News from Antwerp, the .10. day of August. 1580. Containing, A special view of the present affairs of the low Countries: Revealed and brought to light, by sundry late intercepted Letters, of certain vizarded and counterfeit Countrymen of the same Countries. ¶ Translated into English, partly out of French, and partly out of Latin: According to the original Copy, printed at Antwerp, by William Riviere, a sworn Printer, and Bookseller. printer's device? (not found in McKerrow): thistle flower Imprinted at London, by John Charlewood. ❧ To the Reader. ALl persons bearing affection to the Common wealth of these Countries, desire to be discharged of the oppressions, which the war of necessity leadeth and bringeth with it. But this desire is only a general discourse. For the effects of the same are hindered still, and heretofore have been interrupted by an irresolution, which happeneth not (as many have thought,) by the fault of the chief Captains and Governors, who, have so often, both by word of mouth, and writings in print declared, what counsel was meet to be taken, and with so great pains and diligence sent into all the Provinces, yea, and transported themselves thither in their proper persons. But the fault thereof is to be imputed to the particular Commynalties, the greatest part whereof do order their matter with extreme delays. The causes of such delays are diverse. But the principal of the same is, that some subtle and wily fellows amongst us, of the same humour that these were of (whose Letters thou shalt see here.) When they counterfeited the good Countrymen with us, do feed us with a vain hope of peace, either by the way of Spain, or Almaigne, or by some other means? Hoping, that as already under colour of peace, they have divided the provinces of Artoys, and Haynault from us: so they will bring the like to pass amongst the other Provinces, that are yet at unity. But if those things which we learn by the confession of our enemies, aught to be taken for a truth: thou shalt know friendly Reader, by these Letters, that we may not any longer look for peace with the king of Spain, except we will yet suffer ourselves to be burnt. And therefore it remaineth that we make good provision to defend ourselves valiantly by all means possible, yea, to repulse the force that we see repairing for our ruin: Specially, if the Spaniards obtain the kingdom of Portugal. Which God forbid. Farewell. ❧ Copies of Letters of the Abbot of Marolles to the Cardinal Granuellan. The first Letter. MY Lord, within these four last months, I have written many Letters to your most honourable & reverend Lordship, the which I fear by reason of the great dangers of the ways, are not so soon come to your hands as I would wish. Because I have received no answer, but to those of the xxviij of january. I would not let slip the occasion thereof, for the understanding of the truth thereof, finding so 1 Not too sure for he was taken. sure a man as the Lord of Grobbendonk, sendeth into those parties, for his particular affairs: to write this also, and to send therewith the copy of the last Letter written the xvij. of this month: whereby your Lordship shall see the continuance of my writing from time to time, to this end, that in case I may understand the none receipt of my said former Letters: I might 2 The Abbot thinks, that the Cardinal keepeth a Register of his Letters because they are of so great substance, learning and eloquence. But he taketh not so much pains as to read them, having drowen out of the Abbot, the thing he pretended. also send after the Copies. Sithence my said last Letters we have received, understanding with great grief & marvel, the departing of the Lord of Aussi, from my Lord the Prince of Parma, to go and rejoin himself to the Prince of Orange: delivering into his hands withal, his Castle of Liekerk lez Aloste. Also the detaining of the Colonel De heze, and other partakers, whom my Lords of Risbourge and Mountigny have laid hold on: laying to their charge, that they would have wrought some treason, or slippery prank to the Camp, lying before Tournay, and that by the intelligence and subornation of the said Prince of Orange, they should have spoiled the principal heads of our said 3 The marquess of Risbourge & Montigny, accused him of an other matter, to wit, that he had intelligence with the Duke of Amon. Camp, and brought them by force to Tournay aforesaid, to the end to have sunk our Army afterward. I am so much astonished, that I know not what to say, seeing 4 You shall see an other manner of one: when the Conspiracies of the Monks with the Spaniards shall be discovered. this wickedness & lightness, which I fear much, will greatly diminish all our credits with his Majesty, (who I doubt not) will be highly offended therewith, and also augment his distrust, although the 5 Such as thou hast been. steadfast settled, and well resolved sort, ought not to suffer any thing therefore. I remember that I have by divers Letters represented like inconveniences to your most honourable Lordship, knowing the sleights and wiles of the said Prince, being so 6 Yet, thou thoughtest to be a more crafty Fox, when thou didst countermine with thy complices in the counsel of estate. And when under shadow of thy Ambassadorship, thou madest thy boasts with thy complices, to make him fall into the trap with, all the good countrymen, specially, those of the Religion. But God hath preserved them. subtle and such a Fox, and the inconstancy, & covetousness of some in the world: Quos merito leues judicare poteram habentes etiam 7 witnesses the four thousand ducats of Pension, that the Duke of Terra nova, hath promised thee. animam venalem. Whereunto great heed is to be taken. For they have, A dextris et a sinistris, great Factors, to wit, the 8 Wherefore then dost thou spread a rumour that he hath intelligence with the Pope, and the King of Spain. Duke of Alencon, & the said Prince, who accord together in nothing, but in making sharp war against the king of Spain our Lord & Master, to strip him of that is his. Howbeit, the overthrow of the Lord de La noue, lately happened in Flaunders, and the victory now newly won in Frizeland, upon the said Prince of Orange, his men endeavouring to hinder the succours of Groeninghen, will give great impediment to their desseins and purposes in this behalf. My Lord, I will pray the Creator to give unto your most honourable and reverend Lordship, a long & happy life, after I have saluted the good graces of the same, with my most humble recommendations. Beseeching your Lordship, withal, that the same would vouchsafe to present to his Majesty my Letters coming with these. Whereby I send unto the same, the continuance of my good will, and what hath passed touching my matter, the which I desire to be construed in good part. From Cullen, the xxv of june. 1580. Under was written. Your most honourable and reverend Lordships, most humble and obedient Orator. Frederick, Abbot of Marolles. The superscription was thus. To my Lord. My Lord the most honourable and reverend Cardinal Granuellan, etc. my most honourable Lord. ¶ To the Cardinal Granuellan. The second Letter. MY Lord, although by my three former Letters last sent to your most honourable, & reverend Lordship, the one of the first, the other of the twelve of April, and the last of the ten of May, (which I think are surely conveyed by the means of my Lord, the Duke of Terra Nova) I had sufficiently informed your honourable Lordship, in what state the affairs stand in these parties, yet would I not fail in my duty, to send unto the same again at this present, what hath passed: Albeit, that since my last Letters, there hath not happened any great change, saving the good victory that God hath given to the marquess of Risbourg, accompanied with the Albanoys & Walloons, who have surprised, overthrown, put to flight and dispersed the Prince of Oranges men being in Flaunders, under the leading & government of monsieur de La noue, a Frenchman, who with many of his men, was taken prisoner. The which in good sooth, is a very good gird given to the enemy, and will cool his courage from enterprising hereafter according to his former custom. I understand that a part of the glory of this victory may well be attributed to the said Albanoys, who by report played the men most valiantly. Notwithstanding this, we understand from Antwerp, that they do not 1 They have well showed it unto you, when they have taken two Towns by force, and cut in pieces your old company of blood. greatly quail at this overthrow, but with all fury prepare themselves to gather together their spoiled and dispersed men, and to make a new levy. Yea, and that they labour very diligently in their estates. De abnegando rege, et de transferendo imperio. As touching the matter of renouncing his Majesty, and declaring him to be fallen from his Rights: I understand they have already 2 Thou thyself hast been a hundred times of this opinion. resolved upon it, having taken a show and colour upon the person of the Duke of Alencon whom they fain, that they will adopt, giving to understand to the simple and unwise sort, that the assumption of the said Lord Duke, would cause a war against the Crown of France. Presupposing that the most Christian King his brother (giving unto him favour and support) would bend his forces upon Italy, Bourgundy, Haynault, and Artoys. And that by means thereof, the wars would be turned out of Flaunders, Brabant, and other Provinces that will not be reconciled. But knowing the subtylties and wiles of such as at this day are in credit amongst their Estates: I have always persuaded myself, that they will 3 The Monk thinketh that every man so dallyeth with Princes, as he hath done, denying thrice his Way: and selling his faith and honour, for the Abbay of S. Bartin, or a pension in steed thereof. set the said Duke in the field only for a shadow, that covering themselves with his cloak, they may the more easily attain to their pretended, and desired renunciation. Which obtained, 4 My Lord the Abbot shall not be called to this counsel. (using an other stratagem) they will bring into consideration, and deliberation, whether his person will be beneficial, and profitable for the Country. Not forgetting to set the pride and 5 Is there any greater lightness and inconstancy, then in my Lord the Abbot, and his complices? lightness of the Frenchmen as a counterweight, against the cruelty of the Spaniards. The small means and habillytie that he hath to secure the Countries, for as much as the Crown is not fallen unto him: and when he cometh to the same, that he will be too mighty a King, and too near a neighbour: and that so he might easily degenerate into tyranny, (whereof they call themselves great enemies, although by their 6 These abominable acts be, that they take heed that they be not betrayed and sold by these Gentlemen Abbots, who accustoming to sell their God in the Mass, make no scruple to sell men to establish their kettle. abominable acts, a man might judge them tyranny itself.) Therefore that it is in no wise, to be counseled to accept him for their King: They may also set in concurrence, to make a fair show of the matter, the Emperor, the Queen of England, and certain other Prince's neighbours, not forgetting (though he come last) the Prince of Orange. Then coming to the 7 This Monk judgeth all at his pleasure, of all the Princes of Christendom: as though he were our holy Father, and that he were their Schoolmaster. estimation of the merits of every of them, the Emperor will be found too weak, and too young, yea, suspected because he is a Catholic, and of the house of ostrich. The Queen of England scant capable, for that she is a Woman, and other Princes in no wise to be liked of. But having regard to the long experience of the Prince of Orange, to the great and honourable services by him done, for the recovering of the liberty of the Country, the restoring of the Privileges: By reason whereof, he hath been banished, deprived of his Estates, honours, and goods. Yea, they will not forget to place amongst his first quarters, and for the fairest part of his Arms, that he hath 8 This is as great an honour as can be. brought in and maintained, the 9 In deed it is new to the ears of these Asses and Colts, that never heard the voice of the Gospel. new Religion, whereof they are so desirous, and far in love with all. That therefore of due desert, he ought to be choose, elected, and accepted for King, giving reasonable contentation to the others. The which I see very likely to come to pass. If it be so: his Majesty shall thereby lose but the name among them, Ad tempus: For the Prince in effect is the same already. As for me, I say the same, that I have often repeated by my former Letters, that to have peace, it is 10 To deceive them. expedient to have more: or to make better war against them, than hath been made hitherto. Otherwise, one while they will be beaten: an other while they will beat. As we fall out by the overthrow abovesaid. And a little after by the reconquering of Diest, and Malines before. They of Cambray, Tournay, and Bonchaim, continue their excursions upon their neighbours, destroying the Country, so that every where is nothing to be seen but 11 This could not be seen without the treason of the heads and Magistrates of Artoys & Haynault, who have persuaded the poor people, that they would grant them peace, and in the mean while have plunged them in the whirl pit of all the miseries of the war, not regarding any other thing, saving to gain credit or recompense of the Spaniards, and their ministers, with the whole ruin of the people. misery and poverty. And it should be a godly deed to take heed aforehand, to other infinite evils that threaten us. As touching the last Letters, that it pleased your honourable Lordship to write unto me: I made my answer the x. of May: And amongst other things, showed unto the same my complaint and grief, that the Letter therein mentioned, which it had pleased his Majesty to write unto me, was not delivered to my hands: And am constrained to do the like again, for that I cannot yet recover the same. Wherefore I am in extreme sorrow, for that I know not the contents of it, nor can not order myself according to the same. Notwithstanding, I have received a Letter of the twenty of the month past, from my Lord, the Prince of Parma. Whereby he advertised me, that his Majesty had named me of his counsel of Estate. And that I should return into Haynault, to be assystant in the said Counsel in proper person. I have answered his excellency, that I will not fail to obey his commandment, to employ myself with heart and affection, to the serving of so principal a charge. But that by reason of the sickness of my Lady, the Duchess of Arschot: my Lord the Duke her husband could not so soon departed. Who hath often required me not to forsake him, but to stay for his going to re-enter into the Country together. Whereunto his said excellency, for 12 To have two at once. certain good respects hath condescended. And I will not fail to work all manner of forwardness at our said return, to procure in good earnest, with all sincerity and fidelity the restablishing of the affairs. And although I have understood, that touching the denomination of my Lord the Prelate of Saint Gertrude and me, there hath privily been moved some difficulty: Specially, by certain 13 One Traitor knoweth another very well. Ecclesiastical persons, suspecting, or wrongfully quarreling at our former actions, yet will not we therefore leave of to maintain ourselves in the order and degree, wherein it hath pleased his Majesty to set us for the fervent desire we have to do service to the same, as good and better than they, & that we will not yield or give place to such persons, jealous of our prosperity. Hoping that our behaviours shallbe such as God, his Majesty, the Country, Cobrethrens, & others shall receive acceptable service thereby. In this behalf, my Lord, I will recommend myself, to your most honourable & reverend Lordships good grace, praying that it may please the same to make me partaker of his majesties good grace. Whereunto to my great grief, I cannot write, for that hitherto I could not recover his Letters. Wherefore I desire to be excused. From Cullen, this xvij of june. 1580. Under was written. Your most honourable and reverend Lordships, most humble Orator. And signed. Frederick Abbot of Marolles. ❧ A Copy of the Letters of the Abbot of Marolles, to the King. The third Letter. sovereign Lord. WHereas I have by divers Letters, given advertisement to your Majesty, that I desired nothing more, then to have the mean to yield all manner of obedience, and do most humble service to the same in whatsoever it should vouchsafe to command me: As being of a most prompt and ready will to render my dutiful endeavour of fidelity and naturallitie. Besides that, I have also given a more particular account of my good 1 That is to say, of my treasons. For being Ambassador to the States. I would with others like unto me, have enducet them under colour of ● peace, to have let themselves to have been deceived. intentions, to my Lord the Duke of Terra Nova, being in this City of Cullen, who at his departure had assured me, that your Majesty should be advertised thereof, to give me understanding of the noble pleasure of the same. Yet notwithstanding I have not hitherto, to my unspeakable grief, been honoured with any 2 The Spaniards love treason, but no traitors. commandments by Letter, nor otherwise. By means whereof, I am, and have been in great perplexity, having stayed in this City 3 You mu●● say your Matins, & sing Mass every day. idle, since the departing of the said Lord, 4 Why go you not then to rule your Monks, who will find you enough to do? But my Lord Abbot rather meddleth with matters of Estate, and of the Court then to feed his Hogs, Secundum illud ne Clerici se immisceant negotijs secularibus. For that I knew not whereabout to employ myself, for want of charge or commission. Howbeit, the twenty of the month past, I received Letters from my Lord the Prince of Parma: whereby he advertised me, that it had pleased your Majesty, to name me of his Counsel of 5 It must needs be that the Estate is well governed, for that frocked Monks govern the same according to the old proverb. Since decrees had wings, and sergeants carried mails, and Monks went a horseback: The world had nothing but all evil. Estate. And that I should transport myself immediately into Haynault, to assist there in my proper person. Whereat I rejoiced greatly, understanding that 6 His Majesty is ignorant of it. But the Prince of Parma, upon his blanks assigned, writeth what he listeth. your Majesty had not forgotten his so humble a 7 Chaplain & Orator for the care he hath of his Chapel, and to say continual prayers. Chaplain and Orator, wholly dedicated to his service, honouring him with so principal an Estate. For which I most humbly thank the same: assuring your Majesty that I will not fail, according to my dutiful power, with all 8 Such as thou hast yielded to Don john, and since to my Lord the Duke of Anjou, & lastly to my Lord the Archduke. Whose Almonens thou hast been, and forsaken them all three. fidelity and integrity, to do my duty in the same charge. And will procure the 9 My Lord Abbot, we will take heed of you, and such as you are. reducing of the Provinces, Cities, Commonalties, and particular persons, with all my possibillytie, that all things may in short time be 10 It should be better for my Lord Abbot to reduce himself and his Monks, to some good order and discipline. set again in good order: for the better ordering of the affairs in the service of God, your Majesty, and the Country. Being most sorry that God hath not endued me with 11 Certainly you have great cause to be sorry therefore. For you have great need of the same, lest you be beguiled by the Spaniards, who will mock you as they have done others, as is to be seen by the example of the prisoners even to the most simple Gentlemen of these Countries, of the which they redeem not one. But as for the Italians and Albanoys, which are better for the Spaniards, they leave them not in prison. greater sense and experience, that I might be more able and fit, to exercise the same charge with greater worthiness. Nevertheless, I will spare neither pains nor travail, to attain to the premises. And would not for all that, willingly give place to any other whatsoever he were, that he could truly vaunt, that he would more 12 Thy actions past, give good witness of thy fidelity, the belly of thy plains, and the flock of thy frankness. frankly, faithfully, and plainly, employ himself in the same then I: Although I understand that certain persons. 13 To wit the Abbot of Hannon with his train, according to the nature of the Monks, which do always grunt one against an other, as a drove of Hogs. jealous of my good luck, and enemies of my prosperity, would have impugned the said denomination, and my Lord the Prelate of Saint Gertrudes, synisterly quarreling, and interpreting our actions passed. Wherein they show themselves 14 Then it is a sign that what thou hast done heretofore, hath been but feigning and treason. unadvised, and too full of passions: for as much as all that we did, was by their express charge. It being very unseemly for them, that they would 15 See how these hogs can one no more than an other, cleanse themselves of their filthiness. clear them selves, to cast the fault upon others: Considering that by the rule of equity, no man is to be received to accuse an other, himself being guilty of the same matter. And for that by the 16 He confesseth himself with the rest, to have been faulty, and to have stood in need of grace. monsieur the Monk saith well, that he repenteth of his offences. But he will receive no disciplin● and maintaineth that there is great reward due unto him for the good services that he hath done. So shameless and impudent he is. clemency of your Majesty, all matters passed are forgotten, it is impertinent to enter into contention, upbraiding, or any sifting with us, which were but their associates. Otherwise, if there should question be had for the narrow examination of their behaviours: and all be interpreted to the worst, they would not be found clear. For if we have done amiss, they have commanded us otherwise then they ought to have done. It were best to set all these reproaches aside, and to study in good sadness, how to set up that which is fallen down, and procure by good unanimytie, and mutual assistance, the redressing of matters, in acknowledging our God, our King, and our Law. Which for mine own part I am determined to do, maintaining myself in that 17 My Lord Abbot will forget neither his ambition nor covetousness. degree of honour, wherein it hath pleased your Majesty to place me. For that I will neither yield nor give place unto them: for they have no occasion to be at debate with me. Saving for that I would not agree to their particular appointment, having judged it too burdensome, and 18 He betrayeth his companions, accusing them to the Spaniards. disaduantagious to your Majesty. And that the fruit by them promised, would not come thereof. But that it were better to take pain, to come to a general Peace. And I think that I have not thereby deserved to be 19 This Monk will become a soldier, or peradventure he feareth to be turned out of his frock, as he hath been put beside the mitre of S. Bartin: for these be the Arms he speaketh of, and his honour is to be first set at the table and counsel, and to have the Kitchen well furnished and the Kettell full. disgraded of Arms and Honour. For your Majesty may now easily see, and the events will more plainly declare, what is to be hoped thereby, and what foundation may be laid with personages, which 20 See here how these good servants of the King agree together, & what the Towns of Haynault & Artoys ought to expect at the hands of so good proctor's of their own cause, seeing that without any lymitation or restraint, they mean to put them in subjection to the yoke of the Spaniards, with the prize that these Gentlemen Abbots, may save their goods and credit with the king. Note also, how the peace of Artoys will be interpreted by the spaniards, seeing their own Abbots make so goodly gloss upon the some. lymitte the authority of the same, after their own discretion: and will be seeking rather to advance their particular affairs, then to maintain either the Catholic 21 Universal particular. romish Religion, or the authority of your Majesty. And that if matter fall not out according to their pleasures: they might draw men to wickedness at every hour (the examples are already at the gate,) in doing more disseruise in a day: then all this appointment would bring profit to the same in a whole year. And because some of them know, that I will 22 He will be still unfaithful to his own, to get the good will of the spaniards. hide nothing, and know their deserts, and valours well enough, they love not to have me admitted into the said Counsel: Meaning themselves, to govern every thing after their own fashion. Your Majesty will ordain in that behalf, as by his provident discretion, the same shall judge most convenient, for his better service. Expecting the commandment of the same, I will go into Haynault, to my Lord, the Prince of Parma, so soon as my Lord the Duke of Arschotte may departed from Aixe, after my Lady his Wife shall recover her health, to dispose myself, according to his commandment. And to set myself in actual service, as well to preserve the authority of your Majesty (which otherwise, both now and hereafter, might receive great diminution and hurt:) As to save mine honour. For otherwise, I might be declared 23 Thou art infamous enough, without other declaration. infamous, and unworthy to receive any benefit of your Majesty. 24 To wit. In case we have nothing to assuage his ambition and covetousness. He had rather become a Chaplain and bondman. Note the great humility of this good Monk. Were it not for that, I would desire nothing more than that I might retire into my 25 Thou shouldest have been there, to have been lead to Boncham, with the Lord of sells. little Monastery of Marolles, to my Cobrethrens, to serve God in rest of body and mind: being sequestered and delivered from all public affairs. hereupon I will pray the Creator, to grant your Majesty, in prosperity and health, a long and happy life: Kissing the hands of the same, in saluting the good graces thereof, with my most humble recommendations. From Cullen the xxv of june. 1580. Under was written in this manner. Your majesties most humble and most obedient servant and Orator. signed. Frederick Abbot of Marolles. The superscription was thus. To the King. ¶ The translation of the Letters of jasper Schets, Lord of Grobbendonk: Written in Latin to the Precedent Fonck. The fourth Letter. I Will not declare in words, (albeit I might very well) the singular joy that I received, when I understood that your Lordship had so prosperous sailing from France, that the same arrived within three days at the port of Larede in Spain, referring the judgement thereof unto you, 1 Note the great friendship of these good men. For according to the old proverb: Like will to like. according to the mutual friendship that is between us. But it liketh me very well, to imagine that the most honourable Cardinal your Patron, hath not only very courteously: But also with gratulation received you. Seeing that by his last Letters to me written, he signified unto me, that with a fervent desire he had long looked for you, in hope that you would unburden, and discharge him of some part of his labours: admonishing me also, that the care of my business should be committed unto you: Then the which nothing more joyful or acceptable, could be brought unto me for news. For I have set all my hope in your benevolence only. It remaineth now, that your Lordship show yourself unto me in effect the same, that you have steadfastly promised to me. Ye have also my Supplication 2 To wit, to demand money. that I delivered unto you at your departing: you have the Articles of my petitions. I think you yet remember some of those things which I declared unto you by word of mouth. Therefore I thought it not convenient to be tedious unto you, with any long repartition of the same matters. Howbeit I thought it not altogether superfluous, briefly to admonish you of it by the way, to the end that you should not forget me. I think also that the Duke 3 As long then as the Duke of Terra Nova, was at Cullen, the faithful Schetz, who was Deputy to the States, solicited his own affairs, yea, with their most great enemy, and studied to betray the States. of Terra Nova will be present, who hath very liberally promised me his favour, as well in his absence by Letters: as in presence by word of mouth. And certainly he may in this behalf, by his intercession, help and advance, the good affection that you bear unto me, and make the same more effectual and of greater efficacy. I hold myself assured that you who are such excellent patrons, not only for the affection which you bear me, but also by the authority that you have with the King: will help and assist me your Client, altogether depressed and brought low by the general injuries of the time, and the particular malice of mine enemies: to the end, that at the least, being discharged of my debts, which I have run and entered into, not by reason of my accounts, or particular necessities: But by doing my ready service in all things to the 4 At the same time that being here, he falsely feigned & dissembled whatsoever they would wish at his hands. King: I might hereafter provide for my children that they fall not into extremity, and so with a settled & quiet mind, consecrate the rest of my life unto 5 To wit, to Vertune and Mercury, as he is accustomed. For the good man careth not whether God be honoured or not. God: or if it shall please his Majesty to employ me in his service: that then I might more promptly and cheerfully, (so far as my age will suffer) execute the duty of my office. But that can not be effected, except his Majesty give earnest and strait commandment, that I may be paid without delay, whatsoever shall appear upon the due rendering of my accounts, to be due unto me. The which how it may most conveniently be accomplished: I think I have set down in my said Supplication. Others that have served the King a long time, waxing rich, accustom to be careful, and procure that they may be honoured and increased, with titles of honour and great benefits, 7 Yet so it is, that being not content with thy fortune, how prosperous so ever it were: Thou hast by Usury aspired to govern the King's Coffers. serving as it were for recompenses and thanksgiving for their rewards. But as for 6. me, I have reaped thus much of all my continual service for thirty years, or thereabouts, that I find that I have not lost my goods only, but mine honour also. Certainly, I feel at this present more want of money, than ever before. By reason of my hard Fortune, and my Creditors perceiving it, I find them more rigorous and hasty with me, than they were wont to be. For which cause, I will esteem it as a gracious good turn: if that which upon the just casting up of my accounts, is manifestly found to be due unto me, be paid to my hands, or at the very lest, that the debt may be assigned with such assurance, that with all by this sufficient caution my Creditors being pacified, may cease from troubling me. Yet notwithstanding, I sollycite not this with such scrupulosity that I would, make any difficulty to receive, or neglect any good 7 For covetousness is unsatiable. benefice which might be offered unto me by so great and mighty a Prince. But for that I desire principally before all other things, to be released and freed from this trouble and tediousness. Wherefore at the last I shall desire your Lordship to procure me to be enroled amongst them that have deserved to taste of the king's beneficence and lyberallytie, when occasion shall serve thereto. But my chief desire is that the same may be bestowed upon my children, whom I have of purpose caused to be trained up in such instructions and learning, that they should grow to be apt and fit to serve, as well Royal and public affairs, as also Ecclesiastical dignities. Some of them there be, that I have destined & appointed to the 8 To wit, to transfer to their own uses great Revenues, pertaining to the poor. For this is the Religion of spain and the duty they do to the Church. Church, and which towardly frame themselves to adorn and advance the same, as appertaineth. I have others very fit for any manner of Offices whatsoever they be. All the which I recommend to your Lordship, as a principal friend, to the end that they may be further recommended. I will use no more words unto you, referring all other matters to my Letters the last of March, the .v. of April, and the twenty of May also: all the which I think were in Spain before your Lordship, wherein I then briefly comprehended the course of all that hath passed here, since your departing. The aid so long solicited and demanded, is sent to Groeninghen at last, & that verily by the diligence of our 9 He would say, Buffo, to wit, a Toad, who under colour of Ambassadorshyppe, hath wickedly spread his poison against his most innocent Country. Bucho, rather than by the solicitation of the king's 10 What will the Prince of Parma say to that? Who careth not for any thing that may aid the Country, so that he procure the kingdom of Portugal for him and his? counsel of Estate. The said Bucho hath so handled the matter, that either without any, or at the least with a very small expense of the kings money. He hath caused a just army to be levied, & brought over the Rhyne, after that about six hundred horsemen, sent from the Prince of Parma for aid, were joined to the footmen, which had sojourned a good while about the same river, but only putting them in hope to receive two months pay here. And albeit they be disappointed 11 Behold the fair promises, wherewith they have hitherto fed the poor Malcontents. thereof, yet having passed the Rhyne with the rest, they have made haste in marching together with such diligence, that having passed over all the rivers, where there was any danger: It is thought that they be already safely entered into Frizeland. In deed there ran a rumour, that the Prince of Orange would give them impediment: but besides rumours, nothing else is yet 12 Count not your Chickens before they be hatched. heard of▪ Saving that certain Ships of war, which peradventure were sent to that effect & came too late, presented themselves before this Town. The which after they had stayed here a certain time, having commandment to departed: it is uncertain whether they have sailed. In the mean space we hope that the issue of the expedition will be prosperous, taking this for a good presage, that the Frizelanders at the only report of their coming, began to be more intentive & careful how to run away: then to stand to their defence. Further, they of Groeninghen, since the death of Bartholomew Ente, slain in an excursion, who was in a manner the principal leader of the enemies, have taken courage. Your Lordship very well knowing the situation and importance of that Country, understanding aswell with how great hope such as bear good affection to his Majesty, do now rejoice. Who by reason of Diest, lately occupied again by the Statesmen; are tormented with a new doubtfulness & fear, for that they perceive that Louvain thereby standeth in emynent & present danger, with all the Country of Brabant: which the Prince of Orange would have had ere this, if Bolseduke had not given impediment thereto. The report goeth, that the Abbot of S. Gertrude, with his presence, maintaineth & keepeth the men of the same Town in their duties: who I think is not exempt from fear, while he considereth with himself, that all the King's men by such news of the taking of Towns, lose courage, & wax faint, for 13 Behold the prodigious and monstrous richeses, whereby they promised to defend themselves, without the charging of the inhabitants of Artoys and Haynault. great scarcity of money. For want of money, giveth pretence to negligence & wicked dealing, & turneth from the ways of dutifulness, the minds of all such as remain in so doubtful an estate: I know too well, that the war of Portugal consumeth the Treasure & Revenues, and that it is not possible for them to furnish all necessities. 14 Schetz, hath in all respects, a Spanish mind: to wit, swelling and proud For that he thinketh th●t so flourishing a kingdom may be so easily overcome. But I am of this opinion, that it were expedient to take some order in it quickly, or that it had been better never to have been 15 For the war ought not to be tyrannously moved, & against the privileges of Portugal, by the enemy the Spaniard. enterprised. The event of this war is of great importance, for our affairs in these quarters. Wherefore I beseech your Lordship, that the same would vouchsafe to write unto me how the matter standeth, concerning the same war. And if after the end thereof, there should be want of courage, or mean to achieve our matters in good order: I fear that I shall one day see those things set forth too late, which in fit and convenient time to conclude Peace, peradventure have been too hardly denied. I will not deny, but that the exercise of divers Religions is very unconvenient, in a well ordered common wealth, as the most honourable Cardinal hath 16 But if thou speakest from thy heart, thou thinkest thy Cardinal very unwise for suggesting such foolish counsel to his King. wisely admonished me. But all men, specially these that are amongst these troubles, are persuaded that the thing ought to be 17 To wit, till they shall find occasion fit to destroy us. tolerated sometimes, which cannot 18 For they reserve that which should be consumed afterward, for the hot iron. immediately be amended. And that it is requisite to avoid the greater inconuenientes, with suffering the lesser, although that they which be far of, and no séeers of the evils, but hearers only: are not of the same opinion. To whom these words of the comical Poet, might fitly be objected. If thou were in my case, thou wouldst be of an other mind▪ But that I may make an end, I beseech your Lordship to procure that we fail not in our duties, namely, to make Peace by what means so ever, or to make war. Fearing lest we do that too late, which ought to be effected in convenient tyme. Of all ancienty, the house of ostrich hath been blamed with this spot, that it hath accustomed to apply remedy 19 But now they of ostrich, although it be very late, give no remedy. too late to the evils thereof. For the which cause it is expedient that your Lordship, by your counsels prevent that the king stumble not again at the same Rock. At this present there is a treaty at Antwerp, touching the renunciation of the King, and the accepting of Alencon: but as far as I hear, the voices neither condescend, nor agree together in so wicked a cause. 20 Whether these deviners be true, the effect in the end shall declare. All men for the most part presage that, by procuring the abjuration of the King aforehand, the way is opened and prepared for the Prince of Orange. Howsoever it be, these counsels are dangerous, and the King ought to have great regard to the same. We lose that is ours more lightly (although unjustly,) than we recover the same (albeit justly.) But here I will cease, heartily recommending myself to your Lordship, to the which God grant prosperity. Dated at Cullen, the xvi of june. 1580. AFter I had written this Letter, 21 Here it may be seen how long the Abbot hath been a Traitor. the Abbot of Marolles being by chance then present, moved through my example, said that he would also write to your Lordship. And therewithal hath caused me to remember, to recommend unto you 22 The Abbot hath a principal care of this: To wit, the good father is inflamed with the love of the Church. his matter, touching the Pension of S. Bertin. I think you have in remembrance as being in the same company, when we were here together, that the same was promised unto him. And that you are not ignorant how much good faith is worth. Therefore for as much as promise hath been performed with him, touching the kings denomination of him, to be in the counsel of Estate. It seemeth also to be very expedient that the like were done concerning his Pension. And therefore I recommend him to your Lordship as much as is possible. Wishing to the same again good health and prosperity. The year place and day abovesaid. This is the copy of my last Letter written to your Lordship, which I thought good to copy out and send, if perchance by the injury of the time, it might so fall out, that the Letters were intercepted. From Cullen the xxvi of june. 1580. Most affectionate to your Lordship, jasper Schetz. To the reverend and most honourable Lord, john Fonke, provost of Saint Marie at Cullen, Counsayller to the Catholic kings Majesty. ¶ To the same Lord. The fifth Letter. IT is not possible for me (most honourable Lord Precedent (to express the desire that I have at this present, to receive Letters from you, the which might in a manner set before me both commodities and inconveniencies, together with the congratulation of your welcome to the Court. To this end, that I might seem as it were to talk with my friend, as much as is possible for one that is absent. The which in these most miserable troubles, might somewhat comfort a man that remaineth in perplexity. For I have not yet left this exile of Cullen, because I could not hitherto set my affairs in such order as I might make them sure, The goods of Schetz have been the only cau●● of his dissimulation. from the confiscation of the adversaries, notwithstanding that I have assayed all means possible thereunto, my enterprises being always hindered by delays, proceeding of the injury of the tyme. Where as many others thereby seek their gain, and in like manner stir & move from day to day, one while, one thing, & an other while an other thing. It is to be lamented, that thou wast not fallen before upon a very hangman in deed. Who with a halter might have stopped the way of all thy treasons. My executioner Fleming, hath showed himself openly abroad again, who always lying in wait for my life & honour, at this present taking occasion by the time is reported to use marvelous practices against me, thinking that he may with better success, use his wiles and deceypts against me that am absent, and have evil will there: and peradventure he will obtain what he list at the hands of the judges that wish me all evil. What have the judges more to do against a Traitor that confesseth his offence? And if it fortune that he work many dommages against me, at the least: he shall deliver me from this exile, unloosing the fetters wherewith I am in this place detained. I expect good news from your Lordship, of the King's benevolence, and answer touching my petitions, to the end that at the very lest, being discharged of my debts: I may more patiently suffer the rest of the injuries of fortune, and of my tormenter Fleming. I will no longer keep your lordship occupied with my particular callamyties, I will speak of matters pertaining to the common wealth. And this man who was sent by the States to treat the Peace: played an honest man's part. Touching the prosperous success in Frizeland: My Lord the Provost Aytta writeth it. To whom as I yield the office of writing, so I attribute unto him the glory, & dexterity of that is done. Without all doubt he hath done a great 2 piece of work: which your lordship should not forget. 2. To wit, a notable great Treason. It is not yet time to sing the triumph, for the matter is not yet in any wise finished. A great praise of Cullen that hath so many good Citizens, and lovers of equity. For he hath not achieved a work of so great importance, without expenses and peril, to the great grief of all such as favour the adversary. Of the which there is a great number in this City, as your lordship well knoweth. What profit will come thereby to the kings men, the time will teach? For if the Governors in Frizeland do their duties, Where are the mountains of gold that you promised to the Melcontents? and that we fall not wholly into contempt, through lack of money: Many presage, that a more happy proceeding of the war will succeed this victory, and that in the end, 3 Miserable Prophets who might see by the former wars, upon how frail a foundation they are stayed. holland may be brought in subjection. But this scantness of 4 Where are the Millions wherewith the Malcontents should be stored? money, doth at this present press us in such sort, that the Duke of Parma Governor, as an idle person, sitting at the Stern, is driven to commit the Ship to the winds. So slowly the war goeth forward. And by means thereof, the minds of such as have over showed themselves scant of a constant disposition, are brought to waver. As for example, the Lord of Aussi, is again revolted to the States, I know not well other wise for what occasion: leaving his wife at Alost, who feigning herself angry with her Husband, (as it is reported) went about to betray the Town also to the States: the Lord de Heze, being of the same conspiracy of the which she is kept prisoner at Alost. And de Heze, when the treason that he pretended 1 But the marquess and Montigny, accuse de Heze, by their Letters written to the States of Haynault & Arroys, that he would have delivered cassel to the Duke of Amon. to execute against the marquess of Richbourghe was discovered, being apprehended by the same marquess was sent prisoner to Mons in Haynault. With whose captivity, many of the principal Soldiers of his Regiment, being moved, fled to Tournay. The report goeth, that these were solliceted by the Duke of Alencon, and overcome by promises to attempt the enterprise, by the counsel of the Prince of Orange. And it is well known that he which kept a Garrison in cassel a Town of Flaunders, by the preferment of the Lord de Montigny, was of the same conspiracy. Who therefore (as it is said) was set upon in the plain field, by certain Cornets of Horses overcome, and 2 But the same man perceiving your disloyalty and treason, hath joined himself to good men, and peradventure ye shall feel him alive one day, killed in fight: and so cassel (which the adversaries thought they had holden already in their hands) was preserved for the king. These news will seem very strange to your Lordship, as well as to me. But I think it a matter of destiny, that Heze and 3 Behold the rewards of those that are revolted to the enemies, who care not for the prisoners, according to the Spanish fashion. The which is experimented, not only by Elimes, but also by Egmont, the which only cause sufficiently purgeth the said be jussi from crime, in that he hath followed better counsel. Elimes his lieutenant, receive the salary of their Acts. I think also your Lordship hath still in remembrance, that de Aussi first brought the Prince of Oranges soldiers into Flaunders, all the whole Counsel being against it, and how he cleared his doing with 4 But de Aussi says thou liest. false Letters. Such rewards are meet for such deeds. Amongst the which 5 Let the Malcontents judge hereby what they are to look for. Fresin also for his vehemency, wherewith he was at the first so hot against the king, is peradventure taxed to have wrought some thing. And I think no less will one day befall to his brother monsieur de Loyns●, who depriveth the King of Cambray. I am sorry only for this, that the nobillytie of our nation, will be noted and accused of unfaithfulness, in Spain, and all other Countries, by reason of these Metamorphosies. 6 He will beware of your treasonn. But it is expedient for your Lordship to do this duty to your Country, that the dispositions of those that have been the workers of these things may be noted and discerned, for fear lest the offence of such manner of men, which are but a few and most light, Countrymen, you see all hope of peace taken from you, except the Friars be kindled again and the Spanish Inquisition established. defile not all others with infamy. Further, seeing we must have war, for that there remaineth no hope to conclude Peace, by suffering the exercise of a strange Religion, God grant it may be ordered with less cost, and more profit than it hath been hitherto. Which in my judgement will be brought to pass, if there be as many soldiers enroled as the money will suffice to pay, lest for want of payment troubles arise. Secondly, that Colonels & captains be taken and chosen, Ye see Countrymen, what manner of moderators of peace ye have had: is not this as much as to commit the sheep to the wolf? with singular discretion, who are neither raunsackers nor cowards. We have here the Earl of Swartzenberg, whom your Lordship knoweth. He seemeth unto me worthy to be recommended and preferred for his lyberallytie, magnanymitie, and honourable representation of body, and household government, whereby he keepeth all his retynew in their duties. Whereunto is to be added his great kindred that he hath in Germany, the acquaintance and friendship in a manner of all the Princes, without forgetting the experience that he hath gotten by the affairs, wherein he hath been a dealer. Whom lately in famylliar talk I found very ready, and inclined to serve the King. Wherefore, thinking that he is able to do more than Focre, now deceased, or Fraunsberghe at this present altogether weakened, & without force, Fraunsberghe and Pouluyller, have gotten great glory at the hands of the Spanished sort. For that they have quitted themselves so well in spoiling the low Countries. or Pouluiller regarding all things less than money: I have by his own consent declared his mind, to the most honourable Cardinal. And I can not refrain myself from recommending the same matter unto you, not so much in respect that the said Earl is my friend: as for that in my judgement, it would greatly redound to the profit of his Majesty. I beseech your Lordship, to obtain me answer in this behalf, to the end I may not keep the honourable man's mind long in suspense. God grant you the advancement of your enterprises, to your contentment. A diew. The feast of S. john Baptist, at Cullen. 1580. ¶ The said Earl will keep a certain matter, that he hath to treat with the Emperor, in suspense. Until he receive answer from the King. Therefore I beseech your Lordship to urge the same. Affectionate, and ready to do service to your Lordship. jasper Schetz. To the reverend and honourable lord john Foncke, etc. ¶ Certain other Copies of Letters of the Abbot of Marolles: To the Precedent Foncke. The sixth Letter. MY Lord, supposing that ye are already arrived in Spain, I would not be behind with my duty, to congratulate your prosperous arrival, & to say the Proficiat, of the Estate that his Majesty hath vouchsafed to honour you withal Beseeching God it may be to his honour, Et ad multos annos. 1 The Abbot was already a Traitor. For performance of that I made unto you, when ye departed hence, to advertise you from time to time of the state of our affairs. May it please you to understand first of all, that since that time there hath not happened any great alteration, either good or bad, saving that according to the uttermost of all worldly affairs, 2 But lost a great deal more than they have won: by witness of the good Towns we have taken. sometimes his majesties men have triumphed, and otherwiles have lost: 3 Such as are good to maintain the Spanish tyranny. The good persevere to procure the restablishing of the affairs. But the necessity that they suffer through want of money, suffereth not that they can execute their good intentions. 5 Where is the treasure of Peru, that they promised. The wicked wax obstinate more and more, preparing themselves with all fury, to offensive and defensive war. And though they have been well gauled in Flaunders: and their principal Captains, as the 6 Master Monk, ye have no cause to be so joyful. For in steed of one prisoner of ours, we have three of yours. Lord de La noue, and other taken prisoners. Nihil tamen sunt mutati ab illis, sed potius facti deteriores et 7 Better resolved than that they will sell▪ their liberty and Country, for the spaniards rewards. obstinatiores, tantum abest, ut cum piscatore icti sapiant, imò nunc seriò videntur egisse de abnegando rege et transferendo imperium in 8 Note, that the Abbot counseled this an infinite many of times, when the time served not. But what else may be looked for at a Monk's hands, that have no other God but his belly. Alansonium: Sed, ni fallor, quidquid dicant aut pretexant, credo sterni Auriaco viam. Quod si fit, mutatio parva erit aut paene nulla, quia propter ipsorum dicere aut nominare, nihill mutabitur in re. I have written mine opinion in that matter to my Lord the Cardinal: And see to my great grief, that their obstinacy, will cause the whole ruin and destruction of our Country. And that this war will be of long continuance, with great charges, and small profit. For the feats 9 The Monk speaketh like a brave warrior, to maintain his fleshpot. of Arms must be better ordered to get the victory, or more must be granted for the conclusion of Peace. The men of Cambray, Tournay, and Bouchain, make war according to their custom, destroying the Country, to the great displeasure & detriment of the 10 Who feel the smart of the folly of their Governors and wicked Magistrates. poor people. The Prince of Espinoy hath accepted the office of General. monsieur de Ainsy, and they of Cambray. jurarunt in verba Alencon. So 11 By your infidelity and treason. all goeth amiss. I beseech you my Lord to vouchsafe, by your wisdom and discretion to inform his Majesty: in what state at this present, the affairs in these parties remain, exhorting him to follow the healthsome ways of mildness and clemency, 12 As appeareth by the continuance of the wars, he maketh with all extremity against his own subjects. which he hath heretofore taken, and inclining him rather to Peace, then to war. Nam adhuc grandis restat via, quia illud vere quadrat in eos quod sole vulgo dici, uno salus victis nullam sperare salutem. I think you were a good while, ere this advertised of our loss of Malines. And also that the Town of Diest was surprised in these days. 13 Here he calleth us overcome, and before h● said, that they have not yet got the match. So he singeth a triumph before the victory. Which will fall out very evil for the poor Town of Louvain. These be 14 Events of the war nay, rather fruits of your folly, which causeth this war, under colour of Peace. , events of the war: And till there be some mean found to establish an assured Peace, each party must prepare himself to beat, and be beaten. Touching mine own 15 Which my Lord Abbot preferreth before the common wealth. particular affairs, I recommend them unto you, as to him that knoweth my 16 These services are secret services, that by their right named are called Treason & Felony, committed against his country, & against three Princes, whose Almo 〈◊〉 he hath been one after an other. services & good will, hoping that by your means that which hath been freely 17 The Abbot, then while he named himself Ambassador to the States, had created with the enemies, being overcome by such promises, as are advantageable to his fleshpotte. promised me by the Duke of Terra Nova, shall be ratified unto me by his Majesty. For a beginning whereof, I have had some experience already, having received understanding within these few days, by Letters from my Lord the Prince of Parma, that his said Majesty had vouchsafed, to name me one of his Counsel of Estate, (notwithstanding, that there was a difficulty raised, by some of mine adversaries of 18 The Abbot of Hannon, as honest a man as he of Marolles: So one Wolf will city an other. mine own profession, whom I esteem little or nothing,) which bringeth me in hope, that in short time shall be given unto me, the assygnification of the Pension of 19 See that all is done for money, and according to the ordinary trade of Monks. Metuo danaos et dona ferentes. three thousand ducats, that the said Lord the Duke promised me, for giving over mine action, touching the Abbay of Saint Bertin. Besides the absolute forsaking of the administration that I had by the charge & ordinance of the general Estates. Whereunto I beseech you to lay to your good helping hand. Which shall make me héeafter 20 20. Note, that money maketh him willing to serve the King according to that: Curio romana non querit oves sine lana. more willing to procure the service of his Majesty and the Country, and bind men to do you all the service that is possible for me. herewith my Lord, I will end this present Letter, with my most humble recommendations to your good grace. Beseeching the Creator, to grant you a prosperous and long life. From Cullen, the xvij of june. 1580. Under was written. Your Lordship's obedient Orator. Under signed. Frederick Abbot of Marolles. ❧ An other. The seventh Letter. MY Lord, fearing lest my Letters were intercepted by the way, I would not let slip by this 1 It was not too sure for thanks be to God by this mean the Rosepot was found out. assured mean of my Lord of Grobbendonkes man, to send you a copy of my former Letters: whereby your Lordship may see what was then passed in these quarters worthy of advertisement: and also to give you to understand at this present, the strange Metamorphosies happened here sithence, by the inconstancy of Malcontents, who are become evil mamnered. I mean the 2 They have seen with their eyes, in what a whirl pit, they were plunged by the false persuasions of certain Monks. Lords of Heze, de Auxi, and their associates, as my Lord of Grobbendonck, hath written at large unto your lordship. But the victory miraculously happened within these few days to our men, against the Rebels, and Earl of holach with his men, endeavouring to stop the succours of Groeninghen (that you had so 3 Flattery for the Malcontents of Frizeland, complain above all things that they had no help from them of the Counsel. carefully and dilygently procured, whilst you were in this City) causeth the loss of these personages to be forgotten. Specially, for that the said de Heze, & certain Captains prisoners. And as the said Lord Grobbendonk informed me, he advertised your Lordship of the same: whereunto I refer myself. Beseeching you to be a mean that his said Majesty by this occasion, withdraw not his 4 He should say, deceiving. merciful hand, nor distrust his good 5 As is this master Monk, who in hope to become rich, hath forsaken but three or four times the Princes, to whom he was bound by oath. And in the end betrayed the States of his Country, being sent as their Ambassador. steadfast, and constant vassals: who by good reason are most sorry for this fowl and untolerable fault. Further recommending, after the public, my small particular affairs. With thus much, my Lord I pray God grant you a long & happy life, with my most humble recommendations to your good lordship's grace. I write at this present to his Majesty, what hath passed touching my denomination in the Counsel of Estate. Being sure that my Letters will come to your hands. I pray you vouchsafe to give good interpretation to the same, and to add of your own thereto, what you think may serve to my intention: which is no other, but to further the service of his Majesty, to save his Authority, and my honour. From Cullen, this xxv of june. 1580. Your lordship's obedient Orator, to do you service. signed, Frederick, Abbot of Marolles. The superscription was. To my Lord, my Lord Fonck, Precedent in Spain, of his majesties Counsel, for the affairs of Flaunders, My good Lord. A Copy of the Letter of the Lord of Grobbendonck. To Cardinal Granuellan. The eight Letter. MY Lord, although I have not presently any Letter of your most honourable Lordships to make answer unto. But myself, expect answer to those letters which I have written: Yet for all that, seeing a matter of importance offered for the service of his Majesty, I could not stay myself from writing. And therefore, whereas since my last Letter, I thought more narrowly upon the contents of your Lordship's last Letter, 1 We believe now, that no Prince can procure us peace, unless it be with the rooting out of the Religion. For the Cardinal being chief of the Counsel, knoweth the kings meaning well enough. whereby the same discourseth unto me the exercise of two sundry Religions cannot be tolerated, where men pretend to have unity and tranquilytie, referring yourself to the 2 The answer should be seen proving the contrary. declarations made in that respect, by the States of the Duchy of Burgundy. I was moved to say unto your Lordship hereby, that I perceive very well by such speech, that his majesties meaning is, not to grant any more in the cause of Religion, then hath been already agreed upon. And 3 It is very rightly concluded. consequently seeing Peace can not be concluded, without a further grant that his Majesty must 4 Therefore we also must resolve the like, & seek all means to defend ourselves without spending any more time about treaties, full of deceit. resolve to make war, to 5 Note, how these good Ministers presuppose & persuade the King that his Country is lost from him, except he can root out all those of the Religion, and govern the Country with a club, and without any contradiction or intercession of the States. And thereupon the King is fully resolved to the war, without leaving us any hope of Peace. recover his Country, which under pretence of the said Religion they would take from him. Now, my Lord, calling to remembrance how the said war hath been ordered hitherto, with his majesties great charge, and small profit, I am sorry for it. And although it be a matter beside my profession, yet notwithstanding, for as much as the same is of so great importance to the common good, or evil of all in general: I could not discharge myself of the care thereof. Therefore I thought it my duty, to advertise your most honourable Lordship, that mine opinion is, that heretofore they have erred in two respects, to the end that your Lordship may remedy the same hereafter. 6 Then speakest better than the Duke of Alva, who had three score, and ten thousand men, and could not overcome Holland and Zealand. To wit, they have levied so many men, that they could not pay them: And that they have taken Captains without good examination of their qualities & sufficiency. Whereof proceeded the disorder & destruction of all Milletary discipline: without the which no good effect can be hoped for. Praying the same therefore, to vouchsafe to ground himself rather upon a small Camp well paid: then upon a great one not paid, so much the rather. 7 To burn us in a small fire. Quod bellum istud trahendum potius, quàm subito conficiendum, fore timeatur. And as touching the Captains, bonus habeatur delectus. And in this respect I may not hide from your most honourable Lordship, that being the other day in company with the 8 He is one of them th●● would judge our controversy, as the Fere doth the Chickens. Earl of Swartzenberghe, Ambassador to his Majesty, we fell in talk of this matter so far, that he complained upon and lamented the small service that his Majesty had received of the men of his Nation, with so great charges, 9 They shall see whether he will do any better than the rest. Taxing with all the slackness and covetousness of the heads and Colonelles, showing himself very sorrowful, that the German Nation, was in a manner defamed thereby. Whereunto I made him answer, that he was to remedy the same as much as lay in him. And if his Majesty fell into the necessity of this war, then to set forward himself to the field, and to offer his service, so much the more, because the justification of the cause was known to him. 10 As with the contrary party and enemy, and not as an equal Arbytrator: to wit, such a one as his honour and promises commanded him to be. As having dealt in it with the other Princes. And that for such he ought to help to defend it, and employ himself to restore unto his Nation, the ancient reputation, which seemed unto me the duty of a parsonage of his calling. And after this talk was a while continued, at last he grew to this resolution, that he would be content to enter into his majesties service, so that he knew whether the same would be acceptable, and that he might have a charge granted him, meet for his calling. Further, declaring unto me that since the death of the Emperor Maximilian, he was not so far bound to the Emperor that now is, but that it was lawful for him to accept this service. And that albeit, he was solicited by the Emperor, and also by the Duke of Baviere, as having before this served the deceased Duke his Father, he thought to pacify them both, by means of the service of the King: And so to treat with the Emperor, that serving the King, he should nevertheless remain in his service, 11 As good and faithful as he. placing an other in his room, in his absence. And thereof he earnestly desired to have your most honourable Lordship advertised: But upon confidence and promise to have the matter kept secret, in case his 12 For like an honest man he will have two strings to his bow, according to the Proverb: If God will not have me, the Devil prayeth me. Majesty have no need of his service. Wherefore my Lord, for that it seemeth unto me, that the said Earl proceedeth with good zeal, I thought it meet to advertise your lordship very particularly of the same, in consideration that his said Majesty may reap good service at his hands, in case the same be constrained to make war: For as much as he hath many good quallyties, requisite in a chief Captain of men of war. As that he is well Allied and esteemed in Germany, and known of all the Princes, having already dealt in the affairs. Being of good representation, 13 And gross. Eloquent in many languages, 14 He meaneth, prodigal. and very liberal: whereby he shall have mean, not only to levy men, but also to provide better Officers & Captains, and a good lieutenant, which is no small matter in the wars. Your most honourable Lordship may think on it, & propound the same, where and in such sort as you think good. In my simple judgement it would be very good, to employ such a one, rather than any other, for that his qualities serve not only for the exploits of the war, but also for counsel: and to have in the Camp a parsonage, that with authority & good ground, can speak touching the justification of the cause, being a thing of great importance in the wars, which Princes are constrained to make against their subjects. Referring the whole to your most honourable lordships wisdom, only beseeching you moste humble, to vouchsafe to pardon me, if I have gone too far in a matter that is without the compass of my profession, and that you would at your leisure send me some answer thereunto, that according to the same I may order myself and frame my speech to the said Earl. Without saying any more hereby to your honourable Lordship, for that this Letter seemeth unto me to be already too long. I beseech our Lord to grant you my Lord, long and prosperous life in health. From Cullen this xxvi. of june. 1580. Thus under signed. Your most honourable and reverend Lordships most humble servant. jasper Schetz. My Lord Fonck will give your Lordship part of the good news of the succours sent from this City to them of Groeninghen, by means whereof it seemeth that 15 We hope it shall not so prove. all Friezland already lost may be recovered. ¶ A Copy of a Letter of the Lord Worms, to the Lord De Gommicourt, Governor of Mastreighte. The ninth Letter. MY Lord Governor I humbly recommend me to your good grace. This shallbe to advertise you, that I have been with my Lord the Earl of Mansfeld. He is in hand to find all means to content all the Allemains which are in the Country of Luxemburghe. For he hath charge from the Princess of Parma, by all means in the world to agree with them. Myself have been with the Princess. She told me that it is above a month since she sent, aswell to the King her Master: as to all Princes in the world that are his friends, to find Money 1 Then she hath not yet all those Millions that the Malcontents so much bragged of. the which me thinks, she cannot accomplish, as she desireth. Not withstanding the words of the said Princess, and the promises of the Earl of Mansfeeld: Our Regiment and Foncres men, will not be content without they have eight Months pay altogether, there are but three offered unto them. I think that the said Princess being at accord with us, will send us to the aid of the Friselanders in default that nothing can be executed touching 2 Note that there be yet some of the Spanished sort in the Country that are the cause of our err solutions, a waiting occasion to play their part. the intelling that my Lord Governor wotteth of. I have showed your letter to my Lady the Princess, who thinketh it very strange that the noble party of Gelderland hath written nothing to us since. Howbeit touching the other parsonage. My Lady taketh him for an honest man, in assurance that for money all will go well, though it be with leaps. When I departed from my Lady, she gave me one thing in commandment, and not to me alone, but also to you and Captain De carp, commanding me also to speak thereof to 3 This is one of the Arbitrators of peace, Grand Criado to the Pope. the Elector of Cullen. He hath promised me to stand my friend to my Lady the Princess in this matter, and in all that he can beside in the world. The thing that my Lady demandeth, is that by our means, we should find the means to practise by force of Arms, to take, brown, or burn the Vessels of our enemies, which are near to Bonne. The said Lady hath promised that if we can bring it to pass, she will give us three thousand Crowns of gold. For that my men are but evil Armed. I pray my Lord Governor to ward the accomplishment thereof, to send me six and thirty Soldiers with Muskets, and seven or eight Pikemen, Then I will see with 4 The Councillors of the Spaniards. the Elector & monsieur Lopez whether we can find the mean to perform it. My Lady hath most expressly commanded me, that I should tell you by word of mouth, and spare for no Money to keep touch with those 5 Of the Country of Gelderland. Noble men abovesaid. And that his Grace of 6 It is a good Neighbour, but he is a Cardinal and beaten in a corner of Rome. Liege for the effecting thereof will furnish you with the sum of a thousand Florins, of five and twenty Patars a piece. For that I am not well at ease you shall hold me excused, in that I am constrained to 7 Surely there is ● great hurt in that. write unto you, being very sorry that I could not come to you myself: Yet notwithstanding, if you have any matter of secretness: ye may tell it to this present bearer my good friend. Believe me there is great poverty that my men are so evil Armed. It is a horrible matter that there can no Armour be gotten at Cullen nor Franckefort scate for any Money. If the affairs of England, There be enough sh● let him. and the French Kings brother go forward, as the report goeth, it will go evil for the King of Spain our Master. No more at this time, but that here I will end, praying God, my Lord Governor to grant you a most perfect long and happy life. Dated at Andrenac this second of july, the year fourscore. Your humble and obedient servant. Worms. I know not what to think of that Priest of Gelderland, which keepeth himself with my Lord Conwer at Cullen: He is an evil man, for I can by no mean get the Armour of him. The superscription was. To my Lord, my Lord of Gommicourte, Governor of Mastreight for his Majesty, at Mastreight. FINIS.