24. of August. 1578.  
❧ A discourse of the present state of the Wars in the low Countries.  
Wherein is contained the pitiful Spoil of Askot: And the Articles of Peace to be concluded between the States, and Don john de Austria.   

¶ The pitiful Spoil of Askot, by Don joan de Austria.  
I May not seem so ungrateful unto you my loving friend, in recompense of your great benefits which I have sundry ways received from you, as not to certify you of all such occurantes as here are ready past. But from time to time, God lending me life, I mind still as just occasion shall serve to signify unto you how things here shall pass. You understand that on the sixth day of this month of August, how that the Viscount of Gaunt (understanding that Don john his forces were retired towards Lovin) besieged Askot with three thousand Soldiers and 2. great pieces of Ordinance, and put to the Sword 200. Alboneys, and 500 Almains and Wallons, Soldiers, who were there in garrison, which when the Vicunt of Gaunt (had by the valiancy of English men and the Scots slain so many before specified) gave commandment that neither Burger nor Inhabitant should be hurt, only their goods and munition for war, whose commandment was accomplished, and as it is surely notified that the spoil of that Town is valued too be better worth to the Soldiers then five thousand pound, although the same Town was but of very small countenance. When this exploit by our Countrymen was finished they returned too their Camp again: Which when Don Ihoan had intelligence hereof, he went in parson to view the same, and found as before is mentioned, being all bent with fury for that which had happened, gave commandment to kill men, women, and Children, which was a great number, and a sorrowful sight. Yet notwithstanding he was not so pacified, but also caused the Town to be burnt & utterly defaced to the ground. Thus my beloved I have certified you of the utter ruin of this little Town.  
And furthermore, to let you understand, that on wednesday last, our Ambassadors departed from Machelen towards Don john, accompanied with certain Lords of the Country, for the conclusion of a Peace (if it may be) according to certain Articles which I send you herewith.  
We hear not yet what is effected, a murmur of Peace here runneth. But yet greatly doubted: and that all is but practises, and the French thought to be all one with Don john.  
The French Ambassador is returned, but not heard what he hath brought with him for news, being thought his coming to be rather to get some conclusion of his message, for the which he came first for his master, to the end he might be dispatched, then otherwise to venture himself longer here, fearing the smother and smoke is so sore seen and smelt, as the flame must needs ere long, burst out.  
The Duke Allonson flourisheth at Mons, where he hath feasted all the Nobles and Gentlemen. That place is sure enough for him: other Towns in Henego, will not yet accept of him.  
In Valencine (as men report) they have been in Arms, and fought together, but wherefore, or who have gotten the better, is not yet here certainly known.  
Cassimerus is now in the Camp with his Forces, where the Archduke Mathias hath been: And he met Cassimerus before Leyre, and so returned to the Town, and dined together.  
Now it is thought, that the Camp shall presently march, either to the siege of some Town, that Don john holdeth, or else to follow his sources, until they meet with him.  
There is money, Munition, and all other kind of Furniture, sent to the Camp of the States to maintain the Soldiers the better.  
Don john for certain, hath a great number of Spaniards, and Italians, coming unto him, which by report hath been seen Marching in Piedmont, and are about right, or ten thousand.   

The .13. of Augu. 1578.  
¶ The Articles which are given by the States to the Ambassadors of the Queen's Majesty of England, and certain other Lords of the Country, by them to be agreed upon, with Don john de Austria, between the .22. of August, and the .3. of September next .1578.  
IN Primis, to forget all that is past.  
To confirm or allow the administration of the States, from the entering of the said Don john, in the Castle of Namur.  
That he shall departed with his Adherentes and Allies, except those of the Country.  
To tender the Provinces, or Countries into the hands of the States.  
That within this month of August, he shall tender and restore the Cities on this side the Maze: that is; Deventer; L●●borche, and Remmond.  
The Duke Mathias shall remain Governor.  
The States in general, and particular, shall hold and keep their authorities, under the obeisance and homage of his Majesty.  
Those of Burgundy and Luxenbaurge shall be bound to maintain the pacification of Gaunt.  
Touching the Religion, men shall govern themselves after the best manner as shall be possible, according to the necessity of the Countries, and Provinces shall require.  
An Prisoners to be released.  
No Governor to be put in these Countries, without the consent of the States.  
That the Princes, and others confederated, shall be comprehended in the Peace.   

Imprinted by W. B.