AN ANSWER And true discourse to a certain Letter lately sent by the Duke of Alba (in manner of a pardon) to those of Amsterdam, to be by them conveyed and distributed unto the other Towns in Holland.  
Set forth by certain true lovers of their native Country, namely desirous to live under the due obeisance of the King of Spain, according to the old customs and privileges of their said Country: faithfully translated out of the Dutch into English, by T.W.  
Imprinted at London by Henry Middleton.   

To the Reader.  
Having of late divers & sundry times been urged to writ, declare, & put in light the just occasions, moving us to put on arms, & to stand in defence against certain our strange and foreign enemies: of whose force, unjust, and cruel tyranny, we have also given to understand all Christian Princes and Potentates, nations and countries. And having also sufficiently answered and put to silence such injurious and slanderous Books, writings, and libels, as our said adversaries had put in light, whereby they thought & sought to make us odious unto all kinds of people: our hope and confidence was that they would have once abstained from their slanderous writings, seeing it so smally served their purpose: which for a long time they seemed to do. But at the last, perceiving that since their tyrannous regiment began, the longer, the more it become loathsome unto all people: and that there was small hope to obtain to their former authority, force, and regiment, by force of arms, do now return to their accustomed pranks, and would feign under pretence of pardons, and letters of favour (through false accusations) bring us in hatred with all men, and by untrue persuasions seem to purge their own facts, thereby alluring the people unto them, and so by little and little reduce the towns & countries revolted from them, to their vile yoke of servitude.  
And to that intent have they of late put forth a certain letter under the name of the Duke of Alba, offering thereby pardon and forgiveness unto the said towns of all their transgressions (as they term it) conditionally, that they should willingly submit themselves to their obeisance and subjection. Which letters were by means of them of Amsterdam dispersed into divers towns in Holland.  
Notwithstanding, we are assured sufficiently that no person of understanding & discretion, much less towns & countries, willbe moved by these their cautelous and most false and slanderous Books, to return from the free and loyal obedience & ●●ruice of our most natural Lord and King ●he king of Spain, under whom the Prince ●f Orange beareth the government, to ●he shameful and accursed servitude of a strange generation: yet to the intent to make the truth manifest unto all men, & ●o detect the false and subtle practices and devices of our enemies, we could not but answer unto the said letter. Desiring all such as regard the common wealth of their country, the preservation of his wife and children, his life and goods, to read this with indifferency, and not to suffer themselves to be seduced by the false propositions of our sworn enemies, but rather with all their power to advance the justness of our cause & delivery of our country, from the unsupportable yoke of this strange nation.   

Don Fernando Aluarez of Toledo, Duke of Alba, Lieutenant, Governor and Captain General.  
Trusty and well-beloved, it is well enough known that the king our sovereign Lord is one of the mildest and most gracious Princes that may be found, yet have the Rebels endeavoured themselves with lies and false persuasions, to persuade divers towns to the contrary, putting a doubt in their heads, to the intent to seduce and allure them from the obedience of his majesty, as they have done: whereas in deed (as commonly the truth will not remain unknown) it hath appeared what hath been done with the towns of Gelderland, Friesland, Ouerissell and Vtrecht, which were revolted, who of their free accords uncompelled have put themselves under the obedience of his majesty, who hath not touched any one Burges or inhabitant of the same, but hath suffered him to remain in his former estate, enjoying and possessing their own goods, as they did before their revolt. But hath used rigour only against such towns as have offered weapons and stood at defence: And the like grace as aforesaid we intend to extend towards all ●●ch other Towns in Holland as in like ●rder will submit themselves to the obeisance of his Majesty without attending the coming of his army, which we in the name and behalf of his Majesty, do firmly pro●ise and assure by these presents: whereof ●e thought good to advertise you, to the ●ntent ye give knowledge to the Towns whom ye hope willbe reduced: admonishing them further to have a regard to this occa●ion offered, not slacking the benefit thereof, & to return to the obeisance which they own to the Kings Ma. their natural Prince and Lord, whose grace and favour they with ●ll the Burgesses & Inhabitants of the same, ●o presenting themselves within xv. days after the receipt of your notice and insinuation, shall receive, without thinking on or calling to remembrance any matters past: whereof ye may firmly assure them on our behalf, and we promise' you by these our letters by us subsigned, that such shallbe performed and accomplished without default or contravention. Showing them further, how greatly they err, if they think to withstand the King's power, and what evil success it will have if they obstinately persist and will try his majesties power and force Trusty and well-beloved, the Lord be with you. Written in Nymmeghen the x. day of February 1572. after the style of th● Court, Signed F. A. Duke de Alba: And lower was written Beutij. The superscription was as followeth. To our trusty and well-beloved the Borrowmaisters, Schepens and Rulers of the town of Amsterdam.  
Collected and conferred with the true and original copy. By me W. Pieters, Secretary of Amsterdame.   

An answer to the letter lately sent by the Duke of Alba, (written in manner of a pardon) to those of Amsterdam, and to be by them conveyed to all the Towns there about.  
THE confidence and assured persuasion that we have always had and yet have of the kings natural disposition, hath beside many other weighty reasons and considerations moved us, that we can not ascribe or impute this unreasonable and tyrannous regiment, the open subversion of all good customs, rights, usances, privileges and liberties of the towns and whole Country, used by a strange Nation, now of late, contrary to the King's promises, letters, and oath, by mere force brought into the same, upon the King's Majesty. For seeing we have effectually found him a lover of his subjects, a mild hearer of the complaints and cries of the poor and suppressed, a tutor of the just, and a defender of the liberties and rights of the country. How can we then believe by any means, that he of his own free will, should permit (much less command) that these his natural base Countries should thus pitifully be suppressed, and by violence of a strange Nation, brought to everlasting subversion and ruin? For at the first, not being conquered by the sword, but through friendly alliance and agreement first joined with the famous house of Austria, and afterwards with the Kingdoms of Spain, and so from time to time have used their entire affection and faithful service, aswell towards his Majesty, as also to his most noble Ancestors, with singular industry and diligence. Namely in the last wars with France, it hath manifestly appeared, wherein they neither spared charges nor pains: but to the maintenance of the same, in short space levied iiij. C. millions of Gold, and likewise in all other matters, declared towards his Majesty all due obedience. Also his Majesty hath again at all times showed a Fatherly and benign disposition towards the said Countries. How could he then have stopped his ears from the cries and lamentations of his poor and true subjects? Or how could he shut his eyes and not behold the lascivious and wilful dealings of a strange Nation? or his heart be shut up from having compassion over such a miserable destruction of his Towns and Country, so flourishing and prospering at that time, as no land in Christendom more. Where as the States of the whole land, aswell in general as particular, yea the chiefest of the Nobility and Lords themselves with humble Supplications, Remonstrances, Ambassades and many other means, have obediently requested to be hard indifferently, and to be released of such a tyrannical yoke. Not certainly, we know and believe that our King of nature is the most gracious and mercyfullest Prince that may be found. But seeing we know this, we conclude resolutely, that this is not his doing nor will, which by the Albanish faction hath of late been done, but they give the King to understand slanderous tales by them falsely devised, keeping him fast in Spain, to the intent he should rule according to their appetit, abusing his name, seal, and blanks at their pleasure, giving out commandments in his name such as best serve for their purpose: which thing is so plain and notorious, as no man is of so simple understanding and judgement, which doth not see, yea feel it. For they perceiving about vi. years past, the Nobility and Gentlemen of the country, to take to heart the state of the same, presenting Requests to be dismissed from the Inquisition and tyranny of the new Bishops, then could they begin to say, that to the kings natural good inclination towards his subjects, and their good obedience, great wrong was offered: as who would say, it was not the King's mind nor pleasure that his own Lands should be charged with such a tyrannical servitude as the Inquisition is, & that he never thought it, which they published under the King's letters and seal, which they sent not only unto certain towns and congregations, but likewise to certain of the chief Lords and Nobles of the Land. Then within a short while after (thinking the time fit to serve their turn) they published new Letters & Edicts in the King's name, expressly to the contrary: wherein his Majesty willed and straightly commanded that the new Bishops, the Counsel of Trent, and Inquisition should be planted, upon pain of his extreme displeasure. Within a while after, they considering a great alteration like to happen, and some commotion towards amongst the people, not finding themselves sufficiently strong, they once again called in the same and in the king's name made a new agreement, confirming it under his Seal. But within a while after (being provided of a power) the kings letters under his great seal, was by them broken and violated, and the commons charged with new oaths and taxes. Then began the Gallows, scaffolds, and poles, to be erected, the swords whetted, and the fires kindled, and then they began to murder, burn, and hung, all the kings true subjects without end or measure: yea the most noblest Lords of the country were forced to flee or to be murtherid. Now well knowing that they king hath no pleasure in these doings, that his true subjects should thus unjustly and tyrannously be handled, as he himself hath often declared, and as we are fully certified, do therefore (not against our king, but against certain presumptuous strangers, which have advanced themselves to invade our country without right or reason,) take the sword in hand to defend and deliver our bodies from their bloody swords, our goods from their griping hands, & our wives and daughters from their unchaste desires, knowing thereby for certain, that we do our King herein both good and faithful service: the truth whereof being uprightly related unto him, we hope he will take in good part. Therefore we do not esteem ourselves for rebels, as this writing doth unjustly charge us, but the kings true and faithful servants, and so will remain to the death, seeking nothing more than to defend his heritage from the execrable tyranny of strangers, so as the same be not compelled to give themselves to any revolting or Rebellion. We also deny that which they further allege. That we with lies and false persuasions seek to raise a slander upon the King, to the states and commons of the country, thereby to allure his subjects from his obedience, & draw them to us. Undoubtedly any reasonable person, may easily consider this to be a false accusation, as all the other are wherewith they burden us, and that they themselves are culpable of the same: being manifest, that they have always wrought with open lies and false persuasions to set these countries at debate with the King, by false accusations, thereby seeking occasion to invade the land, and so to bring it under their subjection. This is easily to be considered out of the request for ix. years which in anno 1552. the King himself did propone unto the general states of the land within the town of Valencia: namely that the means whereby to maintain the wars against France any longer were at an end, and that his majesty knew not how to levy any more money. Desiring therefore that they would appoint some amongst them, which were expert in the state of the country, to found some means to secure the matter. whereupon an assembly of their Deputies was kept at Brussels, where after many deliberations it was finally concluded, & to the King was granted the sum of eight hundred thousand Gilderns a year, for the space of nine years, whereof forthwith should be levied upon the sale of rents xxiv. hundred thousand Gilderns for the maintaining and paying of xviij. thousand footmen, and eight thousand horsemen, whereof the one third part to be strangers, and the rest inhabitants of the country, and that for the space of vj. months: over and beside twenty ships of war for seven months. And further according to the particular instructions thereof made, to bring the same to effect, there were certain necessary specified, without which it had been hard to persuade the common people. Namely, that the states of the land should have the administration of the money in their hands, and pay the Soldiers according to the instructions which should be delivered unto them on the kings behalf: and further they to appoint certain persons which should have the mustering of the Soldiers. This devise did please his majesty marvelous well, and he heartily thanked them for the good assistance and inclination they showed towards him. Which afterward (as appeared) was the greatest and notablest service which might have been done to his majesty and the country, for thereby his majesty in the extremity of his necessity was so holpen, that the King of France was greatly amazed at it. This was the only occasion whereby not only goodly victories against the enemy were obtained, but likewise that in the end a peace was concluded to the great advantage and honour of his Majesty and countries. All this notwithstanding, there were not a few amongst the Spaniards, (Whose example some of other countries followed) who sought by all means to persuade the King, that this kind of order did greatly extend to the abasement and dishonour of his Majesty, for that the states (as they pretended) did hereby school the King, and would limit and set him orders at their pleasures: which by no means was to be suffered, for that the same did tend to an open rebellion; with many other like persuasions which they by night and day propound to the King, to the intent to incense him against the low countries. Whereas their pretence was none other than to satisfy their unsatiable avarice, & grieved them that they were barred from the handling of the money. This notwithstanding they have since attributed the misery of this Country, which through their unreasonable tyranny is now happened, unto the request of nine years. So as it is easily to be perceived that they are those which with their feigned tales and false persuasions have gone about to set debate and strife between the King and his faithful subjects: which also did long before sufficiently appear, in the time of the most noble Emperors Charles, for to the intent they might come to their pretence, and bring into the Country such placards under pretence of Religion, whereby they might be Masters of our goods and substances, yea over our lives, wives and children, they with false illusions did persuade the good Emperor, that the doctrine of Martin Luther did condemn all jurisdictions both spiritual and temporal, and did give free liberty to all men to rob, murder, and burn, and every one to live at his free liberty: as is expressed in the Emperors placard published at Worms in Anno 22. and since in these low countries. Through occasion whereof, so much innocent blood hath been shed in these low countries, as it is to be verified, that since that time to this day, there hath been executed for their conscience sake, some with the sword, gallows, fire, and water, above one hundred thousand persons, all under pretence that they were followers of such perverse doctrine as in the said placard is invented. Who seeth not than openly that they with manifest lies and open untruth do seek to destroy and bring allthings under their subjection? Have we not also seen of late in the proponing of the tenth penny, how they have helped themselves with false practices? For when they perceived that they could not persuade the states and the Deputies of the towns to condescend, they declared they saw evidently that it was not to be done, and therefore was it not their intent effectually to levy the tenth penny as they had proponed: but yet to the intent they should show their dutiful affection and inclination towards his Majesty, they requested that it might be granted upon condition, notwithstanding that it should never be levied nor put in execution. And hereof have they given to the states of Henaulde and some others, further acts and letters. This notwithstanding, they have since by a mere force urged the execution of the tenth penny, because they had written to the King of Spain (as they said) that the same was granted. These are the false & double pranks, which they use and seek, thereby to bring this country into the kings displeasure, and so finally to utter ruin. Yea we see that they in this their letter can not forget their wicked tricks and false lies, saying that we seek to bring the towns from the true obedience of his Majesty, and to allure them to us as we have done. They themselves do certainly know that neither our meaning nor intent is such, nor never was, as appeareth, by all our writings, reasons, protestations, yea by all our acts, works and proceedings. Yea, so far it is from us, that there is not one town or village, not not one man to be found, which is escaped from these strange tyrants, but he doth acknowledge the king for his Lord, and willbe obedient unto him in all respects, and likewise will spend his life & goods in his service, yea with a more fervency than ever before: which they shallbe ready to show effectually, so soon as it shall please the kings Majesty to discharge them of this insupportable yoke and tyranny. So that it is most evident that we have not diverted any towns from the kings obeisance, nor seek to do, but to the contrary, they are those that under the pretence and shadow of the kings name, doth practise to get them from the kings obeisance into theirs, to the intent to exercise their force and tyranny over them.  
Do we not see how they have brought a great part of Sapine from the kings obedience under the subjection of the inquisition? So that they alone do rule and gooverne over villages, Lordships, towns, and Countries, without acknowledging the King: Yea they have already so played their parts within the kingdom of Spain, that neither burgess, commoner, nor noble man, not not the king himself, dare do any thing against the authority & force of the Inquisition. They have their Courts, their Officers, Promoters, sergeant, Spies, Traitors, and Familiars, which will be subject neither to the kings nor their country's jurisdiction, in so much that they are esteemed and feared more than the king: like as hath appeared sufficiently by some great personages not necessary to be named, and yet daily doth among the noble men and burgesses, whom they daily apprehended & put to death, without having regard to the king's superiority or custom of the land. This is the government which they would feign bring into this country, the which because we withstand, we are termed rebels, as if we did withstand our king. Hereby they give openly to understand, that they seek to ascribe the kingly name unto themselves: knowing well that we have not stirred against the king, but against their outrageous tyranny, which we will maintain so long as one drop of blood remaineth in us.  
And yet further do they proceed with their Spanish pranks, rehearsing here some Towns which they (to get them the more credit) have left unspoiled, alleging that they have spared all those which have offered no defence, concluding thereby that to all those which would willingly give themselves under their subjection (which they term the King's obeisance) no harm should be offered. Now, it appeareth evidently, that all the Towns (in this Letter comprehended) have already sufficiently declared, what their meaning and intent is, namely to withstand the tyranny of these blood suckers, and that to the uttermost: and to that intent did willingly receive garrisons of Souldious: but being forsaken of those garrisons, and being not able any longer to resist, the burgesses did surrender themselves into the hands of those whom they took for their enemies. Have now the Spanards of remorse and pity spared those Towns, as they would fain make us believe? What occasion had they then before or since to set on fire so many fair places and villages in the Country? who never hurt them: and althoughs they would yet could not offer any resistance. Why have they chased so many a poor man out of his possession, destroying his house & ground? Yea, what occasion had they to show themselves so cruel and furious against the Town of Machlin? sparing neither Churches nor Cloisters, but made havoc of all to the uttermost. Did not they of Machlin surrender themselves so soon as the garrison was departed out of the Town? it is manifest, yes. And that which is more, they never would suffer any alteration of Religion, nor yet permit any preaching of the Gospel. What hath all this profited them against the griping hands of these merciful givers of pardon? The like hath happened to Dirmonde and Audenaerde, whom they first put to ransom, and yet afterwards utterly spoiled and sacked. Over and beside this, the Town of Mons in Henaulde was taken in by force: the Commons whereof would neither assist nor help the Soldiers to defend the Town against the Albanistes, (which since they have repented) nor yet would permit any alteration in Religion. Which Town was afterwards again surrendered by composition into the Duke of Alba his hands, upon promise by oath & letters, that none of the burgesses should be harmed: which promise' notwithstanding, when they were entered, and all things as they would have it, hanged up a number of them, and God knoweth how the rest shall speed.  
And here in Holland, how have they used them of Rotterdam, who never were revolted from them, nor yet had commenced any alteration either of religion or government? yea never thought of it: and yet at their joyful, have they not murdered the Burgesses in great number, contrary to their promise? And afterwards at their departure out of the town, had not they concluded to set it on fire, the most part of them being departed? to which purpose they had provided a great deal of straw and other stuff, and would have brought it to pass in deed, if the bailiff and other good Burgesses had not letted them, who perceiving themselves to be the stronger party, began to take some courage, & to withstand them.  
Note further I pray you what faith or credit is to be given to their promise which they vow so surely, as may be seen by the horrible murder committed by these bloody hounds at Naerden near unto Harlem: where upon like promise made (as aforesaid) the Burgesses of the City suffered, them to enter, upon hope of safety of life and goods. The Spaniards being entered, caused the Borowmaster and the commons to resort to a certain great house standing on the market place, under pretence to swear them to be true to the king. The poor simple people having dispossessed themselves of their armour and weapons, coming to the place appointed, were there like a sort of Lambs most cruelly murdered, in such sort as few escaped. One Cornelius Gissebert being then Borowmaster, was murdered by the hands of the Duke of Alba's own son, & many of their daughters they ravished in presence of the dead carcases. Not contented with this, they ran to the other Borowmasters' house, where finding him sick in his bead, murdered him. Besides this they spared not so much as the poor impotent persons that they found in the hospital, with other most execrable deeds, as hanging up of men by the privy members, and women by their breasts. etc. Which outrageous cruelty there committed was (as they themselves confess) the occasion of their evil success at Harlem, alleging the words of judas, Peccavi, tradens sanguinem justum. And a certain Spaniard taken before Harlem, before his death confessed, they thought to have done the like at Harlem.  
These things considered, is there any to be found so foolish and mad, that would give credit to their words? and suppose with himself, that they have spared the towns for pity and holiness? Whereas it is evident, that such Towns as at their first entry they did not altogether spoil & ransack: have afterwards been so burdened and ransomed▪ as men have been forced to pay three times the value of their houses and goods. And now they declare, that they do intent to show the like grace as is aforesaid, unto the other towns in Holland, which henceforth will of their own accord yield themselves to their obeisance. Certainly the grace willbe great that they will show, they will for a time dissemble the matter and look through the fingers, until such time as they shallbe masters of the Towns, and then at their pleasure will apprehended and lay hold sometimes of one dozen here, sometimes of another dozen there, of the chiefest and substantialest, and as they see opportunity 'cause them to be hanged up: which willbe thought by them a singular grace in so eschaping from being burned alive. And so having all the other Towns likewise under their subjection, their cruelty will then first begin: for than will they build bulwark and Castles in all firm towns, and begin to take and apprehended the poor Burgesses by heaps, sending some with Galleys into Spain, some to be sold as slaves, other to be hanged on trees and Gallows, and so used as a sort of sheep brought to the shambles. Then followeth the displacing of Magistrates & rulers, taking away of privileges, dividing the government amongst Spaniards and Italians, bringing in the bloody counsel, and Inquisition, which is ten times worse than it hath been used in Spain, exacting the twenty, and the tenth, yea the fifth and the third penny, and so fulfil their appetites upon our goods, yea, with our wives and daughters: to conculde to bring the whole country under the miserablest slavery that ever hath been heard of. This sure is the grace that they of their mere mercy think to use, for what grace or mercy is there otherwise to be looked for at their hands, if they should become victorious over the country as over their enemies, & recover those towns which have rejected their yoke? seeing they have used such cruel tyranny, outrage & insolentie in those towns, which at the first have as friends received them, and showed them all friendship, help and assistance. Inquire of the towns of Maestricht, Shertoghenbosch, Wtrecht, Tourney, Valencien, Lyle, and other more where they have lain in garrison, what grace they have there extended towards the commons of the same? And whither there be any kind of outrage, insolentie, spite or cruelty to be devised, which there hath not been used? So as many of their commons have in great numbers been piteously murdered, as within the towns of Lyle, Valencien, and Tourney, hath notoriously been seen, and would have set on fire and spoiled divers of the notablest towns, as we have rehearsed of Rotterdam, and as was apparent at Wtrecht, where they were determined to have done the like. Yea let us see how they have done at Amsterdamme, (which Town was well affectioned towards them). Let us consider what good fruits they of Amsterdam have reaped by it. These have first exacted of them a hundredth thousand Gilderns, upon condition to have no Soldiers: afterwards, they were the first that were condemned in the payment of the tenth penny, and consequently have so charged and burdened them, that the Town is in a manner undone.  
But for what respect will they be so favourable and merciful to our Country, to grant this favour towards us? It must proceed either in respect of our persons, or theirs. As touching their own persons, they must be moved to it of nature, or in respect of their gain and profit. It is notorious that of nature they are not inclined to mercy or kindness to use such singular grace towards us. For if men consider what cruel and inhuman facts they have committed in the kingdom of Naples, with in the Dukedom of Milan, in the Indies, and in all parts of these low Countries where they are become vanquishers: yea in their own native Country, by robbing, murdering, burning, ravishing of women, cutting of children out of their mother's bellies and such like abominable deeds, under the colour of rebellion & heresy (which they always allege for themselves) no occasion willbe thereby found why any man might account them pitiful and gracious. Then this their pity and mercy must proceed out of a respect for their own gain. But that can not be, for they think that the Towns which are declined from them, have so done, because they did not use sufficient cruelty against them, but spared many which now are become their chief enemies, according to the proverb which their Vargas doth use, Nimis magna clementia, nos perdidit: 
This Vargas is the chief of the inquisitors in the low Countries.  that is to say, Too much mercy, hath spilled us. Now therefore they make their reckoning thus, that if they may once again obtain to be Masters, they will so tame and yoke the Country, that they shall not need to be at great travel or charges to keep the inhabitants thereof under their subjection.  
Now, seeing we can not expect any mercy or favour at their hands for respect of their persons? Let us then see whither they might be thereunto moved for respect of ours: certainly much less. For, beside that the Spanish Nation are of nature lofty and proud, and do contemn all other Nations, seeking the superiority over all, they do bear a singular and privy hatred against this our Nation of the low countries: which hatred (as commonly it is seen) is bred of a jealousy. For they seeing that our natural Princes and Lords, the Dukes of Brabant & Earls of Holland, etc. have matched and allied themselves with Spanish women, heirs of the kingdoms of Spain, and by that means obtaining the government over them, sometimes have ordained Netherlanders to rule in the regiment of Spain: as in the time of the Lord of Cheures, and the Cardinal Adrian borne in Holland (who afterward was elected Pope of Rome) hath been seen. This hath not a little grieved the Spaniards, that they should be ruled by Flemings, (for so they term all the Netherlanders) And hereout it happened, that within a while after that Charles the Emperor (of noble memory) as lawful heir did succeed his Grandfather Ferdinandus king of Spain, the whole country of Spain, especially the kingdom of Arragon, began to rebel against Charles their natural Lord, wrongfully pretending that the succession of the kingdom belonged not unto him, and to that end sent for a certain Duke of Calabria, which was of the ancient house of Arragon, who then lay in prison, offering him the kingdom: which he denied to accept.  
Notwithstanding, shortly after, by the good fortune and policy of the Emperor Charles, all those matters were brought to a quiet end: yet ever since that time have the Spaniards borne an inward grudge & malice against our nation, as they have always well declared when soever they had any opportunity, but especially against the Nobles of the Country, whom they perceived to be in special grace and favour with the Emperor Charles (of most famous memory) and the kings Majesty that now is, inventing all manner of means to bring these Countries into the displeasure of their Majesties: which (besides the examples aforesaid) doth evidently appear by this last proposition of the Emperor Charles, who departing out of these Countries towards Spain, leaving the same to his Son our sovereign Lord, said: he did sufficiently perceive, that the Spaniards sought by all means to incense him, and bring into his hatred his subjects of the low Countries, according to their accustomed envious nature which they bore towards the country, but he should not credit them: but to the contrary, hold these Countries for special recommended, as those who in his most necessity (above all others) had declared towards him most obedient faythefulnesse, and had reserved the Crown on his head: requesting they would show the like towards their young King, and that he should minister justice to all men, according to reason, defending them against the rigour and violence of their enemies, without giving credit to their evil willers and adversaries, with many other wholesome admonitions, which some Lords presently living, heard him speak.  
Furthermore, if we consider in what estimation we are with them, we shall soon perceive whereof this hatred and malice is further sprung. It is manifest, that (by reason of the neighbourhed which we have with the Germans and other nations addicted to the Gospel) they have always esteemed us for Lutherians and heretics. I mean not only of those that have cast off the Pope's religion, but in general the whole Nation, perceiving our people of nature not to be given to many ceremonies, and little esteeming the Apish toys and trumperies which they have learned of the Sarrasins, Moors, and other Heathen people. We see what an Apes play they use in the time of Lent, in scourging of themselves, with other mockeries, which they use at our lords sepulchre (as they call it.) This they extéeme for the greatest holiness which may be. Now, they perceiving that our country men, yea they that are most bend to the Roomish religion, do jest and mock at these their doings, esteeming them as children's toys and mere hypocrisy. This also doth kindle in their hearts an unquench able hatred and envy against us, that they which accounted themselves so wise and fine witted, should of our Children, wives and simple people be esteemed as Hypocrites & superstitious fools. And so by reason thereof, they do esteem us all in general (few or none excepted) as Heretics and Lutherians.  
It is also manifest, that they do hateand persecute the Lutherians more than the jews, Turks or any other transgressors that live in this world: for with the jews, Turks, Moors and Saracens they use great familiarity (for that the most part of them are sprung out of that race) but such as they esteem as Lutherians, they think them not worthy to enjoy either Eyre, Water, Sun, Moon, nor yet any other Element: yea they do persecute them by all the means they can devise.  
And to look for any grace or pardon at their hands for respect of our own persons, (seeing they hate us above all other creatures in the world) it were mere madness: yea they think they do God good service when soever they may cruelly murder any of us. Besides this, they account this whole Country as rebellious, saying plainly, that in all the low Countries, there is not one Town but hath forfeited to the King their liberties, yea life and goods, and have purchased unto them the displeasure and wrath of his Majesty. The one for denying to receive the Spanish garrisons: The other for neglecting the execution of the Mandamentes & Placcards, in matters of Religion, and not punishing the Heretics and offenders sufficiently. The third, for that they have not sufficiently aided and assisted the Bishops, inquisitors and Spaniards. Others, for not granting to the demand of the x. penny and other unreasonable requests: Some other because they would not abide the unsupportable violence of the Soldiers. In fine, there is not one Town nor village in all the low Countries, which is not to be charged with loss of life & goods: as is to be perceived out of their own allegations propound in the name of the Duke of Alba, touching the x. penny, saying, that such was demanded to the intent that the Lands and countries which were fallen into the displeasure of the King, might thereby be reduced to his favour. Therefore we need not to look for any grace or favour at their hands, and all that which they do allege and say is to be extéemed for none other then subtle practices, to bring the simple and unwise under their yoke, and after being Masters over them to use them at their pleasures, wherein they will have no such precise regard to those that have offended, as to those which hereafter might offend, or with whose goods and possessions they might be made rich for ever. So that there is none, being of any power, authority, or countenance, or having any goods, that shall escape free, for he that will strike a dog, may soon found a staff. And undoubtedly, this is the true nature & common use of all Tyrants that have subdued any Towns, specially being before revolted from them, that they never think their rule nor life to be in surety, until such time as they have made away such as they do suspect, might, or would withstand their power.  
Therefore all they which by servitude (helping the Spaniards against their own allies, contrary to the duty which they own to their natural country,) do in any wise hope thereby to get their grace and favour, surely shallbe the first that shall found themselves deceived: for it will not be so precisely asked what they have offended, as wherein hereafter they might or could offend. Much less may they look for any grace or favour which before have revolted and withstood their tyranny, and now upon hope of pardon shall turn and become enemies to their native country, for such they will esteem as double Traitors, of whose truth they never can be assured, thinking always, that spying their commodity they will revolt again. And what soever else they here proponed touching their grace & favour, is nothing else but mere deceit and subtlety: so that none (having his understanding and right senses) will believe these promises, but rather with life and goods, and by all possible means, help to defend his Country and the liberties thereof.  
And because it shall not be thought that this warning doth proceed of affection rather than of a truth, let us first mark what kind of pardon they do propone, and then what assurance and certainty they do offer first they say. That unto those which return again to their obeisance shallbe given perpetual grace and favour as is given to those which already are turned unto them, being left in their former state, using and enjoying their goods and other things as they did before their revolt. Hereby they give to understand, that at this present their goods are detained as forfeit, and that the Duke of Alba and the Spaniards do esteem themselves as Lords and proprietaries of the lives and goods of the indwellers of the same towns, like as before the revolting of the towns, they have divers times made their vaunt, yet will they now of a special grace & favour grant them so much, as that for a while they shall enjoy the use of their goods, until such time as they found better opportunity to put in execution that which long hath lain in their minds: for by the words before recited, is not expressed the reservation which they keep to themselves: Namely, that the Rebels and heretics and other whom it shall please them, should be punished according to the nature and disposition of their offences. Besides this, no mention is made of the nobles & the whole country. So as all those that have any goods, houses or lands, lying without the towns, can by no means by the content of this letter be assured, only the inhabitants of the towns should by this means be used as executors and accusers of the nobles and country. Then I pray you mark what kind of assurance here is given. Which we in the name and behalf of the king do certainly promise' and assure you by these presents, & thought good hereof to advertise you, to the intent you give the same further to understand. etc. Assuredly this is a proper assurance, upon which one merchant will scarce lend another two pence: much less whole towns and countries adventure their lives thereby, for what have they not promised us in the name and behalf of the king's majesty, and have afterwards broken and infringed the same? as if they might make a jesting stake of the kings majesty at their pleasure, which undoubtedly they do. How often have they promised these Countries, that they should not be burdened with garrisons of Soldiers? That the Inquisition should not be brought into the country? yea how solemnly, & with what a countenance, did they promise' & vow to the nobles & country the agreement made in August & confirmed by the Duchess of Parma. And in these last wars, when have they at any time kept promise? nay rather when have they not openly & without any respect broken & violated the same? They had faithfully promised the town of Rotterdam, they would but pass through the same without hurting any of the Citizens, & as soon as they were within, they began to murder execrably, as if they had been a sort of ravening Wolves and murderers. They had promised the town of Mounts in Henault that they would not harm any one Burges, upon which condition they entered the town, where they apprehended a great number & hung them up. But I pray you how have they dealt with the Counties of Egmont & of Horn? what fair promises had they made unto them, yea confirmed with the kings letters & seal, making them believe all things were forgotten & forgiven, that the king did favour & was bountiful to them, & that nothing should be concluded in the counsel without their advise, with many other like words, wherewith they persuaded these good noble men that all things were well, & so got them into their hands, to the intent to dispatch them away most miserably, setting their heads upon poles, as if they had been murderers or traitors? What faith or troth was kept with the Lords of Barow & Montigny, who were by the Duchess of Parma & all the Lords & nobles of the country (for pacifying the state thereof) so solemnly scent in Ambassade to the kings Majesty? The Turks and faithless heathens which know no God, do esteem it an abominable deed to endamage Emassadours or Commissaries, being by all natural reasons to be esteemed as holy: Notwithstanding they kept those Lords as prisoners a great while, & in the end pitifully murdered them without law or Justice. After this, what faith have they kept with their own soldiers, being under the regiment of the County Lodron, who served him so long at Valencien? Did not the Duke of Alba promise & swear to them, that the offences passed (to wit because they had demanded to have their payment) should be forgotten, and thereupon gave them his letters & seal, causing them to be written up a new, & to take an oath to the king. And that which is more, caused than to come from Valencien to Antwerp under conduct there to receive money, whereas he with his Spanish soldiers environed them, and in great numbers caused them to be hanged one after another: the rest which escaped hanging, he caused to be chased and driven away without payment? Who then would seem to be so mad or bewitched, to attribute credit to any of their promises, except he were weary of his life and welfare? For if they have in this sort deceived the most notablest & chiefest Lords of the country, if they have so cruelly without reason murdered the Ambassadors sent by the Governant & nobles to the king: and if they have not kept promise with those towns which never resisted nor altered religion, if they have been so unfaithful to their own soldiers, through whom they were become Masters of the Country. Should we then whom they utterly hate, (& as they say,) have rebelled against the king, maintaining (as they allege) the Lutherian doctrine, been their mortal enemies, and effectually declared the same, be kept promise with, then surely the world had need be altered and new changed.  
But we perceive evidently by their own words, that they never mean to do it, for they themselves do not offer any assurance for accomplishment of their promise, but only charge them of Amsterdam to give notice thereof to the other towns, & in their behalf to promise' this. seeing (saith the Duke of Alba) that we do promise and assure you by this letter signed by us that so it shallbe done etc. Now would they have the town of Amsterdam wholly take upon her to do that, which so many towns should hereafter bewail & lament if they keep not promise' with them. It might afterwards be said: wherefore were they so foolish as to credit them of Amsterdam (their enemies) seeing the Duke himself made them no promise? In conclusion it is notorious, that these be but mere deceits to deceive the simple people, for the proper words of the letter do declare evidently, that the Duke doth not assure or promise' the Towns any thing, so that they cannot charge him with any promise, though he observe nothing, but only them of Amsterdam, who have promised it on the Duke's behalf. And think you that they of Amsterdam have their excuse to seek? Not I warrant you: for they may say, we have not broken our promise, seeing we have not on our own behalf, but in the Duke's name only promised you. This deceit was plainly seen by the above rehearsed soldiers of Valencien, for the Duke of Alba did make the promise, & the County Lodron broke it, and yet neither of both thought they committed any offence herein, seeing the one was not bound to perform that which he had not promised, & the other would not by his promise bind the County of Lodron.  
All this notwithstanding, though they should by any manner of oaths or bonds, (possible to be devised) confirm any promise, yet would they think themselves in no point bound to perform the same, because of their common rule: saying, there is no faith to be kept with heretics: as in the council of Constance (whereas johannes Hus & Hierome of prague, who upon the king's oath & letters of safe conduct came thither & were there burnt alive) it was concluded for an article of the faith, & all they condemned as heretics, which kept any promise with heretics. Besides that, the Pope of Rome can at all times absolve them of their oaths & promise, as daily it is used, so as they be no more bound to the same, than if they had never spoken it. Therefore, no wise people willbe seduced with such deceitful lies, but rather to the last drop of their blood, duly & manfully help to deliver their native country from these bloodthirsty Tyrants.  
Lastly, they produce a new trick, seeking to make those afraid which are fearful & of small courage saying, that they greatly err which think to withstand the king's power, and that it will fall out evil with them, if they remain obstinate and will try his majesties power and force. First we have protested & by these presents do protest, that we never did nor will withstand the king's power. Likewise are we well assured that our king according to his accustomed clementie, would not use his power & force to destroy & bring to ruin his own subjects, which always have been so faithful to him & his ancestors: But these strange tyrants which under the king's name go about to bring our native country under their subjection, those will we resist to the uttermost and last man. And as for their power (whereof they so much host) we nothing fear, neither it needeth not that we tarry long to try their force, who have already for the space of u or vi. years sufficiently showed the same: so as they now scarce know whither to run or wind themselves, and therefore come they now with this their pardon, perceiving their force not to prevail. But before, when all things went as they wished, they seemed as though they would have devoured the country in one minute. And perceiving that the strange soldiers (which serve only for money) ran from their garrisons they thought all had been finished & done, and so wrote both into Spain & Duytchland. But now being come to those that offer resistance, & are determined to defend their liberties with the sword: it quickly appeared through God his providence, what their power was. For than they lost their best Captains and Soldiers, and the Lord God hath defended our just cause, and made a scorn of their great power and force. Their old Spanish soldiers (the like of whom they thought were not in the world) remained there slain aswell as the other. And now they have tried that there be men left in the world that will fight for their native country. So that we (continuing in the fear of God, & perfect unity amongst ourselves) shall have no need to fear the haughty words of those who have so long beaten their brains against the weakest town in Holland, wherein at the first was neither store of victuals, munition, nor soldiers, (and whereof they had so great an advantage by reason of the Ice, that they accounted it a Town of no force) are yet driven backward, & come to shame and confusion. But now, seeing the water is open, and the town (through GOD his grace) greatly strengthened and furnished of good soldiers, and all manner of good provision and munition, think they to make us afeard with their boasts and threatenings? Nay, nay, good Burgesis, let us be of good courage, and nothing regard their brags, but trust in the Lord our God, who hitherto hath so wonderfully assisted us, defending our native Country to the uttermost with our substance & blood. Let us manfully stand in defence of our wives & children against these bloodthirsty enemies of our honours & common weal: & to the end direct our lives in all union & concord, to the intent that we may enjoy our old liberties and privileges, & leave them behind us, together with a good name and fame to our children's children, our neighbours and friends. Surely trusting in God, that he will once turn his wrath from our sins, and behold us with his merciful countenance, and reduce our poor oppressed country to his former state and prosperity. Also we trust that the Kings Ma. our sovereign Lord, piteously considering this insupportable tyranny & force, of those which so proudly abuse his name & title, to the destruction of the country daily more and more: will of his natural clemency grant us, that we being delivered from these tyrants & suppressors, may once effectually show, and apparently declare the just faith, hearty affection and seruitiable obedience, which we are ready (even to the death) to show to his Majesty, which we in all humble manner require of his Majesty. Also we heartily pray unto almighty God, that he will grant his Majesty a long and healthful life, & prosperous reign. Written at Delft, the xii. of March. Anno 1573.  
FINIS.