A RELATION OF The Birth, as well as of several Remarkable Passages during the Minority of the Victorious JAMES Duke of Monmouth, Eldest Son to his MAJESTY of great Britain, France and Ireland, with the true Account of his many signal and heroic Victories in Holland, Flanders and Scotland to his Immortal Fame: With the manner of his Departure from Whitehall, and of his joyful Reception in Holland. Hony soit qui Mal y pence.  
JAMES Duke of Monmouth, Born During the time of his Royal Fathers (and our dread Sovereigns) most unjust exilement by those monstrous bloody Tyrants that usurped a Jurisdiction over his undoubted Right, those Fiends compacted in the shapes of Men, first brooded in the lower Hell, and like Pandora's box sent thence to plague the World, and fill it with unwholesome Ills; therefore it may be said of his Grace in part, as it was of Anibal that Carthaginian Prince and Masterpiece of War, though not born in a Winter-Camp where Drums and Trumpets charm the Globe, yet born in Tumults and bred up to great Exploits, for no sooner had he passed his tender Years, but thirst of Military Glory spurred him on to baffle danger, and contemn those panic fears, that like to Millstones clog the Soul, and with too much grossness and humidity keep her from soaring to her proper sphere, quenching those heroic fires that otherways would blaze bright, and curl among the Clouds or born on the Wings of Fame, illuminate the Nations round about, and make pale envy Groan that his Grace was somewhat extravagant in his Minority we needs must own, playing many wild freaks, not without hazarding his Person, yet this he might be over-persuaded to comply with by some far reaching Politician, who foresaw to what a height his Virtues would aspire, and in envy unto which might seek this way to nip them in their early bloom, the like precedent we have in Henery of Monmouth, or England's Fifth Henery, that heroic Prince whose name and worth yet haughty France may know there writ deep in characters of blood his prodigious Victories declare themselves by a total Conquest annexing that Crown to ours, the possession of which was after lost by his unhappy Son King Henery the sixth, but to return to his Graces more Manly resolution, soon gained the superiority over those frailties, and sent such Chimeras to wander with their mother-clouds addicting himself to actions worthy his high Birth, Arms and the God of Battle raged in his breast, and then began his Fortunes to appear, for we not having any Hostilities in these his most Sacred Majesty's Dominions: But blessed with the happy accents of a flourishing Peace, the greatest comfort next the Gospel's freedom that a Kinstdom can enjoy: but on the contrary our neighbouring Nation then groaning under the heavy oppressions of Sword and Fire, whereupon in order to his Royal Fathers will (whom God grant long to reign over us, and make his days as the days of Heaven) he crossed the raging Bellows, leading an Army in favour of the French, (though most unworthy of his service) who were then engaged in War against the Dutch our Protestant Neighbours, where being arrived, although but Green and unexperience as to the practic never before having charged an Enemy, yet with the English Parties under his Command he performed such wonderful Exploits that many politic Monsieurs that had been trained up in War for many Years, stood amazed at so brave a resolution, and so courageously he behaved himself for the honour of his Country and the true old English valour, that many of the French Nobility began to envy what they durst not imitate, a common Maxim amongst great Ones, for at the several Sieges during his Commission, there he was for the most part put upon the dangerousest Exploits which always contributed to his honour, though perhaps by some intended to a different purpose, for such was his courage and resolution, that though he was sent out with Parties much inferior to the Enemy in number, yet he charged with such Gallantry that the Sallyers were beaten back, nor able to abide such force being often pursued by him even to their Lines and Trenches, when the Beseigeds Cannon played most furiously, in their defence, and shot like Hail sung round his Warlike Head, who can forget that brave Exploit performed by him at Siege of Mastrech, a Siege that got to be so Famous at the loss of many Thousand lives, the French Army having lain before it and such an Army that was Composed of all the Flower of that Kingdom for several Months their King in person, Animating them at several Visits that he made, but yet not daring to attempt any thing of Moment, the Counter-scarp, Ram-parts, Bastion, half Moons, and Pallasadoes, being so Advantageously made Guarding every Pass, with such Vast Quantities of well Mounted Cannons, the which continually playing beat the Frenchmen, daily from their works; slaughtering them in Numbers upon every hand, so that many began to despair of better success, and that it would be impossible for them ever to become Masters of the Peace, and 'tis thought they would have raised the Siege without Achieve any thing worthy of Note, had not his Grace with his, by that time well seasoned English Soldiers, backed them on, and in the Height of courage and cavalry, boldly lead the Van, as if Inuulnerable he could unconcerned smile at Death and brave the frowns of Fate, for few or none Expected, he could have escaped a so Gallant and so daring an attempt (but Caesar's Fortunes, Favour Caesar's Son) preparing for the asault no sooner had he drawn his Soldiers up and come within danger of the Mines, but the Besiegers sprung all though with Inconsiderable Execution, yet notwithstanding this might much a disheartened them in their proceed, but Animated by his Grace's Example and Courage, they cried lead and furiously pressed on here we may aply to his Grace that Sentence of the Warlike Trajan Prince, when in the like danger (Tucer ducet Auspice Tucro) for although the great half Moon was defended with two Bastions, a wing or Flancker of small shot from the Palasadoes, and several Thousands, in the work itself being recruted with fresh Soldiers from the Town, yet so far was his Grace from being disencouraged, that he charged them in their, lines and came to Push of Pike; leaping over the Works and Trenches in his proper Person, whose Example his Soldiers Imitating, he still pursued the Enemy in their retreat; beating them from one work to another, till at last he had obliged them to quit the main attacking them in their redoubts, bravely defending what he had gained, although the Enemy twice Sallied in the Action whilst the Mounsiers stood gazing at a distance, not daring to approach till he had won the works; and consequently by his securing them, obliged the Town to a surrend, the which in few days (with as little loss as can be Imagined, in so Perilous an Enterprise) was effected, yet instead of a reward and an eternal wreath of laurel, for so great a piece of service done ingrateful France, unworthy such a Soldier's Arms aspersed his Candior and diserving Fame, with many Base Indignities; as enving him the Glory of that Enterprise, his conquering Sword had won (Sed Cressit sub pondere Victus) nor can their malice shroud his high deserts. Fame's Brazen Trump; Placed in her lofty Tower, will sound the worthies Praise, and Virtue is a Monument more lasting than the Mosulie and higher than all the Pyramids the Architect of Man can frame 'tis that which devouring, time has not the power to waist.  
After this singular piece of service, the greatest advantage that the French has obtained over the Dutch, before or since; his Grace seeing his warlike endeavours prized at no higher a Rate, diserted their party, and retireing himself, yet long could not be content with the pleasures of this bounteous Isle, nor the solace of his Royal Father's Court, his active Soul disdaining slothful Ease, Fame still egging him on to great designs, he once again resolves to Court her in the field, and try his Fortune in some brave Exploit. Flanders then being almost subdued by the power of France, and in great danger to be totaly lost, the Duke of Luxemburg, lying encamped in the Heart of that province with a powerful Army of, between 30 and 40 Thousand Horse and Foot, men disciplined from the beginning of the War, the which till his approach, the Germans, Dutch, nor Spaniards, durst not Face; but his bold Encouragement gave them New Life; as if great Mars himself had then defended from his bloody Throne, and raged through all their Camp, each Soldier's Eyes shot Death; and cried lead on, let's presently engage; whereupon his Highness the Prince of Orange taking hold of the opportunity, advanced with his main body, resolving to attack them, the disadvantage was very great, for the French being Encamped upon the most Comodious Ground in strong alodging between St. Denis and Mons backed with Woods and Flanked, with Lanes almost unpassible, the disproportion being so great that when the Duke of Luxemburg first saw the Prince's Army begin to Move, he uttered these Expressions to several of his chief Commanders, then assembled to receive farther orders, (viz.) surely these rash Boys will not dare to attempt any thing upon us in our Lodgings etc. But the answer was a Thundering charge, and Death's Herangues Sounding loud on every side, for his Grace with the English, Regiments charged the Enemy on the Right, with such fury that at the first Brunt he overset them disordering their Horse and putting them into Confusion that they fled far; and near whilst he pursued them even to their Camp, slaughtering them through defile or duty Lanes, the which were a most Impossible as likewise my Lord of Ossery behaved himself with much Gallantry after his Grace had beaten their Right, he turned upon the Left, and charged the Dragoons who lay Flankers with such an undaunted resolution and bravery, that notwithstanding their utmost resistance, and many succours sent to their relief, several Thousands were left upon the place, whilst the dreadful in Arms Rod through the Squadorns and Buttalions giving necesary orders, and for the most part where the shot flew thickest, by which means he gave the Germans, Dutch and Spaniards, to force and disorder the Enemies main Body, and oblige them to retreat with the loss of about 8 Thousand men and the next day to quit their Camp. And silently departed, cle●ing great quanteties of their baggage behind them, this was the first V ctory that Holland e'er could boast, during that so tedious War, and doubtless had not gained this, had not his Grace so bravely managed the affairs, where Caesar is there Caesar's Fortunes will attend, that which History afirms of Henry the Fift, of Monmouth may here be worthy, our observation where 'tis related that he never fought but still remained Victorious, and that in his many Battles during his War with the King and Dauphen of France, for the possession of that Crown and Kingdom, 'tis noted as a wonder the chance of War never turned against his Army, if that he was there in person.  
As likewise Scotland, can amply witness, Monmouths brave renown, those daring factious Scots, that durst Rebel against their Sovereign Lord, and take up Arms to spoil a peaceful Land, whose unexpected Murders, Rapines, and fierce violence began to rage in City's Fields and Walled Towns, slautering our forces that were set for the securing of the peace and quiet of the Realm, with Insolences scarce e'er known before, but when brave Monmouth Winged with War, first set his Foot on that Rebellious soil to Curb their daring Arrogancies, an auful dread seized on those trembling slaves, as if some mighty Earthquake had unhinged the Word, and Nature did begin to sink, their lofty Spirits failed and they became so stupefied, that fear had conquered  his Sword came on, for they being about 40 or 50 Thousand in Number, Guarded with a river in the Front, and Hambleton-Park, on the Rear, with all the advantage of Ground Imaginable, yet notwithstanding, the great Soul'd Duke, after their desiring a Parley for some time, and his generous promises to do his best in their behalf, to persuade his Majesty to mild Terms, if they would lay down their Arms, and yield upon discretion, but they first boggling and at last refusing, he commanded to sound the charge, charging the defenders of the Bridge (than which was a strong party, sent down from the Rebel's Camp) on the Right, with such fury and battering their order, with some Pieces of Cannon from the Left; that in less than an Hours space, he forced them to retire to their main Body; which was advancing from the Hills, whereupon the Bridge being left undefended, his Grace with the greatest part of his Army (the which was much inferior to the Rebels in Number) passed over and charged their Right Wing of Horse, who had advanced and ranged themselves to receive the first Front, but stood not long to it, for the King's forces turning upon them they were soon broken, nor stood they the first shock but wheeling of in much disorder, finding no place of retirement by Reason of their Hot pursuit, rushed through the Ranks of their own Body of Foot; who had not been as then Engaged, so disordering them, passed on and left the Field, not once so much as ralying; in a short space after his Grace sent to charge the remainder of the Rebels that had Ranked themselves again, and stood Entire and commanded a party of Musquetiers to full the hollow Ground, and serve as Flankers to the Left, the Rebel's Foot viewing this well disiplined order, and not seeing their Horse to appear, standing only 2 or 3 Volleys of shot, and the Duke no sooner pressing them on the Right, but all in confusion, they fled, and throwing away their Arms and baggage, every one shifted for himself, most of them absconding in Hambleton-park thus in less than a full day was by his Grace's Courage and conduct, was this great Rebellion de●issipated, and in few days after quite Extinguished, the which many wise Politicians did adjudge to have gotten to that height, that it was too great to Quell especially with so small a force, as his Grace then lead not being above Eleven thousand and most of them the unexperienced Millitia of the Country, etc. such a Soldier in a Nation, is like watch Tower, or a Bulwark, of defence, to Guard it from its during Foes, 〈…〉 Pillar to support the sacred Throne, and Guard it with his Loyal Sword, from all the subtle contrivings and Infernal Counsels, that the Roman Tyrant can devise, for such a ones  next their Sovereign Lords, all good Protestants are bound to pray.  
'Tis much to be observed (that after his Grace had solemnly taken leave of the Court, and in obedience to his Royal Father's pleasure, Entered one of the two Barges, that attended at the back Stairs of the Palace of White-Hall, in order to his departure, the which was on Thursday, the 25 of September. 79. etc. what a general silence and Consternation seized on the willing Crowds, that Vieved his passage down the River, so eager and steadfast were their Eyes fixed on him, as if they would have gazed away their Souls, and sent them to have borne him Company not having power to remove them till the happy Object was beyond their Prospects; uttering many dear Expressions of sorrow every one varying in their Opinions, with sighs and flowing Brine as if they would have made the Tide swell greater than it was Men Women and Children; flocking from all parts adjacent to take their farewell of the Noble Duke, whom the half of them ne'er saw, yet had they heard of him by Fame, and his Heroic Virtues, were too bright for envy to lay silent in the dust, where Conquering Laurels Flourish Green; their Branches spread both far and wide, Braveness of Spirit, is the Virtue which adorns a Prince, that made disputes so aften arise, whether the mighty Caesar in his conquest of the World; won more by clemency, or by his Sword, this doubtless made the Duke so much beloved and made the Nation more concerned for him, than he was for himself, and may the same a speedy Motive be to reconcile him to his Royal Fathers and our gracious Sovereign's bosom, as at first, the which past doubt, is the wish of all the Loyally affected, that Tread on the British soil, and his Grace having with a fair, wind passed the Seas, arrived safe on the 28th in Holland where he was received according to his Carrecter, with all the civil entertainment Imaginable, not only at Vtreich, but at most of the places, through which he passed, making some stay at several places, it is said, he was congratulated by many of the Dutch Nobility, with great respect, and farther that his Grace is designed to pass on, to Hamburrough, a free City of the high Dutch, which City the King of Denmark, and Elector of Brandenburg, are coming down to besiege; and already have begun to Block it up, part of the Danes forces lying in the Elbe, etc. his Grace's presence may be sure of much Importance, and that through the Mercies of a never falling God, we may again behold the Royal Father smiling on his Son with joy, when he shall see him Laden in fresh Victories; and Caesar's Fortune, I wait on him in all his brave attempts.  
FINIS.