A TRUE DISCOURSE OF THE ASSAULT COMMITTED UPON THE People of the most noble Prince, William Prince of Orange, County of Nassau, marquess de la Vere etc. by john jauregui spaniard. With the true Copies of the writings, Examinations, Depositions, and Letters of sundry offenders in that vile and devilish attempt. Faithfully translated out of the french Copy printed at Antwerp by Christopher Plantin. Anno. 1582. CERVA CHARISSIMA ET GRATISSIMUS HINNULUS PRO: 5 Imprinted at London for Thomas Charde and William Broome. ¶ To the Reader, Grace and Peace from God. etc. THou hast here (good Christian Reader) a true narration, of that horrible fact, committed against that godly and great person, my Lord the Prince of Orange, together with the writings, depositions, examinations and letters of sundry heinous offenders in this wicked & cruel deed: some of which are already executed, thanks be to God for such justice; the other, howsoever they are escaped, as yet free from the punishment of men, have, without unfeigned repentance, greater judgements laid up in store for them, with the Lord, who will plentifully punish such treacherous and traitorous dealing. Concerning the credit and truth of this discourse, it is so plain and sufficient, that neither all the Spaniards in the world, nor all their favourites whatsoever or wheresoever, shall be able justly any manner of way, to impugn or disgrace the same. The blow was given the greater is the sin, and the good Prince grievously wounded, the more is the pity, if the Lord had otherwise seen it good. A spaniard was the first broacher of it, by publishing that horrible proscription which by the Prince's Apology is fully answered, both to the great shame and discredit of some, & also to the wonderful glory and commendation of that good Prince. And as a spaniard devised it, I mean the death of the party, which also I pray GOD they may long want, & the church enjoy his life, for the furtherance of God's glory in the same. and a spaniard performed it, sundry of that proud and cruel nation, being combined and comperted in it, as some of their own confessions, yielded before God's Magistrates, do plainly witness it, whereby they have bewrayed their mischievous minds, though (thanks be to God for it) they have hitherto miss of their purpose: so I must needs say, that if any should be so shameless as to deny it, or so beastly as to blanch it, or justify it (as I fear me some, and that no small some are) I would no more contend with such, than with those, that would deny the Sun to shine at noon days. If there be none such amongst us, than there is no hurt done. But if they be here, or else where in the world (as France, Scotland, and Flaunders, now at the last, have yielded us some fearful examples) and it is to be thought, that we have too too many, of that same jesuitical sect, who blush not, both to reason too and fro, concerning such questions, and to labour the attempting thereof (as we have had of late proof sufficient) and that not to the maiming of mean men, but to the hurting of the highest (whom I beseech God in mercy long to preserve) than I would have such to know and understand that to them it is that I speak, not in heat against their people, or to aggravate their offences which are so grievous, as no weight of words, cann●● make them more heinous, but in the sincere zeal 〈◊〉 God in the dutiful reverence of her Majesty, in sound affection to the common wealth and country, and in love unfeigned towards them, wishing from my heart their hearty conversion, if they appertain to God, or else their utter and speedy confusion (specially if they be such as the Lord hath sealed up against the day of his wrath) for their stubbornness in heresies, touching matters of faith, and their practices against the best in matters of estate: but enough of this matter at this time. The principal point, that I would have the godly reader (of what state or condition soever he be) to regard in this narration is, to labour to make it profitable to himself, that as generally it may instruct all, not to believe every flying tale, but to let go running rumours and reports, and withal earnestly to pray to God for all his children (my meaning is while they are alive) that be so overtaken, and namely for this good Prince his faithful servant, that according to God's good pleasure, he and they all whatsoever in the like dangers, may recover their wounds, and learn more Christian care and godly wisdom in time hereafter to come: so particularly, it may teach every one, even the hihhest fitst, and namely this, whom it doth most chief concern, that seeing that for their well doing, the enemies mean such mischiefs against them, they may carefully look unto themselves, that they be not surprised with such popish practices, being always very circumspect whom they admit to their presence and speech, and so prevent such fearful dangers: and the lowest next, to pray to the Lord, as for themselves, that they be not entrapped, so chief for these that be their superiors (because if the head or principal members be strooken, the whole body is in danger of death and destruction) that they may live long and govern also, in truth, peace and godliness, without any such wicked attempt, to be either devised or performed against them or any of them: which God grant, as to all nations professing his word and truth, so particularly to the nation and country of England, even for his crucified Christ's sake: that so the land may flourish, by the long life and prosperous reign, of these that be in authority, and the Church increase, by the pure doctrine of the Gospel already established, and by the planting of God's holy Discipline. So be it. A brief discourse of the assault committed upon the person of the most noble Prince, WILLIAM Prince of Orange, County of Nassau, Marques de la Vere etc. By john jauregui a Spaniard. MY Lord the Prince of Orange, after he had herded the sermon in the Church on Sunday the xviij. day of March 1582. repaired to his house, in the place where sometime the castle of Antwerp stood, accompanied with many Lords and Gentlemen, of whom some dined with him. Immediately after he had dined openly (as he was wont) in the great Hall of the said house, my Lords the Counties de Laual, de Hohenlo, my Lords his children, and two of his nephews, children of my Lord the County john of Nassau, the Lords of Bonivet, des Pruneaux, and other gentlemen accompanying him The dinner was passed & spent with many honest communications & speeches, amongst all others, was some speech had of the cruelties committed by the Spaniards in these low Countries. A little after dinner, the said Prince repaired into his withdrawing chamber, intending to go into his bed Chamber with the said Lords and gentlemen, and as he passed by, showed them a piece of tapistry, wherein were lively set forth the Spanish soldiers. At the said instant, a young man of low stature shot at the said Prince with a dag, charged with one only pellet, the shot whereof hit him under the right ear, & passed through the pallet of his mouth and came forth at his left cheek, near unto his upper jaw bone: the said Lord (as since he hath said many times) did not know what it was, but thought that some part of the house had fallen, for he felt not himself to be strike: notwithstanding his sight was a little while dazzled. immediately some of the Lords & gentlemen than next at hand, struck the said young man twice or thrice into the body with their sword, and so the said Princes guard drawing nigh, made an end of him with their Haulberds. In the mean time the said Prince being advertised what had happened, & the rather by feeling the fire that had taken hold of his hair, and hearing the noise about the murderer, cried out, kill him not, I forgive him my death: and so turning to sundry French Lords, said unto them: O how faithful a servant doth his highness loose and so was strait led between two (that held him up by the arms) into his chamber: for he could go, and fallen not with the blow. The brute hereof went presently over all the town, which brought most men into a maze, by reason of so sudden and unlooked for a matter, and that in the person of such a one, as among all men was held & reputed for a deliverer of the Country, further, because the murderer was presently dead, all men judged that the way to verify and justify the fact, was quite shut up. Many and diverse were the speeches hereof: some through suspicion accusing others, and few hitting upon the truth and attributing the lest to them who were the very authors indeed: so as if such a deed had been committed in many towns where the people have the bridle at liberty, and may at their pleasure run from place to place, it had been likely that some great mischief and inconvenience might have ensued: But in the town of Antwerp (such is the order and obedience that all men do yield to their Magistrates, Colonels & captains) immediately all the citizens withdrew themselves to their Ensigns each one in his quarter, and the chains being drawn, & the body of the guard filled, there was no way left for any to depart from his guard but the Captains. My Lord the Duke of Brabant was speedily advertised of this mishap, and being at the first certified of no other than death, he was greatly astonished, and sighing very deeply, complained to himself of the extreme loss which thereby he sustained: repeating oftentimes, that if the king his own father had been alive again, he could not have been more sorry for his death, than for the death of the said Prince: where on the other side the Prince bewailed him no less, rehearsing oftentimes these words: Alas poor Prince, alas poor Prince, what pains must thou yet take? While most part of his servants that were present, as also those which at the brute of the news were come in, employed themselves about the said L Princes person, his son the Earl Maurice, notwithstanding his heavy mourning, departed not from the dead corpse which he caused to be searched: & first they light upon the dag which was fallen out of his hand, that caused them to think that he had no means to use a dagger, which they found naked in his breeches. In the mean season the Earl of Hohenlo, for fear of further inconvenience, causing the said Princes guard and diverse Gentlemen to follow him, seized upon the doors of the house, so to keep all such as were not very well known, from coming in or going forth. The dead corpse being further searched, they found about him certain papers and Pamphlets which were delivered to the said Earl Maurice, the which at that instant finding one of the servants of my Lord his father showed him the said Papers, and weeping said, behold what the wicked wretch had about him: who answered him, my Lord be not discomforted, God is mighty and able to preserve my Lord your father, but keep these papers well, for we are greatly troubled about discovering somewhat of this cursed wretch: for otherwise in this Town we shall incur great peril. To the which he did reply, alas I am afraid lest here be some other villain that may take them from me, this young Lord being the rather moved to say so, because there went a speech through the Hall, given forth by some, that those which had killed the murderer, were partakers of the fact, and that men might be assured of it, so that the danger began to fall likewise upon the best friends of the said Lord Prince, and upon his household. Upon this talk of the said young Earl, the said servant took him under his Cloak, and said unto him, my Lord go with me, and I will lay your Papers in safety, which he did, bringing him into the roof of the house, where committing the said papers to safe custody, he perceived that they were written in Spanish, wherefore he said to the Earl, My Lord, there is no danger to be feared on your part, return and cause further search to be made: as for me. I go to my Lord: which was done. Then the said servant began to certify every one, that it was a spaniard, and that men should leave the missconceived suspicion which they had. A while after returned the said young Earl, bringing more Papers, Crosses, & an Agnus Dei, with a green wax Candle, & two pieces of skin, like unto a beavers: which occasioned many to be of opinion that he had about him some Toads and enchantments. The said servant began to read the first Papers: which he found to be, partly prayers, and partly vows, and then he broke the cover of a packet of letters, and found that it was written in Spanish, by one Spaniard to another, of the which he did certify every man, but would not open the rest alone A little after came the Lord de S. Aldegonde, who had already been with his highness, and being returned, said to the same servant, we must take advise what is to be done, for there is great trouble in the Town: whereunto he answered, my Lord, if it please you, let us withdraw ourselves for a while to communicate thereof, I think you shall find counsel ready: and then they went by themselves because of the great press of people that was about them, and the said Lord did open the rest of the said packet, in which were found two letters of exchange, the one of 2000 crowns, and the other of 877. with letters of advice, all in Spanish, and by Spaniards: the books were of services to be performed at certain set hours: also one jesuits Catechism & a pair of tables written from one end to the other. Then praising God, that had given them such light of the matter, the Lord de S. Aldegonde, resolved to go strait to the Town house, & passing by the Guard, to assure them that it was done be Spaniards, which he did hope to verify: and would carry with him the writing tables and the most part of the writings: appointing others to go to his highness with the other part, to advertise him, and not to departed from his person: which was done. In passing by, the said Lord of Saint Aldegonde went also in to his highness, & showed him the said Papers. In the mean time was the first dressing. And the Prince was laid in his bed, and afterward such as were next about him and most skilful, began to conceive some spark of hope, by reason he had his sight and spoke well, especially because his understanding & judgement was very certain, also that being forbidden much speech, he written steadfast and quick. While these things were in doing, there came in one of the Captains of the town, named Lion Petit, demanding whether he were alive or dead, who, when the said servant requested him to let the said L. Prince take his rest for that time, affirming that he hoped of his recovery, answered that the people would never be content unless he assured them that he had seen him: Whereupon he was caused to enter in: then after some speeches, demanding what it pleased the L. Prince to command him, he said: Commend me heartily to the people, and will them not to trouble themselves, & if it please God to take me to himself, that they obey & faithfully serve this prince, for I know none in the world better or more meet for them. His highness having seen the letters of Exchange and other the writings brought unto him, commended them to Martini the Recorder of the town, who then was with him, to carry them to the Magistrate of the town, and to examine those to whom the letters of Exchange were directed: In the mean time having assembled the counsel of Estate, he dispatched a Commission directed unto the general Estates, the counsel of Estate, the Magistrate of the town, the Colonels, Captains, & Wardens of occupations, with all diligence to proceed, commanding all men under pain of death to declare what they knew concerning the said Murderer. Now had the Magistrate in the mean time (who already had begun to proceed herein, and by the said papers and writing tables had found that the Murderer was of the house of a Spaniard, named jasper d'Anastro) taken order that all that were in the said house should be committed to prison, which was done. But they found that the said Anastro himself departed the tuesday before toward Bruges Then were the Colonels and Captains advertised by the Magistrate, also all the Inhabitants by their Governors, that all this web was woven by the Spaniards: whereupon the whole town grew to quietness, remaining nevertheless in arms, for the assistance of justice. At the first examination of Antony Venero they could not find any great matter, but this only, that they knew the Murderers person: Howbeit for that he confessed that the same day Mass had been celebrated secretly in the said Anastro his house, at all adventures upon suspicion they apprehended one Antony Timmerman, of the order of the white Friars. Nevertheless it was decreed, that the Murderer's body should be set upon a scaffold in the town to show it to the people, to the end to know it, which thing was done: but so soon as he was seen in the great market place, every one known it presently to be the body of john jauregui a Spaniard, the servant of jasper Anastro: yea the said Venero seeing him dead, known him. The next morning the nineteeen. of March, as all the gates of the town of Antwerp were diligently kept, in the morning the Post of Bruges arrived, who having showed his letters to the Guard of the River gate, there were found letters of the said Anastro directed to Venero, which were carried to his highness and to the Magistrate of the town. Further, the Magistrate appointed, that the same day the Murderers body should be quartered, and his head set upon the Bulwark toward Ril, and his quarters upon the four principal gates, which was done. The next day his highness and the Counsel of estate decreed, that throughout all the Churches there should be extraordinary prayers unto God for the health of the said L. Prince. Also by the Magistrate of the town his appointment, the next Wednesday being the 21. of the said month, was by trumpet proclaimed throughout the town a general fast, with common prayers: also commandment was given that every man should that day leave all work, to the end to attend fasting and prayer. Annastro his letters were showed to Venero, who seeing himself thereby confounded and convicted, and being, as by his confession it appeareth, admonished by one of the Colonels & others, required paper and ink, and with his own hand written and signed his second confession. The Prince thinking the hour of his decease to draw near, dispatched the L. S. Aldegonde with letters directed to the general estates, wherein, as his last counsel, he wished them to persist in his highness obedience declaring unto them that he judged him to be the only Prince that was most fit for them, according to the tenure whereof, the said Lords sent their Deputies to his highness, to advertise him of their faithful affection. Upon wednesday following was the fast with extraordinary prayers celebrated, and that with such multitude and concourse of people, in all the Churches of both languages, as time out of mind the like numbers of people have not been seen in the Churches of Antwerp, neither so many weeping eyes. Howbeit for that the Physicians and Surgeons began to conceive some hope of the recovery of the said Prince, the prayers were partly mixed with thanks givings for this good beginning, with humble supplication, that it might please God to accomplish his health. Now began the said L. Prince's person to draw to amendment, and daily did his highness carefully visit him, who seemed, and in deed did ●ake great care for him, as likewise the L. Prince did for him, upon every occasion commending his service. On the other side, the Magistrate was as diligent in proceeding against the offenders: so as finally he attained to the truth of the whole matter, as it will appear in the depositions of the said offenders. But the L. Prince hearing that they purposed to proceed to definitive sentence, did by writing expressly command the L. of S. Aldegonde, to request the Magistrate to punish them with the easiest death that might be: which was done: for by the Magistrates sentence the wednesday 28. of the said month they were set at a stake upon a scaffold in the midst of the great market, over against the town house, and by the hangman strangled, their bodies quartered, and hanged over the chief gates of the town, and their heads pitched upon two of the great bulwarks which heretofore were part of the castle. Antony Timmerman the white Friar the same day exhibited his second confession, wherein he acknowledged that he had been of opinion that the said jaregui might with a safe conscience execute the said enterprise: but that now being better instructed by such good admonitions as had been given him, he confessed that he had erred, & therefore besought the Lords of justice not to forget his said protestation, if ever this process were published. Within few days after the said execution, his highness received from sundry places letters which the Prince of Parma had written to the towns, wherein he endeavoured to persuade them to withdraw themselves from his obedience, laying his foundation upon the death of the said L. Prince, whereupon the said towns besought his highness of counsel. These were the towns: Brussels, Gaunt, Bridges, Malines, Ipres, Audernarde, Dunkirk, Berghe and sundry others. Finally the town of Antwerp also received the like letters. Annastro also sent letters to the town of Gaunt, tending to the same end, which Venero his deposition doth contain: so that he written to all places where he had any access. All the said letters, as well from the Prince of Parma as from Annastro were grounded upon the assurance which they had conceived of the death of the said L. Prince, whom God hath hitherto nevertheless preserved, and will still of his mercy keep and preserve, if he please. Hereafter follow: The copies of the writings found about the murderer. The depositions of the Offenders. The letters of Annastro and the Prince of Parma. The copies of the Writings found about the Murderer. JESV CHRISTO NVESTRO Senor, y la Virgin sancta a Maria nuestra Senora sean en mi ayuda en esta resolution hecha para su sanctissimo seruicio. QVE su Magistad tiene dada esta orden por el amor que tiene à estos Flamencos, y por librarlos de las oppressions en que estan. Si esto se haze, recibira el Senor à este pueblo en misericordia, y hara con el 'las capitulaciones en toda ventaja d'elloes. Offrescer les he, que dentro de ocho dias que se haga, los vendra a tomar a misericordia, mediant que all que hiziere este hecho, le traten bien que sera ganancia della villa hazerlo assi, y perdonarle la vida, pues lafoy ha' empleada tan en seruicio de Dios, y de su Yglesia, y de su Rey, y en hon● ra de toda su nation: y el que me regalare y tratare bien, se lo pagara su Magestad su muy cumplidament. Persuaderlos que se suffran, y tengan paciencia quatra o seys dias, hasta que se le pass la alteration, que despues todo se hara tan a contento de la Villa, common nunca ellos pudieren dessear. Yo ruego a estos senores, que miren lo que hazen en tratarme bien porque en hazar lo que he hecho, todas las naciones lo attribuyran a virtud, y nobleza de my nation. Y pues a qui son todos tan virtuosos, tengan attention a tratarme bien, hasta tomar mis confessiones muy d'espacio, y por sum orden. Y sober todo, yo me encomiendo en la misericordia de Dios. JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, and the holy Virgin S. Marry our Lady, assist me in this my determination, which I have undertaken for his most holy service. HIs Royal Majesty hath set down this order for the love he beareth to these Flemings, and to deliver them from the oppressions wherein they are. This being accomplished, the Lord will receive these people to mercy, and he will grant them articles tending to their uttermost advantage. I will promise' them, that within eight days after the deed, they shall be received into favour, conditionally, that they do well entreat him that shall have done this deed. That the town shall reap commodity by so doing, also to pardon him his life, considering he hath so employed it in the service of God, of the Church, and of his King, and to the honour of his whole nation: and his Majesty will most liberally reward any that shall furnish him of things requisite, and well entreat him. They must be persuaded patiently to bear for four or six days, until this alteration be over: which being paste, all things shall be ordered to as great contentation of the Town, as themselves could ever wish. I beseech these Lords well to weigh what they do in well using of me: because that, accomplishing this deed that I have done, all nations will attribute it to the virtue and nobility of my Country. In so much therefore, as all men here be so virtuous, they must determine, well to entreat me, yea, so far forth, as at leisure, and as order requireth, to take my confessions. And above all things, I commend me to the mercy of God. JESUS MARIA. AVos Redemptory Saluado del mundo, Criador del cielo y de la tierra, Senor Dios jesus Christo, siendo seruido concederme esta victoria a mi todo misero, muy infelice peccador, y vuestro sieruo, por a quellas preciosissimas cinco llagas y la preciosissima corona de spinas y los unestros preciosissimos grandissimos trabaios, angustias, arrastradas, bofetadas, maldezires: e hiel y vinegar sober aquello beuistes, vos todo poderoso Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo, Criador del cielo y de la tierra, todo por saluar a los peccadores del mundo, y a mi todo muy infelice peccador: y common a talos supplico muy humilment seays seruido concederme esta victoria contra este Pagano, Violador de vuestro Templo divino, Ruina de unestra religion, sancta catholica y Romana y el que es occasion de tanto dessassossrego a la vuestra Christiandad, y pestilencia que no attiende sino en sustentar maldades, vellaquerias y ruynas. O todo poderoso Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo, Criador del cielo y de la tierra a vos os supplico muy humilment seays seruido not permitir que este maluado use de mas ruinas, y conceder a mi muy indigno peccador la gracia, animo y valour, paraque despues de las vuestras preciosissimas manos pueda ser acabado por mi. De manera que ninguno de quien yo voy vencerle, despues de vos Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo, Criador del cielo y de la tierra pueda aver poder contra mi. Pero despues siendo vos altissimo Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo Criador del cielo y de la tierra siendo seruido de que yo dexe aqui esta miserable vida, soy muy contento se a assi, y siempre common vos Senor Dios Dios fueredes seruido. Y assi os suplico de todo coraçon todo poderoso Senor Dios jesu Christo, por a quella vuestra preciosissima passion seays seruido concederme constancia y paciencia, paraque yo misero muy infelice peccador pueda sobrellevar y suffrir qualquier genero de pena que me dieren, que a todo (common soy obligado) prestare muy humilde cora on, siendo vos todo poderoso Redemptor y Saluador del mundo Criador del cielo y de la tierra seruido. JESUS MARIA. TO thee Redeemer and Saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth, Lord God, jesus Christ: If it please thee to grant this victory unto me most miserable wretched sinner, and thy servant, for the love of thy five most precious wounds, & thy most precious crown of thorns, and thy most precious grievous labours, anguishes, torments, stripes, and injuries, and the gall and vinegar, which besides all this thou didst drink, even thou the almighty Lord God, jesus Christ, the redeemer and saviour of the world, the creator of heaven and earth, and all to save the sinners of this world, and among the rest, me, the most unhappy sinner: and as such a one I do most humbly beseech thee, that it may please thee, to grant me this victory against this heathen, defiler of thy holy Temple, and subverter of thy holy catholic Roman religion, who is the cause of so many disquiets throughout thy Christendom, and such a pestilence, as is busied only in upholding wickedness, villainies, and desolations. O most mighty Lord God jesus Christ, redeemer and saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth, I do most humbly beseech thee, that it may please thee no longer to suffer this wretch to work farther desolations: Farther, that thou wilt grant unto me an unworthy sinner such favour, courage and valiancy, as by thy most precious hands I may accomplish this thing, in such wise, as none of those that do belong to him, whom, (with thy help, Lord God, jesus Christ redeemer and saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth) I purpose to overcome, may have any power against me. Howbeit in as much as thou art the Supreme Lord God jesus Christ, redeemer and saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth, if it please thee, that I leave this miserable life, I am well content, that it be so, and ever Lord God, thy will be done. Thus most mighty Lord God, jesus Christ, I beseech thee with my whole heart, for the love of thy most precious passion, that it may please thee to grant me constancy and patience, that I most miserable sinner may bear and endure whatsoever kind of torments may be laid upon me, whereunto I will have, as I aught, a most humble heart: if so it seem good unto thee O most mighty redeemer and saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth. AVos Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo, Criador del Cielo y de la tierra, os offrezco siendo os seruido librarme con vida, despues de haver effectuado mi desseo, un velo muy rico: y a vos Nuestra Senora de Regona una corona, una ropa, una lampara: y a vos Nuestra Senora de Arenzasu una corona: y a vos Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe una Corona: a vos Senor Dios jesus Christo. Nuestra Senora de Monserrate: all sancto Crucifixo de Burgos, nuestra Senora deal pilar de aragoça. TO thee Lord God, jesus Christ, Redéemer and Saviour of the world, creator of heaven and earth, if it please thee to deliver me with life, I do promise (after the finishing of my pretence,) a very rich vail: Also to thee our Lady of Regona, a crown, a gown, and a Lamp: To thee our Lady of Arancazu one crown: & to thee our Lady of Guadalupe, one crown: and to thee our Lord God jesus Christ. Also to our Lady of Montferrat: to the holy Crucifix of Burges: to our Lady of the Pillar of Saragosse. AVos Senor Dios jesu Christo Redemptor y Saluador del mundo, os offrezco siendo seruido librarme con vida d'este effecto qua traygo entre manos una ropa muy rica: y a vos Nuestra Senora de Vegonbaan una corona: y una ropa, y una lampara: y a vos Nuestra Sennora de Aranzacu una corona: y a vos Nuestra Sennora de Guadalupe una corona: y a vos Sennor Dios jesu Christo del Crucifixo de Burgos cabal offrezco una rica ropa, y offrezco yr en Roma a una semana continuando. The Copy of that which was written in the sixth & seventh pages of john jaureguyes writing Tables. TO the Lord God jesus Christ, redeemer and saviour of the world, I do promise, if it please thee to deliver me with life out of this enterprise which I have taken in hand, one very rich gown: To thee our Lady of Vegondaan one crown, one gown, and one lamp: to thee our Lady of Arancazu one crown: and to thee our Lady of Guadalupa one crown: and to thee Lord God jesus Christ of the Crucifix of Burges, I do vow one gown richly furnished: and do farther vow to go to Rome within one week. ALL Angel sand Gabriel me encomiendo con todo mi spiritu y coracon, paraque agora y siempre me sea mi intercessor a nuestro Senor jesu Christo, y a su hijo preciosissimo, y a la Virgin sancta Maria, y a todos los Sanctos y Sanctas de la corte del cielo de guardarme y encaminarme y tenerme de su bendita mano sin que yo sea muerto subitamente, y me de gracia paraque pueda conseguyr el buen zelo que tengo de salir con aquel effecto. Yen memoria desto prometo de ayunar toda una semana entera (despues de for me libre desto) a pan y agua, y de rezar, &c. In the tenth Page. I Do with my whole mind and heart, commend me to the Angel Saint Gabriel, to the end, that now and ever he may be my mediator to our Lord jesus Christ and to his most precious son, and to the Virgin Mary, and to all he Saints and she Saints of the heavenly Court, that he will keep and conduct me, and with his blessed hand uphold me from sudden death, and to grant me grace to attain to the effect of my good zeal. In remembrance whereof I do promise, that if I escape free from this deed, I will for one whole week fast bread and water, and pray. DE ayunar todos los Viernes a intercession de la passion de nuestro Sennor jesu Christo, y todos los Sabados a invocation de nuestra Senora lafoy Virgin Maria, paraque yo sea guardado deste transito, y me encamine a dare fin a este effecto. In the fourteenth Page. TO fast every Friday in commemoration of the passion of our Lord jesus Christ, and every Saturday for the invocation of our Lady the virgin Marie, to the end I may be preserved from this peril, and that she may guide me to the end of this enterprise. Hecho en la carcel desta villa de Anueres à veinte de Marco, del anno 1582. En presentia deal S. Malgrave, Godefrido Montens, jacomo zuerio, y Ludovico Blomarte Esclavines d'ella. ANtonio de venero preso, hijode Iu● Espanol nascido de Bilbao en Biscaia, de edad de dies y nueue à ve●nte annos teniendo los libros de Gasper d' Annastro, mercade● Espanol, dize aver morado con e● dicho Anastro mas de does annos. Preguntado s' y no save quien ha' escrito un papel o bilete muestrado à el declarante hallado sober el muerto, el qual el domingo passado ha' tirado con un pistolet la persona de su Excellentia, el Principe d' Orange, commençando el dicho billete: Nuestro Sennor jesu Christo, &c. Dize ser escrito por mano de ivan de jaureguy. Preguntado quien es el dicho ivan de Jaureguy? Dize sir Espanol de Bilbao en Biscaya, sobrino de Pedro d' Orosco, mercader Espamnol en Brujas, el qual ivan vino morar con el dicho Anastro cerca el mez de julio passado, aviendo miētres escrito y copiado las cartas del dicho Anastro y lo que le mando. Siendo all declarante muestrado el muerto y preg', si aquel es ivan de Jaureguy sobredicho? Dize que si, y que el aviendo el dicho Domingo oydo lafoy missa salio de casa cerca las onze horas ants de comer, y avia entrado y salido la casa tres o quatro vezes. Preguntado quien avia dictado all dicho ivan el dicho billette? Dize que esta cierto que se lo due de aver dictado el dicho Anastro, por que el no tenia juyzio para hazerlo de si. Seyendo preguntado si no conoscia el pistolet, que le fué mostrado, con el qual es herido su Excellentia por el dicho Jaureguy? Dize aver visto el mismo pistolete o semejante à el, passado seis mezes en casa del dicho Anastro, y que dicho Anastro ha' embiado otros tres common ellos en Espamna, el uno à Don Fernando de Arieta, y el otro à Don Diego d' Alva, y el tercero a Pedro Lopes d' Arieta, sin que sabe quien los pueda aver fecho, quanto costaron, oh quien les pago, sea el dicho Anastro oh so caxero. Preguntado donde vienne, y quien ha' hecho la vela de çera verde en que esta abaxo imprimido el senal de la crux, que el dicho Jaureguy tennis sober su cuerpo nudo con una medailla del Saluador y la Imagen de Nuestra Sennora Maria todo muestrado à el declarante? Dize que es una de las velas que se da à algun passagero visitando el Monasterio en Burgos en Espana, adonde esta el Crucifixo, y la Imagen esta hecha de los jesuits en Madrid: pero no save common el dicho Jaureguy ha' cobrado lo sobredicho. Preguntado que fueron las postreras palabras que el dicho ivan ha' tenido con el declarante? Dize que la postrera vez que le hablo dixo que estava muy bien determinado para executar y accomplir sum empresa, pues que se avia confessado, y que por esso seria bueno que el declarante te saluasse, sober que el declarante le respondio que non savia adonde your, oh saluar se: por estar cargado de los libros y papeles deal dicho Anastro sum amo, y que por esso quedaria cereo dellos common le avia prometido. Preguntado à quien el dicho Jaureguy se avia confessado? Dize à cierto frail llamado Padre Antonio. Preguutado si el dicho Padre Antonio non ha' savido d'estu empresa, quando, y porquien? Dize que el declarante no ha' comunicado dello con el padre Antonio, ny ha' ouydo que ninguno en publico, ny secreto aya comunicado con el saluo que el dicho ivan de Jaureguy le dixò que se avia confessado con el dicho Padre Antonio, y tratado d'esto negocio, y que eran en el Anastro, jaureguy, y el declarante, y que le avia absuelto dello. Preguntado si no save si el dico Gaspar de Annastro o otro vuiesse semejante empresa sober la persona de la Sereniss. Reyna de Inglaterra, oh sober la deal Sereniss. Ducque de Anjou? Dize que piensa que non. Preguntado si conosce la carta escrita en Dunquercque à xuj. de Março, donde la sobrescription y tenor le fue preleydo? Dize que si, y ser escrita por las proprias manos del dicho Anastro: y tambien la otra carta serrada en ella es suya, y por el escrita. Preguntado si la carta escrita en Grevelingues à xvij. d'este mez de Março estate tambien escrita por el dicho Gaspar Anastro? Dize que si, y todo esso para que se effectuasse esta empresa common paresce por el contenido d'ellas. Preguntado si el dicho Jaureguy no tenia alguncavallo presto, oh otro remedio para saluar se despues de aver cometido el delito? Dize, que no: pero que estava determinado de morir aviendo hecho el dicho efeto, y que era tan induzido del dicho Annastro para hazer dicho efeto, que paresçia, que era encantando, y que yua muy alegrement, para hazerlo fuera la caza del dicho Anastro, despues que avia oydo la missa, y aviendo almorzando bibido un golpe de Bastardo. Preguntado quien era el hombre à cavallo teniendo de diestro otto cavallo ensilado paseando se all tiempo del dicho efetto delante la corte de su Excel. Dize dello no saber nada, y que libramente declarara lo que dello supiera, pues que tiene declarado lo que mas importa, y sennaladamēte no sabe d'ello cosa alguna. Seyendo propuesto all dicho declarante que oviese de nombrar y mostrar todos los que conoscia, o sabia que podrian aver sabido de la dicha empresa. Dize que persona del mundo, ny de dentro ny de fuera d'esta villa sabe hablar de la dicha empressa, mas que dicho declarante, y el dicho Jaureguy y Gaspar d' Annastro y ivan de Ysunca, y su hijo Pedro de Ysunca. Done in the Prison of this town of Antwerp the 20. of March 1582. in the presence of my Lord the Marcgrave, Godfrey Montens, james Zuerius and jews Blommart, sheriffs of the said town. ANthony de Venero prisoner, the son of john, a Spaniard born in Bilbao in Biscay, of the age of nineteen or twenty years, keeper of the book of accounts of jasper of Annastro a merchant and Spaniard born, says, that he hath dwelled with the said Annastro above two years. Being asked whether he known who written a certain paper or remembrance which was there showed to the said Anthony, which bill was found about the dead body of him who the Sunday before had discharged a dag against the person of his excellency, the Prince of Orange, which bill began, Our Lord jesus Christ, etc. He says that I Jaureguy written it with his own hand. Being demanded what that john Jaureguy is? He says he is a Spaniard of Bilbao in Biscay, the cousin of Peter of Orosco merchant & Spaniard born, remaining at Bruges, which john came about the month of july last passed, to dwell with the said Annastro, where hitherto he hath been employed in copying the letters of the said Annastro, and in whatsoever else he commanded him. The dead corpse being showed to the said deponent, and he asked whether it were the aforesaid john Jaureguy? He saith yea, and that the said john having the Sunday before herded Mass, departed out of the house about eleven of the clock before noon, after he had three or four times go out and in at the said house. Being demanded who penned the said bill for the said john: he saith that the said bill should surely be, of the penning of the said Annastro, because the said john was not of understanding sufficient to have done it. Being demanded whether he known not the dag which was showed him, & wherewith the said Jaureguy wounded his excellency: He saith that he hath seen the same dag or the like of it above six months since in the house of the said Annastro, who sent three others like the same into Spain. One to Don Ferdinand of Arieta, an other to Don Diego of Alva and the third to Peter Lopes of Arieta: but he knoweth not who made them, how much they cost, either who paid for them, whether the said Annastro or his pursebearer. Being demanded, from whence came or who made the green wax candle, upon the neither end whereof the sign of the Cross was painted, which the said Jaureguy bore upon his naked body together with a quoin of the Saviour, and the image of our Lady Marie, all which was showed to the said deponent, he says that it is one of the candles which usually are given to pilgrims when they visit the monastery where the crucifix of Burgos in Spain doth stand: and that the Jesuits made the image at Madrill but of whom the said Jaureguy had then he wotteth not. Being demanded what were the last words that the said john used unto the said deponent: He sayeth that the last time he spoke with him he said unto him, that he was fully determined to execute and accomplish his enterprise, considering he was already shriven, wherefore it were good that the said deponent saved himself. Whereunto the said deponent answered, that he witted not whether to go or where to save himself, for that he stood charged with his said master Annastros' books and writings, and therefore that according to his promise he would remain with them. Being demanded to whom the said Jaureguy was shriven, he says to a certain Monk named father Antony. Being demanded whether the said father Anthony known of their enterprise, when or by whom: he says that he this deponent never conferred with the said father Antony, neither known that any other conferred with him either secretly nor openly, except that the said john Jaureguy told him that he had confessed himself to the said father Anthony, & had conferred with him of this matter, whereunto Annastro, Jaureguy and he she deponent were privy, and that he had absolved him. Being demanded whether he knew, whether the said jasper Annastro or any other had framed the like practice against the person of the most noble Queen of England, or against the most noble Duke of Anjou? saith that he thinketh no. Being demanded whether he known the letter written from Dunkirk the 16. of March the superscription and tenure whereof were read unto him, saith, yea, and that Annastro written it with his own hand. Also that the other letter enclosed therein, is of the same sort, and likewise written by him. Being demanded whether the letter written from graveling the 17. of this month of March were wrote by the said Annastro, he saith yea, and that all was done for the attaining to the execution of this enterprise, as is evident by the contents of the same. Being demanded whether the said Jaureguy had any house ready, or any other mean to save himself after the execution of this trespass, he saith, no: but that he was fully resolved to die after he had brought this offence to pass: for the said Annastro had so persuaded him to do this deed, that he seemed even bewitched: in such wise as after he had heard mass, and broken his fast, having drunk a good cup of Bastard he departed very cheerfully out of the house of the said Annastro. Being demanded what he was who being on horseback & leading a spare horse saddled walked up and down before his excellency's Court at the same time that this deed was done: he saith, that he known nothing thereof: also that freely he would show whatsoever he knew, considering that he hath already declared unto them matters of greater importance: and that hereof especially he is ignorant. The said Venero being willed to name and reveal all those whom he knew or thought to be privy to any thing concerning the said enterprise: he sayeth that neither one nor other, neither in the town nor other where, are able to speak any thing of his enterprise, but himself, this deponent, Jaureguy, jasper of Annastro, john of Hunca, and his son Peter of Hunca. La Deposition de Antonio Venero: la quelle de son propre mowement il a fact, & voluntairement escript & soussignée de sa propre main. YO Antonio de Venero, vezino de Bilbao, hijo de ivan de Venero, de edad de diez y nueue a veynte annos poco mas o menos, assistente en la casay negocios del Gaspar de Annastro vezino de Vitoria, desde veynte dias deal mes de Enero del anno de 1580. hasta treze de Março de 1582. declaro lo seguiente que me ha' accontescido con el dicho Gaspar de Annastro, siendo pregunt ado dello del senor Mulgrave, Burgomaestre, y Esclaunineo desta villa de Anberes, diziendo la verdad sober iuramenta, y sober mi alma y mi conscientia, promettienno dezir toda la verdad sin encubrir cosa alguna, por averme prometiendo los dichos sennores Malgrave, Burgomaestre, y Esclauines a intercession del sennior Esteuan Roquen Colonel de la dicha villa de Anberes, de diziendo todo lo que me consta, de darme muerte honrosa, y a medita de mi desseo y contentamiento, y Saserd●te para confessarme y comulgarme por lo que roca à la honra de mi lineage. E yo el dic ho Antonio de Venero confiando en la palabra y nobleza de los dichos sennores de que assi lo cumpliran, digo lo seguiente. PRIMERAMENTE, es, que ivan do Ysunca vezino de victoria, proveedor de fue de las armadas en estos estados, escrivio all dicho Annastro una carta de Lisbona, aura diez meses poco mas menos, en que le pedia diversos menages, sin aerle escripto hastae entonces, diziendole que teria por cosa nueva el aver carta suya, mas que lo hazia por estar en Lisbona, supplicandole le embiase lo que pedia. Y el dicho Gasper de Annastro le respondiò con palabras cortesanas, escusando se de no embiar seloes, auiendolo hecho por no averle embiado dineros, y por verse a la sazon rico, y sin gana de fiarle lo que le pedia. Y el dicho ivan de Ysunca respondio à estio, rogandole se los embiasse, porque le hazian mucha falta, hallandose en Lisbona por conseruar su autoridad, atento que entendia que su Magestad le queria dare un cargo muy honroso, y que lo hiziesse, porque le communi● carta un negocio de grandissima importancia, y que redondaria en gran bien, honour, y beneficio suyo. Otra vez le respondiò con nuevas escusas, y d'estilo cortesano, y en effecto jamas le embio dichos menajes: pero le escrivio que que negocio podia ser el que lo cometia, y de tanta importancia, y que se lo auisasse. Estas des cartas arriba vi yo el dicho Antonio de Venero, y despues vino la respuesta d'esta carta, en que el dicho ivan de Ysunça declaro el negocio, y leyo la carta: y de entonces aca me ordenò a mi el dicho Antonio de Venero que no le abriesse ninguna carta que vtniesse cerrada à la corte saena. Y en este tiempo, que pudieron ser cinco o seys meses, poco mas oh menos, anduuieron los dichos ivan de Ysunça y Gaspar de Annastro en demandas y respuestas, escriutendose cartas unos a otros con mucho secreto, y el dicho Gaspar de Annastro le respondia en su camara siempre de su mano, cerrando las cartas con lacre, y lo mas disfraçado que podia. En todo este tiempo estwe yo el dicho Antonio de Venero innocent de tal caso, echando imagination que le tratava casamiento con la hija de ivan Ruyz de Vergara, hermano de Francisco Ruyz de Vergara, que ha' vivido en Anberes, por averselo escripto all dicho Gaspar de Annastro donna Maria de Ysunça so madre, y que common sabian estava rico, y era de los masqualificados de dicha Vitoria, see ladarian con muchos ducados. Y common digo yo el dicho Antonio de Venero entendi que estos serian los secretos y que tardaeuan en resoluerse, porque pediria el dicho Annastro aun mas dote de lo que offrescian, por gozar con mas larguesa desu gravedad. Despues parece ser que se perdieron does naos Flamencas que yuan a Laredo, y que fue robada en Plemua la nao de Philipe Dorio que yva tambien à Biscaya. En las quales dichas tres naos two muy gruessas perdidas, de que el se vio con grandissimo trabajo y descontento de espiritu, sin saber que hazerse para poder passar adelante con sum honour. En este instant esciruio el dicho ivan de Ysunça all dicho Gaspar de Anastro, sin saberlo yo tampoco, yera que hiziesse matar a su Excellencia el Principe d'Orange, y que lo tenta tratado con su Magestad en grandissimo secreto, sin que nadie lo supiesse, sino entre los dos: y avia hecho hazer à su Magestad una capitulation firmado de su mano, en que leprometia, despues de sabido la nueva ciertà dela muerte de su Excellentia, ochen● ta mill duchados en dinero, o el valour d'ellos en renta, y un habito de Sanctiago, y que esto estava por escrito, y que aun haria otras muchas cosas, de darle cargos honrosos: porque avia dicho y assegurado el dicho ivan de Ysunça à su Magestad, que el dicho Annastr era un hombre de muy claero entendimiento, y de muchas prendas. En este instant ami el dicho Antonio de Venero no me consta que este negocio lo supiesse persona nascida: ants me asseguro all parecer mio, que por ningunae cosa del mundo se descubriera el dicho Gaspar de Annastro de n●nguna nation estrangera para tal caso. Y puesto caso que en Anberes not aye Espanoles à quien poderlo descubrir, torno à dezir, que verdaderamente me paerece que no lo dixo à persona ninguna, y esto affirmo assi por poder penetrar de otra cesa. A●ra tra●este tiempo, aura common un mes, two receloes de otra desgracia nuevament, de que devian de ester attaiados de haziendo de mercaderes, con quien el tenta muy gruessointeresse, de qui antidad de nueve mill quinientas libras de gruesso, poco mas oh menos de mercaderias qu' el le au●a emb●ado, y cangazonesque aviae hecho para embiar à ellos, por cuenta de algunos, Ingleses de Londres, y par letras de cambio que aviae acceptado y pagaedo llanament por ellos. Y viendose in tantos trabaios, y que d'este ultimo el no tenia culpa alguna, pues si a el le hazias hancoroto con tanta summa, el no lo podia remediar en ningunà manera, de se ausentar tambien. Y en este instant me llamó à su camara a mi el dicho Antonio de Venero, y encargandome mucho el secreto, y llorando muchas lagrimas, me dixo lafoy substancia declarada, y de lo tratado con el dicho ivan de Ysunca, y me mostro algunas cartas de las qu'l dicho ivan de Ysunça le avia escripto, en que le hazia buenas todas las promessas suso decluradas, y las cartas venian escriptas diebolica e ingenio sament sin firma, y el dicho ivan de Ysunça paresce ser que dio cuenta del negocio en Espamna a un hijo suyo que estava en Madrid, llamado Pedro de Ysunça Le Queytio, y este mismo tambien le escrivia por muy buen termino, assegurandole la misma substancia con muchas prendas, y firmandose en la firma Apodaca. Estas cartas quemo en el aposento despues de averme mostrado (common digo) la substancia d'ellas. Y en esto comenso à discurrir con migo, dizendo, que no queria verse à resistir tantas affrentas, common se le aparetauan, y que se queria encomendar à Dios de todo coraçon, y matar el mismo à su Excellencia el Principe de Orange: y que si le acauassen, por cierto que el queria quador alli, por que era meior morir, que no vivir (siendo el quien era) en affrenta, de que le dixiessen por el en la bolsa de Anberes, mirad aquel hombre que a hecho bancaroto, y que llegandolas cosas a este termino ninguno, consideraria à que not era la culpa suya: sino echarle mucha culpa quando no la tuuiesse, y que devia muchos dineros en Anberes a los principales, y que tenian mando en la tierra, y le perseguirian cruelment, y que assi determinava de morir, y que y a sabia que llevaua la muerte tragada: pero que conesto se encabriria, y queno se attribuyria a dare number de bancaroto à su desgracia. Todo lo dezia llorando. E you viendole tan de sconsolado, llorava mucho mas, y le roguè, que por amor de Dios no buscasse con sus manos la muerte, y que tuuiesse patiencia de las cosas que Dios hazia, y que pues no era suya la culpa, resistiesse all trabaio que le sobrevenia, mostrando rostro à sus acrecdores, y la razon en la mano, que le destruyan Pedro Nunnez de Arbulu, y Pedro de çubiaur, y que con esto se suffriesie. El me respondia, que no ternia rostro para mirar à nadie, y que assi estava en su proposito, e yo se lo contradezia mucho, diziendo otra vez, que lo encomendasse todo à Dios y aguardasse à la desgracia. En estas platicas (que eran undia de labour à la tarde, despues de la bolsa) entro en su aposento Andres de la Maça que vive en casa, innocent de todo, y assi se quedo esto assi sin hoblar mas d'ello a quello noche por respecto della venida del dicho Andres de la Maça. Otro dia à la mannana (estando en su camara) me embiò à llamar, y dixo, Pues common os va, Antonio hermano? y le respondi, que con mucha tristeza: y me comencò tratar otar vez de lo passado, y que si el no matava à su Excellencia, no sabia à quien encomendar see, si yo no fuesse prouar laventura con ivan de Jaureguy, vezmo de Bilbao, cryado suyo, que ayudava à escrivir en el contador, porque le parescia moç● determinado para qualqui era cosa, y pobre, E yo el dicho Antonio de Venero le respondi, que seria grandissimo cargo de consciencia, que el dicho Anastro diesse occasion que muriesse el dicho ivan de jaureguy mala muerte, p●rque (common querian tanto à su Excellencia en toda la tierra.) quando lo acabasse de hazer, le harian pieças. El dezia, que not, sino prenderle, y saber del à que fin lo avia hecho, y que en esto se passarian ocho dias, despues que el vuiesse hecho el effecto, y que para esto podia pàrtir el dicho Annastro de Anberes quatro dias ants que el lo hiziesse, y yria à Cales, y de alla despacharia un correo à Ravayn, que es Pedro de Ysunça, Le queytio, hijo de ivan de Ysunça, en que avisasse à su Magestad, que avia salido para tal effecto, y que quedava concertado, y que de Cales yria all campo del principe de Parma. Y quando supiesse la nueva de la muerte, embiaria aca desde el campo una Trompeta, pidiendo saluassen all dicho ivan de jau. la vida, y que el mesmo Gaspar de Anastro e screviria sober el negoci●, declarandose à algunos amigos de la Villa pidiando la vida del dicho, y embiando firmas en blanco del Principe de Parma, paraque estos sennores padiessen lo que quisiessen en so vontaeja de la religiō-frera, y todo lo demas, y que con este auria paz despues de 〈◊〉 el Principe de Orange. En esto entro à lacramara un muchacho Flamenco del dicho Gaspar de Annastro, que le llevo consigo, llamado juanico, y le dixo, que llamasse à ivan de jaureguy el qual est ava escriviendo èn el contador y vino, y quando entró, me dixo à mi que me saliesse del aposento, y quedo con el en el aposento platicando. Y de alli un rato me llamò à mi, y dixo que Jaureguy queria hazer aquello por amor d'el, y porsu honra, y que le avia mostrado un punal con que lo avia de matar, estando en la tabla, o en conuersaecion, y meterle elpunal por detras de la oreja, y passarle, y que e● Jaureguy lo queria hazer de buena gana: à mi me dexo que que me parescia, y le respondi, que mirasse por lo que tecava a la consciencia, y que si tal fuesse, padeceriā much as muertes los Espannoles que estavam en Anberes, de pesar de ver muerto, all Principe si le matassen, y que yo me queriayr de la tierra por no peligrar de la vida: y me dixo, que nó tuuiesse miedo, que common el jaureguy dixisse la verdad clarament, no tocarian en la casa, ni harian cosa ninguna. En esto aconsejo ad Jaureguy que por amor de su honra y d'el, que quedasse resuelto el hecho, y que aquel mismo dia fuesse à espiar common comia so Excellencia, y assi lo hizo tres o quatro vezes: y de zia, que tenia gran esperança de hazerlo, y aqui tenia grandes platicas con el jaureguy, common persona que avia de acometer tal cosa. Y pensando mas en ello, à la postre estwieron en duda, de si seria con punnal, oh pistolet. Y el jaureguy dezia que nunca avia tir ado pistolet, ni sabia common tirarlc●y le dixo, que lo fuesse à prouar en alguna part con algun amigo, diziendo que el dicho Jaureguy fuesse Flamenco, y que no ha' blasse otra lengua: y le dixo, de si, common lo hizo, Andando en esto, llego cartade Londres, en que dezian, que Pedro de çubiaur era ausentado, y con esta occasion le to mother gran gana de yrse, y se de spedio en la bolsa de algunos, y se fue arrebatadament. El Martes, ò Miercoles' despediendose de todos los de casa innocent ment para boluer luego (saluo del dicho ivan Jaureguy, y de mi el dicho Antonio de Venero) y me escriuio desde Bruias does cartas, la una general, y la otra d'este negocio: de que la general mostre à Mortin de Varron, Pedro de la Penna, Antonio Spinola, y à algunos otros, y despues la queem, y di la otra carta all dicho Jaureguy, y la leyó, porque dezia le parescia fuesse con pistolete, y el otro dixo que estava bien, y que assi lo haria y lo dezia con mocha alegria, y quemo tambien la otra carta, y me dixo, que se queria confessar, y se sue fuera de casa à hazarlo, sin que yo preguntasse all dicho Jaureguy con quien, y me dixo se avia confessado y comulgado, y despues estava ya presto para hazarlo quando el qui siesse, sin aguardar à nada. Y assi este Domingo passado, diez y ocho d'este oyo Missa en casa common à 'las onze horas, y despues se fue, e hizo lo que parece ser, que cierto aun yo lo no see. Y para de scargo de mi conscientia digo que no me consta que tenga ninguno otro culpa en este negocio: y que assilos que mas estan presos deuen ser sueltos y libres, por hallar los you innocentes. Y si à mi el dicho Antonio de Venero (por aver descubierto mi coracon, y dicho quanto he podido y se me ha' accordado) quisieren V. S. hazer misericordia de saluarle la vida (pues el que hizo el mal es muerto, e yo no fuy auctor d'ello) lo reconoscere toda mi vida. El dicho Gaspar de Annastro nos prometio all dicho ivan de jaureguy, y à mi el dicho Antonio de Venero, que si a quello se hazia, nos ternia por proprios hijos, y que no auria cosa partida, sino que su hazienda seria nuestra propria: y otras palabras desta manera. Y el dicho Jaureguy dixò, que no queria ninguna cosa, y que lo hazia por amor d'el, y por aver comida so pan, e yo le quité el sombrero temblando, y dandole á entender common temia de la muerte, y el me assegurava que no me tocarian en un pelo de la cabeca. Soubsignê. Godofridus Montens. Zuerius. Blomart. Antonio de Venero. Siendo esta confession preleyda all dicho declarante fuera de la carcel debaxo del cielo, ha' persistidio en ella, liendo assi verdad en presentia de los Esclauines aqui abaxo firmado fecho à xxuj. de Marco. 1582. Zuerius. Blomart. The deposition of Anthony Venero, which of his own motion he made and willingly written and subscribed with his own hand. I Anthony of Venero, born in Bilbao, the son of john of Venero of the age of 19 or 20. years little more or less, assistant in the house & affairs of jasper of Annastro born in Victoria, from the 20. day of januarie, 1580. unto the xiij. of March 1582. do as followeth declare, what happened unto me with the said jasper of Annastro, being thereof examined by my Lords the Marcgrave, Borowmaisters and Sheriffs of this town of Antwerp, and do promise upon my oath, soul and conscience, to show the whole truth thereof: not to cloak or conceal any thing, whereupon the said Lords, the Marcgrave, Borowmaisters and Sheriffs, have by the entreaty of the Lord Steven Racquet Colonel of the said town of Antwerp, promised me, that confessing whatsoever I do know, they will grant me an honourable death, agreeable to my desire and contentation, with a Priest also to confess me and to confer withal, because it concerneth the honour of my stock: I Anthony of Venero reposing myself upon the word and nobility of the said Lords, touching the accomplishment thereof, do say as followeth. First that john of Ysunca born in Victoria, aforetime Commissioner ever the furniture of the armies in these parts, writ a letter to jasper of Annastro of Lisbon, about ten months since, wherein he requested of him certain goods, whereof he had never before written unto him: he said it would be news to him to see any of his letters, & that he did this, that so he might be at Lisbon requesting him to send him that which he demanded. Hereunto the said jasper of Annastro aunswerrd in friendly words, excusing himself for not sending them, as well upon that he had not sent money, as because he found not himself of wealth sufficient, and so could not trust forth that which he demanded. Whereto john of Ysunca answered, requesting him to send the said movables, for that at Lisbon he stood in great need of them for the conservation of his authority, considering that his Majesty would commit unto him a very honourable office: and that therefore he would do it: for he would communicate unto him a matter of very great importance, which would redound to his great benefit & honour. To the which the said Annastro replied again with new excuses and courtesies, but in deed sent him not the said movables, only he desired to understand what matter of so great importance it might be that he would communicate unto him, whereof he desired him to advertise him. These two letters aforesaid did I the said Anthony of Venero see, afterward came the answer of this letter wherein the said I of Y sunca opened the matter, & when Annastro had read the said letter, he commanded me Anthony of Venero aforesaid from thenceforth not to open any letter coming sealed after the manner of the Court: from that time, which might be about 5. or 6. months since, the said john of Ysunca and jasper of Annastro have prosecuted their purposes and answers, each writing to other very secretly, and the said jasper of Annastro still answering his letters with his own hand, in his chamber closing his letters with hard wax the most closliest that might be. All this while was I Anthony of Venero ignorant of this fact, imagining that it was some marriage matter with the daughter of john Ruiz of Vergara the brother of Frances Ruiz of Vergara, who had dwelled in this town of Antwerp, and the rather because her mother the Lady Marie of Ysunca had written to the said jasper of Annastro, also that knowing him to be wealthy and of the best qualetied in Victoria they would bestow her upon him with some good number of ducats. And as I say, Anthony of Venero supposed these to be the secrets, and guessed that they deferred the final resolution, because the said Anastro required for her dowry and to the maintenance of her port, more than they did offer: It afterward (as I remember) fallen so out, that two Flemish vessels sailing towards Laredo were drowned, also that at Plemue the bark of Philip Dorio which was bond to Biscay was rob, in which three vessels he lost much, whereby he grew into great care and anguish of mind, as one ignorant how to behave himself to save his credit, at which instant the said john of Ysunca written to the said jasper of Annastro unwitting to me: the effect whereof was, that he should procure the slaughter of the Prince of Orange, his excellency: whereof he had dealt with his Majesty very secretly, in such wise, as none but they two were acquainted therewith: also that he had procured his Majesty to set down a certain capitulation which also he had signed with his own hand, wherein his said Majesty promised upon the certain news of his excellency's death, to give to the said Annastro 80000. Ducats in silver or the value thereof in lands, together with a commandership of S. James. That this was set down in writing, also that he would bestow on him great benefits with sundry honourable offices: for the said john of Ysunca had told and assured his Majesty that the said Annastro was a man of very good capacity, and greats wealth. All this while, I Anthony of Venero do not think that any one was able to speak thereof, but rather in my opinion I dared assure myself that in any wise the said Annastro would not make any of whatsoever nation or condition, privy thereunto: so that as in Antwerp there be no Spaniards able to detect him, so do I again affirm, that certainly I think he disclosed it to none: which I do the rather verify, because I can not other wise think. Now shortly after this, and as it were a month since he had some inkling of an other new mischance, namely of two Merchants, that were about to break, by whom he was in hazard of 9500. lb. sterling, or thereabouts, for certain merchandise that he had sent them, and other goods upon accounts of sundry English men of London: as also by reason of certain bills of exchange which he had accepted and faithfully paid to their uses: whereby seeing himself entangled in so many troubles, also, that of this last loss he was in no default, and not knowing any remedy, but by absenting himself, considering they had played bankerupte with so great sums of his: he caused me Anthony of Venero to be called into his Chamber, and charging me very sore to be secret, with tears running down his cheeks, he declared unto me the substance of the aforesaid treaty with john of Ysunça, showing me certain of those Letters, which the said john of Ysunça had written unto him, wherein he assured him of all the promises above specified, which letters were written devilishly and subtly without any subscription: and it seemed, that the said john of Ysunça, hath imparted this matter to a son of his, who remained at Madril● called Peter of Ysunça le Queytio, who also writ to him in very good speeches, assuring him of the substance of all the premises diversly naming himself in the subscription Apodaca. These Letters, having as I said, showed me the substance of them, did he burn in his Chamber: and thereupon entered into discourse with me, saying, that he neither would ne could digest so many shames as were provided for him: therefore that commending himself to almighty God with all his heart, he would with his own hands slay my Lord the Prince of Orange his excellency, & that in case he were slain about the execution thereof, yet in truth he had rather perish in the place, as coveting rather to die than to live so dishonourably, that it should be said of him in the Burse at Antwerp, see, yonder man is become bankrupt: which, if it should so fall out, no man would judge where the fault is, but would rather impute it unto him, though he were not faulty. Also, that he aught much money in Antwerp, even to the best, and to such as there bore authority, who would with rigour proceed against him, and therefore that he determined to die, yea, and that already he had digested death, but that by this means he should cover and get glory to his bankeruptship and discredit. All this spoke he with tears: whereupon I seeing him so discomforted, wept much faster, and besought him for Gods love not to seek his death by his own hands, but to be patiented in God's doings: & seeing the fault was not in himself, to withstand such adversities as might happen in showing a good face to his creditors, and to let them know the reasons, how Peter Nuns of Arbule, & Peter of çubiaur undid him, and that he should repose himself upon this, whereto he answered, that he had not the face to look upon any man, and therefore that he was determined to persist in his purpose: wherein I contraried him stiffly, sundry times willing him to refer all to God, & to attend better hap. Upon this communication (which passed in an evening upon a working day after Burse time) Andrew de la Maça, who notwithstanding he remains in the same house, is innocent of all, came into his chamber, so that by reason of the said Andrew's coming in, we broke off talk for that night. The next morning the said Anastro being in his chamber, sent for me, and said: Now, brother Anthony how do you? I answered, but heavily: hereupon he began again to re-enter into the former matter, saying, that if he himself should not slay his excellency, he witted not to whom to commit the doing thereof, except peradventure to his man john Jaureguy, born in Bilbao, who holp to writ in the Counting house, because he seemed a stayed and resolute young man to any intent whatsoever, and poor withal. Then I Antony of Venero answered, that it would be a great burden to his conscience, if the said Annastro should procure the said Jaureguy any vile death: for seeing his excellency was so well beloved throughout the whole town, he could no sooner have done the deed, but he should be hewn in pieces. Nay, said Annastro, but they will rather apprehended him, to the end to learn for what purpose he did it, so as 7. or 8. days after the deed, would be spent before any execution, & that therefore the said Annastro might depart from Antwerp, four days before the deed, & so go to Calais, from whence he might dispatch a Post to Apodaca, who is Peter of Ysunça le Queytio, the son of john Ysunça, to the end to give his Majesty to understand, that he was departed from the purpose agreed upon, then that from Calais he would go to the Prince of Parma his Camp, and thence having news of the slaughter, he would sand a trumpet to beg the life of the said john of Jaureguy: Also, that jasper of Annastro himself would writ concerning that matter, & open himself unto sundry his friends in the town, requiring the life of the said Jaureguy, and sending blanks signed by the Prince of Parma, to the end these Lords might ask what they list for their own advantage concerning the Religious Vreed and all other matters, also that there withal after the prince of Oranges death they should enjoy and assured peace. Hereupon a Flemish boy belonging to the said Annastro named joamnico, whom he hath taken with him, came into the Chamber, whom he commanded to call john Jaureguy who was writing in the Counting house, when he was come he caused me to departed out of the Chamber, them having a while talked with him, he called me again, and showed me that Jaureguy for his sake and Honour would do it, also that he had showed him a dagger wherewith he should kill him either at the Table or in any other company by thrusting in the Dagger and wounding him behind the ear: that Jaureguy would do this with a very good will, whereupon he asked my opinion: I answered that he should look well unto it, because it touched his conscience: further, because that if this matter were brought to pass, they would slay all the Spaniards in Antwerp for sorrow of the Prince's death, and that therefore I had rather forsake the town than venture my life. But he willed me not to fear, saying that although Jaureguy should openly confess the truth, yet would no man meddle with his house, neither would there be any further pursuit: and therefore he counseled the said Jaureguy in that matter to continued steadfast for the love of his honour and himself: also the same day to go to espy in what manner his excellency did eat, which he did three or four times, so that he said he was in good hope to bring his purpose to pass. After this he used much speech with the said Jaureguy, as with the man who should commit such a heinous fact. Finally, having better considered of the matter, they began to doubt whether it were better to be done with a Dagger or with a Dag: for Jaureguy said, that he never shot in Dag, neither knew how to discharge it, the other willed him to repair to some friend of his to try it, and to counterfeit himself to be a Fleming, and not to use any other language, whereto he granted, and did so. During these practices there came letters from London, importing, that Peter of çubiaur had absented himself, upon which occasion he thought best to depart, so as having dispatched some at the Burse, suddenly upon a Tuesday or Wednesday, having taken his leave of all the household, he went his way, seeming as if he would shortly come again, except to the said john of Jaureguy & me Antony of Venero, and from Bruges he written me two Letters, the one general, the other concerning this matter: The general Letter I showed to Martin of Varion, Peter de la Penna, Anthony Spinula, and some others and so burned it. The other I delivered to Jaureguy who read it, because therein he said that he thought the Dag readiest: the other said that he could well do it so, the which he spoke very cheerfully & then burned this letter also, and told me that he would be shriven, and so went forth of the doors, neither did I ever ask him to what Confessor he would go. afterward he told me that he was shriven and house led, and that now he was ready upon any opportunity without any let to execute his purpose. Thus, upon this last Sunday, the 18. of this month, about eleven of the clock he herded Mass in the house and so departed, and did that which seemeth to be done, not that I do certainly know it as yet: wherefore for the discharge of my conscience I do say, that I cannot perceive any other to be guilty of this deed, and therefore that the others who are apprehended, aught to be released and delivered, because in my conscience they be innocent. Now therefore, if your Lordships would grant to me Anthony of Venero pardon, & to save my life, as having opened the very bottom of my heart, and said all that I know, besides that, he who committed the mischief, is dead already, I should be bond to you all my life long. Moreover, the said jasper of Annastro promised unto us the said john of Jaureguy, and me Antony of Venero, that this being accomplished, he would account us as his own natural children: also, that nothing should be parted between us, but that all should be our own proper goods, and such like speeches. The said Jaureguy answered, that he would have nothing, but that that which he did, he did for his love, and because he had eaten his bread: and I quaking, put off my hat, giving him to understand how sore I feared death, whereupon he assured me that no man would once touch any hair of my head. This confession being read unto the said deponente without the prison upon the Bridge openly, he persisted in the same his confession, confirming it to be the truth. Given the 26. of March 1582. in the presence of the undernamed Zuerius Blomart. another Examination taken the 24 of the same month of March 1582. SEyendo el dicho Antonio de Venero (puesto sobreiel atormentando) preguntado quien podrian mass haver sabido d'esta empresa? Dize ningunos otros, que los por el aqui delante nombrados. Preguntado si d'esta impresa no han sabido Andres de la Maça Pedro d' Orosco, Pedro de la pen, oh Valentin de Meurs? Dize que no. Preguntado si no se acuerdaque (estando à la mensa del dicho Anastro sum amo se platicò y disputosi era licito dematara sum Excel. por zelo de la fee) el Clerigo Antonio Timmerman entonces declarò: que se podria hazer sin pecado? Dize que d'ello not sa acuerda. Preguntado si no sabia quien era el que estava à Canallo junto all Castillo quando el dicho efeto era complido? Dize que no. Yera dicho Examination firmada por los dichos Sennores Esclavines I Zuerius. L. Blomaert. THe said Antony of Venero being upon the rack examined what other people might have had intelligence of this enterprise, saith, no other than those whom he hath aforenamed. Being demanded whether Andrew della Massa, Peter of Orosco, Peter della Penna, or Valentine de Meurs known nothing of the said enterprise, he saith, No. Being demanded whether he remembreth not that when some speech and argument passed at the said Annastro his masters table, whether for zeal of religion it were lawful to slay his excellency, the Monk Antony Timmerman did then affirm, that it might lawfully be done without sin. He saith that he remembreth it not. Being demanded whether he knoweth not who he was that was on horseback before the Castle when the deed was executed? he says, No. This examination was conferred before the said Lords Sheriffs, john Zuerius, & jews Bloemart. The Examination of Antony Timmerman, taken in the presence of the Lords, the margrave, Godfrey Montens, M. james Zuerius, and Lewis Bloemart, Sheriffs of the town of Antwerp the 18. 19 and 23. day of March. 1582. ANtony Timmerman born in Dunkirk of the age of one and thirty years, sometimes Monk of the order of the white Friars, having his Chamber in the long Newstréete at the golden Horse. Being demanded what acquaintance he hath in the house of jasper Annastro, sayeth that divers times he hath said Mass in the house of the said Annastro, also that he hath sent others thither for the same purpose, & that therefore he had his finding as Chaplain to the Spanish Nation, and that the said Annastro paid him. Being demanded what private communication he hath had with one john Jaureguy a Spaniard of Biscay in the house of the said Annastro, says, that the said Jaureguy upon Friday last came to him to shrift, desiring also to receive the Sacrament at his hand, which he ministered unto him, for the which the said party gave him two double Pistolets of gold, desiring the said Confessor to pray for him. Also that according to the description of his stature and apparel that he ware, it seemeth to be the same person, who upon sunday at noon discharged a Dag against his excellency's person. Being demanded, what the said Jaureguy gave him to understand concerning this deed, either in his confession, or before or after the same: also whether he did not show him what he was promised for the performance of that Act, says, that the said Jaureguy did confess unto him, that the said jasper of Annastro would himself have done it, if he could not have persuaded him thereto: saying moreover that he would execute the said deed the same friday at dinner, and that only for the glory of God, and because his father being an old man should be relieved. Being demanded, whether he told not the said confessor in what place he was purposed to do this deed, & with what weapons: saith, that he told him that he purposed to do it at the table as he thought, but showed him not with what weapons. Being demanded, whether the said confessor did finally absolve the said jauregui, so as he might execute his pretended deed, which afterward he committed against the person of his excellency: Confesseth that he absolved the said jauregui in this manner: That if he did not execute it for lucre of money, but only for the glory of God and of a zeal to the Catholic Roman Religion, that then it was lawful for him to do it, giving him thereupon absolution, having nevertheless before represented to his view all such dangers as might spring forth of the said deed. Being demanded, whether he inquired of jareguy if any other were able to utter the pretence of the execution of the said deed: saith, that he showed him that no man was able to say any thing thereof, but only the said jasper Annastro, Antony of Venero, and an other man a Spaniard, whom he named not, either by name or surname: but that the said Confessor guesseth that it was a young man, whom he had often seen about the same time coming and going to the same house: the said young man being reasonable tall of stature, with a black beard cut after the Spanish manner, of a brown pale colour, long and leave visaged, about 24. or 25. years of age, as it seemed, wearing ordinarily a Spanish Cassock of a grey russet, and a black cloak. Being demanded, what speech passed between the said Confessor and the said jasper of Annastro, touching this deed committed against his Excellency, saith, that the said Annastro never spoke any thing thereof, either in shrift, or otherwise. Being demanded, whether the said Jaureguy showed him not, that Valentine de Meurs, Anthony Waechmans', and Anna Haecht, servants in the said Annastroes' house, knew nothing of the practice or effect of the said deed attempted against his excellency, saith, that the people aforenamed, knew nothing thereof as the said Jaureguy told him, and declared in his confession. Being demanded, whether the said Annastro, Jaureguy or Antony of Venero, said not unto him, that the King had by john of Ysunça made great promises to the said Annastro, for the performing of the deed against his Excellency, says, that he never known or herded that of any body. Being demanded, whether he that said confessor hath not aforetime been in the house of the said Annastro, when sitting at the table, he was demanded, whether it were lawful for any man without offence, to slay his excellency: what answer was made thereto, when it was, and who were there present, declareth, that the said Annastro hath sundry times moved that question to him: & namely at the table in dinner time, or so soon as the Table was taken up, either the first or second Saturday before Candlemas, & that there were then present Andrew de la Maça, Antony of Venero, and Valentine de Meurs: and that he this Confessor answered, that no particular or private person might do it, but that it pertained only to the justice. Whereto the said Annastro (as he remembreth) replied, that the King being a public person might command an other to do it: whereupon this Confessor said, that it was not lawful for any man with money to buy an others life. He declared farther, that about fourteen days since, he the said Confessor being at the Table, or else soon after they were risen, heard the said Annastro use these or such like words: Valla me dios no at en esta tierra Flamenco que se atreva à este Principe de Oranges? whereto he the said Confessor replied, saying: Los Flamencos no son tan furiosos common vos otros, where the said Maça was not then present, but was departed into Holland. This Confession being read before the said Confessor upon the Bridge of the Borrow, under the open element, he being loosed and undone, he persisted in the same in the presence of the Sheriffs this 26. of March 1582. Subscribed Zuerius, & L. Bloemart., Here ensue the Copies of the Letters, written by the said Annastro, and the Prince of Parma, etc. Sennor Hermanno. DE Brujas os escrevi air, y aura dos horas que llegue aqui, y no he podido hallar à Pedro de Cubiaur, ni saber d'el, mas de que un maestro dize, que passo de Doura à Cales ocho dias a un hombre casi de sus sennas. Yo passó de mala gana à Cales, por el tiempo que pierdo en boluer a casa: y a demas esto, el viento es contrario, y no podre partir oy, pero sera mannana Sabado plaziendo à Dios, All sennor Antonio Espin. nola beso las manos, y que tengo gana deboluerme All sennor Andres de la Maça beso tambien las manos. Yo os encomiendo que tengays cuenta de lo que has que hazer hasta que yo buelua: de papeles y assignaciones common de lo demas, que yo me dare lapriessa que pudiere. Pagareys luego à Hernando de Nagera las 402. libras que Balthasar de Burgos escrivió se le diessen, porque de Cales le tengo de escrevir que estan pagadas, embialde quita●ça dello. A Valentin me encomiendo, y à Jaureguy dezid que os ayude en lo de la escritura, y nuestro Sennor, etc. En Dunquerch. 16. de Março. 1582. El subscripto era Vuestro hermano Annastro El sobrescripto era. Albina Sennor Antonio de Venero mi hermano Anuers. All port 4. Florins, dando lo a las ocho horas de la manana et lunes que es 19 de Março. Annastros' Letters written from Dunkirk. GOOD brother, yesterday I written unto you from Bruges, and I arrived here two hours since, but cannot yet find M. Peter of Cubiaur, either hear any other news of him: but that a master of a ship showed me, that about eight days since there was one like him that passed from Dover to Calais. Very unwilling I am to go to Calais lest losing my time I shall not come soon enough home. Besides the wound being contrary I cannot departed this day, but to morrow being Saturday, if it please God I shall. I humbly greet master Anthony Spinula & am very desirous to return home. I also humbly greet Andrew Massa. I pray you set to your hand to any thing that is to be done before my return, as well for writings and assignations, as for any other matter. For my part I will make as much haste as I may. You shall presently pay Ferdinand of Nagera the 402. pounds that Baltassar of Burgos hath written to be delivered him: for from calais I will writ that they be paid. And sand him the acquaintance. I commend me to Valentine, and will Jaureguy to help you in your writings. Our Lord, etc. At Dunkirck this 16. of March 1582. The subscription was. Your brother Annastro. The superscription was. To my brother Anthony of Venero. At Antwerp. To the Post. 4. Florins so that he deliver them upon Monday at 8. a clock in the morning, which shall be the 19 of March. SENNOR. PARA pagar a balthasar de Burgos las quatro cientas y does libras, no hallo otro remedio, por lafoy brevedad d'el tiempo sino dezir a Hernando de Nagera que tenia yo orden del dico Burgos: para que se diessen a el dichas quatrocientas y does libras, y que se las querays pagar luego, y que Valentin se las dé, y quital de luego does quitanças una copia de otra, en que diga que se las day por orden de balthasar de Burgos, y que se obliga a hazer las buenas all dicho balthasar de Bura goes, y d'esta manera el dicho Burgos se podra valer dellas con su commodidad. Hazelde luego a la hora que esta recibays, ants que se haga el empleo: porque de otra manera no veo orden de que vengan a mannos d'el dicho. Y assi os ruego mucho que esto se haga luego el mismo Lunes. Dira Nagera, que not tiene aviso: direysle vos, que es hombre trabaioso, y que no quereys aguardar a esso, porque yo os lo ordiné assi, y Burgos esta desproueydo de dineros. En el empleo me parece bien lo que ay le escrevi de Brujas, que se haga de la mercaderia que pied Diego Carreno, provando la primero algunas vezes, y all tiempo del effecto ponerse una medida, y does rodondas: y d'esta manera comparà con mas seguridad, y menos ambaraç●: y para aquel vestido tomarle la medida por detras. Esto tengo por mejor que lo otro, y de menos embaraço, y mas seguro: y tambien puede ponerse lo otro, para en caso de necessidad. Pensad en ello, y mirad quanto va en que el empleo seacierte Hazed cuenta, que yo me detendre en Cales el Sabado por todo el dia, para escrevit à Apodaca, y despachar le correo, y despues he menester tres dias para assentar mi cuenta con aquel hombre, y dezirle lo que conviene, porque vaya todo per orden: y despues se podra hazer quando el corredo quisiere, y dezilde que le de Dios buena dicha, y que consideres bien lo mucho que importa que el empleo sea bueno. En la margin est ava escripto. Otra vez torno à dez it lo de Nagera, porque balthasar de Burgos esta falto de dineros, y embialde luego la una cedula del dicho Nagera, y por esto doy esta ventaja de 13¼ libras. A Valentin y jaureguy me en comiendo mucho. El sober scripto era: Para Antonio de Venero. SIr I can find by reason of the shortness of the time no other remedy how to pay Baltassar of Burgos the 402. pounds, but to show Ferdinand of Nagera, that I had commission from the said Burgos to deliver him the said. 402. pounds, and that you will presently pay him: and let Valentine pay him the money, taking of him two acquittances, the one copied out of the other, wherein he must confess that you do deliver the same unto him by the appointment of Baltassar of Burgos, then bind him to make them good to the said Baltassar of Burgos, and so may Burgos help himself to his own commodity. Do this immediately, and even so soon as you have received these presents, before the matter be performed, for I see no other means how they may come to his hands, wherefore I pray you heartily let this be done this present Monday. Nagera will say that he hath no such warrant: then shall you answer him that the man is troublesome, & that you will not stay for that, seeing I have so commanded you, and that Burgos is destitute of money. ●●der this, 〈◊〉 of merchandise he ●…neth the ●…stol, pou●… and two ●●llets, ●erwith 〈◊〉 L. Prince ●…oulde be 〈◊〉. It seemeth good to me the exploit and matter were performed, in such sort as yesterday I written from Bruges, and that with such merchandise as Diego Carreno requireth, having first tried it sundry times: and at the time of the execution thereof to give it a good measure, & two rounds: & in this wise it may be the more surely bought, and performed with less hindrance. As for the garment, you must take measure behind. I think this a better way than the other, of less hindrance, and most safe. Also for further assurance, the other 〈◊〉 Dagger. may be added for necessity's sake. Consider hereof and mark of what importance the execution of this exploit is. Make your account that I will stay at calais all saturday, there to writ to Apodaca, & to dispatch the post. And afterward I shall need three days to make up my account with this man: Tell him also what is needful to be done, that all things may proceed orderly, after which the matter may be dispatched, when the He means Jaureguy. Courtier will, and tell him also that I pray God grant him good success, and that I would have him mark how necessary it is that this exploit be performed. In the Margin was written. Once again I speak to you of Nagera. For Balthasar of Burgos needeth money: send therefore to him immediately one of Nagera his Letters: for this I give him the interest of 13. lib. 4. ss. I commend me heartily to Valentine and to jauregui. The superscription was. For Antony of Venero. Other Letters of the said Annastro. Sennor hermano DE Bruias y de Dunquerch os escrevi, yo me detwe en Dunquerch does dias, bien desgustado, por ser el tiempo tam fuerte y contrario que non pude passar: y assi me a concesejo el governador de Dunquerch que passasse portierra, y que era mejor: y assi me robo el un passa port de Gravelinguas, y aqui, does horas ha', en esta villa de Gravelingas, y mannana me ire por agua à Cales, à lo que entiendo, porque de aqui a Cales por tierra esta todo ll●no de Franceses, que roban los que passam, y mas haran, siendos Espamnoles. Ha' me dicho un tal Quadra que està aqui, que Pedro de çubiaur estwo aqui quatro dias ha', y que entendiò que era y do a Cales, podra serque alli le hallare, entre tanto hazeloes lo meior que pudieredes. Y esse empleo de las mercaderias se puede hazer a cada hora, y sea tan bueno que los duonnos no senior quexen. Not tengo mas que escrivir, Nuestro Sennor, &c. En comiendome a Valentin y jaureguy. Albina sennor Marça beso las manos, y Nuestro Sennor, etc. En Gravelingas 17. de Março 1582. Harta ventura ha' sido aner escapado en el camino, legum andan los Franceses. Yo sere alla lo mas presto que pudiere, que ya queria ser buelto. El subscripto Era. Vestro buen hermano Annastro. Other Letters of the said Annastro. MY Lord and brother I written unto you from Bruges and Dunkirk. Two days I abode at Dunkirk though far against my mind, because the weather was so rough and contrary that I could not pass: wherefore the governor of Dunkirk counseled me to go by land (as the better way) and so he made me a passport for graveling, whether I came two hours since, from whence I will to morrow departed by water; (as I think) to calais, for that between this & calais the ways be pestered with French men that do rob the passengers, whereunto they would be more ready if they should meet with any Spaniards. A certain Quadra that is here told me that Peter of Cubiaur, was taken four days ago, and that he herded that he was go to calais, it may be that I may find him there. In the mean time do the best you can concerning the exploit of merchandise, it may be done at all times, and let it be so well done, that the masters find no fault. I have no more to writ. But our Lord, etc. commend me to Valentine and jauregui. I humbly salute the Lord Massa. Our Lord, etc. From graveling this 17 of March 1582. It was a great chance that I escaped all the way, the French do so range up and down. I will be there so soon as I may, for I would with a good will be at home already. The subscription was, Your good brother Annastro. After the which was written, Give this Post whose name is Coppenhaghen that which is written upon the Letter, for guiding me hither. His excellencies letters written with his own hand. MY L. of Aldegond, I hear that to morrow the ij. prisoners, his complices that shot at me, shall be executed. For my own part I do willingly forgive them whatsoever they may have offended against me: and if peradventure they have deserved some sore and sharp punishment, yet be a mean to my Lords the Magistrates not to suffer them to abide any great torment. But rather if they have so deserved, to content themselves with some speedy death. Hereupon I bid you good night. Your very good friend to do you service, William of Nassau. Done in the prison of the town of Antwerp in the presence of my Lords, Lescou●tet, M. james Zuerius, and Lewis Bloemart Sheriffs, the 28. of March. 1582. Master Anthony Timmerman prisoner, ready to receive his death whereunto he was yesterday before noon condemned in the Vierschale by the Borrowmaisters and Sheriffs of this town, says and declareth in form following. First, he saith, that having better called that which was spoken at the table in the house of jasper of Annastro, when the said deponent dined there, the said Annastro propounded and argued: Whether by virtue of the proscription which the King of Spain hath published, any man may lawfully slay his excellency's person, in truth he cannot say whether Andrew Nassa were present or not, either this speech passed about the end or after dinner, adding moreover, that he is well assured and certain, that Valentine of Meurs sat at the Table that dinner, but was then go away. Moreover the said condemned person acknowledgeth his great oversight and error which he held, in thinking that by virtue of the said proscription it was lawful to slay his excellency's person: Being therefore now better informed by learned men concerning the said opinion, and having further considered of the matter, he doth by this present revoke the same. Wherefore he requesteth the lords Magistrates of this Town to pardon him his said offence also to add this to his former confession, and if the other be published, to publish this withal, to the end no man think that he died in so wicked an opinion. Subscribed. Zuerius. The Prince of Parma his Letters. Alexander Prince of Parma and Plaisance, lieutenant, Governor, and Captain General. RIght dear and well-beloved, would to God you known as well as the inhabitants of these parts, with what zeal and affection I have always proceeded & procured the weal, quiet and tranquillity of these countries generally, whereof I seek no greater nor more evident testimony, than the pains that I have taken, the duties which I have yielded, and the perils and dangers which I have incurred in seeking to restore the whole to her ancient brightness and felicity, wherewith these Provinces were wont to flourish. According whereunto, God having used the death of the Prince of Orange, (the one and only instrument and Author of so many miseries and calamities which you have endured) as a mean to open the way unto you, I hope he hath likewise taken from before your eyes the vail, which stopped and kept you from knowing, or more nearly considering the sleights, subtleties, and inventions, wherewith the said Prince nourished your mistrusts, and through his own covetousness and ambition continued your miseries, yea so far forth, that to the same end he sought to bring you into the subjection & intolerable yoke of those, from whom in former worlds you have received such damages and enmities. Thus much I thought good to writ unto you, to th'end to advertise and assure you, that in case you will prevail in this occasion and commodity which God doth offer unto you, you shall not find any man in this world that will aid and assist you with more sincerity, readiness and affection, than I will: offering unto you to the same effect whatsoever I may by virtue of the authority and special power unto me given by his Majesty, of whom I am well assured that you shall reap no less grace and favour, neither any worse entertainment, than those have tried, who trusting wholly in the natural clemency wherewith he is endued, have willingly cast themselves into the arms of his royal courtesy and gentleness. Whereupon I will expect your answer, which I pray God may be such as I desire for your own benefit and quietness, also that it may be so speedily, that his Majesty may have occasion to desist from such preparation as he maketh for the attaining to this end, by some other means peradventure more violent and unprofitable to yourselves. Thus right dear and well-beloved, God have you in his holy and worthy keeping. From Tournay this 25. of March 1582. Subscribed, Alexander: And somewhat lower F. Garnier. The Superscription was, To our right dear & well-beloved, the margrave, Amptman, Borowmaisters, Sheriffs, Counsel, and Rend masters of the Town of Antwerp. The like letters, mutatis mutandis, were dispatched to the Inhabitants of Bruxelles, Gaunt, Bruges, Ypres, etc. Annastro his Letters written from Tournay. Muy mag. Sennor. PVes ha' querido No. S or. que el Principe de Orange aya acabado sus dias, se ha' de creer que es para auer misericordia de estas tierras que estauan affligidas, y yo estoy aggradado de aver sido occasione instrumento de sa muerte, por el seruicio que devo a mi Rey, y por la quietud y reposo que desséo a los estados: y quando mi criado no fuera sufficient para hazer loque hizo, yo tenia determinae ●o de matarle por mi mano, por saccat esta tierrae ●l travajo en que estava. He querido escriuira u.m. y all Sr. so hermano esta carta para assegurar los que pueden confiar en la misericordia que su Mag. y su Alteza del Principe de Parma dessea hazer conlos de essa villa, sin accordar se de las faltas passadas: si no con animo de perdonar las todas, y que todos puedan vivir pacificament. Y pues que u. m. tiene mano para poder dare a entender à essos S. Ses. del magistrado esta buena voluntad, y tomar buen consejo en esse negocio, assegurando los que en lo que yo pudiere fauorescer los lo hare de muy buena gana. Y si quisierem empleara u.m. en ello, y all So. Laurentío su hermano. y lleguarse por aca, yo les embiare passa port de su Alteza assegurando los. Y saldre fiador por la seguridad de sui personas, y respondan me de la voluntad que en esto tienen, y no se ofresce otra cosa por agora N. S or. de Tournay à 25. de março, 1582. Besa 'las manos a vos. mes. Gaspar de Annastro. Noble Lords, SIth it hath pleased God to end the Prince of Orange his days, you are to believe it to be, to the end to show mercy to these Countries which were afflicted, and I rejoice that I was the occasion and instrument of his death, both for the duty I own to my King, and for the rest and tranquillity of these estates. For if my servant had not been sufficient to do that which is done, myself was resolved with my own hand to have slain him, so to deliver this country out of the trouble it was in. This Letter I thought good to writ to you, & to my L. your brother, to the end to assure you that you may surly repose yourselves in the mercy which his Majesty &, the P. of Parma his highness desire to show to this town: as not to think upon any former faults, otherwise than fully to pardon them, so as, all men may live peaceably. Further, sith it lieth in you to give the Lords and Magistrates to understand of this good will, also to take good advice concerning this affair, assuring them, that in what I may I will most willingly pleasure them. If in this matter they will use you and your brother Laurence as messengers hither, I will sand you a passport from his Highness with all sufficient assurance, and will myself remain pledge for the surety of your people. Let me understand your wills herein. Thus not having any other thing at this present, our Lord etc. From Tournay this 25. of March. 1582. Subscribed, I humbly salute your Lordships, jasper of Annastro. The Superscription was this, To the noble Lords Denis de Meurs, and Laurence de Meurs. At Gant. FINIS. AT LONDON, Printed for Thomas Charde and William Broome. Anno 1582.