounted unto 60750 gulderns the month.  
The archdukes household charges monthly, came unto one and twenty thousand gulderns, and 16667 gulderns the month, for two hundred and fifty wagons for the army: so as all these charges together amounted unto 308237 gulderns the month: where to they added the charges of collectors, and mustermasters, which came to some twelve thousand gulderns a month: so as the whole sum was 320 thousand gulderns a month.  
For the raising of this sum monthly, the provinces were of divers opinions: for in the division and quotation of the general collected sums out of all the provinces, according unto the old taxation in the grant made by the said provinces, unto the emperor Charles the 5, for his wars in France, they of Brabant and Flanders made many difficulties; for that they of Brabant for their parts (the sum as then being 300 thousand gulderns a month) paid the five eight parts thereof, Flanders 6 eight parts, Arthois and Henault each of them a sixth part of that which Flanders paid, Valenciennes a sixth part of that of Henault; Ryssel, Dovay, and Orchies an eight part of Flanders: Holland half as much as Flanders, Zeeland a fourth part of Holland, Namur a sixteenth part of Flanders, Macklin a small matter: they of Guelderland, Luxembourg, and Lembourg, did not contribute. Moreover, there was consideration had of those which lay nearest unto the enemy, which were Arthois, Henault, Ryssel, and Namur, the which were taxed at small sums, the greatest burden being laid upon Brabant, Flanders and other provinces, which at that time flourished: The like respect (said they) was at that time to be had, so as at the last the archduke made a reasonable division among them.  
They of Brabant desired, That the two companies of light horsemen under Adolph earl vanden Berghe, and monsieur Grobendonc (as being very necessary for the defence of all the country 
Demands and complaints made by them of Brabant.  of Brabant, and especially of their frontier town of Hertogenbosch, or Boisleduc) might be comprehended in the list of the garrisons appointed to be paid out of the collection of 320000 gulderns a month; as also that the winter army might be divided, and that their highnesses would be served therewith according to the joyful entries. That the government of Lembourg, and of the towns over Meuse, might be put into the hands of natural borne subjects of Brabant, as also the rest of the towns, castles and forts in Brabant; and that the town of antwerp (contrary to the contract made for the building of the castle) might be no more charged to make provision of wood and turf for the same; nor yet that the said castle should press them to any service, which was to be done at their highnesses charge. They complained also, That the town of Antuerp had lost the benefit of divers cloisters in those parts; as of the monastery of Assigem, the which was transferred unto the town of Macklin, under the archbishopric, to their great prejudice: which monastery did no more contribute unto the burdens laid upon the country, as it had usually done, and therefore they desired the archbishop would be pleased to restore the said monastery unto them again, according to the justice and equity of the old dukes of Brabant, with many such like complaints. They of Brabant also complained, That they were overcharged to pay 70 thousand gulderns a month, considering their arrearages, and that the chimney money amounted but to 150 thousand gulderns: wherefore they desired to be rated but at 60000 gulderns monthly; and that consideration might be had of the 150000 gulderns, which they had paid unto the archduke before his going into Spain, as also of that which they had paid unto the mutined soldiers of the castle.  
The like complaints were made by the general Estates unto the archduke the fourteenth of October, presenting 26 articles unto him, containing many orders touching soldiers, and that 
1600  all manner of contributions might cease, as of money gathered for lodging, forage, fortification, 
The general Esta●…es complain unto the archdukes.  wagons, pioneers, passages, setting forth of soldiers, etc. and all other charges which had been brought in without the consent of the Estates, and that the country might be only charged with the sum of 320000 gulderns a month. They also desired to be freed from all the mutined soldiers; especially from them of Diest and Weert: and that all sums of money collected in every province, might be received by the rent-master appointed by the Estates of every province, and that the garrisons of the towns and forts in the said provinces, should be first paid therewith, especially those which lay upon the frontiers, who were daily forced to do some service for the country; and that the surplusage of the money might be put into a common purse, and kept towards the payment of the new regiments, and other charges comprehended in the list exhibited from the archduke, and all with the consent of the deputies of the Estates; as also that the soldiers should be mustered every three months at the least: And that neither spiritual nor temporal persons, knights of the Golden Fleece, counsellors of estate, nor any other privileged persons, of what estate soever, should be exempted from paying their parts of the said monthly sum, unless it were their highnesses and their household servants.  
Unto these articles the archdukes made answer by the earl of Solre, upon the last of October, 
The archdukes answer to the general estates  complaining, That they protracted the time so long before they gave up their full resolutions, whereby many good occasions against the enemy were lost, and that many of the articles propounded, were unnecessary, and yet they thought good to answer them severally at this time, without any more replications or reports made unto their provinces; and withal, that by the last of November following, they should provide their money ready.  
They answered some of their articles according to their d●…sires, and to others they made a larger discourse. Touching the tenth article, That the money raised monthly, should be employed for the payment of the natural borne subjects of the country, they said, That if it were so granted, they feared some question and alteration would grow by that division of pays, if it should not be general: and therefore they desired the Estates, to refer that unto their highnesses, who would not pay any thing but it should be for the good of the country, and the necessary employment for the wars; saying, That the natural borne subjects of the country, were much to be commended for their fidelities, and that he meant to levy four regiments of Walloons, which should be monthly paid, as the rest were, out of those sums, as also the ordinary bands of horsemen.  
They also granted that women should be exempted from that taxation, for that time only, without making it a precedent; yet they persuaded themselves, that it was not the Estates meaning, to include the four orders of the begging friars, nor yet the Jesuits, or Capuchins, who had more need to be relieved and succoured, than to be burdened with any payments.  
The like answer was made to them of Brabant, favourable enough, both being signed, Albertus and Isabella, and underneath, Vereyken.  
This tax being concluded, the provinces did presently take upon them to raise certain soldiers, as Brabant the levying and paying of 3 companies of horse, and 2000 foot, Lembourg 1 
An order for the execution of the taxation  cornet of horse, and 500 foot, Guelderland and Rissel each as many, Dovay and Orchies 2 cornets of horse, and 1000 foot, Arthois & Henault each 3 cornets of horse, and 1000 foot, and the other small provinces after the rate, besides Flanders, which yielded to pay 80000 gulderns a month.  
But to prevent all further questions and disputes, which might grow among the said provinces, about the raising of the said 320000 gulderns a month, which was agreed upon, for that some provinces would raise it upon victuals, and some by other means; the archdukes made an indifferent division betwixt them, after the rate set down in the 9 years tax, raised upon 
A rate set down by the archdukes.  those countries in the time of Charles the emperor, for his wars in France, and also according to the abilities, power, and situation of the provinces, as the time then served, viz.  
Brabant every month 70 thousand gulderns.  
Lembourg six thousand gulderns.  
Luxembourg ten thousand gulderns.  
Gueldres ten thousand gulderns.  
Flanders 95 thousand gulderns. 
1600   
Arthois 30 thousand gulderns.  
Henault 30 thousand gulderns.  
Ryssel ten thousand gulderns.  
Dovay five thousand gulderns.  
Orchies' ten thousand gulderns.  
Valenciennes five thousand gulderns.  
Namur seven thousand gulderns.  
Dornic three thousand five hundred gulderns.  
Tournesis five thousand gulderns.  
Macklin three thousand five hundred gulderns.  
These contributing provinces, according to the archdukes division, making in all three hundred thousand gulderns a month, granted it at the first but for a year, having been eight months before they could agree upon this rate.  
This taxation was not well looked into at the first: for being granted but for a year, it was afterwards made perpetual. And whereas the Estates thought it good to have two armies, one of strangers, the other of natural borne subjects of the country, thereby the one to keep the other in awe, the Spanish counsel thought it not convenient, doubting that the natural borne subjects might upon any discontent join with the united provinces, and drive all the strangers out of the country. The archdukes ordered the matter in such sort, as the money was the most part raised upon victuals, etc. as fittest to continue, and the earl of Bassignie was receivor thereof for a time: but the archdukes complaining thereof, as being dishonourable both for them and the country, at the last he got the receipt thereof into the hands of his committees, so as the provinces had no further dealing with the money, and yet the contribution continued, neither had they scarce one natural borne subject in the field, more than they had before, but were still subject to strange soldiers, and mutinous companions.  
About this time Dom Henriques Goesman was sent from the king of Spain into the Netherlands, 
Letters of come for't & money sent out of Spain to the archdukes.  with certain letters of comfort, both unto the archdukes, and the Estates, touching the battle lost at Nieuport, the superscription of their letters being 
* To our Estates.  A nos Estadoes, which caused a great murmuring among the Estates and the people, being ignorant to whom they belonged, the king of Spain pretending yet a command over them, which made them think, that the opinion of the Estates of the united provinces, touching the transport of the Netherlands, was true, and that they were to consider well thereon, especially concerning the granting unto taxes, the provinces being very poor, threatened by the French men, and warred against by the united provinces: Besides that, they had no trade, by reason of the forbidding of licences, for all merchandise coming in or going out of the country, whereby the said provinces were in a very miserable estate: But this Goesman brought certain sums of money with him, and the superscription was excused by the precedent Richardot, as being mistaken by the Secretary who writ it.  
This Dom Henriques de Goesman had commission to complain of the merchants of Antuerp, who (as he said) traded with the Hollanders into the Indies, and also into Spain, under the names of French men, Easterlings, and such like, by indirect means: which trade the Spaniards sought by all means to take from them of the united provinces, doubting that they enabled themselves by that trade to make war against them: and for that cause they strictly forbade all licences, for any goods going in or coming out of the united provinces, and to that end they stopped the passage of the Rhine at Berck, and in Spain the admiral caused all the netherlands merchants and sailors to be committed to prison, entreating them with great cruelty, whereof some were put into the galleys, and some executed: They examined them what rials of plate they had carried out of Spain contrary to the law, and whether their merchandise came out of the Netherlands, or from England, or whether it belonged to any of those places: And to that end Goesman desired that certain merchants counting houses in antwerp, with their books of accounts and letters, might be seized on, and perused, to find out those deceits, thinking by that means to take all trade of merchandise from their enemies, the which could not be easily effected. In the end, after great cruelty used towards the netherlands merchants and sailors, they compounded with the admiral, that for all former faults committed, they should pay him 60 thousand ducats in March following. 
1601   
Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admiral of Arragon, taken prisoner (as we have said) at the battle of Nieuport, tired with his imprisonment in the castle of Woerden in Holland, which seemed unto him a very melancholic place, he entreated the Estates, that they would appoint him some place of better air: whereupon he was brought unto the castle of Persin, half a league from the Hage, where under colour of bestowing his charitable alms upon the poor, giving to each of them at the first a stiver, the next day there came two or three hundred, to whom he gave two stivers a piece; so as this bait did make the number of beggars to increase daily. The Estates fearing that under this pretence of alms, the number of beggars, and others under that habit, would grow so great, as they might take away the said admiral, and embark him at Catwick, which was but a league from thence; they caused him to come to the prison at the Hage, whereof he was more weary than of any other place, and would willingly have given a great sum of money for his ransom, which the Estates respected not, having more care of the freedom and liberty of their vassals and subjects, that were prisoners, than desire of his money: wherefore in stead of a ransom, they offered to exchange him for their subjects and servants that were prisoners as well in Spain, the Netherlands, as elsewhere, and detained in great poverty and misery. Whereupon the admiral, seeing that he was not to be ransomed neither for gold nor silver, and that without some other means he was in danger to end his days there, he laboured so with the king of Spain and the archduke Albert, as for his deliverance he had full liberty promised for all the prisoners of the united povinces, or that had been taken in their service, being at that time either in galleys, prisons, or otherwise restrained; and without ransom; and that before his delivery, he should cause them to be represented to the Estates in full liberty: Whereupon letters were written unto the united provinces, that they should deliver in writing, into the hands of certain committees, that were appointed to that end, all the names of such as they knew were detained as well in the Inquisition in Spain, at the islands, or Indies, and in the Netherlands, at Sluice, Dunkirk, and elsewhere. The which was done; and all the prisoners being returned, the admiral having paid for a courtesy twenty thousand florins to cont Lodowick, general of the Estates horse, and one thousand to four cavaliers, which had taken him at the battle, whereof one was a natural Spaniard, the admiral 
The admiral set at liberty.  was enlarged and set at liberty, in the beginning of the year 1601, returning to antwerp.  
The spoils done by the archdukes great army, under the conduct of Francisco de Mendoza, admiral of Arragon, the years past, had much incommodated the united provinces, in the desolations of Cleves, Westphalia, and the neighbour countries, but especially in the taking of Rhineberck, a town of importance, by reason of the passage, and of the customs which they take: besides, it served the archduke as a key for the countries of Ouerissel and Friesland: and besides the contributions of great sums of money, which the garrison did draw monthly from many of the Estates subjects, it was a wonderful prejudice to the merchants of Holland, Zeeland, and others, in their negotiations of Germany: wherefore the Estates entreat prince Maurice, that he will take this moat out of their eye, chase away those foragers of Berck, and assure the navigation of the Rhine, to the good of the united provinces.  
In the latter end of the year 1600 there was little done in the Netherlands, concerning the wars, being winter; but many secret enterprises were attempted and discovered, whereof one was upon the town of Geertruydenbergh. There was a gentleman in Brussels, called Francis de Provence, who was persuaded by his brother Adolph, in the behalf of monsieur Grobendone, governor of Boisleduc, to employ himself in the Estates service, that he might find means to betray Geertruydenbergh to the archduke: whereunto in the end he yielded, not (as he said) for any desire of money, but to do good service to God and his prince; and with that resolution he went to Brussels, where he received further instructions from monsieur Mariensant, and had two hundred Philip collars given him, with promise of a more honourable reward. Before he departed from Brussels, he confessed, and received the sacrament, at the hands of the father of the Jesuits, who assured him, That without any sin or burden to his conscience, he might practise to reduce any town into the hands of the right lord, with the shedding of as little blood as he could, etc. At his departure he left a note written with his own hand (in form of a petition) for his brother, that he might therewith solicit for the said promised reward, if he should chance to be committed or executed for that cause. And with this resolution he put himself into service in Geertruydenbergh, under monsieur Nels cornet of horse. Being 
1601  there, he discovered a place where he might bring Grobendoncs men in, which was behind a house, called the Hart, where they should climb up with ten ladders: but before it should be put in practice, he with others were to ride out, and by a secret compact should go towards Boisleduc, where they should meet with 20 horsemen, who should willingly suffer themselves to be taken prisoners by him and his company: which done, he should put them into the provosts hands, to keep them in prison, and the same night, that the enemy should come to scale the walls, he should find means to let them out of prison, who killing the watch, should keep the walls that none should approach, until that Grobendoncs soldiers had gotten into the town.  
This enterprise being discovered, and the said Francis committed to prison, he confessed the fact; for the which upon the 5 of januarie he was condemned to die, and not long after was beheaded, and his body quartered. Before his death he became very penitent for the treason by him intended: He wrote a letter to his brother, lamenting his sin, certifying him, That during his imprisonment he had been instructed in the holy Scriptures, and learned to know what belonged to his salvation: desiring his brother and friends, to read the new Testament with all diligence, that they might attain to the knowledge of their sins, with the right, true, and lively justifying faith. He had before made his will, & given a legacy towards the repairing of the broken Sacrament house, but he revoked it again, willing his friends not to do it; saying, That Christ dwelled in heaven, willing them to give that money to the poor, which would be much more acceptable unto God. And so Geertruy denbergh was freed from that practice.   

THE XVI. BOOK.  
The Argument.  
THe castle of Crapoll surprised by the Estates. Incursions made by them of Rhineberke into Cleves and juilliers. The governor of Stralen overthrown and taken. The castle of Cracowe taken for prince Maurice. The force of the united provinces at sea. An enterprise upon Flessingue. The duke of Nevers title to the duchy of Brabant. Mutinies among the archdukes soldiers. A practice to sack antwerp. The Estates prepare to go to field. Rhineberck besieged. The archduke resolves to besiege Oostend. The description of Oostend. He invests it. The prince sends to Oostend. Rhineberck yielded to prince Maurice. He taketh Moeurs. Dom Catris, general of the Spanish army, slain before Oostend. Monsieur Chastillon slain with a canon. Ʋander Noot, governor of Oostend, leaves the town. A fire in the archdukes for't. Advertisements out of the camp. The archdukes loss before Oostend. The Estates resolve to besiege Boisleduc. The archduke prepares to relieve Boisleduc. The Estates raise their siege from thence. Mastricht refuseth to receive soldiers. Oostend in danger to be taken. They of Oostend parley with the archduke. The treaty broken off. The archduke gives a general assault at Oostend. His loss at it. Sir Francis Veer retires from Oostend. The sea overflows Oostend. Mutiny in the archdukes camp. The Estates prepare to go to field. Prince Maurice offers battle to the admiral of Arragon. The prince besiegeth Grave. The admiral camps by him. Grave yielded to prince Maurice. The mutineers of the admiral's army seize upon Hoochstraten. The admiral discharged of his general's place. The mutineers of Hoochstraten banished. Their answer to the proscription. The pope's Nuntio sent unto them. Eight cornets of the archdukes horses defeated. Frederic Spinola brings six galleys into the Netherlands. They are defeated by the Netherlandships. The Estates make an incursion into Luxembourg. A fight betwixt the galleys and the Estates ships. Frederic Spinola slain in the galleys. The archduke besiegeth the mutineers in Hoochstraten. Prince Maurice raiseth the siege. He brings his army before Boisleduc. The archdukes army follows him. marquess Spinola reforms the army. Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc. The governor of Oostend slain. The Estates land with an army in Flandes; they take divers forts near to Sluice, besiege Isendike, and take it by composition. Sluice besieged by the prince. A general assault at Oostend. The mutineers reconciled to the archduke. The marquess Spinola comes to relieve Sluice, he is repulsed, and the town yielded to the prince. Oostend yielded to the archduke. A treaty of peace betwixt England and Spain. A discourse touching the peace in the Netherlands. The earl of Hertfords' embassage to the archduke. An enterprise made by the prince upon the Scheld, and the taking of Woo. Spinola takes Linghen. An enterprise upon Berghen. Spinola goes into Spain. Grol taken by composition. Rhineberck yielded to Spinola. An enterprise upon Sluice. A tumult in antwerp. Groningue castle razed. The earl of Bronk murdered by the Spaniards. A fight in the straits of Gibraltar, betwixt the Spaniards and the Hollanders ships. A treaty of peace betwixt the archduke and the united provinces: their deputies meet at the Hage. The breaking off of the treaty.  
ABout the fifteenth of januarie 80 horse, and some footmen of the Estates men, surprised the castle of Crapoll in Lembourg, forcing open the port 
1601  with a petard, where they found a good booty of money, jewels, and 
The castle of Crapoll surprised.  plate, which had been brought by such as had fled thither for safety. There they took Harman Sohuyl the drossart, brother to the rent-master, carrying the best of the goods away with them; and so left the castle, being presently pursued by four or five hundred horse, as far as the country of juilliers, where they met some of their own troops, who relieved them.  
The Spanish garrisons lying in Rhineberck, and in Gueldre all this winter, made incursions into the countries of juilliers and Cleves, the which they spoiled, taking certain wagons, belonging unto the duke of Cleves; the which they carried to Rhineberck, and made good prize thereof: for which cause the duke commanded certain ships of Berck to be stayed at Duysseldorp. Besides these injuries, the mutinous soldiers of Hamont (to whom the town and castle 
1601  of Weert had been delivered for their security) did wonderfully oppress them of juilliers, forcing them, upon some pretences, to pay forty thousand gulderns: for which cause the garrisons under prince Maurice demanded the like sum, in regard they gave so much unto the Spaniards their enemies, and did not remain neuters, as they had promised: so as the country was miserably oppressed and spoiled; whereupon many towns and signiories levied men for their defence, seeking by all the means they could to free the Rhine, and offering a good sum of money for the same; sometimes getting passports from them of Rhineberck, to pass up to Cologne with ships laden with herring, butter and cheese, etc.  
The house and castle of Cracowe, with the lordship thereof, being given (as we have said) by the countess of Moeurs unto prince Maurice, it belonging unto the earldom of Moeurs, was before in the year 1586 given by the duke of Parma unto Salentin earl of Isenbourgh, upon some pretence, which the said earl had ever since holden in his possession: and now there lay one captain Longehuyven in it, with 15 or 16 men, it being a strong fort, seated in a marsh. Prince Maurice understanding, that this winter the ice in the ditches was not broken nor kept open, he caused captain Cloet to attempt to surprise it with 300 horse out of Nimeghen, and some foot out of Wachtendonc; and to that end Cloet went with his horsemen to Nieukerke, on the 8 of February: Whereof Dulcken governor of Stralen, being advertised, he followed him with 400 horse, and 4 or 500 foot, and in the morning before sunrising, he suddenly charged Cloets companies in the village; so as there were 40 of his horsemen wounded and taken, before the rest (by reason of the noise of people, and barking of dogs) could arm, and get out of the village; who being once out, they put themselves in order of battle, but Stralen followed them not, retiring with his troops by a deep way, which was of great advantage to defend his footmen against Cloets' horsemen, having taken 30 of his men prisoners, most being of prince Maurice his company, the which were soon taken from them again: for Cloet being much discontented with this loss, fetched a compass about by another way, where he met with them entering upon a heath, charging them both before and behind, he slew many both horse and foot, upon the place, the rest fled into a certain place, where he presently besieged them, and forced them to yield upon composition, paying their ransoms, he suffered 370 of the common soldiers to depart, only retaining Dulcken, governor of Stralen, captain Golstein, and 7 officers, to answer for all their ransoms; Cloet having lost 6 or 7 men, and divers of them & their horses hurt. Presently after, the soldiers which were appointed to join with Cloet, came from Wachtendonc, and then they went to Cracowe: on the 9 of February in the night they came before it, whereas the horsemen alighting, got over the ice, and entered into the base court, whereat they within began to shoot: but Cloet forced them to retire with his shot, and then he caused his men to pass over the ditches, and to let down the draw bridge; which done, he set a petard to the port, and forced it open: whereupon they within yielded both themselves and the place, even as day began to break; where he left 40 foot, and 20 horse, with his lieutenant, 
The castle of Cr●…cowe taken for prince Maurice.  until he heard further from prince Maurice: and so he retired to his garrison.  
The garrison of Spaniards in the Grave, in regard of the slackness of their pay, were ready to mutiny, but they were pacified, and some of the authors punished with the strappado. They of Venloo were also discontented, by reason of the restraining of licences, so as all victuals waxed exceeding dear among them: and whereas the archduke had granted certain passports, for two ships, they stayed those ships in the Meuse, & forced them to unlade their commodities in their town, to supply their wants. In the beginning of this year, there was great preparation of shipping made in the Netherlands, whereby the power of the united provinces by sea, may easily be seen, for that in two or three days there sailed out of those provinces, betwixt 8 and 900 ships, which went into the East countries, to traffic there. And moreover, there went out about 1500 buyses, to fish for herring & cod, the which are good ships, but not of the greatest, nor to be compared to those which sail into the Indies, the islands of Africa, the Levant, Italy, Spain, France, England, and other countries, yet notwithstanding you shall see the havens in Holland still full of ships and sailors.  
This year there was an enterprise to be made for the archdukes upon Flessingue, being coloured 
An enterprise upon Flessingue  with a pretence to build a fort at Nieuhaven in Flanders, for the besieging of Oostend, certain men being hired to set fire on the town, and they in the mean time should pass over with certain troops, and give an assault unto the town: but it was discovered, and some of the 
1601  conspirators apprehended, and committed to prison, whereof one (being a stool maker) killed himself in prison, and yet his body was cut in quarters: and afterwards the s●…teholder was beheaded on the 19 of june for the same treason.  
In the beginning of this year there were certain commissioners appointed to meet for 
Commission●…rs be●…wixt the French 〈◊〉 and the archduke.  the French king and the archdukes, upon certain causes, concerning the peace and quietness of their countries: which commissioners met at Maubenge, Veruins, and other places, disputing about the sovereignty of certain signiories and lordships, as the earldom of S. Pol, and the earldom of Outreval between the Scheld and Scharpe, whereof Bouchain is the chief town, lying between Dovay and Valenciennes; the which in times past had been mortgaged, and now the money was tendered.  
There was a question also, touching trade of merchandise upon the frontiers, as at Calais, and thereabouts; the French men desiring, that all the Netherlanders which had put themselves under the protection of France, should be held as French men, both in the Netherlands and in Spain.  
To end these controversies there met at Maubenge, the duke of Bovillon, the earl of S. Pol, the earl of Dampmartin, and others, for the French king: and for the archdukes came the duke of Arschot, the earl of Arembergh, the earl of Lignie, the earl of Solre, with others. There was also some speech concerning the lands of the prince of Espinoy, Anthonich, etc. being of the house of Melun, who died in France, where he had been married, and had left certain children: these lands were in the possession of the said prince's sister, being married to the earl of Ligny, who by virtue of her title called himself prince of Espinoy, marquess of Robaix and Richbourg, baron of Anthonich, etc. pretending all those lands to be confiscate, for that the prince her brother had followed the contrary party, and borne arms for the French king, and that they came unto her by right; and at that time they had fortified their cause, by a marriage of their daughter jolanda, with Charles Alexander of Croy, earl of Fontenay, son to the marquess of Haurec, a prince of the empire, descending by his mother's side from the houses of Lorraine, Dampmartin, Ʋander Marck and Cleve; the said jolanda issuing from the houses of Melun, Lalaine, and Wassenare. The prince of Espinoyes children were much commended and countenanced in France, by Maximilian of Bethune, duke of Rhosny, peer of France, master of the ordnance, and superintendent of the treasure, etc. being issued from the houses of Flanders and Melun. This question was to be decided by the archduke, for the which the precedent janin was sent unto the archduke, as he lay before Oostend, where, at the last, the cause was ended.  
In all these assemblies there was little done that came to the knowledge of the world; which bred some suspicion that the French king would enter into arms again, for that some French men were so presumptuous, as to give it out, That the duchy of Brabant belonged unto the duke of Nevers, as heir unto Elizabeth of Valois, who was daughter unto john earl of Nevers, Rethet, and Estampes, who ought to have succeeded his uncle john, the last duke of Brabant, who married the lady jacoba, heir of Hollaud, Henault, etc. and after his uncle Philip; the which his cousin Philip duke of Bourgoigne, surnamed the Good (as they said) usurped by force from the said house of Nevers, by means of the lord of Wesemale, who persuaded the Estates of Brabant to install duke Philip of Bourgoigne in the duchy of Brabant.  
With the soldiers that came from the earl of Fuentes out of Italy, there came little money, 
Mutinies among the archduke●… soldiers.  so as the archdukes were wonderfully distressed, and the old garrisons were unpaid; which caused many of them to mutiny, as the Italians and Spaniards in Herentals and Weert; and the Walloons which lay in Flanders, in the sconces of Isabella and Grottendorst, where they slew monsieur Verlain, lieutenant colonel to monsieur de Fresin, and wounded divers captains; whereupon they of Zeeland and of Oostend, sent letters unto them, and offered them good conditions, but by the persuasion of monsieur Reynas they continued constant, and burned the letters: Whereupon the archduke sent them powder, and all things necessary, and they were pacified, so as after that they received a guldern a day for every man, until that all were paid: But for that it was dangerous for the country, to let men of their disposition to stay there in garrison, they were drawn out, and persuaded to lie in Wynoxberghen, and by that means those sconces were secured. These dealings made them of Oostend suspect 
1601  that they meant to besiege them, and the rather, for that in April the sea being forced in by a strong Northwest wind, it overthrew, and carried away one of the ports of Oostend, by reason that they had cut off a sand hill, which stood in the downs, & was some hindrance to their fortifications; but the archdukes army was not ready, so as they of Oostend soon after repaired it again.  
Dom Rodrigo de Lasso came this winter out of Spain, with a confirmation from the king, of great sums of money to be yearly paid unto the archduke, to aid him in his wars; but it came very late; besides there were bills of exchange for great sums of money taken up in the Netherlands, and to be paid in Spain, returned back again and protested. And the mutinous soldiers of Weert had an hundred and sixite thousand crowns yet to receive, sending word unto the archduke, That if they were not satisfied by a certain day, they would force others to pay them.  
In March there was a conspiracy discovered, between the mutinous soldiers of Weert, 
An enterprise to sack antwerp.  and the garrison within the castle of antwerp, with whom the garrison of Hulst in Flanders, and some others, were confederate, intending to enter by the castle with 2000 foot, and 1000 horse and to sack the town of antwerp: but their enterprise was discovered, and on the 14 of March certain of the garrison of the castle were apprehended in the night, whereof some were executed. To conclude, through want of money there was great poverty, misery, and fear throughout all the provinces under the archdukes command, not only in regard of the enemy, but for fear of the mutinous soldiers, being also without any trade or traffic: which made many of the inhabitants to leave the country, as it appeared by the houses and lands in Brabant and Flanders; which were to be let and rent out, which since the siege of Oostend were let the one half, or a third part less than had been accustomed.  
About the tenth of April there lay five or six cornets of prince Maurice his horse, not far 
Adolph earl of Bergh taken prisoner, and his troops de●…ated.  from Boisleduc, for that monsieur Grobendonc, governor thereof, was to come from Antuerp with money; but being advertised thereof by his spies, he went another way, and by that means Adolph earl of Bergh fell into their hands with his cornet of horse (lying in Boisleduc) betwixt Lommel and Postel, where he was defeated and taken prisoner, few or none of his men escaping: he himself was carried to Breda, and was afterwards released, paying his ransom.  
The winter being spent without any great exploits done of either side, the prince and his counsel resolved what they should attempt. In April and May they took a view of their garrisons, and made choice of their troops for the war. There was divers bruits spread abroad touching the Estates design. The archduke had a watchful eye which way their army should band, to march after them: but his great forces of the years 1598., and 1599, being much wasted, being unable to make any offensive war, he was forced to have patience, and to attend the succours which were to come out of Italy, and in the mean time to stand upon his defence. Prince Maurice was not ignorant of the archdukes affairs; who having his army ready in the end of May, makes a show as if he would attempt something in Flanders, or Brabant, upon some one of their most important places; then suddenly (being satisfied to have given the archduke an alarm, who called for aid) he turned head towards Gueldres, and on the tenth of june he came near unto Rhineberck with an army of seventeen thousand men, the which was invested within two days after.  
There is within the river of Rhine, right against Berck (as we have showed in the former sieges) 
Rhi●…berck ●…siged.  a little island, thrice as long as it is broad, the which was at that time guarded by some of the archdukes soldiers, who being saluted with the ordnance, as well from the Estates ships of war, which lay both above and beneath the island, as by certain pieces which were planted upon the banks, they made no long resistance: so as on the 18 day of june prince M●…rice was master of the island, who having no intent to abandon it so easily unto the Spaniards, he caused two forts to be speedily built, the one at the point towards Holland, and the other at the other end, looking to Cologne, planting certain small pieces of ordnance in them, to shoo●… into the town, stopping the passage of the Rhine, both above and beneath; that no succours might come unto the besieged that way.  
The prince having summoned the besieged to yield the place, they refused it, having a great garrison within the town (some said there were 4000 fight men) to defend it: he 
1601  environed it with a large and spacious trench, from one side of the Rhine unto the other, like a semi circle, fortified with five great bastions which did flank one another; the which with the island and the ships closed up the town round about. There was also an other bastion made somewhat nearer the town, and two bridges made upon the Rhine above and beneath, by the which they went from one quarter to the other, and into the island: the prince holding the besieged shut up, and not able greatly to annoy his camp, he made a greater fort, and cast up an other half moon, far more spacious than the first: having in a fit distance made a deep and broad trench a league long, one of the ends coming close to the Rhine above the town & the other beneath, in which trench almost in equal distance were built 17 square forts, which they call Redoutes. Betwixt these two trenches were the troops of horse, & some companies of foot lodged, with good commodity and means to go in and out, both near and far off from the town, and could not easily be charged by any enemy without great danger.  
These trenches and half moons being finished with great expedition, for that the soldiers, paid for this work like pioneers, performed it with wonderful and almost incredible speed, reviving the commendable obedience of the ancient Roman legions. In the beginning the besieged (whilst the soldiers laboured in their forts and trenches) would show their resolution and valour: they had reason, for they made fetters to manacle their hands, and to restrain their feet from going forth any more to the pickorie, and to spoil the country: they deprived them of all hope of 60000 florins of monthly contribution, which they did exact from the country thereabouts. But in the sallies which they made in june and july, they got nothing but blows, they lost half of their best men in sundry charges, they see themselves soon pestered with wounded and sick men, they had the noise of, o cannons sounding continually in their cares, and a mine which was blown up under one of their bulwarks, where they lost many of their men; yet they were resolute and defended themselves in hope of some succours, or else that they would provide work for the Estates in some other place, and so force the prince to retire.  
The archduke sought by all means to prevent the apparent loss of this town, he attended supplies from the earl of Fuentes; who caused eight thousand men, that is, six thousand Italians under cont Theodore Triwlcio, and two thousand Spaniards under Dom john de Bracamonte, to march out of the duchy of Milan, as well of foot as horse, the which by reason of the great store of rain which had fallen in june, could not advance so speedily as the archduke desired: so as being come unto him in the end of the month, having now no means to raise the siege from before Berke (whereas the prince attended his enemy to fight with him with advantage) they took counsel how they might divert this siege. Then was nothing 
The archduke resolves to besiege Oostend.  found more easy, more expedient, nor more profitable, than to set upon Oostend, the which the Flemings did press with great instance, making promises of aid and subventions, as well of money, victuals, powder, as other munition; which the archdukes counsel assured themselves to take in few days, as they had done Calais and Ardres, but (as the proverb saith) they were neither the same sheep, nor the like shepherds. To speak truly, it was a great error of the Flemings, to seek the ruin of this town with such violence, and no great wisdom in the archduke to continue three years and three months so obstinately as he did, to win a paltry place, which in the end was made a heap of sand: for if the Flemings had been content to pay unto the Estates an easy contribution, the which they had been accustomed to pay unto the Receiver of Oostend, they had not prodigally wasted a mass of money; the gentleman, clergy man, and the farmer had received their ordinary rents and revenues; and the archduke had not lost so many noble men, above two hundred captains, and an hundred thousand men. See what it is to reckon without their host. And the better to understand how this memorable siege was begun and continued, we will speak a word of this place, and of the circumstances thereof.  
Among other sea towns of the county of Flanders, is that of Oostend situated among the downs, three leagues from Nieuport, and four hours passage from Bruges, upon the 
The description of Oostend  river of Yperle; the which as well by other channels, as by the west sluice in old times falling into the sea, made the haven good and commodious. But this passage was afterwards stopped up by the Spaniards, with bavins and hurdles, and by them of Oostend with two banks 
1601  on the sides of Polder for't, to defend their ditches. This town contains half an hours journey in circuit, it was reasonably well built, the inhabitants lived of fishing, and before these wars there were rich seafaring men, and above three thousand fishermen; who for the most part have retired themselves since to Camp-veer, there remaining in the beginning siege not above 250 households, besides the ordinary garrison. The sea ebbs and flows up to the town, as in all the ports of Flanders, the haven being at every low water in a manner dry, so as they could not enter with any great barks, but at a high water. Of late years towards the east part of the town, the sea hath made a great entrance (which they call the goullet) a hundred foot broad, and at the least two pikes deep: but at the mouth towards the sea, it is not above half a fathom deep; the which increasing daily, it is likely in time to prove one of the best havens upon all that coast.  
The town hath been walled in, since these wars, in the beginning whereof, which was in the year 1572, it was shut up only with bridges and palisadoes, to resist the sudden incursions 
Oostend walled & fortified  of the soldiers. But in the year 1578 it was walled in and fortified at the charge of the general Estates of all the united provinces of the Netherlands. The which alone among all the towns of the county of Flanders, hath continued always constant unto the said Estates, until the yielding up thereof, after it had endured great extremity, as we will hereafter show.  
We have observed heretofore, that the duke of Parma after the taking of Dunkirk, and of Nieuport, in the year 1583 came to besiege it, with his whole army; but five days after the siege begun, he was forced to retire. And in like manner, monsieur de la Motte, governor of graveling, in the year 1585., having surprised the old town towards the sea (the which was not at that time fortified with a ravelin and a palisado) was valiantly repulsed, with the loss of above forty men of command, and of all his munition for war. Then they began to fortify it more strongly, especially taking away the downs upon the east side, the which for that they were high and near unto the town, did command over it; by which means the sea hath entered into the country round about, and flows commonly from the east unto the south above 1200 paces, and at a spring tide, on the west side it runs above a league into the country, the which it doth endamage on all sides, except it be the west downs: without the which there had been no place left to camp on, nor to make their approaches unto the town. At the first walling in of the town, it did comprehend all the Polder for't; but since, for that they would not have it subject to too great a guard, and for some other considerations, it was made less, and the said fort was placed without the compass of the walls. Moreover, they have wrought so, as by the means of certain sluices, the ditches are always full of water, whereas before upon an ebb, there was little water remaining. The greatest fortification was made after the archdukes coming into the Netherlands, as well in the year 1596 after the taking of Calais and Hulst, as a little before the siege, in the beginning of the spring, 1601, for than they did enlarge the rampar within, and the bulwarks were made greater: and then at one instant all the new fortification was made.  
How much this town did import the united provinces, the Hollanders, Zeelanders, and Flemings know full well, and the English are not ignorant.  
During the time the two armies were busied in the isle of Bomel, and that prince Maurice stayed there to defend the town, the Flemings being wonderfully annoyed by this paltry fisher town, they caused many forts to be built about it; so as in the beginning of this siege, near and far off from the town, there were 17 forts: whereof the chief were called Albertus, Isabella, Clara, Grottendorst, saint Catherine, etc. well appointed with men and artillery, lying near the town. These forts, with the rest, cost the Flemings 100000 florins every month; and they offered unto the archduke 300000 florins a month, during the siege, and ninety thousand florins every month for the space of three years, after it should be taken. They obtained also, by the archdukes council of estate, the consent of the other owns of Brabant; although that the other provinoes, subject unto the Spaniard, did not grea●…ly like of this enterprise, for that they held it to be full of danger. Many were of opinion, that if the archduke had suddenly followed the Estates army, he had ungaged Berke, dispersed prince Maurice his troops, and afterwards would easily have prevailed over the town of Oostend, for that his forces were great, and many of his captains had a great will to fight. But calling 
1601  to mind the battle of Nieuport, he inclined to a milder course, persuading himself that the prince would presently abandon his forts and trenches before Bercke, to fly (though it were too late) to the relief of Oostend; and so with one stone he should give many strokes, freeing Bercke, dispersing his enemy, gleaning the Flemings purses, and satisfying the mutined soldiers in Isabella fort, who for want of pay had been ready to sell it unto them of Oostend.  
So the archduke marching towards Oudenbourg, on the fifth day of july, he sent cont Frederick vanden Bergh marshal of his camp, with about five regiments of foot, to invest Oostend on the east side: he was saluted by the ordnance from the town, which slew many of his men. There were at that time in garrison in the town, 22 ensigns, of divers nations, comprehending one of the inhabitants. The signior Ʋander Noot, a gentleman of Brabant, was governor of the town. They sent the women and children presently into Zeeland.  
News came unto the prince being in his camp before Bercke, that Oostend was besieged, the which he would not believe, making light account that cont Frederick was come thither, saying; That they were but shows: but when he understood that Augustine de Mexia Chastellain of Antuerp was also arrived with five other regiments, and artillery, and that they were making of their camp, he was very glad, saying; In good time, let us leave him there knocking at the gate for a long time, this piece here (meaning Rhinebercke) shall not escape me. This Chastellain went and lodged with his troops betwixt the forts of Albert and Isabella; but the besieged did so ply him with the cannon the first three days after his arrival, as after the loss of above 500 men slain and hurt, he was forced to dislodge towards the downs on the west side.  
The mutines in Isabella fort were partly pacified with promises, and in the end went forth to Wynoxberghe to receive money, being about five hundred men. The body of the Spanish army was some fourteen thousand fight men, who were lodged towards the west downs; and there were a thousand, or a thousand & two hundred left upon the east downs, under the command of the signior of Glaison, who began to build a new fort there, in the which he lodged his men. Then they made their approaches, and upon the west downs they planted twelve pieces of ordnance: and moreover there was a battery made towards the sea side, so as the passage of the old haven was quite shut up, and after that time, the entry unto the town from the sea, was upon the north side; by the which the boats entered at a full sea, through the sea ditches, which were opened to that end.  
Prince Maurice was now well assured, that the archdukes camp was planted before Oostend: he therefore would not abandon Bercke, being resolved to hold it out, until he were 
Sir Francis Veer sent to Oostend.  master thereof. And to assure the said town of Oostend, he sent Sir Francis Veer, general of the Engllsh under the Estates service, with twelve companies of his nation, and colonel Westembroucke with seven ensigns of Walloons, with other companies, making in all four and thirty ensigns: all which arrived happily the fifteenth of july: and soon after came fifteen hundred Englishmen more. Then began the archduke to discover the vanity of his counsels: but being so far engaged, he grew obstinate before this town, leaving prince Maurice far off, labouring before Bercke, whereas the besieged began to scratch their heads, seeing their hoped succours turned another way, yet they continued their sallies, but with loss rather than gain.  
Sir Francis Veer being safely arrived at Oostend, he presently went and lodged abroad, near unto the town, and ten days after he entrenched himself in a place, called the Red house, with an intent to stop the boats which brought victuals to the camp: but the Spaniards prevented it, not without loss of their men. All the rest of this month of july was spent in sallies and skirmishes, in the which they spared neither powder nor shot. The archduke lost above four thousand men, besides them that were hurt, and the besieged had some three hundred men slain. The Signior of Warmond, admiral of Holland, furnished them with all sorts of munition. So as the Flemings found themselves much deceived of their expectation: for they did imagine that this siege would be sooner ended than that of Berck.  
But the prince having provided well for Oostend, and so fortified himself before Bercke, as he neither feared the besieged, nor the archduke, having taken away all the defences of 
1601  the rampar, blown up some mines, with loss to the besieged, and having other ready to 
The estate of Berck.  work their effects; the besieged finding that they were undone if they continued obstinate, having lost two third parts of their soldiers, and the rest being tired with continual toil; in the end they demanded a composition, the which the prince willingly yielded unto, in the beginning of August, giving them leave to depart with their arms and baggage, their colours flying, matches burning, and two field pieces, with fifty bullets, and two barrels of 
Berck yielded upon honourable cearmes.  powder, with divers other articles to the benefit of the besieged. They could not desire a more honourable composition. But the prince respected not the conditions, so as he might take it, having continued his siege 7 weeks.  
The day after the composition, there went out of the town forty five horsemen, sixteen companies of foot, being one thousand two hundred forty and seven men, whole and sound, 370 hurt and sick, & 78 sailors, with a great number of women & children, which went to Gueldre.  
The archduke had sent the earl of Bergh with two thousand horsemen, and five thousand foot to relieve the town, and with him the earl of Boucquoy, and Nicholas Basta, expecting other soldiers which came out of Italy; but prince Maurice his camp was so well fortified with strong trenches and good forts (wherein he is one of the most expert men this day living) as they durst not adventure to offer to force it: and they within had want of many necessaries, especially of apothecary drugs, for the recovering and curing of their sick and hurt men.  
The Estates having gotten this town, resolved to defend it well; not only for the service of the Netherlands, but also in the behalf of their neighbours, upon the confines of the empire, it lying so commodiously for the freeing of the river of Rhine, the government whereof was given to colonel Ghistelles, prince Manrice his lieutenant, and Gabriel Four-manoir was made sergeant mayor.  
The Estates of Oueryssell finding their country to be well fortified now by the taking of Rhineberck, and the river of Rhine to be free; upon the 28 of july they made a proclamation to forbid all contribution to be given unto the enemy, enjoining all their villages to keep good watch, upon pain of great punishments, and upon every alarm, or sound of the bell, to be in arms; forbidding them upon pain of death to harbour any of the enemy's soldiers, and that whosoever could take any of them, living or dead, should have twenty five gulderns of the country for his reward: and that if any merchant traveling through the country should chance to be taken or robbed by the enemy, they of the country and place where it was done, should pay his ransom & losses: and that they should make no composition with the enemy, with other points of the same nature.  
Harman earl of Vanden Bergh fearing prince Maurice his army, and that he might attempt some other place after his conquest of Bercke, sought by all means possible to draw more men into Venloo; but the burghers would not receive any more in than their ordinary garrison.  
Monsieur Ʋander Weerpe governor of Mastricht, with others, were busied to have pacified the mutined horsemen in Weert, but they were deaf, and had no ears to hearken to any words, without money. There was but a small garrison in Mastricht, nor yet in the Grave; in the which there lay not above 1000 men, under Antonio Gonsales a Spaniard; so as these towns were forced to stand upon their guards.  
There lay a garrison in Moeurs, belonging to the duke of Cleves: but prince Maurice challenging the same by gift from the countess of Moeurs, upon the sixth of August he sent monsieur Cloet, and colonel edmond's thither, with twelve cornets of horse, but they would not leave it: whereupon prince Maurice went thither himself the next day with 25 cornets of horse, and 35 companies of foot, and four demie cannons; whereupon they yielded up the town. He then placed a garrison in it, and gave directions for the fortification of the castle, and to make five bulwarks about it, the which cost him an hundred thousand gulderns at the least: and upon the 12 of August he was installed earl of that place, with all due ceremonies: and at Cracowe he employed twenty eight thousand gulderns to fortify the place, where he was forced to keep a thousand men at work; so as those two places were made very strong, and not likely to fear any danger, but in the summer time, when it is exceeding 
1601  dry. But let us return to Oostend, whereas we left the archduke encamped; the which, for that it is one of the most memorable sieges that hath been in our age, both for the exploits of either party, and the long continuance of the siege, I have thought it very necessary and good to set it down somewhat particularly and at large, for the benefit of ensuing ages.  
There came unto the archdukes camp about the end of july, ten companies of new Italians. 
Oostend.  Cont Frederick vanden Berghe entrenched himself with a regiment of Germans about the fort of Clara; and by the fifth of August he had extended his trench unto the other forts on the west part. The besieged for their part did open the fort of Polder on the northwest side of the town, and did raise it towards the south, to plant a battery there. On the same day they had six pieces of ordnance brought them out of Zeeland, whereof four were planted upon Sandhill, and the other two on the bulwarks towards the west, where there were also other pieces, which they took out of the east part of the town, there to attend the enemy's strongest attempts. Dom Catris a Spanish colonel, commanding at the west downs, had a great desire to assail the ravelin of the Porc-espic, along the tonnel-dike, and by that means (the tide being spent) to get into the old town; for the effecting whereof, he approached the sixth of August within sixty fathoms of the place. Against his approach and to prevent his design, sir Francis Veer, and the governor Ʋander Noot made a trench the same day, from the Sandhill unto the north haven, able to lodge five or six hundred musketeers, whensoever the enemy would attempt any thing against the old town. On the eight day the besieged made another trench on the southeast side of the Polder, within musket shot of the Spaniards, who for two days after made many great shot at the town: then they approached to the tonnel-dike, the which the besieged did pierce through, being 24 foot thick, and did make the other holes of the bank deeper, to drown it with the tide.  
On the fourteenth of August there was a little dike or bank on the East side of the town cut through, with the counterscarpe and ravelyn, to lodge their ships in safety (the which unladed behind the counterscarpe) and to cover them from the enemy's cannon. Two days after being a Spring tide, and a great Westerly wind, it drowned all the trenches, and carried away all the Spaniards gabions, even unto the sea side; and the next day the like tide and wind did endamage the dike on the East side. The Spaniards used certain practices to move the soldiers that were within the town to revolt, shooting many arrows with letters tied unto them, into the town, being written from an English fugitive to the Englishmen that were there in garrison, to persuade them to leave the town, and come unto the camp: but the next day in the evening there entered a supply of a thousand Englishmen into Oostend: and the Spanish army was in like manner fortified with three regiments of Italians, which were put under the command of the earl of Boucquoy. On the twentieth day the Spaniard approached within six fathoms of their half Moon, whereas it seemed they would make a gallery along the tonnel-dike. But the next day there was a breach made by the besieged betwixt the half Moon and the West Ravelyn, to hinder the enemy's approaches, and to make the sea overflow the West part of the country; by which breach the sea entered with great force.  
On the 23 of August there came out of Zeeland fifty ships with eight companies of French, four of Walloons, four Scottish, four Frisons, and two companies of cont Ernest of Nassau. The next day there was a sally made, but without any memorable exploit. All this month the archduke shot many fiery bullets into the town to burn their houses, but through the care & diligence of the besieged, they took small effect. From the beginning of the siege, unto the end of this month of August, they had shot out of the camp against Oostend, above ●…0000 cannon shot, most of their fiery bullets weighing 45 pounds, wherewith some soldiers and towns men were slain: the bulwarks were not much in damaged, but only their defences broken; the which were so repaired, as they seemed stronger than before. Their greatest force was at Sandhill, against the which they made in one day above seven hundred great shot, whereas they made a great dust, but did small harm; so as this place, which is as much to say, as a hill of sand did change the name, and was called Iserberg, that is, a hill of iron. They of the town made almost twenty thousand great shot in six weeks, the which both parties have since continued: their resolutions, of either party, to assail and 
1601  to defend, being wonderful great.  
One the eight of September a gentleman fled out of the camp into the town, who gave 
Dom Catris general of the Spanish army slain.  them to understand that Dom Catris general of the Spanish army, had been shot in the head and slain; that the army consisted of three thousand horse, and eleven thousand foot. Two days after, monsieur Chastillon nephew to the princess of Orange, reading a letter on the rampar, being set upon the carriage of a cannon, had half his head shot off. And on the 23 day of the same month, colonel Vchtenbrooke was also slain with the cannon; his body was carried to Vtrecht (of whence he was) where he was buried with a military pomp, according to his degree and merit. On the last day of the month there was a great overflowing of water, by reason of the spring tide, the which did much hurt to the town, and drowned many of the archdukes soldiers in their trenches, the which were in a manner all ruined.  
In the beginning of October there were some sallies made, but to small effect. The Spaniards made a new battery near unto the mouth of the haven, to shoot into the old town, or at the least to break the palisadoes, to make a breach in the fortifications, to hinder their works, and to play upon the boats which passed in and out. They made also a great fort at the point of the downs towards the town, and laid a great heap of bavins betwixt the downs and the town (which they did call saucices) that they might pass and repass freely without discovery, from one place unto another, to withstand the cannon, and to resist the violence of the sea, upon every westerly wind: whereupon the besieged made the bulwark of Schottenbourg near unto Sandhill, to flank and cover certain places by it. This new battery of the Spaniards being ended, they planted two cannons there; and in like manner the bulwark of Schottenbourg being finished, they planted as many there. On the eight day at night, the besieged began to make a bridge upon the goullet, right against the mouth of the haven, to pass unto the other side; and the same night they made a half moon on the other side of the goullet, right against the haven, and near unto the bridge, to assure the entry of the haven, and to defend the boats which should be stayed at a low water, as also to sally forth on that side; the which the Spaniards came to view in the night, who being discovered by them of the town, they issued forth, slew one, and brought away a sergeant prisoner. On the 16 day at night the Spaniards came in troop to the said half moon, whereas they slew three of them that were in guard, the rest (being not above 30 men, and the place in defence) retired themselves: whereupon the Spaniards abandoned it presently.  
The night following the Spaniards returned again with greater numbers, thinking to do some great exploit, but they were deceived, not finding any one; whereupon they went unto the bridge that was near unto it, to burn it, the which they attempted twice or thrice; but it was in vain, being forced to retire, by reason of the musket and cannon shot which played against them from all parts, especially from the bulwarks of Spain and of Peckell, as also from the near ravelin, being prepared to entertain them; so as they lost twenty of their men.  
On the twentieth day at night, the Spaniards planted on the east side, right against the port of Bruges, a great number of gabions, near unto the deepest part of the goullet, so as being a full sea, they stand far into the water, and the tide being spent they are near unto the water which remained; being directly set one against another in four ranks, as close together as might be, every rank containing 32 gabions, all filled with bags full of sand, that the water might not wash them away, and to resist the town cannon, being all bound together with cables, and fastened unto anchors, that they might stand firm to plant cannon thereon; the which did hinder the boats from entering into the goullet, and so into the haven of the town; or at the least to sink them with their ordnance, and thereby to annoy the besieged more than all the batteries which they had formerly made, being too far off, and too high.  
The 26 of October about noon, the tempest being very great, and the wind west and northwest, so as that tide was much higher than of custom; the cannon from the camp in the mean time made a great breach in the bulwark of the Porc-espic, whereof a part of the parapet (on the which captain Rolls colours were planted) fell with the said colours into the ditch: and in the same tempest some of the Spaniards gabions were carried away. The next day morning, the tide being higher than before, and so high, as the Spaniards could not stay 
1601  at their gabions, nor approach near unto them, some soldiers and mariners of the town, bethought themselves to go with hooks and hatchets, and to make a breach in the said gabions, and cut the cables which bound them together. They went and did their best endeavours, but the wind was so big, and the sea so high, as they prevailed little; but brought away some sand bags which were in the gabions. But the harm which was done by them, and by the violence of the sea, was soon repaired by the Spaniards. They murmured in the town, why they had so long stayed to put it in execution, for (said they) if it had been attempted in time, the first tempest had carried all away. The same day at eleven of the clock, the besieged made a sally at a low water, on the east side, to discover if the Spaniards laboured behind their gabions, or not; having found that they wrought, and made a battery there, they fell to skirmish with them, thinking to draw them within their cannon shot, and to take some prisoners, by whom they might understand the estate of their camp. During this skirmish the besieged shot much from Peckell bulwark, and slew some five or six of their enemies, and of them that issued forth, some were hurt and maimed, but not any of them slain out right.  
The fourth of November the besieged made another sally to the same end, whereupon the Spaniards showed themselves in divers places, both horse and foot, but by reason of their continual shooting from the bulwarks of Spain and Peckell, they durst not approach too near; and in like manner, the besieged durst not advance too far from the town, lest the enemy should cut betwixt them and home.  
On the ninth of November, there came happily into the road 52 vessels with victuals and all other munition, to enter into the haven upon the first commodity; all which entered by little and little, although it were not without some hurt done by the cannon from the camp: I say this fleet came happily, for that of long time there had not any come, so as they wanted many necessaries, as well for the soldiers, as for their fortifications; for there was not any thing to be sold: as for their victuals, they were feign to have recourse unto their storehouse, where there was yet store of wheat, ric, meal, herrings, butter, dried fish, and other victuals. There was no beer in the town but such as they brewed there, which was very small & somewhat brackish; there was wine enough: so as the sound and whole were in good case, but the sick were not so well, for whom, brown bread, herrings, salt fish, cheese, and such like cates 
The estate of the besieged.  were not fit: besides, they were ill lodged, some lying upon the ground, being ill clothed and half naked, having scarce any thing to lie on, and nothing to cover them: and to fill up the measure of their miseries, they had not any firing to warm them withal, so as many of them died of poverty and the extremity of cold; and yet they endured all these miseries patiently.  
The thirteenth of November, the signior Ʋander Noot, colonel and governor of Oostend, leaving all the charge of the government to sir Francis Veer, general of the English, went from Oostend with captain Grenn, and Broucksaulx, and two ministers (which were come to ease the ordinary minister) to go and inform prince Maurice of the estate of the town. Moreover it was said, that there were some jars betwixt Ʋander Noot, and sir Francis Veer.  
The same day they began to cut the causey of the old town, joining to the sea (which served as a rampar against the waves, and against the enemy, besides the ravelin on the north-east side, and that which they call Moses' tables, by reason of the form) to the end they might make a passage that way to the new haven for the boats which came from the sea, and not be forced to pass any more by the goullet, for that the haven extended itself so far, where it was very broad and deep, being wont to stay the water there by a sluice, when it was a full sea, to cleanse the haven, when the tide past away, by that sluice: and by that means the boats might be sooner in safety, and pass in and out with less danger than by the goullet, being subject to the cannon from their gabions and other batteries. Besides they feared that the danger would grow greater, so as in the end the boats should not be able to pass that way; which the Spaniard sought by all means to bring to pass, being the only way to effect his design. And this was their last refuge, when they should have no other means to pass by the goullet: yet many held this course to be dangerous, and had apparent reasons to think so (for else it had been put in practice sooner.) It was much disputed on betwixt 
1601  Sir Francis Veer and the magistrate of the town: their opinion was, That in a great tempest there might enter such abundance of water, as it might greatly endamage the fortifications of the new town, coming to beat full upon Vlamenbourg, which is a high cavalier or platform, commanding over the Spanish camp: but the inconvenience was, that it was not deep enough, unless it were at a high tide, and therefore they would not make such use thereof as they desired: so as many were more desirous to pass by the goullet, than to stay for a full sea.  
On that day, being the thirteenth of November, fire fell into the archdukes for't, where there was as much hurt and consumed as was esteemed to be worth five hundred thousand crowns. Some thought, that this fire came down from heaven. His Estates made him a present of an hundred thousand crowns, to help to repair some part of this loss.  
On the seventeenth day of November there came into Oostend a Spanish ensign from the archdukes camp, who made report unto the general, that the Spaniards were discontented 
Aduertisem●…: out of the Spanish camp.  with the tediousness of this siege, and especially that the archduke had dismissed many of the old experienced captains, and other men of command, who had persuaded him to besiege the said town, advancing in their places young men, which had no experience in the wars: That there were a great number of sick and hurt men in the Spanish camp, yea above two thousand: That the town cannon slew many, and that there had been many captains and officers slain: That the regiment of Dom joan de Brachamonte, which was accustomed to be two thousand five hundred men, was now reduced to nine hundred: That such as had any charge, did speak very unreverently and immodestly of the archduke; concluding (after all their railing) That he was good for nothing, but to bring a number of honourable and valiant soldiers (who were grown grey in the king's service) to the slaughter: That there wanted money; that they had received but five and twenty stivers a man, for a long time, and had no subject to hope for better: That they were tormented with hunger: That they were full of diseases, and were starved with cold: That the receivors of the victuals and munitions, did diminish or falsify them, especially the beer of Bruges, so as the barrel being not half full, they filled it up with water: That of late there was a pasquil had run up and down their camp, which in effect did signify, That the Spaniards had a desire to mutiny, and that the archduke should be forced to pay them: And in the end he said, That at this siege there had been slain four colonels, eight Spanish captains, ten Walloons, nine Italians, and some Germans and Flemings, many of their workmen, and of their best soldiers: That it was a pitiful thing to behold the new come Spaniards and Italians, starved with cold, and dying miserably.  
At the same time there reigned a disease in Oostend, whereof many died in less than 24 hours.  
Whilst the archduke was thus busied before Oostend, the Estates consulted, what was best to be attempted, to draw the archduke from Oostend: many things were propounded, but finding themselves weak of men, and their treasure much wasted, they spent much time before they could conclude: in the end they resolved (though it were very late) to besiege Boisleduc, one of the four chief towns in Brabant; for which intent prince Maurice went with seven and thirty companies of foot, and three and thirty corners of horse (a small number for so great an enterprise) first meaning to charge the mutinous soldiers in Weert, but they stood so upon their guard, as they could not get any advantage of them: then coming back, he brought his army before Boisleduc, upon the last of October, stopping up all the passages that came unto the town. William earl of Nassau was quartered before Hintermer port, with six and twenty companies of foot, and fourteen cornets of horse. Prince 
Boisleduc besieged by the prince.  Maurice with the rest lay before the Vughte gate, with the earl of Solins; who presently began to make their trenches and sconces round about the town, which could not be so soon done, for that the town is very big: yet the prince used exceeding great diligence, having no need of any great guards, for that they had not many soldiers within the town, whose sallies he needed not to fear, for there were in the town but two companies of foot, a cornet of horse belonging to Adolph earl of Bergh, with some fifty horse of monsieur Gobendones company, who was governor of the town: the burghers entreated them 
1601  with fair words to behave themselves valiantly, promising them that they should be relieved by the archduke, and that their sick and hurt men should be carefully looked unto and provided for.  
The prince being busy in his work, having not yet fully enclosed the town, on the sixth of November at night there entered two hundred and sixty men (which came from the Grave) into the town, by a low way which was not overflown with water, for that the river was stopped; who got into the town, and were not discovered by the prince's men, but only by some stragglers: and upon the fourteenth day of the same month there were some nine hundred men which entered into the town also by the same way, being led by Blyleven lieutenant to colonel Hachicourt, and Michael vander Sternen; wherein some of prince Maurice his men were very negligent, having been advertised thereof in time, yet made no haste to prevent them, whereat prince Maurice was much offended; but being most past, they were charged in the rear and defeated, and some seventy of them taken prisoners: so as the town having now a thousand and six hundred men in her, it behoved prince Maurice to stand upon his guard.  
Prince Maurice continued his works still, and was in good hope within twelve or fourteen days to lodge upon the ramparts, having brought his trenches both to the Vughter gate and Hinter gate; but the frost grew so violent, as all the waters and rivers began to be frozen up, so as the army could not get any more victuals by water: and news being brought that divers troops were gathering together about Diest to relieve the town, the Estates began to consult what was best to be done; for that at the beginning of the siege the Estates of Brabant had caused the marquess of Haurec, and secretary Prats, to advertise the archduke, of what importance the loss of the town would be for the whole country of Brabant, whereby Grave, Venloo, Herentals, and other places would be in danger. Whereupon the archduke resolved to go thither in person, sending presently before him from the camp, Frederick earl of Berghes, Nicholas Basta, and john jacomo an earl of Italy, to gather soldiers together about Diest; whereas a thousand of the mutinous soldiers of Weert joined with them: with which troops they did hope to relieve Hertogenbosche, either by setting upon prince Maurice his camp, or by the besieging of Breda, or else making some invasion into Holland, by means that the rivers were all frozen; so as they had made all things ready to march: and yet the camp remained whole before Oostend, for that they of Arthois and Henault had sent divers companies thither for a certain time, giving to every man ten stivers a day.  
The united Estates, and prince Maurice with his council of war, being fully advertised 
The estates raise their siege ●…rom Boisleduc.  of this preparation, although their camp were so well entrenched as they feared no enemy, yet they could not stop their entry into the town over the ye, nor yet their passage to Bomelerweert, whereby they might enter into Holland: whereupon they resolved to yield unto the season of the year, and the extremity of the frost; first sending away much of their baggage: and so upon the seven and twentieth day of November they raised their siege, to the great grief of prince Maurice, who was resolved to stay, if so be the weather had broken up.  
Thus this siege proved unfortunate, both for that so many men entered into the town in the beginning thereof, and for that the weather grew so extreme: the prince's ships were all frozen in at Crevecoeur and Hemert, so as after six and twenty days siege, he carried his ordnance and munition to Hensden, but many other necessary implements, as sparres, palisadoes, scoops, and spades, which for want of wagons they could not carry away, were burnt; his trenches and other fortifications he let stand, for a terror to his enemies, and a show of his knowledge, diligence, and means: and so he retired, having made a terrible spoil in that part of Brabant, of their churches, houses, and trees, which are planted in all their ways and passages to that town in very good order.  
After the prince's departure they of Boisleduc made great joy, the bishop singing Te Deum both within and without the town, casting holy water upon those houses which had been broken or hurt by the enemy. There remained 500 men of Hachicourts' regiment in garrison in the town, and the rest went forth. Those men which were levied to relieve the town, and to raise the siege, were part of them put into Herentals, and the rest returned to the siege of 
1601  Oostend; and so did the archduke, who was at that time come to Brussels: and the mutinous horsemen of Weert went to Lowaine. Upon the prince's retreat from Boisleduc, there were certain Latin verses made on either side.  
Non ducis obsessae seruavit moenia Siluae,  
Albertigladius, frigida sedglacies. 

'Twas not your archdukes sword, but the keen frost,  
That saved Boisleduc, it had else been lost.    
They were thus inverted by the contrary party.  
Tàm ducis obsessae seruavit moenia Siluae,  
Alberti gladius, frigidaquàm glacies. 

Our archdukes sword, as well as the keen frost,  
Defended Boisleduc; 'twas your pains were lost.    
Cont john jacomo of Belioyoso passed through Brabant in October, and went to Rosendale with a thousand horse, and six hundred foot, where he burned certain ships laden with fire wood, which should have been sent to Oostend, and did great spoil unto the country thereabouts.  
The burghers of Mastricht, hearing that the archduke pretended to send some of the mutinous soldiers of Weert into their town, upon the seventeenth day of September, they contracted with their garrison (being some eight companies of Italians) not to receive any more soldiers; so as they slew some which were brought in by their harbingers, and chased away the rest, making a composition with monsieur Weerp governor of the town, to defend it with that garrison against the enemy, under the archdukes obedience, as they of Venloo and Ruremond did, the burghers being the stronger; but after that, the Spaniards practised to draw some soldiers secretly into Mastricht, the which being discovered, some of them were punished.  
The horsemen of the united provinces, to the number of four hundred, with some foot, past the Rhine on the 24 of September, and went to Duyts near unto Cologne; where for the space of two or three days they put the country to contribution, for certain money which was unpaid, the which the deceased countess of Moeurs pretended to be due unto her from them of Cologne, and so they retired to Rhinebercke. And thus they spent the winter whilst that the archduke lay encamped before Oostend, whither we will now turn our discourse.  
In the beginning of December the Spaniards before Oostend came and gave a furious 
Oostend.  charge on the English quarter, where they were entertained with resolution, and in the end 
The Spaniards charge the English trenches.  valiantly repulsed, leaving fifty pikes in the place, and much blood spilled, having carried away their dead men: of the English there were but three slain.  
On the fourth day two ships coming in with English beer, at the same instant there was a house set on fire near unto the east gate, with the which the two next houses adjoining were burnt: which the Spaniards peceiuing, they began to shoot much at that place, assuring themselves (as it was true) that there were many people assembled together to quench the fire; but they slew but two soldiers and one boy. The same day there was a prisoner brought in, who said he was servant to the earl of Barlaimont; he reported that many soldiers fled from the arch duke's camp, and that they died daily in great numbers.  
On the 16 day at night, the Spaniard brought three small boats full of sand and stones near to the mouth of the goullet or entire, to sink them there, & to stop the passage from the haven unto the town; the which they could not effect, for that the tide was too much spent, but were abandoned by them that conducted them, near unto the platforms of the town, right against Flamenbourg: the which the besieged could not discover until the break of day, when as many ran down to see them, being some what amazed: but when as the tide was gone, that they might approach on dry foot, they entered to view what was within them; whereas they found nothing but stones and sand: whereupon they began to pull them in pieces for fire wood, which they might easily do without any danger, by reason of a mist which covered them from the view of the camp: but when the mist was past, they retired, & attended until night to finish that which they had begun: some Spanish horse presented themselves to terrify them, but the town cannon forced them to retire. 
1601   
On the 21 of December, about three of the clock after midnight, there came four hundred men, which camped on the west part to this traverse, which was made of timber and bavins, betwixt Sand hill and the Cavalier, to set fire of it, the which they effected cunningly. This traverse did serve as a defence for Sandhill, and other near parts, against the enemy's cannon, which otherwise might do much harm, as well to the palisadoes, as to the wall, and to the works which did defend them from the breaches of the sea; the which was quite consumed, with the palisado joining unto it. This being done, they discovered all the old town, next unto the sea, seeking to enter, as they did at a certain place, where they had made a breach to pass their boats into the new haven: coming near a corpse deguarde, they slew a Lanspisado, and entered also near unto the old temple, which place had been abandoned by the besieged: but they were soon charged, and forced to turn head, by captain Marshals 
The town in danger to be taken.  company, being of colonel Marquets regiment, who (although he were not of the guard) came running thither from the new town. Without doubt if those undertakers had been well seconded at that time with greater forces, they might have taken the town, for that the guard was not great, having not half the garrison, and that some captains were absent in their lodgings: and besides the garrison was then very small, having received no supplies in three months, and the companies that were in the town being much decreased, many having been slain, & many dead, through poverty & want; besides that, many soldiers (being unwilling to suffer those miseries any longer) fled daily to the archdukes camp, especially the French and English, so as there were some companies which had not above fifteen or sixteen men in them: many captains being absent, and among others, those which were gone into Holland with the signior of Ʋander Noot. Moreover, the old town lay very open towards the sea. Finally, they wanted many necessaries, so as if the enemy had come strong enough, he might have forced them: but being charged sooner than they expected, the besieged pursued them in their retreat; and among others, took one of some command, who being brought before general Veer, discovered the cause of their enterprise, and what the archduke pretended to do; which was to assault the town very shortly in many places at once, for that he was sufficiently advertised of the weakness of the town, and of their small garrisons, and that they were ill furnished of victuals, and of all other necessaries; whereupon the archduke had in all hast sent for all the troops which he had in Brabant, Arthois, Henault, and other places: which the general understanding, he believed it, and the rather, for that he had received other advertisements to the same effect; who seeing in what danger the town had been that night, he first caused the guards to be doubled at every low water, which should be of the whole garrison, and they should not depart until the tide were risen of a reasonable height, and then such as were not of the ordinary guard might retire: he also commanded, that every captain should come in person with his company to the guard, and caused them to work night and day to fortify those places which had most need, and lay most open unto the enemy.  
On the two and twentieth day of December, at night, there returned a fleet of two and 
Supply of victuals comes to Oostend.  thirty barks, who by a contrary wind had been forced to return into Zeeland, being laden with victuals, and all things necessary, the which entered into the haven without any danger, only one ran a ground near unto the gabions, and was spoiled by the Spaniards. This relief came happily for Oostend, where they had not above 15 days provision of corn in their storehouse, and having want of all other necessaries.  
The three and twentieth day at night, the weather being rainy and exceeding dark, the wind high, and the tide very low, all that were in the town, soldiers, burghers, mariners, victuallers, and others, put themselves into arms, for that they feared the archduke would give a general assault that night, having two days before taken view of all the old town next unto the sea, and found it to lie sufficiently open; and by that which the general had understood by the Spanish prisoner: having also the day before seen certain shows, as if they of the camp had made preparation for it, he gave charge unto captain Lewis Cousture, to will some one of the archdukes commanders, that might be in guard right against Sandhill, to advertise the archduke, or him that had the charge under him, that if it pleased him to send certain hostages into the town, to see if they might come to any good composition, that he for his part would send some of his captains for their securities. Whereupon 
1601  soon after, and the same night, the archduke sent captain Rybas, governor of Sclu●…, and 
Sir Francis Veer makes an o●…er to parl●….  the sergeant mayor of the Spaniards; and for sir Francis Veer, there went two English captains in hostage: which caused amazement, discontentment, and great alteration in the town, for because it had been done in a manner without the privity of all the colonels, and captains, and of the magistrate of the town, being also allowed but by few of them: wherewith the general being much discontented, he commanded the archdukes hostages should be sent back, the which was presently done, being passed over in a boat unto the other side of the goullet, although they had entered on the west side. Sir Francis Veer would willingly, that a Wallon and a Flemish captain had been also hostages with his English men▪ but they would not yield to it; so as all that night he was much troubled, being in arms and in consultation: and yet the English hostages were not at that time called back.  
On the four and twentieth day early in the morning, the archduke sent a letter by a trumpet unto the general; whereupon, in the end it was thought fit, and concluded by all the colonels, captains, and magistrates, to call back the archdukes hostages, that all might be done by accord, and that no alteration might happen; as also to have their English hostages again. So the said Rybas and sergeant mayor being returned, there was a ces●…ation from arms and from all acts of hostility.  
On the 25 day at night▪ there came five ships of war of Zeeland, and five companies of soldiers with great store of munition, who cast anchor in the road: the which being 
Succours of men come to Oostend.  discovered by them of the town at the break of day, it did much rejoice them, those succours coming very happily unto them after a long expectation. And the same day about one of the clock in the after noon, being a very calm day, and the sun shining clee●…e, and the sea being calm, at a full tide, the said five companies, with the mariners landed, notwithstanding all their shot from the camp, which slew three mariners, and hurt some. Whereupon the archdukes hostages being in the town, were amazed, until it was told them that the truce continued still.  
The same day, and presently after, it was resolved within the town, not to treat with the archduke, but to defend the town, to send back the hostages, and to call home theirs▪ the which was done, being much displeasing to the archduke: to whom general Veer did w●…te, excusing himself that their treaty had broken off, upon the arrival of their supplies, the which he could not send back, no●… with his honour treat any further, seeing he wanted not any thing. Wherewith the archduke being much discontented, he was out of hope ever to get the town at so easy a rate. Whereupon his cannon began to play furiously, being answered in the same manner from the town; whereat they all rejoiced, even wives, maids, and children, for every one had been very melancholy at this parley: although the wint●…r were very sharp, & many had been slain and dead for poverty and want, besides the wars which the storms of the sea made against them, yet no man was desirous to have the town yielded, but every one was sad and heavy for the treaty, especially the Walloons, whom they called the new Gueux▪ being of the regiment of the seign●…or of Marquette; and the reason was for that they had delivered up the forts of saint Andrew and Crevecoeur unto the Estates, and they had behaved themselves very valiantly at the battle of Nieuport.  
After that the enemy had sent to view the weakest parts of the old town, and burned the traverse near unto Sandhill, they had laboured day and night to repair that which was ruined, as well by the cannon from the camp, as by the sea, the which they could not repair for want of stuff, which they might have done during the parley, but it was neglected: and then they laboured with all diligence, and nothing was spared to hinder the enemy's approach.  
On the sixth day of januarie, 1602, the archduke battered Sandhill, and other near places with his cannon, even until night, as if he meant to make a breach, and to give an assault (as two prisoners, the one a Spaniard, the other an Italian had told them) which made the be●…eged to stand carefully upon their guard, & to rampar up & fortify all ruined places, especially the old town▪ so as when the Spaniard began this furious battery, the town was much stronger than it was on the 21 of December. 
1602   
The seventh of the month the archduke, before he would give a general assault, as he had projected, he battered every part of the town with exceeding great fury; and the more to amaze the besieged, he battered the houses in ruin, and shot fiery bullets. This battery did much harm to the sand hill, to the false brays, to the por●…-espic, to Helmont, and to a great part of the old town, and to all places where they had any aim; the which began early in the morning, and continued until night: for they could not come to give an assault, until it were a low water. The weather was cloudy, but the moon shining through the clouds, gave a little light. The besieged in the mean time laboured to repair that which the canon had spoiled, without any spare of any thing, so as they took the timber from the houses▪ to mend the palisadoes; neither was there any one among them, no not the women, that s●…wed any sign of amazement, but rather of joy.  
The same day, about five of the clock in the evening, the tide being well spent, to pass the 
The archduke gives a general assault to Oost●…nd.  old haven, whereby the enemy might approach unto Sandhill, and other places, whereas the canon had made any breach, the archduke caused his men to march in order of battle, carrying ladders, pick●…xes, and all other sorts of instruments, going to assault those places which seemed weakest unto them. They made a brave attempt, but they were more bravely resisted, for the besieged wanted neither arms, powder, nor courage; so as the fight continued betwixt them above two hours, with great obstinacy: but the Spaniard could stay no longer without his utter ruin, for that the ●…ide was come in, and the sluices were pulled up; so as the water falling into the old haven, & meeting with the tide which came in, it presently swelled much, whereby many, seeking to retire, were drowned: so as of them that were slain in the fight; and of such as were drowned, they had the spoils of above seven hundred, besides those that 
The archduke●… los●…e at thi●… assault.  were carried into the sea, with the ebb, the which were never found: besides, they left behind them their ladders, instruments, and great store of arms, the which we●…e found upon the sands. Yet the archduke won by this assault the false bray of Sandhill, not by force, but for that the general made his men to quit it, being not guardable but with a great number of men, the which he could better employ elsewhere: And in like manner it was abandoned by the Spaniniards at their retreat, so as they made no use thereof. Those that were upon the East side, to second them of the West, in this general assault, passing the goullet to fall upon the old town; they could not pass the water, being not yet low enough, when as the others began the assault: They thought to set upon the half moon, which was on their side, but they could not come near it, wherefore the besieged were not troubled on that side; the which was a great ease for the other places which were assaulted. We pass over with silence, those that were hurt and maimed, which number we may imagine was not small, by reason of the canon which shot from Helmont, the po●…-espic, and the West ravelin; the which did wonderfully spoil the enemy in his approach and retreat, so as for some days after there was nothing to be seen, but wagons full of maimed soldiers, which they carried to Bruges, and other places: and among others, there were seventeen Spaniards, which had but two legs among 
A wonderf●…ll s●…oyle of the Spaniard●….  them all, the canon having carried away the rest. And they were no sooner retired, but they were pursued by the besieged with their musket shot, and to strip them that were slain, among the which there was a woman found in man's apparel▪ a soldier having his skin bound about with cords▪ and upon some there were small books found, full of characters; all which could not pres●…rue them from death. In all this pursuit, the besieged could take but one only prisoner, and another which came and yielded himself willingly. The besieged had but thirty men slain, of the which there were three captains, one lieutenant, and one ensign.  
The next day they gave thanks unto God for this victory, both at the French and Dutch sermons.  
On the tenth day of januarie there came into the road before the town, twelve ships, with so many companies, to relieve them that had endured much, and were greatly decreased in their numbers, and to send them into Holland and Zeeland, to refresh themselves: and to the same end there entered 13 companies more on the 14 of the month. General Veer being also commanded by the Estates to return into Holland, there arrived colonel Dorp, who succeeded him in the government of the town, and colonel edmond's, a S●…ottish man, after whose coming, they laboured more in the fortifications, than before.  
On the 19, at night, three companies going out of the haven towards Zeeland, the enemy's 
1602  canon sunk one of them, and another, having her mast and main yard broken, was driven on ground on the camp side, whereas all the soldiers and mariners, with the commissary Manriques (who had brought money) were taken prisoners, and afterwards delivered upon ransom: others run the like fortune, and were taken by the enemy.  
All this month, and some following, the archduke fortified his camp, being resolved to continue his siege: and the shot which he made at random, in time ruined the buildings, and the bullets did much harm, running up and down the streets: Whereupon they resolved to take up the pavement, and to make trenches cross the streets, where the bullets should presently stop, being one very near unto another: And in the mean time the besieged defended themselves courageously, being assisted and relieved every three months by the Estates, who sent them new supplies, and provision.  
On the seventh of February at night, there were certain notes shot into the town, persuading the soldiers to run from their garrison to the camp, assuring them of good entertainment, or else they should have passports given them, to go whither they pleased, if they would not serve the archduke. And that they did abuse them, which said, they should be ill entreated, or sent to the galleys, as some which had fled into the town had falsely reported. All these were practices to draw them away, and so to weaken the garrison.  
On the 14 of February the signior of Marquette, colonel of the new Gueux, arrived, bringing 14 companies with him, to refresh the rest.  
On the 23 and 24 of the month, there blew such a terrible Northwest wind, as it made the tide rise much higher than it had been accustomed, the which did very much harm unto the ramparts, bulwarks, and banks, the tide coming far into the town; so as if this tempest had continued but two tides longer, the besieged had been forced to fly into their garrets for safety, and all the ramparts and bulwarks had been in danger to have been carried away into the sea, or else to have had such a breach made, as the Spaniards might have come on horseback to the assault. Finally, the sea did more annoy them, than the archduke, against the which they had more cause to rampar themselves, than against all his force: but God in an instant did cause this tempest to cease, the wind turning to the northeast, and very calm; which made the besieged to repair all these ruins as well as they could, although they wanted bavins, and other materials to do it.  
On the second of March the Spaniards came in the night, and anchored certain pipes tied together with cables, in the mouth of the goullet, to stop the entrance, as they had often attempted it: but they prevailed no more now than before, all this equipage being taken by the besieged, and brought into town, except one anchor, and the pipes, which they broke.  
As the toil and poverty which the archdukes soldiers endured, began to tire them, they 
The archdukes soldiers ●…utine.  fell at that time into mutiny, both to have their pay, and to be better used: whereupon the archduke caused ten or twelve of the chief authors of this mutiny, to be hanged; the which bred a strange alteration among the soldiers, so as from that time he was feign to stand upon his guard, for fear of his own soldiers: yet upon his fair promises, and the hope they had of the yielding up of Oostend, and that the archdukes Estates would make some great attempt, the soldiers contented themselves; so as for a time he was very well served in the continuance of this siege.  
The Estates of the united provinces having taken good order for the defence of Oostend, they intended to attempt something this summer, and having conferred with prince Maurice, their lieutenant general, about the end of March they began to gather an army together, the which was greater, and better ordered than ever, so as in April and May they had the goodliest army ready that could be seen, not for number of men, but for martial discipline, the prince's camp being like unto a town furnished with all necessaries for the life of man, so well fortified in the night lying in field, and marching in the day time in such good order, as it was not possible to get any advantage over them. Finally, there wanted nothing to this body, led by a wise head, with such obedience of all the members, as those which have seen this army, consisting of six and twenty thousand fight men, horse and foot, confess, that they had never seen the body of an army more pleasant to behold, nor more to be feared; but above all, in regard of the baggage, the which was wonderfully well ordered.  
All being ready, the general Estates of the united provinces published a declaration at the 
1602  Hage in Holland, by the which they gave a reason of their action, and invited the Brabansons, Flemings, and others, to join with them, and to help them to expel the Spaniards and their adherents, out of the country; whose insolencies they described briefly, with protestation to continue in their just enterprise, to maintain the liberties, privileges, and freedoms of the country. Which declaration being put in print, was sent unto all the provinces: but the people that were subject to the Spaniard, durst not move nor speak a word, attending an end of the siege of Oostend, and what the army of either side should do. The archduke hearing that the prince marched in so good order, and that he entered into the country of Liege, (being now at S. Trudon, and at Maseek, where he made his provisions, besides that which he had brought with him) he caused his troops also to march, under the command of the admiral of Arragon, to whom the prince did twice offer battle: the which (remembering that of Nieuport, where the archduke had been so well beaten, and himself taken prisoner) he would never accept, neither had he any charge to do it, keeping himself within his fort.  
Prince Maurice seeing how hard it would be to draw the Spaniard to fight, having marched 
Grave, besieged by prince Maurice.  far into the enemy's country without any encounter, and taken from him the towns of Eindoven and Helmont, with the castle, he took another resolution, and turning head, marched towards the strong town of Grave; the which (notwithstanding it had a strong garrison) he besieged, and entrenched himself after his accustomed manner, as well against the besieged, as against the archdukes army.  
Grave is the chief town of the land of Cuyck, lying upon the Meuse: in times past it was 
The descrscpt●…on of Grave.  under the duchy of Gueldres, but afterwards brought under Brabant, and was pawned to Maximilian, earl of Egmont and Buren, the which William prince of Orange, who married his daughter and heir, bought, and enjoyed it long. After the pacification of Gant, certain Dutch soldiers holding it for the Spaniard, were by the prince's soldiers, with the help of the burghers, thrust out, and forty of them slain. In the year 1586 it was besieged by the duke of Parma, and soon yielded by monsieur Hemert, who was governor: since which time (being strong by situation) it was fortified with many bulwarks, ravelins, and counterscarps, and is at this day one of the strongest towns in all the Netherlands. The governor at that time was Antonio Gonzales, a Spaniard: the garrison consisted most of Italians and Spaniards; and some companies of Dutch, under Pangus Gallays of Tyrol, lieutenant to colonel Tislingh, put themselves into it, being in all fifteen hundred men, besides the burghers, who, by reason of the soldiers insolencies, were not above 3 or 400. The town wanted neither ordnance, munition, nor victuals.  
Upon the eight of August they made a sally upon cont William of Nassaus' quarter, where the fight continued an hour, with the loss of fifteen of their men: the earl had thirty slain and wounded.  
The admiral of Arragon, with Frederic earl of Bergh, and other commanders of the archdukes army, marched towards the land of Cuyck, and lay there certain days, whilst that the prince fortified his camp. On the tenth of August in the morning, he marched towards the quarter whereas the prince himself lay, making a stand within a quarter of a mile, in a village called Lind, where he ensconced himself, and cast a bridge over the Meuse, that he might not be distressed for victuals.  
They of the town discovering his approach, made great signs of joy, in shooting off their ordnance, which the admiral answered. And on the 13 day, early in the morning, they made a sally out of the town upon cont William's quarter: and at the same time the admiral approached near unto the prince's camp, both with horse and foot; but lying too open to the prince's ordnance, he retired to his lodging.  
Upon the fifteenth of August, they within the town made another sally with three hundred men, upon the English quarter, where they came to the push of the pike. Among the English there was one captain keys Hertoghen, who was a Dane borne, yet serving among them, with some sixteen or seventeen soldiers slaines and of the town there were fifty slain and hurt. And on the seventeenth day they made another sally with seven hundred men, upon the English quarter, but after some fight, the ordnance forced them to retire, 
1602  with some loss of either side.  
The admiral's men skirmished sometimes with the prince's guard, and he brought his ordnance so near, as he shot into the prince's camp, and slew many soldiers; so as they were constrained to fortify their trenches against him. Among others, Andreas de Roy, an expert engineer, and much esteemed by prince Maurice, for his industry and knowledge, was shot looking over the ramparts, and so were divers captains. And on the two and twentieth of August sir Francis Veer, general of the English, was shot in the neck and cheek; so as being forced to 
Sir Francis Veer shot before Grave.  retire himself from the camp, by reason of his wound, Henry Frederic of Nassau, prince Maurice his brother, had the charge given him of the English quarter.  
The admiral began then to be scanted of victuals in his army, for that Brabant had been quite spoiled and wasted; the which, together with their bad pay, made the soldiers murmur: so as finding that want would force him to retire from the place where he was entrenched, on the one and twentieth of August, in the night, he resolved to make an attempt upon the camp, betwixt the princes and cont William's quarters: but while they were bringing their ladders, shovels, pickaxes, baskets, and other instruments, they were discovered, so as all the prince's army stood ready in arms, to entertain them: whereupon he retired hastily, making all the speed he could, leaving all those implements behind him: and on the three and twentieth day he broke up his camp, having sent away his carriages before early in the morning.  
Monsieur Grobendonc, governor of Boisleduc, entreated the admiral to march with his army to Ravestein, where he might have more store of victuals, and stop the ships which came with provision out of Holland unto prince Maurice his camp: the which, for some other considerations, he neglected, and went to Venloo with his army. Whereupon prince Maurice followed him with his horsemen; and fearing he should attempt Berck or Moeurs, he sent Ernest, earl of Nassau, thither with certain men: but the admiral sought to get into Venloo, in the which there was but a weak garrison: but they would not suffer him to enter: and so he went to Mastricht, for that the whole army began to mutiny, by reason of want, especially the new Italians, who could not shift without money: whereupon divers of them went and offered their service unto prince Maurice.  
They within Grave were in some doubt of the admiral's retreat, yet did their uttermost endeavours to defend themselves: many of them notwithstanding got out of the town in the night, and yielded themselves to prince Maurice; letting him understand, That they wanted not any thing, but men, and that the fear of relief made many of them to faint. Prince Maurice gave passports to all them that fled from the enemy, and a gulderne a piece, and so they went into Cleveland, or into Zeeland, and returned home into their country through France.  
After many sallies and encounters, the besieged having forsaken all their works without the town, and the prince's men being come, on the fourteenth of September, to the rampar of one of the bulwarks of the town, lying upon the Meuse, with some loss of men, they within gave notice thereof unto the neighbour towns, by fire made in their tower tops: but no relief being at hand, and their men decreasing daily, fearing also that the galleries on the other side of the town, would be also brought under their ramparts, within five days, they offered a parley; unto whom monsieur Sydlenisky was sent, by whose means they of the town sent their deputies to prince Maurice, and received hostages for them: and so upon the nineteenth of September, a composition was made for the yielding up of the town, the which the prince did the more willingly agree unto, for that the river of Meuse began to swell, whereby his trenches and galleries might have been much endamaged. And so, after two months siege, it 
Grave yielded by composition.  was delivered.  
The conditions were, That the governor and soldiers should depart with their arms and baggage, and ensigns displayed: they should have an hundred and fifty wagons for their carriages to Diest, leaving hostages for them. That such as had run from the Estates, should enjoy the ben●…t of the same conditions. That the hurt and sick might, if they would, go by ship to Mastricht. That all victuals, ordnance, and munition, should be delivered unto the prince's commissaries, without spoil or diminishing. That the soldiers 
1602  should depart the town the next day, or else suffer two hundred men to enter into the castle and the bulwarks. And that the governor should procure the archduke to pay the magistrates and the burghers of the town, all such sums of money as they had lent to him and his soldiers.  
The next day they left the Grave: and the burghers entreated prince Maurice, as their lord, to receive them into grace, to forgive what was past, to protect and defend them, and to confirm their privileges. Concerning religion, it was agreed, That every one should live according to his conscience, without any molestation; yet there should be no exercise of religion, but as it was observed in the united provinces. There were six months time granted unto the burghers, to follow the archdukes court, to recover their debts, and longer, so it were with the consent of the governor or magistrate. All spiritual and temporal men, should have three years respite, to leave the town, and to return again, to dispose of their lands, as they thought good, and most convenient. With other articles concerning the town in particular.  
This composition thus made, upon the twentieth of September the Spanish garrison went forth, being eight hundred men strong, and two hundred hurt men, the remainder of fifteen hundred. Prince Maurice had many men also slain, whereof there were four hundred English: And many sick men were sent into divers hospitals, for that there was a disease among them, little better than the plague.  
Upon the eight and twentieth of September prince Maurice was installed lord of the 
Prince Maurice dissolves his army.  town, and of the land of Cuyck: and then came the deputies of the general Estates, both into the town and army, to take order for the breaking up of the same, discharging the Reisters', and giving to every one half a months pay, besides his due, to bear his charges; taking an order also for such as fled from the admiral, being very many.  
Prince Maurice made monsieur Sidlenisky governor of the Grave, being a wise and a valiant gentleman, who had been sergeant mayor of the army, and had long served the united provinces faithfully, in many good places. Mabuse was made sergeant mayor in his stead.  
The soldiers in the archdukes army, under the admiral of Arragon, were much discontented for want of pay, especially the old soldiers (for the new Italians ran away) for which cause 
Mutiny in the admiral's army  the admiral retired further from the enemy, being not much beloved, but rather contemned and hated of his soldiers, who called him El gran Capitan del Rosario, in regard of his devotion: who seeking to suppress their mutinies by severity, ten or twelve hundred of them forsook the army, and took a small town in the country of Liege, called Hamont, whereas the admiral did think to assail them, with such horse and foot as he did most trust; but they refused that charge.  
Among these mutineers there was a banished soldier of Geertruydenbergh, called Papanken, who sent word unto prince Maurice, that he would draw a good number of horse and foot from the enemy, to serve the united Provinces. This offer was neither accepted 
The mutineers seize upon Hoochstrate●….  nor rejected, but all favour promised them, so as they would govern themselves well and faithfully, etc. Whereupon they entered into Grobendonc in Brabant, their number still increasing; and in the end seized upon the strong castle of Hoochstraten, whereas they made good orders among themselves, and forced the boors round about to pay them contribution.  
The archduke to prevent these inconveniences, came out of Flanders to antwerp, leaving the Infanta at Gant. In antwerp he borrowed money, wherewith he caused the army under the admiral, to march forward, with a third part of a months pay. Whereupon many Italians, and other commanders left the army. Theodore Trivultio, Alphonso d'Aualos, Fernando Cariglia, Martin Lopes, and Emanuel Texera, master of the camp, and others, were put out of the counsel of war; which caused in a manner a general revolt, so as the nine thousand Italians, were brought to 3000, the rest were run away, or joined with the mutineers. Out of Spain they had small help, both for that the king was young, and his counsel divided in opinions.  
To prevent all these difficulties, it was given out, That Dom joan de Medicis, bastard of Florence, should come thither to supply the admiral's place; but he came not: many thought he 
1602  refused that charge, matters being so confused.  
The garrison of the castle of antwerp began also to be discontented, and threatened a mutiny: but the towns men gave their words to see them paid, and so by that means they were satisfied.  
The archduke went from antwerp to Brussels, to levy money, whereas (by reason of the many new grown troubles) he was not very pleasing unto them: At that time there was an assembly of the Estates, but they concluded little for the prevention of so great disorders. The archduke caused many peasants to be taken up, throughout all the Wallon provinces, both for his own guard, and to make head against the mutineers, relying not much on his own soldiers, but on some that were well paid. The high Dutch regiment under Barlamont, were also upon terms to mutiny, and had attempted to surprise Dermonde in Flanders. The archduke went to Toren, and so to his army, whereas he discharged the admiral of his general's place, for want of money, who soon after went into Spain, where he was not very 
The admiral discharged of his general's place.  welcome.  
After that the archduke by policy and fair promises, got them of Venloo to receive more men, and thereby assured the town for himself; from thence he went to Liere, where, with certain companies of soldiers, and the boors of the country, with the townsmen, and some others thereabouts, he thought to charge the mutinous soldiers, who at that time were very strong, and lay in Hoochstraten, spoiling all the country, and striking a great terror into the peasants. These mutineers growing strong, and their insolencies intolerable, being a very bad example to others, and no money to be found to pacify them, the archduke with the Spanish counsel (contrary to the advice of the Estates of the country) resolved to banish them, and to proclaim those mutinous soldiers, traitors, and villains. The sentence of their proscription was as followeth.  

The Archdukes.  
As we had drawn our army together to relieve the town of Grave, the which is besieged by the enemy, and so valiantly defended by the soldiers that are within it, as they deserve great commendation, going ourself in person to that end, we were advertised, That some soldiers of our said army, lying near unto the enemy's camp, under colour of an alteration or mutiny, to recover that which they falsely pretend to be due unto them, have wickedly abandoned their colours and cornets: and after they had made attempts upon many places, in the end they surprised the castle of Hoochstraten, by treacherous and wicked means, having given many uchement presumptions, to hold correspondency, and to treat with our enemies: the which is against all reason and justice; neither hath it been ever practised among our soldiers. But chose such as have been in mutiny (when as the enemy hath besieged any place of ours, or that we had need of men for any expedition) leaving their forts and places of strength, came to serve us willingly and cheerfully. And for that the chief actors of this wickedness and treason, are men to whom there is little or nothing due, for that they are new come, or else have been in the mutinies of Diest, Weert, and Carpen, and have been lately accounted with, and paid whatsoever was due unto them, being men accustomed to practise and invent mutinies, to receive money for contributions, without doing us any service, who have induced, circumvented, and forced the others to commit this treason; whereby their brethren and companions (which are besieged) cannot be succoured, and all other enterprises, which we might have against our enemies, hindered, forcing us to turn our arms against them, as against those that are more dangerous and prejudicial than domestical enemies; for that the enemy is thereby made stronger. And for as much as this fact is strange, fowl, odious, of bad consequence, and worthy to be exemplarly punished:  
Wherefore desiring to provide for the public cause, and the good of our subjects, we enjoin and command all soul●…rs, or other persons, or their train, which are in the said castle of Hoochstraten, or that shall join, there, or in any other place, with them, under colour of mutiny, within three days after the publication hereof, to return unto their ensigns 
1602  and cornets, or to present themselves unto the governor of Liere, or of Herental, to the end they may be presently sent away unto their ensigns and standards, wheresoever they shall be, as if this alteration had never happened. And we engage our word and faith unto them, that they shall neither at this present, nor at any time hereafter, be punished, nor reprehended in particular, although they were the chief motives thereof; but shall be entreated with all kindness and favour: and there shall be means made to give them full satisfaction, as men whom we desire to gratify: The which if they refuse to accomplish, after the expiration of the said three days, we declare, as well them that are there at this present, as all others that shall hereafter join with them, to be rebels, traitors, and wicked persons, having committed high treason in the highest degree; and as such we condemn them to lose both lives and goods, and from this time we hold them confiscated and incorporate to our revenues: Giving leave unto all persons, of what estate and condition soever, freely, and without any danger of punishment, to kill the said mutineers, or any of them, after what sort and manner he may most conveniently do it. And whosoever shall kill them, he shall receive for every one of their heads ten crowns, and for any one of the ordinary officers, an hundred, and for those which they call of the counsel, the sergeant mayor, or the governor of the horse, two hundred crowns, and for the Electo five hundred. And if they which shall kill them be any of their company, we pardon them, and will cause the said sums to be given them.  
And moreover, we command and enjoin all judges of our armies, estates, and signiories, that they take an inventory of all the movable & immovable goods of the said mutineers, of their apparel, and of all other things belonging to their wives and children; and that the goods be laid in deposito; and that a true certificate be sent thereof unto the judge of the army, that he may incorporate it unto our revenues, to the which at this present we adjudge them. And we command all persons which have in their custodies, money, or any other thing belonging unto the said mutineers, or to their wives and children, in pawn, or in any other sort whatsoever, that they deliver it not unto them, but make it known unto us, to the end we may make it forfeit, as is said; upon pain of confiscation of all their goods that shall conceal them, and to be corporally punished at our pleasure. And for the foulness of the offence, and the bad consequence thereof for other princes, to whom the like may happen in their armies (this being unpunished) We entreat and besiege the emperor and the king of Spain, our lords and brethren, and all other kings, princes, and potentates, in what part soever the said mutineers shall be, or shall have their goods, to command them to be apprehended, and sent unto us, and to cause the said arrest to be made, sending a certificate unto us, as it is above specified: Being ready to do the like at their request, in our countries and signiories, whensoever they shall require it. And moreover, we forbid all the wives and children of the said mutineers, to go into any place or places, where they shall be, nor to treat nor communicate with them by writing, nor word of mouth, during the said mutiny, upon pain of death: Being lawful for all men to strip and spoil them, if they shall go, or be in any sort suspected to have an intent to go unto their said fathers, or husbands: commanding, That within three days they depart out of our countries, and return no more, upon the like punishment.  
We command also, That not any one of our subjects, or any other that is within our countries, as a merchant, victualler, or servant, or in any other sort, shall assist, serve, nor feed the said mutineers nor their servants, horses, nor any one that depends of them, no not for their money; upon pain of death, or other pecuniary punishments, at the will and pleasure of our judges, and according unto their quality, and the merit of their offence: and that finding them, they may kill them without any offence. And that the names and surnames, and places where the said mutineers, or their fathers, were borne, shall be razed out of the muster books. And to the end that all men may be the better satisfied, information shall be made, so as it may plainly appear, that they are condemned, and that the said mutineers be proclaimed in our court, and in those places where they are borne, as well in our countries, as in the dominions of the emperor, the king of Spain, or any other princes our friends and confederates, for banished men, infamous, traitorous, and base persons, which have committed high treason in the first degree. And that moreover, the punishments ordained in like cases be executed against them, their children, and descendants: by the which we do now hold them 
1602  condemned for this fact. And to him that shall be the means to defeat the said mutineers, or to deliver them into our hands, we give pardon, and promise him an honourable reward, and to all such as shall aid and assist him, although they be of the mutineers themselves, yea of the chief motives and officers. And to the end that our proclamation and banishment may be inviolably kept and executed, and may come to the knowledge of all, both general of the horse, captains of men at arms, master of our artillery, colonels, masters of the camp, governors, heads of troops, captains and officers entertained, soldiers, and all other military persons, of what quality, condition, degree, or nation soever they be, as other our vassals and subjects; we command, that it be publicly proclaimed, and be given, in an authentic form, to the licentiat john de Frias, of his majesties counsel, and judge of the camp, that he may cause it to be observed and executed in every point, and give it to the auditor general, and other officers and persons whom it shall concern; to the end that all judges of towns and villages, may have a care thereof, giving him advice of that which shall succeed: whereof he shall advertise us, that we may provide, as necessity shall require, for the execution thereof. And in like manner that another authentical copy be given unto john Richardot knight, chief precedent of our privy counsel, and one of our counsel of Estate; to the end, that as far as it shall concern him, he shall also cause it to be observed and kept in every point, as it hath been decreed by us: Commanding also all other officers and justices of our countries in these parts, to see it in like manner accomplished. In witness whereof we have caused our seals to be set hereunto. Made at Diest the 15 of September 1602. Signed Albert: and underneath, By commandment from their highnesses, I. de Mancicidor.  
This decree of banishment and proscription, may be compared to the sentence of the Inquisition of Spain, given in February 1568 (whereof we have made mention) against all the inhabitants of the Netherlands: as also the banishment and proscription proclaimed against the prince of Orange, in the year 1580, which bred great inconveniences to the king of Spain: and it is to be admired, that the counsel of such princes, do not otherwise weigh and foresee the consequence of these proscriptions, before they decree them: for either they must prevent such inconveniences, by a sudden force, or receive them into grace, else you may be assured, that of servants they will become enemies: besides, those that find themselves wrongfully touched and slandered, will want no answers, redounding to the dishonour of the prince that hath decreed them; as it hath appeared by an apology made by the Protestants of the Netherlands, in the year 1568, and of the prince of Orange, in the year 1580; both which were printed; by the which the king of Spain was wonderfully touched, and his honour called in question. But some will say, That princes regard not what is spoken of them, so as they may do what they desire, and fulfil their own appetites: To whom I answer, That a mean is more befitting: And to return unto that point, let us see what answer was made by these mutineers unto the proscription.   

The answer of the Squadron, Electo, and Counsel of the Archduke Albert his men of war, retired to Hoochstraten.  
If proscriptions and threats may stand for payment, the squadron and counsel of soldiers retired to Hoochstraten, may soon make ready their acquitances, and send them to their highnesses, confessing that they were well and truly paid for all arrearages: But for as much as this kind of payment doth neither feed the belly, nor clothe the back, and that in the mean time they which for many years have hazarded both life and goods, without fee or recompense, and as it were for the honour of God, to maintain their highnesses in their estates, should be in danger (for want of other payment) to die with hunger and misery; it is reasonable, that the said squadron Electo, and counsel, should let all the world understand, with what untruths and horrible cruelties the said proscription is fraught: to the end, that the justice of their cause being known by this declaration, every one may judge, if the archdukes have reason thus to thunder out their choler against them, the which should terrify 
1602  women and babes, but not men.  
Choler makes their highnesses to say (we say choler, for truth cannot justify it) that they had assembled their army together, to succour the town of Grave, being then besieged by the enemy: What means this? was the town of Grave besieged at Tillemont? was it not besieged above a month after? How could their highnesses secure Grave at Tillemont, so long before it was besieged? He adds with the like ground: And going myself in person to put this design in execution. What is he among us, or any other, that did ever see him in the army, when as prince Maurice would come to visit us, and to charge us upon our own dunghill, being accompanied by them, who had two years before so roughly entertained their highnesses near unto Nieuport? The world knows, they sometimes busy themselves at Brussels, sometimes at Gant, to give order to their affairs, to the end their persons may be no more subject to be exposed to such dangers. We confess notwithstanding, that his highness, after that the town of Grave was lost, came unto the army; not for that they had any need of his person: for he came to whet his arms against his friends and faithful subjects, seeing that he had found his enemy's weapons so sharp, and his own too much blunted in the country of Flanders, to cut the knot of so strong an union: If we speak truth or not, they of Venloo, and of Ruremonde, can bear witness.  
He says, with the like truth, That at such time as his highness did endeavour to succour the town of Grave, we, under colour of a mutiny, did abandon our ensigns. Arithmetic, or the art of numbering, should not be practised by troubled spirits; Choler is also an enemy unto the memory: but if a friend help to supply the defect of another's memory, he deserves some recompense. If for such a courtesy we deserve reward, it is in your highness to acknowledge it. And to speak the truth (which all the world may well remember, as well our friends as our enemies; but that some have shadowed it with passion, until that their troubled spirits may be purified with the light of truth) we say, That we did employ ourselves to serve their highnesses, without any respect to the extreme necessity and desolation, whereunto we were brought for want of money, so long as the admiral of Arragon, who was our leader (and not his highness) was camped near unto the town of Grave: neither did we begin to seek any means for our pay, until that the army was retired far from the town, and that the said admiral of Arragon had no further meaning, to make any attempt to succour it, nor against prince Maurice his army. This was apparent, when as the signior of Grobendonc, governor of the town of Boisleduc, after that he had laboured long in vain, propounding all the reasons he could devise to persuade the admiral to seize upon the town of Ravestein, and by that means to cut off the victuals which came unto prince Maurice his army (the only means to hinder his design) in the end (seeing he could not prevail) he returned with much discontentment: then we began to embrace the pursuit of our just and reasonable cause.  
If all those that have taken this course, are to be held for traitors and rebels, there is not any one in their highnesses service, that can be free from this imputation: for who are they that were ever paid, taking any other course? Their highnesses name Diest, Weert, and Carpen, places which can bear witness of our words; the remembrance being yet fresh of that which hath lately happened.  
It is also objected, That there is little due unto us, or nothing at all; and that our demands are false, being men newly come out of Italy, and other places: and that a little before we had been fully paid at Diest, Weert, Carpen, etc. If that be true or not, the accounts can witness, and if the sum of three millions of gulderns be held little by their highnesses, yet is it a very great sum unto us. But admit the sum be small, as their highnesses say, it is so much the more easy to find it: neither should they for a small matter, have suffered us to fall into this extremity. As for treaties and intelligences, which we have with their highnesses enemies; we find it strange, that they maintain and hold it to be contrary to all law and reason, seeing that in their proscription they confess, that it hath been to maintain ourselves with them: for when as we did see their highnesses arms turned against 
160●….  us, as intestine enemies, in stead of giving audience to our just complaints; was it not time (being reasonable creatures) to do that which brute beasts do teach us, which oppose themselves with all their force, against those that seek to oppress them? Our actions then are not without some ground of reason, nay they are rather grounded upon reason itself, and upon the common law, necessity being free from all law, even the law of nature, which hath given this instinct to all creatures, not to forget any thing which may tend to their preservation.  
It is a lamentable thing, that they which for so many years have hazarded their lives, and powered out their bloods so willingly for their highnesses service, should be now forced to hold their lives as it were in fee of their enemies; and their highnesses on the other side should seek all means to root them out, depriving them of their lives, wives, children, food, and friends, as doth plainly appear by the said proscription.  
His highness remembers the example of David, who retired himself to Achis, king of the Philist●…ms, his capital enemy, when he was forced to fly from before the face of Saul his lord. It may please his highness to let the most worthy Infanta understand these reasons, and not to think it strange, if we (as soldiers) have sought to imitat the example of such a man of war, as David was.  
It is said, That these course were never taken by others: Whereunto we will make no other answer, but, That all our companions know the contrary. How did they of Sichem carry themselves, who had their deputies continually at the Hage, having egress and regress into Breda at their pleasures, and remaining in Langthstrate, under their wings which do now even at this present time embrace our defence, entreating whole troops of prince M●…urices, as their friends, and suffering them to pass through them without any opposition at all?  
The examples which their highnesses propound unto us, of them which have mutined heretofore, and yet have not left to abandon their retreats, and to offer themselves at need to serve their highnesses, etc. are matters propounded with small consideration: For since that we were ret●…red into this place, we were never called to any service, as the others were: What subject then have they to complain of us in this respect? But if they had sent a herald at arms unto the rest, to signify a proscription unto them, such as ours is, it is to be presumed, they would not have left the places which they held, but upon good terms: neither would they have showed themselves so zealous unto their highnesses. It were also to be wished (for their highnesses honour and reputation) that this great zeal and willing obedience of the said mutineers, had been deferred for a time: for that being too inconsiderate, it was more prejudicial than profitable unto their highnesses, when as (without regard of their highnesses word) they did so treacherously violate it with them of Snaskerke, near unto Oostend; which that day cost many of our fellows and companions their lives: Yet if their highnesses find any obedience in this act (as it seems, seeing they do so much exalt and praise them in that respect) then are they free from that blame.  
They will persuade us, That we are men accustomed to mutiny: We will receive this reproach upon our account and reckoning, with the rest; for of late years those which carry arms for your service, receive no other pay. But what is said among the people? doth not every one speak plainly, That your highness hath brought in this custom, to the end, that soldiers being paid after this manner, without money, they may make the better cheer in court? And in truth, when there is speech of any exploit of war, those that have seized upon any places, quit them voluntarily, and come with great zeal and obedience, to do you service. This cannot be called a mutiny, but to winter: for of late years all your soldiers have accustomed to winter after this manner. At such time as your highness did change your Ecclesiastical habit into a secular, we were glad and did much rejoice, thinking that your highness, having been Cardinal, Archbishop, and chief of the holy Inquisition of Spain, would not tie your soldiers to any stricter rule than that which you might have read in the Bible; which is, Content yourselves with your pay: But it seems, to your great prejudice, that you have forgotten it: And no man can dream where your highness 
1602.  hath found that Canon, to begin to put a law in execution, which is not yet made; which is, That we must content ourselves without pay. We did always think, that the Ecclesiastical laws had been the most strict, as coming from God, and regarding men's consciences: but we now find ourselves much deceived.  
As for the money of contributions, your highness should know how it is employed, for even the poor peasants think it ridiculous, to say that we enjoy it: the truth is, that to live we go unto your lands; what should we else do? your highness gives us nothing, and soldiers are no Chameleons, to live by the air: moreover, by law the creditor hath an interest to his debtor's goods. But for all this your highness ordinary contributions are nothing diminished. That secretary deserves (under your corrections) to be cast and discharged by your highness, seeing that under your names, he hath no●… been ashamed, to insert so many palpable lies in so small a writing: for those things which are so often practised, should not be termed new. That which is grounded upon the common law of nature, ought not to be called infamous nor dishonest. And as for the consequence it cannot be so bad, seeing the good services done with such great zeal and obedience, by our companions, and whereof hitherto we have not made any refusal, are so highly commended by your highness. If it were lawful for us to speak unto you in secret, we think we should hit the mark; which is, That we have been advertised from good parties, that your highness is extraordinarily incensed against us, more than against any that have gone before us, partly, to content the people; considering, that of so many wounds which have been received of late years, there could never any means be found to cure one: the which is credible, seeing that your highness makes no difficulty to hold us for companions unto them that were besieged in the town of Grave, and who have purchased so much honour and reputation for their good endeavours: This makes us to hold many things contained in your pros●…ription, to be the more tolerable; believing, that they were not inserted but for fashion sake.  
It is said, That we should return unto our ●…nsignes; and that within three days: and for default, your highness proclaims us traitors and rebels, etc. condemning us to death, etc.▪ and our goods confiscate, etc. To condemn them to death, that have a desire to die, and who have means not only to defend themselves, but also to offend them that shall assayl●… them, is very absurd. And your highness may well think, that we hope so ●…o employ our arms, as the permission which hath been given to kill us, in what ●…ort soever, shall not make you nor your substitutes to see many of our heads; for the which it shall not be needful to pay the ten, fifty, nor the hundred crowns promised in your highness proscription, according unto the quality of our persons, unto those that shall put it in execution. As for that which is said of our movable and immoovable goods, your highness knows what movable and immoovable goods poor soldiers (half dead with hunger, as we are) can have. Our movable goods cannot be made movable, but by ourselves, those be our arms; and we may also term them our movable goods, for all such as would attempt to seize on them: daring well maintain, that even to his highness himself, they might prove too heavy and immoovable, if he should be tempted with any such desire. And if there be any other goods found among us, we will freely give them to those that will come for them. And as for money, clothes, or other things belonging to our wives and children, the depositors of your highness army may well be without a clerk to register them. If you have no other means and revenues to feed so many hungry bellies, it is to be feared, that within few days your highness may have as little money, and as few clothes, as we had with our wives and children, when as necessity forced us to assemble in this place, to find means to feed and cloth ourselves. For it may be said, That we were at that time like unto the Indians, which go naked, which nakedness, for the extreme cold of this climate, was not easy to bear. Your highness, nor my lords the emperor, nor the king of Spain your brethren, shall reap small profit by our clothes, nor by our goods, if they be under their obedience. And as for the defence which is made unto our wives and children, not to come unto us upon, pain of death; we hold it for a great favour done us by your highness, being loath to be troubled with the importunity of our wives, in the estate we are in. It were a ridiculous spectacle, that after they had stripped our wives and children of all their clothes, and made them forfeit to your 
1602  highness, they should afterward condemn them to depart out of your territories within three days: The conduct of this naked troop, might be a good recompense for some one of your courtiers, who by the show of so strange a sight, might easily get a good sum of money of the people, who are curious of novelties. But doth your highness think to famish us, in forbidding them to bring us any victuals? do you think, that it is possible for your subjects to obey you in that respect, seeing it is not in their power to warrant themselves against us? For if you desire that which is contained in your proscription, causing us to be slain by your subjects, it shall be always lawful for us, to revenge ourselves of this cruelty, by reciprocal acts. It is said in the said proscription, That your highness desires it should be executed against our children and successors: We do not think, that your highness, being an archbishop, and reading the Bible, hath found any such precedent; having on the other side (although we be soldiers) often heard, That God doth not punish the children for the father's offence, if they be not also found culpable. And admit we had committed all the offences in the world (the which we have not) by what divinity doth your highness find, that you should proceed in this manner against innocents? What punishment will your highnesses reserve for yourselves, seeing you are the cause of all this? All kings and princes shall have cause to gaze upon your highness proceedings, and shall learn how it succeeds with them that seek to make war without money, which be the sinews of war. Those which in ancient times have won any honour and reputation by the wars, have followed contrary courses. Cyrus, Alexander, Scipio, julius Caesar, and many others, did never impoverish their soldiers, but did rather enrich them: They used no proscriptions nor threats, in case of discontentment, but have sought to pacify them by mildness and courtesy; and if there were question to suffer with them, they did never forsake them at need. What did Alexander, when as in a dry and hot country one brought him a helmet full of water? he chose rather to power it on the ground, than to drink, considering there was but for himself alone, and that his whole army was in extreme want: showing by this example, that he would far as they did.  
Your highness hath ten, an hundred, yea five hundred crowns, to buy our heads; but you could not find ten, an hundred, nor five hundred farthings, to maintain our bodies and lives in your faithful service: You have found the means to exceed many great princes, yea the emperor Charles the fifth, of happy memory, the emperor Rodolphus, now reigning, and the king of Spain, in all sorts of pomp and magnificence, and can you not find the means to pay your poor soldiers (which are the only supporters of your estate) but with proscriptions and threats? Alexander the Great, seeing the Macedonians (whom he had mightily enriched) little inclined to continue in their duties, and in the pursuit of his victories, he sought to pacify them by mildness and courtesy, whereby he sped well.  
Your highnesses on the other side, after that you had rashly and miserably thrust headlong into danger, the best part of your best soldiers and captains, and seeing your officers reduced to a lamentable extremity, have sought, with an Austrian sternness, and a Spanish arrogancy, their utter ruin, paying them with proscriptions and threats, and promising recompense to them that should kill them. julius Caesar his old soldiers being one day discontented, and desiring to return home, refusing to go into Africa, upon a very important expedition, he did not forget any thing that might pacify them by friendly and amiable means, honouring them with the name of Quirites, that is to say, fellow citizens; and by this means gave them contentment. Your highness might learn thereby, how a prince should carry himself to his soldiers, who are miserable through his default.  
Besides all these points contained in this goodly proscription, they charge us also, That we have been the cause of the desolation of the country of Luxembourg, for that we did not prevent it. It is well known, that before that time they held us for traitors and rebels: your highness arms were turned against us, every man might lawfully kill us, and every one of our heads was set at ten crowns price: how then can all this accord well together? It had been better your highness had employed your forces to defend Luxembourg, and not to have suffered so goodly a province to be so miserably ruined. Considering then the enormity of your proceedings, and the bad consequence which may be drawn by other princes, in committing the like excess to their soldiers, 
1602   
The squadron, Electo, and council entreat all princes and common weals to make use of this example, and to foresee, that in abusing after this manner their good and faithful soldiers, which are the sinews of their preservation, they draw not upon them the like misfortunes; the which do daily more and more threaten to ruin their highnesses. Some one hath said well, Woe be to that country which hath a child for prince.  
Who so shall duly consider of this answer, and shall peize it with the truth in every point, will confess that it had been much better for the archdukes honour and reputation, not to have decreed this bitter proscription; especially against Italians, who are not easily drawn into mutiny, without great occasion: besides they have subtle and active spirits among them, although they be soldiers, to answer pertinently to every point, as it appears by their answer.  
The archduke had at that time but small means to force them to obedience, they being 
The mutineers protected by the united provinces.  grown strong, and in a manner protected by the united provinces, who had contracted with them, that in time of need they might retire themselves under the walls & ordnance of the towns of Breda, Berghen up Zoome, and Sevenberghen, and to furnish themselves with all necessaries for their money.  
Matters standing upon these terms, Octavio Frangipanny the pope's Nuntio, was sent from the archdukes unto the mutineers, to be a mediator betwixt them. He persuaded them unto three things: the first was, Not to serve the enemy: the second, To content themselves with reasonable conditions: and lastly, Not to suffer themselves by any means to be seduced with the religion of heretics. Whereunto they made answer, that during their lives they would never alter their religion: that they would make no composition with the prince, nor the enemy, but upon mere necessity: and touching the third point, they would not give ear to any reconciliation, before their banishment and proscription were revoked and called in again.  
And afterwards in October the Nuntio went to them again (upon hostages given) to Hochstraten, where he was kindly entertained and feasted by them, especially by their chief commanders, captain Frederigo a Neapolitan, and captain Roderigo a Spaniard, with their Electo, who gave him very kind words: but their conclusion was, That the squadron desired not to enter into any treaty, before the banishment or proscription were called in, & some place of strength, as Thyenen, Diest, or Vilvoorden delivered unto them for their securities; and then they said they would be ruled by reason: but the archdukes would not hear of it.  
After that, in December, and divers times after, the Nuntio went unto them, but there was nothing concluded, and they conveyed him with a thousand horse to the gates of antwerp. It is said the archduke had secretly caused a general pardon to be offered unto them, with three hundred and fifty thousand crowns to be given among them all, that he might not be troubled with a tedious reckoning, which would be long ere it could be cast up; and that in the mean time, until the money were paid, they should have some strong place for their securities: and every month (beside the said sum) thirty thousand crowns for their entertainment; but they would not accept thereof, saying, that it was much less than had been offered to any that had formerly mutined. And in this estate they continued long, committing all the insolencies that could be, to get money.  
The general Estates being assembled at Brussels, held opinion that they should be paid; but the council at war, and the king's council called de la Hazienda, were of contrary opinion, saying, that it was fit they should be punished, and that it were better to levy new soldiers with that money, to punish them, and to make them an example to others: whereupon they resolved to raise two new regiments, the one under the earl of Biglia, and the other under the baron of Rotenau, a knight of Malta, with some horsemen under the duke of Aumale, and the baron of Rhosne, and of Lorraine, being put in great hope of money to be sent out of Spain.  
Bax and du Bois both colonels, going forth on the eight of October with fourteen cornets of horse, of the garrisons of Breda, Berghen, and Geertruydenbergh, to do an exploit in Henault, whilst that the mutineers of Hochstraten were busy in the Wallon parts of Brabant, and that the archduke having been at Venloo and Thoren was going from his army. These 
1602  two colonels being within three miles of Mastricht, and coming to Bilson, they had intelligence given them of eight cornets of horse that had convoyed the archduke, which lay near them, without any fear of the enemy, being the bands of ordnance of the earls of Mansfeldt, Buren, and Busquoy, with three cornets of Walloons, and two of Italians; they came in the night time to the villages where they were quartered, where they charged their guards, and forced their quarters; some were slain, some fled, and some were taken prisoners in their beds: the captains themselves were not there: there were five cornets taken, and one burnt in a church; the spoil was great, they took about five hundred horse, and two hundred prisoners, these cornets were brought to the Hage. Monsieur Chalon a bastard to Rene of Chalon, prince of Orange fled and saved himself.  
divers ships of war being sent out of the united provinces, under the lord of Oxdam, to serve the Queen of England, some of them in the winter time had charge to attend the coming of six galleys which Dom Frederick Spinola was to bring out of Spain, to join with the rest which he had at Sluys in Flanders. At the first they were eight galleys, but two were burnt by sir Richard Luson and the English men, before Setuval in Portugal. The admiral galley wherein Spinola himself was, was called saint Lovis, the captains name was Cardinalin, with another captain called Cascalis d' Auila, with a company of soldiers. The vice-admiral galley was the saint joan, the captain Pedro de Vergas, with two captains, and two companies of soldiers. The third galley was called Padillo, the captain Hasso, with another captain, and a company of Portugals. The fourth galley was called the Lucera, the captain Calliados, with another captain and soldiers. The fifth galley was called saint Philip, the captain Roderigo de Neruais, with a company. The sixth galley was called the jacinthe, the captains name was Lovis de Camous, with a company: so as in all they had nine companies of soldiers, whereof two were Spaniards, and seven were Portugals, being nine hundred strong, and a thousand and five hundred galley slaves; each galley had three brass pieces and no more. And although the Netherlanders were advertised of their coming, yet the lord of Oxdam was forced to go into Holland for victuals, leaving john Adrianson Cant his vice-admiral in the moon Gerbrant Adrianson Schal van Horn in the Bausome of four hundred tons, Hendrick Hartman in the Lioness of Rotterdam, and Gerbrant johnson in the Hope of Enchuysen: which ships were commanded to sail westward for the Queen's service, but as yet they stayed there to meet with these galleys, and so did a ship of the Queens called the Hope, wherein sir Robert Mansel commanded; with his pynace called the Advantage, in the which was captain jonas. All these concluded that the vice-admiral Cant, and Gerbrant Adrianson Sch●…l should lie in the downs, where there also lay one of the Queen's ships, called the Answer, commanded by captain Broadgate: sir Robert Mansel himself lay half seas over, betwixt Dover and Calais, with his pynace, and the two Holland ships not far from him.  
Upon the sixth of October in the fore noon, sir Robert Mansel descried the galleys, and they 
A fight between ●…xe galleys and certain English and Holland ships.  him; but being a misty weather, they bent their course along by the coast of England; or if the hardest fell out, finding that two Hollanders ships were very near, they meant to board them (as some prisoners confessed) little esteeming of two or three ships of war; but it seemed they had espied the Queen's ship, and therefore they rowed back again, hoping, that night being come, and being somewhat dark, they should pass by the one coast or the other, and so get into Dunkirk, or Nieuport: the which sir Robert Mansel perceiving, he sent captain jonas with his pynace over to Calais, and the coast of Flanders, to advertise the Netherlanders fleet thereof, that they might attend these galleys and compass them in, he himself doing his best to keep them still in sight: the like did the two Holland ships, who by winding and turning, had gotten between him and the galleys, and so chased them until the funne was almost set: in the mean time they shot off a great piece to warn those three ships which lay in the downs; whereupon they set sail, and put to sea: sun being set, the galleys began to sail keeping under the coast of England: the two ships of Holland were now behind them: sir Robert Mansel observed their course, and knowing they should fall among those ships which lay in the downs, he made over to the coast of France, to meet with them, if they should offer to cross over to the coast of Flanders; but hearing the ordnance go off, he made towards the Goodwin sands as fast as he could, to encounter them 
1602  there.  
The Queen's ship, and the two Hollanders being somewhat near unto the galleys, shot violently at them, but the weather being calm, the galleys outrowed them; yet the wind rising at north-east, they pursued them for the space of two or three hours with all their sails up.  
The galleys passed so near unto Dover cliffs, as certain Turkish slaves, having found means to file their chains asunder, leapt into the sea, and swam to land, and so freed themselves from slavery and bondage. Sir Robert Mansel being near unto Goodwin sands, espied one of the galleys before him, and coming within his musket shot, he discharged thirty great shot at her, and broke her spritsail; wherewith he heard the men make a pitiful cry, and seemed to come towards him, unto whom he made offer to save their lives, if they would yield: in the mean time the other five galleys came towards her, among the which he discharged all his ordnance; yet holding it no discretion in him to suffer his ship to be boarded by five galleys, and so well manned as they were, he gave them leave to pass away.  
The four ships of Holland had them still in chase, being thwart of Gravelyn, about ten of the clock at night, Gerbrant johnson Schal of Horn with this ship of four hundred tons, met with one of the galleys called Lucera, running upon it with full sails, behind the mast, so as the galley slaves sat up to the waist in water, crying miserecordia, and made no resistance, than Gerbrant shot two demie cannons among them, wherewith many were slain and wounded: the galley could no longer use neither sails nor owers, neither could she help herself, her poop being broken down, and her rudder gone; whereupon captain Gerbrant sought by all the means he could to free himself from her, fearing to be boarded by so many men.  
After that captain Hartman in another ship of Holland, fell upon the same galley, thinking that he had been the first had overtaken her, he saved above forty of her men, and so got from her again, yet one of his men stayed in her. After that Gerbrant Schal boarded her again, and five of his men leapt into the galley, but by means of the pitiful crying & calling out of his men, the galley being ready to sink, he fetched away his men with his boat, having no will, or fearing some greater danger, to save any more: they stayed so long by the galley 
One of the galleys sunk.  (being about midnight) as they might see her masts lying upon the water, and presently after sunk.  
john Adrianson Cant the vice-admiral met with the galley called Padillo, the which he did stem, and did great hurt unto himself: three other Holland ships attending for them, 
o Another galley sunk.  hearing the ordnance go off, came in and charged her, wherewith she sunk, but they saved many of the men in their ships.  
Thus these weary galleys sought to save themselves, making no resistance, and yet were near the land: the admiral drove upon the land of Schouven, being chased by a ship before West-capel, where he thought that by reason of the fowl weather, it must of force have sunk, whereupon he left her: but Spinola who was in her, cast much of his goods over board, and 
The loss of the galleys.  promising the slaves their liberties, at the last he got to Dunkirk. One of the galleys got to Calais without any hurt, but the slaves ran away, two others being sore beaten and shot through, ran a ground upon the coast of Flanders: of those two which Cant and Schal oversailed, there was not one piece to be found: and afterwards the captains contended who should have the honour of this action.  
Thus of Spinola's eight galleys, two were burnt in Portugal, two other were sunk upon the coast of Flanders, and the other four were forced to run a ground, whereby they were in a manner made unserviceable: wherein God's judgements are to be admired, for that those were the same galleys wherein the netherlands sailors had been made slave, and were forced to row.  
And it is worthy the noting, of the ship wherein Gerbrant johnson was captain, which had oversailed the first galley, called the Lucera, that the master had been three years a slave in the same galley, and in as great misery as any man could endure; being put into it when as he came into Spain with his ship laden with merchandise, which being all confiscated, 
1602  the men were put into the galleys, and were all shaven as other Turkish slaves are accustomed to be: wherein God showed his judgement in revenge of his miseries, the galley wherein he had been prisoner, being overwhelmed by him, and captain Colliado who had tyrannised over him, having both his legs struck off with a great shot, whereof he afterwards died in captain Hartmans ship, seeing his galley sink before his face, to his great grief and vexation.  
This master being a lusty man, could never be released for any ransom, until all the netherlands prisoners were exchanged for the admiral of Arragon.  
Frederick Spinola preserved the greatest part of his treasure, which was esteemed to be 
Frederick Spinola saves himself with his treasure.  worth above two hundred thousand ducats, the which he caused to be presently minted at antwerp, with the archdukes stamp.  
In this defeat there were about a hundred and eighty prisoners, slaves, and others, fished out of the sea, and carried into Holland: the galley slaves had their liberty given them, with a suit of clothes, and a piece of money to carry them into their countries, or where they pleased.  
There were at the same time some seven ships of war of Dunkirk at sea, the admiral whereof was so chased by the ships of Zeeland a day and a half together, as in the end she was forced to run on ground near unto Albertus' sconce, upon the coast of Flanders, where the ship burst, but they saved the ordnance and some other implements. The vice-admiral Adrian Derickson got into Dunkirk, having been well beaten in the Spanish seas, by the English and Dutch, and lost above half their men. The herring Buisses went then to sea with ordnance and small shot in them (notwithstanding their wafters) wherewith they might make some defence, until the ships of war came to relieve them.  
This year in November the united provinces intended to make an iucursion into the duchy of Luxembourg, for that they had refused to pay their contribution: the charge was given unto Lodowick Gunther earl of Nassau, with these four colonels, edmond's, Ghistels, Dommeruille, and Marquette; he had two hundred French, two hundred English, two hundred Scots, two hundred Germans, and two hundred Netherlands, with three and thirty cornets of horse, three field pieces, and fifty wagons; that is, eight for the munition, four for cont Lodowick, one for each colonel, and the rest for the horsemen. They went from Nymeghen the third day of November, and came into the country of juilliers; and then they took saint Vit by composition; the soldiers swearing not to bear arms in the duchy of Luxembourg for the space of two months after, and to depart with their ensigns, arms, and baggage, and that the burghers should compound for a reasonable ransom: and then for a months space they ran over all the country of Luxembourg without any resistance, forcing them to pay contribution; for that Peter Ernest earl of Mansfeldt, governor of the country had forbade them to pay any, for which cause many houses and villages were burnt, whereas they found no body at home to ransom them.  
The archduke sent certain troops thither, but for want of money they lay by the way, and did feed upon the poor country men, and wasted the country, as if they had been enemies.  
Cont Lodowick brought many gentlemen and peasants prisoners with him, and among the rest, the abbot of saint Hubert's, who were put to ransom. There was little else done all this winter.  
In the month of August, monsieur la Biche governor of the town of Hulst, made an attempt with two thousand men for the archduke, upon Berghen up Zoome, thinking to have surprised it, the town at that time having but a small garrison; but having marched in the night time within half a mile of the town, the governor of Berghen up Zoome caused two pieces of ordnance to be shot off, to give warning to them of Tertolen of the enemies approach; who finding themselves to be discovered, returned presently.  
But to return to the siege of Oostend: the archdukes men seeing that their battery 
Oostend.  upon the goullet wrought not that effect which they expected, and that notwithstanding the ships passed in and out, they caused an engine to be built, which they called a float, the which 
1602  is like a floor or plancher made of light boards, swimming upon the water, with defences able to carry a cannon, which should stop the entry of the said goullet; the which they did think would always rise with the tide, and that it could not be carried away, nor broken: the which they brought unto the brink of the goullet, but the waves of the sea broke it in pieces, and this invention was as unprofitable as the rest.  
The archduke having published a proscription (as we have said) against his mutined soldiers, he went to besiege them in Hochstraten, where he brought them to great extremity; notwithstanding that they were well fortified with three ditches, and three ramparts, whereas he found great resistance. Monsieur de Rhosnes son was slain there (who in his time had been marshal of the archdukes camp, and was slain before Hulst) yet they (finding themselves priest in this manner by the archduke) provided for their safeties, and made an accord with prince Maurice, to take them into his protection, until they should be reconciled unto the archduke; the which the prince accepted, knowing well enough, that without their troops, and during their mutiny, the archduke could not greatly annoy the united provinces.  
Whereupon the prince went to relieve them, and raised the siege, and by that means did hold by provision the said castle of Hochstraten, and that of Carpen, in the diocese of Cologne: for security of which places, and of their persons, the Estates put them in garrison in the Grave; the which (having made their accord with the archduke) they delivered into the Estates hands, who in like manner restored Hochstraten and Carpen. And this was all the archduke got by his thundering proscription.  
You have heard how that upon the sixth day of October, in the year 1599, Enno the new earl of Embden, was quietly installed in his earldom; but afterwards by certain practices he drew many gentlemen and others (who before had been enemies to his father and himself) to be of his faction; namely, two gentlemen called Yonkers van Kimphousen, and van Risom, and some of the chief burghers of Embden, as Syndicus Dotia Wiarda, the two bourgomasters, and the secretary: and he married his daughter, being heir of Esens, etc. to his brother john earl of Embden, with dispensation from the pope, upon promise to maintain the Romish religion, and to bring in the Jesuits, as he had done in Paderborne, all his household servants being catholics, being the religion which his father and predecessors had expelled out of the country: which made many to doubt that he had some enterprise in hand for the king of Spain, or for the archduke, to the prejudice of them of the religion in east Friesland, and the united provinces, making his government absolute and monarchial; who under pretence of aiding the emperor in the Turkish wars, raised chimney money, tributes, with other like burdens and taxations, seeking under hand to overrule the whole country.  
And for that they of Noorden (a town not far from Embden) refused to install him in the year 1602, for that the said town did belong unto his mother, the king of Suethlands daughter, for her dowry, denying also to pay those extraordinary exactions: wherefore cont Enno (having levied many soldiers under the former pretence) went with three companies of foot, and two cornets of horse before the town of Noorden, their commander being Younker van William Kimphousen, who entered the town, and disarmed the burghers: and then he commanded them to come into the market place, where having environed them by the soldiers, who bent their arms against them, a gibbet being set up, their sentence of 
The cruelty of the earl of Embden.  condemnation was read; which was, That they had forfeited both their lives and goods, with all their privileges: but their lives were spared, paying him thirty three thousand Reeks collars, and that for five years they should pay chimney money: then he caused the burghers to go under the gallows, in sign that they had deserved it.  
In the end they were forced to give him fifteen thousand collars, and to deliver him certain persons into his hands, to deal with them as he pleased, whereas he used certain private gentlemen very cruelly: and upon the second day of june they, were forced to submit and humble themselves upon their knees at his feet, and to crave pardon of him, and yet nevertheless he carried many of them away prisoners: besides, at the same time he also banished divers of the chief magistrates and burghers of Embden, by virtue of the emperors decree. 
1602   
In regard of these cruel proceedings of the earl of Embden, they of the town of Embden sent their bourgmaster Philip Sicken and john Amelinck, unto the Estates of the united 
They o●… Embden demand a●…d of the united provinces.  provinces at the Hage, to make their complaints against the earl, for that (contrary to the contract made at Delfziel) he had sought to entreat them with all rigour and extremity, threat●…ing to deal with them, as he had done with them of Noorden; and that he levied many soldiers (under pretence to serve the emperor in the Turkish wars) more than he could well pay; as also that he had secret practices for the king of Spain, to attempt something against the town, through the favour of the sailors, who were much inclined unto him: hoping thereby to attain a neutral trade into Spain. These things bred great i●…alousies in the Estates of the united provinces, whereupon they granted aid unto them of Embden; so as upon Whitsonday, captain Crwope entered into Embden with four companies of Friselanders, the river also being shut up with ships, even at the very instant when as cont Enno was with his troops within a mile of the town, thinking to have entrance by means of his favourites: and at the same time there were certain deputies sent from the estates to reconcile all matters, but it was in vain.  
Hereupon the earl fortified the villages of Hinta and Larrels, with other villages, to command the river of Ems▪ and at Logherhorn he made a very strong sconce, with five great bulwarks, and another sconce at Eylsemerziel, to master them of Embden, and to keep the ships from coming to the town.  
They of Embden seeing themselves thus cooped up by the earls sconces, were suitors all the summer unto the united provinces for aid; they being busy at the siege of Grave; the which being taken, in the beginning of winter (giving friendly advise to the earl to desist from his pretended enterprise) they sent monsieur de Bois a gentleman of Brabant, with nineteen companies of foot, of divers nations, and some cornets of horse, the which passed the Ems the last of October, notwithstanding that the earl had four thousand men; and first he besieged the fort at Hinta, the which he battered and took by force: from thence he went to Grietziel, which yielded by composition: some other sconces were abandoned: Knock was yielded with the ordnance: at the last du Bois came to the great fort of Logherhorne, in the which there were seven hundred men, the governor was Younker William van Kimphouse●…, there were in it sixteen brass pieces, all cannon and demie cannon, and whole and half culverins, with eight iron pieces, being well furnished with all manner of munition; the earl intending to make it his chief seat for the wars. Monsieur du Bois made his approaches between two banks, which they should have let if they had been soldiers: the fort was not fully finished; so as the governor Kimphousen seeing himself in some danger, upon the thirteenth of November yielded the fort by composition, to depart out of the same with their colours flying, arms, and baggage, to leave the ordnance behind them, and to be conveyed to Lierort; all prisoners to be released, and good quarter kept, with other conditions. Having taken all these forts in 3 week's space, monsieur du Bois returned to Embden, where he was honourably entertained, and the next day he went to field again, to lodge his soldiers in the villages during the winter time, and to force them to pay him contribution towards the entertainment of his troops.  
The united Estates did advertise the electors and other princes of the empire (who were incensed against them) what reason had moved them to undertake this course; being advertised out of the archdukes court, that all this preparation made by the earl of Friesland against the town of Embden, tended to no other end, but to deliver the town unto the Spaniard; whereby he might enter freely into the ri●…er of Ems, and into that haven, and so have means to ruin the united provinces, and the borders of the empire: wherefore they had used all means possible to reconcile the earl, and the town of Embden; but the earl had not only broken the contract made at Delfziel, but to the prejudice of his neighbours had built many forts along the river of Ems, usurping that which was never allowed to his predecessors. Besides, they had many other reasons which moved them to suspect the earl and his brethren; for that of late one of them had been sent into Spain, and did serve under the archduke; and for that the Spaniards did hold that the earldom of Friesland did belong unto them, as appear by the articles of peace made at Veruins; being also daily informed from the court in Brussels, what great matters were expected out of east Friesland against the united 
1603.  provinces: wherefore they entreated them to conceive well of that which they had done, not only for their own, but also for their neighbours good; and to assure themselves that they would not favour nor aid them of Embden in any thing that might be prejudicial to the privileges of the empire, or emperor: but yet they could not forbear to assist them in their great necessity.  
Enno having received this loss, went to make his complaint to the imperial chamber, leaving the government of Friesland to his wife, who was daughter to the duke of Holstein, with Younker Kimphousen and his council, but the next summer the earl went into Holland, where a reconciliation was made.  
In the latter end of the year, there was an enterprise made upon the castle of Wachtendonc in Gueldres, by means of a fisherman who carried straw in his boat by the rivers of Niers into the castle: at one time he carried ten or twelve soldiers hidden under the straw; and after under another burden of straw did lay captain Lambert Pasman, with 14 soldiers more: passing by the castle bridge, the fisherman entreated the sentinel (being acquainted with him) to lend him his hand, to leap on land, the which he did; but the fisherman drew him into the water, and slew him: then the rest leapt out, and seized on the castle gate, with the help of those that were there before: with whom there joined certain soldiers of the garrison of Gueldre, who lay near to it in ambush. Monsieur de Rihoven the governor was taken prisoner: they of the town could not prevent it, being so suddenly done; but within three hours after (with the aid of the garrison newly come from Oostend) they entrenched themselves against the castle; and captain Cloet, and captain Quaet hearing thereof, being thereabouts with their horsemen, they entered into the town, & besieged the castle: the which being in some want of victuals, within six days they compounded, and delivered up the castle, departing with their arms, and 20 wagons to convey their hurt men, all prisoners to be set at liberty, and captain Quaet remaining governor, until monsieur Rihovens return.  
They of Oostend did annoy the archdukes camp all they could, having since the beginning 
Oostend.  of the siege, unto the month of March, 1603, spent above 100 thousand great shot, sending their cannon often into Zeeland to be changed, or new cast. And upon the 6 of April they made an enterprise upon the Spaniards sentinels upon the east side: and as some of their men were under the platform to hearken what they did, they were discovered, and presently the alarm was given throughout all the camp, the which forced them to retire back again.  
The thirteenth of April the wind was very high, the which blew down many old walls, coverings of houses, and the church steeple; under the ruins whereof there was a man slain, and another had both his legs broken▪ all the Spaniards gabions on the east side were in a manner overthrown, and their new works upon the goullet wonderfully shaken. The night following the Spaniards gave a general assault unto the town with great forces: they pulled up some hundred piles at the half moon on the east side, but they were repulsed and forced to retire. On the west part they did assault the Porc-espic, and brought two hogsheads thither full of pitch and resin; but in the end they were repulsed. They gave another assault to the Polder ravelyn, from the which they were at the first repulsed; but they returned with such 
The Polde●… square taken.  fury, as they became masters thereof, with the Polder square, or Cat, West-square, and South-square, although there were upon the Polder square a demie cannon, with some iron pieces, which were not idle. Having taken these places, they put all to the sword, and in the morning they slew all that were living in cold blood; and then they hung up a gunner, and threw his body out of the trenches in scorn: the assault continued four hours.  
The same day, being the fourteenth of April, at nine of the clock at night, the besieged made a sally upon these Cats or squares, from the which they were repulsed, whereas they lost in these assaults, captain Frist, the lieutenant colonel of the Suitsers, two ensigns, one of English, and the other of Suitsers, and four hundred men; whereas the Spaniard had almost 1000 slain, which made them out of hope ever to win the town by assault. The besieged redeemed the body of the lieutenant colonel of the Suitsers, for a hundred collars, the which was brought into the town.  
During all this time, there went many ships in and out to Oostend, bringing in soldiers, and great store of munition, so as at one time there were 80 companies in the town; yet did 
1603  they not pass freely, without the loss of some ships and men: whereunto the Estates men were so well accustomed, as they did willingly expose themselves to the hazard, little regarding the enemy's cannon. We may see what custom can do, as we have showed in the ●…iege of Leyden, whereas not only the inhabitants, but even the cattle did accustom themselves unto the wars.  
On the seven and twentieth day of May, early in the morning, the wind being ●…asterly, 
A fight at sea with Spi●…ola's galleys.  a high water & a calm sea, Dom Frederic Spinol●…, general of the galleys by the archdukes commandment (who omitted no opportunity to annoy them of Oostend) went out of S●…luse with eight galleys and four frigates well appointed with slaves and mariners, and manned with two thousand and five hundred musketeers. He first showed himself at the west end of the ditch or hole of Scluse, betwixt the sands called the Franche-pol, rowing to the east end of the said ditch. The ships and galleys of the Estates, and of prince Maurice being admiral general▪ seeing what their intent was, weighed anchor, and hoist up their sails, bending their course ●…astward, although they had both wind and tide against them, being in a manner a calm. Spinola's galleys having the advantage both of wind, tide, and sun, went northward beyond the Franche pol▪ into the W●…linge or Gulf, turning their prows against the fleet. About five of the clock, the eight galleys divided themselves into two equal parts, being a little distant one from the other: being thus in order, they came furiously, and with great cries, after their accustomed manner, to charge the Estates army. The two first galleys did set upon the ship of joos de Moor, vice-admiral, called the Golden lion: Dom Frederick●… Spinola commanded in one of these galli●…s, the which had no f●…gge upon her mast, but only above the captains chamber. Moor defended himself valiantly, and his ordnance did great spoil unto the enemy; so as Spinola himself had his death's wound, and died before he could get to shore. There were four other galleys that pursued the ship of captain Legier Peterson 
Spinola slain.  of Groningue, called the 〈◊〉, or flying dog: one of them took her on the right side of the stern, and striking her with his spur made her give back. At which time the master gunner of the Dog gave fire to a piece, which raakt through the galleys, and made a way, as if a waggon had passed through them, and overthrown all it had encountered. The black galli●… of Dordrecht in the which jacob Michielson commanded, encountered with the other two galleys: this fight having contained a while, two of the galleys which▪ were near▪ unto Legier Peterson, forsook her, and went to charge the galley of Zeeland, called the Flight, in the which Cornellis jansen of Gorrichom was captain, who played his part as well as the rest, and without doubt had won great honour, if there had not fallen out an accident of fire in the galley. The other two galleys did also leave Legiers ship, and rowed against the black galley; one of the which, was Spinola's vice-admiral, carrying a flag upon her mast. These four had wo●…ke enough with the black galley, the which defended itself so valiantly, as notwithstanding they were all grappled unto her, meaning to draw her into Scluse, yet were they forced to abandon her after a long fight. The black galley being thus freed, it went to charge those galleys that were in fight with joos de Moor the vice-admiral. Another ship of captain Quirin Hendricks of Zirrixee, called the Old dog▪ although it were not in fight, yet did she much harm to Spinola's galleys, entering among the rest, and seconding them with her ordnance; and especially against them that fought with the vice-admiral, and the black galley.  
The slaughter was very great, especially in the Spanish galleys; neither party showing any base cowardice, they were so eager one against another with cannon, musket, and harguebuse shot; and then they came to the half pike, two hand sword, co●…telas, and other arms, that it was a fearful sight to behold: so as in the end the Spaniards fainting, seeing such great abundance of blood run out at the skuppet holes of their galleys, they ●…led in great disorder to S●…luse; yet carrying back all their galleys, being favoured by the nearness of their retreat.  
There died in this sea fight, the general Frederick Spinola, with above eight hundred of his men▪ and a great number of them hurt. 
●…e nu●…ber ●…e dead   
Of the Estates side, there were six and thirty slain; among the which, was captain jacob Michelson, and his lieutenant; the vice-admiral joos de Moor, and captain Leger Peterson, with some threescore others, were hurt. In the vice-admiral, and in the galley of Zeeland, 
1603  there were some Englishmen of the garrison of Flessingue, who did exceeding well, of the which there were eight slain, and some fifteen hurt. joos de Moor the vice-admiral, commanded at this fight, in the absence of the signior William van Haulstein, who was admiral under prince Maurice: he hearing the noise of the ordnance, parted presently from Flessingue, with five ships of war, and one frigate, to come and succour his company before the ditch, but the fight was ended, and the enemy retired, before he came. In this battle the saying of the royal prophet David was verified, That victories proceeded not from the force and strength of man, but from the aid and assistance of God.  
Elizabeth Queen of England, of famous memory, being dead, upon the four and twentieth day of March, and james king of Scotland called to the succession of the crown; upon the 8 of April the united provinces did write a letter unto the king of England, as followeth.  
Most high and mighty prince, as we were with great reason grieved in our souls, for the 
The united provinces letter to the king of England.  news of the death of the most high▪ great, mighty, and sovereign princess, the queen of England, of most worthy and famous memory, in regard of the great love and affection she did always bear unto our estate, and for the aid which we did still receive from her princely bounty, for our defence and preservation, against the king of Spain and his adherents, whereby the remembrance of her shall for ever remain eternised in us and our posterity: so were we much comforted, and rejoiced in our hearts, to understand, that your Majesty with a general applause of the Estates of the whole country, was proclaimed the true and lawful heir, successor, and king of the kingdoms of England, France, and Ireland; and the rather, for that we assure ourselves, that your Majesty coming to the succession of the said kingdoms, will not only continue your princely grace, and accustomed favour, but will also of your princely inclination, inherit the same princely affection towards us and our estate, which the aforesaid noble queen, of worthy memory, hath left unto you; thereby to continue your gracious aid, and bountiful assistance, for our preservation, for the welfare of all Christendom, and your own good, against the common enemy, as we have long hoped and expected the same. And in effect to show the resolution we have always had to please and serve your Majesty, so we beseech almighty God (for the first part of our duties) to bless your Majesty in this succession, to his glory, and the propagation of his holy word▪ to exalt your majesties government, with all state and happiness; and to give your Majesty health and long life, not only to the glory and comfort of your own kingdoms and subjects, and of our estate, but also to the good and peace of all Christendom, against the insatiable ambition of the Spaniards, and their adherents: To which end we most humbly beseech your Majesty, seeing it pleased the aforesaid queen of famous memory, in her later days, to grant us leave to take up certain soldiers in England, for to fill up and make complete the English companies, that serve under us, as we likewise besought your Majesty to suffer us to do the like in Scotland, for the Scottish companies: that it will now please your Majesty to grant us the effect thereof; that we may at this present take up the said soldiers both in England and Scotland, to be transported into the Netherlands, there to be employed in our service, as the necessity of our cause requireth, and especially for the preservation of the town of Oostend: wherein we refer ourselves to your majesties consideration, kissing your princely hands with all humility, beseeching the almighty God, to preserve your M. throne in all happiness & glory, and your princely person in long life & prosperity. Dated as aforesaid, & signed by the general states of the united provinces.  
Presently after this letter, they sent an honourable embassage into England, the ambassadors were▪ Henry Frederic, earl of Nassau, youngest son to the late prince of Orange, Walrave, baron 
The united Estates sent ambassadors into England.  of Brederode, monsieur Van Olden Barnevelt, counsellor for Holland, and jacob Valck, treasurer of Zeeland; being accompanied with divers gentlemen, as the lords of Batenborgh, Schagen, Trelongh, Herdenbrooke, Borselle, with many others. These ambassadors arrived in England the 14 of May, eight days after the king's entry into London, and upon the seven and twentieth of May they had audience; where, besides their congratulating of the kings coming to his new kingdoms, they laid open unto him the estate of their affairs, and craved a supply of soldiers, according to the contents of their letters: the which was delivered both by mouth and writing: but for that it is but a repetition of that which hath gone before, I forbear to insert it. 
1603   
The king made them a friendly answer, in general terms, excusing himself, that he was 
The king's answer to the united Estates  but newly entered into his kingdom, and being ignorant of the estate and power thereof, he thought it requisite, first to settle his own affairs, and to be fully informed of all particularities, being most convenient rather to seek peace than war; and that with all friendly care and affection he would continue all love and friendship with them, as his predecessor had done, with many other exceeding good words, wherewith the ambassadors took their leaves.  
The archduke hearing also of the death of the Queen of England, sent a gentleman called Nicholas de Schosy into Scotland to sound the king's mind, how he stood affected, whether to peace or war; and hearing that he had been always inclined to a good peace, he sent to all the coasts of Flanders, commanding them not to touch nor molest any English man, neither by water nor by land; but to use them with all love and friendship, and withal, to set all their English prisoners at liberty. And at the same time he sent an ambassador into England, which was Charles earl of Aremberg, knight of the golden fleece, chancellor of estate, and admiral general for the archdukes, being accompanied with his son, the baron of Sevenberghen, the earl of Bossu, the baron of Robles, the lord of Wakene, the lord of Swevigem, the earl of Phirtburg, the baron of Nevele, with many other gentlemen, his embassage tending (besides congratulation) to move the king to a peace, and to cross certain designs of the united provinces; and for that the plague was great in London, he road westward with the king: whither also the king of Spain sent john Baptista Taxis, earl of Villa-mediana, his postmaster general, in embassage, who still solicited the king unto a peace: whereupon the king sent master Ralph Winwood in july, to be his agent in Holland, with commission to let the Estates understand that the archduke had made offer of a peace unto him, whereunto he would not give any ear, until he made them acquainted therewith, and to understand if they would enter into treaty.  
In the mean time the earl of Basigny, son to the Lord of Boxtel, wrote twice unto the united provinces, desiring a passport for himself, and for the pensioner of antwerp, to come into Holland, from the Estates of Brabant; but they made him answer, that he should send his charge and propositions in writing, whereunto answer should be made: but he wrote again for a passport to come in person, for that his commission might be better delivered by word of mouth, than by writing▪ but he could not prevail.  
About this time, and whilst the army lay before Oostend, there was great dislike and jars among the archdukes soldiers; for the Netherlanders could hardly agree with the Spaniards, nor the Spaniards like of the Italians: Dom Lovis de Velasco a gallant soldier, being general of the artillery, was made general of the horse, and the earl of Busquoy general of the artillery; but there were many commanders which refused to serve under Velasco, as the duke of Ossuna, who had raised two companies of horse, the which he discharged, either through pride, or for want: Dom Alonzo d'Aualos desired passport to depart, and so did Dom Augustin de Mexia, chastelleyn of antwerp: at which time there were four thousand soldiers levied in Arthois and Henault by the duke of Arschot, and by commission from the archduke, with promise that they should be paid by the Estates of the country; but being almost ready to march, the archduke himself would needs receive the money and pay them; which made the Walloons to shrink and run away.  
It was said the year before, that the earl of east Friesland, was in controversy with the town of Embden; whereupon this year in Marrh, he came into Holland, to the Estates of the united provinces, whereas all matters were debated betwixt him and the town, and at the last by the means of mediators, they were reconciled before the general Estates, the which agreement was comprehended in 15 articles, dated the 8 of April. There were two draughts made of this accord, the which were signed and sealed by the earl, and the town seal of Embden put unto them: & at their requests they were sealed with the Estates seal, whereupon the earl took his leave. Upon the 18 of April the Estates sent commissioners to Embden, to cause them of the town to accept the contract. The commissioners did what they could to have the earl perform the accord, and to have it signed at the meeting of the Estates of the country; but the earl still sought evasions, and at the last made no account thereof; so as in the 
1603  end the commissioners after much toil, returned into Holland, reinfecta. The reasons were (as the earl said) that the remitting of all spoils and wrongs done, contrary to the emperors command, belonged only to the emperor, and not to the parties: that the emperor had reserved all difficulties touching the causes of Embden, unto himself, and therefore the parties might not by means of the united provinces, make any alteration or interpretation thereof: that the aforesaid imperial resolution was given in form of a sentence, and to be observed by oath by both parties; so as now they ought not to do any thing to the contrary, nor alter the same, and that there were divers points contained there, which did only belong unto the emperor himself. But the chief obstacle, as it hath since appeared, was in regard that the emperor disliked of the earls going into Holland, and that he had sought strange mediators in his causes; wherefore he caused all the said articles to be made void by Charles Nutzel his agent.  
Whereupon the said Nutzel and Miximilian de Cochy, were sent from the emperor unto the united Estates; but Nutzel being forced to stay in east Friesland, expecting (as he said) another commission, de Cochy came to the Hage upon the fifteenth day of july, and there had audience of the Estates: where he made a repetition of all the proceedings of the town of Embden, and how they were reconciled; and that since they of Embden had begun to rebel: wherefore the Emperor had been forced to send out certain commandments against them, upon especial petition, and had forbidden the Estates to aid them of Embden; yet since he had understood that contrary to his commandment, they had assisted them with some soldiers, and upon Whitsonday last passed had taken in the town, and then made open war in the country, taking divers houses and sconces, and spoiling the whole country, forcing the inhabitants to pay contribution; whereof they desired restitution. He also complained of certain famous libels, and deriding verses that were cast abroad, desiring them to forbid the publishing of their apologies in their jurisdictions. And after some conference with the said commissioner in the Hage, he delivered them a certain reply touching the last argument, answering to every article, to show why it ought not to be performed.  
This ambassador had his answer from the Estates the seventh day of August, containing a declaration of the wrongs which their enemies had done unto the empire, and of the pretended monarchy of Spain▪ who sought to subject all under them: and therefore in the peace at Veruins, they had reserved certain pretences and rights unto the country of Embden, and had practised under hand to seize upon the town and country, and to appropriate it unto themselves: and that the marquess Ambrosio Spinola had commission to conquer it, and to withdraw it from the empire, as they had done the countries of Gueldres, Zutphen, Vtrecht, Friesland, Oueryssel, and Groningue, wherein they proceeded without any opposition or interruption: and for that it would tend to the great prejudice and hindrance of the united provinces, they could not refuse to aid them of Embden; wherefore they entreated the emperor not to misconstrue their action.  
And touching the accord which had been made betwixt the earl and the Embdeners, they said that the earl came willingly, and of his own accord, into Holland, desiring them to be mediators for the making of a good peace; the which was done according to the contract made at Delfziel, wherein they had not done any thing that might in any sort blemish the emperors honour & reputation, & that whatsoever had been treated by them as mediators, was contained in the emperors resolution, and the aforesaid treaty (being well understood) the which was at that time but plainelier laid open and set down; hoping that the emperor could not take it in ill part, etc. with other humble speeches. Whereupon the Estates having defrayed the ambassadors charges during his abode there, and honoured him with a chain of gold worth 1200 gulderns, he left the Hage, and so this business of Embden was not ended, by reason of some jealousies.  
The besieged in Oostend had certain adventuring soldiers, whom they called Lopers, 
Lopers' of Oostend.  of the which, among other captains, were the young captain Grenu, and captain Adam van least. Their arms which they bore were a long and a great pike, with a ●…atte head at the neither end thereof, to the end that it should not sink too deep into the mud, a harguebuse hung in a scarf (as we have said of Frebuters) a cutlass at his side, and his dagger about his neck, who would usually leap over a ditch four and twenty 
1603  foot broad, skirmishing often with the enemy, so as no horsemen could overtake them, before they had leapt over the ditches again.  
The second of june these Lopers brought in four prisoners, whereof one was a sentinel perdue. And two nights after, the besieged made a sally upon Luys-bos with a hundred men, they won the enemy's platform and trench, and turned their own ordnance against them, whereas they cloyed two pieces, & slew the corpse de guard, with the gunner's and other officers of the ordnance, whom they found there. The besieged lost there the lieutenant of the colonels company of cont Ernest of Nassau, the first lieutenant of Hausman, the young baron of Sancy, a french man; and Grovestein colonel of the Frisons was hurt, with many more: so as in the end having a new supply from the camp, the besieged were forced to retire. They buried all them that were slain together, the common soldiers both of the town and the camp were laid in the downs, and the men of command were buried in the town.  
On the twelfth day of june, the besieged set fire on the west square, the which burned all night: and on the fourteenth day the Spaniard began to batter the half moons from the Polder square; among others, that of Slimmer, to the which the night following they gave an assault. The governor of Oostend fearing that if the enemy should win that place, he would build a fort which might greatly prejudice and annoy the town, for that it should take from them the means to transport their materials; and with all they might there make a bridge over the goullet, which no man could impeach, and by that means go●… from one camp unto the other in less than half an hour, whereas now they must employ above six: he resolved with the council of estate to prevent it by the best means he could. The same night the enemy passing at Beckaff, upon a bridge of ladders, and other devices, were received by ten or twelve musketeers, which played upon them, and so gave the alarm, retiring withal unto their troops, where they attended the enemy, who arrived in a manner with them, crying, Kill, kill, it is won, it is won; but being furiously charged by them of the town, they retired with more speed than they came. If they had charged home unto the half moons, they had been entertained in the like manner; for they were exceeding well manned. The next day the besieged found many dead, and a part of the enemy's bridge broken.  
On the thirteenth day of july, colonel Dorp, who had been governor of the town, departed early in the morning; and at the same time the signior Ʋander Noot (who had commanded there in the beginning of the siege) returned, bringing with him 4 companies of his Zeeland regiment. On the two and twentieth day, the besieged did set fire of Luys-bos, the which did burn up all the bavins and other wood, and all the loopholes, and there was a great fire in the midst of it, the Spaniards did what they could to quench it, but it was in vain. The next day the besieged planted gabions without the half moon of the Polder, with an intent to raise another half moon, but finding the ground too we●… for that purpose, they left it.  
After that prince Maurice had freed the castle of Hochstraten, which was besieged by the 
Prince Maurice comes before Boisledue.  archduke Albert, thinking to force the mutined soldiers that held it to submit themselves, he came with all his army, being some 130 ensigns of foot, and 36 cornets of horse, on the 18 of August, before the town of Boisleduc, the which he did invest, and campt before and about the village of Fucht, the which he fortified, and entrenched himself after his accustomed manner. And whereas the prince had before made a certain accord with the said mutineers, they went and campt betwixt Boisleduc and Heusden, in the village of Vlumen, being some 13 cornets of horse, and the rest foot, to the number of 3500 men, one and other: who having fortified the church of the said village, the footmen were lodged in cabins, and the horsemen in the houses. This troop being wonderfully incensed against the archduke, by reason of his proscription, did then wear all green scarves, whereupon they were for a time called the green Gueux; keeping that passage well and faithfully, by the which victuals came unto the prince's camp. Besides, their horsemen were still in field, doing much mischief to the archdukes men, and great service to the prince, and the united Estates.  
The third day, after that the prince was lodged at Fucht, the archdukes army also approached, under the command of cont Frederic vander Bergh, who camped at Dykendonc and 
1603  Oudwater, near unto the town; so as the two armies were within musket shot one of another. But the prince being first arrived, had the choice and advantage of the ground, camping in a place which they call Petter, where there are certain small hills somewhat rising: on those that were nearest unto the enemy's camp, he planted certain ordnance, the which did continually shoot into the archdukes camp, annoying it very much, by reason of the situation, and the nearness of the place: yet the archdukes men did not forbear to fortify, having a great number of pioneers: The prince did also fortify with all speed, so as within few days he made admirable trenches within musket shot of Fucht port, before the which they of the town had certain half moons, which had been made before: by the which port they of the town made a sally on the two and twentieth day of the month, upon prince Maurice his camp, the which was like to a simple skirmish, without any effect.  
On the 23 day, three cornets of the prince's horse did in the open field charge the enemy's horsemen, who were forced to retire with good speed, some being slain upon the place, and some taken prisoners.  
The prince, through the commodity of these high hills, did so annoy the enemy, as cont Frederic was forced to abandon his works begun, giving the prince leave to take them, and finish them: whereupon he went by a low way, and past the river of Hekel, upon planks laid upon masts of ships, even unto Saint Anthony's port, whereas he caused certain ordnance to be planted, making the passage of that port so dangerous, as the besieged dammed it up.  
On nine and twentieth of August some four thousand men went out of the archdukes camp passing (before the port of Orten) the river of Diese upon two bridges of boats which were brought thither, marching towards a place, called the Deutere, a quarter of an hours march from the town, right against Saint john's port, where they began to fortify, thinking by that means to hinder the prince's approaches unto the town; who considering what advantage this might give unto his enemies, he resolved to charge them, encouraging his French and Scottish men (whom he had chosen to that end) who went early on the second of September from the camp, after that the enemy had had three days respite to fortify. At the very instant when they should charge, prince Maurice caused an alarm to be given throughout all his camp, which made cont Frederic think that he went to assail him: during which alarm, an assault was given unto the fort by the French and Scottish; but they were bravely repulsed, and with some loss: whereupon the prince sent them certain new companies to second them; who returned again with a great resolution, and finding 
A fort of the Spaniards taken, with great slaughter of their men.  the defendants dismayed, they forced it at the second assault: Of which number few escaped, for the townsmen kept their port shut, so as most of them were slain, or drowned in the waters near adjoining, except some two hundred, which the prince's men took prisoners, among the which there was an Italian marquess, whom they thought to present unto the prince, but he died of his wounds by the way. This fort thus won, the prince went thither in person, and for the better ordering of things, he lodged there all night. But let us return to Oostend.  
All the rest of the month of August (at the siege before Oostend) was spent in doing the 
Oostend.  worst they could one unto another, either by their fireworks, or with their ordnance, their adventurers going forth many times, and bringing in prisoners: neither did the ships pass in and out free from danger. One among the rest having thirteen sick men, and five women in her, going forth, having her helm shot off, fell into the Spaniards hands, who hung up the sick men, except one, which could not go up the ladder, him they slew: as for the women, after they had ravished them, and stripped them, with all indignities, they sent them back 
Cruelty of the Spaniards.  unto the town. This was an act, among others, of Spanish martial discipline.  
On the last day of August, the adventurers brought in a horse man of the Spaniards, which they had taken prisoner, and two days after they brought in an ensign, a corporal, and an engineer.  
On the nineteenth of September, forty ships going out of the town, there were six sunk, and two taken by the Spaniards, one of them being laden with stuff of great value, the which 
1603  was a good booty for the enemy; and yet they hung up the pilot of the said ship: in revenge whereof, they of the town hung up the horseman which had been taken.  
During this month the governor caused the new haven to be repaired, making it more commodious for the ships, than before. The infectious sickness which was in the town, began to suage, the town being better furnished with good physicians and chirurgeons, & being daily better fortified. At that time there entered eighteen companies of supplies, sending the sick and wounded men back into Zeeland.  
On the thirteenth of October there appeared without the town thirteen great barks, and four ships, coming from Sluice. It seemed they would make another float upon the goullet: wherefore they of the town made ready to receive them: and as at night they brought one, they were forced to carry it back again presently. These barks and ships were manned with the slaves of Sluice. And upon the three and twentieth of the month, they brought another, which was great and thick, the which they planted almost half nearer towards the East ravelin, than the rest; where they opened five loop holes, and shot furiously against the bulwark of Peckel: so as the besieged were forced to retire their ordnance a little, having at that instant no other place, from whence they might shoot at this float, but the bulwark of Peckel.  
On the six and twentieth of October the Spaniards planted a piece of Ordnance behind their float, with the which they made four or five shot upon the East ravelin: but the tide rising, they drew back their canon with much trouble. The besieged did what they could to annoy this float, being much troubled to drag their ordnance from one bulwark to another, to shoot at this float, which the enemy sought to strengthen all he could, with pieces of wood, and beating in of piles behind, to make it stand firm: bringing afterwards another float, which went from the end of the first unto the bank of the goullet: but on the twentieth of November there came a violent wind from the sea, which broke it quite, being before much shaken by the town canon, so as there remained in a manner no signs thereof. Yet the Spaniards were not so contented: for on the five and twentieth day they planted another, which was also broken in pieces, partly with the wind, and partly with the town canon, so as when there came a spring tide, the pipes were parted and dispersed here and there, whereof many beams and other stuff did float up to the town: and so this invention proved fruitless.  
Ambrosio, marquess Spinola, (brother to Frederic, general of the galleys at Sluice, slain in the last sea fight (as we have said) had an engineer, called Pompee, who did vaunt, That he would make an artificial bridge, on the which they should go through the goullet to the assault: of which bridge we will discourse by and by, as of a dear and too costly folly.  
On the eighteenth of December, there came one and forty sails into the town, every 
The signior of Ghi●…lles governor of Oostend.  one in a manner touched with the enemy's canon, and yet all of them were saved, except one which sunk, and another laden with victuals, was abandoned by the pilot, and yet it entered into the town. With which ships, there arrived the signior of Ghistelles, to be governor of the town, and the signior Ʋander Noot gave him place, and returned into Holland, on the three and twentieth day of the month, on which day the captain of the black galley came into Oostend, with an hundred and fifty mariners which he brought with him.  
On Christmas day, the Spaniards brought another float, which was not very great, against the which they of the town shot continually, day and night, with eight pieces of ordnance, and could not break it, it was so strongly bound together; and besides they laboured at it continually. They brought also another float, on the West part, the which they planted in a certain place which looked towards the Porc-espic, being better than the other, for that the water is not so broad, as in the goullet, but being nearer unto the town, it was easily fired.  
At that time the marquess Spinola, general of the archdukes army, cast and displaced above six hundred men, as well commanders and captains, as commissioners and treasorers; whereof some had put to the king's account, or to the country, five stivers for every bavin, 
1603  whereas they bought them for half a stiver. This was ill husbandry: but as the proverb saith, A prince's treasure is subject to filching. The Estates did not husband it after this sort: for the maintenance of the army, the Flemings did contribute twelve thousand crowns a month, comprehending the munition, forage, and stuff for building, to be deducted by the other provinces out of their tax, for the term of six months, beginning the first of November. And the better to encourage the soldiers, they promised (Oostend being taken) to pay them all their arrearages; and moreover, to give them four months pay, with a passport for any one to retire, that would demand it.  
It was also said, That the archduke having resolved in counsel, not to leave the siege of Oostend, whatsoever it cost him, he demanded how long the duke of Parma had been before antwerp: and answer being made him, About eighteen months (although he were not a full year) he said, He was not then eighteen years; and although we should continue so long before Oostend, yet we would have it, yea if we should employ all that is in the king of Spain's power: whereupon he sent for the rest of his army, which was at Kempen, expecting 14000 new Spaniards and Italians, to reinforce his camp, being resolved to set up his rest before Oostend.  
This Summer the princes of Germany had assembled at the town of Regensbourg, 
An assembly of the Estates of the empire.  where the archduke Mathias, the emperors brother, represented the emperors person: at which assembly, most of their conference was about a contribution to be levied for the wars against the Turk, the which should be for the entertainment of sixteen thousand foot, and five thousand horse, both Winter and Summer: wherein there were many difficulties propounded, especially by them of the borders of the empire, which lay near the Netherlands, touching their wars. Whereupon they did generally conclude, That there must be some means put in practice, to draw them to a peace: but yet they could not agree upon the articles, which should be propounded to both parties that were in war; nor yet to threaten them by proclamation, to be enemies unto the empire, that would not accept of such reasonable articles as they should propound unto them.  
In the end they concluded, to send certain ambassadors to persuade both parties, and that with the advice and counsel of the prince's electors of Cologne and Cleves; and that there should be a collection of money, whereby they might force them that would be obstinate.  
The emperor at that time had sent ambassadors to the princes of Saxony and Meubourg, 
The emperor writes to the united provinces.  who also had commission to move the king of Denmark, to be a means for the making and concluding of a peace in the countries of the Netherlands: To which end the emperor sent a letter to the Estates of the united provinces, bearing date the four and twentieth day of December, in the year 1603, containing the great complaints of the borderers of the empire, especially of the duke of Cleves and juilliers, not only for the insolencies committed by the soldiers of the united provinces, but also by the mutinous soldiers, who at that time were harboured and maintained in their territories; showing, that they had committed many oppressions and insolencies: and that they for their parts had often protested and promised, That the borders of the empire should be no more so spoiled and wasted, but that their soldiers should be kept in good order and martial discipline, and that such as offended, should be punished. Wherefore once again (in regard that his request was reasonable and just) he thought it good and expedient to admonish, and straightly to charge and command them, That restitution might be made, for the oppressions and wrongs which had been done, according to their own letters and promises; and especially, that order might be taken touching the mutinous soldiers, which had joined with them, and were then under their protection, and had a place of retreat delivered them; for that the prince's electors, and others, at their last assembly at Regensbourg had resolved speedily to remedy these insolencies by force: and therefore hoping that they (to satisfy and content the empire) would be careful to prevent all future disorders, and to do that which equity, right, and justice required; wherein they should do him a special service, the which he would acknowledge with all grace and 
1604  favour, etc.  
The united Estates hearing of the coming of these new soldiers (for whom they 
Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc  wrought daily to make breeches, doublets, and other apparel; for that commonly (especially the Spaniards) they come all ragged, and almost naked) besides, that the archdukes commanders had found means to put some soldiers into the town of Boisleduc, being encamped near unto it, knowing well what obstinate people were in the said town, having tried them in the year 1601 (when as, upon the like occasion, and for the extreme frosts, prince Maurice was forced to raise his siege) the said Estates and prince Maurice were resolved to employ their men and means otherwise, and to retire from Boisleduc before winter, and in the mean time to refresh their men, to be the better disposed in the Spring.  
Upon the first day of januarie 1604, according to the custom of the war, they of 
Oostend.  Oostend, and the archdukes camp, did salute one another with their canon and musket shot, which cost many of them their lives: and on the sixth or seventh day, the lopers or adventurers, brought a corporal and two soldiers prisoners into the town, by whom they understood, that the archdukes camp was fortified with fifty ensigns of foot, and seven cornets of horse; and that they did expect the archduke to see a general assault given in all parts of the town (the which an Italian which came voluntarily out of the camp into the town, did confirm) and that upon the first dark night they would assault the half moon which is upon the goullet, where they would employ Pompees bridge. The which was made in form of a chariot, upon wheels which were fifteen foot high, and six foot broad: The bridge was on the hinder part supported by a high cross beam, half of which bridge before, was to be drawn up, and let down, by two cables, which passed through two pullyes, the which were fastened to both the ends of the cross beam: That which did bear the bridge, was a great mast, being an hundred and fifty foot long, planted before the chariot: The bridge was threescore paces long, and sixteen broad. But this engine was made unprofitable by the town canon, being nothing else, but an invention to bring men to the slaughter, as that of the duke of Alva at the siege of Harlem, and of prince Maurice before the town of Steenwicke.  
At that time the East ravelin had been in a manner overthrown by the tempest, so as the enemy had better means to annoy the coming in and going out of the town, than before; who brought another float upon the West part by the sand hill, joining to the old haven: yet from the fifteenth of januarie, unto the nineteenth of February, there entered above an hundred and fifty vessels, great and small, with four canons, two minions, and ten companies of soldiers.  
The first of March the wind was very great at the West and Northwest, with a furious tempest, the which did very much harm unto the town. The tide did rise so high, as many were forced to leave their lodgings and houses, so as the most ancient of the town said, they had not seen the sea so high in forty years. This storm continued until the fifth day of the month; it did quite overthrow the ravelin on the East side, with the counterscarpe unto the East gate of the town. The S●…roo-dique, that is to say, the dike made of straw, which kept the water from under the soldiers feet, was broken in divers places. The Spaniards half moon, upon the goullet, was not free, nor yet their Luys-bos, whereof there fell betwixt the two batteries, above an hundred paces, even to the foot of the rampar, with the principal battery towards the sea, so as there was not any thing left standing: and had not their new work been, Luys-bos had been quite carried away with the water, with the soldiers, and all that was within it. The old town of Oostend, had a good share in this wrack, and if the wind had not fallen somewhat the third day, the town had been in great danger. A great part of the sandhill was quite overthrown: the porc-espic was not touched, but the counterscarpe was quite carried away. The archdukes works on the West side, and their new approaches towards the old square and West square, were ruined, except that which they had newly made under the half moon of the Polder, the which stood firm. 
1604   
On the 6 of March the besieged abandoned the fort of Beckaff, which the archdukes men perceiving, they cast themselves into it: but soon after, fearing there was some hidden fireworks, which might blow them up, they forsook it: and that day there were spent on both sides, above 3000 great shot.  
The one and twentieth day of the month, in the after noon, the signior of Ghistelles, colonel, 
The signior of Ghistelles' governor of Oostend, s●…ine  and governor of Oostend, was slain with a musket shot: being opened, they found that the bullet had pierced his heart. His bowels were buried in the town, and his body was embalm, and sent to Vtrecht. Colonel Loon was chosen governor in his place: And the next day M. David d'Orleans jegeneur, and chief controller of the fortifications, was hurt, being the most famous man of that faculty, in Christendom: having given order for all things, he passed into Zeeland.  
All this month the Spaniards toiled at the sap on the side of Albertus' fort; so as Catris, master of the camp, with the Bourgognons, were lodged in the counterscarp by the polders, whereas Catris was shot through the body with a musket, whereof he died, Rouville his sergeant mayor having been slain the night before. The signior of Torres was sent to command in his place, who made a fair escape, having a grenado, or ball of wildfire, fallen at his feet. Captain Liestre, brother to Catris, was sore hurt there, and so was the signior of Malaise, lieutenant colonel of the Liegeois; the sergeant mayor of which regiment, called captain L'Ensant was slain. You may see how dangerous it was to lie so near unto the town.  
The Estates of the united provinces, and prince Maurice, having for the reasons above mentioned raised their siege from Boisleduc, seeing the archduke to continue his siege obstinately before Oostend, the which he held straightly besieged by land, and did daily importune it; and although he had not much prevailed in his design, notwithstanding his great expense of money, and loss of men, they were resolved, in the Spring, to draw their army together, and to force the archduke to raise his siege, or at the least to provide him work in some other place, so as he should be constrained to leave Oostend, and turn towards them, or to draw away some of his forces, and give them some respite to breath, from his continual alarms and assaults, having been now besieged almost three years. For the effecting of which design, the Estates and prince Maurice caused all ships and boats fit for that service, to be stayed, both in the countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland, to the number of three thousand at the least, one and other; the which they caused to come to the towns of Dordrecht, Rotterdam, Gorchum, Schoonhoven, and other places. The rendez vous being given them before the castle of Ramekins in Walchrens, which is one of the islands of Zeeland; they of Amsterdam, Horn, and Enchuysen, did furnish five hundred sail. It was an admirable thing to see the soldiers and mariners, which came to Dordrecht, for whose service the said ships were made ready, as well to transport the men, as for the artillery, munition of war, provision of victuals, wagons, horses, sacks to fill with earth, pipes full of fresh water, and all other things necessary for such an exploit as they had designed, being a goodly fight to behold this equipage.  
On the one and twentieth of April prince Maurice parted from Dordrecht, with some fourteen thousand men, of the which there were twenty cornets of horse, being accompanied by all the ships of war, and others, which were come from divers parts; the which continued the whole day, from morning until night, before they were passed. Being come to an anchor before the haven of Middlebourg, and along the side of Arnemuyden, they were found to be three thousand and five hundred ships of war, besides such as carried munition, and the baggage of the army: at which place the prince did consult with the Estates, where he should land in Flanders.  
On the 24 of the month, the gates of the town of Arnemuyden stood open all night, and proclamation was made by the drum, That every soldier, upon pain of death, should presently embark in the ship where he was appointed: the which being done, & having a wished tide all the fleet passed towards Ramekins and Flessingue, bending towards the coast of Walpen, the which is at the mouth of Sluice; and having a Southeast wind, they put themselves betwixt Cadsant and Walpen, in the black hole, whereas they landed, the place being very necessary and commodious, lying but two leagues from Flessingue, and one 
1604 The army lands.  from Sluice.  
On the six and twentieth day they entered into the isle of Cadsant, without any opposition. Such as were in guard in the black haven, and in certain other places, fled, so as the prince marched directly to the fort of Hofsted: and having taken it, he went to the fort of Lyppine, causing the captain (who commanded there) to be summoned to yield the place. Who answered, That he would first see the canon before he did yield it. Whereupon the prince sent him word, That if he attended but one volley of the canon, he would put all within the place to the sword: yet for that the captain had spoken like a soldier, the prince command two canons to be brought, the which were no sooner seen by the besieged, but they yielded.  
Those of the fort of East Vlyet, were also summoned to yield, who made no other answer 
The prince master of a the isle of Cadsant  to them that were sent, but by the canon: but seeing the ordnance planted, in the evening, they yielded, leaving within the fort their artillery, munition, and victuals, being some six hundred men in it: so as the whole isle of Cadsant, with all the forts, were in the prince's possession. In the mean time the rest of the army was busy to discharge their ships in the said island.  
The archduke being advertised of the princes landing in that quarter of Flanders, he sent some troops from his camp before Oostend, who arrived the six and twentieth day, and entrenched themselves in a half moon, on the West part of the haven of Sluice, to stop the prince's passage.  
On the seven and twentieth day the prince sent home some of his ships, with soldiers, and with them the black galley, towards the mouth of Sluice, to pass his men in shaloups: but the archdukes, men being there, to the number of one thousand horse, and three thousand foot, camped near unto the said mouth or entry, and their ordnance being planted even with the water, they gave them such entertainment, as they were forced to retire, with the loss of some mariners: notwithstanding the prince had two batteries on this side the haven, either of six pieces.  
The next day there was little attempted, but only the prince assured himself of the isle of Cadsant, and the archdukes men wrought in their trenches and fortifications. The prince caused certain pieces to be brought under the castle of Sluice, to annoy the galleys which lay within the haven, but they drew them into the town, and then they shot little of either side.  
In the mean time the besieged in Oostend, having good intelligence of the princes landing, began to rejoice, hoping to have some rest (as indeed they had for a little time) but 
Oostend.  they did not leave to shoot their fiery bullets at a great bulwark which the Spaniards had made, called Lou●…quen Pot, where the fire took; the which the archdukes men perceiving, they drew forth their ordnance, and suffered it to burn.  
Prince Maurice having done what he desired in the isle of Cadsant, being loath to lose any time, he sent to discover the most convenient places to enter into the main of Flanders, so as on the last of April he passed the water in person, which goes from Sluice to Isendike, where being entered without any encounter, he presently took the fort of Coxie, and the lieutenant, with ten other prisoners: all those which defended themselves, were slain. Some prisoners said, That they were much amazed, and that they of Sluice did fortify daily, setting their galleyslaves to work, who serve them to no other use in the town.  
The archduke in the mean time was constrained to disperse his forces, according to the advice of his counsel, and of his Estates, and to divide them into three troops: one before Oostend, the second against prince Maurice, and the third against the incursions of the mutineers, the which were about three thousand foot, and one thousand and two hundred horse; to whom were joined a thousand and six hundred of prince Maurice his horse, and a thousand and five hundred musketeers, mounted on horseback, after a new invention, set upon cuissins, the which were made the winter before in Holland.  
Prince Maurice making his approaches to besiege the great fort of Isendike, he changed his mind, resolving first to force three other forts, which lay near unto it, so as on the first of May he camped before Saint Marguerites for't, against the which there were some hundred canon shot made betwixt noon and midnight; the which did so amaze them, that although 
1604  there were about two thousand men, horse and foot, with the peasants, yet they abandoned the place the night following, saving themselves by flight: And the like was done by them that were in S. Katherine's, and S. Philip's forts, notwithstanding that in all these three forts there were 3000 foot, and 16 companies of horse.  
On the third of May the prince did in like manner besiege Isendike, whereas he entrenched 
Isendike besieged.  himself in such sort by land, as nothing could get in or out; causing his ordnance to be planted, and commanding certain ships of war to put to sea, and to lie before it, with certain pinnaces and long boats, to stop the passage, that nothing might go in or out; so as they were very straightly besieged, both by land and sea.  
In the mean time the archdukes men which were on the other side of the haven of Sluice, thinking now to have a good opportunity to recover the isle of Cadsant, they caused a great number of boats to be brought from Bruges, in the which (and in some others that were in Sluice) they did embark 2000 men. But they that were appointed to guard the island by the prince (having suffered about a thousand of them to land) they charged them so furiously, as they put them to rout, most of them being Italians and Spaniards; who seeing themselves so roughly entertained, crying a la barqua, a la barqua, they sought to recover their boats again, where pressing to enter hastily into them, one of them was overwhelmed, and a great number drowned: so as they could take but eighteen prisoners, and eight boats. The prisoners were sent unto the prince.  
On the eight day of May there came three soldiers out of Isendike, unto the prince's camp, who said, That they had want of all things in the fort, and especially of fresh water: that if the canon played upon them, they would not make any great resistance. Whereupon the prince sent to summon them the next day, by one of his own trumpets, whom they slew with a musket shot. The prince being much incensed for this outrageous act, committed against the law of arms (which doth not allow any such excess, unless the trumpet or drum (being called unto) doth not retire himself) he sent a drum, to demand him that had committed this act; threatening them, That if they refused to deliver him, he would not receive any one to mercy. Whereupon the besieged sent forth two of their captains to excuse the fact; saying, That they knew not who had made the shot: and being desirous to enter into capitulation, the prince would neither see them nor hear them, until they had first delivered him who had slain his trumpet. In the end they presented an Italian: and then the composition 
Isendike yielded upon composition.  of this strong fort was made upon these conditions.  

1 First, That the besieged should go out of the fort with their arms, and as much baggage as they could carry, their matches out, and their drums silent.  
2 That they should leave the ordnance, and all the munition of war.  
3 That for the space of 4 months, they should not carry any arms in Flanders, against the prince nor the united Estates.  
4 That they should furnish them with shipping, to carry away their sick and hurt men unto the haven of Sas: which ships they should be bound to send safely back again; for the which they should leave two captains in hostage, until their return. According to which accord they left the fort, on the 10 day of May, at five of the clock in the afternoon, being 600 Walloons and Italians.   
The next day the prince went with a thousand foot, and seven cornets of horse, before a little ruined town, entrenched with barricadoes, called Ardenbourg, lying betwixt Gant and Sluice, the which is another passage, joining to a land which is drowned by the sea, in the which there was a regiment of Germans, and some troops of horse, to stop the passage; but they had as little courage and resolution as the rest, flying into the marshes behind, and abandoning withal, a good strong castle, into the which there were two thousand men put in garrison, the which holds Sluice besieged on that side. Thus the prince entered the second time into Flanders, sending his horsemen to scour the country, even unto the ports of Bruges, Gant, and Courtray, from whence they brought good booties; so as the Flemings found themselves more oppressed now than ever, all the burden of the war being (through their own fault) fallen upon themselves.  
When as the united provinces had resolved, upon the enterprise of Flanders (having contracted with those of the Squadron of mutineers, who not long before were come out of 
1604 An enterprise in Brabant, made by prince Maurice and the squadron.  Westphalia, where they had committed many outrages, and insolencies, upon the poor people, clean contrary to their contract made with the united provinces, whereupon the country bordering thereabouts, had held an assembly at Essens, but to small purpose) they procured them to make an incursion with them into Brabant, and Henault, the prince having lent them certain troops of horse (as we have said) led by the drossart of Zeeland, who had three demie canons with him, meaning thereby to divert the wars in Flanders. These were appointed to go by the country of Liege into Brabant, along by the causey, thereby to divert the archdukes forces, and to keep them from going strongly into Flanders: the Squadron promising to spoil all the villages in Brabant, and to force them to contribution; whereof they themselves should have the one half, and the Estates the other, towards the maintenance of their wars. This being thus concluded, the Estates troops, on the nineteenth of April, went into the country of Kessel, and upon the Meuse: and upon 21 day, the mutinous Squadron issued out of Grave, and marched towards the land of Cuyck, and so joined with the drossart of Zeeland, from whence they marched in several troops towards Mastricht, Stochem, Tongres, and Thienen: and yet before they parted out of the Grave, the archduke had offered them under hand, three fourth parts of their pay in ready money: and that they should quit the fourth part, in regard of the spoils which they had made, and the contributions which they had exacted from their neighbours, and other countries: the which three parts they should receive presently after the account and reckoning should be made: And that they should deliver up the castles of Hoochstraten and Carpen, and the ordnance of Erkelens': and that in the mean time they should hold Hoochstraten and Carpen, for their securities.  
Whereunto the mutineers made answer, That they would have their full pay that was due unto them; and for their securities, Mastricht, Venloo, or Ruiemonde: and for hostages for the accomplishing thereof, they demanded the earl of Fontenay, Stephano d' Ihanna, and Dom Alphonso d' Aualos: which done, they would restore Hoochstraten and Carpen, with the ordnance of Erkelens. The archduke was moved to yield unto their demands (for that there were some inconveniences doubted in Flanders: and besides, there were 800 Spaniards more at Gemblours, ready to mutiny, and to join with them of Grave. Notwithstanding this proposition, the mutineers marched forward with the Estates horsemen, thereby to make the archduke the more willing to yield unto their pay: and on the 28 of April in the night, they came before Thienen, where the general Estates would gladly have had them to assault the town in a weak place: but they followed their own humours, causing a petard to be set unto a port of the suburbs, the which they forced and spoiled: but in the mean time they within the town went to arms (cont Frederic being newly come into the town, had put all things in good order) so as they were forced to retire, with the loss of 30 men, and many hurt: yet they made certain shot with their great ordnance, against the town (but to no purpose) where one of their pieces burst. And so parting from thence, they went to Hanuyt, where they entered, on the nine and twentieth day, and there rested certain days; but they would not have the villages forced to pay any contribution, but that which was behind; and yet they had promised the contrary unto the united Estates, that they might thereby give no further cause of offence, expecting some composition to be made for them; so as the Estates horsemen could not do otherwise, unless they would have quarreled with the said mutineers, for the which they had no commission. During their abode at Hanuyt, on the last of April, Herman, earl Vanden Berghe, having obtained a passport, entered into the town of Grave, to make some other offer unto them, and so to stay them from making any further invasion: but he returned the same day; which they that were abroad understanding, from that time forward they so carried themselves, as they would not commit any more insolencies; but sought delays to win time: for being moved by captain du Bois, and the drossart of Zeeland, to march into Henault, and to do some exploit there, they answered, That it was impossible for them to effect any thing with expedition, in respect of the ordnance, with other such excuses, and yet they durst not discover their pretence, which was not to make any offensive war; but they persuaded the commanders, to go from Hanuyt to Hoy upon the Meuse, and to leave their ordnance there, and so to march forward: hoping by that means to draw them into the borders of Liege, for certain days, and to keep them from Brabant, and so to free that province from the fear which their entry had caused, the which might have hindered their secret 
1604  treaty with the archduke.  
The Estates commanders seeing their determination, were forced to yield; yet, after that, they found, that the mutineers themselves had advertised them of Hoy, and willed them not to open their gates, thereby to have some new colour of excuse, and further delay; so as coming the fifth of May before Hoy, the townsmen refused to open; so as they returned back to Cassy and by small journeys approached near unto Henault, doing nothing upon the way, but sent out messengers, to get in the contribution which the villages did owe, without any further demand, so as the Estates horsemen could hardly get any victuals: and sometimes going forth to seek some, they were slain. Upon the 10 of May they entered into Henault, between Binche and Berghen, and there the Squadron did flatly deny to march any further; whereof captain du Bois and the drossart did certify prince Maurice, by their letters, being in Flanders, and got the Squadron to consent to lie there certain days; which stayed the archdukes soldiers from going out of Brabant into Flanders, fearing lest they should follow them, or undertake something in their absence: In the mean time the mutinous Squadron did nothing else, but seek by all the means they could, to get in the arrearages of their contribution, without attempting any other thing with the Estates soldiers, which bred great jealousy and suspicion.  
The sixteenth of May, the whole army (that only excepted which was left for the guard of the isle of Cadsant) being dislodged from Isendyke, passed by Ardenbourg, taking the way towards the town of Dam, which is upon the channel which goes from Bruges to Sluice. Upon the way, half a league from Dam, there is a water, which cannot easily be waded through, for that it is deep of mud; the which hath a little bridge and a sluice, whereunto the tide flows. Dom Lovis de Velasco had entrenched himself at this passage, being four thousand horse and foot; whereas the passage was so narrow, as two horsemen could hardly march in front. The fort was defensible, and able to have stayed the prince's army, yet after some resistance, they quitted the place, and retired by Dam, unto the other side of the river. They lost at this charge two hundred men upon the place slain and hurt, besides many that were drowned; among the which there were eleven captains slain and prisoners, whereof two were Italians, one of them Spinola's kinsman, and one Spaniard, a sergeant maior very sore hurt, and more taken prisoners than were slain.  
The same soldiers being on the other side of the river, made a show, as if they would once more attend the prince; and to that end they lodged themselves in a place of more advantage, than that which they had abandoned, having a great channel, by the which the sea did flow unto the town of Bruges; and besides that, the river and the banks which did cover them.  
On the eighteenth of the month, part of the prince's army having been all night in battle, 
The prince camps before Sluice.  monsieur de Chastillon having the point with part of his French regiment, thinking to go and charge them, he found that they had abandoned the place: So the same day, at night, the army went and camped before Sluice: and upon the 23 day S. George's fort (which stands upon the haven of Sluice) was yielded unto the prince, but they left a piece of a match burning, the which at three hours end, should have set fire of nineteen barrels of powder; the which was discovered by one of their own men coming forth. This passage being won, he caused the fort of Beckaff to be assailed, with some others without the town, whereas they did fight valiantly, and above all, the English showed great courage and resolution. There the prince lost the signior Ʋander Aa, captain of his foot guards, who had his arm shot off with a canon, and was thrust through the body with a pike by an Italian; yet in the end the prince's men were masters of all, even unto the town ditches.  
On the thirtieth of May, the archdukes men, being four thousand foot, and 2600 horse, thinking to put some men, victuals, and munition of war into Sluice, were charged, and put to rout by the prince, all their victuals and munition being taken: There were few slain upon the place, whereof the number is uncertain, for that the country is full of marshes. Spinola's galleys being to no use in Sluice, they took forth the slaves, & sent them out of the town, with some soldiers; who being encountered by the prince's troops, were presently amazed and dispersed. About an hundred of these slaves being chained two and two together, fled unto the prince's camp, where they were well entreated, and sent away free into France. 
1604   
On the fifth of june, being Whitsun eve, general Spinola gave a furious assault unto Oostend in three several places, with the greatest obstinacy that might be. They renewed this assault thrice, and it continued eight hours. The Spaniards had made certain mines, the which did more hurt unto themselves, than unto the besieged, having given fire too soon. On the enemy's side there were 800 men slain, and 500 hurt; and among them the signior of Bossompiere, who had been a great leaguer in France. Of the besieged there were about an hundred slain, and some hurt.  
On the seventeenth of june the enemy gave another assault, the which continued from two of the clock in the afternoon, until eight at night, in the which the Spaniards did win some ravelins of the polders, whereas they lost 150 men, and the besieged about an hundred, among the which there was a Scottish baron, and four captains: This baron did but newly arrive, who taking a half pike, ran unto the rampar, to encourage the soldiers, where he was carried away with a canon shot. And although the besieged in these assaults behaved themselves very well, yet their enemies lodged upon the ramparts of the polders, very near unto the town, where they entrenched themselves strongly. And at the same time, during the assault, there entered seventeen companies into the town, with munition and victuals, by the goullet.  
The archduke having been constrained to employ a good part of his forces, to suppress the insolencies and incursions of the mutineers, the which he could not do: he therefore 
The mutineers reconciled to the archdu●…e  sought all means to reconcile them, the better to fortify himself against prince Maurice, who lay before Sluice: the which he did, upon promise, to pay them what was due, remitting all which they had levied by way of contribution, with an abolition and pardon of all that was past, and revoking and disannulling the proscription which was made against them: giving them for their security and pay, the town of Ruremonde in the country of Gueldres, in hostage, to every footman 12 pence a day, and to every horseman 2 shillings 6 pence, until they had received their full pay.  
According unto this accord made, with the consent of prince Maurice and the united Estates they delivered up unto the archduke, the castles of Carpen & Hoochstraten, with the artillery which they had taken from Erkelens, and to the prince and the Estates, the town of Grave, and the sixteen hundred horse, and fifteen hundred musketeers, which they had lent them, proceeding sincerely in all points: Wherein they discharged their duties, like true soldiers, and defaced the blot of rebellion, wherewith they had been blemished. Moreover, by their accord, they were not subject to serve the archduke, until they were fully satisfied. And this was the good the archduke got by his proscription.  
Prince Maurice having now no enemy in field, to make head against him, after that he 
The disposition of the prince●… camp before Sluice.  had taken Saint George's fort, and the Spaniards having abandoned a half moon before the town, wherein they left four pieces of ordnance: having now no more obstacles, he set down the order of his camp, making his own quarter on the North side, the which he did fortify with many trenches, and square forts, as well against the town, as the enemy abroad. Cont William of Nassau, his cousin, governor of Friesland, had his quarter fortified almost like unto the princes. Cont Ernest, brother to cont William, was somewhatfurther off, on the West part of the town, entrenched and fortified as the rest, with a bridge upon the river of Kreck, to go to Sternenbourg, upon the southwest. Within the drowned land, there were fourteen ships, and some barks, the which was the quarter of colonel Ʋander Noot, with some square forts.  
The prince having caused them of Sluice to be summoned, their answer was, That they had store of powder and bullets for him. Whereupon it was told them, That the prince was sufficiently informed, that they wanted both the one and the other. And although that the prince had so straightly besieged Sluice, both by trenches, forts, and palisadoes, yet seven hundred soldiers at one time, and eight hundred at another found a passage, and entered with some victuals and munition into the town, through the drowned land, in view of the prince's men; and yet they could not hinder their passage, by any means which they could use.  
The prince wished there had entered more men, that they might consume their victuals the sooner; but fearing they should bring some munition that way, he commanded colonel vander 
1604  Noot to keep a guard in his ships, and where as the greater vessels could not go, he should place boats, with five or six soldiers in either of them, to remain there in guard; so as it seemed, that not any one could get in or out: whereupon there were four or five messengers with letters taken in the same place.  
The besieged seeing themselves thus priest, made certain sallies, but of small importance, and to their loss, the prince's canon being so planted against all their sallies, as they could not peep out of the town, without the loss of many men.  
Certain soldiers come from the siege of Oostend, had taken their way whereas the rest had passed, where being gathered together, they called unto them that were in the boats (thinking they had been of their own men) to pass them into the town: who making no show of any thing, being fortified with a sufficient number of soldiers, well armed, went to fetch them. In the end these Spaniards finding their own error (but too late) cried out, Good God, whither go we? we have committed an error which will cost us dear: we were blind, or asleep, to put ourselves thus infortunatly into our enemy's hands. What reason had we to leave a good country, to come into these cursed marshes, and to die of hunger in a barren meadow? Whereat the captain of the ships begun to laugh, seeing them thus perplexed, to whom he said, You are come somewhat too late in all things, especially in matter of enterprises, whereas time imports much: but despair not, we will not leave you here, but will bring you to our storehouse of cheese, where we will entreat you so well in that respect, as you shall have no cause to complain: And I assure you, that if you will tell the truth unto prince Maurice, how it stands with the siege of Oostend, I will employ my best credit to set you at liberty: the which he did; for after they had been examined, and paid their ransoms, as soldiers, they were let go into Sluice.  
The prince understood from these prisoners, and others, That the archdukes men pretended to put great store of victuals and munition into the town; which was to deprive him of the most assured means to take it speedily, whereon he did chiefly ground his design. To prevent this danger and inconvenience; besides the approaches and fortifications of his camp (wherein the soldiers and mariners laboured continually) he fortified the signior Ʋander Noot with some troops, commanding him in particular (for that the drowned land was his quarter, and did import him most) to have a care that this convoy entered not into the town. The like charge was given by the prince to all the other quarters.  
The besieged expecting this convoy, they sent forth fifteen hundred galley slaves, and five hundred soldiers, at the very instant, when as the tide was gone out of the drowned land; but they could not pass, by reason of the good order which the prince had set, and their careful guard. Some fourscore and ten of these slaves escaped, who came and yielded themselves at the prince's camp, who after he had asked them some questions, suffered them to go where they pleased. In the mean time this convoy approached secretly, the which being come unto the drowned land, they were so entertained by the ordnance, as they were forced to retire, without putting any victuals into the town.  
Upon this alarm given to the camp, the prince pursued them with a part of his army, 
The convey overtaken by the prince, and defeated.  and having overtaken them near unto Dam (in the same place where he had defeated the others some days before) even as they had caused some of their wagons to pass over, after that he had shot two volleys, with two field pieces, which he had brought with him, he charged them suddenly: their horsemen, being a thousand, fled to Dam, whither the footmen followed; and the carters left their horses, to save themselves. Thus this convoy was put to rout, of the which there were a great number slain, and two hundred prisoners taken: they had an hundred wagons laden with meal and other victuals and munition, which they had laden at Bruges; all which was lost, and served to victual the prince's camp: who having intelligence, that there came another troop of 3000 men, which were near unto Moerskerke, he marched directly to them: who having but notice of his coming, put themselves in rout, of which there were many slain, and 120 prisoners, with 18 wagons of victuals, 
Another convoy in rout.  which were carried to the camp.  
The besieged being out of hope of all relief, were amazed, and did try if they could free themselves of their unnecessary mouths, especially of their slaves, whom they sent once more 
1604  out the same way; but they were beaten back into the town, as before, and yet some forty of them escaped.  
There was another letter surprised from the governor unto the archduke, whereby he did advertise him, That he was straightly besieged without the town, but within he was encountered with two cruel enemies, hunger and galley slaves.  
The besieged and the besiegers entertained one another daily with their shot, but they within the town were better husbands, reserving their shot and powder at greater need, for an assault. There appeared daily some of the archdukes troops, to give courage to the besieged, and to try some means to succour them: Once among the rest there came 9 corners of horse towards cont Ernests quarter, who seeing good guard kept, retired, through favour of the night, without any exploit.  
The prince in the mean time, as well to keep the soldiers occupied, as to be prepared for all events, caused divers trenches, platforms, and bridges to be made, as well to pass over waters, as to go covered unto the assault. Sometimes a dike brake in the camp, which filled all their trenches with water, and made them work for eight days to repair it: during the which the besieged seeing that the prince's men shot not at them, they cried out, Where is now your canon have you laid it to pawn in the Lombard? be gone ye beggars, be gone. To whom they answered, You shall see it but too soon, to your loss, with the which we will have you shortly, and then we will go and raise the siege of Oostend, with other such soldier like threats. The besieged had set a float near unto their castle, to plant some ordnance thereon: the prince's men went thither with boats, but they were so entertained with musket shot, as they were forced to retire. The prince did often visit his whole camp, and past into Cadsant, to set all things in order, causing his men to repair and fortify, where he saw it needful. His army grew daily stronger in men, and soldiers arrived hourly, both Switsers and other nations, by bands of twenty, 
Many soldiers come to the prince.  thirty, or more. There came four hundred Switsers at one time, the which, with others that came before, had their quarter under cont Ernest. The lord of Terms arrived also, with a good troop of French horse, who was very kindly entertained by the prince, and after they had walked about an hour with cont William of Nassau, they supped together.  
There was very good martial discipline, and severe justice in the camp, which made all things very good cheap; there coming great abundance of victuals out of all parts of Holland and Zeeland. The camp seemed a good town, and there was a storehouse well furnished with munition, and all other things necessary.  
The besieged shot much at the prince's ships which lay in the haven, to drive them out, or to sink them: but the captains having commandment to continue there still, they vanquished their importunate shooting by patience, so as they were forced to cease, and to spare their powder. The prince's men shot at the windmills within the town, and beat them down.  
By reason of the inundation of the country, which was covered with water, the town could not be so straightly besieged on all sides, as the prince desired: for there are certain meadows, and other places, which the sea doth environ, or cover, at a high water, and the tide being spent, they are left dry: there they encountered daily, and still some were slain, or taken prisoners. Wherefore the prince, to spare his men, that he might be the better able to resist the succours which the besieged attended, made a defence, that no soldier should go to the war, without commandment, upon pain of death; causing a soldier to be hanged, who had been saved from the gallows twice in one day, to give example unto the rest.  
The united Estates commanded public prayers and fasting throughout all their provinces, to crave assistance at God's hand, in this important action. The prince did also command the like throughout all his army, forbidding them to buy or sell any thing that day, upon pain of death.  
If the prince did press the town without, hunger did afflict them more within: among 
The besieged in Sluice in great extremity.  other necessaries, they had great want of wood to bake their bread, so as they were constrained to pull down houses to that end; which made them to practise all means to write unto the archduke, and to acquaint him with the estate of the town. A Spaniard went out of the town on horseback, to try if he could find a passage, but being discovered by the guards, he fled back into the town leaving his horse behind, the which was drowned. 
1604  The next day he returned again with eighteen musketeers, and having past the same way which he viewed before, he had laid his company in ambush at a certain passage: soon after there went eight Switsers whom they slew; which they of the camp perceiving, they did invest them, and cut them all in pieces. The besieged made also a sally, but the guards were so well placed, as they were still forced to retire.  
The fourth of july Cont Henry Frederick the prince's brother, with Cont Ernest, and Lewis, with some soldiers, being weary to lie so long idle without any action, went even unto the gates of Dam, where as the sentinel gave the alarm presently: these young noble men staying to brave it before the town, were soon charged with the garrison which was much stronger than themselves, so as they were forced to retire with the loss of four or five horse.  
The mutinous soldiers of Hochstraten having made their peace, and compounded with 
The mutineers serve the Archduke at the relief of Sluse.  the Archduke, being two thousand strong, they went to serve him in Flanders at the relief of Sluse, where they showed themselves more forward than any, and divers of them were slain: but many of them having received their full pay, ran away, some home into their own country, others fearing punishment went and served prince Maurice; among the which two of the chief being both horsemen, left their fellows being in Roemonde, and went to the Grave, (their names were Thomas Viller and Papouken) with a good troop with them, who upon the 17 of August came before Sluse to the princes, army, where they carried themselves very valiantly; so as Papouken being banished out of the united provinces, for that he had been one of them that had sold Geertruydenbergh, in regard of his valour and experience, was reconciled to prince Maurice.  
The prince assuring himself to take Sluse by famine, caused his batteries to cease, for that he would spare his powder and shot.  
And the Archduke weighing the necessity of the besieged, and the great importance of that place, meaning not to defer it, after the taking of Oostend, as he had hitherto done, he resolved to succour them: to which end he sent the marquess Spinola with a good number of the best soldiers which he had before Oostend. The prince knowing his victory to depend 
Spinola comes to relieve ●…luse.  only on the prevention of these succours, prepared himself to resist them, visiting his camp often, and giving order for the guards and fortifications, and for all things necessary to receive them, resolving to attend them in his trenches, and not to meet them. He sent to all the tents and shops of merchants, pourueyers, and victuallers, to know how many men they had, commanding them when the alarm should be given, to come to a certain place, where they should be armed. They of the town did often make signs with fire to them that came to succour them, the which they might easily discern.  
On the 28 of july, their succours camped betwixt Bruges and Dam, being ten thousand men, who conducted six hundred wagons laden with meal, and other provisions to relieve the town: from thence the Archdukes men went before Mittlebourgh, the which they took by composition, yet the castle held out 4 or five days longer for the prince: then they passed close by Ardenbourg, where as they skirmished with the garrison of the town, where as there were some of the Archdukes soldiers taken, by whom they of Ardenbourg understood part of his designs, whereof they did advertise the prince.  
The 29 and 30 of the month, they showed themselves toward the quarter of colonel Ʋander Noot, and there took a little fort which the prince's men had abandoned. In the mean time they played so furiously upon them from three batteries, as they were forced to give back: they left six and thirty men in this fort, the which was presently recovered by the prince's men, and those within it put to the sword. The besieged meaning to make a passage for their succours, the next day made a sally with two hundred men, who carried a certain bridge to cast over the channel, but they were driven back into the town, without any exploit doing. Spinola seeing that he could not enter into the town by the quarter of Ʋander Noot, he sent some part of his troops to camp near unto the village of Lapschuyre, by the which he thought to find a more easy passage.  
The prince knowing that the enemy's design was to cast himself into the town by the fort of Pimster Blom, in 48 hours he made a great trench to cut off his passage. Those which laboured making some show of fear, for that the enemies small shot played continually upon them to hinder their work, they were commanded not to give over, upon pain of hanging. 
1604  Spinola's men made sundry attempts to force the camp, but they were still repulsed with loss. The prince seeing the enemy camped so near him, caused▪ 64. pieces of ordnance to be mounted betwixt the qua●…ters of cont Ernestus and Ʋander Noot, commanding the canoneers to discharge every piece once in an hour both day and night; the which did a great execution, and slew above 500 men in 24 hours.  
The besieged in the mean time did all they could to favour their succours, and did often send of their men towards Spinola; whereof some past, but most of them were taken by the way. Spinola also for his part omitted nothing that might be put in practice; he caused certain cavaliers and batteries to be made in his trenches to shoot into the prince's camp, especially upon a bridge 400 paces long, the which was before the mariners for't, making a show as if he would attempt to enter into the town that way. The prince (to prevent this design and the wild fire which they might cast upon this bridge) fastened masts there with anchors, and shot furiously from thence upon Spinolas pioneers, the which disappointed that design.  
Omitting to make a particular repetition of all the batteries, skirmishes, and ordinary exercises of soldiers before Sluice; in the end the number of Spinolas men decreased daily, as well through the spoil which the prince's canon made, as by reason of other discommodities: and as it is an ordinary thing, that one mischief draws on another, the soldiers being 
Spinolas' men run away.  tired with such toil, ran away to the prince in troops of 40 or 50 at a time, the number whereof in a short space came to seven or eight hundred men; beside those that did steal away by other means. The prince sent them which yielded themselves unto him into Zeeland, and so to pass from thence where they pleased.  
This did trouble Spinola, but the necessity of the besieged did much perplex him, seeing there was no means to make a passage into the town, but by a general combat: wherefore he resolved to force the prince's camp, and on the 6 of August, having discovered that cont William's quarter was the weakest, he assailed it in the morning: his horsemen had every one a musketier behind him, they charged and entered the trenches, where they did fight valiantly on both sides; whereas the combat was doubtful and cruel. At this fight ●…hey of the town caused their bells to be rung, to move every one to pray unto God for the good success of the archdukes army: some cried out victory already: the advantage inclined sometimes to one part, sometimes to another. In the end the prince's men recovered their trenches, and forced Spinolas men to sly. There were a great number slain of either side, but the greatest number were of the archdukes men, who were slain in the retreat. At night Spinolas men presented themselves before the same place, as if they had an intent to charge again, but seeing the prince's men more resolute than before, they retired. Yet Spinola not satisfied with this assault, having discovered a marish place toward Lapschuyre, where there were no ships in guard, he sent certain men in a boat, who found the place full of stakes and piles, so as there was no means for their boat to pass: one of them cast himself into the water to swim into the town, but being discovered by the sentinel, he returned.  
Their wants were exceeding great within the town; the best bread was made of all sorts 
The great want in the town.  of grain mingled, and the soldiers had three quarters of a pound a day allowed to every one. There was some controversy betwixt the governor and the general of the galleys, for the distribution of bread, for that they gave none unto the galley slaves, who laboured more than the soldiers: they were forced to eat dogs and cats, and sometimes they might hear the women and children make lamentable cries: which made many without fear of danger to come and yield themselves at the prince's camp, who received them courteously, and gave them to eat. In the end, finding that it would make their victuals to last the longer, and would protract his victory, they having also stayed until the extremity, and put him in hazard of a battle, he did forbid them to suffer any more to pass; whereupon three offering to come forth, they made a sign unto them with their hats to retire, the which they refusing to do, they shot at them and slew them. Yet some few days after there came a corporal forth with 12 soldiers, and yielded themselves, to whom they gave their lives.  
The●… made a sally of 40 men on the 14 day of August at night, and being in fight, there came 50 of the archdukes men to join with them; but they found such resistance, as either of them was forced to retire from whence they came, without any great effect. This was done, to get a messenger to pass: and indeed a resolute soldier during the fight, cast himself 
1604  into prince Maurice his trenches, entertaining the sentinel with words, that he might get away; saying, That he was the round: the corporal being come at the sentinels call, demanding the word, he slew him, and so passed on.  
Spinola being well informed of the estate of the town, and seeing that he could not relieve it, nor enter, as he had imagined, he retired in great haste, without sound of drum or trumpet, in the night about 10 of the clock, on the 16 of August: and the same night he went with all speed by Ardenbourg, unto Ostbourg, where, without any stay, he went before S. Katherine's fort, in the which there were 70 soldiers in garrison for the prince; the which he battered, and took by composition. The besieged did their duties▪ and would not yield, until they had filled their ditches with dead men.  
The prince being advertised of Spinola's retreat, he took a certain number of soldiers out of every quarter, and went after him. Spinola seeing himself pursued, put his army into battle, near unto Ostbourg behind a dike. The prince charged him furiously, having given the point unto his musketeers. In the end Spinola was forced to retire, leaving 300 of his men upon the place. The prince lost some ●…0. The same day the prince sent to advertise them of the town that their succours were defeated: and his men burnt Spinola's camp. For all this Spinola fled not, but had another design, meaning to enter into Cadsant, whereas the besieged would have made a bridge. He took S. Philip's fort also by composition, having not then above 4000 men in his army. The prince having observed his design out of Ʋander Noots quarter, went to Coxie, by the which Spinola must pass, sending cont William before, to hinder his passage at a certain small square for't; the which Spinola did charge furiously: and the prince's men made such resistance, as they spent all their powder and shot, defending themselves a good space with their pikes, halberds, and swords; who were in danger to be forced, but for the virtue and valour of cont William (who had withstood the assault in his trenches, on the 6 of August, & now again he performed the duty of a courageous soldier, and a valiant captain, giving a goodly example unto his followers.) In the mean time the prince sent them 4 fresh companies, with powder and shot, the which did so encourage his men, as they repulsed their enemy, and slew three or four hundred upon the place; among the which was the marquess of Renty, of the house of Lalaine and Croy, Alphonso Borgia, a commander of the Spanish foot, and monsieur Maintenon, a French man, with divers other men of command; whose bodies, with the soldiers permission, were ransomed.  
From thence Spinola went and camped before Isendike; but in the end, seeing his number so decreased, and his soldiers so daunted with so many losses, he retired, and effected not any thing, being the 18 of August. The same day the besieged, being without all hope of succours, they sent an It●…ian captain, called Lippin, unto the prince, to demand 6 or 7 days liberty, to 
They of Sluice demand a parley  advertise the archduke of the estate of the town, and to treat of their yielding. To whom the prince answered, That he would give them six weeks, as soon as six days. The women and children stood upon the ramparts, attending the prince's mercy; who refusing to give any time unto the besieged, in the end Lippin besought him to send three hostages into the town, for their securities, that should come the next day out of the town, to treat with him.  
The next day betwixt 8 and 9 of the clock, the prince sent Elst, Eckeren, and a Frenchman, all three captains: and there came unto the camp Lippin, the sergeant mayor of the town, & the earl of Styerems lieutenant; who trifling out the time in long discourses, and impertinent demands, the prince said unto them, Choose one of these conditions, If you deliver up the town 
The princes offers to them of Sluice.  on the 20 of this month, I will suffer you to depart with your arms, matches light, bullets in the mouth, colours flying, and all that belongs unto soldiers. If you attend until the 21, you shall carry away nothing but your swords. And if you stay until the 22, I will have you at my discretion.  
Hereupon two of the deputies, leaving the third in hostage, returned unto the town, with 
The articles of the composition.  these conditions, and the night following they returned, betwixt 11 and 12 of the clock, accepting the first condition: and the articles of accord were as followeth.  
1 That all churchmen might depart with their ornaments, goods, and all that belonged unto them.  
2 That the governor, captains, officers, and soldiers, of what condition soever, as also the captains of galleys, and all other officers and free mariners of the said galleys, might depart 
1604  freely unto Dam, with their baggage, arms, and colours flying, bullets in their mouths, drums sounding, and matches light: and to that end they should have barks and boats to convey them to Dam, for the which they should give hostages, until they returned.  
3 That the governor, and the signior Aurelio Spinola, should be bound to deliver into the hands of such as his Excellency should depute, all the galleys, barks, and frigates, ordnance, powder, and all that belonged unto them: as also the town canon, munition for war, and all other engines and instruments, without any fraud or spoil done unto them.  
4 That the galley slaves should be all set at liber●…ie, without any exception, and it should be lawful for them that would follow the garrison, being once at liberty, to do it freely.  
5 That all prisoners should be delivered without ransom, upon condition, That the governor, and the signior Aurelio Spinola, should procure, that captain Say, having been taken prisoner with the mariners, by them of Boisleduc, & captain jay of Raed, being prisoner with his men in Viluoord, as also the three mariners of Breda, being prisoners at Gant, shall be set at liberty, every one paying a months pay to those that took them, and their charges: or for want thereof, the said Aurelio Spinola, shall promise, upon his faith and word, under his hand and seal, to put himself prisoner into his excellencies hands.  
6 That no man shallbe detained for any debt or money, which the burghers have lent unto the governor and others, the governor promising to give them satisfaction in the town of Bruges.  
7 That all mustermasters, and other officers, which have managed the accounts & paying of soldiers, may also depart freely with their movable goods and papers touching their charges, not taking away any of the charters or registers of the town.  
8 That all officers and commissaries of the victuals, of the admiralty, and of the king of Spain's army shall do the like.  
9 That the governor shallbe bound to deliver the castle this night into his Excellency's hands, that he may put 200 men into it.  
10 That to morrow the garrison shall depart out of the town.  
Made in the camp before Sluice, the 19 of August 1604.  
Behold how the united Estates took this town of Sluice, by prince Maurice, their great captain, and admiral general, even in view of the archdukes army. There were found in it eleven 
What the prince found in the town.  great galleys, whereof 7 were very much shaken (but afterwards repaired by them) the rest were very good and new, with a great number of other sorts of boats; 84 pieces of brass, and 24 of iron, with great store of powder, bullets, and other munition for war; the which made them much stronger, both by sea and land.  
And with these honourable conditions they departed out of Sluice, being about 4200 men, almost hunger starved.  
The Estates after this conquest, being contented for this year with the importance thereof, spent some time in fortifying Sluice, and Isendike, the which they did enlarge more than half, and have made it a good town, with a capable haven: they fortified Ardenbourg also, and other places, in the which they have many Oostends; and so much the stronger, for that they are near one unto another: Besides, these places are more commodious to make war in Flanders, being in the heart of the country, and near unto Bruges, and other greater towns than Oostend, which is in a remote quarter, among the downs and sand hills, the which they might block up with forts, and so leave it, as they did since the year 1599, whereas Sluice is the key of traffic. The news of this loss was soon divulged, the which caused great murmuring, and sudden alterations in the countries thereabouts. In Holland and Zeeland there was nothing but giving of thanks to God, bonfires, banquets, and joy; yea at Oostend (whose end drew near) the soldiers showed their joy with their canons and muskets. In the archdukes country there was nothing but heaviness, the people murmuring, and saying, That what they feared, was come to pass, seeing that Oostend held good after the loss of Sluice. Some did imagine, that the prince would go with his victorious army, and raise the siege of Oostend, and that by means of the intelligences which he had in some towns, he would strangely shake the archdukes affairs: But things fell out otherwise, as we will show.  
The archduke having lost Sluice, resolved to have Oostend, rather to repair his honour and loss, than to reap any fruits of his three years labour, holding that his reputation was 
1604  not in so great danger, as the good of his wives country which he enjoyed; whereas now there was no practice nor invention omitted to take the town: And the besieged, being encouraged by the victory of Sluice, made a wonderful resistance: there was a generous emulation, and miraculous deeds of arms.  
There were divers mines made, which wrought divers effects, sometimes hurtful to the besieged, and sometimes to the assailants. Spinola having made his approaches, by mine and other devices to Sandhill, he resolved to give an assault; but finding the Spaniards unwilling, and to fly from all services, for the envy that they bore unto him and to the Italians, he made choice of the german regiments, under the earls of Folgia, and of Barlaimont, being most of them old soldiers and of great resolution; who after great resistance took Sandhill, and slew all that had not retired in time, the which was a great loss to the besieged: it was said, that Spinola gave unto these soldiers out of his own bounty forty thousand gulderns to drink, with great thanks and commendations.  
The besieged expected succours daily, but they failed them, as there is nothing more doubtful than the events of war. There was great hazard in the relief of Oostend, the which although the siege had been raised, could hardly have been kept, and in the end would have wearied the united Estates, especially wanting succours from England, by reason of the peace concluded betwixt the kings of England and Spain: besides it might be dangerous for the Estates army, if they should fail in their attempt, or receive any affront, whereby there would have grown an inevitable mischief, which was the division and weakening of their army, the which would have given a great advantage unto the enemy: wherefore they resolved to fortify the town of Sluice, with all their army, the importance whereof made them not to apprehend the loss of Oostend.  
The besieged in Oostend having attended succours a month after the taking of Sluice, and had sent often unto the united Estates, and to the prince advertising them in what estate they 
They of Oostend resolve to compound.  were, and that the archdukes Germans had taken a part of the town, from whence in short time they might cut off their haven, and deprive them of the benefit of the sea; they thought that without doing wrong unto their honours, they might lawfully compound with so courageous an enemy: besides they had advice from the prince, to make the most honourable composition they could, being of opinion that the Estates should not charge themselves any longer with that town, seeing they had taken Sluice, which was held of far greater importance, and so many other new forts conquered, the which they must furnish.  
According to which advise monsieur Marquet governor of the town of Oostend, with the council of war, entered into treaty with the marquess Spinola; and having first sent a-away their best ordnance into Zeeland, leaving some only for a show, they yielded the town unto the archduke, leaving it all ruined, and without inhabitants, after a siege of three years 
An honourable composition at Oostend.  and eleven weeks (the which hath not been seen these many hundred years in Christendom) and departed the 22 of September, with their full arms, and marching like soldiers in battle, with four pieces of ordnance, and munition for ten shot, (the most honourable composition that could be) and passing along by Blankenbergh they went unto the prince's camp, being yet about Sluice, busy in his fortifications.  
The archduke having Oostend at command, would needs go see in what estate the town was; whereas they found nothing but hills of earth and trenches, and heaps of stones of the houses and churches which had been ruined with the canon, where they had work enough to repair, so as he was forced to entertain his army there all the rest of the summer, before he could bring it to any good order, and cast down his trenches, with many of the forts. For the repeopling of this town, he granted goodly privileges, and gave land by inheritance to them that would build and inhabit there, with immunity of excises and customs for certain years, and accommodating the garrison as well as he could.  
It is uncertain what numbers were slain during this siege of Oostend, yet it is said, that there was found in a commissaries pocket, who was slain before Oostend the 7 of August before the yielding thereof, divers remarkable notes and obseruarions, and among the rest what number died without in the archdukes camp of every degree.  
Masters of the camp 7. 
1604  Colonels 15. Sergeant majors 29. Captains 565. Lieutenants 1116. Ensigns 322. Sergeants 1911. Corporals 1166. Lanspisadoes 600. Soldiers 54663. Mariners 611. Women and children 119.  
All which amount to 72124 persons.  
Which number is not so great considering the long siege, sickness, and the cold winters upon the sea coast, in so cold a climate, fight against the elements. It is unknown what number died in the town, the which is thought was much less, for that there were not so many in the town, who were better lodged, had more ease, and were better victualled.  
At the same time about three hundred horse of the united estates, made a sudden incursion into the country of Luxembourg, whereas they surprised the town of Arlon, the which they spoiled a whole day together at their pleasures: then carrying away their booty, and many good prisoners, they came to Duyts right against Cologne, where having shipped their goods and prisoners, they sent them by the Rhin into Holland, and they returned by land into the united provinces, to their garrisons.  
The Marquis Spinola having (as we have said) finished the siege of Oostend, and won thereby much honour and reputation, he was sent by the archdukes into Spain, as well to 
The marquess Spinola goes into Spain.  give an account of his actions, as to procure a new provision of money, and to receive the reward of his services from the king; the which were such, as at his audience in the king's chamber, his majesty saluted him with the name of duke of Saint Severino, whereof he gave him the title, he made him lieutenant general to the archdukes in the Netherlands, gave him the earldom of Vogira in the duchy of Milan in Italy, with a pension of twelve thousand crowns a year for his diet; commanding he should be put in the number of the Grandoes of Spain, besides other goodly rewards which the king gave him.  
Sluice being taken, Lodowick Gunther earl of Nassau, who had married the countess of 
The death of Lodowick earl of Nassau.  Walckenstein, and Broeke being sick, died in Sluice: this Lodowick was the son of old john earl of Nassau, and brother to William and Ernest earls of Nassau, being a gallant young earl, and one that was much lamented, having been employed in many great enterprises: and at the same time prince Maurice, and divers others were also sick.  
In remembrance of the long siege of Oostend, and the winning of Sluice, there were certain counters made in the united provinces, both of silver and copper, the one having on the one side the picture of the town of Oostend; and on the other the towns of Rhinberke, Grave, Sluice, Ardenbourgh, and the forts of Isendyke, and Cadsant, with this inscription round about it, Plus triennio obsessa, hostirudera, patriae quatuor ex me urbes dedi. Anno 1604. Oostend being more than three years besieged, gave the enemy a heap of stones, and to her native country four towns. Another counter, having on the one side the siege of Sluice with this inscription. Traxit, duxit, dedit. Anno 1604. On the other side were the arms of Zeeland, and round about it, Beatus populus cuius adiutor deus.  
The town of Vtrecht did also make a triumphant piece of coin, both of gold and silver, where on the one side stood the siege of Oostend, and on the other the siege of Sluice, all the forts and havens, and on both sides round about was graven, jehova prius dederat plus quam perdidimus. 1604.  
The king of England being quietly seated in the royal possession of the crown, the king of Spain, and the archdukes had sent their ambassadors into England to make an overture of a peace (as we formerly showed) and this year, on the nineteenth of May certain commissioners came into England to that end, during the siege of Oostend and Sluice: for the Archdukes came the earl of Arembergh, sir john Richardot precedent, and sir Lewis Vereycken, secretary of estate; and for the king of Spain came Alexander Rovido, doctor and councillor for the king in Milan, who had in his company as an assistant Martin de la Falia, Baron Van Nivele: but Dom joan Fernandes de Velasco, Constable of Castilia and Leon, duke of Frias, ea●… of Hara etc. councillor of estate, and for the wars, had only full power and authority to conclude for the king of Spain; who remaining sick at Wynoxberghen in Flanders, by virtue of his commission, gave authority to joan Baptista Taxis earl of Villa Mediana, and to doctor Rovido to treat. What followed in this treaty, I think it needless to insert here, being so well known to every man. 
1604   
After the conclusion of this peace betwixt England, Spain, and the archdukes, the general Estates of the united provinces called sir Noel Charon their agent (than resident in England) to come home into Holland, and to acquaint them with the estate of England since the peace with Spain; whereupon the king gave him letters of recommendation, with certain instructions concerning the money which was owing by the united provinces unto the crown of England, the king desiring that ambassadors should be sent over unto him to that end, the which was done accordingly. The general Estates returned sir Noel Charon back into England, giving him the title of their ambassador, and commission to carry himself so in all places: the 
The united provinces give their Agent in England, the title of their ambassador. The Spanish ambassador complains of it.  which made many to wonder, and the Spanish ambassador to storm, who presently demanded audience, and made his complaint unto the king of the wrong was thereby done unto the king his master, who was dishonoured thereby, contrary to the league and friendship which was then betwixt them, desiring that all access unto the court in that quality, might be denied him, as being sent from such persons as had traitorously fallen from their lord & sovereign prince, with many other bitter words, and full of spleen. To whom the king of England made answer, That he was not yet informed of any such matter, and that when as he should be fully certified thereof, he would make him an honourable and a reasonable answer: and afterwards upon conference with his council, he told the Spanish ambassador, that he had no knowledge of the Estates resolution, but yet he thought it good to let him know, that by the contract of peace made with Spain, all neutrality with the Netherlands was allowed him: saying moreover, that as he was no author of their separation from Spain, so would he not break the league and friendship, that he found his kingdom to have made with them; neither was it for him to censure the errors and faults of the Estates, (if there were any) nor 
The king's answer.  to make answer for them: showing him further, that he was not restrained by the contract from giving audience unto any of their servants, in what quality, or howsoever they would name him, leaving that to their discretions: and that he would show himself unto them, as he had been accustomed to do: and that it was no wonder if he followed the example of other princes, who would not do any thing that was inconvenient, and not beseeming their mutual friendship, who had already received their servants by the names of ambassadors, and sent theirs unto them, with the like titles. With which answer the Spanish ambassador contented himself.  
This year in May Peter Ernest earl of Mansfeld, governor of Luxembourg, died in the 
Death of Ernest earl of Mansfeld.  Netherlands, a man who in his life time had been in many honourable employments: and for that he was one who had managed many causes in the Netherlands, I thought it fit to make a brief relation of his life.  
He was borne in the year 1517, and brought up in the court of Ferdinando king of the Romans, and afterwards emperor: at 18 years of age, in the year 1535, he was with the emperor 
His life.  Charles the 5, at the siege of Thunis, and was carver to the emperor: in the year 1543, he came into the Netherlands, and commanded a company of horse before Landresie: in the year 1544, he was made lieutenant colonel of 1000 horse, under the baron of Brederode, and had a company of 200 horse for himself: in the year 1545, he was made governor of the dukedom and earldom of Chiny and Namur: in the year 1546, he was made knight of the order of the golden fleece. Not long after in the French wars he overthrew 1200 French foot and horse, having but 50 horse in the forward of the emperors army before Aspremont, and afterward took the said castle of Aspremont: in the year 1552. being sent by Marie queen of Hongarie regent of the Netherlands, as General of the army into France, he took the towns of Astenay, Montfalcon, Grenu, Pree, and others: after that being in the town of jocoy, he was besieged and wounded, and the town being taken, he was led prisoner into France, where he remained five years; and in the year 1557, he was set free upon a great ransom. The same year he was sent ambassador from the emperor to an assembly of the princes in Germany. He was made marshal over the Dutch regiments before Saint Quintin's, where, in that battle he gave the first charge, and overthrew the enemy, where he was twice shot in the thigh: some hold opinion, that if he had not been, the battle had not been given, nor yet won: in the year 1558, he was marshal of the field in the king of Spain's army before dourlan's, where the king of Spain was himself in person. In the year 1565, he was sent by the king of Spain with a sleet of ships into Portugal, to fetch the prince of 〈◊〉 
1604  bride from Lisbon, whom he brought into the Netherlands. In the year 1566, in the beginning of the troubles in the Netherlands, he was by the duchess of Parma made governor of Brussels; and was a means to moderate the said troubles. In the year 1567., he pacified 〈◊〉 troubles in antwerp, and continued governor there until the coming of the duke of Alva: after which time he did convey the duchess of Parma unto Plaisance in Italy. In the year 1569, he was sent into France by the king of Spain, to aid the French king against the Huguenots, where he won great honour at the battle of Montcounter, where he had his right arm lamed. In the duke of Alua's time he had the charge of 2000 horse in Luxembourg, when as the prince of Orange was before Berghen in Henault. In the great commanders time he was marshal of the camp, and commanded over 2000 horse, at such time as Lodovike earl of Nassau was slain at Mockerheide. In the time of the Estates government, he was with others of the counsel of estate, taken by the tumultuous people, and committed to prison, where he remained five months, with great hazard of his life, being in danger to be murdered by the multitude. In Dom john of Austria's time (when as a peace was made, and the Spaniards to depart out of the Netherlands) he had charge to convey a great number of them into Italy. After that, the peace being broken, he took part with Dom john, and so continued until his death. In the prince of Parma's time, he was marshal of the field, at the siege of Mastricht; and after that he went with some troops into Gueldres: then he was sent into Henault, and made governor of Arthois, Henault, Ryssel, and Dovay (until that the prince of Parma had performed the contract made with them) where he took Cortrick, the castle of Quesnoy, Mortaigne, Saint Amant etc. In the said duke of Parma's time, he was sent thrice to field, and took Bouchain, Nivelles, Villevoorden, etc. He was with the duke of Parma at the siege of antwerp, and did help to recover Coesteins' dike from the Zeelanders; who had taken it from the duke of Parma. He was twice chosen lieutenant governor and general of the Netherlands, and of Bourgoigne, and was governor general after the duke of Parma's death, wherein he continued, by commission from the king of Spain, until the coming of Ernestus archduke of Austria; after whose death, in the year 1594, he was again made governor for a time. And in the year 1597, under cardinal Albertus' government, he was made marshal of the field; the which he did execute, although he had been governor himself. Being very old, he retired himself into his government of Luxembourg, and there died, being 87 years old. His body was buried in his chapel, by the old cloister of Saint Francis, in the town of Luxembourg. He married with Marguerite, daughter to the baron of Brederode, by whom he 
His children:  had three sons and one daughter: the first was Charles earl of Mansfeldt▪ a gallant soldier, who died in Hongarie (serving under the emperor against the Turk) without issue. His second son was slain in a quarrel betwixt him and the vicont of Gant. The third son was Octavius, earl of Mansfeldt, who was slain before Knodsenbourg sconce. His daughter married, against his will, with Palimedes', bastard to Rene of Chalon, earl of Nassau, who was slain before Saint Desir, and in his mother's right was called prince of Orange and of Chalon. This Palimedes' had two sons, both which served under the archduke, the one dying of a wound which he had received; and the other being a colonel, was in suit with the bastard son of Peter Ernest, earl of Mansfeldt, touching the inheritance.  
This year, during the winter time, the provinces under the archduke, sought to have the 
The archduke will no: suff●…r the general Estates of Brabant to assemble.  general Estates assembled at Brussels; the which the archduke would not allow, for that the united provinces had written unto the chief towns in Brabant and Flanders, advertising them of certain designs of the archdukes: which letters were discovered by some of them unto the archduke, whereupon he did forbid the receiving of any such letters; commanding they should be brought sealed unto him, which bred certain jealousies and distrusts, for that many had given him advice, not to suffer the general Estates to assemble, who without doubt would propound such matters unto him, as he should be forced to yield unto them; the which might be some blemish to his honour and reputation: whereof they of Holland had intelligence, by certain letters which had been intercepted, whereof they did advertise the rest: so as the assembly of the general Estates would not be tolerated: yet every province assembled apart in their own jurisdictions. Out of Brabant they sought to have three hundred thousand gulderns, which at the first the bishops and prelates (in the name of the whole clergy) flatly denied, until they did see better order in the government, and better discipline among 
1604  the soldiers. They of Brussels refused to pay chimney money, and so did they of Flanders: but there was some hope of a peace, and to that end certain articles of peace were dispersed abroad, as if they had come from the king of Spain; and at that time there were both letters and ambassadors sent to the Hage in Holland. It was also reported that the marquess Spinola at his coming into Spain, had 300 thousand gulderns a month promised him by the king, with other sums of money to pay the mutynous soldiers, and for the entertainment of the archdukes court: wherewith the Estates and the common people were put in good comfort, & so contented themselves for a time. The archduke with the help he had from the provinces that were under his command, and by means of certain bills of exchange that were come 
The archduke prepares to war.  unto him, he began to make preparation for the war, for the year following▪ the which was very great, making new levies of soldiers, both in Spain, Naples, Milan, Germany, & the Wallon provinces, as also in England, Scotland & Ireland: which according to the treaty of peace made with England, might not be denied him.  
The united provinces began also to think upon their preparations, for that upon the 16 of 
The united proviaces prepare for war.  October past the council of estate had informed the general Estates what was to be done concerning the wars: desiring that an army might be sent to field in the beginning of the nextspring, whereby they might fortify such places as they had gotten in Flanders: as also that some course might be taken for the payment of all their arrearages of debts, the which could not be discharged the year before, for that their receipts were less than their disbursements; and therefore they were grown indebted, the which must necessarily be paid: and although their great charge for the defence of Oostend, then ceased; yet they must fortify their places in Flanders, and pursue their victory, keeping the enemy occupied with an army in field, who gave out that they would invade the united provinces with two armies together: wherefore they desired, that the ordinary taxation of the 7 provinces might be collected, in the which three parts of Gelderland with Buren and Zutphen were accounted for one province. They also required 600 thousand gulderns extraordinary, for wagons and horses to draw them, and other charges of the army for six months, with three hundred thousand gulderns for the fortifications. That Ardenbourg was to be fortified with nine sconces lying about Coxie, Cathalyne, Oostbourg, and one by the house of Wield, and a halfmoon consisting of three bulwarks before Sluice, with divers other small sconces; for the which they demanded three hundred thousand gulderns; and for warehouses and other necessaries for them, other three hundred thousand gulderns. They required also three hundred thousand gulderns for the payment of the interest, wherewith the Receiver general stood charged.  
There was a demand of 4 stivers upon every barrel of beer, to be paid by them that drew it, and twenty stivers upon every barrel of salt, towards the payment of the money due to the king of England; as also to have consideration of the general interest, and that they would continue the conuoy●…s & licences. To aid the admiralty with 400 thousand gulderns, which they were in arrearages, notwithstanding all booties and prizes. That they would consent unto 8000 gulderns for Drenthe, and 1300 gulderns a month for Linghen; all reparations to be therein contained. That the impost for salt, should be paid by the panman, with the passports and convoys: and the money coming thereof to be collected into one purse. That the contributions of Holland and Zeeland, should be collected, and the money brought in before December: and that the provinces might not be brought into any arrearages.  
To this end upon the first of November, the Estates sent unto the provinces to gather the monthly contribution, as followeth viz. of Gelderland & Zutphen monthly 28286 gulderns 2 stivers, 7 deniers; of Holland, 337646 gulderns, 4 stivers, 8 deniers; Zeeland, 83029 gulderns, 4 stivers, 5 deniers; Vtrecht, 35131 gulderns, 18 stivers, 7 deniers; Frizeland, 69721 gulderns, 16 stivers, 11 deniers; Oueryssel, 16770 gulderns, 1 stiver, 8 den. Groningue, 39271 gulderns, 16 stivers, 2 deniers; Drenthe, 5368 gulderns, 4 stivers; Linghen, 2792 gulderns, 6 stivers, 8 deniers; Wed, 350 gulderns. All which amounts (not accounting Drenthe, nor Linghen) unto 609877 gulderns, 7 stivers, and 2 deniers; which is the ordinary contribution of the united Estates monthly, not accounting the admiralty, nor other forcible impositions upon extraordinary causes: so as it seemed the united provinces had resolved to make an offensive war the next year, and to that end they raised 100 new companies of foot, more than they had in 
1604  pay before, with 36 cornets of horse: besides, they had contracted with the marquess of Auspach, for 1000 Dutch reisters to be newly levied. They did also expect great aid from the French king: they of France advising them to go early to field, with 170 or 200 companies of foot, and 36 or 40 cornets of horse, that they might attempt something before the marquess Spinola were ready. And this was their design for the year following.  
This winter and the precedent, there were great means made to procure a peace in the Netherlands, especially by the emperor and the house of Austria, who did affect it the more in regard of the division of the empire; and the rather for that France and England had now abandoned the united provinces, but especially for that the empire was much troubled with the Turkish wars, the which might be aided by the soldiers of both parties, if they could be once reconciled: the let whereof was imputed to the united provinces. for the archduke seemed tractable, and willing to yield to any reasonable conditions, so as he might retain the sovereignty. But being ready to enter into a treaty of peace, and the provinces under the archdukes government in good hope thereof, the bad government in Hongarie and Transiluania bred an open rebellion; so as Stephanus Botschkay took upon him to be their leader: and besides this disordered government, bad pay & mutiny of the soldiers, they sought by means of the jesuits, to force men's consciences, and to alter their long reformed religion in so dangerous a time, of civil and foreign wars; and for that cause they grounded their rebellion upon the same foundation, which the Netherlanders had done, as breach of privileges, government of strangers, and constraint of conscience, the which gave cause of suspicion unto the Emperor, and the king of Spain.  
In the mean time there were many things propounded how a peace might be made: the 
Certain considerations of peace, being very weighty, containing three points. The first.  which for that it is a matter of great importance, I have thought it fit to be inserted. One terming himself a Netherlander, & yet dwelling out of those countries, sets down his opinion in three special points, and first concerning the bad government of the united provinces: Secondly, that they will not be still able to continue the wars: and thirdly, that they shallbe forced to submit themselves under Spain, France or England. Of these 3 points he maketh a long discourse; and also of the forces and qualities of each one in particular. If any man would argue and maintain that it were the best course to yield the countries over to prince Maurice, in regard of his great services done for the same, with perpetual confederation and league with France and England, thereby to defend and support the said provinces: he was of opinion that it would be too difficult a matter for prince Maurice to undertake so great a quarrel with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland; and that they which are so well seated, and at this present in the government would not willingly give their consents, unless they were forced thereunto by the said kings. Therefore he setteth down a means how to settle the archdukes after another manner in the said Netherlands: which if it were not found good & convenient, than they should devise how to further prince Maurice in this design. The means he speaketh of are, That seeing the king of Spain and the archdukes are so united, as they are not to be trusted in regard of the maxim of pias frauds, holy deceits, that therefore to bring the 17 provinces into a perfect union, they must procure the kings of France and England to be mediators to the king of Spain to yield up all his right absolutely unto the archdukes, upon pain of breaking the league with them: the emperor also, in regard of affinity, & France, must likewise resign all manner of pretences, upon condition that their heirs males (after the manner of the Salic law) by this or any other marriage of them both, and no other, shall succeed; and that after both their deaths without heirs males, that neither the king of Spain, nor the emperor (in regard of their great suspected powers) should inherit the Netherlands, but it should descend to the rest of the heirs males of the emperors Ferdinand & Maximilian, with the like conditions: and if it so fell out, that the said successor in the Netherlands were chosen to be emperor, he should then likewise give over his title to the Netherlands, unto the next heirs males of the same house: and that if the whole house of Austria should chance to die, and be extinct, only the emperor and the king of Spain remaining, in that case it should be lawful for the said provinces to choose themselves another prince, where they pleased; that all the Netherlands might continue under one Lord and Prince.  
It should be also necessary that the king of Spain should give security for the effecting thereof unto one of the two kings aforesaid; which if he refused, than the said kings of England 
1604  & France with the Netherlands should force him thereunto, with the consent of the emperor; which he affirmeth is easy to be done, by many reasons by him alleged; & for that cause men must take heed of the Jesuits maxims, or subtle fetches. He also maketh answer to many arguments objected to the contrary by the Spaniards, who would not endure to be cut off from their patrimonial inheritance: but Christian peace ought to persuade him thereunto, that so he may employ all his power against the Turk: therewith he setteth down certain articles to be observed in this peace, which are 6 in number; which if the king of Spain will not agree unto, and that the said articles were not liked on either part, than the kings of France and England, shall seek to put the said countries (if it were possible) into the hands of prince Maurice of Nassau; but the other contract with the archdukes (he saith) were better: he showeth moreover, what profit all Christendom may expect and attend by the said peace, wherein we should neither fear pope nor jesuit, but call a general council, whether it were with the good liking or otherwise of the pope; and according to the decrees thereof, to begin a war against the Turk, in such order as monsieur la Nove describeth, whereunto all other princes would willingly give consent: and by that means the golden world would begin again.  
Another being a catholic and under the archdukes government setteth down certain reasons for a peace, as followeth. He showeth the strength of the united provinces which are compassed in with the seas, and great rivers that are navigable, having great store of shipping, 
The second reason to move men unto a peace, made by a catholic under the archduke.  therewith to provide them of all things necessary: and on the other side he setteth down the difficulties whereunto the provinces under the archdukes command, are subject: As that their soldiers can hardly live or get any thing from such an enemy, but would be over chargeable to their own country: that the aid which they had out of Spain was great in show, but in effect small, and was most of it drawn from the uttermost parts of Italy, and the deepest parts of Spain, and that many times it was intercepted by the way, and being come, it did melt like snow against the sun; that by protracting of the soldiers pay, mutinies did arise. That the united provinces are always first in the fields, and that they could thereby give the first onset: that Spain of itself is poor, that the Hollanders took his gold, silver, and traffic from him at the Indies: that his mines are drawn dry: that the young king is not so sparing as his father; and so his charges are greater, and by that, means money grew scant, and mutinies daily increased, so as to pacific the soldiers, and to give them some contentment (besides their robbing and spoiling of the country) they are often paid twelve or fifteen stivers a day for a footman, and four & twenty stivers a horseman, & not any other are full paid unless they mutiny; so as there hath not been any governor, but that hath had 2 or 3 mutinies in his time. He showeth that since the archdukes government there have been 20 mutinies; as at Diest, Ardres, Carpen, Caleis, La Chapelle, Weert, Chastelet, Dorleans, Cambray, the castle of antwerp, the forts of Saint Andrew and Creveoecur, the ships in the river of Scheld, in 2 forts upon the Scheld, the Sas of Gant, Sluice, Hulst, Hochstraten, and the fort of Isabella before Oostend, etc. and that these mutinies were likely to increase, for that they make no musters, as they were wont to do, allowing the soldiers 4 stivers a day: which the old soldiers perceiving seek to mutiny, thereby to be paid the rest of their account; and when they are paid, they will be sure to have security for their money received, or else fearing punishment, they run away, knowing that they may expect no preferment.  
Furthermore, he setteth down the Spaniards high minds, who will rather see the Netherlands go to ruin, than they will yield; adding withal, that there is no likelihood of peace to be made by men of several religions, for that they had lately caused a poor woman to be buried quick, having been better to have banished her, seeing she could neither teach nor preach.  
Touching the attaining to a peace, by means of the wars; their mighty neighbours would not endure it, the Spaniards high mind being suspected by all the princes of Europe: and that although the Hollanders were forsaken of all other princes, yet it was to be seen by the defence made in Oostend, what a task it would be to vanquish them, most of their forts, lying on the sea coast, the which can hardly be besieged, or kept from relief.  
To conclude, seeing that he perceived nothing else but disorder and despair, he feared that the French trumpets would in the end suddenly awaken them, the causes of wars being as great between both the kings as ever; which he showeth by likelihoods of enterprises, by covert 
1604  pretences and reasons to move them thereunto, and what were to be feared if the French men should once show themselves upon the frontiers; how hardly could it be prevented, but that upon some conditions they would put themselves into the French kings hands, & so they should presently be enclosed by the enemy, as by the Hollanders and the sea, and by the French men, having nothing but Luxemburgh open, which might easily be shut up; so as there were no aid to be expected but from heaven, which doth not open every day to show forth miracles: but setting miracles aside, he asketh, where they should have corn to to bake and brew withal, if the plough go not, and where should they get salt, wine, & munition if France were stopped; so as they should then be as in a town besieged.  
That the Hollanders seeking their own profit, and winning certain towns by force would alter the catholic Romish religion, which ought to be upheld by all the means that may be.  
These things notwithstanding, yet he doubted not so much of the matter, as long as there was one that knocked at their door (meaning the French king) finding it in no sort convenient for the provinces under the archdukes command, to agree with the Hollanders alone, doubting the success of the duke of Anjou; but with a mightier power, who should be able to give them peace, and to maintain it, and to chase away the Spanish garrisons: wherefore he counseleth them (to prevent such mischiefs as threaten to fall upon them, to hold the catholic Romish religion, & to enjoy an assured peace) to put the country into the French kings hands, whereunto they should find the Hollanders both ready and willing; and although the Hollanders would not agree thereunto, yet they should be united to so mighty a king, who would be able to defend them: and for that the same had in times past been moved unto him, it was not to be doubted.  
That the Spaniards (only interessed herein) were far from them, & had lost the passage out of Italy, by means of the peace made with Savoy: that they had garrisons but in 9 places, as in the castle of antwerp, Gant, and the Sas, Hertogenbusch, Nieuport, Oostend, Duremond, Cambray, Ruremond, & Dixmuyden, & that in some of them there were but few spaniards; in other some they were mixed with other soldiers, and in the rest the inhabitants were the strongest; and that of all those places there were but three that were strong, yet would they not be able to withstand so mighty a king. In this sort he imbaseth the archdukes forces, to whom he ascribeth many spiritual virtues, but with some imperfections, who with the Infanta without children, would be well content to be unburdened thereof. The great gravity of the house of Austria, hindereth him from being familiar with his subjects, and thereby much diminisheth his authority.  
He saith further, that all Christendom (except Spain) would like of that proceeding, and it would make traffic and trade of merchandise to flourish throughout all Europe.  
Furthermore that the two mighty and disunited kings, after the uniting of these countries could not well hurt or prejudice each other, as they did in times past, having the Pirenean mountains and the sea for their frontiers; and so they would suffer Christendom to live in peace, and convert their forces against our common enemy the Turk: That the Netherlands should depend & adhere unto an assured government, in regard of the Salic law, without being subject to change: That the Frenchmens natures are better to be endured than the Spaniards & agree better with the Netherlands: and that such conditions might be made, as all difficulties should be prevented, and their privileges maintained, yea increased.  
Touching religion, it was well seen & apparent, how orderly they are dealt withal in France, without forcing any man's conscience; which in truth hath bought more men into the right way, than ever any force or violence (used to that end) did.  
To conclude, he extolleth the fruits of peace, traffic and trade of merchandise: and touching the trade into the Indies, he referreth that to the Hollanders & Zeelanders themselves.  
That all preferments, governments, states and offices of the country, which now are in the hands of Spaniards, and other strangers, should be granted to none but natural borne subjects of those countries. To be short, he saith, that the Netherlands should not be given to France, but rather France to the Netherlands, and that there were neither walls nor forts that could separate the mutual league and friendship of France and the Netherlands. This is their opinion, that would greedily join the Netherlands unto France. A third person, naming 
1604  himself a stranger, and an upright indifferent party, who had nothing to win nor to lose in the 
The third discourse touching peace in the 〈◊〉, made by an indifferen●… party.  Netherlandss, setteth down his opinion, touching peace, excusing his boldness, and divides his propositions into 3 points. The first, Why both parties ought to seek after peace: The second showeth divers means that are and may be produced to attain unto peace: The third, showing which should be the best means, and wherefore they are not to be rejected by neither of the parties.  
Touching the first, he makes a learned discourse, to show the necessary use of peace and unity. After war, peace ought to follow, although it cost both parties dear, and therefore reason and necessity ought to move men thereunto. The Turk ought to be withstood, and the tumults of Hongarie pacified. The events of the Netherlanders long continued wars, aught to make them wise, after so many battles, and towns won and lost; and so many enterprises made both by land & by sea, without any end. The Netherlands is a theatre of war and civil broils. That men had seen the siege of Oostend continue so long, so furious, fierce, and bloody, as it seemed unnatural, and our successors would hardly believe it, neither can we read of any such; both parties being so earnest and resolute, as if the success thereof would have ended those wars. That at the last the united provinces had lost Oostend, but on the other side, they had profited so much thereby, as they had won 3 or 4 towns, and more forts, for it; and could annoy Flanders more than ever they did before. He saith, it is true, that the K. of Spain is a mighty prince of many countries & kingdoms, that he hath great alliances with the Romish Catholics, and hath great numbers of men, and good soldiers, so as the Hollanders themselves confess, that they are not able to master him by force, and yet strong enough to withstand him, and to defend themselves: but on the other side we must acknowledge, that Holland and Zeeland, etc. in men's judgements are invincible countries, in regard of their watery situation, being inhabited by a people accustomed to the seas, and who by land fear not the Spaniards. And although the countries are but small, yet they are able to raise great sums of money, drawing all other merchants for trade unto them, by means of their merchandise and seafaring. Adding thereunto, their traffic into the Indies, the which increaseth daily, so as now they care not for the prohibition of trade into Spain or Portugal. And as they have good store of money, so they have a great number of good soldiers and commanders, with less charge than their enemies. They are not likewise without friends, both Catholics & Protestants, which repine at the greatness of Spain: and although the kings of France and England have peace with the archdukes, yet they would not willingly endure the Spanish government there. Both parties that make wars, may take Germany and France for an example, where they may see, that religion will not be planted by the sword; being forced, at the last, to let every man serve God in peace, as they would afterwards yield account for the same, and without scandalising one another: whereby they found themselves best at ease, and by that means kept their men, wealth, and trades, at home in their own country. The Spaniards mistake themselves, to think to settle the Catholic Romish religion only, in the Netherlands, & to chase away the Protestants with the Spanish Inquisition: the Netherlanders are of another nature. The learned are of opinion, That by force and constraint, men may make many hypocrites and Atheists, but no true Christians. The Spaniards are persuaded, that the united provinces will be weary of the wars, and that the common people (being to much burdened with taxes and impositions) will take arms, and compel the Estates to make peace; but the hope thereof is small, so long as they in Holland, Zeeland, etc. (living in the heat of war) flourish, & become as rich as if it were peace: And although they pay great contributions, yet they sell their wares accordingly, with good gain, and reasonable vent. And although there are some that are discontented, yet the number of them is but small. But to the contrary, they of the united provinces, are in good hope, that the provinces under the archdukes command, will not be able any longer to bear their great burdens: for besides the great exactions and oppressions of the soldiers, on both sides, the sea and navigation is for the most part taken from them, whereby the inhabitants growing poor, at the last they must seek some means to free themselves of the Spanish government: But that is prevented, first by the great power of Spain; secondly, by reason of the jealousy betwixt the archdukes and the united provinces; and thirdly, by the diligence of the clergy, being against it, as bishops, preachers, and Jesuits, who forbid the people, upon pain of damnation, not to join with heretics. Many make them believe, that the Hollanders (being 
1604  masters) would either by policy or power, chase away the Catholics, and bring in the Reformed religion. Thus much for the first point.  
Touching the 2, How to find means to attain to a peace, he saith, That the King of Spain had called the united provinces to meet at Cologne, in anno 1579, and makes mention of the the principal articles treated of at that time: and how as then the provinces of the Netherlands would have had the authority of the general Estates established, and the religious peace maintained, according to the pacification of Gant: and so they granted to acknowledge the king for their sovereign lord. But since that time the case was altered, the provinces by extremities and long wars, being estranged one from the other, since the murder of the prince of Orange, so as now there was no dealing with Holland, etc. to acknowledge the K. of Spain, or the archduke, for their sovereign: for that they think it not good, to lose their freedom which they have so happily gotten; and that if they must of force do it, they had rather submit themselves into the hands of any other prince, than under Spain or the archduke, whom they durst not trust, as being hardly induced to believe, that princes can forget forepast injuries. Whereupon he asketh, If a peace than will never be made, and the shedding of Christians blood never restrained, the which (to the great prejudice of their neighbours) had continued these 40 years? If there were any appearance, that the archduke in 10 years space, could find the means to overcome the Hollanders, it were an easy matter to let him go on in the recovery of his right: but if we should attend until the one or the other party were vanquished, we should expect an endless work. The united provinces offer to make peace with the provinces under the archdukes command, not comprehending the archdukes, or the K. of Spain therein, against whom they say, they will defend themselves, as long as they assail them; but that it is not pleasing unto the other provinces: neither would it be a full and effectual peace, but in the end breed an alteration, the king persisting to recover his right, by all the means he can. There might be a truce or abstinency from war, made for 10, 20, or 30 years, until the spleen and hatred of both parties were somewhat cooled and appeased: or else that a continual abstinence from wars on both sides, might be concluded, each holding that he hath: and so live in peace and friendship together, keeping garrisons upon their frontiers, the king & the archduke surceasing their pretensions, until that God sent them other means; living in peace, as France and Spain do, the French king leaving his kingdom of Navarre in the king of Spain's hands. Touching truce or abstinence from war, it were to be doubted, that the united provinces would not trust them; and the other means were very good, if the king and the archduke would hearken thereunto. But he saith, there is yet another means to end these bloody wars, which had overthrown and ruined so many towns, and been the loss of so many souls and bodies, whereunto all the Estates proceedings ought to tend, and put to their helping hands. Old diseases require other manner of cures than new: there must be a means found, that should be acceptable unto either party. He acknowledgeth, That the united provinces, and namely Catholics themselves are wholly estranged from the king of Spain, so that neither he nor his house is not to expect any good service at their hands, for a long time. They have experience of their own country's forces: they have learned that which they knew not, and now were used to live in freedom, and not accustomed unto the yoke. They daily read and hear their fathers tell, what fearful cruelties have been used against them, and executed upon their forefathers, friends, and companions, which is the cause of new hatreds, and strengtheneth their rebellion: and, to be brief, their children suck hatred against the Spaniards, from their mother's breasts. What then shall the king of Spain and the archdukes do with such rebels? shall they (for their pleasures) always live in arms, and troubles, unprofitably spending their treasures and revenues? and shall a Spaniard say, That the king shall rather hazard and adventure all his kingdoms and power, than leave or lose his right? But we must answer with a politic & true reason, and say, If men stand so much upon their right, why go they not to recover Thunis and Goletta again? All honours and dominions have their casual fortunes and periods. The empire of Rome might well afford to have that which belongeth unto it. The time was when Spain had not those large limits 
Note.  which now it hath: who can say, or tell, whether he shall hold it still? God giveth, and God taketh. The house of Austria long since made great wars against the Switsers, to bring them under their subjection again, but at the last they thought it better to leave their right, than to labour in vain, and to lose both men and money. And if every man would seek for 
1604  his right with all extremity, who should live in peace? But he saith, He would not that the king and the archdukes should simply resign their right (although neither the one nor the other ever yet possessed or enjoyed any thing in Holland or Zeeland) but would rather have them to imitat the example of the children of Albert duke of Saxony; who, after that their father & they had long made war against them of Groningue, finding that they were still to begin again, having to do with a stiff rebellious people, they esteemed them unworthy to be accounted their subjects, and so sold them for a great sum of ready money, unto the emperor Charles 5, with all the rights they had unto them, & returned into their country of Mesnia, there to live in peace. In like manner the K. of Spain, being so much incensed against the united provinces, as he cannot affect them; what can he do better, than by mediation of the kings of France and England, or of the princes of the empire, or by means of the provinces which are under his command, than to purchase a peace unto himself? that is, he should compound with those of the united provinces, for a good sum of money, whereof the interest might yearly amount unto as much, as in times past the united provinces did yearly pay unto the king towards his wars: and so to let them live in peace and freedom, renouncing all right which he pretends over them. Themistocles once gave profitable counsel unto them of Athens, but for that it was not honourable, it was by Aristides advice rejected. Now if this counsel be found both honourable and profitable for both parties, why should it be rejected?  
Touching the united provinces, he saith, That he saw no reason to the contrary, why they should refuse it; but the K. of Spain and the archdukes would not so easily be drawn unto it, although they had no great reason to reject it. Would it not be very profitable for him, to receive a great sum of money (which should be paid at certain days, with interest for that which should not be presently paid) of the united provinces, for the redemption of their freedoms; whereby he should peaceably enjoy the revenues of the other provinces, the which by means of a peace, would be enriched by trade and traffic, and so save the great charges of continual wars? The king of Spain and the archdukes should thereby have means to gather great treasures, wherewith (in stead of the united provinces, which is but a small continent of ground) they might go and conquer new countries and kingdoms upon the enemies of Christendom. Concerning the honourableness of this action, it were no disgrace at all, but a great honour and commendation for them, throughout all Christendom, that for the good and welfare of Christendom, they had made a peace, and ended the miseries of war, washing away the tears and blood of poor men, and giving them cause to praise and thank God, and to pray for their prosperities and welfares. For as men esteem the king's power to be great, to seek his right by arms, so would it tend to his greater reputation and honour, that he had yielded freely thereunto, without any compulsion, only in regard of the common welfare and peace. He said further, That he had heard, that this king of Spain's father, before his death, had resolved, to end these wars by some means or other; and that he saw no better course. But if it should be alleged to the contrary, That hereby men counsel the provinces to disjoin themselves one from another: answer might be made, That they had already been disunited many years, without any means of reconcilement: and that the Netherlands had not always been united, some of them having been purchased: and therefore he might sell them again. And if any man would object, That others might follow the example of the Hollanders: answer may be made, That let them first strive and withstand the king's forces forty years together, and then let them speak. The king of Spain also having peace with the united provinces, and no enemy in Christendom, will be more respected than he is now.  
This was the counsel of this peacemaker, concluding with a petition unto the prelates, noblemen, and magistrates, representing the Estates, That they would put their helping hands thereunto, or else find out some better means, which might as easily be effected by either party.  
Thus have I declared, as briefly as I can, the advice of these three counsellors unto peace, the first being one that is fled out of those countries, who would have the archdukes settled there by authority of the neighbour kings. The second a Romish Catholic, who to assure the Romish religion, would have the Netherlanders give themselves to the French king, and drive the Spanish forces beyond the mountains. The third being a neutral person, would have the united provinces, to buy their freedom of the king of Spain or the archdukes. 
1604   
How these propositions of peace like the parties that are in arms one against the other, the reader may judge by that which on both sides hath since ensued, each party seeking to do as he thinketh good; for that at the same time there were certain articles, to the number of 27, both printed & written, published abroad in the united provinces, and in the other countries under the archdukes government, especially, as it is thought, to procure the provinces under the archdukes command, to live in better hope, and more quietness, attending peace, through the mediation of France and England; as also to disappoint the assembly of the general Estates. Which articles being presumed to be set forth by the archdukes procurement, at the same time there was an admonition written, and sent out of Holland, to persuade the people, not to credit any such feigned and devised articles, which were made but for a show. Which admonition, for that it showeth the truth of all the proceedings and causes of the wars, with their circumstances, I thought it good to insert, being as followeth.  
It seemeth (O Netherlands) that this year you shallbe hardly assailed, both by politic counsel, 
The admonition unto the united provinces, against peace.  and by force of arms, and that the archduke Albertus of Austria, will employ his power to vanquish you, and all cunning practices to cirumvent you: but you need not fear his power, as having felt the uttermost force thereof, and valiantly withstood it: but in regard of cunning practices, I thought it convenient to give you some counsel and forewarning, as being so much the more to be feared, seeing they come not openly, but will covertly and secretly undermine you. There is much spoken of the archduke and the Infanta's good natures, and of the inward affection and love, which they bear unto these countries; and that now you ought to lay aside all mistrust and jealousy, in that you shall not have to do with a Spaniard, but with a natural borne German prince; not with a king, who dwelling far from you, knows little of you, and therefore respecteth you the less, and who, in regard of his great power, you fear and are in doubt of; but with a prince, who shall dwell both with you, and amongst you, as a father with his children, who hath no other country than this, no other treasure nor riches, but that which he shall receive from your hands, and therefore will not rely upon his own force and riches, but upon the hearts and love of his subjects, as the ground and foundation of his greatness, who will govern according to the privileges and ancient liberties of the country, and will force no man's conscience. To conclude, one that will cure all diseases, and in an instant make you forget all forepast troubles and miseries. These are fair glozing speeches, but first of all you must be advertised, that these are not the words of the duke of Brabant, and of the Infanta themselves, but in truth, they are nothing else, but the common people's talk, at first invented and given forth, by cunning bad minded people, and since that received and divulged abroad by some simple and honest men, who being deceived, themselves help to deceive others, serving only to draw men on, and to cirumvent them, thereby to drive you from the good counsel, and wholesome admonitions, of those that seek your good, to make you hearken unto their false and venomous discourses: being assured, that you shall presently be entrapped, as soon as they can get you to give ear thereunto, although you knew of the deceit before, not much unlike to the moth, that flying to the flame of the candle burneth her wings. And you must assure yourselves, that you cannot hearken unto their speeches, without great prejudice and disgrace, no more than a young modest maid can with honesty lend her chaste ears to a lewd alluring tale: whereof in former times (to your great prejudice) you have had good experience: which is, that there was never any treaty of peace made, but that whole provinces, or so●… special towns fell away: the said treaties of peace being by the simpler sort begun, with much hope of good proceedings, but in the end they ever found, there could be no good assurance made for their privileges, much less for the religion: and yet some were by the like proceeding so deeply engaged, as they could not free themselves, as the examples of Ga●…, Bruges, & others, are yet fresh in memory: but with more disgrace shall you be circumvented, if you suffer yourselves to be drawn away, for that coming to the effect, you shall find, that these speeches thus cast abroad, are nothing else, but news told in streets and in mills.  
The duke of Brabant will say, That his meaning was not so: and you by this presentation which you imprint in your minds, are likewise deceived. The truth is, you shall plainly find (observing well the archdukes proceedings) that they are to be esteemed idle speeches, which are cast forth in passage boats, and wagons (without any certain author) when as men travel abroad. For before his departure into Spain, he persecuted the reformed religion in divers 
1604  towns, and amongst the rest, there was a young maid buried quick: thereby taking away alreasons, why they should once doubt of his mind & resolution touching religion; for that whatsoever had been done to a man, might have been coloured with some other show, if he had sought or conspired to do any thing against his person or the government.  
Upon the 10 of january 1599, he writ unto the bishop of Paterborn, in very rough manner, saying, That if the religion were not forbidden, that his Catholic soldiers should come thither, and that he would not keep heretics from spoiling, as it appeareth plainly by his message sent to the lady Isabella, duchess of Cleves, bearing date in Nivelles the 15 of September 1599, That in his presence it was fully concluded, to ruin and spoil the king and the duke of Cleves enemies: for such are his words. If the archduke used such authority in a strange country, where he had no command, what hope is there, that in the Netherlands (which the archduke and the Infanta hold to be their own proper inheritance, wherewith they may deal as they think good) they shall have the liberty of religion allowed them? or think you, that the duke in his voyage to Spain, hath altered his mind, or that the pope of Rome (with whom he spoke at Ferara) hath inspired him with a more peaceable spirit? or that the Spanish Inquisitors and jesuire counsel, have turned his heart? Believe the contrary, without all doubt and that all these do still counsel him unto a more strict & severe course. It may be, some will say, That haply he hath received other counsel and advice, from his brother the emperor: But look into the emperor's actions, where you shall see, that the town of Aix, which by virtue of the laws of the empire, had long enjoyed the exercise of both religions, was abandoned by him, in prey unto the enemy; and who also did look on, and said nothing to the admiral's proceedings, who used so great force and violence (against all right and reason) upon the territories of the empire. Examine the actions of the rest of the house of Austria, how the archduke Ferdinando not long since hath by force banished the religion out of Styrmarke and Carinthia, which had been allowed therein, since the time of the emperor Ferdinando, his grandfather, making no account of the complaints & protestations of the Estates of the country, but esteemeth them as wind, which is an introduction to a civil war, and a means to lose the whole country: wherein neither the authority of his grandfather and father, the bloody wars in France and the Netherlands, nor yet the nearness of the Turk, that bordereth upon him, can move him to any toleration touching religion: neither will he once remember how unreasonable a thing it is, to force and restrain his subjects in that, which the Turk himself permitteth unto his: which example agreeth with the answer made by the K. of Spain, to Charles archduke of Austria: for that when as the emperor Maximilian (a peaceable prince, and no persecutor of the religion, but temperate in all his actions) sent his brother Charles, archduke of Austria, into Spain, to move the king unto the like temperance, setting before his eyes, the commendable example of the emperor Charles 5 his father, who had allowed the religious peace in Germany, and willed all men to observe it, before that the common people were brought into despair, and were quite fallen from him: He made a full and a resolute answer, That he would rather lose the country for ever, than endure the least wrong that might be offered touching religion. You know well also, in the peace of Cologne, in an. 1579, what favour he granted to them of the religion; which was, that he would neither burn nor hang them, but that they should be banished out of the country, and must seek for harbour and protection (like the jews, & misbelieving Heathen) in other countries. This is the meaning of all the house of Austria at this present: all moderation and mildness died with the emperor Maximilian, and his sons have sucked a bitter hatred out of their Spanish mother's breast, against the religion: and by their daily conversation with the Jesuits, are more & more confirmed therein. This is that which in the contracts of marriage, made between the archduke & the Infanta (and was openly sold in Brabant, so as there is no doubt of the authority thereof) was so firmly set down, That they should make no alteration in religion, upon pain of forfeiture of the said countries, which in such a case the king of Spain may lawfully seize into his hands again: showing, without all doubt or dissimulation, how firmly they will hold with the Inquisition of Spain touching that point: so that it would be a ten fold blindness, and madness in any man, to think, that the archduke & the Infanta (in regard they have a vain hope at one time or other, to be masters of Holland & Zeeland) would conform themselves in religion, and grant them any liberty therein: for the prophesy saith, That necessarily the last Monarchy must be erected in Spain, as in the beginning the one succeeded 
1604  the other out of the East into the West, that is, out of Asia into Grecia, & from thence to Rome; the which is so imprinted in the hearts of the king and the Spanish counsel, as they esteem all means of accommodation to be needless, and do constantly believe, that they shall be masters over all, and at last, in spite of all the world, shall satisfy their desires. And they are persuaded, that by means of such accommodation in religion, they should break all correspondency with the pope, and thereby overthrow all hope of their expected Monarchy. Nevertheless, if according to the necessity of the time, he seemeth to be any thing conformable therein, and granteth some liberty to religion, it will be no other thing for you, but for a while to save you from ruin; the which shallbe broken again, when as the Spanish and jesuitical counsel (whereunto he is so strictly bound) shall think the necessity past; according to the old canon, That they are not bound to have any faith or promise with heretics, which they name rebels; who, as the Spaniards say, have falsified their faiths both to God and to the king. Look what doctor Ayda, a Spaniard, auditor general of the prince of Parma's army, writeth in his book of Martial Law, printed in Antuerp; saying, That all contracts and treaties made between the prince & his subjects, that bear arms against him, are of no force nor power: and that the subjects cannot help the same; but they shall do wisely, by humble petitions to crave pardon at their princes and lords hands, and to commit their cause to his discretion. Which Spanish doctor, you ought heartily to thank, for his so true, round, and upright dealing with you, and to govern yourselves thereafter: if not; at some time or other, you may wrongfully complain, that you were deceived, for that doctor Ayda can plainly tell you, that he had warned you thereof before, and that you despised his counsel. But to return to our former matter. Mark what good means they have on the other side, to deceive you, and to make all promises (with a grace and fair show) to be of no effect: for that when you shall have obtained any freedom in religion (which nevertheless shall never be) the duke of Brabant may plainly say thus unto you, Seeing I have let you enjoy the freedom of your consciences, because you have always said, That God only ought to rule over the same: yet at the least show me obedience in other worldly matters. And so, if he can by your simplicity attain thereunto, to place all the officers, judges, and magistrates, in towns and provinces, that he may have the forts and strength in his own power, and become master of the whole: then assure yourselves, to have the yoke laid upon you: no man being so simple, but that perceiveth, that the archduke in few years (for it is a poor host that cannot forbear one reckoning, much better princes and kings, that have long arms) will bring the matter to such a pass, and so well conform the Estates to his appetite and will, as they themselves will make petitions, and entreat to be released of the exercise of the religion, in such sort as he shallbe moved to break his word, and to alter the articles, not of himself, but at the earnest suit of the Estates of the country. Thus much you are in this respect to expect, touching religion, and the liberty thereof, being the first and weightiest point. And touching the privileges of the country, I can tell you, that the archdukes heart and intent, is far from these fair shows, and great commendations: For proof whereof I will not lead you far, but by his own actions will show you; and say, That if he were from his heart addicted to govern and rule so fatherly, as it is given forth, and to redress the complaints of the provinces in this respect, he would at least begin to make some show of this good resolution unto the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault, the which now for these 20 years together, have sued, and longed to be freed and discharged from all strange soldiers: that the counsel might be all of Netherlanders, and the offices given to natural borne subjects: being very apparent, that although they have neglected their common country's cause, and like slaves submitted themselves unto the Spaniards, they are not trusted in any thing of weight, but thrust out of the counsel, and strangers preferred before them, who command in their castles and forts, using all disorders, and threatening the Estates with forcible contributions, and that so impudently, as in antwerp they have forced the bourgmasters, to appoint certain strumpets to serve their turns, making them their bawds. And is not this a sufficient forewarning, whereby you may conclude, that the archduke for your sakes (whom he calleth heretics & rebels) will not show any favour, when he showeth so little unto them, that like obedient subjects humbly fall upon their knees? he cannot do otherwise, nor make any alteration In prejudice of the King of Spain, of whom he holdeth these countries as in fee, and with other hard conditions (according to the contents of the contract of marriage) 
1604.  hath bound the same with unspeakable Infraction of the said Provinces freedom unto the Crown of Spain, thereby to enjoy the King's aid, and on the other side faithfully to aid him to the erecting of his pretended Monarchy.  
It is well known unto them that these countries being separated from Spain, and enjoying their liberties and freedoms, such a Monarchy can never be raised; and therefore they have long since resolved (whatsoever it cost) to reform the privileges of the Netherlands, that without hindrance of the same, all the power and means of the Provinces (whether it be money, ships, havens, sorts and all other things) may be used to the subjecting and conquering of the neighbour countries, as Germany, France, England, and all others, as their actions not long since put in practice did sufficiently declare, how near they would have attained to their pretence, if they had had the Netherlands absolutely under their command; whereby you may conceive what policy is used, when men make you believe, that the Archduke (in regard of his weakness) is less to be feared, and that from henceforth you shall have to do with your own Prince, and not with the King of Spain, and other strangers; and that therefore you ought to lay all distrust aside; whereas now it shall be worse for you then ever, in steed of one, you shall have to do with two, and in steed of one that is far of from you, to whom all things must be written over Seas, and his resolution to be attended in matters of great importance; you shall always have the Archduke ready to imorace all occasions to surprise you.  
By means of the King's absence, and the staying for his resolutions, we have often seen many designs made void and lie dead, but the Archduke always sitting still by you, and looking unto you will always be listening and prying into all occasions, and will strike when he seeth his time, to your miserable destruction and overthrow: much less also ought you to suffer yourselves to be deceived by vain words, that the Archduke is descended of Dutch blood, and is no Spaniard: but I say that being borne of a Spanish mother, so strictly bound unto the King of Spain, so catholicly given of himself, and persuaded and incensed by the jesuits, you have cause to expect less grace, favour and courtesy to relieve your miserable Estates, then of any natural Spaniard.  
But now you may ask me, what will be the issue? shall we still be distrustful? and shall we cast away all hope of ever obtaining a good peace? Hereunto I make answer, that subjects must endure and bear much wrong and injury at their Prince's hands, before they rise up in arms against them, not only for their conscience sake, (seeing that God hath made them subjects unto them, and also commandeth them to be obedient and subject even unto Infidel and Heathen Princes and Magistrates, and to pray for them) but also in respect of other worldly considerations, and for that civil arms borne by subjects against their Princes (although their case be good and lawful) do often times breed more mischief, than the tyrannies of Princes, which men thereby hope to withstand; and may well be likened to a Physician, who curing of one disease, breedeth a worse, and many times bringeth the sick patient into danger of death: Wherefore they ought to arm themselves with patience so long as there is no other means or council to be had: but when the subjects with all their patience, and long sufferance cannot prevail, and the wrongs offered them by the Prince are so great, as all divine and humane laws permit them, to deny him obedience, as you with all possible and earthly means, humility, patience, prayers, entreaties and humble petitions have to the utmost acquitted yourselves, and not till then (forced through mere extremity) sorsaken your Prince, when as he (in steed of answering your petitions) caused your Ambassadors to be put to death; filled your towns and Provinces with Spanish executioners, and broke the articles whereunto he was sworn at his instalment, seeking to rule both over your souls and consciences; then I say there is no other council nor means for the subject that hath forsaken his Prince, but to be courageous in fight to defend his freedom, as before he was humble in enduring wrongs, arming himself with a constant and fit distrust against the devices and practices of 
1605.  his Prince, for that the natural enmity that is between the Cat and the Mouse, cannot be more unreconcilable, than the engrafted hatred and wrath of a great incensed potentate and Prince against his subjects, by whom he finds himself to be left and rejected:  
You shall find no examples neither in ancient nor modern histories, that the subjects which once have fallen from their Prince, or that defended their own freedoms, or were fallen into greater slavery and misery, could ever find any mean to work their reconciliation, and to procure restitution to their former estates, unless that their territories and countries were so strong and mighty; as they had their own assurance within themselves, thereby at all times to force the agreement made to be held and observed, and to withstand the Prince's attempts which he should make to the contrary. Some say, there was never any war seen nor heard of, but at the last it was ended by peace, and that quarrels ought not always to continue and be without end. I acknowledge that also to be true, and desire by my counsel to lead you unto a good, happy, and an assured peace, for that peace is obtained either by an accord or by victory. Potentates and Princes may help themselves by both the said means; and when victory denieth it them, they may seek to make an agreement, and being made, trust thereunto; for that by means of hills and valleys, or deep seas, they are commonly separated one from the other, whereby one cannot so hastily invade the other, each of them hath his government apart, and holdeth his sword and strength in his hand, to be his own warrant, as soon as he shall find any cause of distrust; but between you and the reconciled enemy there are no walls to part you. You must lay your heads in his lap, deliver up all your advantage, arms, and government, and have no means at all of warrant, assurance, or trust, but at your deadly enemy's discretion and mercy, which in so hard a case is dangerous to prove. And therefore you must seek by victory to get peace, with resolution, either to die valiantly, or couraigously to obtain the victory. The third mean or middle way, of again receiving the once lawfully forsaken and disavowed Prince, diverse countries and nations, (whereof too many examples are extant) have hardly attained unto, but by means of valiant and courageous continuance in arms, which some have wisely chosen, and have in the end obtained a desired peace and rest, whereof I will set down a few examples, which are very well known unto every man, and as yet fresh and perfect in memory.  
By this means the Swissers being hardly dealt withal by the house of Austria, would no more subject themselves under the same yoke, but by means of their constant resolution, they obtained such freedom, as at this day they are seen to flourish; and yet their wars continued not any thing the longer. God Almighty by his wonderful providence, ordered the matter in such sort, as the house of Austria itself refrained from arms, and in tract of time had need of the aid and assistance of the Swissers, who after they had made wars together for the space of a hundred years, and many times made peace and truce for a time, which was always broken by the house of Austria: at last Sigismond Duke of Austria made a perpetual peace, permitting them to enjoy their full freedom, the which the Emperor Maximilian the first, and Charles' the fifth (both of the house of Austria) did afterwards ratify and confirm, and had great aid and assistance from the Swissers in their Italian wars. In like case also they of Denmark would by no means be persuaded to accept of Christian King of Denmark, whom they had driven out of the country, although the Emperor Charles the fifth his brother in law and others, both by arms and entreaties embraced the cause, and yet neither the Swissers nor the Danes had not so weighty, lawful, nor well grounded a cause for the leaving of their said Princes, nor yet endured the hundred part of the oppressions and wrongs, nor showed so much patience as the Netherlanders: but the example of the Maccabees (which is found in the holy Scriptures) is most agreeable with your case concerning religion, for they would not be any more under the yoke of Antiochus, whom they had rejected but continued 
1605.  so long in arms until the Prince himself became weary, and suffered then to live in peace, so you by a valiant resolution and continuance in arms are to expect and hope for a great furtherance and blessing from God almighty, who thus long hath so wonderfully assisted you, and will still help and assist you, in regard that you are compelled to fight, not only for your old and commendable freedoms and liberties, but also for his and his Church's honour. Now all men of any sound judgement will conceive whether the present Estate of the Netherlands at this day, be not like unto that, and it is to be hoped that the King of Spain and the Archduke Albertus, will at the last by your constant resolutions, be brought to the consideration of the bad advise and counsel which they have thus long followed, and be weary of this pestiferous war, (being a canker eating into their treasure, and overslipping and neglecting of other notable occasions and conquests, and great danger and trouble for many of their countries and kingdoms) and will give place to better counsel, as their progenitors did in respect of the Swissers, suffering the Netherlands peaceably to enjoy their freedom and religion, and use there aid and friendship in other actions which may procure them ten times more profit, whereunto all Spanish nations that border on the seas, (in respect of their necessary trade and mutual traffic) will be great furtherers, and by humble petitions (if they see your constancy still resolute to continue,) move the King to yield thereunto, for that without doubt they endure more trouble, and hindrance by the prohibition of seafaring, than the Netherlanders, otherwise the King that last died would not have permitted the same for so many years even in the heat of all his wars.  
This is the true, and only means to attain unto an assured peace and quietness, all other means and agreements are mixed with many cares and suspicions, the common nature of men cannot subject themselves after the leaving and rejecting of their King, neither can he put any assured trust or confidence again in you, nor you in him, although (in regard of your good nature, and upright hearts) you suffer yourselves to be persuaded to cast of all fear and distrust, (wherein always the weakest have the greatest cause) and to judge other men's hearts by your own, hoping that men will deal in likesort without faulsehood with you, as you do with them, and yet there is nothing more certain than that the said distrust will never be remooed out of the King and the archdukes hearts, which no man knoweth better than their own counsellors that speak so much of casting of all distrust, for they will always put their nobility in mind●…, of that which you once have done, and that you will attempt to do it again at someother time, counseling them therefore by prevention so to shorten and clip your wings, and to put such a bit into your mouth, as they may be assured and out of doubt thereof. These arguments, and natural reasons grounded upon mutual care cannot by any means be taken from you, for say that the Emperor, the Pope, the King of France, England and other Princes make promises, and bind themselves, that the Articles concluded shall be truly and fully observed and kept, what will that help you? you must never the less lay your head in your reconcled enemies lap, you must live under his favour and at his devotion, but when soever you are executed, or other wise oppressed, and have no means nor power to help yourselves, which of these cautions will you charge with his promise? before what judge will you plead your cause? who shall serve execution upon the principal debtor or the surety? peradventure you think, that if the Pope warrenteth the contract, and put his seal thereunto, with declaration that the old cannon (which is not to hold any faith with heretics) in that respect shall be of no force, that as then you are well assured, but say that the Pope that now is did it, who shall assure you that his successor will confirm it? may he not say, my predecessor erred, I have the the power to break (as being void and of none effect) what so ever is done against the Catholic Religion let it be done by whom soever it will? but be it that the Poop saith not so, may not the King of Spain himself maintain, and say that upon many weighty reasons, he being a sovereign monarch, (who is not subject to any judge what soever,) may discharge himself of his contract and dispense therewith; according to the argument of 
1605.  Doctor Ayala aforesaid, as in effect the King that last died brake and recalled all his contracts made for certain years with the Italian merchants? and thus you shall find yourselves entrapped on every side wheresoever you turn you.  
As touching the security of Princes and Potentates, it is mere folly once to think, that any sureties will begin or undertake for to make wars in your behalf, no man halteth for an other man's lameness, the charges and the troubles of wars are so great, as no man will take them in hand for the love or profit of strangers, yea men fear to enter thereinto, although they should thereby revenge their own wrongs.  
Look into the Articles of peace made between the Kings of France and Spain in the year of our Lord 1598. have not the Spaniards by taking of towns upon the confines of the Empire, by over running Cleave-land and other neighbour countries, and by ransacking, spoiling and offering of a thousand wrongs broken the same? and yet France will not make any wars in the behalf of those countries: look into the example of the Queen of England, of famous memory late deceased, that although the King of Spain, sought by many practices and open force to invade her crown and country, yet how unwilling she was nevertheless, to assail him with a just offensive war, but was content to defend her own, notwithstanding that by your aid, and with half charges she might have assured her Estate. What hope have you then to expect that any foreign Prince (when soever you shallbe oppressed, and that the charges must only fall upon him) will revenge your wrongs?  
To speak of the Emperor it is needless, for that no man is so simple as not to conceive that there is more partiality than trust to be expected at his hands. But you say, the Emperor and the Princes of Germany, yea and the whole Empire do of themselves offer to embrace our cause, and as good mediators will procure us a good peac: shall we distrust both enemies and friends, and hear no man's counsel?  
I answer, that you have more than to many reasons, to suspect all whatsoever, that cometh from the Emperor, not only in regard of his nearness of blood unto the King of Spain and the Archduke, but in respect of his own actions and proceedings against them of the Religion of Aix, and namely against his own subjects in Bohemia, Hungaria, Austria, Slesia and other his countries, having also winked at the Admiral of Arragon's actions, and left the oppressed subjects of the borders of the Empire comfortless. As touching the Empire, and the Princes thereof, although that many of them are well to be trusted, yet divers of them depend upon the Pope, and consequently on Spain.  
In the year of our Lord 1598. you saw the bad agreement that was amongst them, and the slowness they used in helping and comforting of their oppressed members, together with the bad government of their affairs, by reason of the great number of diversly affected leaders. All of them together, by their Ambasages, and admonitions, seek to procure a peace, for the profit and commodity of the Netherlands, but much more for their own, persuading themselves, that by the Netherlandes war they receive some hurt and prejudice, and fall into many extremities, seeking and desiring therefore to cease them, let the Religion and your previledges do as they may. And whensoever artciles should be broken, they will do much less for you, than they have done for their united companions and members of the Empire, negligently overslipping the great danger that approacheth them, as soon as the Netherlanders (which God forbid) should be brought into subjection, and they that understand the same, (as there are some,) will never give you counsel, to live under the Spaniards subjection, but will humbly thank you that you still continue as a strong bulwark for them, and turn away the wars.  
Touching other Princes of Christendom there is no hope to be had, in regard of their weakness. Therefore, beloved Netherlanders, help yourselves, and God will help 
1605.  you, be not deceived by cunning practices, seeing you have by arms maintained your cause so long, put not your trust in any man, but in the uprightness of your cause, and Gods assured aid, who for these 37. years in strange alterations, and fearful accidents, hath upholden, defended, and brought you to this present estate, & from henceforth by his mighty hand shall lead and conduct you: if you hold fast by his word, and will follow his star of direction, as the wise men in the East did, think often upon things past, & set former actions before your eyes, and therein, as in a clear glass you shall rightly learn to know God's mercies showed unto you: were not the first beginning of these troubles wonderful and strange? In anno 1566. there rose such a zeal in the chief Noblemen of the Netherlands, to defend the liberties of their native country, as they bound themselves thereunto. There was such an assembly of the common people in all towns by thousands, such a common hatred against the Inquisition, as all Christendom spoke thereof, and made men judge that nothing could stop or hinder the violence of such a stream. But by God's providence (who would try and prove your constancies, confounding all this great show and hope, by the subtle direction of a woman, and the fearful approach of the Duke of Alva, which separated the united Gentlemen, and caused the common people to fly or to hide themselves) The Duke of Alva coming with a handful of soldiers in regard of the great numbers of the Inhabitants of the Netherlands, without any contradiction, did what he pleased in cutting off heads, hanging and burning, and building of Castles: some of the great Princes fled the country, some did help to further and fortify his cruelties, no man durst strive against it, or once put forth his hand, as if they had all been bound or senseless, and as then the hope of any relief was much less, than the fear of any opposition, and the despair more greater, than the joy and content was in the beginning.  
The Prince of Orange with the aid of his friends in germany, and some relief of such as fled out of the country, twice brought a good number of horse and foot with him, which without fear might have gone against the Turk; past over the Meuze, entered into the heart of the country, & gave some new hope, but his power, and your comfort was of as small continuance, as a fire of straw. The Duke of Alua's cruelty (especially after the first enterprise) was more strengthened then impaired, and in the second, (which was partly grounded upon the favour and aid of France) the French men soon fell from him, and murdered those of the religion, whereby the Prince perceived, that he had leaned to a deceitful reed, that not only failed him, but thrust him through the hand. He was forsaken of the Dutch soldiers, and so if there were any hope resting, it was soon taken away: but when as the case seemed desperate in regard of men, God appeared unto you with some comfort, who stirred up the hearts of them of Holland with a new zeal, to receive the Prince of Orange, and to resist and withstand the Duke of Alva, to the great admiration of all worldy wise men, who esteemed it for madness, that Merchants, Sailors and Fishermen, and a nation who (in regard of their continual and long peace) were unaccustomed to arms, and as unfit (as it seemed) for the wars (as a Cow to dance) esteemed so little of the Duke of Alva, as they thought it needless for them to put garrisons into their towns, durst begin so stout a piece of work, against the power of such a King, against the most renowned General or Leader of an Army in Christendom, to whom all the other Provinces (which had the greatest part of Noblemen and Gentlemen amongst them and such as had borne arms in the French wars) had submitted, bowed and kneeled; besides that having no other support to rely on but a Prince who had been forced to leave the field, who was abandoned by his soldiers, and was refused entry into any of the towns of Brabant, Flanders, and others, and which is more who acknowledged his own weakness, and lest they should be deceived, forewarned many of their towns that they should overrule their zeal, and not be so hasty, but first to provide for money, victuals, munition and other necessaries, make strong their towns and then show themselves as enemies, sending them word also, that if they had not good regard to themselves, they might be overrun, 
1605.  before they could send them soldiers to aid them, who can esteem this but for a wonderful work of God? who helpeth not when there is least need, but showeth his power in assisting when men are almost in despair, that they may only ascribe the glory unto him, and praise and thank him the more.  
All particular accidents, whereby GOD almighty (during the wars in Holland) hath showed his gracious aid and mighty power, as when after the loss of Harlem▪ he sent the spirit of dissension amongst the Spanish army, that the town of Al●…kmaer had time to breath, and to defend itself: when miraculously he wrought the relieving of Leyden, when wi●…h a short thaw he set at liberty the frozen ships of war in the Zuyder-Zee, and presently again caused the River to freeze, when they being unfrozen were passed by Horn, with other strange effects, which for brevity sake I will omit; it is a sufficient wonder, that this weak, unarmed and as unaccustomed a nation to the wars, as any whatsoever under the cope of heaven, without any other Potentates aid, could for the space of four years together, withstand the great power of such a Monarch, who was so much incensed with bitter hatred and spleen against this small Province, as he left his great advantage, which the victory won by Don john at Lepanto had given him against the Turk, to revenge his wrath conceived against them of Holland and Zealand; and to that end he made a truce with the Turk, and maintained peace with all his neighbours thereabouts, that he might here employ all his ●…orces and treasure, having also as great and strong an army, composed of a number of old experienced soldiers of divers nations, as Spaniards, Germans and italians, and of brave commanders with abundance of Ordinance, Munition, Victuals and all other necessaries for the war as ever was seen: in these four years it was seen, that by reason of the King's mighty power and force, and the weakness of the parties defendants, which were not accustomed to arms, many towns and Forts were besieged and taken, the rest seeming in a manner to waver, so as they of Holland and Zealand were glad to hearken to the peace of Breda, where the country people were offered liberty to sell their goods, and to go and dwell in other places out of the country, whereupon they chose rather to fight and die valiantly in their own country, then to wander comfortless in strange Regions.  
But when the enemy after the winning of Ziriczee, thought to set his foot upon their throats, and that he held the victory assured in his own hands, and that some of the neighbours grieved, and others laughed and thought that as than they should suffer the punishment of their folly. To conclude when all the wise men of the world, thought God's help to be furthest from them, it was nearest unto them, who provided in such sort as the other Provinces which seemed to sit under the great King's grace and protection, were more impatient to bear the great oppressions of the soldiers their friends, than Holland and Zealand were to endure the bloody blows and wounds of their deadly enemies, using a kind of relief; whereon the wisest and sharpest witted of them all never dreamt off, which was that both Abbots and Prelates with divers others, who had all that time aided the enemy to subvert the religion, and the liberties of Holland and Zealand, now unexpected, relieved and delivered them out of their necessity and trouble, making the peace at Gant with them, from the which (that your eyes and hearts might again be withdrawn from mortal aid, and rely more upon GOD) they fell again, and remained no longer constant therein, but until that their countrymen and those of the religion had gotten their heads above water, and taken breath: after that you sought other foreign aid, the which how much greater they were in outward appearance, and worldly respect, the greater blow they gave unto your Estate, some made the ship even to crack again, and some ran it almost on ground.  
You are always much bound to praise and commend the affection of the famous and praise worthy Queen of England, although some of her Commanders brought your Estate for a while into no small combustion: the best, most ass●…ed, 
1605.  & most constant aid you had always from yourselves, yet before all things you must crave it at GOD'S hands▪ who till this time never failed you at all.  
What better assurance of his fatherly regard and care for your preservation, can you have, then that he hath defended you, contrary to all men's expectations, not only against the power and force of foreign enemies but also against so many domestical deceits, practices and treasons? your own protectors and Governors sought to deceive you; as the Earl of Renebergh in Freezeland and Ouerissell, the Earl of Bergh in Gelderland and in the Earldom of Zutphen, and the Prince of Chymay in Flanders.  
The chief of your Deputies, sent to the treaty of Cologne in anno 1579. as the Duke of Arschot, the Lord of Grobbendoncke, and the Abbot of Maroles, were better affected to the enemy then to you, and sought to deliver you into their: hands, but all their long pretended council, and (as they thought) most secretly contrived, God's powerful hand confounded, and like Achitophel's wisdom brought it to nought. It is not impossible in man's judgement, that the loss of so many towns, so many treasons, so many crosses in battles given in the field, as at Hardenberge heath, at Gemblours, at Northoorn, at the Borentang, at Boxum and elsewhere: The loss of the strongest towns in the country, which were partly taken by force and famine, and some willingly falling from you, could not overthrow yours, nor better the enemy's state? You see the people by means of overthrows and other losses, became vigilant, wiser, and more provident: all your losses were to your furtherance, and the enemy's victories turned to his own hurt: the populous and rich towns of merchandise under his command, by his triumphs, in the twinkling of an eye became poor, desolate and empty both of men and tafficke: yours in all crosses and adversities, had means to increase and enrich themselves, Villages became Towns, and weak Towns made invincible; those that before were great and strong, you were forced to make them more spacious & greater, because they could not comprehend the multitude of people which sought to inhabit within them.  
Every year you have built an innumerable number of ships of war, made infinite store of Ordinance, all manner of weapons, munition, and other necessaries for the wars; but above all the experience of the wars increaseth, and teacheth yo●… rightly to know how to use that power and means which God hath given you. You have reduced your contributions into good order, GOD showeth you how to trade in strange countries, which before were not known by you, and blesseth the same every year more and more, in despite, and to the subversion and hindrance of the Kingdoms of Spain, and with no small admiration of all nations, who thereby see, that God withdraweth the trade and traffic from the King, and the whole country of Spain, and directeth it unto you, and giveth you such power at Sea, as you are able to invade Spain and other places: To the contrary they see that all the Kings proceedings go backward, that the canker and curse is fallen into his treasure, that he notwithstanding all his money of the Indies, must break his credit with the Merchants and disavow his contracts, that he is continually vexed with mutinies of soldiers that are unpaid, they see clearly that as now their reputation and name is greater than his power, that he must endure that you invade and brave him in his own countries and Havens, and that in steed of striking terror into others, he himself must fear. Finally he must needs be blind, that from these wonders doth not acknowledge his fatherly blessings unto you, and his wrath and displeasure upon the King's house, who acknowledgeth not the honour, power and dignity wherein it is placed by God, but to the rooting out of his word, and Church, to the procuring of all troubles in Christendom, and to the overrunning of strange countries, whereunto they had no right, wherein they have shed much Christian blood, for the which God is justly offended.  
Therefore oh Netherlands, seeing you have for so many years defended your freedoms of soul and body, and likewise spent so much blood and treasure in the said quarrel, and caused your name and fame to be spread abroad throughout all the 
1605.  world, now at the last leave not of your labour, when the greatest wants and greatest dangers are past. That which remaineth (with the help of God) is but small, now you do daily see your enemy's decay both in power and riches, and their ruin approaching. You have seen the end of King Philip the second, that with all his treasure, wise counsellors, great respect, authority and experience, and continual labour for thirty years together, lost more than he got from you. Much more hope is there then that by God's grace you shall go thorough with the cause to your honour against his son, whose counsel, authority, and experience is nothing comparable unto that of his Father, who findeth the spring of his treasures exhausted and drawn dry, and his credit weakened, whose imposts and revenues (by means of forbidding trade and traffic, and your happy new trade) decrease, and his charges increase, for that continually both by Sea and by land, upon the coast of Spain and others his kingdoms, he must arm against you, and withal think upon his own defence, whereas his father o●…ely practised and devised how he might overcome and vanquish you.  
Suffer not yourselves (as in the beginning you were deceived by the Duchess of of Parma) to be again now at the last circumvented with policy and fair speeches, for the treasure of Spain will not come so abundantly unto them as it hath done, neither shall they be able to draw it from the bare and impoverished Provinces, (which through their government will soon be wearied, and seek some alteration) be not slack yet for a short time to continue your liberal contributions; for the freedom that is bought therewith, is not to be valued by any treasure: you need not so to fear and apprehend their forces, for that you have not to do with the Duke of Alva, with Don john, nor the Duke of Parma, whose wise conduct, experience in arms, diligence and fortune was to be feared, whom you nevertheless have valiantly withstood, but with young and unexperienced Commanders and Leaders, under whose government you may already mark an alteration in the enemies marshal discipline and counsels, and consequently in his proceedings: whereas to the contrary you are blessed of God, with such a general of your Army, as you never had before, whose service the Empire of Rome requireth against the Turk, and such a one as the King of Spain with all his treasure (although it were ten times greater) cannot equal. You have the favour and good will of all neighbour Princes and Potentates, who although they aid you not with open arms, yet they wish your good, for the fear they have of the Spaniard, so as all furtherance is on your side. The enemy's Provinces lie open to you, and yours by means of the rich water, land, and strong towns shut from them. His havens in Spain, Indies, Brasilia and America, are known unto you, and easily to be sailed unto, so as at your pleasures, you can enterprise any thing against them: but he hath proved and tried, that your Havens and Sea-townes, need not to care for his fleets. Seafaring, means for money, experience of the wars, and authority, are increased amongst you, and decayed with him; your cause, the longer, the more it is favoured; his from year to year is worse, because he incenseth first one and then another, as not many years since he did upon the Lords of the Empire.  
Besides all this, you are to put your trust in the equity of your cause, and in God's favour, who heretofore hath sundry times assisted you in greater necessity: whom you (besides incurring the shame and disgrace of all the world, both to you and your posterity) shall offend, and make him withdraw his favours from you; if that forgetting his benefits, and distrusting his favour, now without cause, either to spare your purses, or upon an imagined further rest and ease, you will leave and forsake his word and true religion, as the Gargasens (because of their Swine) entreated jesus Christ to depart out of the country: for that as God and Belial cannot agree together, so cannot you by means of the true religion at this time, obtain a peace with the King of Spain, the Archduke Albertus, and the Infanta, (whom I place all in one degree) but through your valiant resolution and continuance in arms, you now remain assured of religion and your freedom, and in time are also to hope of 
1605.  a good peace with Spain and all his friends, no less then that which the Swissers obtained from the house of Austria, whereunto God almighty send you his grace, with wise counsel, and mutual love and unity.  
And you Romish Catholics, (amongst whom I know that there are many that wish and desire the freedom of your native country) be not persuaded that in regard of your religion, your burdens and charges under the Spaniards government shall be any thing diminished; for there will be still some cause of offence found against them that have any thing to lose, as being friends and well-willers to Protestants: were it only but for that they have not done their endeavours, made resistance, nor borne arms against their neighbours and kinsmen. This is the crime of omission, for the which the whole nation of the Netherlands were condemned by the King and the Spanish Inquisition, and the execution thereof committed to the Duke of Alva, as the Histories written by Catholics themselves, in honour of the King sufficiently declare.  
This is that which Vergas Precedent of the bloody council, in the Duke of Alva's time said. Heretici fraxerunt templa, Boni nihil fecerunt contra, ergo debent omnes patibulare; that is, The heretics broke down the Churches, the good did not seek to hinder nor let them, and therefore they must all be hanged. For these reasons john Baptista Taxis in Anno 1595. wrote unto the King from Brussels; that his Majesty ought by no means to consent by any contract of peace, that the Spanish garrisons should depart out of the country, for that it would be a blemish to his authority, for said he, your Majesty cannot build upon those of the Catholic religion, in regard that devotion is only found amongst a few old men and women, which cannot fight, the rest will altogether thrust their heads into one hood. And although Taxis had not so plainly showed this distrust which is had of you, unto the King and his counsel, yet the deeds themselves declare it; for all the world knows, that the Noblemen of the Netherlands (notwithstanding their reconciliation with the King) are not trusted, but with heart's grief, must see, yea and fret that the Spaniards are preferred not only to be Councillors, but to the highest dignities, to government, and other preferments, and they despised, rejected, and badly dealt withal. It prevailed Lamorall Earl of Egmont nothing at all, that he laboured to chase away the Preachers, and that in all things he showed himself to be a devout Catholic: for notwithstanding all this he lost his head. His son, who to win more credit with the Spaniards, openly said, that his Father had his just reward, being in prison was despised, and after long imprisonment, was at last hardly released by the King in exchange with a Gentleman called Mounsieur la Nove, and others likewise were released by the like unequal exchange.  
And when as the Baron De sells, Champigni, the Bishop of Ypre, and the Lord of Auchi were prisoners to the Estates, the Duke of Parma was so slow in seeking their delivery, as the Baron De sells died in prison with melancholy and grief, complaining that he and his brother the Baron De Noircarmes services were badly rewarded. The Baron Van Hese was beheaded upon a surmised crime, many others were made away here and there in divers places, as Urias was, and little lamented. Charles Earl of Mansfield had such strong Pepper given him by the Spaniards, that he left the King's service in the Netherlands, and went to serve against the Turk in Hungary where he died. It is needless to rehearse many examples; you see before your eyes, how that they of Antwerp, Gant, and other places, have gotten nothing by living like faithful Catholic subjects under the King, for that notwithstanding they must be slaves to the Spanish nation, and bear the intolerable abuses, wrongs, molestations & injuries, of the Spanish garrisons, & yet their complaints cannot be heard, nor any justice done upon the offenders; which may serve for an example and forewarning unto all catholics, that have dwelled in the united Provinces, under the command of heretics. (as the Spaniards & jesuits call them) what good entertainment they were to expect, if the Spaniards were absolute masters, & yet they have a stronger and a more assured argument, to confirm the same, from the example of their Estates 
1605.  of the Kingdoms of Naples and Arragon, and the Duchy of Milan, who have withstood the inquisition, not because they had any savour of the true Religion, but for that they perceived, that no man could live so catholicly, but he should be subject unto the proceeding thereof, and that it serveth for a means, without exception of any privileges, jurisdictions, freedoms, and country's customs, to judge all persons and for all causes whatsoever, as it manifestly appeareth by the history of Anthonio Perez, with whom the King being so much offended, as he could not appease his wrath against him, because according to his country's privileges, he was to be called in question before the judges of Arragon, and not by any other strange judges, he caused him to be prosecuted by the inquisition, although he were not accused of any matter touching Religion.  
A Gentleman of Spain, borne in Salamanca, and that came with the Duke of Alva out of Spain, being in my house, said openly, that in their town their was no man of any estate or quality, but would gladly lose one of the joints of his fingers, that he might be released of the fear they have of the inquisition. The merchants of Lisbon being the greatest Catholics in the world, at King Philip's first coming into Portugal, sought to buy out that fear of the inquisition, only craving this small favour, that the inquisitors should commit no man to prison, without making them acquainted with the cause, and letting them know their accusers; that they should adjourn them to appear in open court, and that no man should be condemned upon any witnesses depositions, without giving a copy thereof unto the parties condemned; that they might answer thereunto and disprove the witnesses.  
Finally, they sought nothing else but reasonable audience before they were con demned, and an ordinary course of law, according to all right, equity and reason, but it might not be granted unto them of Lisbon (although they offered two million and a half, and would gladly have given four) for the inquisitors would not be brought to such a strait, but would hold their unrestrained power and liberty, to condemn every one that they once catch within their nets, although they have no other witnesses then the prisoners own sworn enemies, or some base villains, which otherwise will not be credited for a matter of three guildens, or else such as they themselves have suborned, as Annas and Chayphas, did against Christ, and yet they did better than the inquisitors do, because they brought the witness before him.  
The general Estates of the united Provinces being well acquainted herewith, although they were Catholics, yet could not allow of the bringing in of Bishops, perceiving that it tended not so much to the advancement of the Catholic religion, as to overthrow the privileges of the country, and to bring in an absolute government, where, at the assembly of the Estates of the country, they sit, and overrule them, and by that means would look into all men's proceedings, thereby to demynish the ancient liberty of voices, and of the speaking for their privileges.  
In the year of our Lord 1576. the catholic Provinces, yea and many Abbots, and Prelates themselves, finding this decay of their preveledges, for the defence thereof made a contract with Holland and Zeeland, although God did suffer, (for the sins of the country which as yet were not punished) that some fell from them again, whereof many beholding the bad success, were much grieved thereat. Therefore be not so mad nor blind, to let this insupportable yoke, (against the which they of Arragon, Naples, and Milan strove, and resisted) with fair promises to be brought in among you, think for certain that the inquisition shall be more rigorously executed in these countries then in any other places, for that the true Religion hath here been longer exercised, and hath taken deeper root than else where, so as the Spaniards esteem all the Inhabitants of the country to be heretics: and I tell you true, that you shall in many parts be in worse case than those of the religion, for they, knowing that there remaineth no grace nor mercy for them, will make away, and with distrust and foresight arm themselves against it, but you, by means of your over much credulity shall fall into their nets, fire, and sword when you least think thereof, and when you speed best, although 
1605.  every man escapeth bodily punishment yet with unspeakable grief he shall behold, the overthrowing of the country's laudable freedoms and privileges, and shall not once dare to look up, nor speak one word against it, but the Spaniards will rail at them and call them Viliacoes, Lutheranos, Tradidores etc.  
As often as you behold your children, you shall with sighs think, that you bring them up to be slaves unto the Spaniards, and that your successors, and posterities, shall see an unspeakable alteration in the estate of the country. The riches, trade, and seafaring, (which by their good policy, justice, and privileges is much augmented) shall by altering thereof also decay, and be carried into strange countries, as it is already dri ven out of Brabant, Flanders, and other Provinces, considering that every man seeks to rule f ecly. The Spaniards and the archdukes counsel, will by all secret and open practices seek to diminish the glory and wealth of the country, they will be glad to see the Inhabitants employ themselves to till and plow the land and to milk their Cows, neither will they grieve that the number of ships and rich merchants decay, for that in their judgements it hath been the means, which brought the Provinces to so great wealth, and hath so long maintained the wars; and that the meaner sort of subjects are more tractable to be governed. You see already that the Arch duke and the Infanta, by their contract of marriage are bound to forbid your trade into the East and West Indies. Herein you have an example of Portugal, where King Philip at his first coming to that crown considering, that the said country was as strong of ships and sailors as all the territories of Spain, & that the same in time might blemish his authority and absolute command, he purposely disarmed and weakened them at sea: and rejecting the Portugal pilots and masters of ships, he employed all other nations in them; so as many sailors of portingall giving themselves to tilling the land and other labours, the old dying, and the number which increased but small, in nineteen years, the mariners were so decayed, as the King himself, in setting out of his fleets found the want of them.  
Thus shall the Spaniards weaken and disarm the Netherlands, which have provided them so much work, for these thirty years, that so they may not fear the like resistance. They will put the old resolutions again in practice, thereby to bring all the countries (with their several rights, customs and privileges) under the laws of one absolute Monarchy, and root out all the marks and memory of the Netherlands freedoms: and causing you to leave your own natural language, they will bring in the Spanish tongue, as they have already done in the Indies.  
To conclude they will make such an alteration, as with in these fifty years men shall not know their own native country. Believe it for certain, that this is no vain fable, but a true forwarning, built upon a good ground. Learn at the last, that they under pretence of the catholic Religion, cover their ambition, and oppression; be not otherwise persuaded, but that you are to fear all the forepassed evils, not only from the Duke of Brabant, but also from the King of Spain, who although he beareth the name, yet the Spanish Council, spirit and resolutions, (in matters of importance, whereon the Estate of the country, and the welfare of the same dependeth) shall always govern. Wherefore cast away all division and distrust which strangers entertain amongst you, thereby to ruin you: live in unity with those that have spent so much blood for the liberties of their native country, and seek not to burden the freedom of your conscience, but suffer God and the holy Ghost to rule over them, beseeching him to move every man's heart to seek after the right way of salvation.  
Upon the fifteen of may Prince Ma●…rice having gathered his horse and foot together 
An ente●…pise made by Prince Maurice upon the river of Scheld and Antwerp.  marched towards Berghen up Zoom, causeing 80. companies of foot to be shipped in Zealand, under the conduct of Ernestus Earl of Nassaw, (as it seemeth) to make an enterprise or to besiege Antwerp, if he could be master of the point of Flanders on the other side of the river but the wind being strong, & contrary in some reaches of the river of Scheld; Ernestus could not land his men as he was appointed, (as all enterprises are subject to water, wind and weather) yet he valiantly passed by the Spanish sconces, 
1605.  called Peerle and Ordam, which furiously shot upon them; it seemeth that if Cont Ernestus could have brought his ships to Cloppers bank or dike, and there have landed certain companies of men, they might have done what they intended, but the wind being contrary, and they thereby driven to shore, they sought with certain shallops and great boats to land some men on Flanders side, but being somewhat slow in the execution, they were easily repulsed from thence by a small number of the enemy, wherein the night did much help them, which made the soldiers to doubt that the Spaniards were much stronger: whereupon they were somewhat abashed, and the rather for that they had no Ordinance with them: for although that the marquess Spinola had been gone with certain soldiers into the land of Waes', to view Issendicke Fort, that he might attempt some thing against it, yet by means of an intercepted letter brought to monsieur van Rollegum, Governor of the cross Sconce, there were more men placed there, by Don Inigo de Mendoza Governor of the Castle of Antwerp, to the number of three thousand, with some Ordinance, who fell upon this small number of Prince Maurice his men, which were set on land (lying behind the banks) they being not above three hundred, whereof part fled again into their shallops and 
The State's men defeated.  boats, the rest were defeated and slain, whereof fourscore were taken prisoners and carried into the Castle of Antwerp, amongst the which was Captain Legier, Lieutenant to Captain La Croix, and a Sergeant. The Burgonians had almost taken Colonel Dorp, but he leaping into the water saved himself, not without great danger of his life: it is thought that there was not above one hundred slain, whereof one was Captain Michael Tutelaer and his Lieutenant Francis, son to Francis Tutelaer, some of the shallops were sunk and burnt. This was done upon the seventeenth of Mai●… in the morning, when as Earl Ernestus thought to have made a bridge over the Scheld, about Ousterwele, their ships of war, and others being come within sight of Antwerp; but their enterprise failing by reason of the wind and other accidents, Cont Ernestus went with all his men and ships to Ousterweele on Brabant side, where he landed them, and marched towards Eckeren, where Prince Maurices' army than was, who went back again to Berghen Vp. Zoome, the ships with their provision sailed 
The Governor of Ordam sconce slain.  back again, shooting against the fort aforesaid, and they at them, at which time the Governor of Ordam was slain.  
This attempt bred a great alteration in Antwerp, the rich being in great fear, and the poorer sort wishing the enemies might have good success, every man according to his humour. Notwithstanding that Spinola had at least eight thousand men thereabouts, and upon Flanders side: presently thereupon the prices of all victuals did rise, many men packed up such things as they had and fled to Mechelen and Brussels, but there were four companies of horsemen sent presently into the town, the which were lodged in such Inns as had good fourage, without any cost or charge to the Burghers, but when they heard of the enemy's retreat the horsemen also left the town.  
Prince Maurice parting from Eckeren, besieged the Castle of Wouwe, which lieth in a marish ground a League from Berghen up-zoome, a very strong Castle, being 
Wouwe Castle besieged.  the marquess of Berghens chief house: the which a French man lying there in garrison for the Estates, sold some eighteen years ago unto the Prince of Parma, and it since became a harbour & retre●… for thieves. This garrison did wonderfully annoy the ships, which passed between Holland and Zealand, being always ready on 
Prince Maurice took the Castle of Wouwe.  the water, to take such ships as for want of wind were becalmed, and forced to stay or lie at anchor, setting upon them with certain Scutes which they kept hidden under the water, taking the passengers and sailors out, and carrying them to Wouwe, where they kept them till they paid their ransoms: here the Prince planted his ordinance before it, they within the Castle slew some of his men which were busied about their workers, but searing to be forced, and that the Archdukes would not hazard an army to relieve them, upon the thirteenth of May they yielded it up upon composition, having above eighty five men in it, amongst the which four of them were of those which had sold Gheertrudenbergh and were banished from thence, who were excluded out of the capitulation but the Marquis of Brandenbergh begged their lives. Marquis 
1605.  Spinola caused some of the Captains of Wouwe to be executed for that they gave it so lightly over. In the mean time the Marquis Spinola drew all his ●…ces neereunto Antwerp, and lodged at Mercxon and Dam, and the horsemen at Berchen and Wilricke, and by that means defended Antwerp, and made a bridge over the Scheld, from the town wharf unto Flanders side, by which means he might join his divided forces (which lay in Brabant and Flanders) upon any occasion together as need 
〈◊〉  required.  
The admonition to the Netherlands, to dissuade them from a peace, being published, 
The Emperor sends for a passport to the Hage, for his Ambassadors to treat o●… a peace, which they refuse.  about the same time the Emperor sent Maximilian de Cochi his commissioner to the Hage to demand a passport for certain Ambassadors which should be sent from him to treat of a peace between the Archdukes and the Estates of the united Provinces. This Maximilian de Cochi had the year before declared unto the general Estates in the Hage, how careful and desirous the Emperor was of the welfare and common good of all Christendom, in regard that he found it to be so much thretaned by our Arch-enemy the turk, together with his rebels in Hongary and elsewhere: to which end he now required a passport from the states, for certain Ambassadors to be sent from him and the Princes of the Empire, with certain soldiarsto come from Cologne and go back again: The which bred some jealousy in the Estates, as if they sought by their coming with so great a number, to breed some alteration and tumult among the common people, for that all men did affect and desire peace, and that generally they 
The Estates answer to the Emperor who refuse his request.  sought to be unburdened of their long continued contributions and exactions, wherewith they were tired, whereupon the Estates sent him an answer in writing, giving him to understand, that they had received the Emperor's letters bearing date the second of April, as also the letters from the heigh and mighty Princes, the Archbishop of Mentz, and Christian the second Duke of Saxony, Electors: Wolphe Dieterich Archbishop of Saltsbourg, Philipe Ludwighen Paltsgrave, and the Bourguemaisters and councils of the towns of Cologne and Nuremberg, by the hands of Maximilian de Cochi, one of the Emperor's household, together with a proposition in writing touching a peace to be made with Spain and the Archdukes; showing, that they had often found it by experience, what harm and prejudice the united Provinces had before that time received by the like treaties of peace, which had been propounded, and offered to be●… made, by the intercession of the Emperor and the Princes of Germany: and that therefore they found it not fit nor convenient for them, to enter into any such treaty again, being well known that the Spaniards and their adherents sought by all practices and devices to conquer and subdue the Netherlands, and to make it their Sedem belli, and from thence invade their neighbour Princes, and the poor subjects of the Empire, and to prescribe them laws, having conceived a general monarchy in their imaginations, with this supposition (as a Maxim of Estate) that neither Christendom nor the whole world could be well governed, unless the Pope of Rome were supreme head and governor in spiritual causes. This being duly weighed and considered, they said, there could not any good grow nor be expected from such treaties, but rather great harm and prejudice to the Emperor and to the whole Estate of Germany, whereof they said they would not be the Authors, being well informed how much it did import all Christendom: and therefore they besought his Imperial Majesty and the Princes of the Empire, in all honourable and humble manner, not to trouble themselves therewith. And to the end the Emperor, the Princes and towns might be the better assured of the sincerity and good meaning of the said general Estates, they protested before God, the Emperor, and all Kings and Princes. etc. that the long and bloody wars wherewith the Netherlands had been punished and afflicted for the space of forty years, by the force and arms of the Spaniard, was not more grievous to any one then unto them, and none wished more to be quietly governed, and in the fear of GOD, than they, and that there was not any nation under the Sanne whatsoever, that would more gladly enjoy such goods as they had gotten by their honest endeavours and labour, (both without and within the country) than the Netherlanders: but seeing that with all their long patience, they could not turn 
1605.  the Spaniards hearts, nor divert their forces, who sought the ruin and subversion of all their pri●…edges, with the loss of their lives and goods; notwithstanding any mediation an●… intercession of the Emperor and the Empire, they had been forced to take arms in hand, and to defend themselves both by Sea and land, with variable fortune, attending the help and assistance of GOD, after many offers of peace: and therefore by the advise and council of neighbour Kings and Princes, they had taken their last resolution, and settled the government of the Netherlands in peace, being freed and discharged from all oaths made unto the King of Spain, according unto the force of their privileges: And therefore all unpartial Kings, Princes and commonweals, did hold and esteem the united Provinces for a free estate, which are qualified, and endeavour to govern and rule their countries in popular order and form, or by the election of a Prince: and in that quality the said Estates had made diverse contracts and leagues with sundry Kings, Princes, and commonweals, and had for the space of four and twenty years, by the especial grace of GOD, and the assistance of mighty Kings, Princes and commonweals, and by their own great care and diligence, taken upon them a free government against all the force and power of their enemies, with an intent to maintain the same happily, and so to end these long and bloody wars. To which end they had (in the year of our Lord 1600.) begun to treat with the Estates of those provinces, which are under the Archdukes command, for the good of the whole Netherlands in general, the which was done by word of mouth in Berghen up Zoom.  
And again this year of our Lord 1605. by Letters, the which were carelessly and negliently delivered unto the Archdukes, whom they without offence to GOD and their honours, cannot esteem but enemies to the Netherlanders; knowing well, that seeing they do acknowledge the said Archduke and the Infanta for their Sovereign Princes and governors; they must also of necessity acknowledge the King of Spain, the Council of Spain, and the Spanish Inquisition. And as for their netherlands causes, they were governed and ruled altogether by the Spanish and Italian Commanders and Protectors, as it hath of late appeared and been seen, by a Commission given unto the Marquis Spinola, to the disgrace of the Arche-dukes, Prelates, Lords and Estates of the Netherlands.  
But if they sought by that treaty to bring the said Estates of the united Provinces, to consent to any thing against their obtained, and till than continued government and rights, tending to the dishonour of God, and prejudicial to their safeties (from the which they prayed him to defend them) they humbly entreated his Imperial Majesty, and the said Princes and Towns, not to advise them to any thing that might tend to the furtherance and advancement of their Spanish designs, not only in respect of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, but for the general good of all Christendom.  
But if the united Estates by the aid and assistance of the Emperor's Majesty, Princes, Estates and commonalties of Germany, for the maintenance and support of their resolved, undertaken, and now for many years continued government, might obtain the means to chase away from their frontiers, all such as seek the subversion of the Netherlands, they would acknowledge it for a great grace and favour, whereof if they might be assured, they would upon their request, make a more plain and ample declaration, and let them know by the effects, how much they did grieve at these bloody wars. But if the said Treaty tended to no other end, they then entreated the Emperor, Princes and Towns, in regard of the good of the Netherlands, and the reputation of the whole Empire, to take their refusal of a passport, with the time and place of meeting in good part.  
Touching any wrongs done, or insolencies committed by their soldiers upon the frontiers of the Empire, as also concerning the raising of new licences, tolles and other Imposts, they said, that they did hope to take such a course, as they should have 
1605.  no just cause of complaint: But in the troublesome time to give over any towns and Forts, which they for the good and service of the Empire, and ●…o withstand the enemy's invasion, had been forced to take (to their great charge) and till then held: they did presume that the Emperor, Princes and Towns, would hold it to be contrary to all policy and laws of Estate: and so much the rather, for that the Marquis Spinolas design was to pass his army over the Rhine, from whom the frontiers of the Empire were to expect no better than they had found, at the hands of the Admiral of Arragon, in the year 1598.  
This was the Estates answer unto the proposition made by the Emperor, Princes and Towns, desiring Maximilian de Co●…hi, to make a favourable report of their said answer, their letter bearing date the last of May, 1605.  
In March this year Cont Frederic Vanden Berghe, Brother to Cont Herman, had a 
A vain enterprise upon Bercke.  certain enterprise upon Rhinberk, the which being discovered, failed, so as he was forced to retire, yet without any loss of his men.  
This year in April the King of England sent his Ambassador into Spain, to see 
The Earl of Hertfor●… sent to the ●…chduke out of England.  the King swear the peace; and at the same time he sent Edward Lord Seymor Earl of Hertford, son to the Duke of Somerset, unto the Archdukes, to the same effect: who arriving at Dunkirk with a gallant train of Noblemen and Gentlemen, were honourably received there by Diego orts Governor of the Town: The Baron of barbanson, brother to the Earl of Arenbergh, Captain of their highness Archers, attended him there. All the Ordinance of the Town was shot off in a manner against the Estates ships of war which lay before it, who in like manner to do the Earl honour, discharged all their Ordinance. He had the like reception given him at Nieuport by Dom Pedro d'Alega the Governor, and at Bruges by Monsieur de Croselles (of the house of Montmorencie) Governor of the Town, and great Bailiff of Franke. Thither the Earl of Busquoy Master of the Ordinance was sent to entertain him. The Earl coming to Alost, he was met by the Earl of Ligny, the Baron of La dirty a Frenchman, with diverse other Gentlemen; whether the Duke of Aumale sent a Gentleman with letters of congratulation unto the Earl.  
The Earl approaching near unto brussels, within a mile of the town, he was first met by the Duke of Aumaule, then by the Duke of Arschot the Marquis Spinola, two Poland Dukes, the Marquis of Haverec, the Earl of Aremberg, the Prince of Palestrina, the Prince of Caserte, Dom Lovis de Velasco, Cont Theodore Trivulce, Cont Frederick Vanden Berghe, and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen. The next day after his arrival at brussels, he was visited by the Marquis of Laguna, son to the Duke of Medina Caeli, Ambassador for the King of Spain with the Archdukes.  
At the Earl of Hertfords' coming to brussels, the Archdukes were attended on 
ladies attending on the Infanta.  with great estate, whereof I will make some particular relation: and first of the Inf●…ntaes ladies without any distinction of precedence. First there was the Lady johanna of Chassincourt her Chamberlain: the chief of her Ladies of honour, were the Countesses of Vsedale, Busquoy and La Fere: her Maids of honour were the Lady Claudia Catherina Livia her Sewer, and cousin to her Chamberlain, the Lady of Croy her Carver, the Lady of sells, the Lady of Montmorencie: the Lady Maria Manuel a Spanish Lady, the Lady Magdeline de Buy, the Lady of Marle, the Lady Vincentia of Ferrara, the Ladies Ermesyna and Clara, daughters to the Earl of Aremberghe, the Lady of Balanson Cousin to Varambon, the Lady Marguerite of Bourgondie, Cousin to the Earl of Busquoy, with twelve other weighting women, most of them Spaniards.  
There were then also present (to honour the Infanta) the Countess of Mansfeldt, daughter to the Earl of Egmond, the Countess of Aremberghe, the marquess of Berghen, the Countess of Egmont, the Countesses of Barlaimont, Lalaine, Solve, Bossu, Fontenay, Berghe, Buy, Essingen, Fressin and Bruay, the Countess of Saint 
1605.  Aldegonde, the Countess of Bassigny, and the Countess of Malespina. The Lady of Brabanson, the ●…ady of Liekerke, the Lady of Terrayse, the Lady of Blancheval, the Lady of Liques, the Lady of Chassey, the Lady of Liliers and divers others.  
Upon the Archduke their attended the Earl of Essengen, the Earl of Saint Aldegond, 
Attendance upon the Arch duke.  the Marquis of Monte-negro his Mayordomo, Don Pedro de Ponce, the Vicont Octavio his chief chamberlain, DonGaston Spinola vice chamberlain, Don Innigo de Mendosa, Don Diego de Mexia, Don Diego d' Acuna, Don Alonzo d' Aualos. Don Inigo de Borgia, Brother to the Duke of Gandia and Captain of the Castle of Antwerp, the Earl Enenbergh, Cont Frederic vander Berghe captain of the guard, the Lord of Brabanson, brother to the Earl of Arembergh, captain of the Archers with many others.  
Besides all these attendants, there were divers knights of the order of the golden fleece, as the Duke of Arschot, the Marquis of Haurec, the Earl of Aremberg, the Marquis Spinola. There were also the Earl of Egmont, the Earl of Solme, the Marquis of Robaix son to the Earl of Ligny, the Marquis of Renty son to the Earl of Solme, the Earl of Busquoy, Henin, Hochstrate, Rassingen, Isenburgh, Bee, Euerbergh, Bossu and Fresin, most of them young Earls. The Lord of Sevenbergen Son to the Earl of Arembergh, the Lord of Chalon Nephew to the Earl or Mansfeldt, the Lord of Wesemael, the Lord of Vendesy of the house of Montmorency.  
Of strange noblemen there were the Duke d' Aumale, the Duke of Ossuna, Don john de Medicis base brother to the Duke of Florence, the Prince of Caserta a Neopolitaine, the Prince of Palsterino a Columnese, the Marquis of Malespina of the house of Paluoisin, Cont Thedore Triwltio, Don Lovis de velasco general of the light horsemen, with many other Spaniards and Iraliens, that were commanders in the army. With this Attendance the Archduke received the English Ambassador, with all honour and state; but whilst they were feasting and merry at Brussels Prince Maurice had an enterprise upon Antwerp, so as Spinola, velasco, vanden Bergh, Busquay with many cmomanders were forced to pack away speedily for the defence of the country. The Earl of Hertford having seen the Archduke swear to the contract of peace, leaving Sir Thomas edmond's there for Ambassador leaguer, took his leave of the Archdukes, having performed his legation and charge with great honour and bounty; from Brussels he went to Antwerp, and so into Zecland, where he took shipping for England.  
Prince Maurice having taken Wouwe castle, he made a general muster of his army and upon the second of june he passed over the Scheld into Flanders and landed near to Isendike, leaving the forts upon the river well appointed of men, as in Lillo there was Abcl van Catz bailiff of the marquisate of Campuere, making a show as if he would have besieged the Sas of Brugges, and so draw the war into the enemy's country, but Prince Maurice could begin no siege, for that the Marquis Spinola, was still at his heels ready to charge him, by means of the said bridge over the Schelld, which Prince Maurice doubted at the first, and therein he was of a contrary opinion to all the estates, holding it more profitable for them to go to the Rhine; and for that cause to assure his conquest of Sluice, Isendike, Ardenborgh, and the sconces thereabouts, he lodged his army at Wateruliet, for that there were some speeches given forth that the Archdukes had an intent to besiege Sluice, and with the great number of men which they expected from all places they would with a second army beseegeRineberke, and yet keep a fl●…g camp to prevent all dangers.  
Prince Maurire insconsed himself very strongly at Wateruliet, and to let him from attempting any thing against ●…as and other forts Spinola came withal his power to camp by him, in a place full of wood, where they could hardly come one at the other, but only by banks, where they made sconces one against the other, every day seeking some advantage.  
The General Estates of the United Provinces, being advertised of a Fleet 
1605. Sht●…s & men come out of Spain●…: defeated by the Estates ships.  of ships which was preparing at Lisbon in Portugal, to be sent into the Netherlands, they also made ready their ships of war, which attended them in the narrow Seas betwixt France and England, but in the end this great Fleet proved to be no more but eight ships in all, with some twelve hundred men in them, thinking to land them at ●…unkerke, Ostend or Neuport. But the Estates ships having discovered them on the fourteenth of june, they charged them, and sunk some, the rest retired themselves under th●… Castle of Dover in England: where they landed their men, and stayed there above six months before they durst cross the Seas for fear of the Estates ships. In the end (having lost many of their men, and received some number of Irishmen, the Estates ships having weighed their Anchors) they all recovered Dunkirk.  
In this month of june, the Town of Meurs belonging to Prince Maurice, was by certain traitors fired, on the which the enemy had an enterprise, the which the Governor discovering, he did forbid them to open the gates, for the saving 
Meurs set on fi●…e by traitors.  of any thing: Whereupon the whole Town (except some four of five houses) was burnt, the Governor desiring rather to preserve the gates, walls and fort for the Prince, than the houses, and let it fall into the enemy's hands.  
In julie following the marquess Spinola sent a good part of his Army out of Flanders, causing it to march towards the River of Rhyne, under the command of 
The Marquis Sparke nola marcheth towards Friesland.  the Earl of Busquoy, the which past a League above Cologne, going from thence to lodge at Dugts a Village opposite unto the town; and some days after in Keysersweert, where having gotten a passage to pass the rest of Spinolas men over the Rhine, they turned head towards Friesland.  
The Estates hearing that Spinola was passed, and what course he intended, they presently gathered together all their troops out of their garrisons of Berghen, 
The Estates bring their army near unto Rhynebercke.  Breda and other places; giving them their Rendezvous at Berke upon Rhyne: Whether came also such companies as were in Flanders; who seized upon the Island right against the town, on the fourth of july: Upon the which day all the Burghers of Weasel which were able to bear Arms, were mustered, the which the youngmen also of the said town did the next day, promising and swearing to assist and succour one an other▪ with all their means, bloods and lives. And if there were any that would transport their goods to any other place of safety that it should be taken as good prize as their enemy's goods.  
Cont Henry Frederick of Nassau, Brother to Prince Maurice, and Ernestus of Nassau his cousin, passing the ninth of the month with three thousand foot close by the Town of Weasel, and Colonel edmond's General of the Scottish men, with ten Cornets of horse, approaching the rest of their troops which were before Bercke, they made new fortifications without the town, if happily the marquess Spinola should come and besiege it, as it seemed he had an intent. On the nine and twentieth day of the month there was such a great storm of rain and hail in the camppe before Bercke and thereabouts, as in the memory of man the like had never been seen before, it continued above a quarter of an hour: There fell hailstones of a most strange fashion pointed, and they were as big as hens eggs. The bridge which they had made upon the Rhine to pass from one quarter to an other, was broken with the great violence of the wind, and was carried down the stream, with the carts, wagons and men that did guide them, whereof some were drowned.  
On the fourth of August the marquess Spinola parting from Keysersweert with three thousand horse & two thousand foot, he left the Earl of Busquoy with five thousand foot and eight hundred horse along the Rhine, to guard these new Forts which he had taken, and marched himself towards Essen in the country of Westphalia, and from thence to Dorsen where he passed the bridge, and then to Coesvelts, & Grenou, from whence he marched towards Oldenzeel in the country of Oueryssell (the which was held by the Estates) with an intent to besiege it, the which having invested, and knowing well that it was not very strong in one place, he planted his Canon there, 
1605. Oldenzeel yielded to Spinola by composition.  and began to batter it. The besieged (being but four companies of foot) knowing the weakness of the town, and that they should not be long able to resist his forces, being better advised then to cast away themselves wilfully, and the Burghers being loath to have their Town ruined with the Canon, and themselves in the end sacked and spoiled, they compounded with the marquess, upon condition that for six days space they should have free liberty to carry whatsoever they would out of the Town, and whether soever they pleased themselves, and that the soldiers should not carry Arms of six months against the King of Spain nor the Archdukes: In which town he left Cont Herman vanden Berghe for Governor, with 14. Companies of foot and 2. Cornets of horse.  
Spinola having taken Oldenzeel, he sent his army unto Linghen belonging by inheritance to Prince Maurice, which as then was but ill fortified, and weakly furnished of a garrison, the which he resolved to besiege with all the speed he could: but 
Spinola besiege●… and took Linghen.  the situation of the place gave him some cause to doubt, for that he found he should hardly get from thence unless he made his passage with his sword, and won a victory with his honour, in regard that he should be followed and enclosed round about, but at the last he thought it expedient in all haste to set upon the Town and to make trial thereof, wherein as he himself writ, he found an old Governor who seemed to have forgotten his occupation, and certain young Captains who as then had not well learned it, who scarce daring to look over the walls lest they should be shot, were more busied to make their walls higher, thereby to 
The indiscretion of the Governor & Commanders in Linghen.  defend themselves against the Ordinance, then to keep their enemy out of their ditches, the which they neglected, and although the town were well flanked in every place, yet they suffered them to come to their ditches before their Ordinance was orderly placed, and to cut off the water, filling the ditches with faggots, hurdles and planks, and so to pass over them to the point of a Bulwark, before they had discovered it; who being once lodged there, they within knew not what to do, wanting both men and knowledge to defend themselves; so as being in fear, and supposing the danger to be greater than it was, within few days after upon the eighteenth of August they concluded to send out a Drum, to parley with the enemy, before that Spinola had made a full breach, or that he thought it time to summon them to yield. For which cause he granted them the best conditions that might be to get the garrison out of the town as soon as he could, knowing that Prince Maurice was marching towards him, and so (as they of Oldenzeel had done) they yielded the town 
Linghen yielded by composition.  unto him upon these conditions: That Colonel Martin Cobben Governor of the Town and Castle, should yield it up upon condition that the soldiers should depart with their Colours flying and full arms, and might carry away what goods they could in six days, and the Burghers in eight, except the Artillery, munition of war and other provision. whereupon Colonel Cobben went forth with eight Companies, and presented himself before Prince Maurice, who reproached him bitterly for his base cowardice, causing him to be put in prison, with some of his Captains and chief Officers of the said Town, the which were sent prisoners to the Hage, to justify themselves before the General Estates where they had Cousins enough to free them from any great punishment. Spinola thereupon being as it were half drunk with that sudden victory, knew not well what to do, but for certain days lay there and attempted not any thing, having the way open to have done some other exploits, giving his enemy leisure to fortify himself and to provide for all the places lying thereabouts. While both the armies lay in Friesland, the Archduke finding himself to be strong of men which yet remained in Brabant, he resolved to enterprise something 
An enterprise made upon Berghen up-zoome by monsieur Hericou●…t.  against Berghen up-zoome, giving the charge thereof unto monsieur Herricourt, de la Biche Governor of Hulst, and john Terrail a French man, who made profession to be very expert in making of Petards and forcing of towns therewith, for the effecting of this design, there were above four thousand footmen and three companies of horsemen gathered together at Beveren in the land of Waes', upon Blockers dike, giving forth that they had an enterprise to do In Cadsant, having all things prepared to 
1605.  that purpose: upon the one and twentieth of August, it being a great procession as then in Antwerp they kept the gates shut, and about evening made out with certain horsemen, causing the footmen to be sent out of Flanders at calo, and so in the morning before day got before Berghen up-zoome, passing along by the drowned land, called then Northland, through the Haven of the Town when it was a low water, and presently entered into the fortification lying without, called Beckaff, with a thousand men, the Sentinels giving the alarm, shot twice at them, but the Guard in that place being not strong enough to resist so great forces, left it, retiring themselves behind the Houwers-dike, under the Palisadoes of the water-mills, and defending themselves under the wings of the town. The enemy having gotten that place, they divided themselves into two parts, the one part breaking down the Palisadoes before the Sconce, which was made for the defence of Saint john's gate, they took it, who thinking that as than they were within 
Berghen in danger.  the Town, cried, Ville gaigne, courage, vive la mess, with such like words, but the Townsmen with the soldiers valiantly defended themselves, both with their shot and other short weapons, and when their powder failed them, they fell to it with stones, whereby the Spaniards were forced to give back, and to fly away before the water begun to flow. The other part of the Spaniards went along upon the bank of the Haven, beneath to the foot of the said outward work, where in short time they caused two strong gates which were without the water-gate to be forced with their Petards, by the which they entered with their troops to go to the water-gate, to the which (after they had thrown down certain Palisadoes or defences of wood) they made fast a Petard, but it failed, and there the master of those works and many others were slain with stones, and upon the gate the Lieutenant of Captain Barnard Pluchart was shot, whereof he died, and divers others, but the Petard failing, they fight long, but to no end at all, the water beginning to flow they were forced to retire.  
The Governor Sir Paul Bax, showed himself in every place where need required, from the beginning to the ending, encouraging the soldiers and townsmen to do their best, and giving order for all things necessary, notwithstanding by all likelihood, (without God's providence) the Town was in great danger, for that but half of the garrison were then in guard, nor once suspecting any such enterprise, their enemy approaching with Petards and strange Instruments of war, wherewith in short time they broke down both Palisadoes and gates, by the which they might presently pass with whole troops, and had almost put their enterprise in execution, before the soldiers and Burghers could get to the gates, the town was so great, every man being also at rest suspecting nothing. The Spaniards intent was (being well assured that the town had but a weak garrison) the water-gate being opened, to cause the said 1000 men to march in two parts, the one part along the walls to the Steenbergh gate, the other Southward to the Bosch gate, to open these ports, & so let their men in, where their horsemen and some footmen showed themselves and gave an alarm: 
The Spaniard repulsed from Berghen.  but the Inhabitants (God be thanked) with great valour and resolution withstood them. The enemy in the opinion of many men committed a great error to leave the outward work as easily as they had gotten it, not keeping it to try their fortune, & by renewing of their ●…orces, to have assailed the town with more strength: of the enemy there were 30. men slain, one being a Captain, and 20. men taken prisoners by them of the town, by whom they understood that there were 200. men hurt at the least: when they fled they left all their munition for the wars behind them, with as many arms and weapons which they cast from them, as would arm 400. men; within the town there was but one man found slain, and some hurt.  
The same day the Lord of Grobbendonke Governor of Boisleduc made an enterprise upon the town of Grave with sixteen hundred men, and divers wagons and 
An enterprise upon Grave made by the Governor of Boisleduc.  boats, thinking with his boats to put two hundred men into one of the Bulwarks & with a bridge made of dryfats and pipes to get to the walls, but coming near unto the town his enterprise was discovered, and so he was forced to go back again without 
1605.  attempting any thing, the like enterprises were attempted upon Thiel and other places.  
Notwithstanding that the aforesaid enterprise made against Berghen up Zome failed, yet the said enterprisers, viz. Monsieur la Biche, Du Tarrail, and D'ette, who had been 
Bergen up zoom once again assailed by the enemy, upon the 20. of Septemb.  Governor of Wouwe, would once again adventure an other enterprise against the said town, thinking to repair their former error, whereof they hademade trial to their costs, who being five thousand foot, and five companies of horsemen, upon the nineteenth of September, a month after the first enterprise, set forward. Sir Paul Bax Governor of the town, understanding that diverse Soldiers were assembling about Antwerp and Brussels, every day sent some of his horsemen out, to know the enemy's intent, whereof some upon the nineteen of September met with certain Spanish horsemen by Stabrooke, where some of them were taken, others got away, and about noon news thereof was brought unto the town: At evening there were more horsemen sent forth at the shutting of the gates, who about ten of the clock at night came before the town again, and calling to the Sentinel, told him that the enemy with his whole power was at Raesberch with Boats, Bridges and Munition, and as they thought had great troops, or a whole army. Whereupon the Governor about eleven of the clock at night, caused certain pieces of ordinance to be shot off, and a Beacon to be set on fire, that the Sconces at the end of the Haven of the town, as also they of Tertolen, Wouwe and Steenberghen, should be ready to defend themselves: By means of this shooting, the Spaniards (who were come thither in the beginning of the night) deferred their enterprise till two of the clock in the morning, in mean time both parties kept themselves very quietly, they within the town placed soldiers, and Burghers round about upon their walls, and two companies in the market place, ready to relieve all places where need required. About two of the clock after midnight, those that were appointed to assail the town on the northside, being come thither, and the way being long, they shot two fiery arrows into the air over the towns, thereby making a sign that they should all assail the town at one instant, at which time they assailed it in five places together, viz. at the nuns Bulwark, the Steenberghen gate, the Orange Ravelin, and with a Bridge laid over the New-haven, and at the Polder called Saint james polder, all with great force and fury, respecting not the Ordinance, Muskets and small shot out of the town, marching as if it had been an Iron wall; they themselves not shooting much: at the Steenberghen gate they used great force, where they thought to let in their horsemen, where (in less than half an hours space) they had forced open three gates, cut down the drawbridge, and broken the Portcullis, so as there rested nothing but the inner-gate to be forced open, which the Burghers fortified, and mured up with earth, wagons, and trees, which they placed against it, and by that means kept them from entering the Town, casting stones down upon them from off the gate.  
The Spanish Drums struck up an alarm before the said gate, as if they had been within; whereupon their horsemen came before the town, sounding their Trumpets, as if the gates had been open, the Townsmen stood upon the walls with their colours, encouraging one the other, and giving their enemies all the spightfullest words they could. Claes Luytsen Captain of the company of Amsterdam, who was in guard in the Fort called Beckaf, by the Polder, behaved himself valiantly, forcing the enemy with his Musket and great shot (as they marched along) to retire, and slew diverse of them, the which they carried with them in the wagons, wherewith they had brought their Bridges, Hurdles and other furniture, which they were forced to leave behind them.  
The like happened to them at the Ravelin, where they had two and twenty men slain; at the Bosch gate their powder failed, but the Bridges were ready, and they had gotten over the Palisadoes, and a hundred of them at the least were climbing up the walls, before they within the town could discover them, the night was so dark, by reason that it reigned, but the Burghers continually burning Pitch and straw, 
1605.  and casting it over the walls, by the light thereof shot off their Ordinance, so as at last they were all forced to retire. It was strange to see the women and children help the men and soldiers that fought, who climbing up the walls, brought powder, lead, 
The endeavours of them within the town.  piche, stones, and the straw from their beds; and laying the children out of their Cradles', carried stones in them up to the walls; this the stoutest sort of women did: the rest being of weaker complexion, went along through the streets, and kneeled before their doors, lifting up their hearts, eyes, and hands to heaven, in that sort fight by prayers and sighs unto GOD, which moou●…d the Soldiers to greater courage.  
The towns men and inhabitants without respecting of what religion they were, (whereof many were well known to be Romish Catholics) failed not one with the other to run to the walls, and made all the resistance that possibly they could to repulse the enemy. Sir Paul Box road into every place upon his horse, holding his Bridle and Courtelax in the left hand, and a Pistol in his right hand, with a guard about him, commanding all that was necessary to be done. The Bougue-maisters, and also the Ministers of the reformed Church, did what lay in them, and showed not to be slackest, but armed themselves and went to the walls to resist the enemy, and to animate the Soldiers to be resolute.  
In this sort the Spaniards having attempted to surprise the Town, and finding great resistance, until day light, at last they were forced (with their loss) to retire to Antwerp, leaving about a hundred men dead behind them, the which were buried in three pits. It is said that the Baron of Amersteyn, a Noble man of Stiria, was slain there, and nine Captains. The Burghers going out of the gates, in great rage, killed diverse of the Soldiers which lay wounded without the town, and had hidden themselves.  
In the way to Antwerp, there were many of the Soldiers found which died of the wounds they had received before the Town, and it was known that they 
The Spaniard retires from Berghen.  had laden six and thirty Wagons (which they brought thither with Bridges, Petards, Ladders, hurdles, and other munition, and left it all behind them,) full of dead and wounded men, wherewith they filled all the Hospitals that were thereabouts. They within the Town lost but one of their Soldiers, and had six other of them wounded, but many burnt; and so they gave unto GOD most hearty thanks for their happy delivery. The united Provinces would have found this to have been a great loss unto them, and therefore they took great care to provide better for it, for that after this enterprise the Spaniards bragged that they meant to make a third attempt, or else to besiege it with a great army, whereupon the Estates of those Provinces, sent eight companies more into it, but Prince Maurice sending five companies thither out of his atmie, those eight were sent back again into Flanders.  
Whilst that Marquis Spinola was busy on the other side of the Rhine, the Earl of Busquoy, who (as we have said) was left behind with five thousand 
Wachtendonk taken by the Spaniards.  foot and eight hundred horse, went to besiege the town of Wachtendonke in the country of Geldres, the which he took by composition on the six and twenty of September, the Soldiers departing with their full arms and baggage. All this time the archdukes forces being so great, and dispersed on either side of the Rhine, the Estates were forced to keep good guard in many places, and to have them well furnished: so as Prince Maurice could not draw any army to field, but kept himself close. Yet they made hot war at sea against the Ships of Dunkirk, so as Captain Moy-Lambert of Rotterdam with a Ship of war of Enchuysen, took the Admiral after a long fight, who chose rather to be slain there, then to yield himself to their mercy: to whom the Estates (for that he was not cruel, nor yet their vassal, but of Antwerp) would have granted his life: yea they did grieve at his obstinacy.  
There were forty of his men hanged at Rotterdam, and the rest at Enchuysen, for 
1605.  tha●… they were their natural born subjects, or had formerly served the Estates, the which happened in October.  
About this time Prince Maurice understanding, that Spinola had lodged fourteen companies of Ruiters and eight companies of foot men, in a village called Mulhem up the river of Roere, by the house of Brook, the which were led by the Earl Theodore Trivultio, Lieutenant general of the horsemen, he resolved to set upon them, and upon the eight of October in the evening went out of his army, with all his horse, and four and twenty companies of foot, of divers nations, which he caused to be carried in wagons, apointing his brother Henrick Earl of Nassaw to have the forward and with him Marcelis Bax, each with eight cornets of horsemen. Prince Maurice himself following with the rest and three field pieces, their conclusion, was that Bax should ride thorough the Roere, and on the back side of the village charge the Spanish quarter; and Earl Henrick with other eight companies of horse, and the foot men should ride to the village, which doing they found the Boome open; and therefore stood still to slay for the foot men, in the mean time the Spaniards took an alarm, and left the village, and went to the house of Brook, which by policy they had taken, but if they had suddenly charged the enemies, they would without doubt have soon overthrown them, for Earl Henrick riding through the village, found them in the Roere busied to pass over, but by his standing still, they took courage, and charged Cont Henricks horsemen, putting some of them to flight, but for that Prince Maurice followed them, with the rest of the horse and foot, their flight was stopped, and the Spaniards by that means past the Roere, whom Prince Maurice gave charge to follow, so as not only most part of the horsemen, but certain troops of Englishmen of Sir Horatio Vere's regiment overtook them.  
In the mean time Ma cellus Bax, passed over the Roere with his horsemen, to stop the passage: but coming thither, he found the Spanish horsemen standing to watch them, or else to go on with some convoy: having a good number of footmen. Where he put the horsemen to flight, but being relieved by their footmen, they made head again, (the way being of advantage for the footmen) aided also by them of Miulhem, but they were once again forced to give back, so as at last Bax found himself to be charged by one thousand horse at the least, with whom for the space of an hour and a half, he held play only with four hundred horsemen, charging and recharging one the other so valiantly, as Bax kept his standing, wondering that no man came to second him; at last Cont Henrick came thither, whom Bax entreated to charge the Spaniards which stood upon the Roere, and he would second him, the which they both did with great resolution, but Don Lewis De Velasco having in the mean time gotten an other company of horsemen together, at last Cont Henrickes' horse were again shamefully put to slight, abandoning their Lord, who so resolutely led them on, the which would have brought the whole army into disorder and confusion, if the resolution of Sir Horatio Vere with four good companies of Englishmen, and one of the Scots (belonging to the Lord of Backlough) had not been very great, who made a stand, and with their, pikes withstood and repulsed the enemy, and were not once broken, notwithstanding the enemies furious charges. At last a troop of Frenchmen led by monsieur Dommerville came to relieve them, where he was slain: Earl Henrick being thus abandoned by his horsemen he went with some few that were left to Baxes troops, upon whom all the Spanish horsemen fell, so as they doubted how they should save themselves, charging the enemy oster times very valiantly; where the Earl to his great honour and commendation so valiantly charged a Spanish captain, as he bent his pistol upon him, which he likewise did to him, but both failed: wherewith the Spanish captain thought to have taken hold of the Earls scarce, and for to have pulled him to him; the which Bax perceiving, he bent his pistol at him, thinking to shoot him into the face, but with over great hast he shot him lower in the armour, and their they sat both on horseback, hardly bestead amongst their enemies, and but weakly relieved, by means of the noise 
1605.  and cries which the Earls horsemen had caused amongst them; they had many shot made at them, but in the end Baxes Nephew came and relieved them, and by that means they gathered some horses together, and once again charged the head of a troop, but were again put back, and in that sort they fought for the space of seven hours.  
In the mean time Prince Maurice came on with three field pieces, and some troops of footmen, which as then were more necessary than the horsemen, who being led on by Cont Ernestus and colonel Marquette, they discharged a volley 
Earl Theodoro Trivultio slain.  of shot amongst the Spaniards, at which time, Earl Theodoro Trivultio was slain, being Lieutenant general of those troops, a brave soldier and of a Noble house: and therewith certain horsemen led on by the Earl Henrick giving a new charge, the Spaniards were once again put to flight, and were driven up a hill; some ran into the wood, and many saved themselves in the house of Brook, which at the first they took by policy, but it was taken from them again, and for want of good order, they recovered it again, and so it served them for a good retreat, many were taken and slain in the flight, and divers horses won, but such as fled into the wood, hearing of Spinolaes' coming from Roeroort with the whole army gathered together again.  
After this long and tedious fight, Prince Maurice hearing of Spinolaes' approach he caused his men to return, willing Bax to stay there to favour the retreat, as he did, but was ill seconded by the other horsemen, the Spaniards having gotten fresh supplies fell upon them again; and the horsemen getting over Roere, the Spaniards fell upon the English foot, who valiantly defended themselves, as long as they had any powder, but the Earl of Chastillion, standing with two troops upon the Roere, about a hedge, shot so fiercely, as the Marquises horsemen were forced to retire, and so they made an orderly retreat, the Spaniards following them still shooting, but coming to a heath, they left each other, where as Prince Maurice called for those horsemen which had fled, giving them many reproachful speeches, and showed them what confusion they had made amongst his men, whereas he put his greatest trust in them, and by that means missed so good and fair an occasion to overthrow his enemy.  
It was thought in this fight, there were about five hundred of Spynolas men slain, whereof one was the Earl Theodoro Trivultio, (whose body being embalm was the next year sent unto Milane where he was borne) and Gambarotta and others of account, amongst the prisoners one was Nicholas Doria cousin to Spinola, and others, having two cornets taken from them; and of Prince Maurices' side they lost two Ensigns, and about two hundred men, amongst the which Mousier Dumdeville was one, and certain captains: the prisoners were monsieur de Bethune, (who was presently exchanged for Nicholas Doria,) as also captain Sald, captain Pigot and captain Ratclif, but Sir Henry carry, a gallant Gentleman (and Master of the jewel house to the King of England, after his father) was put to a great ransom, for that he served as voluntary, and was not contained in the quarter.  
This was done upon the ninth day of October, which gave Prince Maurice great cause not to put so great confidence in his horsemen, being as than but weak of foot, so as after that he durst not by any means hazard the like again.  
This Winter there was little done in the Netherlands touching the wars, only that the garrisons on either side made many enterprises one upon an other, as upon 
1606. Marquis Spinola goes into Spain.  Nuys, Grave, Erckelens, & Deventer, especially over the Ice during the frost, but they took no effect, the fear thereof being the cause which made the general Marquis Spinola to stay longer in the Netherlands than he thought to have done, so as it was the first day of january before he took post to pass through France into Spain, where on the way he was hindered by sickness, and being in Spain he found more want of money than he expected, by the bad traffic in Spain for that the East and West Indian fleets were not come, as also in regard of the dearth 
1605.  in Spain, whereby all the Spanish rials were paid and carried away for corn, which was brought thither in great abundance out of France, England and other countries, so as in Spain they were forced to use most copper money, the which was wont to be as plentiful of silver as any other country.  
In this winter also the counsel of war assembled in the Hage to give their censure 
A sentence pronounced against the governor and captains of Linghen for yielding up the town.  upon the governor and captains of Linghen, for that they had so basely yielded up the town, this counsel consisting of the Earls, Henrick, Ernest, and john of Nassaw, the young Earl of Solms, the Lord Ʋander Noote, governor in Flanders, Emerie van Lidie, governor of Williams Stat, monsieur van Lookeren, with some English and Scots Colonels, and other captains with Colonel Warner du Bois, as precedent, which met the last of january.  
They of Gelderland, with certain of the Baron van Hemerts kindred, who was beheaded in the Earl of Leicester's time, by rigour of law, said that if they were not beheaded, that then the said Baron of Heemert had great wrong offered him, for that he had endured three assaults given against the town of Grave, and received above a thousand eight hundred cannon shot, whereas they to the contrary suffered three bridges to be laid over the town ditches in the day time, without any resistance, and that therefore, if they would proceed severely against the one, and not against them, they should then have good cause to appeal against the judgement given upon the Baron de Hemert. This counsel sitting tell the 11. day of February, at last they gave sentence, that the governor of Lynghen called Marten Cobbe, and captain john Witte should be dismissed, and with ignominy declared uncapable ever after to bear arms, and that the Drosart Albert of Itersome, john Ruysch, john van Dick, Ernestus Mellinga, Nichalas Audaert, and the Licentiate juthiema should be deposed from their places, & cassiered, and should serve under such companies as they should be appointed unto, to recover their credits again if they could.  
This sentence was much spoken of, for that many were of opinion, that if at the first these men had been censured, they had been likely to have lost their heads, but so much time passing over before they were judged, and for that their action was not found to proceed of malice, but of mere cowardice, or want of experience, had saved their lives, whereunto also the weakness of the country at that time was some help, who could hardly punish them having many friends.  
In the beginning of this springe Count Ernestus of Nassau was called by Duke Henry jules of Brunswick to be Lieutenant of his army against them of the town of Brunswycke, in whose aid the Hans towns of the East country's levied certain men. The said Duke gave unto Cont Ernestus one of his daughters in marriage, the 
The Archdukes in jealousy of the Duke of Bovillon.  which was celebrated at Wolffenbuytell where the Duke keeps his court. The Baron of Barbanson, brother to the Earl of Arembergh did levy at that time for the Archduke a regiment of three thousand german foot; the Earl of Busquoy one of two thousand five hundred Walloons, and the Lord of Luxembourg an other of the like number, which was to fortify them upon the jealousy they had of the duke of Bovillon brother in law to Prince Maurice, lest he should have some secret intelligence with the French King, and that both of them (having joined their forces together) should fall upon him. For as the duke being in disgrace with the King, was retired to Sedan, where he levied men for his defence; so the King made preparation of an army to go and assail the duke, but by means he was reconciled to his Majesty upon these distrusts, the Archdukes sought to fortify their army with new levies: sending one part of all his forces into Luxembourg, and an other into Henault, Arthois, Namur and other frontier countries, but the Duke being reconciled to the King's favour, the King dismissed his army, and the Duke discharged his men.  
The Earl of Busquoy having gathered some troops together in march about Keesers-weert, he made show as if he would build some new fort upon the Rhine, near unto Berck. But upon the fourteenth day of the month about midnight, he surpri●…ed the town of Brevoort; the governor and some of the soldiers (seeing the towns thus taken) retired into the Castle, which they defended against the enemy. The Estates 
1606.  horsemen which had convoyed Cont Ernestus towards the Duke of Brunswick were by good hap returned the day before out of Germany into those quarters, who presently cut of the enemy's victuals, so as the peasants could not bring them any thing unto the town. Cont William of Nassau governor of Freezland and Groaning, hearing of this surprise and that the Castle held good for the Estates, sent presently all the horse and foot he could gather suddenly together in his government, who went and besieged them that had surprised the town: Cont Henry Frederec of Nassau was also sent from the Hage, and captain du Bois, having charge to command all the forces they could get of Breda, Berghen and other places to follow them. Prince Maurice 
And abandoned again.  meaning to be there present himself parted from the Hage the twenty one of the month, carrying all his own horses with him, with his tents and all his other baggage fit for such an exploit. But as they were upon the way they had news that the enemy had been forced to abandon the town again, whereupon he determined to return to the Hage.  
In the beginning of the year 1606. Philip Earl of Hohenloo, Baron of Langerbergh, Lieutenant general of Holland, Zeeland, West Friesland, Bomell and Thieldwert. etc. 
Philip Earl of Hohenlo died.  being sick of a long linger disease, which grew to be a general lameness both of hand and feet, so as he could not stir nor help himself, died at Iselstein upon the fifth of March, being above fifty years of age. A man of a tall comely stature, and of good experience in marshal affairs, but somewhat stout and hasty, having served about thirty four or thirty five years in the Netherlands in great and continual troubles, especially after the death of the Prince of Orange, when as the united Provinces were wonderfully perplexed, Prince Maurice his son being then very young, so as then there was not any man that seemed able to take their cause in hand to direct their marshal affairs, and to be tutor to Prince Maurice, but only this Earl to whom every man had a respect, to the end he should undertake their affairs, in regard of his authority and credit amongst the soldiers, as also for his skill in marshal affairs, being also very rich, and withal very bountiful and affable; he married the eldest daughter of the Prince of Orange borne by the Contesse of Buren, who died without children, his lands he gave to his brother's children, whereof Ernestus Earl of Hohenlo was then in the Netherlandes with him, and commanded his cornet of horse, being a gallant young gentleman of great hope; his funeral was appointed to be kept at Iselstein upon the 6. of April, with the accustomed ceremonies, where Prince Maurice and others of the house of Nassau were present, with the Deputies of the general Estates, the counsel of Estate, and the counsel of Holland and others; but by reason of the taking of Brevoort it was put of for a while, his body was set in a coffin in the Church of Iselstein until his kindred came out of Germany to fetch it, and so carried it to the country of Hohenlo.  
The Archduke being freed of the fear he had of the French King, the garrisons of Flanders attempted a certain enterprise upon Sluice being conducted by Frederik Vanden Bergh which was very secretly undertaken, but not fortunately effected.  
Not long before there were two Spaniards who having for a time served in Sluice, ran from the Estates again and gave intelligence to them of Flanders, how that the 
An enterprise made against Sluice by the Archduke.  watch house without Sluice which stood upon the bridge of the East gate was burnt down, so that as then there was no guard held, that bridge served to come from Coxy, Cadsant, and from all the parts of the drowned land into the town, being very long, with two draw bridges and a good pale on the one side, but only where the sconces which had been broken down stood, thinking it very difficult that the enemy should attempt any thing on that side, in regard that the drowned land was round about fortified with sconces, being almost impossible for them to pass that way.  
The town gate as then was very weak, being only of double planks nailed one upon the other, and along by it but a slight low wall, which they might easily climb over. monsieur vander Noot the governor of the town being partly advertised of an enterprise to be made upon that part of Flanders, had sent to all the sconces and forts 
1606.  round about to give them warning thereof, he himself talking his ease, not once fortefiing his guards neither had he any suspicion, for which his negligence he was afterwards much blamed. It was an enterprise well managed and better executed then that which was led by monsieur de Terrail, but by GOD'S providence wonderfully prevented, for that few men might easily have effected it, there being a large plain within the gate, which lay beteewne the town and the castle, where they might all have put themselves in battle.  
The petardiers of Terrail with some others being well informed of this situation, they concluded that on the west side, upon the twelfth of june there should be a slight alarm given, and that thereupon they should assail the East gate, their number being three thousand six hundred or three thousand seven hundred men, all old expert soldiers and most Walons, which by night passed through the drowned land, hard by the crab sconce, and were not once discovered.  
Whereupon it chanced, that the Sexton of the great Church, or of the great clock, which was heard through all the town, about ten of the clock at night, went up into the steeple without a candle, and as GOD would (by a mere accident) overwound his clock which was the reason it struck not all that night, so as the soldiers on the West side, knew not when to begin their alarm, and fearing to be discovered and betrared, stood still. They at the East gate having stood above an hour watching behind the 〈◊〉, and not discovered, hearing no alarum given on the West side, w●…re 〈◊〉, doubting to be entrapped and knew not what to do, but at last by the 〈◊〉 o●… the Petardiers who were desirous to be at their work, they resolved to go ●…rd.  
The Petardier c●…d three of his men to swim over, and commanded each man to do a several work, the first with a small petard to break open the lock of the first draw bridge, the second to do the like to the second draw bridge, and the third with a great petard to break open the gate, having a great space between it and the draw bridge, and they were all three effected accordingly, the two locks of the drawbridges being broken, the gate also flying open, and the drawbridge being let fall, the soldiers marched forward, as many as could march one by an other unto the gate within the gate there was sixteen or seventeen men in the gardhouse commanded by the governor monsieur van Noots sergeant, which sergeant hearing some noise, went to hearken at the gate, and with the blow of the petard was slain, those that were in guard came all out, and seeing no, man advance towards them they put to the gate again as well as they could: in the mean time (as I said before) the bridge stood full of soldiers, who had nothing but there cortelasses and pikes, (which was a graat error in them, as having more need to have been musketeers) but they stood still looking one upon the other, being much abashed, not only for that they heard no alarum from the West side, but for that they saw no great resistance made against them.  
The Petardier speaking unto them and crying, March forward the gate is open, but they within having some respeit, the gate being half open into the which they thrust with their pikes there came presently to aid the court of guard, (who had shot of their pieces) an English Captain with about sixteen soldiers and Gentlemen, who lay not far from the gate, but half dressed, and presently after that divers others, as the captains ●…oost, Broufaulx, Haultaine, and an other, ●…euery one with there readiest men, and not long after the governor himself also came; most part in their shirts, so as if the enemy had charged them furiously, and presently clome up the walls, although it had been done at the first but with ten or twelve men (as it is thought) they should have been masters 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 town, but they were so afraid of some treason for that the clock st●…ucke not and every man within the town was so still and quiet as they were afraid to advance and go forward. They within the town taking courage to themselves being ignorant what was done without, presently placed ordinance and shot cross over the bridge which caused the enemy to give back, they within the gate 
1606.  also discharging their pieces furiouslly upon them, the Englishmen (having nothing on but their breeches and their corselets upon their shirts, were the first that sallied forth upon the enemy, that was upon the bridge, and were not much hurt by their pikes, who for that they had no muskets were furiously charged by them of the town, for they that were in the foremost ranks could not give back, being compelled by those that were behind them to stand close in order, the bridge being very long most of them were forced to leap of from it into the water, or else to fall down, where the pales were burnt, so as many of them were drowned; And so they which were behind were forced to fly; the Englishmen (who besides the watch) were the first that sallied forth against the enemy, had the best purses and booties, whereby most of them going out half naked came into the town again with good apparel. Thus the Archdukes soldiers were forced with great confusion to fly from an interprize which was well plotted, well conducted, but badly executed: it may be through want of some commanders of authority amongst them, leaving all their petards and preparation, and most part of the soldiers their arms being esteemed sufficient to arm a thousand men, and were forced to fly through such a passage, as many left their shoes sticking fast in the mud; there were fifty six buried in one grave within the gate, besides those that were drowned and smothered, not accounting them which were slain by the sconces without, one of the two spaniards which had fled, and descovered the weakness of town unto the enemy, was found dead upon the bridge, some prisoners were brought into Sluice, most of them being hurt, one being a jesuit, (who had at least fourteen or fifteen wounds) he confessed that he had come thither of mere zeal to say the first mass in the town, he said also, that he perceived well that GOD would not as yet send that misfortune unto the town, in regard of their bloody and cruel resolution, which was to murder all that were within it. No enterprise could be easilier nor better concluded then this, and whereon so much depended, and yet was it most easily prevented and chiefly through fear, having no man of authority to command them, nor to free them of those doubts, nor that had the foresight to climb up the walls and the gate, which were very low, whereby they might easily perceive, that there was no plot laid to entrap them, but the fear which had seized on their hearts (the which cometh from God) gave them within means to give the alarm, and to resist them.  
Not long after there was a drum sent into the town for certain prisoners, who said that the enemy missed four or five hundred of their men, and they within very few: After this enterprise there was a fair half Moon made at Sluice before the said gate to prevent the like attempts. This enterprise falling out thus unfortunately, 
Certain captains and soldiers punished by the Archduke for failing of the enterprise before Sluice.  Terrail (with his petardies) made great complaint thereof unto the counsel of war, saying that they had opened the gate, and that the soldiers durst not enter, whereupon the counsel of war caused some of them to be aprehended and committed to prison, whereof three were openly beheaded for the same in Brussels upon the nineteen of june, one being a Captain called Cruycklenborgh, another was Sergeant Mayor of the Irishmen, and one Wael Rasoir who had served long time under the Spainard. Cruycklenborgh being a young gentleman of good parentage in Brussels was much lamented, and great means were made unto the Archduke for his life, who being much importuned by his friends, willed them to repair unto him again after noon; in the mean time they were all three beheaded before noon, by commandment from the counsel of war, and that which caused the matter to be more spoken of, was, for that it happened even at such time as the Earl of Busquoy was married in the court at brussels unto the cousin of the Earl of Biglia. Colonel Challon was discharged of his Colonel's place and a company of horsemen given him, the soldiers of the Netherlands murmured much at this rigour used by the Archduke, saying, that although the Spaniards and Italians committed never so many offences yet they could keep their heads upon their shoulders, monsieur de Terraile with the rest of his petardiers hearing what murmuring speeches were used among the soldiers by reason of that execution, feared lest they would secretly do him 
1061  some mischief in regard thereof, for which cause having made some friends unto the French King his master to pardon him, he left the Netherlands and went into France, but after committing a murder in France, he fled again into the Netherlands. About this time in the beginning of summer it was agreed between the 
The castle of Wouwe and Hoghestrate razed.  Archduke and the united Provinces (the better to relieve the countries on both sides,) that the castle of Wouwe, and the castle of Hochstrate (fortified by the mutinous esquadron,) should be razed, as being both a like injurious unto the countries, the which was as then done. The 20. of june there was a great quarrel and tumult in Antwerp, between the netherlands sailors and the Spanish garrison in the castle, about a whore or some such like matter, wherein some Spaniards were hurt and a sailor slain: the sailors 
An uproar in Antwerp.  accompanied with the Burghers ran in heaps to the Oue and the Mint, not far from the castle, against whom the Chastelaine of Antwerp presently marched forth with 400. Spaniards in three troops, and entered the Oue with such fury as if they would have slain all they found, whereupon the drums did beat an alarm in all places about the town, and the streets were stopped with wagons, the people crying out and saying that the Spaniards meant to make themselves masters of the town, whereupon the Burghers with all speed barricadoed the streets with wagons and other things, and the Boys began to cry, kill, kill, so as it was likely there would have been great bloodshed. Wherewith the Burghers being moved and up in arms, the Burguemasters with great entreaties and promises appeased them, and caused the Castelaine with his soldiers retire into the Castle again, and so the matter was pacified: the next day the Castelaine and the Burguemasters, debated the matter before the Archduke in Brussels, where they had an answer given them. About this time there was a burghers wife of Gant (being great with child) with her sister, murdered by a Spaniard for that she 
Two women murdered by a Spaniard in Gant.  had sent her daughter away, whom he followed, and (as he said) thought to have married, which Spaniard after he had done the deed, went to save himself in a cloister, where because the porter would not let him in, before he had gotten licence of the Prior so to do, he snatched a candle stick out of his hand, and struck him therewith, whereupon the people running thither, they took him and binding his hands and feet, laid him in the street, until that the officers (being made acquainted therewith) came & aprehended him, for the which not long after he was beheaded, notwithstanding many high words used by the governor of the castle, who among other speeches said, that it was not convenient they should put one of the King's servants to death for the murder of a woman or two, which would have caused a tumult among the people, if they had not feared such an invasion, as they did in the year of our 1576. Upon the 21. of julie, Don john de silva captain of a cornet of horse, and one of the council of war to the Archduke, boldy entering into the Earl of Barlaymonts' house, who had married the daughter of the last Earl of Lalain, with whom the said done john was too familiarly acquainted) was by the said Earls servants assailed and wounded in nine or ten places of his body and almost slain, whereof notwithstanding the Archduke had given him warning, to avoid any such occasion, but he trusting to his own manhood, arms, or proud stomach, neglected it, being hurt in that manner, he was taken and committed to prison in the castle of Antwerp by the Archdukes command, but after being cured of his wounds, he got out from thence and went into Spain.  
The one and twenty day of julie in the morning, the Earl of Busquoy coming from Moocke with three thousand foot and five and thirty shalops or boats laden in wagons to the Wahal, at Keeckerdom he had planted two demi cannons, by means & under the favour whereof he thought to put his boats into the water, and so to pass over, and also in the mart ship of Keeckerdome, wherein he shipped the Spaniards of Don Inigo de Borgia regiment, and some of Pompeto justinianios the Italians regiment, with a choice company of six special men out of every band in his army, and with them he meant to pass over the Wahal at Keeckerdome aforesaid above Nimmeghen, and as they were putting off, under the favour of the ordinance, each boat having some fifty men in it, and six boats going out before them, being almost over, colonel du Bois, (who came thither the night before, having heard news thereof 
1606.  at Nimeghen) marched to the water side, with two companies of Frenchmen, commanded by Mousier Roques, and two companies of Englishmen led by Sir Thomas Harwood and captain john Vere, and two half companies of horsemen, the one colonel edmond's, the other Sir john Ratclives, who had newly received the company from Richard Arthure an old soldier, who being sickly, had made it over unto him with which companies he withstood the Spaniards landing; who sought all the places thereabouts both below and above, to go to shore, where the fight continuing betwixt them about an hours space, at the last (having sought all the means they could to pass) they were compelled to put back again in great disorder, one hindering of an other, with the loss of a hundred of their men, whereof five were captains, as the overlopers reported: and of du Bois men, thirty were slain and wounded; and so the Earl of Busquoy went back again, to his army at Moockle, which he there fortified in an Island lying in the Meuse. It is since understood that his intent was to enter into the Betuwe, and to encamp himself, on the side of the Rhine, either above or beneath Arnhem, and that then Spinola should also come to the Rhine, and so to join both together, which had been a great furtherance for them, wherein du Bois did the united Provinces very good service at that time, for which cause Prince Maurice caused good watch to be kept in every place, by water and by land, both with horse and foot, especially along by the Isel, or where their enemies might have the best means, to get over, placing ships of war in guard upon the rivers, who kept watch with half their men in shalops, as also in herring boats, which sailed too and fro, and every hour brought news what the enemy did, so as Prince Maurice had at least a hundred companies of men lying all there abouts.  
This enterprise of the Earl of Busquois failing and the enemy thereby brought to a new resolution, Spinola lay still at Lochem, until the last of julie, thinking to give 
Spinolaes' enterprise to get into Suider sea.  Prince Maurice a sudden blow, and to that end went with his army towards Brouckhorst and Doesborgh. In the mean time sending an other troop of soldiers to Almeloo, where as then he was gathering together a certain number of boats to bring his soldiers down the river to Bercklenmeers bridge, and so into the Blackwater between Sasselt and Swol, mean time the garrisons of Linghen and Oldenzeel came thither to him, hoping with them and by the aid of the said Scutes, upon the second day of August early in the morning to pass over the Blackwater and to enter into Maste●…broke, and so to besiege Swol, and by the same means to take Geelmuyden lying upon the South-sea: but Warmeloo Drossart of Salant, who lay in Swol, understanding thereof, went forth with three companies of foot and cornet of horsemen and so valiantly withstood them, as after a long fight Spinolaes' men were let of their passage, and forced to retire, and that in great haste, fearing that their enemy had been stronger, many of the men of both sides being slain and only by their obstinacy.  
Spinola seeing that this passage also could not be gotten, was forced to proceed to his third resolution, and so upon the third day of August, he went with his army before 
Grol besieged by Spinola.  Grol, whereinto Prince Maurice had put the young Lord of Dort with eighteen companies of men: being about thirteen or fourteen thousand men strong, at their first coming they were entertained with skirmishes; but after that he made his trenches, and the tenth day of August he took two half moons, which stood without the town by force, where he had at the least six hundred men slain and wounded, whereof some were of his own kindred, and eigh or ten captains with many officers, and amongst the rest two Earls of Embden, viz. Earl john of Redbergh, and his brother Earl Christopher were wounded, they within also had much hurt, and lost captain Appel vander Schuren Lieutenant to colonel Dort.  
In the winning of those half moons, Spinola showed great rigour and cruelty against his men, driving them like beasts, both to fight and to dig under the enemy's ordinance, by means of his horsemen who followed with their cortelases drawn, yet notwithstanding, they were thrice put back, but the fourth time he won them with the counterscarps, and cut of some part of them of the town, so as they could not 
1606.  get in again, which done he placed his Ordinance for the battery upon the said half Moons: And being by that means close by the ditches of the town, with all the speed and courage they could use, they filled them up with such stuff as they could get, and so upon the thirteenth of August got to the walls of the town, and also to their mines wherein the powder was already placed, where they fought hand to hand in three several places, they also shot down all the parapets of the walls, and began to undermine them. The reason of this hasty and furious proceeding was, for that Spinola had taken certain messengers with letters sent to them of Groll, willing them to withstand the enemy valiantly, and that they should be relieved within three days, as he also understood by the soldiers, which daily went to Prince Maurice from all places, for that he had sent for William Earl of Nassau out of Freezeland, to come with all the men that he could spare, and for Colonel edmond's out of Reinbergh; Colonel du Bois from the Betouwe, and the soldiers of Deventer and Swoll, which all marched to Doesborgh, with Ordinance, Munition and all other preparations for an army. Whereupon Spinola used all the diligence he could to win the town, determining upon the fourteenth of August to assault it in three places at once, and to that end in great pride he placed his men in order of battle, and made a terrible show, and therewith he willed a Trumpet to certify them within the town, that he would give them but one hours time to bethink themselves, which if they refused, he would put them all to the sword, for that he said he would and must have the town, etc. Whereupon they within (namely the Burghers) being much abashed, fell down at the young governors feet, desiring him to consider of their general weakness, so as the Governor unadvisedly 
Groll yielded 〈◊〉 Spinola.  at their request, was content to hearken unto a composition without once showing Prince Maurices' letters to the soldiers, who promised they should be relieved upon the sixteenth of August, and thereupon he and the Captains without any great need, yielded up the town by composition, and so issued out with 18. Ensigns, displayed, being about 1200. sound men, & 100 wounded, and 15. or 16. horsemen of Batenborghs company.  
Within it also there was a company of New-geusen who (like to them that sold Gheertrudenbergh) were prescribed and banished in all places, but for that the composition was made for them also, they went forth and divided themselves amongst the other companies. The Burghers had two months time given them to consult whether they would stay or depart the town, and so the garrison went out from thence in great haste with bag and baggage, having but two hours time granted them to do it, for fear of Prince Maurices coming, and to that end had wagons given them to bring them to Zutphen, where they arrived the next day at noon: And although Spinola was much commended for his good order and discipline, yet that garrison passed not without ransacking of the men and some wagons. There was about a hundred men slain in Groll, but many more without, some said eight or nine hundred, & that by reason of the great haste used by Spinola to win the town, for that at the same time Prince Maurice was gone to Doesbourgh; whereupon the 15. of August when all the Ordinance and Munition was laden ready to march forward to relieve them, he had news that the town of Grol was taken, whereupon presently he dispersed his army, and sent every man unto his garrison, therewith to furnish all places, staying to see what further attempt Spinola would make.  
Spinola having soon (beyond all expectation) gotten that town, even at such time as his army had great want of all necessaries, and (by reason of the abundance of rain which then fell) was hardly lodged, his enemy being in field, ready to attempt some great exploit, and he being but meanly entrenched, was forced to lie there, to repair the walls of Groll, who in regard of his great want of victuals, was constrained to retire to the Rhine again, and thereupon determined to besiege Reinbergh, willing the Earl of Busquoy to break up his army at Moocke, and to invest Reinbergh on Gelder side, the which he presently did, first passing by Nimmeghen, as if he would have done something thereabouts, 
1606.  causing some suspicion to rise, as if he meant to do something against Berghen up Zoome in Brabant, by sending some of his men to Monsieur Grobbendonck, but having given the peasants charge to cast down all his trenches at Mock, upon the twenty of August he passed along by the Rhine, and suddenly set upon a ship of war, which took no great regard unto himself, whereas the captains wife had her head smitten off, he himself and hi●… Lieutenant with diverse Sailors being taken prisoners.  
In the same manner also there was a Galley burnt by Boisleduc, through the negligence of the Captain, in the beginning of September; which Galley lay before Herdrighsvelt, to let all incursions. Upon the nineteenth of August Spinola raised his army before Groll to go to the Rhine; which Prince Maurice understanding, upon the twenty of August went to Deutechom, and to Eltenbergh. The one and twenty of August 
Reinbergh besieged by Spinola.  the Earl of Busquoy invested Reinbergh towards the land beneath the town, and shut up the rivers and to that end, upon the four and twenty of August, he brought twelve Shalops into the water, wherewith he carried his men over the Rhine, and made a battery of two Canons, to let the passage, where he placed the Sailors of Antwerp, and the same day Spinola went to Lip to pass over there.  
In the mean time Prince Maurice sent his brother Cont Henrick of Nassaw with seven and twenty companies of horse, and fourteen companies of footmen to meet them & to set upon part of the Earl of Busquoyes' men, which were marching from Mooke and other places, but they marching towards the Meuse, and so to Venlo. Cont Henrick could not come at them, wherefore according to his further commission, he passed forward to Rhein-bergh: and upon the five and twenty day of August at night, put the said fourteen companies of foot into Rheinberge without any encounter, because as then the Earl of Busquoy had not invested the town round about: with those fourteen companies there past fourscore French Gentlemen of quality into the town, one of them being Monsieur de Sonbyse, brother to the Duke of Rohan, cousin to the French King, and Monsieur de Varennes, who were excellently well mounted, and behaved themselves valiantly. Cont Henrick left the town well furnished of all things necessary, under the government of Monsieur Van Vtenhoove, and the trenches upon the Weert and over the Rhine, were committed to the charge of Sir William edmond's a Scotish Colonel, as being necessary to be well guarded.  
The Marquis of Ausbach of the house of Brandenborgh, being come to Prince Maurice with certain horsemen, and he perceiving that Spinola would besiege Reinberghe, and to that end had passed over the river of Lip, upon the eight and twenty of August he followed him with his army, to get hard b●… Wesel, that he might encamp himself between Wesel and Bislicke, and to that end he presently sent for ship-Bridges; there to make a Bridge over the Rhine: and upon the nine and twenty of August he passed by Emericke, and so to Dornick, (where he understood that Spinola made a Sconce at the mouth of the river of Lip, to let him from passing over,) and upon the thirty of August he went to Wesel and there ensconced himself.  
Reinbergh being round about besieged, upon the eight and twenty of August, they within sallied out of the town over the Rhine upon Spinolaes' quarter, being lead by some French Gentlemen, in very good order, and to the great loss of their enemies. After that they made another salie out upon Busquoyes' quarter, where they were driven in again by the enemy with six hundred horse, but the Ordinance of the town played so upon the horsemen, as they made a great spoil amongst them, at which time the Cont of La flesh one of the French Gentlemen, venturing too boldly amongst the enemies, was taken prisoner.  
In the mean time Spinola had made his bridge from Roewort over the Rhine, somewhat above Reinbergh, and caused great store of Faggots and other furniture to be brought thither, to assail the trenches over the Rhine, at which time also Prince Maurice ensconced himself, staying for his ship-bridge that was to come up against the stream, and by that means lost his opportunity and means to relieve the Trenches which were before Reinbergh, for that before he was well ensconced, and had gotten his ship, it happened that Colonel edmond's (who had then command 
〈◊〉 6. 〈◊〉 ●…d 〈◊〉, ne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  of the said trenches In the Weert, and over the Rhine, upon the third of September) was shot into the head (as he looked over the wall) whereof he died, being an old experienced soldier and one who had served the States long, and Colonel of a regiment of Scottish men, a man of mean quality, but by his service advanced to much credit, presently after his death, they within the said entrenchments began to be in doubt that they could no longer hold the same, and upon this imaginary fear they resolved the next night after to leave them, and to put their men into the Weert, and into the town, which they did, breaking down their bridge, and by that means Spinola got great advantage, much incumbr●…ng Prince Maurices seeking to relieve the town who at the same time having received some shippe-bridges, was busied about making his bridge over the Rhine, and to cause the English regiment under their Colonel Sir Edward Cicile to make a trench for the keeping of his bridge: besides the los●…e of the great entrenchment over the Rhine, they of Rembercke left diue●…s other works, lying without the town, as Cont Ernestus old quarter, and the sconce of Hollestrate, which gave the enemy great advantage, and would have been the means to have procured a relief unto the town with more ease, whereunto the long detraction of Prince Maurice did much help, for that it was the tenth of September before he battered the sconce at Lip, and being put back from thence with a light skirmish, he went into his quarter again, but attempting the same again upon the twelfth of September, he put over and there ensconced himself, and on the thirteenth of September brought the most part of his forces over the River of Lip, and assailed Spinolaes' sconce, upon the mouth of Lip, the which (presently after they saw a piece of Ordinance) yielded up, from whence there 
〈◊〉 why 〈◊〉 Mau●…uld ●…e 〈◊〉 ●…es 〈◊〉 b●…o ●…rcke.  went two hundred and seventy men: The sconce was made with six points, but not fully finished: and although all Prince Maurices' men were very willing to charge the enemy, nevertheless Prince Maurice by reason that he was not there entrenched, and without victuals, and for that Spinola lay well ensconced, as also that the ways to come to him were well covered and very close, and for that Spinolas Camp was fortified by four Regiments (brought thither by Frederick Earl of Bergh) the which had been taken up about Liege) he put all his willing men into his quarter again, leaving some in the sconce which he had taken, the which he caused to be fortified, and made a bridge over the Lip. From that time a doubt began to rise that Prince Maurice could not relieve the town, for that the ways were to much covered, and Spinolas camp lay well ensconced, the which was the more probable for that upon the sixeteenth of September about evening Prince Maurice sent all his horsemen out of his Camp with Cont Henrick to put eleven companies more into Meurs, besides the six companies that were in it, which Cont Henrick that night happily performed. Many men discoursed strangely of Prince Maurices' resolution, for that he relieved not Reinbergh, but therein (as many men judged) consisted many difficulties, because it was not well to be relieved but with a battle, which is uncertain against an enemy which had advantages, and was stronger than he, and winning a battle he could get no more but the relieving of the town, and losing the battle he should put the country in danger: On the other side if they sought by approaches to get near to the enemy, he should endanger his army, and give the enemy occasion by night (on the River) to go down and enter into the Betenwe, and so bring his proceedings to a worse Estate, whereas he thought he did well to keep the heart of the Country from invasion, and yet held his army whole, ready upon and good occasion to hazard further, and so 〈◊〉 Spinola strike of the tips of his horns, which might well be repaired, and could not infect the body within, nor bring it to the uttermost extremity: In the mean time the●… within the town made many sallies, and amongst the rest upon the seventeenth of September, at which time they sent out three horsemen with letters from the Governor, the which passed clean through Spinolas camp, the letters cer●…efying Prince Maurice, that the enemy approached very near unto them on the luyt 〈◊〉 side, so as they could hardly hold out six days longer.  
The thirteenth of September they wrote again that the enemy had taken all 
1606.  their fortifications from them without the Luyt gate, and that they had gotten to the ditches of the town, and had won the defences without the Castle gate, and that they were also gotten to the Bulwark of the town; so as he saw not how to save all the boats, shippe-bridges, and ships that were there, and that their powder would suddenly fail them, but notwithstanding all this, upon the four and twentieth day of September they made a sally, and took a half Moon again from the enemy, which they before had lost, where they took certain prisoners: whereupon Spinola sent a Trumpet to the town, for which cause they ceased their shooting (which otherwise never left off day nor night) which made all the places round about to suspect that they were in parley, but it was but a short prolongation of time.  
But Prince Maurice (notwithstanding all these advertisements) resolved not to relieve the town, holding it impossible, and so lay still, thinking it best for him to keep his army in safety, and not to consume it by over-venturing upon the enemy, in seeking means to relieve the town, and to no end. Upon the six and twentieth 
The Estates send to persuade Prince Maurice to relieve Rhynbercke.  day of September, the Deputies of the general Estates came into the Camp, to know Prince Maurices' mind and resolution, or else to move him to undertake the relief of the town, whereunto they used a long persuasion, but he would not be brought thereunto, esteeming it both impossible and unnecessary, where of one of his chief reasons was, that, that the Town was not to be relieved, but along by the East side of the Rhine, and by bringing the army near, which could not be done by any sudden enterprise, but by approaches, by which means Prince Maurice feared, that Spinola would leave Reinbergh, and on the one side keep his army still in alarm, and on the other side seek to do some exploit in the Betouwe, whether Prince Maurice should be forced to go to aid it, and in such a case his army (being mixed with the enemies) could not well get from them without confusion; besides he said that to be always ready, and to have means to aid those places that were of most importance, he thought it best to keep his Army free and whole: which reasons by those which had experience in wars were well allowed of, and thought to be of great importance, for that men must always have a care to keep wounds from their hearts. Therefore seeing that they could not relieve the town, divers of them propounded a question, whether by leaving it off, they might not attempt something else of consequence, many being of opinion that Prince Maurice had committed an error for that he had not besieged Grol, when he saw he could not help Reinbergh, but that was not so much urged, some reasons leading to the contrary; at last they resolved to enterprise something against Venlo, to see in the mean time if they could get it, to which end it was agreed that Cont Henrick with twelve hundred horse and six thousand footmen should attempt it, and that the same night it should be attempted, Prince Maurice with the rest of the army should lie in the way, that leadeth from Reinbergh to Venlo to prevent them that upon the alarm given at Venlo would adventure to go thither from the enemy's camp.  
To this end Cont Henrick and Cont Earnest with their troops upon the last of September departed out of their camp to Grawenweert, from thence to turn again to Venlo, and upon the first of October in the night to take their enterprise in hand, Prince Maurice also went from the camp the same night to the aforesaid way, but there happened a great alteration in the mean time, for that they of Reinbergh, being out of hope of relief, and perceiving that the enemy had gotten so near unto the town, as they were in great danger thereof, upon the same day being the first of October they compounded with Spinola, to yield the town unto him. Cont Henrick being before Venlo with his Petards, broke open the gate before day light, but the alarm was to soon given within the town, for that the same evening there was a company of horsemen led by monsieur Van Etten General of the victuals, 
An enterprise upon Venlo.  come into the Town, whereby it happened, that some of Cont Henricks men being already entered into the Town, were by the said horsemen (with some loss) driven out again, and forced to retire. Prince Maurice also lay on the way 
1606.  but to no end, for that Spinola, had commanded that no man should that night go out of the camp.  
They of Reinbergh agreed with Spinola to depart the town with arms and baggage like soldiers, and with three pieces of ordinance that lay in the Weert, as also 
Reinbergh yeeld●…d to Spinola.  the new Geusen, or Saint Andrea's soldiers, but they must leave all the ships, puntes, bridges, and the rest of the ordinance, and so upon the second day of October, there issued three thousand men, with three companies of Ruyters, with the dead body of general edmond's, it is thought there were five hundred lost within the town, both dead and wounded: The French gentlemen also departed from thence with their honours, as also the governor and the Lord of Sweten: it seemeth that the greatest cause of the giving over of the town was, that they saw no hope of relief, and therefore without staying to try the uttermost extremity, they made a composition in time, pretending some fear to want powder, whereof at the first they had great store, and had been very prodigal, for they had above a hundred thousand pound of powder, which as then they had brought to thirty thousand pound, and there withal they had a kind of fear so as they durst not try the last event of arms.  
It was thought there were many of the enemies slain before the town, and amongst the rest three Engeneurs or masters of the fortifications, & Pompeio Romano their chief 
The Spaniards los●…e at the ●…ge of Rhine-●…erck.  Engeneur wounded, before it also was slain Colonel de Tores who had the regiment of Catrice, and the Lieutenant Colonel of the Baron of Achicourt, with divers others of great quality, as the cousins of Spinola and the Earl of Busquoy. Their loss of men was found to be so great, at also by reason of the disease and witness of the weather, as their companies at the musters were found to be but forty or fifty strong, so as many regiments (as amongst the rest two Italian regiments, one Cont Guydo St. Georgios, the other Pompeto justinianios) were less by a third part than they should be.  
By means of the winning of this town, Spinola had great advantage, and much help, for thereby he had means to have victuals follow him from the town of Cologne and the country of Cleave, and all little enough, by reason that the ways (by means of the great store of rain that had fallen) were so foul and deep, as they had no sourage for their horses, the corn in many places with the rain and foul wether being beaten flat upon the ground, and by the many and divers enterprises made by the soldiers on both sides a great number of places were utterly ruined and spoiled, and therefore the ships, ship-bridges, ponts, and ordinance which they got in Reinberghe, came well to pass for them, Spinola was in all places commended for the good order and discipline he observed amongst all his soldiers, and in these netherlands wars no man better deserved it, which was the cause, that his army was not evil thought-on in the newterall countries.  
The loss of Reinberghe caused no small fear in the united Provinces, each town observing and judging of his own weakness: that maxim or opinion long holden by them being then broken, which is, that a town which is besieged, being well furnished with good store of brave soldiers, and seconded with an army to aid them, might be esteemed invincible, but these our wars have many and often times proved the contrary, for which cause many fainthearted people complained of the long wars, and the great charges thereof, whereunto it was a great furtherance, that the old, stout, resolute men, which had felt the Spanish yoke, were most of them dead, and that the government of the state is not now in the hands of such zealous persons.  
The Marquis Spinola having won honour in the taking of Rhineberck, went and lodged his army in the country of juilliers, in the Diocese of Cologne and thereabouts: 
〈…〉  the which Prince Maurice understanding, he raised his camp and marched with all sp●…ed before Grol, with an intent to recover it again, lodging his men in the town ditches, without any one cannon shot.  
But Spinola advertised of this design, he presently gathers his forces together, 
1607.  and what with fair promises, and some little money, he persuaded them to march, for the freeing of that Town: which the Prince understanding and winter drawing on, he raised his camp, and so both the Armies returned to their garrisons to winter and rest their men; this was in November.  
The mutines of Diest continued all this time in their mutiny, seeking to draw contribution from all the frontiers, even out of Germany, until they were paid. 
The mutines of Diest.  The which the Prince Elector of Mentz understanding, he caused a diet of the Circles to be held at Ouerwezel, to ptovide some means to stop their incursions, but there was nothing effected: but in the end the King of Spain and the Archdukes, were forced to give them contentment. Moreover Dom John de Medicis, having three and twenty companies of foot, and four Cornets of horse, entered into the country of Mont jean, belonging unto the Duke of Cleves, and so into the Duchy of juilliers, his men were Italians, and new come, committing all the spoils and insolencies they could devise. This did add more to the miseries of those quarters, who had nothing common with the wars of the Netherlands.  
In january 1607. the mutines of Diest made a road even unto the suburbs of Liere, the which they said was friend to the King of Spain and to the Archdukes, and therefore subject to contribution as well as the Netherlands, whereof th●…y came to do execution; by Lont-recht, as they call it, (which is as much to say as Military justice.) But the Townsmen (who are given to arms) took arms and chased them away, with the loss of four of them, and five and twenty of the mutines, which made them retire, spoiling some farms thereabouts. But in other places they did so terrify them with threats, as they forced them of the Duchy of juilliers to give them ten thousand rycx Dallers, they of Cologne seven thousand, the Abbot of Duyts eight thousand, and that within eight or ten days, upon pain of military execution. They did also tax the Abbot of Cornelis Munster at sixteen thousand ricx Dallers, but the refusing it, did levy men, & muster up all his subjects to resist them. But soon after there cam●… an assignation out of Spain for six hundred thousand Ducats▪ to be paid in six months: so as the mutines were satisfied according to the agreement they had made with the Archdukes, and had leave to depart freely where they pleased, yea eight hundred of them that were last proclaimed, were to depart the country within four and twenty hours. So as such as were in Flanders, retired some to Calais, and some into Picardy, for that their heads were rated, every one according to his quality. These are the prejudicial fruits of mutinies, who in the end (after much harm and mischief done) must needs be paid.  
To end the troubles between the Earl of East-freezeland and the town of Embden, 
Peace made between the Earl of East-Freezeland & the town of Embden.  this year certain mediators took upon them to deal therein; as the King of England, by a Gentleman called Mr. Ralph Winwood, now a Knight, who lay at the Hage for the said King, and certain Deputies for the Estates, as john Ba●…el, jacob Boelissen Vitus Caninga, and Abel Coenders van Helpen, who propounded certain articles unto both parties, as to hold and observe the last treaty ●…ade in the Hage, and all other treaties, decrees, and contracts to remain in full force, without prejudice or innovation of those of Embden, and touching civil actions, namely the order concerning money, and the yearly acknowledment of all that is contained in the first article of the accord made, as also the civil controversies and actions, concerning the jurisdiction, they should be left to the disposition and deciding of the cordinary judge, without prejudice to any man.  
That they of Embden, according to the decree made in the Hage, should restore the Ordinance and other things which they had gotten.  
Further, that th●…y of Embden should suffer the Earl to enter, and yield unto him the imposts of the wines, and the just half of the forfeitures that should be made; until those matters were otherwise determined and decided. That the Commander and those of the garrison should maintain themselves by Hunting, Fowling and Fishing, as well by land as by water, and to that end and purpose the Earl should without refusal give the Burghers of Embden convenient letters for the seas, and entreat 
1607.  for the prisoners, that they with their ships and goods might be released in every place. That the Earl should promise to suffer them of Embden to enjoy the benefit of neuteralitie, both by water and by land, and to do all that belonged unto a good Lord and Sovereign Commander. Lastly, that all extraordinary exactions should cease and be called in again; and all offences and injuries should be remitted and quite forgotten, and from thenceforth a good peace and unity entertained on both sides. These are the principal points that were set down and propounded unto both parties by the said Committees, and with their consents agreed unto, the which were found and confirmed by them to be reasonable and good, hoping they should be held and well observed: and if it fell out that the said Earl, or those of Embden, did break this accord, the said Committees should move the King and the general Estates, to revenge such injuries by force, and by no means permit any thing to be done to the contrary: this was concluded in the Hage, upon the tenth of November 1606. and signed by the said Committees: after the which they of Embden delivered the Earl his Ordinance and other munition which had been taken from him.  
Upon the tenth of january 1607. the Earl caused the said agreement to be openly 
1607.  proclaimed.  
The last of january 1607. at the earnest request and intercession of the Townsmen of Groaning, it was agreed by the general Estates of the united Provinces, that 
The castle of Groaning broken down.  the Castle made there to keep the town in awe, should be opened and thrown down towards the Town, at such a time when as every man did judge it was not to be done: for the effecting whereof an Ingeneur was sent thither upon the third of February.  
This year the young Earl of Brooke a Nobleman of great hope, riding out of 
The Earl of Brooke murdered by the Spaniards.  Holland to the house of Brook unto his brother, with a small convoye of horsemen, was intercepted and watched for in the way, by certain Spanish Soldiers (upon hatred which in times past they had borne unto the Earl his Father, and yet had revenged it at their pleasures,) upon the way as he went by Wesel, with fourteen horsemen, the Spaniards met him, first taking his Secretary who road before, and him they stabbed with Bodkins, to make him tell them the truth of his Lord; who being thus tormented, was forced to confess his coming after, then there followed two of the Earls pages, whom they presently slew, for that they would not confess any thing of the Earl; after that came the Earl with four horsemen, and some Gentlemen, upon whom the Spaniards fell, and because he would not yield himself, they shot him into the body, and after cruelly murdered him, giving him diverse wounds after that he was dead, doing the like to some of the Gentlemen that were with him; yet some of the company escaped. This act was much abhorred by all the country thereabouts.  
The 7. of February Cont Henry assembling a good number of horsemen of the united Provinces, and certain footmen (which he set upon peasant's horses) he thought therewith to charge two regiments of Spinolaes' horsemen, lying dispersed in the country of Limborgh: And upon the eight of February he began to set forward, but the said regiments understanding thereof, got into the next town thereabouts, whereby 
Erckelens' taken and spoiled by Henrick Earl of Nassaw.  that enterprise was disappointed. whereupon Cont Henrick returning back again, fell upon a small town called Erckenlens, wherein Frederick Vanden Berghe lay.  
And upon the eleventh of February in the morning, by the means of a Petrad, he entered it, and took the Earl of Berghe prisoner, and about fifty of his horsemen; the rest being out of the town: and for that the Burghers of the said town during the time of their ne●…tralitie, had used much cruelty and hard dealing against the soldiers which served the united Provinces, as also being then strengthened with a garrison of their enemies, he suffered it to be spoiled, and after burned it, and so they departed with the booty gotten therein.  
As the King of Spain had prepared a great fleet of ships, of all sorts, well manned 
The King of Spain & the Estates prepare to war at sea.  with Soldiers, and furnished with all things necessary, meaning to annoy the united Provinces all he could. So likewise the united Provinces being duly informed thereof, they for their parts did also arm to sea twenty seven ships of war and four for 
1607.  victuals and munition. Of which fleet they made james Hemskerke of Amsterdam Admiral, whose wisdom, courage and experience, together with his loyalty and love to his country, was wellknowne to all the world by his many good services.  
Upon the twenty five of March having all things ready, he sailed out of Texel with 
The Estates ships sally towards Spain.  sixteen ships of war and one pinnace, with whom there joined the four victuallers, there came three also from Enchuysen, and three from Horn making twenty two ships of War: upon the twenty seven day they came under the I'll of Wight, where they found three ships more of Zeeland, and five of Rotterdamme with an other pinnace of Amsterdam. There was a forth ship of Zealand run on ground, so as they took the men and munition out of it, and put them into other ships. On the twenty nine day they set sail from the I'll of Wight, and two days after the Admiral Hemskerke (having all his fleet together) went on with an Easterly wind towards Portugal and Spain, so as on the tenth of April they came unto the height of thirty six degrees near unto the river of Lisbon. There the Admiral called his 
They resolve to enter into the river of Lisbon.  captains and council aboard, where they resolved to enter into that river with their whole fleet, and to set upon the carraques and galleons which they should find there. But the Admiral being certainly advertised by his spies (which he had sent into Lisbon in an English ship) that the carraques were most of them gone forth, and that there remained but eight or nine, not half furnished and without artillery. Moreover having intelligence from certain French ships coming from Saint Lucre's and from Cabiz, that there were sixteen galleons gone towards the West Indies, and ten others well appointed lying in the strait of Gibraltar, with many other ships appointed for war, attending there such of the united Provinces ships as should come out of Italy and the Levant seas, which they knew were many. This made the Admiral to take a new resolution to go and visit this fleet even in the straits. Then they bent their course towards Cape Saint Vincent, where they turned on the left hand, and lost sight of one of their company: there they met with a ship of Flushing, which came through the straits on the twenty day, telling him that he passed through the Spanish army in the night, and being out of the Strait, they seemed to him in the morning as if they would take their course towards Cadiz, for that they could notly within the strait, the wind being Easterly.  
The Admiral hearing this, continued his course, and on the twenty four of April they passed close by the river of Saint Lucre's, and the Bay of Cadiz but they could not learn that any ships were entered, where the Admiral had fully resolved to charge them, were it in the river of S. Lucre's or in the Bay. The same day he had certain intelligence 
The Estates ships go to seek the Spanish fleet.  of the Spanish fleet, by a Frenchman which came out of the road of Gibraltar, who duly informed him of the strength and Estate of the Spanish army. At night (for that the wind was westerly) thy bent their course southward, towards the coast of Barbary, from whence in the morning they turned again towards Spain: when the Admiral came into the narrowest part of the strait, he called all his Captains aboard, etting them understand what the French man had said unto him, where they did advisedly consult of their affairs, and in the end resolved to set upon the Spanish fleet, appointing every one his place how he should fight. The Admiral Hemskerke with Captain Moye Lambert should charge the Admiral, the vice-admiral Alteras with captain Bras should undertake the Spanish vice-admiral, and so every two ships of war should take'a galleoun to task, the two Pinnaces and a barge were appointed to lie out at sea, to charge any ship or galleon that should offer to fly, but the four victuallers should lie a loose. The Admiral having set all things in good order, he incorraged the Captains, recommending unto them the honour and profit which this victory would bring unto their country, telling them that he would be the first, and entreating them to lay aside all fear, whereupon they did all swear jointly unto him that they would follow him and obey him unto the death: where upon every one departed to his ship. Then they sailed towards Gibraltar to seek the enemy, whom they descovered about noon, being at anchor in the Bay of Gibraltar, within cannon shot of the town and Castle. 
1607, The number of the Spanish fleet.   
They were in all twenty one, that is nine great galliouns and four ships of war, with a great ship of Lubeck of four hundred lasts, who was come into the road, to stay for a wind to go to Cadiz, their were four French ships, and three prizes, two of Enchuysen and one of Rotterdam; all which ships they had manned with soldiers, to attend the Estates army; for the Duke of Medina Sidonia hearing that they had passed before his river and before Cadiz, he presently dispatched a post to Gibraltar, to advertise the Spanish fleet of the coming of the Estates men, wishing them to stand upon their guard: They had the like advertisement sent from Cadiz, so as the same day they did ●…ortefie their army with three hundred men, of the which there were a hundred cavaliers, which came voluntarily to serve the Admiral, so as the Admiral had about seven hundred men aboard his ship, and the Vice-admiral some four hundred and fifty, as it was since understood by prisoners. The galliouns were well appointed with brass ordinance, and every one had two hundred and fifty soldiers at the least, besides mariners. The Admiral was Don ivan Aluares d' Auila, borne at Esturges, an ancient knight, who had long served the King of Spain at sea, even all the time of Don john of Austria, his ship was the Saint Augustine, of eigh hundred ton: the admirals son (bearing his own name) was Captain of that galleoun; the names of the other Galeouns jomit for brevity sake, the repetition being not greatly necessary.  
The Admiral Hemskerke having the Spanish fleet in sight, having prayed unto God, and set things in order, he bent his course directly towards them, and caused his flag to be nailed fast to the top of his main mast, that it might not be dismounted, promising a hundred rials of eight to any one of his men that should bring the Spanish admirals flag, exhorting his men to show their valours and resolutions, promising them they should freely enjoy whatsoever they should take from the enemy, without any question, the which (together with their admirals resolution) did so incourrage them, as they thought the time long until they were joined with the enemy.  
The Spanish Admiral having in like manner descovered the State's fleet, he called for the Master of a ship of Rotterdam, a prisoner whom he set at liberty, and showing him the Estates ships, he asked him if he thought they durst come unto him, whereupon the other answered. Sir with your good favour I think, they dare do it: The which the Admiral could not believe, seeing he had so great advantage, lying under the favour of the town and Castle, yet when he perceived that they came with full ●…ayles towards him, he caused his cable to be cut, (for he lay at the point) and retired more into the Bay, towards the town, so as he had the vice-admiral and three other galleons to cover him, the which the Admiral Hemskerk perceiving, he went on his course, leaving the Vice-admiral and the galleons on his left hand, causing an anchor to be set on the top of his prow, ready to let down: commanding they should not let it slip before that he was grappeled to the Spanish Admiral, forbidding them also to shoot, until they were very near unto the enemy, and so he sailed towards the Admiral; being in the head of him, the Spainard made the first shot, but did no great harm; the Admiral Hemskerke answered him with two pieces from before, and presently grappled with the Spaniard, letting slip his anchor.  
The Spaniard with the second shot he made slew a young Gentleman, and the boullet passing on by misfortune struck of the Admiral Hemskerkes left thigh close to his body, wherewith he fell, and the same boullet carried away a gonners 
The Admiral Hemskerke slain.  hand, wherewith he was ready to give fire. This valiant Admiral feeling death approaching, encouraged them that were about him all he could, entreating them to proceed as they had well begun, and to put an other in his place, then recommending his soul to GOD, he gave up the ghost. And thus this brave Captain died like a right soldier in his arms.  
In the mean space they shot so furiously of either side, both with their Canon and 
1607.  Muskets, as the●… could not see for smoke. Captain Lambert, who had charge to second his Admiral (whose death was not known unto the rest, until the victory was assured) charged the Spanish Admiral first in poop, making a great spoil of his men, than he came in flank behind the Admiral Hemskerke; annoying the Spaniard all he could with his Ordinance. It is a hard matter to describe how furiously they did fight on both sides. For although the Estates ships were not half so well manned as their enemies, yet hoping of victory they did fight like Lions, and partly to be revenged of that which the Spaniards had made them suffer, as well in prison, as in their Galleys, and otherwise.  
When as the Admiral Hemskerke went on first to charge the Spanish Admiral, 
The Spanish Vizeadmirall burnt.  all the other Ships followed him, according to their direction, the Spanish Vizeadmirall was grappled with, and (after half an hours fight) set on fire, during this charge, and as the fire begun, there was one of the Estates men fetched down the Vize-admirals' Flag, and carried it into his ship, for which valiant act he had fifty rials of eight given him as the Admiral had promised: but the fire increased in such sort, as the Estates ships could hardly free themselves from firing, so as they burned some part of their sails: but no man sought to quench the fire in the Spanish Vizeadmirall burning down to the Keel. Such as escaped the fire cast themselves into the water, and were most of them slain, the rest were all in a manner taken prisoners.  
A Galleon which lay behind the Spanish Vizeadmirall was also in fight with three 
A Galleon burnt.  of the Estates ships, after some fight Lange Hendricke one of the Estates Captains was slain with a Musket shot. They of the Gallion seeing their Vize-admirals Flag down, they presently planted one upon their missen Mast, but it was soon pulled away by a Hollander, and the Galleon fired, which burned even unto the water: an other Galleon was so plied with the Canon, as it was soon sunk.  
The rest of the Spanish Fleet being retired more into the Bay with their Admiral, seeing how the game went, plied the Hollanders with their Canon, who answered them in like manner, but yet they never came to handy blows, nor to grapple, but in the end one of the Spaniards with much shooting, and inconsiderately, set fire of his own ship, which driving down, fired an other that was before him; the rest terrified with these fires, cut their Cables and ran on ground, seeking nothing more than to save their lives. And among others the Lubeck ship was set on fire.  
All this time the Spanish Admiral was in fight with two ships, which did so ply him with their Ordinance, as he left shooting, putting forth a white 
The Spanish Admiral offers to yield.  Flag in sign of a parley, the which stayed not the battery. In the mean time, another Galleon being in fight, was set on fire, the men thinking to fly in their boats to their Admiral, who made no more resistance, came unto the Admiral of Holland. One of the Estates Trumpeters went up and pulled away the Spanish admirals Flag, for the which he had a hundred rials of eight as the Admiral Hemskerke had promised. The Spanish Admiral being thus vanquished, having lost many men, they threw themselves by ten or twelve at a time into the sea seeking their safety by swimming, but the Hollanders being in their boats slew all they met withal in their fury, so as the dead carcases did lie floating in the Bay, as if it had been in a champain field. This battle began about three of the clock in the after noon, and ended four hours after in the evening, when as the Estates had a full and absolute victory. 
The Estates win the battle.  This hardy and dangerous battle was attempted by the valour and great resolution of the Admiral Hemskerke, and happily ended by ten or twelve ships at the most. The next day morning the Spanish Admiral being run a ground upon the Sands, they of the town went forth, cut down her main Mast, & then set fire on her, easing the Hollanders of that pain.  
It was an admirable and fearful thing to see these Galleons and ships burn, especially when the fire came to the powder, than it was like unto a horrible thunder. The Sea and land were covered with smoke for a long time, like thick clouds which 
1607.  mounted up to heaven.  
Besides the admirals Gallion there were five others burned, with an other great ship of war which the Spaniards had taken at Sea, and that of Lubeck: There was an other Gallion sunk, the other two ran a ground, the which were so battered 
Their loss of ships.  and torn as they were not fit for any more service. There was also run a shore a French ship, that of Rotterdam, and one of Enchusen, and all the rest of the Spaniards ships of war were run a ground here and there near unto the shore.  
There were not above fifty Spaniards prisoners, who confessed that there were 4000 men in their army, of the which there were 2000 lost at the battle, among the which 
Their loss of men.  was their Admiral, and many other Captains and Gentlemen, whose names could not be recovered. Among the prisoners was Don john Aluarez D'Auila the Admiral's son who was carried into Holland. Of the Hollanders side, the Admiral Hemskerke was slain at the first charge, with some 100 men, and about 60. hurt.  
On the 26. day the Estates ships withdrew themselves a little from the town and Castle, and dressed their hurt men, as well as they could: during their abode there, they might see many soldiers both horse and foot upon the sands, running towards Gibraltar, for they did confidently believe that the Estates men would make an attempt to spoil the town, where they were in such fear, as they began to pack up their baggage, and to fly away.  
On the seven and twentieth day the Estates army passed over to the Coast of Barbary, sailing so near the Town of Ceuta and other places belonging unto the King of Spain, as they shot at the ships, many of them being on horse back fearing their descent. But they passed on until they came unto the Road of Tituan, a strong Town five Leagues from Ceuta, belonging to the Moors, there to repair their ships which had been spoiled with the Canon: coming before the town they were courteously entertained: The Governor with many Turkish Gentlemen, went aboard to welcome them, offering them all friendship and assistance, and sending Oranges and Lemons, with divers other sort of fruits to refresh them, showing great signs of joy for their victory. Those that were a shore were much honoured of all men. The Governor offered to lend them good numbers of horse and foot, if with their ships they would attempt any thing upon Ceuta, but they excused themselves upon other designs.  
Their ships being well repaired, and all things in good order, the Vice-Admiral Alteras was made Admiral, and Peter Werhoef was Vice-admiral: then they took council which way they might annoy the enemy more: in the end they concluded 
The resolutiof the Estates ships after the battle.  that the Vice-Admiral with part of the Fleet should go to the Islands to seek their adventure, and the Admiral with the rest should lie upon the Coasts of Spain and Portugal, and two of their victuallers with a ship of war, should carry back the Admiral Hemskerkes body embalm into Holland, who arrived at Amsterdam the fifth of june, where three days after he was interred with an honourable Military pomp, as his loyalty and great services done unto his country had well deserved: his 
The Admiral Hemskerke buried at Amsterdam.  body was carried by twelve Captains, being accompanied with all rites and Ceremonies belonging unto such a Commander, and followed by the Council of the Admiralty, Magistrates of the towns, Colonels, Council at war, Captains, Officers, Gentlemen, Merchants adventurers to the East Indies, with all the chief Burghers of the town, in very good order.  
The general Estates for a perpetual memory of his services, caused a goodly tomb to be built up for him, with his arms over it, and on the West side there was a fair table of jest, in the which were graven in golden letters, the painful voyages and virtuous acts done by him in his life time. 
monsieur Hurst and master john Gevarts make an offer of peace or truce 〈◊〉 Holland.   
It had long been sought and practised in the Netherlands how to attain unto a Truce or surceance from arms, but the United Provinces remembering what happened to Sextus Pompeius, son to Pompeius the great upon his Treaty with the Emperor Augustus, they always feared it, yet at the last it broke forth after a strange manner. In May 1606. Monsieur Walrave van Wittenhorst, 
1607.  Drossart of the land of Kessel, came for that purpose to the Hage in Holland, but as then he could effect nothing touching the same, nor yet once have audience granted him: after that in December following he came into Holland again with one master john Gevart Licenciate in the laws, and Secretary of Tournhout, making known to some of the Estates that they had instructions dated In May, containing that the Archdukes were wholly addicted, to cease the long continued bloody wars, and to reduce the country unto a good peace, upon such reasonable conditions, as the Provinces should be well content therewith, which was, that they knew the uprightness of their intents, and that they desired nothing else but that which was their own, and that therefore they were content that the Estates themselves should ask what they thought convenient to demand of them for their own securities, wherein they would give them all-reasonable satisfaction, and that if they would hearken thereunto, or to a truce for many years, they should appoint time and place, and they would agree thereunto, yea although they thought it not good to have it openly done, but secretly, and by few men thereunto appointed, and that their meaning was not to cirumvent them, etc.  
Besides this the Archdukes had written a letter of the 12. of December 1606. that they had once again sent the Gentlemen aforesaid into Holland, to make an offer of a treaty of peace, and that if they were more addicted to a truce then to a peace, they should certify their minds therein. The Archdukes (in regard of their great affection & desire to peace) might willingly hearken thereunto. Whereupon they began to deal privately one with an other, but for that they had no letters directed unto the general Estates, they thought it not good to make the matter openly known, before they had further commission from the Archdukes, for which cause in December, the said Gevarts went in all haste to Brussels, & from thence brought a Commission from the Archdukes, bearing date the third of january 1607. containing a charge imposed upon the said Monsieur Van Horst, and Secretary Gevarts, that they at the first assembly of the Estates, should in their behalf signify unto them, that they were ready to hearken unto a peace, and for the treating thereof, were content to appoint Commissioners, & to give the Estates all reasonable contentment, or that if they would rather hearken unto a truce, that the Archdukes were also content to do it, for such time as should be agreed upon. Who being come unto the Hage upon the ninth of january with this Commission, 
The States answer to the Archdukes Commissioners touching peace.  they presently began to crave audience for the same of the general Estates, and upon the tenth of january they spoke with Prince Maurice: and after that upon the thirteenth of january, they had audience given them by the general Estates, where they declared the effect of their charge and commission, desiring the Estates withal to remember and call to mind the doubtful events of war, and thereupon to dispose themselves to a good peace or truce, thereby to reduce the countries unto quietness and to their ancient prosperity, etc.  
whereunto, upon the seven and twenty of january, answer was made them, (after some rehearsal of that which had passed in former times) that the Estates perceived that the Archdukes still continued in their groundless pretences, of having right and lawful title unto the united Provinces, whereas they affirmed before all the world, and know it to be evident and apparent, that there was no manner of title to be pretended by the said Archdukes unto the said united Provinces, but only by force and bloody wars, and that to the contrary the said general Estates, upon good and lawful pretences by them always held and maintained, and without doubt presume the same to be grounded upon right and reason; and to the unity made amongst the said netherlands Provinces, hoping once again to reduce and join all that which by force and practices had been taken from the said union, with violation of the solemn decree, whereby the Netherlands, by so invincible and lawful reasons, are declared to be a free state, which decree from the five and twenty of january 1582, thetherwards by diverse public acts and declarations, and by the mightiest Kings and Potentates of Europe had been confirmed. And for that cause they had determined to endeavour with all the force and power they could make, to recover the same, and that 
1607.  as then for that time they could give no further answer therein, than such as in former times they had made to the Emperor's Majesty and other Princes, which was, that they held 〈◊〉 for a Maxim that they could not by any godly, honourable, nor assured means, deal with those that contrary to the aforesaid decree, maintained and would affirm themselves to have right unto the united Provinces, or that continued in the said pretence, protesting against all the wrongs that the said Provinces or members thereof, in proceeding with so lawful a cause might sustain therereby. Here-with the said Commissioners departed, to make report of their proceedings, after which time the said monsieur van Horst wrote a letter unto the Estates to certify them that the meaning & intent of the Archdukes was not by that treaty to get or pretend any advantage upon or against the united Provinces, but to let them remain as they are, & that if they were content to treat in that manner, he would be content to hearken thereunto, as being ready to do it. In the end of February▪ one john Neyen Provincial for the Franciscan 
john Neyen ●…vinciall of the Friars sent into Holland to treat of a pea●…e in the Arch duke's ●…ehalfe.  Friars (son to M●…rten Neyen who had been well acquainted with William Prince of Orange) came from Brussels into Holland, as Deputy from the Archdukes; who at his first coming stayed very quietly at Ryswicke, from whence he certified the reason of his coming; which was to know the cause why the proceedings of Mounsieur van Horst took no effect, and after that he had particularly spoken with Prince Maurice, he had licence to come to the H●…ge, where he had conference with divers persons, and also had audience of Prince Maurice, to whom he said that the archdukes meaning was not by the treaty of truce or peace to make or strengthen his title better, nor yet worse, but to treat with the Estates in such quality as they were. whereupon it being given him to understand, that the Archdukes must acknowledge that State to be a free State, before they could enter into any treaty with him, the said Friar john Neyen took upon him to bring the Arch dukes thereunto, thereby to shun all further bloodshed etc. And to that end upon the 9 of March he departed in Prince Maurices Pinnace, and went to the Scheld and so to Antwerp. A fit man to deal with a free nation, being eloquent and well spoken, and (in outward appearance) simple and without deceit.  
By the mediation of this Deputy employed by the Archdukes (who upon the 17. of March returned to the Hage again) it was so wrought on both sides, as they resolved to proceed to a treaty, upon the receipt of this declaration following.  
The Archdukes have thought it convenient to certify the general Estates of the 
The archdukes declaration touching the freedoms of the united Provinces and their desire to enter into a treaty of peace.  united Provinces, of their offer, which is, that they (desiring nothing more, then to see the Netherlands together with the good inhabitants of the same, free from the miseries of these bloody wars) upon good deliberation declare by these presents, that they are content to t●…eat with the general Estates of the united Provinces, in quality, and holding them for free countries, Provinces & States, whereunto they pretend not any title: whether it be by way of perpetual peace, or truce, and abstinence from arms for 12. 15. or 2●… ye●…res, at the choice of the said Estates; all upon reasonable conditions. In the which conditions, whether it be by conclusion of a general peace, or a truce and abstinence from wars, it shall be agreed that each party shall hold that he hath, unless that by them & the Estates (thereby to accommodate the Provinces by exchanging of any towns and places) by acommon consent it shall be otherwise agreed upon▪ as also concerning the manner and assuring of mutual navigation, traffic, commerce with their dependences, together with their interuentions, consents and confirmations of that which shall be granted and concluded upon: and further having duly considered of the Estate and situation of the united Provinces, and desiring to deal sincerely and without deceit with them, as also to give the said Estates time to consider and resolve upon that which shall be most convenient for their good and best preferment. They are content that such persons as are borne in the Netherlands & by them to be appointed as Deputies, shall be assembled with the like number of Deputies appointed by the said States, at such time & place, as the said States shall choose: and that the things before mentioned may the better be performed, whether it be by a continual peace or a truce for a time, they are content that for the space of eight months next ensuing, there shall be a truce and abstinence from all beseegings or surprizing of towns and forts, invasions 
1607.  or taking of provinces or quarters, or making of new sconces, so that the Estates aforesaid will agree unto this provisional truce, within eight days after the sight hereof, and before the first of September next ensuing, deliver their minds in writing (touching the truce aforesaid, together with the time and place which they shall choose) unto the said Archdukes. Dated in Brussels under the hands and seals of their Highnesses, the 13. of March. 1607.  
whereunto the General Estates made answer by an other declaration as followeth.  
The general Estates as States of free Countries and Provinces, (whereunto the Archdukes pretend no title at all) desiring also nothing more, then to settle a christian, honourable and an assured end and release of the miseries of this war, upon due deliberation, and by the advice of his Excellency, and the Council of Estate, have accepted of the declaration made by the said Archdukes, who therein declare the aforesaid united Provinces, to be free countries, whereunto they pretend not any title, as also of the truce and abstinence of arms (for the time of eight months next ensuing, beginning the fourth day of May) from all besieging and surprising of towns or sorts, invading or taking of Provinces or quarters, with the making of new sconces, and do in like manner allow of the offers, and presentations made by the Archdukes, concerning the communicating and report to be given unto those to whom it app●…rtayneth, and to certify the same by writing unto the said Archdukes etc. Before the first of September next ensuing: so that the said Archdukes etc. on the one side, and the general Estates of the united Provinces in quality as aforesaid on the other side, have faithfully promised, and by these presents do promise to hold and maintain the said declarations and provisional truce, and to restore and repair all wrongs directly or indirectly done, in or concerning the same: and the said Archdukes etc. promise within 3. mone●…hs next ensuing, to procure the like consent and agreation touching this matter from the King of Spain, for as much as concerneth him, and to deliver the same unto the said general Estates, together with all general or particular renunciations and the assurances belonging thereunto. In witness whereof there were two writings made both of one tenor, signed and sealed by the Archdukes, together with the common and accustomed signature of their Secretary, and by the Estates of the united Provinces, in the quality aforesaid, sealed with their great Seal, and subsigned by their Secretary, given in Brussels, & at the Hage the 24 of April, 1607. underneath there stood, I john Neyen Commissarie general have signed these presents, and I C. Aertsens, as Deputy for the general Estates of the united Provinces. This was done upon the 10. 11. 12. of April, but so that upon the 24. of April, letters of assurance were to be delivered on both sides, under their great Seals, the contents, words, sil●…ables & distinctions agreeing with the Act aforesaid; they were so dared as aforesaid, that they might both agree, & there with the Monk upon the 13. of April went to Brussels, and was by Prince Maurices' Pinnace brought to Delfs Haven. This agreement was with all speed first certified unto the Governors of towns, and forts in Holland, and upon the 13. of April the declaration ensuing was sent unto every particular Province and town, commanding a general day of prayer & fasting to be made throughout all the country upon the 9 of May following. Against the 24. of April the general Estates sent their commission of agreement & accord unto Lillo upon the conclusion of a truce made for 8. months, by their Commissary Dericke vander Does, there to deliver it upon the receipt of the like commission sent from the Archdukes, to which end also the Friar came to Lillo, having set down the same agreement under the act of commission: but for that Ʋander Does made some doubt to receive the same in that manner, the Friar road in all haste to Brussels, to have it made in the same order as the Estates had done theirs and therein used such expedition, as it was effected on the eight and twentieth day of April: the commissions and agreements were delivered on both sides, at which time Verdoes had a chain of gold given him for a reward from the Arch dukes, but for that the said Friar john Nayen had commission to make some further explication of the said treaty and truce 
1607.  for eight months, he desired to go to the Hage, whereunto Verdoes had no commission, but finding that he had no answer of his letters sent unto the Estates, he took the said Friar john Nayen to the Hage with him, where (after some consultation) upon the eighth day of May, he had audience of the Estates, and had further conference with them about the interpretation of the truce, and thereupon they concluded upon an other Act, bearing date the first of june, declaring thereby that the truce concluded for eight months should also hold good in the North Seas, and in the Channel between France and England, to the Sorlinghs, which should begin the fourteenth of june, from the which time all prizes (not being ships of war) should be restored again: That after that the King of Spain's agreation should be sent out of Spain, all the ships of war should be commanded to depart from the Coast of Spain, and that all prizes taken there within six weeks after that, should be restored again: and that during the truce, the places following on the State's sides, should be free from all invasions or incursions whatsoever, Viz. the Emes, Dullaret, the country of Wed, Drente, Covoerden, the River Vande-vechte to Becumund bridge, the Newe-vecht to Swoll, from Swoll to Koten, from Koten down the I sell to Isleoort, and the country's North and Westward lying behind them, from Isleoort to the Rhine as far as Graven-weert and the Country lying on that side Westward from the said town of Gravenweert along the wall to Gorcum, and the countries lying North and West, the Meuse from the Town of Grave to Gheertrudenbergh and all the countries lying Northward on that side the Merweed, and further all streams and waters between Holland and Zealand, with the Islands separated by ebbs and floods, with Lislo and Scluse, both to be included: and on the archdukes side, the Countries of Luxembourgh, Namur, and all the Countries lying beyond them, and in Brabant all that lieth beyond the Dummer and Grethe to the Schelde, In Flanders all that lieth beyond the Leye, passing over the small River of mand, beyond Roetselad to Dixmuden and Nieuport, and so to the Sea, within the which limits no hostility should be used, but what wrong soever was done should be recompensed and restored again; but without the said limits no man should travel without a passport, and that the soldiers might freely pass along not making any armies, neither might they surprise any towns or places. And therewith the Friar upon the 5. of june depart●…d from the Hage, having offered to Secretary Artesens a good present, but he would not accept thereof, unless he had licence so to do from the Estates and Prince Maurice.  
Heere-uppon throughout all the whole Netherlands there was great joy, every man hoping, wishing and praying, to be once released from these long and bloody wars: the report thereof being spread abroad in the neighbour countries, it moved great admiration at such a sudden truce, and bred much suspicion, all men wondering much what might be the cause that moved them thereunto: Men could not be persuaded that the Archdukes would so much embase themselves, neither yet the united Provinces; as to seek it, or that the one should offer so much, and the other give credit thereunto: But it was so secretly done, as it bred great admiration, for that no King nor Prince heard thereof, neither by their Ambassadors nor messengers, for in Holland few had to do therewith, and at Brussels only the Archdukes, Spinola, the Precedent Richardot and Vereycken the Secretary, and some few others knew thereof. whereupon the Nobility and the Counsels of particular Provinces complained much that they were not made acquainted therewith. The like also was done in the Netherlands, where it was said that the French King sought to agree with the Estates concerning the taking of the Sovereignty of the united Provinces into his hands, which the united Provinces would not yield unto, only they thought it good to put certain towns into his hands, for his security, thereby to procure further aid from him. 
The French King sent Ambassadors into th●… united provinces.   
For this cause the French King sent the Precedent janin, monsieur de Roussy, and monsieur Buzenuall as Ambassadors into the united Provinces, who arrived there upon the four and twenty day of May, and upon the eight and twenty of the same 
1607.  month had audience, where first, they showed what aid their King had given unto the united Provinces, and then they complained that the Estates had dealt so secretly with their enemy concerning a truce, without their King's advice, offering withal their King's favour and further aid unto them, with a presentation of an ordinary provision to aid them, as long as they continued war, or if they made a peace, that he might deliver his advise therein, and give consent to the effecting thereof. To which end they desired them to appoint certain deputies on their behalfs, that might treat with them touching all causes, not only concerning the Estate of the country, and the means thereof, but also touching the reasons and considerations, that might be most necessary and convenient to be propounded in the treaty of peace, and best to preserve their Estate in freedom. Whereunto there were certain committees appointed out of every Province, as for Holland Mounsieur Barnevelt, for Zealand Mounsieur de Maeldere, & so of other Provinces, who upon the 29. of May with Mounsieur de Beye, the treasurer (having full instruction) they began to confer with the French ambassadors, and concluded that they should stay there, in the King's behalf to aid them in the treaty of peace, and to further the same. The like aid and assistance they desired of the King of England, who willed them first to send certain deputies unto him to give him full 
The States of the united Provinces sent ambasadors into England.  instructions of their Estate, and means, to which end in july they sent john Berck counsellor, and pentionar of the town of Dort for Holland, and for Zealand Sir jacob van Maldere knight, into England, accompanied with their ordinary ambasador Sir Noel Charon who upon the 16. day of july had private audience of the King, and after that several times of his council, being well and honourably entertained and feasted in every place, especially in London, with the King and the Prince at Merchant-taylors' hall, where they were honoured with certain freedoms belonging unto the said company of Merchant-taylors', whereby did appear the old mutual affection, and inward contracts of friendship made between the Netherlands and the Realm of England, at last they took their leaves, of the King and the Prince, with satisfaction according to their desires, and promise from the King, to aid the united provinces both with counsel and otherwise especially in their proceeding with the treaty of peace; promising to send Sir Richard Spencer and Sir Ralph Winwood ambassadors into the united Provinces, and so the ambassadors (having either of them a chain of gold given them, one of them being also made knight) took shipping and upon the tenth day of August arrived in Zeeland.  
I showed before that within three months, the King of Spain's agreation of the truce made for eight months was to be brought unto the Estates out of Spain: and to that end the Archdukes used all the diligence they could, to procure the same; which at the last was obtained, and upon the sixteen day of july Spinola wrote unto the Estates of the united Provinces to certify them that his Secretary Birago had brought the said agreation out of Spain, desiring a passport for Mounsieur Vereycken to come into Holland, to deliver the said agreations, and withal to proceed to some points touching the treaty in hand: which letter upon the eight day of julie was by Spinolaes' trumpet brought to the Hage, and the next day a passport was made accordingly, whereby the said Vereycken upon the four and twenty day of julie came to the Hage, and that day had audience of the general Estates, where he showed them the King of Spain's agreation, placed under the acts made the four and twenty day of April and the first of june, written in Spanish, bearing date the last of june: the contents thereof being that his Majesty having seen, the contents of those acts, sent him by his dear 
The King of Spain's agreation sent unto the united Provinces.  brother and sister, the Archdukes Albertus and the Infanta Clara Eugenia, Princes and sovereign Lords of the Netherlands, touching the truce and abstinence from arms for the space of eight months, with ceasing from surprising of all towns and sorts, invading of countries, and making of new forts, during the said time, as also of an intent on both sides to cause certain deputies to assemble together about the concluding of a general peace, or long truce, as the same at large declareth●…, having well and duly considered thereof, declareth, that not to restrain, withhold nor any ways to hinder the good that is to be expected thereby, he not only hath commended 
1607.  approved, and ratified the aforesaid abstinence from arms, and by these presents doth commend, approve, ratify and confirm in all points the said abstinence from arms, as much as it concerneth him, promising upon his Princely word and faith, to hold and maintain the same in every point, as well as if he had consented thereunto at the first and that the matter had been begun and treated by his consent and authority, without any contradiction of the same. In witness whereof he had signed the same, & sealed it with his seal, dated in Valiodolid the first of june. That which stood under the act of the first of june, was of the same substance and almost verbatim, as near as might be, but both the acts under the which those agreations stood, were written in French, wherein (especially in the act of the four and twenty of April) in the chiefest and most substantial clause, there was forgotten or left out these words. Vni●…s en quality, et come les tenans pour pais, provinces etc. The aforesaid agreation being also written in paper, sealed with the small seal, and signed Io el Rey: and to avoid all further difficulties, a motion was made that the Estates would countermand and call home all their ships of war from the coast of Spain. The Estates for their parts disl●…ked much, that by the said agreation the Archdukes should be termed Sovereign Lords of all the Netherlands, and withal they found out the aforesaid error, not knowing whether ignorantly or of purpose it had been so omitted; and thereupon they showed him with what abuse such a fault had been committed in the principal act, which he confessed to have been perceived and found out also in Brussels, saying, that it was but the writer's fault, who in coppying the same, negligently omitted a whole line; and for that the agreation was general, the Archdukes thought good to send it, only to let them know what diligence they had used therein; promising faithfully, if they would content themselves therewith, that it should be presently procured, if the Estates would desire it: nevertheless, he desired six days respite to write unto Brussels, and from thence to receive further Commission, which was granted him: and thereupon having received the same, upon the second of August, he promised the Estates to cause the said agreation to be made in an other form, and that therefore they had reason to be satisfied for that time, seeing that the Archdukes had written into Spain, to certify the King of the difficulty therein, insisting withal to have a resolution from the Estates, to countermand their ships from the coast of Spain, and that they would vouchsafe to pleasure the Archdukes therein.  
Here-upon certain days were spent in consultation, and diverse conferences were had with the said Veryken, and at the last upon the eight of August, an answer was given him by word of mouth, and afterwards delivered him in writing, containing, that the Estates declared and held the respective agreation to be imperfect and defecti●…e, not only in quality and form, but also in the substance thereof, for that so many words were left out, that it was not written in French, nor signed by the King, nor yet sealed with his great seal, as also not containing an agreation of the whole proceedings, but restrained only to certain points, and that they made no mention of the approving and declaration of the freedom of the united Provinces, as the Archdukes had done, and that therefore touching the rest of the propositions, they could make no further declaration, before the first of September next ensuing, and therefore they delivered him a writing in Dutch, French and Latin, whereby they showed that they understood that the King was to make the agreation before they could enter into any further treaty, and that therefore to make a further declaration, as much time would be spent, as had passed before from the four and twenty day of julie to the first of September, and that neuertheless●… they were content in honour of the Archduke, to countermand all their ships of war from the coast of Spain, and that truly and effectually, and that all the prizes by them taken within the space of six weeks, beginning upon the four and twenty of july should not be allowed for good, but should be restored again. the which answer the said Vereycken upon the twelfth day of August went to 
1607.  Brussels.  
The truce continuing for eight months aforesaid both by sea and by land, both for Spain and the Netherlands, it gave a great hope to all the country people, that the matter would in the end be brought to a peace or a long truce, but some men of good judgement held it to be a matter of greater difficulty, and that it was so earnestly followed on either side, that so they might get some advantage, and thereby advance their own cause, and that it would not so lightly, nor without more rumour be ended on either side.  
Whilst this business about peace, or truce was in hand, and that the Neighbour Kings and Princes, with the countries of juilliers, Cleave, Liege, and East Friesland 
The opinions of the Net●…s, touching the ●…ty of peace.  busied and troubled themselves therewith, many opinions, conceits, and discourses were made, touching the same. The greater sort, which extol the greatness of Spain could not be persuaded, nor believe, that the Archdukes should ever procure any agreation or consent thereunto from the King of Spain, in such sort as it was promised, but rather thought, that there was some other meaning and intent: others to the contrary said that the hundred and fifty mylions which the King had spent, the abundance of blood which had been shed, the great mutinies, great want of money, the King of Spain finding himself continually assailed and compassed about with such strong fleets at sea, which were likely to take all trade by sea from him, or to encumber him much; whereby he must of force hold the Islands and the Indies fast bound upon Spain, with such like difficulties, and other considerations, which might cause that great King to conceive many doubts; especially in respect of a great rich company, which the united Provinces were about to make for the West Indies, which should continue for the space of six and thirty years, wherein some great mystery or secret lay hid, which might either make his Indies rebel or else they would assail them in the weakest places, and thereby give all his treasorors' cause of doubt, that his treasure which useth to come from the Indies would be cut off, and so give him no more credit, whereby he should be compelled necessarily to fall into greater charges to arm and defend his far distant Islands, and so by that means divide his power far a sunder.  
They said moreover that it was wisely, scircumspectly and necessarily done of the King and the Archdukes, willingly to give over and yield up their soveraignite, (as it was given forth) to the united Provinces, finding that they were not by any other means of persuasions, practices, or power to be brought to any treaty, for that their weakness, or any greater disgrace or loss, which they might chance to have, might force them to seek to be protected by France, in which protection there was great danger, that at the last they should be driven out of all the Provinces, and therefore they thought it▪ best, to seek to possess the better part quietly, with a neighbourly peace, at the least till a more convenient time, rather than to suffer the French King to enrich himself with the Netherlands, which would deprive Spain of all authority, respect, and credit.  
The Netherlanders for their parts, (as there are many deep witted, and provident 
Considerations of the Netherlanders touching a peace.  men amongst them) could not believe, that it was done bona fide, and therefore that proceeding was clean against their minds, doubting that in the end they should be forced to fall again under the subjection of the Spaniard, under the name of the house of Burgundy, imagining that the ground thereof had been laid long since, and that the truce or peace was but a breathing unto them. They could not likewise conceive, how they should preserve their estate; maintain the grovernment of the Provinces in unity, withstand all difficulties that might arise: neither yet how to continue their means and taxations, especially if the Archdukes should ease the country people thereof in their Provinces; how they should maintain their authority at sea, if the convoys and lycences ceased; and holding them still, how the trade of merchandise might be continued amongst them, that were wont to go thither, where they were least burdened with exactions: neither how they should 
1607  keep soldiers in good order and discipline, not being employed and exercised in arms; nor how religion should be maintained in the same estate it was: or how to bring the common people again to bear arms, when they shall once have felt a savour and taste of peace, if it fell out that their adversary should not hold his word; neither yet how to pay the great debts of the country, the payment whereof is commonly raised by the wars: nor how they that were in government, should be armed against the Spanish corruptions, which were already discovered, with divers other things: these were the discourses and reasons of those that were of best and deepest judgement.  
In the mean time the netherlands fleet was still upon the coast of Spain, which men sought to comprehend in the treaty of agreement, that they might be called home; that so the fleet in Spain might freely pass too and fro from the East and West Indies, for that they had been forced to unlade some of their ships which had been laden for the Indies, and to set them out for men of war, for the defence of Spain against the Hollanders, which could not be comprehended in the act of the first of june, but it was then consented and granted to countermand the said ships, as soon as the King of Spain's approbation should be sent, and that in the mean time they should not be relieved, with any new supplies or victuals which was in effect as much as if they were countermanded, for that want of victuals, would be an occasion to make them diminish their number and come home again, not regarding the doubt and suspicion which men had in all places, that the King would not fully yield to that which had been concluded, and the rather, for that they made ready ships of war in all places of Spain, as at St Lucre's, Cadiz, Lisbon and the Groin, the straits of Gibraltar being full of Galleys, which bred great jealousy, as if they meant to attempt some thing against Ireland, England, the Netherlands, or Embden, others thought they would go into Barbary, or to Alarach. At Duynkerke in Flanders they made great haste to build 
Great●… preparation of ships of war in Spain.  the ten great ships, (part of the thirty which they had undertaken to make,) whereon they set five hundred men on work, being Spaniards, Italians and Netherlanders, each man his several work, some of them being of 200. ton, the least was of a hundred and fifty tons, but by the answer of the eight day of August, it was consented, to countermand the aforesaid fleet, and that after the time then set down, they should take no more prizes, and therefore many men thought they would soon come home.  
The mutinous soldiers under the Archdukes made many incursions in the country, the Archduke seeking all the means he could to pacify them, and in August he got grant of six hundred thousand ducats, to be paid by a hundred thousand ducats a month for the space of six months, (which had long been promised) to pay the soldiers withal the Archduke also sought to discharge all his unnecessary troops, as Walloons and others. The Spaniards and Italians were put in garrison in several places, and a great part of them at Dornick, where they were some what strictly looked unto, and might not increase their numbers, for that when they were desirous to go out of the town, every one had a token of lead given him, without the which noman might enter into the town: at Cortrick also there were two or three hundred, & more in other places, the richest towns gave money to be unburdened of garrisons, the united Provinces also discharged many of their soldiers, such as they might spare, as Englishmen and some high Duchess, which wanted many of their number, they also discharged many ships of all sorts, but they began to prepare some ships for the East Indies, thereby to continue and assure that trade.  
This year many ships sailed out of Embden to Italy and Spain, which in Spain 
The ships of Emden arrested in Spain.  and Portugal were most stayed and arrested, under some pretence, either that they were partners with the Hollanders or else rebels against their Earl, from whom notwithstanding they had letters of licence, testimonials, or atestations, but that would not serve their turns unless they brought particular letters from the Earl, otherwise they were esteemed to be gotten by force, and favour of the Hollanders or Englishmen; some of them notwithstanding were set at liberty, but the rest to the number of thirty which (were many for one town) were hardly entreated, and the men put into the galleys, 
1607.  others were compelled to serve the king there in his war or in his ships which went to the Indies and bresil. These news caused a great uproar in Emden amongst the common people, for the loss of their seafaring men, whereof many had wives and children in the country, which made a great assembly of women and children about the magistrate: The Earl himself came thither with certain Lords his friends, which bred a suspicion, that he sought to cause some tumult, his brethren Earl Christopher and Earl john being both with him, with the garrison of Linphen, whereupon the united Provinces sent about two thousand men thither, the which were lodged in the suburbs of Emden and there abouts, and withal they sent a trumpet to the Earl, with a letter as followeth.  
Right Honourable; our actions have given a sufficient testimony, with what a sincere intention, we have ever laboured (to our great trouble and charge) and do still continue, to reconcile all controversies and dislike betwixt your honourable father Earl Edsard, yourself, and the Estates of East-Friseland: when as in the year 1595. by the contract made in Delfzile, at the request of your said father, yourself, and the Estates of East-Friseland, we had under-taken and bound ourselves to be Umpires therein, your Lordship knows that in the year of our Lord 1603. at the making of the contract at the Hage, at the instant request of the Deputies of the town of Emden, by your Lordships consent, and good liking, we once again bound ourselves to maintain the same, and to oppose ourselves against all contradiction, and also that in the treaty at the last meeting of the Estates of Germany, upon the last of November, by the intercession of Sir Ralph Winwood Ambassador for the King of England, and our Deputies, in the behalf of the said King's Majesty and us, it was agreed that if any thing were done contrary unto the same, that some order should presently be taken therein.  
Know ye therefore my Lord, that we being certainly informed that by your honours means and directions, not one penny of money will be had towards the payment of the garrison within the Town of Embden, that through want of pay, the garrison might be brought into a mutiny, and so the Town of Embden fall into a tumult: besides that by your Lordships means, the contributions which are willingly granted by the country are not come to the hands of the appointed rent-maister, for the causes whereunto they are assigned (according to the general resolution). That your honour also hath made many enterprises, and caused them to be executed, without the consent of the country, contrary to the Emperor's resolution, and the former contracts: and also that it is confidently spoken in Embden, that by your honours direction, a great number of ships which sailed into Spain, are there arrested, their goods attached, and the men committed to prison, and hardly entreated▪ and also that by your honours permission, the soldiers of the garrisons of Linghen, and such like places in the Earldom of East-Freeseland, have run through the said country, and committed great insolencies against the Inhabitants thereof, taking divers of the towns men of Embden prisoners, all directly against the said contracts. Seeing then that by virtue of our contract made with your honour, we are determined to take the said matter in hand, and to prevent all dangers which may ensue in the like; We have thought it good, to send you this letter by our Trumpet, earnestly desiring, that your honour for the reparation of things that are amiss, and of all other inconveniences, would presently, or at the furthest within fourteen days after the receipt hereof, give order without any further delay, that there may be forty thousand Gildens prepared, towards the payment of the garrison of Embden: and that the money rising of the willing contributions, may be delivered into the hands of the rent-maister, and left with him, to be employed for such uses as it is appointed, according to the resolution: that all enterprises made in the country, without the lawful consent of the Estates, shall be forborn and not attempted, and that which hath been wrongfully taken from any man, and without consent, restored: that also without delay, your honour will presently do your best endeavour, for the discharging of the Ships, Sailors, and other persons of Embden, 
1607.  which are stayed and imprisoned in Spain. And lastly, that the soldiers of Linghen and such like places, may be kept out of the Earldom of East-Freezeland: which if your honour faileth to do, we declare ourselves guiltless of that which we shall be (to our great grief) forced to do, being the necessary means to urge your honour to reason, and to maintain your honourable promises, and to prevent all future troubles and inconveniences, desiring nothing else, but that which shall be fit for your honour and your subjects good, welfare, and quietness, as knoweth GOD, whom we beseech to inspire your Lordship's heart with some good motions, for the welfare of yourself and your subjects. From the Hage the third of july, 1607. etc.  
Hereupon ensued no great effects, but that the Earl of East-Freezeland sent Hans Hendricke St●…mler, to make complaint thereof unto the King of England, and to crave his intercession unto the Estates of the united provinces, to stay them from any forcible proceedings, from whom he received a favourable answer: and to the Hage he sent Doctor Dothia Wyarda, sometimes Sindick of the town of Embden; Monsieur van Kinphausen, and Doctor Thomas Francius, who excused the Earl, and said, that he desired to observe the contracts and agreements made, and had given no cause to the contrary unto them of Embden, but that they had conceived a needless fear, which proceeded from their own guilty consciences, which had made them to send for soldiers; with some other frivolous allegations. The town of Embden (for the furtherance of their cause, and to move the Estates to proceed in their design) sent Vbbo Reinets their Burgomaster and Sindick, Samuel van Winghene councillor, and Daniel Althingh Secretary, in regard they found that the Earl intended to keep them in continual alarm, and to put them unto great charges, and by that means to bring them into debt, and so to draw the Burghers unto him: With them they brought diverse Letters of licence, given by the Earl unto the Sailors of Embden bearing da●…e in Esens the sixth, and the thirteenth of February; one contradicting another, and some being of no force, unless they showed other particular letters: but at the last every thing was ended and ordered by the general Estates, with admonition unto them (according to the contracts) to live in unity and peace, and the town put in hope that the Estates would be careful of their good and preservation.  
Upon the twelve of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and seven, when Friar john Nayen the Commissioner for the King of Spain, was 
Presents offered unto Artsens by Friar john Nayen.  upon his return towards Brussels, before his departure out of Holland, he wrote a letter secretly unto Cornelis Artesens Secretary to the general Estates of the united Provinces, desiring to speak with him, his wife, or son, before he went out of Holland, and withal appointed him a secret place of meeting: Artesens upon the receit of this Letter (suspecting they would seek to corrupt him with some presents) went presently to Prince Mau●…ice, and others of the chief of the Estates, showing them this Letter, with the circumstances and contents thereof; assuring them that the Friar intended thereby to win him by some offers and gifts, ask their advice how he should carry himself therein; and whether he should go himself, or that he should send any other (the messenger in the mean time staying for his answer.)  
whereupon Prince Maurice and the Estates thought it very fit and available for the service and good of the country, to discover the adversaries design in this action, that he should go secretly thither, to hear what he would propound unto him, and that if he o●…ered any gratuity, he should accept it, if it were given as a bribe to corrupt him, but if it were done only, to crave his furtherance for the dispatching of the Treaty as then to be made, he should refuse it; giving him withal express commandment, to keep it close and secret unto himself, whereby he should do the country great service, with these directions Artesens upon 
1607.  the fourteen day of May went unto the place appointed by the letter; and was secretly brought to Friar john Nayen in Saint Agathes Cloister in Delfe. Where 
Friar Nayen●… persuasions used to Artesens.  he entertained him very kindly, giving him thanks for the great service he had done unto the Archdukes, for that the first motion of the treaty of peace was beg●…nne by him, whereby they found, that it had brought him into a great suspicion, and dislike, amongst the common people, and that for the same cause he was hardly censured by them.  
In regard whereof he said that the Archdukes thought themselves engaged in their honours to be thankful unto him, being of themselves so nobly minded, as they would not fail to show their bounty unto all those that should do them any service, with many such like persuasive words, promising to do for him, his children, or friends whatsoever they would desire at their hands, and for a beginning and assurance of their Princely disposition, he said, that he had express commission from the Archdukes, to restore his house unto him, which he had in Brussels, with his patrimonial lands and goods that were confiscated, that he might dispose thereof at his own will and pleasure, giving him to understand withal that M●…rquis Spinola (in regard that he favoured the cause) held himself very much beholding unto him, for which consideration he had sent him an obligation under his hand, whereby he promised that if a truce were concluded, for above nine years, or a general peace, to give him fifty thousand crowns whereof he should receive fifteen thousand crowns in ready money, to be paid in Amsterdam, to the hands of any one that he should nominate or appoint, recommending himself and the said affairs to his good discretion.  
And for his own particular he said, that seeing it had pleased the Archdukes and the Marquis to honour him so much, as to think him fit to be employed therein: and for that the matter had proceeded so far that he for his part, and in his own behalf, would give some particular testimony of his love towards the said Artesens, and to that end, would bestow upon his wife a Ring of Gold with a Diamond therein: protesting and assuring him of the scincerity, uprightness, and worthiness of the said Archduke, and the Marquis, as also of his own; the which notwithstanding was otherwise censured by many.  
Whereunto Artesens made answer, that he most humbly thanked the said 
Artesens answer to the Friar and his excuses.  Archdukes, for their great favour showed him; and especially for the restitution of his house and patrimonial lands, in regard that at the reduction of the town of Brussels under the King of Spain's obedience, he had great wrong offered unto him, in this point, for that he was debarred the benefit of the contract, which was granted unto all the Burghers of the town, whereby they were enabled for to enjoy their lands and goods, notwithstanding that he at the same time was employed about some service that then was to be done for the Estates, for the assembling of the General Estates: and that touching their further bounty, he said, that he had done no more in that action than he was bound unto in love and duty, with other such like excuses; and therefore he besought the said Archdukes and the Marquis that it would please them to hold him excused, if he did not accept their bountiful presents, which seemed rather to be given, to corrupt him, then as a recompense for any service done by him, and that therefore he neither could nor might accept them, nor yet the Ring which he offered to give him for his wife, giving the Friar great thanks for his courtesy therein, and offering all service for his part, which he could or might do for them and him, always excepting any thing whatsoever, that might tend to the breach of his oath, and blemish of his reputation etc.  
Whereunto the Friar replied; that the presents aforesaid, could not be any ways held to be done in manner of corruption; considering the sincere and upright intents of the said Archdukes, Marquis Spinola, and himself, who affected nothing more, then sincerely and without any fraud to bring the wars unto an end; with many other good words to persuade him to be a furtherer unto the 
1607.  same etc.  
Whereupon, at last he accepted of the restitution of his house and lands, together with the obligation; making much difficulty to receive the Ring with the Diamond for his wife; but being much urged and entreated thereunto, he took it, with promise to give the best direction therein that he could, his oath and credit always preserved, and therewith they departed.  
The same day, Artesens made report unto Prince Maurice and to the Estates 
Artesens report made to Prince Maurice and his opinion therein.  of all that had passed betwixt them, offering to deliver them the obligation and the Diamond, but Prince Maurice would not receive them; nevertheless he advised them to take some course for the receipt of the money, and withal that the matter should be kept very close and secret. But Artesens did often solicit the Prince and the Estates to be discharged thereof, the which they still refused to take into their custody, telling him, that he had no cause to doubt any danger, seeing that he had not done any thing but by special commission, wherein he had discharged himself, by discovering the offers that were made him, as in duty he was bound; and that order was to be taken about the receiving of the money, wishing that they might get all the enemy's treasure into their hands by such means, esteeming the Diamond to be well worth six thousand Gilders: at last it was resolved upon, that the matter should be imparted to the general assembly of all the Estates.  
This business passing over for certain days together without any further resolution, from the fourteenth to the twelfth day of May, there was an other letter sent from the Friar john Nayen, unto the said Artesens, whereby he wondered very much that he heard not from him, nor had any assignment to whom the fifteen thousand crowns should be paid, Artesens having received this letter, went unto the Estates again to acquaint them therewith, but for that Prince Maurice had the second time refused to receive the obligation and the Ring, being still of opinion (if they thought good to keep the matter secret) that it was best for them to receive the money; it was resolved amongst them, to make both the general Estates acquainted therewith, and the ambasadors of France and England, by which means the matter was divulged unto the common people, whereupon Artesens understanding that he was charged and taxed to have been corrupted by the enemy, he desired the general Estates that he might be discharged of the obligation and the Ring of Gold, and upon his request so made unto them they took order, that the treasurer general should keep the said obligation and the Ring, with the Diamond, which was taken out of the gold, and valued, till further order should be taken therein, and that the said Artesens should have an act made in his behalf and for his justification, the which was published accordingly, bearing date the seventh day of julie in the year of our Lord and Saviour. 1607.  
Notwithstanding all this, Artesens fell into great suspicion, and it was given out that he had been corrupted by the enemy, for the which cause, and to free himself from all imputation and blame, he caused an apology to be printed in his name, whereby he excused himself unto all the common people, and thereunto he joined a copy of the act aforesaid, made by the general Estates in his behalf, his apology bearing date the twenty day of julie in the year of our Lord and Saviour. 1607. When as Mounsieur Vereycken came last unto the Hage with the act of agreation, Mounsieur Barn●…uelt Councillor for Holland, let him 
Present●… given by john Nayen delivered back again.  understand, what presents had been given by john Nayen the Friar, as is before mentioned, which were delivered to Mounsieur Vereycken by the Estates, who willed him to take them with him again, and restore them unto those that sent them, desiring the Archdukes, that if they meant to proceed sincerely in the treaty of peace, and sought nothing else, that they would offer no more such presents, unto any of their subjects of what Estate or quality soever they were: saying, that the general Estates, and the Counsel of Estate of the united Provinces did 
1607.  consist of so many several persons, as they could hardly be corrupted by presents, or promises, and that if any of them, were but once suspected, they would double their number etc. Whereupon Vereycken excused the Archdukes, and laid the blame thereof upon the Friar john Nayen, saying, that it proceeded from himself; and that their highnesses were not acquainted therewith, imputing it unto the covetousness of the spirituallty, who judge of other men's humours by their own, with such like words.  
In the month of September, the netherlands ships of war which had lain upon the coast of Spain, according to the contract, came all home with their prizes, and so the contract for truce at sea, was on both sides agreed and concluded, and Prince Doria was appointed by the King of Spain to keep the straits of Gibraltare.  
In this month the governor of Grave called Mounsieur Silendsky was taken prisoner as he passed along by the Meuse, to go to Vorne, relying to much upon the truce, 
monsieur Sidlens●…e governor of Grave taken prisoner.  the which notwithstanding could not help him: he was brought prisoner to Boisleduc, where he hath continued long for that they demand to great a ransom.  
The three and twenty day of September colonel Warnart du Bois precedent of the counsel of war, a valiant soldier riding with his wife to the Fair at ●…heldermaetsen 
Mounsieur du Bois slain by the enemy.  and having there made good cheer, in the evening being not far ●…rom Est by Tielerweert was set upon by certain of the enemies, as he was in his Wagon, and for that he would not yield himself prisoner, they shot him into the body, and took his son prisoner, a thing much to be lamented, that such an old experienced captain, who had passed so many dangers, would be so careless of his own safety, and come to so unfortunate an end.  
The Spaniards and other mutinous soldiers in Diest, for that they were not paid, did much harm in Brabant and other places, and sent a protestation into Brabant, 
The mutinus soldiers of Diest in Brabant.  that if they were not satisfied within certain days, they would set the gates of Diest open, to entertain all such soldiers as were unpaide, and so make a general mutiny, which they had bound themselves unto the Archduke not to do: within Herentales they were most horsemen, whereof a great part mutined in the month of October, but they were kept from any attempt by certain Irish soldiers which did serve under the Governor there, for the which some were punished. The rest of the soldiers that were unpaide committed great insolencies on the Country, murdering and spoiling the poor people, most of the Spaniards and Italians lying and feeding upon the costs and charges of the country peasants. About the last day of August (as I said before) the Archduke got an assignation for six hundred thousand Ducats a month, for which cause the Arckdukes' counsel sought to get the whole sum to be paid at one time, offering (as it is reported) to cut off the interest thereof after eight in the hundred, and in November they took Council how to satisfy them of Diest. The Archdukes also entreated the Estates of their Provinces, to yield to the payment of seven hundred thousand gilders, towards the discharging of the mutinous soldiers, which at the first they refused, but in the end they were content to pay a moiety thereof being three hundred thousand gilders, wherewith they of Diest were satisfied.  
About this time it was reported that the Archduke Alberus made great means to be made King of romans by the aid and procurement of the Electors the archbishops of Cologne and Liege, with whom he had many 
The Archduke Albertus se●…kes to be King of romans.  conferences sent to him by messengers, and in the month of October t●…e Archdukes went to Bins, to hunt and take their pleasures, but it seemeth that being there they had some certain conference about the matter aforesaid with the Electors of Ments and Trier also, but it is said that the King of Spain is much against him, and seeketh by all the means he can to prefer his brother the archduke Ferdinand of St●…ria thereunto.  
The fourteen day of October the Estates of the united Provinces received a letter from the Marquis Spinola, certifying them that the agrecation from Spain 
1607.  was come, desiring passport for Friar john Nayen, and for Monsieur Verreyken, to come into Holland to deliver the same, which passport being sent upon the four and twenty of October they arrived at the Hage, and upon the five and twentieth day had audience of the general Estates, where they presented the 
The second agreation made by the king of Spain touching the peace.  new ratification or agreeation made by the King of Spain, dated in Madrill the eighteen of September, written in Paper, and in the Spanish tongue, signed Io el Rey, sealed with a seal like unto a Proclamation, and underneath signed Andreas de Prada, containing an insertion of the Declaration made by the Archdukes in Spanish, also ill favouredly written, and under that was written as followeth.  
That whereas in the aforesaid Treaty, the Archdukes had promised unto the Estates to deliver them their letters of ratification and agreation like unto theirs, with all general and particular renunciations and obligations: he therefore upon due deliberation and advise, of his own certain knowledge, and absolute kingly power and authority, for the effecting of the said promise, and for the assurance of the principal treaty of peace, or long truce, had made unto the said Estates, and by these presents did make the like declaration, which the Archdukes had formerly made, as much as in him lay, and that he declared himself to be content, that in his name, and in his behalf, the said Estates should be treated withal, in quality, and as holding them at this present for free Countries, Provinces, and Estates, to whom he pretended no title at all, and thereupon he accepted, allowed, and confirmed all and every point, contained in the aforesaid Declaration, made by the said Archdukes, promising by the faith and word of a King, to cause the same to be observed and kept effectually in every point, as if the same had at the first been made and decreed by his Princely will and authority without any contradiction: promising reparation & satisfaction of any thing done therein to the contrary: and that all things needful shall be faithfully performed and done, binding himself thereunto by his Princely word, withal particular and general renunciations and obligations requisite thereunto, and that presently after the conclusion of the said peace or long truce, he would send all necessary aprobation for the security thereof, in the best manner and form that may be, that in the end the Estates may have full satisfaction in all things which they request.  
But withal he declared, that if the chief treaty of peace, or of long truce, there to be treated of and handled, should not take effect, concerning the matters in controversy between both parts, as well touching religion as otherwise, that then his aforesaid declaration and agreeation should be of no force, but remain as if it had never been made, and that by virtue thereof it should not be understood nor interpreted, that he had or would lose any of his right or title, nor the Estates thereby to have any advantage, but that all things should remain in the same state they were, and every man to have his due, and that from thenceforth it should be lawful for each party to do as they thought good.  
With this agreation (having delivered a copy thereof in Spanish, French, 
Friar john Nayens speech upon the delivery of this apro bation.  and Dutch,) friar john Nayen made a long discourse of the sincerity and uprightness of the King of Spain in that respect, and that he had caused the same to pass through the hands of his council, that it might be the freer and more assured to take effect, although he should die: wherein he said, he was much to be commended, in that he expressed the true and upright intent and meaning of his direct dealing therein, promising no more, nor binding himself no further, than he meant to perform, and cause to be effected, whereas otherwise if he had meant to deal deceitfully, he would not have done so, but rather have made the agreation without any explication, whereas now to make known his just proceeding, he had declared his full pleasure and intent, there-by to shun and avoid, that which hereafter might seem to be brought in question.  
Mounsieure Verreyken also made a very long speech touching the sincerity 
1607. Auditor Verrikens d●…la ration touching the dukes proceedings.  and direct dealing of the Archdukes concerning that point, and of the great inclination and desire they had unto peace, which was plainly to be seen, by their proceedings therein: and how earnestly they had endeavoured themselves to do all things which the Estates had by any means desired, or could in any sort pretend.  
The general Estates having received the copy of the said agreation, and perused the same, they found it to be very badly and negligently written, by leaving out of many words, and some defects to be in the writing of many words, which were not placed as they ought to be; and also in the form, not being signed with the King's name nor written in French. And after they had imparted the same unto the Ambassadors of 
The state's resolution upon the agreeation.  France and England, upon the seventeenth day they had further conference with the said Friar john Nayen and Verreyken, to acquaint them with the said defects, and to know if there were no other agreation to be expected; who letting them understand that there was no other agreation to be had from spain; but that in the proceedings with the principal points of the treaty, all doubts and difficulties might be better seen into, and prevented upon good deliberation, and after divers consultations had with his Excellency and the Ambassadors aforesaid.  
Upon the second of November, they resolved to give the Deputies an answer; which 
The States answer uqon the approbation.  was that the said letters of agreation (according to the declaration of the Deputies) not only in the words and stile, but also in the sealing, insertion, and omission of many words, were not conformable to the promises made, and that by the last clause thereof (besides the propositions of Friar john Nayen) there might be pretended a disannulling of the solemn promises thereby made, it being not to be contradicted: That the said King, and the Archdukes with their Counsels know well, that the general Estates of the united Provinces, as being Estates of free countries and Provinces (whereunto the aforesaid King and Archdukes pretend no sovereignty) by the grace of God almighty, and the said assistance of such Princes as are allied unto them, can find good means to maintain and uphold the welfare, estate and government of the said countries, and the Inhabitants of the same, without making any mention thereof in the principal treaty concerning peace or truce, notwithstanding any thing which might be pretended or propounded by the King or Archdukes, to the contrary; unless they would cross or seek to disannul the aforesaid solemn and formal promises.  
And although there might some question be made, whether upon the said letters and propositions, they might proceed to a treaty; Nevertheless to the end this work (begun for the freeing of those countries from these long continual and bloody wars, and the settling of a godly, honourable, and an assured peace) may not be hindered, they would show the said letters (as much as concerneth the approbation of the promises made by the Archdukes, and the like declaration of the said King whereby he declareth that he is content, that in his name and in his behalf, a treaty shall be made touching peace or truce with the general Estates, in quality, and as holding and acounting them for free countries, Provinces and Estates, whereunto he made no claim; besides all general and particular obligations which are requisite and necessary) unto the Provinces, towns and members of the same respectively, and within six weeks next enfuing, give intelligence unto the said Deputies, whether they intended the e-upon to enter into any treaty or not, with express protestation, from thenceforth never to make any question to any point of the aforesaid letters, which might be understood to be directly or indirectly against the said agreation and declaration together with the promises of the said Archdukes.  
And if it were found fit and convenient, upon the said agreation and declaration (or upon any other that within the said time, according to the promises made, might be sent out of Spain and delivered unto the said Estates) to enter into a treaty, the Estates were of opinion, that neither in the said King's behalf nor the Archdukes, there should be any thing propounded or pretended that 
1607.  might be prejudicial to the state, welfare and government of the united Provinces or the Inhabitants thereof, contrary to the said promises: And that the Archdukes will take order within ten days after the receipt of the said advertisement to send their committees (with instructions according to the original offers) to the Hage, fully instructed and authorised, and also to understand the Estates intent to deliver their meanings plainly and effectually.  
And thereupon to make a short and brief resolution, and that the Estates in that respect would appoint certain Committees with the like authority to treat with them. This answer being made it was given to the said Friar john Nayen and to Vereyken upon the third of November, and therewithal, they were demanded whether 
The archdukes Committees makes a difficulty to deliver the agreation i●… 〈◊〉.  they would deliver the Original letters of agreation, whereat they made some doubt, whether they might leave them with the Estates, or carry them back again to Brussels, and therefore they desired respite for certain days wherein Friar john Nayen might go to Brussels, to fetch a further commission concerning that point, which being granted them, the Friar went from the Hage upon the fifth of November, & the fourteenth of the same month returned again, and upon the fifthteenth having audience given unto him and to Verriken by the Estates, they gave them to understand that they had commission to deliver the said letters, taking a note from the Estates for the receit thereof, (declaring therewith, that the Archdukes had there-by performed their promise) and with a promise of re-delivering the said letters, if the treaty went not forward; but the Estates found some difficulty therein, for that they were of an opinion that the Archdukes had not performed their promise, nor procured such letters (without any restraint, or appendix) as were promised, and that they were not to promise any restitution of an act, which made itself void and of no effect, if the treaty went not forward; the which upon the sixteenth of November they made known unto the Deputies who seemed to consent with them, saying, that they in like manner understood it to be so, and that they had written so much unto the Archdukes, but finding that the Estates persisted therein, they once again desired a further time for certain days, that the Friar might repair once more to Brussels, for a full and absolute commission, which was granted them, and so upon the seventeenth of November he went to Brussels, and upon the nine and twenty of the same month returned to the Hage, with commission to deliver the said letters as in the end they did, absolutely without any exception or promise to be made by the Estates; and so upon the twenty of December they returned back again to Brussels, having made no speech unto Friar john Nayen touching the aforesaid presents, wherewith he had busied himself.  
The general Estates or their ordinary Deputies upon the tenth of November departed from the Hage, every man to make known in their several Provinces the said last agreation sent by the King of Spain, and to assemble the Estates of their particular Provinces, and to understand from them, whether they were of opinion (upon the said letters, and as they were made) to enter into a treaty of peace or not, & against the tenth of December to meet again, every man to show his commission touching that point. Before their departure upon the tenth of October they had received a letter from the Emperor, wherein he declared what charges and pains his father the 
A letter sent by the Emperor to the States ●…ouching a peace.  Emperor Maxmilian and himself had been at, and taken to bring the affairs of the Netherlands to a good end, and final peace, wherefore he did now wonder they would attempt to deal therein without his advice, or at the least without making him acquainted therewith, as seeming to have a pretence to make the United Provinces a free state, whereas notwithstanding the Estates thereof knew well, that the said Netherlands, depended upon him and the holy Empire, as by the ancient records of the Empire and the first institutions he could prove, and that therefore the Estates were to remember, that in regard it was a respective member of the Empire they might not undertake any thing touching the same without his consent, as being the chief member of the said Empire, and that if any thing were done or attempted to the contrary whereby the nature and property of the members of the Empire 
1697.  might be altered and changed, that it was of no effect, according to the ordinances and statutes of the Empire: Desiring therefore to understand from them, in what estate the matter stood, and how they meant to proceed therein, that he and the Empire might uphold their rites and privileges, requiring also that they would not proceed in any thing without his consent; or to permit any thing to be done, that might tend to the prejudice of him and the Empire: Which letter by some was thought to be written for an insinuation, thereby in time to pretend some cause of nullity and disabling of all that which the Estates should conclude with the King of Spain and the Archdukes touching the peace, and to make use thereof, when they shall think it most necessary and fit for them. 
The King of Denmark sent Ambassadors into Holland to be of Council with the Estates about a peace.   
The third of December jacob Vlefelt Councillor of the Empire, and Amptman of the Castle of Hagens-kow, and jonas Charasins Doctor of both the Laws, Ambassadors for the King of Denmark, arrived at the Hage with a good train of Gentlemen, who upon the sixth of December had conferenee with the general Estates, showing the affection which their King bare to the United Provinces, and that their commission was to aid and assist the Estates with their Council in their treaty of peace.  
The Archdukes having made a reckoning with the mutinous soldiers of Diest, and thereupon giving them satisfaction according to the contract made, he divided them into divers companies, and put them into several places: after which having committed no newer offence, he caused them all to be brought out of their several quarters, to have a certain decree of banishment made against them, and openly published, which was to depart out of the archdukes countries within twenty hours after, upon pain of death. 
The letter of banishment being as followeth.   
It is manifestly known unto every man, how long the last mutiny in Diest hath 
A letter of banishment made by the Archduke against the mutinous soldiers of Diest.  continued, and the great and inestimable sums of money it hath cost us, besides the troubles and insupportable burdens and wrongs that our poor subjects have sustained thereby: Nevertheless we have endeavoured so much as at the last we have made a full account and reckoning with all those that have been partakers in the said mutiny, and paid every one of them whatsoever he could ask, to their full contentments, and withal forgiven them, and by these presents do forgive them all whatsoever they have done against us, by means of the said mutiny. Nevertheless we with the King our brother (being not bound to entertain any man in our services longer than we shall think good) having a further care of our estates, for divers good cosiderations, have resolved that it will be more advancement to our service, and quietness to our subjects, to send them out of the country, and to command them (as by these presents we do expressly command.) That within four and twenty hours after the publication hereof, they depart out of all our Countries and Territories, and not to stay any longer time therein, nor to enter or come into them again, upon pain of hanging, willing and commanding as well all our loving subjects, as others serving under us (the aforesaid time being expired) to set upon them, and to use all the rigour and hostility against them that they could, as against such as are disobedient unto us, and are banished persons withal. And that if any of them shall be so careless (contrary unto this our commandment) to remain still in those our Countries, our will and pleasure is, that such persons as can apprehend any of them, and either living or dead deliver them, either to the hands of Ferdinando Boischot one of our Privy Council, and Auditor general of our army, or to the justices of any of our Towns, they shall have for a reward for every head the sum of five and twenty crowns, paid them by the hands of the said Auditor general, finding them also, upon the same pain aforesaid, not to stay, dwell or remain in the countries, 
1607.  towns and Kingdoms of the King of Spain, for that his meaning is not to use their service any longer, and therefore we command all our justices, Officers and others our subjects, to govern themselves herein according to this our Proclamation, without any favour, partiality or detraction whatsoever. Da●…ed in our town of Brussels the fourth of December. 1607.  
By force of this proclamation, many of the said mutinous soldiers which could not get presently out of the country, were in divers places ●…ain & hanged, which although it were done by them for an example of punishment of the like mutinies, yet it bred a jealousy in many men of judgement, that by the like reasons of state, other proceedings and contracts might in the like sort be broken and made void. 
The Ambassadors of Brandenbourgh come to Hage to and the States in the treaty of peace.   
The nineteenth of December jeronimus van Diskow and Erbghehessen up Quees, Ambassadors for the Elcteor of Brandembourgh came to the Hage to assist the Estates in their treaty of peace, who in long time after made no motion, for that their commission was restrained, to the coming of the Palsgraves' Ambassadors, and to deal with them and not without them, which Ambassadors came not thither so soon.  
The twentieth of December, the Deputies of the general Estates being for the most part altogether, or else having sent their opinions touching the treaty aforesaid, 
The general Estates consultation●… and resolutions about the treaty of peace.  every man showed his authority and commission, which for the most part tended to this end: that notwithstanding the defects of the aforesaid letters of argreation, yet that they might enter into a treaty with the enemy's Deputies concerning a peace or long truce, always insisting upon the chief point, which is their freedom of the country, and not to yield unto the enemy in the least point thereof, nether yet in matters of state, nor concerning religion. And after much disputation amongst them, and divers conferences held with Prince Maurice, William Earl of Nassau and the Council of Estate, as also with the Ambassadors of France, England and Denmark, (for that the Ambassadors of Brandenbourgh excused themselves for the reasons aforesaid) at the last upon the four and twentieth day of December they wrote unto the Archdukes, that they (according to the protestations and declarations set down in their answer made the second of November, from the which they meant not to vary) were content to enter into a treaty with their Deputies in the Hage, and that to the same end they should send seven or eight persons, (instructed according to their offers) to the Hage so as they might be advertised before from the Archduke that their meaning was to send within ten days after the receit of their letter unto the Hage, the like or a less number of persons (qualified as aforesaid) and with full commission and authority, not only in the King of Spain's behalf, but also for the Archdukes, to make a good and short resolution, and agreement about the treaty aforesaid. And for that the truce made to the fourth of january next ensuing was almost expired, they desired the Archdukes to consider whether it were not expedient to prolong the same for a month or six weeks more, if they thought it good to enter into the said treaty upon the conditions aforesaid, where unto they said those their letters should serve for a consent, if the Archdukes would send their consent thereunto, not only in their own but also in the King of Spain's behalf. They also sent the copy of their letters to Friar john Nayen and Verr●…yken, with request to deliver the original letters unto the Arch-dukesand that if they would consent to send any Commissioners, that it would please them to write their names, number, and the day of their departure from Brussels, to the end they might send them convenient passports: and so they sent the chief letters by Grave Maurices' Trumpet by the way of Sevenberghen, and an other Trumpet (by reason of the frost) with a copy thereof over the Dussen, that if one failed the other might be delivered. 
The Palsgraves' Ambassadors come to the Hage to aid the States in ●…heir treaty.   
The 29. of December Hippolytus de colly Councillor to the Elector and chief judge of Heydelbergh, Ambassador for the Palsgrave of Rhyne came to the Hage, to aid the Estates also in that treaty.  
With these accidents, deliberations, difficulties & resolutions touching the affairs of the Netherlands, this year of 1607. ended; leaving to the beginning of 
1607. The state of the Netherlands and the cause that moved the●… to the treaty of peace.  the next year, an universal expectation in a manner of all the world, for the pacefiing of the troubles in the Netherlandes, and the ceasing of the long continued bitter wars: Wherein either party politicly seemed to seek his own advantage.  
The United Provinces pretended by that treaty to be free States and Provinces, wholly released and freed from the Sovereignty, claim and pretences of Spain, and consequently of the war begun to maintain the same, and that they from henceforth (as a free common wealth, whereunto no man pretended any right) would govern and rule themselves, according to their own pleasures, freedoms and privileges, and the rather for that the enemy (having wholly yielded up his right) should from thenceforth have no pretence nor colour to make any more war against them: and with this hope all those (which seemed to be so much inclined thereunto) were fled (and the rather for that they saw that this business by most men's judgements was unlikely to be brought to any good end) that by arms they lawfully might recover again all the towns and Provinces which (since the Union made at Vtrecht) had forsaken them: and therefore notwithstanding the contract and promise made by the said Union, they thought it better to yield to necessity, and by an honourable agreement to save all the parcels thereof, which they as then enjoyed, especially when as they might do the same with such credit and honour, and thereby to attain the expected end and freedom which they so long had sought.  
We have formerly declared how that the Emperor wrote a letter unto the general 
The Estates answer to the Emperor's letters. 1608.  Estates of the united Provinces, touching the treaty of peace; wherein he seemed as if he had an intent to break it off, and by that means to disannul all that the general Estates had done or should do concerning the same. whereupon the Estates made an answer unto the Emperor bearing date the second of january 1608. Certefiing him that they held it very strange his imperial Majesty had not been informed of their proceedings in that action, neither from his Nephew the King of Spain, nor his brother the Archduke Albertus, wherewith if they had been acquainted, they would not have been so forgetful to certify him thereof: saying moreover that they were well assured, that on their behalf, both before and after the government of the Archduke Mathias, divers petitions had been exhibited unto the Emperor, Princes, and Estates of Germany, to crave his and their protection against the violent oppressions of the Spaniards, and that to their great hindrance no aid might be obtained either from the said Emperor nor the Empire, being also well known that in Anno 1579. at the motion and request of the Emperor, and the Deputies of the Empire, there was a treaty of peace made at Collogne concerning the Netherlands, but they finding that their enemy during that treaty of peace, drew down his greatest forces into the said Netherlandes to their great hurt and prejudice, for which consideration, as also in regard of the forepast violation of their privileges, cruelties and great 〈◊〉 used against the decreed conditions of aceptation, they were constrained in Anno 1581. (lawfully according to the laws and privileges of the netherlands Provinces, and for the necessary defence of those Provinces, Towns and Inhabitants of the said Netherlands which are united together) to undertake the uttermost and last remedy for the freeing of the said Netherlandes by a solemn decree, and so to discharge and unburden the Inhabitants thereof of all bonds and oaths, whereby they were bound to show obedience unto the King of Spain: Since which time, the aforesaid United Provinces by all Neutral parties and by many Kings, Princes and common wealths, have been held and accounted for free Estates, and such as had power to rule and govern amongst themselves as free common wealths, or to choose other Princes or Lords over them, and that in that quality since the eight and twentieth of january last passed they had made many contracts of Leagues & Alliances, with divers Kings and Princes, and with the extraordinary assistance and aid of the said Kings, defended their Provinces from great dangers both by sea and 
1608.  by land, against all the power of their enemies, and yet notwithstanding they had made known both unto the Emperor, and other Kings and Princes; as also to the Estates of the Provinces now under the Archdukes command, how much they were grieved and did lament the calamities which the Netherlanders and their neighbours, were by the said wars forced to endure, and that they desired nothing more, than an assured Godly, and honourable peace; which they thought would not otherwise be well effected then by maintaining the said decree, that the united Provinces are free countries, as in the year of our Lord 1605. they had at large written unto the Emperor, & the Princes of Germany, thereof, and that in the year of our Lord 1606. The Archdukes in their proposition of a treaty of peace had so acknowledged them, when as they made them a resolute answer that they could not enter into treaty of peace with any man that would not acknowledge the freedom of the said united Provinces, the which they had gotten held and enjoyed so many years: whereupon the Archdukes, first secretly, and after that again by formal writings signed and sealed by them, declared that they were content to treat with the Estates of the said united Provinces, as Estates of free countries; whereunto they made no pretence of sovereignty, with promise not to do any thing either directly or indirectly against their said declaration, and within three months then next ensuing, to procure letters of agreation and the like declaration unto the said Estates, from the King of Spain, which hath since been done, as the Emperor by the acts sent with their said letter might plainly perceive, and that their hope was, that the Emperor and the Princes of Germany, according to their great and good affection always borne unto the united Provinces, would not only like well of their said proceedings, but also be a means to further such things as tended to the assurance and fortifying thereof, and that they should not need to write any other answer unto the chief points of the Emperor's letter, or touching the disannulling of their proceedings pretended by his majesties letters: Touching the prerogatives of the Empire they made no mention, whether it were for that they would certify him only of all the course of their proceedings in this action, and dissemble the rest, or for that they meant by silence to procure more furtherance unto themselves, as to bring the case in question; or that there might be some other thing yet meant thereby.  
The seventh of january the trumpets sent by the Estates unto the Archdukes, returned 
The Archdukes answer sent to the Estates touching the peace.  again to the Hage, with letters from the said Archdukes, bearing date the last day of December before, written in French, certefying them that by their letters bearing date the three and twenty day of December they understood their resolution to confer and enter into treaty with their deputies, and to continue the truce for a month or six weeks, and that thereby they desired to know their wills and intents: whereunto they made answer, that they had appointed the said persons that till then had been used in the said affairs to be deputies for the said treaty of peace, and that they should depart from Brussels upon the fifteen of january, that the same evening they might be at Antwerp, if two days before they will send them passports, and advice that the ships should be ready at Lilloe, for them and their train: and that by the letters sent them by Friar john Nayen and Vereycken, they should know the names and qualities of those that were appointed to be joined with them in commission concerning the said peace, and that touching the continuation of the truce, that they were content it should be prolonged six weeks more, promising thereby, both in the King of Spain's behalf, and their own, to cause it to be kept and maintained without any contradiction. john Nayen the Friar and Vereycken also wrote letters to the Estates of the same date, certefying them that the deputies named and appointed, should be ready to depart from Brussels upon the fifteen of january, so they might have their passport two days before, and advice that ships laid ready for them at 
The deputies names that were to treat of peace for the Archdukes.  Lilloe; desiring rather to come by water then by land, and that the said deputies were the Marquis Spinola, precedent Richardot, Secretary Mancicidor, friar john Nayen and Vereycken.  
These Deputies appointed to come to the Hage for the Archdukes, caused diverse 
1608.  of the states to grow jealous, for that there was not any one Netherlander amongst them, and that no such persons were appointed to enter into the said treaty as were promised by the first offer that was made, because that in a certain note sent in the letter written by the States to Friar john Nayen and Vereyken, they had given a larger limitation therein, then otherwise was intended, and for that the Archdukes themselves seemed to like well thereof, after some conference had concerning the same, it was at last agreed, that they would let such Committees come, as were then deputed, and that convenient passports to that end should be sent them, to the which purpose divers conferences were had by the States with the Ambassadors of foreign Kings and Princes.  
The States of the united Provinces being fully resolved to enter into treaty of peace or long truce with the Archdukes Commissioners, upon the ninth of january caused a 
A general fast in the united Provinces, to desire God t●… 〈◊〉 their action of 〈◊〉 peace, etc.  general day of prayer and fasting to be held throughout all the united Provinces, to praise and thank God for his great mercies showed unto the said Provinces, & withal to desire him, that their action taken in hand might tend to his honour, and the defence and preservation of the country, together with the well fare of the same.  
It was said before, that the Archdukes deputies desired to come into Holland, rather by water then by land, but for that the frost was great they could not do it, for which cause the States having dispatched their passports for the said Deputies, sent them by 
Passports sent to the deputies of the Archduke to come into Holland.  land to Antwerp by certain Trumpeters, and withal wrote their letters to justinus van Nassaw governor of Breda, and to Maasellus Bax governor of Bergen up Zoome, to will them to go as far as Antwerp to meet them, and to conduct them to Breda, and Gertrudenberghe, and so to the Hage, for that they had sent the said deputies their passports to come that way; but in regard of the cold wether and for that Marquis Spinolaes' liveries for his men were not yet ready the time was so long protracted, as the said governor set not forward till the 24. of january, and then they went towards Lyre, for 
The entry of the Archdukes deputies into Holland, & their entertainment in every place.  that the Deputies for the Archdukes took that way, whether it were for that they would go right over the heath, or to divert the said governors from coming to Antwerp, which is a town full of inhabitants; desiring rather to have them go to Lide, being a town of garrison, and so the said governors went to Lyre upon the 26. of january, where they were well entertained by Don Alonso de Luna, governor of the town, but they found not the Archdukes deputies there, for that it was the next day in the evening before they came, and so upon the 28. of january they departed from thence with a great train of attendants and carriage▪ and went to Hoghstrate; Marquis Spinola for his own guard, having 180. horsemen with him. The 29. of january they entered into Breda, where they were honourably received, all the garrison standing in arms, and every man as well prepared as they might be, the horsemen without the town & the footmen within, Marquis Spinola, Richardot & Mancicidor were lodged in the castle, and the rest in the town, and were well entertained and feasted The next day being the last of january about noon they came to Gertrudenberge, where they were also well entertained, and from thence Spinolaes' horsemen returned: that evening he and the rest of the Deputies passed over the Ice from Beesbos and the Merue in 190. Sleads to Dort, where the Magistrates of the town received them without the gates, with such a multitude of people, as if half Holland were come thither to see them, and that night and the next day in the morning they were honourably feasted and entertained by the town. The last of january after dinner they went to Rotterdam upon Sleads, along the Merue and Meuse Bank, and were well received and entertained there by the Magistrates of the town, and with a great concourse of people: and for that their train was very great, and their carriage much, they sent the most part thereof before them to the Hage. The Marquis himself and the rest of the Commissioners went that ●…ore-noone to Del●…, where by the Magistrates & the like concourse of people they were honourably received but not feasted, because they had broken their fast at Rotterdam, and were certified that Prince Maurice was coming to meet them, and therefore after dinner they went towards the Hage, where Prince Maurice & his brother William Earl of Nassaw, & divers Lords & Gentlemen met them at Riswick with 8. coaches▪ at their meeting between Riswicke and Horne-bridge, they all on both sides went out of 
1608.  their Coaches saluting each other, with indifferent pleasant countenances: which done, Marquis Spinola went up into Prince Maurices' Coach, and there sat down in the hinder part thereof, and on the right hand of the Prince, and in the fore-end sat Mancicidor and Henry Earl of Nassau, and on the sides Richardot and William Earl of Nassau, the rest with other Lords and Gentlemen went into the other Coaches; Marquis Spinola having three Coaches and divers other wagons appointed for him and the ●…est of the Deputies, at which time there was such a concourse of people of all degrees and qualities both of the Hage and other places as all the way both by water and land on both sides (the frost being very great and the y●…e able to bear them) was filled with the multitude, only to see the Marquis Spinola, more for novelty then any other reason, not one considering or remembering that he and the rest were the same persons, that for so many years together, had sought by all the means they could practise to ruin and destroy them, and wholly to subject their Country and estate. Most part of that country people are so forgetful, blunt and foolish, and therefore cea●…ed not to come to the Hage from all Towns and places thereabouts (as if they should have gone to a general triumph) only to see the Deputies. At their entry into the Hage, two Trumpets went before the Marquis, sounding their Trumpets passing along the streets, as if they had entered in triumph, to no small admiration of many men of good account, that were well-willers to the country, who seemed to be very much discontented thereat: In this great concourse of people, there were some which are employed in the government of the country and in the assembly of the Estates: So hard a thing it is for those people to refrain from their foolish customs. Marquis Spinola, Richardot and Mancicidor were lodged in a fair house in the Hage, which stands by the Viverbergh, (the which belonged to a Solicitor for divers companies of Soldiers, called Goswine M●…uerskens) and Friar john Nayen, and Vereicken In the house of Wasenare.  
The names and titles of the Deputies were as followeth. Don Ambrosio Spinola Marquis of Benaffro, Knight of the order of the golden Fleece, Councillor 
The names & titles of the Arch duke's Deputies.  for the King of Spain in his Privy Council and for the wars; and General of his army: Sir john Dedonsel otherwise called Richardot Knight, Signior of Barley, Counsellor of Estate for the Archdukes, and Precedent of their privy council: john de Mancicidor, Councillor and Secretary of the wars for the said King: Friar john Nayen general of the order of Saint Francis in the Netherlands, and Sir Lois Vereicken Knight, Auditor to the Archdukes, and principal Secretary of Estate for the said Archdukes. In this sort the Deputies were brought into Holland even into the heart of the country, where they might have a 1000 means to discover and learn the situation and humours of divers particular places and persons, and to be instructed therein; the which (as some men thought) should always be a very great advantage for them, whether this Treaty of peace took any effect or not.  
Many men hereuppon made divers strange discourses, thinking it to be contrary to the Estates former government to suffer an enemy, yea and a 
Discourse touching their coming to the Hage.  chief Commander of the enemy's sources and Armies to enter in that sort into the heart of the country, there to discover both the unity and dissension, strength and weakness, the consent of the people to the government, and their detraction from the same, and that thereby they had means given them to incite divers evil affected persons to revolt from them. Others were of opinion that it was a great oversight committed by the Estates, to enter into a treaty concerning so great and weighty a matter, with such Deputies as were bound unto such instructions, from the which they might by no means vary: and that they ought not (knowing it before hand) in any wise to deal with them. But the Estates of the united Provinces being better acquainted with their own affairs then other men, thought it their best course; thinking that the curiosity of the common people was not so great, as in regard thereof they should neglect their duties for the defence of the 
1608.  country.  
And to the end that the united Provinces might make the better use, and reap the 
A league made by the general Estates with the French king.  more benefit by the said treaty, and thereby preserve their estate, long before the coming of the said Deputies, they made diverse motions unto the Ambassadors of France and England, to the end that their masters might enter into an assured and firm defensive union, tending to the upholding and maintenance of peace, (if it should so fall out that it were concluded and agreed upon) and the freedom of the countries, and on the other side, to aid and assist one another, if the said peace should not be observed, or that it were broken by the Spaniards or the Archdukes means, which the said Ambassadors certified unto their Princes: and to that end, upon the three and twentieth of january, there was a league made between the French and the aforesaid general Estates, containing diverse means and conditions, whereby they might aid one the other, if the said peace were made, and after that broken either by the King of Spain or the Archdukes.  
The second of February Prince Maurice, with diverse Lords and Gentlemen, went 
Several congratulations & welcomes given unto the Deputies of the Archdukes, and the liked me by them to others.  to salute and welcome Marquis Spinola, and the rest of the Deputies, with many compliments: after that the general Estates of the united Provinces, went also to congratulate their coming, at which time they only used a ceremonial kind of welcoming them, and so departed presently again. After that the French Ambassadors went to salute Marquis Spinola in his Chamber, at whose coming to the said Chamber, the rest of the Deputies, went to the Chamber door, to meet them, who having saluted the said Marquis and the rest, and taking their leave each of other, the Marquis himself accompanied them to the Chamber door, and so left them, causing the rest of the Deputies to bring them to the street door of his lodging, where their Coaches attended them, which the French Ambassadors disliked, thinking that the Marquis did it, as if he thought himself of greater state than they, in regard of his place. The same day also the Ambassadors of England went to visit and welcome him, whom he in like manner received, entertained, and suffered to depart, which they also disliked. The next day after he was saluted by the Ambassadors of Denmark, of the Palsgrave, of the Marquis of Brandenburg, and other.  
The third of February, the Archdukes Deputies invited Earnest, and john Earl of Nassaw, the young Earl of Hohenloe, the Lord of Chastillion, justinus of Nassaw, Captain Bax, and diverse others, to dine with them, where they were honourably entertained and feasted; and the same day after dinner, they went to the Court to salute Prince Maurice and his brother, with William Earl of Nassaw, where there past many congratulations and compliments between 'em, from thence they went to see the French Ambassadors in the Precedent janins' lodging, who received them at the door of their Chamber, and at their departure conducted them to the door again, and from thence caused them to be accompanied by Monsieur de Russy to the street door, where their Coaches attended them: They also went to salute the Ambassadors of England at Sir Richard Spencer's lodging, who also in like manner received them at the entry of his Chamber, and when they departed brought them no further, as the French Ambassadors had done before, each showing thereby that their Princes were of no less Majesty than the King of Spain, to whose Deputies they were not to yield in any point of pre-eminence.  
The fourth of February, john van Burgh, Landt-Vooght of Hessen, Ambassador for the Landgrave of Hessen, came to the Hage, to assist the Estates in their said Treaty, with the rest of the Ambassadors, who with in few days after had audience of the general Estates, to whom he delivered the great love and affection which 
Spinolaes' great magnificence during his abode in the Hage.  his master bare unto the said Estates. Marquis Spinola during the time of his abode in the Hage, was most sumptovously served and attended on in his house; In his dining chamber there stood two stately great Candlesticks of silver, the which standing upon the flower before the table which reached much higher than any 
1608.  man's head, in the which at night they set great wax candles that gave light over all the table: At his meals he was served with a rich cupboard of plate: his Chamber was richly hanged with cloth of Arras, and the like Carpets on his board, and in his Chamber there was a cloth of Estate by the Table, but he sat not under it, and always when he went to dinner or supper, all his Plate with other silver ornaments were brought forth as if it had been a Goldsmith's shop. At noon & at night he suffered every man that would to come into his house, that they might see him as he sat at his meat, and every day there was Mass said openly in his house, whereunto every man that would might resort, using as great state as if he had been a mighty Prince. And although many men were of opinion that it was dangerous example, to suffer so great a resort of people to flock about his house, yet the States would not in any sort seem to hinder or let the same, whether it were for that they would minister no occasion of dislike or offence unto him therein, or for that they esteemed not thereof, thinking it a matter of small importance to prejudice them or their Estate.  
The general Estates of the united provinces, thinking it time to enter into the 
The Estates sent to Marquis S●…pinola to know when he would e●…ter into treaty with them.  treaty of peace or truce, which was intended upon the fourth of February, they sent to Marquis Spinola and the rest of the Deputies to congratulate them, and withal to ask them it they had any thing to propound unto them, or whether they desired only to speak with their Deputies: whereunto they made answer that they had nothing to say unto the general Estates, but only at their first coming to salute them, for which cause upon the fifth of February they sent unto them to know if they would come unto their council Chamber on foot or in Coaches, and if it pleased them to come on foot, that then they would cause them to be honourably attended on, or otherwise they would expect their coming to the Court; but they made answer they would ride in Coaches, and the same day in the forenoon came to the Court, where a convenient number of the States themselves with Prince Maurice received them at their coming out of their Coaches, and so conducted them to the Council Chamber, where when they should enter, the Marquis showed great honour to Prince Maurice and would needs have him to go first into the Chamber; at this Assembly there was nothing done but only salutations and congratulations used on both sides, and at their rising up, the States ask them when they would proceed to the treaty of peace or truce, Richardot made answer that they were ready and prepared to enter thereinto as soon as they pleased, and so for that time they departed, being conducted out of the Council chamber by the Prince, William Earl of Nassau, the Baron de Brederode & others, and when they came to the door the prince caused the Marquis to go first out, & that day they dined with the prince.  
The Marquis Spinola being gone out of the Council chamber, the Estates resolved 
The names of the Deputies nominated & appointed by the States to sit upon the treaty of peace.  to determine upon the electing of their Deputies, wh●…ch were to be chosen amongst them to enter into the said treaty, and after some conference had between them, at the last they nominated for the commonalty in general of the united Provinces, William Earl of Nassau Governor of friesland, and Walrave Baron of Brederode, Vianen Ameyden etc. And for every one of the seven Provinces one, as for Gelderland and Zutphen, Cornelis van Ghenet Signior of Koeven and Meynerswicke, Vicont and judge of Nymeghen: for Holland and West-Freezeland Sir john van olden Barnevelet Signior van Timple, Advocate of Holland, Keeper of the Seal, and Recorder of the said countries; for Zealand Sir jaques de Mallidere knight, Signior van Heyes representing the Gentlemen of that Province: for Vtrecht Nicholas van Berke, chief of the said Province in their Council; for Freezeland, Doctor Gellius Helle●…a, Councillor in their Court: for Ouerissell, john Sloeche Signior van Salic, Drossart of Venlo, and Chastelaine of the Kuynder: and for Groaning and the Territories thereof, Abel Koenders Thoehelphen, and others that assistted them, and at the same time they set down certain instructions concerning two or three points only whereon they should treat, and withal delivered them a procuration to proceed therein, most by the counsel, and instructions to be given 
1608.  them by Sir john van Olden Burneveldt, as being the wisest and most experienced amongst them in matters of Estate.  
The sixth day of February, the deputies for the Archdukes, and the general Estates made their first assembly in the Hage, in a Chamber expressly appointed for that 
The 1. assembly.  purpose, whereon each side having given several salutations, and showed their procrations or commissions to enter into treaty, the Archdukes deputies showed a procuration from the King of Spain, bearing date the tenth day of january, and a procuration from the Archduke dated the twelfth ' day of january, the first made in Madrill, and the second in brussels, which caused no small suspicion to rise amongst the deputies for the Estates, that the said Spanish procuration was made upon a blank signed, and with all it was granted unto the Archduke alone, and to such as they should substitute: but the Archdukes procuration nominated no substitutes: Again in the Spanish procuration, the Archdukes were named heirs and sovereign Lords of the Netherlands; otherwise the said procuration was sufficiently made to give them full power to enter into treaty with the Estates (touching peace or a long truce), in quality, and as holding and esteeming them to be free countries and Provinces, whereunto he made no pretences of sovereignty, so as the peace were concluded in such manner and form, and upon such conditions as the Archdukes should think convenient, to the honour of GOD, and the peace and welfare of Christendom, but underneath there stood at large and word for word the same clause and exception, which was set down in the principal approbation made at the first, if the peace should not be concluded, as well concerning Religion as otherwise.  
The Archdukes procuration also was large enough, but in some places there were certain prejudicial clauses inserted, as amongst the rest, that the King of Spain's procuration was the same, and with the like declaration, as the Estates themselves had desired it should be. Which nevertheless was not so, for that the Estates expressly protested against it, as also that the same made no mention of the aforesaid Spanish procuration dated the tenth day of january, but of an other procuration dated the eighteenth day of September before, whereof they showed no copy, and that day there was nothing further done: but only the viewing and delivering of their procuration, and so they broke up for that time and departed: when as the Archdukes deputies came to the Court in their Coaches, they were received by the deputies of the Estates, and so conducted into the counsel Chamber, and going out were accompanied by them again to their Coaches.  
Upon the eight day of February, the deputies on both sides met again, at which 
The 2. assembly.  time the Archdukes deputies made some exception to the procuration given by the Estates to their deputies, aleadging that it was not ample enough, but restrained to an instruction, which they saw not, which in such treaties they said was not usual, for that procurations made in that kind ought to be ample and sufficient, but the deputies resolved them therein, and said that it was made in that sort for that they were appointed to cause each article that should be agreed on, on after the other to be ratified by the Estates.  
The Estates deputies for their parts also showed what difficulties they found in the Archdukes procurations, (which were such as are before declared) wherein they were likewise satisfied, sa●…ing that they were fully authorised in all points concerning the said treaty, and that they would show and deliver the Estates a convenient act of substitution. And amongst other things spoken off, the Estates deputies asked them, if they had full power and commission given them to acknowledge the united Provinces to be free countries, and to treat with them in that quality, whereunto they freely and flatly said, I; and that therefore it was all one to them what title the said Provinces in that respect would take or attribute unto themselves, yea although it were the title of a Kingdom. Whereunto the Estates Deputies replying, asked them, why the Archdukes then bare the arms of those Provinces in his coat armour? whereunto they made answer, that, it was 
1608.  no strange nor new matter, for that in the same manner the King of Spain wrote himself King of jerusalem, the French King named himself King of Navarre, and the King of England bore both the name and arms of King of France, and divers others in like sort, nevertheless they desired the deputies for the Estates, that what title soever they would attribute unto themselves, they would have such respect as it might be done without any disgrace or blemish to their King and Princes reputations.  
The leaventh day of February, they assembled together again, wherein the Estates 
The 3. assembly.  deputies propounded the first article concerning the freedom of their Provinces, and that the King of Spain and the Archdukes should from thenceforth leave off and wholly desist from all their pretences to the sovereignty of the united Provinces, as also of Drente, Linghen, and other places under their command and which the said Estates as now hold and enjoy, not only for themselves, but for their heirs and successors, together with the title and arms thereof: which article the Archdukes deputies desired to peruse and to take advise therein, and so for that time they departed, sending presently a copy thereof with all speed unto brussels, whereunto upon the thirteen day of February they received an answer, and in the mean time they made their complaint unto the Ambasadors of France, England, and others, touching the strictness of the said article.  
The thirteen day of February after dinner, they met again in the Council Chamber, 
The 4. assembly.  where they declared their consent and approbation as it was set down; with this exception, so as all the rest of the points and articles (that should be propounded) were concluded, wherein they said that they hoped the Estates also would do some thing for the King of Spain and the Archdukes, touching the traffic into the Indies seeing that from that time forth they should be friends in respect thereof, and that the said Provinces should have their free trade and traffic into Spain, and amongst other things spoken of between them concerning the same, at the last they said that the trade into the Indies was the chiefest cause that moved the King of Spain to make such large offers unto them and to enter into that treaty of peace.  
The sixteen day of February, the deputies on both sides met in counsel again, where the Estates deputies propounded two articles more, the one concerning the forgiving 
The 5. assembly.  and forgetting of all forepast injuries, and that no reprisales nor arrests should be made nor suffered to be made, but only for particular debts that might be made on either side: the second for free trade and traffic in all the Kingdoms, Havens, Towns, and Countries of both parties, with protection, and no more nor further molestation to be used as if they were natural borne subjects: But presently the Archdukes deputies, made answer, that they neither meant nor understood, that under the title of free traffic, the trade into the Indies, nor any part thereof was to be comprehended, but that to the contrary the subjects of the united Provinces, should presently desist from the same, which the Estates deputies would not yield unto, thinking it should be a great prejudice unto the freedom of the united Provinces, and their free traffic by sea, as also that their Estates would not by any means consent to leave the same; and for that the Archdukes deputies did very earnestly urge the contrary, they broke off for that time without doing any other thing that day, and so they disagreed in that point, which afterwards was with great vehemency debated between them on both sides, the Archdukes deputies saying, that the King and the Archdukes would not sell the aforesaid title of free countries and Estates for nothing, but rather determined to make them pay well for that title, hoping by that means to abate and diminish a great part of the Estates power, and much to advance their Prince's wealth and traffic. Whereby every man judged that in time the subjection of their Estate would ensue, which as then seemed to be so much advanced and honoured with that title of freedom: and for that cause many men began to murmur thereat, especially the Merchants which trade into the East Indies who perceived thereby that the Archdukes deputies sought to take their traffic from 
1608.  them, and so to impoverish the said united Provinces, and therefore they assembled together in the Hage, and made many public and particular declarations unto the states, towns and provinces concerning the same; as also unto the Ambassadors of foreign Princes, showing the great prejudice and hindrance which might grow by that point, and how hurtful it should be unto the whole Estate of the united Provinces, as also what great traffic and riches came unto those countries by the said trade: what great returns they had from thence: how by that means they d●…ew unto those countries all their neighbour Princes subjects, money and means: and that without any charge to the country they entertained a great number of mighty ships, furnished with ordinance, munition, Sailors, and other things necessary, such as were not to be found in many other kingdoms besides; and in regard whereof, they were much respected and esteemed by many Princes and great Potentates, which peradventure would not much care for their friendship, when they should once perceive these Provinces to be reduced unto such terms as they could neither much hurt, nor pleasure them: and to that end they delivered diverse and several advertisements, some as Merchants, concerning their trade alone, others somewhat tending to the Estate of the country, amongst the which one principally was worthy the noting, in regard of many good considerations therein set down, whereof some perticularities were, viz. That friendship, commerce, and traffic, 
Reasons alleged by the Indian Merchants of the united Provinces why they should not leave off their trade.  are necessary consequences of peace, according to the laws of Nature, of all Nations and of all times; commerce and traffic being evident signs of peace and friendship, which are never refused nor denied but unto an enemy.  
So as never any example was found, where any peace was concluded and agreed upon, with exception of commerce and traffic, the which should be no peace, but a kind of banishment; which is never used but against enemies and malefactors.  
Furthermore, that we who must live by the Seas, and are the greatest Merchants, and best Seafaring men in the world, should be forced to leave the use of the greatest part of the Sea, and of the richest part of the whole traffic of the world, were one of the greatest disgraces that could be given us, and especially to seek to r●…straine us from other kingdoms and countries, whereunto he hath no pretence of Sovereignty, nor over the Sea, whereon no man hath command, but the use thereof (jure gentium) is free and open for all men, and wherein no man hath any particular jurisdiction.  
This without doubt would be a manifest subversion of our estate, which in these chargeable and great wars, could not be maintained without free trade and traffic at Sea, it being the only means which GOD hath given unto us for our maintenance, and so consequently, as much as our Seafaring and traffic should diminish, so much in proportion would the power of these Provinces decay; for that our towns and inhabitants cannot be maintained, much less can we have any power by the particular means of the rents and revenues of these countries, as other great countries and kingdoms may have, but all our wealth must come from the Sea and Seafaring.  
And for that it appeareth by many declarations made, that the trade to the Indies exceedeth all our other traffickes by sea, whatsoever that is used by us, both for the principal stock, number of good Sailors, and power of Shipping, it followeth consequently, that we leaving off our Indian trade, should diminish more than half our traffic, not only by Sea, (without the which we cannot maintain our estate,) but also by land, for that all our power and welfare (for the reasons aforesaid) must come from the Seas, and traffic.  
Which being duly considered, it manifestly appeareth, that (although no Merchants do trade and traffic, nor any man goeth to Sea, but for his own particular gain and commodity) the common wealth should be much more hindered, and receive more prejudice thereby then the particular members thereof, for that besides 
1608.  that the common wealth consisteth of the particular members, of the same who make the said commonwealth; and that the same is powerful and mighty according to the private Estates of the subjects and members thereof, yet is it most certain that the particular members can live without the public Estates, but the public not without the particular, for that the particular members may go into other countries, where they may as well trade into the Indies, as in these countries, but the commonwealth must remain still, and see itself weakened in power, according to the diminishing of the trade thereof, for that poportionaly and of necessity, as much as the power thereof decreaseth, so will the number of Inhabitants, and wealth of the country decrease.  
Besides all this, it is to be considered that the sailors, which are employed in the trade of Merchandise by certain private persons, are very many, that without any charges or burden to the country are kept and maintained in work, and daily at sea, very ready at all times to be employed about any important affairs of the Country's good, without the which it is impossible to maintain any power by sea, as by example we see, that the greatest Kingdoms have no power at sea according to their great wealths, but only according to the traffic which their country's use.  
Our fore Fathers, in times past undertook divers great quarrels to maintain their seafaring and traffic, which as then was very small, for that their whole principal stock was not to be compared to the value of the bare ships with the furniture thereof that now go into the Indies: and being now so great and mighty at sea (as it manifestly appeareth) we should do ourselves great wrong and injury, by our own consents to suffer ourselves to be banished from the two third parts of the world.  
We should buy this title to dear, for that in steed that we should thereby be honoured, it would purchase us a great reproach and contempt, not only amongst the inhabitants of the country, but also out of the land, both of our friends and foes: our inhabitants might justly be offended therewith, when they should see that we left of our trade, and that they were compelled to depart out of the country and Provinces, our friends and allies would think and persuade themselves, that they were to expect neither faith nor troth at our hands, when they should see us forsake our own inhabitants and country men, to obtain a bare title of freedom.  
Moreover finding us to be so much weakened of our power at sea, (which is the especial thing whereby we might aid and assist them) they will make no account of us: so as entering into this treaty of peace upon the confidence we have of our friends, and such as are allied unto us, we shall find ourselves utterly deceived. To allege that we ought to content ourselves with the same traffic at sea which we had before the beginning of the wars, is nothing else but that men would gladly see us in the like weak Estate for power and means, as we were at the beginning of these wars, for the better effecting of their designs, from the which God defend us.  
It is also against reason, that we should leave that trade▪ for although that before the wars, we did neither adventure nor traffic into the Indies, yet, we had both right and freedom to do it, jure gentium, which was not taken from us by any man, for the King of Spain was bound by oath to maintain these countries and the inhabitants thereof in the freedom of their trade and traffic, of the which without doubt the free use of the sea, are, and traffic throughout the whole world was the main point, and it was never brought in question nor once spoken of, until the year of our Lord. 1596. When as the King of Spain made an express article touching the same, in the transportation of the Netherlands, unto the Infanta, and yet we remain as free as ever we were before the wars; the free navigation and traffic into the whole world lieth open for us, whereof we cannot be deprived, without 
1608  force and violence: which being otherwise done, were contrary to the meaning of the Estates, for that they being freely and resolutely determined, not to enter into any treaty of peace, before they were assured of a full and absolute grant of the freedom of these countries, under the king of Spain and the archdukes hands and seals, the said king of Spain and the archdukes, made promise by their several declarations, to treat with us, as with free countries, whereunto they pretend no manner of sovereignty, and yet now by this treaty they will cut off the greatest trade we have.  
It is also expressly mentioned, That each party should hold that he presently possesseth, unless by the common consent of both parties, it were thought good, and found requisite to exchange certain places; and now they would take from us the most important possession that we have, which is, the possession and free use of the two third parts of the sea, and the whole world: They will put us from the places of traffic, which we use at the Indies, with the greater half of our navigation and power by sea, without giving us any other places for them.  
To object, That in regard thereof they renounce and acquit unto us, all their pretence of sovereignty unto these countries; they promised to do that by their letters, and that they would not take any thing from us, but by exchange, and wherein we should ourselves give our consent.  
To conclude, if we look into the ground of this matter, we shall find, that it was in vain for us to maintain so long wars, and to have consumed so great a treasure, and so much of our blood, to maintain our freedom, if with our own consents we will make ourselves servile, and banished from the two third parts of the whole world. It was also needless for us, to oppose ourselves against the power and forces of our enemies, if we will consent and yield to this article, That we should not traffic with all nations, and which is more, not with those which are not subject unto the king of Spain. It was likewise madly done of us, to oppose ourselves against the raising of the tenth penny, which would have driven all trade of merchandise out of the country, when as we of ourselves shall give over the two third parts of our traffic and trade by sea.  
The reasons and considerations that might yet be added hereunto, are innumerable, but these seem to be sufficient to conclude, That although we do sincerely, and from our hearts desire a godly, honourable, absolute, and general peace, yet we would be loath thereby to abandon the greatest and most profitable trade we have, and by that means to fall into greater miseries than ever: and yet we protest, that we are content to persist in our general resolution, and the letters given under the hands and feals of the king of Spain, and the archdukes, and not to deal otherwise, than by this treaty, to hold and maintain our freedoms, liberties, privileges, and ancient customs, together with all that which at this present time we possess and enjoy, without the which we would never have begun nor entered into this treaty.  
These in effect are the principal reasons, alleged by the company of Indian merchants, why they should not grant to leave off the Indian trade, with many others, which for brevity sake I here omit.  
But for that the government of the united provinces consisteth of many parts, amongst the which there are many men, that esteem not much of foreign trade and traffic, or 
divers men's opinions concerning the Indian trade.  at the least, not so much, but that they are of opinion, That the preservation and maintenance of the tilling of the land, and the inhabitants of the Champion country, concerned them more, they could not enter into so good consideration touching the same, as was requisite and necessary to be had; wherefore the wisest men, and such as were of greatest understanding, and of soundest judgement, determining so to accommodat the matter, as both the one and the other might receive some contentment thereby, for that cause had many meetings and conferences with the deputies of the aforesaid king of Spain and the archdukes; as upon the nineteenth, three and twentieth, and seven and twentieth of the month of February, and upon the fourth day of March: at the which assemblies nothing was done therein, but each party resolutely held their own opinions, and would not yield 
1608  one unto the other, maintaining them with many arguments and reasons concerning matter of state, and also with great resolution and earnest pretences; in such sort, as the Estates of the united provinces, who for the most part were of opinion, That they ought not to yield unto the deputies of the king and the archdukes in that point, nor in any wise to desist from the same, at the last they resolved to propound three means unto the said deputies of the said king and the archdukes, hoping by the one of them, to bring them to consent and yield thereunto; which were, either by that treaty of peace wholly to grant them their traffic to the Indies, and the dependences thereof, or by way of truce to permit and suffer it for certain years; or to leave all those countries lying beyond the Tropic of Cancer in wars, and either party to take such advantage as he could, in those countries, without seeking any amends or recompense against their adverse party, on this side the Tropic, for any wrongs or injuries they should receive in those parts.  
But the deputies on the contrary side, wholly refused those offers, first alleging, That it was altogether contrary to their commission, which expressly forbade them to yield unto the said trade and traffic to the Indies. Secondly▪ That the king of Spain and the archdukes, were princes which were addicted unto peace, and not to wars, and therefore know not how they should grant or consent to so strange and monstrous a contract, whereby both wars and peace should alike and at one time be concluded. And touching the mean or the middle course, they say, they were of opinion, That something might be granted therein, so as the Estates of the united provinces of the Netherlands would consent and agree, that at the end and term of the said years, they would desist, and leave off the said trade. But for that the ●…states of the united provinces declared, That they had no such intent or meaning, but at the end of the said years, each party should remain as they were at the first, and at their own free choice, nothing was done in that point at that time.  
The Estates of the united provinces finding the obstinacy of the deputies of the said king of Spain and the archdukes, made a show, as if they would make a motion touching their trade into the West Indies, and to that end sent for the merchants of the West Indian trade causing them to assemble together, to see what difficulties might be propounded therein, and thereby to further the same.  
But the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, made no account thereof, esteeming it to be but a scarecrow, to put them in fear, and therefore still they persisted in their first resolution, making their complaints to the ambassadors of the neighbour princces then resident in the Hage, holding that point to be as unjust and intolerable for the estate of their princes, as if they had taken and held them prisoners, they could not bind them to harder conditions.  
The Estates also for their parts, made their complaints to the said ambassadors, alleging, That they being by the said princes held and esteemed for free countries, the said princes sought to impose many conditions upon them, which the provinces under their own command, could not suffer nor endure.  
In the end of February the princess of Orange came to the town of Hage in Holland, by the procurement of the Estates of the united provinces, bringing with her out of Franne, an hundred and twenty five thousand crowns in ready money, where she was visited and welcomed by the most part of all the ambassadors, and also by the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes.  
The said deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, perceiving that they could not bring that point touching the trade to the Indies, to any end, or good conclusion, at the last they declared, That they would conclude upon a truce to be made for certain years, and that to the same end and purpose they were content to proceed to some other articles, and in the mean time to be doing therewith, or with any of the other points. Whereupon the deputies for the Estates of the united provinces, made a motion, to have all the points and articles set down at one time, which on both sides might be propounded concerning that treaty. But they made answer, That it was both inconvenient and unreasonable 
1608  to be done, as also that they were neither warranted, willing, nor prepared thereunto: and that some of them commended the making of peace with France and England, which was not any part of their charge; but that they were ready to deal with other points, and to treat of them one after another, as it is usually done in all such treaties: and that following that order and common rule, they were content to deal with the points of limitation of their borders on either side, touching free commerce and traffic in the provinces of the Netherlands, and for the restitution of goods and lands, seized upon on either side: and those being determined, and dispatched, to proceed unto other points. Whereunto answer was made them by the Estates deputies, That on the Estates behalfs, there was nothing offered nor propounded, that was unreasonable or inconvenient, concerning the delivering up of all the articles which were to be propounded on both sides; so that the Estates for their parts, to fulfil them, were ready, and to deliver all the articles that might be demanded▪ yet not intending thereby to exclude or debar each other, from propounding any more articles, that might be, or were necessary to be entreated of, touching the peace, which they understood should be free, and at either of their choices; but only that they might understand, what would be propounded and demanded on either side.  
Whereupon the king and the archdukes deputies took time to consider thereof, and for that day departed; seeking thereby (as it seemed) on both sides to get some advantage one of the other, that the most politic might give better instructions therein unto their fellow deputies: for that some of them were of opinion, That it would be a great furtherance unto them, to know before hand, what their adverse party meant to propound touching the said treaty.  
The seventh of March the deputies met in counsel again, where, after many protestations (that it should be no prejudice unto either party, touching any thing that should be produced or found necessary to be propounded and conferred of between them, but that either of them might notwithstanding remain in the same estate they were) at the last the Estates deputies for their parts, delivered eight and twenty points or articles, which they as then propounded: and the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, seven. The articles propounded by the Estates, were set down as plainly as they might be done, thereby declaring their intent, with upright and true Netherlanders hearts, that their adverse parties might plainly and manifestly understand their meanings. But the seven articles delivered up by marquess Spinola and his fellow deputies (who peradventure dealt more warily than the deputies for the Estates of the united provinces) were obscure, general, short, and briefly set down, so as they could hardly conceive what they meant thereby, or what they would severally and particularly include, treat of, or desire of the Estates, in or by the same, possibly esteeming it to be a point much tending unto their honours, that they exceeded the Estates deputies in judgement concerning that treaty, the said Estates deputies having given them all their meanings in several and plain articles, and they to the contrary paying them with a number of obscure terms, from whence few or no particularities might be gathered.  
And for that the reader may see what the articles on both sides were, and give his judgement, I will insert them verbatim as they were given forth, and the rather, for that I conjecture this treaty cannot be ended in any short time, as men in the beginning did hope and expect: And for that this book cannot be finished and concluded, with the desired, good, and honourable peace, that hath been so long attended, I will show what each party, under the pretence and colour of the said articles, produced and set down in the said treaty, and in what manner, and how far forth they have disputed and proceeded therein.  
The articles delivered by the deputies of the Estates of the united provinces, were these hereafter following.  
1 First, for traffic and trade of merchandise to be made on both sides, in the Netherlands, 
The articles of peace delivered by the Estates,  indifferently.  
2 Touching the assurance of trade and navigation, and the dependences thereof, in the 
1608  country's belonging unto the king of Spain, the archdukes, and the Estates.  
3 Renunciation of reprisals, with the dependences, and also for that which shall be made reprisals hereafter.  
4 Touching the limitation of the borders and frontiers of either side, with that which dependeth thereon.  
5 Whether it shall presently be agreed upon, about the exchanging or demanteling and rasing of certain forts.  
6 Touching the abandoning or ruining of the forts of Rodeort and Homburch, and of the town of Berck, with the Weert, and the forts thereabouts, lying upon the borders of the Rhine.  
7 The disannulling of all sentences, decrees, proscriptions, and other acts made against the lords and others, of all quarters whatsoever, in regard of any confederations, unions, religion, wars, and other matters thereunto belonging.  
8 Restitution of lordships, and other lands and tenements, belonging to the prince of Orange (of famous memory) deceased, for the contentment and satisfaction of the said princes heirs; not only for that which hath been done by the Estates of Brabant and Flanders, with the towns and members of the same, but also for that which is further demanded by certain articles, which prince Maurice hath given unto the Estates in writing.  
9 Restitution of all lordships, lands and tenements, belonging unto other noblemen, gentlemen, and all manner of men of meaner quality, taken from them by confiscation, for the causes aforesaid, not only in the Netherlands, but in the dukedom of Luxembourg, and the earldoms of Burgundy and Charolois, with the dependences: And likewise of ships that were sent out for trade of merchandise, and were arrested or taken by the king of Spain, the archdukes, or the Estates, since the 24 of May 1607.  
10 Touching order to be taken for the restitution of goods arrested either by creditors or debtors, in regard of the causes aforesaid, and sold to the prejudice of the said parties.  
11 Touching the arrearages of the rents of the lands confiscated, and kept from the right owners, during the wars.  
12 Touching the disannulling of all gifts, testaments, and other such like things, which in regard of confederation, religion, and wars, with the dependences thereof, have been found to be made, to the prejudice of any man.  
13 Concerning order to be taken for the payment of debts, and other charges, made by the treaty of the old union.  
14 The retiring of all foreign soldiers (being in service under the king of Spain and the archdukes) out of all the said archdukes countries, for that without their departure out of the country, the differences which then were to be determined and debated, could not be ended.  
15 That the laws of the Inquisition, and burdening of men's consciences, shall not be used against sailors and merchants, that go into Spain, and other the kings and the archdukes dominions, nor against any other of the inhabitants of the united provinces, that travel thither: and that in their ships, they shall be free to use their own religion, and that for religion no ships, merchandises, nor goods, shall be subject to confiscation.  
16 That the inheritances of such as are dead intestat, and such as hereafter shall die, in the country's belonging to the king of Spain, the archdukes, and the Estates, shall come and descend unto the right heirs, whether they have continued, or shall continue on the one or the other side; and that every one shall be held and accounted for legitimat heir, according to the customs of the provinces, where the actions (that shall fall in question to be decided) shall be tried.  
17 The ancient privileges of towns, used therein before the wars, shall on both sides remain firm in the same manner that they then were, without any exception.  
18 That if any new controversy should arise (which God forbid) the sailors, merchants, and their factors, servants, and other inhabitants, shall on both sides have six months time freely to withdraw themselves, with their ships, goods, and satisfaction of their debts due unto them; the time of the six months to begin presently after there should be warning thereof 
1608  given.  
19 That if any thing (on both sides) be done or attempted against this treaty, it shall be duly and fully satisfied and recompensed, and yet the said treaty shall remain inviolable.  
20 That all prisoners on both sides shall be set at liberty, without paying any ransom.  
21 All civil actions not publicly decided shall remain in full force, and no prescription to be alleged nor allowed, notwithstanding the wars.  
22 Assurance to be given for the particular treaties made, concerning the general treaty.  
23 A general and special renouncing, derogation, and assurance to be made, for the keeping and holding of all and every point of the treaty.  
24 A request to be made to the emperor and the princes of Germany, the kings of France, England, and Denmark, to maintain that which shall be agreed upon in this treaty.  
25 The acknowledging of the potentates, princes, commonweals, and towns, to be friends and allies, and to be included in the treaty.  
26 Order to be taken about the prince of Portugals cause.  
27 Approbation, publication, and registering, to be made of the treaty.  
28 That all such things as may be propounded for the clear exposition of the articles, on both sides, shall and may be produced and allowed of.  
The articles propounded in the behalf of the king of Spain and the archdukes, were seven, which were written in French, the contents being as followeth. 
The archdukes articles.   

1 Concerning limits.  
2 The restitution of lands and goods.  
3 For traffic out of the countries.  
4 For uniformity in the moneys.  
5 To keep a general course on both sides, for privileges and freedoms given to the English merchants, touching traffic and trade of merchandise, as otherwise.  
6 Concerning religion.  
7 Concerning the affairs of neighbour princes.   
As soon as these articles were delivered on both sides, the king of Spain and the archdukes deputies marking the number of the articles that were presented unto them by the Estates deputies, said, That it would be so tedious a work, as it could not be finished in a short time: and Richardot reading the point concerning the payment of the debts of the union, said, We have no money to pay debts; for all our money is consumed in the wars. The Estates deputies for their parts also, finding that their adverse party made an express article touching religion; and thereby remembering, that the same point concerning religion, was particularly specified in the Spanish procuration, and all the rest mentioned in general terms; they desired the kings and the archdukes deputies, to make an explication of their intent and meanings, that they might know their minds therein, and whether by that article they intended, to compel the Estates, to leave their religion; the which (as being free Estates and countries) they had, or should have? and whether they thought, that as yet they had any right of sovereignty over those countries, whereby they might prescribe them laws? or whether their meaning was, under that article, to set down only, how the subjects on either side should behave themselves, when they should come in any place under their adverse parties command, where any other religion than that which they profess, shall be used? But they could get no explication thereof from the said deputies; saying, That it being one of the last articles, they would make them an exposition thereof, when they came unto it. And being much urged thereunto, they said, That they had sent a messenger into Spain for that purpose, and that they could make no explication neither of the one nor the other, until such time as they should receive an answer thereof again, or some larger commission from thence: and so for that time they broke up the counsel. 
1608   
The Spanish and the archdukes deputies, having in this manner gotten all the Estates articles, as they were particularly set down, into their hands, sought to respite and prolong the time for a while, that so they might fully advertise their princes, not only what the Estates desire and intent was touching the treaty, but also of the humours of the provinces, governments, and inhabitants therereof, or as much as they had learned, and understood of such persons, of divers places, quarters, and qualities, as came unto them by means of the free access that was permitted: which their intent was first discovered by certain words and speeches cast forth by their followers and servants; and after that plainly understood, at their meeting, made upon the eleventh and twelfth of March, wherein much was spoken, protested, argued, and debated, touching the matter of truce, the traffic into the Indies, and the manner, order, and freedom of the traffics to be made into the kingdoms and countries of the king of Spain, and the archdukes, in Europe: and after much disputation had between them, Spinola, and the rest of the deputies on their side, desired the Estates deputies, to make an article apart, concerning trade and traffic into Europe, and what assurance should be given therein; and another article concerning traffic into the Indies, which they said they would send into Spain and Brabant, that so they might get a further and larger commission touching the same, with exception, that the said articles should be so qualified, as they in Spain might like thereof, and not receive more offence thereby, and that their prince's reputations might not be thereby impaired.  
And for that they did not well understand the point propounded, touching traffic to antwerp, and other towns and places under the archdukes obedience, they desired the Estates, to permit Martin de la Faille, with two or three other merchants of antwerp to have access unto the Hage, that they might join with them in consultation about that point, that so it might be fully resolved upon. Wherein the Estates deputies desired time to consider thereon, and after much consultation had about the drawing of the said articles, and the assurance to be made, they were of opinion, That their best security was, to have ready money delivered into their hands: And after they had well considered thereof, they caused two articles to be drawn, the one for nine years trade into the Indies, and the other touching their trade and traffic in Europe: and at last they concluded, to demand for their security of traffic in Europe, from the king of Spain and the archdukes, the sum of fifteen hundred thousand ducats, to be delivered in ready money in the united provinces, as a caution thereof: and that the Estates for their parts, would leave the sum of five hundred thousand ducats in ready money, either in Spain, or in any other country, for an assurance of the other traffics.  
The said articles being drawn and set down, upon the seventeenth of March, in the afternoon, the deputies on both sides met together, whereas the deputies for the Estates delivered the Spanish deputies the said two articles, drawn by them; which they took, and said they would consider thereof, and for their parts, they delivered a long discourse to the Estates deputies, touching traffic to antwerp, and other places under the archdukes obedience, containing their opinions, how they understood the same, and with what liberty and freedom it should be permitted; which was, That their ships being full laden, might freely sail out, or from any of their towns, to any kingdom or country in Europe, and with their ladings come back again, and pass through the Estates streams, without any further trouble or let, than hath of ancient time been used; as also to unlade their wares and merchandises in the Estates streams, into their own ships, or warehouses, by their own men, and so to carry the said wares from thence again, without any further charge: and that no right of staple shall take place against any goods or wares, if they belong unto the countries and provinces, wherein the places of staple are contained. Against the which the Estates deputies protested, and especially touching the point, concerning the staple right: and after much conference and disputation had between them touching the same; as also about the articles and other things, each party took time to consider thereof: The Spanish deputies saying, That they could not in any sort determine nor conclude upon that treaty, before they had sent into Spain, to have their commission amplified, and for that the last prolongation of the truce began to expire, they said they were content to prolong the 
1608  same again for two months more, beginning upon the first of April; which the Estates deputies consented unto, and thereupon prolonged the said truce until the end of the month of May.  
The 20 of March the said deputies assembled together again, where the deputies for the king and the archdukes, moved many difficulties touching the article concerning the time of nine years to be allowed for the Indian trade, saying that they could not allow thereof, much less permit, that in the said act any mention should be made of the tropic of Cancer, which goeth round about the world, & which in that case would breed a canker in Spain; & withal they delivered unto the Estates deputies a certain draft concerning the same, made to their most advantage, whereupon much disputation and contention grew again between them, for that therein they seemed to add such a condition, as at the end of the said 9 years, the united provinces should have small hope of any further trade into those parts, and that within the said nine years also, they should lose a good part of the said trade: yet the Estates deputies received the said draft to consider thereon. And proceeding further to the point of security, the Spanish deputies said, that it was never heard of before, that any money should be delivered for caution in such a case, and therefore they could not allow of that point, to be set down in such order, and the rather for that they had consumed all their money in the wars, and therefore knew not how to get any more money, or to put in any such security; nevertheless Richardot said, that the marquess had credit enough, if he would become caution for the same, and so in jesting manner seemed to refuse that point touching security; yet notwithstanding many men were of opinion, that it was a matter of great importance. Touching the article for traffic in Europe, they made no great question, for that they expected certain merchants to come from antwerp, about the same, whose passports they laboured with great instance to procure.  
The Estates finding that the article touching their trade into the Indies, was not well liked of by the deputies for the king and archdukes, and having that in their hands which they had delivered unto them, thought it not good to stand too much upon their own opinions, neither yet in that respect to break the treaty, begun with good hope and expectation of so many men; but rather to yield somewhat in that respect, & to accommodate themselves nearer unto the desires of their adverse parties: and for that cause they consulted seriously▪ amongst themselves touching that point, to see how they might best frame the same, that so the country might not be wholly debarred from the said trade, but at the end of the said 9 years, they might remain in as much freedom concerning the same, as they did before▪ wherein many difficulties were propounded by divers men, being of opinion, that whatsoever should not be well and plainly expressed in that article, the united provinces should be deprived thereof, as in the like cases it commonly falleth out with the weakest party, for that the mightier party doth presently take and judge the obscure points to tend to their most advantage, and so seek to put them in practice, whereas the weaker party (which is loath to begin wars again) cannot withstand it, but of force must endure it, especially in a government consisting of so many parts and members, as the government of the Estates is, whereas the members that bear no part of the loss, are hardly to be persuaded, in regard of their own, & other men's hurts and hindrances (which nevertheless are sometimes by many persuasions and jealousies won to stir therein) to grant to the disbursing of any great sums of money, or to begin war; and therefore their strict standing upon the niceness of that article, was not so well liked of by all the provinces. They also agreed to make an other draft touching their trade in the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe, thereby also to reduce it unto a nearer conformity, & more agreeable unto the writing delivered unto them by the Spanish and the archdukes deputies, which having done, they caused passports to be drawn for two or three merchants of antwerp. After that, the deputies on both sides met again upon the 25 of March, in the afternoon, where the said draughts were again read and considered of; but the Spanish deputies would not as then accept of them: so as after many disputations had between them, they broke up for that time, to the end that every man might consider the better thereon.  
The Estates deputies understanding better the Spanish deputies meaning, what they chiefly desired, and would be brought unto in that respect, once again perused and mended their 
1608  said draft, which they restrained and limited, as near as the said article might by any means be drawn and devised with least prejudice; and while they were busied about it, Richardot (thereby to stir up and persuade such persons as were against it, unto a better liking thereof, and to dispose their minds thereunto) desired to speak with them (which they allowed him) who being alone amongst them, began to complain of the Estates preciseness in that point, saying that the marquess and he were much grieved, that they had been employed in that matter concerning a treaty of peace, seeing they were like to lose their labours, for that the Estates in those points sought only to have their own wills, and thereby would be the cause to hinder and break off so good an action, as the making of peace was and would be, desiring them therefore most earnestly, so to set down and accommodate these articles touching the traffic into the Indies, and the trade and traffic in the Netherlands and Europe, in such points and terms, as in Spain they might be liked and accepted of; whereas to the contrary it was to be expected, that they would not only be disliked, but wholly rejected, and that thereby the said treaty would presently be broken off, for the which he seemed to be so much grieved, as the tears fell from his eyes, thereby to move them thereunto; producing withal, many reasons why the Estates ought rather to be a means to further the said treaty, than by over much preciseness to cause it to be broken off and made fruitless: which speeches used by him were no small means to move them to frame the said articles in a more indifferent manner; and the rather, for that many men were of opinion, that it behoved them to draw unto an end, that they might see the uttermost advantage and benefit that the provinces were to expect from and by the said treaty of peace, and what burdens the Spaniards and archdukes would offer to impose upon these countries, in recompense of the title by them given and granted unto those provinces, especially for that many of them were of opinion, if that they could make the united provinces free from all pretences of sovereignty of the house of Burgundy, and withal procure a peace and discontinuance of and from those long and bloody war (for that cause only undertaken and maintained) that then they had fought a good fight, and brought the matter to the desired end, and their ship to a safe and an assured port: and for that cause they drew the said articles to as strict points and terms as possibly they could devise by any means.  
And so upon the last day of March, in the afternoon, they met together on both sides, where they sat long, and there the last draughts of the said articles were read and delivered; and after many discourses had between them touching the same, thereby to show the reasons thereof, the marquess determined to send them into Spain by friar john Nayen, ask thirty eight days time to effect the same; for that as he passed through France he was to stay there certain days, and hoped in that time to bring a final answer out of Spain touching the same.  
The substance of the article made concerning traffic to the Indies, whereon the greatest disputation arose between them was, that the inhabitants of the united provinces, 
The substance of the ●…ct for 〈◊〉 into India, whereon they stood most.  should continue their navigation into the Indies after the manner of merchants, and traffic there for the space of nine years, from the time of the truce granted and set down, if that the treaty proceeded and were fully finished and determined; and to that end it was agreed that the said nine years should begin on this side the cape de bona speranza, upon the first day of September, in the year 1608, and on the other side of the said cape de bona speranza, upon the first day of September, in the year 1609: and that they should traffic into all the places, havens, towns, and forts of the Indies, which at the end of the aforesaid truce, shall not absolutely be under the power of the king of Spain, nor his lieutenants: and in those places, havens, towns, or forts, that are belonging unto the said king of Spain, they shall neither enter nor traffic into them, but by the licence and consent of those that have authority and shall command therein, for the said king of Spain, unless it be upon some great extremity, in which case they shall be used there like friends, as the subjects of the king of Spain in like manner shall be used in the towns, forts, and places that belong unto the said States: And that during the said nine years, all acts of hostility used in those parts, shall cease, as well between the subjects of the king of Spain, the archdukes, 
1608  and those of the Estates, as of all the kings, lords, towns and places, that shall as then be in friendship and league with the one or the other party; whose names shall within three years be certified by the king of Spain and the archdukes unto the Estates in the Hage: and on the Estates behalf, the said names shall also be certified unto the said king and archdukes within the said time, in the town of Brussels, as it is inserted and set down in the treaty: and that all wrongs and damages done, and suffered to be done, to the contrary, shall be demanded, sued for, and repaired, in the places where they were done and committed, or in the places where those that have done the said wrongs and injuries, dwell and remain, without dealing or meddling therein in any other places or forts, or by reprisals, than only in the places aforesaid. And that two years before the time of expiration of the aforesaid nine years, the king of Spain, and the Estates of the united provinces, shall send commissioners unto the town of Brussels, to end that trade in friendly and quiet manner.  
Touching the article made concerning traffic in the Netherlands, there was another 
Touching the article of truce in the Netherlands which also was so much debated  draft made (but not agreed of, nor yet determined, for that the merchants that were expected from Antuerp, were not come) serving for a more ample interpretation of the article of free traffic, mentioned in the treaty, the contents thereof being, That the inhabitants under the archdukes and the Estates, should mutually traffic and trade together, after the manner of merchants, in all their provinces, islands, towns, and places, with friendly entertainment and protection; and to the same end all their ships shall be admitted in every haven of the said countries, on both sides, to unlade, buy and sell their wares, rig and victual themselves, and there shall stay, or depart from thence, as long as they please, and when they will, and not be charged to pay more convoy money tolls, or other customs, than the inhabitants of the said places, or any other nation, that are licensed to pay the least tolls, etc. And that all ships of antwerp and other places, sailing out to other kingdoms, and returning from thence again, shall with their full ladings, have free passage at sea, paying all the aforesaid convoys, tolls, and customs, as the subjects of the said countries do, without difference of ships or wares, or exception to whom they do belong: the right of the staple for wines, only remaining in the ancient manner, as it was before the wars. That the merchants on both sides, by their own men and servants, or others, may lad, unlade, and go with their ships where and whither they will, without difference or respect more of the one than the other. That the ships of antwerp, or other places, shall and may freely anchor and stay for wind or company, or lad and unlade in the streams and rivers of Holland and Zeeland, without any other disturbance as aforesaid: which fraught, taking in, or unlading, shall be done from board to board, in such ships, and by such labourers as they were accustomed to be done before the wars. That all merchants passengers, and other men traveling into, and through the said countries on both sides▪ shall have the like freedom for their own chests, and other carriage, without entering the same in the toll or custom houses. That such goods as any merchants shall lay up in the warehouses, or leave in the hands of their factors, when time serves to be transported, or else for that they find no convenient ships, shall pay no more custom nor charges, than those ways that shall be delivered over from board to board. That the particular grants, privileges, freedoms, and exemption of provinces, quarters, towns, villages, colleges, places, or persons, granted before the year 1●…66, and whereof every one, or any of them were possessed in the same year, and which are not contrary hereunto, shall be holden, maintained, and continued. That no higher tolls nor customs shall be paid, nor in any other places than were accustomed before the troubles in those countries, and where the same were usually paid. That all letters of mart and reprisals, granted either in Spain or the Netherlands, and made before the day of the date hereof, shall be revoked, and held of no force nor effect, unless they be used against such as shall do contrary to this treaty: and that no other letter or form from henceforth shall be granted, but upon open denial of justice, to the uttermost sought and required; and that it be evidently found and proved to be so.  
These and other articles which were made and drawn in this treaty, and received by the deputies of Spain, to be sent thither by friar john Nayen, I thought good to set down at this 
1608  time, not to be esteemed as matters fteely past and agreed upon, but that every man may thereby perceive, how little the estates are inclined to ambition, in the articles propounded by them, and how willing and ready they are to accommodate themselves in matters that do altogether concern their estate, or that may serve to procure unto them an upright, reciprocal, and free traffic in all places; and likewise to admit the same, that in time they may show their affection, to the like and reciprocal trade and traffic: and that they seek not to further themselves therein, more than other countries, which are not so necessarily bound unto trade and traffic by sea, as these provinces, but have other certain means to maintain their estates: And that if the king of Spain should peradventure not like of, nor yield to the said articles, that thereby the reader might the better judge, in whom the greatest fault consisted, either in those that have declared and pronounced the said provinces to be free countries, and yet will wholly debar them from a natural and common freedom; or in those, who having right to maintain and preserve all the parts and points of their freedom, yet nevertheless, to be free from the miseries which are incident unto the wars, had rather quit and relinquish a great part thereof, and content themselves with a small portion, thereby to show the desire they have to leave the bloody wars, and all ambition and desire of vain glory.  
The Spanish deputies having received the aforesaid expositions, of the articles before 
The State's deputies invited to dine w●…h the marquess Spinola.  propounded, marquess Spinola caused friar john Nayen, to invite the eight deputies (appointed by the Estates to treat of the peace) to dine with him, upon the first day of April, and with them sir john van Santen, who had been somewhat employed in the same; and at other times (as it was reported) had been a student with friar john Nayen: at which dinner they all drank hard, specially friar john Nayen, whether it were to show himself to be upright and plain in his dealings, and in the midst of his drink to uphold, that the king of Spain and the archdukes proceeded uprightly in that treaty, without any intent to cirumvent them; or for that he would entertain the said deputies in friendly manner, and make them good cheer, according to the manner of the Netherlands. After this friar john Nayen, the next day, being the second of April, went to Brussels, not respecting the weather, which as then was very stormy and windy.  
This matter thus brought to this point, and being understood by divers persons, how much the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, laboured to debar these provinces from the whole Indian traffic, with all the dependences thereof, they made many books concerning the same, which were printed and set forth, one under the title of an advertisement or forewarning, another under the name of a dream, or conference, and divers others; all for the most part tending to forewarn such as were in authority, and were put in ●…ust to deal in the said treaty, to take heed of corruption, and of division and disorder in the country, as also from all the practices of Jesuits, and others, that seek not the peace and quietness, but rather the disturbance of the country: which books were the better to be borne withal, for that (in so great and uncertain an alteration of an estate, as is now likely to happen in these countries) they proceeded from such men, as are well willers to their country, and which take no pleasure in wars, but with all their hearts wish and desire peace, so it may be honourable, godly, and well assured for them, yet could perceive nothing else, but that under the shadow thereof, some secret practices might be wrought, tending to the overthrow and subversion of these countries; the which otherwise in a public government, such as is used in the Netherlands, is not well nor easily to be hindered: whereof the reader by the books themselves, shall have better taste and information, which for that they are not pertinent unto the history, I thought good to omit, and refer the reader unto the books themselves, which are extant.  
By means of friar john Nayens departure for Spain, many men began to find, that the treaty of peace was likely to continue long, for that they were to stay forty days for his return back again; and were the more easily moved to believe it, for that during his absence, little, or rather nothing at all, was done by the rest of the deputies, that thereby they might not discover themselves, for that they were uncertain whether their princes would accept and allow of those articles, and again that they were to have a more ample commission, 
1608  to treat of so many articles, as the Estates had propounded and delivered unto them, and that therefore they would so manage their business, either by themselves, or by others, as that friar john Nayen should be returned back again, before they would proceed any further in the treaty: and it fell out well to the purpose for them, that in the beginning of April the Estates for the most part repaired to their own provinces, and the Estates of Holland also for a time, so as thereby it rather seemed to be delayed off, by the absence of the Estates themselves, than by the deputies for Spain; for that they always gave forth that they were ready to proceed in the treaty, although that in long time they had not once sought to enter into any conference or meeting.  
Mean time there came a flying news out of Brabant, that upon good Friday there was a dispatch brought thither out of Spain, the contents thereof being, That the king of Spain would not grant nor allow these countries any traffic at all into the Indies, nor to any places thereof, and that the Estates subjects were presently to desist and leave off the same; and secondly, That the king would have his deputies insist and urge free exercise of religion, and grant of churches for the papists, & those of the Romish religion, that were in the united provinces, and that openly and in all places; or otherwise that they should leave off and break up the said treaty. Which news made many men (that were in good hope of the treaty of peace) to be much disquieted in mind, perceiving that the proceedings and consequences thereof were so dangerous, as without the hazarding of the whole state of the country, they could not grant that point unto those of the Romish religion, at the request and motion of the enemies of the country; but it could not be understood long after, whether this answer out of Spain were of such effect or not: yet they found that marquess Spinola and the rest of the deputies were not much pleased, when they had received the said answer, or were advertised thereof.  
Many ambassadors of foreign princes, as those of Munster, Cleve, and Cologne, when they perceived the long proceedings of the treaty, took their leaves and departed from the Hage; the like did many earls and other noble men, as the earl of Benthen, the earl of Hohenloo (cousin to that earl of Hohenloo, which had done so great service to the Estates in formertimes) and others.  
We have showed before, that friar john Nayen was gone into Spain, and that he was to return again within forty days after; who not coming at the day appointed, gave many men cause of great suspicion, and the rather, for that it was given out by some of the king of Spain's ministers and servants, that the king was not resolved to leave his sovereignty, but to hold it still, and to further the Catholic religion: and how that in France the Spaniards boasted what great advantage and profit they had gotten by the treaty of peace late made, reporting the same to be much more than they expected, with such like words: the friar coming not again, and Don Pedro de Toledo ambassador for the king of Spain, being come into France, not only to make certain propositions of marriage, but also to entreat of this peace. The Estates of the united provinces attended the return of precedent janin ambassador for the French king in the Netherlands, who till the coming of the said Don Pedro de Toledo, was stayed by the king in France: but the said king having given audience to Dom Pedro de Toledo, he presently sent precedent janin back again into Holland, with letters of credit, who upon the seventh of August arriving in the Hage, the next day had audience of the general Estates; where he showed them what great affection the king his master bare unto the preservation and maintenance of their estate, as well in peace as wars, and how that Dom Pedro de Toledo in the name of the king of Spain his master, had made complaint unto the French king, touching the aid and assistance which the said king gave unto the united provinces, contrary to the treaty of peace made at Veruins, and what disliking the said king of Spain had thereof, offering all kindness and friendship in the king his master's name, unto the French king, for the preservation of their particular estates, if he would leave off to assist, and abandon the said united provinces: whereunto he said, that the king his master made answer, that he could by no means leave them, and that his alliance with them was not contrary to the said treaty of peace made at Veruins, alleging that the king of Spain for his part, had done much against the said treaty, or at least permitted it to be done by his ministers, which 
1608  he declared unto them at large, saying also, that the king advised them to make a peace, if it might be concluded upon reasonable conditions; and that to the same end they should with all speed move the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, to proceed to a conclusion thereof, and that they should not stay any longer for the return of friar john Nayen, for that there was no appearance nor likelihood that they should get any further or other commission, than they had already, but rather a worse: and for conclusion he said, that the king (in the mean time to supply their necessities) had granted to send them the sum of 100 thousand crowns.  
Whereupon the Spanish deputies were moved by the Estates to come to a final conclusion, but they made answer, that as yet they had no further commission from their princes, than at the first, but daily expected the same; which the general Estates understanding, they resolved not to treat with them any more, and to that end they commanded their deputies to deliver up their commission: the which upon the three and twentieth of August was canceled: withal declaring and showing by writing unto the archdukes deputies, what they had done to procure a good peace, concluding with a protestation, that they could by no means find it requisite nor good for the estate of the said provinces, and the inhabitants thereof, to treat any further therein with the said deputies, and that it was a great grief unto them, that contrary to their expectations and desires, that treaty was so unprofitably broken off, and yet nevertheless comforted themselves, that they were excusable both before God and all the world, in that the bloody and long wars continued in the Netherlands, were not changed into a Christian, honourable, and an assured peace, for the ending of all the calamities, miseries, and troubles, which have happened and fallen upon the said Netherlands, and their neighbours, together with the good inhabitants of the same, by means of the unjust pretences of their adversaries: which declaration was made upon the 23 of August, in the year 1608.  
This resolution, protestation, and farewell being delivered unto the archdukes deputies upon the 25 of August, they made complaint thereof unto the ambassadors of foreign princes then resident in the Hage; whereupon the said ambassadors consulted together, to see if they could bring both parties to agree upon some truce for many years: and to that end about the beginning of September, precedent janin, in the name of all the kings and princes ambassadors, made this proposition unto the general Estates.  
Your lordships may well suppose with what care, affection, and sincerity, the kings & princes 
An admonition given (by all the ambassadors resident in the Hage) unto the general Estates touching a truce for many years.  that sent us hither, have used all the means and furtherance they could to aid you to attain unto an assured peace and tranquility, and to obtain all whatsoever they thought might tend to your good and benefit therein; which notwithstanding our continual pains taken to stay here with you, and therein to yield you our best aid and counsel, it hath proved fruitless, to our great grief and discontents, and likewise (as we are assured) of the princes that sent us hither, who were always persuaded, that the issue of this treaty would have proved more successful than it is found to be: and as their chiefest intents were to aid you to make a peace that should be absolute and effectual, judging the same not only to be profitable, but altogether necessary for your estate; to the same end they gave us commission, that if at the first it would not so fall out, that then we should propound a truce to be made for many years, as soon as we should see the treaty of peace to be broken of in regard that it will be much more profitable for you, than to return to ruinous and bloody wars: and for that it is now time to propound the same unto you, we have thought it good to counsel and advise you to incline yourselves thereunto, so as you may obtain such conditions, as may procure profit and assurance unto your estate; without the which, our princes desire not to move or counsel you thereunto: and to the same end we thought good to set down these three articles.  

1 That the truce shall be made with you, as with free countries, whereunto neither the king of Spain, nor the archdukes pretend any sovereignty.  
2 That during this truce, you shall have and enjoy free traffic into the Indies, as well as into Spain, and also in the Netherlands, and in every place under their obedience. 
1608   
3 And that you may hold and enjoy that which at this present you possess, and that so you proceed to the rest of the conditions, which with reason may be had and granted.   
We partly foresee and judge, that it will be hard to obtain these conditions from those princes with whom you have to deal; for that seeing a peace doth not like them, it is to be thought, that a truce with the like conditions will not please them: which if they reject and refuse, then will the entering again into arms on your side be excusable, and the willingness and endeavours of our princes, to cease this miserable war, shall be thereby well known, so as they shall have a better subject and cause to employ their forces and means for your maintenance and defence: but to the contrary, if they seem willing thereunto, than we counsel you to embrace it, because your refusal and denying thereof, would give them much cause of disliking; the which we find would be as beneficial and available for you (if you conclude it, as we wish you should) as in a peace itself: certifying you also, that our kings have given us in charge to tell you, that they are content to be bound for the performance and maintaining of the said truce, as they were also willing to have done the like concerning the treaty begun by you, if a peace had been made.  
And in the mean time you shall have means to settle your affairs, to pay your debts, and to reform and amend your government; and lastly, continuing well united together, the truce will be as a full and an effectual peace, and thereby in time you shall enjoy all the effects and furtherances, yea and many more, than peace itself would have afforded unto you: but to the contrary, if you begin wars again, we see so many difficulties and dangers therein (being so well informed of the great aid that you shall need, not only to maintain your wars, in hope of your good proceedings, but also to defend yourselves) as your best friends would be very doubtful to supply your wants; but by means of this truce you may free yourselves of all these charges, dangers, and difficulties.  
We know well, that at this present you are much disquieted with the proceedings of your adversaries, but this disquietness ought not so to divert & alter you, as you should contrary to wisdom and reason leave and forsake that counsel, which is most profitable and safest for you, and not suffer yourselves by any motion of choler to do that which should be hurtful and prejudicial unto your estate.  
This is the counsel my lords, that the princes your good friends give unto you, who are ready to join with you, and to hazard themselves in your affairs; but yet you must remember (that if you enter into arms again) that they cannot aid you, unless they themselves fall into the hazard of wars; which all wise princes desire to avoid as much as possibly they may, and never desire to enter thereinto, unless by compulsion and great necessity they are constrained, or that they expect some great benefit to be gotten thereby. It is evident that this war is not necessarily to be undertaken by you, if by a peace for many years you may free yourselves thereof: and it is most certain, that if you enter into wars, you shall be a means to put both yourselves and us to great charges, and be a cause of great hurt and spoil. It is our intents and meanings to give the like advice unto the archdukes deputies, and if they refuse to yield unto a truce, we will then tell them plainly, that our princes for your good & defence, will do all that which belongeth unto true and faithful allies.  
This being likewise imparted unto the archdukes deputies, Spinola and the rest desired 4 days time to peruse their instructions, and thereupon to return an answer: and after four days were expired, they made answer, That their commission from the king of Spain contained no point nor article of truce, upon any such conditions as were propounded, and that therefore they could not deal therein, without express commission from Spain: and for that cause they desired six weeks longer time to procure the same; but if in the mean time the Estates would enter into treaty touching the same, they said they hoped that for as much as imported the archdukes, they should give them full contentment. And upon the ninth of September, they gave certain articles unto the Estates, which were, That the archdukes were content to enter into a treaty of truce, for seven years, as well by sea as by land: That either side should enjoy and possess that which they then held: That during the said time the king of Spain shall grant them free traffic into Spain, and that the said king of Spain within two months after the conclusion of the truce, should declare whether he would comprehend 
1608  the Indies within the truce or not, and if that the king of Spain were to be joined in this action, they desired twenty days longer respite, and continuance of the said treaty, and that the said kings and princes should be aiders and assisters to keep and maintain the said truce, in like sort, as if an absolute peace were made.  
This dilatory answer being received, the general Estates were of divers opinions amongst themselves: & for that precedent janin ambassador for France thought it expedient to let them stay the propounded time that was set down by them to expect an answer out of Spain; some of them resolved to grant so much time, but they of Zeeland, and many others, were of another opinion, for that they had not kept any time by them demanded and limited, & withal finding the peace to be in a desperate and doubtful estate, they thought it best for them, not to hold their enemy any longer within their country, wherein they had so many catholic friends, and might procure many more, which might tend greatly to their hurt and prejudice: and so at last they fully agreed upon a general resolution, which upon the thirteenth of September they caused to be delivered unto them in writing, the contents thereof being as followeth.  
The general Estates of the united provinces (having duly considered of that which hath been propounded in their full assembly, first upon the ninth, and after that upon the 11 of September, by the ambassadors of France and England, together with those of the prince's electors, and others of Germany, that they would grant unto the deputies for the archdukes sent into Holland to treat of a peace, longer time of staying in the Hage, until the last of this month of September, to attend a more ample commission out of Spain) do to that end by these presents declare, that they had rather see the departure of the said deputies for the archdukes, towards Brussels, there to attend for their said further commission, for certain good reasons delivered by them unto the said ambassadors in their general assembly upon the 11 of September, and for divers other considerations; but calling to mind how much they are bound unto the said kings and princes, they are content (to pleasure them) that the said deputies shall stay here to attend their said commission, until the last day of this present month: which commission must be made to confirm the freedom of the united provinces, not only by the king of Spain, but also by the archdukes and that without any restriction, or conditions; and withal to acknowledge that the said confirmation shall not continue only for the said time of truce, but for ever, to the contentment of the said general Estates, so as the said deputies for the archdukes, shall dispose their affairs hereafter: and for want of such full commission, to depart upon the first of October, without seeking any further delay, neither of the said ambassadors, nor of the Estates, if they cannot obtain the same. Dated in the Hage the 13 of September, 1608.  
Whereupon the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, having received no other answer from their princes, and finding that their departure was so absolutely and so resolutely determined and set down, they made preparation to depart, complaining that they had so strict a day given them; and withal protested, that they were sorry that a peace could not be made, doubting not, that if the Estates would have had a little more patience, they should have attained to a good end: this done, the deputies of the general Estates went every man home to their own houses, they of Zeeland openly protesting that they would appear no more there, unless the Spanish deputies were gone out of the country, or that they could show an absolute commission. Upon the last of September, when they were ready to depart, marquess Spinola and the rest of the deputies were invited to dine with prince Maurice, whither they all came, except auditor Vereicken, for that he was hurt in one of his legs, and was carried in a coach from his lodging: after dinner, prince Maurice and the rest of the lords went with them to Risewicke, and there taking his leave, he left his brother Henry earl of Nassau to conduct them to Delft haven, where the same evening they took shipping in prince Maurices pinnace, accompanied by divers gentlemen, as Emery van Liere governor of William Staet, Haultaine admiral of Zeeland, and others, who brought them to antwerp, and returned back again; from thence they went to Brussels, where they found the people in great expectation and desire of peace; but all the comfort they could give them was, that they were in good hope it would be concluded. 
1608   
Thus ended this long and fruitless treaty of peace, betwixt the deputies for the king of Spain and the archdukes, and the deputies for the general Estates of the united provinces (the which had filled all Europe with expectation) to the great amazement and grief of many good men, which did hope to have seen an end of these long, ruinous, and bloody wars, and the conclusion of a good, firm, and honourable peace, or long truce. But seeing the hearts of kings are in the hands of God, who directs all their actions and resolutions as he thinketh best, let us Netherlanders (having compassion one of another's miseries) pray incessantly unto him to inspire these princes and Estates with mild and peaceful spirits, for the finishing of this good work (if it may be) for his glory, and the good of the country; whereby there may ensue a Christian peace, quietness, and unity in the Netherlands, on either side, and love each to other, refraining to shed blood: and lastly, that the Netherlands may thereby attain unto their ancient and flourishing estate and government, God well served, and every man to enjoy his own freely, and without fear; the which the Lord God of his mercy grant.   
FINIS.   

A Table of all the memorable things contained in this History of the Netherlands.  

A.  
ABot of Saint Vaast of Arras what he was. 798.  
Accord of the Lord of Montigny, chief of the mutines with the Spaniards. 689.  
Accord betwixt john of Bavaria, and the Duke of Brabant, 133  
abbey of Ouwerghem spoiled, and diversly censured, 391  
Ad●… Countess of Holland, 45. marries with the Earl of Loose. ibid.  
Adolph Prince of Gelder's prisoner, 174  
Accord made by the Spaniard with the town of Gand, 862  
Act of great resolution done by a Sea Captain, 661.  
Act of promise of the confederate Noblemen to the Governess, 407  
Act like a Roman done by Captain Bordet, 514.  
Act unworthy and cruel of Captain Pont, well revenged. 661  
Admiral of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor, 1148. he passeth the river of Meuze, and takes Orson, 1174. ransoms Wezel, 1182. takes many neutral places, 1191. and comes near unto Bomel, 1210. is taken prisoner, 1248  
Advice of the Prince of Orange, for the making of a council of Estate, 712  
Advocates in Arras executed wrongfully, 675  
Albert of Bavaria, 16. Earl of Holland, 105, subdues the Frisons, 111. his death, 116  
Albert Duke of Saxony, Governor of the Netherlands, 207, he gets the hereditary government of Friesland, 219. tyranizeth over the Frisons, 222. slain before Groaning, 294.  
Alliance betwixt them of Ostergoe and Groaning, 213  
Alcmar in trouble, 210. besieged by the Duke of Alva, 519. endures three assaults, 524, the Duke forced to raise his Camp, 527  
Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma, succeeds Don john, 981. makes a Bridge to shut up the river of Antwerp. 865  
Alost sold by the English to the Spaniard, 833.  
Alpen taken by Prince Maurice, 1129  
Agent from the great Commander into England, and to what end. 887  
Albert Cardinal of Austria, succeeds his brother Ernestus, 1114. he takes Calais and Ardres, 1115. excuseth himself, and lays the fault upon the Admiral, 1202  
Albert prepares his army to go against Prince Maurice in Flanders, ibid.  
Alliance betwixt the Flemings and Brabansons against the Duke of Saxony, 207  
Allennes thinking to surprise Courtray, he looseth Menin, 716. afterwards he surpriseth Courtray. 730  
Allen a Cardinal writes against the Queen of England. 996  
Ambassadors from the Emperor to the united Provinces, touching a peace, 1051. from the King of Poland to them, 1128. from the King of Denmark unto them, 1134. from the Duke of Wirtemberg unto them, 1158  
Ambrose le Duke, Sergeant Mayor in Arras, how he behaved himself, 673  
Andrien van Assendolf, pensioner of Harlem, beheaded, 500  
Amsterdam against Harlem, their skirmish at Sea, 503. in the end it yields to the Estates, 655.  
Amiens surprised and spoiled by the Spaniard, 1126, recovered by the French King, 1128.  
A●…ne of Poelgeest minion to the Earl of Holland, murdered, 109  
Anthony Perrenot Cardinal of Granuelle, called into Spain, 349. he crosseth the petition of the Estates of Brabant, 381. a legend of his life, 344  
Antwerp perplexed for the new Bishops, 347. sends their Deputies into Spain, 348▪ they intrenche themselves against the Castle, 595. are spoiled by the Spaniards, 596. a tumult at a general Procession, 705. Priests and Monks chased away, 706. are blocked up by the Prince of Parma, 863. they compound and yield, 884  
Answer from the general Estates, to them of Lille, Dovay, etc. 691  
apology made by the Prince of Orange in answer of his proscription, 764  
Army of the Germans to succour Nuys, 174. of Duke Cassimire to succour the States, 673. at Sea sent by the Spaniards in the year 1588. 998. of King Philip in Piccardie, 323. of the Duke of Parmaes to succour the League, 1043. of the States upon the coast of Spain, and at the islands, 1213  
Arnold Earl of Holland, slain by the Frisons, 9  
Arnold Duke of Gelder's offers the combat to Adolph his son. 174  
Arnold of Grove-velt Governor of Sluys, 957.  
Arnold resigns the Duchy of Geldres to the Duke of Bourgongne, 174  
Arnhem assured for the Estates, 875  
Articles of the privileges of Brabant. 1371  
Articles set down by the Inquisition of Spain, against the Netherlands, 442. confirmed by the King of Spain, 443  
Assembly of the Estates of Friesland, 213  
Assembly at Bolswaert, 214  
Assembly of the chief of the Nobility at Dendermond, 415. an other assembly of the Nobles, 368  
Articles of peace betwixt France and Spain, 144.  
Audenarde abandoned by the Protestants, who had surprised it, 496. besieged and yielded to the Duke of Parma, 8●…2  
Arras the chief town in Arthois in great troubles. 673  
Arschot in Brabant yielded to Dom john, 654.  
Audience of the Deputies of the Estates with the French King, 860  
Axel in Flanders taken by the Estates, 920  
Attempts of them of Amsterdam against them of Harlem. 504  
Ambassadors from England and France to the Estates. 818  
apology made by the Protestants, for their taking of arms, 428  
Admiral of Arragon set at liberty, 1259  
Adolph Earl of Berghen taken prisoner, 1264.  
Ambassadors from the united Provinces to the King of England, 1297  
Ardenbourg abandoned to Prince Maurice, 1307.  
Archduke Albert's men coming to relieve Sluys, put to rout, 1309  
Archduke Albert hinders the assembling of the general Estates, 1320. he prepares for war, 1321  
Admonition to the united Provinces against a peace, 1328  
Admiral of Dunkirk taken at sea, 1351  
Archduke Albert jealous of the Duke of Bovillon, 1354  
Accord made betwixt the Earl of Eastfriseland, and the Town of Embden, 1365.   

B.  
BAerle taken and recovered, 772  
balthasar Gerard kills the Prince of Orange, 832. is executed. ibid.  
Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault, 107.  
Baron of Battembourgh, Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange at the relief of Harlem, 513.  
Baron of Montigny prisoner in Spain, and poisoned, 454  
Baron of sells sent from the King to the Estates, 653  
Barons of Batenbourg executed by the Duke of Alva, 449  
Baron of Anholt slain at the siege of Lochum, 808.  
Bastard putative of the Emperor, beheaded in Holland, 824  
Baron of Boxtell, Governor of Boisleduc, 700.  
Backerzeell offers violence to them of the religion in the Netherlands, 410  
Bartel Entens makes a vain enterprise upon Tergoes, 479  
Bastard of Rubempre prisoner in Holland, 152.  
Batenbourg surprised by Duke Albert, 219.  
Battle of Verona, 75. of Marendyke, 93. betwixt the Liegeois, and the Earl of Holland, 121. of Gorrichom, 130. Of Alphen, 138. at Sea 141. betwixt Charles of Bourgongne and the Liegeois, 162. betwixt the Lords of Amster and Woerden, against the Bishop of Vtrecht, 65. of Esquine-gate, 193. of Hinges, 209. of Saquelets, 271. betwixt the Clevois and Imperialists, 276. of Saint Quintine, 322. of Gravelin, 326. betwixt the Earl of Hohenlo and Shenck, 738. betwixt the English and Spaniards at sea, 1002. of Tournhoult, 1126. of Nieuport, 1247  
Battenbourg taken by the Prince of Parma, 951.  
Balfour a Scottish Colonel defeated & slain by the Spaniard, 769  
Berghen Saint Wynox taken and burnt by the French, 326. besieged by the Spaniard, 827. yielded with honour and profit, 828  
Bellieure treats with the Estates for the Duke of Anjou, 818  
Berghen up Zoom besieged in vain by the Duke of Parma, 1006  
Berghen surprised by the Spaniards, 474  
Blyenbeeke besieged. 716  
Bernardin of Mendosa treats with the French King touching the Netherlands. 870  
Berlandt Governor of Flussing poisoned. 511  
Bins a town in Henault taken by the Duke of Anious men. 681  
Bishop of Vtrecht defeated and taken prisoner by the Hollanders. 12. slain in battle. 80  
Bishops of Cologne and Liege defeated by the Earl of Holland. 18  
Bishop of Liege complains to the Estates for the taking of Hue. 1003  
Borselle a house in Zeeland, their beginning. 5.  
Blommart a Captain of the Protestants slain going out of Audenarde. 496.  
Bommel besieged by Philip Archduke of Austria, 229. assured by Prince Maurice, 1213  
Boisot made Governor of Flushing, 512  
Bommened a Fort in Zealand, taken by assault, 586.  
Bonne in the Diocese of Cologne, yielded to the Spaniard, 990  
Boisot Admiral to the Prince, prepares to succour Leyden, 560. slain, 590  
Boisleduc surprised by the Protestants, and then abandoned. 417. after yields to the Estates, 646. unwilling to enter into the union of Vtrecht, 700. is besieged in vain by Prince Maurice, 1273  
Borentange a Fort in Friesland, 1068  
Bishops newly created, refused in the Netherlands, a great cause of the troubles. 350  
Bishops of Ypre and Bruges prisoners at Gant, 649.  
Boncham in Henault besieged and yielded to the Malcontents, 742  
Bovines a Town in Namur yielded to the Estates. 650  
Bourse at Antwerp burnt, 824  
Brederode the noblest house in Holland, and their beginning, 9 he presents the petition for the Nobility, to the Duchess of Parma, 383. what he did at Amsterdam, 425, he retires out of the Netherlands, and what he was, 427  
Breda in Brabant yielded to the Estates, 648. delivered to the Spaniard by the means of the Siegnior of Fresin, 772. surprised by Heranguere for the Estates, 1031  
Brefort besieged and taken by assault by Prince Maurice, 1132  
Briaute enters combat unadvisedly, 1239  
Bronkhorst yielded to the Estates, 808  
Brussels opposeth against the imposition of the tenth penny, 465. they accord with the King of Spain, 875  
Bruges in trouble. 702. the Estates men succour it before the malcontents, 703  
Bruges and Gand reconciled to the Archduke Maximilian, 200  
Bryele a town in the Isle of Voorn, surprised by the Earl of Mark, for the Prince of Orange, 472  
Bravery of 30. soldiers, 916  
Buren Town and castle yielded to the Spaniard, 583  
Bruges refused from the Hollanders, 845. yielded to the Spaniard, 846  
Bishop of Cologne comes to succour the Duke of Alva, 492  
Beckaff by Sluys taken by Prince Maurice, 1309.  
Bossompiere slain before Ostend, 1310  
Baron of Terms a French man, comes with a troop of horse to Prince Maurice before Sluys, 1312  
Berghen in danger to be surprised, 1349. attempted again by the Spaniard, 1350  
Brefort surprised by the Spaniard, and abandoned again, 1354   

C.  
CAmbray victualled, 778  
Cabillautins, a faction in Holland, restored in Horn, 98. take arms again, 134  
Caius Ransou a Dane, taken prisoner by the Estates men, and what followed, 942  
Castles in Friesland razed, 731  
Castles ruined in the Netherlands, 647  
Castle of Antwerp built by the Duke of Alva 457. That of Gant besieged and yielded to the Estates, 612. That of Vtrecht besieged and yielded to the Estates, 624  
Callais besieged, and yielded unto the French, 324.  
Castle of Staveren yielded to the Estates 775.  
Castle floating at Antwerp, what it was, 877.  
Cambray surprised by the Earl of Rhomont, 193. besieged and yielded to the Spaniard, 1110.  
Carlo slain. 513  
Cassimire burns the Duke of Alua's powder, 525.  
Carpen taken by the Spaniard, 682  
Campen a town in Oueryssell yielded to the Estates. 660  
Charles of Bourgongne Earl of Charalois, inherits the moiety of Asprens and Henkelom, 149. in disgrace with his Father, 150. is reconciled, 151. succeeds his Father, 160. defeats the Liegeois, 162. forceth the French King to go with him to the siege of Liege, 166. seeks to rule absolutely over the Frisons, 171. he besieged Nuys, 174. is defeated twice by the Swisses, 172. besiegeth Nancy, is defeated and slain, 179  
Castle Cambresis yielded to the Spaniard, 809  
Charles Duke of Geldres freed from prison in France, 210. sentence given against him, 217. is reconciled to the Archduke Philip, 231.  
Charles the fifth, Emperor, succeeds in the Netherlands, 236. his departure out of the Netherlands, 315. his death, 328  
Champignies regiment defeated by the Spaniard 650. imprisoned at Brussels, 677. he is forced by the Duke of Parma to forsake the Netherlands, 1019  
Change of Magistrates in the Netherlands, 656  
Charles of Croy Prince of Chymay, his carriage in Flanders, 845  
Charles Earl of Mansfeldt enters into the Island of Bommel, 1024. he takes Sevenberghen, 1035.  
Charles of Lievin Siegnior of Famas, slain at Otmarsum, 942  
Christopher Fabri a Minister put to death at Antwerp for religion. 350  
Citadel of Cambray surprised for the general Estates of the Country, 595  
Commons in Holland rise against the Nobility. 62.  
Coaes' van Kniten a Giant, 75  
Compromise of the Nobility of the Netherlands, 368  
Complaint of the Netherlanders to the King of Spain, 418  
Commission from the Queen of England, to treat with the Duke of Parma, 986  
Countess of Flanders lays claim to the Isle of Walchrens. 56  
Convocation of the Nobility at Duffel, 389  
Conde a town in Henault surprised, 752  
Confederation of the French King, the Queen of England, and the Estates, against the Spaniards, 1124  
Conference at Gheertruydenberg, betwixt the Deputies of Don john and the Estates of the Netherlands, 627.  
Consultation of the Estates touching the change of their Prince, 726  
Convoy of Brussels defeated, 867  
Cocqueville defeated and overcome at Saint Valery, 448  
Coevarden taken by the Spaniard, 74. besieged and yielded up unto Prince Maurice, 1060.  
Courtray in Flanders surprised by the Spaniard. 730  
Council of the troubles erected in the Netherlands, with absolute authority, 435  
Council of Estate at Brussels committed to prison, 591  
Councillors displaced in Friesland, 656  
Crimpen a Fort in Holland taken by the Protestants 589  
Crevecaeur yielded to Prince Maurice, 1230  
Cruelty of the Spaniards against the French at Mons, 490  
Cruelties of the Spaniards in Neutral countries of Germany, under the Admiral of Arragon, 1174  
Cruelties of the Liegeois, 164  
Confirmation of the Baron of Montignies accord with the Spaniard, 689  
Cloet Governor of Nuys cruelly executed, 920.  
Convoy of three thousand going to Cologne defeated by their own party. 952  
Conditions whereby the Estates did yield unto the tenth penny, 467  
Convoy of the Spaniards defeated by the Lord Willobies troops, 952  
Convoy from Bruges to Ypre defeated, 830  
Castle of Gand besieged by the general Estates, 612  
Castle of Huede treacherously delivered to the Prince of Parma, 660  
Collenborch taken by the Estates, 1047.  
Crapoll Castle surprised by the Estates, 1261  
Cracowe taken for the Estates, 1262.  
Catris General of the Spaniards slain before Ostend, 1270  
Cornets eight of the Archdukes horse defeated, 1290  
Cruelty of the Earl of Embden, 1293  
Cruelty of the Spaniards, 1301  
Cadsandt taken by Prince Maurice, 1306  
Coxie taken by Prince Maurice, ibid.  
Convoy going to victual Sluys, put to rout, 1311.  
Considerations concerning a peace in the Netherlands, 1322   

D.  
DAniel vanden Meulen sent for to Brussels, and why, 1171  
Death of the Emperor Charles the fifth, his qualities, 528  
Death of the Princess of Orange, 803  
Death of the Duke of Parma, 1061  
Defeat of the succours of Harlem, and of the Prince of Orange's Army, 510. of the Prince's ships before Harlem, 513. of the Protestants at Austerwele, 422. of the Protestants of Amerongen, 422. of the Estates at Gemblours, 654. of the Estates men at Costeyns-dyke, 879. of the Spaniards at Tournhout, 1126. of the Marquis of Warembom by the Estates, 1024  
Delivery monstrous of 365. children at one birth. 52  
Deputies from the Queen of England to the Estates, and from them to her, 984. from Brussels to the Estates of A●…thois, 695. from Antwerp to the Governess, 423. from the Nobility to an Imperial Diet, 372. from the Estates to the French King, 868. from Groaning to the Emperor, 1055. from the Queen of England to treat with the King of Spain's deputies at Bourbrough in Flanders, 995. from the Duke of Cleves to Prince Maurice, 1185  
Denremonde, Nihoven, and Audenarde, surprised for the Archduke Philip, 200  
Denremonde redeems itself from spoil, 860.  
Dearth extraordinary of corn in the Netherlands, 931  
De●…cription of Groaning, 1087  
Delf rebels, besieged and yielded to Cont Albert, 106  
Delfois do great service in Friesland to Cont Albert. 112  
Disunion among the Provinces of the Netherlands, 708  
Description of the Duke of Alva's Image. 461.  
Deventer in Ouerissel besieged by the Estates. 687. sold to the Spaniard by Stanley. 942. besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1048.  
Deutecom taken by the Admiral. 1186  
Division in Holland during their Earl's absence. 72  
Disgrace done to the Earl of Osteruant at the French Kings table. 110  
Discourse of Master Francis Baldwins, showing the true means how to pacify the troubles. 356.  
Dissimulation of the Duchess of Parma with the Nobles. 421  
Discourse of advice to the Earl of Leicester. 932.  
Division among the Nobility of the Netherlands. 349  
Dislike betwixt the Duke of Parma and Champigny. 1019  
Dinant besieged by the Earl of Charalois, taken and razed. 157  
Dinandois broke the peace with the Earl of Charolois. ibid.  
Double practice at Bryele. 730  
Dousbourg yielded to the Spaniard, 874. besieged and yielded to the Earl of Leicester, 924.  
dourlan's in Picardy taken by assault by the Spaniard. 1106.  
Dordrecht surprised by the young Earl of Egmont. 195.  
Dix Muyden taken from the Ganthois, 210  
Duke of Lorraine invades Holland for the Bishop of Vtrecht, and defeats Robert the Frison. 24  
Duke of Saxony ruins the faction in Holland and Zealand. 211  
Duchess of Parma writes to the King, and delays the Estates of Brabant under a project of moderation of the bloody Edict, 373. she entertains them with policy, 385. she plays her part. 421  
Duke of Alva sent Governor into the Netherlands, 431. seeks a quarrel against the Queen of England, 460. thinking to assure Flushing, he looseth it, 473. he spoils Macklin, 495, he labours to be called home, 532.  
Duke of Medina Celi sent to govern the Netherlands, 479  
Duke john Cassimire succours the Estates, 673. he comes to Gand. 676. he retires with his army. 686  
Duke of Parma Governor of the Netherlands, 681. he passeth the Meuse, 682. comes before Antwerp, 863. and takes it, 884. he goes to the Spawe, 1019. his death, 1061.  
Duke of Bovillon marries the Prince of Orange's daughter, 1102  
Dunkirk taken and burnt by the French, 326. recovered by the Bourgognons, basely yielded up by the French, 827  
Diest yielded to Don ivan, 654. is surprised by the Estates, 746. besieged and yielded to the Spaniard, 825  
Dean of Emmerics speech unto the Admiral of Arragon. 1186  
Duchess of Parma departs out of the Netherlands, 444  
Disposition of Prince Maurice Camp before Sluys, 1310  
Death of Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt, his life, 1319  
Demands of the Council of Estate of the united Provinces touching the war, 1321.   

E.  
EDward Duke of Gelder's takes his brother prisoner, and defies the Earl of Holland, 107.  
Earl of Benthen slain, 34  
Earl of Loos defeats the Earl of Holland in Zealand, 46  
Earls of Holland and Geldres make war against the Bishop of Vtrecht. 42  
Earl of Saint Pol made Reuward of Brabant, 135.  
Earl of Enghien beheaded in Henault, 106  
Earl of Embden made Protector of Groaning, 230. builds a Citadel there. ibid.  
Earl of Meghen at Vtrecht, 421  
Earl of Arembergh defeated and slain in Friesland by Cont Lodowick of Nassau, 449.  
Earl Adolph of Nassau slain in Friesland with Arembergh, 449  
Earl of Meurs levies Reysters' for the Estates which mutiny, 931. his death, 1025  
Earl of Hochstrate adjourned by the Duke of Alva, justifies himself by writing, 445. he hurts himself by chance, whereof he dies, 458  
Earl of Bossu chased away from Bryel, 472.  
Earl Lodowick of Nassau, brother to the Prince of Orange, enters Friesland with an army, 449. beseegeth Groaning, 455. defeated through the mutiny of his Germans, 456. surpriseth Mons, 477. comes to succour the Protestants of the Netherlands, is defeated and slain with his brother and Duke Christopher. 545  
Earl of Lodron taken prisoner by his soldiers, 460. entreats them cruelly in Antwerp, 462.  
Earl of Ouerstein drowned at Antwerp, 597.  
Earl of Bossu entreats them of Rotterdam in Holland ill. 473. he is taken prisoner by the Hollanders, and carried to Horn, 528. he is General of the Estates Army, his death. 687  
Earl of Mark Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange surpriseth Bryele, 472. he becomes master of a great part of Holland for the Prince, 488. accused to the Estates for his cruelty. 515  
Earl Uanden Berghe takes Zutphen and other towns in Gelderland for the Prince of Orange, 488  
Earl of Solms makes war for the Estates in Flanders, 1073. he marries the daughter of the Earl of Egmont, 1103  
Earl of Horn put to death by the Duke of Alva, 451  
Earl of Rheneberg falls from the Estates, and delivers Groaning to the Spaniard, 734. his death, 776.  
Earl of Warax defeated and slain at Tournhout, 1126  
Earl of Hohenlo, vide Philip.  
Earl of Egmont, vide Lamoral.  
Earl of Egmont, vide Philip.  
Edict against them of the religion, 253. A second against them, 257. the third, 267. a forth, 273  
Edict perpetual, and accord made by Dom ivan, and sent to the Estates of Holland and Zealand, 624.  
Edict of Proscription against the Prince of Orange. 763  
Edict made by the general Estates of the united Provinces against the King of Spain, 782.  
Effigies of the Duke of Alva in the Citadel of Antwerp, 437  
Eindoven in Brabant won by the Spaniard, 773. taken for the Duke of Anjou, 810. yielded again to the Spaniard, 824.  
Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy made Governor of the Netherlands, 320  
Emenesse revolts from the Bishop of Vtrecht, 102. burned by the Hollanders, 196. spoiled by the Spaniard.  
Emperor sends succours to the Earl of Holland, to subdue Friesland, 14  
Enterprise to take the Duke of Alva, 445  
Enchuysen the first town in Holland which refused the tenth penny, 480  
Enterprise of the Duke of Parma upon Cambray, 1024. upon Diest, 803. of the Zelanders upon Tertolen, 508. of the Estates upon Bourbrouc, 791. of Philip Earl of Egmont upon Brussels, dishonourable, 706. upon Arschor, 803. of the malcontents upon Gand, 743. of the Estates upon Lille, 771. of Prince Maurice upon Mastricht, 1056. of the Spania●…ds upon Steenwyke, 1126. of the Groningers upon Delfzyel, 1076. of the Duke of Anjou upon Antwerp, 812. of La Motte upon Ostend, 876. upon Zibrick, 915  
Ernest Archduke of Austria, Governor of the Netherlands for the King, 1076. he seeks to purge himself for Renichons' attempt, 1079. his death, 1102  
Earnest Earl of Solms, prisoner, wounded and dies, 1104  
Escovedo the Secretary animates Dom ivan, 641.  
Estates of all the Provinces seek to assure themselves of Antwerp, 595. they Print their justifications against Dom john, 647. they seek succours, 648. they have three several Camps, 650. their Army defeated near Gemblours, 654. their great Army at remanant, 662  
Estates of the united Provinces resolve for their preservation, 587. they demand succours in England, 588, they begin to distrust Dom john, 644. they declare the King of Spain fallen from the Sovereignty of those Provinces, and take upon them the government, 782  
Extract of the life of Cardinal Granuelle, 344.  
Execution of rigorous Edicts in the Netherlands, 353  
Extract of the King of Spain's Letters to the Duchess of Parma, 408  
Executions done by the Duke of Alva, 449.  
Enschede yields to Prince Maurice, 1132  
Elector of Mentz answer to Cardinal Andrew, 1205  
Enterprise upon the town of Flushing discovered, 1262  
Enterprise to sack and overrun Antwerp. 1264.  
Estates troops made an Incursion into Luxemborg, 1292  
Embden demands aid of the united Provinces against their Earl, 1294  
Erkelens taken and spoiled by Cont Henry of Nassaw, 1366  
Emperor writes to the united Estates touching the borders, 1303  
Estates of the united Provinces prepare for war, 1321  
Enterprise made by Prince Maurice upon the river of Scheld, which proved unfortunate, 1341.  
Emperor sends to the Hage for a Passport for his Ambassadors to treat of a league or peace, 1343  
Estates refuse and deny the Emperor's request, 1343.  
Earl of Hertford sent Ambassador from England to the Archdukes, 1349  
Enterprise by the Spaniards upon Berghen, 1348.  
Enterprise upon Grave quickly discovered, 1349.  
Enterprise upon Sluys ill performed by the Spaniards, 1355  
Estates persuade Prince Maurice to relieve Rhinberck. 1363  
Enterprise upon Venlo. ibid.  
Earls of Brouck murdered by the Spaniards. 1366   

F  
FAction of Schieringers and Vetcoopers' in Friesland, long and dangerous. 75  
Faction of Hoockins and Cabillaux in Holland. 98  
Factions revive in Holland. 146  
Factions in Friesland demand succours for the Duke of Saxony. 218  
Factions in the Religion at Vtrecht. 1057  
Faction barbarous of the Admiral of Arragon, to summon a neutral place. 1174  
Flemings chased out of the I'll of Walchrens. 56, defeated with bloodshed. Put to rout by the Earl of Holland. 66  
Flemings more severely entreated for matters of Religion than any other. 382  
Fleet sent from Antwerp to victual Middelbourg, defeated. 542 

Floris the first, the sixth Earl of Holland assailed by the bishops of Liege and Collogne. 18    
Floris the third, the thirteen Earl taken prisoner by the Earl of Flanders. 38. his death. 939  
Floris the fourth, the seventeen Earl slain at a Torney in Clermont. 52  
Floris the fifth, the nineteen Earl subdues the Frisons. 53. he forceth a Lady basely. 67. the cause of his death. 68  
Fort floating at Antwerp called the end of the wars. 877  
Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldom. 199  
Floris of Holland treacherously slain by the Earl of Cuyck. 34  
Frederick the third Emperor comes into the Netherlands with his son Maximilian 204. he dislikes the peace made by his son with the Flemings. ibid.  
Francis of Valois Duke of Alencon comes with an army to succour Cambray. 778. he is invested Duke of Brabant. 796. and Earl of Flanders. 804. fails to surprise Antwerp. 812. he seeks to excuse it. 815. what chief men of his army were slain and taken there. 814  
Fort of Sas by Gant taken by the Spaniards. 827  
Fort of the Hage in the country of Liege yielded to the Estates. 1045  
Fort of Zutphen surprised by the Estates. 1047.  
Fort of Delfzyel yielded to the Estates. 1049  
Fort of Patience sold by certain French men to the Spaniard. 1154  
Frisons subdued by the Earl of Holland. 7. they rebel. 27. are reconciled to the Earl. 73  
Frisons impatient, of great exactions, take arms. 222. they complain. 228. and refuse Albert Duke of Saxony for their Governor. 229  
Flanders punished with three plagues together 932  
Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards. 509  
Fight at Coesteyn-dike. 878  
Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards. 519  
Friars burnt at Bruges. 657  
Furnes and Dixmuiden yielded to the Spaniard. 827  
Fort at the Sluice of Outdwater basely abandoned. 583  
Fort built at Burcht by the Spaniard. 598  
Fight at sea betwixt six galleys and certain English and Holland ships. 1290  
Frederick Spinola general of the galleys, defeated, flies. 1292. slain in an other fight at sea. 296  
Fort of the Spaniards taken with great slaughter of their men. 136  
Forts taken by P. Maurice near the I'll of Cadsandt. 1307   

G  
GAnthois abandon their Duke before Calais. 147. are defeated by the Hollanders rebel against Charles of Bourgongne. 161. entreat Marie their Princess ill. 187. put her Councillors to death, being reconciled they mutiny against the Archduke. 203  
Ganthois being in mutiny take the Duke of Arschot and others prisoners 649. they levy men. 676. are defeated by the Malcontents. 681. Articles offered them by the Estates. 684. being in mutiny they seek to deliver Alost to the Spaniard. 683. they yield to the Spaniard. 862. their Citadel built again. ibid.  
Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, his behaviour in Groaning. 614  
Gaspar of Anastro a Bankeroat Merchant undertakes to kill the Prince of Orange. 799  
Geldrois in war against the Hollanders. 169. they revolt from the house of Bougongne. 193.  
Geldres sold to the Spaniard by Patton a Scottishman. 958  
George Duke of Saxony succeeds Duke Henry his bro●…her in Friesland. 225. he resigns it to Prince Chaerles. 241  
Gaesbeck surprised by the Spaniard. 803  
Gerard van Velsen a knight of Holland kills Floris Earl of Holland. 68 is besieged, taken and executed. 69  
Gheertruyde widow to Cont Floris 1. tutrix to her son Floris Earl of Holland, marries with Robert the Frison. ibid.  
George of Lalaine Earl of Rheneberg yields Groaning treacherously to the Spaniard. 734.  
Genles and the French coming to relieve Mons, defeated by the Duke of Alua. 489  
Gheertruydenberg surprised by the Prince of Orange. 528. the soldiers mutyning it is besieged by Prince Maurice 1016. sold to the Duke of Parma. 1017. besieged and taken by Prince Maurice. 1●…61  
Ghisbrecht of Brederow chosen bishop of Vtrecht. 148. he compounds with the Duke of Bourgongne and resigns his Bishopric. ibid.  
Governors and Knights of the Order assembled in the Netherlands touching the new bishops. 348  
Grave in Brabant besieged by the Spaniard & yielded. 950. taken again by Prince Maurice. 1280  
Groll besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice 1131. recovered by the Marquis Spinola. 1360  
Groningers offer to acknowledge the Earl of Holland. 113  
Groaning besieged by the duke of Saxony. 229. treats with the Earl of Embden, yields unto the Estates and their governor prisoner 614. a tumult in the town and some of the Clergy prisoners. 649. they are forced to enter into the union of Vtrecht. 701. delivered up to the Spaniard. 734. besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1091  
Groenevelt, governor of Sluis. 909  
Gorrichom taken. 130  
Guy of Dompierre Earl of Flanders makes war in Holland. 66  
Groningers send to the Emperor. 213  
Guisnes taken by assault from the French. 625  
Gramberghe yielded to Cont William of Nassau. 1068  
Goor abandoned to the Estates. 1133  
Ghistelles' governor of Ostend. 1302. slain there. 1305  
Groaning Castle beaten down. 1366   

H  
HArlem besieged by Contesse jaqueline. 139. punished by the duke of Saxony. 210  
Harlem besieged by the duke of Alva, defends itself valiantly. 491. yields to the Duke's mercy. 514. redeems itself from spoil. ibid.  
Haultepenne and Cont Hohenlo make hot wars. 907  
Haultepenne defeated and slain. 950  
Henry Duke of Saxony leaves Friesland to his brother George. 225  
herentals in Brabant abandoned to the Spaniard by the Colonels of Antwerp. 851  
Heraugier surpriseth Breda and is made governor. 1035  
Hemert governor of Grave executed at Vtrecht. 951  
Hollanders rebel against Thierry of Aquitane their first Earl. 3. defeated in Friesland and their revenge. 63. twice defeated by the Flemings in Walchrens. 81. in war with them of Vtrecht. 134. they take arms to succour the bishop of of Vtrecht, 196. defeated by them of Vtrecht. ibid.  
Hookins chased out of Leyden by the Cabillautins. 195. they recover the town. ibid.  
Humbercourt wyns great honour at the yielding up of Liege. 162  
Hulst surprised by the Ganthois 209. besieged and taken by Prince Maurice. 1051. along and dear siege to Cardinal Albert, which in the end yields. 1117  
Horsemen of the Duke of Parmas' defeated by Prince Manrice in the Betuwe. 1050  
Hue in the Country of Liege surprised by Herauguiere and recovered presently by the Spaniard. 1103   

I  
IAqueline or jacoba Countess of Holland, 128. made sure to john Duke of Brabant, 129. defeats the Lord of Arckel, and marries with Duke john. 130. leaves the Duke her husband. 135. marries with the Duke of Gloucester, 137. besieged by the Duke of Brabant in Mons: delivered to the Duke of Bourgongne, and escapes, 138 abandoned by the Duke of Gloucester, 139. is victorious at Alpen, 140. she makes an accord with the Duke of Bourgongne, 141. marries with Franc of Borselle 142. her death, 143  
james Heesel a Councillor hanged at Gand, 682.  
jealousy betwixt the Nobility of the Netherlands, for the lieutenancy of the Archduke Mathias. 654  
jealousy in the german Prince's Camp, 1219.  
jeronimo Rhoda a Priest, chief of the Spanish mutines. 595  
john Earl of Henaut, succeeds in the County of Holland, 78. defeats the Flemings, 83. his death, 85  
john de Renesse a knight of Zealand wrongfully accused and banished. 74. he provokes the Earl of Flanders against the Earl of Holland. 79. his death. ibid.  
john Lord of Arckel and his children make war against the Earl of Holland. 118  
john van Vlyet beheaded at the Hage. 137  
john of Koestein undertakes to poison the Earl of Charolois. 150. is beheaded. ibid.  
john of Bavaria bishop of Liege, carries himself as Tutor of Holland. 13●…. he obtains the Earldom of the Emperor from his Niece jaqueline. Leyden yielded to him. 134. his death. 137  
john Earl of Nassau brings jewels out of Spain to King Philip. 233  
john of Imbise and his actions at Gant. 714. his return out of Germany. 827. for his treachery he is executed at Gant. 859  
john of Austria bastard to the Emperor Charles the fifth Governor in the Netherlands. 600. he confirms the pacification of Gant. 623. he grows hateful to the Estates, 635. his dissembling. 636. thinking to assure Antwerp he looseth it. 638. he seizeth upon the Castle of Namur. 640, his letters intercepted. 646, he seeks to justify himself. ibid. the reasons of his retreat. he sends to succour Ruremonde. 651, he raiseth an army. 653. publisheth his justification, 649. defeats the Estates at Gemblours. 654, he recovers many towns in Henault, 656. his death. 677  
Inundation voluntarily made by Delf to relieve Leyden, 567  
jars betwixt the English and Zeelanders. 592  
Images beaten down in Flanders. 409  
Inglemuster besieged by La Nove. 774  
English and Scots defeated by the Duke of Parma at Rosendael. 826  
Infanta of Spain given in marriageto Albertus' Archduke of Austria. 1160. is acknowledged by virtue of her procuration Duchess of Brabant. 1169  
Inondation in the Netherlands. 463  
Inquisition of Spain cunningly brought into the Netherlands. 342  
Institution of new bishops. 343  
Instruction given by the King of Spain to the Prince his son before his death. 1178  
English men disloyal, rewarded for their treachery. 358  
Englishmen seize upon the Abbot of Michel's within Antwerp, for their pay 688  
Instructions given by the Prince of Orange to General Norris, going into England. 835.  
Island Del Principe taken by Moucheron. 1156  
justification sent by the Commons of Antwerp to the Prince of Orange. 400  
justification of the Protestant Ministers of Antwerp. 409  
justin Nassau made Admiral of Zeeland upon the displacing of Treslon. 875  
juw Decama chosen Popestate of Frisleland. 213. junius writes to Champigny. 556.  
john Bouvier Master of the fireworks to Prince Maurice slain by mischance. 1152  
Isendyke besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1307  
Encounter at Mulhem. 1352   

K  
KAsenbroot Volck were certain poor peasants in Holland which did rise and went towards Leyden. 210. they sue for mercy. ibid.  
Koppel yielded to the Estates. 808  
Koestein seeking to poison the Earl of Charolois, is beheaded. 150  
Knotsenbourg a fort right against Nymegen. 1036. besieged by the Duke of Parma in vain. 1049   

L  
LAmoral Earl of Egmont sent into Spain and to what end. 351 he seeks to pacify the troubles in Flanders. 400. his blindness 434. he is put in prison by the Duke of Alua. 437. and executed. 451  
Latin Governor of Middelborge slain. 512  
Leerdam taken by the Spaniard. 573  
Leyden besieged, by the Spaniard. 541. the resolution of the besieged. 560. a brave answer of the besieged. 565, a courageous speech of a Bourguemaster. 567. succours from God not expected, their full delivery. 570. a general collection for the poor of the town. 572  
Leyden surprised by the Hoekins. 195. besieged by the Lord of Montigny, the Governor. ibid.  
Lembourg besieged and yielded to Don john. 659  
Lens in Arthois surprised and spoiled by the Duke of Anious men. 801 

Letters from the Nobility of the Netherlands to the King of Spain, touching the troubles, the King's answer and their reply, 348. from the King to the Netherlands, otherwise than they expected. 351. from the Prince of Orange to the Duchess of Parma. 353. her answer. 354. from the Duchess of Parma to the towns of the Netherlands 398. from her to the confederate Noblemen. 405. from the King of Spain to the P. of Orange. 412. from Francisco De Alana to the Duchess of Parma. 413. From the Earl of Horn to the King of Spain. 346. From the Prince of Orange to the general Estates. 601. From the Estates of Brabant to the other Provinces against the Spaniard. 561, from the Estates of Lille, Dovay and Orchies to the general Estates. 690. from the Prince of Orange to Cont john his brother. 840, from Saint Aldegonde to the signory of Metkerke touching a peace. 897. from the Queen of England to the Duke of Parma and to the Estates. 923, from Waremond Stochelen touching the betraying of Deventer, 945, from the Estates to the Queen of England. 952. of Donation of the Netherlands to the Infanta of Spain. 1160, of the King of Spain's intercepted, 1172. from Prince Maurice to the Circles. 1184. From the Emperor to Cardinal Andrew of Austria. 1193. and to the united Estates. ibid.    
Letters from the Duke of Anjou to them of Antwerp. 816  
Leoninus speech to the general Estates for the Earl of Leicester. 959  
Liegeois chase way their bishop brother to the Earl of Holland, and are defeated in battle, 121. they take arms against the Duke of Bourgongne, 156. they sue for peace and obtain it. 157. they help the Spaniards at the siege of Mastricht. 707  
Liege taken and miserably burnt by Charles Duke of Bourgongne. 167  
Leire in Brabant assured for the Estates. 645, delivered by treason to the Spaniard. 805. taken by the Estates and presently lost again, 1111  
Lillo besieged by the Spaniard, raiseth his siege with shame. 850  
Liefkens Hoeck and Doel taken by the Estates. 876  
Linghen besieged and taken by Prince Maurice, 1134, besieged and taken again by the Marquis Spinola. 1348  
Lochum besieged by the Spaniard. 808. the Camp riseth. ibid.  
Lord of Berghen slain in the Duke of Brabant's chamber. 135  
Lord of Brederode defeated and taken prisoner. 141  
Lord of Arckel taken prisoner. 123  
Louvaine yielded to Don john. 654  
Lewis Duke of Bavaria husband to Marguerite of Holland Emperor. 97  
Lewis de Requesens great Commander of Castille, succeeds the Duke of Alva in the government of the Netherlands. 539. his army at sea defeated. 544. three several designs at one instant. 551. having propounded unreasonable conditions of peace, he resolves to war, 583, his death. ibid.  
Lord of Froment forsakes done Ihon. 646  
Lembourg besieged and taken by the Prince of Parma. 660  
Loopers of Ostend. 1299  
Lewis de Valasco beaten from his fort by Dam with loss of men. 1309  
Loss in the Archdukes army before Ostend. 1318  
Lodowick Earl of Nassau dies in Sluis. 1318   

M  
MAgistrates and Bourge●…s in Harlem agree together. 498  
Marguerite Empress, Countess of Holland. 97. in war against her son, and overcomes him. 99 is defeated by her son. 100 her death. ibid.  
Mary Duchess of Bourgongne, Countess of Holland. 181, restrained by the Ganthois: 187. their insolencies towards her, she marries with Maximilian of Austria. 191. her death and her Children. 197  
Maximilian of Austria marries the Princess of Bourgongne. 191, he comes into Holland to pacify the factions. 194 he carries himself as tutor of his wives Children, after her death. 197. is created King of romans. 201, comes into Holland. 207. succeeds in the Empire. 212  
Macklin surprised by the Estates. 742. yielded to the Spaniard. 882  
Malcontents and their beginning in the Netherlands. 664. their coloured reasons to fall from the Estates. 688  
Marriage of Cont William of Nassau. 980  
Mathias Archduke of Austria called to the Government of the Netherlands. 657. resigns his Government. 749. his departure out of the Netherlands. 789  
Mastricht besieged. 703. the Estates make a show to relieve it. 704. the Spaniard takes it by assault. 708  
Martin Schenck a Colonel follows the State's party. 878. he makes a road into the Diocese of Cologne. 917. builds the Fort of Sgraven-weert. 951. surpriseth Bonne, 983. goes to an Imperial Diet. 990. victualeth Berke. 1020. his unfortunate enterprise upon Nymeghen and his death. 1021  
Marguerite of Austria bastard to the Emperors Charles the fifth, Governess of the Netherlands. 335  
Marshal Byron dissuades the Duke of Anjou from the enterprise of Antwerp. 812. he retires with the Duke's troops into France. 829  
Mary Millet revengeth herself of captain Pont, who had forced her, she kills him, and is murdered. 661  
Macklin summoned by the Estates will stand neuter. 715  
Marquis of Warenbon prisoner to the French. 1123. defeated by the Estates. 1024  
Marquis Spinola comes to relieve Sluis. 1313. his men ran from him. 1314. he offers to force the Prince's trenches. ibid. he retires not able to relieve it. ibid. he seeks to enter into Cadsandt, and is repulsed. 1315.  
Marquis of Roubay slain at the Stocadoe before Antwerp. 875  
Maurice of Nassau borne Prince of Orange, Marquis of Camphor, succeeds his father in the Government of Holland. 859. makes a road into Brabant to draw the Spaniard from Sluis. 959. comes into Zeeland and writes to the Queen of England. 992. enters into the Government after the Earl of Liecester. 1026. pursues Uerdugoes troops. 1061. his care to succour Hulst. 1117. attends to fight with the Admiral of Arragon. 1187. entrencheth himself at Harwarden. 1213. prepares for the wars in Flanders. 1240. Lands with his army at Philippine. 1241. besieged Nieuport. 1243  
Maurice entrencheth himself at Waterulyet. 1346.  
Maurice of Nassau prepares to besiege Sluis. 1305. he camped before it. 1309  
Menin a town in Flanders taken by the Malcontents. 664. recovered by the Estates. 716. abandoned to the Spaniard by them of Bruges. 831  
Megen surprised by them of Bommel. 503. won by the Estates. 810. abandoned to the Spaniard. 951  
Meppel surprised for the Estates. 979  
Messenger flying at Leyden. 567  
Maeurs town and Castle yielded to the Estates. 1130  
Maeurs fired by treason. 1347  
Means wrought to break the Stocadoe before Antwerp. 875  
Medenblicke besieged by the Estates. 988  
Mary of Austria Queen Dovager of Hungary, Governess of the Netherlandes. 267  
Michael Renichon a Priest attempts to kill Prince Maurice. 1077  
Middelbourg besieged and yielded to the protestants. 544  
Montgomery the younger comes to serve the Prince of Orange. 512  
Monks in the abbeys in Friesland turn to the factions. 203  
Montfort besieged by the Duke of Saxony. 220  
Money made of paper at Leyden during the siege. 559  
Money of the Duke of Alva's intercepted in Germany. 447  
Montigny brother to the Earl of Horn, sent into Spain. 340. poisoned there. 454  
Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowick of Nassau. 475. is besieged. 489. the great endeavours of the besieged 490. yielded. 495  
Montdagon Governor of Middelbourg yields the town to the Prince of Orange. 544. forbid the contribution. 1026. seeks in vain to recover Hulst. 1051  
Montpensier blameth the duke of Anjou for the enterprise of Antwerp. 815  
Mortaigne and Saint Amand taken by the Spaniard. 715  
La Motte of graveling lays a plot, to surprise the English. 920. he is slain before dourlan's, his life and qualities. 1106  
Murder of a kinsman most cruel. 218  
Murry Colonel of the Scottishmen slain at Bommel. 1210  
Murmuring in the Netherlands for the bringing in of new Bishops 346  
Mutynie of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora Veillacoes 547. at Xiricxee. 573. at Mastricht pacefied and punished by the Estates. 657. at Bruges. 208. at Gant. 272. at Medemblick. 987. in Gheertruydenbergh. 990. another mutynie there. 1016. At Sgravenweerd. 1022. of the Spaniards a Courtray. 1030. At Saint Paul. 1065. of Walloons and italians in Henault. ibid. of italians at Sichem. 1097. At Hochstrate. 1281. at Diest. 1229. in Isabella's fort. 1263.  
Maeurs taken by Prince Maurice. 1268.  
Mutineers at Hochstraten protected by the united Provinces. 1289  
Mutineers of Hochstraten reconciled to the Archduke. 1310. they serve the Archduke at the relief of Sluis. 1313   

N  
NAerden a town in Holland sacked and burnt by the Spaniard. 406.  
neutrality in Religion propounded. 356.  
Nienhoven a town in Flanders surprised. 200  
Nithard Fockes a german Colonel in Frislland. 218  
Nicholas Salcedo attempts to kill the Duke of Anjou and the Prince of Orange. 804.  
Nieuport yielded to the Spaniard. 827. besieged by Prince Maurice. 1243  
Nymeghen yielded to the Spaniard. 874. Schenck fails to surprise it. 1021. besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1052  
Niuel●…e in Brabant besieged and yielded to Don john. 656. surprised by the Estates. 715  
Nieuvenort seizeth upon Otterdam. 868  
Nobility of the Netherlands being confederate, send the Duchess of Parma, an act of their promise. 407  
Noircames besieged Valenciennes which being yielded he breaks his faith. 417  
Nuys in the Diocese of Cologne surprised, spoiled and put to ransom. 877. besieged by the Spaniard. 917. taken by force. 919.  
La Nove in Mons during the siege. 490. he makes the war in Flanders for the general Estates of the union. 695. makes the Spaniards to abandon the Fort of Villebrooke. 715. is taken prisoner by the Spaniards. 745  
Nobility of the Netherlands assemble at Trudon. 368   

O  
OLdenziel besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1133  
Oliver the French Kings Barber sent to Gant, and what he did 182  
Otto van Langen commissary for the Emperor in Friesland, and what he did. 220  
Otmarsom besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1133. taken again by the Spaniard. 1073  
Oudwater besieged by the Spaniard, 583. bravely defended. 584. taken by assault. 585.  
Order of the Golden Fleece given at Gant. 336 the new Knights. ibid.  
Oath propounded by the Duchess of Parma, to the Nobility of the Netherlands. 421  
Oath commanded by the Estates at the abjuration of the King of Spain. 789  
Oath propounded by the Estates unto their Catholics. 801  
Orders made by the Estates for martial discipline. 751  
Oxlagh taken by the Spaniard. 740  
Opinions of the enterprise of Antwerp. 817  
Orders made by the Estates for their horse and foot. 1199  
Ostend besieged by the Spaniard. 1262. in danger to be taken. 1275. they offer to parley. 1276. a general assault given and repulsed. 1277. they yield upon composition. 1317.  
Oldenziell yielded to Spinola. 1348   

P  
PAcification of Gant and the declaration thereof. 604. misconstred by Don john of Austria. 636  
Paul Buys Advocate for the Estates of Holland, prisoner at Vtrecht. 921. escapes. 922.  
Pardon general offered by the Duke of Alva, with many restraints. 462  
Pardon offered by Don Lewis of Requesens. 552  
Pardon general offered by Don john of Austria. 656  
Passage free to the sea not going by Antwerp. ibid.  
Patton a Scottishman sells the town of Geldre to the Spaniard. 958  
Peace, Betwixt the French and the Bourgognons. 198. Betwixt the King of romans and the Flemings. 207. betwixt the houses of Bourgougne and Geldres. 207. betwixt the Emperor and the protestants of Germany. 268. betwixt the Emperor and the French King. 279. betwixt France and Spain. 330. betwixt France and Spain. 1141. betwixt England and Spain. 1318  
Peter of Melun Prince of Espinoy, Governor of Tournay, tempted by the Malcontents to forsake the general union, but continues constant. 695  
Peter Lanchals' Thresorer to the King of romans beheaded at Bruges. 203  
Peter Pan sent to kill Prince Maurice executed. 1153  
Peter de Four sent to kill Prince Maurice, executed. 1095  
Peter Ernest Earl of Mansfeldt, made Lieutenant by provision after the Duke of Parma. 1063  
Pedro Derdego pretending to kill the Prince of Orange is executed at Antwerp. 799  
People of the Netherlands complain to the King of Spain and make him great offers. 418. they protest against the Nobility. ibid.  
Persecution in Antwerp of Christopher Fabri. 350.  
Petition, made by the Netherlanders unto the King for the retiring of the Spaniards. 336. made by the Estates of Brabant to the King of Spain, 373. made by the Nobility of the Netherlands to the Duchess of Parma. 383 made by the protestants of the Netherlands to the Confederate Noblemen. 389. made by the reformed Churches to the Magistrate of Antwerp. 392. by them of Antwerp to the Duchess of Parma. 426. by the Estates of Holland to the King of Spain, 554. by them of Flanders against the Inquisition. 382. by the confederate Gentlemen. 419. against the religious peace. 672  
Peace propounded to Dom john by diverse Princes, 665  
Philip Duke of Bourgongne, his first practices to seize upon Holland, Zealand, and Henault, 138. he defeats the English and Zelanders at Brouwershaven, 139. makes warreaginst them of Vtrecht, 140. buys the County of Namur, 141. succeeds to the Duchy of Brabant, 142. and to the Earldoms of Holland, Zealand and Henault, 143. he brings his bastard, David Bishop of Teroane, into the Bishopric of Vtrecht by force, 148  
Philip of Austria, son to the Emperor Maximilian, 193. takes possession of the Netherlands, 217. goes with his wife into Spain, 226. is crowned King of Castille in the right of his wife, 228. his death, 232.  
Philip Earl of Hohenlo presseth the Spaniard in the Isle of Bommel, 1024. marries the Prince of Orange's daughter, 1012. comes to the battle of Tournhout, and gives the first charge, 1126. his death, 1355.  
Philip the second King of Spain, 317. his last departure out of the Netherlands, 337. seeks peace with France, 1141. he gives his daughter the Infanta in marriage to the Archduke Albert, 1160  
Philip-ville yielded to Dom john, 659  
Philip of Montmorencie Earl of Horn, imprisoned by the Duke of Alva, 437. executed at Brussels, 451  
Philip Earl of Egmont makes an attempt upon Brussels to his great dishonour, 706. is taken prisoner in his town of Nyenhoven, 730. is delivered for Monsieur la Nove, 883  
Philip of Marnix, signor of Saint Aldegond, prisoner to the Spaniards, 530. his speech to them of Antwerp during the siege, 868. his death, 1205  
Philip Earl of Nassau makes a road into Luxembourg for the Estates, 1063. he chargeth the Spaniards, is wounded, taken prisoner and dies, 1104  
Precedent appointed in the Provincial council in Holland, Zeeland and Westfriseland, 146  
Preaching forborn in Antwerp, 400  
Prince of Spain's speech to the Duke of Alva, 415.  
Princes of the Empire in Arms against the Admiral of Arragon, 1209  
Ponthus of Noielle Siegnior of Bours, procures the Castle of Antwerp to be delivered to the Estates, 645  
Proclamation of the Estates for the observing of the pacification of Gand, 604  
Proclamation of the Duke of Parma, against the town of Aix. 1027  
Proclamation of the King of Spain, dispensing with the payment of his debts, 1123  
Protestants of Amsterdam propound five articles to their Magistrate, 425  
Pedro Dordoigno sent to kill the Prince of Orange, executed. 824  
Protestants defeated at Austerweel, 422  
Protestants of the Netherlands make war at Sea under the Prince of Orange, 463.  
Proceeding upon the petition of the Nobles in the Netherlands. 390  
Practices of Charles Duke of Bourgongne, to ruin the house of Brederode, 169  
Protestants request for a religious peace, 666.  
Proscription against the Prince of Orange, 763.  
Preparation of the Spanish army at Sea, in the year 1588. 998  
Preacher murdered at Deutecome, 1200  
Protestation of the Prince of Orange, for his taking arms, 491  
Prince of juilliers and Cleves unfortunately married, 880  
Practice to betray Gheertruydenberg discovered. 1259   

Q.  
QVarrell betwixt them of Bruges and Antwerp. 200  
Question among the Clergy of the Netherlands, for incorporating of spiritual living to the new Bishoprics, 347  
Question in Spain about the choosing of a General to subdue the Netherlands, 415  
Queen of England offers succours to the Estates, 890. she publisheth the reasons that moves her thereunto. 894   

R.  
RAmeken a Fort in Zealand besieged and yielded to the Protestants, 518  
Reconciliation of Arthois, Henault, etc. to the Spaniard, 708  
Refusal to surpresse the new Bishops, augments the troubles in the Netherlands, 351.  
Remedy to stanch the blood in the Prince of Orange's wound 801  
Religious peace made, 669  
Resolution of the Estates of Holland, 557  
Renold Lord of Brederode and his brother, imprisoned by the Bishop of Vtrecht, 169. his process being referred to the Knights of the Order, he is absolved, 170  
Retreat of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands. 625  
Retreat of the ministers out of Antwerp. 426.  
Retreat of many Protestants out of the Netherlands. 410  
Relation of the enterprise at Antwerp. 812  
Return of the Spaniards into the Netherlands. 809  
Re●…er van Bron chuysen captain for them of Vtrecht. 196  
River cut from Vtrecht to Leck. 107  
Rhinberk besieged in vain by the Spaniard. 924. taken by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt. 1025. besieged and won by Prince Maurice. 1129. recovered again by the Admiral of Arragon. 1284. taken again by Prince Maurice. 1286. and last of all by the Marquis Spinola. 1364.  
Richardot sent into Spain by the Duke of Parma. 1020  
Rob●…rt Dudley Earl of Leicester General for the Queen of England. 910. discontented with the Estates. 921. at his going into England he appoints a Council of Estate. 930. prepares to raise the siege of Sluis. 961. he excuseth himself unto the Estates for not doing it. 964. he fails to surprise Leyden. 979. is called home into England and resigns his Government unto the Estates. 982  
Romerswall yielded to the Spaniard. 53  
Rotterdam yielded to the King of the romans romans 207  
Rovard of Brabant, what Office it is. 1●…6  
Rowland York made Governor of the Fort at Zutphen. 928. sells it to the Spaniard. 943.  
Ryperdas speech to them of Harlem. 497  
Roeroort surprised by Schenck. 991   

S  
SAint Quintin besieged and taken by the King of Spain. 323  
Saint From in Liege yielded to duke Cha●…ls of Bourgongne. 162  
Sarras Governor of Flussing unfortunate. 477. is charged by the Spaniards and repulseth them at Sooteland. 478  
Saint Guislaine a town in Henault assured for the Estates. 655  
Saint Andrew's Fort besieged by Prince Maurice and yielded. 1230  
Sanchio de Auila sent to succour Tergoes, and performs it happily. 479  
Scandal, how interpreted. 883  
Sanchio de Auila sent to besiege Flussing. 477  
Sas by Gant seized on by the Spaniard. 827  
Sentence for the razing of Culembeurgs' house. 444  
Schonhoven surprised by the Countess jaqueline. 134. yielded to the Spaniard by composition. 586  
Sentence of the Inquisition against the Netherlands. 443  
Separation of the confederate nobles of the Netherlands. 410  
Separation of the three jurisdictions of Holland cut to relieve Leyden. 560  
Sevenberghe taken and the Lord of it driven away. 139. taken by the Earl of Mansfeldt for the Spaniard. 1035  
Schulenbourg taken by the Spaniard. 877.  
Siege of the Protestants of Zeeland before Tergoes, their army flies away amazed. 478  
Sichen in Brabant yields to the Spaniard. 654. recovered for the Estates and after yielded to the Spaniard. 826  
Slyckembourg taken for the Estates. 877  
Sluis besieged by the Duke of Saxony ●…11. besieged and taken by the Spaniard. 961  
Ships and men coming out of Spain defeated by the Estates ships. 1347  
Spinola marcheth with his army towards Friesland. 1347  
Spaniards repulsed at an enterprise upon Berghen. 1349  
Spinola goes into Spain. 1353  
Sentence pronounced against the Governor and Captains which yielded Linghen to Spinola. 1354  
Spinola seeks to enter into the Suider Sea. 1359.  
Ships of Holland taken by the Danes. 251  
Skirmish at Rymenant Leguer. 662  
Spell a Provost Marshal hanged at brussels. 462  
Specification of the oppressions done by the Admiral of Arragon's men in a neutral Country. 1190  
Soubourg a Fort in Zeeland besieged by the Flussingers and yielded. 508  
Spaniard beaten at the Bryele. 472. they surprise Berghen up Zome. 474. they fail to surprise Camphor. 475. they quit the siege of Leyden and fly. 570. they mutiny and fail to surprise Vtrecht. 573. they surprise Alost in Flanders. 590. they assemble in the Castle of Antwerp. 596. they depart by accord. 626. they are chased out of the I'll of Bommel. 1024. they mutiny and surprise Courtraye. 1030. they attempt Lochen in vain. 1046. they overrun the neutral Countries. 1174. they mutiny, and seize upon Hochstrate. 1281. a sentence of proscription against them, and their answer, 1282.  
Staveren a town in Friesland, their prosperity and declining, 30  
Stanley an English Colonel sells Deventer to the Spaniard, 942  
Steenwicke a town in Oueryssell besieged by the Spaniard, 752. victualled, 761. freed from siege, 762. surprised by the Spaniard, 810. besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1059  
Steward a Scottish Colonel entertained into the Estates service, 656  
Submission of the West-Frisons to the Earl of Holland, 94  
Substance of the Deputies Letters assembled at Dortmont, and of the Prince Electors to the Emperor, 1187  
Sparendam taken by the Spaniard, 498  
Supplies of men and munition sent to Sluys, 958.  
Swol in an uproar, 737  
Success of the Estates army at the Canaries 1213.  
Sluys summoned by Prince Maurice, 1310. in extremity for victuals, 1312. they desire a parley, 1315. yielded to Prince Maurice, 1316.  
Ships and men coming out of Spain defeated by the Estates ships, 1347  
Spinola marcheth with his army towards Frizeland. 1347  
Spaniards repulsed at an enterprise upon Berghen 1349  
Spinola goes into Spain, 1353  
Sentence pronounced against the Governor and Captains, which yielded Linghen to Spinola, 1354.  
Spinola seeks to enter into the Suider sea, 1359.   

T.  
Temple's built for the Protestants in Antwerp. 409  
Temples granted for the Protestants in diverse places of the Netherlands, 665  
Testimony of the providence of God at the ●…iege of Leyden. 567  
Teligny taken prisoner upon the river of Antwerp. 866  
Tenth penny imposed by the Duke of Alva, 465.  
Tergoes besieged by the Protestants, 478  
Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earl of Holland. 3. his genealogy, 5.  
Thi●…rry the second Earl, subdues the Frisons. 7.  
Thierry the third, the fourth Earl, defeats the Frisons, and revengeth his father's death. 14  
Thierry the fourth, the fifth Earl of Holland, slain in Dordrecht. 16  
Thierry the fifth, the tenth Earl of Holland, defeated the Frisons twice, 27  
Thierry the seventh, the fourteen Earl of Holland, 41. in quarrel with his brother William, 42. his death, 43.  
Tillemont a town in Brabant, yields to Don john. 654  
Tongres a town in Liege, yielded to Charles Duke of Bourgongne, 532  
Tourney besieged and yielded to the Archduke Maximilian, 193. besieged by the Duke of Parma, and taken. 790  
Treaty of peace betwixt john of Baua●…a, and the Countess of Holland his Niece, 133. betwixt the Earl of C●…arolois and the Liegeois, 155. in Friesland betwixt the Scheringers and Vetcoopers', 27●…. at Vtrecht for the union, 700. at Breda in vain, 574. at Cologne fruitless, 713. at the Hage. ibid.  
Transactions of the Abbays in Brabant to free themselves from incorporations, 350.  
Treslon prisoner in the Castle of Antwerp. 645.  
Treslon Admiral of Zeeland, imprisoned by the Estates, 875.  
Tournay and Tournesis refuse to enter into the reconciliation with Arthois, etc. 695.  
Troubles in Antwerp, 394. other troubles for the hurting of the Prince of Orange, 800.  
Troubles at Embden, 1154  
Truchses Elector of Cologne, allies himself unto the Estates. 831  
Tumult of the Commons in Amsterdam, 146. at Leyden among the factions. 147. at Macklyn. 161. at B●…uges for their Coins, 208. In West-Friseland for the Impositions, 221. at Brussels, 276. at Gand, 834. at Vtrecht, ibid. at Leeuwarden in Friesland, 647. At Vtecht by the Clergy against the Magistrates, 1007. at Bruges for the Union, 702.  
Tournhout surprised by the Estates, 1407  
Traffic into Spain for the Netherlanders, forbidden by the Infanta. 1197  
Truce in Arthois and Henault with Cambray, 868  
Theodore Triwlce Lieutenant of all the Archdukes light horsemen, slain at Mulhem, 1353   

V.  
VAlenciennes zealous to the religion, ref●… garrison, 446. is besieged and yielded 417. and surprised by the Protestants, 476, a tumult in the town. 663  
Venlo a town in Gelder's yielded to the Spaniard, 951. they chase away their garrison and Governor. 1●…45  
Verdugo seeks to force Prince Maurice his trenches in vain, 1064  
Vetcoopers' in Freezeland cause of great troubles, 221  
Vicont of Leyden opposeth himself to Cont Thierry. 2  
Vicont of Leyden and their descendants, 134.  
Villevorde a town in Brabant surprised by the Estates, 984  
Uillers defeated near unto Dalem, 448  
Villars and the French defeated near unto Do●…lans, 1106  
Lord of Vere put from his government in Holland. 194  
Vianen abandoned to the Spaniard, 428  
Victory of Prince Maurice against the Archduke Albert near unto Nieuport, 1247.  
Vicont of Turene prisoner to the Spaniard, 778.  
Union general of the Estates of the Netherlands, 615  
Union made by the Provinces, which continued in the first confederation at Vtrecht, 700  
Vlricke first Earl of Embden of East-freezland. 220  
University erected at Leyden in Holland, 583.  
Vtrecht besieged by the Earl of Holland, 34.  
Ʋander Aa, Captain of Prince Maurice guards slain by Sluys. 1309   

W.  
Waginengen a town in Geldres besieged and taken. 194  
Walger Earl of Teysterbaut Brother to Thierry of Aquitaine first Earl of Holland. 2.  
Walchrens an Island of Zeeland against the Spaniard, all but Middelbourg. 475  
Wachtendone a Town in Geldres besieged and yielded to the Spaniard, 510. recovered again by Prince Maurice. 1128.  
Land of Wa●…s yielded to the Spaniard by Seruaes' van Stelandt. 833  
Wandrichom taken by the Spaniard, 551  
War proclaimed betwixt the French king and Spain, 1101.  
War betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and the Ganthois. 147  
Weertdenbras a Fort in Friesland, 230  
Weed yielded to Cont William of Nassau, 1068.  
Weerd a town in Brabant taken by the Spaniard, 682. recovered and spoiled by the Estates men, 828  
Wyricke of Daun Earl Vanden brouck murdered by the Admiral of Arragon's men, 1182.  
Wynschoten yielded to Cont William of Nassau, 1068  
War betwixt the Earl of Holland and the Lord of Arckel, 118. betwixt the Bishop and the town of Vtrecht, 19 betwixt the Archduke Philip and the Geldrois, 227. betwixt the Esterlings and the Netherlanders, 246  
Walraven Lord of Brederode Lieutenant to Countess jaqueline in Holland, slain in Gorrichom, 130  
Westerlo yielded to the Spaniard. 826  
William the sixteen Earl of Holland, enters Holland and disposesseth his Niece. 45. conquers Zeeland, 46  
William the eighteen Earl of Holland, chosen King of the romans, 55. wounded traitorously with a stone in Vtrecht, 59 slain in West-Freezland. ibid.  
William called the good the two & twenty Earl of Holland, 87. does justice upon a Bailiff of South-Holland for a Cow, 89. his death, 90  
William the fourth, the three and twentieth Earl of Holland, 91. makes war against the Russian Infidels, 93. makes war against the Frisons, and is slain in battle. 94  
William of East-Friseland Brother to Thierry the seventh Earl of Holland, escapes out of prison, 42. is called by the Nobles of Holland, 45. is made the six and twenty Earl of Holland, 49. heir to the Crown of Scotland, the which he neglects. ibid.  
William of Bavaria, the five and twenty Earl of Holland, 102. spoils the country of Vtrecht, 103. is distracted. ibid.  
William Earl of Osteruant, son to Cont Albert of Bavaria, 110  
William the seven and twenty Earl of Holland, invested in the Signiory of Arckel, besiegeth Gorrichom, 119. his death, 125.  
William of Nassau Prince of Orange seeks to pacify the troubles in Antw●…rpe, 394, he retires out of the Netherlands, bids the Earl of Egmont farewell, and forewarns him, 417. the Duke of Alva gives Commission to apprehend him, 438. he makes his answer, and publisheth his justification, 439. he enters into the Netherlands with an army, 457. it mutines and breaks, ibid. he returns with a small train and great danger into Germany, 4●…8. prepares to succour his Brother within Mons, 490. marching thither he takes diverse Towns, ibid. he offers battle to the Duke of Alva, and he refuseth it, 492. he dismisseth his army and goes into Holland, 493. comes into Zeeland, 531. comes to Leyden after the siege, 572. He is made Rovard of Brabant, 648. and Governor of Flanders, 714. his oration to the Estates of Holland, 718. his answer to the King of Spain's proscription. 764. entreated to continue his government, and his speech to the Estates, 792. wounded in the face by a Biscain. 801. his advice upon the reconciliation of the Duke of Anjou 818. retires from Antwerp, and comes into Zeeland, 828. he is murdered, 853  
Woeden surprised by the Siegnior of Montfort. 207  
Would Castle yielded to the Estates, 825. sold by a French Captain to the Spaniard. 945. taken again by Prince Maurice 1342.  
Wachtendone taken by the Spaniard. 1351  
Women found living in the Sea in Holland. 116.  
Women murdered by a Spaniard. 1358   

Y.  
YSelstein a town in Holland given to the Lord of ●…ere, 75  
Ypre a Town in Flan●…rs blocked up by the Spaniards and yielded, 835   

Z.  
ZElanders with their Army a●… Sea, do wisely forbear to fight w●… the Spaniards, 519. they take the s●… of war before Antwerp, 351  
Zelanders attempt Dunkirk in vanie, 1046  
Ziricxee besieged by Guy Earl of Flanders. 83. surprised by Albert Duke of Saxony, 200. besieged by the Spaniards, 587. yielded to the Council of Estate at Brussels, 590  
Zutphen a Town in Oueryssel sacked by the Spaniard, 496. afterwards the Estates holding it, the Spaniards surprise it. 831. besieged in vain by the Earl of Leicester. 926. besieged and yielded to Prince Maurice. 1048  
Zichem yielded to the Spaniard. 826.    

ERRATA.  
Page 149. line 18. for have make read have made. page, 210. line, 2. for want succours want of succours, ibid. line 27, for Abert read Albert, p. 230, l, 12 for except read accept, p, 277. line 32, for 4000, Stephanos read 4000 Spaniards, p, 335. l. 47. for Bunen, Brunen. ibid. l. 48, for Daurst, Ernestus, p, 360. l, 51. for statutes, statues. p. 370. l. 4●… for refuse to his duty, refuse to do his duty, p, 381. l. 49. for salus spirans minarum, saulus spirans minarum pag, 390 l. 37, for that had not been the presentation of our petition, had not the presentation of our petition been, p. 308, l. ●…1. for apostume imposthume, pag, 418, li, 〈◊〉, for what wrong was, what wrong was done, pag, 421, lin, 53, fo●… into the river, to the river, page, 42●…, l. 27, for saying said, pag, 456. l. 52, for and had written, and having written, p, 462, l. 20. for oppress to read to oppress, p, 474, li 29, for slaied him slain him, pag, 410, l. 24. of the Audenarde Deal the, p, 532. l, 23, nourishing, for nourisher, p, 535. l. 13, Valencia, for valenciennes, p, 540, line 24. landed for laden, p. 542, l. there wants, (the air and sea were so full of fire, flame,) and smoke, p, 543, lin. 8, the for they, ibid. l, 〈◊〉. they for the. p, 545, l. 28, and busied, for being busied, ibid. l. 31. newly, for lately, ibid. 50 there for three. p, 546 l. 46 sails for sailors. p, 5●…7, l 24. to of the town, for out of the town, ibid. line 29, heads for hearts. p, 550, l 〈◊〉, well found, for were found, p, 55●…. l, 35. yet for yea. p. 555. l. 46, points, for parts ibid., li. 55. at were, for as it were, p, 562, l. 48, have spent, for have been spent, p, 563 lin 9, wonderful there, for wonderful thing there ibi●…. l. 20 and to, for or to, p, 568. l. 14, about for above. p, 572, l, 7. paria for parvi, p, 576. l. 37. D' Alva, for D' Ala●…. p. 582 l. 17, garden or parlour of Holland, for garden or park etc. pa. 790, l. 14, for Bugucy read Bu●…quoy. p, 798. l. 46. for, 200. re. 200 thousand, pa 801. li. 29. for the Esclarte of the Cautere, read the orifice or mouth of the wound p, 830 l. 46, for dissuading, persuading, p, 834. l. 9, for that charge, that had charge, p, 844. l. 19 for, excelled, exceeded, ibid. l. 23, for affected inc●…nsed, p, 845. lin. 55. for Bloyde Boyde, p, 847. for no less no m●…re, p, 85●…, l. 1●…. for frank country, franch county. p, 862. l. 15 for they conform they would, p, 895. l. 13. for Zealand, Holland, ibid. 46. for honourable, excellent. p, 91, l. 13. for letter better, ibi. 21, for gotten by an, gotten an ibid. 39, for the noble council re. the council, p, 914. l 3, for Menes, Meurs, p, 923. l. 10. for by her, to her. p, 937 line 49, for 〈◊〉 prossit, never bring profsit, p, 5●…, for we, who draw. p, 943. l. 52, for battered, betrayed ibid. p, 252. l. 1 points for po●…nts, ibid. 12, for as hereafter we shall show, re. as we have shown. p, 962, l 7, for though. to, re. though good to. ibid. l 34 for jacob re. James. pa, ●…64. l. 4, for with the los●…e, re. without the loss. p: 969. l. 1●…, law for love, page, 970. line 16, leave for law, and limit him. page. 971. line 15. sufficient, for suffici●…ntly. page 974 line ●…2. that is, for that it is. pa, 976. line 22. misliked, for misled, ibid. line 38. the for their. ibid. line 35 then it, for than if. p. 986. l, 45, in his h●…nds, for in her. pa. 988. l. 30. himself for herself, p, 989l. l. 45 preventing for pretending. p. 990. l. 55, Scotland for Soeteland p. 991. l. 3. make for made. p. 904. li. 22. for 1588. re 1586, p. 995 li. ●…9. review for renew. 998, l 30. 2000 sailors for soldiers. p, 1001. l. 46. they cheefee. for their chiefee. ibid. 2●…, suspecting and to be left out. p, 1002. l. 17. same vice. ad. for same day the vice-admiral 1005 l. 1. so kept, for and so kept p. 1046. l. 23. boat for beat. p. 1175. l. 39 entering any part, for into any part. ibid. l. 47. with danger of the Spaniards, for without danger, page 1176. l. 31. being to anatomy, for being consumed to a●…. pa, 1308, l. 35. Ibanna for I●…arra. p, 1319. l. 49, jocoy, for juoy, ibid. Ayda for Ayala, p, 1337. line 16, it is not, for is it not, p, 1346, l, 14, Solme for Solve.  

The exposition of some words used throughout the whole course of the History.  
Drossart. A Deputy lieutenant for a Province. Escoutetè. A Bailiff for the levying of fines. Schepen. A judge in civil and criminal causes. Scating. Scotting or taxing. Rovard. Governor of a Province.