but on either side within this higher vault he laid Iron and Marble balls chaines blocks nailes knives and whatsoever this wicked witty man thought most damageable Lastly as farre as lay open between the sides of the ship and the wall and roof of the mine he fill'd up with square stones close joined and beams fastened with Iron But covered and hid all these things with strong planks and a brick floore in the middle whereof hee set fire to a pyle of wood that the shippes might seeme to bee set out in that order to burne downe the bridge putting under the Wood pitch and brimstone not to bee extinguished before the mine should be fir'd with the prepared Timber hee fram'd two wayes to Two wayes of firing the mines fire the Mine In some of the shippes plac't matches besmear'd with gunpowder which being privily extended through part of the keele were stretched into the Mine of that length as by a certain measure he had before tryed would continue light untill the shippes should come to the bridge In other shippes hee used those kinde of clockes which are wont by an admirable and pleasant Art to be exhibited in stead of night-watchers to light lamps And so ordered the stratagem that it should continue with a gentle motion of the wheeles untill the ship arrived at the bridge and then with a sudden and violent meeting together of the wheeles and flint strike some sparcles which recived in the bruised gun-powder there scattered taking fire might inflame the train there layd and this reaching to the mouth of the Mine might speedily convey that creeping fire into it Jambell having finished foure shippes after this manner added to them thirteen lesser To these foure greater are added thirteen lesser having within them nothing hurtfull but the Hatches covered with huge fires Nor was this preparation unseene of the Royalists although The Royalists in the interim solicitous they were ignorant of the stratagem who imagined the fleet was in making ready in the City to the intent the bridge might at once be assailed on the one side by the Antwerpians and on the other by the Hollanders and Zealanders Wherefore his Excellency strengthening the Castles and Forts with greater guards and calling to the bridge the chiefe of his souldiers had a watchfull eye to the enemies designes who by how much hee seemed the better prepared to divert the slaughter was so much neerer The shippes appeare from the City 8. Aprill to receive it When behold from the City there appeared three shippes brightly shining with fire and a little after followed others and after those others Then all the noyse in the Camp was arme arme and the bridge was filled with souldiers The shipps were carried down the river two and three together in so orderly a course as if they were but to make a shew for they were then governed by Marrlners and the fire in every ship shined so clearly that they seemed not to carry Their fires made a wonderfull shew in the night fires but verily to burn themselves and so fire to saile and bee nourished amongst the Waters And truly that night was that Scene acted which might have been a pleasant spectacle if the spectatours had beene exempt from feare and care For the banks of the River and the Castles plac't thereon shined with continuall fires The Companies of armed men ranged along As also the souldiers along the banks the banks made a reflection of the shining light the fiery shippes amidst the Scheldt hurtlesly spitting their flames it was to bee doubted whether they came to be a sport or full of deceit a destruction Then the aspect and pomp of the Commanders and Souldiers shining in bright Armour their weapons drawne and colours displai'd all along the bridge augmented the Pageant Lastly all things composed to the uncertaine pleasure of this new Theater both struck terrour and yet were delightfull they feared and yet had pleasure in the cause of their feare And now these shippes were scarcely two miles off the bridge when the Marriners The shippes approach neerer that conducted them directing their helmes turned those four shipps that were made with Mines straight down the midst of the channell against the bridge not so greatly caring for the rest and forthwith setting fire to the match leap't into the boats to behold a farre off the successe But they wanting their Pilots did not at all keep one course most of the lesser The lesser having no success either dash't themselves against the opposite Machines that were fenced with sharp pykes or running on ground stuck to the banks But of the foure that carried within them ruine one leaking was swallowed up in the midst of the River vomiting onely smoake and Thunder Two others of Nor three of the greater the foure towards Caloo the River being deeper there and running swifter the Wind blowing hard out of Brabant forc't on Flanders coast and there grounded them Nor did the The fourth is stay'd by the floates fourth seeme to have any better fortune being almost cast on Flanders coast and violently driven upon the very farthest part of the floates Therefore the Royalists now shaking off feare especially when the fires began Then the Royalists fear is turned to mirth to diminish in many of the lesser shippes and were almost extinguished wondered at the enemies designes and scoffed with Military jeeres that so great preparation was to no purpose Yea they were so bold as from Flanders side to board one of those shippes that was gravel'd there and try with javelins what might bee within it When that shipp which I spake of last being greater and stronger But when it broke through the floates then the rest easily escaped those sharp pointed Engines broke downe the opposite Machine and came on fiercely against the bridge Then were the souldiers renewing their shoutes againe solicitous and fearfull And They were again solicitous Prince Alexander who having his thoughts bent severall wayes now had regard to the Navy lying at Lillo then nearer attending to the Antwerpians designe forthwith at those Alex. hastens to divert the shipp from the Bridge shoutes repaired thither where the fire-ship seemed to attempt and commanded some Marriners to board the ship disperse the wood and quench the fire others to keep off and prevent the danger with long poles and pikes He himselfe stood in the wooden Castle which is the furthest part of the Pile-work from Flanders side to which the navall bridge is connected There were with him Rubasius Cajatane Billius and Vastius with other chiefe Commanders besides the guard of the place Amongst whom a Spanish Ensigne an ancient servant to A Spanish Ensigne endeavours to remove him from the Bridge the Farnezes having some knowledg insuch like Engines was the preserver of Prince Alexanders life Whether he knew how excellent Jambell was in this Art and perhaps had heard how hee
for the succours which were daily expected out of England Wherefore Prince Alexander using him otherwise with great courtesie dismist him to Antwerp who promised that receiving authority from the Magistrates people hee would forthwith return to treat only of the delivery of Antwerp But hee delaying his Excellency suspected that hee craftily protracted the treaty that the besieged might gather the harvest which now began to be ripe from about the Suburbs of Antwerp and Mechlin and And withall commands the enemies corne to be brought to the Camp therefore determined to frustrate them of that hope also and commanded Ambrose Landriano with his garrison of Viluord together with a company of Boores and Vastius with a party of horse the one to harrasse and plunder the suburbs of Antwerp and the other of Mechlin and to transport the corne hay and what other thing was of any use into the Camp Then hee himselfe with a select And he himselfe takes the Castles about Antwerp company of horse and foot marched into the Countrey about Antwerp and took Burgerhout a strong sconce of the Antwerpians and with the like violence took Bercheme and other Castles and Forts and bereaved And takes the very Suburbs Antwerp of all that part of the countrey even to their Orchards and gardens by that means shutting up both the City and famine together within Famine forceth the Citizens to mutiny the City And indeed the people were ready to have broken out into open sedition the generall clamour in the City being meat and peace When the Magistrates sent divers into the streets who in severall assemblies should divulge that letters were newly come out of France assuring them that reliefe Yet they are encouraged with hopes of succour and succour was at hand from thence Besides some Citizens of Aldegunds favorites said they had certaine intelligence that the Prince of Parma would indeed offer conditions not unreasonable but had covertly covenanted with the Spaniards to And feare of plundering give them the plunder of the City in place of their pay Wherefore they should not by the impatience of a little delay both lose their reputation and the honour of holding the siege untill that day and all their goods and fortunes besides their wives and children exposed to abuse together with the losse of their City and lives But these outward voyces were not heard for the loud barking of their hungry stomachs within and most of the people suspected these French letters to be written in Antwerp and to come only from Aldegunds cabinett For of the Prince of Parma they harboured a more worthy conceit And in the interim there happned a sleight accident but OPPORTUNITY in the least things is of great consequence There was a Noble Matrone lay dangerously sick at Antwerp and for her recovery had present need oâ— But Alexanders courtesie upon occasion exhibited Asses milke there being none to bâ— found in the City a yong man therefore offered himselfe couragiously tâ— fetch an Asse from the Suburbs although in the enemies possession anâ— had already taken one but apprehended by the Spaniards hee was carrieâ— to his Excellency being as yet at Burgerhout Who understanding whaâ— the matter was used the youth wiâ— great respect and commending hiâ— charity commanded the beast to be loaden with Partridges Capons oâ— Bruges and other fowle of that sorâ— Then delivering them to the youtâ— for the sick Gentlewoman commanded him that hee should in his namâ— friendly salute her and testify that hâ— not onely wished her health and recovery of strength but pray'd alâ— from his heart for the prosperity anâ— happinesse of the Senate and peoplâ— And indeed that unexpected civilitâ— of the Prince to whom the Antwerpians sending a gallant Horse witâ— some juncates and choyce wine gavâ— publick thanks wonderfully reconcil'd together with the yong maâ— Altered their opinion relation the Citizens good will towards him For doubtlesse THE wisest Commanders of Warre have that weapon call'd Courtesie layd up in their warlike Armory But the delivery of Mechlin concluded the THE TAKING OF MECHLIN businesse In that City after the overthrow at Covenstene Causey there rose a contest between the Garrison The Citizens oppressed with famine are affraid of the garrison souldiers souldiers and Citizens which after the losse of their corne encreased the Citizens greatly fearing lest they should plunder and forsake the City and then retyre to Block-huse a Castle plac't neere to Mechlin which they had already fortified with Artillery and provision Which as soon as Prince Alexander had notice of hee thought it the most convenient time to attacque the City And forthwith hee ordered Marquesse Renthiacus whom hee made Generall for that expedition with Hicquius and Mottaeus to hast to Block-huse and prevent the enemies designes Renthiacus drawing his forces thither and causing the Artillery speedily to follow after not onely took Block-huse the Presidiaries being not yet entered but Necherspole also besides other sconces places about Mechlin and pitching his tents demanded the rendiâ— Whereupon after the losse of their adjacent â—orts they yeeld themselves to his mercy on of the City it selfe Which upâ— agreement concluded with Famusâ— Governour thereof was yielded tâ— the Prince of Parmas's will and meâ—cy The garrison souldiers being sâ— away without their colours whicâ— were sent to his Excellency who having compassion of the City by reason Receiving from him favourable conditions most part of it were Catholickâ— agreed with the Mechlinians on veâ— gentle conditions For in place of seven hundred Presidiaries which departed the City hee but substituteâ— two hundred Walloones under Provâ— nus commanding the Citizens tâ— have care of their City together witâ— the Garrison and imposing no tribute on them liberally in his Majesties name gave pardon to the Cityâ— being glad that within few days witâ— no losse of men hee had restored thâ— Arch-Bishop of Mechlin after a long exile againe into his owne seat theâ— being not any Diocesse in all the Netherlands of so great esteem and reduced a City the Flower of the Belgick Cities and with it the Seigniory of one of the seventeene Provinceâ— to their true and lawfull Soveraigne at that time when having received letters from his Majesty of the restitution For the restitution of the Castle of Piazenza he renders thanks to the King with Mechlin of the Castle of Piazenza which had beene kept by a Spanish garrison he was in condition to render him thanks for his royall liberality with the welcome newes of the Victory But ere long having at last subdued Antwerp hee sent farre more acceptable The agents treats with Alex about the delivery of Antwerp tydings to the King for Aldegund when hee saw the publick affaires in despaire thought privately to provide for himself and hastened forward the Commission intended to the Prince of Parma from the Magistrates and people The agents or commissioners were twenty one
the chiefe amongst whom were William Merode Lord of Duffle John Sconhove Andâ—ew Hessell and Philip Marnixius Aldegund himselfe Conâ—ull of the City Who being received by his Excellency at Bevera I have heard that Aldegund in the name of them all and in the presence of the Royal and warlike Councell spoke Aldegunds Oration after this manner Wee come not hither most mighty Prince timerously to apologize for our whole years resistance in dâ—fence of our owne For who coulâ— have conceived the least feare of thâ— most potent City in all the Belgiâ— Provinces from so few besiegeâ— and you your selfe I presume â— no valiant man can affect the câ— wardly would rather have wished then approved of our facilitâ— and feare Wee had sufficient knoâ— ledge of the number of your souldiers the necessities of your Caâ— were not concealed from us yoâ— Navy not considerable complainâ— rung through your Army and tâ— mults were daily expected Was â— likely that you with ten or eleveâ— thousand souldiers for those weâ— the most with which you first aâ— tempted this great designe coulâ— have continued the siege of such 〈◊〉 City block it up by land and stoâ— passage by water with your hoâ— make inrodes into Brabant anâ— hinder reliefe from neighbouriâ— Cities obstruct so vast a River â— bove against the forces of Gauâ— and below against the power â— Holland and Zealand invade â— many Castles on the bankes â— Scheldt oppose Navy against Navy which then you had not any make good the bringing in of provision unto your Army And fill all places with Castles guards and Sconces no surely had you had fifty thousand fighting men nay if every one of your souldiers had had a hundred hands a piece could you have been thought of ability to attend to so many things at once in places so distant and divided in effect so difficult in labour so continuall in necessity so urgent And yet with this handfull of men you have besieged Antwerp both by water and land possest your selfe of Flanders and Brabant by frequent stations every where placed conveyed provision and what else was needfull for your Army at the siege through a channell of your owne making Erected Castles and Forts upon narrow banks and in the overwhelmed fields and what wee onely could believe possible because we have seen it done coped with a River which had the Ocean to assist it yea subjugated the Scheldt or rather the Sea with a Bridge standing against the furies of the swelling Ocean against the violent encounters of the Ice amongst continuall conflicts with our Navies Yet we broke down the bridge not without your great losse yea your animosity thereby increasing in a trice repaired it Wee turned the Scheldt into the fields and sought passage els-where You following the River hither also by a new bridge divided it and objected that over-crosse Causey against our Navies We assayled the Causey digged it through and opened a way there for our shipping yet you repulst us thence when wee thought our selves Victours made up thâ— clefts and breaches and obstructed all hope of passage What Engines what stratagems have wee left unattempted What strength of navies what fiery wonders what inventions of swimming Castles can there bee we have not set forth as much as by wit as much as by art could be imagined we have performed The Heavens the Sea hell onely excepted we have call'd to our assistance wee have taken into our society And yet with all these we have neither removed you from our Walls nor struck you with the least feare but rather have ministred new fewel to your incensed breast for the conquest of other Cities and further dilating of your armes and victories You have atchieved most invict illustrious Prince an enterprize than which the past and present Annalls cannot produce a greater We often have read and sometimes beheld that a Generall laying siege to an hostile City whil'st hee forceth and taketh one hath lost another elsewhere You whilst with your Army you straightly attacque Antwerp as if secure of us at the same time in Flanders take Dendermund by force subdue Gaunt by famine In Guelders dis-arme us of Nievmeghen And in Brabant compell Bruxels and Mechlin to a surrender And so whilst you lay siege to one City you extend your victories rising from victories into three severall Provinces at once As if to fight with one enemy at once were too small a taske for your noble spirit But the recitall of all these daily disputes betwixt the besieged and besiegers tends onely to this that it may plainly appeare that we conscious of our owne forces did not rashly undertake our defence noâ— having had tryall of your fortune do cowardly give it up God and your valour O Alexander have afforded you the glory of subduing Antwerp and posterity will allow us also some honour for not yeelding too hastily One thing as well for yours the King your Uncles sake as our owne wee intreat and earnestly request that as by conquering you have understood how great a City you have overcome so in taking and possessing it you will diminish nothing of the majesty strength thereof nothing of the monument of your Victory nor any thing of his Majesties possession and tribute But diminish them you will if either by confining the Citizens minds to a certaine religion or imposing a garrison of externs over their bodies and fortunes you change the state and Government of the City Antwerp if any City in all Europe flourisheth for the present The number of Citizens and strangers can scarcely bee reckoned The Scheldt as large as it is cannot containe the Merchants shippes of all regions when warr hinders them not Lastly no Empory in the whole world conjoynes associates more Provinces together and wealth of countreyes by communion of traffick The fame of the place will endure as long as solitude of Religion threats of Castles and terrours of a â—arrison do not shut up this Sanctuary SAFETY is a nurse to commerce But what safety can the naked Merchants expect from armed souldiers accustomed to pillage Surely this City hath sufficiently had a lamentable grievous experiment of sacking burning and plundering For the prevention of which outrages that Antwerp may have no just cause for the future to feare your prudence most excellent Prince by this dayes conditions for which we are come hither to treat with you we hope will provide To these his Excellency Prince Alez answers the Agents in a few words made answer that willingly he accepted of the treaty with Antwerp And as hee referred the valour and acts of his souldiers unto Gods benignity and his blessed mothers assistance so the Antwerpians ought to acknowledge that all their forces leagues with Cities and Provinces and succours from forraign Princes were in vain against the power and right of the legitimate Lord of the Low-countreyes In stating the conditions he would bury in oblivion the
when hee was 17. August Alex. receives the Commissioners coming to deliver up the City met by the Antwerpian Commissioners who the Articles being accepted of came to render up the City Whom his Excellency courteously receiving stayd them with him and sent the Prendents Richardott Vandenburge with the Kings Herauld into the City to whom were joyned Sâ—nding some into the City to confirme and proclaime the surrender Captaine Petro à Castro whose office was to buckle on his sword Didacus Escovario Sergeant Major of Mondragonius Regiment and Propertiuâ— Baroccius chiefe Engineer to ratifie the conditions already agreed on and to publish the surrender These had directions to view the City both within and without and to make all things secure against the coming of their Prince And the conclusion of the peace being heard at Antwerp the With great joy of the people pulling downe the Duke of Alenzons arms they set up the Kings people entertaine the Kings harbingers with great joy they run up and down the City pull downe the armes and pictures of the Duke of Alenzon and set up the King of Spaines all things were with exquisite diligence prepared against the Prince of Parma's arrivall all things from continuall sorrow and feare were suddenly changed into mirth sports and preparation of joyfull showes But his And Alex. coming is expected Excellency deferred to enter the City yet tenne dayes In which time it is scarce credible what a number of people from all parts of the Low-countreyes and adjacent places repaired The concourse of strangers to fee thiâ— triumph and to view the bridge especially of the Antwerpians thither Some that they might be present at the triumph of the Conquerer at his solemne entrance into the City many to view the fortifications of the Camp and famed invention of the Farnezian bridge some to draw out in right full proportion the models or portraitures of the workes which as it was reported were speedily to be Coming out of the City to contemplate Alex. works dismantled But none more curiously bâ—held these things then the Antwerpian Commissioners and those who now having their minds no lesse at liberty then their gates came forth of the City sometimes they viewed the castles erected on the banks then they admired the channell Parma and the Fort Perla at the fabrick of the bridge they were even amazed both hated and yet praised the wonderfull rarity of the work But on Covenstene causey dreadfull yet for the fresh bloud scattered limbs and reliques of mangled bodies they acknowledging their late losse privatly lamented and yet were contented to behold with their eyes what their minds detested But Prince Alexander now ready to enter Antwerp in the first place removed the garrison souldiers from the opposite Haven in the head of Flanders as also from Tilinius fort HIS solemn entrance and lastly from An werp it selfe and sent them all towards Zealand without their armes Then he committed the charge of the Catholick Army who had received orders to meet at Stabâ—oeâ—â— to Vastiâ—â— in place of Count Mans field who then was gone to look to his Regency of Lucemburge And out of his whole army his Excellency selected two thousand foot diviâ—ed into eight companies of Germans and twelve of Walloones armed with pikes Musquets carbines and three troopes of horse one of Curaciers and two of Lanciers And commanded them to stay at Bercheme 29. Aug. a village of Brabant Hee also He sent some before to guard the wayes appointed George Basta with three hundred horse from Burgerhout to ride out and survey the way hee was to passe The next day marching with his Court from the camp at Bevera and having past the Scheldt hee sent before part of the foot from Berchem into the City under Licquius who placed some of them at Saint Georges gate which they also call the Emperours And the gates and chiefest streets of the City and divided the rest into severall chiefe places of the City that by so many stations lending a mutuall assistance as it were joyning hands they might enclose Antwerp So his Excellency would not onely have the conquered City but the conquest it selfe in his owne power These things thus ordered the wayes both within and without the City being thronged with infinite people the rest of his Excellencies attendance in great state marched forward the horse and foot not so much for the gaudinesse of apparrell The aspect of the souldiers or armour as all of them being old select souldiers for their martiall looks military severity a gallant sight But Prince Alexander now made famous with the Trophies Himselfe the greatest spectacle of so many Provinces and Cities subdued attracted all mens eyes upon him and as the ancients in their triumphs had Ensignes and pictures carried before them so fame waited on him with his titles and prompted the cogitations of the spectatours and as the noyse of his famous acts had represented him to their thoughts more then a man so sought they more greedily to satiate their eyes now in beholding him present He was attended by these great Nobles the Duke of Areschot Cajatane Duke of Sermonett the Prince of Chimace Count Egmont the Marquesses of Renthi Varambone the Countess Aremberg Charles Mansfield Altapen others especially Low-countrey men for very few of the Spaniards and Italians were admitted thereby to please the Antwerpians with this retinue and lastly with the troopes of his life-guard whose Captains were Leo Lazarus Haller the Counts Nicelli and Caecius his Excellency arrived He is received before the City gate by a Virgin at Saint Georges gate where hee was met by a Virgin in a habitt and with Ensignes representing Antwerp as they use to shadow it Who lighting from her triumphant Charriot with a company of other noble girles reverently saluted the Prince of Parma and delivered him a Golden key shee prayed the like happinesse to his Nephew now entring victour as heretofore shee had wish't to Charles the fifth who made his first victorious entrance through that gate Alexander courteously receiving the gift wore it before him fastened to the chaine of the Golden Fleece and through the And is welcomed with divers arguments of joy through the City whole City hee observed not without admiration the sudden setting forth and expressions of publick joy For on the bridge Moere he saw a beaked pillar of a wonderfull height erected with the staua's of Alexander of Macedon and that Roman Alexander placed thereon and in other places divers sorts of Pageants stately arches and artificiall fire-works to compose which showes for pomp and state onely those very same though heretofore so often pernitious Engineers did apply their inventions and hands using the fragments of the Machines a little before prepared for the Warr for solemnizing of this triumph making their art obsequious thereby to appease the Conquerer Prince
AN ACCOUNT OF THE Famous Siege OF ANTVVERP BY Alexander Prince of Parma In the Year 1584. Being the most Memorable Siege that ever was laid to any CITY Written in Latine by Famianus Strada And Englished by T. L. Gent. London Printed for Peter Parker at the Sign of the Leg over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhil 1672. THE SIEGE OF ANTWERPE GIve me leave warranted by 1584. The siege of Antwerp Livies example to tel you by way of preface in this part of my work which in the beginning most annuall writers use openly to professe that I am to speake of a siege more memorable by farr then ever yet was laid to any citty for how great never were rivers bridled with stronger bulwarkes nor wits armed with more adventurous stratagems nor by Souldiers who in many sieges had gathered both skill and courage was it ever more gallantly fought Here Castles were erected on violent rivers mines discovered amongst the waters Riversoverflowing rampiers and againe rampires outtoping the rivers and as if the labour of Antwerp siege onely seemed but little designes were extended by the Generall into other places And at the same time five most strong and potent Cities were all Antwerp Gaunt Dendermund Bruxels Mechlin With what forces it was begun at once besieged all in a yeares compasse subdued These great attempts with what great forces with what courages they were perfected now I doe begin not negligently to relate Part of the Catholicke army was drawne into the Garisons of Cities and Forts part fought in Friesland under Verdugo prefect of that province and Taffius his Lievetenant against William of Nassau and Martin Schench Count Aremberg and Manrieque had in armes two regiments of Germanes about Colen Appiâ—s Manrique a Spanyard but borne in Germany de Comitibus and Blastius Capisuccus with some troops of horse made excursions into Zutphan The Marquesse of Renthi with his Regiment of Walloones guarded Artois and Vaynolt against the motions of the French There were foure Regiments and some companies besides with Alexander Prince of Parma in Brabant and Flanders Besides three Regiments were newly come out of Spaine which as before we related King Philip after his Navall fight at the Tercera Islands had sent into the Low-countries And with these forces which amounted to about ten thousand foot and one thousand seven hundred horse for he had contracted the seven Regiments which as I said were but halfe So Alexander writ to the King July 15. full into five Alexander having first advised with his Councell of warr began the siege of Antwerp Antwerp is situated on the river Scheldt being almost five miles in compasse and containeth an hundred The Inhabitants of the Citty It s forme Inhabitants besides Seafaring peopleâ— It much resembles the forme of a bended bow whose stâ—ing is the banke of the river there being not any other Citty in all the Netherlands stronglier fortified or better appointed against It s strength an enemy That side which bendeth into Brabant most high walles from which ten strong Turrets appeare so placed as with mutuall aide they may relieve each other environed with a great ditch of water securely defend The side toward Flanders hath for a trench the river Scheldt capable not onely of single ships but even of whole Navies yea someties there have been numbred about two thousand ships in the port and river whence trafficking with a great part of the world the River playes not onely the Merchant by bringing in all forraine commodities but the warriour also for Auxiliary The consultation of besieging it forces But how much securer the Anwerpians were so much the more cautious were Alexanders Councellours There were present at the councell besides Count Mansfield and the rest of the regall Senate never wont to be absent Mondragonius Billius Olivera and Pacius all Spaniards of Belgians there were Mottaevs Goigne and Licquius for the rest of the Low-country men were absent of others there were Camillus à Monte George Basta and Camillus Capisuccus Most of these Most are against it were even amazed with the greatnesse of the proposed designe and thought the attempt more bold then could be brought to a prosperous end For said they he who would think of besieging Antwerp ought seriously to consider whether hee have sufficient forces wherewith at the same time he may block it up by land in Brabant and by the river on Flanders side For it were in vaine to besiege it by land to which by the river if not from above from Gaunt at least from below to witt from the Sea both provision and reliefe may continually be brought in But the river was so broad that it could not be blockt up by lesse then two armies on either side one Wherefore hee had need of three armies who from Brabant and either banke of the river Scheldt might stop reliefe But that would not be done by reason of his small forces Neither had he sufficient shipps wherewith to hinder the enemies Navie about to enter the river from the sea To these things added Billius that the complaints of the Souldiers more troubled him who being defrauded of their pay not comming from Spaine almost hungerstarved and most of them halfe naked verily were unfit to be brought to a siege of more then one moneths continuance Nor did Pacius and Montius omit that it was seriously to bee thought on whether it were best to begin Antwerp siege leaving Dendermund Gaunt and other holds behind him from whence the enemy with free excursions might disturbe the bringing in of provision unto the Army and the raising of Fortifications Lastly all except Mondragonius and Capisuccus Two only excepted who committed all to Alexanders fortune thought it unsafe and unseasonable to set upon so great designes with so small forces Therefore turning from the siege of Antwerp to And strive to divert his minde from the siege besiege Alexander they stand about him with joynt prayers and objecting the danger of losing both his and their owne honours they endeavor to subdue his minde in his resolution still immoveable But hee But his opinion is to besiege it commending their care in the first place said that he had reflected on all those things which they conceived to be the greatest dangers Notwithstanding he did not thinke out that after they had heard him reason a little on the matter they would think better of the success Then hee began much after this manner That hee had not the thought of invading Antwerp before he was encouraged by pious men that it would be acceptable to God and had known the Kings minde concerning it Neither did he doubt that human and ordinary helps would be wanting which for the present might perswade the expedition For he certainly knew that the enemies were never in like fear being within few months afflicted with so many and so great losses by the Kings Army viz. Being
for it was betweene both Castles above one thousand two hundred and fifty foot In which place the Chanell was of such an immense deepnesse The breadth of the River betwixt both works could not be made up by Poles for the depth thereof and violent rapidity that it was impossible to fasten any more Piles by what Engine soever Alexander therfore determined to block up that passage by the interposition of the Ships sending to Dunkirk that if there were any there to fetch them from thence but there were not many nor could they be conveyed through the Scheldt but in fight of Gaunt and Antwerp Yet he had great hopes that Gaunt as hee was enformed thence by credible persons would ere long come into his hands and so he might from thence abundantly furnish himself with ships Marriners and other warlike Magazine In the interim he thought it sufficient that the River was straightned and the passage not onely made narrower but by the Castles fortifyed on both sides almost unaccessible and thereby the hopes of Antwerp contracted But the further it was divulged that the besieged being hindred of navigation were at want of provision so much the more were many Merchants spurred on with hope of gaine to carry victuals into the City there scarce passing any day but some Shippes expecting the opportunity of the sea and forced forward by the violence of the And therefore some Auxiliary shippes daily passed to Antwerp through the open passage Tyde entered the City with prosperous temerity although from every side but especially from the two Castles there were many both surprized and by Cannon cast away But the delivering up of Gaunt terrifyed the Antwerpians confidence The delivery of GAVNT The Gandavians brought under by Famine and gave great advantage to Alexanders designe for they of Gaunt were not onely out of hopes of provision both by sea and land but daily afflicted more and more on the one side by Olivera and on the other by Varambone who quartering in the Village of Hevergeme neere the River Livia and having joyned his Burgundians and English with Olivera's Horse harassed and plundered all the Countrey about Gaunt on both sides the City wherefore now their haughty courages beginning to cool they sent a Trumpeter to Bevera to intreat Prince Alexander to give safe conduct to their Commissioners to come to him who being admitted offered to deliver their City on the same Septem 15. They after submit and quest certaine conditions of Alexander tearms as those of Bridges had delivered theirs and which then also were offered to Gaunt But Alexander utterly denied them those for that when new symptomes appear new Physick must be prescribed and checkt them who gives no care to them because they had not only with great contumacy sleighted those conditions that were heretofore offered but also by new injuries against Religion and things sacred and by strange punishments inflicted on those of the Royall Party had provoked his Majesties just indignation and bad them reflect on their former trespasses and not to expect He blames them and dismisseth them any other conditions then the Kings mercy But they laid the fault on a few and said their City was strong and able to hold out a siege yet for many moneths and shewed his Majesties Letters of France brought They excuse themselves but in vaine them by Prunaeus his Embassadour with an assured hope of his aid And in fine added that they feared if they should returne without dispatch of their businesse the seditious Citizens bearing an unplacable hatred against the Spaniard would desperately set fire on the City and leave nothing for the Conquerers to triumph over but ashes Alexander nothing moved herewith sent them to President Richardott from whom hearing the unpleasant conditions which he mentioned to be imposed on Gaunt especially when amongst other discourse he said that he saw a private Letter sent from Spaine that perswaded the Prince of Parma not to admit the Gandavians upon any other tearms then such as his Grandfather Charles the first had done not pardoning them til they came as suppliants with Halters about their Necks and halfe naked to submit themselves at which words the conditioners took such distast that they returned to Gaunt But the next day in the Cities name there They depart but returne againe came two chief Gentlemen Peter Devos and Peter Cortevilla and for the Soul diery three Captaines and that they might trans-act all things with greater facility with Prince Alexander following the ancient practice of the Brittaines who about to make And use this Art peace with Caesar joyned with their Embassadours Comius of Arras Caesars neere friend whom a little before they had taken Prisoner So they taking with them out of prison Frederick Perrenot Lord of Champine he together They deliver the City to Alex. and receive these conditions with Richardott conferring apart in the end concluded on these conditions The Prince of Parma Governor of the Low-countreys doth in his Majesties name pardon indemnify the Gandavians received into favor protection of all their former Delinquencies and grants all their ancient Priviledges The punishment which was merited by all being reduced to six Citizens only and those six also whom hee had demanded to bee delivered to receive punishment at his pleasure most mercifully hee forgives reserving the disposition of all other matters to himself He taxeth the City in two hundred thousand Florens commands the Citizens to reedify the Imperiall Fort all the Churches Religious houses Gives order that the Clergy be recall'd restor'd to their goods possessions of which in these last troubles they were deprived He gran teth to the Hereticks leave to stay at Gaunt two years to set in order their affairs then to depart He also permiteth the garison souldiers which were somwhat above two thousand to march away with their Armes hee to substitute others in their places of what Nation hee pleased And having thus setled these affairs he brought into the City three thousand Foot and five Troops of Horse under Olivera and created the Lord of Champine lately close prisoner there and twice in danger to have lost his life Governor of the City The Alex. orders the state of Gaunt both civill and sacred Arch Bishop of Mechlin was also sent for to see to the Clergy of Gaunt and to reduce into the City the Priests and religious Families and to reconcile to God and true Religion the desertors of the Orthodox Faith And after this manner the Prince as well as hee then could being otherwise imployed took care of the civill and Ecclesiasticall affaires of Gaunt And thus this City the greatest in all the Belgick Provinces came into his Majesties hands being excellently well fortifyed with Walls Ditches and Forts against And of the Victory of this greatest and strongest City all On-sets of great Armies whatsoever and
Antwerpians Delinquencies for having waged warr against God and their lawfull Soveraigne and incited others of the Low-countreys as with an allarme from that strong hold to defection but would rather have respect to his Majesties clemency and from thence would moderate the chiefest of their conditions In the interim And dismisseth them to three Presidents hee had appointed men of understanding wisdome and no ways partiall with whom they might more freely conferre Therefore they should depart to them to treat of the articles and then hee would deliver the Kings minde not in the worst sence Hee had chosen for that purpose Pamaelio Richardott and Vandenburge Presidents of the privy Councell of Artois and Mechlin and committed To whom he referred all things except the Articles of obedience to the King and religion every thing to their judgement and wisdome the Articles pertaining to obedience due to the King and religion onely excepted which hee with more then ordinary care as he had received an expresse from his Majesty reserved to himselfe for when long agoe his Excellency had proposed it to the King thereby to make the Antverpians more willing to surrender whether hee should set a certaine time to the Hereticks wherein to dispatch their affaires or to permit them so long untill there might be hopes of their better disposition and reducement His Majesty made reply that he The King thus expresseth his mind concerning religion should not grant an unlimited time what hope or perswasion soever there was of their reconciliation Upon which subject because hee had often at other times treated I thought it best to insert one of the latest letters from Spaine concerning this matter part of which was written with his Majesties own hand In every treaty or parley with Cities or Castles that come into our hands let this be your first and last regard that in these places the Catholick religion be settled without leave to the Hereticks of professing or exercising their sects or doctrines in City or countrey unlesse you grant them some time for composing their affaires and let that be limited concerning which matter I absolutely command that no dubious clause capable of interpretation or moderation be inserted that those may assure themselves who desire to live in our Belgium to make choyce either of the true worship of the ancient Romane faith or after their prescribed time is ended forthwith to seeke their habitation else-where Which things if they be performed I put my confidence in the Almighty power to whose honour and service this warr hath for so many yeares been managed with so great losse of bloud and expences that all things for the future will proceede fortunate and that his heavenly majesty will our of his wonted providence always so moderate our affaires that men by their happy successe may understand of what importance it is to put their confidence in the Divine goodnesse and to preferr the service due to him before all secular businesse But if God by reason of our great offences will have it otherwise I think it better to spend all my Kingdomes for his sake then for any humane respect to decline from this if not a lucky doubtlesse a pious determination And truly this firme purpose of his Catholick Majesty was very apparent to be acceptable to God for on the same day these were written by the King which was the seventeenth of August on the same day the Antwerpian agents at their meeting at Bevera receiving their articles delivered up the City When notwithstanding when they begun to treat with the Kings Commissioners the businesse of their reconciliation seemed The Agents treat with the Presidents they differ about three articles to be very intricate and would go but slowly on For they insisted immoveably on these three heads above others That religion as then it was might freely bee exercised that the Castle now halfe down might not be repaired That no garrison of what nation soever might be admitted into the City Yea when they understood that the Commissioners were not impowred to treat about religion they told the Prince of Parma they would proceed no further with them unless they might have power for that also And Aldegund amongst other Aldegund promiseth great matters if liberty of conscience be granted conferences one time staying with his Excellency foure whole houres alone in private discourse concerning this article stuck not to affirme that upon that condition of freedome in religion Zealand and Holland yea all the confederate Belgica might be drawne to the Kings obedience And would take it upon him and was confident for that authority which he had with the Provinces shortly to produce a great benefit to both parties But his But Prince Alex discourse with him was wholly to the contrary Excellency utterly dashing all hopes of liberty and confusion in religion whereby as hee said the Cities and Provinces divided into sects and factions could neither live in peace amongst themselves nor with God or their Princes Gods Deputies upon earth courteously admonished him that they should consider the daily decay of their forces succours from France by reason of the troubles there past all hopes the subtile delay of the English the invincible power of the Catholick King not to be exhausted by any expences nor tyred out by warr and indirectly hee insinuated some things which might bee of great concernment for his own private interest with hopes of favour from his Majesties clemency And those things hee uttered before Aldegund with such eloquence with such courage and with words wholly dictated to him as hee after writ to the King by Almighty God that Aldegund Aldegund is wonderfully taken with his discourse admiring the vigour of his discourse professed after his departure thence he had often treated with many eloquent persons but hee never met any more efficacious and affable then the Prince of Parma and that with reason hee might use that of Asdruball concerning Scipio viz. that Prince Alexander appeared farr more admirable to him in presence then fame had set him out for his warlike actions And indeed whether taken with the wordes and civility of the Prince of Parma or wholly hopeless of supporting the siege any longer by little and little hee made shew that his And is more forward for the surrender minde was altered being more propense to treat on the surrender Moreover in a book which afterward he seâ— forth when hee had to the life extolled Yea in a book which afterwards hee set forth he extolleth Alexanders virtues and the Kings cause the deeds performed by Alexander Farneze his mercy towards the conquered sanctity in keeping his Oath and other vertues pertaining to a Generall amongst other things hee added that King Philips subjectâ— could not with a safe conscience take up armes against their King Which confession not rashly uttered in talke but witnessed in writing he being a man of great authority among
Alexander after hee had a while beheld commended these and other like preparations with all his attendance hastened to the great Church of our B. Lady And there whilst â—e Deum laudamus He went into the Church with musick was solemnly sung hee offered up his private devotions and thanksgiving which next And gave thanks to the B. Virgin to God he openly professed to the mother of God FOR THAT THE EXPEDITION BEING BY HER INSTINCT UNDERTOOK BY HER ASSISTANCE PROSPEROVSLY ATCHIEVED HE AT LAST BE HELD HIS LADY BY THE PIOVS AND PUISSANT ARMES OF THE CATHOLICK KING RESTORED TO HER OWNE SEAT FROM WHENCE SHE HAD SACRILEGIOVSLY BEFORE-TIME BEEN BANISHED wHOM THEREFORE HE DEVOVTLY HONOVRED From thence he departed to the Castle halfe downe and quite desolate and passing through the Army which before the Castle was suddenly composed as well of the souldiers sent thither before as of those who by his command repaired thither out of the City hee made a little stand at the Castle gate and calling to him the Colonels and Captaines before Then at his entrance into the Castle he spake thus to his souldiers hee dispersed them through the City made this short speech unto them By Gods great bounty and your valour O fellow souldiers we possesse Antwerp But that wee may securely keep it I have chosen you out of the whole Army to whose military discipline but especially civility and unoffensive conversation with the Citizens I might commit the safety of the City so much the more earnestly as the Antwerpians were more stiffe and resolved not to admit of garrison souldiers for that they feared if not open plundering though that also they expected at least continuall contests and quarrells which their goods must daily redeeme and would daily occasion I that I might remove that perswasion out of their minds have engaged my faith Nor as I trust will my promise hope be frustrate having made this choice of souldiers whose commanders I know to be men carefull of their owne reputations solicitous of my credit Therefore it shall be your task to keep the souldiers within their limits duties and not to let passe injuries abuses against the Citizens if any happen unpunished but forth with chastise them that the Citizens may heare of the souldiers punishments before the commanders heare of the Citizens complaints So shall concord and a well grounded allegiance bee established in the City Remember you live in the very entrance of Zealand and Holland whose castles may bee seen nay their very words be almost heard from the walls of Antwerp The Antwerpians will have an eye thither if they perceive themselvs insolently treated at home by a forraign souldier WHO sith always he is wont to be a grievance to cities but then especially when newly conquered as more neer looking back on their late former condition Wherefore they will the more intâ—lerably resent injuries from the conquerers and having not yet layd by their acient enmities as if the warr were not yet ended they will with little adoe resume their hostile spirits FOR Torches newly extinguished will quickly take fire I as much as concerns my selfe will have a diligent care that the glorious labours of the Catholick Army be not frustrated by the licentiousnesse of some Thus premonished he distributed Then hee sent them into severall parts of the City them into their severall appointed parts of the City and gave orders that for some dayes as if upon service they should not lay by their armes untill at the next convention having removed the Hereticks he should create new Magistrates Whilst thus things passed with a continued gratulation for three whole dayes at Antwerp the Spaniards and The triumph of the Spaniards and Italians on the bridge in honour of their Generall Italians when they had not admittance into the City yet at least meant some way to participate of the common joy whereof themselvs were chiefest authors they therefore conspired together with such preparation as time would permit to solemnize a joyfull triumph for their Generall upon the Scheldt knowing that the bridge was within three dayes to bee dismantled they determined to passe over with triumph pomp that Machine yet standing and in the interim they chose S. Maries fort at the head of the bridge as it were for their capitoll Wherfore with wonderfull alacrity cutting down what shrubs and trees were at hand they erect triumphant works arches on the bridge adorne the sides and battlements with bowes strow the passage with leaves lastly hang on the boughs emblems and verses such as amongst souldiers could be composed in praise of Prince Alexander Then with garlands of green branches on their heads marching orderly over the bridge and at every arch joyfully discharging their Musquets they enter St. Maries You would think they had had a president here of from the Macedons the other Alexanders souldiers who after their victory over Nyse on a hill neer to the City were disposed to merriment and crowned with wreathes of ivyes and vines lopped from the wood Alexander the great first admiring and afterwards commending this their new Not unlike to the solemnity of Alexander of Macedons souldiers kind of pomp with joyfull dances on the top of the hill celebrated solemne ceremonies to the god of the wood Yea the Generall himselfe acting his part also with the dancers at the last invited his Army to a magnificent feast Nor was this epulary appendix wanting to the fore mentioned gratulation of the Spaniards and Italians For whilst they render thanks with a joyfull consort of musick and voyces to the mother of the God of Hosts in Alexander comes thither from Antwerp her Castle they received unexpected tydings that Prince Alexander with a train of the nobility was advancing from the other part of the bridge For hee having intelligence how much his souldiers sought to honour him being exceedingly taken with their ingenious good will and affection towards him this warlike man omitted not And the day after makes theâ— a feast both to grace them with his presence and the day after with a sumptuous banquet to augment their joy And indeed it was a spectacle worth the seeing to behold the Army feasting upon the Scheldt tables all along the The banquet on the Bridge bridge as farre as from Brabant to Flanders sumptuously furnished to see the Duke of Areschott the Marquesses of Renthi Vastius Varambone serving up meat Charles Count Mansfield the Prince of Chimace Maurique Cajatane and Leva all eminent persons and chiefe Commanders filling them wine When in the mean time all rung with joyful shouts of the souldiers wishing life victory to their Generall Prince Alexander Thus the bridge the day after that solemn The taking down of thâ— Bridge banquet adorned as it was with arches of green boughs garlands and emblems with joyfull expressions and exultation was taken downe And it was
them an Electo contenting themselves with the Common-councell of the officers of every company those that were most forward but were also highly offended with the Agents sent from the Yet remained their Generall and King next garison of the Holanders courted them to a revolt whom they therefore rejected not without threats openly professed to stand faithfull to the Prince of Parma and the Catholick party and that what military vertue they had in them as their adversaries had experience they had some should still stand against the enemy as long as they had a life to lose or sword to draw Which answer moved Alexander not ignorant of it And whereas at Whereby Alex. being more pacified the first notice of that mutiny he had intended to reduce them by famine and therefore had commanded some colours of foot and horse of Spaniards and Italians to guard the countrey of Wasia that no provision should bee brought from thence into the Walloone quarters yet he thought it not amisse to deferr it a day or two And using gentler remedies hee sent the Marquesse of Renthi an ancient commander of the Walloones to Caloo to tell them how much they were deceived Sent to shew them their mistake and informe them that the Spaniards had received no more pay then other nations And though they had yet ought they to consider that the money came from Spaine and an externe souldier wants many things in a strange countrey which the inhabitants and natives have ready at home But Renthies words were not regarded But they were not moved by the raging and disagreeing souldiers destitute of a Commander Besides Werp Governour of the Antwerpian garrison certified Prince Alexander that he had notice that some were sent from Caloo to Antwerp covertly to communicate their designes with the Walloone Presidiaries And that there were some already heard to threaten they would not accept of pay unlesse they might have all their arrears But most as yet were free from the infection Neverthelesse it greatly perplexed his Excellency lest if the Asex fearing lest they should conspire with Walloone souldiers at Antwerp souldiers should raise any tumults in the City the Antwerpians should now believe it for certaine to bee the plot they alwayes suspected layd before-hand by the Generall Wherfore with all expedition calling Count Arembergs German regiment from Burgerhout to Antwerp under colour of By severall inventions provides for the Cities safety sending them to Calloo appointed some Spaniards to appeare before the walls he himselfe with a troop of Epirots entred the City And gave an expresse that the walloones who were to keep guard that night in the castle-yard should keep it els-where for his feare was lest all the souldiers in the City meeting there should join themselves and presuming of the opportunity of the Castle artillery should begin the mutiny Then placing the Arembergians before the Castle instead of the walloones he fitly prevented all occasion of the ill-affected Presidiaries who were but few meeting together or raising any tumults And in the morning without any further delay to try their intentions he caused the assigned pay to be offered them Which they some dissembling And forceth the seditious to returne to obedience most of them not conscious all being wonderfully pacifyed accepted Nor had the mutiny on Flanders coast any other effect for provision being stopt from VVasia and commerce with the Antwerpians cut off the tenth day after having first asked obtained pardon they returned to their obedience civility Notwithstanding Some of them being put to death foure of the chiefe incendiaries but upon some other pretended crime which upon inquiry was not wanting were put to death of the Antwerpian garrison with whom no treaty of pardon had passed two Or degraded Captaines and two others who had been sent from Calloo to sow the sedition amongst the souldiers and these two were hanged at Antwerp but the two Captaines for that the crime was not totally proved against them being degraded from their Captains places were sent to fight in Freezland at their owne charges But the Princes expedition in preventing THE repairing of Antwerp Castle the sedition both gained him much love from the Antwerpian Magistrates and caused a greater propensnesse to his designe then in agitation For the garrison souldiers quartering in the Antwerpians houses were now thought burthensome guests and the Citizens to exonerate themselves of that unwonted grievance The people desire it began to wish the reedifying of the Castle But the Magistrates who regarded the publick more then every But not the Magistrates who yet being perswaded by Alexanders servants mans private interest stood out Yet Champine Governour of the City Cosmus Count Masius a Courtier very intimate with the Prince one of his privy-Councell very opportunely began to treat with them and upon occasion beginning to discourse of the Citizens desires which if neglected it was doubtfull they would breake out into a sedition and also promising the Citizens their assistance to his Excellence for the reparation of the Castle the Magistrates mindes began somewhat to alter untill they also partly pacifyed by the Princes late favour partly moved with the conference and fit reasons of those I spoke of went to Alexander and rendring him thanks for saving the City And obliged by his benefits referr the matter to his pleasure from a tumult they did not omit to make mention of the restauration of the Castle wholly referring it to his wisdome Which by much how more gratefull it was to Alexander so much the more he sleighted it pretending and not without just cause the want of money not onely for that fabrick but winter now drawing on for repairing the banks of the Scheldt breaches of the Rampires at last they divided the charges the City and adjacent Villages promising their assistance to repaire the River-banks and Rampires and the Prince of Parma reserving part of the imposed fine towards the repairing of the Castle so the Castle the ninth of November the eighth year after its former ruine began to be repaired Antwerp not refusing a bridle and so great a Bucephalus by the strength and wisdome of The Castle is redified 9. Novemb. Alexander being tamed And indeed the work soon went on with wonderfull celerity for both the old foundations were usefull and the neere adjoyning houses which had been built of the ruine of the defaced Castle being pull'd down the same stones served again for the work His Excellence as soone as the Castle was habitable drew into it a garrison of Germanes A garrison of Germans was placed in it not of walloones as was supposed in pretence as displeased at their late sedition But in very deed that hee might at last bring in the Spaniards to that purpose more easily remove the Germans being Externs then the native Belgians In which he also had a regard that none of the Low-countrey Nobility should be made Governour Alex reserves the title of Governour to himselfe of the new Castle hee therefore declared himselfe Governour thereof having already with himselfe designed Mondragonius for that place Whom then he made over-seer of the work and at his departure from Antwerp created him his Vice-Governour So bringing him in by severall intervalls and as it were degrees to that Office and avoyding by that silent and unperceptible progresse a Afterwards by little and little and unperceptibly he gives it to Mondragonius and at last brings in the Spaniards The first designing of this Castle great part of their discontent at last he openly declared him Governour of the Castle and removing the Germans thence he brought in the Spaniards the City not daring to contradict it and rather inclining to Alexander And thus Antwerp Castle designed first by Margaret of Austria Dutchesse of Parma then built by the Duke of Alva afterwards defaced by the Prince of Grange was at last with the expences of seventy thousand The building Ruine and restitution of it crownes by Alexander sonne to Margaret repaired But before the Castle was finished for that was some moneths after his Excellency with his Court departed to Bruxels the ancient Alex. with hiâ— Court removes to Bruxels seat of the Princes of Brabant and the Governours of the Low-countreyes having thrice changed his abode for setting out from Namure he removed his Court and Councell to Mons in Haynolt from thence to Tournay in Flanders and lastly to Bruxels in Brabant still providing for himselfe new seats by new Victories FINIS
destitute of the Prince of Orange's counsells out of hope of succour from the French and having lost so many Townes and Castles nere adjoyning to Antwerp And surely when the walls being battered do tremble and shake then with greater certainty may the assault be pursued And from thence had he greater encouragement to assail the affrighted enemies even in their chiefest fortresse of war and to carry that terrour through the strong holds of Brabant not with vain hope that they will for fear of losing Antwerp either slight other places or for fear of losing other places will not be able to defend it Indeed he had but few forces to set upon so many things with but they were skilfull in war accustomed to victory and which is above all conducted by great commanders For unto which of your hands here present might not one safely deliver the charge of an Army FOR by the skill of Captains and prowesse of Souldiers an Army is doubled And be they never so many those be but few who conclude the victory As of a spear how long soever the palm only of the cuspe doth all the execution GREAT forces are not alwaies to be wished for in war no more then great bodies being for the most part subject to many infirmities us'd to be more pamper'd move flowlier and are but fairer marks to be levelled at Nor had he cast over with himselfe so to win Antwerp that it was needfull to imploy many Souldiers about it fith that by land a few troopes of Horse making inroades into the territories of Antwerp between Liere Hochstrate and Breda Townes of the Kings party might easily hinder traffick And by the River towards the Ocean from whence the greatest force of the enemy was to be feared he had determined either to take the Castles on both sides the River or to build new ones and from thence with Canon shot to restrain the Ships passage if not all at least so much as that the Merchants might perceive their losse and the City full of Inhabitants might be wearied out for want of provision Nor seemed those forces which for the present he had with him unable to perform these things Nor did he doubt of their obedience in the work having try'd that his Souldiers were more couragious in battle then mutinous in their quarters But lest they should be discouraged he had lately received a summe of mony from the King which he would divide amongst his Veterans for those that were newly come out of Spain had already received pay Although it was not to be feared but that his Souldiers would willingly undergo the siege of Antwerp from which so great booty might be expected There were many yet in the Army who about eight years since had sufficient experience of the riches of that Empory the yet memory whereof inciting them they will doubtlesse enkindle in their fellowes the desire of like plunder Lastly for security of the Army he had provided that provision might safely from the territories of Wasia be conveyed unto the Camp Nor had he so left Gaunt and Dendermund behinde that the Kings Army had any cause to fear for they would have enough to do to defend themselves from our Souldiers plac'd in Castles newly rais'd thereabout Wherefore seeing that many things for the present invited him no reasons appeared sufficient to withdraw him from it let them leave that only determination to him and with great and constant courages begin the Siege of Antwerp and from whence he forsaw the accesse of all Brabant would follow And they might be confident that the Mother of God patronesse of Antwerp having been wickedly banished from her own City by Heresie they now refusing no perill to restore her to her antient possession would not forsake them in their so pious attempts The Siege of Antwerp once decreed The Siege is decreed rather by Alexander's authority then his Oration command was forthwith given to provide things necessary for it which by reason theywere many and in severall places For Antwerp Gaunt Bruxells Dendermund and Mechlin were all at once attempted I thought it worth my labour to prescribe the sites of these places Antwerp by Reason of the River How Antwerp is defended by the River Scheldt By the Castles placed on the River banks Scheldt sufficiently strong of it selfe by the many Forts and Sconces plac't thereon especially towards the Ocean is yet far stronger chiefly by two about nine miles from Antwerp the one called Lillo taking its name from a neighbouring Village Mondragonius by the Duke of Alva's appointment had erected on the coast of Brabant The other called Liefkenâ—koeck the confederate Provinces possessed of Antwerpe built on the other side of the River over against Lillo and not long after took Lillo also By commerce of the same River By commerce of the same River with Gaunt Antwerp is joyned to Gaunt distant about thirty miles Dendermund with Dendermund strengthens the traffick in the mid-way between Antwerp and Gaunt placed also on the River Scheldt But neerer about twelve miles from Antwerp is seated Mechlin And by the with Mechlin River Dele running into the Scheldt under the name of Rupel gives and takes mutuall assistance A little further distant from Antwerp is Bruxells and with Bruxels 24 miles but having opened themselves a ditch or channell fit for navigation they can sail into Rupel and thence sliding into the Scheldt enter Antwerp Prince Alexander well apprehending all these things determined not with severall Armies to lay siege to every City for that by a hundred and fiftie thousand souldiers could not be effected but as he had begun at Gaunt erecting Sconces and Forts Alexander begins to cut off this entercourse a distance off and blocking up the Rivers by which the Cities had their relief by little and little meant to make them feel the miseries of a Siege without the noise of a Siege Therefore sending Plato his Enginere with a band of Souldiers to Wettera he commanded Anthony Olivera who kept the bridge lately built there on the Scheldt against Gaunt to raise from Gaunt from Dendermund a new Fort towards Dendermund thereby to cut off all hopes of commerce between Gaunt Antwerp and Dendermund He dispatched part of Igniquesius regiment to the Village of Willebroeck which is between Mechlin and Antwerp to besiege the from Mechlin Castle erected there on the bank of the River and stop the passage of Bruxells and from Bruxels channell whose chiefest defence is Willebroeck Then applying himselfe Then sets upon the Siege both by land and water He commits the land to George Basta unto Antwerp he thus distributed the Siege amongst the chiefest Commanders of his Army He commanded George Basta Commissarie of the Horse a wise and valiant man with some troops of Epirots and Italians to guard the country about Antwerp in Brabant and so to provide that in time of need calling for
aid from the next Forts he might see that no provision should be carried into the City out of Brabant As for the banks of the River Scheldt The banks of the Scheldt Flanders side to Rubasius That of Brabant to Mansfield Flanders side where the Army then lay he committed to Marquesse Rubasius Generall of the Horse and that of Brabant to Peter Ernest Count Mansfield Camp-Master-Generall To Mansfield he added Christopher Mondragonius and part of the Army viz. four thousand and five hundred foot and eight Troops of horse To Rubasius he joyned Gasper Billius and Peter Pacins with three thousand foot and four troops of Horse and commanded that as well they that stay'd on this side as those that were to passe over the Scheldt with all celerity should assault and take the enemies Forts and Castles plac'd on both sides the River towards the Ocean And from thence to oppose themselves against the enemies sailing from Holland and Zealand to Antwerp Wherefore he commanded Mondragonius Before whom Mondragonius goes on his side with his Regiment consisting of twenty one colours to go before Count Mansfield who was soon after to follow with the rest of his forces and at Rupelmund and Borcht to passe over his Souldiers into Brabant in boats Which he did and puts to flight the enemies shipcoming to oppose him prosperously execute putting to flight hy Canon shot the Admirall's ship of Antwerp which came to hinder his passage after it had received some hurt The City being highly Antwerp offended at the negligence of the Garison Souldiers but when they saw the Kings Army spread on both sides the River and their tents so suddenly pitch'd their anger was turned into care For now Alexander moving with his Court from Tourney Alexander pitcheth in a Village of Flanders Not far from him Rubasius came to Bevera a Village of Flanders about seven miles from Antwerp and there fortified himselfe not far from his pavillions Rubasius with all his warlick Magazine sat down in the Village of â—alloo on the Scheldt having first ejected the Garison Souldiers hence Between both Between both Charles Mansfield but neerer to Alexander Charles Count Mansfield son to Earnest Master of the Artillerie those for seat of his military Engines the Village of Melsen But on Brabant side On Brabant side Mansfield the Father Count Mansfield Camp-master Generall following Mondragonius over the Scheldt plac'd his tents in the Village of Straboeck about four miles distant from Lillo which because Alexander design'd that seat for himselfe he diligently fortified A distance off in the Village of Berendrecht and Mondragonius was the station of Mondragonius with whom afterwards neer Stanflict Camillus à Monte and with Montitius and Capisuccus Capisuccus joyned theirs Assoon as it was perceived that Antwerp was by the Kings Army attacqued on every side the Antwerpians although at first knowing both theirs and the enemies forces had jeered at the enterprise The Antwerpians prepare for their defence Phil Marnixius of Mont Saint Aldegund yet notwithstanding fearing Alexanders fortune they couragiously prepared for their defence Aldegund governed the City as Consul the Prince of Orange's most intimate friend and next after him was out-topped in authority by none of the States By his advice especiall Especially on both banks of the Scheldt care was taken of fortifying the Castles on either side the River The chiefest were Lillo on Brabant side Liesken shoeck on Flanders coast and the Forts standing in the Isle of Doele Odettus Tilinius son to Lanoy The Isle of Doele with a fresh cohort of French took upon him to defend Lillo John Pettin an old Colonell was commanded to fortifie Lieskenshoeck with a new mud-wall The like care was taken of the other forts The bank at Safting and other places being cut and a way opened for the Scheldt to overflow the fields of Wasia even unto Antwerp They sent some also to Bergen-Zom to gather Souldiers and others to demand aid from Zeland and Holland and also to sollicite William Blosse de Treslong Admirall of Zealand sea But now as they had orders And Alexander's Commanders invade both sides of the River Mondrag Rubas Mondragonius advanced against Lillo Rubasius against the Isle of Doele but with contrary successe for the one by aged caution making delay lost opportunity the other burning with youthfull celerity set upon the enemy unprovided both of counsell and defence The Isle of Doele which is made by a Rampyre or Dyke The Isle of Doele and its Castles drawn about against deluges is defended by foure Castles and there endeth the territory of Wasia Thither Rubasius sending before Pacius Regiment came sooner then could be expected therefore the Castle of Antonia yieded it selfe forthwith to The Castles of Antonia and Teruent Rubasius and the Garison of Teruent not expecting the enemy fled away But it fell out far otherwise at Lief-kenshoeck It was kept by about eight Liefkenshoeck hundred Souldiers who fiercely rejected Rubasius's Trumpeter demanding the render of their Castle for three daies most valiantly maintained their defence untill by Canon shot the Rampire being beaten down in severall places and Prince Alexander advancing from Bevera and offering them in vain kinde conditions he commanded Rubasius not any longer to deferr the assault who sending thither Hernandus de Isla and Gasparine Lucensis Captaines of select companies commanded them not to admit any to mercy who although at the first assault they were repulsed yet venturing again they took the Castle put about foure hundred of the enemies to the sword drowned almost two hundred and Rubasius takes it brought away seven Colours Pettin Governour of the Castle being slain by Rubasius own hand who the same night marched to Noort the last Fort of the Isle scituate on the Scheldt but Ferâ—mius Governour of that place having conveyed all his Artillery into Ships kill'd all his Cattle and set fire on the Fort retired to Antwerp From thence the Army retired to Safting which only held remained untaken but finding it void of defendants they began to make up the cleft of the bank against the waters bursting forth from the left side of the River And thus by Rubasius's expedition Antwerp was and wins all Flanders bank disarmed of the Forts on Flanders coast and of all the Country of Wasia lying along the Scheldt when in the interim on Brabant side Mondragonius marched against Lillo Mondragonius sets upon Lillo knowing how strong a Castle both by scituation and fortification he was to attempt as having built it himselfe and for that he was too cautious of the enemies strength as conscious of it he gave time to admit a Garison into Lillo It HELPS to wit sometimes not to know dangers which if known would be a hinderance to victory For two thousand souldiers under Balfurius a Scotch The Garrison encreased Colonell were received into the Castle