¶ A Lamentable, and pitiful Description, of the woeful wars in Flaunders, since the four last years of the Emperor Charles the fifth his reign.  
With a brief rehearsal of many things done since that season, until this present year, and death of Don john.  
Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman.  
¶ Imprinted at London by Ralph Newberie. Anno. 1578.   

To the Right Honourable, Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, Principal Secretary to the Queen's Majesty, and one of her highness most Honourable privy Couns●…ile, THO. CHURCHYARD wisheth continuance of noble gifts, and increase of virtues.  
SOme men (right Honourable) search many soils, and travel very far, to find out a precious jewel or rare devise, to present unto their friend when they come home. And gaining by their gift and honest intent a thankful benefit and special good turn, makes of their labours a pleasure and commodity. But I, that often have been abroad for the like purpose, and here at home have sought the bottom of my study, and sifted out the best fruit, that either devise of head, or pains with my pen could yield, can not find any thing worthy acceptation, where I made promise', and purposed long ago, to offer a present. And the longer I have tarried (and looked about me) the worse I am furnished for the answering of my hope, and the less able I feel my judgement, to perform that I purpose: like a man that would fain travel a great journey, having a weak body, and a lusty mind. And before he comes half way to the end of his pilgrimage: his legs wax lame, and he calleth for his crutch, and yet when there is no remedy, must either of force hop homeward again, or hale forward as fast as he may, to come to the knitting up of his attempted labour. But though with like weakness my body is discouraged (when the mind glory's too much in his own strength,) yet another thing comforts me, which may be a great help to my small ability, & a special cause to found thereby some singular favour. Sir, the troth is, I hear that others have sped well, & were well liked, for presenting to your honourable discretion, the judgement of their Books: and creeping under the buckler & shield of such courtesy, though not with such matter as is meet for your wisdom, I humbly present you with a brief discourse that I have drawn out, touching the troubles & affliction of Flanders, not gathered out of other men's gardens (the more my oversight) as the Bee sucketh forth honey from several sweet flowers, but collected and taken from the compass of mine own knowledge & experience of our time, in the view of mine eye, & reach of my reason. Yet had I beautified my Book, with the deep judgements of my betters, & filled the empty places & sentences void of learning, with some borrowed terms & fine translations, as wisely & learnedly some have done, my ignorance and boldness herein so soon had not been espied, and I might have found more pill●…rs and props to have sustained up from falling a long season, my weak and f●…eble workmanship, and tottering building: but wanting that provision and foresight, and bringing from the Printer my Book, I make myself and my credit subject to the worlds report, and must desire your honourable countenance, to the furthering of my good name, and liking of my work. And for that of late you were Ambassador in Flaunders, and have been long acquainted with the causes of that Country, I have dedicated my pains herein to your hands and protection, minding, if this be well accepted (as I doubt not but it shall be) to set forth another work, called, the calamity of France, the bloody broils of Germany, the persecution of Spain, the misfortune of Portugal, the troubles of Scotland, the misery of Ireland, and the blessed state of England, as knoweth the Lord of all Kingdoms, who accomplish and fulfil the good course your noble mind hath held, and make your desired hope to be as happy as your well won fame doth deserve honour.  
At your honourable commandment, Thomas Churchyard.   

¶ Flaunders bewails with bitter sorrow, the soar affliction of her state and Country.  

THe wife, that hath her husband lost, alone may sit and wail,  
Whose tears fast trickle down her cheeks as thick as showers of hail.  
The friend that far is from his fear, and wants a faithful mate,  
By view of foe, and fraud of world, laments his loss to late.  
The labouring man, that seas his land lie waste for want of plough,  
And can not well supply his lack, is fraught with sorrow throw.  
The sad and heavy minded wight, (of joy that takes no hold,)  
As mirth forsakes the stricken breast, hath heart full dead and cold.  
The Merchant whom the Pirate spoils, and in wide world is laft,  
May blame the wiles of wicked heads, and curse their cunning craft.  
The Captain which no soldiers hath, who lost his force by fight,  
Doth fold his arms, and wrings his hands, and sorrows day and night.  
But none of those compares with me, that left am as you know,  
In friendless sort, with many babes, like widow full of woe:  
That each man wrongs and few do help, and in mine aged days,  
Am made a prey to people strange, that plagues me many ways.  
I flourished once in pomp and pride, beyond my neighbours all,  
But where apace came in the tide, now flood begins to fall:  
And at low water mark I stand, that erst have floated still,  
My haven mouth is choked with sand, my loads men lack the skill,  
To pass the strayghtes, and safely bring, my bark to quiet port.  
Now waste and empty lie the towns wherein was greatre sort.  
And where my merchants traffic kept, now men of war do flock,  
And where the gates wide open stood, with bars and double lock  
Now are they shut and rammed fast, and bulwarks still we make,  
And o'er the walls the Cannon rores, whereat our houses shake.  
Our hearts in breast do tremble too, when we behold this change,  
O ruinous land, o soil forlorn, o doleful destiny strange,  
That throws a wealthy country down, and maketh strangers reign  
On harmless folk, and silly souls, and simple people plain.  
My fall (alas) I see at hand, and where was most my joy,  
The town where all my triumph was, shall be a second Troy.  
O Antwerp, weep thy fatal change, thy filth hath wrought thy foil,  
Thou waste the pirate of the world, that didst all nations spoil.  
And now I fear for thy foul facts, the world shall ring on thee,  
For by my scourge and common plague, thy dreary date I see.  
Yea many stately towns beside, well wallde and peopled both,  
Through wrath of God, and rage of war, to wrack and mischief goth.  
I was puffed up with Princely power, and worthy wariours stout,  
Who stood like friends, with push of pike, to keep proud enemies out.  
And whiles in deed we drew one yoke, great things poor Flaunders did,  
Whose former fame, and bright renown, in darkness now lies hide.  
Because my pillars shrink in holes, my nobles severed are,  
And for to please a foreign foe, casts off their country care.  
We never feared our fall, till now, the Faggots band is broken,  
And sticks flee out, yea all the house is full of flame and smoke.  
And in this heat and smother foul, the enemy spies his time,  
And ●…inely lays to catch the birds, the subtle snares and lime.  
O wilful waste and blindness great, that will not see the sore,  
Where boil gins to heal and burst, and breeds a cankered core.  
O running wits, that roves and shoots, at marks past reasons reach,  
O froward flock, and scholars rude, that no schoolman may teach.  
O wretched members of my state, that tears in sunder all,  
And seeks to give a cunning trip, to soot that would not fall.  
O carrion Crows, that follow flesh, and flee the fruit of spirit,  
O tipsy brains, and senseless heads, that knows not sour from sweet.  
My glory had not so declined, had you your duty done,  
You have no stay, your steps do slide, your feet a gadding run.  
Full many years, as 'cause you had, to England's aid you stood,  
And always leaned to that land, that most might do you good:  
And now to strangers, frame yourselves. your flitting may prove well,  
But with the cold conceit of this, in care doth Flaunders devil.  
My care is less, though shame be much, for your offence and foil,  
I bear the blame, and yours the fault, and I the only soil,  
That some shoots at, and plays upon, what play, o Lord, he knows.  
Some come as they were lookers on, but some have longer woes,  
That reacheth to the highest clouds, your quaffing seas not that,  
You swallow up a Camel great, and snatch a little gnat.  
I list no further speak of faults, nor teach you to agreed,  
But how so ere the matter goes, I warn you look to me.  
O staggering state that reeleth still, yet look unto thy strength,  
Or else my power and name shall slide, and thou shalt fall at length,  
And make a crack, as though in deed, ten thousand trees fallen down,  
O members mine, that me forgets, yet look to Antwerp town,  
That long hath lasted to my fame, and stood with greatest peers,  
With sword and shot in open plain, this many hundredth years.  
But all in vain that tale is told. What should I further speak,  
When might decays, and force of man, by finesse waxeth weak.  
My members must give place to time, and I therewith decay,  
As frost and Snow, and cakes of Ice, do melt on summers day.  
The heat of my good hap is gone, the prime of pomp is past,  
And as the warmth forsakes the world, the cold comes on as fast.  
The Spring but threatens fall of leaf, all bravery beggary brings,  
He wepes in want, that first in wealth, and top of triumph sings.  
Yet wellaway, and still woe worrh, the causers of my cry,  
Who rocks my people fast asleep, with many a farced lie.  
And fables forced for the nonce, o pause I go too far,  
My sloth, or sin, or foul carouse, is cause of all this war:  
That bibbing up deep bowls of wine, went drowsy home to bed.  
And saw not what shrewd matters lu●…kt, in sober subtle head.  
Well, since my fault, as people say, is partly cause of this,  
I must require the wondering world, to take it as it is:  
And by the same, a mirror make, that they in one agreed,  
And seek throw love and good accord, to shun the plagues of me,  
Who now laments, and cries alas, too late as wisdom shoes,  
And am compelled in hard extremes, to yield to mortal foes.   
FINIS.   

Of the Wars and troubles in Flaunders, during the reign of the Emperor Charles the fifth, and since those days a rehearsal of sundry things, till the late death of Don john de Austria.  
IN the reign of the mighty Emperor Charles the fi●…th, whose victories & conquests are registered in Chronicle, Flaunders did flourish with soldiers, abound in wealth, prospered in w●…r, and wanted neither wise men to make peace at their advantage, nor good governors, to maintain their public stare & common commodity: and yet their Country stood never free from troubles, nor their Towns, Forts, and fo●…tifications could any long while in quietness remain, the occasion whereof may proceed, either of the ambition of this greedy world, or the plagues prepared of God and poured on the people, whose wealth and pride was so great, that they were wart so wanton with abundance of treasure, that sometimes they fallen to open rebellion, treason, and insolency, and sometime to such disorder of life, as was not to be suffered. For the which cause, the Emperor made in Gaunt a great castle, and kept such a garrison in the same, as might fear the offenders, and animate good subjects in well doing. So the whole Country of Flaunders, Braban●…, Seland, Holland, Artoys, Henalt, Namure (and other members thereof whatsoever) were governed by a Regente, called the Queen of Hungary, sister to the Emperor, in which season fallen out many matters, but especially such wars as I mean to make mention of, and aught not to be forgotten in this short rehearsal of the affairs of Flaunders.  
Now to touch briefly the broils and business of those days, it is to be presupposed, that France had a claim to some parts of the Country of Flaunders, for which claim or greedy desire of dominion, a most cruel and pitiful war burst out between the Emperor, and the French King. And continuing long in divers exploits and exercises of arms, the King of Na●…arre with an army entered the low Country (near unto Saint Homer's) burning and spoiling what he thought convenient, or had by sword conquered.  
Monsieur Grand Maeter, called Count Dernes, did levy another power of Burgonyons, Flemings, and Englishmen, and so marched, to withstand the fury of the French, and encamped himself near unto the King of Navarre, called Duke de Vandoem, where was oftentimes hot skirmishes, and good leaping of dikes, the service was so well plied on both the parties. At which service, were sundry English bands, and many Gentlemen of England, as Sir Anthony Storley, Captain Matson, Francis Hor●…ey, Sir William Drury, Captain mitchel, Captain Plonket, Captain Hind, myself, and a great number of others, whose names I have forgotten.  
This business being done, and the Frenchmen retired, Monsieure Grand Maeter besieged Hedding, and battered the Castle, where Duke Orace was slain, and many other noble men of France, and at length, the Castle and Town was assaulted, and Captain Matsons Ancient was the first that entered the Town (William Hind bearing it) and gave the first sign of victory: after which Conquest, with the pause of three days advisement, the Castle of Hedding was yielded to Monsieur Dernes, and the French soldiers marched away with bag and baggage, to the great glory of the Burgonyons, and discontentment of the French.  
The Emperor not long after, with a puissant power, and a mighty army, besieged Meatz in Lorraine, in which Town was a great number of the flower of France placed, as Duke D'Aumail, Duke De Namures, and the Vidaem de Chartoys, a lusty and noble Gentleman, with which Vidaem was the Lord Charles Howard of Effingham that now is. And the French so worthily behaved themselves in that Town, (by sallies, and issuing out upon the Emperors Camp) that the Emperor was fain to raise his siege, with the loss of twenty thousand men by Sword and Pestilence, and so departed, and miss the thing he looked for▪  
From Artoys the mean while, Monsieur Grande Maeter, with a great power, went along the water of Some, and spoiled two Towns of good strength, the one called Noyon, and the other Roye, with a number of other villages. And in the same journey, before Pyroen, was Sir William Drury shot through the bridle hand by a Frenchman, that offered to break a Lance upon him, who threw down his staff when he should have put it in the rest, and so discharged his Dag at Sir William Drury, which was accounted the part of a Coward.  
At the same instant, or very soon after, the Frenchmen besieged Hedding again, where Monsieur Byron was, as General. His Father Mon. Grand Maeter came to raise the siege with a sufficient power, but came too late, for the French had won it the same night that we lay in Camp, within two leagues of Hedding, and Monsieur Byron coming away with bag and baggage, sent us word of his misfortune, which news so took away the courages of our people (I mean Burgonyons, and such as were in our Camp) that we marched without sound of Drum or Trumpet that night, to Saint Poule, a neutre Town on the frontiers, and the season was then so terrible cold, that all the way we had but Snow and sleet in our faces, with such a wind and blustering storm, as many died by the way, and many fallen sick of their sudden and sore travel.  
Here I must a little tell you of the strange manner of both our Camps at all times and extremities, which in deed was of the world to be wondered at: for the French would sometimes make haste to follow us, but when they came near, then would they retire, with as great expedition, as they made haste before: and in like sort, we followed them upon the like advantage. But when our Camp came in the smell of their Powder, away we trudged as fast (God knows,) without any great occasion. And in this trade and manner the whole forces of both the sides continued a marvelous time, and yet assuredly on both parts were many stout and valiant Captains, and men of such fame, as to these days there are but a few left alive of their worthiness.  
About this time Rentie was besieged, where many noble things were done, so valiantly, and with such courage and conduct, as merits great praise: but in fine, the French were feign to withdraw themselves, and the Burgonians succoured the Fort with no little loss or hazard.  
The great City and Town of Arras had like to have been betrayed, but the treason was espied, and the practise prevented, to some loss of the French side.  
Monsieur Dernes died, and in his place came Monsieur Benningcourt, who, being Grand Master, prepared to besiege Dorlean, and lay near it with a huge power, the French by a great policy, laid an ambush of horsemen and footmen in a place convenient, and the Burgonions casting no doubt, went about some enterprise, and fallen in the lapse of the French, where was a marvelous great fight and sharp encounter, horsemen to horsemen, at the least five thousand on a side, and the Burgonians at the first won a gyddon or two from the French, and took many prisoners. But in the end, the broil began to be so hot, that the Prince of P●…anoys was smored to death in his armour, and the Duke of Ascot was taken prisoner, and the Burgonions were forced to make the best shift for themselves that they could, at which service and other exploits before, was Sir William Drury, and most of the Gentlemen and soldiers of England before named.  
Hedding was again besieged by the Burgonions, and won from the French, and razed to the very ground, to the utter disgrace of the French, and great glory of the other side.  
The Emperor his own person, and his sister the Regent, came with a wonderful great army to Cambris, and abode the French Kings coming, for a battle. The French King came, and presented the battle, with such a multitude of brave Soldiers, horsemen and footmen, as seldom I ever saw before, and in deed they marched full in the face and view of the emperors camp, which was so entrenched, that the French could not have any advantage, and so, after the great ordinance had go off a long season, the French in a most noble and brave order retired.  
A strong and goodly Town called Turwaine, was besieged by the Burgonions, battered and assaulted, at which assault we lost many men. But the Spaniards were even with the town after: For at a parley, the spaniard, suddenly entered the town, and so a great murder of all sorts of people was made, in so much, that I saw sundry wounded and sick Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, leap down from the top of the walls, but that prevailed not, for the murder continued, and the town was clean spoiled, thrown down, and razed in most cruel despite.  
There was many other services in Flaunders, the which I see not at that season, wherefore I do commit the report thereof to those that are better experimented with the causes, and have a mind to set them out at large. For my only meaning was, but briefly to make a rehearsal of such things as I knew to be true, and may not weary a willing Reader.  
Now after a number of broils and warlike affairs were ended, the Emperor and the Queen of Hungary took shipping, and went into Spain, and ended their lives in a Monastery, and in Flaunders was placed, King Philip, in whose time was many great acts done, and sundry battles worthily got.  
The greatest of those victories was at Saint Quintines, which town King Philip besieged. To the rescue of the same town, the French King sent the chiefest of all his nobility with a puissant power, but the King of Spain his hap was to encounter them, and overthrow them: and making a great slaughter, took the high Constable of France, and many other honourable and mighty personages prisoners. The town of Saint Quintines notwithstanding, stood to the mercy of the sword, and would not yield in any respect. Whereupon a General assault was roundly given, in going to the which assault, the Lord Henry Dudley was slain, a lusty and toward Gentleman, but in ●…ine, with much ado, and very great service and slaughter, Saint Quintines was wone and spoilt, and an English Gentleman (now sir Nicholas Malby) of good valour and courage, wan Saint Quintines head, which was held as a great and holy Relic among the Frenchmen.  
At this siege was the Earl of Pembroke sent from Queen Mary, as General over five thousand Englishmen, and in that company, the Lord Grey of Wilton, the Earl of Leycester, called then Lord Robert Dudley, and the Lord Henry his brother, Lord Bray, Lord Delawaer, Sir William Courtney, Sir john Pollard, and a great number of nobility, and worthy Gentlemen, which being mustered and put in order of battle on Saint Peter's green by Calais, made as gallant a show as was seen in those parts a long season before.  
King Phillippe being happy in wars, and having always, or the most part, victory (and advantage over the French) made what stir or business he pleased, during the time of his abode in Flaunders, and departing to Spain, left the Duchess of Parma as Regent. But about that season, or anon after, the French King sent Monsieur de Termes, who was General of Calais (when England had lost it) with ten thousand soldiers, to destroy a great piece of the low country, and they prospered a while, and burnt Donkirke, and Berges, and sundry other Towns and villages. But the Count De Egmond, with a noble band of Burgonions, gave a charge upon Monsieur de Termes before Gravelin, and overthrew his whole army, leaving but a few horsemen to run away and make report of the conflict. Our ships on the Sea (as some say) did further much this victory.  
Thus all this while did Flaunders moste manfully an●… stoutly strive with the Frenchmen, and got commonly●… twice so much as they lost, either by martial feats in field, or policy at home in peace. And surely Flaunders had the name to have as great soldiers, and as wise counsellors, as any one part of Christendom. Let their acts in our days be a testimony to try their valour and worthiness, and for my part I go no further in their fame and glory, than all their neighbours can bear witness of, and hath been seen in the compass of thirty years, of which time I have had some trial among them of their wars and experiences in martial causes. But what can man's force or policy do, when God withdraws his goodness from the people●… Did not Rome flourish many years, and conquered in a manner the greater part of the world? Did not Carthage, Thebes, Athens, Florence, Genewa, Venice, Naples, and a number of other Kingdoms and signiories, abound in wealth and glory? and now at these days are but a few of them left able to compare with this little Island. And to speak of Flaunders, though I known the day when it might have compared with the greatest state that I have named, the greater is the fall thereof at this present, and the more it is to be lamented, not only because it was our ancient neighbour and friend, but for that it was a famous and rich country, which I leave to God's ordinance and appointment, purpos●…ng to follow the matter I have taken in hand.  
The Duchess of Parma remaining Regent, had much ado to quiet things in her time, for the state began to be divided, and a quarrel between the Cardinal Granduiell, and Monsieur Degmond (who gave the Cardinal a blow) increased such dissension, as could not be a long w●…ile be pacified: and then the Prince of Orange, Count de Horn, Count de He●…traed, and others of the greatest calling, advanced Religion, and brought such matters in question, as bred great business and bloodshed.  
The first of this ruffling and stir began at Antwerp, where they threw down Images, and made a great uproar among the common people, so that they fallen to sides and factions, and thereby a grudge of rancour took root in their hearts, in such sort, that the one side sought the others overthrow and utter subversion.  
At this time, a great City called Valentian, taking hold and savour of Religion, revolted from the Regent, which town was besieged a long season by the Regent's power, and by practice and policy surprised, taken, and cruelly handled.  
But in the mean season, there was one called Monsieur Tolouse, that assembled a company of soldiers, to the number of two thousand, and fortified a place near Antwerp, called Auste●…uiel, in mind to exercise Religion there, and to draw as many unto them, as were favourers of that enterprise.  
The Regent hearing thereof, with all expedition sent Monsieur Beavoys, with a sufficient hand, both of horsemen & footmen, which set upon Monsieur Tolouse his company (when they were not well provided to withstand such a charged) and overthrew the whole assembly, putting to the sword as many as they could lay hand upon, with as great terror and cruelty, as could any way be imagined.  
The common people of Antwerp standing on their walls, and beholding this murder and massacre, began to murmur at the matter, and so burst out in open words of malice, and sworn to revenge the bloodshed they beheld of their brethren and countrymen. Whereupon a common cry was sodain●…ly raised throughout the streets, of Vive le geuxe, & all the people arming themselves in every part of the City, came running to the Mear Broeg, a wide and large street, adjoining to the Borse, & when they had assembled together to the number of ten thousand shot, and armed men, they determined to march out of the town, and meet Monsieur Beavoys, as he returned from Austreviel. But in the market place was assembled twelve Ancients of the Regent's side, who had the keys of the gates, and so kept the people from their purpose a little season.  
But the multitude was so great, and the people swarmed so thick in every place, that the Regentes power in the Market place were ●…aine to draw the Cannons from the walls, and gather their friends together from all parts of the City, and having a great power, all in one place, they charged all their Cannons and great pieces with hail shot, and did fortify themselves in the Market place very strongly.  
The night before, one captain Bright, and captain Maria an Italian, had broken all the bridges and passages, that the people of the City should have go over, or have had any passage at, which was done upon some suspicion they had conceived of a revolt.  
The people being with this and other occasions made angry, and brought in a rage, began furiously to go about the walls, and kept together by thousands and multitudes, the number whereof could not easily be known: but they were judged in all to be five and twenty thousand able men, and yet among them had they no special Captain, no●… any that would take upon him to sh●…w what was necessary to be done, in this their extreme hazard and danger.  
The Prince of Orange, the Count de Horn, the Count de Host●… Monsieur Decaerdes, & all the nobility being afraid to offend the King with an open revolt, did persuade the Regent's power, to make peace with the people, and about that persuasion they spent three long hours. But the Regent's power being experimented Soldiers, would loose no occasion to conquer their enemies. And on that point they stood so sti●…elye, that they determined presently to give the commoners a battle, and try out the matter by sword, and not by sweet persuas●…ons. And to perform the same, they set all in order, and were ready to march into the City, and meet with the people, as by fortune they might any way encounter them.  
The Prince, and the Nobility much grieved with this bloody resolution, repaired towards the people, and told them all the matter, and willed them to go to their own houses, and he would see, that all things should be well ended.  
The people liked no whit that council, and gave the Prince evil words, and a great number of them burst into my lodging. And because the Prince had made of me before, (and that they known I had served in the Emperors days,) they called me forth, and said I should be their leader, which thing I refused as far as I dared, alleging, I was ignorant of such affairs: whereupon, they bend their pikes on me in a great fury. I beholding the extremity I was in, gave them my faith, and so came into the street among the rest of their company, where I was so received, as few would have believed the manner thereof, but such as had seen it. Witness Sir Thomas Gressam.  
Then knowing the danger we were in, and finding no way so good for our expectation, as speedily to prevent the harms the enemies might do us, I drew the whole power into a strong piece of ground, called Nova Vielle, digged and defenced of itself, and took out of the company an eight thousand soldiers well appointed, and marched to one of the Gates. And beating down a little postern with bars of iron, we sallied out into the fields, to encounter Monsieur Beavoys, giving cha●…ge to a thousand shot, to keep the postern, till we returned in again, which duly did their endeavour, as well for their own lives, as our safety. But wanting horsemen to discover the enemy, and having no fit ground to avoid the charge of the enemies horsemen, which came lustily on a great gallop to hold us in play till their footmen had overtaken them, we softly and orderly retired, leaving in the face of the enemy a sufficient company of shot, that galled their horses, & held them at a stay, till we had recovered the town again, which done, we shut up the postern, and left men to guard it, and so came to our power, that had in this season furnished themselves with weapon, powder, shot, armour, and all things necessary for a battle.  
At our coming in, the prince of Orange came to me, & gave me thanks, for saving the lives of so many men that had been abroad, which Monsieur Beavoys was like enough to overthrow, because he had a great band of horsemen in his camp.  
The Regentes power in the market place hearing, that our men would fight, and had prepared things for that purpose, and seeing our company increase continually, stood in a doubt and durst not issue out of the market place, which was well fortified and guarded round about with great chains and great pieces rammed full of hail shot, and other mischief meet for a murder.  
Now I asked of my company, if they would fight, and desired such as would be in their houses to departed, whereat they flung up a thousand Caps, and cried, arm, arm, Battallia, Battallia, vive le geuxe. I hearing this cry, and noting their courage, as well as I could, set them in order, and took with all possible speed the high way towards the Market place, willing all those that would save their houses from spoiling, to aid us with Munition, and such things as we wanted. And as soon as we came to C●…pper str●…et, we sent four thousand shot to enter (on a warning given) on the backs of our enemies, which they were ready to do when we joined in battle.  
The day was fair, and the people left in their houses, rejoiced so at our coming by them, and made such a shout and cry, that we had good hope of victory: and to attain the same, we marched a great pace, cr●…ing all the way Vive le geuxe, in so much, that the very noise of this cry came to the hearing of the enemy, and neither Drum nor Trumpet could be herded of any side, the cry that we made was so great, (the like of which noise since I was born I never heard.) And as we approached almost to the mouth of the Cannon, and view of the enemy, the Prince of Orange, and all the Nobility (to save blood, and the lives of thousands) came between both the armies, and desired us to retire, declaring, the enemy was stronger (by mean of their good soldiers and artillery) than we: and as he said, it was impossible for us to enter upon them. At which words, our people fallen in so great a rage, that they cried, kill the Prince, and surely, had not some saved him (I name them not) he had been slain. But both the Prince, and a number of the noble men, being frighted with the furious folly of the people, retired so hastily forward, that their Horses fallen down: and the Prince being conveyed safely into another Street, we took the advantage of time. And making a show, as though we had overthrown these noble men, we marched immediately upon the enemy, crying s●…ill Viu●… le geuxe, and they beholding our boldness, and perceiving the sho●…te that should have entered on the back side of them, without giving fire to any piece, cried in like sort Vive le geuxe, and yielded themselves, without any stroke strike, unto us, in most humblest sort and manner, simply and plainly. A thing to be wondered at, and could not be brought to pass but only by God's ordinance.  
Now having this peaceable victory, we sought all possible means to rest in surety, and come by that we desired, which was (as the people confessed) the liberty of the Gospel. And for our most advantage, we took with us divers of the enemies chiefetaynes, and four and twenty Cannons and great pieces, which they had all ready charged, and marching from the enemy, we came to the Mear Br●…eg, and there encamped, chaining and choking the corners of every street with Cartes, big timber, Barrels, and other necessaries, to hold out the enemy, and to debate the matter at the push of the Pike, if need required. And finishing these fortifications, we thrust every window full of shot that might serve for the flanking of the streets, (and command the rest of the houses in the compass of our shot) that nothing might be a let or hind●…rance to our desired hope.  
By this time, the Prince had the keys of the Town, and no man could either enter, or go out, without the licence of the people encamped in the Mear Broeg, for we kept the watch and ward, and had the only rule of all Antwerp, without any impeachment or contradiction.  
And about midnight after this victory, divers of the soldiers in great companies came unto me, and desired to go and spoil the Catholics houses. I told them, that it was more meet to watch and be in readiness for the enemy, for the Prince had told me, how they prepared to assault our Camp the same present night, which policy kept our people in quiet: and further, I knew, if we had spoiled one house, we should have ransacked the whole Town, and when I had got any treasure, I being a stranger, should have had my throat cut for my goods. But in very earnest, I made the Prince privy to all those things I did, or intended to do, which kept the best of the company in fear to offend, and made the worst reform themselves, before they committed any violente act, or fallen into open disorder and folly.  
The second day, the enemies began new practices, and the Margrave and Burgo masters went busily about some mischief towards us, and devised many ways how they might weaken our power, and augment their own strength, and had secret communication with many of our camp (who were rich men of the Town) to bring to pass the effect of their devices.  
About dinner time, I being with the Prince at the Table, the people had broken into the Friars, and spoiled their house, which was a beginning of a bloody business, had it go forward. The Prince hearing thereof, sent me to pacify the hurly burly, and I came, when six Friars were going to hanging, and the people were determined to kill all the Papists in the Town, especially the Priests, monks, and Friars: but I persuaded the people to be in quiet, and preserved the lives of the Friars, and thousands of their betters, both honest Gentlemen, and wealthy burgesses. The same night, the rudest, and most disordered of all our company, came in a great heat, and told me, that in one Bats his house, an Englishman, was a great flock of Friars and Religions people, and all the treasure that they could gather and bring: but by this time had a practice of the Burgo Masters taken such place, that I was fain to keep watch all the night, with all the armed men, & chief shot in our Camp, and yet clean against our hope; divers of our people were fled from us to a contrary side.  
Then I was sent to the Prince from our people, to demand what was the meaning of these matters, for he had daily conference with the Borgo Masters, and others, about a common quietness (which our rude and basest sort of soldiers understood not.) And the Prince to my demand answered some what sharply, and declared, that the Calui●…stes had sworn to kill the Martinistes, which he would not suffer, and by the threatening of himself to his own face the first day, he smelled some such smoke as would breed a furious slain of fire. Wherefore he willed the people to use more temperance, and show more fidelity and service to God and his person.  
This message so vexed the vain heads of numbers in our Camp, that they determined to the last drop of their bloods to maintain their purpose for their lives and liberty. And the gravest and wisest sort, who were of great wealth and experience, confessed openly, that the brute raised, for the kill of the Martinistes, was a device of some devilish invention, to set brethren at variance. But in a little while after, our company grew so weak, that we were but fifteen thousand left, of five and twenty, which fifteen thousand were become so resolute, that they purposed the next morning to give all their enemies a battle, and s●…are, neither to spare one nor other. And in this heat and fury, they bad me look to my promise, and keep my faith, for they doubted not, but God would give them victory, for their quarrel was only for the advancement of God's glory and his word.  
The next day, the enemies grew very strong, what with Spaniards Easterlings, Burgonions, Almains, and Martinistes, the streets were all covered with their assemblies. And we hearing they were sparkled abroad, and without order, suddenly we thought to charge them: and so putting ourselves in battle, began to march: the brute whereof so amazed the enemies, that they caused the Prince to sand and stay us, and that they were glad to talk of peace, and would not any way offend us, the Prince sent. Whereupon we stayed, and I was again sent from the people to the Prince, to will all our adversaries immediately to lay down weapon, and go home to their houses, for otherwise there was no hope of peace. The Prince willed me to persuade them to go home first, and promised that all the City should be in quiet, so soon as they were in their houses: to the which I replied, and said, that our people were now able and strong enough to debate the matter in any manner of sort, and being in their houses, and the enemy in armour, the surety of our people might be doubtful. And I known I should but offend the people, to bring them news, that they must give place to their enemies, when they were masters of the Town, and the enemy scattered abroad, and not like to be in order, if we took the advantage that God had put into our hands. Wherefore in hast there was no more to be said, but either the enemy must defend & fight, or without delay withdraw themselves home ward, and let them use victory that got it.  
The Prince gave no answer to this, and our men halled me away, that were sent to the Prince with me. And when I came to the people, there was a new cry, Vive le geuxe, Batallions, Batallions, and such a shout and noise was suddenly raised, as made the enemy afraid and trem●…le, and the whole Town to draw to some accord and pacification. And in great post haste came a messenger from the enemies, that they would lay down weapon, and agree, that there should be a free liberty of Preaching, and no person should (of this our assembly) be troubled, for any matter or cause committed. And to perform this that the enemies offered, they promised to swear on a Bible, and so they did, at which oath and offer our people rejoiced, and clapped hands, but still they manfully stood in order of battle. The enemies duly observed the appointment made, and went every man to his lodging, accordingly as the order was taken, and when we saw and found all things in quiet, we marched along the streets with ancient displayed, and as every man came by his own house, he entered. But before we were all placed in our lodgings, it grew very late. Thus ended this great revolt, without bloodshed or hurt to any one person living. And for our pains, and true performance in things that we promised, we reaped trouble and persecution: and in a little season after, both Prince and people were driven through a thousand hazards, to save life and liberty. The Prince was fain to departed to a Town of his own called Breda, and having hast away (or for some great cause) left his son and heir called Monsieur Debuer in Louvain at School: and divers Gentlemen shifted away as they might: among the rest I seambled hardly into England, being laid for, and yet so disguised, that I escaped the hands of my enemies, who had a commandment from the Regente, to put me to death with Martiali law (a bad recompense for so great good and diligence bestowed on her people, and a naughty reward for the fruit of a good meaning mind.)  
Flaunders, and all the low countries belonging to the King of Spain, after this time, fallen in a marvelous mislike of King Philip's friends, and so to bridle that Country, and keep the people in awe and fear, were appointed straight laws, and severe governors. And among the rest of cruelties, the inquisition was thought a necessary curb or plague, to persecute the heads that were thrust out too far. And with this inquisition was sent from King Philip the Duke of Alva, a grave Prince, but a stern and stout soldier, at whose coming, the Duchess of Parma was to depart, and to yield the government to the aforesaid Duke of Alua. And to fetch him into the Country, went the Count Degmond, and all the Nobility of Fla●…ders, whereof some were either in Religion, or other causes, to King Philip, offenders before. But neither their offering of service, nor diligent attendance, could pluck him from his purpose, that came for a pretenced persecution and s●…ourge, prepared for people that God appointed to be plagued. And the Duke of Al●…a minding the matter he came for, and forgetting no advantage that might be taken in time, began roughly, and with some rigour, to show the power and commission he had, sparing neither purse, c●…ming, nor practise, to accomplish his desire, and bring to full effect by sword and policy the substance of a plot and ground, settled in his judgement. And going on a determined course (neither revocable, nor to be controlled) like a Hercules, that would set Pillars where never none had been, proceeded so far in his own opinion and resolute mind, that he feared the offenders so much, that glad was the man (of what degree soever he was) that by submission might purchase his favour. And he finding himself thus feared and sought unto, used his forces and extremities, to subdue by violence that which some governors by sweet persuasions would have reform: whereupon, he laid hands on the Count Degmonde, Count De Horn, and many others, that he thought would be a let to that he went about, and had at his commandment for the execution of these causes▪ a great number of Spanyardes and Strangers, that gaped for nothing else, but the lives and goods of those, that either rigour of law, or severe justice had condemned: so without delays, or deferring of punishments, upon an open Scaffold, to the great terror of the beholders, Count Degmonde, and Count De Horn were beheaded, after their araynement & condemnation made: and many others were not only daily troubled, but likewise were put to death, and a general persecution was ministered and felt through the whole Country of Flanders.  
The Spaniards, as masters and rulers of all Forts, Towns, and strong holds, prospered in wealth, bravery, and benefit, and become so haughty and stout, that neither Burgonion nor Fleming dared struggle with them, in aim sort or manner: by which means, the people murmured, and thought all amiss, but known not how to amend any piece thereof. Wherefore they put their necks willingly in the yoke, and drawn that way that the Spanyardes would wrist them, offering no resistance to any insolence or disordered behaviour that the spaniard might use towards them. And in that kind of servitude the poor Country continued a long season.  
Upon the mislike of some ●…ractions, and other straight handlings, there grew a grudge and a common hatred among the people against the Spaniards, but they were so hardly held & looked unto, that both their power failed to answer their minds, and their courage was daunted, and could do nothing in recovering their former liberties and privileges belonging to their state. Then divers fleddé from their patrimonies and living, and came to the Count Lodwick, who had gathered a good power, and lay in Friesland to annoy the Spaniards, and wi●…e a Town called Groening. And this valiát Earl had many followers and favourers, and many times wan of the Spaniards, and put them to the foil. But in conclusion, his people being not all sound (nor so desirous to sight as they were willing to have wars) in a manner at a great extremity and push of service, for sook their noble Captain, & cowardly behaved themselves, when valiancy should most have been seen, and force of manhood & sword might by fortune have gotté great victory. In which over sight & feeble spirit of the Almains, the Count Lodwick was put to flight, all his pow●…r either overthrown or dispersed, and he himself forced to make shift in the best manner he could (having lost at this encounter seven thousand men, and all his camp spoiled, and no one thing left at his power and commandment, that before his enemies had no power of. Master Crewes, an ancient Souldioure, was at this overthrow with the Count Lodowick.  
The Spaniards, as occasion fallen out, on this victory (besides the other great hopes they had) waxed some what more stout than they were wont to be, and having the bridle cast on their necks, (and holding the bit in their teeth) ran what course they thought convenient, not fearing the mire that a headstrong horse might happen in, nor suspecting any danger that overmuch liberty might bring them to, fallen after in a mischievous Labyrinth, and could not get out of the same, since that present time, to this day, as hereafter in plain discourse shall appear.  
Now the Country of Flaunders, perceiving that the Spaniards sought not to preserve the people thereof, nor use any mean to increase credit, and continued in good liking, and finding (as they thought) those that should have proved guides and shepherds, become Wolves and spoilers of their common wealth, the willing obedience of thousands grew to a common contempt and wilful stubbornness, and few was the number were left willingly to obey the Duke of alva's direction, and new devised orders that the strangers had offered them.  
So some ran to the Prince of Orange, some fled to England, (and that in great numbers) some slipped into France, and some were ready to turn any way, and go where Fortune assigned them. And great was the grief that some did feel, that tarried at home, who gladly kept silence, and watched a season to utter their malice, or avoid their present mischief.  
Flaunders and all the low country being in this perplexity, began to decline and wax feeble, both of force and courage: the soldiers little set by: their merchants despised: and their noble men so daunted (by means of the pride of the spaniard, and plague of the ●…nquisition) that they thought themselves rather in a slavish bon●…age, than handled like subjects: and would have feign shaken ●…st the yoke of this servitude, but their power was so small, and their misery so great, that little or nothing at all could they do, and were forced to bear and su●…er with patience, a burden most heavy, and a load that overcharged both body and conscience.  
The Prince of Orange having hope, that sundry of the towns and streets of the Country, in this extremity would have joined with him (for the recovering of their liberty and privileges) drew himself among his friends in Germany, and practised for money and men to be ready with an army to encounter the Duke of Alva, and either by battle to end though miseries of Flaunders, or by strong hand to drive out the perturbers of their publske state and quietness.  
And so resolved to try, what good fortune, and fast friends would do in those affairs. He remained at his house (ten dutch leagues beyond Collen) called Dille●…burgh, a goodly seat, and a fair strong Castle, to which place repaired many noble personages of Germany and Captains of great conduct and charge, to devise and talk of matter convenient for the purpose rehearsed. In which communication was concluded, that as soon as an army might be levied, they would meet and assemble at an Abbey near unto Andernake, which Monastery was beyond the river of Rhein, and stood well for the surety of the people that there should be mustered.  
It came well to pass after a long provision, and that a brave regiment of Frenchmen were ready (that Monsieur Maulberg brought out of France) that the Prince & his people met & assembled at this Abbey, in such warlike sort and order, as gave a great hope of some high attempt and enterprise. For in very troth, the Count de Hostraet, a noble worthy man, the Count Lodwick a most valiant soldier, were come to the Prince, and brought with them a great band of Burgonions of great and good houses, and such as had been well experimented in wars. And a marvelous company of Swarfe Rutters, high Almains, and Sweessers were come from Germany, and at one instant and time they met all together, and muster was taken of aleaven thousand horsemen, and two and twenty thousand footmen, which made so noble a show when they were assembled, as (me thought) was worthy the noting, and might encourage any soldier to march among, and keep company withal.  
The Prince had prepared so great a treasure, that immediately after the army was mustered, there was a general pay for two months, and out of hand order was taken for to pass over the great river of Rhein, not far from Andernak, the town being glad to stand as our friends, and aid us with all that they might. And so marching forward as direct a way towards Flaunders, as was thought necessary, we encamped between Boen and Collen, where the Flemings and high Almains had of the Frenchmen in our Camp received some words of reproach, touching the overthrow that the Count Lodwick had at Groening in Freeslande: on which words, the Almains being full of wine, made a mutiny, and put themselves in battle, and shot off their small pieces, and began a foul business. To appease the same broil, all the whole army were in arms, and the Swarfe Rutters were mounted, and were come into the field, the French and Burgonions took one side, and the Almains and Rutters another, and so there was a great murder: but it dured not long, for the Prince of Orange & his brother Count Lodwick, by much entreaty stayed the strife.  
The Duke of alva's Camp heard of this mutiny, and had not a great river been between our Camp and his power, we had smarted for the folly the Almains committed. But as by wisdom and hap of good heads, sell out better things than was looked for, and all matters were quieted, and she beginners of this uproar and madness, were by martial law punished.  
After this, we encamped before Ayex Ocorken, where commonly the Emperor is crowned, a great City not very far from Mastricke, the people whereof did fear to be besieged, and so with a great sum of money redeemed their town. The Spaniards the near unto our camp showed themselves, and were repulsed to their loss, and so the camp marched a little further in a most brave and gallant order.  
The Prince of Orange used here a noble policy: first he sent to the Bishop of Leeg, willing him to let his army pass through the City of Leeg, promising to pass quietly▪ the Bishop being wily, sent the Prince word, that he would make a bridge by the City, for the army to pass over at, and made the Duke of Alva pr●…uy to his practice, who should have been on the other side of the water with his army, to have received our people. Which Stratagem the Prince suspected, but yet with fair words he held the Bishop in belief, he would pass over the bridge, and took the offer thankfully, and a day was appointed, that all things should be in a readiness. But in the mean time, the Prince by good espial, tried out the fine fetch and cunning of the bishop, and suddenly, when no one man in our army known which way we should march, the Drum was sounded, and our carriages going towards Leeg, and all our faces turned that way, and marched a good while as though the Prince meant to pass over the bridge spoken of. And when our people began most to doubt some danger, & talked of the hazard, the Prince caused our army to turn their faces, (& by that time night approached) and having good guides, we marched swiftly without making any noise. ij. Dutch leagues down the rivers side called Moesse, that wether being foul, & the night very dark. And surely a sore journey it was, & a long march. But in the morning at the dawning of the day, we came to a shallow place of the water, where was a ford to pass over, and so much expedition was made, that eleven thousand horse and two and twenty thousand footmen were passed over the water in one days labour: but the legs of the horses kept up the water so long a season, that the river rose a yard in height, by which means, many horsemen & footmen were drowned, & all our victual had taken great wet, and was in a manner marred and spoiled quite. Notwithstanding, to our great hope and comfort, our camp was now in Flaunders, and our enemies were deceived utterly of their expectation and device.  
Now after this labour, we tarried over long to refresh the army, for three days were spent in idleness, in which time, the enemies head and body was occupied, little to our advantage: yet the third day we marched full upon the enemies camp, which day was so clear, and the country so plain to march in, that all the order of our camp might be throughly discerned. And who that had seen the glistering battles of footmen, and the awful show and troops of the horsemen (which w●…re not a few) would never in his life days forget that noble assembly: for it was a wonder of the world, to see so many brave and lusty soldiers together (and as it seemed) every man was bend to battle, and prepared with weapon and courage to conquer a Kingdom. And undoubtedly, the most of our camp looked that night for a combat and sharp encounter, for the enemies were three and thirty thousand footmen, and five thousand and eight hundredth horsemen, and gallant lads both well furnished and well disposed, which was argument enough, that they would look us in the faces: their leader in like sort, a grave Prince, and an ancient & wise soldier, always stout and honourable. But neither we feared his force, nor doubted his policy, but marching towards him, came in view of his camp, and so néer●…▪ 〈◊〉, that his great Cannons went off at our ●…ple, and cure pieces played lustily on his power again, and a hot skirmish began with eg●…e desire on both sides to get glory, blood and victory. But the Duke had entrenched his Camp so strongly round about, that our horsemen could not give a charge. And peradventure all our Swarfe Rutters were not of one mind, as the sequel hereafter may show. Thus in s●…irmishe all the day was spent, in somuch, that at night we were feign to encamp ourselves on a top of a hill, full in the enemies eye, the service dured so long and late, we could not be better provided.  
The Duke of Alva at three of the clock after midnight dislodged his Camp, went from Mastricke, where he la●…, and marched along the river side towards Leeg very closely, and without brute or sound of Trumpet: and at the peep of day, our vancurrers had a view of the enemies, and we might at the length perceive them fully, and behold the whole order of their battles and march. Our people being moved with that ●…ighte (albeit it was somewhat fearful to faint courages) offered the skirmish, & continued in the same a long time: butiour meaning was, to march into Flaunders, and get some Towns for our succour, and money for the relief of the soldiers. So we came to a Town called Tonger, and took in the same a number of Waggoris loaden with victual, that was going to the Duke's camp: and from thence to Sentr●…e an other great Town we marched, which Town was strong, and stood against us, till they see the battery placed, them was it yielded, & somewhat spoilt, where religious people were found: and it redeemed itself for a sum of money, and remained in peace, when we marched further into the country.  
The Duke followed our Camp daily, and waited so upon us, that the stragglers were soon sent home, and y● whole army took great heed and care of all things they did. The wether was most part foul, and the ways seldom fair, and victuals ever hard to come by, by mean of a commandment and charge given by the Duke to the Boor's and Countrymen, who continually did annoyed us as they might, breaking bridges, Mills, & all other things that should do us good, for the which, their houses and stacks of corn were burned, and their wives and family, when we took them, were very ill entreated.  
This scarc●…tie of victual, and cruelty of the Countrymen increased daily, and as it was reported, divers of good calling broke promiss with the Prince, & drew an other way, which in very deed pintched and wrong the heart in the breast of those that wisely weighed the inconstanc●…e of the world, and such as had not made before good provision, were put to their plunge, and felt penury and indigence enough: and as victual warred scant, so garments, horse-shoes, and other necessaries could not be got for money, that was a misery remedile●…e, and a mischief, that neither man nor beast might easily abide. Yet as for victuals, some shift with sword was made, that people perished not in extreme lack and want of sustentation.  
Many days and seasons we pingled and struggled with the Spaniards for bread and other cates, and often we met with them in the Towns, villages; & open fields, and skirmished at the very skirts of their camp, procuring them to fight. But the Duke would have no battle, and our Rutters were so wise, that they would make the war long, to bring good bags, & full purses, & Wagons home to their houses, when the Prince should retire. But whatsoever might be judged of the matter, the soldiers on both sides were sometimes loathe to encounter, except upon a great advantage, & much procurement to the same, they were pricked forward, to ●…eeke adventures, and feel the force of Fortune.  
The Prince being once near Louvain, & thought to have besieged the town (by the watch & waiting on him that the Duke used) was driven to seek many ways to compass that he sought: one while to bid the base to the Duke's company, & another while to practise (for the preventing of mischief) all the means that possible could be devised: & retiring sometimes to make the Duke follow: & following sometimes to put the enemies to flight, if fortune so favoured, & occasion could be taken, & hovering up & down a great time in the manner rehearsed before, he had to pass by Tillemont, a bridge between two woods, which bridge his enemy thought to guard, or at the lest, to show some exploit at: & encamping themselves near the Prince, the Prince's vanguard & main battle, marched towards the passage. The Duke (to occupy y● tune till his purposed device took place) made as though he would have bidden battle, & came full before the rearguard of the Prince, to a waters side, having on both his wings a mighty wood, and guarded behind with wagons & carriages, & hasted apace towards the Prince with all his power. The Prince very glad to see the enemy so desirous of battle, approached with his rearguard near the enemy, & sent with speed for the vanguard & main battle, to come back again for causes convenient, which came, & in open field presented themselves in order of battle to the enemy: but the Duke kept him and his power beyond the water, and yet put out divers bands to hold the Prince in play, & draw our people near the great and small shot. The Burgonions, Rutters, Almains, & most of the lustiest soldiers about the Prince, ran so courageously to this encounter and piece of service, that sundry were galled & hurt at the first charge, and few or none that adventured any thing at all, but escaped hardly the danger of body, & loss of life, the ground which the enemies had choose was so full of advantage, & the Spaniards so valiantly maintained the skirmish. Notwithstanding, the Prince's power augmented continually, and plied the service, in such sort, that the enemies perforce were driven into their main battle. But this bickering endured so long, that the day was far spent, and numbers of our men were hurt. Among the chief a noble man (and a special spark of life) called the Count De Hostraet, was shot through the leg, of which wound, after he died. And as many stout soldiers that season served well and worthily, so was none more to be commended, than the Count De Lume, a Leagoyse, otherwise called Count De la Marsh, who only came to the Prince with a brave band of Horsemen, for the revengement of his Cousin's death the Count Degmond, which lost his head, as before you have herded.  
Now what should more be said of this matter, but that the Duke in this mean season had conveyed five thousand shot (the leading whereof had julian Romero) to the bridge and straight passage, not far from Tillemont. And this julian, as he was a marvelous valiant and good soldier, of great experience, fame, forwardness, and antiquity, so did he so cunningly in a wood at this present lay an ambush, that it was to be wondered at: the manner whereof followeth.  
First, when he came to this straight, he caused the Spanyardes (which in good sooth were noble soldiers, and resolute men) to lie flat on their faces, and as closely as could be devised, without making brute or business: and commanded, that no one man should be so hardy as to stir, till he gave a warning and watchword. Which the Spaniards obeyed in every point, for they are men of great obedience & vigilancy, where they aught to be ready, & at commandment.  
The Prince having a mind and good occasion to pass this strait before the night came on, marched towards the bridge, and all the way the Duke waited on him, making many offers to have given battle: and still great service was to be seen, and the enemy was ever occupied, to blear our eyes the better. And yet the Prince to prevent mischief, sent a number of Almaigne shot (named the Forlorn hope) to the self-same wood, where julian Romero lay, to be as it were a succour to his army, if the Duke had charged on the rearguard, as was presupposed he would, the advantage was so great. And this Almaigne shot were so careless, that as soon as they came into the wood, they lay looking over a high dyke, how the Prince's carriages, stragglers, vanguard, main battle, and wings thereof should pass over the bridge, and had no further consideration, but gazed before them, when behind their backs the enemy was privily placed. Well, in fine, the Prince's power came on, and the artillery, the stragglers, the carriages, the vanguard, the main battle, and all, saving the rearguard, passed over the bridge, but the rearguard, because it was next the Duke, and in danger to be set upon (by the Duke's power) was double guarded with horsemen, besides the ordinary bands it was wont to have. And further, the vancurrers, and gallantest Gentlemen of person and manhood, attended on the rearguard, to see the end of the matter. And so soon as the rearguard came between the two woods, the Spanyardes did show themselves suddenly, with such a terrible shot and thunder, of Muskette, and caliver, that the Almains by terror of the same, flung down their pieces, and would have fled, but most of them were immediately spoiled and slain.  
The Horsemen of the rearguard were so amazed at this adventure, that they scarce knew what was best to be done: yet in conclusion, a noble Captain, called Rides, and divers other bands of Swarfe Rutters whéeled about, made head to the enemy, and were ready to give a charge on Captain julian. And albeit a great dyke was a let for the charge, yet the Rutters scambled over the same, and as they might, in the wood, slew divers of the Spanyardes. But the Duke plied the matter so sharply upon the backs of the rearguard, that Monsieur Maulberg (a Baron, with a regiment) and most of his band of brave French soldiers, were put to the sword, or drowned, and many burgonion Gentlemen and soldiers of all sorts were likewise slain or overthrown in the water: in which conflict, we lost four or five thousand men. But the Prince beholding this murder, and in danger of the shot continually, was dismayed no whit: for being on a high ground, full before the Duke's Camp, he sent down succours to his people, and bend all his great Ordinance upon the Duke, and stayed his whole straggling army in the very view and shot of the enemy, a thing most rare and strange to be seen.  
The Duke's power, as they might notwithstanding, followed victory, and till the dark night did separate the armies, the shot on both sides never ceased. And look what prisoners the Duke did take, before the day went out of the Sky, he caused them to be burned all together in one house, the smoke and smell whereof came with the wind full into our noses. Thus we encamped in that present place, hoping for a revenge the next morning, at which season was Monsieur janlees to come out of France to the Prince, and with him two thousand Horse, and four thousand footmen.  
The Duke hearing of Monsieur janlees coming, went to meet him, but would not encounter him that time, because the Prince's Camp was so near. And Monsieur janlees came over the water at Namure, where the garrison resisted him to their po●…er, and lost a hundredth or fourscore soldiers at that tyme. janlees entering with blood, marched forward bravely with his little Camp, in the which he had five good pieces of artillery. And at length he came in the view of the Duke of alva's Camp, and being resolved to fight, rather than retire, he put his power in battle, and took the next way to the Prince, in most manly manner, as indeed he was a stout Gentleman. The Duke seeing his boldness and courage, gave him the looking on, and let him pass, and so our Camp and his joined together.  
Upon janlees coming, who brought a marvelous gallant company (of Gentlemen, & experimented soldiers) it was thought, that without delay we should have sought out the Duke, and have given him battle: and in that mind was our whole power many a long day, but what was the occasion to the contrary, I know not, and what did keep us asunder so long, doth pass the reach of my reason. A wéerysome time in this sort poor Soldiers turmoiled, who were visited with so many wants & extremities, that it would have pitied any Christians heart and mind to consider of: yet the willingness of people to do some worthy act or enterprise, took away a piece of the heavy burden, and made the farthel of affliction the lighter to bear, and the less repined at: and it was a miraculous matter, for men (as some may allege) to live without bread, beer, ale, or wine, so great a time as we did: for most certain, the scarcity was such of the same, that some in the Camp (and right good men) for the space of twenty or thirty days, never tasted of bread, nor drank better than water: yet what with Apples, and fruit, and other moist things we found, the Camp was satisfied, and men (in hope of better sustenance) shifted out a sorrowful season, and nothing grieved their hearts more, than that they cou●…d not end or ease that misery with the hazard of battle.  
Now when necessity compelled the Prince to withdraw his power, or desperate●…ie to set on the enemies camp in a fixed determination, he sought daily after the Duke of Alva, who still avoided the fight. Yet to train the enemy near us, and bring them from the woods to the plain (that the Horsemen might charge them.) The Prince marched towards Leeg, and besieged that great and goodly City, although the Rutters stiffly refused that service, saying, it was imperial, and a Town they aught not meddle withal. But from whence that reason was racked, or whereof that answer did smell, I report me to those that knows the handling and scanning of such cunning mysteries.  
The Cannons were planted, for all this contradiction, and the great pieces did play upon the City two or three days, and the Duke hearing thereof, came (as it was reported) to set on some of the Prince's people and forces. The Prince having examined a prisoner that was taken at that present, & understanding where and which way the Duke might be found, sent for his chief Captains, & commanded anon after midnight, to dislodge quietly without sound of Drum or Trumpet, & march (as they might) towards the Duke: albeit the night was dark, and the weather inconstant, which was a great trouble to the Camp, yet the Prince was resolved to try out by adversity, whether the Duke or he had the more hard destiny and adverse fortune. Now the soldiers began to rejoice, and although the way was cumbersome, and the night dark and uncomfortable, yet every man bore a portion of the travel, in hope to come quickly to an end of the trouble. And by my troth, the manner of our march was so difficult and strange, (and the Camp went so scattered abroad at all adventures) that we were like enough before day to be some of us t●…nne mile asunder, or to happen in the hands of the Duke of alva's watch unawares, and so we did: for some taking the Rutters (that the Duke had) to be our men, and mistaking the way they should have kept, fallen in the middle of the Duke of alva's sentinel, but they were but a few that so foolish●…y wandered. Yet by this blind occasion, the Duke got lightof the Prince's purpose, and thereon entrenched himself and his Camp in a strong ground, to his great surety and advantage. And at the break of day, our Camp begun cheerfully to sound a march, full in the hearing of the Duke's power. I doubt, if I made mention of the mirth that our people had, some fine fellows would scarcely believe it: wherefore I proceed to my matter.  
The Camps thus being near together, were both in order of battle, the Dukes entrenched, and the Princes in open plain: and the Prince's power presented the battle in a brave and goodly order, but it was refused. Notwithstanding, the enemy issued out of their trench by multitudes, and offered the skirmish: but that was thought but a mean, to gall & hurt our best soldiers (as in deed a skirmish●… in some cases is no better) wherefore the Prince marched about more needful affairs, and yet held the enemy play enough, with a sufficient company, for that purpose they came out for. In a little while after, knowing that the Duke would not fight (though he were able, and dared if he pleased) the Prince meant to departed from Flaunders, and coming by trifling Towns, yet some of them well walled, he did what he thought convenient to those Towns, and at length came before Chaiteu Caembersey, which would not yield, and so the Prince besieged it: but the battery was so far off, that it did no great hurt. And the Duke minding to show some rescue to the Town, came in the sight of our Camp, and lodged between two great woods. Yet nothing worthy noting was attempted. And the Prince, seeing time was consumed, without any profit or likelihood of battle, he marched unto France, entering between Gwyse, and Saint Quintains, two special Towns of the French Kings: and coming now into a goodly Country full of wholesome wives, and healthful things (that our si●…ke and sore weatherbeaten Camp needed, and were glad of) we rested awhile, and filled our empty bellies with benefit of the earth, and blessings of God: and so in small process of time returned into Straesbr●…eg, and other parts of Germany, where after this long voyage, and hard fare, many died of such diseases as follows the miserable estate of man, and cuts of the days and lives of Millions. The Prince went in a while after to his house at Dillenbrough, and every other person to such places and Countries as best they liked, and might most content their minds and calling, and the Duke drew himself towards Antwerp, and both their great armies were dispersed and severed asunder in a short season. But Flaunders, being ordained to troubles, could no season rest, without some persecution and practise●…s to vex and disquiet the state, so that thousands were always busily occupied, not only to molest the Spaniards, but also to get and win such plots, and pieces of the Country of Flaunders, Zelande, and holland, as might be an occasion to bring the Privileges of all the Country in question, and debate their causes at large. And having had some talk one with another of these matters (that were against the Duke's government) the Count De Lume, otherwise named Count De la March, a lusty Gentleman, came with a sufficient power, and took the Breell, an Island that fronts upon Flushing.  
The Prince and his brother was or had been before with the Duke de Du-pont, and the Prince of Condey, in great services, for the which they wan worthy fame for their adventure with the said Prince of Condey. And the Prince of Orange, would take no charge, but as it seemed, came to see how the affairs of the world would burst out or finish. Yet in the end, the Prince of Orange and his brother came home, and the Count Lodwick, to exercise his great heart in great things, went against the Duke of Alva, & was received into Mounts in Henalt, a strong town. The Duke not asleep, but had so waking a wit, that he would rise early to bid his enemies good morrow, came & besieged Mounts in Henals (Sir William Morgan being then with Count Lodwick) & with much business and great ado, upon hard conditions, agreed, that the Count Lodwick, and all his noble Soldiers, should depart with bag and baggage, wheresoever they pleased. The Duke most honourably see the capitulation observed and kept, and the Count Lodwick and his friends marched from Mounts with honour enough, though not so much as they looked for. And thus was that broil taken up and ended, and a new to be practised and begin.  
If I have placed the winning of the Breell, taken by the Count de Lume, before other things that happened somewhat before the exploit, or rehearsed any thing out of his due order in the rest of my work, I trust the report of mine shall hurt no whit the troth of every matter severally by me penned: for in mistaking one season for another, and not borrowing out of any book (that flatters the time) any piece of matter, at their great Torch to light my little Candle, I might wander out of my way, and so go about, but can not miss the coming home to the troth of my purposed enterprise. For I have written nothing, but either mine own eyes beheld it, or at some one time or other I was in the Country while it was a doing. And so, the loss of the Breell, to conclude, caused Flushing, and other places to revolt, and argued, that in the neck of those changes, would happen an infinite number of unwelcome chances, to such as thought themselves of fortune most assured.  
The whole Country through, was so far out of quiet, that the Duke not only filled the new Citadel in Antwerp with Soldiers, but likewise, put great garrisons in all places & Towns of strength, which garrisons peradventure behaved themselves not so well towards the people, as they looked for. And as they might meet to reason of those matters, and other things of weight, they muttered, in much mislike at many occasions, but more for fear than favour, they followed the Duke's device, and both with money and men aided the Duke, against those that were disturbers of his state. Yet such broils were abroach, as could not be remedied without much bloodshed, and hardly that way, as experience in process of time did declare.  
Now in the heat of this murmuring, an infinite sort of scattered people drew to the Count Lodwick, and many made suit to the Prince, to step in and thrust out strangers, especially Spaniards, that then were generally despised. The Prince having many injuries offered him, and remembering old wrongs and new displeasures, began to give ear to such persuasions, as touched the privileges and liberties of those Countries the Duke had government of, and by deep foresight and judgement, avoided the danger of his enemies, and so stood on his guard in all things he went about. At which resolution, his friends a followers rejoiced, and every one according to his ability, put to a helping hand, & sent him such succours, as he was able in person and power in a short time to meet his enemy on land or on Sea, such was his foresight, his force, & good fortune.  
Now the towns in Holland and Zealand began to bend apace, to be at the Prince's devotion, and the Prince hadset out a number of ships, which often encountered their enemies, and wan great and rich prizes, and seldom lost any thing, but still fought it out so valiantly, that victory seemed to be there's by inheritance.  
A fleet of Ships came from Spain to the Duke's aid, and some of the best of them happen into the Flushingers' hands, coming into the Haven, which ships were fraught with treasure, that served the Princes turn a long time after The Count Lodwick had done very great things in sundry enterprises, and service of no little charge and hazard, and was like to prove the oddest Soldier of a noble man in his days: but the Duke did always so pursue him with a great power, and great practices, that he could not, nor was not able, to prevent the Duke's pollici●…s and Stratagems. And so at an overthrow, which fallen on the Count Lodwikes side, he was forced to fly, and as some affirm, was either drowned, or slain after. Master Clap. and Master Font, English Gentlemen, were at this service, and Font was slain there.  
divers other Gentlemen pri●…ly, without the knowledge of our Prince, and her highness honourable Council, stolen by secret means, out of England to Flushing, for the which at their return home again, they were a long while frowned upon, and could not come in Court. Sir Humphrey Gylb●…rt was their General, captain Cotten, Captain Morgan, Captain Chester: and many other Captains and Gentlemen, for knowledge sake, fame and entertainment, went at that time over, and fallen thereby in displeasure here at home.  
The Spaniards many times came near to Flushing, & the English bands met them often, between whom was divers hot skirmishes, & courageous encounter: & albeit that the English deserved much praise for their forwardness, the Spaniards were not behind in any forward service, or striving for fame & place: for at every meeting, the spaniard both in nimbleness & stout behaviour seemed often to want neither agility, courage, nor conduct: & the Gentlemen and old soldiers of them, durst●…tug and wrestle for the mastery with any one that they encountered, as our wise & stout soldiers gladly do confess, & think it a great injury, to have a stout enemy any way evil spoken of.  
As very many towns fell daily to the Prince (which he fortified strongly,) so a town among the rest called Harlam, was so well m●…nned and defended, that the fame thereof must needs be sounded with a Trumpet of everlasting renown, of which I mind a little to speak, as much to show what the manliness of man can do, as to declare what honour belongs to stout soldiers.  
Harlam being a place of strength, somewhat by nature thorough the mean of water (& other causes a fortress requireth) was manned & furnished with most assured soldiers. And as the Duke had great ado in many other places, & made great armies to besiege them, so at the siege of this, the Duke lost such a number of men, as is incredible to be spoken, & would hardly be believed: for women there were of such courage, as was wondered to behold: & one woman took a miraculous charge upon her, which was, to have the leading of men (a matter to be simled at, but yet of troth, and to be credited. Then if women were so stout, what might men of noble heart & mind prove? forsooth their acts & deeds did show them to be in courage more than Lions, & in worth & valour more than a. C. M. of the ordinary sort of people. For some have been in many services, that never see the like of Harlam soldiers: & men may travel to the very confines of Christendom, & not found such people, as were at Harlam (besieged by the Spaniards) a nation in these days, that can both besiege a town, & can do much in the field) which people had such resolute minds & willing bedies, to defend & suffer whatsoever might happen, that they seemed to be made & form, not out of our common mould, but wrought and created of some special substance & workmanship, wherein the glory of manhood & valiancy was cunningly comprehended. O that my st●…le were so stately (& could carry such life) that I might worthily express the nobleness of their courages. But I may not praise the alone for their courage, but exalt them also for their policies, & sufferance of all misery & adversities a long season, & in a manner past the power of man's weak nature & condition. But alas, the while they were overtaken with too much trust in their enemies words, & led at length like sheep to the slaughter: but how I list not tell you, referring the judgement of such like actions, to those that have the managing of mighty matters, & knows how to conquer & govern.  
Well, to finish and knit up the scanning and services of the famous soldiers of Harlam; to the furthest of my ability, I will honour the bones of all such warlike people, wheresoever I shall found them, and with perpetual same advance their bodies to the lofty skies.  
Very many practices the Duke both by force and finesse wrought against the Prince, and was assisted and aided with many of the states of the low Country, to entrap the Prince, or take the Towns he had in his hands from him, but nothing could prevail, although great & huge armies of men went about the overthrow of the Prince and his fortresses. And such Towns were at his commandment in holland & Zelande, that the greatest armies of the world could not win, without marvelous charges and loss of people to the assailants, which was well tried and proved, by the success that the Duke and his friends continue ally found, who never ceased to work all possible means to attain that he sought, and that which his power and people were thought might command (which was not a little) because their forces were double and triple in number against the Prince's power, and held the whole countries in awe and subjection.  
The Princes good fortune so much amended, & he grew so mighty both by sea and land, that neither the Duke sometimes would meet him, nor many others (of ability full great) had mind to encounter his power, which always were resolved to fight, and seldom took foil or disgrace, but once before Harlam, in offering to victual the Town, and at some other seasons, that are not of so great moment, as merits much memory. And the Prince taking hold of thankful fortune, and following to the furthest, the good hap was offered him, besieged some places that the Spaniards were in, and won those forts or towns, and disposed of them what he thought most necessary. Among the which towns, Midlebr●…eg was one, where the service was great, and much time was spent, before the Spaniards were clean thrust out thereof.  
Many attempts were made to Ansterdam, a goodly seat, and a strong, but that was many times, or for the most part, addicted to the Spaniards, and so were other towns, that the Prince made but little account of.  
But now (to make short) the Prince having in a manner all Zealand and Holland, and all the strong places thereof, had so wearied the Duke, and the states of Flaunders, that he possessed them in peace: or if they were assaulted, they were so well defended, that the Duke not only lost his labour, but likewise great numbers of men, so that the King of Spain gaining but little by the Duke's government, as many supposed, sent for him away, or he made suit to go home, and the Duke Medina Cely was sent to remain in his place. But the Duke Medina Cely seeing that the state of Flaunders (and all the low Countries) was so rend and torme in pieces, that he could not knit them together again, therefore (as it seemed, and many wise men did deem,) he ha●…ed himself thence, and minded not to take charge and government of a Country so much disquieted, and so ●…arre out of order. And in his place came the Duke de Terra Nova.  
This Duke de Terra Nova, when he came into Flaundors, and had seen and found, that severe justice, and straight and hard handling, brought the people in mislike (and made many a great mischiefelye l●…rking in a bollowe heart) began his government more mildelye, and used a more gentle manner towards the inhabitants of Flaunders, and yet was stern and ●…oute enough (as far as his power stretched) towards the Prince of Orange, and many times annoyed him, and held●… him very hardly.  
But in effect, neither the Duke of alva's great labour, service, nor security, nor the Duke de Terra nova's courtesy and gentleness could reclaim those people that took a toy in their heads, like some kind of Hawks that will not come to the Fawkners' fist, nor give ear to any strangers lewring. And surely, if some hawk have once taken the check, she will roil abroad at her pl●…asure, and pray where she l●…steth. But to the matter, the common people of Flaunders were so vexed with the Spaniards, and troubled with strangers in their Country, that they cared not to what servitude they offered themselves, so they might be rid of them, that so long had over laboured them, and tired both their minds and bodies.  
In this wandering sort of disliking, and uncertain manner of surety, the poor and common people were carried about with such a multitude of miserable conceits, that they knew not to whom to complain, nor unto what pillar they should lean, and in a manner were ready to sink and drop down, under the mass of mischief, that lay as heavy as lead on their shoulders.  
The Duke de Terra Nova no less troubled in judgement (for the discharged of his care and authority) was often times not well in health, and so consuming some years in doing what he determined, at length he gave over his life, and Flaunders remained a season without any strange governor, albeit molested, (as the people thought, not a little) with the Spaniards, which of all griefs, did most gripe them, and gladdest they were to be cased of.  
And to bring to pass some great matter, and to be dischar●…ged of this their daily sorrow and continual clog, the States in companies as their minds were bend and savoured that faction which wrought against the Spaniards) did devise and talk of the recovering of their liberties. And for the attaining of the same, they politicly laid a plain plot, and sworn among themselves▪ to perform every point and piece of their purpose.  
The Spaniards both by outward countenance and bending of brows, perceived there was some privy practice a working, and prepared to withstand it by all the means possible might be devised: and keeping close their own council, concluded, that when occasion came, they would put in execution the matter they had treated of, and all the mean while they furnished themselves with every thing fit for their purposed device.  
The contrary part casting no peril, and standing too much to the opinion and bain hope of a multitude, went openly about their business, and assembled of their friends a great company together, able with good government to have given a battle: which band and careless company lay in Antwerp, solacing themselves, and making good cheer, as all things should have go with them according to their wish.  
But even as those people that Samson destroyed amid their banquets and feasting (smarting himself with committing the murder) or rather like wilful weaklings & wanton children that never tasted the strength of a man, believes, that blunt wasters will bite like sharp weapons, and so ●…unne on head to their own harms, and behave themselves so carelessly for the combat, that one man well advised, shall beat a hundredth of those harebrains. Even so, & in no better plight, or in a worse case, the multitude were taken and put to open foil and reproach, to the great shame and oversight of themselves, that had charge, and disgrace of every good soldier that they fit.  
The Spaniards wisely and warily (but sure about a bloody and cruel act) came as closely as they could, together into the Castle of A●…twerpe (which the Duke of Alva caused to be built) and there consulted quickly on the thing they hastily went about: and making no more add, but ei●…er to kill or be killed, about dinner time when some have more mind of their belly, than their safety (and fall to quaffing and bibbing, when greedy hunger and thirst should be moderated with sober diet) the Spaniards issued furiously into the City, into which the great Cannon shot came roaring before them, and with them came such a thunder of harquebusiers, and trampling of horses, that the Town thought, that Hell had been burst open, or that the skies had fallen upon them by some sudden rattle and thunder-cracke from the Heavens. But well away, many a silly soul by this bloody bargain were sent unto Heaven or Hell, and the simple people that trusted to the wisdom of their leaders, fallen all by their own folly to the mercy of the Spaniards, which are not ignorant in the usage of victory, nor over-mercifull till they find themselves Masters of the field, and in secure and peaceable estate.  
Thus Antwerp was throughly spoiled, and in many places burnt and defaced, where the Spaniards found such a deal of gold and treasure, as hath not been possessed by one spoil in any two Towns these many hundredth years: and there was taken prisoner, the young Count Degmond, with some others of good reputation: a warniug to all wanton Cities, hereafter to give and keep better watch of their liberty and wealth, and to 'cause the inhabitants of every Town and Corporation, to have such regard of God, and the leading of their lives, that they come not into the indignation of the highest, who often doth visit the base conditions of the people, with sword, fire and pestilence, and many other punishments and plagues, that our present days doth present us, and the worlds wickedness cannot shun.  
It is to be thought, while these things were a doing, that Don john de Austria was drawing himself towards Flaunders: but as it fallen out by matter that followeth, a very few of good calling in the state were willing to receive him, especially willing to be governed with a stranger, or stand any way pleased with the Spanyardes in the low Country. For long before the murder and bloodshed in Antwerp, there was so hot a fire kindled in the furnace of the breast, and fancies of men, that all the water in Antwerp Town could not quench. And after this furious fact was committed, neither gentle words, nor mild governors (if they were strangers, that should speak or govern) could salve the swelling sore and bleeding wounds of the tormented minds, that daily were perplexed with thought and care of their poor Country of Flaunders. How the Spanyardes had used the people at any time, or how this vnquen●…hable fire of malice did first take flame, or how the hearts of the commons conceived such offence, as was past forgiveness, I neither know nor meddle withal: but I know, and experience teacheth, it is a hard and a dangerous hazard, to happen in the hatred of a multitude, and be condemned of the common people, albeit their judgements are not always sound, yet their displeasure is durable, and so sore to sustain, that the wisest of all times and ages, have been content to bear with their follies, and rather flatter them to have their favours, than with millions of Gold devil any while in their dislike. And malice is of the nature of canker, which the longer it is suffered on good metal, or bad, the further and deeper it eats, and rusteth the thing it taketh hold of. Or hatred may better be compared to Gunnepouder, that the longer it is dried, the sooner it taketh fire, and when one corn thereof is touched with a ho●…e coal, it not only consumes itself with a flashing flame, but burns or hurts all that stands near it, or comes in the compass of his flame and fury. And commonly malice is never quenched, till revenge hath produced some notable mischief, and so the person that striketh, and body that is stricken (either by rigour of law, or violence used by weapon) end in a short season, their lives, that long have been a nourishing. Wherefore as divers affirm & confess, there is not a greater enemy to common wealths and Countries, than that gnawing worm of continual malice & hatred, which for small offences, hath made so great a dissension, that mighty monarch have been shaken down withal, & many a state at this day stands tottering thereby, & are ready when a rough tempest doth blow, to type in the dust, or feel the force of a terrible b●…ast. God grant that Flanders he not the first, that hatred and malice (by mean of dissension) shall bring to decay. So now to my matter, as briefly as I meant to pen out this discourse.  
The coming donwne of Don john to the low Countries, made the Spaniards look for some succour, and moved the people of Flanders to think and look of other ma●…ters, and in a while they openly published, that they could not abide the behaviour of strangers, and would not permit any ●…o to enter and govern, before the Spanyardes were e●…pulsed or drawn by the King from their territories, offering all obedience and duties to the King of Spain their Master, if the Spanyardes and strangers were taken from them. But their offer and demand took such small hold in the fanour of Don john, that great matter grew thereof, as I might perceive, being in Bruzels, by their musters there, and Don john's preparation lying at Lusenbroeg, and after, at a Town called H●…: The States, I mean such as held against Don john, somewhat standing on their guard, made straight orders for the Spanyardes, if they used violence, and had so good an eye over them, that at a tune, when the Spaniards thought to do some erployte, a Gentleman of Scorl●…d, named Captain Bassorde, lying in a village with his regiment of Scottishmen, had such a hand over the Spaniards, as they no whit liked, and yet they assaulted the Scottishmen, which at that time were but ill provided. All this season, and a long while before, was the right Honourable Master Doctor Wilson (now Secretary to the queens Majesty) Lord Ambassador in Flanders: and two sever all times was sent in Embassage thither, at that time, the Captain of the isle of Wight, called Master Edward Horssey, for to make peace, and for such causes as pleased our Prince.  
Ambassadors were sent thither from the Emperor, and from the Electors and States of Germany, and in long debating of matters (to the which the Bishop of Leeg came, a great signor, and stout Prelate) a peace was concluded, and for the joy thereof, I see a general Procession in Bruzels, where all the Ambassadors and States were (saving the Ambassador of England, and all the Nobility of Flaunders) which made such a show, and reached such a length in the streets, and tarried so long there, as was a wonder to behold, and the strangest view that had been seen in that place many years before, the number of Gentlemen was so great, and the common people so many.  
But all this rejoicing turned to woe & lamentation within a short term after, for when the Spaniards were go, there ●…ell out such matter between the States and Don john, that the Spaniards came again, but not to Antwerp, for that the States had politicly possessed, & many other Towns before, of great importance & strength: and Don john and his people were assembled in Namure, & much business was set abroach between these two sides (after Don john had been triumphantly received into Bruzels) and either of these parties armed themselves, & wrought for their advantage what pleased best their fancies, some sending into Spain, & some sending otherwhere, the necessity of both their causes so required, & the troublous time they felt, enforced those causes.  
The estates now began to lean to the Prince of Orange, and deal thoroughly and plainly with him, which was a great strength unto them, and an occasion to reform the rest of the nobility to draw one kind of way, if they determined to withstand Don john, as they made show they would. But some that made promise' there unto, broke suddayncly, and turned to Don john, who was levying of a power to invade Flaunders, and had together both footmen and Horsemen, a very gallant company, and those were ancient and perfit soldiers, that had served many years in great adventures and hazards. And to speak as the common fame went (and right wise and noble men did report,) Don john for his own person was a wise and most famous noble man, that well was worthy (for many good parts in him) to have had the leading of a Camp as great as King Alexander's army of Macedon, whose men of war were at the conquering of most part of the world. Thus was Don john and his power in a manner ready to march, and lay about Namure, to tarry the coming of some such bands of Horsemen as he looked for, and be fully furnished of such things as he wanted.  
The States had in like sort assembled a very great army, and were as ready to march, as occasion fallen out: and knowing that their enemies must have much ado, before they could win any Town of credit, the States determined to weary Don john, and so by policy and practice to strive with him, rather than with plain force and fight to encounter him: for their mighty walled Towns were a great block in Don john's way, which neither could be won by their enemies, nor yet well could be besieged, but that the States had a mean to aid the Towns, and power enough to raise the siege, and could at any advantage give Don john battle, without which advantage it were no wisdom to deal with a strong and stout enemy. And on that resolution stand the noblest soldiers now living. And would to God that towardly Prince and good Gentleman, the King of Portugal, had stood on that point, which shall be spoken of in another matter, God sparing me life. But now to my purpose I proceed. But as the States looked to take Don john at advantage, or awéerie him and his soldiers with long wars and much labour, Don john and his company were so well experimented with pains, and accustomed so often to suffer the misery of wars, that they had such able minds and bodies to endure and bear off the burden of adversity, that the states should not easily that way have had their wills, over them, although that the Spanyardes, by long rest and delicacy of Flaunders, were become some what slothful and effeminate: yet are they of such courage and complexion, when force doth compel them to trudge & to toil, that straightways, their nature is converted to their old manner and custom, and they could for a need frame themselves to a new trade of travel. Which shows them as well armed within their minds (where the man is best known) as clad and defenced without, where nothing is good, if the mind set it not forward, and maintain it to the uttermost. And the opinion of some soldiers is, both at home and abroad, that who so ever is dainty and unseasoned, and can not march in hardness, without a bag and a bottle, were better be by a warm fire, than in a cold field, & will do more harm in a little piece of beef, than he can to good in a great battle, he is so loaded with his trinkets, & minds so much his meat. And although in a spleen I have spoken of the Spaniard, (yet no other than he deserves) so have I seen both Frenchman and Borgonyon (and somés of our own nation besides,) that in the field are more greedy of glory, than hungry in the house, when a banquet is on the table. I must leave off this speech, and follow another humour. So Don john & the states, as you have herded, devised how the one might deceive the other: and yet neither of them both ventured further than good occasion commanded them. And in this cold kind of service, the soldiers remained, amid the heat of Summer a long season, till Don john's power began to bid the base, and by a great mischance took the power of the states at advantage, and slew some of them, and had the rest in chase as far as they durst follow, and so that bickering ended.  
The states upon this little overthrow (wherein the Scottish bands had the most hurt) attended both horsemen and footmen, out of Germany, & gave Don john leave a while to march about a piece of the Country, minding as soon as the Cassemeer came down, to go to the field again. And in the mean time, the states put their people in garrisons.  
Their enemies having a little leisure & roomth given them (more for some coulorable cause, than any constraint) begun to spur about, and espy their commodity: and by sleight and force (as a camp can not want neither of them both) slipped into some simple seats and towns, & carrying away credit with them, because they kept the field, were received into many places, and chief into Louvain. And some such as would untwist the fast thr●…d of Faith & Promise, become so ●…pper of their words (when they minded to break that the states could not hold them: and so after flickering fortune ●…hey fled, a matter worthy to be touched, but left off by me, to a riper judgement, that clearly can construe the reason of these rotten causes.  
A notable soldier called Monsieur de la Moet, governor of Gra●…eling, went from the states at this time (as he said) to keep the town, for the king. And diverse others as the Count D●…nes, Monsieur Barlymont, and more than I can name, made their own way to go whether they pleased: and for the time, the world in Flaunders was quick, & dead: they were in dolour and heaviness, that had not a light mind to comfort a sad heart: for the world was so sorrowful, or so subtle, that a man might not scarcely at that season laugh with his friend, nor trust his own brother. For cunning and craft, had put constancy out of countenance, and finesse, with ●…icklenesse, were matched together in one corner of Flaunders, or another: and so the world wagged, & the weakest were thrust to the brickwall, and the strongest could struggle and strive against all things, but the stream.  
When time came on to set abroach matters that might not run clear till the lees were settled (and Wine would be known from vinegar & Uerivice,) the events of weighty matter burst out, and made every man of both the sides, Don john's, and the states, look well to their footing: for of necessity, and countries cause (besides the desire of fame & honour) both these armies must march, to view the one the other, and in open field, do somewhat for reputations' sake, and that they came for. And as far as I can judge, prince Cassemeer at this time was not come to the states. Well, the camps were in march, and both of them desirous to do what best become the time: and among the states, were ●…repte (for service sake alone) some English Gentlemen, with such bands as they could happen upon, and furnish at their own charges. And with these English Gentlemen, joined for good will in the field, the Scottish regiment (as I heard.) And the English had an intent to march to the Camp, of the states. Don john's power having intelligence thereof, made haste to prevent them, and so the skirmish began, and lasted a long season, and for certainty, had not the English and Scottish nations done their duty and very well withal, they had been repulsed, and peradventure overthrown. I would praise and commend any man that did well that day, but for that I am ignorant of that which was truly done, and would be loathe to flatter one, and offend another, I omit all their names, but master john Norrises, for this present, till my next book of other wars be printed and published, at which time I shall know the truth of that I treat of.  
The Casameer with a great power of horsemen, and footmen, was come at this present, or in a short while after, and Don john then was to consider and aid the danger might have followed, for his army was a great deal less in number than the power of the states, and oftentimes the states were in mind to besiege Louvain, but never unready to watch for the enemies, & offer the battle, which was looked for daily: the Burgonions side were also well disposed, & it was certainly thought, that Don john's side was as gallant. Now were policies and stratagems to be seen. Now the show of war, and clattering of arms might be hard. Now the powder and bullets were prepared, and stout and manly skirmishes began afresh, and the soldiers bespredde the plains, as thick as the black crows, that flies swarming out of the wild woods: and the whole people and commons of Flaunders thought they should be rid of their enemies, that so long had enpovershed their rich and plentiful country. For they smarted (poor souls) that often had been spoiled, & they felt all the wrong, that knew not how to right themselves, but by God's grace, and gaping after victory.  
At this present time, victuals began to be marvelous deer, and after the Rutters and Casemeeres company were paid, money among other bands was hard to come by, and in that sort, a very long time was spent and consumed, yet some were relieved with that treasure the States could spare: but in fine, such scarcity and misery came on and fell among thousands, that both sicknesses and sudden death ensued. And at length, the plague, (of which many made an end of their lives) was sparkled both in Camp and in Country, & no one place was free from one disease or other, that either stood near the Camp, or where the sick soldiers repaired. And some of our English Gentlemen dropped down in that visitation, as Master Thomas Cobham, and others, no great number. This sorrowful and fearful sickness as much vexed & troubled the poor people, as any misery they felt, & made the troubled conscience more afraid, than the view of all Don john's power.  
Much practising and working there was for a peace by our Prince's Ambassadors, that were sorry to see so much bloodshed and mischief as might fall out upon a battle. And many times peace was expected, and likely to have happened, if Don john would have agreed to any reasonable conditions. But in conclusion, Don john, by a hope he had in some faction or practice (either among Pater Noster men, a company so called, or others favourers to Don john's doing) would not agree to the peace, nor do any thing that stood against his determination. So, continuing in a resolute mind, he thrust divers bands of Spaniards, and other soldiers, into such Towns and Fortresses as he had possessed, and with such power as he had left, marched towards Namure or those parties, meaning not, as he made show thereof, to trouble the States any further for a season. There were some that threw down churches and vexed and troubled religious people, against whom rose a company of Walloons, naming themselves Pater Noster men, & sometimes encountered those that destroyed religious houses, & made slaughter on them, as they might make their party good: & that matter is not yet pacified, for about Gaunt & other towns are many that seek to do mischief, & namely to their own nation and countrymen. Which is a beginning of sorrow, & a sore dangerous thing to continued.  
The power of Don john in many sorts of services hath done what they could, to vistresse the bands that the states give entertainment too, but the states and their people are, and have been too strong for Don john's power. Sundry skirmishes, & oneof them before L●…ine, I could a little writ of: but, for that no great thing was achieved by them, I lap them up among other matters, that I neither have occasion much to dilate off, nor you are desirous to hear. For, he that shall writ of every thing was done, had need to have many bodies, to be in every place at once, and twice so many eyes, to note in what order the things fallen out, or otherwise he may miss of the troth, as some have, that were in the field when service was to be seen, whose intelligence I had, and yet an other in the same company doth tell me a contrary tale: For while one is in the skirmish, and another is a foraging, they are sevecallye occupied, and will make sundry discourses: and for my own part, I protest before God, I had rather follow the truth of the matter, than the flattery of the time: so that if any error have passed my pen, it ought to be pardonable, for that I hate to publish & set out a fable, and love to prefer the knowledge and understanding of a troth: and speaking of any man or matter, enemy or friend, I would yield them due praise and commendation, not only for to win my works the more credit, but likewise to use a kind of dutiful courteste, and so to pay in report every person living, the debt that I do own him.  
Now it is to be understood, that while Don john was busy about his wars, the queens Majesty sent Ambassadors to treat of amity and peace, (as you have heard before) and the last that went over about these chargeable affairs, were two most honourable personages, the Lord Cobham, & sir Francis Walsingham, on whom attended as gallant a train of Gentlemen, as went from hence to Flaunders these twenty years. And as the true report goeth, these noble Ambassadors held and kept such cheer (in a dear and scarce season for victuals) that the like hath not been seen, neither of late, nor many years ago. And the bounty that one of the Ambassadors used (whose deeds shall show his name) out of his own purse and frank liberality, exceeded, and is to be honoured for ever. And when these Ambassadors had lain there a great while, (and finished that was thought necessary & meet) they returned to the Court. Since which time (as God ordains all things) Don john is dead, and many other noble men more. And the plague is so hot among the Spaniards, and the rest that lies in camps (as is to be proved) that even as a shepherd doth point out his shéep●…, and ●…ulles out those lambens that he sends to the slaughter house: so God (as it seemeth) with his stretched out arm, toucheth whom he pleaseth, & by the finger of his wrath and scourge of plague, ●…ings thousands underfoot, and tumbles them in their grave. And this is a thing marvelously to be noted (not specially abroad, but wisely here at home) that some have no power to go from the plague, and some, go where they will, the plague doth follow them. For it skippeth over houses and households, and enters in their doors, that maketh sa●…e both doors and windows, not brought altogether by infection of clotheses and garments, but sent for foul offences, by a power past our judgements, and is to be presupposed a messenger of God's anger, & an Angel of ire, that waits as well on the good, to take them from the bad & wicked of this world, as follows the wicked, to make God's power known, and man confess his own faults & folly. Now, if men would look narrowly into the sore affliction of Flaunders, for the space of thirty years, they would think they have had plagues enough (if God so were pleased) besides the fearful pestilence itself, which of all things is most terrible, and yet the more is the pity, there cannot be a worse plague among Christians, than disagreement, and public dissension, which is to be feared hath taken such deep root in Flaunders, that it will not, nor can not be helped, but by the policy of puissant Princes, and prayers of good people.  
Thus far have I go (Gentle Reader) to make thee conceive how mercifully God hath dealt with our Country, and how sharply our neighbours hau●… bi●… afflicted, in a manner round about us, which I will (God willing) speak of in an other volume, if favourably you can afford to give this my bore and barren Discourse your good report, and at the lest (for my study and labour (although you mislike it) recompense me with silence, or else, as this was done in little time, so take what leisure you list, and writ another work of more value & weight, which I shall be as glad to give commendation unto, as I shall be sorry, when I know these pains have not contented you: as witnesseth our living Lord, who multiply his graces among us, and send concord and quietness to the jarring and troubled state of Flaunders.  
Finis ꝙTHOMAS CHURCHYARD.   

¶ To the World.  

GO silly Book to subtle World, and show thy simple face,  
And forward pass, and do not turn again to my disgrace.  
For thou shalt bring to people's ears but troth that needs not blush,  
And though Maell Bouch give thee rebuke, care not for that a rush,  
For evil tongues do itch so sore, they must be rubbing still  
Against the teeth, that should hold fast the clapper of the Mill.  
Desire those men that likes thee not, to lay thee down again,  
Till some sweet nap, and harmless sleep hath settled troubled brain.  
And when one house doth shut thee out, creep to another straight,  
And though thy master be but plain, yet look thou use some sleight  
To purchase love, and credit both, for that shall breed good blood,  
And thou with praise, and honest brute, mayst do thy Master good.  
But if they read thee in disdain, slip from them if thou may,  
Let envy swell, and malice poult, I hear not what they say.  
I made thee for to please the best, the worst may mend the while,  
So wisdom bids thee welcome Book, thou mayst at folly smile.  
An ounce of praise from wise men's mouth, ways down a pound of fame,  
That fools do give, whose slender skill, scarce scans men's honest name.  
If Court embrace thee for my sake, to Country then in post,  
Be sure then neither thy bore words, nor my poor work is lost.  
Where soldiers are, advance thyself, for though some faults they spy,  
Their martial minds will make them cast on thee a friendly eye.  
Among Divines and Schoolmen often, come not, but for a change,  
For at thy lewd and rubbish phrase, the learned will look strange.  
To men of Law do freely go, for they good fellows are,  
And can with toys sometimes well ease, the weight of countries care.  
With Merchant men make thy abode, who loves to hear of Peace:  
So shall it be, when bloody broils in Flaunders gins to cease.  
Thus have I taught thee what good course thou oughtest of right to hold,  
Thou art a Book, go where thou wilt, like Bayard blind be bold.  
Thou shalt have mates to follow thee, and help thee if thou fall.  
I have wide scope at will to walk, yea Pen and Muse at call,  
And other Books that I must needs commit to worlds report.  
He is thrice blest that well doth work, our time is here but short.   
FINIS.