A brief relation, of what is happened since the last of August 1598. by coming of the Spanish camp into the Dukedom of Cleve: and the bordering free Countries, which with most odious and barbarous cruelty they take as enemies, for the service of God, and the King of Spain (as they say.)  
Hereunto is adjoined a Translation out of Latin, of a Letter of the emperors Ambassador, to the Admirant of Arragon, the General of the said Army: With his answer.  
Together with a description of the Whale of Berckhey, or the great fish which stranded or came on shore at Berckhey in Holland, the third of February 1598. With anotation thereupon.  
Also a Letter of the Emperor of Germany, to the Admirant of Arragon, General for the archduke Albertus, in the Countries of Cleve and Munster, etc. With the admirant's answer.  
The conspiracy of the three Bishops.  
The death of the Earl of Brooke.  
The admirant's Letter to the Counsel of Gulich touching the death of the said Earl.  
The list of the Soldiers levied by the Protestant Princes of Germany.  
Faithfully translated out of the Dutch copy Printed at Rotterdam.  
Imprinted at London by john Wolf, and are to be sold at his shop in Pope's head Alley, near unto the Exchange. 1599   


The situation of the lands of Cleve and Munster, Where the Spanish forces now are.   map of Cleve and Munster, illustration of a whale.   

A brief relation of what is happened since the last of August 1598. by the coming of the Spanish camp into the Countries of Cleeve, etc.  
Done Francisco de Mendossa, Admirante d'Arragon, etc. General with Earl Frederick van den Berge, as Marshal of the camp belonging to the archduke Albert, in the Beginning of Septemb. last, An. 1598. came to the River of Rhine, at Orsoy, with 62. Ensigns of Spaniards, 19 Ensigns of Italians, 2. Ensigns of Irishmen, 4. regiments of Walloons, containing 43. Ensigns, 4. regiments of Germans of 42. Ensigns, together with 168. Ensigns of footmen, which in all is esteemed to be 22. thousand footmen, with 2. thousand horse comprehended in 28. companies, aswell Spaniards, Italians, Netherlanders, and others: with these troops the aforesaid Admirant, desired to be let into the little city of Orsoy situated upon the Rhine, a mile above Berck, & being by the Marshal of Cleve (who protested as Neutral) denied, he began to seal the city, 
Orsoy taken.  which the Citizens perceiving, being afraid, let his people in, upon promise, of only passing the Rhine. But he forgetting his promise, began to strengthen the city, and caused 10. Ensigns of Walloons, and 3. regiments of Spaniards, with 12. companies of Horsemen, to be passed over the Rhine, and over against Orsoy at Walsem, he caused a strong Sconce to be made. Upon the Castle of Orsoy lay some Soldiers belonging to the Prince of Cleve, to the which the Admirant went himself in person, with three Friars and a hangman, having many halters in his hand, with which he threatened the Soldiers, that if they would not deliver up the Castle, they might confess themselves, for that there was a hangman ready to hang them, 
The Castle summoned and yielded.  so that the Soldiers were forced to yield the same up unto him: also all other Forts and Cities thereabout he caused to be summoned, taken, peeled and ransomed, not favouring the cities of Alpen and Meurs, which had obtained a letter from Albertus, that they might remain as Neutrals.  
By letters written out of the Camp, was understood that the Admirant had taken Orsoy the 10. of September, with intent to remain there, & to strengthen the same on both sides of the Rhine, before that he would attempt any thing else. The Camp did as then nothing else but overrun, and rob the land of Cleve as enemies: by some prisoners was understood that they meant to winter in the Neutral Cities, to spare the Brabanders and Flemings, that the Soldiers daily by want of money run away. That the heads in the camp were different. Earl Frederick counseled to go towards Ouer-ryssell, but the Admirant would pass down alongst the Rhine. The Citizens of Orsey, made pitiful moans and requests to their Lord the Duke of Cleve, to obtain of the Admirant that with wife and children they might peaceably departed, leaving all their goods and wealth behind them, for they were by the Spaniards forced to work like slaves.  
The 25. of September, the citizens and chief in Cleve land, concluded that the redelivery of Orsoy should with all diligence be procured, and that if in case the Admirant denied to do it, that as then with all expedition, means should be sought to levy men, for the defence of the Country, which of many was little esteemed.  
The last of September, the 
* The chief Counsellors and officers touching martial causes.  Creyts, at Dormont being assembled, concluded to send the Earl of Lip to the Admirant to procure the rendering of Orsoy.  
There was great want of money and victuals in the Camp, for the Country above five miles round of Orsey was destroyed, insomuch that the soldiers ran away in great number, as well Spaniards as other.  
The sixth of October, some part of the Camp departed to the Castle of the Earl of Brook, situate on the Roer, who notwithstanding that he showed all good neutrality and that he defended his liberty they forcibly besieged, beshot, took and peeled (as enemies) his Castle, and place of residence or dwelling, his wife and children they conveyed to a monastery: the Soldiers of Cleve & Berge, with the housekeepers, which were flee into the Castle, contrary to their promise and agreement, they flew in the field, after they were with their consents departed from the Castle. The Earl himself they used as a criminal prisoner, & notwithstanding that he answered himself as being a Noble man belonging to the Empire, and appealed thereupon, & that he had yielded up the Castle upon condition of life, lands & goods saved, for himself and those which were with him upon the same: 
The Lord of Herdenbergh with a Preacher murdered in the Castle.  they forced him to go to Mass, and as they fell in disputation thereabout, they there slew his Nephew the Lord of Herdenbergh with a Preacher.  
This Castle of Brooke being thus as enemy taken, without in any sort respecting their promise, that it was yielded upon condition of life and goods saved. The Admirant of Arragon, Don Francisco de mendossa, durst well defend the same to the Counsel of Cleve, that it ought not to be badly taken what his men did, that there was occasion given: And that those of Cleve and Berge ought not to revenge all what happeneth, but aught much rather to have patience, in hope of a good end of those miseries, which now they endured through need, for the common good, and that there ought no enmity to be showed, to the end not to bring themselves in the danger of the furious and bitter arms of the angered Soldiers, which were thereby moved. Moreover the jesuits make themselves heard, that those which resist them, do make themselves subject to the cruel punishment, and that they are rewarded according to their merits, and that they have punished them to the example of the others, to the end that none should do so any more, but hold themselves in dutiful obedience, and forbearance in this especial need.  
The eleventh of October when this happened, the Admirant set some number of men to Buricke situated on the Rhyne beneath Bercke over against weasel: the Citizens being Neutrals refused to yield up their City, but seeing that they would force them, were constrained to yield, and were thereby overcharged with great numbers of soldiers.  
On the same day happened the most detestable murder, of the Earl of Brook, after he was risen from the Table in the evening, 
The Earl of Brooke murdered.  and walking in the Court of the Castle, there came two Soldiers of the Garrison to him; ask him if he would walk into the Garden, whereto he condescending they went out of the Castle Gate through the Garden, towards the Water mill, where one of the soldiers at unawares, gave the Earl a great blow, with a half Pike upon the head that he felled him, the Earl crying O jesus: which done he drew out his sword and thrust it through him, whereat he cried once again O jesus. One of the Earls servants being by, ran away and leaping down into the mill-damme saved himself.  
The fourteenth of October the Duke of Cleve sent his deputy to the Camp of the Count Maurice, Counsel of State, and of the war, protesting that all what the Admirant did to them, did not happen by any consent of the country, but by meet force, and against his will and the country. This yet notwithstanding the opinion in the united provinces was, that the Spaniard would not attempt those things in the land of Cleve, without the express consent of the emperor, according to the Admirants charge given him by the king of Spain, and the archduke Albertus, and confirmed by the Emperor in Anno 1596. who then willed him to that end to have his forces ready, that they ●…ought well seek to get all the land of Cleve into their hands, and to hold the same, with the Prince thereof, inwardship, and so to assure themselves, the lands should not fall into the hands of the Princes of Brandenborgh & Swezbrugh, the which by right of marriage might pretend to be the nearest heirs, all which, those of Spain & Austria would 〈◊〉 hinder, because they are of the reformed religion, and might in 〈◊〉re to the united provinces. Of these and such like complots, the united Provinces have divers times advertised the Counsel of Cleve, and to prevent these complots, they had also proffered to make certain agreements to the freing of the river of Rhine, and as then thereby to have withstood these invasions, but it was at that time not esteemed nor believed.  
This common opinion was in a moment more and more spread abroad and confirmed in the thoughts of searching spirits, because that news came, that the cities of Diuxlaken and Holt were likewise taken, together with Essen Wynendall, and the Fort or house of Hullen, using them most odiously, killing and murdering all those which they knew to be of the reformed religion, & enemies to their enterprises: also they broke the new Neutrality which was granted to Meurs, & lodged 8. companies of Horsemen therein.  
The Admirant also besought the city of Bockholt, that he might lay 500 horse in their city, and to those of Borckum 300. horse.  
He also besought those of Wesel to take in 2000 footmen of his, and 1000 horse: or else that they should make up 200. thousand Crowns, and a months bread for his Camp, and to deliver hostages at Burick, that the Count Maurice should attempt nothing about wessel and Lip, with many other such unseemly and shameful demands and fearful threats: vaunting himself of the fact of the Earl of Brook, threatening to use all other in like sort: yea to use the Earl of Lip, no less than the Earl of Brook, and that therefore, they should not trust upon any aid, for that there was none in the Dutch nation which should dare to touch him. The citizens of wessel being in great fear and distress were forced upon the 22. of October, to come to an agreement, that they should give for their city, and the city of Rees, 150. thousand Gilders, and a thousand measures of Rye, and caused a Bridge, to be made over the Lip which was accordingly effected upon the 23. of October. Those of Santen promised 18. thousand Gilders, and other places more.  
With this money he paid his men which had long called for money, and passed the Lip, and sent all about the cities of Munster for money: Also they ransomed many gentlemen's houses, many whereof they most wickedly ransacked and peeled. They also rob the villages of Winterswicke and Alten etc. commanding those of Emmerick to make a bridge over the Water of Hetter. Also he sent some men with Ordinance towards Rees, demanding the city for a time to lay his men in, upon their refusal he caused more Ordinance to be brought to it, and so feared the city, 
Rees taken.  that they were forced to yield it up to him, without any respite of an hour, to assemble their citizens: and laid in the same city to the costs of the citizens 8. Ensigns, he also took all the Castles there about.  
Upon the second of November, the Admirant demanded passage for his Ordinance through Emmerick by which means he made himself master of the city and leaving a great number of men therein, departed with his camp to Elton. Also he took Yselborgh where many citizens were wickedly murdered. The Prince of Cleve had his Ambassador by the Duke of Lorraine, who besought the Duke to write to the Admirant and to the Regent at Brussell, that the country might be freed from this trouble. Also he undertook to move the King of France (the land of Cleve being concluded in the peace) to that end to send to Brussell.  
A copy of the Letter which the emperors Legate wrote to the Admirant.  
ILlustrious and worthy Prince, it is known aswell to your excellency, as to me, what at two several times hath been between us done and effected: First in the city of Gelder, when your excellency first approached these countries with your camp: and afterwards, when by charge and commandment of his Imperial majesty, I treated about the marriage of the illustrious prince of Cleve, Gulich & Berge, with the daughter of Lorraine, I have declared, that the said illustrious duke of Cleve, is very badly, & unreasonably dealt withal. The city of Orsoy being forcibly taken from him, and the king's soldiers run unbridled, using all manner of cruelty, in murdering, spoiling, & burning, as enemies and robbers, not favouring the lives nor goods of many. And where before I steadfastly believed, that a Prince (whose word ought to be sure) and had by so many promises bound himself, would be found true, as concerning that the city of Orsoy should within 10. or at furthest within 20 days, be discharged of those expenses, and redelivered.  
Item that the Camp should be removed out of these Neutral lands, as soon as Berke should be rendered. And the more did I believe that this should have been fully accomplished, because that the same hath at divers times been promised and confirmed, by word and sealed letters to the Illustrious Prince of Cleve and his sister. I now find myself greatly deceived, sith I perceive nothing but breaking of promises and needless delays, yea more, there is nothing followed upon the promises, but foe-like enterprises, and the just contrariety of the said promises. For being departed I have understood, how the one City after the other hath been forcibly taken, and others constrained to pay great sums of moneys and quantities of corn: all the which coming to the Court I found to be true: and more over hear and see some Cities taken, and other some with great cruelty forced to pay great exactions. Any one, who willingly would have his country freed from such troubles may easily judge how the Emperor (in whose behalf I am here appointed, to take care for the country and the Prince thereof) with all the other German Princes: yea all other Princes of Europe, will be moved at the report hereof, for this is a matter which toucheth them in general. The house of Lorraine shall by this marriage be joined and bound to that of Cleve: also the house of Lorraine, shall by a new brotherhood be knit to the King of France. And many Princes, do belong to this house aswell by blood as marriage.  
Therefore one ought to take care, that all these together, be not vexed nor urged by the great dishonour and shame which is done them, and so to renew and tear up the old wound, which is yet scarce whole, which I wish his Catholic Majesty, (as being one of his well-willers) to look unto.  
Where are there any so unwise and unexperienced that understand not, that it greatly hindereth and disturbeth the service of God, that a Catholic Prince, who hath with such zeal and innumerable charges defended and upheld the Catholic religion in the midst of the streams and storms of heresy, should be thus suppressed and spoiled, and his kindred be despised? That leaving the enemy unassaulted, the whole power of the war with the worst and basest rascals that can be found in the world, shall be bend against the King's cozens and blood kindred. That the Churches should be pilled, and the Monestaryes rob: the spiritual men thrust away and beaten. The young Virgins (devoted to God) ravished, and all holiness tredden underfoot.  
Also that the Ambassador (which among the heathens are free) are with public force apprehended, as is happened to my own person, and the Ambassadors of other Princes, some days past when I came by water to Cleve. Where can any one (I say) be found so simple and senseless, that doth not perceive and mark, that this stretcheth to the despising and hindrance of Religion?  
Besides, that which is greatly to be doubted, that is that the honour of the renowned house of Austria, will be despised of every man, the which until now for their justice, and kindness, the simplicity of their enterprises, and honourable deeds, hath been favoured over all, as also, because they have always wisely shunned, the suspicion, of friends or foes, of bearing arms in any wrongful wars: yea it is to be suspected, that the Catholic King, and all other raisers and authors of those cruelties, shallbe by God most justly punished, the guiltless blood which they spill. crying for revenge. For (O beloved) what prosperity are those to expect which themselves favour nothing, nor leave nothing unspoiled: which lay their hands upon (and molest) their kindred as strangers, their friends as enemies, the worthy as malefactors, and the guiltless as the guilty?  
I am forced by my office to advertise his imperial majesty of these bloody tyrannies, even in a row as they are happened. I admonish and earnestly pray your honour, to desist from using of violence henceforward, but to the contrary to give and render again to the hands of the illustrious Prince of Cleve, his taken Cities, Castles, and forts, to transport your Army for some other continent, to make amends and restitution of the damages done, and to give no occasion of further displeasure or discommodity. All the which although it were, lawful, just, laudable and beseeming to a Prince, yet will I by the bearer hereof, expect a reasonable and discreet answer, I commit your Honour to the protection of God.  
From Cleve the last of October, 1598. Understood. Carolus Sonderpuhill, Legat of his Imperial Majesty.  

The Author.  In sooth, I believe that this Ambassador means well enough, and would willing see the Cart go upright, but his Lord and master is not of that mind. For were it otherwise, and that he were displeased therewith, wherefore doth he not deal earnestly with his brother Albertus? who must confess to have given his Lieutenant the Admirant commission and charge, to take the cities of Cleve, to rob them, and murder the people by multitudes, etc. Or he must say, that the Admirant had done all without his consent and commandment, and of propria authoritate: Hath he then done this without commandment? he aught then to punish him well for it, and to set the cities of Cleve and Munster in their freedom again, and to recompense their damages. But it appeareth daily more and more, that the court of Spain, the Emperor and his brethren, as also the Pope, are well agreed, & that all is but dissimulation, they feigning to be displeased with the things whereof they are causers. I will therefore to the delight and service of the Reader, yet join hereto the copy of the admirant's answer.  
Superscription. To the Noble and worthy Lord, Carolus Sonderpuhill, Knight of jerusalem, Counsellor and Legate of the Emperor: my especial goodfriend.  
NOble and Worthy Lord, we have with all reverence the seventeenth of November, received your honours Letters, dated the last of October, we have also understood each point of the same. First we commend and praise your honours service & care, in the executing of the commandment of his imperial majesty, touching the increasing of the honour and welfare, of the Illustrious Prince of Cleve, and the defence of his countries and subjects. Your honour seems at this present justly displeased, by reason of many faults and misdemeanours, which (being first beheld and not sufficiently grounded) would greatly aggravate the King's camp and us, except that from the beginning and first enterprise, the cause could be proved, that those which are accused should have sought and procured, misery and calamity, instead of help and counsel, insomuch that these troubles must be moderately applied to the circumstance of the matter and cause, of the time, of the place, and necessity. I wish that your honour were well informed of the estate of this matter, and of the right wherewith his royal Majesty maketh those wars, of the meekness which is used therein: as also of the good affection and service of his royal Majesty, and the Estate of the Empire, together with their judgement of the cruel tyranny of the obstinate. Item of the necessity of this enterprise, and the things which are happened: as of needful maintenance, the situation of the places of the illustrious Prince of Gulich, the necessity in altering of the ●…p●…, according to the opportunities of the wars: Item of the good deeds of his royal Majesty, and of his true affection, as also of the most illustrious Prince of Gulion, and the whole Empire. Of all which, and many other causes, if that your honour were fully according to the truth informed (which we hope shall shortly happen) we doubt not in the least, but that your honour would as freely and willingly as other, understand the whole reason and disposition hereof, imputing the fault of the trouble to the authors, and wholly excuse his royal Majesty, yea and have compassion of them, since that for their great and laudable deeds, they are unreasonably and falsely belied and blamed. Your honour should also interpret for the best, excuse and defend our deeds, affections and care, before the Prince and his subjects, in respect of the furthering of the discipline, and the patience of the unease which we endure, by reason of the greatness of the camp, and the differing of pays. Also your honour could double the service showed unto the illustrious. Duke of Lorraine and other Princes, and daily with all diligence and care, hinder the fear of the difficulty, and un ease of the French Kings side, who is to be feared in the Empire, and will not seek the advancement of the Prince of Cleve.  
Your Honour should also move his imperial majesty, and the estates of the Empire, to the joining in this war, against the common peril of Christendom, to wit, against the causers of this great mischief. But this all shall more manifestly, by the deed and experience of the matter, as also of the royal Majesty, and the illustrious archduke Albert, and our care, together with the estates of the Empire and other Princes, he brought to light, we esteem according to the opportunity of the time, to have sufficiently satisfied the illustrious Prince of Cleve, Gulich, etc. by our last letter, which also we did impart to your honour, and also esteem that they ought by the same to be found good: what toucheth the rest, I beseech your honour, by the love and goodwill which you bear, to his imperial Majesty, to his royal Majesty, to the Archduke Albertus, and the Illustrious Prince of Gulich (which by fraternity are bound together) as also by the love which your honour bears to the preservation of the Catholic religion, yea whole Christendom, to continue constantly in the good affection and reason, as your honour hath already begun, to be aiding with his counsel and deeds to the common causes and us, and to guide and govern the matters with the illustrious Prince and his counsel according to your wisdom. We beseech God to grant your honour health, constancy, mercy and strength, to finish such a holy piece of work.  
From the camp before Deutecum the 12. of November. 1598. Understood. Your honours wholly devoted. Don Francisco de Mendossa, Great Admirant of the Realm of Arragon, marquess of Quadelles, de Valde penas, of the Stately Calatrononian order, Steward of the Catholic King, as also counsellor at Stands, and of the Martial affairs, chief Steward in the Court of the most Illustrious Archeduke Albertus: And Captain General of the Carrabins.  
IS not this an evident and reasonable answer, justly might we every where be exclaimed on, and called barbarous and bastards, not worthy of the name of Netherlands, if we should resign to the Spaniards (whereof the most part are but baptized jews) our right and freedom, which to maintain, so many thousands of virtuous men have lost their lives, and the earth been died with their blood, have we no compassion on ourselves? let us call to mind the misery which our wives and children are to expect, if that we be mastered by the Spaniards, either by force, or their deceitful treatise of peace. We are bound to take care for them, since they themselves have not the wit: Let us then make it appear that there is yet a valiant lions heart amongst the Netherlands, for the preservation of the true Catholic Religion, or privileges and freedoms, and for the turning off of slavery and servitude.  
Upon the 7. of November the Admirant assaulted the Town of Deutecum in the County of Zutphen, 
Deutecum taken.  and by appointment the Soldiers departed it with their weapons, he marched forwards towards the Fort of Scuylenburch, situated in a bog, which he also took. The Admirant having want of all things, durst not adventure any further: For being that he had denied safeguard to the Country people or Boors of the County of Zutphen, to dwell quietly, but allowed them time and leisure, to fly with their corn and cattle into the strong Cities: he found no victuals for his Camp, and were forced in steed of bread to eat Colwort-stalkes, clodded blood of beasts, and what else they could get.  
About this time there was an assembly in the City of Dortmont, of the Deputies of the Princes and Lords, belonging to the Westphalian Creyts, whereof the Chief is the Earl of Lip, whether all the complaints of the Neighbour countries were brought. In which assembly was resolved, to write Letters on the 13. of November to the Emperor, and to the four Prince's Electors, of the Rhyne, that they also might write to the Emperor, and to the Admirant, and at Brussell to the Cardinal Andrew of Austria, Governor of the Netherlands. Appointing to meet again at Collen in januarie.  
When the Admirant, by the resistance of Count Maurice, and the Camp of the united Provinces, had been forced to retire. Fearing want of victuals and other necessaries, he departed the 16. of November for the Bishopric of Munster, leaving five Ensigns at Deutecum, with a Banner of Horsemen of Mendoza a Spaniard.  
The Earl Fredricke took Bockholt, and also Borcken, 
Bockholt and Borckentaken.  where they dealt very badly with the Citizens. From thence they departed for Schermbacke and other places as Dortmont, Essen, Dorsten, which they shot at, Coesuelt, Steenwort, Rekelinckhuesen, and many gentlemen's houses. They were also twice before Oostdorp, but were feign to retire: those of Ham resisted them also valiantly. They threatened the Bishopric and county of Osnaburgh with fire, demanding an hundred thousand Dollars, but it was denied, and they took Soldiers to them. Barlote was sent to Emmerick, where on the 23. of November he would with more men be let in: but being that there were three Ensigns belonging to the Earl of Buy, the Citizens with their (forced) help, held Barlote out. Who thereat greatly spited at his departure from thence, threatened the City greatly. To excuse this refusal there was sent the Deacon with certain of her persons to the Admirant, declaring that Neutrality had been granted them, and that there was no reason the same should be broken. The Admirant gave for answer, that the time, the service of God and the King required such, and therewith they ought to have patience: Whereupon the Deacon replied that it would be a great shame and reproach before God and the world, and to the name of the Catholic Spaniards, that all promises and contents may be broken and answered with the service of God and the King, 
The Admirant is by the Deacon, reprehended for being an upholder of jesuits, in breaking his word and promise.  and with the estate of matters, which things the Turks and Moors did not do. And so doing that it was no marvel, though the united Provinces would not trust to any peace, since that neighbours and friends are so dealt withal. The Admirant was greatly enraged and ashamed at these words, sending the Ambassadors away, but not without peril of their persons  
Shortly after the tenth of December the Spanish Garrisons were forced to abandon Emmericke by the Count Maurice with the Army of the united Provinces, where the Admirant lay at Rees with three thousand men, and Barlot at Doornicke, and divers other there about, and could not hinder the same. For on the 4. of December, some of the Count Maurice his men marched up above Rees, and thrust the ditches through, which notwithstanding were guarded by soldiers, they scarce being able to save themselves from the water, and were feign to be carried in boats out of the houses wherein they had hidden themselves: and Emmericke was succoured to keep themselves Neutral, taking in some of their Prince's soldiers for their defence.  
In this sort the Spanish Camp forced the Cities of the Bishopric of Munster, to take in their Garrison, also the Bishopric of Essen overrunning the houses and Castles belonging to the Earl of Benthem & Scouwenburgh, taking, pilling and ransacking of churches and monasteries, robbing all the country people, with an unruled crew of Soldiers, surprising, afflicting and murdering them with such horrible cruelty, that it is unpossible to express it, & all under the colour of the service of God & the king.  
The Protestant princes assembled again in january at Collen, for they are so tormented that many of them are constrained to abandon their houses, well perceiving what they ought to fear. Those of Osnaburgh denied the Spaniards the demanded ransom of the City, opposing and defending themselves with their Lord and Bishop (who is of the house of Bruynswicke) against the Spaniards.  
The like is done by those of the city of Munster and take in soldiers to their aid, so that the enterprise which the Spaniards had undertaken (by the winking or eye shutting of the Prince Elector of Collen), is failed them. It is manifest that they procured to make the house of Austria great, and that they would see that all the Netherlandes, Cleve and Gulich with their neighbours, might fall under the same, rather than that they should be inherited by Protestants or their lawful Princes. Hereupon the Princes had appointed to meet at Ausborch in December last.  
The cities in the Dukedom of Cleve were persuaded, that the Spaniards would not any more undertake any séedges or to surprise any thing more by violence: wherefore those of Calcar, Goch, Cleve & others, resolved, to resist them and to stand by, and assist one another, to defend themselves with their weapons, and not to let in their enemy: yet notwithstanding that those of Calcar are great Catholics, and their Citizens greatly inclined to the old Religion. They were most fearfully assaulted by this Catholic Spanish camp. For when the citizens had begun most valiantly to resist and defend themselves, and beat down their enemies: there was no remedy nor favour found, but were after the most rigorous sort so assaulted, and enemy-like battered, their gates thrown down, and after many lives lost, the City was taken upon the Christmas even last, which brought such terrible astonishment to the other cities, that the people fled in great heaps, and were forced in the cold winter to leave the country. By reason whereof those of Goch sent Ambassadors to the Admirant at Rees, to make an agreement with him, as also did the other cities: but it was in vain, he sends his men thitherwards and deceitfully entered Wees, (lying an hours going from Goch) which they ensconced strongly and summoned the city of Goch to take in 500 footmen and three companies of horse of his: Many citizens flying were defended by the horsemen of Nimmeghen, insomuch that the enemy durst not touch them upon the Plain between Goch and Cleve. The soldiers were suffered to enter, but as the horsemen being come before the city, the entrance was by the Citizens (in shutting their gates) hindered, whereat the chieftain of the said horse threatened them: mean while the citizens got safeguard from the Prince & Emperor, which is the cause that in February there returned many of Goch thitherwards again. What will follow, time & experience will teach: But it seems that the Admirant, knowing well enough how he standeth with the house of Austria, will not pass much for savegards, but will prosecute his intent.  
For conclusion we will (for this time) commit the cause to God, beseeching him to preserve & defend all lovers of the patrimony, from all such immoderate, cruelty of the Spanish tyrants, which are never glutted with spilling of guiltless blood, and more than brutal ravishing of young Virgins, and chaste matrons, and unmeasurable murderous robberies, Their obstinacy, which they use to their free Countries is so great, that it cannot be thought nor expressed in more odious sort, but they will surpass all in wickedness, not respecting any of what religion soever, young or old. This (loving and kind Reader) is a fair glass for us, wherein we may speculate and overcast what we should he to expect of these notable gallants, if they should suppress us. Therefore let every one, watch and pray to the omnipotent God, for mercy and assistance, that he will give us all a valiant united heart, whereby we may prevent all these said cruel tyrannies of the Spaniard. To his honour and glory, and the good and salvation of us all. Amen.   

The Whale of Berckhey. Or A description of the great Fish which stranded or came on shore at Berckhey in Holland, the third of February 1598. With a brief relation of such things as happened thereupon and since the same.  

I  
IT is most certain and true, 

I will for brevities sake, omit all signs & tokens which have happened in the heavens, or the air, at divers times, and will only tell some histories of some Sea-monsters, being that the subject of our writing, is of a Sea-monster. In the time of the Romish Pope Eugenius the 4. (as Bapt. Fulg writeth) there was taken on the shore, a Sea-knight, whose shape was much like a man, excepting that on his head he had two small horns, and but two fingers on each hand, his feet like tails, and at his arms he had two little wings, like unto those of a Bat. Hereupon presently ensued the bloody wars which the Dolphin of France, son to Charles the 7. made against the Swissers by the instigation of the said Pope Eugenius, who would (against the Emperor Sigismond his will) have had the synod which was appointed at Basel, to be held in Italy. Also the said Pope was the cause that Ladislaus the young King of Hungary, broke the truce which was made with Amurath the Turkish Emperor, in discharging him by his Papal power, of the dear and great oath wherewith the said peace was confirmed and assured, wherewith Amurath being moved and spited, assembled a mighty host of horse, men and footmen, to revenge himself upon Ladislaus. It chanced that both armies joining together, the Turks began to faint, which Amurathe perceiving, lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven, said: See jesus Christ, this is the truce which thy Christians (in swearing by thy name) have made me. If now thou be'st a rightful God, defend thine and mine honour. These words were no sooner spoken by Amurath, but the Hungarians and the Polonians were put to flight, and the most of them slain: amongst the rest the King Ladislaus and julianus Cesarinus, the Pope's Ambassador. This happened near unto Varna, Anno. 1444. the 10. of November, according to the writing of Bonfino lib. 6. c. 3. Shortly after this, Eugenius was deposed, and a Duke of Savoy set in his place. You that say that one is not bound to keep any oath or faith unto Heretics, chaw and rechawe this accident. another example. In Anno. 1281. it happened that some Fishermen caught in their net a Sea-monster, much like a Lion, which as soon as it was above water, began to moan and lament, as a man that is grieved, and was brought alive to Rome to the Pope Martin the 4. Shortly after ensued the Sicilian Vespers, which is the time when (in the Papistry) are sung the Vespers, there being through the enticement of Pope Nicolas the third, and through the complot of the king of Arragon (on the Easter day) murdered all the French garrisons, which the French king had in Sicilia.  
In the year of our Lord 1522. there was seen at the sea side near Rome, a Sea-monster, having the face of a woman with great breasts, her hair all entangled, with long ears like a Beagle, but in shape more like an Ape than a man. At that time Sultan Soliman, sun to the Turkish Emperor Zelim, besieged the Knights of S. john which kept Rhodes, and so strongly assaulted them, that he made himself master of the whole Island.  
A little before that, Posthumes Albinus the Roman General, with his whole army, was by the French discomfited: It seemed in many places, that the Sea was on fire, which was a sign of the ensuing burning war, which at that time was kindled in many places of the world.   that God hath often declared through tokens and signs in the air, the earth, and from the depth of the seas, that his mighty hand was raised, to punish lands and nations, for their wickedness, by war, pestilence or famine: peruse the holy Scriptures, read the old Chronicles, and that which I tell you here will be manifest unto you: and yet although every man can espy a token, yet can none divine what they signify. It hath pleased God Almighty to hide that from us, thereby to keep us more in awe and fear.   

II.  
For when that in the year 1598., the Sea had vomited a mighty Whale on our shore at Berckhey, who in every one's sight was horrible to behold, I also was amazed and admired so rare a thing, and (as all the rest) doubted that some strange matter would ensue thereupon, and that God was displeased: but no one could imagine what would follow, nor what God had ordained thereby. Until that out of Brabant there came tumbling a pamphlet, wherein at large the full signification thereof was disclosed, no otherwise but if God had told the writer what he had disposed.   

III.  
I held my peace, my mouth and my pen, hoping that God ere long, would show that he had not caused that Whale to strand in Holland, as a token that he meant to reduce these Netherlands under the yoke of that cruel monster, who seeketh nothing else but through fire and sword, to destroy these excellent countries, he is like a Whale, who whatsoever he catcheth in his chaps, he swalloweth, teareth, and devoureth without mercy, for I have hoped always that God would make the Spanish tyrant starve for hunger, like the Whale did after two days and three nights.   

FOUR  
This Monster was 24. else in length, 22. teeth he had, which all like horns long and sharp fitted the one within the other in the hollow vault of his mouth, his eyes small, standing deep within his head, 
* Membrum virile.  the thing was great and long, two fins he had, each of two else long, & broad ¾ and ½, he had a tongue of huge bigness, in his throat lay a monstruous bladder like an Ox gut, which vomited abundance of filth, which with great streams flowed from his body, in so much that what through his stink, and what through his bigness, he was most horrible in every one's sight.   

V  
This all fits right well with Signior the Admirant, who (
* 
Conueniunt rebus nomina sepe suis.  
The General of the male-contentish camp, is, Franciscus Mendosus Admirandus Arragonie Marchio Quadelles Valdepenas etc. Mendosus, a, 'em, is as much as a man that is full of lies or faults: Admirandus, a wonderful and notable fellow: Valdepenas, is as much as one who greatly plagueth and molesteth other men, and shall in the end, greatly be punished for the same. And that these names agree with his conditions, he showed as soon as he was passed the Rhine, for having taken the city of Orsay, and the Castle yet holding out, he went himself in person accompanied with a hangman, and a Friar, to the castle, threatening them, that if they were not resolved to render up the Fort, they might prepare themselves to be confessed, and that the hangman was there ready to hang them: nay more, himself took the halters out of the hangman's hands, and lifting them on high, showed them unto the besieged. I believe not, that on our side, there be any captain or commander, that would have helped the hangman so well in his office." That which some esteem for a great misery and calamity, (viz. to lose house and lands) those of Cleve & Munster, esteem it a great happiness, and are very glad, that in abandoning all, they may escape bare and naked out of the tyrant's hands.   as his name signifies) is perilous gallant, with 24000. men he passed the Rhine, and first took Orsay. Every one was affrighted through out all the land, each city imagined that they leveled at them, yea seemed that at a clap he would have taken all the Cities which lie here below on the bank. But it was not so, the case goes otherwise, he whetteth his teeth in the lands of Cleve & Munster," where he so abuseth both men and women, that no body can endure by him.   

VI  
By the small eyes of the Whale, is signified the little foresight and unadvisedness of the Admirant, who was so greedy to convey his great host deeper into the country, that he took no care for his food, 
(a) All wise Generals, forecast, where and from whence the camp may be best victuailed: but this wonderful fellow coming over the Rhine when the Corn was ripe, would not give the countrymen of Zutphen any safeguard, whereby in lying peaceably in the country, they might have victualled the Campe. But willingly gave them respite and leisure, to fly into the strong Cities: insomuch, that shortly after, his Soldiers through hunger were constrained to eat Coletwort-stalkes, and clodded blood of beasts: roots, and herbs, etc. And whilst that the land was full of food and victuals, they said, it is not royal, nor honourable enough, for the King to take contribution of his subjects: but now when the clowns were fled, he granteth them safeguard.  for the Country people fled, and conveyed the Corn and cattle away, insomuch, that Signior, through famine was constrained to eat Colewort stalks, for they could not get any bread: yet when this hungry crew, came into the 
(b) So I call the cities of Cleve and Munster: but truly the Spaniards doth not now esteem or hold them for Neutral, but as his own, and respecteth them no more than he doth Deutecum, which always heretofore hath been on our side. And even as the Pope did give this king of Spain's predecessors, the land of America, (whereof the Heathen king Artibalyba greatly wondered saying: Surely this Pope must needs be some great fool, to give my country and cities, wherein he hath not a foot of right, to an other.) Even as great right and reason hath he to give Albertus (who is one of his best sons) the Lordships of Cleve and Munster, if so it may please his holiness: But to whom soever the said Provinces belongeth of Cleve and Munster, the Spaniards supposeth to have good right in them, saying that at the time when Knipperdolincke and john Becolt of Leyden, with the Annabaptists in Anno. 1533. had made themselves master of the City of Munster, the Bishop being not able enough to take the City again, and to beat out the Annabaptists, he besought those of the house of Burgundy for aid, promising that himself and his subjects at any time thereafter, should be thankful unto them for it. Now is it the right time (said the Spaniards) to accomplish that promise, and therefore they think they may lawfully call in their debts and to pay themselves. See how easily a staff is found when one will beat the dog, if one cannot find a strait one, a crooked one will serve the turn.  Neutral cities and there lodged in 
c Some poor Citizens, which with their hands and the sweat of their brows get their living, are pestered with ten, fifteen, yea twenty soldiers in their houses, other some 25. 30. 36. more or less, which eat and consume all what the miserable Inhabitants of the neutral cities, are able any way to get. My Lords they sit at the table making good cheer. The host like a Page must stand behind them, bare headed to serve them, yea he must see them with money, before they will vouchsafe to touch one bit of the good meat which is set before them. Where signor the Spaniard hath any government, there the Gentlemen and Citizens of the Cities must stand with cap in hand, and bow themselves to a filthy rotten, pocky, Spanish basketmaker, and such a one must be called signor, as is worse than the most basest Boor in all the Netherlands.  heaps, listen what they did: Brown bread, and powdered flesh they scorned to eat, throwing it at their hosts feet, 
d Yea so wicked and immodest are these pocky abominable wretches, and heathenish Christians, that they will not respect wenches of eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve years of age.  and through their villainies they have undone many a maid and honest woman.   

VII  
Through the unnecessary and ugly tongue of the whale is signified, 
When our ships the last year were come into the Pepper country, and that the Heathen King at Bantam for a sum of money had granted them traffic in his country, he notwithstanding soon broke his promise, seeking to destroy our men, contrary to his oath and promise. Whereof being reproved, and demanded the cause thereof, he answered that he had no bone in his tongue, and that he could turn and wind the same at his will and pleasure, this may likewise be applied to the Spaniard, for he breaketh his oath and promise as often & when he listeth. And being he cannot condemn those of Cleve and Munster of heresy, and that the old rule of the Concile of Trent (faith ought not to be held unto heretics, can take no place there, The Admirant, when complaints are made that he hath not held his promise, answereth. The service of god and the king require so much, that I cannot keep my promise. Hath he not cause and reason enough, think you, to break and violate the oath. It is even with the Spaniards as it was whilom with the ambitious heathens, julius Caesar, and others, which were wont to say: Si violandum est Ius, regnandi causa violandum est. Alpen, Anholt, and Meurs, unto which the Cardinal under his hand and Scale had granted neutrality, have notwithstanding by the Admirant bene taken.  that the promises which the Spaniarde maketh us, are vain and of no worth. It is stink, it is filth, burning and murdering which sticks in his heart, and herewith his mind is stuffed & puffed up like the belly of the whale, with filthy infection. 
f The Spaniard seems to have mind upon nothing so much, as upon the Romish religion, and the furtherance thereof. In so much that his Catholicque Majesty, the king of Spain is esteemed to be the truest and faithfullest servant unto the Romish seat. Under this hypocritical vail, they seek to cloak their insatiable ambition, covetousness, and bloodthirst. Every where that they lie in Cleveland, they do no more favour the catholics, than those of the reformed religion or others, yea the places could be named where they have broken the Churches and monuments which by our people were left undefaced.  Show of holiness and pariurie are the two sins, wherewith he purposeth to subdue the Netherlands. He hath heretofore done many an exploit, but since that his deceit came to light a very little. Al his devices are deceit, enormous in each one's sight, every one fears his cruelty, be they protestants 
g I speak of some such Papists, which having tasted the Barbarous cruelties of the Spaniards, know full well that they favour none, but even such over which they have no power. Those which long and wish for the victory of the Spaniards wish for their own destruction, be they whatsoever they may be,  or Papists, they know his dealings.   

VIII.  
The Whale lying on the strand, every one that came thither shortened his tail, cutting a piece thereof. The Spaniards tail is also well shortened, for by reason of the hunger which the poor Soldiers endured, many have died, and many other have been slain by our men, also many fled away, both by day and by night, insomuch that his host is lessened by the one half, 
* When the enemy marched up to Deutecum, his excellency forsook the place where he lay, ensconcing himself upon the dyke in battle array, a long while expecting the enemy, who with his camp lay at Elterberch, about a half league from our camp. The enemy every moment was at an alarum, where his excellency never made any, neither was this lusty Spaniard so bold as with his great army, once to assail our little heap. This is the right sitting under the defence of the highest, and to dwell under the shadow of the almighty, Psal 91.1. Many of judgement & understanding, esteem, and hope that the Lord of hosts hath ordained this year many great victories to his excellency, as in the year last passed.  without any hurt or hindrance to ours. Oh a shrewd knock for these blood thirsty hounds, how unadvised was he, that counseled them to come into these watery lands, in the which already they have endured so great shame.   

IX.  
As heretofore the warlike Roman 
* 
The renowned Hannibal had at divers times discomfited the Roman boasts, especially the victory which he obtained by Cannae in Apulia, is worthy of memory, where so many thousands of Romans' died, that Hannibal's soldiers besides other spoils, got from the hands of the slain, three bushels of Rings, and if Hannibal at that time had followed on his victory, he might easily have taken Rome, and subdued all the Roman Empire. Shortly after he came with his army (which always was wont to vanquish,) into italy, at which time the Romans' made Q. Fabius a Dictator, who perceiving the insatiable desire of Hannibal, his experience and order in the wars, ensconced himself well, and would not for any thing give Hannibal battle, but lay still, by reason whereof he was of every one esteemed a coward, but he cared not for that, and so long he lay still with his forces, until Hannibal's Camp, with the long lying had consumed itself, and came to shame, whereof the Romans gave him this praise.  unus homo nobis canctando restituit rem.  Fabius in sitting still, vanquished the valiant venturous Hannibal. So hath also our Lord the noble Count Maurice showed his great experience in the martial affairs, in driving the enemy with all his mighty troops out of the land, without blow or shock. O noble blood of Nassau, O prince of Orange, mightest thou once cast down thy eyes and bebolde how jacke of Spain is bearded by 
“ Good reason had Earl Peter of Mansuelt, to say (when he heard that the Prince of Orange (of laudable memory) had a son borne, whose name was Mauritius,) If this child have his Father's wisdom, and the valour of his Grandfather Mauritius the Prince of Saxony, he will give the King of Spain enough to do.  Maurice thy son, mightest thou once see how he hath clipped and shortened his tail, thy heart would rejoice, and thy joys be redoubled, in beholding thy sons valour and virtues.   

X.  
Next to 
a Earl Adolph of Nassau was made Emperor in Anno 1292. and reigned 6. years, maintaining great wars against Albertus' duke of Austria.  Adolph of Nassau came to the Empire Albertus, a Prince of the house of Austria. Adolph suffered each one to keep and hold his goods and lands, each their Cities and their people in peace. 
b 
And being that the History whereof we have here spoken, is worthy of memory, for the resemblance of the matters which happen now, and being that it is above three hundredth years ago that they happened, and therefore not so well known, I will for the delight of the welwilling Reader, rehearse the sum thereof, as it is written by josias Smilers, lib 1. de Repub. Heluet.  
Albertus was a great enemy and an enuior of the freedom of the Swissers, he had many children. All which he intending to enrich, sought to stretch out his commandment far and nigh about his Empire, and hath rend and torn divers Lordships from the same, and joined them to his house, as his own: he was very troublesome and damageable unto all his bordering neighbours, he feared not, nor was not ashamed, (with dishonourable and lawless reasons) yea with open might to demand and make his own, that which belonged unto others. The spiritual persons which were rich and wealthy, he endeavoured to bring the matter to such a pass, that they should sell him their rights, or that they would acknowledge him and his children for ever, for their hereditary defenders, Lords, and Protectors. Also he besought the Earls and Barons of Switzerland to acknowledge the Lords of Austria for their Landlords, which before were subject to none but to the Roman Emperor.  
He also forcibly detained the paternal inheritance of his brother's son, over whom he was appointed Tutor. Some cities did Albertus (what through prayers, fair promises and threats) tear and separate from the Empire, and clouted them to the house of Austria. But the most part have denied his importunate requests, and would not in any wise submit themselves to him. Shortly after that the Ambassadors were returned, many of the Cities and Lordships of the Swissers sent unto him certain persons, beseeching his Imperial Majesty that it might please him, to confirm them the rights and privileges which his predecessors had granted them. Whereupon in great rage he answered, that he would do that which they requested, even as they had granted him his demands: and further, that he had ordained certain Governors which he would send them, and by them they should understand his will more at large. And for Governors, he appointed one named Grislerus, and another named Peregrinus Landenbergius. These Governors of the Emperors at the first dealt very kindly and discreetly with the people, thereby seeking to steal the hearts of the commonalty, & to make them obedient to Albertus. But seeing that they profited nothing that way, they assayed what cruelty and tyranny would work. For brevities sake, we will pass over many things wherewith Albertus' Governors tried the good Swissers, and only tell what Grislerus hath done, who was Governor of Switz and Vri. He builded a strong Castle by his Lords command near Altorf, which in their tongue he named Twing Vri, etc. Which is as much as the yoke by which those of Vri shall be brought to the uttermost slavery and obedience. This Castle being finished, he caused within Altorff to be set up a high Pole, and upon the top, a flat Cap, commanding that every man with uncovering of the head and bowing of the knee, should honour the said Cap, as much as if the Emperor or himself in person were present, knowing well that those which hated the Emperor & him, would never do the same, but he did it to the end that he might have occasion to attach those which were suspected. It chanced that one William Tell, at sundry times passing by the Cap, honoured not the same, which being reported to the Governor, he sought to excuse himself, in saying, that he knew not that the matter was of such importance. But Grislerus not content herewith, took one of William Tells sons (whom he knew the Father loved best, and laying an Appell upon the child's head, said, unless then you shoot of this Appell without hurting the child, thou shalt die. The Father answered that he would rather die then adventure it. Well (quoth the Governor,) except that thou dost it, both thyself and thy son shall die. William Tell perceiving, that prayers would take no place there, took the Bow into his hand, and there through God's help, shot off the Apple without touching the child. The Governor had marked that William Tell had taken two arrows out of the Quiver, whereof the one he had stuck at his girdle, wherefore he asked what he meant thereby. William Tell answered, that he meant nothing thereby but that it was the order of Archers. The Governor not content therewith, would needs know the ground of the matter, promising him, that if he would tell him the truth, his life should not be touched. William Tell upon these promises, said: that his intent was (if he had slain his son with the one arrow) to have killed the Governor with the other. O wicked wretch (quoth Grislerus) thy life will I not take, but I will commit thee to a prison, where thou shalt see neither sun nor moon, nor speak to any body, and there thou shalt end thy days. And causing his hands and feet to be bound, took him with him in a ship going from Vri to Cusnac. When being in the midst of the lake, there arose such a mighty storm, that they esteemed themselves lost, the Mariners not being able to guide the Ship, abandoned the same, to the mercy of the winds and the waters, and Grislerus in this distress, asked if there were no means to get a shore, whatsoever it might cost. Whereupon one of his servants replied, that he doubted not but they should get a shore, if William Tell might stand at the Helm, for he was a strong man, and very expert at Sea, which they hearing, unbound William Tell, and set him at the Helm, where he laboured greatly to bring the Ship near the land, which within a while did: and espying a great Rock (which at this day is yet called Tells Rock) he steered the Bark fully thereupon, and at the approaching, leaving the Helm, and catching his bow and arrows, leapt over board upon the Rock, and withal his might launching the Bark again, ran into the country, and the Bark after long tossing, some days after got to Brunnen, from whence Grislerus travailed towards Cusnac by land. William Tell being well acquainted with the ways, hid himself behind certain bushes in a Valley, through the which he knew Grislerus should pass: and having his Bow in a readiness, at the tyrant's passing by shot him through, which done (because that he would not be taken) he fled to some chief persons which he knew to be great enemies of the Emperors and Governors, unto which he declared the matter, and having consulted upon it, took heart, and by little and little, drove all Albertus officers out of the land, thereby recovering their lost freedom, which until this day they hold. Compare our Albertus with his Cardinal's flat Cap, to this Albertus whereof we have spoken, and you shall find, that two Eggs laid by one Hen cannot resemble one another better. Behold the end.   Assoon as Albertus got the Sceptre in his hand, he made strife and debate in Switzerland. The which with subtlety, and afterwards with strife and odious practices he sought to join to his house. But Albertus aimed amiss, the valiant sturdy Swissers have (for their country's freedom) spared neither goods nor blood, they joined together and played the men, until such time as they had banished Albert out of the land.   

XI.  
The noble blood of the house of Nassau, 
a His excellency having driven the enemy out of Emricke rendered the same willingly into the hands of the Duke of Cleve, without any ways touching any one in life or goods.  holdeth yet the same steps which Adolph long ago showed them. Albert likewise followeth the paces of his grandfather's, who tyrannised Switzerland: he seeketh to tear and separate the land of Cleve from the Empire, as every one may see. 
b These bloodsuckers were not contented, in having taken the good Earl of Brookes castle, and imprisoned him, but have against their promises most wickedly murdered him, and burned his body to Ashes. Oh cruel tyrants: but O worthy Earl, who in dying in the right belief, didst witness the true religion with thy blood. The goods of this good Lord were publicly with the sound of Drum and Trumpet, sold in the camp, even as the soldiers are used to fell the booty and pillage, got of their open enemies.  When the Earl of Valkensteine and Brooke, etc. would have defended his country, he was imprisoned, murdered, and burnt to Ashes. You Princes of the Empire, how long will you suffer this, how long will you sleep with open eyes, is it not yet enough, the Spaniarde himself saith, that you are Lions 
c That some think that Albertus with his aiders, upon the writings and requests of any King or Prince, would leave and abandon the confederate cities, is in vain; But will do as of late years did the Earl Tunis of Oldenborch, who having forcibly taken the house or castle of Dolmerhorst with the appurtenances. Those of Spier, in the emperors name, wrote unto him, that he should render the same again to those unto whom it did lawfully belong. The Earl having received the Letters (after the contents read) held them a pretty while to his ear, saying. I hear no Guns, as if he would have said, what I have purchased by force of arms, I will not suffer to be taken away again by papers.  but bite not.   

XII.  
O thou God of hosts, vouchsafe mercifully to behold thy country, and defend the same with thy strong arm, against these half white Moors: Suffer them not O Lord, to execute the rancour of their hearts, against the people which thou hast chosen for thy heritage. It is true that we deserve to be wholly cast from the sight of thy sacred face. We have deserved to be rob of thy holy word, which now thou teachest us: yet Lord for thy name's sake, favour us yet and always, show thy mercy to thy Church.   

XIII.  
O you states of the united lands, who have chosen for your Lieutenant the Count Maurice, melt all your spirits together, beseech GOD continually to increase in you (through his goodness) the spirit of 
(a) Concordia res parue crescunt.  concord 
(b) It is an old saying: Romanus sedendo vincit.  wisdom and 
(c) Woe to the land whose king is a child, either in years or understanding.  understanding to the building of his church, and the country's good. But first seek for God's kingdom, further (by all means) his Church, then will he cast his blessing upon this land, and abolish all Achitophel's complots: and at your soul's departure from hence, receive them up to him in his celestial dwelling. 
(d) Religio verè ligat, Where the hearts of men are not through the bond of true religion bound together, there is no foundation. Therefore, all those which seek the country's welfare, must also and especially procure the furtherance of the true Catholic reform religion, in every place where it is possible, setting wise and learned men to preach the same, and ordaining good Schools, wherein youth may be well educated and taught, not only in speech and sciences, but especially in the true religion, to which end the Imperial goods ought to be used, which done, there shall be no occasion given to the enemies of the religion and the patrimony, to say, that we drive away the monks and Friars, not so much through zeal of religion, as because we might get the fingering of the spiritual goods.    
FINIS.   

THE LETTER OF THE EMPEROR OF GERmanie, to the Admirant of Arragon, General for the archduke Albertus, in the Counties of Cleve and Munster, etc. With the admirant's answer.  
The conspiracy of the three Bishops.  
The death of the Earl of Brooke.  
The admirant's Letter to the counsel of Gulich.  
The list of the Soldiers levied by the protestant Princes of Germany.  
Faithfully translated out of the Dutch copy Printed at Rotterdam.  
Imprinted at London by john Wolf, and are to be sold at his shop in Pope's head Alley, near unto the Exchange. 1599   

A Letter of the Emperor Roduphus the second, to Don Francisco de mendozza, Admirant of Arragon, General of the army of the King of Spain, in the Lands of Gulich and Cleve, touching the damages by him done in the Empire.  
I Rodulphus by the grace of God the second, chosen Roman Emperor, at all times an augmenter of the Empire, in Germany, Hungaria, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia and Sclavonia etc. king, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Steyr, Keredten, Grace and Wittenberch, Earl of Tiroll etc. send greeting to the well-born, our especial beloved Don Francisco de mendossa, Admirant of the kingdom of Arragon, marquess of Quadelles, Knight of the Calatranonian order, Commander at Valazenas, General under our beloved brother Albertus' Archduke of Austria: also to V N. and N. to all and every Regiment, Admiranty, Colonels, Captains Lieutenants and Commanders of soldiers horse and foot, of what nation, State and condition soever unto which these our credible letters may appear, be showed or declared, to such as remain in our Empire, or the Fortresses, ground, bottom, Cities, Towns, Sconces, and Rivers of the same, by Water or Land, we make known, that our Princes and Lords of the Netherlandish and Westphalian Croytes especially the high-born john Wilhem, Duke of Gulich, Cleve, and Berge etc. our beloved Nephew, who of a longtime most obediently had made known and highly complained unto us in what manner you Admirant, with a great Host, Force and Might, yea above 30000. armed men, are departed out of Brabant in the end of the month of September last passed, and presently taken your way through the Dukedom of Gulich, in the same month forcing, and besetting his City of Orsoy, and after that, you have sent certain thousands of horse and foot over the Rhyne, where they have cast a Sconce, and on both sides of the same, taken all the cattle and beasts, great and small, spoiled the flat land, and besides this oppressed the poor people with imprisoning, ransoming, burning, and murdering in such odious sort, as the like hath not been heard heretofore of any: insomuch that the greater part of the inhabitants and subjects have been forced to abandon their houses, lands, and all else, what with their great labour they have been able to get: herewith not satisfied, but have sent the soldiers into the country of Berge (being a place appertaining to the Duke of Gulich and the late W●eringen of Dau● Earl at Valkensteyn, dwelling upon the house called Brook, have assailed the same, and notwithstanding that the Earl of the house had rendered up the same upon condition of lives and goods saved; have murdered divers of the said soldiers, and the Earl himself who had the admirant's safeguard, they held some days imprisoned and upon a time (by the will and consent of the Captain who lay in the house) being gone to walk abroad, they have must wickedly murdered him. Mean while, the army hath taken and forcibly marched through some cities of Glene, as Burich, Dinslaegen, Holt, Rees, Emmerick, with other Forts, gentlemen's houses & Villages, appertaining to the said Dukedom, the which some of them, they have with their Ordinance beaten down, destroyed, ransacked, forced and devoured, amongst which were many spiritual and temporal persons, without favouring any one, but plaguing and tormenting them to the uttermost, some with imprisonment, other with strangling, and such like, together with the violating and deflowering of women, damsels & maids, in more filthy or beastly sort then ever hath been heard, and have moreover so oppressed the City of weasel, that they have been forced to pay 150. thousand Dollars, the one half ready, and the other at short time, together with 1000 measures of Rye, which they have been forced to promise to the Chéeftains of you the admirant's camp; over and above the houses and Lordships, as Kruydenberch, Weyfflyck hoven, also the Princely gentlemen's houses and Forts, as Lhan, Windendal, Dusport, Noisan, Impel, Dornich, Lack●unsen, Woremsemmerwogen, and also reduced the Duke of Gulich himself, with his court, to the extremest and the uttermost poverty, with many more other places, which have been with force taken, ransacked and spoiled, whereof we have a great number of specifications sent us. Also some of the army have vaunted to dare to suppress and drive away the Duke in person. Above all this you Admirant with your Spanish soldiers, have attempted to beset some Cities in the Province of Munster, and those which denied your demands, you have by force compelled and taken; also you have caused the said bishopric, with the Episcopal governor and counsellor of the same, Alexander vay Vehellen as uppermost, to be presented with a quarter letter, and besides the same, you have taken and surprised the Dukedom of Cleve, together with 30. Cities and Bourghes, as well of Munster as Cleve, to the use of your Soldiers for your winter Camp, and also wholly spoiled the bishopric of Essen and Weerden: also there are daily used in the strengths and Lordships of Gelder and other bordering neighbours, such robbing, and ransoming, that no husbandry nor trade of merchandise can be exercised. Wherefore we are constrained, as also are all the other princes, the which thereunto have greatly solicited and beseeched us, and since that you have undertaken and attempted such an unreasonable enterprise and have not in any wise been willing, by admonishments and warnings to abstain thereof: but that you Admirant without any respect, have fallen upon the peaceable countries of the holy Roman Empire, and those which are sworn to the same, with such an army, yea without any leave or warning: we nor any of our Princes, Lords & estates, nor any of all the other Netherlandish government, expected any such enmity of the King of Spain, and less at the hands of our most dearly beloved brother Albertus Archeduke, etc. but to the contrary, have always trusted upon good and friendly neighbourhood, where now you have suppressed the lands (subjects of the Empire) with your soldiers, made the same to pillage, and wholly spoiled and impoverished it, notwithstanding that we have heretofore at divers times, written our minds thereof unto you, as also to our beloved brother Albertus. Whereby it seems that you little esteem and care to follow any our aforesaid warnings & admonishments to the least point, as you ought: wherefore it behoveth us to have a sharp & nearer regard and to use other means for the same. And therefore we command you Admirant of Arragon, together withal your Chieftains, Commanders and Soldiers, aswell in particular as general, in virtue of the power of the Imperial Roman Majesty, as subjects to us and the holy Empire, upon pain of life, where they may be found, and to the others, ours and the Empire's high and low subjects, allies vassals, etc. or which are situated under us & the holy Empire, upon pain of ours & the holy Empire's Curse & excommunication together with the loss of their Benefices, Privileges, Freedoms, dignities, loans, lands and goods, in what place soever under us, and the Holy Empire, or their allies, they may lie or remain, which shall transgress the same, to execute them without need of any further declaration. Earnestly and strictly commanding, and willing, that you and every one of you unto which these our letters, Vidimirte and credible writings shall appear, or be showed, or declared, with all your soldiers, without any other conduct, to departed from ours and the holy Empire's territories and ground, and to discharge the same, abandoning all Cities, Forts, gentlemen's houses, villages, strengths and Sconces, which you have (as aforesaid) taken from the Duke of Gulich, the Bishopric of Munster & us, and the state of the Empire, howsoever they be named: and that you make restitution of all losses, and pay the damages, by you done and caused, and to those of weasel and others, the forced moneys, charges and ransoms, without any rebatement: and to the end that you Admirant may show and make known that the death of the Earl of Brooke hath been without your consent or will: you shall render again unto the Countess, (wife to the said late Earl) all her taken goods, moneys, jewels and plate, or else the full worth thereof, to re-establish and set again in their first estate, the molested spiritual and temporal persons, without misusing them any further. And to take heed, henceforwards, not to attempt any thing in the way of enmity against the above named, nor any other subjects of ours, or of the States of the Empire in any sort whatsoever. At your perils, and behave yourselves accordingly which we admonish you very earnestly.  
Given at our Castle of Podecray the 30. of the month of December. 1598. 

Rodulph.  
V.L. Cardino.  
Ad mandatum, Ces. Marst.  
Arnd. Hanniwalt. in Dosso.     

An extract of the answer of the Admirant, upon the emperors Letter, as the writing maketh mention.  
THat he is not to make any account of this nor other letters and writings, and that if the emperors forces stood on the one side of him, and the holy Father the Pope, on the other side with his excommunication, commanding him again to departed, that he would not for all that obey them, as having a Lord, who had commanded him to do this exploit, except that by force of Arms he were forced to resolve otherwise.   

A conspiracy made between the 3. Bishops, viz. the Bishop of Bamberch, the Bishop of Wirtzburgh and the Bishop of Saltzburgh, to bring the Spanish inquisition into Germany, and what ensued thereupon.  
WHereas the Bishops of Bambergh and Wirtzburgh (both lying in the Main in Frankenland) had made a great conspiracy and complot, intending to bring and reduce the Romish Empire (especially Germany) under the damnable Spanish inquisition, they met together at Witzenburgh, to confer about it, but God through his mercy discovered and broke their conspiracy, by the sudden death of the Bishop of Bambergh, in whose closet, and in the Chancery at Bambergh, were found wonderful practices and devices, whereupon some of his Counsel were imprisoned: It was known that there was a day limited, upon the which divers Nobles and others, should have been murdered, having the said two Bishops together with the Bishop of Saltzburgh, held great correspondence with the Spanish Admirant of Arragon, to introduct the said Spaniards into Germany, & in that sort to make a destruction of the Evangelists: But all was by the Bishop of Bamberghs sudden death detected. The bishop of Wirtzburgh being ridden on hunting, fell from his horse, by which fall he burst his arm, and was be●ides to bruises with the fall, that he lieth on his deathbed. The Bishop of Saltzburgh hath since had the half of his Palms burned whereby we see how strangely God hath punished these 〈◊〉 bishops, and brought the treason and 〈◊〉 in 〈…〉, who by their devilish practices seeketh t●ranize 〈◊〉 all the world. God, through his wont mercy 〈◊〉, manifest & annihilate their wicked enterprises, to the praise and glory of his Holy name. Amen.   

The death of Maurice Oan-Hun, Earl of Valkensteyn and Brooke, etc. most wickedly murdered by the Spaniards, according to the report of one Goehaert Hensgen his servant, being present at his death.  
IT is known unto each one that upon the 16. of October last, the admirant's men came before the Earl of Brookes Castle, the which they demanded to be delivered up into their hands, and that the Earl should Cashéere his soldiers, for he had some number of Cock feathers, (certain men of war so 〈◊〉) The Earl answered that he stood upon his Neutrality, & that they ought to leave him unmolested: they not caring for that, would have him dismiss his people, and to commit himself under their defence and protection, withal bringing thither four pieces of Ordinance, wherewith they compelled them to ●…der themselves, life and goods saved. When now they had entered the Forte● they took the Countess and her little children, and conveyed them away into a monastary. The Soldiers of Cleve and Berge (with other people fled thither) being departed, were (notwithstanding the conditions and promises) pursued, str●●e and rob, The Earl himself they held prisoner, and used him very hardly, compelling him to go to Mass, with other such like molestations. Moreover, certain days after the taking of the Castle, being in disputation, they murdered his Nephew, the Lord of Herdenberch, together with a Preacher.  
And by reason that divers mutterings are abroad of the death of this Earl, on sundry manners, I will here recount the same according to the confession of his own Servant, Gochaert Hensgen, at Duseldorp the fourteenth of October.  
Upon Sunday the 11. of October in the evening, the Earl being at Supper, had with him a Captain (a brave man of person) together with his justice, and his Steward: having all supped together, he went out to walk in the Court, where presently came to him two Soldiers of the Garrison, in blue Cassocks, ask if it were his pleasure to go abroad to walk and take the air? whereupon he replied I: the one of them ran up to the Captain but came presently again, and so went together out of the Gate: the said Earls servant followed them through the Garden, where the Soldiers denied to let him have something in this hand, for the which he asked his said Servant: yet taking up a little stick, he passed alongst towards the Water Mill and the fish pond, where some fish lay caught.  
The Earl beckoned to the one Soldier to take it up, who stood still, whilst the other at unawares struck him a mighty blow on the head with a half Pike: insomuch that he fell to the ground, crying O jesus: which done, the Soldier drew his sword, and therewith thrust him through, whereat he cried once again O jesus, but so faintly that he could scarce be understood: mean while the other soldier caught up a flail before the Mill, wherewith he struck at the Earl's servant, who perceiving it, (being near the ditch) leapt down into the dam, so that the blow did but touch his shoulder, from whence with great labour (the soldier still thrusting at him) he got to land on the other side, and so escaped. There were two other soldiers in the Garden, which were commanding the Gardener and the Fishermen to bury some dead bodies which were slain at the taking of the castle, and were appointed by the murderers to stay there. This is as much as yet is come to light of the Earl's death, whose body (as some say) was afterwards burned in a Barn.   

A Letter of the Admirant of Arragon, to the counsel of Gulich, touching the death of the Earl of Brook: Written two days after the taking of the Castle. Translated out of Latin.  
NOble, mighty, and honourable Lords and friends, some days passed we have answered two of your Letters, which were brought unto us by the noble henry of Boorloe, whereby you wrote that no occasion of complaints, or of any harm should be given by the Camp, in the places about the Rhine, or other lands, appertaining to the illustrious Duke of Gulich, and that you also through your wisdoms and experience, through mere goodwill and desire of the common good, and his majesties service, you had well considered that the King of Spain, not of any will or desire, but through mere need of the common danger and welfare, did make these wars, and brought his Camp there, and that through delay of payment, the Soldiers were through need, forced to run seeking of herbs, and elsewhat, for their food and living: the force of all which disorder was not to be to the reproach of the king, nor the Chieftains of his Camp, but to those which were causers thereof, and that ought not presently to be revenged, with killing and murdering, but one ought to endure much, upon hope of a good end of the manifold mischiefs and miseries: the which would not only be pleasing unto us, but promised that the king, and the illustrious archduke would be mindful of it, and excuse the same as the necessity required. And it is wished that all others, which own all such service, to use the self same way either through themselves or their people, and in all modedestie to join their willing minds and furtherances to our actions.  
And whereas we have from the beginning (to the common good) made our minds known, publicly and privately declared our goodwill, to the Earl of Brook, by words, messengers and Letters. At last (after many great complaints, of the misrule and had dealings of his men) we received of him a Letter in Dutch, the contents whereof we scarce understanding, and yet by interpretation found them somewhat bitter, and estranged to amity, we answered him again in Latin (which is common to all nations, and understood of all) that he would send us the meaning of his Letter, with his mind, to the end that we might the better answer him, and to convert his mind and ours to the common service, which we hoped he would have done: and expecting certain days his answer, there came daily more complaints and outcries to our ears, of the murders, slaughters, and all manner of Barbarous cruelties done to our Soldiers and others persons, by the said Earls cockfeathers (or soldiers so called) to our great grief and compassion, which all notwithstanding we (still expecting his answer) despised, and have not any ways consented to any harm of his by word or deed, until at last, by reason of the tumult of the whole camp of the chief captains & others, of all nations upon these never heard cruelties, of slaying and murdering against the guiltless persons of our camp, by the Earl's people, we concluded to send him our third writing, containing our displeasure, of his foe-like actions, wondering that he answered us not, declaring that it would be a great shame and dishonour to the royal camp, to suffer such indignity to remain unpunished, wherefore we requested, that he would punish and dismiss all such cockfeathers and murderers, or else deliver them up into the hands of the justices to punish them, and that for the rest he should settle himself to all amiable service. These letters we gave unto a Spanish Colonel, causing him to take with him, soldiers and ordinance, suspecting the Earl's continuance of obstinacy, yet with charge, that coming to the Castle, he should summon the Earl upon the contents of the Letter, and in friendly sort to speak unto him, and with all honour and reverence to declare him our minds: upon the which if he should seek any further delays, make refusal, or any show of enmity, that then the Colonel should martial wise, forcibly take him, yet with such condiction, that if in case the Earl should bethink himself better, and should by deeds show the same, that then his person, wife, children and his household should have all their goods and heritage's saved.  
When now the Spanish Colonel, sought by all friendly means to come to the Earl's speech, and to accomplish the contents of the Letters, and that the Earl again sought divers needless delays, they betook themselves on both sides to arms: whereby ensued, what in such like tempestuous assaults of angered soldiers by so many wrongs, is used to happen: yea often against their Commanders will, the more because his Camp was of many sorts of peoples, whereof the greater part, yea the whole Camp was greatly encouraged by the barbarous cruelties, slaughters, murders and damages suffered: which the King's people esteemed to be done by the counsel of the neighbour countries, with which they were in League.  

jesuits  There was a third sort of people in the Camp, the which according to right and reason, disclosed, gave and appropriated to every one his acts, with the causes thereof, accusing the Earl the more because that for many years hath showed himself a defender and upholder of all sedition, with change of religion, not only setting the Countries of the Illustrious Prince at contention, but also himself raised seditions, in the other common Lands, having ever since the wars, conspired, consulted and traded with the enemies of the commonwealths rest, of the religion, and of the Empire, and they account the Authors and men of such bad events, to be more dangerous and damageable in a common wealth, than those which through their instigation unwittinglye give themselves to arms, and so fall into like fault, insomuch that the common opinion is, that therefore the said Earl not only, according to the law of arms, but also according to the law of God and man, hath received his reward according to his deserts, and that others by his example will take warning, and the people be moved to obedience: we notwithstanding (according to our natural kindness) have had compassion upon his and the poor people's mishap, that they have not followed good counsel in time, and therefore have we related your honours the same at large, not that we will answer the fact, or that we desire (in the least point to have the authority of the illustrious prince of Gulich or yours, to be diminished (which we rather with all honour seek to augment) but that we might in strengthening your wisdoms, procure, that with the like sorrow they will bewail the anger of God, and the madness of men, and to pray steadfastly, for that which is needful, for the good and quietness of the commonwealth and the religion, and with diligence to foresee therein, as need requireth, wishing also that you will interpret and publish the whole to the best: In the which we beseech God to strengthen your Honours, and long to continue you in good estate. From Orsay the viii. of October 1598.  
In this sort was the Earl of Brooke murdered in cold blood, and his death answered.  
Read and judge.   

A List of the troops of men of war, furnished by the German Protestant Princes, in the defence of the Spanish Forces, and their bloody and tyrannical enterprises, all ready begun in Westphalia, and the Neighbour Countries.  

HEnry Duke of Browneswick maketh out. 3000. horsemen, and 9000. footmen.  
The Duke of Lunenburch. 1000 horse and 2000 foot.  
The Duke of Brandenburch Prince Elector. 2000 horse and 4000 foot.  
The Bishopric of Maghdenburch. 1000 horse and 2000 foot.  
The Duke of Saxony Prince Elector. 2000 horse and 4000 foot.  
Wirtzenburch. 1000 horse and 4000 foot.  
The marquess of Antzbach. 1000 horse and 4000 foot.  
The Count Palatine of the Rhyne. 1000 horse and 4000 foot.  
The Provincial Earl of Hessen. 1000 horse and 3000. foot.  
The Count of Lip. 500 horse and 1000 foot.  
In all 13500. horse and 37000. foot.   
For the payment of these Soldiers shall be used the gathered contribution against the Turk.  
FINIS.