SERENISSIMA ISABEL CLARA EUGENIA INFANTA HISPANIARUM. etc.   portrait 
The pourtraicture of the most Illustrious Isabel Clara Eugenia, Infanta of Spain Duchess of Austria and Burgundy: And Princess of Belgia  R E sculpt   

A true Copy of the transportation of the Low Countries, Burgundy, and the County of Charrolois:  
Done by the King of Spain, for the Dowry of his eldest Daughter. Given in marriage unto the Cardinal ALBERT, Duke of Austria, with the Articles and Conditions of the same, signed by the King in Madrill.  
❧ Translated out of Dutch by H. W. November. 1598.  
AT LONDON, Printed by I. R. for Paul Linley, dwelling in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Black Bear.   

The Copy of the transport done by his Majesty, to th' Infanta his Eldest Daughter: of the Netherlands, Burgundy, & the County of Charolois in the year. 1598.  
PHILL. Rex. To all present and to come, which shall see or hear these presents: greeting.  
WHereas we have found to be most behoveful not only to our Provinces of the Low-countries, but also, unto all Christendom in general, no longer to delay the marriage of our dear and beloved eldest Daughter th' Infanta, Isabel Clara Eugenia, being moved thereunto, as well for the conservation of our House, as divers other good respects: as also, for the great good affection, which we bear unto our beloved Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, th' Archduke Albert, (a● this present) Lieutenant, Governor, and Captain general, for us in our Netherlands, and Burgundy, we have cast our eyes on him, and choosing him for the future Husband of our said Eldest Daughter, the whole, aswell with the consent & pleasure of our holy Father the Pope, who condiscendeth, and granteth the dispensations thereunto belonging, as also with the agreement and consent, of the most high, excellent, & puissant Prince, our beloved Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, Rodolph, the second of that name, Emperor of the Romans', together with our well-beloved Sister the Empress his Mother: which being considered, and to the end that our said Daughter might be furnished with reasonable means, such as are required for her great calling and merits. Also to show and make known, the love which we have and do bear, unto our said Netherlands and Burgundy, we have resolved (to th' advanncement of the said marriage) to give and transport all those said Countries, unto our said Daughter, and all thereunto belonging, in the manner which shall be specified héere-under. The whole, with the consent and good will, of our dear and well-beloved good Son, the Prince Philip, our only Son and heir: according to the advertisement, which (by us and our said Son) hath been given unto the principal Lords and Knights of our order, Governors and Estates of our said Netherlands, which are in our obeisance, together with those of our Country of Burgundy. All the which have witnessed and declared by their answer, the joy & contentment which they received at our so kind resolution, which they know and confess, to be for the rest and tranquillity of our said Netherlands, and that it is the true and right course to attain to a good and firm peace, and to be delivered from such a troublesome war: which quiet and tranquillity, we have always wished unto them. And considering that (which unto all is most manifest) the greatest felicity which may happen to a Country, is to be governed by the sight and presence of their natural Prince and Lord, God is witness of the trouble and care which we have had, because we have not been able in that sort to do it personally, as (truly) we well wished, if other great and important affairs of our Realm of Spain, had not forced and constrained us to make a continual residence therein, without moving any thing from thence: as also at this present they constrain us. And although the age of our said Son, seem more fit to travail then doth ours, notwithstanding, it hath been the pleasure of the Almighty, to give so many other kingdoms and Counteys, for the good government of which, there will never want affairs of great importance, for the which also his presence shall here be needful. We have then found most convenient to take this resolution, to he end that our said Low Countries be not left in the forepassed inconveniences, together with the reason that we have to appoint the portion of our said Daughter th' Infanta according to her merits, and the greatness of her birth. As also particularly, that next unto the said Prince our Son, (unto whom God confirm with long years & prosperity to his service) our said eldest Daughter is the first and nearest heir unto the said Countries, and therefore, by virtue of the will and pleasure of our said Son, she may from this time be constituted in the same. The more because we have chose these means, hoping that thereby our said Netherlands may return, to their ancient flower, rest, and prosperity, which heretofore they have had.  
Wherhfore we make known, That desiring at this present to put in execution, that, whereon we have so ripely considered, and in respect of the voluntary consent, which our said Son the Prince hath so liberally given thereunto, after he had understood, the submission wherewith our said Countries did confirm our will and intention, we have resolved and decreed, to cede and transport to our said Daughter th'Infanta, and to the advancement of the said marriage, all our said Provinces of the Netherlands and Burgundy, in the form, manner, and conditions heereunder expressed.  

I.  
THE first condition is, and not otherwise, that our said Daughter is to take in marriage th'Archduke Albert, in virtue of the dispensations which our holy Father the Pope, hath granted to that end, that she shall accept for her Dowry, the said Low Countries, and the County of Burgundy. And in case that the said marriage were disturbed for any cause whatsoever, the said donation and session, shall be void and of none effect: as in such a case (at this present) we recall and anullate the same.   

II.  
Item on condition & not otherwise, that the Children and descendants of the said marriages, Males and Females, ligitimates, and borne in true marriage, (and not the unlawful) although by subsequent it were in marriage, the Elder proceeding the Younger, and the Male the Female: in like degree they shall be Heirs, from hand to hand of all the said provinces, conjointly without eclipsing or separating them, declaring that the Son or Daughter, of the Eldest Son or Daughter deceased, during the life of their Father: the same shall be preferred unto the Uncles, or any other of the collateral line.   

III.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that in case (which God defend) that there were neither Son nor Daughter of this marriage, or that they should be deceased, in the time of the decease of one, either of the said Archduke Albert, or our Daughter th'Infanta, which shall be married: The said donation and concession shall be from henceforward void & of no effect. In which case if our said Daughter remain a Widow, she shall be furnished with the lawful portion from the Father's side, & the Dowry of the Mother's side, such as appertains unto her: Over and above, what we or our said Son the Prince, might do in such case in her behalf, for the love which we bear her. And if the said Archduke our good Nephew survived our said Daughter th'Infanta, he shall remain Governor of the said Netherlands, for, and in the name of the Proprietary unto whom the said Countries (as then) should be due.   

FOUR  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that if all the descendants, Males, and Females, procreated of the same marriage in such sort, that none (of those which should be called to those goods) should remain in such case. They shall return all to the kingdom of Spain, unto him who shall be descended from us, which make this donation and concession: As in such case at this present we give it him.   

V  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that neither our said Daughter th'Infanta, nor any other of the Successors, shall not (for any cause or prete●e so over) transport, give, nor alienate the said Countries without our consent, or the consent of our Heirs, and Successors in these kingdoms.   

VI  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that she which shall be Princess or Lady of the said Low-Countries, shall marry with the King of Spain, or with the Prince his Son, which as then shall live, keep always furnished with the due dispensations, in what shall be needful. And if (as then) they had no mind, or means to make the said marriage, nor to have them Countries in Dowry, (in such case) the said Lady may not take any other husband, nor bring him in Dowry any part of the said netherlands, except it be with our advice and consent, and of our Heirs or Successors in the said Kingdom of Spain, which shall be desenceded from us, and in case of contravention: All which shall have been given and granted, shall return unto them: as if this gift, concession, and transport, had not been made.   

VII.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that each and every one of the Princes and Lords of the said Netherlands, shall not marry his Sons nor Daughters, but with our advice and consent, or of our Heirs and Successors Kings of Spain.   

VIII.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that neither our said Daughter th'Infanta, her Husband, nor any of his Successors (unto which the said Countries shall be due) shall not in any wise make any Trade, Traffic, nor Contract to the East or West-Indies: neither send thither any sort of Ships, under what title, colour, or pretext soever: on pain that the said Countries, in the case of the said contravention shall be confiscated. And if any of these Subjects should (against this defence) trade or travail to the said Indies, the Lords of the said Countries shall punish them with pains, confiscation of goods, and other more severe, yea with death.   

IX.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that if the said Archduke Albert our beloved Nephew should survive our said Daughter th' Infanta leaving a Son or Daughter, he shall have the government of the said Son or Daughter Heirs, and the use of all his goods, as if our Daughter th' Infanta were yet alive: And over and above, our Nephew (in this case) shall enjoy (during his life) all the said Countries, and shall be Vsufructier of the same, so far forth, that he entertain and nourish (all such Children) honourably according to their calling and quality, & that unto the Elder, (be it Son or Daughter) he give the Duchy of Luxembourgh, and the County of Chime, which dependeth thereon to have and enjoy the same during the Father's life, after the which, he shall have all, as his universal Heir. Being here expressly declared that this clause of th' Vsufruict be only understood in favour of our good Nephew th'Archduke Albert, and that it may not be drawn in consequence, that none of his Successors might allege any example, nor pretend any right thereunto in any such like case.   

X.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise: This being above all others the principal and chiefest obligation. That all the Children and Desendants of the said marriage, following the piety and Religion which shineth in them, shall live and die in our holy Catholic faith, as our holy Roman Church teacheth, and before they take possession of the said Netherlands, shall thereof take their oath in the form and manner as is expressed after this Article. And in case (which God defend) that any of the said Desendants, should go astray from our holy faith, and should fall in any heresy: that after our holy Father the Pope shall have declared him for such:) he shall be deprived of th' Administration, Possession, and propriety, of the said Provinces, and that the Subjects & Vassals of the same, obey him no more: but that they receive and admit, the nearest Catholic, following by degree, who in case of decease, or such fault, aught to succeed him: and the said Heretic shall be reputed, as if he were deceased by natural death.  EGo iuro, ad Sancta Dei evangelia, quod semper ad extremum vitae meae spiritum, Sacrosanctam Fidem Catholicam, quam tenet, docet & predicat Sancta Catholica & Apostolica Romana Ecclesia (omnium Ecclesiarum Mater & Magistra) constanter prositebor, & fideliter firmiterque credam, & veraciter tenebo: Atque came à meis subditis teneri, doceri & predicari (quantum in me erit) curabo. Sic me Deus adiuvet, & haec Sancta Dei evangelia. 

The translation of the above written oath.  
I Swear, by the holy Gospel of GOD, always, even to the last gasp of my life, steadfastly to profess, truly and assuredly to believe, and unfeignedly to maintain, the holy Catholic faith, which is held, taught, and preached, by the holy Catholic, and Apostolic Romish Church, (of all Churches the mother and mistress.) And to take care (as much as in me lieth) that the same shall be used, professed, taught, and preached to my subjects. So help me God, & his holy Gospel.    

XI.  
Item on condition, and not otherwise, that the greatest stability of peace, the love, and coresponce, which ought to be between the Kings of these kingdoms, shall be between our descendants successors the Princes, and Lords of the Countries on the other side. Also our descendants and successors, and every one of them, which in time shall enter into the possession and demain of the said Low Countries and Burgundy, shall praise, approve, and ratify of superabundance, all what is contained in this article:   

XII.  
And being, that our intention and will is, that the above written conditions, shall be fully accomplished, together with the same we give, cede, abandon, transfer, renounce, agree, and consent, indowrie, feeft, or reedefeeft, (and by what better way or form by right may or aught to be done, without that the forceless form, may be any way prejudicial to that which is forcible, profitable, or advantageous) to the said Infanta, Isabel Clara Eugenia, our dear and well-beloved eldest Daughter, all our Netherlands, and every Province thereof, and the County of Burgundy, therein comprehended the County of Charrolois, and the Dukedoms, Principalities, Marquisats, Counties, Baronies, Shires, Cities, Castles and Forts, which are in our said. Netherlands and Burgundy, together with all regals, leans, homages, rites, liberties, freedoms, rites of patronage, rents, revenues, domaines, aids, confiscations, and forfeitures, with all and whatsoever rites and actions, which we may or might pretend in the cause of the Netherlands, and County of Burgundy, together with all pre-eminences, prerogatives, privileges, exemptions, ●dnoueries, jurisdictions, resorts, & other superiorities whatsoever, and in what sort they may be, or for what cause and occasion they may appertain unto us, be it of patrimony or otherwise in any title or howsoever it may be. To enjoy them wholly, and in such sort as we have enjoyed them, without any exception, so far forth (always) that they be kept inviolably all and every one of the above specified conditions. And the conditions made by the immortal memory the Emperor, my Lord and Father, in the month of November, Ann. 1549. touching the union of the said Low Countries, not any way consenting nor agreeing any division, or separation in the same, for what cause, nor in any manner whatsoever.   

XIII.  
And our intention is, as we declare and expressly ordain by these presents, that notwithstanding this our gift, concession and transport, our said Invocation the Infanta, and her future husband, the Archduke Albert, shall be bound to pay and to satisfy to all such debts and obligations, contracted by us, or in our Name, or by the late Imperial Majesty, upon our patrimony and domaine of the said Netherlands & County of Burgundy. And that also they shall be bound, to sustain, bear, and maintain, all such rents, pensions for life, and all others whatsoever gifts, recompenses, and others, which his said Imperial Majesty, us, and our Predecessors, hath, or do give, grant, and assign unto any persons whatsoever. And also we make, create, constitute, and name (by these presents, in the form and quality above mentioned) our said Daughter the Infanta, for Princess and Lady of the said Netherlands, and the County of Burgundy, together with the aforesaiyd County of Charrolois. Granting moreover, unto our said Daughter, that over and above the particular titles of each Province, of the said Netherlands and County of Burgundy, she may name and entitle herself Duchess of Burgundy, although that we have kept for us, and the said Prince our Son, (as long as it shall please us) the same title of Duke of Burgundy, with all the rites which thereby are due to us: together with the name of chief and sovereign of our order of the Golden Fleece, with full power and authority to dispose thereof in time to come, as we shall find most convenient.  
We also further consent, agree, and grant unto our said Daughter the Infanta, and give her absolute power and unrevocable, of her own private authority, without any other requisition or consent of her said future husband, or other, to take, and seize, the entire and full possession, of all the said Netherlands, and County of Burgundy and Charrolois, and to that effect, cause the general Estates of the said Countries to be assembled, and the particular Estates of every Province. Or to use any other order or form, which she shall find most requisite and convenient, to declare this our concession and transport. As also to do the oath which shall be needful unto the said subjects, and Estates of the said Countries, and to demand investure of the pieces and signiories which shall be needful: and likewise to receive of them the due oath, and to bind them unto all, according to all whereunto by their precedent oaths they were reciprocally bound.  
And until such time as our said Daughter shall have taken, (or cause to be taken in her name) the full possession of the said Netherlands, County of Burgundy, and Charolois, in the form and manner referred by these presents, we set and pose ourselves as Possessors of the same, in the name and behalf of our said Daughter: In witness whereof we ordain, and command these Letters Patents to be delivered unto her: consenting and granting (moreover) unto her, to detain, commit, and institute, in the said Netherlands, and Burgundy: Governors, judges, justices, and Officers, either for the Guard or defence thereof, or for th' administration of justice, policy, receipt of the Demaines, or otherwise. And for the rest, to do as a true Princess and natural Lady, and Proprietary of those Countries ought, either by right custom, or otherwise, to do, as we have done, and might have done. Notwithstanding, always observing the said conditions above inferred. And to this effect we have and do quit, absolve, and discharge by these presents, all Bishops, Abbots, Prelates, and other Churchmen. Dukes, Princes, Marquesses, Counts, Barons, Governors, Chieftains, Captains of Countries and Cities, Cheefetaines, Precedents, and other of our Counsel. chancellors, and other justices and Officers. Captains, men of War, and Soldiers, of Forts and Castles: their Lieutenants, Knights, Squires, and vassals: together with the men of law, Citizens, inhabitants of Cities, Boroughs, freedoms, & villages, and each and every one the subjects of our said Netherlands, County of Burgundy and Charroloys, and each of them, respectively of the oaths of fidelity, faith, homage, promise, and obligations, which they ought to us, as to their Lord and Sovereign Prince. Charging, willing, and commanding expressly unto them, that they swear and receive the said Infanta our Daughter, for their true Princess and Lady, and to swear unto her, the due oaths of fidelity, faith, homage, promise, and obligation, in the manner accustomed, according to the nature of the Countries, Lands, & Signories, and that (moreever) they bear unto her, and her said future Husband, all honour, reverence, affection, obeisance, fidelity and service, as good and loyal subjects ought, and are bound to do, to their true and natural Princess, and as until this present they have done to us. And with supplition and amendment of all and every defaults, as much of right as deed, the which might happen between this our domiation, concession, and transport. And of our own moving and incitation, full and absolute royal power, (which herein we will and do use) have and do derogate, unto all and any laws, constitutions, and customs, which may or might contrary here against: for such is our express will and desire.  
And to the end that all what is above said, may be plain, and manifest matter, and which may continue, always fast, sure, and stable, we have subsigned the same with our own Name, and caused our great Seal to be hung thereat. Willing and ordaining, that inregistration be made hereof, to be held in great estimation and value, in all and every our privy Counsels, and Chambers of account where it shall be requisite. Given in our City of Madrill, Realm of Castille, the sixth day of the Month of May, 1598. and of our reign of Naples and jerusalem, the 45. of Castille, Arragon, Cicile, and others, the 44. and of Portugal the 19  
Paraphed thus. N. D. V. Subsigned, PHILLIPPUS. And more under, By the King. And under written, A. de la Loo    

Approbation, Aggreation, and the Oath of the Prince of Spain, in the transportation of the Netherlands and Burgundy.  
PHILIP by the grace of GOD, Prince, only son and heir to the Kingdoms, Countries, & Dominions, of the King PHILIP, the second of that name, my Lord and Father. Unto all present and to come, greeting.  
MY said Lord and Father, having resolved to espouse my Lady th' Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia, our dear and well beloved Sister, with the Archouke Albert, our beloved Uncle and Cousin, and that according to the same, his Catholic Majesty hath also determined in our communication and with our consent, being thereunto persuaded through great respects of the common good, yea, to the rest and tranquillity of all Christendom in general, and particularly to the rest and quietness of the Netherlands. As also to the end that our said good Sister, be furnished according to her qualities and highness of her birth. To make a gift unto our said Sister of the Netherlands, and the County of Burgundy, in the form and manner appearing by the open Letters which my Lord and Father to that end dispatched: signed with his own hand, and sealed with his great seal, whereof the tenor followeth from word to word.  
Phillippus etc. Make known, that after having particularly understood, what is above said, and mentioned every point of the matter, considering the common good, (which is like to proceed thereof,) unto all Christendom. Yea, the same by reason of the particular love which we own and bear unto our beloved Sister th' Infanta, through her great worthiness: We strengthen, approve, and confirm, for good by these presents, notwithstanding any prejudice which might belong to us, our Successors now present or to come: and for the same reasons we consent, and agree by these presents, that the said Netherlands, and Counties of Burgundy and Charloys shall be ceded, transported, and given unto our beloved Sister th' Infanta, in the manner as my aforesaid Lord and Father hath done it, and as it may best continue, and for the more security, coroboration, and assurance of what his Majesty doth dispose and ordain, in the favour and furtherance of our beloved Sister. Even so do we dispose and ordain thereunto (if so it be needful) by these presents also in favour of the same, in the same form and manner in all: the whole, proceeding of our own free will, without that we have any way, thereunto been incited, compelled, either by deceit, falsehood, nor any respect of paternal reverence, nor any fear, or other, but justly and truly: being our intention that the said Countries shall belong and appertain to our dear and beloved Sister th' Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, and her Successors, in the form of the said disposition of the King my Lord and Father. And to the end that all may have his full enteere effect and perfection, and remain for evermore faster, and more stabler, we have renounced, and renounce by these presents (in favour of our said beloved Sister) for us and our Successors, all Benefices which may or might be, by right, given or assigned unto us, or them, which might contrary unto these: nor although it were by right of restitution in Integrum, in the which we have likewise renounced, and by these presents do renounce. For our concluded and determined will is, that no manner of things shall have any force or power against this donation, concession, and transport, which is done of the Netherlands, in the form and manner before written.  
Wherefore we have done and given our oath upon the holy Euangilan Gospel, which we have touched with our hands, to hold and observe, maintain, and accomplish: and to cause to be held, observed, maintained, and accomplished, all what is aforesaid, without ever to bring there against any manner of excuse or exception: nor to suffer that any shall bring them in our name, the which we affirm and promise with princely words, and that we will give any aid & assistance, to the fulfilling of what is said. Such being (as is said) our earnest will and desire: In witness whereof, we have dispatched these present open Letters, the which we have subsigned with our own hands, and caused to be contrasigned by the Secretary's infrascripts of the estates of the King my Lord and Father, in the said matters of the said Lowcountries and Burgundy, and caused them to be sealed with the great Seal of Arms of his said Majesty, hanging at a golden string, being present (and as witnesses thereunto requested) Don Gomes de Auila Marquis of Velada, our Governor, and great Steward Don L. H. t. a p. de mora Earl of castle. Rodrigo G tanned Commander d'Alcantara Gentleman of the King's Chamber, and Cupbearer to our own person, Don jehan d'Iiaques great Commander of Lean, all three of the Counsel of Estate, and Messire Nicholas d'Amant Knight, likewise counsellor of Estate and Keeper of the Seal of his Majesty, in the matters of the aforesaid Netherlands, and Burgundy, and chancellor of his Country and Dukedom of Brabant. Given in the City of Madrill, the Realm of Castille, the sixth day of the month of May: in the year of grace, 1598. Paraphe N. e. r. t signed Philippus. And more under, By order of my Lord the Prince: subsigned A de la Loo, and the said Letters were sealed with the great Seal of Arms of his Majesty, in red wax, hanging at a golden string.   

Procuration of th'Infanta to her future Spouse, to receive the Netherlands in her name.  
ISabell Clara Eugenia, by the grace of God Infanta, of all the Kingdoms of Spain, Duchess of Burgundy, Lorraine, Brabant, Limborch, and Artoys, Countess Pallatin of Haynault, Holland, Zealand, of Namen, and Zutphen, marquess of the Romish Dominion, Lady of Freesland, of Salives, and Machelen, of the County, City, and Country of Wtrecht, Oueryssel and Groeninghen. To all present and to come which shall see or bear these Presents.  
KNow that, as well for the welfare of Christendom in general, as the particular of the Netherlands, and for other good considerations, it hath pleased the King my Lord and Father, for the furtherance of our future marriage (by the dispensation of our holy Father the Pope) with our beloved cozen the Archduke Albert, and with the consent, agréeation, and agreement of the high and puissant Prince our dear and well-beloved Brother: to make us a gift, concession, and transportation of all the Netherlands, and Burgundy, by the open Letters thereof dispatched, and respectively subsigned by their own hands, she sixth day of this present month of May, with other open Letters, touching the acceptation of the transport and donation, to the end that the said Netherlands and Burgundy should (by us) be held and possessed: also our Heirs and Successors in form and manner, and according to the conditions particularly expressed by the said open Letters: And that by the same his Majesty hath consented, agreed, and promised us, and giveth absolute and inrevocable power of our own authority, (without taking any other consent) to seize ourselves, (or by sending of procuration to our said future husband the Archduke Albert,) the whole and entire possession of the said Netherlands, and County of Burgundy and Charoloys, and to do in the said effect all what particularly is said in the said open Letters.  
MAke known that we for the causes above specified, and in every thing to follow the will and ordinance of his Majesty, to the furtherance of the same, all what in regard of the above written, is needful for our voyage to the said Netherlands, have of our own mind, and absolute power, authorized, and given full, and inrevocable power and commission with all faculty, (so general as particular) to our future husband the Archduke Albert, for, and in our name, and in our behalf, to do, either through himself, or through others, which he shall appoint thereunto, or shall find lawful by virtue of these Letters, once, or at more times, all and in particular the things, as much as in our name and behalf, as in the behalf of all the Provinces of the Netherlands, and County of Burgundy and Charoloys in general, and through the Estates of every Province in particular shall be required, and needful there to be done: for (respectively) to take, seize, to have and to hold in our name, the whole and entire possession of all the said Countries, and of every Province thereof, with all what thereunto belongeth, to use them, wholly, quietly, without any contradiction, obstract, or hindrance, and to that end to assemble the Estates of the said Countries, be it in general or particular, to do (in our name) the requisite oaths: as also to receive of the aforesaid Estates and others, their usual oaths. And over and above, shall be done by our said future husband the Archduke Albert, all what we (to that end) in proper person ought to do if we were there present: and although that there were any matter which should require more especial commandment, then is in the said Letters mentioned. We then suffer, by Princely words, and by our Honours, to find agreeable, to keep fast and sure, and to observe, and cause to be observed, and inviolably accomplished, and in good faith always: all what soever by the said Archduke our future husband, or by those which he shall have appointed or commit, by virtue of the said Letters, shall be done, or passed in regard of the said entire, full, and accomplished possession, of the said Netherlands and Burgundy, according to the form and manner mentioned in the said open Letters, of the said donation, session, and transport: to the which we refer ourselves without ever, to contrary the same, or suffer the same to be contraried, directly, or indirectly, in what manner soever, for such is our will. In witness whereof, we have signed with our hand, and caused to be contresigned by the Secretary's Infrascript, of the Estates of the King my Lord and Father, in matters of the said Netherlands and Burgundy: and sealed with the great Seal at Arms of his Majesty, hanging at a golden string. Given in the City of Madrill the Realm of Castille, the thirty. day of May, the year of grace, 1598. Paraphed thus N. d. i. t. and subsigned the Lady Isabella, and on the fold, By order of my Lady the Infanta. And more signed A de la Loo. And were the said Letters sealed with the King's great Seal, in red wax, hanging at a golden string.   

Demonstration of the Archduke Albertus, done to the general Estates.  
ALBERT by the grace of God, Cardinal, Archduke, Lieutenant, Governor, and Captain General.  
Dear and well-beloved, the two Letters héere-under joined, are of the King my Lord, and of the Prince his Son, for assurance in our behalf: to declare unto you a resolution which his Majesty hath taken, to the welfare and consolation of these Countries, by the accord and consent of the said Lord the Prince. And because we cannot personally accomplish, the same being a weighty matter, unless we absent ourselves from hence, we are therefore by these to give you understanding of our great charge, which in effect is: that his Majesty hath found good, as well for the general welfare of all Christendom, as especially for these Countries, no longer to prolong the marriage of the worthy Infanta his Eldest Daughter, as well for the conservation of his house, as divers other respects: he hath (to this effect) cast his eyes on our person, and that by the consent of our holy Father the Pope, of the Empress our honourable Lady and Mother, and of the Emperor my Lord and Brother: And that moreover to give better commodity unto his Daughter and us, to manifest the particular inclination which he beareth these Countries, will transport them over, as a gift to his Daughter, to the furtherance of the said marriage, together with the County of Burgundy, without detaining or parting any thing thereof, in any manner whatsoever, assuring himself, that you and all others will rejoice of this his kind resolution, being the same, stretcheth to the common welfare, & rest of the said Countries, as being the only way to attain to a good and sure peace, and to come out of this miserable war, which is the thing which his Majesty hath so fervently desired. Wherefore for our parts (since it toucheth us) we are to esteem it greatly, as also we greatly esteem the great honour and good which (by these) his Majesty doth to our person, choosing us above all other persons, and only for this respect, ought we to receive an incredible contentment. And so much the more do we rejoice, that (by these occasions) we may show the effects of our good, and cordial desires: In following the paths of the Princes of Burgundy and Austria our predecessors, labouring for the welfare and rest of the said Countries to the which we have, and do bear a particular inclination, esteeming thereof since our coming hither) to have made a reasonable proof, although not wholly such as we desired, by reason of divers troubles and mishaps which are befallen us: We know full well the heavy and burdensome charge, which by this resolution will fall on our necks. But assuring ourselves that we shall (through you and others) be counseled, aided, and assisted, we hope that (by the grace of God) the matter will have a good and prosperous success: and that we shall see these Countries to return in their ancient flower, greatness, and prosperity, as they were in the days of our predecessors, and they seeing with what courage the worthy Infanta and I shall employ ourselves thereunto, our persons, minds, and our means, we shall keep the same amity, the which their Fathers (until now) have held: This is the sum of that which (by virtue of the said credence) we desired to declare you, and we shall be very glad (with the first) to receive your Letters of answer, as well to his said Majesty as to the said Prince, to the end they may be sent them, and that thereof may be double and triple Copies, to shun the perils which are abroad, to the end that they be not lest by the way. And here we beseech God (dear and well-beloved) to have you in his protection. In brussels the 5. of December, 1597. Paraphed R. i. c. h. V And subsigned Albert.   

The Letter OF THE KING.  
Dear and well-beloved, you often have been able to perceive the good will and affection which we always have borne to our patrimonial Netherlands, and unto each Province of the same, through the great care we have always had, and incessantly bear, for the welfare, quiet, and tranquillity of the same, and also through the pains and troubles, which therefore we have undertaken: moreover, the great costs and charges which we have been at to maintain them, without sparing any thing to defend the same, against our enemies, and to bring under our subjection and obeisance, those which withdrew themselves from you, rebelling against us, their natural Prince. All which shall yet more at large be manifested unto you, through the kind resolution which we have taken for your proper welfare, the which our good Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, Albert, Archduke of Austria, shall make known unto you. Unto whom, we desire and command you, to give belief and assurance, as unto our own person, sith it is a matter which toucheth you so much, and likewise the common good. And assuring ourselves that you will do it accordingly, and that you shall reap pleasure and contentment, in that which he shall declare unto you, we will not say any thing more thereof. But dear and well-beloved, the Lord take you in his holy protection. From S. Laurens the tenth of September. 1597.  
Paraphed, N. D. V. Signed, PHILIP. And more under, A. de la Loo.   

The Letter OF THE PRINCE.  
Dear and well-beloved, as I have endeavoured and endeavour myself to follow and imitate the greatness and excellencies, virtues, and paths of my Lord and Father, in like sort I have also reform myself in the inclination and love towards you, for the welfare and contentment which I wish unto you, as the effects shall clearly manifest the same: by that, which shall be declared unto you (in my behalf) by our good Uncle and cozen Albert Archduke of Austria, unto whom you shall give full belief and trust, or assure yourselves on him, governing and using yourselves according to that which he shall declare unto you, wherein (over and above the pleasure you shall do me) you shall yourselves gather the chiefest fruits thereof. Herewith, dear and well-beloved, our Lord take you in his holy keeping.  
From S. Lawrance the tenth of September. 1597. Paraphed. W. V S. Signed. PHILIP. And more under. A. de la Loo.   

A copy of the King's Letter to the Archduke of Austria.  
MY good Brother, Nephew, & Cousin, at the return of the post, Frans vanden Berghe, I advertised you by my Letters of the 17. of March last passed, how at his arrival were received, certain packets with Letters of answer, the which the Lords and Knights of the Order, Counsellors, and Governors, as also the Estates of the Provinces, (which are under my obeisance) have respectively, rendered and given up, upon my Letters of the month of September, the year past, according to the matter therein touched, the which I sent over to be declared unto them, to your assurance. And afterwards to have confessed (by their said answer) the great joy and especial content which each one of them saith to have received of my kind resolution, I have been yet moved and occasioned to proceed further, without forgetting, to further that which I have so ripely intended, in making a gift session, & transportation, to my beloved Daughter the Infanta, of all my Netherlands and County of Burgundy, but have moreover (the sixth of this Month, in presence of my beloved Son the Prince, with his express consent and aggreation, and through the acceptance of my good Daughter being present) passed the dispatches of the three patents, which by these I send you, to the end you may be particularly informed of all what they contain, in favour of the marriage of the said Infanta my good Daughter with you. And by virtue of her procuration sent unto your own person, (the which you shall find enclosed with the three patents) you may seize in her name, and in her behalf, the whole & enteere possession of the said Countries, and every Province of the same, in the form as the said procuration containeth, putting the same to effect at what time, and when you please or think good. And to the end that this my intent may come to his full effect, and that all this may be done with great content of my vassals and subjects on the other side, so in general as in particular, I writ again to the said persons and estates, as also doth my beloved Son, in the substance as you shall see by the copies joined hereunto, by reason of the answer they have made respectively on the said my first Letters.  
And although until this time no answers have been received, of the Governor Parliament, nor from the three Estates of my County of Burgundy, (upon my Letters sent them in the said month of September, in the year passed) I have found good to send them others, the which (with the copies) you shall find in this packet. It shall be very agreeable unto me to be advertised (by the first commodity) the receipt of all the aforesaid Letters: and in what sort you shall have dealt therein, and how all the matters on the other side will pass. Herewith, (my beloved Brother, Nephew, and Cousin) the Lord take you in his holy keeping.  
From Madrill the last of May, 1598. Paraphed M. D. V Subsigned, Your good Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, Philip. And more subscribed, A de la Loo.  
The superscription was, To my good Brother, Nephew and Cousin: The Archduke Albert, Lieutenant Governor of the Low Countries, and Burgundy.  
THE KING.  
Dear and beloved, by the contents of your Letters of the xxi. of December, the last year past, we were rejoiced to have understood the great joy & contentment which you received at our kind resolution touching the matter, the which (in our behalves) was caused to be declared unto you, by our good Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, the Archduke Albert, by virtue of our letters of credence. And because our intent doth tend only to the reducing of the Low Countries to a peace and tranquillity, through the marriage which we have appointed, between our dearly beloved Daughter the Infanta, and our good Brother, Nephew, and Cousin, we therefore have thought good, (as to the furtherance of this good work) to give, cede, and transport, to our said Daughter, all our said Netherlands and Burgundy, according to the open Letters which (there-unto belonging) were sent to our good Brother: as likewise those of the aggreation and consent, of our dearly beloved good Son the Prince, and likewise of the acceptance of our said Daughter. Whereof we assure ourselves you will rest contented. And moreover, acknowledge the love and affection, which we always have borne the said Countries, as the same shall be more manifestly shown (by God's grace) by means of the said marriage, and the sending over of our said Daughter thither, as soon as time shall suffer it. As also, through the assistance which we shall continue to do, to the said Countries, at all occasions being needful, since our intent is not any wise (as some undiscreet might construe it) to abandon them: but to the contrary, to secure and defend them, as of old we have done, until such time as they shall be (by peace or otherwise) secure.  
Dear and well-beloved, remain in the Lords keeping. From Madrill, the 31. of May, 1598. N. D. V. Signed, Philip. And under, A. de la Loo.  
The superscription was. To our beloved, the Sheriff, and other Magistrates and Counsellors, of the City and County of Machlen.   

THE PRINCE.  
Dear and well-beloved, your answer of the xxi. of December the last year, upon my Letters of the precedent Month of September, in credence of that which (in my behalf) my good Uncle and Cousin hath caused to be declared unto you, have given me full satisfaction and content: such I also expect, according to the obedience you bear, to the good will of the King my Lord and Father. And because the intent of his Majesty, referreth itself on the great good which shall happen to the Countries of the other side, the same serving for the furtherance and conclusion of the future marriage of my dearly beloved good Sister the Infanta with the said Archduke, with my intervention, express consent, and aggreation, unto the gift and transport, which his Majesty intended of the said Countries, as more at large you may understand it by his Letters. Moreover, he will continue his affable and favourable affection, which at all times you have felt: and his said Majesty shall not now cease the same, but at any need, proffer his assisting and defending hand for the said Countries, until such time, as by means of a sure peace, they shall find themselves wholly assured, (the which of my side) I will likewise procure for the said causes.  
Dear and beloved, our Lord have you in his keeping, Madrill the tenth of May. 1598. N. D. V. Signed, Philip. And more under, A. de la Loo.  
FINIS.   

Demonstration of the Estates of the Provinces to his Altere.  
1. 
INprimis the first Article contains of the Aggreation of the transport, and gift of the Netherlands, and of the marriage.  2. 
Secondly, to receive the Provinces, and to do his oath.  3. 
That his Alteza shall show and manifest within seven months, the accomplishment of the marriage.  4. 
That his Majesty shall give an Act, that the twelfth Article (comprehended in this transport) shall not be hurtful to these Netherlands, Viz. that which is written touching the feesle and Reere-seeffe.  5. 
That all contributions, lodging of Soldiers, and other charges, shall be taken away, and that henceforward his Alteza shall help himself with the Domaynes and loans.  6. 
That the Strangers from henceforward shall remain to the charge and payment of his Majesty, and that they shall be employed in the field, on the borders of the Enemy.  7. 
All Soldiers, germen, and such like of the Country shall be maintained and paid of the said Loans, as much as shall be possible, and the rest shall his Majesty pay.  8. 
That all Offices and Governances of the Provinces, Cities, and Fortresses, (at the furthest) within one year shall be set in the hands of the natural Lord of the Country.  9 
All extraordinary Counsels shall be reform & set on their ancient foot. That likewise the Provincial Counsel of Machelen, as also that of Brabant, and the Counsel of Estate, shall be replaced by men of these Countries.  10. 
That all the Provinces, Countries, and Cities, shall be maintained in their old Privileges.  11. 
His Altere shall endeavour himself to return to these Netherlands, within the next May now next coming.  12. 
His Altere shall set in his place (during his absence) a Governor of his blood, who shall be bound to swear to all what his Altere hath sworn.  13. 
That it shall be lawful to the General Estates through intervention of his Altere, to join in communication with those of Holland and Zealand, to make peace.  14. 
And sith that the Countries are furnished with natural Lords, there shall be three deputed to go with his Alteza to Spain, to the end to thank his Majesty.  15. 
That his Alteza shall be bound to keep all what is above said, and that he in his return, with th' Infanta, in all Provinces shall do the usual oath.  16. 
That all Governors, Captains, and men of war, shall not enterprise any new thing, during the absence of his Alteza.  17. 
That his Alteza after his return, shall be bound to assemble the General Estates, to the end (to gather) to labour, to bring the matters of the Netherlands in a good estate.   
FINIS.