THE SECOND Admonition, Sent by the subdued Provinces to Holland, thereby to entice them by faire-seeming reasons, groundless threats, and unlike examples to make peace with the Spaniards. With the Hollanders answer to the same. Translated out of Dutch into English by H. W. printer's or publisher's device LONDON Imprinted by john Wolf, and are to be sold at his shop within the Pope's head Alley in Lombard street 1598. To Holland. PEace, O peace, O sweetest estate, never was a sweeter word heard. Peace enemy to strife, contention and revenge, thee I seek and desire from the bottom of my heart: thou art the most precious jewel that ever was found, the spring of welfare and delight. Thou healest that which controversy hath wounded. Thou causest the scattered things to be relied. Thou causest and createst joy and pleasure in every place. Where peace is, there are our years doubled: there life is long, and all our life is sweet: there is riches and plenty at full: there fortune is not seen so unsteadfast. Thou art the treasure where all good is enclosed, and the beautifying of the world, to whom all honour is due by common accord. Happy are they that seek peace saith the word of the Lord. 2. PEace dwelleth in the kingdom of God. Peace Christ hath recommended unto all believers. With peace are gloriously rewarded and sweetly crowned God's people. Peace is the principal testament which the Lord before his death bequeathed and recommended us. Peace is the bond & perfect image, where through we deserve the heavens, and without peace all would vanish to nought, for through discord each thing decayeth. Peace hindereth destruction, desolation, and grief. Peace makes kingdoms and countries to flourish. Peace is every where greatly esteemed: nature forceth all men to love peace. And what is there more delectable than peace, to agree and continue in amity to the end. woe to him who is a friend to strife. 3. THou O Peace art pleasing unto all nations, and full of consolation, yet nevertheless in these broils, we see thee inhumanely excluded out of the Hollandish limits. Whence doth this proceed O Hollandia? insooth it is a strange matter, that thou hatest the thing which every one naturally desireth. Art thou blind? art thou so senseless that thou choosest mortal poison rather than dainty and exquisite food? wilt thou never rise out of this thy obscurity, and lay aside this pernicious discord. Thou art like unto a sick person, or the frantic, which madly reject the good and wholesome things proffered them. Compare the passed time unto the present, before thou didst reject thy obeisance, was it not far better than to live in this sort imothered in strife and contention, and like beasts shedding the blood of thy members? Where peace is hated no mercy can dwell. 4. THou art molested and peeled with taxations, and givest the soldier the substance, whereon thy people should live. The common traffic doth melt and consume, for it must be used with force and might. And as long while as thou dost embrace this pestiferous contention, thou shalt find no rest nor quiet in no place: yea finally every one will forsake thee: for all Europe (for thy sake) endureth great misery, thou must know that each thing hath but his time, and thy doing cannot continue long. Oh that thou wouldest once consider thy own good, thy heart would turn and be moved. What profit is it always to continue the wars? what pleasure in mischéeving one another? thy successors shall hereafter feel the smart, unless thou change thy hate One otfen knoweth his fault, but repenteth too late. 5. ACcept peace, believe the counsel of thy friends: bow somewhat thy head, and cease thy obstinacy: reject passion who bereaveth the fences, and apalleth the spirit, but let his light shine. Peace is at hand if thou canst but affect her. Thy Prince (O Holland) is neither rigorous nor cruel. I fought be passed which any grieve thee, think thyself hath been cause thereof, each thing may easily be amended, if in case thou wilt be ruled by reason, his lap is open, his goodness is ready, seek peace, and all will be well: Thou shalt be holp, appeased and disburdened, and fed as a limb of the patrimony: Turn to thy wont obedience, acknowledge thy superiors. All shallbe well, and things passed forgotten. 6. 'tIs time, 'tis time, that thou shouldest perceive thine own welfare, and hasten to peace before it wax too late, for although thou dost abound in wealth and content, whereof thy courage swelleth, yet think how others in like case have been served when they refused the peace, 'tis wisdom to take occasion when it is proffered, and help himself with fortune when she smileth. The Athenians because they once subdued and governed the Spartans', Athens. thought to govern all with their might, and would hearken to no peace, but what happened unto those which they thought to suppress, they became their subjects. This is the worlds course in all humane affairs, which to day exalt, and to morrow will make a slave. Wise is he who at others harms doth warning take. 7. WHen the unwise Romans rejected the sweet peace which Caesar kindly offered them, Rome. and that (as the history saith) Pompeius with his armies thought to withstand Caesar's might, a fire was kindled, which consumed the earth and ruined Rome the mighty people lost his former liberty: Pompey was murdered, and all the nobility subdued: and in that sort that monarchy which whilom ruled and swayed over the world was subdued & brought to nought, where (if they had accepted peace) they might have continued in their former estate. Consider this, the time is the manifester of all hidden things, mark then what profit occasion well taken doth bring. Unwise is he who the uncertain before the sure doth prefer. 8 Carthage. ALso if Carthage had held, and not violated the true peace which was granted them by Fabius, they might very well have shunned the destruction which after befell them, when the Romans' the second time raised their standards against them. Had Mithridates accepted the alliance which was kindly proffered him, Mithridates. he had never fallen into those dangers, nor in the wars which dured forty years, but because he could not fancy peace, he spoilt his kingdom & lost his life. jugurtha Also had not jugurtha through evil counsel rejected the peace offered him, he had never been carried captive to Rome, where he ended his life in misery and thrall. He never fared well, that on the war him founded. 9 WHen Israel departed out of the deserts, traveling with great pain towards the land of promise, they requested king Sehon to let them pass peaceably, Sehon. they not desiring to hurt his realm, but he proud and unwise rather chose war, than peace with love, wherefore obstinacy had her reward, being cause that he lost both kingdom and life. Also when the Beniamites evil minded, Beniamites. had sinned and disturbed all Israel, might at the beginning of the broils with small amends have ceased the wars, but no, they came into the field against their brethren, by which they were pitifully discomfited, and 25000. of them were slain, and their City burned all within three days. He that neglecteth occasion proffered, needs not complain. 10. Never had been seen the heaps of murdered Trojans and floods of their blood, nor yet that flourishing kingdom spoiled by the valiant Greeks, who at the first proffered them conditions of peace, but alas they were bereaved of their former wits, not being able to love peace. Had eke the victorious Persian Cirus accepted the peace in Scythia, which Tomyris son proffered him, he had not been discomfited and slain in that unlucky battle, where all his host (though great) was put to the sword, and his severed head was (by Tomiris) bathed in his own blood, O mischievous and unlucky chance. But yet more, O the mischievous and wicked works of men which do cause them. He that is provident, may beware in time. 11. THe City of Siracusa so highly renowned, that she was compared to Carthage, is not she likewise come to the like mishap, Siracuse. and by the war pitifully spoiled? for they also rejected the peace which Marcelles was willing to give them, they stood very stoutly upon their instruments, which Archimedes made them, wherewithal in the Roman Camp they did many wonderful exploits to their advantage, yet notwithstanding their triple wall, all their courageous soldiers, nor yet their strange devices did any whit profit them against the Roman wrath, but were overthrown and made pillage, where they lost both their honour, and freedom. He that lets a good opotunitie escape, may after want it. 12. HAd judea (when she was kindled with anger and desire to deliver herself from the Roman subjection) with providence shunned the peril which hung over her head, judea. and learned to break her high minded and rebellious courage, before Vespasian came, who (as is known) brought them all into desolation, she had never felt that grievous smart, whereof whole histories are scarce able to tell the misery: she might have had mercy & been conserved, where to the contrary she hath abode more misery than any people on earth. O how wise is he, who seeketh rest and tranquillity. why choose you the bad rather than the good? is not unity far better than dissension? What reason will not do, experience teacheth. 13. Cosroe. THe king Cosroe that mighty potentate, who continually raised the Persian estate, had he kindly accepted the peace, which unfeignedly was by the Emperor proffered, he had had fortune so his wish, & her wheel would not so soon have turned. Heraclius sought peace, as the thing most beneficial unto both: but Cosroe was therewithal not apaid, he thirsted after war, and he was sufficed, with three sundry battles, which all went against him, had not he scorned the Emperor's kindness, & refused peace, he had not had that reproachful discomfiture, nor brought himself and his people in that distress. Mark then what negligence doth cause, when in time one cannot foresee his own good. What strife doth spoil, doth bind the peace. 14. 1519. 1521. HOw fared in old time the Spanish band, which also knew not their superiors counsel, they were offered peace to end the broils, but they rather chose the war, and the miseries of the same which was the cause that they were persecuted, banished and slain, he who refuseth peace proffered, doth not deserve to have it afterwards. N●ples. F●s●a. And how often have the Neapolitaines been distressed? Moreover read what of Friesland is written for they being in strife with the Saxons, refused peace: yea more came in the field with the Emperor. Wherefore O Holland take care to deal wisely, accept peace, strife hath endured enough. The whole body grieves at the discord of the limbs. 15. BOth Cleveland and Gelderland can record what profit the war brings, when peace is refused, had they somewhat abased their high minds as they were counseled, they had not fallen into the destruction which hath ruined all the land. Moreover call to remembrance O Holland what issue the broils in North Holland took, North Holland. when thy commonalty rebelliously were risen up against their Magistrates, and as enraged people ran about, all their minds being bend to murder and bloodshed, they also were proffered peace, but they desirous to live at liberty and rule all things to their own fancy refused the same, where through at last they were well punished for their foolish pretence. It seldom goes well where the people doth rule. 16. O Friend, let this be a looking glass unto thee, these examples are manifest and known. Shun strife, and desire peace: let none spare himself to that sweet and delectable estate, visit thy prince, send thy ambassadors, not to nourish the war, nor to exile peace, but endeavour thyself to unity, for concordia is the sweetest treasure on earth, thy neighbours and allies desire the same, give ear unto them: thy superiors expect thee and will hear thee, and their hearts are bend to thee, depart from this wicked resistance, whereunto some counsel thee, but the crafty and subtle seek more their own profit thereby, than thy preferment, or thy country's good. It is always good fishing in troubled water, and cutting broad girdles out of other men's leather. A feigned friend ought to be shunned as an enemy. 17. THou art fed with lies and dissimulations, thou art persuaded to exclude the truth, and that thy virtues and praise shall be extolled in the places where the earth is full of veins of gold, thou art every where greatly esteemed, because thou canst so mightily rule Mars himself. In the East and North thy fame is spread, by reason whereof thou thinkest all the world will adore thee, thou persuadest thyself to be invincible, but surely it will fail thee, for God doth always abate such high minds: thou wilt neither stoop nor obey, but seekest to become a common wealth of some new manner: consider I pray what a man doth in his wantonness when ease and pride hath possessed his heart: are all thy deeds allowed? wilt thou no more harbour after subjection. Where force is a counsellor, wisdom is forgotten. 18. But finally (Holland) thou shalt find thine error: there were never yet found rebels, which in their faults were not confuted & overthrown, with plagues as is every where seen and known: take examples in God's house itself, where an Angel raised himself against the Almighty God, yea an Angel who in glory and beauty far surpassed all the rest, as scriptures do unfold, fell he not and the rest with an incurable wound? because against their sovereign they rebelled: from the most highest he was made the basest, from the fairest to the ugliest, from great glory to eternal confusion: a short pleasure bringeth great grief, an example to all subjects. What rebellion wins is no victory. 19 Israelites. HOw often hath Israel been plagued of God, brought in need and chastised, when the commandment of Moses did not like them, and did still transgress the same: also how wonderfully God punished the 10. tribes which were rebelled from the royal seat & subjection of juda. Absalon. Also Absalon with his complices very shamefully rose up in arms against David, and a thousand others (too long to rehearse) the which God hath punished. Rebellion is an infection, a stink, a thing hated, an overruled malice, and injustice, the picture and image of hellish discord. A poison of a deadly composition, a tree bearing deadly fruit. A common wealth is spoiled where strife is begun. 20. THe heathen histories do also record how severely the City of Thebes in Grecia was punished for her rebellion, being revolted from the Macedonians, but they had loss in stead of profit, and in stead of liberty were brought in more servitude. Capua. Numatia. Capua also lost her glory, when she began to rebel: how dear did Numatia buy her foolish rebellion, and the Italian vassals which rose up against the Roman estate? Bellum sociale Batavi. How fared the Batavians (thy first seed) in their rebellion during Vespasians reign, the beginning was lucky, but the end desolate, as Tacitus shows in his Roman Chronicle. He that seeks to raise himself falls often in the dirt. 21. HOw much blood hath Italy shed when the enraged people set their mutinies abroach, and (as we find written) the German Emperor appeased them. What Germany endured in that time, when Carolus Quintus reigned, Germany. is manifest, the Magistrates were exiled for their liberty, the beginning had a fair gloze, but the end proved bad: In sum all people and nations have been destroyed by their rebellion, the books are full of their doings, and the memory thereof will never perish: wherefore O Holland take example by them then, accept concord which is offered thee, behold the truth, put off that ugly mask, behold another's wounds and heal thyself. A peace seeking heart doth find peace every where. 22. WHereupon dost thou put thy trust, and whet thy claws to show thy strength? dost thou think no body shall hinder thee, & that thou shalt use thy superiors power, he will at some time escape, although thou passest not therefore) and as a Lion show thee his grinning teeth. Of thy great traffic thou art very proud as though thou only couldst rule the same, and make it continue, but no, not so, for that stands not in humane power, only in God, who doth it give and take: that flood would soon be run dry, those incommes which now doth fill thy Casse will soon melt, the main foundation whereon thy common wealth doth live is of people divers of minds and humours, and a variable thread who so thereon doth weave, shallbe subject to many mutations. Where the commonalty is mad can be no stable estate. 23. THy common wealth is unsteadfast, it cannot endure, whom to day they raise, to morrow they pull down: the favours of the people are neither rocks nor walls, but continually wavering as the leaf by the wind, they will be grieved and become wanton, as then look for a mutation. They which now reign and rule, and by their computation sit fast, shall fall in indignation, and what then shall follow is known to God. But this is always the end where such tumultuous people bear any sway. Is it not better to have peace, while as yet thy case seems sure and stable, then to stay until occasion doth turn from thee, and fortune change, according to her variable and ever changing use. When one stays too long the sore waxeth incurable. 24. O Hollandia that feedest thyself with strife and contention, and blindly lovest war and trouble, we admonish thee, and God shows thee tokens to the end thou shouldst rise out of this entangled net to thine own good, why dost thou hate peace? why dost thou shed the blood of thy brethren? what are we Barbarians, man-eating Cannibals or heathens forsaken of God? Oh no, but think that thou dost it for christians, thy own country men and nearest friends: drive Mars from hence, and let us with a christian like mind, knit our forces, strength and treasures together, let us oppose ourselves against God's enemies in Hungaria, where now Christendom prospereth, and drive out the Turk, who intends to devour us: there is a rightful war and well founded. He fights well who Gods praise doth exalt. 25. LEt concordia descend, let the fire be quenched which every where flameth. Discordia doth sell her bait dear: we can find no liking in her, a lovely union would please us far better than thus to drink Mars his bitter revenge. Come Holland, cease thy ire, the sweet Dove presents unto thy hands an Olive branch. In peace is joy, rest and ease: in peace we shall become amiable. The war makes all things feeble and weak: Peace feedeth and heals: discord and contention doth banish all good: Peace breeds good success, union and love. Come O Holland, let peace shine, for in sure peace consists thine and my safety. Where peace dwells good luck is manifold. All is well that ends well. The Hollanders Answer to the seduced Provinces upon the rehearsed Admonition. 1. THat the bloody war doth destroy and spoil all things, and that the sweet peace is a great treasure and highly esteemed, that know I better than thyself, although thou admonish me. But sithence that peace is so much by thee desired, why then dost thou not preach the same unto thy Idol Philip of Spain, who what with hanging, strangling, murdering, and burning, destroyeth (in a manner) all the world, as to all is manifest, for he continually doth not only plague me, but also Barbary, the East and west Indies, him you do not correct, but allow it all, whereby we manifestly see that among the meat which thou proferest, us, is mixed mortal poison, which with reason we hate: wary consideration shows and explains me thy meaning, and that thou seekest nothing else but to hang a net over our heads, thou hast at more times deceived my subjects: thou shalt not as now effect any thing, for we know thy old tricks. Know ye that it is bad taking one Fox with an other. 2. Yet all peace is not good, for a feigned peace which should be hurtful, or which might cause loss of lawful liberty or privileges a rightful war is to be preferred before such a peace. THe laudes of a true peace I cannot enough pronounce: my pen is too quick, my tongue too unskilful: one that were far more enriched, yea with heavenly skill were not able enough to express the same. All places in the world are seen (through peace) to farewell and the countries to flourish. A right peace defendeth both the land and people from trouble: an unfeigned honourable peace is the best thing that one can desire, but think not therefore that I will with thee consent to accept any peace, as if they were all in one degree: No, I assure myself, that any war to withstand an enemy is both laudable and honourable, and to the contrary some peace hurtful and nought: wars undertaken for honourable causes tending for himself and his, their goods or life, for freedom or in defence of God's laws are honourable, but peace which threatens the loss of all these may (with right) be refused: against such one may make a rightful war. 'tis an accursed peace which destroys God's word. 3 Which peace is good and to be desired. WHen peace doth free from care and trouble, when she diminisheth the dangers and perils, when by her means great costs and charges are forborn: when she yieldeth quiet and tranquillity of life and mind: as than it is a holy work to make peace with our enemy. But when as one standeth in doubt and fear, Which peace is nought and to be shunned least under the peace her fair vail lie not hidden some secret mischief, than she is mortal venom mixed in a wholesome potion. One ought always to be bend to peace, (so far forth she be clear from deceit and danger) we are naturally given to seek peace, but not in such sort that she should be worse than the war: for without security of life goods and conscience what is it? That the name of peace should only be unto us a deceitful pleasure: a peace whereby one doth lose freedom and liberty is a detestable plague in the ears of the wise. A rightful war is better than a feigned peace. 4 WHerefore we have here wisely to consider if it be not damageable to make peace with every one, if that with procuring a peace we subvert not ourselves into an eternal slavery, in such sort that we had better to endure the war, then to live in a peace which breeds servitude. Many have by wars won their liberty, & maintained the same: others by bad peace have made slaves, A true liberty is to be preferred above life. Thou showest us the disasters of the peace with many examples, as if with (trusting therein) did seek after it, but yet many have in choosing peace won their welfare and exiled tyranny: others have through peace lost their liberty, and through their light belief been made slaves. Liberty is the chiefest thing during one's life, her we ought with our life to maintain: in the defence of life and goods one will endanger himself, but yet above all, liberty is to be preferred. It is honour to expose his life in defence of his liberty and patrimony. 5 IN the defence of our liberty and security, Which to attain the war were enterprised, & to keep them they must be continnued, expecting by the grace of God a good issue. Saguntines. Athens. Our desire of peace hath always appeared but hath been but badly recompensed. which we will not miss: we are altogether zealously bend, which our burning zeal shall not be quenched, nor is there any one in that respect, which shall turn our minds, we hate them with our hearts which herein contrary us: we fight courageously and willingly, the arms shall not easily be pulled out of our hands, neither yet do we rejoice in bloody battles, we hope the best, being always ready rather to abide the hardest brunt, then to be made slaves. The noble Saguntines, have in spite of their foes rather chosen to die by famine and misery, then by a slavish peace to save their lives. The Athenians too weak for the might of the Barbarians, have rather suffered their city to be overthrown and spoiled, then to be brought under their subjection. An honourable death is to be preferred before a slavish life. 6. The treatise of peace at Breda was dearly bought by those of Bueren Leerdam. Ouwater, Shoonhoven, and Zieriezee. The pacification of Gaunt was of the Spanish side most treacherously violated, as it was concluded before the treatise was made as appeared by divers letters. By means of the treatise of peace of Cullen, was Mastricht, Artoys, Haynalt, and Flaunders, severed and rend from the other united provinces, & brought again under the Spanish yoke. Anno 88 when with the Spanish Armado all seemed to be conquered, as then the peace was also spoken of. Anno 94. when Ernestus so flatteringly, proffered peace by jeronimus Coema●s, and Otto Hartius. THat I have sought to bring all things to an unfeigned peace, hath appeared by my peaceable dealing: but thou hast always, sought (under thy peace) to cover deceit. In the treatise of peace at Breda, appeared thy deceitful tricks. Bueren Leerdam, Ouwater, Shoonhoven, bear yet the marks of thy peace: Immediately after Ziericzee was beset. The pacification of Gaunt thou didst violate: thy pretence appeared by the letters of Escouedo. Also by the letters of the Baron of sells which he brought with him at Mechelen, from the Spanish counsel. The violation of Don jan against honour, oath and law manifestly appeared: it may be said without fear, that nothing but treasons and surmises were intended in all thy fair shows of peace, stretching to the annulling and exiling of the virtuous. 'tis in vain, thy faults are no more to be favoured. But untruth hath yet hitherto paid his master. 7. HOw deceitful, shameful, & pernicious was the treatise of peace of Cullen unto me, the time hath taught. The siege of the good City of Mastricht with many other subtle devices have also bewrayed the same, Artoys and Henalt with others were thereby seduced. The dealing with Flaunders (to my loss) and to what peace thou and thine were inclined, when the Prince of Parma proffered peace to her Majesty, was manifestly showed by the Spanish Fleet. More what peace Ernestus brought who sought to murder his excellency, as if there by all matters might be pacified. More, the head of the Inquisition, Lieutenant unto thy holy father, (yea when it was least suspected) showeth his cruel nature, which (not a year ago) buried a silly maiden alive. A fool is he that will be a slave if he may choose. 8. IF so it were that we desired peace, yet there is no means to recover the same of the Spaniard, the ground and foundation of truth to bind peace, dependeth on the faith, this may not be forsaken: without faith or trust no accord is to be made which one may trust on, or that will dure, or aught to forbear any alliance with those which kept not their word, faith, nor oath: fear of unthankfulness causeth an unquiet mind. The faith is the only thing whereon peace must be built, and where she is absent (whereon we ought to build) we must like an Ox stand in fear of the axe: this is even the true exposition thereof. Let the peace defend us from the evils present and to come, for by a broken peace, to run again to the wars it falls crueler than before, and brings far more grief and trouble. Alliance without truth, breeds fear of life and goods. 9 NO Wolves Bears, Lions, nor Tigers never so over cruel are not so pernicious as unfaithfulness, for if so be that they intent to assail any one they will roar and bray: before the wrack the sea and tempest will toss the ship to and fro, Perfidy is the highest mischief in men's dealing. and before it raynes the clouds will frown: but unfaithfulness seeks by all subtle and deceitful means and fair shows to cover the intended mischief, thereby to draw his allies into danger. There is nothing more perilous than an enemy supposed a friend, for we are careful of our known foes, with arms, regard & watch to prevent them. Also courage, unity, & invincible strength assist us, but the enemy who is a supposed friend, Embden. hath means to mischieve us both night and day. Embden is our glass by which we have seen what lurketh under false friendship. Wise is he who by his country's harm is taught foresight. 10. THe Spaniards peace are mere lies and deceit, It is impossible to make a firm & true peace with the Spaniard. a very judas kiss wherewith they seek to betray us, yea even the peace which joab gave Amasa, even so they intent with fair words to ruin us. Thou that seekest peace givest us occasion to refuse thy peace, It appeareth by thy reasons, though they are cunningly covered: for thou praisest thy prince to be full of mercy, that his lap is open, his goodness ready. But thou sayest presently after: If he were cruel and severe, it were no marvel, for he hath reason, being that we are cause of our own hurt. This is enough, we are content: but sooner shall heaven and earth be joined, sooner shall water and fire (through art) be mixed together, than I will enter into such peace with thee, which would in no way be beneficial unto us. He that sees another burn, let him beware of singeing. 11. The first proof. The use of princes. THis I prove by the nature and use of many Princes: the old adventures and experiences do also teach the same, that they should never enter into alliance or make peace, unless we know it to be to their furtherance and profit, that also they should not keep the same no longer (without brabbling) than it should be to their good and profit. Machiavelli their master doth also give this precept, Machiavel's doctrine. julius Cesar. that any promise which a prince might have made, he need not to hold, if he find any damage thereby. julius Caesar also used to say, if one may break a promise or a right against any living, Lysander. one may do it to govern or rule. This is also Lysander's opinion: with babbles (saith he) one deceives children, but those of riper years and judgement with oaths, either to revenge an injury, or to hinder and repulse the intent & might of ones enemy. Great trust gives the faithless means to work mischief. 12. julius Pope. IVlius the second of that name Pope of Rome said that neither with Spaniards, Dutch, or Walloons (whom he named Barbaros) he never did enter into peace, but only to withdraw them back out of Italy. Maxmilian Phillip's grandfather was also wont to say, Maximilian. that he never made peace with the French but to revenge his former wrongs, which he supposed to have received. Antiochus Illustris deceived jerusalem by false peace. We find how Antiochus' Illustris with a deceitful intent made peace with the jews, and immediately after sent his General Apollonius, who utterly destroyed and burned jerusalem: the people he made captives, and constrained them to forsake their God. Those which circumcised themselves, he crossed & murdered, the women he strangled, and killed the children about their necks. Mistrust is the best weapon against tyrants. 13. Antiochus' Empator through the counsel of Lysias besieged jerusalem, and begirt the same with his troops: Antiochus Empator deceived the jews by false peace. but perceiving he should not take the same by force, he sought to deceive them with a false peace, makes an agreement with them, permits them to use their laws and religion with their liberty, but having entered the city, he neither respected oath nor honour, but caused all the walls and fortresses of the City to be pulled down. Through his command was many a man drowned, captived, Alcimus to his own kindred. and murdered. Alcimus did great mischief in murdering & strangling, when he desired peace with his own lineage, he being of the Tribe of Aron, no harm was suspected in him, in somuch that this great trusting hath been dear unto the jews. Tryphon. jonathan. jonathan had never been betrayed by Tryphon, had he not given credit to his words, but should rather have prepared himself to the combat with him. Unwise is he who by peace expeecteth any good of the wicked. 14. THat we have reason to fear can we farther explain, A more particular use of Princes towards their subjects. in that a mighty prince or potentate being displeased with his subjects; and must favour them for some occasion, cannot wholly depose his wrath, but well dissemble the same for a while: insomuch that when he finds opportunity there is no punishment, no revenge, so unmerciful or cruel, which is bad enough (in his opinion) for the former committed offence: and although he swear to keep inviolably the peace, yet ought one nevertheless to fear, because who now keep their word so little as princes to their subjects, for they esteem it a small matter, being we see they seldom make peace with them (being in contention) unless they be thereto (by extreme need) compelled. Then follows (as they esteem) that any oath taken through compulsion may be broken when they wil And to verify this, we cannot find any example that a prince, who though he have never so solemnly sworn truce. But finding opportunity hath not revenged his wrong. 15. Lodovicus the second King of France, Lewes the second. was forced to conclude and make a peace with his subjects which had deposed him, the which he solemnly swore, but yet afterwards he made them all subtly away. The Duke of Nemours, Burgundy, and Arminiac lost their lives, yea he was so much bend to revenge, that he poisoned his own brother Charles: A king's cruelty cuts all through, The king of Feza. and nothing can resist the same. The King of Feza being lately besieged by his younger brother was compelled to crave a peace, the commonalty obtained reasonable conditions between both, whereunto they were sworn. The king being escaped this danger, his brother coming to embrace him, he strangled him & caused him to be cast out of the window. Many one thinks himself secure when he is in most danger. Under the greenest grass lurks the most venomous snake. 16. Henry the 6. HEnry the sixth of that name King of England, was forced to make an agreement with Richard Duke of York, whereunto he firmly swore & promised the said Richard and his heirs the succession of the crown after his death, but notwithstanding all that, he was afterwards slain in the field by the kings procurement. Antonius' Caracalla. Antonius' Caracalla in revenge of some flout or mockery done to him, by subtle practices put to death all the youth of Alexandria in a place where they were assembled, not doubting of any such mischief. Ferdinandus of Arragon also broke his oath, Ferdinandus. and promise done unto his nobles who had conspired against him, for he caused them all secretly to be made away, although notwithstanding divers Princes were as sureties unto the said promise. It is bad going as a guest under sureties into a Lion's den. 17. THe mercy which we are to expect, should 100 years after the day be bemoaned by our successors, An especial cause why of the Spaniards we expect neither pardon, nor oblivion of our facts. for they esteem us worse than jews, heathens, or Turks, yea we are all condemned to lose both our lives and goods, for we have rend the yoke of the tyrant from our necks, and have openly taken arms against him, his false idolatry we have exiled, and wholly changed the same according to the scriptures: renounced the king, & proclaimed him an enemy, as the cruel Spanish brood which hath sworn our spoil: against the Inquisition no means have been spared, and all done what was possible to smother their cruelty. We have chosen other Potentates, this is treason to his Majesty in the highest degree: wherefore we assure ourselves that all hope of mercy is lost, & that thou seekest to deceive us with thy sweet words. He that believes easily, is cause of his own harm. 18. WHat belief or faith ought to be held unto them who have sinned so grossly, An example of his deeds and nature, Granada. what pardon we should have (God be praised) we know it is a mockery that thou tellest us our offences shall be pardoned, by them who are more inclined to revenge then pardon: we remember how pitifully Granada was used, the inhabitants exiled, and the country planted with Castilians, their goods confiscated and themselves made slaves, going with a mark burnt in their foreheads. Arragon. Also how he handled Arragon against the laws and privileges of the same whereunto he was sworn, he condemneth the right, slayeth it as a foe, as soon as he had got the land in his possession: mark but the covenants whereunto the country had sworn him, and how they were performed to many a ones grief: he that will not learn by all these examples, let him prepare himself to die or to be made a slave. A revengeful heart respecteth not honour nor oath to have his will. 19 HE that most will seek to know the king's kind, let him see what servants he useth, and let him call their valiant deeds to mind, and what commissioners of his have been in this country, Granuelle, Vergas, Roda, and the Duke D'Alba their master in cruelty: Don jan with Escouedo, and others which were not to be glutted with blood, and were (without faith, truth, or honour) prompt to spoil, rob, burn and destroy. Don jan said that a king were fit to inherit woods, trees mountains, beasts, water or other senseless things, then to be Lord of a mighty country, wherein he should suffer so much as one rebel, or any one of contrary religion, which at his pleasure he might not put to death. The Marquis of Kisbrooke had rather flown (with his) to the Devil then to leave persecuting the Heretics: that they had such intents they were not ashamed to show not only in this country, but through all the world. The man doth purpose, but God doth dispose. 20. THe West Indians much commend the Spaniard, in 〈◊〉 it appears by the country, which was wont like an Ant 〈◊〉 to abound in people, which now by the Spaniards bloody hands are all murdered, falling on them without reason or occasion: within these few years they strangled & murdered above 180. times hundredth thousand living souls. In Castille are not by the thousand part so many bloodthirsty rogues, as in the land guiltless have been smothered: who ever heard of more horrible cruelty, no tongue so learned that can fully set forth the same. He that desireth to know further hereof, let him read Bartolomeus de las Casas, who writes that they have rend the infants from the breasts of their mothers, taking them by the legs dashed out their brains against the stones, cut in pieces and thrown to the dogs: many hundrethes have been by the dogs devoured, many roasted, sodde, & inhumanly devoured. The commemoration hereof would wound a stony heart. 21. IF yet thy king esteem his honour above revenge, yet in his religion he will never budge, His religion. which concludes (as by the counsel of Constance was decreed, whereon we ought to consider) that one needs not keep any oath unto Heretics: this gives us occasion enough to mistrust, for though the king had sworn unto us a thousand oaths, An. 1080. when it pleaseth the Pope (on whom more then on God they trust) he may be discharged of his oath. Pope Gregory the 7. was the first that made this law against the Emperor Henry the fourth, who displeasing him, he put him in the ban, The Bishops of M●nts and Cullin. and egged and incited Rodolphus of Swaben against him, after he had given him a dispensation of the oath, which the said Rodolph had done to the Emperor. But so it happened that in the conflict Rodolphus lost his right hand, wherefore he said unto the Bishops his counsellors: Lo there God's just punishment we not respected. There lies now the hand which swore homage unto Henry my true Lord. It is lost labour to seek to deceive God. 22. Tom. 3. Consil. fol. 860. THe counsel of Constance not only concluded, to keep no faith unto Heretics, but moreover constrained and commanded, to break, rend and annullate the sworn oath. It appeareth by the Emperor Sygismundus who was very loath so shamefully to break his oath, done to the king Laodislaus, johannes Hus jeronimus de Praga. Eccius in Lutherum, counsels the Emperor to break his oath in putting them to death. Hus & prague contrary to and against his safeconduct were thrown in the fire. Eccius practised also to use those tricks against Luther in Worms as above is said, maintaining these decrees very stoutly to the emperors prejudice, that he should retire his given conduct, yea more that he was bound to do it by the councles decree, if he would be reputed a true son unto the holy Church. The Spaniard is named thus, as in pardons are seen, he being very obedient to work after that order. One refrains often from evil through diligent consideration. 23. BY this Constantish and holy father's decree, julianus, was the Cardinal julianus sent into Hungary to give knowledge unto johannes Huniades that he might break the truce between the Turks: from which thing he would fain have refrained as unlawful, for he resisted the same a great while, but was by the Council forced, wherefore he refused the Turkish peace. The Hungarians began the wars very stoutly: but the Turks greatly displeased with that faithless deed, assembled a mighty host, with which they fell in Hungary like hungry Wolves, beating all the Christians wholly out of the field. There died the Cardinal and Laodislao: here it appeared that unto them, & not unto God their faithless behaviour is a pleasure, for he that broke the sworn truce, trusting on his strength in stead of hoped victory they had a shameful discomfiture. Untruth and pride never remain unpunished. 24. SEcondly this is a Maxim of the Papal doctrine that one may do evil if good proceed thereof, The second part of his religion. jesuits. especially if it be to the furtherance of the holy Church, and enterprised to that end, the jesuits those murderers of Princes, say and affirm, that one may bereave kings, princes, and Lords of their lives, dissemble any manner of way to deceive the Heretics, & that any evil is good, so it proceed of a good intent. Thirdly the Pope's authority. Thirdly such might is given to the Pope, that he can bind and unbind any thing which is in the compass of the world, that is, he may cast down or raise Empires and kingdoms, and discharge or keep oaths: the Pope is all above all, he may always above and against right do what he will: he hath the right of the king of kings, for no man how great soever may say, The Canon. why dost thou so. The Pope (with you) is no man, but a God on earth. 25. The faithless never wants occasion. FInally the perfidious (when he espies opportunity to revenge his wrongs) whereunto they are generally addicted, wants no excuses and occasions to break his oath. They will keep their oaths in small matters, to the end, that when time serves, they may through their dissimulations work their will the better: this was showed unto Scipio Africanus by Fabius, saying didst thou not once trust to Syphacius, The counsel of Fabius. and Numidis, let it be a warning unto thee not to be deceived again: for the trothless keeps his word and oath in small things, thereby the better to attain the good opinions of every one, by the which he may with less peril & more profit work his treason. He then that refuseth God's manifest aid against the sword, must be seen to be deceived with the Olive branch and fair show of peace. Once deceived one hath the more cause always to mistrust his foe. 26. Out of these above written examples and reasons, is to be perceived, that Holland and her allies are well informed and resolved not to enter into peace so unadvisedly with the proud Spaniard, but continually mistrust his wont treachery; the more having considered that many nations have been through their easy believing and too much trusting deceived, and almost spoiled: others to the contrary, mistrusting, and by their diligent foresight have eschewed their approaching perils, preserved their liberty, and defended their common wealth: it is bad to stand at another's mercy, & especially of his enemies whom one hath injured Magdenburge, and Rochel, Magdenburge Rochel. chose rather to die in the defence of their liberty, then to trust to those which are wicked by nature, whereby they have preserved themselves, who else were now overthrown. Through steadfastness the Crown of victory is won. 27. THe Admiral of France had he not rejected the many advertisements and counsels given him, The Admiral of France trusting to the many oaths of the king was with many thousands pitifully murdered. Parthes Artabanus. he had not been so pitifully murdered: the dissimulations of Charles the 9 had not been so hurtful unto him: at Paris had not happened such a massacre where the streets were strawed with murdered bodies of 10000 Protestants, besides many thousands in other Cities: Who would not abhor such cruelty, and rather choose an honourable war, before such treacherous agreements. Had Artabanus not put too much confidence in his enemy, the Parthians had not been by Bascianus Caracalla so cruelly murdered, had he not given consent to the match of his daughter, he had protected the people from that destruction for when Caracalla more like an enemy than a friend, with his men came for his bride, the Parthians coming in amiable sort, weaponless to receive him, he in a moment fell with his men upon them, Artabanus hardly escaped, he saw his people massacred. The unexperienced must often times learn to their damage. 28. THe plagues which thou proposest unto us, which thou sayest upon these which scorn peace, we neither expect nor fear them, because that the estates nor causes of such as thou namest are not to be compared to ours, the example which thou showest us of julius Caesar, is without sense, and not any way to the purpose; julius Cesar. Example showing also that the greatest potentates ought to keep themselves within their own limits, and to know God. for Caesar sought (through ambition) to be chief of Rome, thereby to bercave them of their former liberty, he sought thereby to transport (at his pleasure) the armies into Italy, to bring his paternity to slavery, yet in the end he bought it with his life, wherefore the example is in our behalf, and shows us in that as julius Caesar bought his paternity in slavery: even so hath done the king of Spain, seeking to suppress these countries, yet God punisheth his pride, by that little Province which he little doubted, insomuch that his punishment is no less than Caesar's. As the deed is so deserves it like punishment. 29. Carthage. CArthage did often make peace with Rome: but they broke it again, setting aside all honour and oaths, whereat the Romans' being justly moved, because they esteemed their oath so much, and yet were used contrarily, they made towards Carthage with all their powers, and recompensed them for their treachery: the deed deserved no less, for falseness and perjury are commonly requited with loss, and that thou comparest us unto Mithridates, that hath no resemblance, neither any way Mithridates intends to subvert Asia and Europe under his subjection: Mithridates. murders many Romans, yea will ouer●●●ow Rome itself, for which cause the Romans' with a great host resisted him, vanquished and punished him accordingly, Philip (like Mithridates) meant to overrun all the earth, and become a Monarch, shall if it please God find like fare, For they that covet all, commonly lose all. 30. jugurtha. EVen as jugurth wrongfully ruled over the Numedians, so have Phillip's Predecessors against all right tyranized over many kingdoms, as Cicilia, Naples, the Indies and such like, but they shall yet with right, withdraw themselves from him, yea through God's just judgement rise up all against him, as we with reason have abandoned him, for as it is won so it will thrive. Sehon. As the Israelites desired Sehon to let them pass peaceably, and quietly through his land, which he refusing, the Israelites had good occasion to fall on him & destroy him even so have we only sought as obedient subjects according to our paternal right to enjoy our liberty, this not only is refused, but also those which sued for the same, and many others were slain: This unmeasurable cruelty moves and compels us to resist and hate the Spanish brood. It is lawful to resist force, when necessity constrains. 31 Paris. Parish most treacherously bereaved Menelaus of Helena his dear wife, who first in friendship was by the Grecians asked again, but the denial incited them to anger in such sort, that they assembled a mighty host, and finally the Troyans' as they deserved were ruined: so also the king of Spain shall not easily clear himself from these countries, because he hath ravished our Helen, which is our liberty, the which to recover, we will not fear to adventure our lives and living, until the last drop of our blood, for who would live content being bereaved of so sweet a blessing, and to live in bondage of life and conscience? that is no ways our intent nor desire, God through his mercy will strengthen us all in our pretences. It is honourable to love liberty above life. 32 IT is not in our power; nor we may not make any covenant nor peace with our Prince, since you name our war a causeless rebellion, we ought therefore than belike (as obedient subjects) to cease the war, to render all our advantage, forsake all our right, acknowledge our Superiors again, set ourselves in the first estate, if so be we will not taste the punishment due to rebels, we must couch to his command, return to our old customs, deliver up all the land, give our Prince power to do and leave at his pleasure, he is our superior, our war is mere wantonness and pride, which we to our power maintain stoutly and without licence, what all this would be we have been taught by the Gallows, sword, water and fire, for in the time of obedience those cruelties were used, above 80000. have in the Netherlandes been put to death byforme of justice, only accused of Heresy. This thou namest peace, but it is a miserable slavery. 33. ANd that our war is no rebellion, nor madness, we manifest clearly with cittizenlike and godly laws, we acknowledge a Lord, but none that shall rule over us in such sort, that at his pleasure he shall make us slaves, except he can show and prove that our liberty may be hindered and subverted to slavery at the command of thy king: but this is manifest, the people choose a Prince: but he swears first at his crowning, to be unto them, their laws and liberties an eternal defender, and to maintain them and augment them with all his might, then swears the people in recompense of his promise to be true to him (so far forth he keep his oath and word) he then that prefers one to an estate is more to be esteemed, than he that is preferred, although this will seem ridiculous to the flatterers, also one which is exalted to some estate believes for sure that he that hath raised him hath the power in his misdemeanour to pull him down again. He that on condition is raised, may with condition be abased 34. THat the king of Spain hath not conquered us with the sword (but that he was made Earl upon condition, we can easily prove, the order of electing or crowning doth show the same: for he swore first to us, and afterward we to him, we also see the manner of the swearing in Arragon when they elect any one to the kingly estate, we have also chosen thee for our Lord and king on condition, Trala●s. that thou shouldest keep inviolably our rights and privileges otherwise not. Traianus is also of this mind, when he putteth the sword in the hands of his chiefest ruler, saying, hold and justly use this thy gevensworde, if in case I am valiant and true against my enemies in the field, but if otherwise, use it against me with all force, hereby follow that when a Prince swears, and then goes from his word, that as then the oath of the subjects is also of no worth, but may justly compel and force the Prince to do justice. He that will be truly dealt with, must first be true himself. 35. THe Prince that is sworn to the country's privileges to keep and defend them, not to diminish but to augment them, and that afterwards by all subtle and deceitful means, will spoil the country of the same: may he not justly be declared a Perjure of all his subjects, and deposed from his rule, without that the same be accounted rebellion, and especially since that our Predecessors in their privileges concluded (necessity excepted) never to resist their Prince's actions, all the while they were just true and good, keeping their oath, and defended us as they ought, all that while we have obeyed them with life & goods. as much as any people on earth. The history of Carolus Audax sufficiently shows the same, ●aro●s Audax. how true and willing his subjects were, sending him in divers wars great assistances of their free will, and how he was esteemed and loved of little and great. It is more security for a Prince to be loved then feared. 36: WHen Kings will rule over consciences and minds, and will be obeyed, against God's laws in such respect, one may with all godly and worldly right, withstand them, without therefore using any rebellion, whether it be right in God's sight to obey you rather than God judge you, Act. 4. v. 19 this appeared also in the Hebrew midwives, which in the kill of the babes did not effect the kings command, Exod. 1. v. 17. God's mighty hand preserved Sydrach, Misach, and Abednago, Daniel 3. v. 28. Dan. 6. v. 16. from the scorching flames of fire, because they spurned at the kings command, and trusted in him. And Daniel refusing to offer unto Bell was cast into the lions den, from the which by God's miraculous power he was saved. Mathias with his 5. Brethren rejected the kings command, nay more raised an army against him, God blessed their war, praised and furthered their pretence, & through his help they recovered their freedom. Against tyranny all God-fearing people may fight. 37. SInce this our Prince hath sought to use us not as good subjects but as vanquished slaves, nor yet would not cease his persecutions, by no good persuasions, nor grant liberty of conscience, but moreover such as sued for it, hath he condemned as Traitors, and put them to death, the country being moved, urged, and forced, through extreme necessity, which according to her privileges was lawful, to procure means to disturb, and hinder such like tyranny, to live in her wont liberty, hath not of any desire of gain, nor treachery, but of mere need and necessity exposed herself to the war, therein following the example of many nations, the which had received nothing so much injury as we, yet have they exiled and driven their Princes away, neither were they reputed rebels, nor yet received any damage thereby. He doth no body wrong who defends his own right. 38. EDwarde the second Edward ●e second England's king through bad counsel putteth certain of his Barons to death, without either reason or lawful cause: but the other Pears of the land moved by that cruelty assembled together an host of men, took him prisoner, and declared him unworthy, Christern. Tarqvinius Superbus. Caius Caligula Nero. Domitianus C●mmodus Maximus. Christern of Denmark was imprisoned after that he was e●led, and Tarqvinius Superbus for his cruelty was deposed by the Romans' the which he had plagued, and altered their government, insomuch that they displeased them. Caius Caligula a monstrous tyrant, was also therefore murdered by the Romans': Nero for his filthy and horrible facts was declared a foe, and his life persecuted, and Domitianus, Commodus, Maximus, and more, others of like cruelty were used accordingly, for they that seek the spoil of the common wealth, are always seen to buy it dear. No Tyrant that ever could escape God's punishment. 39 BEing then that our war is no rebellion, as manifestly appears, and sufficiently proved by true examples, and infallible arguments, thou dost us great wrong to compare us to rebellious Absalon, or to the wicked Israelites: for no comparison can be made of it, we are in no wise to stand in fear of the punishment, which rebels have endured, but since we put our trust in the almighty God, we will continually expect a good issue of our just quarrel although thou seekest through thy threats to quench our courages, vaunting of thy masters Lyonly teeth, with all his forces, steadfastly trusting on our God, thy threats we let fly, remaining conjunctly in our intent, esteeming far better to have just war, than a dissembled peace. Who so trusts on God's aid, is never put to shame. 40. 〈…〉 IT seems that thou hast learned the bragging of thy master Rapsace, who also cried, wherein dost thou rely, wherein dost thou trust? but what God did, and commanded in the next chapter, thou hast not read or perhaps but badly remembered: he shall not enter the city, nor endamage the same, for I will defend and keep it, 〈…〉 for my servant David's sake who trusted in me, I will protect her against the tyrants pretences, Baldeus also boasted before Leidiz, that one should sooner touch the stars than the city be rescued, but God displeased at this blasphemy sent them unnatural floods, whereby his pretence was disturbed. Thou that through false peace seekest to bring us in thy net consider the matter: for if thou art not blinded through thy wilfulness, thou must of force confess that our resistance which thou seest is no human work. God favoureth our case, for the defence of his Christ. 41 Assure thyself that I trust not so much on the help of my neighbores and allies, as on the just and upright dealing which we daily use: for when with diligent care I consider the forepast, and balance the issue thereof, it gives me a great cause of hope, that this will end well, and that I shall want no means, while I feel God's hand, his bounty, aid, and blessing which are the infallablest tokens of a good issue of the unsteadfastness thereby, thou makest a great discourse, that it hangs in no men's hands, and that it is daily seen, but I know they are steadfast, and never deceived any, except he displeased God through our great sin: I trust and believe assuredly that they are bound to me, as long as I shall with zeal prosecute this just cause, and will through God's mercy, and in spite of the Spaniarde as a young bud flourish, which thou with all thy force shalt not hinder. God's blessing will dwell always fast with the God-fearing. 42. ANd finally when thou comest forth with thy Prince's power, name him with a common name, because thou knowest not thy right: yet for reasons to your advantage, do not name him: nevertheless we perceive thy deceit cunningly cloaked there under, as the Ass of Cuma covered with the lions skin: but through his long cares he was known: so thou also with thy peace, masked with a Fox's skin: we perceive thy intent: for thou showest thy master in form of a Lion, of whom we fear to be deceived in the end: because we see many footsteps inward: but none outward, whereby is seen his malice is not only to us: but also to them that never injured him, out of thy own words we construe his meaning, and what a happy peace we should have: we are Lambs, thy Lord a Lion, those two kinds never agree, beside we are nations of divers humours. Contrary humours do quickly break unity. 43 IF then you, our neighbores, of the seduced Provinces, so much and so fervently desire peace, the way is open, a good s●… peace is at hand, which thou now mayst attain, in following our good counsel, it being impossible for you to continue in Peace when you should be contracted unto God with us: and the proud Spaniarde, open thy eyes, know thy enemy, when thou mayst drive him away, which through God's help and thy neighbores, may easily and in short space be effected, than peace will yield us traffic, welfare, and plenty, the peace shallbe sure without false show, the more since we are a nation of one kind and condition, who also though to their damage keep their oath and respect their honours, endeavour thou to do this rid thyself from the Spanish venom, trust on God's mercy, and not on thy kings great Forces. He that puts his trust in God, never comes to shame. 44. IF not, than you Batavians, which have undertaken the defence of your privileges, let not the fear of death daunt your invincible courages you shall not only thereby recover infinite praise, but also hereafter an eternal life: but if you faint, and will seek to shun the perils, you bring yourselves & your successors in great disquietness: wherefore then take courage, and for the defence of thy patrimony (in recompense that she hath nourished thee) and for your liberty spare neither life nor goods, let not any ways the desire of this fickle life expel the wont courages from your hearts, let not the praise and renown of the Battavians) which hitherto hath continued, any way be blemished nor diminished, although dangers are at hand, show that this meaning is deeply imprinted in your hearts. far better to endure a war that should never cease, then to be deceived by a false peace. FINIS.