steps of Connanus and Duarenus composed the Discipline of the Laws into an order and method of Art taking away those things which the too secure ignorance of the former age had disordered yet not so as that it should give place to modern want of knowledg which in empty dress of words hath infringed the very sinues of that kind of Learning But this man by the infection of the Earl of Leicesters party was carryed so far that he forgot not onely his Studies but even the duties of a private person and a stranger and from thence went away to Altorf For interpreting the Manners and Customs of the Romans and discoveries and dilucidations of Antiquity was Justus Lipsius who added both to his own fame and the Honour of the place by his Learning a person who by the pleasing gravity of his behaviour was honoured beyond his Profession alluring most men to delight in him by the sweetness of his Discourse for since Nature had denyed him neither Rhetorick nor Oratory he rather chose that concise manner of speaking which is intermingled with mirth which was in truth a new mode of Speech but yet in some sort resembling Antiquity which when such did strive to imitate as were not equall to him in wit and Judgement they deviated into the most corrupt conceptions But when publick fear and private injury had forced Lipsius to change his party there was sent for out of France Joseph the Son of Julius who had conferred to the Family of Scaliger from which he was descended not onely Nobility but the vertue of paternal Wisdom by the laying open all things that were to be known either concerning Nations or Ages he was not wearied with continual study even to his old Age and might solace himself with this that from his very Child-hood his Fame and Renown continually encreased The Oriental Tongues were taught by Francis Raphelenge and the Greek by Vulcanius with no little Reputation For disputation in Divinity there was Franciscus Junius a Man of a very sharp Wit and one that would with great inginuity use the subtilty of the Adversaries Arguments against themselves Here also was famous Hadrianus Julius a Hollander for his Learning in natural Philosophy and Medicine nor was he contemptible for other parts of Wisdom Hither also came that great light Aldegonde there seeking leisure to translate the divine Law into the Language of his Country And that most famous Herbalist Charles Clusius of Artois Among the rest we may reckon Janus Dowsa who was appointed by the States to oversee and govern the Students We may call him Chancellour of the University to whom Posterity will attribute great Honour for his description of quality the Honours born and enduring of the Siege of Leyden in everlasting Poetry yet in that kind his Son which bore the same name excelled him the same also being joyned with his Father for composing the Annals of Holland and 't is probable he would have been fit for greater Employments if immature death had not taken him away being a young man of highest expectation for Learning With such Masters and such examples as these were Youth trained up whose number in a short time so encreased that Arts necessary both for publick and private Commodity which before by the unfrequentedness of the place were neglected now were not sufficient for instructing Ingenuity And although others of their own accord do earnestly labour by literature and Poetry to advance their name above the vulgar Holland having never been barren in that kind of Eloquence wherein formerly excelled Peter Mannius and Janus Secundiâ— and his Brothers so now also the like is found in the Writings of many young men But yet the raw Studies of this Nation which rather minds the getting of Wealth were not come to their heighth for yet had it not been the Country either of Erasmus or Longolius But the Reverence I bear to the Names of these great Men and the Reputation of that more peaceable sort of Wisdom hath made run far astray both from the Common-wealth and the War But now I return There were Embassadors sent to Christian the Fourth who now being come to his full and lawful Age was of himself without a Governour King of Denmark and had taken into his own hands the full power of Government and these were to congratulate him in the name of the States with their Joy and well-wishes but they were not to present themselves before the greatest of the Solemnities were past least among so great an Assembly of Embassadors there should arise any Contest for preheminence out of envy or least they should voluntarily give place to all to the diminution of their dignity There wanted nothing but that they for the common fear of the Spanish domineering should have requested ayd The Priviledges of Amsterdam onely were confirmed Those old ones claimed by the Cities of Schidam and Enchuysen from former Kings were disannuâ—led yet the Embâ—ssadors were dismissed with Honour and Gifts and so not long after John Baptista Taxis coming to him from the Spaniard although he brought far richer Gifts yet was not received with the like kindness The Reason hereof was believed to be this because the Spaniard who not long before had promised three hundred thousand Duckets yearly to the Dane instead of a Tribute that he would not suffer the Hollanders to come into these Streights having not performed this was afterwards convicted that he would by treachery have invaded his Castles upon the Sound whereof notice had been sent him by the Vnited States After the taking of Hulst all things about the Hollanders were quiet excepting onely some light and memorable Skirmishes between the Horse For as well theirs as the Enemies Militia was so exhausted that they could hardly defend the Borders of the Netherlands against the French And at the beginning of Autumn fulfilling his promises with an easie hope and the great favour of his Allyes sent against the Artoysians the Marshall Biron Commander of a considerable Body of Horse seeming as if he went to defend Picardy Verembonius earnestly desiring to free the Government committed to him from rapine marched with twelve Troops of Horse against the French being then not so many in number yet nevertheless he was overcome and taken Prisoner together with Count Montecuculi an Italian and several others upon whom was imposed a great Sum of money for their Ransom And presently the Conquerours falling not onely into Artois but Flanders so pillaged the whole Country that they made a greater wast and havock there than had ever been remembred to be made in France in the Wars either of Charles formerly or Philip lately The Country people and Boors flying into the Cities carryed thither not onely Poverty but Infectious Diseases Whereupon the Lord of Cimace was presently sent with a new strength to defend the Borders but he also was put to flight Ambrosio Landriano the General of the Horse undervaluing his Command who being
Multitude of the common People while others after the old manner of Mourning in a vowed Habit promise and swear Never to cut their Hair untill they had revenged the Blood of those Noble-men The Prince of Aurange with many others are cited by a Proclamation to appear and because being absent and out of their reach he laughed at their Threats of Punishment all his Goods are confiscated and his Son which was bred up at Levain in the Study of the Arts is seized upon and carried Prisoner into Spain It was a very sad thing to take notice of the Desolation and Wast that was here made partly by Slaughters and partly by Flight Some few whose exceeding Poverty would not bear out their Banishment retired into the Woods and there hiding themselves where they lived like Salvages upon the daily Spoils committed upon Priests not taking Notice of the Magistrates who came to suppress them by Force but robbing and killing them as they could find advantage until at last they were destroyed and driven away by the greater and more powerful strength of Alva So also at the Rivers Maze and Rhene a few unadvised persons being scatteredly met together and having sworn the Dukes death at the very first Rencounter were all overcome and slain And to cut off all thoughts of hope the Messengers and Curriers from Spain brought word that then was nothing of moderation more to be expected from the King than from Alva for that a publike punishment was there inflicted upon Montaigne who was sent thither in vain bearing with him the Name of an Embassador as to Enemies which among all Nations is sacred and not to be violated for it was not thought fit for Subjects to treat or deal with their Prince after such a manner and so positively denied The Marquess of Berghen by a seasonable Death prevented to himself the like Fate though not without Suspition of Poyson But the very Thoughts of such a thing was condemned as a Crime because Alva had a hand therein There was about the same time a louder though more mystical Rumour of the Death of Charles the Kings Son It was evident that he though the Heir of so many Great Kingdoms was put into Ward whether his too much forwardness in his Youth had raised a Suspition of him that he was ambitious of Rule as if his Care for the Netherlanders had been too great for his Interest there or whether the same Crime were laid to his Charge which had taken off his Step-Mother is uncertain But this is sure that shortly after he died though still very dubious what Causes could so provoke the Fathers Wrath to that heighth as to work his Sonne death The Exiles who now though at distance were every where against their Wills and in Poverty being much grieved at the Oppression of their Country did earnestly sollicies the Prince of Aurange to take up Arms which of his own accord he was not at all propense to do willing rather the the Spaniard should over-un all until all his Counsels were laid open and there might be hoped a more safe Opportunity for the Distressed to gather and unite a Force while the King should for the most part be taken up with other Wars Nevertheless some of the Exiles at present being drawn together under the Leading of Lewis of Nassâ— brake into Frizeland There by the Death of Arembery there slain whom the heat and reviling of his Souldiers compâ—lled to fight though he thought it more Prudenceâ— weary them out by Delays by the Rout and Overthrow his Forces became Conquerours but staying with a fruitleâ— Expectation of some Towns falling off to them their Moâ—eâ—fell short for the Souldiers Pay so that all Discipline was neglected when suddaintly by the Surprize of Alva they were almost all slain Adolph the Prince of Aurange his Brother and Lewis his also being killed in the former Skirmish they had tincted the War alternately both with their own and their Enemies Bloud The Prince of Aurange being throughly moved with this Carriage of Affairs that he might be the better able to relieve his Parties both by strength and the Justice of their Government he sets forth in Books a Narrative the Reasons Causes and Justice of their taking up Arms refuting at once both the Judge and the Crimes objected against him not dissembling That now being taught better things he had lâ—ft the Church of Rome yet calling God to Witness That he took Arms for the Publike Weal and freeing his Countrey from Slavery That this was the Duty of every good Citizen much more of a Noble-man Of Philip he spoke honourably whose Goodness he said was perverted by the Spanish Counsels and that he did not yet despair but that he would at length resume better thoughts of his faithful Subjects and uphold their sworn and setled Laws In the mean while according to the Law of Brabant in regard of his many Errours in Government Obedience was due unto him as to their Soveraign Lastly that which seems to make most for the Justice of their Cause was this The Brabanders as they had a more special and wary care than the rest for the maintaining their Liberty so likewise to prevent the Incroachmâ—nt of their Princes who under pretence of the Publike did not stick somâ—times to break up and dissolve their State-Conventions they used to Covenant of their own proper Right that when any Prince infringed the Laws they should be free from the Bonds of their Fidelity and Obedience to him untill the Wrongs so done should be removed and satisfied And this confirmed by many Examples of their Ancestors who when formerly some of their Princes either through their own weakness or the Delusions of Flatterers had been drawn away they drew to more moderation among whom the most remarkable was John the Second of that Name either by Force or strong Decrees by them drawn up which before they would conclude any Peace they made the Princes freely promise That they would without any violation confirm and establish the same Now the Prince of Aurange though born in Germany yet had obtained many most Noble Heriditary Jurisdictions in Brabant to the Lords or Possessors whereof antient Custom had given the Dignity of being a Peer or chief Governour by which Right he urged That is did belong to him not onely to see the Laws well executed but also to defend and maintain them But here it is not to be omitted that the same Right was claimed by the like Customs by divers other of the Netherlandish Provinces and also that the Decrees of Maximilia of Austria and Mary of Burgundy were to be taken notice of which had made them by the same Sanction of the Laws individually equally with the Brabanders themselves And this appears by what the People of Frizeland Utrechâ— and Gelderland did in the time of the Emperour Charles their Prince when among many other peculiar Agreements and Covenants there was this one common and
plentifully brought to them out of Zeland and the Neighbouring Cities of Holland they fought either with Horse or Foot as if it had been two Camps one against another many light Skirmishes but never without drawing bloud from the Enemy Nor was the Souldiers Valour onely exemplary but the Townsmens Labour spent in fortifying the place was notable but most laudable of all was the Concord between the Captains and the Magistrates whereby they raised Money without grumbling by extraordinary Taxes But a difference beginning among the English Commanders who had a great strength in that Garrison and every thing else besides that of Trouble was publikely setled by Prince Maurice and the Deputies of the States brought thither by a strong and safe Convoy Between the Town and the River Scheld were two Castles on the one side sufficiently defended by Bulwarks on the other by the Estuary of the Sea and for the Battery on that of the North side the Duke of Parma did though in vain endeavour by his great Guns to divide it from the Town to hinder all passage and Trade by Sea and he was induced to that Care and Charge by the hope of Treachery which the Italian Policy is often eluded by Two Spanish Captives sollicited a Cook or Victualler at whose house they were kept and an English Souldier that used to frequent the house his name was Grimston to betray the Castle which passage because it is worthy to be known I will relate They although they could well enough in their own Natures digest any kind of Lucre yet so they resolved that if they could get any thing they would rather cozen their Enemies than their Friends and with this conclusion they come to the Governour tell him of the Design and desire his Instructions which he gives them in this manner That both of them should take opportunity to go to the Duke of Parma that he might not flight their Endeavours or rather which hapned that he might under the Vizor of Observance be circumvented The Duke binds them to him by Oath and for their present Fortune loads them both with Gifts and Promises and when yet he durst hardly trust them unless themselves in the Plot incurred some personal danger it was agreed that they should be bound between two Armed Souldiers with naked Daggers in their Hands that should go to the Fort but kill them before if they perceived any Intention of Deceit Thus imagining there had been caution enough used and that having slighted their own they would not decline the Aid and Protection of Strangers Upon this Confidence therefore Three Thousand Men and among them many of great quality were drawn out to undertake the seizing of the Castle The Gate was open till fifty were entred and thus far the Event made good their Promises But then presently a Port-Cullis the Ropes that held it being cut was let down and all that were come in were kill'd or taken nor did the Spanish Keepers mind the killing of the two bound Traytors being amazed with suddain fear and dreading the Fury of present Revenge But the excluded Multitude seeing they could not make any way back though they pressed and thronged with all their might turning Despair into Valour they scaled the Bulwark running through the Trench which was now empty by reason of the Ebbe and were now past the first Palisadoes through the Breast-work within whence driven with Fire-Balls Hand-Granadoes and their Fire-works prepared by those within fore-warned of the Design and flying whither they could fell into Ambuscadoes and other Traps laid for them and so were destroy'd a great part of them were slain and they that escaped slaughter the Tide now coming in and by their ignorance of the place were smother'd in the Mud The Duke of Parma finding himself thus deceived and that the Cruelty of the Weather wore out his men by Diseases and Death when now in the latter part of Autumn the Plains were by frequent Rains turned into Pools and the Rampires ready to fall by reason of the Mire first he left his Works then deserted his Camp and a long time afflicted with the scarcity of many things but at last with the want of all but especially of fresh Water he was forced by little and little to break up his Siege which he had for six Weeks vainly continued but least it should seem that he had done nothing he left some few places fortifyed against Excursions But the Townsmen of Berghen nothing hindred thereby after that very much inriched themselves by frequent Booties taken from the Enemy and began again to re-flourish being under the peculiar Obedience of Prince Maurico for the States gave him this and other places which had follow'd the Enemies part in lieu of those paternal Inheritances of his own which the Spaniard held from him The Duke of Parma all this Winter quarter'd his men in the Village of Brabant by means whereof that Country was wasted though not so soon as Flanders At the beginning of the Spring the Lord of Cimace the Duke Areschots Son was sent by the Prince of Parma with a Selected Band of Souldiers to besiege Bonne where Schenck not having men enough to defend it but sending to the Princes of Germany for Aid laying before them the danger of that famous City when they returned neither to himself not to Truxius any Forces to resist the Enemy it being their Interest that under the pretence of War in the Netherlands the Spanish Power should not invade all that was near them and by that means by little and little incroach upon their Right for powerful Empires are wont to take first one thing then another till at length they seize the whole their being now no Remedy to help themselves but by sending him present Supplies and out of the common fear to associate and joyn their Powers concluding thus That if they would defend and protect him he would preserve and keep Bonne for them But this Rhetorical Demand was answer'd with a Souldier-like Resolution in the Name of the Germans â— such Tearms as he little expected But We say they shal not embroyl our selves in other mens Quarrels for your sake having been better instructed by the many improspering Aids so often into France The Differences of the Provinces are ambiguous among themselves but would prove certainly very dangerous to any Forreigners that should interlope Some of our Number have never medled with the Netherlands the benefit whereof they are well satisfied in not willing to be rewarded as the King of France was for sending his Brother thither and Katharine of Medices for aiding Antonio And now when the same Spaniards seek Amity and a League shall we go to incense Philip who himself being a part of us by his great Possessions in Germany restored to their Seats the German Bishops Nay rather it behoves us to submit to his Potency with the desire of Peace than exasperate his Fury to the Triall of a Warre
so horrid a Fact and from thenceforth banish'd the Jesuits For to these chiefly both the English Hollanders and French did impute the fostring of such Doctrines on purpose breeding Youth whom under the Notions of Piety and Magnanimity they inflame and incouraging them with Old and Neâ— Examples how often Tyrants who are Enemies to the Publike have been destroy'd by the Fortunate Darings of private Hands Concerning this Order because Opportunity presents it self and others have spoken little concerning them I intend succinctly to Discourse The first Founder of that Order was Ignatius Loyala who being much weakned by a Wound received in the Ward Navarre at Pumpeiopolis withdrew his Mind being yet Warlike and full of Courage unto Businesses of a more peaceable Concern Among the rest he grew ambitious of Erecting a New Order To which in hope of its future Greatness he would not according to Custom give it the Name from some more famous Man or Woman but even from JESUS himself Being Assembled by Authority of them who can License such Novelties they reverenced with incredible study two Things chiefly to wit the Pope's Power and the Spaniard's Wealth And at their beginning they were main and eminent Props to the decaying Cause inducing in defence thereof what had hitherto been neglected Manners unblameable and sound Learning they exercised themselves in frequent Disputes against divers Religions which in those times had insulted over the Romane Name They augmented their Glory both in America and the Indus where among Barbarous Nations by the Teaching of Christianity they adde mightily to Philip's Empire yea and many famous Miracles have been done by them as is believed with great facility from confident Asseverations for that the Longinquity of places excludes further Tryals however they are in abundance whether in real Truth or but pretended They are the persons in whom thou may'st require fidelity and modesty Their Authority with the Vulgar is very great by reason of their Sanctity of Life and because they instruct Youth in Learning and the Precepts of Wisdom without taking any Reward for their pains They have their Provincials in every City and Nation and there is one Superiour over all the rest throughout the World who is for the most part a Spaniard They command with great Wisdom and obey with equal Fidelity They follow not the common Custom of other Orders to live all together It seemed too poor to include within Walls their growing Society They Baptize and solemnize Matrimony and the first thing they are taught is To lay aside all Humane Affections and to cast away the fear of Death They chiefly take into their Society none but such as are very eminent either for Ingenuity Bloud or Riches and they reap a great benefit from all those things For first they distinguish Ingenuity no less prudently than they chuse it pitching always upon such whom they hope will grow famous either for Eloquence or digesting pious Meditations into Writing By their Nobility they are admitted into the greatest Councils being of an incomparable Sagacity in making Searches and Experiments and because there is no Engine so strong as Religion for the laying open of Secrets And their Wealth fits them for Embassies and all other publike Employments By which Policies though they are the youngest of all other Orders yet they have far surpassed all the rest in a short time both in Reputation and Wealth and therefore are hated by them and their manner of Life upbraided as contrary to Rule But they being above the Envy of their Emulators even rule Prince's Houses by a laudable moderation for they observe a mean between sordid submission and severe arrogant neither totally eschewing nor following other mens Vices These are the main Wheel whereon the Spanish Greatness and Empire moves by which they maintain Peace at Home and sow Trouble and Sedition abroad For those Catholikes have receiv'd a portion of these mens Spirit which through France and England yea and Holland it self do in the former maintain the Rights of a Kingdom and in the last dispute against it And although they are banish'd all those places upon pain of Death yet is that Danger no Obstacle to them nor doth impede either their Confidence or Policy But the Emperour did not forbear again to motion the making of Peace although before refused and stain'd with such monstrous Actions as we before related upon the common pretence of Germany viz. the Care of his Brother's Honour Not did he seem onely to admonish them to it but calling a Diet at Ratisbone of the Princes and Cities of the Empire he had caused it to be concluded That they should be compelled therâ— by Arms for that they dampnified both themselves and theâ— Neighbours by the perpetual miseries of War But these things as they made onely a Noise never proceeding further than Words and Threats so they were accordingly taken notice of for the Turk then chiefly being ready to fall upon the Cities of Hungary as well the Care as the Forces of Germany was taken up and could not have leisure to mind the Affairs of such as belonged not to them This year also the States of the United Provinces received a very great and most honourable Signal of Affection from James King of Scotland as well as the Kings of France England and Denmark who were invited to the Baptizing of his Eldest Son born by his Wife who was the King of Denmark's Daughter And their Liberality was correspondent to the Honour done to them as witnessed their most rich Presents given to the Princely Infant who was named Henry Frederick They renewed their antient Amity with the Scots and restored all the Rights of Trade and Commerce and all other matters formerly concluded with the Princes of the Netherlands and particularly with the last Charles But a Partnership in Arms was in vain wished for by the Scot and the Dane and that the Princes of Germany should be ingaged to the same Affinity for their Peace was safe and unmolested and there was no reason why they should go to thrust themselves into other Folks Troubles 'T is thought there was some hope gather'd from Scotland not without cause offended with the Spaniard who had for many years disturbed the Peace of that Kingdom by Factions From hence proceeded many of those sharp and severe Laws against Catholikes and hence by increasing hatred came those who would transfer the most just Hope and Title of James to the Kingdom of England upon the Spaniard's Dâ—ughter but surely by most absurd and incongruous Arguments but nevertheless such as discover'd a mind ready to do him any injury But as well the Scot as the rest of the Princes cast off from one to another the beginning to thwart a Power so formidable to all The Embassadors that had been sent into Scotland returning by England the chief whereof Waldgrave Brâ—derode whose Noble Birth advanced the Honour and Worth of the Common-wealth together with James Count
League took example either to imitate or revenge the humour For if men follow after their profit nor more out of necessity than Wisdom or Policy while the Enemies Affairs were very unprosperous and themselves had most advantagious Trading and the French War raging that time certainly called for their more vigorous endeavours and not to cast off all to a season when the people being more impoverished must through the mercies of unprosperous events yet run the hazards and bear the burthen and heat of the day Neither did the successes in Lutzenburg answer expectation for though several Forts and Castles were assaulted rashly and taken yet neither was the Enemy much damnified or the Victors any thing advantaged thereby But after King Henry by making a great Progress in Burgundy had drawn thither the Forces of his Kingdom the Earl of Bulloyns Forces being exhausted who by an ostentous defiance had brought the Spanish Army against him he was not onely not able to perform his threats but also unable to defend himself he saw the French Borders pillaged himself being only able to assist them with a helpless and sorrowful look By the irksomness whereof and because the Souldiers began to grow insolent through hunger and thirst having nothing but water to drink Philip of Nassau much against the Earl of Bulloyns will made hast to return but by a contrary way to that he went out for that the Enemy had blocked up But the Foot being commanded to go back by the way where France is encompassed by the Sea that so they might sail into Holland himself with the Horse came into Gelderland through Germany And Fontayne by how much he held a spited Government by so much be the more earnestly studied that his Adversaries might have no cause to accuse him for any thing besides his greatness His chief care was for the Souldiers to strengthen the old and to recruit them with a new Militia and well knowing the Revolt of the Italians and whatever miseries followed thereupon was accounted his fault for the mitigating the envy he had contracted he supposed to reduce them to obedience would be his readiest way wherefore hastning the conclusion of the Agreements begun by Ernestus but interrupted and broke off by his death in regard monies did not yet arrive he gave them pay from day to day and pledges for performance of what was agreed Notwithstanding which being Commanded to take possession of Tilemonte they refused to follow their Colours yet they made an advantage of it averting the use of those Souldiers which they themselves wanted even against the Enemy and shortly after divided them some under new Officers others into Garrisons The King of Spain's Forces were hardly at any time greater or more numerous than now yet being far dispersed in several parts were never able to compass any great matter In Burgundy under Velasius was a strong Army In the Confines of Artois and Picardy after the departure of Charles Mansfield Varembonius was quartered to bridle Cambray and by making excursions into France to revenge Rapine by Rapine Mondragonio attended Prince Maurice to observe his motions and in time to meet or prevent him In this lying about Hulst there were four thousand Armed men Verdugo with six thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse being Commanded drew near to Ferte to drive the Earl of Bulloin who had less Forces out of Lutzenburg and to recover the Towns by him taken The Walls of this Town of Fert by continual Batteries and breaches lay open yet a great power of the French being sent to help the Town by a fierce and violent Assault did repress and beat off the Besiegers But this Town thus freed from the Siege being soon after by accident for the greatest part burned and spoyled by Gunpowder by the Earl of Bulloyne himself was dismantled and ungarrisoned In the interim Verdugo turning his strength against weaker places after a few Assaults by a growing Disease and the accomplishment of his Fate dyeth report also being both doubtful and suspicious about his death for he merited a name of Honour although in the unsuccesful Government of Frizeland as rather wanting opportunity and strength then Valour and Industry He was faithful to the heighth of Religion and eloquent beyond the mode of a Souldier His nature was full of urbanity and thereby easily distinguished from other Spaniards who generally do not use so prayse-worthy a quality and because he was raised from nothing to great Honours being born of a House not ignoble though impoverished he remembred his former Fortune as much as was necessary The Cities of the Netherlands made it their general Request to Fontayne at last that he would stick close to the Siege of Cambray offering him a great sum of money and also Souldiers because while neither the City was closely besieged nor the Spanish Army reduced thereto from their lying scattered up and down they were spoiled by both But he of his own accord that the time of his Government might not passe away without something memorable and that be might supply the empty Treasury he sends to Varembonius his Camp and increaseth his Forces to make them up twelve thousand Foot and two thousand Horse With this Army he secured all the adjacent parts from the French and that done he took Castellat being first much weakened by Battery and afterwards forced them to surrender who had retreated into the Castle This is a Town in Vermandois near the Head of the Scheldt which another Henry King of France had appointed for a defence to Cambray and if any invasion should happen out of the Netherlands for a frontire Guard to the Kingdom About the same time Hanen a Town in the same Borders was taken by force with such variety of chances as have made the Relation wonderful and brought it almost within the compass of fabulous The Governour thereof was one Gomero one Of those Frenchmen who under pretence of the Roman Religion had sought to win foreign favour to his advantage This man at what time the greatest Affairs in those parts were turned against the King of France his Fortune Covenanting with the Spaniards for a great sum of money delivered up the Town only retaining the Castle while the Articles were performed But by the Policy of Fontayne drawn out he was overcome together with his two Brothers his Mother and his Kinsman Orvillier still remained to the Garrison with the danger of which dearest Pledges they were threatned unless they forthwith departed The Woman between fear and affection consented but Orvillier being nearer to the incensed French by secret Messengers sent to the Earl of Bulloyne and the rest of the Kings Commanders who then resided in Picardy who coming and being admitted into the Castle all the whole day after there was a sharp conflict with the Towns wherein there were twelve hundred Souldiers Spaniards Walloons Germans and Italians nor was the Dispute ended without the loss of some Noble Blood
sent to assist Embden which entred the City at the same time when Enno drawing near with his Forces hoped to have been admitted by those of his Faction but now being kept out thence he entreth the Villages round about and erects several Forts for the shutting up of the City and the River The States being informed thereof and now after the taking of Grave having some leisure to consult about their neighbours affairs at the request of the City sent Warner Dubois a Colonel of Horse thither with some Troups of Horse and almost nineteen Companies of Foot He within a few daies assaults and wins all the Forts and sets free the City from those rude and ignorant maintainers of Warre Enâ—o that he might remove this disgrace out of his sight with as much envy and bitterness of language as he could invent disputed the Hollanders incroachments upon the rights of anothers dominion of which the States being conscious they published in Print the cause of that action of theirs and the danger that was like to have fallen not onely upon themselves but all Germany by the Count's deeds The Twelfth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Hollanders being oppressed with the French Peace were attended with a greater evil which was the death of Queen Elizabeth about this time whereby they were more deeply plunged in a Warre yet had lost that assistence which as it was the first so had it continued unto the last She died the third day of April being by the length of daies arrived to the toils of life from whence she supposed her old age which she had spun out even to the seventieth year now grew contemptible and that the hopes and counsels of those in whom she had put her greatest confidence were turned towards her successor It was a long reign for a Woman and famous not onely at home but abroad which produced many various censures some conjecturing at the future according as they were led by fear or hope others from the memory of former actions reckoning what prosperity and adversity she had seen during her long life Here was remembred the beheading of her Mother and that for no small fault but onely the supposed crime of Adultery whence arose those many bitter taunts of her Enemies as if she had been the Issue of an unknown Father Soon after when her Sister fate in the Throne she was cast into Prison Which was no small affliction of so great a spirit until by the means and intercessions of Philip King of Spain to whom she owed her Liberty if not her Life she was freed from thence though afterwards she requited his kindness with a long and sharp Warre Besides her Reign was accounted cruel by the execution of so many Noblemen for no other pretence but that they professed the Romane Catholick Religion and also in that no less novel then odious example to all Princes though indeed excusable enough from the necessity that by the command of a Woman not onely a Woman but a Kinswoman and she a Suppliant not as a common person but a distressed Queen was put to death Also there were some that stuck not to exprobrate the divulsions of Ireland and seditions of the English Souldiers in the Low-Countries as if they had been commanded Certainly it was the greatest of her misery that she lived so long without a Husband from whence came the incertainty of her Heir and very various were the several opinions concerning her many objecting her love to the Earl of Leicester and after him her endearments of Essex whose hot and over-hasty youth together with his contempt of her decaying and aged beauty was punished with the loss of his head though soon after her minde was more changed from hatred to repentance then before it had been from love to hatred so that it was by many judged to be the main cause of her sickness and death On the other side it was said that the long continuance of her Government and life manifested the same to be well-pleasing to God and that instead of the customary evils of youth she had shewed great prudence in her carriage and behaviour in the enjoyment of both good and bad fortune Nor was it so great a wonder that her security was established by the death of some Rebels and by Warres as that a Woman's Government after four and fourty years had not onely made England safe but flourishing nor had she at any time taken Arms but for most just causes Religion was by her reformed to the example of King Edward not by force or according to her own fancy but upon debate of the matter in the great Council of the Kingdome and in a lawful manner Nor did she rage with cruelty against those that were of another judgement unless it were when it was too late when by the doctrine and instruction of the Jesuites they had thrown off all reverence love to their Country and Government at once By her help Scotland was vindicated from the French the Prince of Conde's Party from their adverse faction and much of the Netherlands from the Spaniards And although she had so many great allurements to increase her Dominion yet she remained content with her own not desiring from all her victorious atchievements any other thing then the liberty of that Religion by her promoted and to set limits to power that was or might be defervedly suspected Thus did she restore the Towns which she possessed in France preserved Scotland for a Child and rejected the desires of the Hollanders intreating her to take the Dominion over them And now lately the old Garrisons in Ireland being taken and new ones fortified some of the Nobles being taken here some there their faction was so infeebled and the very strength and pretence thereof so weakned and Tyrone himself so broken that falling upon his knees before the Lord Lieutenant he humbly requested pardon of all his offences For that excess of Honour happened to him a little before his fall She had been courted to Marriage not by the English onely but by Charles of Austria brother of the Emperour and by Henry and Francis brothers to the King of France as also by some Kings themselves to wit Philip of Spain and Ericus of Sweden That she was thus sought was her happiness but that she refused all was her prudence because as it was unfit for her Greatness to marry a Subject so the Subjects of England were afraid she should marry a Foreiner The reproches that were spred concerning her took their beginning from her sex and the elegancy of her beauty together with the customary liberty of Princes and could onely be refuted by manlike care and diligence Nor was she onely well skilled in the arts of Government but was learned in the ancient and modern languages an excellency rarely found in Women of a private fortune which made her Name and renown great and famous and not onely terrible to and
sollicitous for the support of his allies and to that end he had sent into England Maximilian de Rohan his chief Treasurer and a Privy-counsellor At last this Medium was found That whatever moneys the French should lay out in behalf of the Hollanders the third part thereof should be charged to the English and all accounts to be discharged wherein France impoverished by her Warrs was indebted to Britain The States were content herewith although they were offered by Sir Ralph Winwood the King of great Britain's Orator to be comprehended in the Articles of the Treaty if they pleased which they refused with great thanks The rest of the year King James spent in performing and receiving the Solemnities of the Kingdome and in viewing his new Dominion of England giving audience at Intervalls to the Embassadors of other Kings and the gratulations of his own subjects Tyrone himself the great Captain of the Irish Rebells coming and upon his humble submission obtaining pardon Concerning Religion several complaints were offered by two sorts of people The one in England are called Puritans being a people that do not esteem the Ecclesiastical State or Church-government there to be sufficiently orthodox and sincere but requiring therein more purity from whence sprung the original of that hated name of Separation These find fault with many Ceremonies retained from custome and antiquity as the Orders of Bishops some Ceremonies added as they say in the Sacrament of Baptisme and others things more tending to Discipline then Doctrine A change or at least an amendment of all which they now hoped from hence because the Scots had already rejected the same On the other side the Catholicks with high applauses magnifying the antiquity of their Religion as well in Britain as elsewhere and setting forth their fidelity both to the King himself at present and heretofore to his Mother petitioned that if he would not give them publick allowance which yet in France the King allowed to dissenters that at least they might privately and without fear of punishment worship God according to the custome of their Fathers But the King rejected both these suits suspecting the Catholicks for no other cause but that the Pope claims power over Kings but the King was offended at the Puritans because by men of the same Faction under pretence of Ecclesiastical authority he had irreverently been used in Scotland Whereupon also he accused their perverseness and obstinacy publickly set forth in Print for he would have each Nation be free to use their own Rites which were not contradictory to the Divine Law but the supreme Authority even in matters Ecclesiastical should continue in the King Yet something was setled according to the desire of the Catholicks viz. That the Sacrament of Baptisme should not be administred by women or private persons that many Ecclesiastical promotions should not be accumulated upon one person and that Church-censures should be strict and severe both in the inquisition and punishment of errors either in the life or doctrine of the Priesthood But the words of the Puritans became so offensive that many of their non-conforming Ministers were punished by Imprisonments Banishment and abjuration of the Realm Notwithstanding which some of the Romanists associating others with them who were desirous of novelty conspired to set up to the Government the Lady Arabella a Virgin sprung from the bloud Royal dividing among themselves the chief places of honor and preferment through the Kingdome The authors of this Treason were punished with the losse of their heads the accessories thereto and such as had concealed the same were cast into prison and the fear of imminent death was reckoned to them for a sufficient punishment the King being prone to win repute to his new Government by the fame of his Clemency While these things were doing in England Enno Count of Friesland beyond Eems having really learned that he might easily obtain from the Emperor both words and threats against the City but that he could not give him a power to put the same in execution he resolved to try the favour of them that were most potent among the Hollanders and to that purpose he went to the Hague urging many things both privately and publickly in his own defence and objecting many things against the Embdoners as being of a wavering temper in their fidelity not well knowing either to govern or be governed At the same time were present some Deputies from Embden behaving themselves with much obstinacy and notable irreverence towards their Prince then present At length after many long debates the United States not doubting the fidelity of the City towards them bent all their resolutions for the security thereof and it was concluded that the Delphzilian agreements should be observed whereto besides were added That for the future there be an Edict of Indemnity and Oblivion for all things already done nor should the Count exact the Penalties set by the Emperor's Decree That both should be restored to their houses and lands all prisoners be released and all instruments of war and other received profits be accounted for And that Enno should endeavor to set free all strangers being really such nor should deny his safe conduct in writing to all Ships going from the City That the Tributes imposed upon the City the third and the fifth year before should all be made null and that there should be a consultation had in the Senate of the Transamasians for the settlement of new the right of summoning which should be in the Count but if he neglected to doe it then they might meet by themselves and consult of their common affairs That it should not be lawfull to denounce a War or levy souldiers without the decree of that Councel onely the Count might retain as many as should be sufficient for the guarding his Castles and strong holds and likewise that the City might raise seven hundred souldiers for the defence thereof and maintaining their works That the Transamasians should maintain the souldiers the charge of the works should be born by the Townsmen and what goods were within a Town should be equally distributed and whatever was inclosed within any fortifications should enjoy the same priviledges with the City it self That the Magistrates of Embden should be created by the Senate of the City and that the Count to that creation should adde his authority When therefore the Count and the Deputies of the City had agreed upon these conditions it remained that the whole Magistracy of the City and the States of the Transamasians should allow of and ratify the same which was very likely to have been done the Nobility being afraid of War as that which would wast their Lands and some being sent by the United States to enforce force such as should offer to delay the same the greatest part of the garrison also was withdrawn that the fade of affairs might appear more peaceable But new hopes from the Emperor changed Enno absolutely insomuch that
a free passage through the Country Nor did their actions in ought differ from their words so that all kinds of provisions were plentifully brought to them and they gained from their neighbors not onely praise but thanks comparing their old injuries with the present security they enjoied Beyond the Rivers Roer and Luppe although some Holland horsemen were sent to cut the Bridge over Luppe but they came too late the fourth day they came to Oldenzul a Town in Over-Yssel boasting the Fortification of former times and not at all changed from what it was seven years before when Prince Maurice took it The Enemy thought he might have taken it in his passage yet although they made very great hast the Garrison being timely increased frequent sallies were made thence so that they put the Enemy in fear not onely of his passage but of the want of provisions Within the Town were almost four hundred men part horse the rest foot The horse issued out first and afterward the foot doing good exercution upon all they met with at first but the approaching Army was too strong for their small number and notwithstanding all their shot in one night in three places came up to the very Town-ditch but yet Spinola not surrounding the Town with the death and wounding of a few men he redeemed the time which is a chief point of War contrary to which rule Prince Maurice acts whose custome is to follow on safely though with less speed In the Morning upon a small Battery made by those Guns he brought with him the Town was delivered When understanding by some prisoners the state of Lingen and that more Souldiers were daily expected thither commanding the horse to goe before himself the next day pitched his Tents before the Town This Lingen being fit for a frontier Town Prince Maurice out of affection thereto because it was given to him had begun to fortifie at his own charge and with his best skill surrounding both the Town and Castle with a very deep and broad Ditch and six strong Bulwarks and Mounts But the work being new and in part unperfect and the Rampier not well setled was the more easy for the assailants to win There was in the Town an indifferent number of Souldiers about six hundred but such as neither durst make a sally nor fight at the line besides their Commanders were altogether unskilfull and infinitely timorous nor had any one knowledge how to plant or level a Cannon Therefore while the great guns were preparing and the place viewed the Enemy without any hindrance or loss helped by the Meanders of the Gardens sooner then was credible almost came to the brink of the Trench And now four several nations from so many distinct places hastned to pass over each of them in emulation and forwardness striving to outvie the other Part of them by drawing the small Brooks in the old chanel of the little River strove to deprive them of water others brought the Bridge and placed it upon Vessells or else bound together Faggots and Osiers according to the invention first found out at Ostend which made them so secure that some of them went unarmed even into the Trench and there promoted the work It was now the ninth day of the siege and the Walloons had taken the Bulwark opposite to them the Italians Spaniards and Germans were partly imploied about the middle Trench and part of them nearer The Governour of the Town Colonel Martin Cobbe being broken with old age and feeble in going calls all his Captains to counsel and shewing to them besides other inconveniences the great want of Ball asked them what was fit to be done They had no mind to raise new works or repair those that were battered to oppose their bodies to the Enemies shot or so much as defend the Castle but they rather admire that in all that time the Enemy had not summoned the Town but others said that custome was grown out of date being used neither at Ostend nor Scluys The Governor as if this had been valiant advice admonished them to defer articling till the Evening but if that were too much at least not to move it till noon The rest were troubled hereat averring nothing of moment could be done within those few hours and what they demanded in â—ime would be easily granted This their resolution they put in execution with as much speed as they had agreed upon it whereat Spinola rejoyced whose desires though he were in great hast yet were prevented with fear of the Enemy In the mean while Prince Maurice hastning as much as he could upon the report of this Expedition beyond the Rhine gives the custody of the Ports in Flanders and the Government of Scluys to Colonel Notte and taking from thence five and twenty Companies went to Deventer besides he drew out from about the Rhine ten others and as many more out of the Garrisons as also eight that were newly raised in England but the great Guns were kept back by the cross winds Two or three days after the surrender of Lingen the Prince was ready to have raised the Siege to that purpose having drained the Cities of their Souldiers when a sorrowfull messenger arrives with the news that the Town was lost for which not onely the Governor Colonel Cobbe was ere he was aware committed to prison and there long kept but also several of the Captains where they underwent as well the harsh censure of the people as the judgement of their very relations protesting them unworthy of favor The heads of their defence which they sent in Letters to the Captains and the neighbouring Towns were that there were not Souldiers enough sent to them or other things either for the defence or freeing of the Town and that the Townsmen though exceeding them in number yet denying to watch and ward or doe any duty had compelled them by threats and prayers to prevent imminent ruine by a timely agreement and composition At length when time had mitigated the envy of the fact they were degraded without any farther punishment During this Siege Thomas Filler one of them who from the Hochstraten Sedition remained with the Hollanders being a couragious person and one that would dare any thing to get booty fell upon the Count Solre's quarters and of a hundred horsemen given him for a guard took thirty and slew among the rest the Baron Ciacci Don Richardot's son-in-law the Count himself was wounded and with much a doe got away But the United States if perchance Spinola's Camp had been afflicted with want of Provisions by publick Edict commanded that none should carry any Victualls into his Army and whosoever should be found so doing should be reputed as Enemies Yet for all this there wanted no provision now out of hope of gain anon by the terror of victory insomuch that some carried home from the Camp what they brought thither to sell it being so much more then could be spent Spinola staied
the Prince of Ligny delay'd to make Restitution that the States should adjudge the possession of Wassenaer belonging to the Princes of Ligny in Holland to the Princes of Spinoy And this was given in Favour of the Duke of Roan at that time very powerful in France as having the chief Command of the Treasury and Exchequer And his Daughter mas marryed into the House of Spinoy The Ninth Day of April the League was made whereby those Arms famous through Europe and now carryed into another World were laid aside by a Truce in hope of a future Peace And immediatly it was approved by the Arch-Dukes and States Letters and publikely proclaim'd at Antwerp and in all those Parts to the high content and with the exceeding Joy of all the Common People But it was not so well resented among the Hollanders who though People of their own Nature loving Peace yet having been disorder'd by the prosperity and misery of fourty years yet could not suddainly return to their first Nature But Foreiners when the Report thereof came to their Ears they wonder'd that such a Confession of Liberty and share in the Indies could be extorted from so puissant a King being a Thing so far without Example that it was even beyond Credit From hence reckoning the value of strength and Counsels And certainly from this time many Kings Princes and Nations began 〈◊〉 respect the Society and Alliance of Holland FINIS The TABLE A ADrian Pope when and his Description 9 Aurange William Prince of Aurange his Extract and Character Marriages being stobbed and Death â—12 40 143 144 145 150. Alva Duke of Alva his Character and Favour with the Emperour Charles and King Philip 21 Aurange Prince refuseth to take Command of the Souldiers Philip would leave at his Departure and the like doth Count Egmond 22 He together with Egmond and Horn write to King Philip perswading to remove Granvel 27 28 He with several other Lords makes Parties and why 32 Arms commanded to be taken and why 35 Anabaptists not feared in the Netherlands and why 36 Antwerp submits to the Prince of Aurange where he forbids Sermon 39 Aurange Prince desires to lay down all Offices but not permitted 〈◊〉 and why 4â— He refuseth the New Oath so doth Hochstraten and why He retires to Germany 42 44 45. Alva's Counsel to King Philip and the success thereof 44 He is sent thither with an Army as Governour ib. Arrives in the Low-Countriâ—s where none opposâ— him 45 46. Aurange Prince cited to appear and proscribed and his eldest Son seized and carried into Spain 49 122. He is desired to take up Arms but refuseth and why 50 Aremberg Count slain in Frizeland ibid. Aurange Prince sets forth a Narrative to what purpose 5 122. Aurange Prince takes Arms 51. Raiseth an Army in Germany and comes into the Netherlands and is worsted by Alva without fighting 53 54. Whereupon he marcheth thence into France ib. Alva Presented with a Consecrated Sword 55 He erects a Statue in his own Honour 55 Aurange Prince raiseth new Forces and who assisted him therein and who refused 58 59 Alva sends to search the English Ports 58 Aurange Prince sends Letters to the Netherlands and gets a strength at Sea to which he gives Commission 60 He is chosen Governour of Holland by the League 63 Aurange Prince Disbands his Army and goes into Holland 64 Amsterdam sticks to the Spaniards 68 93 Aurange Prince settles the Commonwealth 69 Alâ—mar in Holland besieged beats off the Spaniards 73 Alva recalled from the Government of the Low-Countries 74 Returns into Spain and is together with his Son thrown into Prison 74 Antwerp a mutiny begun there by whom when and for what 75 Aldegond very intimate with the Prince of Aurange leaves Publick Imployment after the Princes death and turns Preacher and so dyes 79 163 610 611 Aloâ—t seized by the mutineer Spaniards 82 Antwerp sacked by the Spanish Souldiery 83 Admits the Prince of Aurange and the Souldiers of the Union and the effect of the Treaty 84 Aurange Prince chosen Governour of Brabant wherewith many of the Great ones are displeased 88 Amsterdam besieged by the Nassavians comes to Articles 93 Aurange Prince renews the League of Union at Utrecht 107. The Names of the Provinces then United ibid. And the Heads of the League 107 108 The same League confirmed by Oath and the number of the people taken 10â— Articles of Agreement and Composition from King Philip the Heads thereof and Opinions thereon 111 112 113 Antonio Don King of Portugal driven out by Philip. 114 115 Aurange Prince beloved by the Commons 126 127 Wounded at Antwerp and the Peoples sorrow for it 127 Aloâ—t taken by Francis Valois 127 Aurange Prince leaves Antwerp and goes to live in Zeland and why 136 Aloâ—t betrayed and sold to the Spaniards 141 Antwerp besieged builds Forts to secure shipping 143 160 161 People there desire aid of their Allyes to no purpose 149 Is relieved with Provision 160 Yet quickly after surrendred to Parma 162 Aldegund blamâ—d for the surrender thereof 163 Altapen slain by Count Hohenlo and where and how 180 Arnheim won by Parma and how 237 Aquisgrave attempted by the Spaniards but redeems it self with monyâ— yet afterwards seized 237.238 Antonio Don restored by the English and Hollanders 238. â—39 Arragon Description of the Countrey and how the people were insleved by the Spanyards 280.281 Ambushes laid and by whom and for what purpose but in vain 325. Areschot a Nobleman his Speech in the Councel at Bruxels and how approved 357.358.359 He retires to Venice and why 367 Antonio Don King of Portugal deceased 393 Albertus Archduke of Austria sent Governour into the Netherlandâ— 420 He arrives there and brings with him the Prince of Aurange 421 He is not disliked by the Hollanders 422 Arde a French Town won by him 426 Albertus highly applauded by all sends to the Emperour and for what 444 He writes to King Philip concerning Peace 445 Albertus is grievously troubled with the loss at Turnholt as well as want of money 484 485 Amiens a French City surprised by a stratagem for Albertus and effect produced thereby 485.486.487 Besieged by the King of France 487.503 And delivered to him 504 Alvarez Agilarius Governor of Dunkirk taken Prisoner by Sir Edward Norris Governor of Osâ—end 504 Andrew of Austria Cardinal chosen Deputy Regent of the Low-Countreys by Albertus 567 Albertus writes Letters to the United States and to what purpose to do others to Prince Maurice but to no effect and why 568 569 Antwerp grievously punished by sedition of the Souldiers as also divers other places 571 572 Albertus layes down his Cardinals Dignity 573 Departs into Germany and so to Spain 574 Receives news of King Philips death at Prague 575 Meets in Italy Margaret going to be marryed to the young King Philip 578 Aquisgrave a German City proscribed and why 583 It is pardoned and upon what tearms 58â— Alpen Garrisoned by Mendosa together
overjoyed refused to redeem themselves or their goods but making an excuse of poverty whereupon the Hollanders setting fire both upon the Town and Castles departed their revenge being to them instead of prey The success at Gomera was not much unlike for there an empty Town lay open to them the Guns and other things which the People could not carry away with them in their flight being buried under ground and some who for hope of prey went up into the Mountains were slain to the number of fourscore which was a great Victory to the weak multitude and according to the Custom of Barbarians they shewed great cruelty upon the dead and conquered Bodies which when they had regained they set all the Buildings they came to on fire Douse seeing these his first hopes fait and knowing there would be no need of so great an Army to wast the Coasts he sent one part of the Fleet home with what prey was gotten who happily escaping the Enemies Fleet for at the same time that had set Sail from Corunna and by and by separated by the boysterousness of the Weather yet at last in the middle of Autumn they attained the Harbour Himself with the rest of the Forces appointed to go to Brazil a noble part of America in possession of the Portugueses and abounâ—ing with a rich sort of Wood and Sugar But chusing the Hesperides and all Africa joyning upon the Ocean as a safer Voyage when he saw there many Novelties particularly money made of Shells he wandred from thence increasing his number with some Merchants Ships which he had taken coming from Spain by some fatall Counsel he chooses the Island of St. Thomas a Colony of the Portugalls for the refreshing his Men. They were invited to that place by the fresh waters and Shell-fish called a Tortoise which is no unsavory meat and besides many times full of Eggs which have so hard a Shell as is not easily broken There is also an infinite store of Fish which either for fear of other devourers or through ignorance of humane covetousness because no Fishermen come thither stick to the sides of the Ships There were moreover some fowl which being weary of flying sit down of their own accords This Island of Ethropia which is called Guine lyes in such a Climate that the nights and dayes are equal and tempers the heat of the Sun that is alwayes perpendicular to them and never so declining as to make any Winter which part of this wide World Antiquity asserted neither to bear Corn Fruits or Men because those ages were ignorant of the Art of Navigation But as experience teacheth there is no part of Nature but is usefull some way or other nor is the modesty of men such as that they will leave the most barren and unhealthful soil unsearched for gain The Circuit of the Island is almost round where it is broadest they reckon it but twelve leagues the middle part is mountainous over which clouds continually hanging with their dew make abundance of Reeds or Canes to grow out of which Sugar is taken the profit arising whereof is so great as maintains the Portugueses and imployes for each of them a hundred or more servants Here likewise groweth Ginger and Trees whose juice exceeds the use of Wine both for pleasantness of taste and quenching the thirst Here no man resisted them at their landing the Town of Pavousa after a light â—ickering was taken Douse then gave notice to Francisco Menez that kept the Castle That he was not come to Sea like a Pirate but that he was sent with a well furnished Fleet by the most noble Captain Prince Maurice and the States to punish both old and new injuries with a publick War That he would do well therefore not to make him who had greater matters to look after to stay there for one Garrison assuring mercy and clemency to such as yielded but punishment or death to them that continued stubborn and so bringing thither some Artillery the surrender of the place quickly followed But the Islanders who were fled making a great eruption set fire on the Town whose flames were suffred to expatiate to the great ruine of others for the Hollanders moved at the damage as if it had been their own scattered the fire up and down the fields and Villages But Heaven it self fought most sharply for the Inhabitants for an incurable and violent disease seized the Hollanders in their Tents and pursued them with that malevolence and destruction as is hardly imaginable Nor indeed shall I excuse them as being so ignorant in things of nature that they did not shun places lying directly under the stroke of the Suns heat and pestilenti 〈…〉 Ayres which though if find fit bodies naturalized therâ—to from their very parents there yet is not to be born by a people not used thereto and comming from parts much more North for the Ayre there is neither cleansed cooled not refreshed with any Winds and so by means of the untemperateness grows foul and corrupted with a dusky vapour endammages the earth and this makes the countenances of the Portugueses that dwell there to be of a pale wan colour and the continual recourse of Fevers doth sufficiently argue That even they that were born in a warmer Climate do draw in a more dangerous Ayre At first the Judges sent to inhabite this Island only such as were condemned persons in Portugall but now covetousness doth bring others thither voluntarily Although it hath seldome been found that any European born ever attained there to his middle age But the Seamen besides the heat of the Ayre being wearied with labour were driven to remedies equal to the evills they suffred for a deadly sleepiness very noxious to such as went to take the cool Ayre at the rising of the Moon and Sugar and Indian Nuts and other things causing a flux they eat unmeasurably And now the drinking of water too greedily brought the disease full out among them but whether it were corrupted by the fraud of men I may worthily doubt since it agrees with the malice of that Nation and that not differing from reason Another cause of their ruine was their use of Venereal sports with some of the Women Nâ—tives the most of which are so libidinous that they will endeavour to allure men into their embraces in such diversity that Nature was not able to bear such a traffique of bodies thus they brought upon themselves several causes of death on every hand This Pestilential mortality was made more noted by the death of Dâ—use the Admiral who being of a very gross corpulent body was not capable of much motion in his natural climate being for two dayes rather languishing than sick he dyed not by any disease but only by the melting of his fat as was supposed By whose death all the common rabble were so troubled that their hopes began utterly to droop and soon after the cry of all was to leave that infectious place
and when consultation was had concerning revenge It was thought sufficient that they intermingled their Enemies deaths with their own dangers The body of their Admiral Douse that it might not after their departure be made a laughing stock they buried very deep under ground all the ruines of the whole Town lying over him they brought away their guns and some Merchandise and presently went to Sea but yet they had not lost the infection though they had left the place for the Ayre changed very slowly and by degrees and the poison of a disease being once imbibed will for a long time follow the infected nay the contagion and pestilent stench of the sick within the narrow compass of ships made the disease more and more spread insomuch that in fifteen dayes they lost above a thousand men After this they began to hasten their return having got but small booty at Brasile their number decreasing daily by several kinds of death for upon whomsoever this evil fell if it once touched their Midriff or Diaphragma they were dead even before they were sensible of the disease Others were burnt up with continual Feavers wherewith if the head were once touched presently they threw themselvs for madness headlong into the Sea But now as the Ayr grew more temperate and fresh hopes began to appear to these broken and sick men another contagion nothing better then the other seized them before the former was quite cured by which the joints of their knees and their teeth were loosed but it was not dreadful because in long Navigations it is an usual disease yet to them it proved mortal at that time because the joynts being yet very feeble and they coming into more cold Climates of the Sea where there was winter according to the Season of the year were contrarily as much pinched with the Cold. Nor certainly of a long time had there been so sharp a frost as was evident by the Rivers among us which were wholly congealed although the Sea flowed inâ—o them and by the violence of it some men were killed with cold They were perplexed also with Tempests which brought them into more then ordinary danger in regard all the persons belonging to the Fleet were by reason of their weakness unable to govern or manage them Of all the number of Captains only two survived and some Ships did not bring home above six sound men apiece in them not that there were so many sick but that the rest were either consumed with diseases or thrown over-board into the Sea Part of the Ships came and gathered new forces in England others being dispersed according as they were furnished with Sails Tackle and Marriners returned home almost at the end of Winter one Ship was utterly deserted for want of men another being brought to Scluys was taken by the Enemies And this was the event and Success of the Hollanders Fleet that had been so great a Charge to the Commonwealth for so long time and at its return filled whole Families with lamentations But King Philip first sent his Fleet to the Fortunate Islands for he had heard of the havock the Hollanders had made there and commanded that they should not be suffered to continue their possessions there but when it was known that they left them voluntarily it was ordered to go to Tercera and there to be a Convoy for the American Plate-Fleet where arriving they were quickly driven thence by the raging of the winds and not without some damage The Dunkirkers with great audacity robbing in our Sea caused many complaints some accusing the unskilfulness of those that were to preside the Naval Affairs others the sloth and negligence of the Captains and the unprofitable Tribute that was raised on pretence for clearing and purging the Sea but at last five of the Rovers Ships being taken it was a comfort and satisfaction to the people to see Execution done upon the Pyrats And many either by force vertue or policy getting safe out of Spain when they came filled all places with the terror and hatred of the Spanish name Others returning happily and with good success from the Indies brought more gainful Commodities then were usual By the sâ—me and report of which things the peoples hopes increasing the loss of the Spanish Trade was not so much missed for Salt began to be fetched from the Islands bordering upon America About this time Frederick Spinola brought some new aid to King Philip consisting of six great Ships which were to be used against the Hollander Covenanting to have all the Spoil he could take from them to his own use for he was a man Ambitious to equal in Warlike glory his Name and House which was famous among the Genoueses and wealthy among his Countreymen of Orens who had increased both their Wealth and Honour by Arms. This part of the Spaniards Fleet was to come against the Hollanders if the English with great care and high threats which carryed much ofterror had not diverted them otherwhere Therefore they came apart after a short stay in Pontoyse a Port in France the weather exceedingly favouring them for the Hollanders were forewarned of them and had sent some Ships into the Brittish Narrow Sea towards Calais to intercept them but they passing by the shore came safe to Flanders being favored both by the Winds and their own Fortune yet they were forbidden to go into Dunkirk and therefore they went to Scluys having in them one thousand six hundred Souldiers from thence they threatened the Merchants and Coasts of Zeland and these new kind of Vessels that in these countryes had never been seen before did no small damage first in their charge about stopping up all passages afterwards by small losses striking so great a terror far and near that many fled out of Zeland and sought new places to dwell in But the event abated the fear for although soon after Spinola's Ships making use of a serene calm and great silence had taken one Ship of War belonging to Zeland they being fitted both with Native and hired Souldiers that carrying scarcely threescore Marriners yet did for the space of two hours defend it self on every side with that courage that for twenty or thereabouts that were killed or wounded there were two hundred and fifty slain on the other side which cast a great fear on the Assailants part And again setting upon some other Ships of War mistaking them for Merchants Ships with continual shot for six hours together they were spoiled and almost torn in pieces which was a joyful sight to Flushing so near was the contest to them But Albertus the Archduke having finished his Nuptial Ceremonies in Spain as he returned through Italy the Pope Presented to him a Consecrated Sword by vertue whereof he might the more boldly proceed against his Enemies on all hands Not long after entring his new Dominion which he had so lately received as a Portion with his now Spouse Isabella comming over the Alps and through Burgundy