The Answer Of the Lords the Estates general of the united Provinces of the Lowe-Countries, to the Letter of the Archduke of Austria, hereafter inserted.  
Together With the proposition done in the name of the said Archduke to the forenamed States, by Otto Hartius, and Jeronimus Coomans, learned in the Laws.  
❧ Also, the extract of certain Letters, written out of the Camp before Groaning.  
❀ Printed first at Middelburgh, by Richard Schilders, Printer to the Estates of the Land and Earldom of Zealand. 1594.  
LONDON, Printed by john Wolf.   

The Answer of the general Estates of the united Provinces of the Low Countries, to the Letter of the Archduke of Austria.  
THE general Estates of the united Low Countries, in the assembly of their people, have opened and red the Letter of the most excellent Prince Ernestus, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy. etc. closed and sealed with the Seal of his Highness, dated in Brussels, the six day of this present Month of May: received the twelfth of the same month, by the hands of Master Otto Hartius, and jeronimus Coomans, learned in the Laws: at whose insinuation, done the next day after, to say the xiii. day: have the 16. day of the said month, in the assembly of their aforesaid people, delivered up in writing, as appeareth by the clauses in the aforesaid Letter inserted. And after due examination of the aforesaid writing and Letter, (to the end they might open to his Highness their good intent & meaning,) have declared, and by these presents do declare, that since the time that their people (for urgent occasions and very necessity,) were constrained to put themselves in Armour, for the behoof of the freedom of the Low Countries, with the privileges and jurisdiction of the same in general, and of the Provinces, people, Cities, and Indwellers of the same in particular: and for repulsing of the Spanish tyranny, and lordly government, over the consciences, bodies and goods, of the Inhabitants of the said Low Countries, their wives and children: their meaning and intent always was, & yet is, to maintain the same (with the help of GOD) against the Spaniards and their adherents.  
With this steadfast hope, that almighty God through his gracious goodness and blessing, shall further the same their upright meaning and good intent, which the longer, the more is not only found to be for their own Low-Countries, but also toucheth the estate of all their neighbours, Kings, Princes, and Commonwealths. Like as their people have found also (through the power of God's mighty hand,) that he hath not only blessed their means and pretences, but also hath moved the hearts of Kings and Princes their Neighbours, to the upholding & maintenance of their aforesaid needful and upright intents. Whereof their people do attribute the praise only to God, trusting in the unalterable power of his godly Majesty, expecting at his hands and goodness a laudable issue and end of heavy wars: having sure confidence that their people of the Low Countries in general, shall be united, and brought into their old estate and prosperity. The which they more earnestly do desire, in that they have well proved and tried, and besides that, do yet very well remember the commodities, quietness, and pleasantness of peace, rest, and unity: but also contrariwise, have found and felt the incommodities, disquietness, and unfruitfulness of wars. But like as his Highness declareth in the said letter, and professeth his good will and affection, and thanketh all those, that are uprightly affectioned to the unity and prosperity of the Low Countries: so have they and their people also great cause to complain before God and all the world, over them, which yet under the pretence of peace, do seek and practise the spilling of innocent blood of Christians, and to further the ruin and utter decay of the Low Countries, whereunto the Spanish counsel (who now in all respects do find themselves sore offended with these Countries) will work more extremely than before: using thereto such horrible shameful, and unlawful proceed, as heretofore hath not been heard or thought on.  
And much more is the utter ruin and decay of these Countries to be looked for, in this respect that it is well known to all the world, into what extremity they are come, and how their cases do stand. Namely the destruction of innocent blood by the Hangman's hand, of many thousand innocent and guiltless people, aswell men as women of all qualities, amongst which have been some of the principallest Lords of the land. The violation of the principallest freedoms, privileges, and jurisdictions of the Low Countries, and Cities, aswell in general as particular, many murders, burnings, violation, erations, concussions, and o●her enormities and execrable deeds, after very many remonstrations, supplications, with sending of certain of the Neitherlandish Lords into Spain, as namely amongst others the Marqu●s of Bergen, and the Lord of Monteng●y, who there were ill dealt withal, and used against the law of Nations.  
Also the intercession of great Potentates, done in vain, to the end that the Low Countries, the people, Cities and good Inhabitants themselves, might be suffered to enjoy their laudable freedoms privileges and jurisdictions: and the tyranny of the Spanish nation and their adhearents over their consciences, bodies and goods, might be cast of, which hath brought their people to these aforesaid extremities. And therefore it may please his Highness to understand that the States before named, have with good insight and pondering, proceeded, as they do now show themselves, towards the welfare of these Countries and inhabitants thereof, like as in times past, and in like cases is already passed.  
And that their people canont believe, much less be assured any ways, of any alteration of the Spanish humours, which heretofore have been more apparent, and part of them promised, with great loss and damage to these Countries. For in the beginning of these wars, the outrage of the Spaniards was so great, that all were put to death, which came into their power.  
And to use such like law, for so laudable a matter, as the conservation of their native Country, against foreign tyranny, either with their counsel or deeds, that not only their plain Countries were wasted: but also many principal Cities with murdering, robbing burning, and other horrible, execrable and unnatural dealing, even whilst such matters were entreated of, and let the people of these Countries be assured, that no other thing is to be looked for at the Spaniards hands, which in the end will not turn to the utter shame, ruin, and overthrow of these Inhabitants.  
There began the blood thirsty Counsel to change, and their humours, to alter in appearance: but in such sort that the people marked that it would fall out hard with them to come with any force: and therefore have had many parleys and conferences. And the first entreatement of peace began in Anno. 1574. which the Estates of Holland and Zealand (using their old honest and simple manner) were moved to seek redress of their griefs, by writings remonstrations and others. The fruit and effect of this entreaty, was perfectly perceived and seen in Brabant, by the first over-fall of the City of Antwerp, named by the Spaniards in their Histories, Fuere Villacoes: and in Holland and Zealand, with their strong and second besieging of the City of Leiden, which notwithstanding through the grace of God, the trustiness of her Confederates, and their own goodness: were preserved from the power of the enemy. Yea, with such an extraordinary terror to the Spaniards which lay before the City, were by the mighty hand of God so daunted in their courages, that they ran confusedly out of Holland, and shortly after did mean to overthrow the goodly City of Vtricht, as they and others of the Spanish nation, had done the same year, in the former City of Antwerp.  
This first deceitful entreaty of peace, coming to this effect and ended, the second was taken in hand, at the intercession of the most high and mighty Emperor Maximilian, his highness Father, in Anno, 1575. within the City of Breda. How little the same entreaty was meant on the Spaniards side, towards the welfare and prosperity of the Low Countries, the clear testimonies do bring with them: and the fruits thereof was no other thing, but more preparation of wars then before. So that shortly after, there followed the over-fall of the Cities of Bueren, Leerdam, Oudewater, Schoonhoven, Bommeney, and the besieging of the City of Sirikzea: whereby hath proceeded, what the Spaniards and their adherents, have done, with their robbing, murdering, and other horrible deeds. Yea, the over-fall of Cities, on their parts, have been in such heinous manner, that no man could longer suffer or abide the same, but have proclaimed them enemies of the Low Countries.  
Whereupon followed the union and confederacy at Gaunt, in November, Anno. 1576. betwixt the Netherlandish Provinces, and for the conservation of the welfare of the same, their freedoms and Laws: is well known to every one, how untruly the same union and confederacy was accepted on the Spanish side, and what deceit and enmity was mingled amongst it. The Letters of Estoved, the violation used by Don john, the express declaration, from the Spanish Counsel, brought over by the Baron of sells, and published in Mecklin, the several dealings at Loven, the sending of sundry Ambassadors of divers Potentates: have given sufficient testimony thereof, in Anno 1577. and 1588. How deceitful, shameful, hurtful and grievous, the issue of the entreaty of peace was, begun at Cullen with such great solemnity, is well known to every one. Also that during the same, not only the Provinces of Haynault and Arthois, with sundry other principal Cities, were seduced to this particular tractation: but also all outward force used towards the City of Maistricht. And many privy and naughty practices put in use in other Provinces, and amongst the people of the same, to move the same to tolerations, to their utter ruin and undoing.  
With what practice afterwards, were the Cities of Flaunders brought to tractation, and what brave prohemes were there done, and what excellent end it had, is manifested by the acts thereof. To what intent was the entreaty of peace in Anno 1587. and 1588. What deceit and force lay hid underneath the same: the Spanish Armada (come over during the same entreaty and overcome by God's mighty hand) hath made manifest. To what intent afterwards in Anno 1591. was the Emperor's Majesty occasioned anew, to take the affairs of the Low-Countries into his hands, the Leaguers do testify, which from time to time, are sent out of the Lowe-Countries against the French King. Whereby it is made more manifest, that the Spaniards will and meaning is, with their adherents, to be always in wars and Armour, using the pretext of furthering of Romish religion. But to speak the truth, for their pretended general domination & tyranny, which they would establish over all Christendom: and to rob and spoil all Kings, Princes, Lands & Commonwealths, of their due rights and prerogatives. Like as of late was practised against the Queen of England, by sending over that proud and mighty Armada, in Anno 1588. And the triumph before the victory, openly sung and put forth in print, is manifested. And likewise the wars and business in France since the same year, namely in the beginning of the next year after, about the translation of the Crown of France, not only the King now present, and all the Princes of the blood, but generally all Frenchmen, are so entreated of the Spaniards (under the name of Infante,) because of the Spanish Counsel and suffrence, by the Duke of Ferris, and other Spanish Ministers, neither is there any trial, but by the Parliament of Paris, and others revolted from the League, by arrest of other justifications put forth in print, is made manifest.  
And as good regard is to be taken, to the complot made in Scotland, in Anno 1592. with many of the principal Lords there. That twenty thousand Spanish soldiers should have been sent and received into Scotland, which in the year past, is wonderful come to light (for which some were punished with death.) And it is not to be believed, that the same was builded upon any other foundation, or otherwise dealt withal, then practised with the Bishoprics of Collen and Strasburg, the Dukedoms of Gulick, Cleve and Berg, and the imperial City of Aichen, which not only diverse & sundry intercepted letters, but also the deeds themselves do manifestly declare. Finally, what agreement was there pretended with the greatest Princes of Italy? how were they busied in seeking to bring Holland, and Zealand under them? (wherewith all the united Provinces were also meant.) To the end that therein they might make their Sedem belli, fast and sure against all Christendom. Yea, in such sort, that men would rather the Turk should be let in, and a great part of Christendom: then these wars, & men of wars, prepared & destinied to the destruction of the Low Countries, and the people thereof.  
And to sumne up the matter, how the emperors Majesty and the Princes of Germany have been dealt withal (only to the furthering of the said spanish government,) appeareth evidently by the letters signed by the the King of Spain, whereof a translation is hereby inserted (the original set apart) which letters do mention also, the points propounded by his Highness: to wit, that the meaning of the Spanish counsel is not (through his Highness) for any good meaning of Christendom: much less to bring the Low Countries, to rest and quietness. In that it appeareth, that the Earl of Fuentes, Don William of Saint Clement, and Stephen di Narro, (all three spaniards) are appointed for his principal Counsellors for matters touching the Low Countries, that the same strangers should rule his Highness, how the Lords of Neitherland are to be trusted, the Low Countries to be ruled, and the united Provinces to be brought under subjection. The Estates do not doubt, but his Highness hath well understood, that through the practice and procurement of the aforesaid Earl of Fuentes, and Stephen di Narra, not long ago Doctor Lopez, Physician to the Queen's Majesty of England, was promised fifty thousand Crowns to poison her Majesty. And that the same Doctor Lopez, Emanuel Lewes Tinaco, and Stephen Ferrera de Saua (all companions of the aforesaid murtherish feat) were taken in England & judged to death. That through the practice and procurement of the said Fuentes and di Narra: Emanuel Andraga took on him to poison the French King with a Nosegay of flowers or Roses, so tempered with powder, that the very smell thereof should poisen him to death. We omit the matter (and what thereby will fall out) of Michael Remichon, (otherwise naming himself Triviere) a Priest of Namour, that was sent two months ago from Brussels disguised in the apparel of a soldier, into the united Provinces. Who hath confessed, that he and certain other murderers, with fair promises and money, were sent forth to murder the most excellent Prince, Morrice borne Prince of Orange, and Earl of Nassow.  
Yea, that his Princely highness youngest Son, (being only ten years old,) and lying in the University of Leiden at School be not taken from thence, as his eldest Brother the Earl of Buren, against all right, freedom and privileges of the Country, and all laws of Nations, was violently carried out of Loven, looking daily to be murdered. Like as the said Spanish counsel through their murtherish acts, did kill the Prince of Orange his highness father. Out of which his Highness, and every one without any gainsaying, may well understand, by what people, and by what means, the good Inhabitants of the Low Countries have been deceived, and how little the Estates have forgotten the same. Being occasioned to say as much now of this aforesaid entreaty of peace of the Spaniards, and to judge with like affection thereof, as of these matters rehearsed. Yea, now such horrible and shameful matters do come to light against the Realms of France, England, and these Countries: as never the like was before. So that the humours of the Spanish counsel are altered, for any goodness towards these Countries, neither is there any appearance that the same should be furthered, seeing that they are now most highly offended.  
Or that these Countries (whereunto they pretend such right) should be better dealt withal, than the Kingdoms of France, England, and Scotland, whose subjects are in like authority and like dignity. For which causes, the foresaid Estates, in respect of their duty and oath, are bound and forced, to take better heed and regard, to the crafty practices of the aforesaid Counsel. Especially the united Provinces, for such horrible pretended murder of the King of France, and Queen of England, with the appearance of wars since his Highness coming into the Lowe-Countries, begun and continued against the Crown and estate of France.  
And yet are not against it, but that all former pretexts ceasing, do take the motion so near their hearts, as the good allience, friendship and Communality of the matter requireth. And all is, that a man might well believe, that his Highness hath a misliking of such murdering and devilish acts▪ yet notwithstanding greater heed is to be taken, to the purpose of the ill will, meaning and intent of the King of Spain, and Spanish counsel, of whom his Highness hath his Commission and authority (who also at all times may revoke the same, and put another in his place) against which no man can assure him, with any condition. Whereby the aforesaid general Estates, cannot perceive that they should reap any fruit or profit by the aforesaid entreaty of peace, either within the said united Provinces, or without the same, with the Queen's Majesty of England, (with whom in such matters and others they stand fast in confederacy,) nor yet with the French King, and other Potentates, Princes and Common wealths of these Countries the whole Christian cause, their friends and alliances. But do mean to have their refuge unto almighty God, at whose mighty hand and goodness, they look for a laudable issue of their righteous cause, (as they have always pondered, and yet do consider, how alterable worldly matters are) expecting not only the welfare of the united Provinces: but also of the Neitherlandish Provinces to the furthering of his glory and holy word.  
Thus ended and resolved in the assembly of the lords Estates general, in Earls Hagh. the 27. of May. Anno. 1594.   

Ernestus, by the grace of God Archduke of Austria, etc. Knight of the Order, Lieutenant, Governor, and General Captain.  
HOnourable, Noble, Worshipful etc. The inward natural love and affection, which we bear to the rest, and welfare of the Low Countries, and the misliking which we have long had of discord and misery wherein they are: is the principal cause that hath moved us to take upon us the government thereof, with steadfast hope that almighty God would give us his grace, that we might release you from these heavy and civil wars, which now have lasted so long, to the great grief, oppression, and hindrance of the said Countries, and of all Christendom. For if men will consider in what estate and prosperity they were in times past, when they were in peace and unity, under due obedience of the house of Burgundy and Austria, and the good rules and orders kept the same time, in points of justice, policy and other orders of wars, whereby the aforesaid Countries were increased and renowned throughout all Kingdoms and Countries.  
Also the great riches which was so abundant there, by means of the dealings, alliances, confederacies, navigation and Traffic, which they had to Portugal, Spain and India: we are sure that there is no man of understanding, that is not sorry with his whole heart, for so great and pitiful alteration of the said Countries, in the time of six and twenty years or upwadrs, with the manifold oppressions, exactions and grievances, which the poor common people in that time, have suffered, and in sundry places thereof, yet presently is suffered. And that do also wish, that with the first, some good end and tolerable means might be wrought, to bring the said Countries, into their former estates common tranquillity, due obedience and agreement. Whereunto also we do employ all our thoughts, and with the same pretence and meaning are come hither, leaving the company of the emperors Majesty our Sovereign Lord and Brother, and others our brethren and Kinsfolks, our native Country, and the government of so many Kingdoms and Countries, committed unto us, with departing from other things, not needful here to be repeated: to the end we might find you ready to come to our good meaning and intent. And although we doubt not, but that all the same is well known to your people, as well by common report as otherwise, and by them accepted, as we heartily desire the safety, rest and welfare of you, and those which come after you: yet notwithstanding, we have thought it necessary and convenient, to let your people know & understand the same by these presents: as well to abandon all suspicion, as to the more nearer revealing of our foresaid goodness and upright inclination towards you, and those which might look for the same at our hands. Forasmuch then, as the matter toucheh you so near: you, your people, and those which are under you, should set before your eyes, the luck, fortune and welfare, which thereby might come and redound to your native Country, so pitifully oppressed and spoiled through these long lasting wars. And so far forth as the good luck which you had this last year (as matters of war be sickle and inconstant) should make any to forget the foresaid evils and mischiefs, and not to think upon those which might chance and fall out, and thereby seem to assure themselves ten fold, without any accepting of this good occasion: shall it not then be needful to think on examples and things passed, which teacheth that in short time such great alteration may happen: that oftentimes that is soon lost, which shortly before hath been gotten with great labour, honour and reputation. Wherefore we do pray you both heartily and earnestly, that you will altogether take good counsel therein, deeply weighing and pondering all things, and you yourselves offer us such laudable and honest conditions of peace, that by means thereof it may be perceived, the sooner the better, that you be not such, as seek to lengthen or prolong the wars, which bringeth so many kinds of oppressions to the Communally, as is well known to all men: but that thereby the same might be brought to some perfect end, sure rest and quietness.  
And for our parts, we will show you with our deeds, that no deceit or craft is hid therein, not seeking any thing else, than a true steadfast peace: which, and all that we do, is with good earnest, and simplicity, to the furthering of the Common wealth. Wherein if you show your good will: Then shall you show what you esteem and think of us, and desire to be in time of need, as is best known to you yourselves. Like as the bringers hereof Master Otto Hartius and jeronimus Coomans learned in the laws, shall declare, being thereto appointed by us, with proffering of our good will towards you. Praying almighty God. etc.  
From Brussels the fift of May, Anno. 1594. Underneath stood, Yours to command Ernestus.  
The superscription was,  
¶ To the Honourable, the Estates of Gelderland, Holland, Zealand; Freesland, Vtricht, Ouer-Jsell, and others, assembled at Earles Hagh in Holland.   

¶ The proposition done by Otto Hartius, and Jeronimus Coomans, learned in the Laws: to the Lords the general Estates of the united Nether-landish Provinces.  
My Lords,  
AS we lately had gotten Passport of the Lords of the Counsel of the Estates, that we might come into these united Provinces, for the dispatching of our business and particular matter, (for which we yield the said Lords friendly thanks, and those which put to their helping hands for furthering of the same,) with offering the like to be done, & to be sorrowed for on our side, for those which shall need to go from hence: and the same being brought to the knowledge of his Highness, the Archduke of Austria Ernestus, he hath thought good to send us, that we should in his name salute you, proffering you all good: and to declare unto you, that the principal cause which moved him to send us into these Countries, was the singular love & affection which he hath always borne to the welfare and quietness of the same. And that he hopeth, that God of his grace will send such means, that through him, the same may be united again in good peace and tranquillity, as it was before the beginning of these civil troubles: towards the which, and to understand his good will and meaning the better, he hath charged and commanded us, to recite unto your Worships, the Letters which we delivered the twelfth day of this Month of May. Hoping that your worships shall thereby clearly perceive his will and meaning is, to settle a sure peace and long during unity in these Countries, and that the indwellers thereof may be pacified, to their contentment.  
And although the same in the year past, proved to be in vain, and also when any entreaty of peace, or accord is agreed upon, straightways through misconstruing thereof: they fall into new enmity and wars, (through whose occasion and doing, is not at this time to be ripped up, and God grant it be not hereafter neither.) So that if your Worships should be conceived with any mistrust of suspicion, or moved with any misliking, to deny such reasonable conference, especially, because that lately matters have fallen out, according to the will and pleasure of your worships yet doth his highness hope, that the same shall not rest or depend upon any temporal and alterable prosperity, whereby this present occasion should cease, or come to none effect. For which all honest people, and lovers of the whole Lands, peace and unity: should desire and wish your worships to set the same before your eyes.  
First, that all worldly matters, have their hours, times and seasons. And like as there is a time of diffidence: thereafter may well come and follow a season of confidence. That all men together ought to trust unto, and to look to the security of himself and his successors.  
Secondly, there never rose up in any Country, so great wars tumults or discord, either publicly or particularly, but it was lastly ended and laid down, more with entreaties and conditions, then with force of Arms. For war is of such unhappy fruitfulness, that it bringeth out, a beard to one, and a foot to another.  
Thirdly, that it never went well or prospered with any Prince, estate or Common wealth, which refused or denied a laudable proffer of entreaty of peace. Touching which, we had rather have the examples of our time, and remembrance thereof, to pass untouched: then by repeating or reavealing thereof, to remember the faults of them or others. For if your Worships at this time should be moved or detracted, with any kind of diffidence or mistrust, or thinking to refer the same till another time: yet, we hope you will respect the time and season, and how the sam● is put to the arbitrament of your Worships and of other persons, to say, with his Highness sprung out of the house of Austria, whose upright dealing, understanding, virtue and honour, well beseemeth such a Prince. Whereby only may be understood, that seven or eight one after another of the same house have come to be Emperors, not by succession, which is given aswell to evil as good Princes: but by the voices and free election of the Electors, and Common-estates of the Empire, commonly grounded on princely virtue and constancy, in word and deed, of him that is elected.  
Like as not long ago, appeared in the person of Maximilian the second, Father to his Highness, who for his moderation and goodness, might have been accounted for a special selected instrument of the Common wealth, for reforming of discords and controversies of religion, to hold up in balance, and to lay down: Such as the like of him hath not been in times past: or likely to follow.  
And following the footsteps of the same, hath by us sent the original letter to your Worships, which we doubt not is received by your Worships with such friendly and good affection, as we do hold assuredly the same to be written without enemity.  
We pray therefore and earnestly request you: that your worships, will duly ponder the contents of the same, with such an answer, that his Highness and all honest people, may the sooner the better, have cause to conceive some good hope of their long desired peace, which they look to have through your worship's wisdom and providence. With humble petition, that if your Worship's repre-senting this honourable assembly, or any one in particular, should find himself aggrieved, with any difficulty, in any words, points or understanding of the aforesaid writing of his Highness: we are ready at all times to explain the same if we may stand you in any steed.  
Also we hope that our interpreting thereof, shall be to your Worship's contentment. Which in effect is contained in the force of the clauses of the said letter of Credent, and standeth upon our persons. Friendly praying you to accept thereof in good part.  
And note withal by the way, (with your Worship's leave,) ●●at by the confession and declaration of certain persons which are taken and examined: his Highness is empreached, that he should have pretended the death of Earl Morrice of Nassow, through the means of the same persons, or otherwise, as likewise should have been done to the Earl of Barlaymont. Being an absurd and impudent delation, because they never came, or ever passed from his Highness, in the least respect, or from his house or stock, from which in times past, neither such infamous deeds have proceeded, nor with God's help shall proceed.  
We are here in the name of his Highness, to inquire the truth of the matter, praying your worships that the prisoners may be safely kept, and sent with some Commissary to Antwerp or Brussels, with writing to his Highness that they at certain time and place, be sent back again, or else to be transported to Breda, being under the jurisdiction of this government, to the said Earl of Barlaymont, who for this purpose shall be accompanied with a Commissary in the name of his Highness, and appear there in person, to examine them upon such circumstances and particulars, as shallbe advised, and found needful to be examined of. With due passport to be given. Or else if it please your Worships to advise some other expedient means, that the truth may be discovered, which surely should redound to the vnburthening and excusing of his Highness: and your Worships shall thereby attain great honour for your good justice, as in such case the like hath not been thought of, or of any other particular consideration, which the prisoners should say and declare, or else not publishing the same, to the prejudice of any man, or contemning any good meaning of his Highness. etc. Propounded and done in the assembly of the Lords the general Estates, the sixteenth of May. Anno 1594. in Earls Hagh. And subscribed by us Otto Hartius, and jeronimus Coomans.  
FINIS.