THE ACTIONS OF The Low Countries. WRITTEN By Sr. Roger William's KNIGHT.  
LONDON, Printed by Humphrey Lownes, for Matthew Lownes. 1618.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, SIR Francis Bacon Knight, Lord Chancellor of ENGLAND.  
Right Honourable:  
THis part of History, having lain a long time by me, I have thought good to publish to the world; and that especially for these reasons. First to incite other men of Arms to imitate in like sort their great Master julius Caesar, who wrote exact Commentaries (adorned of late with observations of a worthy man of our Nation) of such military actions as happened under his command. Secondly, to prevent least such worthy pains should either perish, or hereafter be set forth by others as their own: a thing too much practised by some, not of meanest note. Lastly, to make this a mean of drawing the residue into light, which happily sleepeth in the custody of some other man. This do I presume to present to your Honour; as well in regard of the honourable estimation which still remaineth of the Author, as for the worthiness which I conceive to be in the work. For all of us do well discern both the lustre of many excellent perfections in your own noble spirit, and how you favour men of valour, learning, or honest endeavour: which virtues, as they have advanced you to this height of honour, so will they make your memory eternally to flourish.  
S. Stephens. 1 jan: 1618. Your Honours in all service, PE: MANWOODE.   

To the Reader.  
ALbeit in all Histories three things are especially required, Order, poised and Truth: yet for divers causes it happeneth that in many, one of these doth fail.  
For some have written of times so anciently passed, that no means are extant, either to direct or to correct them. Many of these living in Artless ages, have stuffed their Stories with most senseless fictions; nothing better then country women's tales. Of this sort was Hunibaldus, who fableth that the French took their original from Francio a Trojan: and is followed in his sotteries by Gregory of Tours, Rheginus, Sigebert, and divers others of the same suit. After this example Geoffry of Munmouth about 400 years since, did first (as some affirm) draw the original of the Britan's from Brutus the Trojan: forging such races, names, reigns and passages of affairs, as may more easily be convinced to be false, then supplied with any certain truth. Of the same strain is Wittikind; who by his counterfeit Saxon, hath drawn the Saxons and first Inhabitants of Germany, from the old Macedonian Soldiers of Alexander the great. So the Scots set up Scota daughter to Pharaoh King of Egypt, for foundress of their Nation. Likewise the Irish hatched their Hiberus, the Danes their Danus, the Brabant's their Brabo, the Goths their Gothus, as founders both of their Nation and name: a subject wherein forgeries may range at large; because the first times of Nations for the most part are, as very small, so altogether obscure. Of this sort among the ancients were Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and Theopompus: in whose Books Cicero saith, many idle untruths are found; even so far as the vain vein of the Grecians durst adventure to avow for truths. In how many places (saith josephus) is Hellanicus charged with falsities by Agesilaus, and by Ephorus? they by Timaeus? Timaeus by many who followed? Herodotus by all?  
Others have written of Countries far distant, either altogether unknown, or by them never seen: who writing upon vulgar reports, things either imagined, or erroneously observed, are easily entangled with untruths. Of this fault Era●osthenes, Possidonius and Patrocles the Geographer are branded by Strabo. Hence also did rise the fables of the Arimaspes, Griffins, Troglodytes, Amazons, Satyr's, Pigmies, and of their cruel wars with Cranes: of Nations of men with dog's heads, with horse feet, without heads, without mouths, with one foot wherewith they cover themselves against Sun and rain, and of divers other monstrous kinds of men, beasts & fowls, which now are discovered for utopical Aperies. With these may Stephanus & Arianus be joined; of whom the one writeth, that the French are a people of Italy; the other placeth the Germans near to the jonick sea. So Strabo choppeth, that the river Islet or Danowe, hath his spring near to the Adriatic sea: and that the rivers Lapus and Vezer, discharge themselves into the river Enis; whereas the one runneth into the Rhine, the other into the Ocean. So are Tacitus, Marcellus, Orosius, Blondus, in divers places of Germany much mistaken. And so Sabellicus, Volaterrane, and Conrade, do much confound the Alans and Almans; the Hungarians and Huns; the Danes and the Dace; Austerane, and Ostrich; placing the mount Saint Ottoly in Bavaria, and the Riphaean mountains in Polonia, or Muscovia.  
Others have written of their own countries and times: but these again are of divers sorts. For some busy themselves much in those things which the popular multitude do applaud: making wordie (I cannot say worthy) reports of Bear baitings, launching of ships, fleas, mice, owls, masks, maying, etc. And if they speak of any public affairs, they discern nothing but the outside: not unlike to beggars, who traverse over many Countries, from door to door, and touch as many fair buildings; but observe nothing either of the persons, or furniture, or order within. Such Historians do daily and duly attend certain Kings in India: And whatsoever they do, whether eat, drink, sleep, disport, ease nature, retire to any woman; In a word, All, they barely wright down, and nothing else.  
Some others better furnished with judgement, do strongly bias in their affections: and that chiesty by two means, levity and partiality.  
Of the first sort are they who affecting to write rather pleasingly then truly, do interlace many jests, conceits, tales, and other pleasing passages; either omitting or defacing the solid truth. Of this fault Trebellius is reproved by Laberian and Vopiscus, Tacitus by Tertullian and Orosius, Orosius by Blondus. To these also we may adjoin Danudes, Philostratus, Guidius, C●esias, Heca●aeus, and divers others; who have transformed the truth of many things into fabulous inventions of their own.  
Of the second sort are they who upon hate, fear, or favour, either to some persons, or to their native country, or to the religion which they profess, or for some other partial respect, do write Panegyrickes or invectives, rather than Histories. So Sallust writeth, that the acts of the Grecians are much admired: not because they exceed the Achievements of other men, but because their writers having wit at will, did much enlarge them above the truth. Of this fault Blondus and Sabellicus are noted in their Histories of Venice: Paulus Aemilius and Gaguine in their Histories of France: and most others in the Histories of their own Countries. Who extol, depress, deprave immoderately; making things seem not as they are, but as they would have them; no otherwise almost then Comedies and Tragedies are fashioned by their Authors.  
Amongst those few who have written with knowledge, judgement, and sincerity, the Author of this History is worthy to be ranged: who doubtless was of endless industry; always in action, either with his sword, or with his pen. He was well known to be a man, who both knew and durst: his courage no less free from indiscretion, then from fear. Yet hath he wrote so modestly of himself, that some may happily esteem him rather a looker on, than a meddler, in the hot medleys whereof he doth write: but his attributing so little to himself, will make others attribute the more unto him. In writing of others he expresseth a most generous disposition; neither forbearing the errors of his friends, nor forgetting the vigilancy and valour of his enemies; but carrying himself with an even hand between them.  
Touching the History itself, it is faithful and free; wherein are found sieges, assaults, surprises, ambushes, skirmishes, battles, lively described. Great variety both of persons and of actions; much mutability of fortune, many changes in affairs. Admirable advices, unexpected events, ponderous judgements; a phrase in a soldiers style, sinewy and sweet; full both of perspicuity and grace. In a word, I esteem it a complete History, if it were complete. I mean, if it extended to all the actions wherein the Author did serve. But whether the residue was never written, or whether it be perished, or whether it resteth in any other hand, I remain doubtful. This piece being showed to me, by a person, of whose virtues I had rather speak nothing, than not enough, I did much esteem; for that it compriseth some actions of the time wherein I have lived: Of which time I endeavour to leave a large memorial to posterity. But coming to me in a ragged hand, much maimed, both in sense, and in phrase: I have restored it so near as I could, both to the style and meaning of the Author. This is all the pains that I have taken. This is all the thanks which I do either challenge or deserve.  
Io: HAYWARDE.   

THE OCCASIONS OF THE FIRST STIRS IN the Low Countries, the Duke D' alva's first coming thither, and his surprising of the principal of the Nobility, the Prince of Orange escapeth into Germany, and Charles Mansfelt into France.  
THe state of Spain, as I said in my discourse of their discipline, is governed by two sorts of people; Captains and Clergy. The Captains animate the King to wars, to maintain their wealth and greatness; so doth the Clergy to maintain their estate against them of the religion. 
The Spanish counsel touching the Low Countries.  By these means, the ambition of the Duke D'Alua, of Cardinal Granuill, and their seconds, persuaded the king to undertake to subdue the Netherlanders to his pleasure; to lay upon them such gables, taxes, and all manner of tributes as should please the King to demand. But this they could never effect without making away their warlike and politic Nobility; namely, the Prince of Orange, the Counts of Egmond, of Horn, of Battenburgh, the Lord of Brederode, the marquess of Bergues, with divers others of good quality. Besides, they had a great number of strong Towns, innumerable treasure and riches; the seat of the most of their Provinces being marvelous strong by nature, by reason of their great rivers and straits, furnished plentifully with Artillery, munition, and other necessaries for wars. Also their liberties were such, that no stranger might govern either their Provinces, or any of their Towns. And this grieved the Spanish not a little, that such base people as they esteemed the Netherlanders to be, should possess peaceably such a brave and rich Country, and their King carry no other title than Duke, Count, and Lord over their seventeen Provinces. 
Duke D' alva's commission.  Hereupon the king resolved to send his great Captain Duke D' Alva with a mighty army, giving him commission to alter place and displace whom, and as many as pleased him, as well in their provinces in general, as in any particular Town. Also giving him authority to execute as many as pleased him, without respect of persons. This being discovered unto the Prince of Orange, 
The intelligence of the Prince of Orange.  from a Gentleman Burgundian of the King's Chamber (who was greater with one of the King's Secretary's wives, than with her husband) by reason of the Spanish long counsels in their resolutions, it came in good time to the Prince, long before the Duke's troops marched from Spain into Italy. In the mean time the Prince animated the people all he could against the Spanish, making divers of his assured friends acquainted with his intelligences; 
His policy,  but durst not trust Count Egmond, fearing his ambition and choler would mar all. Notwithstanding considering his vogue and greatness with the men of war, he durst attempt nothing without him. Wherefore politicly the Prince fed both parties, assured the Governess the Duchess of Parma, of his loyalty towards the King and his religion: but in troth he was of the Protestant religion, favouring them what he could under hand; so much, that he and his instruments procured the people in great numbers to present supplications openly to the Governess, for the liberty of their consciences. Likewise divers Papists and Martinists presented her with supplications, to persuade the king to stay his Duke D' Alva and his armies: showing her plainly that it was against their liberty and customs, that strangers should govern them. In this time the Prince and his instruments animated a quarrel betwixt Count Egmond, and Card. Granuill; so as after a banquet at Brussels, upon a dispute with multiplying of words, the Count took the Cardinal a box on the ear, 
Cardinal Granuill taketh a box upon the ear.  to the Prince and his parties great joy. This Count (as I said before) was so ambitious, that he thought it his due to be chief over all warlike actions, 
Count Egmonds' nature.  which either King or his Country would undertake (I mean among the Netherlanders) without comparison he deserved it. He was most valiant, most liberal, and greatly fortunate in all his actions. Amongst the rest of his actions, the chief praise of the battle of S Quintin's, and of Gravelin belonged to this Count 
The Prince of Orange's favour, popular.  Notwithstanding the Prince of Orange carried all the vogue amongst the popular, by his fine and politic government; and wan a number of men of quality with great courtesies & affable discourses: Insomuch that these two Chiefs being joined, would have carried all the Country in general to have done what they had listed. After this disgrace, the Cardinal very politicly showed neither choler nor mind to revenge, but rather sought all means underhand to stay the Count from proceeding further with the Prince; and both he and the Governess procured lotters from the King, with great speed to that end. In which letters were contained, that nothing should be done in the Netherlands, as well by Duke D' Alva, as by his base sister the Governess, 
The King's letters.  without the Count's consent; and to repose all trust in the Count only for martial affairs. The King wrote also unto the Count, assuring him, that nothing should be too dear for him; and that his great service should not be forgotten, but recompensed to the highest degree: Showing him, how all these stirs proceeded from the Prince of Orange, and his instruments, to overthrow religion, and to maintain his estate and greatness. Besides, they sent counterfeit letters unto the Count, as though the Prince or his faction had certified the King often against the Count to his disgrace. Before these posts arrived, the Prince or his instruments had procured the Count, and all or most of the Nobility with a great number of quality, to meet at Tilmount in Brabant: where, after a great banquet, most of them signed a letter to the King, rather to die than to suffer the government to alter. This letter was written very humbly to persuade his Majesty to stay his Duke D' Alva, assuring him to be loyal in all points: desiring his Majesty to remember their liberties and customs, which his Majesty was sworn to maintain in as ample manner as his ancestors before. At this banquet all signed these letters, saving the Count Peter Ernest of Maunsfelt, governor of Luxenburgh, and the Lord of Barlemount, 
Peter Maunsfelt, and the Lord Barlemount will not sign.  who politicly promised to do the like the next morning: excusing themselves, that at that instant the wine was their master. But at midnight they stole post towards Luxenburgh, excusing themselves by letters unto the Prince of Orange, that Count Egmond would be debauched from them by the Spanish instruments; and that they would not believe the contrary, until they heard that his person and men of war were in battle against the Spanish. It seems Peter Ernest was willing to second them, for he left his son Count Charles as deep as the best. They had reason to fear the Count, for the next day he began to repent him of his bargain; 
Count Egmond repenteth.  taking occasions to murmur, and to stir factions against the Prince. But the Prince politicly courtesied him with all favours, in such sort, 
Is pacified.  that all fell in a banquet the next dinner; at which feast, according to their custom, there was great carousing: where the basest sort came in great multitudes with glasses in their hands, crying to the Prince, Count, & Nobility, Vive les gueses, vive les gueses, le diable emporte les espanioles: 
Combination of the Nobility, with the Prince  God save the beggars, and the devil take the Spaniards. After ending the banquet, the Prince procured many of the Nobility and of the best sort, to promise to second him in the action he would undertake against the Spanish. 
Egmond offended.  This being discovered unto Count Egmond, he commanded his horses & coaches to be made ready; seeming to be much offended with the Prince of Orange and his faction, and withal departed toward Louvain.  
True it is, all murders are villainous; 
Charles Maunsfelts council concerning Egmond.  but had the Prince credited Count Charles Mansfelt, Count Egmond had been dead. I heard the Prince relate his counsel, which was; Let us kill Count Egmond, then are we sure all the men of war will follow you and yours. Also his countenance is such amongst them, as at his reconcilement unto the Spanish, they will all follow him. But for fear of him my father and all the rest would join with you. True it is, this young Gentleman was the wilfullest amongst them, but spoke the greatest reason to maintain the Prince of Orange, as it fell out afterwards: for without doubt the reconcilement of Count Egmond, lost himself and all his friends. Long afterwards in France I heard Count Charles speak this, & also how he would have wished the Prince afterwards to have marched with all his forces unto the edge of Louvain, 
To take the straits against Duke D' Alua.  there to have kept the straits betwixt Louvain & Luxenburgh, where Duke D' Alva must pass without all doubt. With the favour of God, had the Prince & Count Egmond marched thither with their forces, by all reason they might have fought with twice Duke D' alva's numbers. For there were four thousand brave lancers and light horsemen under their charge, ready always entertained; beside as many more who would have mounted themselves most willingly, 
The forces of the Low Countries.  with at least twenty thousand footmen against the Spanish and the Prince, had they made away the obstinate Count Besides, the nature of the Neatherlanders is to be very willing to second any novelties; much more against a people they hated so much as the Spanish, whose forces and policies were unknown to them at their beginning. Being as high as Louvain, they had been sure all the Countries and Towns behind them, would have seconded them with all necessaries. For the humour of the Nation is to be unreasonable proud with the least victory, 
The disposition of the Neatherlanders.  or advancement with a reasonable army; and deadly fearful with the least overthrow, or at the retreat of their men of war from their enemy. The posts being arrived with the Governess and Cardinal (who received express commandment from the King to dissemble his disgrace with the Count, assuring him Duke D' Alva should redress all) Count Egmond having received the King's letters, fell clean from the Prince unto the Governess, and began to make all the fair weather he could unto the Cardinal; 
Egmond draweth all to the Spaniard.  thinking himself sure. This poor Count persuaded all the rest to forsake their Prince, assuring them that he would undertake to make all well again with the King; in such sort, that most of the Nobility quited the Prince. 
The Prince of Orange seeketh conference with Egmond.  Who fearing that the variable popular would do the like, resolved to acquaint Count Egmond what the King had passed against them in his Spanish council; and opening his mind unto divers of the best sort, the Prince procured Count Egmond, with most of the rest to give him audience: whose words I heard the Prince himself report, as followeth.  
Cousins and dear Countrymen, 
His advertisement.  it grieves me to see you so blinded with the Spanish dissimulation, which is to no other end but to lull you asleep, until their tyrant D' Alva arrives amongst us, who hath so large a commission. And this he will not fail to execute to the uttermost; which he can never do, and suffer us to live, especially you Count Egmond. And resolve yourself that they who send him with such directions, know your courage to be too great to endure your Countrymen to be made slaves, and to suffer him to wash his hands in your kinsman's blood. Believe my words, it is true what I tell you; for there you see his hand, whom divers of you know to be in good credit with the King, especially with his principal Secretary. And herewith he cast his letter with other testimonials amongst them, telling the Count Cousin resolve on it, if you take arms, I will join with you; if not, I must leave you and quite the Country.  
After pausing a while, the Count answered. Cousin, I know the King hath not Spaniards enough to employ in all his Dominions: 
Egmonds' answer.  wherefore you must think he must be served by others more than Spaniards. You are deceived to judge the King a tyrant, without proof of cruelty; he cannot be so ungrateful to recompense our services with such payments. Touching Duke D' Alva, if it be the King's pleasure to make him Governor of these Countries, we must obey him as we did the Duke of Savoy, and others. Touching our government, resolve yourself, he will not, neither shall alter it more than the rest of his predecessors before him have done. For yourself, if it please you to stay, I dare adventure my credit to make all well with the King. And assure you, doth Duke D' Alva lay hands on you, I will not endure it. 
The Kings dissembling letters.  Withal he hurled before the Prince and the rest the King's letters; wherein was no want of dissimulation, nor of promise of forgiveness, only to be assured to bring them sound asleep, until Duke D' Alva should awake them. Herewith the Count told the Prince resolutely, that he would not quite the King. If he would not stay, it would grieve him to see his house overthrown.  
The Prince answered. 
The Prince's reply.  Cousin, I have been too long by his Father's chamber, and do know the King's humours too well, and their Spanish government, to conceive that they will pardon such persons as a number of us here be, after entering into such actions as we have done against them. Good Cousin, do you forget how Duke D' Alva was wont to say unto Charles the fifth: Hombres muertos no hazen guerra: Dead men make no war. For these reasons, and divers other, farewell: I will not stay their justice, nor trust to their courtesies. For house it makes no matter; I had rather be a Prince without houses, than a Count without a head.  

The Protestants at Antwerp.  During these treaties and delays, divers brawls and bicker fell out in Antwerp, betwixt them of the religion, the Martinists, and Papists. Twice or thrice a week great numbers would be in arms, sometimes before the Governess Court, sometimes before the Prince of Orange's house, but often or continually in places of greatest note. Although the Prince was most politic; yet his courage was nothing comparable to a number of others: if it had, without doubt he might have hazarded to have surprised Antwerp: Having done it, he might have engaged the rest of the Country. For in Gant and in the great Towns was faction for Religion, especially throughout the most of the Villages and Countries, where was preaching & defacing of Images in many places; Insomuch, that the Papists and Martinists drew them of the Religion out of Antwerp. Notwithstanding, they gathered together at a Village hard by Antwerp, 
Their overthrow at Osterwell.  called Osterwell; where they preached in great numbers: in such sort, that the Governess and all hers stood in doubt, whether it were best to hazard their defeat there, or to stay for more forces. Being considered how they increased daily, resolution was taken to charge them where they were; Intelligence being brought them, that the Papists and Martinists, with a number of Soldiers did sally to defeat them. Notwithstanding they were void of any men of conduct, or soldiers gauged under ensigns, or Cornets; and all or the most craftsmen, Mechanics, or poor peasants; yet they resolved to fight, 
The Prince of Orange his Oversight.  making head with good courage against their enemies. But for want of heads to direct them, default of arms and munition, they were defeated in plain field. judge you what they would have done being in the Town of Antwerp, having with them a Prince of Orange, who had with him continually two or three hundred Gentlemen, divers of charge and conduct. Besides, he was Governor of the Town, never without a good party, so as the Governess and hers durst not lay hands on him; although they knew him an enemy and a favourer of the Religion. 
He openly taketh part with the Papists.  To say truth, he cloaked it what he could; Insomuch, as all their parties being often in arms in the great places, himself went to the strongest, which were the Papists and Martinists: protesting to them to live and die with the Governess & religion. Without doubt his meaning was, touching the Governess, to be true to his Country, and to live and die with the Religion. For amongst them of the religion he had divers instruments, some of his best Gentlemen and Captains, who (God knows) at that time had but little skill in wars; notwithstanding they were assured by them of his good will, in such sort that they would have marched often against the others, 
Persuadeth the Protestants to quietness.  but for the Prince's persuasions to the contrary. Sometimes he would tell them their enemies were more in number, and in charging them they should engage their Town, wives, children, and goods: assuring them, if they would go forward, the basest sort would ransack their houses. Since I heard the Prince say, that if he had known the wars then so well, as he did since, he would have ranged on their sides: wishing then his valiant brother Count Lodowick in his place. pity or fear overthrew the Prince often, as I will show hereafter. Great warriors account the pitiful Captain a fool in wars, 
A pitiful Captain.  and never cruel until he masters his enemy; then he must be bloody to execute, if he cannot live in safety. This order continued until the news came that Duke D' Alva was marching: Then it was high time for the Prince to shift for himself. 
The Prince of Orange into Germany.  Before he arrived, the Prince was in Germany. After, moving the whole state of the Empire, except the house of Austria, he found little comfort at their hands; saving the Count Palatine of the Rhine, and his own house of Nassau. Not without marvel; for those phlegmatic people will second no body without money before hand, & assurance to be paid monthly, especially being gauged to serve the weakest party. When they come into the field, they will endure neither hardness nor wants without their due guilt. When they have joined battle, they have often cried guilt, hurled their weapons from them, and suffered their enemies to cut them in pieces. I do persuade myself all Potentates and estates hire them, only fearing their enemies would have them. Without doubt, if one side hath them, and not the other, likely it is master of the field; they come in such multitudes of Horsemen, as no Christian Nation beside is able to furnish. Else persuade yourself 500 hundred of either English, Scottish, Burgundians, Wallones, French, Italians, Albaneses, Hungarians, Poles, or Spanish, is worth 1500. Almains.  
Duke D' Alva being arrived in Lorraine, 
Duke D' Alva arriveth in Lorraine.  Count Peter Ernest Governor of Luxenburgh feared him; but like a wise politic man, sent unto him to offer him all service. 
Count Maunsfelt upon his guard.  Notwithstanding he kept himself in his strong Towns of Luxenburgh, and Tyonuill, having garrisons at his devotion: the Governors and Captains either his kinsmen or assured friends. Neither would he suffer Duke D' Alva to enter those Towns, or any other under his government of any strength; except only his own person, 
Duke D' Alva courteth him.  with so many more as the Governors could dispose of at their pleasures. Duke D' Alva knowing this man to be a very expert valiant Captain, would not offend him, but rather pleased him all that he might. Insomuch as he procured divers favourable letters from the King, to encourage him of their good meaning towards him; fearing otherwise that it lay in him to give the Duchy of Luxenburgh to whom he listed: which might have been a good present to the French King, being joined with Mets in Lorraine. Duke D' alua remained quiet in the King's state at Brussels, with some tyrannous Spaniards about him, who from the highest to the lowest gaped for the spoils and confusion of the poor Netherlanders. These (God knows) at that instant were better fed then taught in marshal discipline, (except a few of their Nobility & men of war, who were all at the devotion of Duke d' Alva, by means of the ignorance & obstinacy of Count Egmond, who was deceived & lulled asleep in his vain glory, by certain treacherous, tyrannous and ungrateful Spaniards.) Insomuch as they refused neither the tenth penny, 
Duke D' Alva surpriseth the chief of the Nobility.  nor any other demands that pleased Duke d' Alva to charge upon them. Duke d' Alva having entrapped the Counts of Egmond, and Horn, with divers others of great quality, sent for them to counsel. At their entry into a chamber where he was, the great Provost arrested them of high treason, taking from them their Rapiers and arms. You may easily judge their sentences, when they were to be tried by the Cardinal Granuill and his friends. So for the box on the care and other follies, Count Egmond lost his head, with divers others, and principally the men of best quality; whom they feared and mistrusted to have any vogue with the popular, or means to annoy them either with forces or Council. 
Count Charles Maunsfelt flieth.  At this instant Count Charles Maunsfelt had with him a vigilant politic companion, which his father (the old Fox) had foisted into the service of Duke D' Alva, only to advertise him and his son of their proceedings. This espial ran to Charles into a tennis-Court, and brought him presently into his lodging, where they mounted themselves speedily to recover Luxenburgh: which they did, 
Duke D' Alva pursueth him.  although Duke D' Alva sent divers others on the spur to bring them to him dead or alive. These missed them narrowly. For they had not passed the bridge of Namurs, but the others were in the place within one hour. 
Duke D' alva's treachery against Count Maunsfelt.  Returning to Duke d' Alva, he was in great choler for not entrapping Count Charles, and not without reason. For having him, he might have held him prisoner for the better assurance of his father. Duke d' Alva dispatched present posts to the great Provost of Arden, who was altogether at his devotion; 
The Provost of Arden the instrument.  by reason of a Pick betwixt Count Maunsfelt and him. By good espial Count Maunsfelt was advertised of their practice; which was, that the Provost should use all diligence and means to entrap the father or the son. If both, he should do the King and him great service. Count Charles being advertised of the match, used all means possible to meet the Provost at equal hands. This Count was rather desperate then valiant in all his quarrels; but politic and full of wit in all his affairs. By good espyalls he met this Provost, 
Charles Maunsfelt meets the Provost.  having with him about twenty horsemen; all or the most his own servants. The Count had about twelve, the most or all Captains and Soldiers. This encounter (God knows) was far against the Provosts will, considering the match. For most men of judgement in those affairs value six chosen men well mounted, worth twenty ramassets, as the brench term them. The Count (as of greatest courage) began to speak as followeth. Master Provost, I do understand Duke d' Alva commands you to bring my father or myself unto him, and that you gave your word you would do it. All honest men ought to maintain their words and promises, especially great Officers of quality like yourself. I must confess you aught to obey the King's Lieutenant, but not to make promise of more than you are able to perform. You know my father, myself, and you, are neighbours children; and kinsmen a far of. Wherefore for all your small pick, you might have used the Duke with less assurance. But to give him and all his proud Spaniards to understand that a Netherlander carrieth as good resolution as any Spaniard, and to terrify such base fellows as thou art from the like attempt, 
Killeth him.  there is for thee. And withal struck him with a pistol in his bosom, down from his horse. Himself and his company mastering the rest, executed no more; all yielding to his mercy. The Count told them, upon condition that some of you will tell Duke d' Alva that I wished him here with his Provost, I give you all your lives, and leave to go where you list. Tell him also I am gone to the French King, and from him to the Turk, rather than to yield to his mercy. The Count being in France, 
Goeth into France.  was greatly favoured & well used by the French King, and remained there until Don john d' Austria came into the Low Countries, to be Governor and Captain General. As I said before, Count Peter Ernest would never hazard himself at the mercy of Duke d' Alva; notwithstanding there passed courteous letters of dissimulation betwixt them. Duke d' Alva all this while played gloria patri, as pleased him; thinking his work at an end in the Low Countries; saving the finishing of two Citadels, the one at Antwerp, and the other at Flushing. In the mean time, he, the Cardinal, & others persuaded the King all they might, to undertake the conquest of England: thinking thereby to oppress religion in all other places. Being resolved both in Spain and Flanders, he dispatched his great Captain and Martial Chiapine Vitelly unto her Majesty, with some feigned message: but by all likelihood they had intelligence of our discountents. For immediately after Vitelly's retreat out of England, the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmoreland were in arms in the North-countrie; And the Duke of Norfolk was charged as faulty presently after. At which time Duke d' Alva had ready in Zealand some ten regiments to embark for England. But by God's providence our stirs were quieted before they could embark. Also God blinded his affairs in such sort, that he undertook to finish the Citadel of Antwerp, before that of Flushing, to his undoing; as I will show in this discourse.   

Count Lodowick's entry into Frizeland, and the defeat of the Count of Arenbergue.  
I Can speak little touching the first journey Count Lodowick made into Frizeland; 
Count Lodowick into Frizeland.  but I heard the Prince report, that Count Lodowick marched into Frizeland with some two thousand and five hundred horsemen, and seven thousand footmen, all Germans. And having intelligence with the Counts of Schowenburgh, and his brother in law the Count Vanderbergue, he took the Castle of Wedle, with divers other places in Frizeland, having engaged Groining. 
Count Arenburge and Count Meguen sent against him.  The Counts of Arenbergue and Meguen were dispatched from Duke d' Alva to stop his courses, having with them the master of the Camp Don Gonsalvo de Bracamount, with his Tertia of Sardinia, and some companies of Walloons, Geldrois and Almans; 
Bracamount master of the Campe.  with the two bands of Ordinance of the Counts, & about five other Cornets, Launciers, and Hergoletters, Albaneseis, and Walloons. Count Arenbergue carried the Commission, and marched before with Bracamount and other bands of footmen; giving charge to Count Meguen to follow him speedily with the rest. Count Arenbergue being arrived within two leagues of Count Lodowick, 
The pride and insolency of certain spaniards.  and understanding his forces, would have stayed from Count Meguen; who would have been with him that night. The pride of Bracamount and divers of his Spaniards was such, as valuing Lodowick and his forces as nothing, they urged Count Arenbergue with heinous words; Insomuch that a number of the basest sort of the Spaniards began to call him cowardly traitor: although Count Arenbergue was a valiant expert Captain, and only would have stayed for more forces. For he knew, and all the world with him, that Lodowick was a most valiant obstinate executioner, 
Lodowick a brave commander.  who always directed his troops to fight in good order; and so resolutely, that at an encounter with the French, he and Count Maunsfelt made a discreet valiant retreat. The Admiral and his Frenchmen being defeated, Bracamount and his Spaniards urged the Count to approach Lodowick, who was lodged in a Village by Groaning, having on both sides broad high ways, both towards Groaning and his enemies. At the end of the lane towards the enemy there was a great heath, with three high ways entering unto it. True it is, lodowick's companions were Germane, but of the best sort; for five hundred of his horsemen were Gentlemen that accompanied him and his brother Count Adolfe of Nassau, for good will: 
Lodowicke● forces.  All his rest were a thousand horsemen, which he led himself. Count Arenbergue being approached Count lodowick's quarters divided his horsemen on both sides of his footmen, which marched in one squadron, conducted by Bracamount. 
The order of the Spaniards.  He placed some five hundred shot before his squadron, the rest on both his sides. Count Arembergue himself led the right wing of the horsemen, his Lieutenant of Frizeland the left wing. He commanded the Herguleters to march before the forlorn shot of his battle on foot, and with some fifty Herguleters to keep as nigh lodowick's quarters as they could, and to keep sentinel at the entry of the lane into the plain. Count Lodowick's Curriers having discovered them at the Nuse, Lodowick advanced out of the Village, commanding two hundred reysters to displace Arenbergues Curriers, 
lodowick's order to train out the enemy.  and to stand in the mouth of the straight. Lodowick came with all his forces, placed his Lieutenant Henrick Vausican with a squadron of Pikes, some thirty score in the plain, half of his shot on both sides of his squadron, advanced the two hundred reysters thirty score before his battle, placed his brother Count Adolfe with 600. Reisters on the right wing of his battle, and so many more with one of his best Captains on the left wing; the rest he hid in two squadrons in both the out-lanes, leaving in the middle lane a good squadron of pikes, with some three hundred shot in the hedges on both sides. He gave charge to the two hundred Reisters to skirmish with all courage; gave directions to his brother to retire softly as the enemy approached, himself standing with some seven hundred of the best horsemen, hidden in the right lane from the enemy; and gave order to the other wing to run through the pikes which stood in the middle mostlane, who had directions to shift themselves over the hedge as though they were defeated. His directions were no sooner given, but Arenbergues Curriers and his were together by the ears, and the Nassavians forced to retire under their battles of pikes. Arenbergue advanced with all speed both horse and foot. Being near Bracamount and his Spanish cried to Count Arenbergue to charge: withal Arenbergue and his Lieutenant charged at once. According to direction Count Adolfe retired, bringing Count Arenbergue (who had by far the greatest wing) on Count Lodowick. So did the other bring Arenbergues Lieutenant through the lane where the pikes were. Lodowick giving sign to his Reisters in the third lane to charge, withal chargeth himself, and found Count Arenbergue and his Lieutenant good cheap; by reason they were out of order in running after adolf's troops. His Lieutenant Henrick Vausichan was broken by the Spanish and Walloons: but at the sight of their horsemen which were in rout, their courage quailed; in such sort, that valiant Lodowick ran thorough them cheap. In this place the Count of Arenbergue was slain, all or most of the Tertia de Sardinia slain or taken prisoners; with a number of Walloons and Geldreis. divers Spanish Captains escaped by recovering their horses, which were led not far from them. So did divers Walloons, and many of their horsemen, 
The Spanish discipline.  by reason Lodowick executed the most of his fury on the Spanish footmen. At the return of the Spanish Captains that escaped, Duke D' alua executed them, as I showed in my discourse of their discipline, for urging their General to their overthrow.   

Count Lodowick assays Groaning, and the Duke D' Alva overthrows him at Dam in Frizeland.  
AFter this, 
Lodowick besiegeth Groaning.  Count Lodowick ransacked Frizeland at his pleasure, insomuch that he besieged the fair and rich Town of Groaning. Duke D' Alva hearing this, dispatched his martial, otherwise called Master of the Camp, 
Vitelli in aid of Groaning.  general Chiapin Vitelli with sufficient troops of horsemen and footmen, being joined with Count de Meguen, to stop lodowick's course. Duke d' Alva used all diligence to gather his whole forces; who marched with all speed after Vitelly. Vitelly being arrived by Groaning, Lodowick retired his siege into one quarter, resolving to give Vitelly battle; to which end he sent his Trumpets to Vitelly to dare him, 
Is dared to battle by Lodowick.  a small river being betwixt both. Vitelly kept the passages, broke the bridges, answered Count Lodowick he had no order to give battle, but to discharge the Town of Groaning; delaying the Count politicly, 
Refuseth, and yet giveth hope thereof. D' Alva approacheth.  and telling his messengers: I will send unto my General to obtain his good will; your Master may be assured, having leave, a battle will be my first business. Duke d' Alva being arrived with his fair army within a days journey of Vitelli, Count Lodowick retired into jemming, a Village by Nuse-heile towards Emden, 
Lodowick retireth.  breaking the bridges after him. At the end of the Village towards the enemy, he left Henrick Vausichan his Lieutenant, with all his infantry, being some eight thousand; which were increased by reason of his good success at the last battle. This jemming was a place environed with waters, saving two or three large ways which came into it from Groaning. 
Fortifieth himself at jemming.  On every way Count Lodowick made trenches, placed strong guards, ranged his horsemen in four squadrons; making what means he could to fill ditches, to enlarge grounds, to make ways for his horse to fight out of the high ways in divers of the meadows towards Nuse-heile. By reason of the straits, his horsemen stood behind the footmen in the great ways. Henrick Vausichan having entrenched himself reasonably strong, with five thousand men to defend the place against the enemy; 
Seeketh to stop the enemy.  planted divers field pieces which flanked the quarter where the enemy must attempt. Hearing Duke D' alva's Curriers advanced within the sight of the Nassawians guards, Lodowick sent two hundred Reisters to reencounter them, giving them charge to stop their course what they could; to win time to strengthen his trenches, with were in working with all his hands. Being re-encountred, both these Curriers fell into a hot skirmish. julian Romero having the vantguarde with Robelos, seconded their Curriers with some four or five hundred Horguleters, 
Relieveth his Curriers.  in such sort, that the Nassavians were forced to retire on the spur. At the sight whereof Lodowick passed some four hundred Reisters, commanded by a valiant man, who charged the Spaniards into the squadrons which julian and the other led, being four regiments of Spaniards and Walloons. The grand Prior Duke D' alva's son commanded the battle, having with him don john de Mendosa, General of the horsemen with Vitelly. They passed with all speed through the vaunt-guarde some seven hundred lancers, which chased the Nassawians into their infantry. And withal julian and Robelos advanced with all speed: so did the grand prior with his battle; and Duke D' Alva with his son Don Frederico accompanied with divers others of great quality, seconded the battle in great march. Lodowick giving courage to his infantry, the base villains (as I show'd you before) cried gilded, gilded, according to their simple and old base customs. julian and Robelos being Pell mell with them, 
His Germane cried for guilt, and are paid by the Spaniards.  they hurled down their weapons, crying, Live Spaniard, bone Papists moy. Notwithstanding Lodowick recovered his horsemen, who began also to shake and to cry for money. True it is, at the first approach of Duke D' Alva in Frizeland, four days before the horsemen began to murmur, and to counsel Lodowick to return to Emden. 
His brave resolution in greatest distress.  Lodowick seeing this disaster, pulled off his cask, desiring his horsemen to follow him, or to stand to bear witness how honestly his brother stood with some five hundred horsemen; desiring him to charge those Lances which advanced hard before them. 
The valour of Count Adolfe.  Count Adolfe did it with great courage, although half his squadron quitted him. At which instant Lodowick cried to his horsemen, All you that have a humour to live follow me. Withal he gave the spurs. Some three hundred horsemen followed him, the rest ran away. Notithstanding, his brother and himself with less than six hundred Reisters drove above eight hundred Launciers besides Herguleters into their vanguard of foot. 
Count Lodowick defeated.  By that time the Spanish General of horsemen was arrived with great troops, which soon mastered the Nassawians; in which place Lodowick was hurt very sore in two or three places, and his horse also. Notwithstanding he escaped with wonderful hazard by swimming a river, 
Adolfe slain.  and recovered Emden. His brother Count Adolfe with the most or all the Gentlemen that followed him were slain, or taken; so that scarce forty escaped of both their troops. All or the most of his infantry were taken and slain, saving a troop which made a composition, being strongly entrenched with Henrick Vausichan. Notwithstanding the Spanish used them cruelly, according to their cowardly deserts; putting all or the most to the sword, & winning all their artillery munition & baggage. This overthrow recompensed double Lodowick's victory: But without doubt had the base people fought & followed lodowick's directions, the loss had been the Spaniards, the seat of the Nassavians was such. Besides, I forget to speak of a ditch which Lodowick commanded to be cut, in such sort, that the water could have assured their quarter within less than ten hours. 
The cause of Lodowick's dating Vitells.  This valiant Count had reason to draw Vitelli to battle; knowing, in retiring before greater forces, the courage of his base soldiers would quail. But having intelligence of Duke D' alva's approach, and finding the minds of his men failing, he had greater reason either to retire without engaging a fight, or to have fortified a strong passage where he might have made head safely, until the Prince his brother would have succoured him with more supplies. This he might have done, considering the time and warning he had since the arrival of Vitelli, until the coming of Duke D' Alva; principally since the overthrow of Arenbergue; finding Groaning not to be taken, and seeing forces increasing daily against him. But give him his worthy right, to correct his deeds I may be compared unto a counterfeit Alexander on a Stage, better than to the valiant and discreet Count   

The Prince of Orange's first journey into Brabant.  
TOuching the Prince of Orange's journey into Brabant, 
The Prince of Orange towards Brabant.  I can speak no more than this. By the aid of the Count Palatine of the Rhine, and his own house of Nassau, which engaging the greatest part of his own Country of Nassau, he levied some ten thousand Reisters, and twelve thousand lanceknights. With those, and some two thousand Ramassees, of Watlons, French, and Flemings, fugitives; but a number of them brave Gentlemen of good quality, especially the Count of Holdestocke, being entered Cleveland, the Prince bent his course towards the river of Mase: resolving to pass the said river by the great and rich Town of Liege, making account to find some good party in that Town. Besides, divers of the other Towns of Brabant, Flaunders, and other Provinces promised him assistance, in case he would encounter D. D' Alva in the field. 
cometh to Liege.  Having passed the Maze, & being encamped by Liege, D. d' Alva understanding his meaning by good espyalls before his arrival, sent some Captains of quality who were expert in those affairs, both to the Bishops and to the Clergy; to advertise and direct them to defend themselves; 
D' Alva sendeth to Liege.  assuring them (if need required) he would hazard battle for them. This Town being Neuter, and of the Empire, only governed by Priests and such men, with the assistance and counsel of Duke D' alva's instruments, began to show themselves rather enemies than well-willers unto the Prince; 
Liege enemy to the Prince.  Insomuch that divers sacked and spoiled some baggage and victuals loosely guarded, which passed under their favours. The poor Prince seeing himself so used by the Liegrois, was uncertain what to imagine, fearing the rest of the Towns would do the like; having but small store of munition of his own, and little hope to procure from others. Also Duke d' Alva fronted him with a fair army, but not comparable to his, especially in horsemen: for the Prince had more than double his numbers. Notwithstanding, Duke d' Alva was on the surest hand, by reason all the Towns and passages were at his devotion. divers skirmishes passed betwixt both parties; but the Prince could never engage Duke d' Alva to battle, by reason he would be sure to be strongly entrenched (especially being in the field) and lodged often under the favour of his Towns. Having intelligence that the Prince meant to enter Louvain, 
Sendeth forces to affront the Prince.  to front him in his passage; he sent his great Captain Robelos and Mondragon, with some twenty ensigns of footmen Spanish and Walloons, and five Cornets of horsemen into Tylmount. This Tylmount is within three leagues of Louvain; a place of no strength, but sufficient to withstand the Prince's forces, having an army hard by to countenance them. For D. d' Alva was encamped within three leagues. 
The garrison there annoyeth the Prince.  In the Princes march the garrison of Tylmount annoyed him greatly: so that all his forces were constrained to stand in battle before Tylmount, until his rearguard and baggage were passed. 
Louvain refuseth a Spanish garrison.  Insomuch that Duke d' Alva had the better means to look to Louvain: but offering them garrison, they refused it; assuring him they would be loyal unto the King, and him. Duke d' Alva politicly contented himself, fearing by despair to enforce them to revolt to the Prince. Notwithstanding, he used them with threatenings, that he would look unto to their doings; assuring them that he would account them rebels, if they would assist the Prince with any necessaries. But he doubted not their loyalties in defending the Town.  
To be the better assured, he sent divers of good judgement to assist & counsel them, as he did to Liege. Himself retired with his army near unto Brussels; to assure both Brussels and Monts in Henault. The Prince being encamped under Louvain, found not them so angry as the Priests of Liege. For Louvain was an University governed by good natured people, and a number of Nobility (as strangers term all Gentlemen) were allied to the Prince, or to divers of his followers. Besides, at that time the people in general hated the Spanish deadly; in such sort, that for all Duke d' alva's instruments (but for their buttered hearts and phlegmatic livers) they would have opened their gates. The Prince perceiving their peevishness, seeing his Orators could not prevail to make him enter, he burned their barriers, and terrified them in such sort, 
But yet yield him money & victuals.  that either fear or love made them to give a great piece of money, with much victuals. Perceiving his fortune that no place would accept him, and that Duke d' Alva would adventure no battle; 
The Prince retireth.  he thought it his best to retire. But politicly he and his instruments persuaded their army, that the Admiral Chastilion was arrived in the frontiers of Artois with a mighty army of Frenchmen; 
His policy to keep his army from mutiny.  and that they would join with them. They gave out also, that the Queen of England had sent a great treasure unto the Admiral to pay both their forces. Hereby they encouraged the Mechanic mercenary Reisters to march; Having intelligence at Valentia a Town in Henault, near unto the frontiers. 
He cometh to Valentia.  Being arrived there, the Prince and his army began to take courage, partly because they knew Duke d' Alva would follow them no further, but chiefly because they might be presently in France. 
Avoideth the danger of his mutinous soldiers.  And although the army should mutiny, according to their custom, as I said before, the Prince and his commanders might easily escape and shift for themselves; who otherwise should be in great danger. For being engaged amongst their enemies, they might have been delivered by their own soldiers to Duke d' Alva, either for passage or for money. In this place the Prince finding his rutters alert, (as the Italians say) with advise of his valiant brother, 
Biddeth d' Alva battle.  he sent his Trumpets to D. d' Alva to tell him: that he would be the next day four leagues towards him, with fewer in number then himself did lead, where he would stay his answer and dare him battle. The Duke lay entrenched within six leagues of the Prince, having with him some twenty thousand. True it is, his horsemen did not amount to four thousand. But they were Italians, Walloons, and Albaneses, who in troth were to be valued with thrice as many Reisters: yea, in my judgement with six times so many, being not accompanied with such Chiefs as Count Lodowick. The trumpets being arrived, 
He hanged one of the Trumpeters.  D. d' Alva hanged one, & answered the other: Well, 
Refuseth to fight.  tell thy Master, my Master will maintain his army continually; and thy Master (I am assured) will break his within few days upon wants. Therefore I have no reason to fight, were I sure to win the battle. And although I know the valour of my men far surmounting his, yet notwithstanding no battle can be fought without some losses on both sides. For these causes I will not fight. Vitelly persuaded him all he could to accept the offer, 
Vitelly persuadeth to fight.  and to fight: alleging the danger not to be great, considering the difference betwixt the men. Alleging also that in defeating the Prince, & leaving his person dead in the field, their wars would be ended by all reason. For my part I am of Vitellyes mind; but the wisest and of best judgement will be of Duke d' alva's. For all battles end as pleaseth the great God. 
The danger of the loss of the battle to the Spaniards.  Had Duke d' Alva been defeated, he had not only lost his forces, but all his Master's countries. The next day the Prince rose from Valentia according to promise, 
The Prince marcheth to the place assigned.  leaving all his baggage and worst disposed soldiers in safety by Valentia. He marched with all or the most of his horsemen and footmen triumphing with drums and trumpets towards Duke d' Alva, to the place his trumpets did assign. Duke d' Alva was also in order of battle, but kept all his footmen in trenches with his horsemen; saving the guards which were beaten in by the valiant Count Lodowick, 
Count Lodowick hath the vanguard and beats in the Duke's guards.  who led the vanguard with three thousand of the best sort of Reisters. But the Prince and Manderslo his Marshal, with divers others, would not march so fast as Lodowick, with the battle and rearguard. Wherefore Lodowick was forced to retire, being within sight of Duke d' alva's trenches; 
counseleth to force his tents.  raging with the Prince and the rest, for not marching to force the trenches. Alleging unto them, as it was very true, it were better to be defeated in fight, then for wants; as they were sure in a short time to be. Being retired, they resolved to follow their first determination, the sooner the better; seeing Valentia would do nothing for them. 
D' Alva followeth.  Duke d' Alva having news of their retreat and resolution, rose also, following them a far off like a fox; in such sort that he would be surely lodged, and march safely from hazarding battle, by Peronne on the French frontiers. 
Vitelly cutteth off stragglers.  Vitelly overtook divers baggages and stragglers, in such sort, that he put a number of them to the sword: who were not guarded by reason of their own negligence, in straggling behind and aside the rereguarde, 
Is forced to run, by Lodowick.  unknown to Count Lodowick who made the retreat. But so soon as Lodowick had knowledge hereof, he returned in such sort, that Vitelly and his vanguard of horsemen were forced to run till he met Duke d' Alva, to his disgrace; considering his speeches four days before. 
D' Alva retireth.  After this the Duke pursued no further, and the Prince and his army entered France, having no means to content his army but with spoils of the French: 
The Prince in France.  which they did not spare (as the Provinces of Champain and Picardy can witness) in their retreat to Germany.  
THis was the fortune of the poor Prince, for want of means to nourish his men of war: and will be of all others, 
The causes of the Princes bad success.  unless their Chiefs provide in time either money or spoils. To say troth, the Prince's fortune might easily have been judged when he feared to enter Liege. For all voluntary arms, I mean that are not paid, are gone and defeated in short time; in case they miss rich spoils at their first entry into the enemy's Countries. In my time I remember four came to ruin with those fortunes. Besides this, they did some other matters about Zutphen, Ruremond, and those parts, by means of the Prince's brother in law the Count of Bergues: But it proved to small effect. For always the Masters of the field command all weak places in a short time. Wherefore (as I said before) a voluntary army must either be enriched presently with spoils, or else assured by strong seats. But let the seat be never so strong, the master of the field will command it in time, unless it be some strong port like Flushing, 
What towns are defensible.  Rochel, Calais, Marsillis, Brovage, graveling: or at the least some frontier strong place, that a State or Potentate dares not assiege, having no hope to despair the Governor to deliver it into their enemy's hands. For example, Goorden of Calais being wooed and desired by his Master the French King, to deliver Calais unto his favourite Espernon; for all his fair words and large offers he would be Governor still. So likewise S. Luke held Brovage; also Lamote kept graveling; making his peace as pleased him with the Spanish King, and after offending to the highest degree. Wherefore in a troubled estate, there can be no surety comparable to a strong government.   

Duke D'Alua abuseth his master's service in not finishing the Cittadle of Flushing before that of Antwerp, and in neglecting to place sure garrisons in the sea ports.  
AFter this, the poor Prince remained in Germany (God knows) almost despairing to do any more good against the Spanish; but that the Almighty stirred new instruments to maintain his cause, and blinded the Spanish in their affairs. As I said before, they left the Cittadle of Flushing, being the only port and key of the netherlands unfinished, and ended that of Antwerp: All men of war of any judgement may easily conceive, 
The Duke d'Alva's error in not building & fortifying the the Cittadle of Flushing.  had they finished first the Cittadle of Flushing, Zealand had never revolted. Yea, had they placed some 2000 soldiers in garrison in their ports of Brill, Medenblike, and Harlem; with some five hundred in the Cittadle of Flushing; Holland and Frizeland, with the rest of the Province had been sure. For the Spanish with their infinite Indian treasure, beside the rich Netherlands and other places, were sure to be master of the field; having none to fear or to annoy them, but England, Scotland, Germany, and France. 
England.  Touching England, we had neither reason nor surety to have meddled with their actions; without being assured of some of their best ports; the mutability of the people is such. 
Scotland.  Touching Scotland, I persuade myself they would not have meddled with them, in case they had not been joined with England. 
France.  Touching France, you saw the Spaniards means so great in those parts, that his faction was to be compared to the Kings, or any other; and would have been far greater if the Guise had lived. Touching Germany, 
Germany.  their house of Austria compassed the contrary of the best sort in those parts. 
Mercenaries.  As for Mercenaries, we know it by good experience, commonly they follow the best purse; and by that reason the multitude of that Nation and Switzers had been theirs. 
Italy.  Touching the state of Italy, either it is his, or dare not offend him. For the Venetians are no body without Mercenaries; 
Venice.  The Geneuois are all or the most part at his devotion: 
Genua.  the great houses of Mantua, 
The great houses.  Ferrara, Parma, Urbin, Graftino, with all the rest of any quality of those stirring spirits, are either his servants or Pensioners. 
Clergy.  Touching the Clergy, either his love or fear makes Popes and Cardinals as pleaseth him. Portugal 
Portugal.  is his. Touching Denmark, 
Denmark.  Sweden, 
Sweden.  The Hans 
The Hans towns.  towns. Poland. 
Poland.  and such like; they are either mercenaries too far off to annoy them, or the most of them Mechanics, without Chiefs of any conduct. Being assured (as they thought) of the Neatherlanders affairs, 
d'Alva's pride.  Duke d'Alua made his statue in brass, placed it in the midst of the Castle of Antwerp, treading on the Counts of Egmond and Horn; with the Prince of Orange looking under him for ways to escape. He made also pieces of Arras, wherein were represented his sieges, battles, and actions of arms in one piece: his own portraiture standing like the picture of the Sun, with all the ensigns and Cornets which ever he wan, placed round about him.   

Count Lodowick surpriseth Mounts in Henault, which is besieged and taken by Duke d'Alua.  
AT this time the French King and they of the religion were at peace, so that the Admiral Chastilion thought himself assured of the King: but poor Lord, himself & many others were treacherously handled, as the massacre of Paris can witness. 
The massacre of Paris.  At this time Count Lodowick was in Paris: and finding access to the King by the Admiral's means, 
Lodowick craveth aid in France.  procured divers principals of the religion to promise, to succour the Prince his brother, & him against the Spanish. To whose demands the King agreed most willingly, by his Machiavelli mothers counsel; 
Obtaineth the King's consent.  who never cared what became of any estate or world to come, so she might serve the present purpose, and maintain her own greatness. Considering her Machiavelli humours, she was much too blame in this; 
The French humours.  knowing the French disposition, rather than to live long in peace, to fall into fight one with another. In going with Count Lodowick she was assured, that most or all which would go with him, would be of the religion: If they prospered, Lodowick promised some frontier towns to the French for the King's use; if not, they might be glad to lose so many enemies. By reason of the Kings and his mother's distembling leave, and master Secretary Walsinghams' true and honest meaning to the cause in general, 
M Secretary Walsingham.  and to Count Lodowick in particular, the Count esteemed his affairs in good estate. Master Secretary then being Ambassador for the Queen's Majesty in Paris, furnished the Count all he could with countenance and crowns; in such sort, that the Count resolved to depart into the Low Countries: having the Admiral's assurance to second him, if his journey prospered. But presently there went with him Mounsieur De la Nove, Mounsieur de Poiet, Mounsieur de Roueres, Sir William Morgan, Mounsieur janlis, Mounsieur de Movie, with divers other French Gentlemen of quality. 
Lodowick dispatcheth his instruments to Mounts.  These by the Admiral's means were to second him presently with six thousand footmen, and some four hundred horse, all Frenchmen. Count Lodowick sent sundry Gentlemen Netherlanders, some known in Mounts in Henault, some strangers unknown, apparelled like Merchants. Who with their practice and means used the matter well with divers of the Religion, which were well known unto them: Besides a number of Papists honest patriots, who loved the Prince of Orange, principally because they knew that he and his hated the Spaniards. And although the Prince were of the religion, his promise was to grant liberty of conscience being victorious: for which cause he carried many thousand hearts more than he should have done otherwise. In those days few of the popular were of the religion, but all in general hated the Spanish deadly. Count lodowick's instruments behaved themselves so well, that promise was made unto them; when they would devise any means, they should be seconded to do the Prince service, or any of his. This message being declared to the Prince, he returned the one party presently to their fellows, whom they had left behind them in the town; giving them charge in the break of morning the third day, to use the matter so, that the porter should let them out at the Ports of Hauery. That being out, 
The stratagem for gaining the town.  they should give the watch some bribe, and shoot off a Piece; appointing that he would be in person hard by ready to enter. According to promise, the parties executed his commandment: acquainting therewith an honest Innkeeper of the religion. The Count giving order unto some seven hundred footmen to march with all speed possible towards Mounts, 
The surprising of Mounts.  departed with the chiefs named before, accompanied with some four hundred brave horsemen; all or the most Gentlemen and officers who had commanded before. The worst of these three, either la Nove, Poiet, or Roueres deserved to command twenty thousand men. The worthy Count having made a great Cavalcadoe (as they term it) from his last lodging, arrived three hours before day at the place appointed: After, leaving Mesieurs de Poiet, and Roueres in ambush within four hundred paces of the port, himself, Mounsieur de la Nove, Sir William Morgan, and some fifty horsemen approached as near unto the port as they could be covert. According unto promise the Merchants were let out, and withal a Piece went off; at which noise the Count and his troop rushed in, 
Lodowick entereth the town.  divers pieces and pettronels going off. The watchmen ran away at the noise, Mesieurs de Poiet, and Roweres dislodged on the spur, 
Assembleth the Magistrates.  and entered also. The Count entering the Marketplace, and there setting his men in order, caused all the Magistrates to be assembled. Being together he used these speeches.  
Dear Countrymen, my coming is not against you, 
He speaketh to them.  but against the tyrannous Spaniards; who have undone the Prince my brother, and all his house, and will make you slaves if you do not resolve to prevent them; which you may if it please you. join with me, and I assure you, I come not hither of myself, but am promised by the French King, and other Potentates to be seconded presently. In the mean time you shall see Lodowick and his troops sufficient to answer the fury of Duke d'Alua. Assure yourselves without the aid of mighty strangers, & assurance that my brother the Prince will march with all speed to our succours with a puissant army, and these Gentlemen had never engaged ourselves upon any land town as this is. Although we need not to fear, knowing the strength of the place to be sufficient to withstand any forces that shall present themselves before it, being manned with a reasonable troop; much more having so many Chiefs as you see here; naming unto him the great Captains that accompanied him, whose names were well known unto most of the Burgesses.  
His speeches gave great courage unto the Burgesses, who were soon persuaded to depart peaceably to their houses, and to deliver the keys of their gates to the Count Although the people hated the Spanish deadly, they knew not what to make of this surprise; whereat great murmuring was in corners. 
The Papists perplexed.  Some feared Lodowick would alter their mass, which they most esteemed (for all or the most part were Roman Catholics) others feared Duke d'Aluaes fury, in such sort, that many presented supplications to the Count, that he would permit them to depart the town, with their wealth and baggage. Some had leave; especially such as were known to be obstinately spaniolized; 
The spaniolized Mount●is depart with good leau●.  who eased the rest greatly that stayed. For in their houses the Count lodged divers of his troops, and were for the most part the wealthiest of the town. Duke d'Alua bearing this, 
The King of France his advertisement to Duke D'Alua.  was greatly amazed; although the French King advertised him how all promises passed in France; and that he had made a draft for his master and himself, to be quit of a great number of enemies; thinking indeed that Lodowick and all his followers should fall into his hands. But the Count himself and his vigilant followers deceived both King and Duke: who (as you heard) surprised Mounts suddenly and unlooked for at both their hands. 
D'Alua distrusteth the French.  This made Duke d'Alua amazed, thinking the French King doubled with him and his Master; as King Henry and his Constable Mountmorency did for Mets in Lorraine, with Charles the fifth. Count lodowick's footmen (named before) being arrived, and the Count perceiving the murmur of the greatest part of the townsmen, who were very well armed, strong, and in good order (in such sort that Duke d'Alua using before all the policy he could, never could place garrison in this town, by reason of their strong seat well fortified, and above three thousand men bearing arms; beside as many or more able to carry arms; all obstinate, mutinous Walloons, wanting neither victuals, artillery, nor munition) he sought to make his party and himself as strong as he could. And hearing how Duke d'Alua gathered all the forces he could, with great speed and preparations to besiege him presently; he acquainted therewith them of the religion, and such burgesses as he thought assured unto him. After placing his men in order in the marketplace, 
Lodo wick disarmeth such as he disinherited.  and seizing on the best in Mounts, he made proclamation upon pain of death, that all townsmen should bring their arms into the townhouse within six hours, which was obeyed with all possible speed. This done, he gave arms unto some five hundred of the religion, and assured unto him; the rest he fed with fair words; assuring them on his honour, that neither himself nor any of his companies should abuse them. But what he did was for the surety of himself and his company; assuring them, if the siege presented not, to deliver them their arms again: If it presented, & it pleased the Almighty to favour him, at the enemies retreat he would leave them as he found them; Conditionally, to accept a small garrison during the Spanish government. 
He giveth them leave to depart.  As for such (said he) as will not endure my government and orders, let them come unto me, they shall have free leave to depart with all their goods: leaving behind them victuals and such necessaries as may pleasure their besieged friends. 
They choose to stay, and for what causes.  They seeing their fellows houses who departed before used with havoc, which happened (as they thought) for want of masters to keep them, and to complain of their guests abuses: seeing also they could not carry away the one quarter of their goods; the most part resolved to stay. Desiring the Counts leave to signify unto their friends in Antwerp and Brussels, how they were constrained to stay perforce in the town; meaning by that means to excuse themselves unto Duke d'Alua, whom they feared above all the world. Every day some of lodowick's horsemen ran unto the ports of Brussels, 
Lodowick's horsemen spoil the Country.  and up and down the Countries as pleased them; spoiling and wasting what they listed. Often they had great skirmishes, but always they defeated their enemies with half their numbers, in such sort that d'Aluaes Captains made ambushes for them, five hundred at a time, and the others would pass through them being scarce half their numbers. This continued some time: but d'Alua having gathered his forces, 
Chiapine Vitelly encloseth Mounts.  dispatched Chiapin Vitelly with the most of his Cavalry, and certain regiments of footmen; giving him charge to enclose the town in such sort, as the garrison could not sally forth. Being approached Mounts, Lodowick sallied, 
Lodowick sallieth, and in what order.  accompanied with the Lord of la Nove, and Poyet, Sir William Morgan, and divers other adventurers of good quality, with all his horsemen, & half his footmen; leaving Mounsieur de Roueres in the town, well accompanied with the rest. Being past his Counter scarf, he left Mounsieur de la Nove, who gave order unto five hundred arquebusiers to hide themselves close in the high ways, some hundred score from the gates; 
Poyet and la Nove in ambush.  Poyet and la Nove stood with two squadrons of horses a little before them, either squadron being of an hundred and fifty; the rest the Count commanded to go to engage the enemy to skirmish. Mounsieur de Roueres 
Roueres left in the town.  caused divers pieces of artillery to be transported from other Mounts, unto the Mounts that commanded the field towards the enemy. The enemy advanced bravely both horse and foot; at which sight lodowick's Curriers encountered theirs with sundry Cornets. 
The first medley.  But they forced the Nassawians to retire, and double their paces towards la Nove and Poyet. At this sight la Nove advanced, desiring the Count to give order to Poiet to stand, and the arquebusiers to keep close, 
La Nove chargeth.  telling him; I know the enemy will repulse me, notwithstanding I will charge with your leave; in my retreat, let the ambush of shot discharge their voles; then Poyet may charge the better cheap. The Curriers being hard at hand, lafoy Nove advanced, crying to his company, Courage, turn bridle. And withal charging some 400. Launciers, & Herguleters, gave them the retreat into our squadrons, 
retireth to draw the enemy to the ambush.  which advanced to reencounter la Nove. At whose sight lafoy None retired, bringing the enemies full upon the ambush of shot: which gave them such a salve of Harquebusses, 
The ambush showeth itself. Poiet chargeth.  that happy was he that retired first. Withal Poyet charged very courageously, in such sort, that the enemies doubled their paces towards their battle. 
Lodowick retireth his footmen into the Town.  At whose retreat, the Count wisely retired his footmen into the town, with his horsemen in good order. In the mean time Mounsieur de Roueres forgot not to plague them with his artillery. The General of the horsemen and Vitelly advanced, their battle remained half of horse & foot in arms, until their quarters were entrenched; 
The enemy's order for entrenchments.  which they did in a short time: For they were furnished with a great number of pioneers, and all necessaries, in such sort, that in less than forty hours they assured the one half of the town from sallying forth. Notwithstanding, the ports towards Valentia and Hauery were clear. 
The holding of an Abbey without the town.  There stood an Abbey or Cloister some half an English mile from the town, on a little river which ran from the town to the Cloister. The place was not strong, nor able to abide the Cannon. Nevertheless, it was necessary to be kept; 
For what cause.  for betwixt it and the Town there was good store of grass and corn, with other necessaries to feed horses and cattle: Besides, they were assured the enemy would attempt this place first. Therefore to win time, it was most necessary to be kept. Into this Cloister Mounsieur de Poyet desired to go with some eight hundred arquebusiers: Although the Count and the rest were loath to hazard his person. Notwithstanding the other alleging himself to be but the third person in the town, desired and persuaded them, that half their footmen should not go to keep any place, without the company of a principal Chief. To fulfil his desire it was granted him, referring all unto himself: being entreated not to engage himself further than he might well retire; and assured that Lodowick & the rest would quite the town and all to follow him, although they were sure to perish. Mounsieur de Poyet having possessed the place, 
Fortifieth the place.  and furnished with about ten days victuals, used all means to strengthen himself. By this time Vitelly had made the quarters towards Brussels very strong; 
Vitelly finisheth his work begun.  in such sort, that two thousand were sufficient to guard it against ten thousand. For he made there good forts about a quarter of a league one from another, with strong trenches that ran from fort to fort, that no horsemen could sally over them; And their footmen durst not pass those guards, for fear of the Count's horsemen. Vitelly dislodged with all his horse and foot, saving the guards which he left in his forts; and remained in battle betwixt the ports of Valentia and Hauery, 
Maketh a new for't.  until he erected a large fort like unto the others. Having left two regiments of footmen in it, he retired with his Cavalry and the rest of his footmen unto the next Village, some half a league off, leaving near half his troops in guard, that they might be sure until the arrival of Duke d'Alua: 
D'Alua setteth forth.  Who began to set out from Brussels with the rest of his army, artillery, munition and baggage that night, about two hours before day. The town and cloister having intelligence, sallied out from both quarters some eight hundred footmen, with all their horsemen; to give a camisado under the conduct of Mounsieur de Roueres. Being met in one place, 
Roueres salyeth upon Vitellyes quarter.  they gave furiously into Vitelly's quarter, and forced his guards into their place of arms. 
Mendoza succoureth the quarter.  Mendoza being lodged apart with most of the Cavalry, gathered presently his horsemen in order, and gave resolutely into Vitelly's quarter: which was in danger to be run through with this camisado. 
Roueres order for retreat.  Mounsieur Roueres like a discreet soldier had left one of his best Captains short of the enemy's quarter, with some three hundred of his best shot, and a hundred and fifty horsemen for his retreat; which saved him and the most of his troops. Mendoza charged Roueres in such sort, that happy was he who could return first. Coming unto his ambush, they peppered Mendoza and his horsemen with a salve of Harquebusses, that turned them back upon the other: At which instant the hundred and fifty horsemen charged them on their backs. By that time, Vitelly and the most of his troops were in order; advancing with all speed towards Roueres. 
Roueres retireth.  Notwithstanding Roueres and his brave Captains (especially his Cavalerie) retired with small loss into the Cloister, where Poyet was ready to receive them in order without; in such sort, that Vitelly pursued no further. At this Camisado the enemy lost six for one of the Nassawians; by reason Roueres had forced their guards before the rest were in arms. The next day toward night Duke d'Aluaes vanguard was in sight of the Town; but before his rearguard came to their quarter it was nine of the clock the next morning, by reason they marched very slowly: and not without reason. For they haled with them two and twenty pieces of battery, besides some other field pieces, with all the munition belonging unto them. Duke d'Alua being arrived, 
Duke D'Alua arriveth.  encamped on the river side betwixt the meadows and the hills, from the ways towards Valentia down to the Cloister. Along this river he made strong trenches, 
Entrencheth himself.  which assured his army towards the fields; towards the town he made large deep trenches, impossible to be entered. This man would commonly assure himself with trenches, although the enemies were lodged three days journey from him. Now before Mounts he entrenched all his quarters, as though he meant to be besieged; and not without reason, having intelligence how Mounsieur janlis marched for their succours with seven thousand Frenchmen, and the Prince of Orange making ready a mighty army in Germany. After his arrival, 
Battereth the Cloister.  the next day he prepared to beat the Cloister; unto which place he brought six pieces of Cannon. Mounsieur de Poiet resolved before not to keep the place, but to win time in forcing them to place the Cannon. This Cloister was so near the town, that none could encamp betwixt it and the town, by reason of the towns artillery, and of wet meadow grounds which could not be entrenched. 
Payet abideth one days battery, and retireth by night.  Wherefore Mounsieur de Poyet did most bravely abide this whole days battery, and in the night set the Cloister on fire with a train: and so retired himself and his troops safely into the town, leaving nothing behind. Within few days Duke d'Alua began to make his approaches, in such sort that he assured the town from sallying (saving their secret sallies through the rampire & bulwarks) before he mounted his pieces to beat the forts and defences. The town plagued him greatly with their counterbattery: and beside they often sallied, and annoyed them with sundry attempts on their artillery and trenches. With much ado, after receiving great losses, he made three platforms. The midst did batter the port of Hauery; 
Battereth the town.  the two others the flanks and parts of the Curtains on both sides. On these three platforms he placed two and twenty Cannons, with which, and with his Culverins that did beat the defences, he discharged during his siege above 24000. shot. 
The fury of the battery.  The fury of all batteries are passed at the first, I mean within two days: yea, commonly in one. For the defendants knowing the place, and the success of the fury, will reinforce their breaches & reentrench themselves in such sort, that the assailants can do small hurt with their approaches. 
A breach made.  The second day they battered: and having made their breach reasonable (as they thought) they prepared to the assault. 
Preparation to the assault.  The point fell by lot to the Tertia of Lombary, led by the valiant Mounsieur of the Camp julian Romero: 
julian Romero hath the point.  who was seconded by the master of the Camp Don Francisco de Baldesso and his Tertia de la Ligue; after him the regiments of Walloons, of the marquess of Hauery, Count Barlemount, Messieurs de Ligues, and of Capers. So were all the rest of the army in battle ready to second one another, according to their direction; with their whole Cavalero in order of battle, some quarter of a league from their trenches. divers had leave to dismount themselves, who accompanied julian at the point. 
Preparation of the defendants.  The Count re-entrenched himself overthwart the breach with a half moon. Himself and some two hundred horsemen stood at the mouth of the great lane towards the breach; the rest of his horsemen were in three troops, making Patroiles (rounds we call it) from place to place round about the town. As one troop came unto him, he sent another out. Mounsieur de la Nove stood with the armed men in the midst of the half moon. Mounsieur de Poyet stood on the one quarter of the moon, with half the shot. Mounsieur de Roueres on the other with the rest. At every corner of the moon they placed divers pieces of Ordinance, laden with nails, small bullets, and stones; which flanked the mouth of the breach. julian's Captains would not give place one to another, more than the Colonel's, but by lot. After knowing who should lead, 
The assault.  and the breach discovered saultable, julian commanded the point to the assault: which were suffered to enter. But being in the midst of the moon, they were murdered like dogs; in such sort, that happy was he that could retire first. Notwithstanding julian advanced with all courage with his seconds: but being on the breach, and having discovered their trenches and works within, 
The retreat.  he caused his troops to retire, not without loss. For all their small shot played incessantly upon his troops. At this assault the Spaniards courge was quailed from assaulting any more. julian escaped with great danger, 
julian Romerees danger & loss.  having sundry Harquebusses on his arms. His Lieutenant Colonel was slain, with five of his principal Captains, and the bravest part of his soldiers; besides many adventurers as well horsemen as footmen, 
The Count's loss.  which were not of his regiment. The Count escaped not freely, for divers of his best men were slain; especially Mounsieur de Roueres shot in the head with a musket. 
Roueres slain.  Duke d'Alua perceiving the valour and conduct of Lodowick and his men, resolved not to force his breach, 
D'Alua will no more assault.  but cunningly attempted them often with alarms and counterfeit assaults; in such sort that he spoiled many of the defendants with his artillery, in presenting themselves on the breach.  
At this instant Mounsieur janlis was marching with 
The overthrow of janlis.  his succours, in number (as I said before) seven thousand French, all footmen; saving some four hundred horsemen. Being arrived hard by Valentia, 
Duke d'Alva's forces.  Duke d'Alua sent done Frederico with his Martial Chiapine Vitelly, accompanied with one thousand five hundred horsemen, and four thousand footmen; himself remained in strong trenches with all the rest in arms, who being all together were about one and twenty thousand footmen, and three thousand horsemen. Mounsieur janlis, although he was a most gallant soldier, at this reencounter showed small discipline: Vitelly having intelligence of his march and order.  
Don Frederico being arrived at Saint Gellane, 
Chiapine Vitelly's ambush to entrap janlis.  some two leagues from Mounts, hearing janlis was in march, and that he meant to pass that way within ten hours; Vitelly desired him to leave all his men in ambush in that place in troops, on both sides of the high ways. Having finished his orders, 
His order to train him to it.  he commanded his nephew john Battisto del mount, Lieutenant general of the horsemen, to march with five hundred horsemen half Launciers, the rest Herguleters, giving him in charge to march in three troops softly, until his Curriers should meet his enemies: then to return one troop after another without engaging himself to fight, unless the enemy would enforce him; but to use all means to bring them engaged unto the ambush; then to run with his troops as though he were afraid, 
The order put in execution.  aside of the ambush. He was not two leagues from Vitelly, but his Curriers met the French: who according to their accustomed fury charged the Spanish Curriers, and they according to their direction retired before them; so did their second, and Battisto himself with the third; bringing them in his tail unto the place directed. By this time all or the most of the French horsemen were arrived, charging Battisto his troops who could first; persuading themselves all to be theirs. 
The French fall into the ambush.  Vitelly like a discreet Captain, desired done Frederico to suffer them to run until they were entered into the ambush of five hundred musketeers, which stood under a hedge where they must pass; and being entered, to charge them with half the horsemen, which stood equally divided on both sides of the way. By that time the French were entered the ambush of Musketeers; and perceiving the squadrons of Launciers advancing towards them, they began to retire and to double their paces back; but withal done Frederico charged. john Battisto being on the other side turned also; so did Vitelly second with the rest; in such sort, that presently their few horsemen were forced to run through their own footmen, 
The disorder of the French march.  which broke in a short time; for they marched far a sunder (as they said) two leagues from their first troops unto their last Besides, they had no companies of pikes to make any stand; especially their horsemen being broken. 
Movy escapeth.  Mounsieur de Movie escaped into Mounts by reason of the woodland Countries. Few returned into France, because the Peasants murdered them in cold blood. After the overthrow, the greatest part of them were executed. M. janlis with divers Gentlemen resisted valiantly: but at the last he was mastered, 
I anlis prisoner.  & carried prisoner into the Castle of Antwerp. 
Executed at Antwerp.  Where himself and an English Gentleman taken with him, named master john Winkfield were executed long afterwards. Duke d'Alua hearing that the Prince of Orange was ready to march with ten thousand Reisters, and twelve thousand lanceknights, besides divers fugitive Netherlanders, commanded his Officers to strengthen his trenches with all speed, 
d'Alva's order against his arrival.  as well towards to town as the field: giving order that all the munition and victuals that might be gotten should be brought into his Camp, and that his horsemen should bring in all the forage they could, and spoil the rest. For he resolved to stay in the field, and at least to amish either the Prince or the Town; giving charge unto all men not to engage any skirmish or fight, but to make the town from sallying forth. The Prince arrived with his army mentioned before, without any let to speak of, until he encamped on the top of the hills toward Valentia, within half a league of Duke d'Aluaes trenches. At whose sight the Duke gave strait charge, that none should sally out of his trenches; giving the Prince leave to encamp quietly without skirmishing. That night the Prince sent often divers troops unto the Duke's trenches, thinking to keep his army in arms; but none seemed to stir, or to take an alarm. The next morning the Prince sent great troops of horse and foot to procure the enemy to sally; standing himself with the rest in order of battle in sight of the town and of Duke d'Alua; 
Attempt to Duke d'Aluaes trenches.  but none would sally out of the trenches: In such sort, that the Prince dislodged with his whole forces, resolving to force their trenches, or to lose not a few of his best men. Being in order of battle near unto Duke d'Alua, he sent his martial Manderslo with three thousand lanceknights, and three thousand Reisters; giving them order to charge the trenches with all resolution. Being approached within musket shot of the Spanish and Walloons, 
The Almans forced to retire.  the poor Almans courage began to quail, not without reason; finding better shot then themselves within the trenches, and their horsemen not serviceable, upon whom all their glory did rest. Notwithstanding that Manderslo and his troops began to retire, 
A second attempt with great loss.  the Lord of Drum the Prince's Lieutenant, and Count Holhocke, with divers others of quality, accompanied with many troops of horse and foot, marched resolutely and attempted the trenches against reason. For receiving hot salves of musketadoes, they were forced to retire. At which attempt the Lord of Drum was slain, with divers others of quality, and a great number of their soldiers both horse and foot.  
THe Prince being retired into his Camp, 
A Camisado on the Prince's army by julian Romero.  julian Romero with earnest persuasions procured licence of Duke d'Alua, to hazard a Camisado that night upon the Prince. At midnight julian sallied out of the trenches with a thousand musketeers, and two thousand armed men, most pikes; all the rest stood in arms in the trenches, their horsemen ready without the trenches to second julian, 
julian Romeroes' order for the Camisado.  principally for his retreat if need were. julian divided his forces into three troops. The first two hundred old shot, which could keep their matches close, led by a desperate Captain named Munchecho. The second one thousand armed men and shot, led by julian himself. The third led by his Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Maior; whom he commanded to stand fast in the midst of their way betwixt the two Camps for his retreat, and not to stir unless some of credit came from him to command the contrary. Presently after his directions, he commanded Muncheco to charge; 
He chargeth.  who resolutely forced two guards, being at the least a regiment of Almains. julian seconded with all resolution, in such sort, that he forced all the guards that he found in his way into the place of arms be●ore the Prince's tent. Here he entered divers tents; amongst the rest his men killed two of the Prince's secretaries hard by the Prince's tent, 
Only not seizeth upon the prince's person.  and the Prince himself escaped very narrowly.  
FOr I heard the Prince say often, that as he thought, 
A dog saveth the Prince.  but for a dog he had been taken. The Camisado was given with such resolution, that the place of arms took no alarm, until their fellows were running in with the enemies in their tails. Whereupon this dog hearing a great noise, fell to scratching and crying, and withal leapt on the Prince's face, awaking him being asleep, before any of his men. 
The princes care of himself.  And albeit the Prince lay in his arms, with a lackey always holding one of his horse ready bridled; yet at the going out of his tent, with much ado he recovered his horse before the enemy arrived. 
He recovereth his bo●se hardly.  Nevertheless one of his Quiries was slain taking horse presently after him; and divers of his servants were forced to escape amongst the guards of foot, which could not recover their horses. For troth, ever since, until the Prince's dying day, he kept one of that dog's race; so did many of his friends and followers. The most or all of these dogs were white little hounds, with crooked noses, called Camuses. The Camp being in arms and in some order, made head towards julian in such sort, that he commanded the retreat, 
julian retireth.  Before he could recover his stand with his Lieutenant, the army began to charge him in great troops; in such sort, that with much ado he could arrive with his troops; 
As hardly bestead.  and for all his good order, he lost many of his men, as well taken as slain. Having recovered his stand, 
Yet he saved himself & his roupes.  with the presence of the two thousand horsemen, which came for his retreat, the Nassawians followed no further.  
Without doubt had Duke d' Alva followed julian's council, 
julian's council to defeat the Prince's army.  the Prince had been defeated in that place. julian advised that all their horsemen and half their footmen should have been in a stand, where he left his Lieutenant, and himself with his three thousand to enter the Prince's Camp: that having good success, the stand should have entered also. For my part I am of julian's mind; but the wisest sort are of Duke d'Aluaes. Although julian's courage assured him victory, 
The danger of following it.  Duke d' Alva had reason not to hazard his forces in battle; being assured the Prince would be forced to retire with wants. For if the Prince and his army had been in arms and in order, it must have sorted to a battle, having made half his army to run: and perhaps by that means the Prince might have succoured the Town. For without doubt let two armies encamp one hard by another, the first that discountenanceth his fellow, is in great hope of victory; 
The retreat of the Prince of Orange, and his fine stratagem and speeches to escape from his mutinous army.  or at least by all reasons to make his adversary to retire. This Camisado quailed the poor Almains in such sort, that the Prince was glad to use all the policy he could to retire; thinking the sooner the better, for fear lest his Reisters would grow to their old custom, to cry for gilt, which he had not. To preventall mutinies, he caused his officers & many of his best instruments to give forth, that his brother Count john was arrived with five hundred Reisters by Ruremount; and with great treasure (sufficient to pay all his forces for three months) from the Queen's Majesty, the King of Denmark, and the German Princes of the religion. 
His retreat.  His Camp being thoroughly furnished with these speeches, he dislodged the next day; making all the haste he could to recover the Maze. Withal he advertised his brother of his fortune, desiring him to make the best shift for himself that he could.  
The Prince being arrived by Ruremount, having intelligence with divers towns in Holland, fed his army with good speeches: assuring them that his brother Count john was at Serenbarke, with his brother in law the Count of Bergue; and that he would send for them to make his passage over the Maze, where his brother Count Lodowick would arrive; whom he looked for daily to come from Mounts.  
After the Prince's retreat, 
Count lodowick's composition for Mounts.  Count Lodowick finding no remedy, began to parley; but stood on most honourable terms. Duke d' alua knowing him to be a most honourable resolute man, and the town not to be taken by fury, fearing delays would grow to disadvantage, accepted his parley, agreeing to such conditions as pleased the Count: In such sort, that Lodowick and his garrison was to pass over the river of Mase, 
He cometh to his brother the Prince.  where his brother the Prince was staying for him. Being met, resolution was taken that Lodowick should pass into Germany, and the Prince into Holland. 
The Prince departeth from his army by night.  The Prince fearing the worst, passed the river by night, with a few Gentlemen: Amongst others Sir William Morgan was one. The Princes sudden departure gave a great murmuring amongst the Reisters. Notwithstanding, he wrote a letter to his brother, to assure him that he would content them with all speed possible, and that his going into Holland was principally to seek means to pay them; giving to his brother leave and authority to sell all that he had in Germany, rather than he should be disgraced with false promises. This letter being read openly gave some contentment unto the army; but principally the person of Count Lodowick stayed them, whom they much honoured and respected, knowing no fault to be in him.  
I forgot to write how Malins accepted a garrison of the Prince, 
Malins receiveth the Prince's garrison.  as some of his forces passed by it in going to Mounts; which after wards retired with the Prince. Duke d'Alua for their reward after the taking of Mounts, sent his master of the Camp julian Romero, with his Tertia of Lombary and others, 
Is sacked by the Duke d' alva's appointment.  who entered the town, and sacked it to the uttermost.  
THe beginning and ending of this siege was most honourable, although unfortunate. Sometimes great Captains wrong themselves. Had the Count left either Mounsieur de la Nove, 
lodowick's error.  or Mounsieur de Roueres, or Mounsieur de Poyet governor in Mounts. and retired himself with the other to prepare their succours, by all reason it had been far better. For the least of the three had been sufficient to command the town, and the two others would have stood the succours in good stead: I mean the Prince and Mounsieur janlis. The only way for the Prince had been to have encamped before Brussels, 
The Prince's error.  which was a weak rich town, unfortified; where he must have forced Duke d'Alua either to leave his siege to fight with him, or else to lose the town: and not to attempt treanches which wanted no defence that could be desired. Touching Mounsieur janlis, the world may judge there might have been better order at his defeat.   

The revolt of Flushing, the brave resolution of Vorst the Seaman; and of the Bailie, Mounsieur de Barland, in seizing on the Town, and in executing Signior Pacheco.  
During the siege of Mounts, one Signior Pacheco came from Duke d'Alua, 
Pacheco appointed Governor of Flushing.  with a Commission to be Governor of Flushing and of the Ramkins. Pacheco had also authority to execute divers of the Inhabitants in Flushing, principally the Bailie Mounsieur de Berland, and Vorst the famous Seaman. At this instant they began the Cittadle of Flushing. 
The Cittadle begun.  Pacheco being let in with some of his fellows, and the restat the gates; having intelligence with Mounsieur de Beauoir Governor of Middleburgh, thought within three days to have placed a garrison of Spaniards and Walloons in Flushing, 
A garrison to be brought in.  and then to have finished the rest of his purposes at pleasure. Vorst began to mistrust the matter: Whereupon he went to Mounsieur de Berland, telling him resolutely that he would not stand to the Spanish government, nor trust to their courtesies. Mounsieur de Berland began to lean to his opinion and to apprehend some fear; because he had received divers letters from his friends in Brabant, that Pacheco would come to be governor of Flushing, and that Duke d'Alua was informed of some matters against Barland, 
Barland.  and the said Vorst, with divers others. Hereupon Mounsieur de Barland and Vorst resolved to lay hands on Pacheco, 
Conspire against the Spaniards.  and to seize upon the town. Being respected, and greatly beloved of the popular, they made divers acquainted with Duke d' alva's practices; and how Pacheco was the man that should execute his determination. Presently they gave order to make good watch at the water-port, to prevent the entry of the Spaniards; who were hard by it with their arms in their hands, ready to enter. Withal they assembled all the Magistrates and Burgesses into their townhouse: whether they sent for Pacheco, making him believe they would obey all his directions, conditionally that he would show them his authority. Pacheco being arrived amongst them, Mounsieur de Barland asked him for his Commission. Pacheco showed it. Withal Vorst laid hands on him, 
Seize upon him.  saying, Shellum Spaniard, thou hast more directions than these. Pacheco striving with Vorst, Vorst and his companions threw him down, giving him and his followers store of good blows. Rifling Pacheco, they found about him all his directions; whereby divers of them were to be executed. Presently they carried Signior Pacheco to the gallows; 
Hang him with Duke D' alva's Commission about his neck.  where they hung Duke d' alva's Scutcheon, at which they hanged Pacheco, with his Commission about his neck; although Pacheco offered them assurance of ten thousand Ducats to have his head struck off. 
And 25. of his followers.  They hanged also some five and twenty of his followers; beating them with stones and cudgels all the way as they passed to the gallows. Mounsieur de Beauoir arrived at the gates towards Middleburgh with some four hundred Walloons, within two hours after the executing of Pacheco. The Flushingers resolved to resist his entry. 
Beauoir retired to Middleburgh  Beauoir being a white-livered soldier retired into Middleburgh.  
Without doubt had he showed any valour, 
Beauoir want of resolution. Flushing unfortified.  he might have entered. For at that instant Flushing was nothing fortified to speak of, saving towards the water; The rest was a low green rampire, without Flanks, Parepet, or Ditch (but such as men of any resolution might have entered) or any pieces mounted towards the land; unless it were some paltry rusty old Clinks, which a man would as readily choose in a manner to stand before, as behind, at their going off. Presently the Flushingers fell to working night and day on their rampire; 
The Burgesses fortify.  and drew divers pieces of Ordinance out of their ships, and mounted them thereon. They dispatched also letters into England and France for succours, with a few crowns. Flushing was in those days (God knows) a poor beggarly Town of Fishing, in respect of that it is now: without Town, fort, fortress, or Village to friend in all that Country.  
As God would, there were divers followers of the Prince of Orange, 
Succours into Flushing.  and of his brother Count Lodowick. Some were Seamen, named by the enemy's Freebotters; but some of them were resolute gallant Gentlemen: namely Mounsieur de Lambres, de Skonuall, Batelentia Ruchable, etc. These were Sea-Captaines, roving out of their Countries where fortune served them best, in the Prince of Orange's name. There were also divers Walloons and Flemings which kept the woods of Flaunders, not knowing how to escape; namely the Captains Barnard, Ely, Ambrose Duke, and others. Hearing of the revolt of Flushing, they marched directly thither; and at a place named Meerchaven they made a strong trench: In which place they remained not three days but the Flushingers sent their boats to fetch them. The Captains Barnard, Ely, and Ambrose Duke being entered Flushing, 
Walloons & Fleming's 400.  with some four hundred Walloons and Flemings well armed, did something assure the town. Some of these had good understanding in the wars: principally in fortification, they did help the townsmen greatly; in such sort that they mounted their pieces in good order, and mended their fortifications.   

Captain Thomas Morgan comes to Flushing, which was the first English band that served the Neatherders against the Spanish King.  
AT this time there was a fair muster of Londoners before the Queen's Majesty at Greenwich. 
A muster before the Queen at Greenwich.  Amongst the Londoners were divers Captains and soldiers, who had served some in Scotland, some in Ireland, others in France. And having nothing to do, with the countenance of some great men who favoured the cause, and the small helps of the deputies of Flushing, Captain Thomas Morgan levied a fair company of three hundred strong; amongst whom were divers Officers which had commanded before, with many Gentlemen, at the least above one hundred, amongst which myself was one. This band was the first that served the Neatherlanders; I mean since Duke d'Alua came to be Governor and Captain general of the netherlands. 
Duke d'Alua sendeth forces against Flushing.  Captain Morgan and his Company arrived in good time: For at his arrival Flushing was in distress. For Duke d'Alua had sent forces of Wallones and Spaniards under the conduct of Don Ruffello, to second Mounsieur de Beauoir; who had command to entrench themselves on the Dike towards the Rampkins. Had they done it, the town could not have cut the ditch, as they did afterwards; and Duke d'Alua was to second them with all his whole forces. 
He pauseth upon the arrival of the English.  But hearing how the English were arrived in greater numbers than we were indeed, Duke d'Alua stayed, to march in good order, and with great means: For he wanted a number of sea provisions. Also Beauoir and Ruffello hearing of our arrival, made no haste to march. In the mean time there arrived from Rochel three fair Companies, led by the Captains Henry, Tristan and Vtiran: of which one was levied for Mounsieur de Saras, who was appointed Governor of Flushing by letters from the Prince of Orange. These troops being arrived, we thought ourselves assured in the town. 
Beavoirs & Ruffelloes' faintness.  Belike Duke d' Alva was offended with Beauoir and Ruffello, not without reason; For no two Captains could do their General world service than they did. For without doubt they might have lodged on the ditch before the arrival of Captain Morgan; besides the cowardliness of Beauoir, for not forcing the town when Pacheco arrived. 
They endeavour to amend their faults.  Perceiving Duke d' Alva to be in choler, they (to repair their fault) resolved to attempt the ditch. And to do it the better, they thought good to mount certain culverins on a forced hill (I mean made with men's hands) which stood 
By attempting the dike.  some half a mile from the town, betwixt the way of Middleburgh and the dike; I mean the fourth dike from Flushing to Middleburgh. Beauoir kept some 200 Wallones in a strong house, half way betwixt Middleburgh and Flushing. This place was guardable without battery. Into this place Beauoir and Ruffello brought their forces, which might be some 2500 Spaniards and Wallones. 
They lay in ambush.  Out of that place they advanced at midnight; leaving their great troop hidden out of the highway, within a quarter of a mile of the said hill. At the break of day, they sent some 100 shot towards the hill. The garrison perceiving their meaning, sailed with about 700. English French and Wallones; who were desired & commanded by Saras to dig down the hill. 
The garrison fallieth.  According to direction the garrison advanced; and being approached, the enemy retired. Our men being at work, the enemy advanced some 400 shot, which entered into hot skirmish. Ours followed them so fast, that their ambush was fain to discover themselves for their safeguard; 
Beateth back the shot of the Spaniards.  at whose sight ours retired in good order, by reason half our men made a stand, for the retreat of those which charged. After this skirmish, Saras discovering the number of enemies, retired the garrison into the town; not without reason. For he thought he marched to besiege us; and knew no other, but that the most of their army might be at Middleburgh or there about. Our men so behaved themselves at this skirmish, that the enemy lost three for one; 
The loss of the Spaniard.  notwithstanding the enemy tarried in the place, and after dinner made as though they would take the hill. The morning skirmish liked our Captains so well, 
Another sally to dislodge the enemy.  as they desired the governors leave to sally. Which earnest request was granted, upon condition, not to engage themselves too far. Whereupon the Governor and the Captains mounted on the Rampire, to direct their fight. Having resolved, Captain Morgan and our Englishmen had the vanguard. 
The English have the vanguard.  To make the skirmish the more honourable, we sallied with our Ensigns; the Frenchmen were to second us; the Wallones and Fleming's last; The whole were in number some 800. Captain Morgan being arrived within a great musket shot from the enemy, 
Captain Morgan's order for the skirmish.  made a stand, and advanced his shot forwards: giving them commandment to stand also, until he commanded them, or the enemy forced them. He placed his armed men on both sides of the bridge, leaving a ditch betwixt them and the enemy: and stood himself with a troop of gentlemen on the Causeway before the bridge. The two troops of Frenchmen and Walloons placed themselves in meadows, on both sides of the causeway; leaving their few armed men right against Captain Morgan. They placed their shot in ditches, a little before their armed men; saving some 100 whom they directed to enter into skirmish when the English began. Our order was scarce directed, but the enemy charged our men very hotly; 
The enemy chargeth the English very hotly.  in such sort, that all or the most part of both party's shot were by the ears. 
Who acquit themselves valiantly. The retire.  Notwithstanding that theirs were twice so many, ours quit themselves very valiantly; until a great squadron of their armed men advanced, which forced our English shot to retire: by reason that most of the English shot skirmished on the causeway, & hard by it on both sides, where the enemies could join with them. 
Captain Morgan at the push of the pike.  At this sight Captain Morgan and his armed men advanced resolutely to the push of the pike: and so did the French and Wallones shot flank amongst them their volleys, 
The enemy retireth.  that they plagued them greatly; in such sort that the enemy advanced no further. To say t●oth, they could not join with ours, by reason ours kept the ditches and bridge. Perceiving they could not force our quarter, the enemy retired; but stood fast, within a great musket shot of the place. Saras perceiving the enemy's mind, thinking they would charge again, and fearing we had lost more than we did, sent unto ours to retire; which they did with good order into the town, with small loss in respect of the skirmish; which endured very hot and almost the space of two hours; In which time our men came twice to the push of the pike. Once the enemy had hold on Captain Morgan's Ancient; 
Captain Morgan's ensign rescued.  which was rescued bravely by George Browne and diverse other young gentlemen. Master Mackwilliams, Bostock, 
The loss of the garrison.  with other gentlemen were slain, with some fifty English soldiers: and as many or more hurt of the French and Wallones. So they killed and hurt some 100 of which were many gentlemen and officers. Some prisoners were taken on both sides. By the enemies own confession they had slain and hurt above 400. 
The enemy's loss.  whereof some were of good account.   

The surprise of the Brill in Holland, by Mounsieur de Lumay Count de la Mark.  
AT this instant Mounsieur de Lumay otherwise called the Count De la Mark, being on the coast of England with the Prince of Orange's directions, finding the Seamen named before; I mean Lambert, Batelentia, Rouchable, and Skonall; they made a party betwixt them to take the Brill in Holland. 
Count Dela Mark attempteth the Brill.  True it is, the Prince of Orange had intelligence with most towns in Holland; but not with the Brill, that ever I could learn. At this time there were but few Spaniards in Holland; in the Brill some hundred; in divers other places so many or fewer. Hereupon this Count de la Mark and these Captains gathered into some eight sails (the most Fly-boats) seven hundred Walloons, Dutch, some English and Scots; all Mariners. 
Landeth his men.  Arriving at the Brill, they landed; having Drums, Trumpets, and Ensigns with them, sufficient to have furnished thrice their numbers. At their sight, the simple Spanish Governor thought himself betrayed; judging that these troops would never have come thither without intelligence with the townsmen. 
The Spanish countenance,  The rest of the Spanish made proud faces, as though they meant to abide their fury and siege: Notwithstanding, they signified a fear unto the Burgesses, in sending their baggage and women towards Rotterdam. The Count and his Captains approached with courage; and withal landed three Pieces out of their ships, with straw, pitch, and wood. He approached the gate, 
The Count fiercth the gate.  and put the same soon on fire. In the mean time the Spaniards escaped towards Reterdam. Thus was the Brill won without blows; 
The town entered.  in such sort, that all Holland revolted, saving Amsterdam: but divers towns would accept no garrison. 
The Prince's courtesy to the Hollanders.  Notwithstanding, the Prince politicly wrote unto the Count, to use them withal courtesy agreeing with their humours; suffering them to do what they listed, as well for religion as for government; whereby he gained all their hearts. For at that instant the most of the popular were Papists. 
The Count's disorder.  The Count De la Mark had almost marred all with his government. For albeit he was valiant and liberal, yet was he lascivious, wilful and obstinate; in such sort, that he would enjoy and wench or woman that pleased him. 
Towards women.  Also he called an Abbot and his Friars into a Chamber, 
Towards the Papists.  where he forced them to deny their Mass and to preach against it, in case they would not be hanged. Besides these, he committed many other disorders: So as his insolency had almost thrust the Prince and his faction out of Holland.   

The Flushingers grow in jealousy against Saras their Governor, offering his place unto Captain Morgan; who refused it for love he bore unto Saras: otherwise he had small reason in doing it.  
THe French, Walloons and Dutch which were in Flushing, had been for the most part in the wars before: and divers of the basest sort would take any thing they could carry away, and lived at far greater charges to the Burgesses than the English did. For indeed the English at that time were raw, 
The civil behaviour of the English.  and looked for no more then bare victuals, lodging, and promise of pay. Hereupon the Burgesses grew in great liking with our Nation: Insomuch that for a small suspect, they would have made Capt. 
The Flushingers' affection towards them.  Morgan their Governor, & have cashered Saras; having no occasion, but that he had a brother that dwelled amongst the enemies, whom the enemies forced to write unto the Governor, to persuade him, 
They suspect Saras, & would make Captain Morgan Governor.  to run a course on their sides. Without doubt, Saras was honest unto the cause: For his brother's message and letters came no sooner unto him, but he showed them unto his Captains and the principal Burgesses. Also this was he that commanded afterward chiefly in Harlem. Captain Morgan, finding this man honest unto him, friended him also unto the popular; refused their offer, and maintained Saras what he could in his place. 
Who maintaineth Saras.  Notwithstanding, few men of war would have done it, unless a man had been greatly beholding unto him; I mean far more than he was to Saras; considering what a rich strong government Flushing was. To say troth, 
Is not ambitious.  this Captain had never any great ambition in him; although fortune presented fair unto him often, beside this time. Also immediately he wrote letters into England, which showed the strength and goodness of the place. 
Sir Humphrey Gilbert the first English Colonel in the Low Countries.  Withal he procured Sir Humphrey Gilbert to come over, to be Colonel over the English soldiers: which he might have easily obtained himself. Hereupon Sir Humphrey contracted with the Flushingers, to come unto them with one thousand five hundred English; besides those who were with them before. In the mean time, the Count De la Mark assured the most part of Holland.   

Rotterdam surprised by the Count of Bossue, by the mere simplicity of the Burgesses; where the Count showeth great cruelty upon the poor people: which was the occasion that all or the most of the Towns in Holland received either Garrisons or Governors; principally Dort, which was resolved before to the contrary. But after this cruelty, they suffered themselves easily to be surprised by the Count De la Mark.  
ROterdam being without garrison, the Count Bossue 
Count Bossue towards Rotterdam.  approached it with some troops of Spaniards and Walloons from Vtricke. Being arrived within a quarter of a league, he placed his troops in ambush, 
Lieth in ambush.  at a little Castle in a small wood on the river side towards Dordrecht; leaving with them his Lieutenant governor, and giving him charge at the shooting of Pieces to dislodge with all speed towards the town. The Count being Governor of Holland and off Vtricke came to the gates, 
cometh to the gates.  with some two hundred Walloons and Flemings; and leaving them within ten score of the port, went himself unto the port with some ten or twelve Gentlemen, offering to enter. They shut the wicket against them. 
Is refused.  He showed them, bow he was their Governor and Countryman; advised them not to deal so, and to look unto themselves; else he would make them know him: 
Desireth to speak● with the Burgomasters.  Withal he desired some of the Burgesses to go fetch the Burgomasters unto the port, that he might speak with them. In this T●●●e there was no garrison, but Burgesses; poor men of war, as you may judge by their government. The Burgomasters being arrived, the Count used fine speeches to persuade them to let him enter with those men, to save them from the Heretics, as he termed the Prince of Orange's faction. 
〈◊〉 answer.  They answered, that they durst do nothing without the consent of their Burgesses in general; and that they would assemble themselves presently in their townhouse, and use their best means to persuade them to follow his directions; promising to return presently unto him. Being departed, this Count, who was a good soldier and of good understanding, knew the multitude would cry against the Spanish: wherefore he thought the sooner he began his play, the better. And first he did deliver some pieces of gold unto the Guard; 
The Count shareth the Guard with wine.  desiring them to fetch him good store of Wine and Beer: the which was brought, presently. He and his company began to carouse one with another, and with the Guard; in such sort that they opened the little Wicket to speak with the Count 
They open the wicket.  Being armed under his Coat, and valiant, he gave signal unto his troops, 
He rusheth in.  and therewith rushed in with some five or six Gentlemen, giving blows of Pistols and Swords on the poor Guard; In such sort, that his two hundred entered, 
Seizeth the port.  and kept the port until the ambush named before entered. 
Taketh the Marketplace.  Then he marched unto the Marketplace, executing all he could find in his way; thence through the town as pleased him: where he slew a great number, 
Sacketh the Town.  and sacked what he listed. In this sort (God knows) he soon mastered the town. The Prince of Orange hearing this, 
The Prince persuadeth other towns to garrisons.  acquainted many of his friends with this action of Count Bossue; showing, that he knew he would do the like in other places, unless good guards were kept; which could never be without some garrison, or at the least Governors that understood the wars. In those days the names of Soldiers were odious unto them. Notwithstanding, they feared the Spaniards so much, that rather than to accompany with them, they would accept Devils. Whereupon divers agreed to accept garrisons: and the most of all to receive Governors, 
They accept them.  except Dort. But finally the Prince so used the matter with them, that all were content that Dort should be surprised; but not with murder and sack, as the Spanish did at Rotterdam. After this resolution, the Prince wrote unto the Count of Mark, and his Captains, to do the best they could to surprise Dort. 
The Prince promiseth reformation of Count De la Mark.  Withal he wrote unto him, both to desire and to command him, to use the Burgesses with all courtesy; assuring them of Holland, to redress all the Count's abuses at their next meeting, which should be before long; sending them the Copy of his letters to the Count In the mean time he undertook the Count should leave his insolency, and be guided by the Prince's directions. The Count made ready a great number of skutes, having placed some thousand Soldiers among them, with a great number of Trumpets and Ensigns; leaving the Brill notwithstanding in good order of defence: for his victory increased his forces. 
The Count takes Strinland.  He took Strineland, right against Dort. The next morning before day he landed his men at the head, before the fair, strong and rich Town of Dort, 
Entereth Dort.  invincible without famine or treason; having in it a garrison and munition, with a good Governor. This fortunate wilful Count with his shows and looks entered the town without blows. By this time the Count's deputies had sent him three English companies, 
Three more English companies.  under the conduct of the Captains Moris, Drise, and Read.   

The arrival of Sir Humphrey Gilbert: which was the first Regiment of Englishmen that served the Neatherlanders against the Spanish King; with our follies before Bruges and Sluice.  
ALSO Colonel Gilbert arrived at Flushing with ten English bands: 
Colonel Gilbert at Flushing.  at whose arrival Flushing was most assured. Hearing that the town of Mounts was in great distress, & of the Prince of Orange's retreat, with his success; Saras and Colonel Gilbert devised their best means to relieve Count Lodowick; Having a little intelligence with some Burgesses of Bruges. Saras 
Saras and he entered Flanders.  and Sir Humphrey resolved to enter Flanders: And so leaving a good garrison in Flushing, they landed at New-haven, right against Flushing, some 1400 Englishmen, 400 Wallones and Flemings, with some 600 brave Frenchmen, newly arrived from Rochel under the conduct of the Captains, 
With 2400 men.  Larivere, Gentane and others. Presently we took our march towards Sluice: & being arrived at a village called Ardenburgh, we resolved there to stay; both to prove if we could do any good on Sluice, and to have further intelligence from Bruges. This place was a league from Sluice, and three leagues from Bruges. 
They attempt Sluice with ambush.  The next night Saras and Sir Humphrey sent some eight hundred English, French and Wallones; giving them charge to keep themselves close as near Sluice as they could, until they heard further from them. Before day we placed our ambush near the ports, in such sort, that at the opening of the gates (had our men known the wars then as divers of them did since) we might have easily entered the town. 
Knew not how to take the advantage.  To say troth, those that sent us were as ignorant as ourselves: In such sort, that we did no more than we were commanded, which was to lie close. Notwithstanding divers people came amongst us; some we took, and some we suffered to go back again. The enemy having discovered our numbers & lodging, 
The garrison sallieth.  sallied some 200 shot, where we fell to hot skirmish. But all we were lodged in three places, not able to succour one another suddenly. Nevertheless, half our troops charging them resolutely, 
Is beaten into the town.  forced them to run one after another into the ports. At this alarm, Saras and Sir Humphrey hearing the artillery going off, marched with the rest. Being arrived, the Governor like an old soldier, politicly to win time to advertise Duke d' Alva, held Sir Humphrey & Saras in a parley: 
The Governor overreacheth the chiefs of the Flushingers.  as though he meant to deliver both town and castle unto them. Withal he requested them to retire unto their lodgings, where they were before; or else to lodge nearer where pleased them. Hereupon they retired to Ardenburgh, 
Dallieth with them.  leaving their first troops in a village hard by the town. The next day our Governors were desirous to have the Captain of Sluice his resolution; Who seeing he could not defer them longer, requested them to take patience that day, and the next morning he would keep promise with them. The next morning, 
They approach the town.  ours marched with great glory to receive the town, as we thought. Being hard by the port, 
He plagueth them with his ordinance.  the Governor welcomed us with a good volley of shot; making us to retire faster than we came; by discharging their artillery against us. Having received some loss, Saras and Sir Humphrey retired into Ardenburgh, 
Advertiseth Duke d' Alva with his purpose.  to their grief. With this stratagem the Governor of Sluice won four days; in which time he advertised his General of our meaning: who sent the Count of Reux with certain horsemen into Bruges, 
He strengtheneth Bruges.  and a good troop of footmen marching after him. Notwithstanding, Saras and Sir Humphrey dislodged with our forces, and marched unto Bruges. At the break of day, 
They summon Bruges.  Sir Humphrey sent his trumpet to summon the town. The trumpeters horse was killed with a shot from the Rampire: and they made answer utto divers gentlemen, who were approached near the walls, that the Count de Reux desired all our troops to stay where we were; assuring us, either within four and twenty hours the Count would deliver us the town, 
Count de Reux answer.  or find means to hang us all, at the least our confederates in the town. 
Sir Humphrey in a chafe.  Sir Humphrey was in great choler; swearing divers oaths, that he would put all to the sword, unless they would yield. After staying some six or eight hours, Saras understanding the wars better than Sir Humphrey, 
The Flushingers retire.  persuaded him to retire: withal assuring him, unless he would do it quickly and in good order, he and his troops would repent it. For the peasants advertised him, there were divers troops of horsemen entered the town, & a great number of footmen marched towards it, which would arrive within four hours. Being in a march, we doubled our paces in such sort, that we recovered Ardenburgh that night. 
Come to Ardenburgh.  To say troth, the Count Reux was either a white liuered soldier, or an ignorant Captain; else he and his horsemen might have slain a great number of our men; our march was so disorderly. Insomuch, as had the Count been a brave Captain, with three hundred horsemen he might have defeated our troops. After our retreat, the Count executed many Burgesses, who had intelligence with us. 
He executeth the Burgesses. The Flushingers stand at Ardenburgh.  Saras being arrived at Ardenburgh, we resolved to remain there certain days. This place was such, that it might have been kept against double our numbers. Besides, betwixt us and Flushing we had meadows and woodland countries: In such wise, that horsemen could not hurt us marching in any good order. 
Hear of a convoy.  Resting in Ardenburgh two days, we had intelligence that there was marching from Gaunt to Bruges sixteen pieces of artillery, with some munition, conducted with one of the Count's Captains like himself. 
Send to surprise it a certain number of soldiers.  Whereupon Saras and Sir Humphrey sent 300 English, French and Wallones, of the best sort; giving the charge unto Rowland York, Lieutenant to Captain Morgan, and unto Tristan, and Ambrose Duke, over the French and Wallones. Having received direction, we marched four leagues off; 
Who laid an ambush.  and placed our ambush by the break of day, in the high way, where the convoy was to pass. We had not stayed eight hours, but we might discover the convoy, which marched as followeth. 
The order of convoy.  Before, they had some fifty horsemen; behind, as many, with a good band of footmen, Wallones; the artillery and munition in the midst. At their sight commandment was given unto us, to lie very close, until they were entered our ambush; which was on both sides of a great way, that passed through a small grove of wood. We had gotten some twenty or thirty jades or mares, which we trimmed up with old saddles, cushing and halters, that we got in Boors houses as we passed. Those we placed behind the ambush; who had commandment to lie close, until the ambush discharged their volley: then to charge with all resolution. These jades were in the charge of Ambrose Duke the Wallone, an expert soldier; who had seen service on horseback often before. 
It entereth the ambush.  The convoy being entered the ambush, our volley went off in good order; 
Which breaketh upon it.  in such sort that their first fifty horsemen ran on their foootmen Withal, Ambrose Duke charged with the mares and jades: So did our footmen enter the highways against theirs; 
And defeateth the Spaniards.  in such sort, that their horsemen ran away, leaving their footmen & convoy to be executed by us: which were for the most part, with small loss, or none at all to ourselves. Out of this place we arrived at Ardenburgh the next day, 
Conveying away the munition.  with all the artillery and munition, in like order as we found them. By a bridge we stayed, and took a great number of boats laden with wolsackes and merchandise, which we returned all into our quarter. To say troth, these three leaders named before, were the minions at all attempts of our troops in those days. 
The Flushingers retire to Flushing.  The next day after our arrival at Ardenburgh, intelligence was brought, that Mounts was delivered, and Mallins taken and sacked; and that julian Romero was marching into Flanders to assist the Count of Reux, with 20 ensigns of footmen & some cornets of horsemen. This news made us not to take counsel twice for our retreat. Whereupon we marched with all speed towards Flushing.   

Our first offer to assiege Tergoose, with our sudden retreat.  
BEing arrived right against Flushing at Newhaven, we made stand; 
They resolve to assiege Tergoose.  where Saras & Sir Humphrey took resolution to assiege Tergoose; which stands in an Island of Leland, bordering on Brabant, and Flanders. Our shipping being arrived from Flushing, we embarked and arrived the next day at night, by Beereland, a village of the said Island. After, anchoring and giving directions, Rowland York, Vtran, 
Land their men  and Ambrose Duke, landed with their accustomed troops or more; albeit divers were slain at the exploit of Sluice and the convoy. The bravest youths desired to go always with the first; in such sort, that these were always well accompanied. Being landed upon the ditch which environs the Island, the enemy perceiving (as it is like) our navy long before we anchored, sallied the most of the soldiers out of the town; 
The Tergoosians in ambush.  and placed themselves in ambush, in a village hard by the place we landed at, through which we must pass to go to the town. After Saras and Sir Humphrey were landed, the vanguard was given to Captain Morgan: and commandment to York, Vtran, & Ambrose Duke, to enter the village. The enemies having with them their Governor, a brave Captain, 
Pacheco Governor of Tergoose. The ambush breaketh upon the English.  named Pedro Pacheco, kept themselves close in the village, until York and we entered the ambush. Then they delivered a hot volley of shot upon us, and withal charged with some 100 pikes; in such sort, that with much ado the one half of our troops could recover the place where Captain Morgan stood with our seconds. True it is, the enemy stood in the village round about the way where we marched, and received us at the entry of some 100 of ours into the village, out of the narrow way where we passed, 
Forced to retire.  and could not march about five in a rank; wherefore they found us good cheap. Our retreat was so fast, that the enemy followed us upon the heels, into the troops which Captain Morgan led: who charged them resolutely with his armed men, in such sort, 
Captain Morgan chargeth them.  that the enemies ran back. But wisely he had placed half his men in the village, for his retreat; who delivered their volley on Captain Morgan; 
They retire.  In such sort, that he stayed for Saras and Sir Humphrey, who were not within a mile, by reason they stood at the first alarm, and not without marvel: For I persuade myself, the most of them were afraid. I am to blame to judge their minds; but let me speak troth. I do assure you, it was not without reason; 
The loss of the English.  for the most of us who entered with York were slain: such as escaped, swum, and struggled through muddy ditches. Amongst other gentlemen, Edward argol was slain by Sir Humphrey his standard. The enemy recovered their town; and all our troops entered Barland, some two hours after their retreat. 
The Flushingers enter Barland.  The next morning we dislodged towards Tergoose. 
Before Tergoose  Our vanguard being arrived within half a mile of the town, we made a stand, until the rest arrived. In the mean time, 
The enemy sallieth.  the enemies sallied, and gave furiously into our guards; forced our first guards to run amongst our battles of pikes: which stood in a large place, by the house of the Count Egmond, having a a bridge betwixt them and the enemy. Notwithstanding, Captain Morgan with his brave shot entered an orchard, and flanked the enemy which stood on the high ditch, beating on our pikes with volleys of shot. Withal, Sir Humphrey and his armed men passed the bridge, and charged the enemy with great resolution; In such sort, 
Is repulsed.  that the enemy fell to running. Notwithstanding, our men executed a great number; and amongst others, three Spanish Captains, with diverse other officers. We lost also diverse of our men. You must think that in those days few of us, or of the enemy, knew the wars so well as since. 
The order of Pacheco.  For this Pacheco and his men quited Ziricksea, some seven days before; as a place not guardable. Also being Governor of a town, he was to blame to sally with his garrison so far as Barland, especially himself: for without doubt, had Saras and Sir Humphrey known of his being there with most of his troops, and therewith given a right direction, it had cost him his town, besides his defeat. Sir Humphrey should have directed at least half his troops, 
Sir Humphrey hearts order.  to cut betwixt them and the town, at the first alarum. Some may say perhaps, there were no ways, or he knew of none. There were other ways, although not so near. Besides, a Commander that enters the enemy's countries, aught to know the places that he doth attempt: If not, he ought to be furnished with guides; especially in coming to besiege a town. But we were so ignorant, that we knew not our own estate; much less the enemies. For the next day after our arrival and skirmish, we marched to embark our troops; 
The Flushingers retire to their ships.  alleging we wanted artillery & munition, with all other necessaries that belonged to a siege. Before our embarking, the old soldiers Captain Gentoine and Henry the Frenchman used a fine stratagem. They requested Saras and Sir Humphrey to cause all their ensigns to embark, 
The ambush by the French Captains.  with the baggage, and a good number of soldiers; and to leave in a Church, and in a Churchyard, and in a great Close adjoining, the most of their ablest men: and they to keep close that day, to see if the enemy would sally, to cut off their rere-guard and stragglers. As they directed, Saras and Sir Humphrey placed one thousand two hundred of their best men in that place; which was half ways betwixt our quarter and the embarking place, about a great league from the town. Our ensigns were not all aboard, but Pacheco sallied with the most of his garrison; which might be some four hundred. 
Disappointed by a foolish Officer.  Being approached our first ambush, who were Walloons; a foolish Officer contrary to direction discharged a volley of shot on the enemies, who were some quarter of a mile before their troops, whereby all was marred. Belike our armed men gave them such sound blows in the last reencounter, that they desired no more. So upon this volley the enemy retired into their town: and we embarked presently, not unwilling for any thing I could perceive. 
The Flushingers embark.  To say troth, our losses might be in a manner compared equal, from our landing to our embarking. Let me not wrong our Governors too much. They said they were advertised that Tergoose was void of garrison, saving some hundred: and that they knew nothing of Pachecoes' arrival. 
Land under their town.  Being embarked, we arrived at our town of Flushing, where we landed under our town, 
March to Southland.  and marched to a Village named Southland; three leagues from Flushing, in the same Island. Before this time, 
Camfier reuolt●th.  Camfier revolted also unto the Prince of Orange, by reason of their Governor Mounsieur de Rouse.   

The Camisado given, our troops being lodged in southland, by Mounsieur de Beauoir and Don Rufello: where our men defended themselves and overthrew the enemy most valiantly: with our second siege of Tergoose, where we were defeated shamefully by the negligence and ignorance of our Governor.  
MOunsieur de Beauoir Governor of Middleburgh, and done Rufello hearing of our arrival in southland, (belike Pacheco advertised them that we had received greater loss than we did before Tergoose) thinking our courage qualified, prepared all their forces to defeat us with a Camisado. To do it the more terribly, they prepared a great number of haulters; giving them to their soldiers with a commandment, to hang all the prisoners they should take. The old saying is true, It is no surety to reckon without an host. Being ready, after directions given, they sallied out of Middleburgh, some two thousand Spaniards and Walloons, at the shutting of their gates; and took the next way towards the sandy hills, betwixt Flushing and Southland. As God would, 
The Victuallers give advertisement.  certain of the victuallers discovering their march, cut their Mares out of their Wagons, by which means they recovered Southland an hour before the enemy arrived; which, next unto the Almighty's will, saved all our troops. Having the alarm, the enemy's vanguard was in sight; which presently chargeth our guards, 
Beauoir chargeth the guards  making them to run into the Camp, and to quite the sandy hills. All their forces seconded with all speed very resolutely; forcing our first and second troops to run into our place of arms, 
Forceth them to run.  which was near unto the other side of the town in a churchyard, and a large street before it; 
Winneth the Artillery.  so as they wan our artillery, turning the same towards us. But resolutely our Officers gathered a sufficient number of armed men into the Marketplace: who being led valiantly with brave Captains, 
Is beaten back  charged the enemy, giving them a retreat and defeat beyond our fieldpieces. 
Rechargeth.  Here they came again with a fresh charge; but our armed men re-encountred them at the push of Pike most valiantly; in such sort that the ensign-bearers Philip Watkins, Thomas Lovet, john Hamon, with divers others, broke their Ensigne-staves at the push of Pike: So our men gave the enemy a full overthrow, driving them clean out of the Camp, 
Is overthrown  and following them in defeat half way to Middleburgh. After, our men hung a number of them with their own haulters. This piece of service was one of the best and worthiest encounters that our men had from that time to this hour, in all their wars of the Low Countries. 
The loss of the enemy.  The enemies were all overthrown: notwithstanding many escaped, by reason of the ditches and narrow ways; especially the most of their Officers and leaders, by reason of their horses and Tades. 
And of the Flushingers.  Ours scaped not scotfree: for we had slain and hurt about two hundred and fifty; many of them Officers, and amongst others the Captains Bowser, Bedes, and Bostocke English; besides Walloons and French which served most valiantly. 
The English commended for their service  But the chief praise next unto God, aught to be given to the English Ensigns and armed men. Captain Walter Morgan served very well; who was overthrown with a Musket shot in the head of the armed men. All the rest did most valiantly. Some will blame me for the naming of our own losses: but it is a shame for a soldier to write less than truth. There can be no brave encounter without men slain on both sides. True it is, the fewer the better conduct; but the more dies, the more honour to the fight. This encounter so encouraged our men, 
The second attempt of Tergeose.  that Saras and Sir Humphrey resolved to return to Tergoose. After finishing their preparations and orders, we landed at the same Village we did before: in number above three thousand English, French and Walloons: for our troops were increased with Rowley and his garrison of Camfier. 
Their landing  Our second landing was in better order than the first, by reason our ships attempted the Island in two places; 
In two places.  but all or the most part that carried soldiers, were at the landing place. The other being so many vessels in number, approached the shore; in such sort that the enemy durst not separate their forces to attempt both: fearing that the other would cut betwixt them and the town. Being all on the shore, we marched unto a fair Village named Bifling, 
Come to Bifling.  some league from Tergoose; where we lodged that night and the next day. The second night at midnight we marched towards Tergoose; before six of the clock in the morning we were all within an English mile of the town. Finding the inconvenience of our last skirmish in the one place, order was given to the companies of the Captains, 
Direction to take the fort.  Morgan, Henry Barnard and Vtran, to march with all speed to attempt the fort which stood on the head of the Haven which entered into Tergoose. And if the enemy would not quite their fort, then to lodge on the one ditch betwixt them and the Town; where they stood in battle on the other ditch, to see the effect of our attempting the fort. Being hot in skirmish with the fort, 
The fort assaulted.  according to our direction; a company of our men began to seek means to pass over the ditches, to cut betwixt the fort and the town. There was also a way that passed through the meadows, from the ditch where our battle stood; whither Sir Humphrey and Saras sent many to second us. The enemy perceiving our resolution to lodge betwixt the fort & the town, 
Quit by the enemy.  quitted the fort. Notwithstanding York, with most of C. Morgan's company, re-encountred them on the ditch; in such sort, that half of those who were in the fort were cut off, before they could recover the town. True it is, the enemy had reason to quit the fort, by reason they were not victualled but from hand to mouth; neither was it worthy of any great munition, because it could not endure any battery. Being entered the suburbs, 
The Flushingers enter the Suburbs.  Pacheco sallied with great courage, and skirmished in such sort, that our first troops were forced to stand for their fellows; 
Pacheco salieth.  at which instant the enemy fired all or the most of the Salt-houses. 
Fired the salt-houses.  Our men being arrived close together, we charged Pacheco, 
Is forced to retire.  forced their troops to double their paces into their gates; and withal lodged and placed our first guards at a Chapel within eight score of the town: where we stayed and made good, until all our troops were lodged. By reason of our small army, we could not assure the one half of the town: for the garrison were eight hundred strong, 
The number of the garrison.  all natural Spaniards, commanded by more expert leaders than ourselves. Yet having made our trenches and approaches, we landed six Pieces of battery within six score of the walls; 
Ordinance planted.  which did beat on the port towards the haven. Perceiving those Pieces could not make any breach to content our Governors, we dislodged them, to beat on the bulwarks which flanked that curtain. Having battered this parapat, 
A breach made.  and made it fit as we thought, to be attempted with a small scalado; resolution was taken to assault it the next night. In the mean time so great a pick and jealousy grew betwixt Sir Humphrey and Saras, 
The Pieke between the thief of the Flushingers.  that each would fain disgrace his fellow. Notwithstanding both agreed to attempt the scalado. After midnight, we dislodged from our quarter some two thousand of our best men, all in  with scaling ladders, God knows like ignorant soldiers: else we would never have attempted a scalado on such a troop. For lightly a scalado never takes place, unless it be on a simple troop, or a negligent guard, having a rampire or fort to defend. Notwithstanding ambition and courage so pushed us on, 
The scalado given.  that Sir Humphrey and Saras being approached, advanced up their ladders: so did a great number of Gentlemen and soldiers on sundry ladders. The enemy politicly kept close until many were ready to enter. Then they discharged a volley of shot full in our faces, killing many. And withal, their armed men advanced to the push of the Pike; In such sort, that they dismounted the most without ladders. 
The Flushingers repulsed.  At which terror we retired without commandment, until we came under the dike where the enemies shot could not hurt us. And not without reason. For being on the bulwark, it was flanked from the curtain in such sort, that none could abide it. Neither could we join with the enemy, unless he listed; by reason of a dike betwixt both, one which they had a drawbridge at their commandment. At this scalado Sir Humphrey and Saras served very valiantly: he that escaped best of both, had sundry Hagabushadoes on their armours and . I mean their shirts that covered their armours. Many young Gentlemen and Officers performed also courageous service. divers were slain and hurt: among others one Bourege was taken by the enemy, whom they commended greatly for his valour: but he died afterwards of his hurts in their hands. This attempt so quailed our courage, that we despaired of the town: Notwithstanding resolution was taken to continue the siege, 
The Prince advertised of all.  until the Prince of Orange were advertised how the world went. Hereupon Saras, Sir Humphrey and Rowland dispatched posts to the Prince; both to advertise him, and to procure more means. The Prince understanding our case, 
Writeth for succours.  dispatched letters to the towns of Holland, and to the Count De la Mark, to desire them to do their best endeavour to assist us before Tergoose. The Count sent his Lieutenant Bartelencie with some 2000 Neatherlanders and Almains. Being joined with us, they gave some courage at the first; but when their discipline and valour was tried, 
Their ignorance in service.  we found them simpler men than ourselves: yea, so raw, that they brought us every day into more disorders. Nevertheless, the sight of our numbers caused us to besiege the town round about. 
The Tergoosians in want.  Belike the enemy feared us, or wanted some necessaries. And finding means to acquaint D. d' Alva with their wants; 
Certifieth D. d' Alua. Who sendeth them Mondragon with 3000. strong.  he sent with all speed his Colonel Mondragon with his regiment of Walloons, and about seven companies more of Walloons & Spaniards: who might be in all some 3000 strong. This Colonel was expert, valiant and vigilant. Being arrived at Bergham up Zoone, and finding our forces masters of the seas, & making good guard round about the Island where we were; he was in great pain, and knew not how to pass the water. 
He entereth the Island at a low water.  By good espyalls and guides, he found the Island easy to be entered at a low water, from the bank of Brabant; where the passage in the deepest place was not above four foot, and for more than half the way dry lands; But at quarter flood all was covered with seas; at the least six English miles. So as his troops must recover the dike of the Island from the place where they entered, 
The hazard of his entrance.  in less than three hours; or else be overflown with the sea. Also being ready to enter on our dike, had our governor kept good guards with any valour, his troops must needs have been defeated. Also he could not bring many hands to fight in order; the narrowness of the place where he marched was such. But this Colonel remembering the straight commandment of his General, fearing the town to be in greater wants, than indeed it was; resolved to pass, and landed without resistance. Notwithstanding, he lost in his passage near two hundred. Besides, he and his troops were so wet and weary, that they remained all that night in the place where they landed: which was about two great leagues from our Camp. 
The error of the chiefs of the Flushingers.  Then judge you what would have become of his troops, had we been commanded by expert Governors, & charged them at their landing with half our numbers. In reason we had defeated them. The next morning Mondragon took his march towards Tergoose, 
Mondragon in sight of the town.  having intelligence with the town: 
Who sallieth.  And being in sight, the town sallied and entered into hot skirmish with our guards, on the side from their succours: In such sort, that the most of our Camp made head towards them. While we were in hot skirmish with the garrison, Mondragon passed his men through the town pell-mell with ours: 
Mondragon cometh upon the Flushingers.  In such sort, that they forced our guards to run, and quite all our trenches, even to the fort, at the head of the water towards the sea. 
Forceth them to the fort.  This fort was so little, that it could not hold 300 of our men. Wherefore our disorder was great, in seeking means to escape into our navy; 
Thence to their ships.  which anchored within a harquebus shot of the fort. A great number were drowned, besides those that were slain; & some yielded unto the enemy: especially those who were in the fort. divers officers were carried prisoners into the castle of Antwerp: & amongst others Cap. Tristan, & Vtran. Thus ended our ignorant poor siege. And but for the skuts and small boats which came hard by the shore to receive us in, 
Sir Humphrey hearts discouragement and desire to return into England.  all had been lost. Our blow was so great, that Sir Humphrey and the most of our men not being acquainted with such disasters, sought all means to return into England. Notwithstanding, before we embarked, Sir William Morgan arrived from the Prince, with authority from the Prince & the States in Holland, to make large offers to stay Sir Humphrey and his regiment for their service. But all would not serve to stay either Sir Humphrey, 
Ziricksee taken by Vorst.  or any of his troops. Whilst our siege of Tergoose endured, Vorst the Admiral and his seamen wan Ziricksee without blows. By that you may perceive, that Pacheco and his were not exceeding expert, in quitting such a place in such manner as they did.  
I Did hear also, 
Sir William Pelham vieweth Flushing.  that Sir William Pelham was sent from England, to view the seat of Flushing. Being returned, they said his report was, 
His judgement  that it was a place not worthy to be kept; meaning not sufficient to withstand so great an enemy any long time. If that be true, we were not very great Captains at that time; for then without fellow, he was accounted our chiefest soldier. By this time the Prince had gotten a sure footing in Holland, 
The Prince Lord of all Holland.  so as all places of any importance were his.   

Duke d' Alua assieges Harlem; where many disasters fell on both sides: which siege may be called the tediousest, dearest, and painfullest of any in those days.  
Duke d' Alva seeing the people generally ready to revolt, with the lest show the Prince could make; resolved to gather his forces, and to charge the Hollanders with all fury: 
Dnke d' Alva against Holland  swearing to his Captains and soldiers, that the spoil of Holland should be theirs, upon condition they would execute all they found. Having prepared a mighty army with all necessaries, he dislodged out of Brussels towards Holland. Being arrived at Newmegen, he passed the rivers of Wale and Rhyne in the dead of winter; 
In winter.  and against all reason marched from Arnam towards Vtrick. His high Marshal or Master of his Camp general was Chiapine Vitelly; 
His Chieftains.  Don john de Mandosa was General of his horsemen; his General of the artillery, Mounsieur d' Cressoneir; his masters deal Camp were Baptista de mount, Dorkus julian, Romero, john Francisco d' Baldeso, Lanchio, Auila and Mondragon. There were with him also many other of Nobility and Gentlemen of quality; as well Italians, Almains, Burgonians, and Netherlanders, as also of Spanish. Being arrived at Amsterdam, he commanded his son Don Frederick, Chiapine Vitelly, and Mandosa, to march with the vanguard, and to engage the town of Harlem; In such sort, that nothing could pass from it to Leyden, or to any other place by land. Having placed four regiments of Almains and Walloons, well entrenched in the wood hard by the town, and in the ways towards Leiden; Don Fredrick placed himself with a Spanish Tertio or Regiment well entrenched, 
Don Fredricks quarter.  in a village and a strong house between the town and the sea; and so lodged the rest of his companies, that the town sallies were cut off; saving on the one quarter, which was meadows & marish towards the Mere. 
The forces of the town.  In the town were the most of the Prince's best Captains; namely, Mounsieur d' Saras, Steven, Butch, Balford, Smith, with diverse others of the Scots, French, Almains and Walloons. Amongst whom were some 200 English, in sundry Companies; without any Ensign of their own. The garrison in the whole might be some three thousand soldiers. 
The order of the siege.  They caused also about six hundred Burgesses to carry arms; besides two thousand and more of all sorts of people, sufficient to supply the place of pioneers: of which were some three hundred women, all under one Ensign. The women's Captain was a most stout dame, named Captain Margaret Kenalt. Having divided the town into quarters, and giving charge of every quarter unto a principal chief, they fell to working in great numbers on the weakest parts of the City, and mended continually some part of the fortifications; In such sort that within one month their town was three times stronger, than the first hour the enemy encamped before it. 
Two sconces at the mouth of the water.  They kept also two small sconces on the mouth of the water that ran from the town into the mere, which assured the passage that ways; by which means they received daily all manner of commodities, that pleased the Prince & the States of Holland to send them. The Prince kept at Delfe in Holland. He chose for his Lieutenant of the wars the Baron of Battenburgh; 
The Prince's care of the town.  for General of his horsemen and Marshal, Mounsieur de Carlon; for Admiral of the Mere for that service, one Noris Brand. By reason of the Spanish long delays in their resolutions about their martial affairs, 
He dispatcheth an army to the Cage.  the Prince dispatched away his chiefs with some five thousand soldiers, and about sixty boys and cromsters; of which, six were galliots and friggats. This army arrived at the Cage within three leagues of Harlem, a place environed with waters; where because the Spanish could not attempt, by reason the Prince was master upon the waters, the Baron Battenburgh furnished Harlem at his pleasure with all necessaries. There stood in the main right against it on the Mere side, a village named the Sase; 
Which landeth at, and entrencheth the Sase.  where he landed and entrenched very strongly. In that place he encamped with some six hundred horsemen, and the most of his footmen. At the Cage there was no danger, wherefore he anchored his shipping hard by the shore; leaving for their guard six hundred soldiers, with the Admiral and one Ashilers. By this time Duke d' Alva arrived before the town with his whole forces, 
Duke d' Alva before Harlem with 30000.  artillery and munition; amounting in the whole near to thirty thousand; of which might be some thousand & five hundred horsemen. He needed no great cavalry, by reason he was assured there would be but few against him. Also those grounds did not serve for great troops of horsemen to fight in. After viewing the strong seat of the Baron of Battenburgh, 
Vieweth the seat of Battenb.  and perceiving no good could be done upon his troops; to affront him, 
Affronteth him with forces.  he advanced john Battisto del mount with five Cornets Italians; who entrenched strongly with sixteen Companies of footmen in a village called Hellingham, half the way betwixt both our companies. Afterwards, 
Makes his approaches.  he began to make his approaches carefully; sparing neither pioneers nor cost, to spare his soldiers. 
The town sallieth with good success.  Before he planted his battery, the town made many brave sallies, killed a great number with small loss to themselves. Once they carried divers Ensigns out of their enemy's trenches, & nailed sundry pieces of battery. 
The battery.  After, placing his battery and playing furiously, he gave two sharp assaults: which were defended worthily by the besieged, to the enemies great loss; of whom a great number of quality were slain and hurt; and amongst others, the brave master of the Camp julian Romero lost his eye with a hargabushado. The enemy often possessed the breach: but being entered their half moon, I mean the trench which the defendants made overthwart the breach within, 
The town received the assa●ants.  they were murdered like dogs. The defendants had divers fowlers and other pieces loaden with nails and small shot, which they placed on the corners of their half moon. Those were discharged full against the enemies, being entered upon the breach. Also they had placed a great number of small shot in houses both high and low, full of Cannoners who flanked the half moon; and beside, the half moon was double manned with Musketeers & calivers. Duke d' Alva his losses were so great, 
To their loss  that perceiving the brave resolution of the defendants, 
Who retire.  he gave over his assaults, and began to mine and to approach carefully with sape and other stratagems. 
D' alva's stratagems.  Sometimes he would mount Cages on masts, 
Cages erected.  made with planks and such devices, of musket proof. In those he would place divers musketeers, who by reason of their height did beat into the trenches of the half moon. The defendants good canoneers plagued those Cages in 
Which are beaten down.  such sort, that often the Cages, birds and all fell down and broke their necks in their own trenches. So, at last no birds could be found to sing in Cages, where firework and Canonshot could annoy them. His mines took little effect. Some the defendants found with countermine. 
Mynes.  One mine being passed under a bulwark before it was found, and then discovered, the defendants made such trenches round about it, that the mine being fired, and the enemies entered, the trench plagued them like the half moon; so as they were driven to quit their mine, as before they had done their breach. Another time they battered a new bulwark: and the defendants perceiving they would lodge in it, left rampiring against their battery, and fell to mining their own bulwark. After, making many trenches round about it, and placing divers barrels of powder in their mine, the enemies offered to enter. The defendants quitted the bulwark, suffered the enemies to enter in great numbers; and being at the push of pike at a barrier of their trench, they fired the mine, 
Blow it up and sally upon the enemy.  blue, slew, and took at least 1600: and withal sallied into their trenches, and recovered their own ground where their bulwark stood, 
And recover their ground.  which they entrenched & kept. Duke d' Alva his losses were so great, that albeit his choler increased, yet the courage of his soldiers much quailed; so that the wisest sort requested him to save his men from such furious terrors, and rather to spend a long time either to famish the town, or to procure the Prince's forces to fight; which he could not do without means to fight by water. Being in Amsterdam, with the resolution of his Admiral Count Bossue, 
Duke d' Alva giveth order to force the town.  and good intelligence with the principal Burgesses of the said town, he resolved to cut a passage from the Southern sea into Harlem Mere; 
He maketh a cut in Harlem Mere. Passeth 45 ships into it.  which they did, and passed some forty five sails, whereof most were greater than those of the Princes. These they armed and double manned, with the best sort of soldiers out of their Camp, besides their mariners. Anchoring close under a fort of theirs, not far from ours, they resolved to besiege the two forts at the mouth of the water, 
Besiegeth the two forts.  that came from the town to the Mere. Having those, they were sure to stop that passage, and to famish the town without giving battle. In short time they made a platform to beat th●se forts, which would hold good if their shipping could stay where they were. The Prince hearing their intent, commanded the Baron of Battenburgh to prepare all his Navy to attempt the Spanish fleet. 
Preparation for a sea fight. Colonel Morgan arriveth out of England.  By this time Colonel Morgan was arrived with ten English companies: who, by reason he was but newly landed, stood on some points of contract with the Prince. But the service required haste; and the Prince commanded the Baron of Battenburgh to advance his Navy with all speed, and to use all diligence to succour the distressed sconces. And albeit the English regiment stood on terms, Colonel Morgan (his own band commanded by Rowland York, being arrived some month before their fellows) offered himself, and so did his Lieutenant Captain Bingham, with divers others, 
The English refuse to march without money  to serve where the Prince would command them. But their regiment refused to march without money. To say troth, they were promised to be mustered and paid at their landing. 
Battenburgh wanteth men to man his Navy.  The Baron of Battenburgh wanting soldiers to man both his Navy and his trenches at the Sase, was forced to depart with the Navy before towards Harlem; God knoweth, nothing well manned, in respect of the Spanish. The Spanish Admiral having intelligence, was ready with his Navy double manned, wanting no necessaries: For the fair and rich town of Amsterdam had furnished them with all wants, especially with store of Mariners. 
The Navies approached each other.  Being approached within sight one of another, we found the Spanish in good order of battle, keeping close together. They advanced towards us triumphing with Drums, 
The bravery of the Spaniards.  Trumpets and glistering armours, with great courage; so as the sight quailed the courage of our white-livered General and cowardly Admiral. In such sort, that being approached near ready to board each other, 
The Prince's General and Admiral fly.  our General and our Admiral shrank out of our first rank backwards; and advancing their fellows forwards, both themselves and divers others of our best vessels made all the sails they could to fly; leaving their poor companies engaged to the mercy of their enemies, by whom (God knows) they were soon discountenanced. 
The rest discomfited.  Our Admiral and General with our best ●a●les escaped to the Cage, as I said before; a place of ours, where we kept garrison: the rest of our Navy made to the contrary shore from Harlem. divers escaped by reason they drew far lesser water than the Spanish; divers were boarded and burned; among others two Hoys, where York and Captain Morgan's company was. Notwithstanding, half our men escaped with leaping into the water, and recovered the shore. Thus lost we our Sea-battle; principally for want of soldiers to man thoroughly our ships; but partly with ill directions and cowardly executions of the Baron of Battenburgh, and Admiral Norris Brand. For no General or Chief can excuse himself escaping out of an overthrow, without staying with the last troops that fight. 
The two sconces lost.  After this our two sconces were lost, and Harlem engaged to be lost without succours by land; which could not be without battle. Shortly after, the town began to fall to distresses; having in it at the least one thousand six hundred mouths, 
The town seeks to pass away their unprofitable people.  with no means to be rid of any of them, but through the enemy's Camp: which they offered to pass often, but always they were returned into the town, or massacred in the Campe. 
The Prince attempteth to relieve the town by land.  The poor Prince perceiving the distress of the town, sought all means to relieve it. Having no other means, he went to Cublick Banquets; where he encouraged the Hollanders to take arms, and adventure themselves with his men of war, rather than suffer their distressed Countrymen to perish. These poor Hollanders having engaged themselves with promise, resolved to meet on a day in the Camp of Sase. Being arrived, the Baron of Battenburgh and Mounsieur de Carlo General of his horsemen, took resolution to try the fortune of wars with the enemy, rather than to suffer the world to cry out, that the town was lost without blows on their sides: and thinking his name to be infamous (as indeed it was) for the Sea-fight, he thought it better to be buried dead then alive. 
Battenburgh leadeth toward Harlem.  Hereupon he dislodged from his trenches of Sase, accompanied with some six thousand footmen and six hundred horsemen; and having with him some thousand Mares. Upon most of the which he placed two shot a piece: the rest were led with Bowers loaden with powder and other necessaries, which the town wanted greatly. Resolving to put those necessaries into the town, he advanced his forces. Being arrived hard by Hellingham, 
cometh to Hellingham.  a place (as I said before) which the enemy kept; at the break of day, the enemy taking the alarm, the Baron made a stand. After, conferring with his Captains, he took resolution to defer their design, 
retireth.  and returned with our Camp to Sase. The besieged being in great distress for victuals, especially for munition, and finding the ill conduct of our General and Chiefs; 
Saras sent to the Princes Campe.  dispatched out of town their Captain Mounsieur de Saras, and Hauton his Lieutenant; who passed with great danger, and were forced to swim many ditches, hard by the enemy's guards. Being arrived at the Sase, bearing with them the towns resolution; which was, at the first sight of our Camp to sally on the enemy's trenches; and so either to receive their wants into the town, or to escape how they could. Saras having conferred with the Prince and Baron at Leyden, returned to the Sase; where they took a full resolution either to die, or succour the town. Hereupon they dislodged from the Sase, 
The Prince's power towards Har●em.  with our army named before, having with them some six hundred wagons loaden with victuals and munition; with sconces made of boards of the proof of Muskets which ran on wheels, 
〈◊〉 movable sconces.  having in them places to play with sundry fieldpieces; which sconces were to join and to open as pleased our Engineer, every five and ten paces. Being all joined together, I mean in one, it might cover at the least three hundred men. This sconce was to be drawn with horses on both sides, and in the midst, until we were engaged with the enemies small shot; then to be pushed with poles by the force of men. Being parted with all necessaries, and arrived betwixt their Camp at Hellingham and the sea, the enemies took the alarm in all their quarters. Arriving within sight of their Camp, 
The Spaniards keep close.  they kept their men very close, within their trenches, and on the side of the wood; so that we could not see them. Our men within the town had made a great sally through the Curtain; 
The townsmen make a sally.  in such sort, that they might issue out, where there was neither guard nor trench of the enemy. But a traitor leaping over the walls in the night discovered all their intent. 
Are hindered by wet straw fired.  Whereupon the enemy prepared great quantity of straw, which being made wet, they set on fire in sundry places, at such time as their Curriers gave the alarm of the approach of our army, when the townsmen were ready to sally out; by which means the townsmen could neither see the approaching of our army, nor knew what time they ought to sally. 
D● d' alva's order against the Town.  So the enemy directed five thousand of his best footmen, and three hundred horsemen to charge the townsmen if they sallied, and the rest to charge our Camp, if it were possible unknown to the townsmen; And so they did, by their government and fine stratagem. For at the sight of our army (being within two Musket-shot of their trenches) Duke d' Alva caused the 5000 footmen, 
Sendeth forces of the retreat of the Prince's power.  and 3 hundred horsemen, to discover themselves before the breach which our men had made in the curtain: withal he commanded the brave Baron Chiffero, and john Battisto deal Mounto, (who had quited Hellingham with all his horsemen, and was newly arrived in their Camp) with others, to march on the sea-sands, until his artillery went off in volleys; then to cut into the high ways, betwixt Harlem and our Camp at Sase; 
Appointeth feet to charge them.  having with them some five hundred horsemen, and about five thousand footmen. Also he commanded his master of the Camp julian Romero, Del Mount, Donkus, the Barons of Likes, of Capers, of Frunsberke, and Poule Viler to leap over the trenches with their regiments, and charge our army at the discharging of his artillery. 
And horse against their horse.  Also Don john de Mendosa general of his horsemen, who was hidden, as I said before, was commanded to charge our horsemen at the going off of the artillery. The Duke with the rest of his army stood in battle within the trenches. Our General and Chiefs placed our Wagons to frontier 
The order of the Prince's army.  the fairest places where their horsemen could charge us: our Walloons, Dutch and Flemish, stood within the Wagons in good order of battle, all in one squadron, with our horsemen on both the sides towards the enemies, our English, French, and Scots stood, some twenty score before the front of our battle. 
The battle.  As we were basie in placing our engines, I mean our sconces and wagons, their artillery went off; and withal the enemies presented in all quarters, as they were directed. At this sight (God knows) our courage much abated. Notwithstanding, 
The horsemen charge.  the Baron of Battenburgh and Mounsieur de Carlo charged Mendosa, he having better than eight hundred horsemen, and ours not six hundred: At which charge Mounsieur de Carlo general of our horsemen was slain, 
Carlo slain.  with many others of our best men. At that instant the Baron Chiffero, and john Battisto came on the spur towards the Baron of Battenburgh, leaving their footmen marching with all speed on the side of ours. Upon their approach, the Baron and our horsemen ran into our Wagons, with all the enemies horsemen in their tails. 
The footmen defeated.  Then julian and the rest named before, drove in the English and French shot, winning our sconces and Wagons; and our battle broke and ran towards the Mere. By reason of meadows & ditches divers escaped into our Navy, which anchored not far off, under a strong sconce; whose boats rowing from our ships saved many. But the Baron our General was slain after he had recovered our battle, with the most part of our men. All or the most part of our Cornets, ensigns, artillery, munition, wagons, engines and baggage were lost. Thus were we overthrown with ill directions and ignorant government. 
The error of the Prince.  What Prince or estate would direct their men of war, especially being more than half their own Countrymen, to attempt above 26000 good soldiers well entrenched, governed with great Captains; not being in the whole 6500 footmen, and of those half poor spirited Burgesses? Or what General or Captain would undertake it, unless he were ignorant and without judgement in martial affairs? Some will say, had our friends perished in the town without blows, it had been our shame. I do confess it, having any reason to fight. But being sure to perish both, it was our greatest shame to attempt it. If we had kept ourselves undefeated, and given order to the town to have compounded with the enemy, their composition had been the better. But being defeated, the townsmen were fain to yield to the mercy of Duke d' Alua. 
The Town yieldeth.  For the sight of our Ensigns and Cornets so quailed their courage, that having no other remedy, they yielded to his mercy within four days after our overthrow. But he executed the most part of them most cruelly, 
The cruelty of Duke d' Alua.  saving the Almains of Stinbaghs' regiment (who compounded for the most part to serve the King) and Balfort with a few Scottish men; 
Balford.  who to escape Duke d' alva's cruelty, promised to kill the Prince of Orange: but being arrived with the Prince, he confessed his promise, and served him faithfully long after.   

The Spanish mutinies, Mounsieur de Herges repulseth them at their scalado on Vtricke, Duke d' Alva assiegeth Alkmer, where he receiveth the greatest disgrace that ever he did since he carried arms.  
Duke d' Alva having won Harlem, and as he thought broken the courage of the Hollanders; thinking the Prince of Orange and them not able to furnish any place like unto Harlem, and that his cruelty on that Town would terrify any garrison from hazarding themselves to be besieged: he resolved with his counsel of war to attempt one of the other strongest towns, as Alkmer or Leyden; which being won, the rest or most of the others would yield. 
Duke d' Alva against Alkmer.  To that end he dispatched his Son Don Frederick, accompanied with the master of his Camp general Chiapine Vitelly, giving them half his army, and charge with all diligence to enclose the strong town of Alkmer, situated in North-Holland himself with the rest of his army, officers, Nobility, artillery, munition, with all other necessaries, was to second them with all speed. His orders being set down, and his army dislodged, having passed their fort of Sparendam, 
A mutienie amongst the spaniards.  the Spanish Tertias began to mutiny; partly discontented for want of pay, but chiefly fearing to be troubled with a more miserable lodging than they had before Harlem. This proceeded chiefly from a few of the Neatherlanders which served amongst their bands, and knew the seat of Alkmer to be an ill favoured ma●sh, far more unwholesome than Harlem; and knew it also to be a seat thrice stronger than Harlem. To say troth (if it were lawful for men of war to find fault with any enterprise that their General undertakes) they had reason to fear Alkmer, considering how their misery endured before Harlem above ten months: in the which time they lost above twenty thousand lives, the most with sickness and misery. Whereupon being past the fort of Sparendam, and lodged on the firm land, having neither river nor marsh betwixt them and the fair town of Vtrick; the Spanish Tertias chose and forced one to be their chief, named in their language an Electo, 
They choose an Electo.  who is lightly one of the finest stirring spirits amongst them, 
His quality and government.  well known to be stout and valiant. Sometimes they forced a person to be their Electo against his will; But whether he be willing or not, they will be sure to give him a strong guard of the chiefest mutineers; with such articles as if they find him faulty in the least point, they will murder him, had he a hundred lives. Especially he must neither sign nor write any thing, but in public places before them all. Likewise, he must neither receive writings nor speeches but in open audience; nor do any thing without their general consent. Observing their articles and orders, the multitude will respect and obey him during his government; 
His authority.  in as ample sort as the King's Lieutenant; and all are sworn not to do any thing without his consent. And with their General and officers they promise to free him from all matters that can be laid unto his charge; which they have observed firmly at sundry times, as I will show hereafter. And to say troth, if there can be any good orders in mutinies, the Spanish do theirs in good order; and keep as good and as straight discipline during the time of their Electo, as when their officers are amongst them. As I said in my little discourse of the Spanish discipline, there can be no dangerous mutiny without a Chief; 
Chiefs appointed by States.  which must be authorized by a Prince, or Estate. If any of them mutineth, there must be present means to cut them off, as Alexander did his Parmenio, or some other means to be assured of their persons; else ambitious Chiefs will often employ armies against their own States and Masters, and will not fail to use their means and credits to deceive the multitude, to serve their own turns. Being stirred in arms, by all reason they are irreconcilable to their Princes or Estates; the multitude and followers may be pardoned and forgiven, but in no reason their principal instruments can look for any sure reconcilement. 
A Chief appointed by the mutineers.  But a popular multitude either in arms, or otherwise mutined, may be appeased and reconciled easily in respect of the others, having no other instruments than were made by themselves; especially forced Electoes' like unto the Spanish. 
The Spanish mutiny against Vtricke.  As I said before, the Spanish Tertias and some six regiments of Walloons resolved to enter the City of Vtrick, and to sack it rather than to miss their due pay. Whereupon they marched with all speed towards Vtrick; and in their way they carried with them all the ladders they could find in villages & Churches, which they thought would serve their turns. Being approached hard by the town, they found the walls well manned and in good order; 
The town defended by Mounsieur de Hierges.  by reason Mounsieur de Hierges Governor of Gelderland and of Vtrick, was arrived there upon intelligence of their determinations; who commanded the Captain of the Castle upon his allegiance to the King, to use all endeavours for the defence of the town. The castilian assured him of his loyalty, to the uttermost of his power.  
To be the better assured of his Spanish garrison, Mounsieur de Hierges caused half the garrison of the Castle to sally; and to man the Curtain, where the mutineers attempted. Before they offered any attempt, Hierges sent a Spanish drum unto them; assuring them, rather than they should enter the town, He and as many as loved the King's service would die in the place. Notwithstanding, the mutineers resolved, and advanced the scale; giving their fury on the Curtain next unto the Citadel; thinking belike, that their fellows within would not be cruel against them. But being in the ditch, and having placed their ladders to the Rampire, both Hierges and the Captain of the Castle and all the rest, plagued them with volleys of shot both great and small; 
The mutineers retire.  In such sort, that happy was he that could return first, leaving behind them all or the most part of their ladders, with many of their men slain or hurt. Afterwards the mutineers returned into the country, so greatly discontented, as they did not only rail on Mounsieur de Hierges, 
rail on their King.  the Captain, and garrison, but on their King, General, and Officers: In such sort, that most of them swore they would be paid, and better used, or else they would serve the enemy against their King. 
Are pacified by D' Alua.  Duke d' Alva hearing their resolutions, dispatched Commissioners to appease them: and in the end was forced to content them, both with five months pay, and assurance to be forgiven. Having pacified them and reconciled all, they accepted their Officers, and agreed to march whither they should be led. 
Send away their Electo.  But first, according to their custom, every man gave a crown unto the Electo, who was to depart with all speed out of the King's dominions; but with good assurance and passport not to be molested. This mutiny hindered Duke d' alva's intent some month. Notwithstanding, according to his first resolution, 
Don Fredricke.  Don Fredrick and Vitelly marched with all speed to enclose Alkmer. 
D' Alva followeth.  So did the Duke follow with the rest in all speed. In the mean time, the Prince and States of Holland had sent into the town, five or six expert Captains; 
Alkmer strengthened by the Prince.  especially the Scottish men Smith and Cornelleys, who entered the town with some four hundred soldiers. The most of these Captains had been in Harlem, and saved the town for a long time, next unto the Almighty's will. The vanguard being arrived, 
The town engaged.  they soon engaged the town; so as none could either sally or enter. Duke d' Alva being arrived with the rest, 
Pontones for the ordinance.  prepared great pontons or bridges, with other necessaries to plant his battery: which he could hardly do, by reason of the marish and wet rotten grounds, whereon the town stood. Notwithstanding, with his expert Captains & cunning Engineers he mounted eighteen pieces of Cannon, 
The Cannon planted.  with some six culverins in a marshy ground against reason; impossible to be done, as the defendants thought. These pieces did bea●e cross, on two platforms, 
The battery.  a weak bulwark, and a Curtain, some eight score off. Having no other flank, by reason the ground served not, they could not bring the battery within less than eight score: 
The distance of the battery.  wherefore their fury was the less. To say troth, all batteries ought to be placed within less than eight score; if it be full seven score, it is very far to do any great hurt: In case the defendants be in any great numbers within, having store of earth to rampire and entrench themselves. Notwithstanding, I heard some of the best defendants in that town say, 
The fear of the town.  in their judgements, the fear of the people and of most of the soldiers within was such; that had not the enemies environed the town round about as they did, but left any place void, the best of the defendants would have quitted the place, and shifted for themselves. 
No way to flee.  But being straightly environed and no ways to escape, remembering their cruelty at Harlem, they resolved to fight; by reason the soldiers which had been in Harlem, did importune the rest; especially the Captains, who were assured to perish coming into their enemy's hands. After some 7000 shot, 
The breach.  the breach was reasonable, as the assailants thought. But in troth it was not; 
Not assaultable  for above four foot of the ground of the rampire was nothing battered, but falsely covered with the ruin of the parapet and the earth that fell from the highest parts of the breach. Also they were fain to give their assaults on ponton's & such Engines; 
ponton's for assaults.  which they had made against reason, to adventure men against a place defended with any valour. For a breach (be it made never so assaultable) having many hands to defend it with any valour, lightly is never entered; In case they within be of any judgement, as I said before, and having earth to entrench themselves. But the fury of Duke d' Alva and his Commanders was such, 
The assault.  that they advanced to the assault, & attempted it with great courage. Being twice repulsed, notwithstanding they advanced the third time, to their folly and dear costs. For at those assaults they lost divers of their best Captains, 
The Spaniards repulsed.  and at the least 1600 of their bravest soldiers.  
The next day the rain fell in great abundance, 
The siege levied.  in such sort, that they raised their siege in few days; and lost divers pieces of battery which they could not hale out of the marish. At this town did the famous Duke d' Alva lose the greatest credit, 
D' alva's disgrace.  that he did in any place since he carried arms; which he had done sixty years. 
His experience for war.  For fifty years, the least commandment he had, was General of the horsemen: which place he had in Germany, when Charles the fifth overcame Duke john Frederick of Saxony and his confederates. But had the Duke marched straight to Delfs haven and taken it, 
His error.  & Mayston-sluce, when he marched to Alkmer (which places were unfortified to any purpose) by all reason he had carried all Holland in a short time. I am sure, the most men of war who know the seat of the Country, will confess no less than myself.   

Mounsieur de Poyet surpriseth Gertrudenberg.  
Whilst Duke d' Alva was busy about his enterprise of Alkmer, Mounsieur de Poyet, who had been with Count Lodowick in Mounts, being newly arrived out of France, was chosen Lieutenant of the war to the Prince of Orange. Having conferrred with the Prince, they gathered certain Companies of English, Scottish, French & Flemings, at Dort in Holland: which they embarked with petardes, 
Mounsieur de Poyet landeth his troops in the night.  ladders, and such Engines of war. Mounsieur de Poyet using great diligence, landed his troops in the night, on the dike towards Seavenbrooke; some half a league from the strong town of Gertrudenberg in Brabant, situated on the water side next unto Dort. After, placing his troops in order, he sent before him a valiant French Captain, named Malion, 
His order for the surprise.  accompanied with a dozen resolute soldiers; amongst whom were two or three of the country soldiers, who had been often in the town, and knew all the rampires as well as the inhabitants themselves. Whilst Malion spent some hour in discovering the place they meant to scale, Mounsieur de Poyet advanced his troops towards the town. Being within a quarter of a league of the town, he stayed until about an hour before day. Having conferred with Malion, he delivered unto him some two hundred of his best soldiers, giving him charge to scale with all courage; assuring him to second him with the rest. Malion and his troops entered the ditch of a small ravelin, joining unto the rampire, where he placed his ladders. After the passing of the round (notwithstanding that the sentinels gave the alarum) Malion and his troops recovered both ravelin and rampire, 
Malion entereth  before any great troop came to encounter him. The garrison being gathered together in reasonable numbers, charged Malion resolutely at the push of the pike; 
Poyet secondeth him.  but being seconded by Mounsieur de Poyet and his troops, they were quickly content to quit the fury, and also forced to run into the market place, whither the assailants followed them in the tail. Notwithstanding, being entered the market place, 
Resistance in the market place.  the Governor with his fresh troops turned upon us, and gave a hot charge at the push of the pike; but our many hands soon overcame them, giving them the retreat in rout. 
The garrison defeated.  Some took themselves into the townhouse, which they kept a little while, and then yielded to have their lives saved. divers ran over the rampire towards Breda; More than half were slain. The Governor with a few recovered his house, 
The Governor escapeth.  which stood on the rampire; out of which he escaped over the wall unto Breda; leaving behind him all that he had, saving what he carried upon him. Thus was the strong town of Gertrudenberg surprised, with less than 1200 men; having in it at the least 600 soldiers, besides Burgesses, with the loss of four and fifty persons of our side; to the great grief of Duke d' Alva, not without reason. For considering his loss and disgrace at Alkmer, it did equal at the least his victory at Harlem.   

Baldeso, sent by Duke d' Alva into Holland, entereth the Hague, attempteth Delfe, and other places without success.  
WHen Duke d' Alva advanced to besiege Alkmer, he sent the Master of his Camp Don Francisco de Baldeso, 
Baldeso sent into Holland.  with his Tertia De la Ligue, with five Corners of horsemen, and some twelve companies of Walloons out of sundry regiments; commanding him to advance into the bowels of Holland, to relieve his troops in the rich Villages (where he thought best) betwixt Leyden, Delfe, and the Sea-coast, as far as the river of Mase, and the town of Brill: Charging him to attempt nothing without his advice and consent; unless it were with sure intelligence with some of the towns. Baldeso being entered the fair and rich Village of Hague, 
Entereth the Hague.  without any resistance, found it a place sufficient to lodge double his troops; all in covert, 
The seat thereof.  and most in beds. This Hague is counted the fairest Village in Europe, and the place of the general assembly of all the netherlands, next unto Brussels (I mean the seventeen Provinces since they were united under the house of Burgundy) where the King hath a fair Palace, and divers of the Nobility houses, with a great multitude of Lawyers. This Hague is such a Village, that Charles the fifth being requested to fortify it, answered; he had rather it should remain the fairest Village, than a reasonable fair town.  
But I persuade myself, both he and the Country would have fortified it, but that it standeth more than half on sandy grounds: which can never be made strong by the earth itself, by reason of the looseness of the sand. The Prince of Orange tried to do it, but could not to any purpose; so as it might be kept with any garrison against an army, without a reasonable army to defend it. Baldeso after lodging a few days in the Hague, caused all the Villages to bring him such necessaries as pleased him. Then he advanced certain of his companies to a Village called Riswike, 
Baldeso fortifieth Riswicke.  in the way towards Leyden from Delfe; which he entrenched and baricaded. 
Placed his first guards at the bridge towards Delfe.  Likewise he entrenched his first guards at the bridge, half the way betwixt Delfe and the Hague; where often our troops and theirs had many a hot skirmish, both near unto the guards, and sometimes hard by the ports of Delfe. 
The State's garrisons.  Colonel Morgan's regiment and divers companies of French men were lodged in the Villages, betwixt Delfe and Rotterdam, safely from the enemy; by reason both the towns covered them behind and before with great ditches on both sides, not to be passed with troops, having any guards to defend them. These troops served always ready to thrust into Delfe, Rotterdam, Delfe- haven, or Mayston sluice; where the enemy would have attempted first. 
In Leyden.  In Leyden was Mounsieur de Lorges, son to that brave Count of Mongomery, with a fair French regiment; and other companies of Scots, and of the Countrymen and Burgesses well armed. 
Captain Chester in Delfe.  In Delfe was Captain Chester with two hundred Englishmen; whom afterwards the Prince advanced to be Colonel of those troops, by reason of some sting against Colonel Morgan. There were in it also three fair companies of Frenchmen, besides the Burgesses well armed. 
In Rotterdam.  In Rotterdam were some bands of Scots, and of the Countrymen, besides the Burgesses. 
In Delfs haven.  At Delfs-hauen was Mounsieur de Maysonflure, with sundry bands of French, Scots, and of the Country. 
In Mayston-sluce.  In Mayston-sluce was Mounsieur de Saint Alagondy, and Terlon, with some 1200, most of them Countrymen; a great number of Peasants and Burgesses. Besides, the garrisons wrought continually to fortify both Delfs-hauen and Mayston-sluce; in such sort that both the places were strong and guardeable, with reasonable defences. 
Delfs-hauen fortfied.  Especially Delfs-hauen was very strong; not to be won easily, having necessaries that belong to a fortress. The garrison of Delfs-hauen had fortified the Village of Ouerskie, half the way betwixt Delfe and Rotterdam; where they kept a strong guard. Mounsieur de Poyet, for the better assurance of Leyden, 
Mounsieur de Poyet in Leyden  being the nearest place engaged and environed with enemies, thrust himself into it. Baldeso practised all he could with Leyden and Delfe; once by treachery of some, who kept the towne-port towards Vtricke. 
Baldesoes' attempts upon Delfe.  Baldeso prepared sundry Turfe-boates, in which he lodged good troops of soldiers. Once being entered the ports, with the resolution of the garrison, and the good conduct of Poyet, they were repulsed; where Baldeso lost many of his men. Another time he had intelligence with some in Delfe: but being discovered to the Townsmen and garrison, divers of our bands which lodged hard by entered in the night; but either some of the Townsmen or Baldesoes guards discovered our arming: so as he gave over his enterprise, when he was ready to attempt, in the like order as he did at Leyden. But had he come, we were ready at the least 1000 soldiers, besides the Burgesses, at the water-port where he should have entered; and ●ad bent sundry pieces of artillery, loaden with nails, haile-shot, and such devices. Had he presented himself, his troops could not escape without great murder among them, with no danger to ourselves. 
Advertisements to d'Alua.  After these attempts, Baldeso advertised Duke d'Alua of his affairs; showing him that no good could be done, without an army and the fury of artillery. To that end he requested more troops or means, or leave to retire himself with those troops he had.   

Duke d'Alua retireth out of Holland, sendeth julian Romero, Mounsieur de Capers and Fronsperge to assist Baldeso, Verdugo Governor of Harlem.  
THe Duke remembering his disgrace at Alkmer, 
D'Alua retireth to Brussels.  fearing his army would mutiny if he would overcharge them with pains and travel, having no treasure to content them; resolved to retire to Brussels. But before he departed, he sent the master of his Camp julian Romero to his army, 
Sendeth julian Romero to assist Baldeso.  which was lodged in the Country by Vtricke and Amsterdam; giving him charge, if he could, to procure his Tertia of Lombary (of which julian was Colonel) to march into Holland, 
With Mounsieur de Capers.  to join with Baldeso. He sent also Mounsieur de Capers; commanding him to procure his regiments of Walloons to do the like. 
Fronsberke.  Also the regiment of Fronsberke the Almain. These Colonels were directed to the Camp, to procure their regiments to march willingly, and not perforce. He commanded Mendoza general of his horsemen to send with them six of the best Cornets. 
Six Cornets of horse.  After that these Regiments and Cavalry were contented to enter Holland, and had sworn to obey their Colonels in all manner of service; 
julian General.  Duke d' Alva gave the chief charge unto julian, and the next unto him was Baldeso. He placed Colonel Verdugo Governor in Harlem; 
Verdugo.  with his regiment of Walloons, and one Cornet of horsemen, with three ensigns of Almains out of Frunsbergs regiment. Himself departed out of Amsterdam, 
d'Alva's retire, and to what end.  with his son Don Frederick, Chiapin Vitelly, Mendosa and all the rest of his army towards Brabant; resolving not to attempt any great siege or service, before he had acquainted the King how the world went. To that end being arrived at Brussels, he dispatched two of quality unto the King; either to send him treasure and means more plentifully, and in better order; or to give him leave to retire himself, and to send another Governor.   

julian Romero winneth Mayston-sluce, but dareth not attempt Delfes-haven.  
IVlian and his succours being arrived, 
julian Romero attempteth Mayston sluice.  and having conferred with Baldeso, resolved to attempt Mayston-sluce; and dislodged from the Hague with their forces named before, haling with them six pieces of battery. Being arrived at the great Village called Florden, within a small league of Mayston-sluce, they quartered their horsemen, with a regiment of footmen for their guards; 
His order.  and departed with the rest to approach the Sluice. They carried with them all the skutes and boats that might be found, in Wagons; with planks, ladders, and all other necessaries that they thought fit, to scale and to make bridges over the dikes. Being before the Sluice, with their bridges and means they had made to pass the ditches, they took the great ditch on both sides of the Sluice; 
Taketh the dyke the Sluice stands upon, dismounteth the artillery of the fort.  I mean the dyke the Sluice stands upon, and which keeps the sea from drowning the land. Having mounted their artillery on both sides of the dyke, they dismounted ours within, which did beat on the dyke. After, turning their artillery towards the seas, I mean the river of Mase, which is above a league broad in that place, they beat away such vessels as the defendants had anchoring before their fort. 
Mounsieur de Terlon departeth.  Mounsieur de Terlon being Admiral and Governor of Brill, perceiving their success, departed out of the fort in a skute, with great hazard, to recover the Brill; presently the enemies passed their boats over the dyke into the Maze. Being passed, 
julian's boats in the Maze.  it much abated the courage of S. Aldegoundy & his garrison, not without reason. 
The weakness of the fort towards the water  For betwixt the fort and the water their Rampire was worth nothing; so as at a high water it covered the dyke of the fort, as high as the parapet. The enemy perceiving their success, 
julian placed his artillery upon a Ponton.  prepared a Ponton: which they builded artificially upon their boats, and placed on it three of their pieces. The garrison perceiving their stratagem, having no means to avoid it, nor hope of succours; compounded for their fort, 
The fort yieldeth.  delivering the enemies their chief prisoners with their ensigns and arms. Thus was the fort of Mayston-sluce lost, partly by reason our ships of war durst not hazard to dismount the enemy's artillery (which they might have done, showing their accustomed valour, as they did since and before in divers places) but chiefly by reason our men did not cut the dyke on both sides of the fort, to have drowned the Country; having done that, the enemy would never have attempted the place. By reason of the strength of Delfes-haven, the enemy refused to attempt it. 
Delfes-haven unattempted.  To say troth, they had no reason to do it; having no means to approach but on such a dyke; and the enemy being so well fortified and manned, as their approaches had been vain.   

The King of Spain calleth home the Duke d'Alua, and in his room establisheth Don Lewis de Requesence Governor of the Low Countries.  
IN this time order came from the King, to retire Duke d'Alua into Spain, and to resign his place unto Don Lewis de Requesence, Commendador Maior de Castillia; a soldier of great reputation for counsel, but no body for execution; as the battle of Lapanta could witness. For this Commendador being chief Counsellor to Don john de Austria, did what he could to procure the Christian army, not to hazard battle with the Turks. Also being in the fight, he advanced so slowly with a rereguarde of Galleys, that he nor his came to any blows; so as both there and in other places, always the Commendador was reputed a coward. But belike in respect of his wit and mildness, the King sent him into the Low Countries; perhaps persuaded, that a mild Captain would win the hearts of the people, far better with fair means, than Duke d'Alua with his cruelty. But in troth, both King and Council deceived themselves; in calling away Duke d'Alua, and in making choice of such a General as the Commendador Maior. For by all reason, if the Duke had been royally maintained as he ought; he had made his master absolute King over all the seventeen Provinces. To say troth, fury and resolution well used or executed, had been the only ways to supprsse that nation; the Spanish being resolved to subdue them, as they were. For all other since, the witty politic Neatherlanders did always overreach the Spanish; especially having such a head to direct them as the Prince of Orange, and being so strongly situated; wanting no means to maintain wars, and resolved to withstand the Spanish to the uttermost, rather than to yield to any composition. For whether the people be strongly situated or not; wealthy or poor; few, or great in multitudes; being resolved to be mutinous and discontented, 
The error of the Spaniard in removing D'Alua.  and not willing (as I said before) to be brought unto any composition, but such as pleaseth themselves: God help that Prince or State, that must be forced to compound with such a a people, by any means but by the sword; which had been far more easy in the hands of Duke d'Alua, then of the poor Commendador. But the emulation amongst counsellors for greatness overthrew that service, with many others; as I will show hereafter. The Spanish Priests, namely Cardinal Granuill, the Bishop of Toledo, with the aid of Rigomus did persuade the King, that Duke d'Alua was too great a subject. By such means rather than any other, Duke d'Alua was called home, and questioned for many disorders; committed aswell in other places, as in the Low Countries.   

Walkheren besieged with the Princes shipping, Middleburgh relieved by the Spaniards, divers skirmishes betwixt the forces of either side; Mondragon entereth Middleburgh, the Spanish Navy at their return toward Antwerp defeated.  
Whilst julian was busy in Holland, 
Walkheren besieged with ships by the States.  Mounsieur de Poyet, and Boiset Governor of Walkheren, with his brother, the Admiral of Zealand, had besieged the Island, with a great number of ships of war; In such sort, that nothing could enter into Middleburgh, Armue, and Ramkins, which the enemies held. Messieurs de Bevoir, and Don Ruffello being distressed for want of victuals in the said places, found means to acquaint the Commendador with their estate. 
julian Romero out of Holland.  Whereupon the Commendador sent for julian to come with most of his forces, and to leave Baldeso with the rest in Holland. Having prepared a Navy of some hundred sail of ships, 
The Commendador sendeth a Navy towards Walkheren.  hoys, and crumsters, giving them in charge unto the Masters of the Camp, Sanio, d'Auila, Castillan of Antwerp, and Mondragon: After, furnishing them with all necessaries, both double manned with soldiers, and appointed with great store of victuals, as well to relieve the distressed places, as the army abroad; he commanded them to use all diligence, first to enter Middleburgh, and to relieve Mondragon Governor of the Island (with his regiment of Walloons, and some sour Companies of Spaniards) both with victuals and munition; then, to return with the Navy for Antwerp, and to carry with them Mounsieur de Beauoir with his troops. Before this Navy passed Lillo, 
The Ramkins attempted by the States. From the ships.  Messieurs de Poyet and Boiset had attempted the Ramkins, and anchored with ships under the fort, which did dismount divers pieces within; having their tops of Musket proof, out of which our Musketeers did command the parapet next unto them. 
By the mine.  Also a mine was made in the dike towards Middleburgh; which being fired, razed a corner of the fort to little purpose; but that there was but a few soldiers within, not half to man the walls, with a cowardly Ensign bearer which commanded. By these means the Ramkins was delivered to Mounsieur de Poyet some four days before the succours arrived. 
Yielded up.  Also there arrived from Holland, 
Colonel Morgan arriveth.  Colonel Morgan and his Regiment, with other Companies of Walloons and Flemings. The Spanish succours being insight, 
The Spanish in sight.  our men planted the Spanish Ensigns on the Ramkins, and discharged a volley of artillery as if it were for joy; only to bring their Navy to anchor under the commandment of our artillery. 
Trained into danger of the shot.  Being approached and anchored, they soon perceived what friends did welcome them: In steed of safe anchoring, they were fain to dislodge under the muck of the dike a league off, 
Retire into safety. Defended by the Cannon from land.  to be safe from our artillery. Being anchored, Beauoir and Ruffello marched with the most of their men of war to that place, haled with them four pieces of battery, which stood their Navy in great steed; for they commanded all the road where the Navy lay; In such sort, that albeit our Navy anchored within half a league of theirs, betwixt them and Flushing, we durst not attempt them in that road, by reason of their artillery mounted on the shore. Perceiving no hope to succour their distressed places by water, they took resolution to sail about the Island, and to land their men at a place named the Hague, 
Sail toward Hague.  which stands on the neck of the Island, to the Eastward from Camfier; a league from the said town, & some league and a half from Middleburgh. Whilst their Navy was doubling about the Island, 
Are affronted by land from Flushing.  our men of war marched right against them always, not knowing their intent, nor where they meant to land; but had they known our directions, they might have easily entered and seized on the town of Flushing, 
The danger of Flushing.  in sailing by it. Of two thousand soldiers which we had in the Island, we had not in the town two hundred. In passing by Flushing, had their Navy bend their course into the haven, there was nothing to defend them, but a paultery bome; which God knows, could never have endured one push of the smallest vessel. For the town artillery, it vexed them only in sailing by it. Being entered the haven, the soldiers had nothing to do, but to have leapt out of their ships to shore on both sides of the haven: which might have been done easily; having nothing to let them but the men of war, which were at their passing by a great league off. For then (God knows) the Burgesses were nothing trained either with arms, or any policy of defence. Also at this instant the bulwark that flanked the haven was nothing furnished to any purpose. Therefore often true intelligence is the best part of an enterprise, and worth always half an army. 
The Spaniards land at the Hague.  Being anchored at the Hague named before, they landed their men and placed on that dike certain pieces of artillery; in like sort as they did at their last anchoring, for defence of the Navy. Having landed their victuals, & such necessaries as they had to furnish their distressed places; they sent to Beauoir and Ruffello, to send them all the means they could to transport their necessaries. Being arrived, 
Relieve Middleburgh.  mondragon's men with victuals and munition departed towards Middleburgh: where be-being arrived, Mounsieur de Beauoir & Don Ruffello returned with the old garrison to the Hague. In this time all our men of war were arrived at Camfier, the next place to front them; 
Are affronted by the Prince's soldiers.  so was our Navy anchored within half a league of theirs, half the way betwixt the Hague and Camfier. Mounsieur de Roll Governor of the said town, having set good order in his town, Mounsieur de Boiset Governor of the whole Island and Roll, sallied with the rest, to front the enemies at the Hague. Being arrived right against our Navy, we being in number two thousand English, Scots, French, Walloons, 
Who entrench themselves.  and Flemings, entrenched our main in that place; then we advanced some three hundred, twelve score further, and entrenched there two hundred; and advanced six score further, one hundred. Our guard was narrow, by reason we were entrenched on a dike of sixteen paces broad, the seas on the one side, on the other side meadows environed with ditches, not passable with armed men, without means to make bridges. The enemies perceiving our lodgings, belike thought it was to cut off their passage betwixt the Hague and Middleburgh. Whereupon not having passed half their necessaries, presently to intercept us, 
Are charged by the Spaniards.  they marched full against us upon the dike: a thousand or more advanced into the meadows right against us; some five hundred on our side towards Middleburgh, followed with all their troops. Those on the dike forced our first troop to run, following them in rout unto our second. Being on the trench of our two hundred, 
Who are forced to retire.  we plagued them with a volley of shot, so as they were driven to retire above twelve score; where they stood until their shot in the meadows approached near unto us. Colonel Morgan perceiving the heat of their skirmish, 
The English advance.  advanced his Lieutenant Colonel, Captain Bingham, with two hundred shot and armed men: So did Boiset and Roll advance with them, and many of the other nations. Withal, the enemies advanced with great resolution upon the dike: 
The Spaniards second charge  so did the others in the meadows pass over the ditches with planks and hurdles; In such manner that those troops annoyed us greatly. For they flanked us with volleys on our sides so cruelly, that being at the push of the pike with the troops on the dike, 
The Prince's soldiers flee. The Spaniards enter the trench  our men behind made away. The enemies perceiving their retreat, passed over the trench, where they executed and hurt many: by reason we fought and knew not of our fellows retreat, until our backs were towards the enemies. Who followed us so close and with such fury, 
giveth chase to the Prince's soldiers.  that our great stand ran above half a league; until we came to a strong trench at a windmill, where we kept a good guard, which was commanded by the town artillery. 
Retireth.  The enemy perceiving the place too hot to attempt; and not guardeable being possessed, by reason of the town arttillery, retired. We perceiving their retreat, began to take such courage that we resolved to charge them; 
Is pursued  advancing with a cry and fresh resolution; charging their rearguard, their vanguard doubled their paces. Perceiving their countenances, it gave further courage; whereupon our charge began to be resolute and furious: 
Put to flight and executed.  so as all their troops ran; where we executed of them a far greater number, than they did of ours in our first retreat. We followed them through their lost trenches, close to their trench and village of Hague. By reason of the night's approach we quitted our skirmish, and kept guard at our trenches: which we mended all the night, keeping good guard and far better order than we did before. All the night both town and succours transported their necessaries into the town; so that by their great number of skutes and wagons, all their victuals and necessaries were entered the town before two of the clock the next day in the afternoon; And as I said before, Mondragon with his, 
Mondragon in Middleburgh.  entered Middleburgh; and Beauoir with Don Ruffello and their followers arrived at the Hague. By reason of our equal losses and weariness, neither of both parties were eager to procure any skirmish: 
The Spaniards return to Antwerp.  So that according to the Commendadors directions, their troops embarked. Our fleet perceiving their meaning to sail for Antwerp, belike to discharge an honest report to the world; our Chiefs resolved to fight with them by sea. 
Are charged by the Prince his fleet.  Having taken resolution and embarked the most of our soldiers, we made towards them with good courage, 
Capt. York.  as they sailed by Camfier; Captain York being aboard the vice-admiral of Flushing, with a great number of young English gentlemen and soldiers, the most of Colonel Morgan's Company, procured our vice-admiral to board their vice-admiral: which he easily yielded unto, for the man was valiant and eager of himself to charge. So was valiant Mounsieur de Boiset our Admiral, 
Boiset.  with the most or all his Navy very eager to charge their fleet; being well manned with good store of gallant soldiers, of the nations of English, Scots, and French. Being close together, with great courage ours cried Amain. According to direction, 
The Spanish boarded.  our vice-admiral boarded theirs: So did valiant Robinson a Scottish Captain, being in one of the best Flushioners, board their rear Admiral. Mounsieur Boiset charged their Admiral through their Navy, who escaped with good sailing. Captain Harry & Ambrose Duke, the valiant Frenchmen & Walloons, being aboard of some of our best sails, boarded also two of their best sorts of vessels. The enemy perceiving our resolution, 
Flee.  fell in rout before the wind, with all the sails they could make, to recover the river of Antwerp. Notwithstanding, we took, burnt, and forced to run on the sands, above two and thirty sails; 
32 sails of theirs taken  & returned victorious, with their vice-admiral, rear-admiral, and divers others into our town of Camfier: where we filled our prisons with Spaniards, Walloons, and great numbers of their mariners. This victory recompensed in honour double theirs; although not so profitable as their victualling of Midbleburgh and Armu; which by that means held out many a month the longer, and would have done still, but for the defeat of Rumers' wall. Notwithstanding that Middleburgh was victualled and far better manned, principally by the person of brave Colonel Mondragon; the Prince gave not over his determined purpose, but charged both the Besoits, 
The Prince again besiegeth the Island.  I mean the Governor and his brother the Admiral, to use all diligence to make sure guard round about the Island with their ships, as they did before; and to cut off all succours from entering any more. 
His preparation  To that end they prepared a far greater number both of ships and soldiers; on which enterprise the Prince did set his rest, with good reason. For he was assured to win the Island in time, being master on the Seas. 
Mondragon● distress.  Within few months, Mondragon and his began to fall into distress, for want of victuals. 
Mounsieur de Poyet sent into Walkheren.  To terrify them the more, the Prince sent his Lieutenant General Mounsieur de Poyet into Walkheren, with the most of his men of war, saving Colonel Morgan's regiment; which remained in Strinland, standing on terms for pay, and leave to return for England, 
The English malcontent.  by reason of some discourtesies that fell out betwixt the Prince and the Officers of the said regiment. Notwithstanding divers Gentlemen of that regiment accompanied Mounsieur de Poyet; amongst others Captain Walter Morgan, Master Christopher Carlell, and Master Anthony Fant. Mondragon fearing Poyet would attempt Armu, sent his Lieutenant Colonel into the said town with a strong guard; by reason the place was but newly fortified, but very strong, without many hands to defend it. Also he kept a strong guard at the head of Middleburgh, a mile out of the town, to defend the haven. Poyet advanced his forces on the Ramkins' dyke, towards Middleburgh. Being arrived right against the enemy's guards at the head, ours entrenched themselves in that place; lodging our forces on the dyke, from the Ramkins to the said first guard: having betwixt us and the enemy the haven, which might be some threescore broad; where we had divers good skirmishes, as well by those that sallied from Middleburgh, as by them that lodged at the head.   

The occasion of Sir Roger Williams serving the Spaniard.  
Colonel Morgan being arrived in England, with his regiment in good order, to the number of seven hundred, who being mustered before her Majesty near to S. james, the Colonel and some four hundred of his best men were sent into Ireland; which in truth were the first perfect Harguebushiers that were of our Nation, and the first troops that taught our Nation to like the Musket, as I said in my little discourse of the Spanish discipline: There also I touch how Philip de Commines speaks much of Lewis the eleventh, but nothing how he quitted his Duke of Burgundy. Most true it is, at Colonel Morgan's going into Ireland, hearing how the young Prince of Condy was newly escaped from France into Germany, meaning (as it was told me) to levy an army, and to march with all speed into France: this bruit, and my greedy desires to travail to see strange wars, made me to quite the voyage into Ireland, and to go with all speed towards the said Prince. Being arrived in Germany, I found the Prince nothing ready to march, nor any speech of his sudden levy. Having spent there all the time I could, want of crowns forced me to return for England. Passing from Colen towards Antwerp, and entering Lyre in Brabant, I was brought before the Master of the Camp julian Romero; who amongst many questions inquired of me, what Noblemen in England I knew best. I answered, the Earl of Pembroke; whom I served a Page. He replied, what? he that was General of the English before S. Quintin? I never honoured any man more: and withal requested me earnestly to try his courtesy in the Spanish army; assuring me to depart when pleased me. Having spent all my crowns, and being loath to return into England without seeing something; I promised to stay. Also in those days there was no dispute betwixt her Majesty and the Spanish King, to my knowledge. This was the manner, and the first hour that I entered into the Spanish service.   

Middleburgh in distress, the Spanish prepare a Navy to relieve it, which is beaten and overthrown by the Nassawians in a furious conflict.  
MOndragon feeling his wants, advertised the Commendador; who perceiving no means to succour him, but by sea, which could not be without forcing the Prince's ships, prepared all the sails and means he could. In time he made ready some 120 sail: 
The Spanish preparation to relieve Middleburgh.  of which were fourscore of war, as well ships as Crumsters and Hoys, the rest victuallers, laden with all necessaries to furnish the distressed places. Being in readiness, some at Antwerp, some at Bargain up Some, the rest at Tergoose, he gave them in charge to his masters of Camp, 
julian Romero & Santio d'Auila Generals.  julian Romero and Santio d'Auila, desiring them for fashion sake to accept Mounsieur de Beuoyr for Admiral, and to give him some grace, in respect of his disabling for the commandment of Zealand. This he did only to flatter the Walloons: by reason Mounsieur de Beuoyr was descended from one of their principal houses. 
The Prince's Navy.  The Prince hearing their intent, prepared for his Navy all or the most of the ships of war, that Holland and Zealand could make at that time, to the number of some two hundred: a few ships, the rest Crumsters and Hoys. These are the best ships to fight in those waters, by reason the most of them draw but little water, and carry for the most part principal good artillery; some demi Cannons, and many whole culverins. For those waters are full of sands and many dangers, 
The nature of the sea.  although it be broad in some places ten of our miles, all covered with seas; notwithstanding not navigable in the most places, but in narrow streams: Insomuch as in many places you may discover steeples and banks, which in time past were islands like unto the rest. For this cause I suppose those Countries do carry the name of Sealand. 
The best ships for that sea.  Also those small sails turn far shorter and readier, than other ships in those narrow passages; and keep far better by a wind. Having this Navy in a readiness well manned, especially with great store of good Mariners, besides a good number of soldiers of Scots, French, and Neatherlanders; he commanded his Admiral Mounsieur de Boiset, to advance with his Navy betwixt Siricksey and Tergoose, 
The Prince's Navy at Siricksey.  where the enemies must pass; there to try the fortune of war, rather than they should succour Mondragon. After finishing all preparations, the Commendador divided his Navy named before into three squadrons. 
3 Squadrons of Spaniards.  The greatest vessels and the far more in number, 
Santio d'Auila at Tergoose.  he commanded Santio d'Auila to advance under the Island of Tergoose; there to anchor under the favour of some artillery mounted on the shore, and to stay in readiness until he received further direction. Himself with the rest of his Council and army marched to Bargen-up-some; where he found julian Romero and his Admiral Beuoyr, ready to set out with the rest of his Navy, staying but for his directions. He divided their vessels into two squadrons; giving them equally to the Admiral and julian. 
julian Romero and Boiset.  All his Navy being furnished to the uttermost he could, 
Want of Mariners among the Spaniards.  they wanted Mariners, especially of the same Countrymen, that were well acquainted with those sands and shallow waters; but they were very well manned with brave land soldiers: 
But not of soldiers.  for they had in them some 90. ensigns of soldiers, Spanish, Burgundians and Walloons. The Commendador, after placing himself with his Nobility and a great troop of men of war on the high bank of Brabant, within half a league of Bergen, where he might see very easily the place where the battle was fought: having given a signal to Santio d'Auila from a hill on Brabant side, 
The Commendador giveth a Signal. Santio de Auila advanceth.  which he might easily perceive; Santio de Auila advanced his squadron with all the sails he could towards Romers' wall, where the Nassawians lay in good order of battle, having divided their battle into four squadrons. 
The order of the Nassawians.  Mounsieur de Boiset the Admiral of Zealand, commanded the greatest; the Admiral of Holland, the second, which was his right wing; the Admiral of Sirickesey the third, which was the left wing; Boisets vice-admiral Boenire commanded the fourth; whom Boyset commanded to make all the sails he could towards Santio d'Auila. Being arrived within culvering shot, he commanded Boenire to lead Santio d'Auila over the shallow waters, if he would follow him; if not, to keep in the wind as near unto him as he could; without fight, unless the enemy would force him, until Boyset began. julian and Beuoyr having not two leagues to sail unto the Nassawians, who were ready under the head of Bergen in good order; and perceiving that Santio d'Auila could not sail unto them, by reason that most of his vessels drew too deep water, and that his smallest vessels were in fight with Boenire: they advanced with great courage in good order, 
julian & Bevoir advance.  thinking to have sailed betwixt the Nassawians and Brabant side, and to have joined with Santio d'Auila. By this time Santio d'Auilaes smallest vessels were in hot skirmish with Boisets vice-admiral; but many of his greatest vessels were run on ground, with very ambition to come to fight before their fellows; julian and Beuoyr being right against the Nassawians. 
The joining of the fight.  Boiset having the wind, made with all resolution towards the enemy; so did they abide them with no less courage: In such sort, that the valiant Admiral Mounsieur de Boiset, 
Boiset & julian boardeth each other.  and the resolute brave Master of the Camp julian Romero, boarded each other: so did the Admiral of Sirickesey, 
So Beuoyr & the Admiral of Sirickesey.  and the Admiral Beuoyr board each other, with no less courage; so did Boenire, boiset's Vice-admiral, board the vice-admiral of Santio d' Auila. Being in wonderful hot fight a long time, the most part of the vessels, especially the squadrons of julian & Boiset, had been on aboard each other near two hours; 
The length of the fight.  the most part of which time they were at the push of the pike, and blows of swords. Boiset and his fellows were more expert seamen than the Spanish Commanders, 
The Nassawians better seamen than the Spaniards.  and far better furnished with all manner of provisions that belong to a sea-fight; especially fireworks: which they employed to the Spaniards great loss. So that julian's Alfere being aboard of Boiset, was blown up with powder; and with him threescore at the least of his bravest soldiers. And had they not done it at that instant, julian himself had been gone; for he was entering with the rest. The Spaniards were cruelly plagued in all quarters, especially by reason Santio d'Auilaes great vessels could not come to succour their fellows, among which he was in person; being a most valiant man, accompanied with a great number of their best soldiers. 
julian flieth.  julian perceiving his fellows distressed without remedy, and himself most of all; with wonderful hazard, he and divers of his Gentlemen and soldiers did leap into their skuts, which carried them to the shore where the Commendador stood; so did many others escape by the like means. Likewise divers of their smallest vessels ran themselves on the shore where the Commendador stood; many were fast on the sands; divers were burnt; the rest made all the sails they could to recover the river of Antwerp. 
And Santio d'Auila.  Amongst these was Santio d'Auila; notwithstanding he had grounded his own vessel, in seeking to come to fight. The Nassawians followed them into the river of Antwerp, defeating and taking many as they ran away. 
The Spanish loss.  By the Spaniards own reports, they lost in this battle above threescore sail of all sorts; forty seven ensigns; above six hundred brass pieces, of which above 200. were taken out of the Cittadle of Antwerp; slain and taken above six thousand soldiers and mariners. Few were saved that came to their hands, but all or the most that were taken were slain or drowned. Amongst many of their Commanders and men of good account, their Admiral Beauoir was slain valiantly, at the push of pike: 
The Nassawians loss.  So was Santio davila's vice Admiral. The victorious escaped not scotfree. For their Admiral Boiset lost his right eye with the blow of a pike, the Admiral of Holland sore hurt with a shot in the thigh; Boenyre, Boisets vice Admiral was slain, with many other of good mark, beside at the least sixteen hundred soldiers and mariners. Thus was the battle of Romerswall begun and ended. Perhaps some will say, because there was no greater slaughter and confusion, it may not be termed worthy and comparable unto divers others. But in troth I heard divers report, besides the Commendador, who had been at Lapanta and here; that the fury there was nothing comparable unto this; 
The fury of the fight.  number to number. For my part, I never saw any thing so furious. I may well speak it, for there are some of good quality yet alive, can testify the same. But for julian Romero himself, I had been blown up with his Alfere; yet I escaped with as great hazard as any other of his followers. But I will dispute against any soldier, that no fight hath been comparable unto it by sea, these five hundred years; saving that before Sluice, fought by our famous King Edward the third, against the French King and the Earl of Flanders, and that of Lapanta.  
FINIS.